Candidate Statements for the 2017 WE United Election President Elect Nominee: Polly Limond I am honored to be nominated and will do my very best for the continued growth and support of this wonderful organization! Region 1 Director Nominee: Cari Schwartz Hello! I would like to continue being Regional Director for Region 1. I attended all the meetings for 2016- 2017 and enJoyed supporting WE in our region and being the voice of all of our members. I have been available to answer questions and have been there to lend a hand and support our competitors and offer assistance to those new to the sport. I have continued to educate myself as an Advanced level competitor, Pedro Torres Academy participant, and WE 'r' Judge. I have tried to make Judgement calls as a member of the board that would create 'fair' results for all and if elected will continue to give my all to keep WE the fantastic sport that it is! Thank you for your consideration, Cari Schwartz Region 5 Director Nominee: Kris Blacklock Kris looks forward to representing Region 5 (Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky) by bringing awareness to the discipline of working equitation to all ages…all rider levels…all breeds, networking with equestrian groups, supporting horse/rider knowledge, skills, goals and recognizing personal goals and achievements at the grassroots, regional, national and international level. Goals for 2018 are…. • Promote Working Equitation – create local awareness of the sport, highlight all phases (dressage, ease of handling, speed and cow working) and share ideas for clinics & fun shows • Ensure learning opportunities are accessible, affordable and FUN! • Offer regional recognition – schooling shows and licensed competitions As an active member of several equestrian organizations, Kris’ passionate love of dressage and its value as a foundation to all disciplines is evident. Kris consistently offers fresh ideas, actively promotes horsemanship, hosts a variety of educational activities, events and coordinates live and virtual shows. For WE United, in 2016-2017 she created individual certificates that recognized 151 youth/adult riders and horses across the world and served on the WE United Awards Committee which created stunning Rider Lifetime Medals, bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum Rider Medal lapel pins and Year-End Top Ten lapel pin awards and sashes. Candidate Statements for the 2017 WE United Election Employed full-time, Kris’s enthusiasm and zest is contagious. She promotes author’s news articles, enthusiastically recognizes riders and horses, hauls 4 hours each week to ride on an equestrian drill team and provides leadership in several equestrian groups. For the past 4 years, she submitted video applications, organized practices, choreographed music and routines, coordinated breed and discipline demos and setup hospitality displays that showcased a variety of disciplines, horses, handlers and riders at the Midwest Horse Fair – an annual 4-day event attended by 65-75k attendees from across the United States and the world. One is never too old to learn and have FUN! Although Adult Amateur, Kris blacklock always adored horses. It wasn’t until she turned 45 that she and her daughter Michelle Jointly purchased and started riding their first horse, a Morgan gelding who’s now 23 years old and actively ridden. At age 60, Kris competes in Working Equitation, Drill Team, Traditional Dressage, Western Dressage and Obstacle Challenges with Gambler’s Jackpot, a 10 year old Rocky Mountain Horse and boon Ocean blue, a 4 year old American Quarter Horse acquired at 15 months of whom Kris has done all the training. In 2016, Ocean was started under saddle and successfully competed in USDF In-Hand, Materiale, Traditional Dressage and USEF Western Dressage. Riding goals are to use the progressive training of dressage to develop confidence, balance and athleticism. Although WE shows have been limited in Wisconsin, both horses have successfully competed in schooling shows and will be showing in their first ‘b’ shows this fall. Region 7 Director Nominee: Ruth Perez I have over 26 years specializing in Iberian Horses. And have a love for these breeds as well as all horses. I love WE and this is an amazing sport for all riders, horses and levels. I am strongly focused on continuing to bring Working Equitation to Region 7 and educating horse lovers about what WE is. We have lots of plans for this fall of 2017 and the year of 2018, with clinics, shows and educational programs. Thanks Ruth Perez Candidate Statements for the 2017 WE United Election .