American international Grand Prix rider George Williams has been elected new president of the United States Dressage Federation. Williams, who lives in Delaware, OH., was Vice President of the federation for nine years and a United States high performance rider.
He takes the helm as President from Dr. Samuel Barish. Williams appointed Melissa Creswick, Clovis, CA., as interim Vice President for a one year term.
George Williams is currently a member of the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Dressage Committee and Chairman of the USEF High Performance Committee. As a prominent figure in international dressage, his career highlights with Chuck and Joann Smith's mare Rocher include: unprecedented three-time Dressage at Devon Grand Prix and Grand Prix Freestyle winner; 2005 USEF/Collecting Gaits Farm National Grand Prix Champion; team bronze at CHIO Aachen; fifth at the 2003 World Cup in Sweden; USDF Grand Prix and Grand Prix Freestyle Horse of the Year; and The Chronicle of the Horse's Dressage Horse of the Year.
Born and raised in a horse family in New Hampshire, he traveled to Germany to the Reitinstitut von Neindorff, and earned his German Bronze Rider Medal. He was a rider/trainer for The Tempel Lipizzans in Wadsworth, IL and in 1988, he was promoted to director of their program. From the summer of 2000 until spring of 2009, Mr. Williams rode and trained for the Smiths at Gypsy Woods Farm in Ohio. He currently trains for Elizabeth Juliano's Havensafe Farm, of Middlefield, OH; and Wellington, FL. He also teaches and coaches with Williams Dressage LLC.
"It is an honor to take over the reins of the USDF after Dr. Barish's tenure as president. Under his leadership the USDF took the steps necessary to build a good foundation for the organization. Between the move into our well situated offices at the Kentucky Horse Park, having an excellent staff in place and Barb Funk's expertise as Treasurer over the past decade I'm excited about the next few years. The USDF is in a good position to move forward with a renewed focus on programs," stated Williams.
Photos © Astrid Appels
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