The U.S. Dressage Federation has announced that Mary Anne McPhail, Martha McDaniel and Priscilla Endicott have been named 2018 USDF Members of Distinction. They will be recognized at this year’s Salute Gala & Annual Awards Banquet, held during the Adequan®/USDF Annual Convention in Salt Lake City (Utah).

USDF Member of Distinction Awards annually recognize USDF members who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to their local area or region.

McPhail is a USDF bronze, silver and gold medalist, and a long time member of the Gold Coast Dressage Association. In Florida, McPhail is known locally for hosting educational programs at her farm in Loxahatchee, such as the Adequan®/USDF FEI-Level Trainers Conferences and USEF judges programs.

A longtime organizer of the Palm Beach Derby, a tradition in Florida dressage, McPhail is also responsible for the establishment of the Mary Anne McPhail Dressage Chair in Equine Sports Medicine at the Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine, which has led to a greater understanding in biomechanics and soundness, continuing to influence equipment design and judging to ensure the wellbeing of equine athletes.

McDaniel has recorded an impressive 385 rides down the centerline; she has earned numerous USDF rider awards including her USDF bronze and silver medals, bronze and silver freestyle bars, and Master’s Challenge at Training through FEI levels.

A longtime Aloha State Dressage Society member, McDaniel has made sure the “little state” was represented in USDF governance through her 18 years of convention attendance and years of service as a delegate and proxy.

In addition to receiving the ASDS Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016, McDaniel has organized numerous educational and competitive events in Hawaii. Without McDaniel’s dedication and volunteerism, dressage in Hawaii would not be where it is today.

Endicott is credited with the creation of the New England Dressage Association, one of the first dressage organizations in the United States. NEDA has grown steadily in membership, competition production and educational outreach throughout the decades.

It is Endicott’s creativity, organizational abilities and dedication to the learning process that has led to this growth. Although she has retired from the day to day guidance of NEDA, her influence will have a resounding impact on the sport.

For more information about the USDF Member of Distinction Award and Roemer Foundation/USDF Hall of Fame, visit the USDF website at www.usdf.org, or contact the USDF office at halloffame@usdf.org.