USDF Connection, the membership magazine for the United States Dressage Federation (USDF) in Lexington, Kentucky, received a second place and two honorable mentions in the American Horse Publications (AHP) annual awards ceremony in Orlando, Florida on June 24. AHP recognized excellence in 53 categories, including editorial content and design, advertising design, photography and illustration.

"S" Judge and USDF Participating Member, Margaret Freeman of Mt. Kisco, New York, authored two of the winning articles.

Freeman's "Tack Room Essentials" which ran in the magazine's October 2005 edition, was classified in the Service to the Reader category and received second place honors. Judges commented that the article was well-researched and offered good information for riders of every discipline.

Freeman's second winning entry, "The Numbers Game," ran in the April 2005 edition and was noted for honorable mention in the Instructional Single Article category. Judges described it as "excellent," adding that every competitor should review the information presented as a way of better understanding and interpreting show judges' comments. 

The third article to receive recognition for USDF Connection was "Dressage U," entered in the Personal Column category. Written by independent business consultant, Georgian Lussier of Wallingford, Connecticut and appearing in the September 2005 issue, the article was noted for its insight of a mother's frustration and unease with a daughter's growing independence.

Judges' comments included: "The arc of the piece works just right," and "the writer nicely juggles the chronology and details." 

USDF has published USDF Connection since 1999, printing 12 times a year with a circulation of more than 30,000 copies. It serves USDF membership by providing features, news and information on the sport of dressage.

Founded in 1973, the United States Dressage Federation is a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to education, recognition of achievement, and promotion of dressage. For more information about USDF membership or programs, visit www.usdf.org, email usdressage@usdf.org, or call (859) 971-2277.