Lexington, KY (October 11, 2022) - The United States Dressage Federation™ (USDF) is pleased to announce that Maren Elise Fouche-Hanson, of Colbert, GA, has been named 2022 USDF Youth Volunteer of the Year. This prestigious award honors one outstanding youth volunteer who has contributed, both nationally and locally, to USDF and dressage. As the winner, Maren Elise will be presented with a perpetual trophy, donated by the Akin family of Warwick, NY, in honor of Lendon Gray, which is on permanent display in the Roemer/USDF Hall of Fame. She will also receive a “keeper” trophy and be featured in the yearbook issue of USDF Connection.

Chances are dressage enthusiasts throughout USDF Region 3 are all too familiar with this year's USDF Youth Volunteer of the Year, but her efforts are felt far beyond her home region, making her the clear choice for this year's honor. Maren Elise has extended her volunteerism from her two home Group Member Organizations (GMOs), Georgia Dressage & CTA and South Carolina Dressage & CTA, to multiple Great American Insurance Group/USDF Regional Championships, and beyond. In addition to her volunteer hours at competitions, Maren Elise can also be found volunteering at FEI Youth and Dressage4Kids Clinics, in all her “spare” time.

USDF National Youth Programs Committee Chair Roz Kinstler adds, “USDF is largely an organization of volunteers, passionate about the sport of dressage.  This year's recipient is clearly making a concerted effort to participate in the actual sport and to help the organization through her excellent volunteer work.  She's participated in a variety of our youth programs as well.  Going forward, our youth members are our future and Maren Elise shows we're in good hands!”

For more information about the USDF Youth Volunteer of the Year Award, visit the USDF website at www.usdf.org, or contact the USDF office at youth@usdf.org.

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.