Dressage Canada Announces the 2005 Board of Directors

 Election results are in for the 2005 Dressage Canada Board of Directors. Dressage Canada Nominations Committee received two nominees from the membership for the two open positions on the 2005 Dressage Canada Board.


The slate was presented and approved by the Dressage Canada Board on November 22, 2004. As an election was not required, the two candidates were acclaimed. Dressage Canada welcomes back Ali Buchanan who will be serving a second consecutive term as well as Elizabeth McMullen who had previously served on the Board. Their terms will become effective February 10, 2005.


Ali Buchanan, who hails from British Columbia, began riding at the age of 8 years old including western performance and hunter jumper before discovering dressage in 1978. He has been a professional trainer since 1987, and a breeder of Hanoverian horses since 1990. Buchanan is also a Level 1 Coach and Medium dressage judge.


"I was pleased to secure a position on the Dressage Canada Board (DCB) for a second term,"said Buchanan. "It takes some time to understand the working structure of Dressage Canada and Equine Canada, and develop working relationships with Committee Chairs. I learned a great deal during my first term on the DCB, and hope to be of even more benefit to Dressage Canada with a second term on the Board."


Elizabeth McMullen is an FEI "O" level dressage judge and Level 3 dressage coach. As well as operating a dressage/thoroughbred stable, McMullen previous roles have included Director of Equine Studies at Humber College, Chair of the former National Dressage Committee, member of the former Canadian Equestrian Team Advisory Committee and North American Representative to the FEI Dressage Committee among others.


When asked about her reaction to again holding a position on the Dressage Canada Board, McMullen replied "I am happy to be on the Board again."


"Both are extraordinary candidates who will continue to provide dressage with leadership, passion and energy," said Anne Welch, Chair of Dressage Canada.


Dressage Canada is governed by a Board of five persons, elected-at-large by its membership. Elections are held on a yearly basis. The 2005 Board of Directors are: Ali Buchanan, John Harris, Kerri McGregor, Elizabeth McMullen, Gary Vander Ploeg and Anne Welch (Past Chair, ex-Officio). The CIDRA (Canadian International Dressage Riders' Association) Representative is currently filled by Victoria Winter.