The selection committee had a difficult task choosing just one Chef d’Equipe from the many poignant nominations received at this year’s NAJYRC. The perpetual trophy named in honor of long time USDF Region 1 Chef d’Equipe, Patsy Albers was awarded to two deserving chefs; Jeremy Steinberg from Region 6 and Roz Kinstler from Region 2, both who have demonstrated an outstanding level of dedication, enthusiasm and team spirit.

Roz Kinstler has been Chef d’Equipe for the Region 2 Junior and Young Rider teams for over ten years and has looked up to Patsy throughout the years. “I am really honored to receive this award, as I know Patsy very well and have seen her in action. When I first started, Patsy was a wealth of information and support. Each year I seem to learn more about helping to keep things smooth so the team members can compete and actually enjoy the experience. The kids are my motivation. I thoroughly enjoy the sport of dressage and in this way I can return the favor.”

Region 6, Chef d’Equipe, Jeremy Steinberg also views Patsy as a great role model and was honored to receive the award, “I couldn’t think of anyone better to share the honor with than Roz and I hope we do Patsy proud! From the minute I step on the grounds at NAJYRC I want to do everything I can to help every junior and young rider have the show of their life. It was a very special show for me during the years I competed in it and over the last ten years of going as either Chef or a trainer, it’s been my goal to help give that same experience not only to the riders of Region 6, but to every rider on the show grounds. I believe in the NAJYRC and am honored that the NAJYRC believes in me!”

The Albers Award perpetual trophy will reside in the Roemer Foundation/USDF Hall of Fame and the recipients will each receive a custom engraved keeper trophy. The trophy will be awarded annually at the USDF/Platinum Performance North American Junior & Young Rider Dressage Championships.

The NAJYRC is the premier equestrian competition in North America for Junior and Young Riders, age 14-21. Teams are invited from the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean to compete for team and individual medals in the three Olympic disciplines of show jumping, dressage, eventing and the World Equestrian Games discipline of reining.

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 http://www.usdf.org www.usdf.org , e-mail [email protected] or call (859) 971-2277.