Elisabeth Williams Elected Chair of US Federation High Performance Dressage Committee
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Jan. 21, 2015
Elisabeth Williams has been elected chair of the United States Equestrian High Performance Dressage Committee, the U.S. Equestrian Federation announced Wednesday, replacing the international 4* judge Janet Foy.
Elisabeth of Horsham, Pennsylvania is the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) Steward General for Dressage in the United States and has been steward at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival since its creation four years ago.
Janet Foy, of Colorado Springs, Colorado stepped down after two years in the post during which time there has been a resurgence in performance of America’s elite combinations. Janet has also become active in the International Dressage Officials Club and, along with Elisabeth, is organizing the annual meetings of judges and stewards to be held in Wellington, Florida in February, 2016.
Janet will remain a member of the committee for the remaining two years of her four-year term.
“I am deeply honored to have been entrusted with this position,” Elisabeth said. “In this extremely important year for U.S. High Performance Dressage, I will strive to do my utmost to, with the aid of everyone else involved, achieve our highest expectations.”
Janet Foy said: “During my time as chair we saw a lot of forward progress for the elite programs.
“However, as an FEI 4* Judge I am keen to pursue more judging opportunities and also other opportunities linked to my husband’s new role with the American Association of Orthodontists. I look forward to serving the dressage sport in many other areas, including in my new job as a Board Member for North America for the International Dressage Officials Club.”
U.S. Dressage Team Chef d’Equipe Robert Dover, who was one of the first appointments during Janet’s tenure as chair of the committee, said: “Elisabeth has a long and distinguished background in the sport and I know she will be an invaluable leader as was Janet Foy.
“Janet has done a wonderful job but needs to commit more time and energy toward her goals as an international judge; however, we are fortunate that she will remain as a member of the committee. I look forward to working closely with Elisabeth in our efforts to make America a medal leader in dressage.”
Elisabeth left her native Sweden in 1969 for Washington, D.C. to work at the Swedish Embassy and later at the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development. She then moved to Pennsylvania.
Elisabeth was involved with the U.S. Pony Clubs as manager of the national championships, chair of their Dressage Committee and Co-District Commissioner of the Potomac Pony Club.
In addition to involvement with her local dressage club, Elisabeth managed dressage competitions and competed at the lower levels.
She has been a USEF Dressage Technical Delegate since 1981, an FEI Chief Steward (Level 3) for Dressage since 1994 and an FEI Course Director since 2011. She is currently the FEI Steward General for Dressage in the U.S. as well as FEI Deputy Steward General for Dressage.
She has officiated at most CDIs in the US, as well as at World Cup Finals, Pan American Games, Olympics and World Equestrian Games.
Elisabeth has owned and trained several dogs and cats she has rescued–Missy and Winston, both rescue cats and the current residents. Her hobbies include gardening, crossword puzzles, Sudokus (online puzzles), knitting, reading, and motoring in a 1976 V8 Aston Martin (or any old sports car) owned by Eisabeth and her husband.
