Applause, Awards, and Appreciation: 2025 SBC-CDS Banquet Highlights

Convivo Restaurant in the Santa Barbara Inn welcomed SBC-CDS members once again for their Annual Banquet. Donating not only its space and audio-visual equipment, but serving delicious food with attentive service. On January 25, 2026, the chapter came together to celebrate the many accomplishments of riders, members and volunteers.

Though the turnout was a bit smaller than the year before, lively conversations were happening throughout the room the whole afternoon. Attendees appreciated the beautiful tables, which were adorned with flowers from Lisa White's garden and photos mixed in and arranged by Kelly Thoits. The afternoon featured heartfelt recognitions, award presentations, and special thanks to longtime board members, all in a warm setting filled with camaraderie and appreciation.

Outgoing board chairs Mary Couch and Karen Christensen started the afternoon with their introductory welcome announcements followed by new board member (sponsorship) Alice Howland who encouraged attendees to view and bid on the many incredible silent auction items she secured.

New board chair Lisa White introduced the 2026 board members of which five are new to the board. Margaret Fleming received a special shoutout for her spectacular feat of securing a $1,000 award from CDS to go toward the upcoming Janet Jones Workshop. This required quite a bit of information collection and submission of complete paperwork and will be helpful with the many events including the upcoming rated shows SBC-CDS will be offering. Another special mention was for newsletter editor Nicole Walther who helped the chapter receive the award for "Best Chapter Newsletter", which came with a $500 check. Returning chapter board members include not only Margaret Fleming (Membership) and Lisa White (Chair), but also Pam Allman (Treasurer), Christi Sulzbach (Shows) and Kelly Thoits (At-Large). The new members include Tory Names (Secretary and Website Editor), Alice Howland (Sponsorship), Nicole Walther (Newsletter & Blog), Julie Corlett (Santa Inez Valley) and Stephanie Gustafson (Educational & Social Events).

2026 SBC-CDS Board members. Missing in the photo are Alice Howland (thanks for taking the photo) and Pam Allman

The AA Clinic Drawing was held right after dessert, with six riders (1 winner, five back-ups) selected to participate in the Annual Adult Amateur Clinic. This time the clinic will be with Patty Mayer in July and former chair for educational and social events, Carolyn Adams, won the spot. We hope she will be able to go, but if not, Sara Beth Cutter, could take her place, followed by Susan Soderman, Lisa Teske, Emily Freund or Hannah Finder.

The Volunteer of the Year Award, which has been established by Louise Caccese in 1998, went to Margaret Fleming for her constant support and hard work. No matter where help is needed, at the shows, at an event or even at the Annual Banquet, Margaret never tires to jump in and lend a helping hand. Presented by five of the previous recipients, this award is a delightful celebration the chapter has continued year after year.

Another little surprise was a special celebration of Karen Christensen and Mary Couch, who after many years of tireless support and hard work stepped down from the board this year. The "Mayor of SBC-CDS" as Lisa White lovingly named Karen Christensen presented her with an impressive metal "ass" sculpture and if you know Karen and you've ever been to her house you'll understand why this was a perfect gift (IYKYK). Mary Couch was given a charming engraved picture frame with a photo of her riding her new equine love Nuncio. A gift certificate to "Alter Ego" topped off the appreciation gifts for them, but nothing can ever equal the contributions both have Made to this chapter, and the strong foundation they leave in the new board member's hands.

Margaret Fleming was up next to share that the chapter had 95 members with several junior members. As anyone knows, the junior members are extremely important to any chapter and any sport or club, as they will continue the legacy previous and current members are leaving behind. It's especially exciting to have so many young riders.

As member chair, Margaret highlighted the two Ruby CDS Awards winners, Kelly Thoits and Allyson Aldrich, who worked hard at getting two scores above 60% each in first, second and third level. You can learn about additional member recognitions and accomplishments on a previous blog post HERE.

Lastly, competitors who won awards finally received their trophy, special ribbon and a practical and especially engraved soft hair brush. Some competitors had their hands full as they received two awards, and some of the winners who couldn't attend had a substitute pick up the impressive (but heavy) trophies!

Thank you for a wonderful event to Mary Couch, Lisa White, Kelly Thoits, Alice Howland, Christi Sulzbach and Karen Christensen as well as Allyson Aldrich, Carolyn Adams and Margaret Fleming for coming early to help set up. Thanks to everyone who made this event special, from planning it to setting everything up and to the hardworking members for giving the chapter a reason to celebrate their special accomplishments. Thanks also to the sponsors including Convivo Restaurant and the many who donated to the silent auction. Please visit our sponsor page to view all our generous sponsors.