With the start of spring, we look forward to the upcoming show season. What are your goals this year?
Do you have the right memberships to achieve those goals?
I thought maybe this month I would break out the memberships needed by Goal.
Goal #1 “keeping it low key” – Local shows, ESDCTA Championships and ESDCTA year- end awards
If your plan for this season is to show at schooling shows and maybe do introductory levels or opportunity classes at licensed shows, the only membership you need is our ESDCTA membership.
Goal #2 “Some national recognition would be fun” – Local Shows, ESDCTA Championships, ESDCTA Year-End Awards and USDF Rider Awards.
If your plan is to show at schooling shows and licensed shows, qualify for the ESDCTA Championship Show, get ESDCTA Year-End Awards and hopefully earn USDF Rider Awards. Then you will need the following.
Rider will need
1. ESDCTA membership – which includes the USDF Group Membership
2. A USEF Competing Membership and SafeSport Training (you will be able to complete this once you have your USEF membership
Horse will need
1. Either a USDF Horse Identification Number or a USDF Lifetime Registration
2. Either a USEF Horse Identification Number or Horse Registration
If you are not the horse owner, the owner will need:
1. Either a ESDCTA membership or a USDF Participating Membership
2. USEF Competing Membership
Goal #3 “All the things” – Goals 1 & 2, plus you want to qualify for GAIG/USDF Regional Championships, USDF Finals and USDF Year-End Awards.
Rider will need:
Rider will need:
1. USDF Participating Membership
2. USEF Competing Membership
Horse will need
1. USDF Lifetime Registration
2. USEF Lifetime Horse Registration
Owner will need
1. USDF Participating Membership
2. USEF Competing Membership
Whether you are going “low key” or for “all the things”, remember at the end of the day it is all about your partnership with your horse and the skills you develop. Horse shows should be fun, safe, and a positive environment. If they aren’t, ask yourself, what can you do to change that?
Need help navigating all these memberships and horse registrations? Feel free to reach out to me, I’m happy to help.
grants@esdcta.org horselover8968@gmail com newsletter@esdcta.org nominations@esdcta.org nominations@esdcta.org
Ashley Mucha results@esdcta.org
CROSS COUNTRY...
News Across Our Region
COMMUNITY NEWS
If you’re reading this, you are probably a member of ESDCTA, but I’m sure you know of someone who rides dressage or events who is not a member. You know all about the wonderful things offered like educational programs, clinics with big name trainers, horse shows, year-end awards, and not least, that sense of being part of a community of likeminded people. The more members ESDCTA has, the better the programs we can offer. Our membership numbers are also important considerations when state and local governments decide on legislature that affects us (like open space), and we advocate for our sports (We helped get better footing at the HPNJ). Please reach out to your equestrian buddies and tell them about all of the benefits of membership and have them sign up. The more the merrier!
WHAT’S YOUR TALENT??
Let us know what you would like to help us with in 2025. All skills and interests wanted. Have an idea? We want to hear about it. Remember, this club is what YOU make it. Contact president@esdcta.org if you are interested.
NEWSLETTER COMMITTEE
Have a great article that you would like to share?
Please send article to: Meredith Rogers: newsletter@esdcta.org All submissions are due by the 15th of the month. Due to space considerations, the editor reserves the right to edit submitted articles. If necessary, articles will be edited and returned for your review. AND YOU GET VOLUNTEER HOUR FOR EACH STORY!
Milestone
Please Contact this newsletter if you know any ESDCTA members who have achieved any Milestones. Success at a show, regional/national/international award, new horse, or anything else you want to celebrate.
e-mail: newsletter@esdcta.org
MEMBERSHIP QUESTIONS
For membership questions including updating physical or e-mail addresses please contact: Heidi Lemack membership@esdcta.org
Deadline: 15th of prior month Email: newsletter@esdcta.org
Please have electronic ads in Adobe PDF or .jpg format You will receive an invoice for ad via email.
Email: treasurer@esdcta.org
Amateur Dilemma
By Meredith Rogers
At work I participated in a webinar about mindfulness. During the session, the instructor asked us to picture our happiest place. Mine was when Leo puts his chin on my shoulder and I kiss his nose and smell in his scent. It wasn’t my victory gallop at Regionals or even just sitting on his back. During this uncertain time when I don’t know if I’ll ever do dressage with Leo again, I put myself in that place. Luckily, I can do that in real life and don’t have to imagine it – Leo is still here with me, unlike many other people who have lost their horse to illness or injury. I’m allowed to tack walk, during which I try not to lament that I can’t practice half-pass. Instead, I concentrate on my seat and my hands, and how Leo feels underneath me. Is he listening? What’s his breathing like? Where are his ears looking? Often when we’re so focused on accomplishing something, we forget to pay attention to the little things, that are really the important things.
We learn the most when we’re confronted with adversity. We realize what our true priorities are, such as Leo’s well-being is more important to me than ribbons. We gain new knowledge. For example, I’m never putting snow shoes on Leo or any horse every again. We gain confidence in that we can get through difficult times. There really is no alternative other than giving up, and we horse people are strong and don’t give up. That’s resilience, which was a hot topic during COVID, but is no less important now. We learn how to be flexible and pivot in our thinking. I am grateful that I’ve been given the opportunity to ride a few different horses at the barn. I wouldn’t have this opportunity if Leo hadn’t gotten hurt. I’m taking full advantage of what each of these horses can teach me.
All of this is not to say that I’m not still devastated about our situation. I still am on the verge of tears every time I enter the barn, read the latest equestrian news, or just watch someone else riding, and forget about it if anyone asks me how Leo is doing. One hoof in front of the other…
The best view in the world… or tack walking is wonderful
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2023 Like New Adam 2 horse bumper pull trailer, model. Extra Window Package. Brackets for weight distribution bars added and included. Will forward pictures. Serious inquires only. $15,975. Located on Long Island. Email: shmfh97@icloud.com.
News from Outside the Ring
The Return of a Legend
Steffen Peters hasn’t been out of the dressage spotlight for very long but it turns out that since the Paris Olympics, he’s been dealing with a health issue that’s kept him out of the saddle. Who knew that he was suffering from neuropathy (weakness, numbness, and pain) that kept him from riding? Thankfully, he’s found a new treatment modality that has worked. Although drugs were unsuccessful at relieving his symptoms, contrast therapy, which comprises of 30-minutes of infrared exposure followed by submersion in a freezing bath for 2-3 minutes (sounds like fun, right?), has been transformative for him. We wish him many more years of successful horsemanship.
A Different Meaning of Free Range
An interstate in New Orleans is not where you expect to see a horse, but last month, a horse was seen galloping down I-10. The New Orleans Mounted Police knew exactly what to do and were able to catch him when he bolted into the University Medical Center parking garage. They treated his scrapes and kept him safe until he was reunited with his owner.
Similarly, a miniature horse went on an adventure in Brownstown Township, Michigan, the night of St. Patrick’s Day. The petite equine was found wondering around a residential neighborhood looking very suspicious, as you can see from the photo below. Police eventually corralled him and walked him back to his home at Ponies R Us Petting Zoo, less than a mile away.
Photo courtesy of the Brownstown Twp Police
ESDCTA Youth Team Now Forming!
ESDCTA Youth Teams Now Forming!
This year, ESDCTA will be sending teams to compete at the Region 1 Youth Dressage Team Challenge at Rose Mount Farm in Spotsylvania Courthouse, Virginia on June 2122, Lendon’s Youth Festival at the Horse Park of New Jersey on August 8-10, and the Bucks County Horse Park Team Schooling show in Revere, Pennsylvania on October 18. We are also offering the opportunity to join a “virtual” eventing team at the Bucks County Horse Park. Come join in the fun!
We welcome and will send ALL ESDCTA Youth members (25 & Under) who wish to participate. Fundraising and partial reimbursement are available, but not required in order to be on a team.
If you’re interested in learning more and being on the email list for team shows, complete this form by April 15: https://forms.gle/qGPeNgn2muwgKmyw8
Scores from these shows will be able to be used for ESDCTA Year End Awards.
In order to ride on an ESDCTA team, each rider must:
● Submit 2 scores from August 15, 2024 to April 15, 2025 from 2 different shows and 2 different judges. If you will not have your qualifying scores by April 15, that’s okay, just let us know when you will have your scores.
In order to receive partial reimbursement, each rider must:
● Commit to helping sell raffle tickets at the Annual Awards Banquet or Memorial Weekend Show OR
● Donate 1 or more items to be raffled at the banquet or other ESDCTA event OR
● Volunteer 5 hours at an ESDCTA-hosted event.
OR
● Secure a sponsorship for the ESDCTA Youth Program
OR
● Participate in other fundraising or volunteer opportunities specifically for the youth program as they become available.
The amount of reimbursement will depend upon the number of riders who attend each show and the success of fundraising efforts.
We will make an effort to assist with trailering and/or coaching (for additional fees) if needed. However, we cannot guarantee either.
If you have questions about participating on an ESDCTA team, reach out to Jennifer Koch via email using youthdressageshows@gmail.com or call/text 484-894-0876.
Check out the websites for more details including prize lists. Region 1 Youth Team Challenge: https://www.youthdressagefundation.org/youthdressage-team-challenge Lendon’s Youth Dressage Festival: https://dressage4kids.org/d4k-festival/ Bucks County Horse Park: https://www.buckscountyhorsepark.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
SARA WEISS, THE DRESSAGE FOUNDATION
TEL (402) 434-8585, EMAIL sara@dressagefoundation.org
The Dressage Foundation Selects Four Participants for the Aachen Dream Program
March 6, 2025 – The Dressage Foundation (TDF) is pleased to announce the four participants for its Dream Program trip to the World Equestrian Festival in Aachen, Germany, in July 2025. The Dream Program participants will be chaperoned by former Olympian and U.S. Dressage Development Coach, Charlotte Bredahl (CA), and FEI-Level rider and trainer, Jessica Jo (JJ) Tate (SC).
Tessa Holloran (FL), Genevieve Oliver (PA), Quinn Ridgeway (NJ), and our very own, Paige Zimmerman (PA) were selected to participate in this year’s program. The selection committee based their decision on candidates’ merit, riding proficiency, history of volunteering in the dressage community, and commitment to training in the sport of dressage.
The Aachen Dream Program has been made possible by many donors, especially Margaret Duprey and her Cherry Knoll Farm. In 2023, Duprey and Cherry Knoll Farm issued a Matching Gift Challenge that raised over $174,000, ensuring the continuation of the Dream Program.
The Aachen Dream Program is a fully funded intensive educational opportunity for riders who are 21-25 years old and riding at Fourth Level and above. The group will attend the World Equestrian Festival Aachen in July to watch some of the top riders in the world train and compete. They will have the chance to discuss training with judges, coaches and riders, and watch the warmup as well as the competition rides.
TDF's Dream Program was created in 2000 by Olympian Michael Poulin as a trip to Europe for four top U.S. Young Riders. Since then, the program has given 84 participants the chance to be immersed in the international dressage scene. The vast majority of past participants are still active in dressage, and many have gone on to become dressage professionals, including Olympian Adrienne Lyle.
After nearly 20 years of the program taking place in Europe, the COVID-19 pandemic compelled TDF to make changes to the program. From 2022-2024 the Dream Program took place in Wellington, FL. In future years, the Dream Program will alternate between visiting Aachen and Wellington because both locations provide valuable educational experiences. In 2026, the Dream Program will take place in Wellington and is open to riders ages 18-22 riding at Third Level or higher. Applications for this program are due October 7. More information can be found on TDF’s website.
Further information on TDF’s Dream Program will be kept current on the TDF website, www.dressagefoundation.org, and on TDF’s social media pages (Facebook and Instagram)
For more information about The Dressage Foundation, visit www.dressagefoundation.org, call (402) 434-8585, or email info@dressagefoundation.org.
The Dressage Foundation
The Dressage Foundation is a 501(c)(3), non-profit, tax-exempt, donor-driven organization that is dedicated to educating, supporting, and advancing the sport of dressage. The organization solicits contributions, appropriately allocates the donations, and awards grants to dressage riders, judges, instructors, breeders, high-performance teams, nonprofit equestrian organizations, and more. For more information, please visit www.dressagefoundation.org.
Dressage 4 Kids
Dressage4Kids Youth Dressage Festival
Good news for our region! The Dressage4Kids Youth Dressage Festival (YDF) has been moved from Saugerties, NY, to the Horse Park of New Jersey in Allentown, NJ, and will be held on August 8-10, 2025
We are very excited that YDF will provide our youth athletes with another team experience in our Region. This is in addition to our Region 1 Youth Team Challenge which will be held on June 21-22 at Rose Mount Farm in Spotsylvania, VA.
Highlights of the D4K YDF include:
• No memberships are required! (not a licensed competition)
• Includes all ages under 26 and all levels of riding.
• Three phase competition: Written Test, Group DSE, Dressage Test. Each phase is equally weighted. There is required reading by age group for the Written Test.
• Divisions are by Level AND Age Group providing a more equitable competition.
• Can compete on a team or as an individual.
• "Practice" Show on Friday.
• Fun optional classes include: Prix Caprilli, Dressage Trail (aka modified working equitation), Judging Sporthorse Conformation, Handler Class, Costume, Musical Freestyle and Quadrille.
• Ribbon/Prize Recognition at the Individual and Team level, and Optional Classes by Individual. More detail provided in Prize List
• A whole list full of other Special Awards is detailed in the Prize List.
If interested in participating in either the D4K YDF or Region 1 Youth Team Challenge, contact the ESDCTA Youth Chair, Stephanie Warner at youthchair@esdcta.org for more information.
Horse Treats
By Meredith Rogers
How about a little fun? The first letter of each emoji spells out a horse-related word. Answers are on page 19 .
Good luck!
A Horsewoman’s Journey
By Holly Cornell
Last year, I wrote in several of my President’s messages in this Newsletter that I realized my Appaloosa gelding Sunny just wasn’t cut out for eventing. For starters, he began getting anxious on cross country, and in general was very uncomfortable at any time he was outside the confines of the ring. Dressage was also a struggle for him, and at my age, I didn’t feel like working that hard to improve, even to just get him to beginner novice level. Inside the ring, he was perfect – didn’t look at any of the fancy jumps, jumped everything in stride, and seemed very content to do that forever. So, I sold him to a junior who is doing the 2’6” hunter thing with him, and everyone is extremely happy. I’m happy he found a great home, Sunny is happy doing what he likes best, and the junior is happy to have a wonderful horse at a reasonable price.
Once I made the hard decision to sell Sunny, I started looking around for a replacement. I spent about two months looking around the Aiken, SC area and probably tried 15-20 horses, but none that I felt comfortable with. Just before I was due to head back to NJ at the end of April, I heard about Adelaide, a 7-year-old Thoroughbred mare. She was still a bit green, and at 16.3h much taller than I wanted, but also very sweet, comfortable, and seemed willing enough that with adequate instruction she was something I could work with. In addition, she would give me something to play with over the summer, and hopefully work toward low-level eventing.
I initially worked with a hunter trainer at the barn where I was boarding, but slowly ran into problems. She turned out to be more of a director than an instructor, so after about two months I switched to a different instructor, who I liked much better. I also hired a “cowboy” to help with basic obedience, relaxation, and that ever-present general greenness. In addition, I trailered over to my favorite instructor, Marilyn Payne, for some lessons, which were very productive. We worked on bending, forward, roundness, and suppleness, all of which improved noticeably.
However, despite all this support and guidance and patience on my part, at the end of the day she is a sensitive Thoroughbred, and it became apparent that we were not developing a mutual understanding. She was ultimately (again) not the horse I had hoped she would be for me. Even after riding her for months, she’s still too tall for this shrinking 5’4” certifiably very amateur rider. I brought her back to Aiken in January where the trainer is working with her while she is up for sale.
In the meantime, I started looking for my next mount, which I found in mid-January. Quincy is a 7-year-old Irish Draught, about 16.1, also greenish, but I feel we have a much better chance of forming a partnership than I did with Addie. He’s had some great training since being imported two years ago, and has a wonderful disposition, a bit cheeky at times, but overall a much better fit. I’ll be chronically our journey together, so stay tuned for more in my next article.
From Our Friends at Lehigh Valley Dressage Association
2023 On the Levels” - Adding to Your Dressage Knowledge Bank
Review of 2024 USDF Convention Presentation: Social License to Operate with David O’Connor
By Ellen Broadhurst
By Ellen Broadhurst
David O’Connor, currently Chief of Sport with the USEF, plays a key role in working with the Executive Team on the overall international and national sport support of the Strategic Plan. His responsibilities include sport integrity, education, and equine and human safety and welfare. At the 2024 USDF Convention, O’Connor addressed an increasingly critical topic: Social License to Operate (SLO).
“Social License to Operate” may sound like a bureaucratic mouthful, but its implications could shape the long-term future of equestrian sports. If you haven’t heard the term before, expect to hear it frequently—it’s here to stay.
O’Connor defined SLO as the public’s perception that we are responsible enough to regulate our own industry.
At first glance, that may seem like a given—why wouldn’t we be considered reliable stewards of our sport? But O’Connor stressed an important reality: to the general public, all horse sports are the same. We, equestrians, might understand the distinctions between dressage, barrel racing, thoroughbred racing, and carriage horses in New York City, but to the average person, they are all equestrian activities—and they are judged as a whole.
Why Does Social License to Operate Matter?
SLO refers to the ongoing acceptance and approval of equestrian activities by society. While it is not a formal legal requirement, it is a critical measure of public trust. In order to maintain support, the general public must believe that horse sports are beneficial—or at the very least, not harmful—to horses.
Consider how national news stories impact perception. When thoroughbred racehorses suffer fatal injuries on the track, it doesn’t just affect racing—it influences the public’s view of all equestrian sports. If a barrel racer suffers a fatal accident and it makes national headlines, suddenly, all horse sports are under scrutiny. Is that fair? No. But it is the reality we face.
In disciplines like dressage, the issue of SLO has gained prominence as public concerns grow regarding horse welfare, ethical training methods, and safety for both horses and riders. Public perception directly influences regulations, sponsorships, and participation in the sport. If the dressage community fails to meet evolving expectations of ethical treatment and transparency, we risk losing public support, leading to increased scrutiny, restrictions, and even the decline of certain disciplines.
Think that sounds extreme? Look at what happened to the greyhound racing industry.
How Can We Protect the Future of Our Sport?
To maintain and strengthen our SLO, the equestrian community must focus on:
• Animal Welfare Standards: Ensuring that horses receive ethical treatment, proper veterinary care, and humane training and competition conditions.
• Transparency and Accountability: Addressing welfare concerns openly, enforcing regulations, and demonstrating a commitment to continuous improvement.
• Public Perception and Media Influence: Negative incidents—such as horse injuries, abuse cases, or unethical training methods—can quickly erode trust in the sport.
• Governing Bodies and Industry Responsibility: Organizations like the FEI, national federations, and equestrian businesses must actively enforce and promote ethical practices.
SLO is not something equestrian sports can afford to ignore. Maintaining public trust requires proactive engagement, adherence to best practices in equine care, and a willingness to adapt to changing societal expectations. If we fail to uphold these standards, we risk losing the privilege of self-regulation—and, ultimately, the future of dressage, eventing, and even the ability to ride.
By Rachel Merino
ESDCTA Grant in Motion
ESDCTA Grant in Motion
By Rachel Merino
In case you weren’t aware, the ESDCTA offers a great opportunity to its members: education grants. The Education Grant Program is open to Juniors, Seniors, Adult Amateurs, and Professionals, and is funded from the proceeds of the Silent Auction held at the Annual Awards Banquet. I applied for a grant, so that I could take several lessons this past fall with Kim Herslow, an FEI rider and trainer based at Upper Creek Farm, in Stockton, New Jersey.
Why I did it
I’m a middle-aged rider working on First Level. I board at a farm with a great trainer and take regular lessons there. My trainer also rides with Kim and this was an amazing opportunity for me to learn from an upper-level rider and to take home new exercises and homework to practice in my regular lessons. This also gave me a chance to up my game a bit. I don’t have the confidence to ride in a clinic but here was a way to work with an upper level “clinician” one-onone in a more comfortable environment.
Some helpful exercises I learned
My horse, Rocky, can be a little tense in a new location. In one of our first sessions, Kim had us start by leg yielding on a circle. This helped me work on the timing of my aids as I asked to get him to step under with the inside hind and connect with the outside rein. It was a great exercise to channel his energy and get him connected and focused.
This exercise exemplified the theme of my work with Kim, understanding what each aid is asking for and the need for timing and coordination of the aids to get your horse engaged and moving correctly.
In another lesson we built on this connection, working on shoulder fore, fist at the walk and then at the trot. It quickly became apparent how one sided I am! Reviewing the biomechanics of the movement and breaking it down helped me visualize what my horse and I needed to be doing with each aid. As we went around the ring, regular circles helped us reconnect. Kim encouraged me to think about getting the horse to step his inside hind between his front legs. I knew things were going well when I felt him get softer and lighter as he stepped under.
The right lead canter has been a work in progress for us for quite some time; Rocky can be tense and flat, and has difficulty stepping under. Kim had me “post at the canter,” standing in my stirrups for a few strides then settling lightly down in the saddle. This did a few things. It helped me get a more balanced position, reinforcing the importance of correct alignment, and to get off his back allowed him to relax and lift his back. As we practiced this on the circle his canter got more active and rounder and I was able to sit in a lighter, more balanced position in the saddle, further encouraging him to lift his back. This exercise was great homework and since then, a 2point canter has been a key part of our warm-up.
Some other take-aways
● Give clear aids and expect a response
● Don’t rush the transition, shoulder-fore first
● In canter, steady outside hand with a heavy elbow
● See your line, ride your line, and use it to see if the horse is crooked or bulging
● Use your outside leg to ride the outside hind into the outside hand
● Imagine that you are posting into the outside hand/shoulder- this helps bring the horse’s inside hind under and closer to the center of balance
Final thoughts
Sometimes it really is helpful to hear the “same advice” in a new way. Getting out of our comfort zone helped Rocky and I figure out some things we had been struggling with at home. Working with someone only every few weeks provides a useful perspective as they can see the big picture, which we sometimes miss when we focus on the day-to-day challenges in the saddle.
This grant was an amazing opportunity to further my education as a rider. It was the perfect way to head into the winter months. Hopefully I’ll be able to go back in the spring for another lesson to check our progress and get some new homework.
Want to apply for your own grant?
Check out the ESDCTA website: https://esdcta.org/education/grants/
ALEXANDRIA EQUESTRIAN ASSOCIATION SCHOOLING SHOW II
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ALEXANDRIA EQUESTRIAN ASSOCIATION SCHOOLING SHOW III
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Eventing News: Read all About It!
For the first time, the Essex Horse Trials is registered with ESDCTA! This means that members who wish to volunteer at the event will have their volunteer hours count toward ESDCTA year-end awards, grants, logo wear, and more.
The Essex Horse Trials is a USEA-recognized event - in an effort to offer more opportunities to the growing population of lower-level riders, Starter has been added to the existing levels of Beginner Novice, Novice, Training , and Preliminary.
The event is June 1, 2025 – open date April 22, 2025, close date May 20, 2025.
This year the Essex Horse Trials is just one day and will be held at Moorland Farms in Far Hills, NJ. The event will again include the ever-popular tailgating at the water obstacle, as well as hosting a number of local vendors.
If you would like to volunteer, you can sign-up directly on the website on the Volunteer page: https://essexhorsetrials.net/volunteer/ , click on the “Volunteer Sign-up” button.
We’re looking forward to seeing everyone there, whether you’re a rider, a volunteer, a sponsor, or a spectator.
