Group Member Organizations (GMOs) are the foundation of USDF and integral in bringing dressage and dressage education to the masses. Stay connected with your local dressage community and support dressage at the local level by joining a GMO in your area today!
USDF GMO Established: 1974
Locality: USDF Region 4, Kansas
Website: http://www.kcdressage.com
How many members does your GMO have annually, on average?
185 members.
Tell us about your GMO.
Kansas City Dressage Society (KCDS) is one of the oldest dressage societies in the United States. Founded in 1973, KCDS was actually present at the inception of USDF. We, along with 21 other organizations, helped devise and implement USDF’s first bylaws and elect the first slate of officers. We were one of the largest dressage organizations in the country at that time and became a charter member of USDF.
Since that time, KCDS strives to educate people in our area about dressage, and hosts two USDF-recognized shows, in addition to several schooling shows, annually. Our shows offer a very friendly atmosphere to come and showcase your young horse, or your nationally recognized Grand Prix mount. We take pride in the volunteer spirit that one finds here in the Midwest, and we love hearing from our judges and show staff that we have such incredibly friendly people volunteering at our shows.
In addition to our friendly atmosphere, KCDS also supports its members financially. This past year, two different scholarship opportunities have been created. We offer a traditional type scholarship, for riders to further their riding education, and we also offer a scholarship to help with the financial rigors of college. Both of these scholarships are open to all of our members.
Does your GMO offer unique classes or activities that cater to youth, adult amateurs, or professionals? If so, please provide a brief description.
KCDS has been host to the L program, as well as symposiums with Olympic level clinicians. We have had adult camps in past years, and we are currently discussing bringing the camp back this next year. We also have highly qualified individuals that come to the area and host clinics on a regular basis.
What type of educational events does your GMO offer?
KCDS offers a University Program, to further the education of our members. Members receive credits towards their diplomas through reading materials, watching videos, and various other educational activities selected by the director of the program.
What type of “fun” events does your GMO offer?
KCDS has several fun events though out the year. We love our barbeques here in the Midwest, and have an annual barbeque event at our first show of the season. We also have an ice cream social during the summer show. But our biggest event is our annual banquet and awards gala. This is a huge fundraiser for us, and feeds our scholarship program. Along with socializing and eating, we have a silent auction and a live auction, complete with auctioneer. It’s a huge success and a major highlight for our members.
