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: 2014
Locality: USDF Region 8, Maine
Website: http://mainedressage.com/
How many members does your GMO have annually, on average?
125 members
Tell us about your GMO.
State of Maine Dressage Association is committed to advancing the sport of dressage, and we have a particular focus on helping those who are new to dressage. SMDA offers three schooling shows and one USDF/USEF Level 1 Recognized show each year, and we have a network of affiliated shows that allow members opportunities to earn scores towards SMDA Medals and our Year End Awards Program.
SMDA is a 501(c)3 non-profi t organization, and we sponsor an annual grant program to help support our riders with various educational and other special activities. SMDA has been pleased to help support the Hollis Equestrian Park, which is our local show venue that is managed by an all-volunteer team. GMO members receive subscriptions to USDF Connection, The Horse’s Maine monthly newspaper, SMDA’s newsletter, and opportunities for discounts at various local clinics or other events.
Our shows are relaxed and off er riders a friendly and supportive environment. We have competitors at all levels from Intro through FEI, and our membership includes youth and adults, amateurs and professionals. Our one-day recognized show is a great opportunity to gain a score towards USDF medals or qualify for the Great American/USDF Regional Championships, in a quiet setting.
Does your GMO offer unique classes or activities that cater to youth, adult amateurs, or professionals? If so, please provide a brief description.
Our shows are open to all riders, including youth, adult amateurs, and professionals. If the entries warrant it, we will typically split our classes to pin separately the Junior and Senior riders. For each show, and for our year end awards, we also off er ribbons for High Point Junior, High Point Senior, and High Point Intro scores.
What type of educational events does your GMO offer?
SMDA has offered clinics with both locally- and nationally-recognized clinicians. Periodically, we will also off er special events such as group discussion of USDF’s “On the Levels” DVD or listen to a guest speaker.
What type of “fun” events does your GMO offer?
Our shows are a lot of fun! We will, periodically, include a special event or demonstration during the lunch break. Recent events have included an equine massage demonstration and a tack swap event. We also host an annual meeting and awards banquet. Th is is a fun social event where we review the past year’s events and upcoming plans, and give out the various year end awards for each test and level, high point awards, and SMDA Rider Performance Medals.
