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: 1980
Locality: USDF Region 8, Massachusetts
Website: www.heritage-dressage.org
How many members does your GMO have annually, on average?
80-100
Tell us about your GMO.
To sum up The History of Heritage Dressage Association, written by Elizabeth Buchholz, HDA was founded in 1980 by Joyce Martin and Joan Jones, who wanted to promote dressage in the South Shore area of Massachusetts.
HDA offers four schooling shows every year to the South Shore dressage community. These shows are run by the HDA Board members and volunteers with USEF rules and recognized judges. We have Adult Amateur, Junior, and often professional riders with young horses. We strive to provide a venue which enables riders and their horses to have a positive experience with guidance for both the rider and horse.
Our shows have both English and Western classes from Intro Level to Second Level, freestyle, leadline, and above leadline classes.
Does your GMO offer unique classes or activities that cater to youth, adult amateurs, or professionals? If so, please provide a brief description.
We generally offer clinics during the year where instruction is given to any level of rider and horse. We have provided instruction for both English and Western dressage.
Our leadline and above leadline classes in both equitation and suitability encourage our youngest riders and those with physical challenges.
What type of educational events does your GMO offer?
In the past we have provided teachings in the areas of: the judges’ perspective in showing; freestyle tests: how to choose music and movements; Dr. Reilly, a local equine practitioner has spoken about Lyme Disease; and equine rescue… to name a few.
What type of “fun” events does your GMO offer?
We have had a “doggie” dressage, mini horse dressage, and drill team exhibitions at our shows in the past.
