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: 1985
Locality: USDF Region 9, Texas
Website: http://www.fortworthdressageclub.com/
How many members does your GMO have annually, on average?
75
Tell us about your GMO.
We started in 1985 with a small group of dressage enthusiasts – since then we have grown to include putting on recognized shows, schooling shows, clinics, and different education programs such as Education Day, featuring vets, feed specialists, massage therapist, trailer specialists, and others. We are also a very social club and host a Wine and Cheese Video Night to watch On the Levels videos, a pool party, and monthly meetings. We also receive support from The Dressage Foundation, allowing us to put on a three-day camp for members who have volunteered throughout the year at a very reduced cost – and to bring in a well-known clinician. This event features 10 members riding and guest lecturers and has become very popular.
At our recognized show, we have a Wear Red for Wings of Hope and donate proceeds for that class to a local therapeutic riding center, and members who wear red get high point special awards. Several of our members volunteer at Great American Insurance Group/USDF Regional Championships, while others have gotten together and gone as a group to World Cups and World Equestrian Games.
We have a scholarship program for members who volunteer, where they can receive up to $300 to put towards their dressage education. FWDC also has an Awards Banquet and Silent Auction at end of the year and gives out lots of awards and ribbons. We welcome riders at all levels and on all breeds of horses. At our schooling show, we offer gaited classes and Western dressage. Some members attend the Region 9 summer meeting every year, and last year FWDC hosted it. We also offer a low-cost clinic for members who have volunteered, and every year a local professional donates a full day to give lessons.
It is a great club and members meet often outside of meetings to ride together and socialize.
Does your GMO offer unique classes or activities that cater to youth, adult amateurs, or professionals? If so, please provide a brief description.
We try to offer classes to include all groups and levels of riders of all ages.
What type of educational events does your GMO offer?
We have an annual Education Day with speakers – also speakers at our monthly meetings. We have had vets, farriers, professionals, yoga instructors, trailer specialists, feed specialists, massage therapists, craniosacral providers, and others.
What type of “fun” events does your GMO offer?
Our “fun” events consist of pool parties, wine and cheese nights, and monthly meetings. We also host get-togethers with each other to watch other members ride and take their lessons. Camp is also always a favorite for all!
