Alicia Cross has been riding and judging dressage for many years and enjoys the physics of horse and rider. She was an original member of the Dressage San Diego Chapter of the California Dressage Society (CDS), where she served as Circuit Coordinator and Volunteer Coordinator. She has shown several horses successfully through FEI levels. She runs a small, private barn in Poway, CA, where she has students dedicated to the biomechanics of dressage – learning, riding, and showing. Alicia enjoys judging schooling shows locally and scribing for the international judges.
How long have you been involved in the sport?
I’ve been riding dressage for nearly 40 years (before there was organized dressage here in San Diego). We had ‘dressage tests’ set up in a little circle at the hunter schooling shows.
How long have you been a USDF member?
I’ve been a member of USDF for many years – 30+.
What made you decide to participate in the USDF L Education Program?
I was judging little, local dressage schooling shows before the L Education Program started… so it was a great idea to join into the L Education Program to progress my education.
How long did it take to complete the program, start to finish?
It was a little over one year.
Do you serve as a judge for schooling shows in your capacity as an L Graduate? If so, on average, how many per year?
I average 3 or 4 schooling shows per normal year.
What impact did the program have on your dressage knowledge?
The L Education Program continues to keep me motivated to improve my skills to communicate to riders in a show situation.
Name three things you took away from the program that you think every rider should know.
The judge is giving a subjective opinion. The judge really does want the best for your test. The judge understands what you are going through as a rider, doing a test.
Have you served in any other official capacity with USDF (council/committee member, council/committee chair, PM/GM delegate, board member/Regional Director, etc.)? Please describe.
I served on the CDS San Diego Chapter for 4 years as both Show Coordinator and Volunteer Coordinator.
Tell us about your horse(s).
I currently have six horses. One is 30+ years old…he showed only to Second Level – he is retired. I have three schooling horses for students- a 25-year-old mare, a 20-year-old gelding, and a 10-year-old mare. Some have taken students to little, local shows. They all are working First to Second Level dressage – depending on the student. I currently have 2 horses that I ride and hope to continue showing. One is 18 years old, competing at Third Level and one is six years old and hasn’t shown yet, but is doing Second Level work.
Phone: (858) 748-2219
Email: alicia@southerncrosssport.com
