From inspiring stories of underdog horse-and-rider duos finding success in the dressage arena, to informative equestrian health features, articles highlighting unique and interesting breeds, and galleries showing off the successes of non-traditional horses and riders, readers flocked to YourDressage to get their daily dose of dressage. Here are the top 20 most popular stories from 2023 – click on each title to read the story!
From Amish Plow Horse to Third Level Dressage: How a Draft Cross Defies Dressage Standards
By Gabriella Escobar
In this heartwarming and inspiring story, a USDF Region 1 junior speaks about her experience of finding her heart horse, a draft cross that was saved minutes before stepping on a slaughter truck, and how they’ve now transformed into stars in the show ring!
First Aid for Equestrians
By Jennifer O. Bryant
USDF Connection editor Jennifer Bryant provides readers invaluable tips from emergency medical technician Gwen Ka’awaloa, who hosted an education session on the topic at the 2022 Adequan®/USDF Annual Convention, in the event that someone has a medical emergency at your barn.
Like Fine Wine
– Carol L.
In honor of USDF’s 50th Anniversary in 2023, YourDressage celebrated riders aged 50 and over throughout November and December, sharing stories and galleries of those whose stories of trials and triumphs inspire all of us, regardless of age. Check out all of the galleries in the “Like Fine Wine” series: Part One, Part Two, Part Three, and Part Four.
Climbing the Pyramid
By Sherri Naff
September was a celebration of Gypsy Vanners, and in this story, a farm owner in Region 3 shared about starting a young Gypsy Vanner into a dressage career with a trainer who has won national titles showcasing this breed, and how the Pyramid of Training is the key to unlocking success with any breed.
Life Lessons From Dressage
By Susan Howe
In this beautiful reflection on the 2014 University of Texas commencement speech given by US Admiral McCraven, a USDF Region 9 adult amateur reminds readers of the way we can and do impact both our horses and those around us on our journey, inside and outside of the sandbox. Enjoy the ride, and remember how lucky we are to experience it.
From the Judge’s Booth with Janet Foy: Turn On the Haunches
In this clip from a past version of On The Levels, FEI L4/5* judge Janet Foy discusses the positioning necessary for the turn on the haunches, as well as the most common mistake judges see in the turn on the haunches and how to avoid making it.
From the Judge’s Booth with Janet Foy: Counter Canter Serpentines
In this clip from a past version of On The Levels, FEI L4/5* judge Janet Foy discusses how the counter canter serpentine should be ridden.
What’s Too Old?
By Sally O’Dwyer
In this cheeky and inspiring reflection, a USDF Region 5 adult amateur discusses the attitude with which she is approaching her diminishing sands of time, and offers perspective to her fellow silver saddle riders.
The Unbreakable Spirit
By Shannon Lafaille
In this inspirational tale of resilience, a USDF Region 7 rider shares about suffering a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and how her love of horses helped her overcome the physical and mental impacts of it.
Let’s Talk About It: Finding Your Team
By Mikala Wodarek
As part of our Dressage For Every Body campaign, a USDF Region 4 professional provides encouraging advice as a plus-size rider about owning who you are, communicating your needs, building your team, and finding your confidence along the way.
Tough Love
Story and photographs by Jennifer O. Bryant
In this reprint from the May/June 2023 issue of USDF Connection, editor Jennifer Bryant shares the wisdom that FEI Judges Supervisory Panel members David Hunt, Linda Zang, Lilo Fore, and Henk van Bergen imparted on attendees of the 2023 Adequan®/USDF FEI-Level Trainers Conference.
Absolute Dream Lives Up to His Name for Jennifer Truett on Opening Day of 2023 US Dressage Finals Presented by Adequan®
By Alice Collins for Jump Media/US Dressage Finals
The coverage of the first day of the 2023 US Dressage Finals Presented by Adequan® was chock full of impressive results, but the highlight was undoubtedly Jennifer Truett and Absolute Dream’s seamless transition from Intermediate I in 2022 to Intermediate II Champion this year. Lauren Chumley, Rebecca Lord, and Heather Mason were also crowned Champions on the opening day of what would turn out to be a fantastic tenth rendition of the event.
2023 FEI World Cup Finals Omaha Recap
USDF was on-site at the 2023 FEI World Cup Finals, and we brought readers daily recaps, galleries, and highlights from our favorite moments of the events!
One Teacher, Five Horses, and A Lot of Luck!
By Chris Cashel
A Region 9 adult amateur rider reflects on her journey to earning her USDF Gold Medal after a 35-year break from the saddle, and recounts the horses and trainer who helped her achieve her goal.
Training Tips – Turn On The Haunches
USEF ‘S’ judge, USDF FEI-Level Certified Instructor, and member of the USDF Instructor/Trainer Committee William McMullin coaches a rider through the turn on the haunches from Second Level in this Training Tip from the 2019 On The Levels videos, including real-time corrections and feedback on positioning and flexion.
Why is Dressage So Hard?
By Sally O’Dwyer
And where is the easy button? A USDF Region 5 competitor discusses the difficulties of dressage from an amateur perspective, using dressage master Nuno Oliveira’s words as a guiding light.
The Standardbred That Can Wear Any Bridle
By Helene Gregory
A USDF Region 3 adult amateur shares the story of her lifelong love of Standardbreds, and her journey to transform a Trotter into an all-around riding horse – including winning the 2022 New Vocations National Standardbred Horse Show War Horse division, barrel racing, driving, jumping, and, of course, dressage!
Where Has Your Circle Gone?
By Jennifer Grant
USDF Certified Instructor, L Graduate with Distinction, and USDF Bronze and Silver Medalist Jennifer Grant gives readers exercises to ride more correct, and therefore more effective, 20-meter circles.
The Ups and Downs of a Beginning Rider
By Hayden Kane
Ravel Education Grant recipient and USDF Region 1 junior rider Hayden Kane reflects on the opportunity to ride in a clinic with trainer and FEI rider Julio Mendoza, sharing what she learned and how she applies it to her riding now.
And our most popular story from 2023 was…
Paige Dolon: Shining Star Award Winner
Meet Region 1 USDF Shining Star recipient Paige Dolan and read why she was nominated for the USDF Shining Star Award – an award that recognizes a youth rider who demonstrates outstanding sportsmanship.
Thank your for the memories. I read them all and it was good to see them again!