2023 was a busy year, and in all the craziness, you may have missed some great content on YourDressage! Here are a few stories that may have flown under your radar last year. Which is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!
Love, Perseverance, and Treats
In this story, shared as part of our celebration of the might Irish Draught Horse, Samantha C., shares the story of the Irish Sport Horse mare whose saddle immediately felt like home, and how together they earned their USDF Bronze Medal, rehabbed through a torn tendon, and ultimately earned a trip to Festival of Champions!
From Broodmare to Dressage Horse
Emily L. shares how she found her future dance partner in a Lusitano broodmare, and is in the process of transforming her into a dressage mount. This story was part of our spotlight on the Lusitano breed, whose breed registries (the US Lusitano Association Inc and the International Andalusian & Lusitano Horse Association) are both Participating Organizations in the Adequan®/USDF All-Breeds Awards Program!
The Gift of Maximus
Region 3 writer Allison shares a heart-wrenching tribute to her first horse, Maximus. Her tribute is a reminder to all horse people that, someday, we too will have to make the tough decisions; that our horses rely on us, and that they depend on us to do what is right, even if it breaks our heart.
“Max will always be part of the fabric at my farm and of my life in general. His stall will always have his name on it; it’s a thing Scott and I saw at the Kentucky Horse Park and instantly decided to do at our place. His pictures will stay up, and his stories will be told.”
My First Time As A Horse Show Announcer
“At age 60, I did something new. I became a horse show announcer – at a dressage show.” Writer Suzanne K. tries her hand at being a show announcer!
IDA Quiz Challenge Opens Doors
Rutgers University student and IDA Quiz Challenge winner Elizabeth K. shares how participating in the IDA Quiz Challenge grew her knowledge and understanding of dressage, both in and out of the saddle!
Little Fish in a Big Pond
In this inspirational tale, shared as part of our highlight on rescue horses in the dressage ring, Region 2 competitor Rochelle W. shares the story of the Friesian Arabian Cross whom she purchased from the Minnesota Hooved Animal Rescue Foundation’s Trainer’s Challenge auction after being paired with him for the competition, and the obstacles they’ve overcome to compete at the Great American Insurance Group/USDF Regional Dressage Championships.
What I Bring to Vegas, Stays in Vegas!
Region 5 trainer Annette S. shares the story of the two young Dutch Harness Horses, Nashville and Lincoln, who she purchased through a broker and brought home to Las Vegas – and how they have thrived in their dressage careers so far!
SMART Goals at the USDF Annual Convention
USDF Youth Convention Scholarship winner Cheyenne reflects on her trip to the 2022 Adequan®/USDF Annual Convention and shares her takeaways from the sessions she attended.
FEI For My 50th Birthday
British Columbia-based adult amateur Kristen shares the story of the Lipizzan who changed her life, taking her all the way to FEI in the same year she turned 50!
Dancing With Thor
Western and English dressage rider Lindsey shares about finding self-acceptance with the help of friends, a great trainer, and a Mustang dance partner.
Yo Soy Boricua
“I come from a place where we show our love through food, our passion through dance, and our connections to others through loud laughter and death defying hugs. I come from people who are resilient and strong, love intensely, and in their darkest times, still manage to hold their heads up high and keep on pushing through. Yo soy Boricua, Nuyorican to be more specific, and I am a horse woman.”
A writer shares a first person account of a dressage trainer about the role horses play in her life and in the culture of Puerto Rico, and what has fueled her fire to create a safe and accepting place for riders of all levels and backgrounds.
My Funny Valentine
As part of our spotlight on the Westfalen breed, coach Suzanne G. shares about falling in love with a Westfalen unexpectedly, while teaching a biomechanics clinic in Indiana.
The Best is Yet to Come
Adult amateur Cynthia W. shares about how the global pandemic and losing her mother changed her outlook on life, caused her to decide to go “all in” on her horse goals, and the special Westfalen dance partner that she has now found.
Capturing My Heart
USDF Region 9 Junior Rider Sage shares about falling in love with the majestic Gypsy Horse, and how being introduced to dressage through western dressage has now led to an exciting pursuit of a USDF Bronze Medal.
Fiona Keeps Me Young
“I want to continue getting better, and that takes expert training at my age. Still, dressage is keeping me young. I don’t feel any different than I did forty years ago, but then I look in the mirror! Good thing my horse doesn’t mind my age.”
In this story, a rider in Region 2 shares about overcoming a broken back, getting starting in dressage with an Off-Track Thoroughbred, finding her perfect dance partner Fiona, & become a Masters Challenge award winner.
