Tell us a little about yourself (your location, awards/other certifications you hold, etc.):
I own a small boutique dressage training facility in Orange County, New York. I am a USDF Bronze, Silver, and Gold Medalist.
How long have you been involved in the sport?
I started specializing in dressage at 19 years old.
How long have you been a USDF member?
I have been a member for 17 years.
What made you decide to participate in the USDF L Education Program?
I wanted to hone my eye on what judges look for and enhance my education so I could train and help students more efficiently.
How long did it take to complete the program, start to finish?
The program took me from January 2023 through August 2023, including about six weekends where we met in person.
Do you plan to further your dressage education and to continue to apply what you learned in the program to become a licensed official?
I may go on to the next step of judging.
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 recently did one, and I hope to do more in my area in New York and New Jersey.
What impact did the program have on your dressage knowledge?
It enhanced the way I view the horse and rider. It helped me look for the very small details that impact a dressage test, the basics, and the harmony between horse and rider.
Name three things you took away from the program that you think every rider should know.
I believe each rider should know about rider and horse biomechanics, what the collective remarks mean, and the basics and purpose of each level.
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 was President of the Orange County Dressage Association about five years ago.
Tell us about your horse(s).
I own a Morgan/Halflinger cross named Dora the Explorer. I have trained her through Prix St. George.
I also own my retired Grand Prix horse, Teodor. He helped me earn my USDF Silver and Gold medals. He is a Russian Warmblood.
Additionally, I own two Oldenburg warmbloods, two German riding ponies, and a Friesian.
Contact:
Alexandra Tomson, 40 Sands Lane, Circleville, NY 10919
Email: hiddencharmdressage@gmail.com
Phone: (845) 492-9417
Website/social media:
Facebook: Hidden Charm Dressage; Instagram: @hiddencharmdressage
