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 24 most popular stories from 2024 – click on each title to read the story!
Meet the L Graduate – Christina Keim
Meet USDF Region 8 L Graduate, and USDF Bronze Medalist, Christina Keim! Based out of her own Cold Moon Farm in Rochester, New Hampshire, Christina is also a United States Pony Club examiner.
Sherman The Little Engine That Could
By Jessica Warmington
Shared as part of our Haflinger highlight in April, a Region 1 adult amateur shares the story of her Haflinger, Sherman, who has become an ambassador for his breed, showcasing his versatility as an all-around horse!
A Full Heart
By Tami Thompson
Shared as part of our Andalusian breed feature, a Region 7 competitor shares the Spanish horses who made her fall in love with dressage and who have helped her on her journey to her USDF Silver Medal!
New Dressage Seminars Provide Invaluable Education to All
By USDF Staff
In 2023, the USDF Instructor/Trainer Program underwent a restructuring to better serve the dressage community. Let’s see what the revamped program looks like!
O Romeo, Romeo
By Angela Carter
Angela C. shares the story of her partnership and successes with her Percheron-cross, Romeo. “I vividly remember the day I brought Romeo home. It took only two weeks for us to participate in our first dressage schooling show, despite the fact that he didn’t have a proper canter.”
Six Decades – The Lifetime Sport
By Chelsey Burris
With their ages spanning a full six decades, an 11-year-old and a 70-year-old rider proved dressage is truly a lifetime sport at the 2023 US Dressage Finals Presented by Adequan®.
Breaking the Mold
By L.A. Sokolowski
“Nontraditional” dressage horses spur imaginations of Breyer model-horse collectors
Roush the Dream Pony
By Anika Schnitzler
An adult amateur from USDF Region 6 shares the story of the Haflinger she found by accident while looking for a “husband horse”, and who has fulfilled many of her equestrian dreams!
My Hero: A Century Together
By Nancy Mangum
On October 29, 2023, I completed my Century Club Ride aboard my long time Morgan partner Canequin’s Local Hero.
Meet the L Graduate with Distinction – Amy Grahn
Meet Region 3 L Graduate with Distinction Amy Grahn!
Meet the Winners of the 2024 USDF Arts Contest
The annual USDF Arts Contest is designed to highlight the creativity and beauty of dressage and to allow USDF members to express their interest in the sport outside of the competition arena. Entries are accepted each year in the divisions of art and photography, and in three different age categories.
Rider Biomechanics
By Jayne Ayers
How judges evaluate the rider in the dressage tests. This article is reprinted from the July/August 2024 issue of USDF Connection.
Five Influential Women in USDF’s History
By USDF Staff
These five women have had an astounding effect on the growth of dressage in the United States and played pivotal roles in USDF’s development. Find out who they are!
Hardworking Haflingers – Part One
We celebrated the hardworking Haflinger as our March Breed of the Month! We asked our followers to share a photo of their Haflinger for a chance to be featured in a gallery of these hardworking horses!
2024 Paris Olympics & Paralympics Recap
Did you miss any of the 2024 Paris Olympics or Paralympics dressage events? We’ve got you covered! Follow along with us to stay up to date on Team USA!
Meet the Andalusian – The Original Dressage Horse
By Jayna Pellett
With pedigree records as old as the 15th century, Andalusians were specifically developed by breeders to excel as cavalry mounts, the original dressage horses.
A Cautionary Tale and A Lesson in Patience
By Karen Piper
In this comeback story, an adult amateur from Region 6 reminds us why it is so important to wear a helmet every ride, and how quickly things can go wrong!
Morgans in Dressage
By Renee Suprenant
Learn about the Morgan Dressage Association and meet a few of the Morgans and their riders who are excelling in dressage
Age Is Just a Number
By Chelsey Burris
At the 2023 US Dressage Finals presented by Adequan®, Region 9 rider Lyndon Rife was the senior-most competitor on the grounds, with the show held just two weeks before his 71st birthday!
When the Challenge Becomes the Cure
By Sue Weakley
Imagine five teams of six top Grand Prix dressage riders and their mounts bedecked in colorful costumes dancing to choreographed freestyles before a sold-out crowd — all to raise funds for breast cancer research.
Olympic Dressage Deconstruction
By Jennifer O. Bryant
A movement-by-movement look at Steffen Peters’s Paris 2024 Grand Prix dressage test—and why it’s important that our sport remains willing to look at itself critically
Ponies: Not Just for Kids Any More
By Sue Weakley
Smaller equines are upping the fun for many adult dressage riders—and they’re holding their own against the big guys in the show ring. This story is reprinted from the January/February 2024 issue of USDF Connection.
The Road to the 2024 US Dressage Finals
Championship season is upon us, and we’re on the road to the 2024 US Dressage Finals presented by Adequan®!
Dressage For Every Body – SmartPak Giveaway!
As we shared the stories, struggles, & triumphs of plus size equestrians from across the country in our #DressageForEveryBody campaign, our friends at SmartPak graciously stepped forward to sponsor a giveaway!
What was your favorite story of 2024? Share the link in the comments below!
