We shared some amazing stories on YourDressage in 2024, and some of the staff at USDF wanted to share their favorite stories from the year!
Onward and Upward
By Dawn Briand
A Region 8 rider shares her journey with an OTTB mare, as medical issues changed their goals, and made their bond that much stronger.
This was such an inspirational story. Getting glimpses into how Dawn and Teague overcame so many obstacles and still preserved was a compelling read! Having worked as an equine vet tech myself, eye meds are rough! – Lauren C., USDF Administration Coordinator
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.
As a saddle seat rider, I almost exclusively ride Saddlebreds, but have ridden a few Morgans over the years. I am always a big advocate for showcasing the versatility of such breeds. – Megan P., USDF Member Services Coordinator
Ponies: Not Just for Kids Any More
By Sue Weakley; Reprinted from the January/February 2024 issue of USDF Connection magazine
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.
I like ponies – a lot. – Charlotte B., USDF Senior Member Services Coordinator
Meet Team USA: 2024 Paris Olympics
By Chelsey Burris
For horse-lovers, there are plenty of equestrian sports to enjoy at the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics, with team and individual dressage, eventing, and jumping on the docket . Here, we take a look at Team USA for dressage, and go behind-the-scenes to get to know the riders and horses ahead of the big event.
I love watching the Olympics on tv and this article was a great introduction to team USA. I especially enjoyed the fun facts for each member. – Mary B., USDF Member Services Coordinator
Keeping the Show Going: Volunteers
USDF wants to say THANK YOU to the volunteers who came from far & wide to help ensure the US Dressage Finals went off without a hitch.
Volunteers are such an important part of USDF and often go unrecognized. Having worked at finals, I couldn’t help but notice that USDF Finals could not happen without them. The article does a great job by recognizing our volunteers by name and through photos of them hard at work. – Phyllis D., USDF Senior Horse Registration Coordinator
Education for Youth of All Levels Takes Place in Region 6
By Mackenzie Brown
A Region 6 Young Rider shares her experience at the FEI Youth Clinic with Sabine Schut-Kery, and how it changed her approach to training.
It was fabulous how Region 6 married the FEI Youth Clinic with the Youth Outreach Clinic and having so many youth riders under the same roof! – Sarah D., USDF Youth and Education Administrative Manager
10 Unforgettable Moments from the 2024 US Dressage Finals presented by Adequan®
By Chelsey Burris
Each edition of the US Dressage Finals presented by Adequan® features new and spellbinding performances as the top competitors in the nation dance their way down centerline. From horses and riders overcoming the most unlikely odds to claim Finals crowns, unique breeds that had everyone on the showgrounds gawking, to such dramatic and close finishes that one class ended in a dead heat, here are ten moments from the 2024 Finals that we are sure to be talking about for years to come.
It is a nice round up of the types of horses and riders that come to finals. – Bonnie B., USDF Senior Professional Development Coordinator;
This was my first Finals working at USDF and it was great to experience competition from the USDF view. I particularly loved the article about Jim Koford riding Emily Brollier’s young horse to success. Equestrians really do make connections and come together in support of one another when we need it most. It is inspiring and I am honored to count myself a part of this amazing community. – Amy E., USDF Education Administrative Coordinator
Andy the Autistic Pony
By Sophia Wayner
A young rider from USDF Region 8 shares how horses and her bond with one special Haflinger has helped her embrace the things about her that once made her feel so different.
The parallels identified in this story exemplify the bond between horse and rider, and shine a spotlight on the healing nature of these relationships. To be able to identify these same characteristics, and in some cases apply some of the tools from her own experience to positively impact her equine partner and their training speaks to symbiotic relationship we all feel with our horses. – Ross C., USDF Marketing and Communications Director
Good Things Come In Small Packages
By Sarah Stinneford
A rider from Region 1 shares how she and her New Forest “super” pony journeyed through the levels into FEI dressage, earning many accolades and inspiring pony riders along the way.
As a smaller stature amateur, it is inspiring to see that ponies can dance all the way to the top of the dressage levels. I’m also a sucker for a pretty pony like Hank! – Amber W., USDF Marketing and Sales Manager
Continuing Coda’s Legacy
By Sarina Bower
A rider from Region 1 shares how she came to own one of the famous Chincoteague ponies and how that pony helped heal her world after she lost her heart horse.
I have owned my heart horse for nearly 17 years, and I sometimes worry about what life will look like after she is gone. However, in this story, a rider from Region 1 graciously describes how with time (and a special Chincoteague pony), she was able to heal and continue her heart horse’s legacy – reminding me I can do the same! -Jayna P., USDF Sales and Marketing Coordinator
Find The Right Fit
By Josey Lillibridge
A rider & trainer shares her experience navigating the horse world as a plus-size rider, from equipment & apparel fit, to how it affects her teaching program.
As a plus-size rider myself, I appreciate Josey Lillibridge’s realistic approach to navigating the dressage world as a plus-size equestrian. She highlights the struggles larger riders face, the necessity of inclusivity in our sport, and the importance of searching for the right equipment to make rides easier for both horses and riders. She also includes a wonderful list of companies that exclusively cater to, or carry a wider range of sizes for all body types! – Katie L., USDF Senior Graphic and Multimedia Coordinator
