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.
USDF recently named the winners of the 2025 contest! Check out their beautiful works below.
Grand Prize
“Fait Accompli” by Lisa Curry Mair
Art Division
Adult – 1st Place: “Just A Little Itch” by Diana Mercean
Adult – 2nd Place: “Chestnut Dreams” by Teresa Kolar
16 to 21 – 1st Place: “Ze” by Helen Pope
16 to 21 – 2nd Place: “Game Face” by Maggie Gant
15 & Under – 1st Place: “The Dance” by Molly Collier
15 & Under – 2nd Place: “In This Together” by Sydney Fraser
Photography Division
Adult – 1st Place: “Morning Ride” by Susan Hudock
Adult – 2nd Place: “Jan and Cubero” by Meghan Benge
16 to 21 – 1st Place: “Eyes That Remind Me Of Home” by Taylor Hewitt
16 to 21 – 2nd Place: “Sun-kissed Salute” by Mariska Sherlin
15 & Under – 1st Place: “The Dark Before The Dawn” by Sydney Fraser
15 & Under – 2nd Place: “Best Friends” by Aubrey Welch
Congratulations to all of the 2025 winners, and thank you to all the USDF members who entered! Winners have their work published in the yearbook issue of USDF Connection, with the grand prize winner used as the cover of the USDF Member Guide.
Interested in submitting your art or photography for a future USDF Arts Contest? 2026 entries are open! The deadline for entries is July 1, 2026.
I was so excited to see this news in my email box this morning! It’s my nod to all the competitors, judges and volunteers that make the showing part of dressage so much fun! -Lisa Curry Mair