Submitted by Kristin Kupke: I did three day eventing in high school but stopped when I went to college. I always felt a longing for horses and after having my baby wanted to try it and see if it held the same magic. I tried hunters with two trainers and gave up for a while- the time away from my family had to be “worth it” and it just wasn’t. But I kept feeling the pull and tried again. I literally searched “dressage” into Google Maps and found my incredible current barn and trainer. It’s been 3 years now and I have a full time lease horse and did my first show in December. Dressage is so magical- always working on myself, always being fully present, it’s something that’s just for me ✨
Adult amateurs, it’s your time to shine! We are featuring all things adult amateur throughout the month of April.
We recently asked our social media followers to share a photo of themselves and tell us a little about their journey for a chance to be featured in an upcoming gallery on YourDressage, and received an overwhelming response!
Did you know… dressage riders who are designated as an adult amateur with USEF are eligible for amateur exclusive year-end awards, including Master’s Challenge, Vintage Cup, Adequan®/USDF Adult Amateur Awards, All-Breeds Awards, and more!
R6 adult ammy with a full time job in healthcare administration(hybrid remote/in person), professional groom, and have a successful side hustle (Braids & Body Clips PNW) to help offset horse bills. Owner/rider of the infamously opinionated FEI super pony Belle Amie Maserati, who has his own instagram page + fan club. “Mozzie” has scores into the 70’s through PSG – he will likely show his first I1 later this year with our trainer, after we hopefully earn our final score towards my silver. I hope there are more opportunities from our US equine governing bodies for dressage ponies with adult riders in the future! 📸: Ella Chedester Photography – Hannah S.Healthcare worker by day, adult amateur by night! Spent many years in the eventing world and made the switch to dressage a few years ago and it has been so rewarding ❤️ love to compete but having fun #adultammylife; Photo by Bethany P Photography – Lily K.Getting back into the saddle after some time off, retiring my 24 year old Ottb from competition. Riding my friends Ottb teaching him the ropes of Dressage! Taking my certification for CMA,working full time and getting back into the show ring. Thankful for the friends and support I have for letting me ride their sweet horses:) – Taylor S.BDF Top Dun and I came back from a long hiatus in the ring to show PSG this past weekend. Got a qualifying score, our silver medal, two blues and adult amateur PsG champion. We have ‘grown up’ through the levels of USDF together as I have owned him since he was a weanling. – Danielle C.Adult Ammy balancing finishing veterinary school and learning the art of dressage. Probably no shows to come for my foreseeable future but I love learning and hope to keep up with dressage as I start my journey as a baby doctor. Picture of my partner in crime Miss Mala 🦄 – Megan R.My American Warmblood mare Khaleesi (Mischief Managed). I’ve had her since she was born. We have completed in low level dressage and eventing. She does it all. Toss her on the trailer and run XCountry or just go on a trailride. She shines in the dressage ring and loves her job. 🖤 – Jamie R.I recently semi retired my FEI mare, who I bought as a young horse, so she can help another Ammy earn scores for her bronze and build confidence. I bought a young mare to bring up the levels. Our big goal over the next few years will be earning medals of distinction. – Kate L.I’m having the absolute time of my life learning about Dressage with my new partner ChancesR. Debbie Rodriguez and my whole “team” at Uphill Dressage, Pittsburgh PA are making my life more complete! – Elaine S.Disabled veteran with a spinal fusion and cerebral palsy + a 26-year old Appendix with navicular = a match made in heaven. When I first met him, he could not trot around a small arena even once. We’re competing locally at First and playing with elements of Second and Third. More importantly, we are madly in love! ❤️🐴
This is a glamour shot. We always wear a helmet. Safety first! – Kitka F.DIY Ammy here who shows completely on her own with two western dressage horses I’ve trained all on my own (coaching along the way through lessons).
I work full time. I’m up way before the sun, and finally get in the house way after the sun. I work hard as a non pro, and I have a wonderful pair of mares that help us make the dream come true. – Nicole A.I’m an AA that had dreams to ride for Peru. I was honored to be a team member for the 2025 Bolivarian Games with my Hanoverian, Remarkable. I made the long trek down to Peru with my horse and my brother, Carlos Malpartida, who helped me throughout the Games. It was truly an experience of a lifetime!
My next goal will be the Pan American Games! – Christine M.One Horse, One Dream….From Training Level to Intermediate I — what a journey it has been. As an adult amateur, there is something incredibly special about growing alongside your horse, and that’s exactly what Fritz and I have done. Together, we’ve worked our way up the levels step by step, earning our Bronze and Silver medals, as well as our Bronze and Silver Freestyle Bars along the way. This journey hasn’t always been easy — it’s taken commitment, consistency, dedication, and determination — but every ride, every lesson, and every competition has been worth it. The partnership we’ve built means everything to me. Our story is still being written. Next stops: Intermediate II and the Grand Prix, with goals of earning our Gold Medal, Gold Freestyle Bar, and ultimately the Diamond Achievement Award. – Debbie D.After 38 years of training, thousands of lessons, thousands of hours in the gym ( literally) 2026 was our year, I finally achieved my long term goal earning The Diamond Achievement Recognition. 💎💎💎💎💎💎💎💎💎💎💎💎💎💎💎💎 – Denise S.I am an Animal science professor who regained a love for dressage at the end of graduate school with my draft cross, Chilly. I am working towards a Bronze medal while also trying to expand equine science education through my work teaching and through my research in animal welfare and performance (both canine and equine). I just moved to Southern California for my position and am really looking forward to forming more connections in the dressage community here. – Dakota D.Day job in healthcare, lifelong equestrian. Third generation horsewoman 🩷🩸My haflinger Sherman and I have done some incredible work together. I love getting him out and promoting the breed and that dressage is for any horse. – Jessica D.I’m a nurse specializing in health information technology safety and informatics, with high hopes for a great future with my new dance partner, L’Espoir de Mystique, imported last fall from the Netherlands. She’s teaching me all the skills – most importantly that at 63 it’s absolutely fine to have big dreams and matching colors. – Trisha F.I had to retire my 21 yr old Arabian that I showed to Grand Prix last year and now relearning how to ride a baby. This is my 5 yr old Shagya cross that I raised from a foal. – Kayla S.Adult amateur excited to have achieved my USDF gold medal on my OTTB’s. I co-founded a therapeutic riding center 21 years and work as the Program Director. My current mare has been the top OTTB at Grand Prix for the last 2 years. Looking forward to debuting a Freestyle this year. Tara Jelenic photot – Jenny S.Vintage adult amateur that earned her bronze on her mare brought up through the levels for the first time ever! we both started at training level in 2019 and got our bronze medal in 2023, she’s the best Trakehner mare ever! – Bonnie P.Two weeks after my small horse was absolutely wonderful at Pony Cup, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. It’s been a long year and half of treatments that ended in December. I am slowing getting my strength and energy back to start back riding. My goal is to someday go back down centerline! 💕 – Earlena H.
