By Susan Rizkalla Hamwey
“Meaningful progress happens when people choose to work together to achieve a common goal. Unity and inclusivity strengthen communities, and remind us of what can be achieved through cooperation and partnership.”
That belief became the foundation for a collaborative effort among the New England Dressage Association, New Hampshire Dressage & Eventing Association, State of Maine Dressage Association, and Connecticut Dressage Association. These Group Member Organizations (GMOs), all located in the northeast, came together to celebrate partnership not only between horse and rider, but across the broader equestrian community.
The concept began with a simple question: What if our organizations worked together to run a horse show in the spirit of unity? The response was encouraging. Organizations that normally operate independently began discussing how they could contribute to a shared effort. Support could be as big or as small as a GMO could muster through volunteers, marketing, administrative expertise, equipment, or awards and gifts. What emerged was more than a planning committee for a single event. A network of GMO leaders was formed, where these volunteers got to know one another, exchanged ideas, and strengthened connections.
Across this country, the strength of dressage depends largely on the dedication of volunteers at the local and national levels. While the United States Dressage Federation manages many vital administrative functions and rewarding opportunities for the dressage community, the GMOs are just as vital to the sport.
There is a tremendous amount of work happening behind the scenes, often carried by a small, dedicated group of volunteers who function as the true workhorses of their associations. These individuals juggle the demands of organizing competitions, educational programs, and community outreach, frequently with limited resources and time. As volunteers step back due to life changes, burnout, or retirement, GMOs can find themselves in a vulnerable state where more work is placed on fewer volunteers.
Furthermore, for smaller GMOs, particularly those in less densely populated areas, these demands can make hosting certain events increasingly difficult. Educational symposiums, major competitions, and specialized programs often depend on a larger audience and broader geographic support. By bringing organizations together, regions can consider opportunities that might have been out of reach.
The vision moving forward is simple but powerful: maintain a cooperative spirit. GMOs can contribute to and benefit from each other. Leaders can discover practical ways to save money and improve efficiency by sharing information, exchanging ideas, and learning together. Just as importantly, they can rediscover the value of connection, reminding us that unity and cooperation can strengthen not only our equestrian events, but our community as well.
