Competition

You’ve decided to take the plunge and give showing a try. It’s normal to have show nerves, but the more prepared you are, the better you’ll handle the day.

This amateur was preparing to take a break from horses, until a Friesian cross stole her heart & landed them at one of the nation’s most prestigious shows!

This article received first place in the 2025 GMO Newsletter Awards for general interest articles for GMOs with 499+ members.

Read how a rider from Region 8 brought her Friesian Sporthorse mare all the way up the FEI levels after a half-decade-long career as a broodmare.

This adult amateur didn’t go looking for a Friesian, but just down the road was a tall, dark, and handsome gelding who was everything she hoped and more.

Grassroots dressage shows create accessible pathways into recognized competition, support young horses, develop riders, & build community.

Searching for a part-time show horse/part-time husband horse, this rider found a Friesian Sporthorse broodmare who was the perfect horse to fill both roles.

After unexpectedly falling in love with a Friesian cross mare at a trail horse auction, this adult amateur wishfully hoped she’d see her again - and she did!

This region 9 competitor needed another horse like she needed another vet bill, but that little mustang has set her on a dressage path she never expected!

By Amber Heintzberger: Meet three para-dressage athletes who may help shape the future of the sport. Reprinted from the September/October 2025 issue of USDF Connection