Dressage
Rarely in the world of sport are athletes called upon to muster the combination of strength and artistry demanded by dressage. Requiring the power and precision of gymnastics, and the grace and subtlety of ballet, dressage challenges mental preparation as well as physical prowess.
The word "dressage" is derived from a French term meaning training. The basic tenets of classical horsemanship were first recorded in a book by Greek general Xenophon around 400 B.C. and further developed at the royal courts of Europe in the 17th and 18th centuries.
While once an activity of royalty, today dressage has evolved into a discipline and competitive sport accessible to all horses and riders.
Want to learn more about dressage?
Please consider becoming a volunteer! No experience is required...we need your help!
Biosecurity Fact Sheet: Help Keep Our Horses Healthy!
Policy Updates from GMHA
Please note that for the 2013 season GMHA will be requiring a Certificate of Rabies Vaccination within 12 months for all horses entering the grounds. This is in addition to our existing policy requiring proof of negative Coggins test within 12 months for all horses. Both documents should accompany all entries to GMHA events and should travel with the horse to GMHA.
Know the Law, Be Prepared
Vermont Agency of Agriculture GMHA recommends that all riders and drivers review important information from the VAA regarding Vermont State Law on Horse Importation and all should consider obtaining an Exhibition Permit. GMHA has received word that the Vermont Agency of Agriculture will be increasing their enforcement efforts in 2013.
Entering a Show? Please Read!
We know that entering a recognized dressage show can be complicated! Please read the important information below to help you on your way. Feel free to contact us with any questions you may have!
Important USEF Rule Change! Effective March 1, 2011, for dressage: Anyone mounted on a horse must wear protective headgear except those riders age 18 and over while on horses that are competing only in FEI levels and tests at the Prix St. Georges level and above (including FEI Young Rider Tests, the USEF Developing Prix St. Georges Test and the USEF Brentina Cup Test). Click here for more details.
Please use www.eqverification.org to print out your membership cards.
A complete entry includes:
- A completed entry form with all signatures
- Payment
- Negative coggins within 12 months & proof of rabies vaccination (can be noted on your coggins)
- All horse, rider, and owner membership cards - Learn more about required documentation.
Please note: Incomplete entries will be charged the $20 fee as per the Omnibus listing!
June Dressage Show
(June 14-16, 2013)
A Green Mountain Dressage Championship Series Competition
See event details »USEF/USDF Recognized
A Green Mountain Dressage Championship Series Competition
A USDF Region 8 Championship Qualifying Competition.
Offering classes at the Introductory through Grand Prix levels. Three days of competition in four rings.
*** Confirmations will all be sent by email! All entries received as of 5-22-13 have been processed and confirmations sent. If you entered but did not receive a confirmation please check to make sure it didn't land in your junk mail- then email Karey if you still need a copy. Thanks!
Have you heard about GMHA's Footing System Upgrade Project? Consider making a donation with your entry to support this crucial effort: Footing Donation Form.
CVDA & NEDA members, your organization is offering a matching challenge- donate now and your donation will be doubled!
Omnibus Listing: Change: Barbara Ebner, "S", NJ will be replacing Brian Ross. Addition: Joan Fleser (NY) will be Technical Delegate.
High Horses Schooling Show (June 26, 2013)
To benefit High Horses Therapeutic Riding Program, Offering Dressage, Jumper classes, Equitation, pleasure classes, and fun & games!
See event details »To benefit High Horses Therapeutic Riding Program
Join us for a great day of equestrian competition and fun!
Offering Dressage, Jumper classes from 2'3" to 3'6", Equitation up to 2'9", pleasure classes, and fun & games!
Dressage Days
(July 19-21, 2013)
Qualifying Competition for Region 8 Championships.
See event details »USEF/USDF Recognized.
A Green Mountain Dressage Championship Series & USDF Region 8 Championship Qualifying Competition.
Offering Training Level through Grand Prix classes. Three days of competition in five rings.
Have you heard about GMHA's Footing System Upgrade Project? Consider making a donation with your entry to support this crucial effort: Footing Donation Form.
CVDA & NEDA members, your organization is offering a matching challenge- donate now and your donation will be doubled!
*** Opening Day Notice: The official opening day for Dressage Days is May 24. Due to a misprint in the omnibus, all entries with the postmark of 5/24, 5/25, and 5/28 will be treated as opening day entries.
Fall Dressage Show
(October 5-6, 2013)
Intro-Grand Prix level tests, Dressage Equitation, Para-Equestrian ToC
See event details »USEF/USDF Recognized
A Green Mountain Dressage Championship Series Competition & USDF Region 8 Championship Qualifying Competition.
Offering Intro through Grand Prix level tests, as well as Dressage Equitation and Para-Equestrian Test of Choice.
Onmibus Listing ** Addtional "S" Judge will be Sarah Geikie, CT
Green Mountain Dressage Championship
Year-end awards program for competitors in VT's USEF/USDF Dressage Shows
See event details »A year-end awards program for riders competing in Vermont's USEF/USDF Dressage Shows.
2012 Results
The Green Mountain Horse Association and Vermont Dressage Days are teaming up once again in 2013 to present an awards program for Vermont's dressage riders. The Green Mountain Dressage Championship, or GMDC, is a year end awards program for riders competing in Vermont’s USEF/USDF recognized dressage shows. The goal of the program is to promote dressage competition at all levels in the state of Vermont, and to provide riders with a season-long goal, attainable within the local area. GMDC shows for 2013 will be GMHA’s June Dressage Show (June 14-16), GMHA Dressage Days (July 19-21), Vermont Dressage Days (August 10-11), and GMHA’s Fall Dressage Show (October 5-6).
This exciting program will be open to any horse and rider combination participating in GMDC shows. Competitors must declare a horse and rider combination and level of competition, and pay a nominating fee in order to be eligible for the GMDC. Horse and rider combinations are only eligible at one level per season. Once declarations are filed, the rider is under no obligation to submit scores or tests, and there are no membership numbers or cards to keep track of! The program will be administered by the Green Mountain Horse Association in cooperation with Vermont Dressage Days.
Once a horse and rider combination has been declared, the high score from each competition will count towards the Green Mountain Dressage Championship. The best three out of four scores at the declared level of competition will be averaged to determine the winner of the GMDC. Riders are encouraged to participate in all four eligible shows, in which case the lowest of the four scores will be dropped. Ribbons and awards will be presented for 1st through 6th place at Training, First, Second, Third, Fourth, and the FEI levels (may be combined if entries warrant).
Learn more about this new program- download our forms below!
Want More Dressage?
The Central Vermont Dressage Association hosts several educational activities and schooling shows at GMHA throughout the season.
For more information, visit their website: www.cvda.org