USDF Region 5

05/27/2026

From the Utah Dressage Society (John Mazzy)!

05/26/2026

We are thrilled to announce the new USDF/Dressage4Kids U-13 Regional Merit Awards!🎖️🎉

Presented at each of the nine Great American/USDF Regional Championships, this award will recognize the highest and second-highest placing juniors (aged 13 and under) in the Training and First Level Junior/Young Rider Championship class.

This award is made possible with support from Lendon Gray and Dressage4kids. "We want to support the efforts of our youngest competitors and are delighted to recognize the hard work that these kids, and their wonderful instructors and parents, have done to get to their regional championships. We know they’ll be role models for others who are working for similar goals," said Lendon.

Read the full press release at the link below:
🔗 https://www.usdf.org/press/news/view-news.asp?news=1096

📸 Elena Moffitt and Diano; 2025 Great American/USDF Region 1 First Level Junior/Young Rider Champion, Second Level Junior/Young Rider Champion, and USDF Dressage Seat Semi-Finals 13 and Under Champion; photo by Liz Crawley Photography

05/22/2026

Upcoming Grant Application Deadline📆

June 1: $5,000 George Williams Young Professional Fund

The George Williams Young Professional Fund supports dressage professionals, ages 25-35, who are committed to the sport and have established businesses as instructors and trainers. Up to two $5,000 grants are available.

For more information and to apply, visit https://bit.ly/3JB6amW

Photo of 2025 George Williams Fund recipient, Brittany Stanley. Photo by Bethany P Photography.

05/10/2026

This is very cool summary about the history of dressage!

The Roots of Dressage 🌳🌿

"When we watch dressage as spectators, we should be delighted with the beauty of harmony between horse and rider. The horse must enjoy his work for the rider to have joy. He is our heritage, and it is our privilege to let him carry us in our quest to preserve that which we have learned from the past as we journey into the future as partners."

In this original article, Kentucky-based dressage professional, historian, and US Equestrian ‘S’ dressage judge, Sue Kolstad, shares her presentation on the "History Tree of European Dressage," walking us through the eras of our sport that have landed us where we are today.

Check it out at the link below:
🔗 https://wp.me/padgUY-q4h

📸 Dressage judge and historian Sue Kolstad painted this History Tree of European Dressage, depicting the evolution of the sport. Artwork © Sue Kolstad. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

04/03/2026

Mark your calendars! David O’Connor is back for another FREE webinar, hosted by the Arizona Dressage Association and USDF Region 5!

Join us on June 8 to hear all about the USEF Stoplight Guidance framework and how it is intended to support and strengthen horse welfare in our sport.

You can register at https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_BcCMv1PcT8iRd9w7_46VNw #/registration

We hope to see you there!

03/13/2026

This going to be a fantastic event!

01/05/2026

Applications are now open for North American Youth Championships (NAYC). Please contact Joan Naden Clay if you have questions about this program!

It's January and time to start planning for NAYC! Applications are now open!

2026 Discover Dressage/FEI North American Youth Dressage Championship presented by USDF held during the
FEI North American Youth Championships
July 27 – August 2, 2026
Traverse City, MI

FMI: https://usdf.org/competitions/competitions-championships/najyrc/index.asp

12/29/2025

Learn To Create Safer Sport Environments 🤝

USDF and US Equestrian encourage our young athletes and their parents/guardians to participate in the free training courses offered by the U.S. Center for SafeSport.

🔸 Parent’s Guide to Misconduct in Sport: 30-minute training video on recognizing, responding to, and preventing abuse and misconduct in your child’s sport setting.

🔸 Athletes Aged 13-17: 15-minute course focused on bullying prevention, supporting friends who have experienced abuse or misconduct, and resources for reporting.

🔸 Athletes Aged 5-12: 15-minute course that helps minors know the difference between discipline and abuse and encourages them to reach out to a trusted adult when something is not right.

Visit the link to learn more and participate 👉 https://uscenterforsafesport.org/courses/

📸 2024 USDF Arts Contest - Second Place (Photography; Ages 16-21): "Buckle Up" by Tilley Dombroski

12/20/2025

📅 Plan Ahead for 2026 Grants! 📅

The Dressage Foundation’s 2026 Grant Calendar is now available! If you’re thinking about applying for a grant next year, now is the perfect time to start planning.

✨ Take a moment to note upcoming application deadlines
✨ Make a plan that works for you and your goals
✨ Give yourself plenty of time to prepare a strong application

Have questions or not sure which grant is the right fit? We’re happy to help, reach out anytime at [email protected] or at 402-434-8585.

🔗 Check out the 2026 Grant Calendar and start planning today: https://bit.ly/3L7zTI5

12/19/2025

ADA is thrilled to offer a free webinar with David O’Connor, USEF Chief of Sport, who will lead a timely discussion on one of the most pressing topics in modern equestrian sport: Social License to Operate.

As equestrians, we are all stakeholders in the future of our sport. “Social license” refers to the public’s acceptance of horse sports - an acceptance that must be continually earned. O’Connor challenges us to examine how our training, competition practices, and daily interactions with horses are perceived both within and outside the equestrian community.

This webinar is especially relevant for equestrian athletes, trainers, parents, volunteers, and anyone who cares deeply about the future of equestrian sport in the United States. Find more information and register at https://azdressage.org/social-license-to-operate-in-equestrian-sport-webinar/