Deep South Dressage and Combined Training Association

06/13/2026

A reminder to check states you are going to be traveling to or through for the latest restrictions.

Alabama is taking proactive steps to keep New World Screwworm (NWS) out of our state. In response to the recent detection in Texas and New Mexico, enhanced interstate movement requirements for warm-blooded animals, including equine, livestock and companion animals, are being put in place for animals entering Alabama from the infested states.

These measures are designed to protect animal health, strengthen biosecurity and safeguard Alabama agriculture. If you suspect an animal may have NWS, please call the State Veterinarian’s Office at 334-240-7253 or email [email protected].

For more information visit, agi.alabama.gov/nws

06/13/2026

06/13/2026

NWS UPDATE: Following additional detections of New World Screwworm (NWS) in Texas and New Mexico, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced today that the department will be further strengthening Florida's already aggressive efforts to prevent the reintroduction of the destructive pest into the state by implementing Emergency Rule, 5CER26-7.

Read more: https://tinyurl.com/84whcx43

06/12/2026

✨ MEMBER SPOTLIGHT ✨

This month we’re shining the spotlight on Evelyn Mitchell and her equine partners, Luna and HannaQuinn! 🐴💙

Evelyn first became involved in dressage and combined training when her horse Luna decided that jumping wasn’t exactly her favorite activity. That led Evelyn to explore dressage, and the rest is history!

Luna is a 17-year-old quirky mare with an incredible work ethic. According to Evelyn, Luna’s biggest strength is that she always tries her hardest, whether it’s at a show, clinic, or during everyday training.

Recently, Evelyn has begun an exciting new chapter with HannaQuinn, a 14-year-old Canadian Warmblood × Hanoverian and former eventer. Evelyn hopes HannaQuinn will help her work toward achieving her Bronze Medal goals.

When asked what she enjoys most about training and showing, Evelyn shared:

“Showing off all of the hard work my horse and I have put in.”

Her advice for fellow riders?

“Keep showing up, no matter how hard it gets.”

A few fun facts about Evelyn and her horses:

🐴 Luna is a 17-year-old mare with plenty of personality and a heart of gold

🏅 Current goal: Working toward a Bronze Medal with HannaQuinn

💙 Favorite dressage movement: Shoulder-in

🍬 Pre-ride ritual: Peppermints at the mounting block

🥨 Favorite horse show snack: Original Dots pretzels

🎄 A horse show memory she’ll never forget: Her very first DSDCTA Ugly Sweater Show

🎶 If Luna had a theme song: Barbie Girl

We love seeing Evelyn’s dedication to her horses and her commitment to continuing her dressage journey. Please join us in celebrating Evelyn, Luna, and HannaQuinn, and wish them the best as they pursue their next goals! 🌟🐎💙

06/12/2026

We are thrilled to welcome Reese Koffler-Stanfield as the newest member of our Board of Directors!

A lifelong horsewoman, Reese brings a wealth of experience and leadership to TDF through her extensive involvement in the dressage industry as an educator, competitor, volunteer, and advocate for the sport.

Reese said, “I am honored to be the newest member of The Dressage Foundation’s Board of Directors. As a dedicated rider and trainer, I have seen firsthand how many opportunities this organization provides to riders, trainers, and enthusiasts across the country. From supporting young riders as they take their first steps into competitive dressage, to offering grants that advance the careers of professional trainers, the Foundation plays an essential role in the growth and success of our equestrian community.”

Beth Baumert, TDF’s President, said, “Reese has been a TDF fan and supporter for many years so it feels natural and appropriate for her to become part of the leadership team. We welcome her ideas and her enthusiasm!”

Meet TDF's Board >> www.dressagefoundation.org/who_we_are/board_staff.html

06/11/2026

We asked you to share pics of your Matchy outfits with your equine partners and you did not disappoint!!

06/10/2026

REMINDER: Show us your work for the 2026 USDF Arts Contest! 📸🎨

We are seeking photography and artwork submissions for the following age categories:
🔹15 and under
🔹16 to 21
🔹Adult

Division winners will receive gift certificates to the USDF Online Store and have their artwork featured in the yearbook issue of USDF Connection, on the USDF website, and on YourDressage.org. On top of the division prize, the Grand Prize winner will have their artwork featured on the cover of the 2027 USDF Member Guide.

📆 Entry Deadline: July 1

To learn more and enter, visit the link below:
🔗 https://www.usdf.org/awards/other-awards/art.asp

📸 2025 USDF Arts Contest 15 & Under Second-Place Photo: “Best Friends” by Aubrey Welch

06/06/2026

🎉🐎 We are absolutely over the moon excited to announce that Deep South Dressage & Combined Training Association has been awarded a grant through The Dressage Foundation's Dreitzler International Clinician Fund to help support our upcoming dressage clinic with Erik Balasch!

Erik Balasch is an accomplished international dressage trainer, rider, and educator known for his thoughtful, horse-centered approach to training. Having trained and competed at the highest levels of the sport, Erik is passionate about helping riders develop correct fundamentals, improve communication with their horses, and achieve their goals through classical dressage principles.

We are incredibly grateful to The Dressage Foundation the Dreitzler International Clinician Fund Selection Committee, and the generous donors whose support makes opportunities like this possible. Through its many educational grants and programs, The Dressage Foundation continues to strengthen and promote dressage across the United States by helping riders, instructors, judges, and organizations access world-class educational experiences.

If you've ever benefited from a clinic, educational program, scholarship, or grant opportunity, please consider supporting The Dressage Foundation. Donations of any size help create opportunities for dressage enthusiasts across the country and ensure that educational programs continue to thrive for future generations.

Thank you to everyone who supports dressage education and helps make opportunities like this possible. We cannot wait to welcome Erik Balasch to the Escambia County Equestrian Center on November 14–15, 2026!

Send a message to learn more

06/06/2026

🎉 Exciting News! 🎉

🚨 as of 6.6.26 at 12:07pm the clinic is full and on a waitlist. If you would like to be added to the waitlist, please message Tashina 🚨

Deep South Dressage & Combined Training Association is thrilled to announce that we have been awarded a GMO Education Initiative Grant to support a clinic with dressage clinician Raul Roa Vadillo on July 4–5, 2026, at the Escambia County Equestrian Center!

🐴 This clinic is recognized by USDF University, and both riders and auditors will receive USDF University educational credits for participating.

⭐ Rider spots will be extremely limited and are expected to fill quickly. Raul's clinics are always popular, so if you're interested in riding, be sure to reserve your spot as soon as registration opens.

👀 Not riding? Come audit! Auditor attendance is FREE and is a fantastic opportunity to learn from a wonderful clinician while earning USDF University credits.

📍 Escambia County Equestrian Center
📅 July 4–5, 2026

Whether you're riding or auditing, this promises to be an outstanding weekend of education and horsemanship.

Send a message to learn more

06/05/2026

Are you planning on competing at a Great American Insurance Group/USDF Regional Championship outside your region of residence? Don't forget to submit a Change of Region form to USDF by the deadline to avoid late fees! ⏳

📆 Deadline: July 1

In addition, all persons living outside of the United States who intend to compete in a Regional Championship must submit a Change of Region form and applicable fee to USDF to declare a region.

Submit your form at the link below:
🔗 https://www.usdf.org/online-services/applications/rc-change-of-region.asp

Not sure what region you are in? Check on the Regional Championship Competitor’s page of the USDF website under "What’s My Region."