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• Liz Faso Memorial Volunteer of the Year

  • Start
    January 07, 2025
  • End
    December 31, 2025

  Register

  Sponsored by Bouckaert Farm! 

  
  

  In honor of Liz Faso's many years of service to GDCTA specifically as volunteer coordinator, this volunteer program will now be known as the Liz Faso Memorial Volunteer of the Year.

  
  

  1) $1000.00 to the person with the most hours volunteered at GDCTA events and participating shows (check the events calendar to find the events that will work for you!)

  2) $750.00 to person with the 2nd highest number of hours

  3) $500.00 to person with the 3rd highest number of hours

  4) $250.00 raffle consisting of every volunteer with 24 hrs volunteering

  
  

  This program will run from January 1 through December 31, and will be awarded at the Awards Gala. 

  
  

  Board members, paid positions and Chairs are not eligible.

  LEADERBOARD
  

  Volunteer!  Become a volunteer by registering through each event or contact Volunteer Coordinator:

  Alexis "Aly" Elliott

  ameforward@outlook.com

  305-748-0092

  
  

  ***

  DO YOU HOST GDCTA-RECOGNIZED SCHOOLING SHOWS?

  
  

  Dear GDCTA-recognized schooling show organizers:

  VOLUNTEER INCENTIVE PROGRAM

  The GDCTA is offering your GDCTA-member volunteers an opportunity to participate in the Liz Faso Memorial Volunteers of the Year Award sponsored by Bouckaert Farm volunteer incentive program by volunteering AT YOUR SHOWS.

  
  

  The GDCTA-member volunteer with the most hours volunteered will win $1000.00, the one with the 2nd most hours will win $750.00, and the 3rd most hours will win $500.00. The remaining volunteers with a minimum of 24 hours will be put into a raffle for $250.00.

  
  

  We are offering this incentive to your show volunteers (we will determine if they are current members) for a $25.00 opt-in fee. That fee covers all your shows in the calendar year. You can pay for that in the Store or here. Or let us know and we can invoice you.

  
  

  At the end of each show, you will send Caren Caverly (ccaverly@comcast.net) a spreadsheet including

  First name

  Last name

  Hours

  2025 Member

  Event

  NOTES

  
  

  for your volunteers names and total number of hours worked on an excel sheet. Under NOTES, please let us know if the volunteer is a family member working for their junior member and give the junior's name.

  GDCTA will promote your shows as participating in this program. If you are interested, let us know.

  
  

  ***

  GDCTA is a member-focused and member-run organization that depends on volunteers!  We encourage you to become involved in any of the many activities we offer.  Have a new idea?  Bring it to the board at a meeting.

  Share the excitement from inside the events: 

  • Meet international judges, competitors, and learn how the competitions work.

  • Scribing at a show is a great educational experience to help you improve as a rider! 

  • Help a Junior rider put a winning sash on her horse for the victory gallop! 

  • Participate as a ring steward in order to better understand our sport. 

  • If you’re a trainer, volunteer your time for a Kudzu Klinic. 

  
  

  
  

  
  

  Show details
• GDCTA Schooling Show Recognition

  • Start
    January 08, 2025
  • End
    January 07, 2026

  Register

  Organize your own GDCTA-Recognized Schooling Show 

  GDCTA Hold Harmless Waiver (or go to https://gdcta.org/Waiver)

  If you are planning to pay for multiple shows, use the "guest" option - add a guest for each show. The recognition fee is $35 per show.

  7-11-25 Leadership Update from GDCTA.org

  We’re excited to announce that Annmarie Stockinger is stepping into the role of Schooling Show Recognition Chairperson! Her passion, dedication, and fresh perspective will be a fantastic asset to our mission of uplifting local shows and celebrating our dressage community.

  Reach out to Annmarie at stockingeran@gmail.com Or give her a call at 609-668-3482

  At the same time, we extend a heartfelt thank-you to Carol Tresan for her outstanding service in this position. Her thoughtful leadership and commitment have helped shape our program—and we’re grateful she’ll continue serving on the GDCTA Board of Directors as our Corresponding Secretary.

  Please join us in welcoming Annmarie and celebrating Carol’s continuing contributions to GDCTA!

  
  

  *******

  Schooling Shows

  GDCTA recognizes USEF, USDF and/or USEA sanctioned (recognized) horse trials & shows toward year-end awards. 

  GDCTA-Recognized Schooling Show (non-USEF/USDF/USEA-sanctioned) competition results are accepted towards GDCTA year-end awards.

  Beginning in 2021, scores earned during GDCTA-hosted schooling shows will count twice toward GDCTA year-end awards! 

  GDCTA-Recognized Schooling Shows are listed below. Please confirm the shows you plan to attend show “GDCTA-Recognized” and not “Pending.” Your scores count only from GDCTA-Recognized shows. 

   Check with organizers for full details.

  ******

  VOLUNTEER INCENTIVE PROGRAM

  The GDCTA is offering your GDCTA-member volunteers an opportunity to participate in the Liz Faso Memorial Volunteers of the Year Award sponsored by Bouckaert Farm volunteer incentive program by volunteering AT YOUR SHOWS.

  The GDCTA-member volunteer with the most hours volunteered will win $1000.00, the one with the 2nd most hours will win $750.00, and the 3rd most hours will win $500.00. The remaining volunteers with a minimum of 24 hours will be put into a raffle for $250.00.

  We are offering this incentive to your show volunteers (we will determine if they are current members) for a $25.00 opt-in fee. That fee covers all your shows in the calendar year. You can pay for that in the Store or here. Or let us know and we can invoice you.

  
  

  At the end of each show, you will send Caren Caverly (ccaverly@comcast.net) a spreadsheet including

  First name

  Last name

  Hours

  2025 Member

  Event

  NOTES

  
  

  for your volunteers names and total number of hours worked on an excel sheet. Under NOTES, please let us know if the volunteer is a family member working for their junior member and give the junior's name.

  GDCTA will promote your shows as participating in this program. If you are interested, let us know.

  Alexis “Aly” Elliott

  GDCTA Volunteer Coordinator 

  305-748-0092

  ameforward@outlook.com

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  Show details
• Member Event Registration

  • Start
    January 14, 2025
  • End
    January 13, 2026

  Register

  Members,

  If you have an event and would like it on the GDCTA calendar, please "register" with details. There's no fee. 

  
  

  
  

  Show details
• Dressage4kids TEAM Clinic & Atlanta Youth Festival

  • Start
    September 05, 2025
  • End
    September 07, 2025
  • Location
    1996 Centennial Olympic Parkway, Conyers, GA

  Dressage4Kids TEAM Clinic and Atlanta Youth Festival. The competition - read a book and take a written test, ride one dressage test and one equitation class for overall winner!  It’s awesome and UNIQUE!!!

  Lendon Gray's Dressage4Kids TEAM (Training, Education and Mentoring) 2-day Clinic (Fri/Sat) and Atlanta Youth Festival. The Festival is a unique competition with a Saturday evening Kick-Off Dinner with Panel Discussion. Sunday's competition starts with a Written Test, One Dressage Test, and a group Equitation Class for an overall winner. Atlanta is proud to be the 3rd largest D4K Festival in the Country, after New York and Midwest!

  Prize List

  
  

  Reading List - Have You Got Your Books Yet? 

  The Required Reading for Festival is as follows:

  Required Reading : Show Info : D4K Festival : Dressage4Kids
  

   

  Please keep in mind that the FEI age rule applies, which means that as of 1st January, the rider is considered whatever age he/she will reach during that calendar year. For example, if the rider turns 14 anytime during the year 2025, the rider is considered to be 14 for the competition and should read the required reading materials for age 14.

  Contact: Liz Molloy  missliz@taramiaridingschool.com

  ***

  
  

  Also, volunteers are needed for all events. Register if you want to volunteer (and earn hours toward the Liz Faso Memorial Volunteer of the Year!) Sign up https://gdcta.wildapricot.org/Volunteer

  
  
  

  Tickets are nonrefundable and are not eligible for voluntary refunds. However, the value of your ticket may be eligible to be applied toward the price of a ticket for another clinic. Riders will receive a refund if a replacement is found.

  
  

  
  

  Show details
• Kudzu Klinic: Cavaletti work with Beth Stelzleni

  • When
    September 13, 2025
  •  
    8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
  • Location
    High Point Farm Academy 3551 Colham Ferry Rd, Wakinsville, GA

  Register

  NEW DATE

  
  

  limited to 10 riders
  

   

  Instructor: Beth Stelzleni

  Cavaletti work -  Cavaletti training offers a wide range of benefits for horses across all disciplines. By encouraging rhythm, balance, and coordination, cavaletti exercises help improve a horse’s topline, engage the hindquarters, and enhance overall body awareness. Whether you're training for dressage, eventing, or even trail riding, cavaletti work builds strength and suppleness without overloading the joints. It’s a versatile, low-impact way to develop fitness, focus, and flexibility—making it a valuable tool for every equine athlete.
  

  • Please note this is at the Academy not at the indoor on Saxon Rd. 
  • Please bring your own chair

  
  

  More about Beth

  Beth Stelzleni is a seasoned riding clinician who has successfully competed through the upper levels of both dressage and eventing. With a particular passion for off-the-track Thoroughbreds and green horses, Beth brings a patient, thoughtful approach to training. In 2023, she placed 3rd out of more than 80 horses at the Thoroughbred Makeover in Kentucky, a testament to her ability to bring out the best in young and developing horses. She has had the privilege of learning from respected masters in eventing, dressage, and natural horsemanship, and draws from this diverse background to offer a program focused on slowly and correctly developing the horse and rider—mentally, physically, and emotionally. Her students have gone on to compete successfully at the FEI levels in eventing and earn their medals in dressage, reflecting her commitment to solid foundations and long-term growth. 

  
  

  Tickets are nonrefundable and are not eligible for voluntary refunds. However, the value of your ticket may be eligible to be applied toward the price of a ticket for another clinic. Riders will receive a refund if a replacement is found.

  
  

  Thanks,

  Danielle Perry

  GDCTA Kudzu Klinic Chair

  404-219-1266 / danielle.perry@siemens.com
  

  
  

  Show details
• GAIG/USDF Region 3 Dressage Championships & AFND

  • Start
    October 03, 2025
  •  
    8:00 AM
  • End
    October 05, 2025
  •  
    5:00 PM
  • Location
    Georgia International Horse Park
  • Registered
    33 registrants

  Register

  GAIG/USDF Region 3 Dressage Championships & Atlanta Fall National Dressage

  Licensed by the United States Equestrian Federation, Inc.

  
  

  The Stage Is Set for Excellence

  This is the premier dressage event of the year—a showcase of top horse-and-rider combinations competing for regional glory.

  
  

  If you love dressage, this is your moment—whether you’re a competitor, spectator, sponsor, or vendor.

  
  

  For Competitors: Earn Your Spot!

  Great American/USDF Regional Dressage Championships celebrate the best in our sport.
  To qualify, horse/rider combinations need:
  ✅ Two qualifying scores at two different USEF-licensed/USDF-recognized shows
  ✅ Scores from two different judges

  ✅ Learn More

  
  

  ✅ Prize List

  ✅ Enter Now: HORSESHOWOFFICE.com
  Closing Date: September 8, 2025

  
  

  Spectator Highlights: Don’t Just Watch—Experience It

  • Thursday: Wine & Cheese Social (sponsored by Triple Crown Feed)
  • Friday: Twilight Vendor Walk
  • Saturday: Dinner Buffet + Entertainment
    Art Show & Sale: One-of-a-kind pieces in the Legacy Room
    Dance in the Ring: After-dinner DJ keeps the fun going!

  
  

  Vendors & Sponsors: Be Where the Riders Are

  If you have a product or service riders need, this is your event. (Accepted through Sept 25)

  • Showcase to a high-value audience
  • Sponsor a class or division
  • Advertise in the event program (PDF)
  •  Sponsorship Packet / Downloadable (PDF)
  •  Vendor Application

  Contact: Alexis Elliott | ameforward@outlook.com | 305-748-0092

  
  

  Volunteers Make It Happen

  Join the team and earn credit toward the Liz Faso Memorial Volunteer of the Year Awards (sponsored by Bouckaert Farm)!
  

  • $1,000 top prize for most volunteer hours
  • Plus other awards & raffle entries
  •  Volunteers should register for the number of days they would like to participate through this event link.
  • Volunteer Coordinator: Alexis Elliott 

  
  

  Event Services

  • Photography: High Time Photography (hightimephotos.com) hightimephotography@gmail.com, John Snyder - 336-671-4446
  • Videography: Richard’s Equine Videography richardsequinevideo@gmail.com 404-308-8713

  ✨ Braiders:

  • Tonya Scruggs braidbandtails@gmail.com 678-588-4280
  • Ashley Ivany ashleyaivany@gmail.com (336)209-4594
  • Jeanne Abbott braidsbyjeanne@gmail.com 352-266-7994

  
  

  
  

  For GDCTA members - scores from the Atlanta Fall National Dressage show count twice toward 2026 year-end awards! Championship class scores do not count.

  *********

  Refunds:

  Before closing date, fees will be refunded less the office fee. After closing date, all fees are unconditionally nonrefundable, regardless of circumstances, including inclement weather. No exceptions. Returned check & refused Credit Card policy: Void entry and incur a $35 charge. Entry will be wait listed until credit card clears, money order, certified check or cash is received. Do not mail cash.

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  Show details
• USDF L Program (A: Nov 8-9, B: Dec 20-21, C: Jan 24-25)

  • Start
    November 08, 2025
  •  
    8:00 AM
  • End
    January 25, 2026
  •  
    5:00 PM
  • Location
    Georgia International Horse Park 1996 Centennial Olympic Parkway, Conyers, GA

  Register

  Developed by the USDF Judges’ Committee, this educational training program teaches judge evaluate the correct training of dressage horses.

  APPLICATION (Participants must apply and mail in a check - Auditors are invited but will not be able to ask questions hence "silent auditor" in the registration.) Please email your competed app to Marian Bickers mcbjumper@gmail.com.

  
  

  GDCTA members: $750 for participants and $75 for Auditors 

  Non-GDCTA members: $825 for participants and $85 for Auditors

  ***

  The L Education Program is designed with several goals in mind:

  1. Provide trainers, instructors, competitors and spectators' insight into the evaluative techniques of judging dressage.
  2. Prepare and evaluate candidates who wish to pursue entry into the USEF 'r' Judge Training Program.
  3. Provide continuing education for licensed judges and L graduates.

  This educational training program features selected faculty of experienced, United States Equestrian Federation recognized “S” judges.

  The Program is divided into two parts; each part is made up of three sessions:

  Part 1- “A Judge’s Perspective” is open to all USDF Members; this is the educational foundation of the program.
  

  • Part A November 8-9 Joan Darnell - is an introduction to judging and biomechanics. View Video -     Nov 8th classes will be held at the Spring Hill Suites in Conyers; Nov 9 and all subsequent days will be held at the Georgia International Horse Park.
  • Part B December 20-21 Kathy Rowse - is about judging criteria for gaits & paces, movements & figures. View Video
  • Part C Jan 24-25 Lisa Schmidt - is about collective marks, equitation, rider biomechanics and basics.

  MORE details from USDF: https://www.usdf.org/education/judge-training/lprogram/index.asp

  
  

  ***

  Demonstration Riders - dates to be announced

  There is no demonstration riding cost for test riders. There is no haul-in fee. If you want a day stall (arrive Saturday; depart Sunday -has 2 bags of shavings) there is a $45 fee payable to GDCTA.

  
  

  Note - If demonstration riders plan to audit any part of that weekend’s session, they must pay for an auditor spot.

  
  

  Each of the Sundays we will need demo riders. 

  Riders should all plan on being warmed up at the start time.

  SUNDAY 

  7:30 to 8:00 Sign In 

  8:00 to 11:00 Continue lecture on Basics 

  11:00 to 12:00 LUNCH

  12:00 to 12:45 Training Level - three riders in a group to walk and trot together and to canter separately 

  12:45 to 1:30 First Level 

  1:30 to 2:15 Second Level

   2:15 to 2:45 wrap up

  
  

  Contact Marian Bickers mcbjumper@gmail.com for dates and details.

  
  

  ***

  
  

  ACCOMODATIONS: Book reservations early.

  • La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham, Conyers 770-918-0092 (Host Hotel)
  • Hampton Inn, Conyers 770-483-8838
  • Comfort Inn, Conyers 770-760-0300
  • Holiday Inn Express, Conyers 678-964-2400
  • Hawthorn Suites, Conyers 770-761-9155 

  ***

  Refund policy:

  For Participates: Participates who cancel after confirming their participation and sending payment to attend the L Program will receive a refund, minus a $25 processing fee, only in the event a replacement rider can be found by GDCTA. Participates who must cancel due to medical reasons may receive a refund if GDCTA is properly notified in writing, via mail or e-mail, including physician statement. If no replacement is available, the Participate will not receive a refund. 

  
  

  Auditor tickets are nonrefundable and are not eligible for voluntary refunds.

  
  

  
  

  
  

  Show details
• De-Spooking with Ed Dabney

  • When
    November 15, 2025
  • Location
    Noble Steeds 3452 Arbor Hill Rd, Canton, GA

  Register

  We are excited to welcome back Ed Dabney! 

  In this clinic we will help your horse become brave and confident. All of the despooking work will be done in a gradual way without overwhelming your horse in order to build his confidence and trust in you as his leader. We will start the clinic from the ground. The horses that are progressing well on the ground will be able to move on to mounted despooking.

  The methods and items used in this clinic will be very similar to the way Ed trains horses for mounted police work and television / movie work.

  We will progress through numerous short sessions of despooking gradually working up to scarier items as the horses are able to accept them - a towel, small plastic bag, larger plastic bag or feed bag, rain coat, bag of cans, tarp, flag, aluminum foil, plastic jug with rocks, an umbrella, cymbals, drums, flares, fireworks and possibly gunfire blanks.

  Despooking done incorrectly can be counter-productive and actually result in teaching your horse to be afraid and flee rather than be confident, relaxed and calmly accepting scary things.

  The goal in all despooking is that you never frighten your horse to the point that his feet move. Your job is to build his courage and to increase his trust in you, not to make him afraid. This means you must proceed slowly (not sneaky but casual) and with lots of retreat when he is calmly accepting. You should pay close attention and be able to read the horse’s body language and energy.

  If your horse is handling everything well, we may progress to working on the same techniques while mounted.

  By the end of the clinic you will have developed a much more trusting relationship and partnership with your horse. He should then be bravely accepting many items and extreme sensory input from which he may have been previously frightened. This will result in safer, more productive and pleasant riding.

  Ed Dabney has many years of experience in helping horses become more courageous and confident in high stress circumstances through his extensive work with mounted police and military units in the US and Europe.

  • $60 Grounds Fee for no stall
  • $75 For a stall (overnight 1 night is fine but also for a day stall Saturday)
  • $265 per person to participate
  • $35 for Auditors

  
  

  Maximum of 10 participants

  About Ed Dabney - https://www.eddabney.com/background.htm

  
  

  

  Show details
• USDF L Program Session B - Auditing

  • Start
    December 20, 2025
  •  
    8:00 AM
  • End
    December 21, 2025
  •  
    5:00 PM
  • Location
    Georgia International Horse Park 1996 centennial Olympic Parkway, Conyers, GA

  Register

  Developed by the USDF Judges’ Committee, this educational training program teaches judge evaluate the correct training of dressage horses.

  GDCTA members: $75 for Silent Auditors 

  Non-GDCTA: $85 for Silent Auditors

  ***

  The L Education Program is designed with several goals in mind:

  1. Provide trainers, instructors, competitors and spectators' insight into the evaluative techniques of judging dressage.
  2. Prepare and evaluate candidates who wish to pursue entry into the USEF 'r' Judge Training Program.
  3. Provide continuing education for licensed judges and L graduates.

  This educational training program features selected faculty of experienced, United States Equestrian Federation recognized “S” judges.

  The Program is divided into two parts; each part is made up of three sessions:

  Part 1- “A Judge’s Perspective” is open to all USDF Members; this is the educational foundation of the program.
  

  • Part A November 8-9 Joan Darnell - is an introduction to judging and biomechanics. View Video
  • Part B December 20-21 Kathy Rowse - is about judging criteria for gaits & paces, movements & figures. View Video
  • Part C Jan 24-25 Lisa Schmidt - is about collective marks, equitation, rider biomechanics and basics.

  MORE details from USDF: https://www.usdf.org/education/judge-training/lprogram/index.asp

  
  

  ***

  Demonstration Riders

  There is no demonstration riding cost for test riders. There is a stabling fee at the Horse Park but you can choose to haul in and use your trailer Note - If demonstration riders plan to audit any part of that weekend’s session, they must pay for an auditor spot.

  
  

  Contact Marian Bickers mcbjumper@gmail.com for details.

  
  

  ***

  
  

  
  

  ***

  Refund policy:

  Auditor tickets are nonrefundable and are not eligible for voluntary refunds.

  
  

  
  

  
  

  Show details
• USDF L Program Session C - Auditing

  • Start
    January 24, 2026
  •  
    8:00 AM
  • End
    January 25, 2026
  •  
    5:00 PM
  • Location
    Georgia International Horse Park 1996 Centennial Olympic Parkway , Conyers, GA

  Register

  Developed by the USDF Judges’ Committee, this educational training program teaches judge evaluate the correct training of dressage horses.

  If you bought your tickets for this weekend on the other page, you are set! 

  GDCTA members: $75 for Silent Auditors 

  Non-GDCTA: $85 for Silent Auditors

  ***

  The L Education Program is designed with several goals in mind:

  1. Provide trainers, instructors, competitors and spectators' insight into the evaluative techniques of judging dressage.
  2. Prepare and evaluate candidates who wish to pursue entry into the USEF 'r' Judge Training Program.
  3. Provide continuing education for licensed judges and L graduates.

  This educational training program features selected faculty of experienced, United States Equestrian Federation recognized “S” judges.

  The Program is divided into two parts; each part is made up of three sessions:

  Part 1- “A Judge’s Perspective” is open to all USDF Members; this is the educational foundation of the program.
  

  • Part A November 8-9 Joan Darnell - is an introduction to judging and biomechanics. View Video
  • Part B December 20-21 Kathy Rowse - is about judging criteria for gaits & paces, movements & figures. View Video
  • Part C Jan 24-25 Lisa Schmidt - is about collective marks, equitation, rider biomechanics and basics.

  MORE details from USDF: https://www.usdf.org/education/judge-training/lprogram/index.asp

  
  

  ***

  Demonstration Riders

  There is no demonstration riding cost for test riders. There is a stabling fee at the Horse Park but you can choose to haul in and use your trailer Note - If demonstration riders plan to audit any part of that weekend’s session, they must pay for an auditor spot.

  
  

  Contact Marian Bickers mcbjumper@gmail.com for details.

  
  

  ***

  Refund policy:

  Auditor tickets are nonrefundable and are not eligible for voluntary refunds.

  
  

  
  

  
  

  Show details