Blog Posts - Nebraska Dressage Association

Half Price Tickets to the Showcase Symposium

3/8/2019

Special ticket deal for a limited time!
Half Price Tickets to the Showcase Symposium at the International Omaha!

Symposium with George Morris and Katherine Bateson-ChandlerThe Dressage Foundation (TDF) is excited to be sponsoring the Showcase Symposium at the International Omaha this year. It will be held on Friday, April 5th and will feature George Morris and Katherine Bateson-Chandler working together to teach dressage and jumping riders. Here's a link for information.

To encourage lots of Region 4 friends to attend, The Dressage Foundation is offering NDA members a very special ticket price—HALF PRICE tickets to the Showcase! Use the Ticketmaster offer code TDFDS, but keep in mind this offer will only work until March 16th. So get your tickets today!

This is a very special price JUST for our local community in Region 4. Enjoy half price tickets and we'll see you in Omaha!

Show Information

Buy Your Tickets

You can now support NDA through Amazon!

2/24/2019

Nebraska Dressage Association is now a part of AmazonSmile! Just click here to set NDA as your charity of choice, and then start all your purchases from smile.amazon.com. Shop as usual, and Amazon will donate a portion of all your purchases to NDA. It's that easy!

What is AmazonSmile?

AmazonSmile is a website operated by Amazon that lets customers enjoy the same wide selection of products, low prices, and convenient shopping features as on Amazon.com. The difference is that when customers shop on AmazonSmile (smile.amazon.com), the AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the price of eligible purchases to the charitable organizations selected by customers.

There is no cost to NDA, and there is no cost to you!

All you have to do is to remember to start your shopping at smile.amazon.com (instead of amazon.com). THANK YOU!

International Dressage Rider Katherine Bateson-Chandler Joins the Dressage Foundation Showcase at 2019 Burlington Capital International Omaha

2/21/2019

Internationally known dressage rider and trainer, Katherine Bateson-Chandler will be joining forces with legendary show jumping trainer George H. Morris at the 2019 Burlington Capital International Omaha. “The Midwest’s Largest Horse Event” returns to the CHI Health Center arena in Omaha, Nebraska, April 4-7, 2019.

Bateson-Chandler and Morris will be part of the event’s educational “Showcase,” sponsored by The Dressage Foundation, a ticketed clinic that will be held on Friday, April 5 at 4:30 p.m. The pair will also give free demonstrations and mini clinics in the “Horse Discovery Zone” at other times during the four-day event.

“We are delighted that Katherine Bateson-Chandler will be part of our Showcase this year,” said Mike West, CEO of the Omaha Equestrian Foundation (OEF) which hosted the highly acclaimed 2017 FEI World Cup Finals in jumping and dressage. “Her dressage knowledge and years of experience, combined with Morris’s legendary horsemanship skills as the ‘Founding Father’ of hunt seat equitation, will help riders of all skill levels and also give equestrian enthusiasts a memorable experience that is not-to-be-missed!”

Lisa Roskens, founder and chairman of OEF, said the idea of bringing these two stars together is to help, “Build a bridge between the disciplines, to give each something to appreciate/understand from the other.” She said that the whole idea arose when dressage riders attending last year’s Showcase expressed how they were pleasantly surprised with Morris’s flatwork. She thought that the jumper riders could benefit from a greater understanding of dressage and that in turn, dressage riders could also benefit from the different perspective of jumpers.

Known for her accomplishments both in the U.S. and abroad, Bateson-Chandler was a member of the U.S. Dressage Team at the 2010 FEI World Equestrian Games™ which placed fourth overall. She has many small tour and FEI grand prix victories on her resume. She recently won the CDI3* Grand Prix Special and took second place in the both the FEI CDI5* Grand Prix and Grand Prix Freestyle with her top horse “Alcazar,” owned by Jane Forbes Clark, at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival in Wellington, Florida.

Born in Great Britain, Bateson-Chandler became an American citizen and is now based in Wellington. She currently trains with 2012 Olympic Gold Medalist Carl Hester of Great Britain when she’s in Europe and also competes there. At age 16, she started working as a groom for six-time Olympian Robert Dover at his New Jersey and Florida farms. She then worked as Dover’s assistant trainer, gaining a wealth of knowledge and experience, and was Dover’s “wing woman” at two World Championships and two Olympic Games. Bateson-Chandler took over the reins in 2005 when Dover retired from competition and began her own training business in 2008.

“We are so thrilled to have Katherine join us,” added West. “We really think that she is the perfect complement to George Morris and that everyone who attends the Showcase will come away as a better rider than they were before!”

Katherine Bateson-Chandler competing at the Festival of Champions (c) Taylor Pence/US Equestrian

Purchase Tickets to the Showcase

Upcoming Deadlines

February 28:
Kid's Art Contest: Children ages 8 - 12 are invited to create their best piece of "horsey" art work for the chance to win fabulous prizes

National Anthem Contest: The Omaha Equestrian Foundation is looking for talented high school soloists, duets, and choir groups to enter the Omaha Steaks National Anthem Contest for the opportunity to perform at the opening ceremonies of the International Omaha April 4-7, 2019. The winning act will receive a $1,000 prize.

March 15:
Ride with George Morris: To apply, simply send a 250-word essay telling us what it means to you to ride for the legendary George Morris.

Omaha Equestrian Foundation Grant: This grant will be awarded annually and shall be used to ward expenses for an educational, competitive or other developmental experience. The goal of this grant is to further the OEF mission of growing equestrian sport in our region through education.

Congratulations to our NDA Scholarship Winners!

7/10/2018

NDA is excited to announce the 2018 winners of the NDA Educational Scholarship Program:

JUNIOR / YOUNG RIDER
Rebecca Barry
"At the end of June, I have the opportunity to ride my horse, Wiley, in a clinic with George Williams. I'm very excited to get feedback from someone who has so much experience working with young riders. This clinic will push me towards my goal of competing at Second Level and, eventually, earning a Bronze Medal. I'm very thankful to have received this scholarship which will make riding in this clinic possible for me."

PROFESSIONAL
Bess Binfield
"I am overjoyed and thankful to be chosen as one of the 2018 Nebraska Dressage Association's Scholarship Recipients! I am grateful for the opportunity to be able to attend an amazing 4 day clinic at La Riata Ranch this July! I look forward to strengthening my partnership with my beloved horse Pfilario. Thank you NDA!"

ADULT AMATEUR
Lana Erickson
"Receiving the NDA Scholarship will allow Skye and I to take the next step in our partnership as well as help me assure we both have the tools to allow her to enjoy her work, making her a better teacher for the students who utilize her in their learning. We can't wait to work with Pete Rodda, and Sarah and Clayton Martin!"

Congratulations to all our deserving winners!

Looking for PM Delegate nominations!

2/27/2018

The United States Dressage Federation (parent organization of NDA) is looking for PM Delegate nominations for the 2018-2019 year.

What is a Participating Member (PM) delegate?

A PM delegate represents the interests of all USDF Participating Members within their respective region on the USDF Board of Governors (BOG). As a PM delegate, you will be asked to vote on governance issues at the BOG General Assembly held at the USDF Annual Convention (2018 Convention is in Salt Lake City, UT), as well as issues that may arise throughout the year. Communication is key if elected as a PM delegate. PM delegates should communicate with their Regional Director to stay informed on important regional and national issues, as well as with the Participating Members within their region whom they will be representing on the BOG

How do I nominate myself or someone else to run in the PM delegate election?

Nominations can be submitted to the USDF Nominating Committee liaison at nominations@usdf.org or by calling 859-271-7897. Receipt confirmation of the nomination will be provided. If confirmation of the nomination is not received within 24 hours, please follow-up or resend the nomination.
Nominations can also be submitted to your region’s Nominating Committee Representative, PJ Koehler by texting or leaving a voice message at 636-577-1449.

What is the deadline for PM delegate nominations?

All nominations for the PM delegate election must be received no later than April 15. Nominations will not be accepted after the April 15 deadline per the USDF Policies and Procedures.

When do the PM delegate elections take place?

Voting begins June 1 and ends at midnight on June 30 and winners will be announced by 8/1/2018.

What positions are open for Region 4 Participating Members interested in serving on the Board of Governors?

President
Treasurer
Region 4 Director

How and when do I nominate someone to run in the Board of Governors election?

Nominations can be submitted until 6/1/2018 using the same process outlined above for the PM delegate election. Nominations will also be accepted from the floor at the Board of Governors meeting.

Apply to Ride in the Dressage Showcase

12/5/2017

Ride with Gold Medalist Hubertus Schmidt

The International Omaha invites upper level dressage riders to apply for an opportunity to ride with German Olympic Gold medalist Hubertus Schmidt. The International Omaha will be held April 12-15, 2018 at the CenturyLink Center in Omaha and features both jumping and dressage competition. Presented by the Omaha Equestrian Foundation, which hosted last year’s highly acclaimed FEI World Cup Finals™ in jumping and dressage, the 2018 International Omaha features a new Dressage Team Challenge as well as the ticketed Dressage Showcase with Schmidt.

In the Dressage Showcase on Friday, April 13, riders at third level or above will ride in an hour and a half clinic-style format conducted by Schmidt before a live audience. Schmidt will work one-on-one with each rider for approximately 30 minutes. Applications are currently being accepted to ride in the Showcase from riders at third level or higher, who wish to participate at that level or on a young horse aged 5-6-7.

Applications are available at: https://www.internationalomaha.com/dressage-showcase-application

Those chosen to ride in the Dressage Showcase with Hubertus Schmidt will pay $2,000, which includes the opportunity to ride in the Showcase, a stall from April 12-15, two all-session VIP dressage tickets with daily access to the VIP Lounge and Patio with complimentary food and drink, and a one-room, three-night stay in the official International Omaha hotel, the Fairfield Inn.

Questions can be addressed to contactOEF@omahaequestrian.com

Application to ride

Welcome your 2018 NDA Board of Directors!

12/1/2017

Congratulations to our newly elected 2018 NDA Board members! Welcome new member Angie McClelland to the board, and welcome back returning board members Heidi Helmer, Gracia Huenefeld, and Miya Higgins.

Your 2018 NDA Board:

Jane Fucinaro—President
Heidi Helmer—Vice President
Margo Hamilton—Secretary
Kathy Hanford—Treasurer
Miya Higgins—Junior Representative
Gracia Huenefeld—Board member at large
Kathy Lewis—Board member at large
Angie McClelland—Board member at large
Judy Seward—Board member at large

The first meeting of the 2018 board will be January 8, 2018, at 7:30 pm, at Misty's Steakhouse (Havelock) in Lincoln, NE. All NDA members are welcome to attend.

We look forward to serving you!

Calling all riders!

6/14/2017

The next generation of judges in the Midwest needs your help!

NDA is hosting Session B of the USDF “L” Education Program July 8-9 at the Lancaster Event Center. The Instructor for this session is world-renowned five star judge, Janet Foy of Colorado. For demo riders, this is an incomparable opportunity to gain insight into their own test riding skills, while assisting future "L" judges in their educational process.

What being a demo rider entails:

For Session B, NDA needs 9 riders: 3 riders at Training Level, 3 Riders for First Level and 3 Riders at Second level. Session B of the L program will again emphasize gaits, but also movements. Demo Riders will demonstrate the entirety of one test, and in some cases, individual movements for the benefit of L program participants. Stalls will be provided by NDA at the Lancaster Event Center. We will be using Pavilion 3, where a full sized dressage arena will be set up.
Demonstration Riders ARE NOT expected to stay over night at the Lancaster Event Center and WILL have ample time to school their horses in the morning prior to the arrival of participants.
Training and first level work will be done on Saturday, and all of second level is to be done on Sunday. Riders wanting to participate as 2nd level riders should have their horses conditioned to ride two tests, and be very proficient in all the movements of 2nd level.

If you are interested in being a demo rider, please email Margo Hamilton at margoreham@gmail.com or call 402-450-8294 to confirm your availability for these days and specify which test or section you would like to ride. It is advisable to be sure you are quite proficient in your chosen test and all its movements as you may be asked to repeat certain movements a few times for the participants.

Adult Amateurs, Juniors and professionals are all welcome to participate. A range of breeds of horses with different strengths and weaknesses are also welcome. Riding helmet, boots and a well put together clinic outfit is the expected turnout for the all demo riders.

NDA will keep a list of “alternates” at each level in case of unforeseen circumstances which may prevent riders and horses from being able to participate at Session B. If you are an alternate, you will be notified of this status, please do keep your schedule clear to fill in as necessary.

The schedule for riders is:

Saturday, July 8

12:45-1:30
Rider 1: Training Level test 1, 2 and 3: demonstration of parts of the tests followed by discussion
1:30-2:00
Rider 2: Training Level test 2: demo of test and discussion
2:00-2:30
Rider 3: Training Level test 3: demo of test and discussion
2:45-3:30
Riders 4 & 5: First Level 1, 2 & 3: movements in tests and discussion
3:30-4:00
Rider 4: First Level test 1 demo of test and discussion
4:00-4:30
Rider 5: First Level test 2 demo of test and discussion
4:30-5:00
Rider 6: First Level test 3 demo of test and discussion

Sunday, July 9

12:45-1:30
Riders 7 & 8: Second level tests 1, 2 and 3: movements and discussion
1:30 -2:00
Rider 7: Second Level test 1: demo of test and discussion
2:00-2:30
Rider 8: Second Level test 2: demo of test and discussion
2:45-3:15
Rider 9: Second Level test 2: demo of test and discussion
3:15-3:45
Rider 9: Second Level test 3: demo of test and discussion
3:45-4:15
Rider 7: Second Level test 3: demo of test and discussion

I want to be a demo rider!

Get your 40th Anniversary Cornhusker Classic hoodie...

5/5/2017

...and support our NDA Juniors!

NDA Juniors are fundraising by offering an awesome piece of swag this year!

This full-zip hoodie sweatshirt is a special commemorative edition for the 40th Anniversary of our Cornhusker Classic! You can order it in either black or red. There is a small NDA logo on the left front chest, and a large imprint of our special 40th Anniversary Cornhusker Classic logo on the back.*

All proceeds from the sales of this garment will go toward fundraising for the NDA Juniors. Thank you for your support! After your purchase, hoodies will be distributed at the Cornhusker Classic on May 26–28, 2017. Get your order in by May 12!

*Please note, the back graphic will NOT be covered by the hood in the final product.

Order yours today on the NDA Juniors page of our website!

USDF's L Program is coming to Lincoln, Nebraska . . .

2/8/2017

. . . and we encourage you to participate (or at least audit)! Our area has a shortage of L judges and we know you would be great! Even if you don’t want to judge, everyone has raved about how helpful the L Program has been for their own riding and training.

Wondering what scores you will need if you do want to continue on to become an L judge?

USDF’s minimum score requirement to enter Part 2 is 3 scores from 3 USEF Licensed Dressage judges: 2 scores of 65%+ at the highest test of Second Level and 1 score of 62%+ at Third Level or above. Three scores of 62%+ at Third Level or above from 3 different judges or any combination of these requirements would also meet the requirements to enter Part 2.

Please consider getting involved and feel free to pass this information along to others you would recommend. If you have any questions, please call or e-mail Jennifer Rawlinson any time.

Dates and faculty are listed below and the L Program application (due March 1) is attached. It’s just a $100 deposit to save your spot!