Southwest Virginia Dressage Association

 News and Announcements​

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• Get a workout in before that big Thanksgiving dinner with a fun event at Greenhill Park on Nov. 18.  VADA and RVPC have combined to host a cavaletti clinic with Tracey Smith-Oliver.  SWVADA members get a discount!  
   

• SWVADA hosted a Working Equitation Clinic with Holly Linz, a USA Working Equitation Recognized Coach, at Green Hill Park  on Sunday, October 22. See a clinic report here.
   

• We had a great turnout for the SWVADA/BREA Spring Horse Trials, CT and Dressage shows at Green Hill Park on April 23, June 4, and October 15. Thanks to everyone who came to show, and all the fabulous volunteers who made this show happen. See results for October 15, June 4, and April 23.
   

• SWVADA 2023 Points Standings through September 28 are now available. Please check your points status here and contact swvadapoints@gmail.com if you need to submit additional scores.
   

• Our August rider biomechanics clinic with Stacey Pattison was a huge success all the way around with 28 participants for Friday evening's interactive lecture and demonstration, followed by two intensive days of mounted sessions for riders from training level through PSG. Read clinic report here.

• To be eligible for year-end awards, you must be a SWVADA member in good standing. Current 2023 members are listed here.
   

• SWVADA welcomed the new year with a terrific Educational Sunday program on February 26 at Virginia Tech's Alphin-Stuart Arena in Blacksburg. The Q & L with judging panels and demo riders discussing the new 2023 training through fourth level tests was very informative, as were sessions on the stretchy trot and free walk, and grid work. 
   

• A huge thank you to all who attended, volunteered, and made this year’s Educational Sunday a success!  Special thanks to our volunteers, demo riders, as well as to our Guest Speakers.  
   

• 2023 dues are due! Here is the membership application.
   

• Huge thank-you's to Banixx, Kim Reid (Bemer), Blanket Safe, Coat Defense, Foxden Equine, and Southern States for their generous donations to SWVADA in 2022.
   

• Competitors will be using new 2023 Dressage Tests and 2023 FEI Dressage Tests next year. Use these links or check our Resources page.
   

• Jerry and Patty Brost have generously offered to fund an annual grant for SWVADA Junior and Young Riders. Click here to apply.
   

• SWVADA shows and clinics cannot happen without our volunteers. We provide lunch and are happy to work around your ride times if you are showing. No experience needed - on the job training cheerfully provided. Volunteer hours are required to qualify for year end awards. Please contact SWVADA volunteer coordinator Sarah Edwards if you can help out.

• Your 2023 SWVADA Membership renewal is due December 1. 
   

• The USDF Regional Schooling Show Award Program offers regional recognition to USDF Group Members competing in participating non-USEF-licensed/non-USDF-recognized competitions. More information is available here, and complete  program rules may be found on the USDF website.
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• If you'd like to receive monthly SWVADA eBlasts, which contain the most recently organization information as well as a list of upcoming events, please email SWVADANews@gmail.com.
   

• Green Hill Park Equestrian Center, one of the area's most popular facilities, is working on an arena improvement project. This facility's existence depends on membership fees, and support from area horsemen is essential to keep it open. Click here for information on the project and what YOU can do to help.​​​ 
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• SWVADA Board Meetings are held on the third Monday of every month. Please contact SWVADA President Laura Nelson if you'd like to attend. Minutes of previous meetings are available on our Resources page.​