During this time of uncertainty, I hope you’re well at home and getting time to ride. While we are waiting for this crisis to pass, the GDCTA has partnered with our sponsor Competitor Tent and a panel of amazing judges to create the virtual charity series, “The Stay-at-Home Dressage Series benefiting the Equestrian Aid Foundation”. We hope you will join us in helping The Equestrian Aid Foundation and their Disaster Relief Fund as they aid equestrian professionals and industry service providers who are experiencing an unexpected financial crisis as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

On April 9th, USDF extended their show season hiatus through May 3rd and we will follow which means GDCTA will not be accepting scores from GDCTA-recognized schooling shows held through May 3rd. We may amend this as the situation changes. As a GDCTA member you are also a USDF Group Member with access to the USDF resources including their online educational programs. Take advantage of their programs at USDF.org.

We are certain the horse industry will bounce back from the impacts of the coronavirus as it has after trying times in the past. We will continue being a resource for you across our newsletters, our website, and our social media channels.

Please take care of yourself and follow directions of the government and your doctors. Together we will get back to normal soon or maybe a new normal. For now, stay healthy, ride as often as possible (horses are soothing to the soul, right?), and we will come through this. Remember that #EquestriansStandUnited, today and in the future.

Caren Caverly

President, GDCTA

ccaverly@comcast.net

770-713-4025

Competitor Tent, the app for competitive riders, and the GDCTA are teaming up with a panel of amazing judges to create the virtual charity series, “The Stay-at-Home Dressage Series benefiting the Equestrian Aid Foundation”. This series will allow riders to not only participate from home during this current pause in the competition calendar but will also make a difference in a time when many of us feel helpless to affect the current crisis. Competitor Tent and GDCTA hope to help riders continue to work toward their goals and participate in the sport safely during these difficult times.

Riders will register through Eqentries.com by the Monday before, then video their test and upload it from home by the Wednesday before each weekend. A small team of USDF and USEA judges will then judge the tests and scores will be made available through the Competitor Tent app which can be downloaded for free from the app store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/competitor-tent/id1466954851.

USDF tests offered will be Intro through Fourth Level, PSG, I 1 and 2, and GP. One USEA test at each level Amoeba through Advanced will also be offered. Intro, Amoeba and Tadpole tests will be judged by an L graduate or 'r' judge. Lendon Gray will be giving additional comments on all the Junior rides!

Scores will be available in the Competitor Tent app on Saturday for USDF (dressage) tests and Sunday for USEA (eventing) tests. Tests will also be scanned and emailed to all riders.

Entries do not have to be in a sand ring, but the riding area should be marked to measure official ring sizes of 20 meters x 60 meters or 20 meters x 40 meters, depending on the test, and should have appropriate ring letters. Show attire is not required.

We encourage riders participating in this show series to follow social distancing guidelines as suggested or required by local authorities. 

About the Equestrian Aid Foundation

The Equestrian Aid Foundation and their Disaster Relief Fund helps equestrian professionals and industry service providers who are experiencing an unexpected financial crisis as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

JUDGES

​Apr 25: Carter Bass, "S" (VA)

​May 2: Sandy Hotz, "S" (CO)

​May 9: Janet Foy, FEI O/5* (CO)

​May 16: Dolly Hannon, "S" (CO)

​All events: Lendon Gray will also be giving comments on all the Junior rides!

​Others TBA