Central Vermont Dressage Association

Central Vermont Dressage Association, Inc is a Vermont nonprofit organization promoting the art and sport of dressage by providing educational and competitive opportunities to enhance the understanding of and appreciation for the discipline of dressage. CVDA is also a Region 8 Group Member Organization (GMO) of the United States Dressage Federation. CVDA is comprised of about 180 members from all parts of Northern New England. CVDA is governed by a Board of Directors comprised of a President, Vice-president, Secretary, Treasurer and six Representatives. CVDA Bylaws are available upon request. Membership CVDA membership is open to anyone with an interest in dressage. Benefits of membership include: reduced rates at clinics and schooling shows, a group membership in the United States Dressage Federation, ability to compete for year end awards, borrow educational video tapes and more. Activities and Programs CVDA hosts three Schooling Shows each year offering classes from Walk/Trot up through the levels. There is a Novice division for those who have never competed above Training Level, as well as Junior, Senior and Open divisions. CVDA also holds Critique Days which are test riding clinic/lessons which will be held on the day before the Spring and Fall Schooling Shows. CVDA organizes and manages clinics and an Adult Camp with recognized instructors, providing members with the opportunity to receive dressage education from leading experts. The Kathy Mann Memorial Scholarship Clinic, held in August, will bring a nationally recognized clinician to the area for a two-day clinic. Year End Awards CVDA gives year end High Score Awards in all four divisions. To qualify, the rider must be a CVDA member and ride the same horse at the same level in at least two of the three CVDA sponsored shows. More information concerning High Score Awards is contained in the CVDA Omnibus. Year End Awards are also awarded to a volunteer who has demonstrated excellence and a member who has demonstrated the ideals of sportsmanship. Volunteering Running the large number of quality activities CVDA undertakes depends on many hours of volunteer time. There are many way which members can help to support these events. Volunteering is a wonderful way to meet people with similar interests, see some great dressage and have a lot of fun! Scholarships Members are eligible to apply for educational scholarships to increase their knowledge of dressage. Programs for which funding is requested must have a stated objective and must be for the purpose of advancing of the rider/official’s skills and knowledge. Applicants must also demonstrate a history of volunteering at CVDA events. Scholarship applications will be provided in the CVDA newsletter and are due each year by April 1st. Newsletter CVDA’s newsletter, The Half Halt, contains articles of general interest, a calendar of events, show results, member news and more. Members are encouraged to submit articles. The newsletter is available online and may be mailed to members by arrangement. . Video Tape Library CVDA owns a library of dressage oriented videotapes to supplement daily training. Members may borrow video tapes for a period of two weeks. Click here to see the list of available videos.