Clinics
GVDS promotes continual-learning opportunities through its sponsored clinics and by helping to promote clinics put on by its members. These clinics offer a wide variety of opportunities be it through mounted lessons, lunging lessons, or dismounted body-work sessions. Throughout the year, you can find clinics that offer new perspectives and information that will help both you and your horse advance in your journey together.
GVDS-SPONSORED CLINICS
Aug
Drop In Dressage
11
Back by popular demand, is Drop In Dressage!
Now as a GVDS sponsored event, expect the same high quality instruction for both English and western riders, from Julie Burt and Megan Bretey, both “L” judges, but with a new enhancement this year! Members will have the option to add on a cavaletti or Prix Caprilli clinic, led by Jolene Perry, at some of the sessions. Riders can do one or both of the clinics. The two options must be entered separately.
As GVDS will offer Prix Caprilli classes (a low level dressage test with two jumps) at the schooling shows in 2026, what a perfect way to cross train your horse with either of these options.
All clinics will be held at the Mesa County Fairgrounds, some conveniently available on weekends.
Contact Judi Devore @ jdevore2000@yahoo.com for more information.
This is the link for signing up: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=38200909
Location: Mesa County Fair Grounds
Sep
Horse and Rider Adult Connection Camp
25-27
What can you expect from this camp?
Helping Your Horse Build Confidence and Self-Regulation
Teaching Balance and Connection
Becoming Your Horse’s Trainer
Camp Details: Throughout the camp, we will focus on becoming more connected with our horses using a variety of techniques, both on the ground and while riding.
Location: Barbara Progess’ farm 2036 M ¼ Rd in Fruita.
Oct
Ride With Your Mind Clinic! - GVDS Sponsored Event
16-18
Be the Best Rider You Can Be!
Instructor: Stephany Fish-Crossman - Certified Ride with Your Mind Instructor
Date: October 16-18, 2026
Sponsors: Grand Valley Dressage Society & The Alice Hoffner Memorial Education Fund
Location: Roy Yates Horse Training - 2033 J Rd. Fruita, CO
WHY ATTEND A CLINIC?
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Grow your dressage knowledge and skills- clinics are a fabulous opportunity to fill in gaps in your current riding and training practices.
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Test your horse in a new environment – Dressage clinics can be a great first step to showing. They provide an opportunity to get off-property and test your horse in an unfamiliar environment. This way you can test both your horse’s nerves and your own, before putting the time, effort, and energy—not to mention money— into attending a show.
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Network with other riders and trainers – attending a dressage clinic can be a way to meet new riders from all over the area. It can also be a great bonding experience if you go with another rider from your barn or training program!
From 14 Practical Tips to Elevate your Dressage Clinic Experience by Jane Banta
MEMBER-SPONSORED CLINICS
Aug
Sue Martin Clinic
28-29
Sue Martin, is a nationally-known and well-respected dressage instructor and rider,
having trained multiple horses through the FEI levels and to Grand Prix. Sue is an
experienced Grand Prix competitor, qualifying and competing 3 times at the National
Dressage Championships and Festival of Champions. She has been the instructor of
multiple top riders, and effectively communicates with riders at all levels and with
horses of all types.
This clinic is for riders wishing to work on specific training goals and each lesson is
tailored to the individual horse and rider combination.
Auditors can enjoy audience participation in training discussions.
Both western and traditional dressage riders, are welcome. Auditors participate for
free.