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
Feb
Drop In Dressage
7
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
Feb
Scribing for Dressage 101
21
Have you always wanted to scribe for a judge?
But you want to learn how, first, and get some practice before an scribing at an actual show? Then this class is foryou!
In the classroom, Megan Bretey will teach you all the basic rules, plus tips and tricks to become a successful
scribe.
Following the class, on March 7, with Megan Bretey as your teacher and practice judge, you will get an
opportunity practice scribing during the Vision in Motion schooling show at Mesa County Fairgrounds..
Instructor for this program: Megan Bretey completed the L program and has judged several shows.
She is a successful local trainers and dressage competitor.
Some things we will cover:
• All scribing responsibilities
• What, where and when to write
• What to do if you make a mistake (and when to correct it!)
• What to say and not say
• Plus practice scribing dressage tests and freestyles
• Tips for making scribing successful
Location: Spyglass Community Center
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
Feb
1
Massage Techniques for the Layman - With Krista Nobilo
Learn how to assess your horse for muscle soreness that may lead to poor performance!
Learn basic techniques you can do to help your horse!
Date: Sunday, February 1, 2026. 1-4 PM
Clinician: Krista Nobilo, Equine Performance Massage.
Krista has 10 years of equine massage therapy, with services for therapeutic massage, laser therapy, craniosacral therapy, and K-tape. Krista is also a champion fourth level dressage rider. She provides her
services to many satisfied clients on the Western Slope. Location: Roy Yates Horse Training, 2033 J Rd. Fruita, Colorado
Cost: Participant-$25 for you and an assistant (horse holder). If you don’t have an assistant, we will provide
one for you. Please indicate on your registration form if you need one.
What you will learn: This is a great opportunity to get hands on experience with techniques for ehabilitation and body maintenance for your equine companion. Sessions are one-hour; three horses/
session.
Participant: $25 for you and an assistant (horse holder). If you don’t have an assistant, we will provide one for you. Please indicate on your registration form if you need one.
Auditor: $5. Please bring a chair Reservation
Payment: All payments must be received by January 24th to reserve your spot. Email reservation request to jdevore2000@mac.com
By Check: Check payable to GVDS and mailed to Judi DeVore 353 Dakota Circle Grand Junction, CO 81507. Please email Judi to notify that the check is in the mail: jdevore2000@mac.com
By Venmo: @gvds1
By PayPal: info@gvds.org (Please add $5 to total to cover PayPal costs)
PLEASE EMAIL OR MAIL THE SIGNED REGISTRATION AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY FORM TO:
Mail: Judi DeVore 353 Dakota Circle Grand Junction, CO 81507
Email: jdevore2000@mac.com
Location: Roy Yates Horse Training, 2033 J Rd. Fruita, Colorado
Feb
27-28
Sue Martin Clinic
Sue Martin will be back in February to kick off the clinic schedule for the year.
Location: Roy Yates Arena
Mar
7
Vision in Motion Dressage Show Series 2026
These is a member sponsord event!
Show arena covered, warm-up outdoor
Show Dates: March 7, June 24, Sept. 5, Nov 21.
Opening Date: 4 weeks before show date. Closing Date: One Week before show date.
Judge: Saturday, March 7: Julie Burt
Wednesday, June 24: Megan Bretey
Saturday, September 5: TBD
Saturday, November 21: TBD
Secretary/Manager: Darby Savoca 970-314-1454 darbysavoca@gmail.com