GVDS Bits of News

Looking for a way to better understand how your position, aids and movements impact your horse and its performance and reaction to you? Then join us this weekend at Roy Yates Horse Training in Fruita for a very educational clinic on biomechanics. Stephany Fish-Crossman, a certified Mary Wanless Ride With Your Mind instructor, will guide English and western dressage riders and beginner through FEI level riders through mounted and unmounted instructions and exercises. Green horses and experienced show horses also participating with a variety of breeds represented.

Plenty of audit space available. $5/day for RMDS/GVDS members and $10/day for non-members. Lunch and snacks are included. Bring your own chair.

Schedule information is on this page:  https://www.gvds.org/rwym-clinic

• September 16-20, WDAA World Championship Show: Guthrie, OK. Link to the
  Live Stream at the end of this enews.

• September 17-21: RMDS Championships and USDF Region 5 Championships:
  Parker, CO. Link to scoring on Horse Show Office at the end of this enews.

• September 26-28: Ride With Your Mind clinic with Stephany Fish Crossman (riding
  and audit spaces still available - see the link at the bottom of this email or contact
  Judi DeVore, Jdevore2000@yahoo.com )

• October 11-12: Schooling Show III

• October 25: Final day for score check

• December 6: GVDS Holiday Party & Year-End Awards Celebration, Chipeta Golf
  Club, Grand Junction, CO. Catering provided by The Ribber.

• There are still a few more spaces available to ride and audit the Ride With Your Mind clinic. This is your inal chance to participate in this outstanding event, now offering a two-day option. See the link for information at the end of this enews.

• We have several members participating in the RMDS Championships, USDF Region 5 Championships and the WDAA World Championship Show. For anyone who shows, you understand how much blood, sweat and oh so many tears to get to these shows. Let’s be great friends and supporters, horsemen and  orsewomen and cheer on these riders. We wish them much success and look for some awesome pictures
  for next month. Good Luck to all!

The popular Give & Take table is available at our last show for the year. We will have another at the year end awards dinner but prefer those items to be new or gently used. This is a great time to get rid of some extra blankets (reasonably clean please), saddle pads or things that you are ready to replace. Why not share them with other exhibitors, volunteers and members?
Recycle and reuse that unused tack and equipment that ALL horse people have and can’t bear to throw away.

The August GVDS Business meeting was held on Monday, August 18.
We didn’t have a huge group, but we did have lots of discussion regarding the cancellation of the schooling Show II. There were questions raised during the meeting which were resolved post-meeting, so even if you participated, you might want to read the minutes again. Those items are noted. There is also more information about the Daniel Stewart clinic in 2026. 

• August Meeting Minutes

Are You REALLY Riding With Your Mind???

We are making an exciting opportunity available for a few more riders for the Ride With Your Mind clinic. We realize that three-day clinics can be a challenge especially with many other shows also happening in September. Therefore we are offering a two-day option (Saturday and Sunday) for two private riding spaces only!

It is not often that a Mary Wanless-trained instructor comes to western Colorado for a clinic of this kind and
we'd like as many riders as possible to take advantage of this opportunity. Stephany Fish Crossman comes
highly recommended by members in the Durango area and judge Judy Downer. She teaches in the Four Corners area multiple times each year. We are fortunate that she has time in her schedule for us. Some members of Amelia Newcomb’s STRIDES program may have heard a recent lecture by Mary Wanless and
WOW!! If this clinic is anything like the information shared by Mary, we are in for something very special.

Ride With Your Mind (RWYM) coaching techniques are based on an understanding of how people and horses learn. RWYM is inspired by physics and functional anatomy. By increasing each rider’s body awareness and using innovative imaging techniques, Stephany helps riders understand both what to do and how to do it. Improvements in concentration, body awareness, and core muscle strength create incredible improvements both in the rider’s seat, and in their horse’s response to her body.

Please contact Judi DeVore at jdevore2000@yahoo.com or 970.210.3418 to reserve these very limited spots.

But the important details are:

• September 26-28, 2025

• Roy Yates Horse Training Fruita

• Two-day private option: $350 for RMDS/GVDS Members & Associates; $400 for non-members

• Western dressage riders are needed!

• Clinic costs are subsidized by GVDS and the Alice Darlington Hoffner Memorial Education Fund

Eventing icon Daniel Stewart was recently in Grand Junction conducting a clinic. Barb attended the clinic and wrote a great summary. Typically known for his jumping and mental accuity clinics, he also offers a similar clinic for dressage riders. Barb loved this clinic so much, she recommended it for GVDS. Judi DeVore already had this on her radar screen for 2026, so look for something coming next summer to be held in conjunction with GVDS Associate Laurie Cunningham. 

Read the full article below:

Laurie Cunningham and Annie Mueller sponsored a delightful clinic at Annie and David’s fantastic equestrian center - High Desert - on June 28-29, 2025.  It was one of those clinics that I wished I could ride in.  Daniel,  who is a legitimate star in the eventing world as a coach and rider, designed the most unique clinic experience that I have ever experienced. This particular clinic centered around jumping but understand that Daniel also does dressage clinics in a similar format.

Now let me describe what occurred during these mini competitions that looked more like a free-for-all than an organized clinic. I found that Daniel is a magician at mental coaching for competition. His brilliance lies in his ability to create exercises that build enough stress to force the riders to FOCUS on the course and it’s issues and not be distracted by mental stories. So his unique clinic design revolves around a “Carrot & Stick” approach.

There are 4 teams of 2 riders. Each rider team of 2 must plan the series of jumps, which are simple low cross-bars, to accrue the most points.  Points are gathered in several ways:

⦁ Did both riders complete the course within the time allotted

⦁ Did they accrue enough points (10 jumps had a point value 1-10)

⦁ Did they go through the correct exit gate

As the day went on these parameters became increasingly harder to accomplish. 

The riders learned that they had to work as a team and also RIDE their horses.  It was like teaching kids how to ride a competition course with games.  Daniel’s brilliance comes from showing the riders how they can focus on the “game”, as well as, their OWN ride. He gave them mental calisthenics to help them practice : memory, team decisions, while controlling their own horse, instantaneous decision-making, and time all in one exercise!!

As the day progressed Daniel escalated the challenges because every team bested their points after each ride. He gave extra points for thinking about their partners and deducted points for exiting the wrong cone, going overtime, or being overly aggressive.  Daniel’s kind-hearted coaching throughout the entire experience gave the riders confidence enough to take a chance and it usually paid off.

At the end of the day his enthusiasm could still not be contained so he gifted us all with an hour of “FEAR – Irrational & Rational”.  The minor cost of the entire clinic was worth that 1 hr of lecture about coping with our fears.

The second day was equally unique and exciting, however, I was unable to attend.  Please contact Laurie Cunnigham at High Desert Equestrian to find out the full details.  I, for one, would LOVE to see Daniel Stewart return to Grand Junction next year.  I think between me, Barb Progess and Krista Nobilo from the Grand Valley Dressage Society, that we can convince enough people to attend this award-winning clinic and especially if it has a dressage component!  Equestrian education has evolved enough that we now know the rider attitude is ½ of the winning equation.

It seems to me that we should be spending as much time on our OWN education as we do the horse’s education.  The beauty of the dressage clinic would be that it would be for ALL types of riders because the mental education is not only about a winning attitude it is also about a connection and sometimes even a survival attitude.  Our western dressage riders and distance riders could also use this kind of mental gymnastics in their training program. If you need more info about Daniel please visit his site: Daniel Stewart Equestrian. I can tell you that I never saw him not smiling and happy to be here.

      Barbara Progess

P.S – The biggest take-away I left with was the power of mnemonics.  I tried a few that I made up and used them during a stressful ride and they turned the page on my anxiety.

Pony Camp Heaven Pony

Taking the time to write an article for any publication is a labor of love. Everyone is very busy, but Barb Progess not only organized the GVDS Youth Camp, but took the time to document the entire event, which she affectionately calls Pony Camp Heaven. Please take a moment to read her excellent summary, check out the photos and consider volunteering in 2026. 

Here is the link to the publication:  https://www.gvds.org/programs

This past weekend's Freestyle Symposium was a great success.  18 attendees learned the intricacies of judging, designing and music selection in the first day of lecture.  Many of you know Dolly Hannon, and in typical Dolly style, the program was filled with great stories, observations and things to remember.  After eight hours, the participants were a mix of brain-dead and overstimulated to work on their personal freestyles.

The second day had 13 riders performing their freestyles or ride-a-tests.  Some were in their very beginning stages, others had competed freestyles that just needed some tweaking.  Some ride-a-test riders are planning to show at a higher level this year and wanted a judge's feedback.  After each ride, Dolly discussed the ride with auditors, answered questions and had the riders practice a few of the sticky spots.

But one of the best things about the symposium, was the demonstration of the bench-strength this club has.  Judi DeVore spent months organizing this program, securing the uber-important funding from The Dressage Foundation, coordinating the program with Dolly and promoting it regionally.  Sadly, Judi's mother passed away a few days before the event so she was unable to see the fruits of her very hard labor.  GVDS pivoted in a time of crisis, banded together and still offered this amazing event to our members.  Last minute volunteers stepped in to make this event a huge success.  Special thanks to:

• Pat White and Barbara Progess handled the fairgrounds set-up and take-down.

• Karen and Tom Harkin managed the classroom facility.

• Jolene Perry was our outstanding scribe.

• Shelby Wolf oversaw the on-site registration and IT support for lecture day.

• Kathleen Messinger prepared the delicious lunch for participants

• Hannah Schaffer managed the freestyle music.

• Donna DuBois videoed several freestyle rides that we hope to use for later education.

Thank you to all of you for stepping in to give Judi the time and space she needed.  I think she would have been proud to see her hard work come to fruition.  Be sure to thank her and the other volunteers.

CAUSE & PREVENTION OF EQUINE COLIC Clinic

May 17, 2025 @ 5:00 PM

CSU Westen Research Center – 3170 B ½ Rd, Grand Junction, CO

Introduction 

Dr Braden Shafer: “Basic Equine Gastrointestinal Anatomy and Types of Colic”

PRESENTATION: Dr Diana Hassel – Colorado State University Professor of Equine Surgery and Critical Care

⦁ “ Colic in Horses: Understanding, Preventing and Treating the Silent Threat “

⦁ “Emergency Management”

⦁ “Future Research Insights”

Tickets may ONLY be purchased in advance. No tickets sold at the door. $55 donation will go towards the CSU Galloway Equine Research Fund for Equine Colic Research.

It's hard to believe that April is nearing its end.  

GVDS had a very busy month with our amazing Freestyle Symposium, followed by the Schooling Show I and our Welcome To Spring Show presented by Stirrup Cup Farm.  Another special thanks to Stirrup Cup Farm for their generous support and providing the great "beverage mugs" for all exhibitors and volunteers.  If you did not get one, be sure to get one at the next show as they are really cool.

We also had one of the best GVDS Business Meetings of our tenure.  To have a meeting where everyone felt comfortable enough to share their feelings, offer suggestions and be open and honest with their comments is challenging in this environment.  That is what makes GVDS so unique - everyone is welcome, everyone's opinion is valued and everyone is treated with dignity and respect.

• The Summertime Warmup and Summertime I & II shows,  presented by Alpine Bank, are opening on May 5.  A few things to note:

• The Summertime Warmup show is NOT a schooling show.  It is an RMDS/WDAA/WDACO and AQHA-Western recognized show.  So please remember appropriate attire, braiding, etc.  This is a separate stand alone show, so if you are trying to earn RMDS scores or qualify for RMDS championships, this is a separate show.

• The Summertime I and II are each separate shows  The Summertime I has a panel of judges (the scores are averaged so it is a combined score) so that counts as a separate single score.  The Summertime II show has a single judge so that too is a separate score for qualifying purposes.  If you have questions, please direct them to Darby Savoca.

• Also remember to enter your stabling on EACH of your entry forms.  To make it the most affordable, we charge by the night, rather than for the full weekend.  Most shows charge a multi-day rate, but we only want you to pay for what you need, so be sure to request a stall for each night you need it.

This very cool program is the brainchild of three members, Shelby Wolf, Julie Burt and Megan Bretey.  If you are new to dressage or are an experienced dressage rider who needs to fine-tune a movement or two (there must have been something on your most recent test that could have been better!) OR are on a budget, this is for you!  Although the title says drop-in, to get the maximum benefit, be sure to sign up.  Once a month the instructors will offer individual or group instruction, depending on what are the needs of attendees.  At the core of this is also the camaraderie of dressage riders.  Having a sense of support and community is key to keeping people interested in this sport.  The first meet-up is May 6 at the Mesa County Fairgrounds from 4-6pm.  Check out the flyer, sign up to participate or at least come to hang out.  You won't be disappointed.

After a bit of organizational confusion, this meeting is being rescheduled to Tuesday, April 29 at 7pm via Zoom.  We need many hands, many big hearts and many great ideas to make it a success.  This amazing camp, presented by MoonRider Farm, is again being orchestrated by Barbara Progess.  Please consider giving of your time and talents to make it a success.  Direct any questions to Barb or just get on the Zoom call and join us.

We are ever so close to having all our volunteer positions filled!  

If you haven't signed up, please do so.  If you want to sign up and there are no available jobs at times that work for you, contact Barbara Progess and she can help you find a time.  Thank you to everyone who has signed up.  Its because of all our great volunteers that we have some of the best shows in the Rocky Mountain area.

Don't forget the Give N' Take table which will be outside of the horse show office.  Bring your used items to place on the table and feel free to take something else.  Any unclaimed items must be removed at the end of the show on Saturday by the donor or they will be donated or thrown away.  This was super popular last year so we are repeating it at all our schooling shows with the "best stuff" available at the year-end awards dinner.

RMDS currently has several executive board and committee positions available. RMDS is looking to identify members who might be interested in stepping into these important roles.
The positions they are seeking to fill are:
•    Vice President
•    Communications Chair
•    Championship Show Chair
•    Volunteers Co-Chair
With the show season fast approaching, they are especially focused on filling the Communications Chair and Championship Show Chair positions as soon as possible. To support the added responsibilities of the Championship Show Chair role, the board has approved a $1,000 stipend as well as a per diem.

Job descriptions for each open position are available for the asking. The RMDS executive board is made up of incredible individuals who are always ready to guide and support new members in their roles.

If you are passionate about shaping the future of dressage in our region, please consider contributing your time and talents to RMDS.

Feel free to contact Ginka for more information or if you have questions or want more details about these positions.

Thank you so much for your help in ensuring RMDS continues to thrive!
Best regards,
Ginka Kubelka
RMDS Nominating Committee Chair
On The Bit Dressage – President
gbuchner@uwyo.edu