GVDS Bits of News

“Aim your sternum toward your horse’s third cervical vertebra and try to keep it there as you’re walking. Most riders find it moves up and down depending on the phase of the walk. So challenge yourself to keep it there, and you’ll find your thighs remain more attached at the front.”  ~ Stephany Fish Crossman, on correct rider biomechanics

Are your intrigued by this piece of information and curious about how to apply it to your riding? Then the “Ride With Your Mind” clinic is for YOU!

Thanks to the generosity of GVDS and the Alice Darlington Hoffner Memorial Education Fund, Stephany Fish Crossman is bringing her experience as one of only nine US certified Mary Wanless Ride With Your Mind Biomechanics instructors to western Colorado. This is an amazing opportunity that you don’t want to miss.

WHEN: Friday-Sunday, September 26-28, 2025 (must ride all three days)

WHERE: Roy Yates Horse Training, Fruita, CO (limited stabling available)

FOR WHOM: ANY rider or auditor who wants to improve their position to positively impact their horse; English or western, beginner or higher level, competitor or non-competitor.

COST: Very affordable for private or semi-private lessons. Special pricing for RMDS/GVDS members and Associates and discounts for volunteers who have donated many hours this year.

Registration information forthcoming.

Until then if you want to read and see more, check out this article and videos from Dressage Today. https://dressagetoday.com/instruction/adult-amateurs-use-biomechanics-to-improve-balance-and-communication/?lid=domtaib3ibln&utm_source=braze&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Newsletter&utm_content=DTD%20-%20Newsletter%20-%2020250625%20-%20Weekly&uuid=66f1eb8aece92ba33d7a5723

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

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.

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.

• 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.

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.

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

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.