2023 Hopkins Grant Recipient: Central Tennessee Dressage Association
Grant Received: Violet Hopkins Fund for USDF GMO Events
Name of GMO: Central Tennessee Dressage Association
Clinician: Amelia Newcomb
Number of Riders: 10
Number of Auditors: 44
Date of Event: June 4, 2023
Grant report from event organizer, Bethany Gallagher:
Our USDF Region 3 GMO, the Central Tennessee Dressage Association (CTDA), recently had the privilege to host trainer Amelia Newcomb for a two-day symposium at Aden Branch Farm in Fairview, TN. Amelia Newcomb has made it her life goal to promote “Dressage for All.” She feels every rider deserves to have access to quality riding education, regardless of their age, discipline, geographical location, or financial status. She has developed a supportive online community for all riders interested in learning and advancing. Amelia graciously agreed to venture to Tennessee and meet her devoted followers and share her knowledge with CTDA membership.
We focused the symposium on the "Adult Amateur from Training Level through Second Level." We selected ten rider/horse combinations to participate, each with different goals and challenges. Over40 auditors attended each day to hear the pearls of wisdom and take them home and practice on their own. Attendees had positive experiences and enjoyed Amelia’s clear and encouraging teaching style. Amelia had exercises in her arsenal to help address each rider’s challenges and patiently explained them. She was very approachable and welcomed questions. Amelia also gave a mid-day lecture breaking down the complexity and confusion of the half-halt. Her relatability and unintimidating style was perfect for our participants.
CTDA works diligently to organize quality clinicians and educational events for our membership. Our GMO was fortunate to receive a grant from The Dressage Foundation’s Violet Hopkins Fund for GMO Events for this symposium. This grant specifically supports educational events hosted by GMOs. This grant was crucial to bringing this quality instruction to membership and increasing accessibility. Thanks to the grant, we were able to decrease costs and encourage participation from both riders and auditors.
What the Participants Said:
“The clinic was very informative. The wide variety of horses and riders gave me a lot of insight into what I can do with my own horse.”
“It was a super encouraging environment from the organizers, the clinician, and all the riders. I learned many new tools.”
“Well organized clinic, excellent host facility, and an approachable clinician! I also loved that the clinic was totally focused on Adult Amateurs!”
“Amelia quickly pinpointed what each horse/rider pair needed to work on. She was incredibly positive and realistic about what the average adult amateur rider can improve in one lesson. I also like that she addressed the auditors and took questions after each ride.”
