Dressage association welcomes new members

By Marty Metzger
Correspondent

Riders new to the area, or to dressage, will be glad to learn about a group of kindred spirits eager to welcome them.

The Northern Colorado Dressage Association, which is about 145 members strong, for two decades has provided education and learning opportunities for dressage enthusiasts.

The word dressage comes from the French verb dresser, meaning "to train." This equestrian art form is mutual to the Spanish Riding School in Vienna (known for its famous Lipizzaner stallions) and to the competitive sport of dressage.

The history of dressage can be traced to 400 B.C. in the writings of Xenophon, a Greek general. Beginning in the 16th century, classical riding and training began to take on the form that exists today.

Dressage aims to produce an equine athlete eager, balanced, supple, properly muscled and responsive to subtle commands from its rider. Horses not so conditioned are more prone to injuries, poor performance and attitude problems stemming from sore backs and joints. All riding styles incorporate some form of dressage at higher levels of their disciplines.

"For me, riding dressage involves athleticism and elasticity on the part of the horse, which must also be mentally willing to do its half of the partnership," said Susie Gordon, secretary and past president of the NCDA. "The rider must be very disciplined and patient. If you're not patient, this isn't the sport for you."

The NCDA works to improve the partnership between human and equine members, and humane treatment of horses is paramount. Points earned at recognized shows count toward year-end awards presented by its parent organization, the Rocky Mountain Dressage Society.

In addition to monthly meetings at Colorado State University's teaching hospital, the NCDA conducts a couple of schooling shows and its own annual, recognized show hosted by the Fort Collins Equestrian Center. This high-caliber event draws riders from all along the Front Range.

Entrants must present proper health certificates, including negative Coggins tests. Mail-in and online registrations are accepted up to a week prior to the show. This year's dates are June 16 and 17.

Costs for the show include a $12 drug fee, approximately $30 office fee and a $35 fee per dressage test. Most people ride more than one test per show and fees add up accordingly.

The show serves a dual purpose. For the past several years, it's been a fund-raiser for the Susan G. Komen Foundation for Breast Cancer Research. Many club members, including Gordon, are survivors of the disease. Each year's show donates $1,000 to $1,500 towards the search for a cure.

Of course, not all club members ride competitively. Equestrians ages 12 to well into their 60s join for various reasons such as to increase knowledge, make new friends, earn points or promote breeding stock.

Breeds represented in the NCDA include Arabians, Quarter Horses, Morgans, Thoroughbreds, Warmbloods, Andalusians, Friesians, Sporthorses and more.

"We're not breed snobs," said Gordon.

Most of the horses range in age from 6 to around 16 because dressage is an older horse discipline, rarely begun until an animal is 4.

Gordon, who has been involved in dressage for more than 20 years, owns an aged, now-retired Thoroughbred mare, Jill, and Asterisk (aka Cisco), a 7-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding.

As club secretary, Gordon invites everyone to join the group, which has members from everywhere north of Longmont and even a few from southern Wyoming and Nebraska.

"We want to welcome everyone to try dressage," she said. "It doesn't matter how much money you have or what kind of horse. Dressage will make you a better rider and build confidence in whatever discipline you choose. I'm especially excited about helping kids have fun and ride the rest of their lives."

To join the Northern Colorado Dressage Association, or for additional information about dressage, visit online at www.RMDS.org and click on Northern Colorado Chapter. Those interested may also call Gordon at 407-7357, or e-mail her at sgordon@comcast.net.