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2025-2026 Term Watch your email for ballots in the next week.! Please note that only current UDS members may vote per Policies & Procedures. Lori Jamison Director of Education I love education and I am hoping to bring to our community ways to get education without spending a ton of money.  I have done online education through the USDF and while these were free on their website it is so insightful to understanding our sport.   Also,  I would love to be part of bringing the L program to Utah.   I am not experienced with a lot of formal training but I feel education is power and everyone deserves to have that in whatever opportunity is presented. I would be learning this position along with everyone else or not, but since I love to learn and grow, I was hoping to offer that to the community as well. Sydni Cook Vice President As a previous vice president, I feel that I could slip back into that role with ease. I am also a professional horse trainer and FEI competitor in addition to being a USDF certified instructor and L program graduate. I believe that I bring a well-rounded expertise to the board. I have been a member of our Utah Dressage community for multiple decades and love the people and the sport. I hope to be able to serve our local community as vice president for another term. Cheyenne Holm (Incumbent) Vice President Dana Prior (Incumbent) Treasurer I've been the treasurer for the board for the past year and have enjoyed putting my professional talents to work in our dressage community. I have also assisted in other projects for the board, such as clinics and shows this past year and its truly a joy getting to know our amazing members! I wish to continue to serve as treasurer so that i can keep supporting the great community of dressage riders throughout all of Utah! Katie O'Neil (Incumbent) Director of Competitions Sian Griffiths  (Incumbent) Director of Communications   I would love to continue serving in my role as Director of Communications and working with Jasmine to promote UDS events, build our community, and keep our membership up-to-date and informed. To vote you must be a current UDS members. Please make sure you are logged into your UDS account to access the ballot webpage.

It is with no small amount of pride that the Utah Dressage Society can now announce that our FALL SHORT TOUR (Oct 5 at the Spanish Fork fairgrounds) is OPEN FOR ENTRIES. The show will include tests in both traditional and Western dressage! *WDAA tests are considered schooling only. Day stalls are available! Show will be held in the large indoor arena rain or shine Closing date is Saturday, September 28, 2024 If you would like to volunteer at the show, become a ring or class sponsor, donate prizes, or be a refreshment sponsor/donor. Sponsors & donors will be acknowledged via printed mediums and website/social media. Contact Katie Lorens ( secretary@utahdressagesociety.com )

Junior Clinic The UDS held its inaugural Juniors Clinic on Saturday, June 1, 2024. The board would like to extend its gratitude to UDS Education Director Mindy Simmons, clinician Justin Giles, clinic co-sponsor Hilltop Dressage, and the seven amazing juniors who rode their hearts out and made it a truly inspirational day. Justin delivered clear instruction of classical principals, which every rider was able to implement, showing a marked improvement in each horse’s way of going. With such talent coming along the ranks, the future of dressage is looking bright in Utah. Rated Show Season Commences The rated show season kicked off in June, and Sage Creek I & II, the C&M Farm Summer Show and Millbrook Farms Summer Dressage Festival I & II are now in the books! Congratulations to all the area dressage riders who have had the chance to show off their wonderful horses.  If you haven’t ridden down centerline yourself yet–or if you’re looking to get out and have some more fun (and maybe build on those first scores), there are several more rated shows on the horizon. Sage Creek III will be on July 19 and Sage Creek IV on July 20, C&M Farm will host the EIC High Desert Classic July 27-28, Millbrook will host its Summer Dressage Festival III on Aug 9 and IV on Aug 10-11, and C&M Farm will round out the rated competition year with the Gem State Classic and Championship on August 17-18. For more information, including links to sign up, check out our competition page . If you are interested in trying out a rated show but worried about the additional cost, you may want to consider applying for a UDS Bridge Scholarship. Once a year the UDS awards a scholarship of $500, to an applicant with an average Short Tour Series score of 63% or greater, that has not  previously competed at a USEF/USDF/USD recognized show. For more details, look at the scholarship information on our membership page . UDS Short Tour The UDS is gearing up to offer a fall short tour on October 5, and we’re hoping for a lot of member involvement to support this show. If you would like to earn volunteer hours or help to sponsor refreshments or awards, please contact UDS secretary Katie Lorens at secretary@utahdressagesociety.com UDS Educational Scholarships Awarded Lori Jameson, Lindi Kopeko, Whitney Loftus, Melanie Muirbrook, and Siân Griffiths were awarded $250 scholarships to improve their dressage education this past winter and spring. These scholarships were used for in-person clinics with Trisha Kerwin-Bell and both virtual and in-person training with Amelia Newcombe.  If you would like to apply for an educational scholarship to attend a clinic, complete some virtual training, or extend your dressage education in other ways, consider applying. Our next UDS Educational Scholarship deadline is September 15. In return, we will ask you to write a short essay telling us about what you learned so that we can share it with our members. You can find more information and apply on our membership page . UDS Board Change–and a Very Big Thank You It is with very  heavy hearts that we announce that Mindy Simmons is stepping down as UDS Education Director. If you have been a member of Utah Dressage for any period of time, you likely know how instrumental Mindy has been in lining up some world class educational opportunities for riders here in Utah, from bit fitting clinics, instructor certification clinics, to the latest youth clinic. Mindy’s efforts have been nothing short of heroic, and she’s leaving very big shoes to fill.  For the short term, the UDS board will be filling in until November, when elections open again. If you’ve been thinking about volunteering for the Utah Dressage Society, please consider running for this or other open positions.  Rethinking Straightness An Essay on How I Used My UDS Educational Scholarship  Siân Griffiths On its surface, straightness does not seem like a difficult concept to understand. I learned to draw a straight line in grade school, and most of us have been riding our horses down the straight line of the rails for much of their elementary dressage schooling. Even the dressage-specific definition of straightness does not seem so complex. “A horse is said to be 'straight' when his forehand (shoulder) is in line with his hindquarters and he is using both hind legs equally,” says Horse and Rider  Magazine. Dressage Today ’s definition is much the same: “A horse is straight when his body is properly aligned from poll to tail. When he travels on a straight line, he should be straight along the length of his body.” Even the FEI’s definition does not add much in the way of illumination, stating “The horse is straight when its forehand is in line with its hindquarters, that is, when the longitudinal axis is in line with the straight or curved track it is following.” Like so much of dressage, the devil is in the details, and as my horse Larry and I have been in the process of stepping up to second level, a key part of our focus has been rethinking those definitions and learning new levels of straightness. This was the focus of the Trisha Kerwin-Bell clinic we attended in March thanks to the UDS Educational Scholarship. We had started working on re-negotiating the concept of straightness months earlier while training with Charell Garcia. Under her patient coaching, I had begun to realize that, while straightness might be related to how the hind legs track up in relation to the front, that was not how I felt it. Rather, when Larry became straight, it felt like his withers lifted so that he grew two inches taller. Straightness was a feeling–that of my horse being powerful and engaged. Trisha built on this foundation. As we began our ride, she asked me if Larry’s shoulders were in front of my legs. I have to admit, this question confused me. Where else could they be? Wasn’t it impossible for his shoulders not to be in front of my legs? I rode on, my mind racing to figure out how to answer, but all I could do was admit my confusion. “I don’t know how else to ask the question,” Trisha said, but she did know how to show  me what she meant.  She asked Larry and I to complete a series of lateral movements–shoulder in and half pass–that specifically focused on having me move his shoulders around. As we did each movement, she asked me where Larry’s chest was pointing and then whether that was where I wanted his chest pointing. If my answer was no, I made adjustments. I came to understand what she meant by having his shoulders in front of my thighs. For me, it was a feeling of aligning horse and rider between two legs and two reins–another concept that seems so simple but that has become deeper and more profound as our training has progressed. The lesson connected with the first very basic straightness work I had done with Charell years ago when I first purchased Larry, and he tended to pop out his shoulders in every corner or circle. She’d taught me then how to use my outside rein and outside thigh to support his shoulder so it could stay aligned. Though he was no longer jack-knifing his way around a corner, the aids for aligning his shoulders into straightness were the same.  By the middle of our time together, Trisha reminded me not to look at his shoulders to check for straightness. “You need to feel it,” she said, and sure enough, I found that I could. We began to work on this in canter and counter-canter. To the right, Larry went beautifully, but to the left, we immediately discovered a weakness. If Larry was straight when I asked for a left lead canter, he would pick up the right lead instead. Building strength in the right hind to improve our straightness has been a focus of ours ever since, and I believe we are making real progress. I have often heard it said the the training scale is one that riders circle through continually as they progress up the levels, and this experience really drove that concept home. Trisha’s clinic built on concepts and asked me to find a new level of straightness, one that I can carry forward and build on as we train.

Riders 18 and under participating in the clinic will receive a one-hour classroom session, a 45-minute lesson with Justin, auditing access to all other lessons, a day stall at Hilltop, breakfast and lunch. Auditors of all ages are welcome! Date June 1, 2024, 8:30AM-5:00PM Place Hilltop Dressage, 3735 Duke Lane, Heber City, UT 84032 Cost UDS members $150 Non-members $175 Auditors $25 Clinician Justin Giles’s riding career began while living abroad in France. After moving to Utah, he participated in the local eventing and hunter/jumper communities as a young rider before finding his passion for dressage as an adult. Under the mentorship of Margo Gogan and Cassie Benson, Justin’s education at Hilltop has provided him with a foundation in the principles of dressage that has changed the trajectory of his career. Currently, he’s producing his horse, Milano, to compete in the young horse championships and continuing to climb the levels of dressage. Justin’s motivation to teach comes from the desire to help riders of all backgrounds. Seeing his students succeed utilizing the principles of dressage energizes Justin’s passion for the sport. We are so lucky that Justin is a part of our Utah Dressage community and we are grateful for his dedication to helping build up dressage experiences for the youth in our sport!

New Utah Dressage Society Website Hey hey hey! We've updated our website! The new site should make it easier to find shows, check your membership, read the newsletter, and more. The change has been labor intensive, and we are still working out the kinks so we can get everything correct and fully functional. We appreciate everyone’s patience during the shift! Huge thanks to Adrian Ward for the massive amount of time and effort she's put into crafting this site! Rule Changes An updated policies and procedures manual is in the works. More news on this to come! New Board Members Sian Griffiths, Director of Communications Siân Griffiths lives and rides in Ogden, Utah. A former jumper turned dressage rider, she competes as an adult amateur, working her way up the levels with her beloved Holsteiner, Larry. After working in Development for the U.S. Equestrian Team from 1999-2000, Siân decided to pursue her passion for fiction writing at the University of Georgia. She now serves as a professor of English and Creative Writing at Weber State University and is the author of the novels Borrowed Horses (New Rivers Press), Scrapple (Braddock Avenue Books), the short fiction chapbook The Heart Keeps Faulty Time (Bull City Press), and, most recently, the essay collection The Sum of Her Parts (University of Georgia Press). She is thrilled to join the Utah Dressage Society team and encourages members to reach out to her at sian@utahdressagesociety.com with any news they would like to share. Kim Judd, Director of Membership From the time Kim could say "horse," she has loved horses! When she was a teenager growing up in Sandy, she went down the street to a family's stables, and asked to work in exchange for riding lessons. Unfortunately they usually forgot to give her lessons, but she got very good at mucking out stalls! Kim graduated from BYU with a degree in Ballroom Dance (which was also how she met her husband: they were competition partners). After living out east for 14 years, Kim and her family moved back to Utah, and she finally realized her dream of starting to learn to ride! Dressage feels like a natural switch from ballroom dance: the partnership, the technique, the constant striving to be better, then even better! After riding for 6 years, Kim's husband asked "when are you going to do a dressage show?" Becoming part of the Utah Dressage Society and entering shows has been such an amazing experience, and Kim is excited to use her extensive secretarial skills (developed over 22 years and 5 kids!) to help support the board of the Utah Dressage Society! Katie O’Neal, Director of Competitions I moved to Utah from Boston a decade ago, and have been involved in the Utah dressage community ever since! Most recently, I've been working as the assistant trainer at Revel Ranch Hanoverians and have become more involved in hosting clinics as well as the USDF instructor certification. I have begun my L program, and have also served on the NEDA board when I lived in Boston as the marketing chair. I would love to serve on the UDS board and support the growth of dressage in Utah. Dana Prior, Treasurer I grew up in southern California and started riding at age 10. I took a break from riding when I went to college in Washington to study Spanish and accounting. After passing my CPA exams I decided to get back into riding, which is not only where I was introduced to dressage, but also my lesson horse Harley, who I eventually bought. Because of my analytical brain, I immediately started loving dressage and we have been a team ever since! We have participated in many short tour shows over the years and just started showing in recognized shows this past season. I volunteer wherever I’m needed from scribing to gate calling or test reading. I look forward to continuing to volunteer by serving the Utah Dressage Society! Clinics Revel Ranch has some exciting upcoming clinics. Schedules will be posted on their website the week prior to the clinic. Here’s more information: April 5-6, Friday/Saturday, Sarah Geikie: Register here to audit! We are excited to bring 4* FEI judge & USDF Faculty member Sarah Geikie to Revel Ranch. With a deep focus on fundamentals of dressage, Sarah is a gifted communicator capable of coaching horses & riders to their personal best. This clinic will focus on correct training of horse & rider, and offer feedback on test elements, as requested. May 2-3, Thursday/Friday, Anne Gribbons: Register here to audit! US Olympic Team Coach, FEI 5* judge, Olympic competitor, Anne Gribbons has had many titles & palmares in her life, our current favorite being coach! We are beyond excited to bring Anne to Utah for our third year; she is simply one of the most insightful coaches we have ever worked with. This symposium-style clinic will feature horses of all levels as they train correctly toward the pinnacle of the FEI work & Grand Prix. Hope you see you all ringside. If you have upcoming events at your barn that you would like me to share on Facebook or in a future newsletter, please let me know at sian@utahdressagesociety.com Summer Shows Summer is around the corner with a wealth of competitive opportunities. As you start making your summer plans, be sure to check out the list of upcoming UDS-recognized shows on our website. If you want to attend a show not currently recognized by the UDS, no problem! The process for how to get that show recognized can be found here. Banquet Thank Yous Our annual banquet was a huge success, thanks in no small part to our sponsors. We’d like to extend our appreciation to Bellwether Farm, Revel Ranch, Sage Creek Equestrian, and Southern Belle Riding for sponsoring cocktails, and to the following businesses for donating auction items: Amelia Newcombe, Anna Buffini, Anna Marek, Bit and Bee, BB's Apparel and Boots, Chile Dog Photography, Chris Dickinson Photography, Cloud 9 Therapy, CV Equine Therapy, European Equine, Feeling Fine Equine Therapy, Flying O Beef, Horse Crazy, Impulsion Images, In the Loop, Jenny Powers, JJ Tate, Joe Dickinson Dog Training, Katie Duerrhammer, Kaylee Jarvis, Korey's Canine Cuts, K1 Kouture, Lorri Karpinski, Lumiere Bridle, Manely Long Hair, Mountain Point Equine Hospital, Niche Homes Studio, Ogden's Own Distillery, OM Riding, Optimum Equine Services, Purple Hippo Soapery, Redmond Salt, Riposo Medical Spa, Rural Ave, Saddle Fit 4 Life, Select the Best, Simply Eden, Snowbasin Resort, South Valley Equine, Stable Wear, and The Wandering Chiropractor. If you’re looking for businesses to support, we encourage you to support those who support us back. As someone new to the team, I also want to thank my fellow UDS board members. I joined as preparations were in full gear, and the amount of work board members put into obtaining auction items, calculating awards, fetching and updating perpetual trophies, ordering food, arranging bartending, processing banquet tickets, and doing so much more–well, I was blow away by the amount of time and effort board members put in. It’s an honor to work with such a dedicated team. My hat’s off to you! Year End Awards 2023 Perpetual Trophy Winners Charles Bering - Training Level Charell Garcia, Klassic 79.423% Utah Dressage Society - First Level Charell Garcia, Klassic 75.833% Oquirrh Dressage - Second Level Tara Miller, Adonis 64.857% Anakako Melody Memorial - Third Level Lori Barrett, Magnum KV 68.75% Laura Williams Tolman Memorial - Fourth Level Sydni Cook, Rosa Red 70.395% Deer Meadow - Prix St George Sydni Cook, Quite Chocolate 64.559% Nick Van Pelt Memorial - Musical Freestyle Sydni Cook, Rosa Red 72.55% Sean Porter Buell - Pony TOC Lori Barrett, Magnum KV 68.75% Sage Creek Master's - 55+ Gary Lawrence, Posh 73.448% 2023 Year End Award Winners Training Level - AA CHAMPION: Whitney Loftus, Fortius 68.382% RESERVE CHAMPION: Adrian Ward, Lucky Luke 67.8% 3RD PLACE: Leslie Edison, Rosaria 65.976% 4TH PLACE: Mindy Simmons, Piper 63.72% 5TH PLACE: Lindi Kopecko, Ostentatious 63.666% Training Level - Open CHAMPION: Charell Garcia, Klassic 79.022% RESERVE CHAMPION: Ashley Adams, Lopaka 70.505% 3RD PLACE: Sydni Cook, Last Man-O-Man 70.246% 4TH PLACE: Dana Denison, Doeke W 67.603% First Level - AA CHAMPION: Dana Prior, Harley 66.917% RESERVE CHAMPION: Siân Griffiths, Larimer Square 66.308% 3RD PLACE: Whitney Loftus, Fortius 65.348% THIRD LEVEL - OPEN CHAMPION: Ammie Lords, Dimora SCF 62.25% FOURTH LEVEL - OPEN CHAMPION: Ammie Lords, Dimora SCF 62.389% PRIX ST GEORGES - OPEN CHAMPION: Sydni Cook, Quite Chocolate 63.922% RESERVE CHAMPION: Stacy Palen, Eridani 60.49% 3RD PLACE: Bethany Wilhemsen, Great Responsibility 59.755% FREESTYLE (Training-2ND LEVEL) - AA CHAMPION: Kim Davis, Encore SS 64.583% FREESTYLE (Training-2ND LEVEL) - OPEN CHAMPION: Dana Denison, Doeke W 67.559% FREESTYLE (3RD/4TH LEVEL) - OPEN CHAMPION: Morgen Bastow, Hemmingway BL 71.608% 2023 Short Tour Year End Award Winners Introductory level - Jr/YR CHAMPION: Isabelle Auckland, Reddington 67.417% Training Level - AA CHAMPION: Lori Jameson, Parade Blue 67.823% RESERVE CHAMPION: Vanelda Ruth Moss, RAF USA War Hawk 63.300% Training Level - Open CHAMPION: Dana Denison, Doeke W 71.682% First Level - AA CHAMPION: Brittani Frade, Saint 66.203% First Level - Open CHAMPION: Sara Kirby, Davy Jones 63.759% Second Level No Qualifiers Adolphi Educational Grant This grant will be awarded to UDS members who are striving to increase their education and contribution to their GMO and USDF/USEF. The UDS will award one $500 Adolphi Educational Grant per year. Since Johanna Adolphi and her daughter Eva-Maria Adolphi have worked for years on the Board of Directors of the UDS, Eva would like past or present UDS Board Members to be given first consideration for the grant, in recognition of their service. Deadline: June 1

PLEASE NOTE THAT RESULTS ARE PRELIMINARY! We ask that you review your scores and advise of any possible errors or omissions NO LATER than December 12! Email competitions@utahdressagesociety.com with any changes. PRELIMINARY 2023 YE RESULTS - Updated 12/2/2023

Don’t forget!! 2023 competitors have until November 15th to submit your 2023 volunteer hours! Four hours of volunteer time are required to qualify for year end awards including cumulative YE awards, short tour YE awards, and perpetual trophies. Do you still need volunteer hours?! CONTACT US for last minute volunteer opportunities! Click the“Learn More” button below for more information and to find the submission form Learn more

Please consider running for a UDS Board of Directors position! In addition to our regular board positions up for election this year we will also have open positions for Director of Competitions and Treasurer. The annual election will be held in October 2023 for the President, Secretary, Director of Membership, and Director of Events positions (term to run 2024-2025). Board positions are 2-year terms. The treasurer and competitions director positions will be held “interim” for the year of 2024. More details will be published and sent via email to UDS members. Per the UDS Policies & Procedures, voters and candidates must be on the recognized membership roster by July 1st of 2023. Please contact us if you are interested in more information or are willing to serve on a nominating committee. Thank you! UDS Board of Directors

THANK YOU to Sage Creek Equestrian for hosting the USDF Instructor/Trainer Dressage Development Seminar (Teaching) this weekend!! We also want to show our gratitude to our USDF faculty Sarah Geikie & Dolly Hannon, instructor participants, our demo riders, and auditors. Thank you all for joining us and making it a great event. We hope to see you October 28 & 29th for the lunging segment Rock N Horse in Alpine, UT. Watch for details to come for participants, demo rider/lungers, and auditing!

Enrich Your Dressage Education: Join Us for a Premier Learning Experience We're thrilled to invite all those who share a passion for dressage – whether you're a seasoned rider or new to the discipline – to join us at the upcoming USDF Instructor/Trainer Development Seminar on September 9th at the picturesque Sage Creek Equestrian in Heber City, Utah. Event Details: September 9, 2023 Sage Creek Equestrian, Heber City, Utah Not an Instructor? No Problem! Even if you're not participating as a demo rider or active participant, this seminar holds immense value for auditors as well. Our expert USDF faculty instructors Sarah Geikie and Dolly Hannon will cater to the entire audience, ensuring a comprehensive and enlightening learning experience for all auditors. Bonus: As an added incentive, auditors will have the opportunity to earn 4 USDF University credits. Immerse yourself in an enriching atmosphere of learning, camaraderie, and passion for dressage. 🎟️ Reserve Your Spot as an Auditor Today! Featuring USDF faculty members: Sarah Geikie FEI 4*Dressage Judge, USEF “S” Judge, USDF Certified Instructor/Trainer through 4th Level & Dolly Hannon USEF ‘S’ Dressage Judge, USDF Certified Instructor/Trainer through 4th Level 🙌 Call for Sponsorships: Support Dressage Education We believe in the power of collective support to foster excellence in dressage education. As we gear up for this prestigious event, we invite interested parties to consider becoming a valued sponsor. By partnering with us, you're not only aligning your brand with a community of passionate dressage enthusiasts but also contributing to the growth and development of dressage. Sponsorship opportunities are available at various levels, allowing you to choose the level of engagement that best suits your organization. Benefits include prominent brand visibility throughout the event, exclusive networking opportunities, and the satisfaction of nurturing the future of dressage education. For more information on sponsorship packages and to discuss how your organization can become a part of this event, please reach out to us at communications@utahdressagesociety.com Sunday’s session will be closed to auditors. Demo riders applications have closed. Participant spots have been filled. We extend a heartfelt expression of gratitude to our event host and sponsor, Sage Creek Equestrian, whose unwavering support has made this event possible.

We would like to inform the membership that Ginny Sorenson has resigned as interim president of the Utah Dressage Society Board. We are thankful that Ginny served us so diligently over the last several months. She helped usher in a new era of collaboration, organization and amazing educational opportunities. As work takes her in a different direction, we wish her luck in and out of the show ring this year. Thank you for all of your hard work and dedication to growing the sport of dressage in the state of Utah. We are pleased to announce that our current Vice President, John Maznicki, will be stepping in as interim president for the remainder of the term. John brings many years of experience in the dressage community in Utah to the board. His work provides him with a unique perspective that will benefit the entire membership. We are excited to have John come on as our interim president and see the growth that will arise from this. Please contact us if you are interested in filling the interim Vice President position!

THE EQUINE ATHLETE VIEW Written for Utah Dressage Society Spring Into Spring with Your Equine Athlete A Vet’s Perspective By Haleigh Lundgreen, DVM March 2023 It’s Spring! Let's talk about getting you and your horse out of the winter blahs. Your equine athlete will need your support. How do you achieve your goals while keeping your horse sound and happy? What should your horse’s spring vet care look like? Spring and Fall are the best times for semiannual routine vet care. This includes: vaccines, fecal, Coggins, dental float, possibly de-wormer. Let’s break that down: Your horse should be receiving specific vaccines every 6 months (Spring and Fall), based on your veterinarian's recommendation. Proof of vaccinations is required for shows - both schooling and rated shows. Vaccinations must be current within the past six months for equine influenza and equine herpes virus. Fecals should be done 1-2 times annually prior to de-worming to determine if your horse needs de-wormer. Worms continue to become more resistant to de-worming medication. Administering these medications when unnecessary can lead to ineffective treatment. (NOTE: Some insurance programs, such as ColiCare provided by Arenus, Platinum and Smartpak, require annual fecal exams – check your policies!) Drawing blood for a Coggins during scheduled routine care guarantees your horse is qualified to cross state lines or go to a facility where it is required within the next year. No one needs the stress of an ‘emergency’ Coggins test! A dental float should be done once a year. If delayed, your horse will need it before the next scheduled vet care. Some horses require dental care every six months, or more frequently based on your veterinarian’s recommendation. A horse's first dental visit should be before you put a bit in their mouth, or no later than three to four years old. The dental exam needs to be performed by a veterinarian who can legally and knowledgeably administer intravenous sedatives to your horse for the procedure. Dental visits are like farrier work, they are part of horse maintenance and should not be considered optional. This is also a great time to get any routine blood work done (especially if your horse is on medication) and radiographs (x-rays) of your horse's feet for the farrier. Let’s discuss your equine athlete further. If you are riding your horse consistently, you have an athlete that will, at some point, require additional, non-emergent vet care. Often horses require extra treatment, even if their physical activity isn’t consistent. The common term for this is ‘maintenance’. Budget for your horse’s maintenance. Doing a gait evaluation at the beginning of the season, with or without treatment, and a recheck in 30 days, gives you an abundance of information and allows for a personalized approach to your horse’s healthcare and maintenance. Ideally, your horse will receive a gait evaluation two to four times each year by your veterinarian. These exams do not always require treatment; the goal is to take a proactive approach. I observe lameness before most owners, riders, and trainers (it’s my job!). By the time an owner, trainer, or rider spots lameness, we are working at a deficit. If pain and lameness are caught early and treated early, downtime and long-term effects for your horse are significantly minimized, improving long-term soundness. It also gives you the freedom to choose your horse’s downtime associated with certain treatments, (i.e., not the week of a show or event you already entered and end up having to scratch). I often find when this proactive approach is taken, horses gain soundness year after year rather than getting worse. This approach also allows your veterinarian to have a very personalized relationship with you and your horse. This also helps to know what problems are new versus what is chronic and can drastically change what diagnostic and treatment avenues are recommended. As your horse’s advocate, what can, and should you do? This is the crucial and often the most overlooked piece. Making sure your horse is using their body properly can absolutely be the difference between lameness and soundness, especially when it comes to neck and back pain. The effects are not immediate but build over time, for better or worse. There are many devices that can be both helpful and harmful depending on the way they are used. Be cautious not to overuse or improperly use training systems. I highly recommend rehabilitation exercises focusing on the back and abdomen for every horse. These exercises include butt tucks and sternal lifts done from the ground. Other helpful strengthening tools include Equicore band system, Sure Foot equine balance pads, Pessoa lunging system (caution, easy to misuse), laser therapy, Assisi loop and the Bemer Blanket. These tools are great, but I cannot emphasize enough that if misused, they can injure your horse. Discuss practical protocols with your veterinarian and trainer. Your horse has a team: you, your veterinarian, farrier, trainer/coach (if you have one), and perhaps other equine professionals, such as a massage therapist, saddle fitters, chiropractors, etc. No one individual can do it all and should not be expected to. Everyone should work together to get you to your goals. Your team should answer your questions and be willing to educate you. Taking the team approach will be the most efficient path for you and your goals, in or out of the competition ring. Bring on the sun and outdoor adventures! About the Author: Hello fellow UDS members! I am Dr. Haleigh Lundgreen, owner of Paragon Equine Sports Medicine & Chiropractics and fellow dressage rider. A little about me: I grew up a hunter/jumper and have always been a crazy horse girl. This passion lead to my career as an equine sports medicine vet. This career has afforded me the opportunity to work with top vets, trainers and horses of our sport in Wellington, FL. I attended Colorado State University, where I received a degree in Equine Science and Biomedical sciences. I continued at CSU School of Veterinary Medicine for vet school. After vet school I completed an internship in Weatherford, TX at Equine Sports Medicine and Surgery, a large sports medicine practice. These experiences confirmed my passion for sports medicine and the equine athlete. This past year my horse, Ruger, and I dove head first into the world of dressage (for the first time in my life). We had a great year, starting with the schooling shows, graduating to the short tour shows and “bridged the gap” into our first recognized dressage shows. We had a blast doing it and can’t wait for this coming season and meeting all of you! I’m excited to write these articles for you. If there are any topics you want to hear about, please let me know!