First State 4-H Dressage Classes
By Kelley Varisco

This summer marked the first time that the State 4-H Horse Show in West Monroe, Louisiana, offered dressage classes. And, I’m happy to report that participation was spectacular for the first time out.

Throughout this year, Louisiana 4-H is celebrating 100 years of serving Louisiana’s youth. Two of our SEDA youth, Jordan French and Alex Varisco, competed in several events at the show, including dressage. The girls were honored to not only participate as St. Tammany 4-H members, but also as SEDA represenatives – SEDA generously sponsored the first place trophy for dressage.

The dressage class had nineteen participants and placed riders first through tenth. I am happy to say that Alex Varisco and Appy Go Lucky – sporting their SEDA saddle pad – were the first place winners! Alex received a beautiful trophy, ribbon and a saddle pad sponsored by Highlands 4-H Club. Jordan and Bobby Sox – also sporting a SEDA saddle pad – finished eleventh.

While very proud of Alex and Appy, I was even more pleased to see so many other enthusiatic young riders participating in this history-making class. Many of these kids had never ridden a dressage test before. Others told me that dressage is something they have always wanted to do but have not had the opportunity, either due to lack of available schooling or funds.

As an ‘experienced dressage mom’, I found myself calling quite a few tests (that was interesting). By the end of the day, I was amazed at how many riders told me how much they enjoyed riding their test, and how the written feedback from the judge was so helpful. (By the way, Mollie Phelps judged the class – thank you Mollie!) There were a few riders, however, who did not enter because they thought that upper level movements may be required. I suppose that clearer communication may be needed for next year!

We often take for granted our access to lessons, trainers, and a dressage-friendly environment. However, for some kids, this 4-H show may be their only opportunity to ride a dressage test. With that in mind, we need to continue our support and think of other ways to bring dressage to kids.

Since this first show was so successful and kids now know what to expect, we are hopeful that next year the class numbers will double. The state show officials could then divide the dressage class as they do the others –13 and under, 14 and over – which should encourage greater participation as well.

While this was an historical event for 4-H, SEDA members should also take pride in the role they played in making this possible. By signing and submitting petitions and sponsoring the class, members have given kids the opportunity to learn about and participate in dressage. Highlands 4-H Club and Louisiana 4-H greatly appreciate SEDA support!

SEDA Youth Compete at State 4-H Show

Congratulations are in order for Alex Varisco and Jordan French who successfully competed at the State 4-H Show.

Alex: 1st place in dressage; 5th place in working hunter; 3rd place in equitation over fences; 9th place in huntseat equitation; 8th place in hunter under saddle; 7th place in English showmanship.

Jordan: 11th place in dressage; 8th place in working hunter; 5th place in equitation over fences.

In addition to the equestrian activities, 4-H also offers young people multiple opportunities to develop leadership and communication skills. In Public Speaking, Alex placed third with her speech on the cost of showing, and Jordan placed fifth with her speech on rain rot. The team of Jordan, Alex and Noah Roheim (a St. Tammany 4-H member from Slidell ) placed third in the Quiz Bowl competition.

Jordan and Alex also volunteered at the show. The original volunteers for some of the horse judging classes were unavailable, so the girls had the opportunity to demonstrate good sportsmanship and character by helping out in a pinch, even though it took up a lot of their time. Alex and Appy were ‘judged’ in the halter class for hunter-type geldings (2nd place). Jordan and Bobby Sox ‘competed’ in the hunter under saddle class.

National Youth Dressage Programs Support Young Riders

The USDF has a variety of programs designed to support junior riders interested in dressage. SEDA supports participation by junior members in any of these programs and encourages all juniors to check out the USDF Youth Activities Guide, which can be accessed from: www.usdf.org/pdf/programs/YouthActivitiesGuide.pdf. Highlighted are some of these programs that you might not know about.

Creativity & Art Contest
The USDF conducts this contest on an annual basis. It is designed to highlight the creativity and beauty behind the sport of dressage and to allow youth to express their interest in the sport. Competition winners will have their work published in the USDF Connection magazine, USDF Calendar, and displayed at the USDF Annual Convention.

Youth Shining Star Award
The USDF Shining Star Award recognizes outstanding sportsmanship among USDF Youth Members. Anyone may nominate a USDF Youth member for this award. All award recipients will receive a USDF Shining Star lapel pin and will also be recognized in the USDF Connection magazine and at the Annual Convention.

Youth Convention Scholarship
This scholarship was established to provide financial assistance to young dressage enthusiasts who want to attend the USDF Annual Convention. Four scholarships are awarded, each for up to $1,000 toward convention expenses. Winners are required to write an essay about their trip to the Convention.

High School Dressage Club Program
This program provides a support structure for parents and groups requesting recognition for their high school students' achievements in the sport of dressage. The guidelines counsel riders and parents on how to approach school administrators when requesting the ability to earn athletic achievement awards, provide examples of competition-approval forms that the high school can implement, and outline how best to implement a regional high school dressage program. Riders who earn athletic achievement through their high school will also be awarded a USDF High School Dressage Pin.

USDF FEI Jr/YR Clinic Series
These clinics, held annually in each region, all feature highly respected teachers and international dressage competitors as clinicians. Rider participation in the clinic series is intended for young dressage enthusiasts 21 and under who are currently riding at Third Level or above. Auditors of all ages and from all levels will benefit from these accomplished teachers and trainers.

Dressage Seat Equitation Program
While equitation classes are popular in other disciplines, they are a relatively new concept for dressage. The purpose of this program is to promote and reward excellence in equitation including correct seat, position, and use of aids in the sport of dressage. In this competition, judges look at the quality of riding as opposed to the quality of the horse. Riders’ qualify for the USEF-Sponsored Dressage Seat Medal Finals throughout the year, and the top riders in the country are selected to compete. A unique aspect to this program is that riders can compete on borrowed horses, which encourages greater participation at the finals.

All our SEDA junior riders are encouraged to participate in these programs.