Who We are
The Midwest Dressage Association (MDA) Inc, founded in 1969, is a charter group member of the United States Dressage Federation (USDF). MDA is an organization whose purpose is to promote and encourage a high standard of accomplishment in dressage in the general area of the midwestern United States, primarily through educational programs. MDA welcomes all horse enthusiasts, whether they ride or not, to be members. We invite everyone, not just MDA members, to attend our events. We look forward to see you at our upcoming activities. Our membership has been steady over the last few years making us one of the largest GMOs in Region 2. As an MDA member you join the ranks of over 26,000 GMO members throughout the United States in 121 different GMO's.
We are strictly a volunteer run organization headed by an eleven member Board of Directors. We hold monthly Board meetings which are open to everyone. Our committees, chaired by Board members, welcome all MDA members to participate. Volunteers are a very valuable resource to MDA as it takes a whole stable of workers to ensure that our shows and events remain successful. Our volunteers may be rewarded with MDA Bucks, free meals and or admittance to events which they have remained.
Our philosophy
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The Midwest Dressage Association (MDA), Inc is an organization whose purpose is to promote and encourage a high standard of accomplishment in dressage in the general area of the Midwestern United States, primarily through educational programs. Dressage is the gradual harmonious development of a horse's physical and mental condition with the aim toward improving its natural gaits and perfecting its understanding and communication with its rider. |
Our Goals
- To improve the general understanding of dressage for Association members and any non-members expressing an interest therein through educational clinics, forums and seminars and to promote these and other activities to affect this goal.
- To assist and cooperate with other regional or national dressage organizations in matters of common concern.
- To offer a framework in which individuals can progress with the schooling of themselves and their horses.
Our history
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The first general meeting of MDA was held at Centaur Farm Stable on February 16, 1969. Our first officers included: Jim Jones, Lillian Zimmermann, Judith Franklin, and Rosemary Herman. Dorothy Wagner designed our logo using Vi Hopkins riding her horse Dark Warrior as her model. MDA had 51 members in their first year of existence. During the early years of our existence, MDA helped forge the path for what was to become USDF. When Lowell Boomer placed an advertisement in The Chronicle of the Horse, asking "all those interested in the advancement of dressage" to come to Lincoln, NE in February of 1973 to start a national federation, representatives of MDA were on hand. This earned MDA the distinction of a Charter GMO of USDF. |
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Throughout its existence MDA has held many educational clinics with world renowned clinicians and riders. Some of our more recent clinics have been with Lisa Wilcox, Karen Robinson of Applause Dressage, Dr. Jenny Susser, Trip Harting, Maryal Barnett, and Sylvia Loch, Carol Lavell, Charles de Kunffy & Walter Zettl. In 1984 the Midwest Dressage Association received tax exempt status as a 501(c)3 non profit educational organization. This means that when you donate to MDA, the value of your donation is considered a charitable contribution for tax purposes.
Our awards program
The accomplishments of our MDA riders are recognized each year at an Awards Banquet in November. Our awards program offers separate awards for those competing at schooling shows and recognized shows. Junior/Young Riders, Adult Amateurs and Open (Professional) divisions are offered. In order to be considered for year-end awards, riders must retain their dressage tests, be a member at time of earning scores, and submit a Rider Report Form in October.
MDA recognizes the significant contributions and accomplishments of its members to dressage through the following five awards: Hall of Fame, Jean Brown Memorial Award, Life Membership. Vi Hopkins, and our newest award begun in 2012 - the Rosemary Herman Memorial Award. These awards are presented at the Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet. Perpetual Hall of Fame, Jean Brown, and Vi Hopkins trophies hang in the Mary Anne McPhail Center on the campus of Michigan State University.
Thank you to our sponsors
Equality and Inclusivity
USDF Statement on Equality and Inclusivity:
The United States Dressage Federation™ (USDF) is proud to represent all of its members, be a resource for the dressage community, and to support inclusivity in all aspects of sport. As the world comes together during this pivotal time for civil rights, so too must the equine community. USDF stands firmly in support of the principles of equality and inclusivity in the organization and sport. Any form of discrimination based on race, ethnicity, age, gender, sexuality, etc. is in direct opposition to these principles and has no place within the organization.
USDF supports our members, barn family, fans, and followers of all races, ethnicities, ages, genders, and sexualities.
In a sport where the goal is constant and progressive improvements, we must strive to do the same in our personal lives and within our organization. In every ride down the centerline, every group of friends gathering for dressage education, every tragedy and triumph, the dressage community is stronger together.
USDF supports our members, barn family, fans, and followers of all races, ethnicities, ages, genders, and sexualities.
In a sport where the goal is constant and progressive improvements, we must strive to do the same in our personal lives and within our organization. In every ride down the centerline, every group of friends gathering for dressage education, every tragedy and triumph, the dressage community is stronger together.
