From the Desk of David Schmutz

CDIs AND COVID- IMPACT ON WEST COAST DRESSAGE COMPETITIONS
The Florida 2021 show season has formally begun with three FEI Dressage competitions (CDIs) having been held by the end of January. A total of eight CDIs will be held in Wellington, two in Ocala at the new World Equestrian Center and two in Tryon, North Carolina. One might think that the effect of Covid-19 […]

COMPETITIONS DURING COVID: THE JUDGE’S PERSPECTIVE
Despite the Covid crisis, dressage competitions have been held throughout the US for the last six months with surprisingly steady rider attendance. Competitors felt the need to escape the grim reality of the pandemic while continuing the development of each horse’s talent. The USDF Regional Finals were also well attended, with competitors happy to return […]
SHOWING DURING COVID 19
Readers of my articles posted here may remember my observations on the protean US dressage show scene. So much has changed in the show market in the last five years. It seems that most readers have agreed with these observations. Well, as the saying goes, ‘you ain’t seen nothin’ yet’ The effects of the last […]
Declining Participation at Rated Dressage Shows Part 2
Before addressing the solutions possible for the decline in dressage show participation, it may be helpful to discuss how this is manifested nationwide. First let’s discuss by specific regions: West Coast, Midwest and East Coast.The West Coast show market has historically been one of the strongest, beginning in the mid-1980S until the beginning of the […]