Deep South Dressage and Combined Training Association

🎉🐎 We are absolutely over the moon excited to announce that Deep South Dressage & Combined Training Association has been awarded a grant through The Dressage Foundation's Dreitzler International Clinician Fund to help support our upcoming dressage clinic with Erik Balasch!

Erik Balasch is an accomplished international dressage trainer, rider, and educator known for his thoughtful, horse-centered approach to training. Having trained and competed at the highest levels of the sport, Erik is passionate about helping riders develop correct fundamentals, improve communication with their horses, and achieve their goals through classical dressage principles.

We are incredibly grateful to The Dressage Foundation the Dreitzler International Clinician Fund Selection Committee, and the generous donors whose support makes opportunities like this possible. Through its many educational grants and programs, The Dressage Foundation continues to strengthen and promote dressage across the United States by helping riders, instructors, judges, and organizations access world-class educational experiences.

If you've ever benefited from a clinic, educational program, scholarship, or grant opportunity, please consider supporting The Dressage Foundation. Donations of any size help create opportunities for dressage enthusiasts across the country and ensure that educational programs continue to thrive for future generations.

Thank you to everyone who supports dressage education and helps make opportunities like this possible. We cannot wait to welcome Erik Balasch to the Escambia County Equestrian Center on November 14–15, 2026!

Send a message to learn more

🎉 Exciting News! 🎉

🚨 as of 6.6.26 at 12:07pm the clinic is full and on a waitlist. If you would like to be added to the waitlist, please message Tashina 🚨

Deep South Dressage & Combined Training Association is thrilled to announce that we have been awarded a GMO Education Initiative Grant to support a clinic with dressage clinician Raul Roa Vadillo on July 4–5, 2026, at the Escambia County Equestrian Center!

🐴 This clinic is recognized by USDF University, and both riders and auditors will receive USDF University educational credits for participating.

⭐ Rider spots will be extremely limited and are expected to fill quickly. Raul's clinics are always popular, so if you're interested in riding, be sure to reserve your spot as soon as registration opens.

👀 Not riding? Come audit! Auditor attendance is FREE and is a fantastic opportunity to learn from a wonderful clinician while earning USDF University credits.

📍 Escambia County Equestrian Center
📅 July 4–5, 2026

Whether you're riding or auditing, this promises to be an outstanding weekend of education and horsemanship.

Send a message to learn more

Are you planning on competing at a Great American Insurance Group/USDF Regional Championship outside your region of residence? Don't forget to submit a Change of Region form to USDF by the deadline to avoid late fees! ⏳

📆 Deadline: July 1

In addition, all persons living outside of the United States who intend to compete in a Regional Championship must submit a Change of Region form and applicable fee to USDF to declare a region.

Submit your form at the link below:
🔗 https://www.usdf.org/online-services/applications/rc-change-of-region.asp

Not sure what region you are in? Check on the Regional Championship Competitor’s page of the USDF website under "What’s My Region."

🌟Share your ‘Matchy Matchy’ pics in the comments!!⬇️

CALLING EQUINE ARTISTS: Show us your work for the 2026 USDF Arts Contest! 📸🎨

We are seeking photography and artwork submissions for the following age categories:
🔹15 and under
🔹16 to 21
🔹Adult

Division winners will receive gift certificates to the USDF Online Store and have their artwork featured in the yearbook issue of USDF Connection, on the USDF website, and on YourDressage.org. On top of the division prize, the Grand Prize winner will have their artwork featured on the cover of the 2027 USDF Member Guide.

📆Entry Deadline: July 1

To learn more and enter, visit the link below:
🔗 https://www.usdf.org/awards/other-awards/art.asp

✍️🎨 2025 USDF Arts Contest Grand Prize Winner: “Fait Accompli” by Lisa Curry Mair

A reminder for those that have signed up, please make sure you have sent me the email with information, signed and sent back the liability form and made your $50 donation by this Friday June 5!

Email- [email protected]

Ashley Williams

There’s possibly nothing better than fun in the sun with your horse, am I right? While we hope your summer is one for the books, please remember to always remain vigilant to your horse’s needs in hot weather and on the road. Heat stress and dehydration in particular should not be underestimated, as both can have serious consequences for our equine friends.