GDCTA upcoming events

2026 Liz Faso Memorial Volunteer of the Year (January 01, 2026)

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 05:00:00 GMT

In honor of Liz Faso's many years of service to GDCTA specifically as volunteer coordinator, this volunteer program will now be known as the Liz Faso Memorial Volunteer of the Year.

1) $1000.00 to the person with the most hours volunteered at GDCTA events and participating shows (check the events calendar to find the events that will work for you!)

2) $750.00 to person with the 2nd highest number of hours

3) $500.00 to person with the 3rd highest number of hours

4) $250.00 raffle consisting of every volunteer with 24 hrs volunteering

This program will run from January 1 through December 31, and will be awarded at the Awards Gala.

Board members, paid positions and Chairs are not eligible.

LEADERBOARD

Volunteer! Become a volunteer by registering through each event or contact Volunteer Coordinator:

Alexis "Aly" Elliott

ameforward@outlook.com

305-748-0092

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DO YOU HOST GDCTA-RECOGNIZED SCHOOLING SHOWS?

Dear GDCTA-recognized schooling show organizers:

VOLUNTEER INCENTIVE PROGRAM

The GDCTA is offering your GDCTA-member volunteers an opportunity to participate in the Liz Faso Memorial Volunteers of the Year Award volunteer incentive program by volunteering AT YOUR SHOWS.

The GDCTA-member volunteer with the most hours volunteered will win $1000.00, the one with the 2nd most hours will win $750.00, and the 3rd most hours will win $500.00. The remaining volunteers with a minimum of 24 hours will be put into a raffle for $250.00.

We are offering this incentive to your show volunteers (we will determine if they are current members) for a $25.00 opt-in fee. That fee covers all your shows in the calendar year. You can pay for that in the Store or here. Or let us know and we can invoice you.

At the end of each show, you will send Caren Caverly (ccaverly@comcast.net) a spreadsheet including

First name

Last name

Hours

2025 Member

Event

NOTES

for your volunteers names and total number of hours worked on an excel sheet. Under NOTES, please let us know if the volunteer is a family member working for their junior member and give the junior's name.

GDCTA will promote your shows as participating in this program. If you are interested, let us know.

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GDCTA is a member-focused and member-run organization that depends on volunteers! We encourage you to become involved in any of the many activities we offer. Have a new idea? Bring it to the board at a meeting.

Share the excitement from inside the events:

Meet international judges, competitors, and learn how the competitions work.
Scribing at a show is a great educational experience to help you improve as a rider!
Help a Junior rider put a winning sash on her horse for the victory gallop!
Participate as a ring steward in order to better understand our sport.
If you’re a trainer, volunteer your time for a Kudzu Klinic.

GDCTA Training Grant 2026 (February 01, 2026)

Sun, 01 Feb 2026 05:00:00 GMT

The GDCTA Grant has been established to provide funding support for GDCTA member-riders who are working to sharpen their riding skills. Four grants of $800* each will be offered to GDCTA members for concentrated work with a trainer of their choice within one year of receiving the grant award.

First, please register online to let us know you will be applying by June 1st.
Second, complete this form (PDF) and email it with appropriate accompanying references and details to Janie Pride at janiepride@yahoo.com

Mission

The mission of the GDCTA Grant Program is to provide educational opportunities to members who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to and/or excellence in the sport as well as service and ambassadorship within the Association.

The grant is meant for a GDCTA member to have the opportunity to be in a training situation that is not readily available during the course of his/her daily pattern. Grant monies must be used to participate in educational programs that include, but are not limited to: seminars, workshops, clinics and training programs offered by recognized or certified instructors.

Requirements

These grants represent an investment by GDCTA. The recipient understands that the membership will benefit as a result of the recipient’s experience, therefore it is a requirement that the recipient will:

write an article for the GDCTA newsletter, Collected Remarks, for use on the GDCTA website and for GDCTA’s use in other publications
give a verbal report at a GDCTA board meeting as soon as possible after their training is complete
volunteer at least 8 hours (or the equivalent of one day) at a GDCTA function within a year of receiving the grant.

*I understand that I will receive an initial $600 of the grant after details of my training are confirmed, and one month before my training; the balance in the amount of $200 will be sent to me when the GDCTA newsletter editors receive my training experience article.

One grant will be awarded in each of the following categories:

Adult Amateur – Dressage
Professional
Combined Training
Jr/YR

Eligibility:

GDCTA members in good standing.
US Citizen or permanent US resident holding Green card
Involvement in a regular riding program with active instruction over the last three years
Cannot have won a GDCTA grant within the last two years

Opening Date: February 1 / Closing Date: June 1

Questions? Please contact

Janie Pride

Grant Program Committee Chair

706-326-4354

janiepride@yahoo.com

https://gdcta.wildapricot.org/Programs

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The Equestrian Journal - for winners

Each GDCTA grant recipient will receive a special journal donated by The Equestrian Journal. Journaling is a great tool to help you organize your thoughts and record your progress.

Catherine Respess will also provide a journal coaching session to each grant winner to give them a “leg up” and fully enjoy the power of Journaling!!

Learn more:

https://www.theequestrianjournal.com

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Past Winners

GDCTA Spring Fling Schooling Show (April 11, 2026)

Sat, 11 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

GDCTA Recognized

GDCTA is now using Horse Show Office (http://www.horseshowoffice.com) for online entries for this show and all the others!

GDCTA follows the rules of USEF and USDF including all rules regarding Safe Sport suspended list.

Prize List

Closing Date (In Secretary’s hand) – April 3rd

Judges:

· Sally Crews, L Grad, GA

· Cindy Thaxton, L Grad, GA

· Marian Bickers, L Grad w/Dist, GA

· Robin Tardy, L Grad, GA,

· Ashley Boyd, GA, (JUMPING)

Thank You to Our Gold Sponsors

Atlanta Saddlery

Welcome to our Vendors

Ridgeline Equine Massage & Bodywork (based in Blairsville, GA) provides certified, on-location massage for performance and rehabilitation.

Members: The show is recognized by the Georgia Dressage and Combined Training Association. All rides are Double Points toward year end awards. This counts as 2 separate shows. This means if you show in 1 CT class per day, you will get 4 CT scores. If you show in 2 dressage classes per day, you will get 8 scores. It's possible to qualify for year-end awards in one weekend !

Also, volunteers are needed!! Contact Aly Elliott ameforward@outlook.com if you want to volunteer (and earn hours toward the Liz Faso Memorial Volunteer of the Year Program

For entry, sponsorship, advertising or vendor, and volunteer questions, register or contact:

Caren Caverly

ccaverly@comcast.net

770-713-4025

HOST HOTEL

EVEN Hotel Alpharetta (Avalon area)

2715 Old Milton Parkway

Alpharetta, GA 30009

Phone: 770-869-2546

GDCTA link: (“Social Factor” rate: special 15% off for those booking for GDCTA events)

1) Team Challenge

Teams can be made of any number (minimum of 2) of riders doing any level. Percentage scores will be added together and averaged to determine a total team score used for placing. CT dressage scores will be converted to dressage percentages. Trophy to the winning team!

This is for all you families, instructors, and riders out there who would love to be on a team with friends and family or who want to get a Barn Team together.

To enter the Team Challenge, email Caren Caverly ccaverly@comcast.net with the name of your team and the names of the members of your team. If you want to put a “scramble team” together on the show grounds, drop off the team names with the list of members at the office. The show office will take care of the rest!

2) Atlanta Saddlery Busiest Trainer Award - the trainer who brings the most students to the show! To enter, have your students list you (the trainer) as "coach" on their entry form. The Office will tally the results.

The winner will receive a trophy and a $50 gift certificate to Atlanta Saddlery.

3) Best Score Awards - see prize list for details

Good luck and happy riding!

Refunds:

Before closing date, fees will be refunded less the office fee. After closing date, all fees are unconditionally nonrefundable, regardless of circumstances, including inclement weather. No exceptions. Returned check & refused Credit Card policy: Void entry and incur a $35 charge. Entry will be wait listed until credit card clears, money order, certified check or cash is received. Do not mail cash.

Greater Atlanta Dressage Southern I & II (GADS) (May 09, 2026)

Sat, 09 May 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Prize List - opens March 1st / Closing April 27th

GDCTA is now using Horse Show Office (http://www.horseshowoffice.com) for online entries for this show and all the others!

GDCTA follows the rules of USEF and USDF including all rules regarding Safe Sport suspended list.

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The judges:

Amy McElroy, “S”, SC

Dorothy Demis, “S”, FL

Official Qualifying Competition for the 2026 GAIG/USDF Regional Dressage Championships
NDPC Pony Cup Partner

These are two separate shows and require two separate entry forms and documentation.
Both shows will use the same judges. Qualifying classes will have a different judge each day.
Both shows are considered as one competition for the above listed championships.

If you are entering both shows, please put all stall information and payment on the FIRST show entry form.

Please take a moment to review the new USEF Safe Sport web pages on the USEF website. Competitors are bound by the U.S. Center for SafeSport Code, USEF Safe Sport Policy, and Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policies (MAAPP).

Competitors must sign the GDCTA Hold Harmless Waiver.

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Volunteers are needed for all events! Register if you want to volunteer (and earn hours toward the Liz Faso Memorial Volunteer of the Year). Sign up to Volunteer by contacting Aly Elliott ameforward@outlook.com

Now accepting advertisers for online program, sponsors, and vendors.

Contact Caren Caverly ccaverly@comcast.net

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Thank You Sponsors:

The Harbin Agency

~Remember to shop our vendors!~

COMPETITORS

Braiders

Trish Savard: Reeh89@hotmail.com / 413-244-3763

Tonya Scruggs: braidbandtails@gmail.com / 678-588- 4280

Ashley Ivany: 336-209-4594 / @southern.equestrian.elegance

Official Photographer:

High Time Photography, John & Christie Snyder 336-671-4446

hightimephotography@gmail.com, hightimephotos.com

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For the GDCTA year-end Awards Program - scores from this show count twice toward GDCTA year-end awards!!

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Refunds:

Before closing date, fees will be refunded less the office fee. After closing date, all fees are unconditionally nonrefundable, regardless of circumstances, including inclement weather. No exceptions. Returned check & refused Credit Card policy: Void entry and incur a $35 charge. Entry will be wait listed until credit card clears, money order, certified check or cash is received. Do not mail cash.

GDCTA & Area 3 YR Eventing Summer Camp (June 08, 2026)

Mon, 08 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Summer Camp at Stable View Farm

Aiken, South Carolina

Summer Camp is the perfect opportunity to have fun, build confidence, make new friends, and create unforgettable memories. Join us for an exciting week filled with riding, learning, and camaraderie — all set against the beautiful backdrop of Stable View Farm in Aiken, SC.

Learn more here: GDCTA - Eventing Summer Camp

We can’t wait to see you there!

Click here for Application/Entry Form for Participants

To participate:

1) register and pay the non-refundable $350 deposit online here

2) send Application/Entry form, 2 of the 3 Waivers (below) to Joanne joannemorse1@yahoo.com

3) set up housing with Joanne (or on your own)

Auditors welcome! Must pre-register. Click register to find the auditor options. $50 per day or $125 for 3 days.

REQUIRED FORMS

Application/Entry Form is required. Stable View does an electronic waiver which is required along with the GDCTA waiver and the USEA waiver.

Here’s a link for the Stable View Waiver where participants can electronically sign + submit: https://waiver.smartwaiver.com/e/PSjtS7QeGPR5YLtXuDrtHK/
USEA Waiver
GDCTA Waiver

Accommodations

On-Site Housing

Limited on-site housing is available and must be booked directly through Joanne. Once full, a waitlist will be started if additional space becomes available.

To reserve or join the waitlist, email:
joannemorse1@yahoo.com

RV Spots

A limited number of RV spots are available.

Alternate Lodging Options

Carriage House Inn – 803-644-5888
The Inn at Houndslake – 803-648-9535
Fairfield by Marriott – 803-648-7808
Hotel Aiken – 803-648-4265
Town & Country Inn – 803-642-0270
Hampton Inn – 803-648-2525
Sleep Inn (Whiskey Rd.) – 803-644-9900
Annie’s Inn B&B – 803-649-6836
Holiday Inn Express – 803-648-0999
Motel 8 – 803-641-8800
Comfort Suites – 803-641-1100
The Vista (Tiny Homes) – 803-262-5263
Clarion Inn & Suites – 803-648-0999
Country Inn & Suites, 3270 Whiskey Road – 803-649-4265
The Wilcox Inn – 803-648-1898

Additional lodging options may be found through the Aiken Chamber of Commerce at 803-648-0405.

Camp Communication

Joanne will create a WhatsApp group for all riders. This will be used for important updates during camp, including schedule changes, weather holds, and any real-time announcements.

Don’t Miss!

Group Photo — Wednesday at 6:00 PM (before dinner)
Wear your camp shirt! We’ll gather behind the pavilion on the cross-country course.

Golf Cart Rentals

Golf cart rentals are available through The Golf Cart Lady.
703-910-6055

Please make reservations directly with the company.

Contact

Joanne Morse
GDCTA VP of Combined Training & USEA Area III Young Rider Coordinator

joannemorse1@yahoo.com
770-313-6283

Refund Policy

Full or partial refund will only be considered due to sickness or injury of horse or rider. A note must be received from doctor or veterinarian and is contingent on acceptance of another camper from the waitlist.

GDCTA Summer Finals Schooling Show (August 08, 2026)

Sat, 08 Aug 2026 04:00:00 GMT

GDCTA recognized

Prize List to come - GDCTA is now using Horse Show Office (http://www.horseshowoffice.com) for online entries for this show and all the others!

GDCTA follows the rules of USEF and USDF including all rules regarding Safe Sport suspended list

SATURDAY

You may be able to qualify for Sunday's Finals classes that will be held on Sunday.

SUNDAY

Lisa Seger Insurance Adult Amateur Medal & Dressage Seat Equitation Championship classes are held on Sunday, August 13.

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Thank you to our Sponsors:

Atlanta Saddlery

Riding Warehouse

Lisa Seger Insurance

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Now accepting volunteers (contact Aly Elliott ameforward@outlook.com), advertisers for online program, sponsors, and vendors.

Contact Caren Caverly ccaverly@comcast.net

HOST HOTEL

EVEN Hotel Alpharetta (Avalon area)

2715 Old Milton Parkway

Alpharetta, GA 30009

Phone: 770-869-2546

GDCTA link: (“Social Factor” rate: special 15% off for those booking for GDCTA events)

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3 fun things for this show:

This is for all you families, instructors, and riders out there who would love to be on a team with friends and family or who want to get a Barn Team together.

The winner will receive a trophy and a $50 gift certificate to Atlanta Saddlery.

3) Best Scores Awards

Good luck and happy riding!

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Refunds:

Labor Day Dressage Classic I & II (August 29, 2026)

Sat, 29 Aug 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Prize list to come

USEF Level 2 Competition

GDCTA is now using Horse Show Office (http://www.horseshowoffice.com) for online entries for this show and all the others!

Official Qualifying Competition for:

2026 Great American/USDF Regional Championships
National Dressage Pony Cup

GDCTA follows the rules of USEF and USDF including all rules regarding Safe Sport suspended list.

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Also, volunteers are needed for all events! Register if you want to volunteer (and earn hours toward the Liz Faso Memorial Volunteer of the Year Program

Contact our Volunteer Coordinator:

Alexis Elliott

ameforward@outlook.com

305-748-0092

Now accepting advertisers for online program, sponsors, and vendors.

Contact Caren Caverly ccaverly@comcast.net

*** COMPETITORS ***

Braiders

Trish Savard Reeh89@hotmail.com 413-244-3763
Tonya Scruggs braidbandtails@gmail.com 678-588-4280

Official Photographer: High Time Photography (hightimephotos.com), hightimephotography@gmail.com, John Snyder: 336-671-4446

Georgia International Horse Park: https://www.georgiahorsepark.com/

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For the GDCTA members competing - scores from this show count twice toward GDCTA year-end awards!!

Refunds:

Dressage4kids TEAM Clinic & Atlanta Youth Festival (September 04, 2026)

Fri, 04 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Dressage4Kids TEAM Clinic and Atlanta Youth Festival. The competition - read a book and take a written test, ride one dressage test and one equitation class for overall winner! It’s awesome and UNIQUE!!!

Lendon Gray's Dressage4Kids TEAM (Training, Education and Mentoring) 2-day Clinic (Fri/Sat) and Atlanta Youth Festival. The Festival is a unique competition with a Saturday evening Kick-Off Dinner with Panel Discussion. Sunday's competition starts with a Written Test, One Dressage Test, and a group Equitation Class for an overall winner. Atlanta is proud to be the 3rd largest D4K Festival in the Country, after New York and Midwest!

Prize List to come

Reading List - Have You Got Your Books Yet?

Please keep in mind that the FEI age rule applies, which means that as of 1st January, the rider is considered whatever age he/she will reach during that calendar year. For example, if the rider turns 14 anytime during the year 2025, the rider is considered to be 14 for the competition and should read the required reading materials for age 14.

Contact: Liz Molloy missliz@taramiaridingschool.com

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Also, volunteers are needed for all events. Register if you want to volunteer (and earn hours toward the Liz Faso Memorial Volunteer of the Year!) Sign up by registering or contact Liz Molloy missliz@taramiaridingschool.com

Tickets are nonrefundable and are not eligible for voluntary refunds. However, the value of your ticket may be eligible to be applied toward the price of a ticket for another clinic. Riders will receive a refund if a replacement is found.

GAIG/USDF Region 3 Dressage Championships & AFND (October 02, 2026)

Fri, 02 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT

✅ Prize List

✅ Enter Beginning July 20 at HORSESHOWOFFICE.com

Closing Date: Sept 7, 2026

Don’t wait—secure your spot before the deadline!

Where the Region's finest Come to Ride. Where Champions Are Made.

The Great American/USDF Regional Dressage Championships showcase the top riders and horses in our sport. This is your moment to step into the arena, test your training, and shine on a championship stage.

Competitor Essentials

Everything you need to prepare like a pro:

Award Ceremony Instructions
Competitor Information Packet
Regional Championship Evaluation Survey
GIHP Facility Map
Schooling Schedule Details
GDCTA follows all USEF & USDF rules, including Safe Sport regulations.

Schooling Ring Hours

Wednesday (pre‑show):

All competition arenas, warm‑ups & lunging: 9 AM – 6 PM

Competition Days:

Warm‑ups & lunging: 7 AM – 6 PM
Hand‑walking around competition arenas: Before 7:30 AM
Riding inside rings: End of final class – 6 PM

Always check the final schooling schedule at the show office or at www.horseshowoffice.com.

Competitors must remain on designated show grounds.

Don’t Just Watch—Experience the Championship Atmosphere

✨Thursday: Wine & Cheese Social

✨ Friday: Twilight Vendor Walk

️ ✨Saturday: Dinner Buffet + Entertainment

Event Services

Photography:

High Time Photography
hightimephotography@gmail.com | John Snyder: 336‑671‑4446

Videography:

Richard’s Equine Videography
richardsequinevideo@gmail.com | 404‑308‑8713

✨ Professional Braiders

Tonya Scruggs – braidbandtails@gmail.com | 678‑588‑4280
Ashley Ivany – ashleyaivany@gmail.com | (336) 209‑4594
Jeanne Abbott – braidsbyjeanne@gmail.com | 352‑266‑7994
Trish Savard – reeh89@hotmail.com | 413‑244‑3763
Jenna Farmer – farmerj123@live.com | 678‑425‑7309
Lacy Moorlag – lacey@annwynequestrian.com | 231‑218‑2340
Suzannah Rogers – suzannah1622@hotmail.com | 843‑933‑0089

Vendors & Sponsors: Be Where the Riders Are

If riders use it, love it, or need it—this is your audience.
Applications accepted through Sept 25

Showcase to a high‑value equestrian community
Sponsor a class or division
Advertise in the event program (PDF)
Download: Sponsorship Packet (to come)
Submit: Vendor Application (to come)

Volunteers Make the Magic Happen

GDCTA members can earn hours toward the Liz Faso Memorial Volunteer of the Year Awards (sponsored by Bouckaert Farm).

Volunteer Coordinator: Alexis Elliott
ameforward@outlook.com
305‑748‑0092

GDCTA Member Bonus

Scores from the Atlanta Fall National Dressage Show count twice toward 2027 year‑end awards.
(Championship class scores excluded.)

Refund Policy

Before closing date: Fees refunded minus office fee
After closing date: No refunds for any reason, including weather
Returned checks / declined cards: Entry voided + $35 fee; entry wait‑listed until payment clears
Do not mail cash.