You are invited to participate in the following project:

GDCTA is launching something brand‑new, a little experimental, and completely powered by you.

We’re creating a member‑driven fiction eBook—a collaborative storytelling project shaped by the ideas, imagination, and lived horse‑world experience of our community. Instead of one author… we’re writing it together.

What Build It Together Is

A multi‑chapter equestrian novel set in the world of dressage and eventing, where GDCTA members help decide the tone, characters, plot twists, horses, rivalries, settings, and big emotional moments. Each chapter will be written with the help of AI, guided by your submissions.

As chapters are completed, they’ll appear in Collected Remarks so you can follow the story’s evolution—and keep steering it.

How You Can Shape the Story

We’re gathering member input on everything that makes a great equestrian tale come alive:

• Genre & tone — heartfelt, dramatic, mysterious, romantic, funny… you choose
• Plot twists — the big moments that keep readers hooked
• Characters — riders, trainers, juniors, pros, underdogs, and barn personalities
• Horse partners — breeds, quirks, talents, and challenges
• Settings — barns, showgrounds, regions, atmospheres
• Relationships — rivalries, friendships, mentorships, romances
• Training arcs — setbacks, breakthroughs, and big wins
• Scenes — the vivid moments you want to see on the page

Every submission helps shape the next chapter.

Ready to Add Your Voice?

The input form is open now:

Submit your ideas to the Build It Together project

Whether you have a single character name, a full plot arc, or just a wild twist you’ve always wanted to see in a horse story—your creativity belongs in this book.

Leadership Update from GDCTA.org

We’re excited to announce that Annmarie Stockinger is stepping into the role of Schooling Show Recognition Chairperson! Her passion, dedication, and fresh perspective will be a fantastic asset to our mission of uplifting local shows and celebrating our dressage community.

Reach out to Annmarie at stockingeran@gmail.com Or give her a call at 609-668-3482

At the same time, we extend a heartfelt thank-you to Carol Tresan for her outstanding service in this position. Her thoughtful leadership and commitment have helped shape our program—and we’re grateful she’ll continue serving on the GDCTA Board of Directors as our Corresponding Secretary.

Please join us in welcoming Annmarie and celebrating Carol’s continuing contributions to GDCTA!

Please join us in welcoming Alexis Elliott, GDCTA’s new Volunteer Coordinator! She’ll be managing volunteers at all our upcoming shows, and we’re excited to have her onboard. 

Next shows needing volunteers:

•  Aug 9–10: GDCTA Summer Finals Schooling Show
•  Aug 30–31: Labor Day Classic I & II
•  Oct 3–5: GAIG/USDF Region 3 Dressage Championships & AFND

Volunteer roles: Scribes, ring stewards, runners, awards desk, and more! No experience needed. 

Want to help out?

 Email Alexis at ameforward@outlook.com / 305-748-0092

#GDCTA #DressageVolunteers #HorseShowHelpers #VolunteerWithUs #GeorgiaDressage

LETTERMAN JACKET PROGRAM for both USEF/USDF/USEA and Schooling Shows

Purpose:

To award the student enrolled in school that is an equestrian athlete for their perseverance in their riding endeavors, this program wishes to acknowledged these youth riders’ hard work and achievement throughout the levels.

Please email all materials by the application deadline - November 1st. YES you must APPLY. Once all of your materials are in and your eligibility is confirmed an invoice will be emailed to you.

Direct RECOGNIZED questions and email materials to Lacey Halstead wholehorsesaddlefit@gmail.com

• Details https://bit.ly/3B8j4aE

Direct SCHOOLING SHOW questions and email materials to Joanne Morse joannemorse1@yahoo.com

• Details https://gdcta.org/event-5873640

Photo for attention!

#gdcta #lettermanjacket #gdctaawards

Let us know if you have something you want to donate!

~You do not have to be a member to donate~

Businesses across the board are encouraged to support our community – your donation will be highlighted in our auction! From tack shops, feed stores, pet suppliers, bodywork for horses or humans, riding lessons – in person or virtual – to local restaurants, golf courses, retailers, spas and hotels, thoughtfully engaging the equestrian community is the key to building a successful link between our members and your products and services.

If you would like to donate a product or service to this event, email admin@gdcta.org or fill out the donation form that’s on the website: https://gdcta.org/event-5587099.

The Rider Standings for Schooling Shows have been updated. Please check yours!

All corrections must be done by the November 1st deadline. No changes after that! Please contact Caren Caverly ccaverly@comcast.net with questions.

Scroll to find the links to the Rider Standings: https://gdcta.org/Awards

Due to the air quality issues in Conyers, the Atlanta Fall National Dressage show on October 5-6, 2024, is MOVED TO

Wills Park Equestrian Center

11915 Wills Rd

Alpharetta, GA 30009

ENTRIES:

We are re-opening entries! If you want to enter the show at Wills Park, print out and email the last 4 pages of the prize list (old or new) that you can find on the website page https://gdcta.org/event-5425341  along with your Coggins and Vax information to Caren Caverly at ccaverly@comcast.net by NOON on Thursday, 10/3.

We cannot restart online entries at this point, so you do have to email Caren any new entry.

SCRATCHES:

If you are unable to attend at Wills Park, please email Caren Caverly at ccaverly@comcast.net by NOON on Thursday, 10/3 for a SHOW CREDIT to the May 2025 Greater Atlanta Dressage Southern show at the Georgia International Horse Park in Conyers, GA.

Refund Policy: After the closing date which is now Thursday, October 3^rd at noon, 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.

STABLING & RIDE TIMES:

The Stabling list should be online on the evening of Thursday, October 3.

Ride times will be available by NOON on Friday, October 4.

GDCTA social media pages will not be monitored over the next couple of days.

All questions should be directed to Caren Caverly at 770-713-4025 or ccaverly@comcast.net.

We have worked hard to keep this program afloat as the joy on the faces of those earning their jackets and patches is a highlight of the Gala every year. Just like any business or family, sometimes budgets are tight and sometimes we can make it rain money (not actually, but one can dream). With two years of not hosting the region 3 dressage championships, we have had to tighten the purse strings. A strict budget may not be fun, but it does ensure the longevity of the club and the many ways we try to enrich our Georgia horse community. We have long subsidized the recognized letterman program, but this year we can no longer absorb that cost. You will see a big jump in the price of the jackets, please know it is still not a profitable venture. This is a breakeven price. Turns out traditional letterman jackets are spendy. It is an absolute privilege for us to run this program and see our young equestrian athletes get recognized, and we hope to enjoy this program for years to come. We encourage our letterman athletes to get creative and earn some dollars to put towards their new jackets - bake sale, tack cleaning, mane pulling, arena mirror cleaning, etc. We will be happy to share their ventures to help spread the word.

Lindsey Burns

redheadlins@gmail.com / 208-861-2996

Since GDCTA is not hosting the money earning region 3 championship show either in 2023 or 2024 (and it now looks like GA has been cut out of 2025), we have had to make some decisions regarding our schedules and programs to save money for at least the next two years. Details to be shared soon!