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YOUTH

GDCTA is seeking new members for its Ambassador Program!   

Anyone wanting to join the Youth Committee, contact Joanne Morse.

GDCTA Youth Committee Mission Statement

 

The GDCTA Youth Committee is an assembly of youth dressage and eventing rider-members. It is a leadership opportunity regardless of one’s riding endeavors and accomplishments. The Committee’s goal is to grow and retain GDCTA’s junior member population by promoting benefits of belonging to a GMO through educational, clinic and awards programs. These programs include the Letterman Jacket Program and Dressage Seat Equitation Medal Finals. All programs promote sportsmanship and volunteerism.  The Committee will report to the GDCTA Board and will keep minutes. The Committee will strive to be self-funded to achieve the goals mentioned above, through fundraisers and work projects.

GDCTA supports NAYC

 

The FEI North American Youth Championships (NAYC) for Dressage is a unique and prestigious competition which brings together the top Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI) Junior and Young Riders, ages 14-21, from throughout North American and neighboring countries. Young equestrians vie for team and individual FEI medals in the three Olympic equestrian disciplines of dressage, show jumping, and eventing. NAYC is subject to the rules and restrictions of the FEI and is designated as a Continental Championship. It is the only FEI championship held annually on this continent.

The NAYC process can be daunting for new participants. If you are new to this process, click the button below for further information!

Youth Committee 
Chairperson - 
Joanne Morse

joannemorse1@yahoo.com

770-313-6283

Recognized –

Letterman Jacket, Atlanta Youth Festival, Liaison for NAYC, DSE and 12 and under Excellence Award

Liz Molloy

missliz@taramiaridingschool.com

770-634-4089

Janie Pride

janiepride@yahoo.com

706-573-6184

Schooling or Grassroots –

OPEN

Collegiate –

Amanda Garner

amanda@epiphany-farm.com

404-245-6688

Equitation medal

Dressage Seat Equitation Schooling Show Medal Finals

 

GDCTA Youth Program's Dressage Seat Medal Finals is held annually at the GDCTA Summer Finals Schooling Show at Wills Park, Alpharetta.

 

This is a Dressage Seat Equitation Challenge for our Schooling Show participants modeled after the USDF Regional Semi-Finals and Finals Event. Similar to the hunter riders, these classes will run as a group Dressage Seat Equitation Class, broken into two age divisions, ages 13 & under and 14-18.

 

Classes will consist of Walk, Trot, & Canter with additional test movements asked individually.

Watch in Schooling Show Prize Lists to find qualifying shows.  

HOW TO QUALIFY: 

  1. Earn 2 Qualifying Scores in the Dressage Seat Medal Classes at a GDCTA-Recognized Schooling Show. (Minimum Score 70%) before the Summer Finals GDCTA Summer Finals Schooling Show.

  2. Qualify with 2 scores of 64% or higher in Intro C, 63% or higher in Training Level, 62% or higher in First Level, 61% or higher in Second level.

  3. Must be a member when scores are earned and also at the time of the Summer Finals GDCTA Schooling Show.

Schooling Show Finals
Aug 10-11, 2024

Wills Park

Alpharetta, GA

Congratulations to the winners!

2021 Champions

 

14 -18: Parker Mallern        

13 & Under:  Julianne Landinez

2022 Champions

 

14 -18: Maria Mueller       

13 & Under:  Kathryn Mattick

2020 Champions

 

14 -18: Catherine Stone         

13 & Under:  Sidnee Milner

2019 Champions

 

14 - 18: Keri-Lyn Thomas

13 & Under: Alexis Troutman  

2018 Champions

 

14 - 18:         Abigail Goodwin

13 & Under:   Maren Hanson

2017 Champions

 

14 - 18:         Megan Ruder

13 & Under:   Brynn DeLong

Lendon Gray's Dressage4Kids -

Atlanta Youth Festival

Georgia International Horse Park

1996 Centennial Olympic Parkway

Conyers, GA

Show Bill
Entry Form
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This unique educationally themed competition consists of 3 elements:

a) one written test (Acquire Reading Materials Early!)

b) one dressage test (Ridden From Memory)

c) one dressage equitation class

 

Each section is worth 100 points for an overall high score that wins.

On Saturday evening, competitors and family are invited to join us and a featured speaker for dinner and conversation. These top athletes will inspire our youth by sharing their journey of what it takes to be a high performance rider, otherwise known as “Preparedness meets Opportunity.”

Turn Out Inspection:

Prior to rider’s first mounted endeavor, riders may present themselves for inspection of horse, tack, and rider where designated

Awards:

Grand Champion and Reserve Ribbons for Overall Highest Score per Division and place ribbons (Intro, Training, etc.); Ribbons for each Section:  Written Test, Equitation Class, and Dressage Test separately . Several High Point Awards.

Youth Festival
Letterman Jacket Programs

 

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.

 

Qualifications:

  • Applicants must be a current GDCTA Member in the year which scores are earned.

  • Applicant is a Youth Rider age of 22 or under as of December 31, the year scores are earned.

  • Applicant is concurrently enrolled in school/college with a minimum of B or 3.0 average. Proof enrollment in school and student achievement is required (ie: report cards).

  • Applicant must volunteer 8 hours through GDCTA or any non-profit, horse show, etc. Note that hours volunteered at GDCTA Hosted events will count double hours. Must submit a signed Volunteer Credit Form.

PLEASE PAY VIA THE STORE & Submit the appropriate app by the deadline for your category.

Recognized Program:

Letterman applications due September 30, and YES you must APPLY.  

Direct Questions to Liz Molloy at missliz@taramiaridingschool.com

Schooling Show Program:

Letterman applications due September 30, and YES you must APPLY.  

Direct Questions to Joanne Morse joannemorse1@yahoo.com

Letterman

12 and Under Excellence Award

 

In reference to world stage in equestrian sport, especially in the year of the Olympics, the comparison is always made between the US and European nations, noting that the US is lagging behind.  The difference is kids are started much earlier there in their riding endeavors, and excel earlier. To high light the importance of this matter, we have created a High Score Excellence Award for 12 and Under. This award recognizes both Eventing and Dressage and in both Schooling and Recognized.

Winners of this award receive their trophies at the annual Awards Gala.

 

12-under018_3028.jpg

Youth Scholarships

 

The GDCTA strongly believes the future success of the industry is in the hands of our youth. We recognize the importance of education and introducing youth to the diversity of horses and equine disciplines.

 

youth schlarships
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