Seize the Opportunity to Take the Road to United States Dressage Finals

In 2023, I got the unexpected and shocking opportunity of a lifetime.  I qualified to compete in the Second Level Adult Amateur Freestyle division at the US Dressage Finals after a super shocking win at Region 9 Championships on my 20 year old former eventer, Zeus.  I never expected to do so well (and have so much fun!) at Regionals.  It was my second ever time going to Regionals, and Zeus’ first ever. 

 I wasn’t sure I was up for such a trip to Lexington, Kentucky, but the stars just seemed too aligned.  First, I had gotten Zeus from Lexington just two years (almost to the day) prior, and his original ‘mom’, Maddie, hadn’t seen him since.  I knew this would be an incredible opportunity for her to see him doing so well in his second career. Second, my musical freestyle was set to Army music, and I wore my military uniform, and the Championship class was on Veteran’s Day! What an opportunity to celebrate being a veteran and all the other veterans we can honor with our sandbox dance. 

Even with these cosmic signs, I still wasn’t sure until one of my equestrian friends (shoutout Jill Zednick!) called and said she would go with me.  That was finally enough for me to listen to the cosmos and sign up. 

For anyone that ever gets such an opportunity my advice is to GO.  GO, GO, GO! You never know the path you and your equine partner will take.  Our time with these creatures is delicate and, unfortunately, riddled with setbacks, injuries, and even sometimes an unexpected rainbow bridge journey. I had qualified once before for Nationals with my former horse, Frankie.  Unfortunately, he crossed that rainbow bridge after a freak accident before we could even consider going to Nationals.  I may regret a lot one day, but I will never regret the adventures I took with my ponies – and this one was certainly one for the books. 

My experience was fantastic.  The show was phenomenally run, and the management couldn’t have been nicer.  For example, when we realized we would be getting in after the show office closed, we called them as we really wanted to take Zeus on some long walks upon arrival and needed his number to do so.  They happily went and put his number in the stall for us.  This was the kind of helpfulness and kindness we met at every corner.  I was no nervous that it would be pretentious and I would surely get scolded at every turn.  That could not have been further from the reality.  I felt completely at home and was even there without a trainer to guide me.  I just asked and everyone was so happy to help.

In addition to me encouraging you to take this adventure if given the chance, I also wanted to provide some tips and lessons learned before I forget them.  

1. No cost registrations for Nationals MUST be done BEFORE Regionals.  I thought I was nuts when I did this part.  I didn’t think I had a shot at even placing at Regionals, let alone qualifying for Nationals.  However, I was so thankful I had done this necessary and simple online form before Regionals because otherwise the opportunity would not have even been a possibility. 
2. Split up the trip.  This was a grueling 13 hour trailer trip and certainly too long for my old man.  I quickly realized this when I got to Kentucky and his back was totally shot for the first two days.  Luckily, we showed on day three, but still he was not 100%.  I strongly recommend stopping at Mid-South Dressage Academy in Hernando, MS for the night.  That facility is incredible, and your horse will thank you!
3. Bring a friend.  The facility is HUGE and there are so many riders there and so much to do.  It is so much better with a good show partner to enjoy it all and help you keep your sanity trying to figure out rings. 
4. Stabling. The advice I was given was to select and pay for indoor stabling ASAP in order to get one. They are limited.  This advice was echoed by everyone I knew that had been there based on the traditional freezing temperatures and rain which usually plagues this event.  We were lucky and had fantastic weather and my Championship ride was in the indoor. I will say, the indoor stabling got stinky FAST and they NEVER turned off the lights.  I’d reconsider the outdoor stabling as an option next time, but I’d say this is a gambler’s choice. There are pros and cons to both.  Honestly, I think we would have been happy with either, but the indoor stalls certainly put us closer to everything.
5. Get there early and do your homework.  I studied the facility maps before I got there, then immediately went to each arena I was scheduled to show in.  There are SO MANY!  I memorized the arena availability schedule and wrote out a detailed schedule for my horse to also get to see each arena as much as possible.  This is where it’s important having that friend to help with this so you aren’t exhausted. There are very strict times you can hand walk in the arenas.  I used EVERY opportunity to get Zeus out of the stall and in the arenas.  By day three when we went into the indoor arena for our Championship ride, he was so comfortable.
6. Go watch as much as you can, especially in the indoor arena.  They schedule a lot of the freestyles and upper level dressage in the indoor, especially in the evenings.  We watched so much fabulous and fun riding.  It was so inspiring, and I came home completely reinvigorated for dressage and my future with the sport. 

I’m also happy to talk to anyone interested in Regionals or Nationals and provide more advice.  Who knows, I may even go with you! If you’re still not sure, at least try the SEDA Schooling Championship: it is a great way to get a taste for the feel of Championships right here in our very own local Amen Corner Farm. 

Good luck and don’t forget to add “Show at Dressage Finals” to those vision boards!