New Era for WDCTA as it Becomes...WDEA!
After more than a year of planning (starting around May 2024), asking for member input through a survey sent out in July 2024 and numerous board discussions, we made the decision earlier this year to change the name to Wisconsin Dressage & Eventing Association (WDEA).
The reasons for the name change were many, including that we wanted our name to reflect the current state of the eventing discipline, which changed its name from combined training to eventing 24 years ago.
Another reason was our logo was old and very difficult to use because we didn’t have usable logo files (the website, newsletter and any materials we create had to limp along with the poor quality files we have), so we would have had to invest in finding a designer that could recreate our current logo, which would cost us money. Since we would have to put money into updating our logo, we decided to do both things at once.
Sandra Malott and Caryn Vesperman took the lead of working with a designer, and after discussions and minor tweaks, the board selected a logo. Depending upon the medium and/or space, two options are available for the logo: vertical and horizontal. (Please contact the board president or webmaster if you need the logo for a state or chapter activity.) A branding guide has been developed for how to use the logos, the organization’s main color (Pantone 193C—a maroon like you see in this month’s newsletter), and the typeface for all of our materials (Helvetica Neue—again, the typeface used in the newsletter), plus other guidelines. A WDEA Style Guide has also been developed to help with using AP style for reference to age, numbers, capital letters, horse vocabulary. and more. This will be available on the WDEA website.
Work also got underway such as getting the name change approved with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions, using the logo “in commerce,” and beginning the update of myriad of WDCTA’s documents, newsletter, website (including the website’s URL), email addresses and Facebook pages with the new name and logo. Other work includes informing our state board and chapter financial institutions about the new name and meeting any requirements they may have. (Thank you to our state treasurer, Morgan, for her guidance and work on this.)
Our goal is to go “live” on Dec. 1. That means, for example, we can’t accept checks or payments with our old name, WDCTA, after that date. Prior to then, you’ll see the changes to the new name and logo in this newsletter, membership form—now available in a fillable PDF. (Thank you, Stephanie Severn, our webmaster for updating the website, working for the next few weeks to update our Facebook pages and making all our forms become fillable PDFs.)
Stay tuned! It’s an exciting time, as we take steps to keep our organization relevant and prepared for the future.
Volunteer Opportunities With WDEA
Member-at-Large (MAL) - (1 position)
Here’s a way to get involved to help encourage the interest, organizing and awareness of educational and social opportunities within WDEA! We need an individual to represent their area to encourage the organization of clinics, special events and fun gatherings to further the interest in dressage (both Traditional and Western), sport horse breeding, and eventing. This position means being a liaison between the needs of riders and enthusiasts in your area and the WDEA board in order to help organize and secure financial help for activities from WDEA or guidance to apply for grants from The Dressage Foundation.
We especially need representation from the north central and northwestern Wisconsin and Upper Penninsula of Michigan areas. If you feel like you’re “alone” in your areas, that’s an even better reason to volunteer—you can help get things rolling! Plus, you’re not really alone because there are board members and many members who can help guide you and your area in organizing activities.
Your MAL volunteer activities include, but are not limited to:
- Attend the Board of Directors’ meetings held approximately three to four times a year, (usually by teleconference, so very little travel to these meetings is required,
- Represent your members’ needs and interests in your area and on the board,
- Serve as a chair of committees, as needed.
Questions or interested? Contact our WDEA President (
It's Time to Renew!
Now Accepting 2026 New Members & Renewals!
WDEA is now accepting new members and membership renewals for 2026. Be an "early bird" and renew now to ensure uninterrupted membership benefits with WDEA and USDF, and of course delivery of WDEA's eQuester newsletter! WDEA's membership term mirrors that of the United States Dressage Federation: December 1 - November 30 annually.
You may join or renew online and pay with Paypal via our online Membership Form.
Business Members may also renew online or via our online Business Membership form. If you would prefer to mail in your membership with a check, the 2026 Membership form is available for download (for a printable PDF please visit our FORMS page).
Those Members wishing to renew their Stable, Instructor, Breeder, or Business (SIBB) listing may also do so either online or via our printable form. SIBB listings are for WDEA members only. Business Listings are for Retail Businesses such as Feed Stores, Tack Shops, Truck or Trailer sales, Insurance, Fencing companies, and others not covered by our Stable, Instructor, or Breeder listings.
Member of the Year Nominations!
Please send your nominations for the Member of the Year to the Board Secretary. Nominations should be sent by Februay 1.
Member of the Year is awarded to a member who has made a difference in WDEA by furthering the sports of dressage andc eventing, and WDEA. The award is voted on by the WDEA state board prior to our annual conference.
Page 1 of 2
