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.
We Need You!
image copyright Shorthorse Studios, used with permission.
WDCTA (WDEA) is looking for volunteers to serve as president, vice president, secretary and the Wisconsin Horse Council representative. To see what the responsibilities for these roles are, go to our policies document (section J) on our website, and if interested, then contact our current president here.
Help us continue to inspire and support our members' dressage and eventing dreams!
Saddle Fit Presentation
If you missed the saddle fitting presentation, it was recorded! You can view the Zoom meeting here. The passcode you will need for this Zoom is: e2B7?GYg
Remember to Vaccinate This Fall!
- The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) is reminding horse owners to make an appointment with their veterinarian for spring vaccinations. Consistent with the American Association of
Equine Practitioners (AAEP) guidelines on core vaccinations, DATCP recommends all Wisconsin horse owners work with their veterinarian to vaccinate against the following diseases:
• Equine Encephalitis
• West Nile Virus
• Tetanus
• Rabies
Virtually all Wisconsin horses may be exposed to these diseases through their environment, regardless of travel plans or discipline:
- • Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and West Nile Virus (WNV) are transmitted via insects
• Tetanus is transmitted through soil bacteria
• Rabies virus is transmitted through wild mammals
Vaccination offers considerable protection against these serious diseases, most of which have no treatment beyond supportive care, and may cause serious illness or death.
Annual Meeting & 2024 Awards
Saturday March 29, 2025 at Noon, Johnson Creek WI
Join WDCTA on Saturday March 29 for our annual meeting and 2024 Awards! Our featured presentation is "The Most Common Saddle Fit Issues" by speaker Stefanie Reinhold, Independent Saddle Fitter and Passier-Certified. Stefanie is also the co-author with Jim Masterson on the "Beyond the Horse Massage" book. Stefanie will discuss the basic principles of saddle fitting and how to spot the most common fitting issues as well as a summary of the Masterson method.
The event is FREE for WDCTA members, and only $10 for guests (payable at the door). Printable flyer here.
Please RSVP by March 16 to
Venue: Hi-Way Harry's, 710 Glover Lane, Johnson Creek WI
Agenda:
- Noon to 12:30pm Enjoy Lunch
- 12:30 to 1:00pm Annual Meeting
- 1:30 to 2:30pm Featured Speaker Stefanie Reinhold
- Awards Presentation
Get Fit For Riding & Life - Watch If You Missed It!
Available to View on YouTube
Members are encouraged to watch this Livestream event! Arnulfo Virtusio, better known as Avey, started as a personal trainer in California in 2004. He started in a commercial gym, LA Fitness, under Dr. Sam Baktiar, who joined with physical therapist, Loren Middag. The business, called Fitness Concept, moved to a private gym in Chino,CA, where Avey trained for about six years. He then decided to establish his own personal training business, now located in Oregon, WI.Avey has a wide array of clients from teenagers to retirees, as well as patients recovering from injuries. Avey enjoys working with athletes including equestrians and those involved in team sports. Avey gave WDCTA an hour workout to show you how to start your strength training journey.
It was streamed live on YouTube and is available afterwards for review on YouTube here.
WDCTA Education Zoom Presentation
Learn about “The Most Common Saddle Fit Issues”
Tuesday July 16th at 7 pm Central Time
Stefanie Reinhold will be making a presentation to help understand the basic principles of saddle fitting and how to spot the most common fitting issues.
Every horse and rider combination is unique and if you are planning on buying a saddle it is a good idea to understand the basics of fitting any manufactured saddle. Concerned about issues with your horse, which may be because of the saddle not fitting correctly? You also learn how to spot the most common fitting issues.
Stefanie is knowable about both dressage and western saddles. She is also the co-author with Jim Masterson on the “Beyond the Horse Massage” book which provides an interactive method for alleviating soreness, strain and tension.
WDCTA/USDF Educational Event "Know The Dressage Movements"
In 2024 WDCTA featured a Zoom presentation for the USDF “Know the Dressage Movements” program which was put together by the 'L' judge training program and the Judges committee. The program must be presented by a USEF “S” licensed Dressage Judge. We are lucky to have a lifetime WDCTA member, Jayne Ayers, S”, volunteering to make the program presentations for us. WDCTA members will not be charged, however, non-members will need to pay to attend.
L Graduates who complete all three of the Zoom presentations and pass a USDF quiz will receive three hours of L Graduate CE. The quiz will be sent out from the USDF office by the roster sent in by WDCTA. If you would like to earn one university credit you will need to attend all three presentations.
The three program presentations (to earn L Graduate and credits all three must be attended).
- Session 1 – Training and First Level Tues May 7, 2024
- Session 2 – Second Level Wed May 15, 2024
- Session 3 - Third and Fourth Level Wed May 22, 2024
During the presentation each dressage level will include the purpose of the level and the movements required for each level. The movements in each level will be cover:
- Directives from the score sheet,
- Criteria,
- Why do it – Gymnastic effect?
- What can go wrong?
- A review of the important aspects of the Level
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Megan McIsaac Receives TDF Grant
Source: The Dressage Foundation
The Dressage Foundation (TDF) is pleased to announce Megan McIsaac (WI), as the recipient of the $5,000 Team Tate Mentorship and Leadership Fund Grant for 2022. The Fund, established by the Tate family in 2020, provides financial assistance to dressage professionals to further their business, leadership, and riding skills.
Megan is a USDF Certified Instructor through Fourth Level and owns a facility in Wisconsin that offers lessons, training, and summer camps. Megan will use this grant to participate in an entrepreneur workshop and monthly leadership coaching with Bedros Keuilian and for dressage training with her mentor, Kathleen Raine, in California. Megan's goals are to improve her leadership and communication skills, as well as work on Grand Prix movements with Kathleen.
Megan said, “This grant from the Team Tate Mentorship and Leadership Fund is a gift to professionals like me! As I am working on balancing my life between personal time versus professional time, my student’s goals versus my own career goals, and simply running a business, there never seems to be enough time or money. I feel so fortunate to be able to step away from my business and focus not only on my riding goals and work with my dressage coach, but to be able to work with a business coach to further develop my business and leadership skills. Thank you to TDF for believing in me and supporting my dreams.”
The goal of the Team Tate Mentorship and Leadership Fund is to provide grants of up to $5,000 for dressage professionals, age 25 and over, to receive business, leadership, or personal coaching education, and to work with their dressage mentors to improve equestrian skills. The online application form can be found at www.dressagefoundation.org under “Grants and Programs” -- “Dressage Instructors.” Applications are due on or before July 15th.
