WATCH: What we offer in photos......
Testimonials: What our Members and Judges have to say.
"I have had the privilege of judging some shows and doing a couple of clinics for The First Coast Classical Dressage Society. The members are not only dressage enthusiasts dedicated to improving their knowledge and skills; but they are very warm and friendly people. It was such a pleasure to work for this dressage society and get to know the membership. I certainly highly recommend that anyone interested in getting involved with a first class dressage group consider joining The First Coast Classical Dressage Society. You will find a welcoming group of people working hard to serve all the members with fun, as well as educational, events."
Dee Loveless
USEF "R" Dressage Judge
Dee and Swan Queen
I’m a new FCCDS Member. My first, and to date, only event is the evening with Herwig Radnetter. Besides being an elegant social event where I was able to reconnect with old friends, meet new friends and generally enjoy those I see regularly, I was able to meet and enjoy a group conversation with Herwig Radnetter. The mysteries of Classical training and riding were explained without tarnishing any of the glamour. I thoroughly enjoyed myself and look forward to participating in more events.
Mary Farr
Social Member
One of Mary's favorite views!
As a Member of First Coast Classical Dressage Society I have been able to gain valuable instruction from many "R" and "S" judges. The Showposium format allows you to get immediate feedback after your test so you can learn how to improve your next ride. As I move up through the levels I sometimes find it difficult to really know that my horse has the self carriage and bend he needs throughout the movements. Being able to ask the judge these questions and practicing bits of the test has really helped me to improve my scores with both of my horses. We have Members at every level right up to Grand Prix and being able to watch these upper level rides and listen to their feedback has helped to see the direction I should be heading with my horses. I also appreciate that this GMO is always trying ways to continue our education. Having lectures from the judges is a great way to learn new things and have a chance to socialize with members during the pot luck.
Karin Andra
PSG - Pop Art
Fourth Level - Pop Art
Third Level - SS Sambuca
Karin and SS Sambuca
I have learned so much over the past two years being a part of this GMO. My riding has progressed and the horse that once had everyone holding their breath as we cantered around the arena has progressed very nicely! At each show, someone makes a comment of how much he has come along! It is the feedback and the education that I have received here that has made our change! Each show weekend I obtain a plethora of information along with some great exercises to work on at home. The Judge Feedback Sessions and the lectures at the shows are very informative and helpful. I have many exercises to work on at home and improve my riding. In fact I have so many, I've started to keep a journal so I do not forget the tips and exercises that were presented to me. Each weekend, my knowledge base increases and my skill as a rider advances! With the show schedule being a show every other month, I have the time to work on the suggested exercises and actually see true improvement! Having recently started to consistently lesson with fellow Society Member and rider/trainer/judge, Brian MacMahon, I look forward to Rocking out Dressage!!!!
The Social Affairs are great and I love socializing with everyone while still getting some Dressage education!
I love this organization!
Lisa Beardsley
Introductory - Cool Man Shade
Training/First Level - Gallant
Second Level - South Boston
Second Level - Darkuntahl
Lisa and Gallant
With my riding, I have gotten lots of insight from the judges at First Coast Classical Dressage Society Shows due to the show format of instant feedback and Judge lectures. Because of the input I’ve been getting, I have learned more than I thought I could even hope for. I keep progressing and I hope to continue just that.
Melody Boock
Introductory Level - Multiple Horses
Melody and Macintosh
The passion for dressage and dressage education of the First Coast Classical Dressage Society and its members is incredible. I am grateful that this organization has researched and presented multiple options for education in a fun and entertaining environment. Plus, I appreciate the social aspect of coming together as an equine community and sharing laughter and experiences with one another. The ideas and stories I hear from fellow members are priceless!
While I invest the majority of my horse show budget for recognized USEF/USDF shows, the schooling show program of FCCDS has provided me invaluable feedback. As a warm up for USDF Regionals, I rode in the schooling show and clinic with Lisa Hyslop. I firmly believe that Lisa’s comments and suggestions added greatly to my performance and show readiness. The schooling show was a great format for recognized show preparation and experience. Sign up to tune up!
Mary O'Brien
PSG/Intermediare - Watch Me M
Mary and Watch Me M
2015
I am proud and pleased to be a part of First Coast Classical Dressage Society. This Inaugural year was filled with a lot of "ah-ha" moments...first off with the Eugene Abello Clinic! Eugene was an excellent clinician and was very funny, which made the clinic a blast to be a part of. I learned a lot about myself, as a rider, and about my horse.
Every Schooling show allowed the opportunity to hear directly from the judge/s on how I performed on my tests. That information was priceless!! The After-Show Lectures where fun, relaxing and very informative. I loved the Pot Luck dinners and feeling the sense of kinship, through dressage, with my fellow society members.
I was proud to host the Lisa Hyslop clinic at my barn. She is a more serious clinician, very experienced and focused on our seat and our horse's behaviors. Each and every Social Event was spectacular! There's nothing better than hanging out with fellow Dressage enthusiasts at different and fun venues. I'm so looking forward to another great year!!!
Lisa Spallone
Introductory - Cool Zool
Training - Rudger