Frequently Asked Questions
Watch: "What we offer." Slide show!
(contains photos of past Showposums)
(contains photos of past Showposums)
- What is the mission and vision of the First Coast Classical Dressage Society?
- What is a GMO?
- What are the benefits from Society GMO Membership?
- Can you be a member of another GMO and also a member of the First Coast Classical Dressage Society?
- Will you offer social, non-horse events?
- Will you offer clinics throughout the year?
- Will you be offering Western Dressage Clinics?
- How does your Volunteer Program work?
- How does The Society monitor and record Mandated Service Requirement Hours?
- How do I submit my show scores for Year-end Awards?
- Does both the Horse’s Owner and Rider need to be a member of The Society to participate in Year-end Awards?
- Can a Recognized Division Member apply non-Region 3 competitions to Year-end Awards?
What is the mission and vision of the First Coast Classical Dressage Society?
- The Society focuses on education and the promotion of amateur sport with an emphasis placed upon Classical Dressage theory, its history and the development of its principals. Our mission is to inspire individuals to become knowledgeable in classical theory and follow the teachings of the classical training Masters.
- Our vision is multifocal. Our primary vision is to promote Classical Dressage with hopes to facilitate its fusion with competitive dressage at all Dressage events.
- We provide a multitude of education opportunities throughout the year, focusing primarily on Classical techniques and theory but touching on all aspects of the equine lifestyle. Clinics, symposiums and eTrak learning modules will also be offered. Educational events offered by other dressage organizations in our region will be announced and promoted.
- Our membership is valued and appreciated as individuals. We will promote social affairs within our Membership by offering member gatherings throughout the year.
- Lastly, we strive to bring awareness and basic understanding of Classical Dressage to the people of Northeast Florida. We will promote education of the general public and encourage attendance to observe our shows and events.
- In summary, our vision is to inspire individuals to follow the teachings of the Classical Masters. We wish to make the journey of dressage training more rewarding than achievement of the competition end-goal destination.
What is a GMO?
- GMO stands for “Group Member Organization”. It is an organization, often a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation, offering education and adult amateur sporting events in Dressage in a local geographic area in the United States. There are hundreds of GMOs in the USA. All GMOs are affiliated with the United States Dressage Federation.
- Most local GMOs offer educational opportunities, mounted events and an awards program in Dressage to its members.
- Some basic GMO information: Members of a USDF Group Member Organization (GMO) enjoy all of the benefits of their GMO and USDF through one membership process. By joining a GMO, members automatically become a member of the only national organization devoted exclusively to dressage – The United States Dressage Federation
What are the benefits from Society GMO Membership?
Exclusive Society Benefits:
- The primary benefit we offer as a GMO is the eligibility to participate in our premier equine events, attend our Social Affairs and participate in our Year-end awards program.
- Eligibility to register any schooling or recognized Dressage show results with the Society for year-end awards
- Automatically receive year end awards
- Receive priority registration to participate in symposiums and clinics
- Receive invitations to attend our social events
- Receive an invitation to our Year-end Awards Gala
The Benefits one receives from being a member of any GMO of the United States Dressage Federation:
- Access to eTrak; USDF’s online learning center for dressage and equine education. Through one convenient location, access hundreds of educational resources, engage in structured learning activities, and earn USDF University Program credit!
- Ten issues of the award-winning USDF Connection magazine
- Access to the online version of USDF Connection
- Eligibility to compete as rider and/or owner at USEF-licensed/USDF-recognized shows
- Eligibility for rider awards (Rider Performance Awards, Bronze, Silver and Gold Medal, Freestyle Gold, Silver and Bronze Bar, Master’s Challenge). Rider receives patch, pin, or picture frame, personalized certificate, honorary presentation at USDF’s Annual Awards Banquet, publicity in the Annual Award Banquet program, listing on the USDF website, (both current year and historical lists), and will be listed in the yearbook issue of the USDF Connection
- Eligibility to compete for Adequan/USDF Pas de Deux year-end awards
- Access to “members only” section of the USDF website
- E-newsletters sent by USDF, which helps Group Members stay in touch with what is happening at USDF and in the sport of dressage
- A USDF Group Member card which can be used at USDF competitions and an online membership card available for printing, at any time, free of charge
- Discounted rates at USDF educational events
- Discount in the USDF store
- Discount on memberships and subscriptions with USDF’s educational partners
- Eligibility to earn USDF University Program credit
- Representation at the BOG through the GMO delegate
- Eligibility to receive a Ruth Arvanette Memorial Fund grant, which funds convention attendance
- Eligibility for the Regional GMO Volunteer of the Year Award
- GMO youth members (21 and under) are eligible for the USDF Youth Volunteer of the Year Award, USDF Shining Star Awards, and USDF Arts and Creativity Contest
- Eligibility for the “L” Education Program
- Grants funded by The Dressage Foundation are available to USDF Group Members
Can you be a member of another GMO and also a member of the First Coast Classical Dressage Society?
- Yes. You may join as many GMOs as you desire. In fact if you already belong to another GMO, part of your membership dues from your second and third organization are refundable in the amount of $12.00 from USDF.
- You need to submit a form to USDF to receive your reimbursement directly from them. We are required to send them our full amount. Submission are accepted April 1st – August 1st only.
- Members of a USDF Group Member Organization (GMO) enjoy all of the benefits of their GMO and USDF through one membership process. By joining a GMO, members automatically become a member of the United States Dressage Federation
Will you offer social, non-horse events?
- Yes. We will be offering social networking events for our members throughout the year. Events such as sunset gatherings at the beach, Share-a-plate dinners at each of our shows, symphony nights, theater production gatherings, group spa days and many more similar situations will be offered.
- We will also have an annual or if needed bi-annual General Membership Meeting with a membership renewal drive.
Will you offer clinics throughout the year?
- Yes. We will be offering three to five clinics a year at various locations near Jacksonville, Florida .
Will you be offering Western Dressage Clinics?
- No. Western Dressage clinics will not be offered. The mission of the First Coast Classical Dressage Society is to promote the theories and teachings of the Classical Dressage Masters in order to facilitate the fusion of classical training techniques into competitive dressage and bring the two disciplines closer together. In keeping with the theories and teaching practices of the Classical Masters, the use of traditional dressage equipment will be required for clinics.
How does your Volunteer Program work?
- Our “Volunteer Program” is referred to for what it actually is: Mandated Service Requirements
- Each member that wishes to participate in our Year-end Awards Program will have to fulfill 8 hours of service to The Society to be eligible for awards.
- A Mandated Service opt out option is available for $50.00 for each membership year.
- Volunteer at our clinics and social affairs
- Society Members are responsible for completing the Mandated Service Requirement Form so service hours may be recorded.
- If applicable, a Members are responsible for completing the Volunteer Service Time Form following any event where their services were offered over and above the Mandated 8 hours.
- A spreadsheet form will maintained and updated following events listing members and their Mandated Hours by the General Board Members
- Members are responsible for assuring their hours are recorded correctly and notifying The Society Secretary if any discrepancies exist.
How do I submit my show scores for Year-end Awards?
- Members simply need to photograph their test sheets with a smart phone and text the results to the Society phone at 904-252-5170
Does both the horse’s Owner and Rider need to be a member of The Society to participate in Year-end Awards?
- No. Only the rider participating in the Year-end Awards program needs to be an active Society Member.
Can a Recognized Division Member apply non-Region 3 competitions to Society Year-end Awards?
- Yes. Any Recognized Division Member can submit scores from ANY sanctioned Dressage Show