University of Vermont Dressage Team

The University of Vermont Dressage Team consists of twenty incredibly hardworking and dedicated young riders who balance the continuation of their riding educations with their undergraduate studies. Though we compete in the Intercollegiate Dressage Association, our riders stem from a variety of backgrounds including Dressage, Eventing, Pony Club, Hunter/ Jumpers and Breed-Specific Disciplines. We firmly believe in enjoying our riding while learning as much as we possibly can from the entire team experience. The selection process is competitive, but not impossible as we encourage and enjoy riders of various levels of experience. The intercollegiate competition allows for two groups of four team members and one coach to attend each show. Generally, we alternate competitors so that everyone may have an opportunity to participate. Each semester there are approximately four horse shows sponsored by University Teams within our region, as well as IDA Nationals, held in mid-April. We currently compete in Region B of the IDA. These competitions present a unique challenge as riders compete on horses drawn by lottery number, given 10 minutes to warm up on their horse and then perform their required test before a judge. We are lucky enough to be under the instruction of Bonnie Timmerman, who teaches each team member in two private lessons per week out of The UVM Horse Barn Co-op in Burlington, VT. The team currently leases four wonderful privately owned horses from generous owners throughout the Northeast.