CTDS Member Symposium With Tara Stegen

Central Texas Dressage Society applied for the Region 9 GMO Education Grant, for a symposium held for their members.They were awarded $500. upon completion of the program. Region 9 still has $500. available in 2023 to award a GMO. Please check out the Region 9 website for criteria application. Below is CTDS’s report. 

CTDS was delighted to host USDF Gold Medalist Tara Stegen this year at Cadence Ranch in Hutto.  We had two full days of lessons ranging from training level to FEI.  Auditors were treated to a lovely assortment of horses including a quarter horse, gypsy, Andalusian crosses, and warmbloods.  Tara was so welcoming to all and maybe even smitten with one of the horses!  In total, there were thirteen horse and rider combinations and twenty one rides over the weekend.

Tara is gifted in teaching her students in a practical way while bringing out the best in each pair.  Through her experience in rehabbing horses and maintaining horses at a very high level, she was able to advise when some horses needed extra help from a bodyworker or chiropractor while also giving the rider under saddle work to unlock, straighten, and strengthen the horse.

Tara graciously shared her expertise in rehab and problem solving during our Q&A session where auditors could ask her questions directly.  She also addressed the auditors throughout the symposium to make sure everyone was understanding the lesson they were watching.

The tone throughout the symposium was very positive and all of our riders enjoyed productive rides.  It was a very successful member event!

Crystal Forsell
CTDS Clinic Coordinator

Auditors:
Sharon Bradshaw
Laura Boone
Lynne Smith
Beate Medina
Shannon Strank
Ellen
Cheryl
Kathy
Betty Beebe
Margaret