USDF Region 5

New World Screwworm | Equine Disease Communication Center New World Screwworm (NWS)  infestation  is caused by NWS fly larvae (Cochliomyia hominivorax). These maggots consume living tissue or flesh of warm-blooded animals (including horses) by burrowing into and tearing tissue by hooks on the larva. The screwworm fly lays eggs in open wounds. Eggs are ...

‼️SCREWWORM UPDATE 06/08/2026 ‼️

As of June 8, 2026, there have now been multiple New World Screwworm detections in Texas, with one being in a county bordering New Mexico. Livestock movement restrictions are in place in Texas and information can be found here: https://www.tahc.texas.gov/



Currently, the US-Mexico border is closed to all livestock exports from the US to Mexico for any reason. This includes all horses. All livestock imports from Mexico to the US are still closed as well. Further, Canada is now restricting all imports of any livestock, including horses, from Texas, and prevents any livestock from entering Canda that have resided in or transited Texas in the previous 21 days prior to importation to Canada.

For updates, make sure to check our website: https://horsecouncil.org/screwworm/

From the Utah Dressage Society (John Mazzy)!

We are thrilled to announce the new USDF/Dressage4Kids U-13 Regional Merit Awards!🎖️🎉

Presented at each of the nine Great American/USDF Regional Championships, this award will recognize the highest and second-highest placing juniors (aged 13 and under) in the Training and First Level Junior/Young Rider Championship class.

This award is made possible with support from Lendon Gray and Dressage4kids. "We want to support the efforts of our youngest competitors and are delighted to recognize the hard work that these kids, and their wonderful instructors and parents, have done to get to their regional championships. We know they’ll be role models for others who are working for similar goals," said Lendon.

Read the full press release at the link below:
🔗 https://www.usdf.org/press/news/view-news.asp?news=1096

📸 Elena Moffitt and Diano; 2025 Great American/USDF Region 1 First Level Junior/Young Rider Champion, Second Level Junior/Young Rider Champion, and USDF Dressage Seat Semi-Finals 13 and Under Champion; photo by Liz Crawley Photography

Upcoming Grant Application Deadline📆

June 1: $5,000 George Williams Young Professional Fund

The George Williams Young Professional Fund supports dressage professionals, ages 25-35, who are committed to the sport and have established businesses as instructors and trainers. Up to two $5,000 grants are available.

For more information and to apply, visit https://bit.ly/3JB6amW

Photo of 2025 George Williams Fund recipient, Brittany Stanley. Photo by Bethany P Photography.

This is very cool summary about the history of dressage!

The Roots of Dressage 🌳🌿

"When we watch dressage as spectators, we should be delighted with the beauty of harmony between horse and rider. The horse must enjoy his work for the rider to have joy. He is our heritage, and it is our privilege to let him carry us in our quest to preserve that which we have learned from the past as we journey into the future as partners."

In this original article, Kentucky-based dressage professional, historian, and US Equestrian ‘S’ dressage judge, Sue Kolstad, shares her presentation on the "History Tree of European Dressage," walking us through the eras of our sport that have landed us where we are today.

Check it out at the link below:
🔗 https://wp.me/padgUY-q4h

📸 Dressage judge and historian Sue Kolstad painted this History Tree of European Dressage, depicting the evolution of the sport. Artwork © Sue Kolstad. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

This going to be a fantastic event!

Applications are now open for North American Youth Championships (NAYC). Please contact Joan Naden Clay if you have questions about this program!

It's January and time to start planning for NAYC! Applications are now open!

2026 Discover Dressage/FEI North American Youth Dressage Championship presented by USDF held during the
FEI North American Youth Championships
July 27 – August 2, 2026
Traverse City, MI

FMI: https://usdf.org/competitions/competitions-championships/najyrc/index.asp

Learn To Create Safer Sport Environments 🤝

USDF and US Equestrian encourage our young athletes and their parents/guardians to participate in the free training courses offered by the U.S. Center for SafeSport.

🔸 Parent’s Guide to Misconduct in Sport: 30-minute training video on recognizing, responding to, and preventing abuse and misconduct in your child’s sport setting.

🔸 Athletes Aged 13-17: 15-minute course focused on bullying prevention, supporting friends who have experienced abuse or misconduct, and resources for reporting.

🔸 Athletes Aged 5-12: 15-minute course that helps minors know the difference between discipline and abuse and encourages them to reach out to a trusted adult when something is not right.

Visit the link to learn more and participate 👉 https://uscenterforsafesport.org/courses/

📸 2024 USDF Arts Contest - Second Place (Photography; Ages 16-21): "Buckle Up" by Tilley Dombroski

📅 Plan Ahead for 2026 Grants! 📅

The Dressage Foundation’s 2026 Grant Calendar is now available! If you’re thinking about applying for a grant next year, now is the perfect time to start planning.

✨ Take a moment to note upcoming application deadlines
✨ Make a plan that works for you and your goals
✨ Give yourself plenty of time to prepare a strong application

Have questions or not sure which grant is the right fit? We’re happy to help, reach out anytime at [email protected] or at 402-434-8585.

🔗 Check out the 2026 Grant Calendar and start planning today: https://bit.ly/3L7zTI5