Quarter 1, February 10, 2026

Dear Chapter Members, Volunteers, Sponsors and Friends:

I hope those of you that attended the year end banquet at The Santa Barbara Inn had a nice time. I love walking in to that beautiful Montecito Room. The staff is always so delightful and accommodating starting with the valets, to our last minute moving of tables, looking for an extension cord, setting up AV equipment, chilling our wine, and dozens of other special requests. They are always happy to jump in and help.

Steering these year-end banquets is always a humbling experience. It always starts out calm and organized and then like a run-a-way train, gains momentum and loses control once the awards are handed out. Everyone scatters to the wind and before you know it, a remaining few are left behind sorting through the remains of a high energy gathering.

I’m very excited about the direction of the chapter and the newly elected board. Your new Chair, Lisa White, is dedicated and smart and is flanked by a team of strong, energetic and innovated women. I have no doubt we will see some wonderful events for the upcoming year.

Thank you to everyone who has supported me as chapter chair for the past several years. It has been a privilege and an honor to have been associated with this extremely vibrant and successful organization. 

Sincerely,

Mary Couch

To fellow Members of SBC-CDS,

Snow was falling in Massachusetts, and I was cozy on the chaise with a cup of tea and my computer, studying the SBC-CDS website. I clicked over to the FB page. Such a competent group of horse people out there in Santa Barbara. Maybe a bit intimidating. And all that sunshine! “I know you’ll find your horse people,” my husband said, excited to move to Santa Barbara and join his extended family.

Well, that was seven years ago, and I found you all! And just as I imagined, the SBC Chapter is both a welcoming and impressive group. With support from many friends and trainers here, I progressed from a First level rider to earn the CDS Ruby and Saphire gem awards and the USDF Bronze and Silver medals.

It takes a village, and it’s thriving here! I’m thrilled to be able to give back to our chapter with the opportunity and the honor to serve as Chair this coming year. Those who precede me have done a remarkable job. Our chapter is flourishing.

We have five new members on our Board this year, and the counsel and wisdom of outgoing Board members.

With the participation of you, our membership, we all hope to continue the success and enjoy a year of education and fun together.

Lisa White

Chapter Chair

Was this newsletter forwarded to you? Sign up to get your own juicy, joyous, jubilant, jovial quarterly updates from the Santa Barbara County California Dressage Society by clicking on the button below. You can also read or revisit our previous newsletters by clicking HERE. Click on the button below and the updates will tactfully piaffe into your inbox.

Keep the good times rolling by scrolling. Here's a quick look at the sections below. You may have to click on "show more" at the bottom of the email to see the full newsletter!

• CDS Board Members
• New Board Members
• Best Chapter Newsletter Award
• Member Questionnaire
• Transitions Blog & Member Features
• Upcoming Events
• Previous Events (CDS Annual Symposium, SBC-CDS Annual Banquet)
• Member Updates
• Book Club
• Sponsor's Corner
• 
  

KEEP THE GOOD TIMES ROLLING BY SCROLLING. This first quarterly is so full of new and wonderful information, you may have to click on "read full newsletter" at the bottom of the email to see the whole newsletter! Don't miss a thing!

With deep gratitude and admiration, we honor Mary Couch and Karen Christensen as they step down from the SBC-CDS Board after many years of extraordinary service. Their commitment went far beyond attendance or titles—they devoted thousands of hours to strengthening this chapter and shaping it into the vibrant, successful organization it is today.

From faithfully representing the chapter at annual CDS meetings, to creating fun, welcoming social gatherings that built lasting connections, to tackling the enormous undertaking of adding RAAC to our recognized shows, Mary and Karen approached every challenge with energy, care, and determination. Their years of experience and deep institutional knowledge were an invaluable asset, guiding thoughtful decisions and steady progress at every turn.

With the support of the whole board and volunteers they brought people together. Through their leadership, dedication, and generosity of spirit, they fostered a sense of community and collaboration that will endure long after their board service has concluded. The impact of their work is woven into the very fabric of SBC-CDS, and their legacy will continue to benefit the chapter for years to come.

Thank you, Mary and Karen, for your unwavering dedication.

Meet your 2026 board:



Lisa White – Chair and Communications *** Pam Allman – Treasurer *** Tory Names – Website and Secretary *** Christi Sulzbach – Shows *** Margaret Fleming – Membership *** Kelly Thoits – Member-At-Large *** Stephanie Gustafson – Education and Social *** Alice Howland – Sponsorship *** Julie Corlett- SY Valley Liaison *** Nicole Walther - Newsletter and Blog.

Interested what your board members are up to each meeting? Starting in 2026, we will be posting the Board Meeting Minutes on the website. Curious what they talked about in January? Click here to read the Board Meeting Minutes!

Meet the five new board members for 2026.

Julie Corlett - Santa Inez Valley Liaison

Julie has served on the SBC-CDS board in the past and has been a member of the Santa Barbara chapter for about 23 years. She was asked to join the board again and is looking forward to representing the Santa Inez Valley and assisting with education and shows.

Stephanie Gustafson - Educational and Social Events



As a life-long educator—now retired—and an avid competitor, Stephanie is excited to help the Chapter in its mission to provide educational events for its members. She lives in Ojai with her husband and five horses, and recently finished the Masterson Method Equine Bodywork Program. 

Alice Howland - Sponsorship & Social Media

Alice is a lifelong horse girl from Charleston, South Carolina, shaped by early mornings at the barn and a deep love for the sport. From hunters and jumpers to life with polo ponies, her career carried her from Wellington, Florida to countless stops across the country. That journey ultimately led her to Santa Barbara —where she chose to stay.

SBC-CDS Won the "Best Chapter Newsletter"!

The California Dressage Society honors its chapters each year for excellence in newsletter publishing, recognizing those that stand out for quality, originality, timeliness, and comprehensive coverage of local, state, and national dressage news. Past recipients include the CDS East Bay Chapter, celebrated in early 2023 for its outstanding publication and editorial leadership. We are thrilled to congratulate SBC-CDS, newsletter editor Nicole Walther, and the many contributors whose blogs, chair letters, event reviews, and features helped earn this distinction. In addition to the honor, the chapter was awarded a $500 prize—an exciting recognition of the dedication and creativity behind the newsletter. Read more about it in Lisa White's recap of the CDS Annual Meeting HERE.

Do you like writing? If you’re curious, creative, can meet deadlines and are interested in contributing—whether as a guest blogger or a regular writer—we’d love to welcome you to the team. Contact Nicole Walther at nicole.silverliningpr@gmail.com.

TRANSITIONS BLOG

Member Feature: Avery Klein

From Ranch Roots to Passage Dreams: Meet Avery Klein & Her Golden Puppy, Georgi

Avery Klein’s dressage story is anything but ordinary. From early ranch roots and a deep respect for horsemanship to her current partnership with Georgi, a talented young Glamourdale son with an irresistible puppy-dog personality, Avery is steadily making her mark in the dressage world. Guided by exceptional mentors and grounded in a strong sense of community, she’s balancing life in and out of the saddle while looking ahead to a season full of growth, shows, and exciting milestones.

Read More...

Member Feature: Kelly Thoits

Dedication, Horsemanship, and Heart

Your new blog highlights local dressage rider and instructor Kelly Thoits. From her longtime involvement in the sport to her work supporting developing riders and contributing to SBC-CDS events, Kelly shares what keeps her motivated and what she’s looking forward to in the year ahead. Catch her story and learn more about the impact she’s making in our community.

Read More...

Before the Turn of the Century

Celebrating Gina Funderburgh

Celebrate the incredible legacy of Gina Funderburgh—better known in the dressage world as Gina von der Burg! From her early love of horses in Michigan to becoming a beloved fixture at Santa Barbara dressage shows, Gina’s passion, leadership, and joyful spirit have helped shape our community. Whether she’s behind the wheel of a golf cart at Earl Warren or supporting fellow riders, her story is one every equestrian will enjoy. Read more about Gina’s inspiring journey and lasting impact!\

Read More...

ENJOYING OUR BLOGS? Don't want to wait for the quarterly newsletter to come out? Get them in your inbox as soon as they get published! Just CLICK HERE.



Meet some of your other Dressage Chapter friends HERE.

Can we feature you as a member of our chapter? Do you have (or lease, or ride) a horse that you just love so much and want other members to know about it? Do you have Dressage plans for 2026 and want to publish them to inspire others (and hold yourself accountable)? Complete this easy and quick questionnaire with as much detail as possible and we'll turn it into a snazzy, delightful article to be published on our Transitions Blog. Don't worry, it won't hurt a bit.

Your voice matters! 

Spend a few minutes on our questionnaire and help create the chapter you want to be part of. Your input directly influences the clinics, speakers, shows, and social events we offer—so you get more of what excites you, supports your goals, and makes your membership truly rewarding. Please, complete the questionnaire HERE. The more responses we get, the more the board members have to guide them in their decisions for your chapter happenings!

SBC-CDS EVENTS:

Save the Date February/March: Volunteer BBQ. More details to come!

February 28: Scribe Clinic with Diane Welcenbach. 4pm - 6pm. Santa Barbara City College, 721 Cliff Drive, Santa Barbara, CA 93109. Contact Stephanie Gustafson at steph9291@sbcglobal.net

March 7: Janet Jones Clinic: Brain-based horsemanship. 11am - 3pm at Mulligan's Cafe, 3500 McCaw Ave., Santa Barbara, CA 93105. Lunch included. Contact Margaret Fleming khoeta@aol.com

Save the Date April: Mary Wanless Webinar: Rider Biomechanics. More details to come!

April 11-13: SBC-CDS Virtual Show. Judge: Melonie Kessler : USEF ‘S’ Dressage, Closing Date: April 11, 2026, Contact Wendy Brown at 818-522-1340. Email - wbrownphd@gmail.com. More info HERE.

May 15-16: Spring Dressage in Santa Barbara, USDF/USEF Level 3 Show, Earl Warren Showgrounds - Competitors > please watch for upcoming show announcements or check foxvillage.com for updates: https://entry.foxvillage.com Want to volunteer? Contact Sara Beth Cutter at sbcutter@gmail.com or 808.990.6200 

Save the Date May/June: Equine Bodywork. More details to come!

June 11-13: SBC-CDS Virtual Show. Judge: TBA, Closing Date: June 11, 2026, Contact Wendy Brown at 818-522-1340. Email - wbrownphd@gmail.com More info HERE.

July 17–19: CDS Central Adult Amateur Clinic with Patty Mayer. Twin Rivers Horse Park, Paso Robles. Contact: John Rees at JOHN@johnarees.com https://www.california-dressage.org/adult-amateur-clinic-standing-rules

August 15-16: Summer Dressage/ RAAC Central in Santa Barbara. USDF/USEF/ RAAC Level 3 Show, Earl Warren Showgrounds - Competitors > please watch for upcoming show announcements or check foxvillage.com for updates: https://entry.foxvillage.com Want to volunteer? Contact Sara Beth Cutter at sbcutter@gmail.com or 808.990.6200 

Oct. 10-12: SBC-CDS Virtual Show. Judge: Ulf Wadeborn USEF S Dressage, Closing Date: October 10, 2026. Contact Wendy Brown at 818-522-1340. Email - wbrownphd@gmail.com More info HERE.

OTHER RELATED EVENTS

Dressage Clinics & Schooling Shows & other Events

Please note that private clinics and schooling shows are not sponsored or endorsed by SBC-CDS, but are shared as a courtesy and to benefit our members. If you are hosting a clinic or schooling show in or near Santa Barbara County and would like us to include them in our next newsletter, please provide detailed information including contact information to nicole.silverliningpr@gmail.com no later than April 30, 2026. This is for events happening after May 10, 2026, the publishing date of our next newsletter. Late or incomplete submissions can not be accepted.

Please contact organizers about the events.

March 22: Schooling Show at Canada Larga Ranch, 3501 Canada Large Road, Ventura, CA 93001. Contact Shirin Amier at 805-208-3138

April 26: Schooling Show at Canada Larga Ranch, 3501 Canada Large Road, Ventura, CA 9300. Contact Shirin Amier at 805-208-3138

TBD On the Bit Schooling Shows, Santa Ynez Equestrian Center, 195 North Refugio Road, Santa Ynez. Contact Kelly Green at OnTheBitSYV@Gmail.com

May 2-3: Dressage at Fox Canyon Farm, 3 Star, Level 2 Show, 7202 Balcom Canyon Rd. Somis, CA 93066. Contact Kim Goto Miner at mystikfarms@gmail.com

May 30-31:Paul Belasick Clinic, Ojai, CA. Contact Stephanie Gustafson at 805-798-1303 or Steph9291@sbcglobal.net

June 6-7: May 2-3: Dressage at Fox Canyon Farm, 3 Star, Level 2 Show, 7202 Balcom Canyon Rd. Somis, CA 93066. Contact Kim Goto Miner at mystikfarms@gmail.com

July 12: Schooling Show at Canada Larga Ranch, 3501 Canada Large Road, Ventura, CA 9300. Contact Shirin Amier at 805-208-3138

August 29-30: Paul Belasick Clinic, Ojai, CA. Contact Stephanie Gustafson: 805-798-1303 or Steph9291@sbcglobal.net

2026 has welcomed 10 new SBC-CDS members already! We are excited and hope we can introduce them to you in an upcoming Member Feature on the Transitions Blog.

Margaret Fleming is again our Membership Chair for 2026. She monitors Chapter renewals and new members through the CDS main office and keeps in touch with members. She's there for members to insure they have Board resources and recently secured a CDS Educational Event Scholarship Grant of $1000 for the chapter! She facilitates member questions regarding issues or events. Margaret tries to stay on top of members' accomplishments and make sure you are acknowledged for your hard work. If you have any questions or suggestions, you can always reach out to Margaret. She prefers phone calls, but her email works as well and you can reach her at 805 403-1131 or khoeta@aol.com.

Becoming a CDS member and choosing the Santa Barbara County Chapter is a great way to support the sport of dressage and make friends in the area! JOIN TODAY >> Click HERE <<

JOIN THE BOOK CLUB!

Member Chair Margaret joined the latest CDS (GMO) Book Club and loved it. Did you even know there was a CDS Book Club? All members of CDS (GMO) are also members of USDF. USDF has a Book Club which is FREE to all members. This is something you can do with other Chapter members. The SBC-CDS Chapter would like to participate in the Book Club and interact with other Chapter enthusiasts. This is a great way to meet other SBC-CDS, CDS and USDF members and increase knowledge about horses. Please contact Margaret at 805 403-1131or khoeta@aol.com regarding your interest in participating in this Chapter happening. 

How does it work?

> One Book a quarter  

> SBC-CDS social gathering to watch the webinar together to discuss the book

2026 Book List – The order of reading will be announced soon!

> How to Ride the Horse You Thought You Bought by Anne Buchanan

> The Imperfect Ride by Andrea Monsarrat Waldo

> Fur Mama by Diana du Pont

> Stable Core by Joyce Krame

Learn More:

https://www.usdf.org/education/book-club.asp

Thank you to our amazing sponsors!

We hope you will become a sponsor this year. Your sponsorship helps fund educational and social events, workshops, clinics, and most importantly, our rated shows. With many different sponsorship levels, you can contribute as a 'Friends Sponsorship" ($25 - $99), up to the 'Diamond Sponsorship' ($5,000+) and anywhere in between. Visit the Sponsor page by clicking on the button and to see the different sponsorship levels.

Our chapter thrives because of member support. Sponsorship allows us to offer high-quality education, affordable social events, and the rated shows that benefit our entire community. Whether large or small, every sponsorship helps keep these opportunities possible.

Besides the warm and fuzzy feeling you get from knowing you supported your chapter, your name or business name will be published on our website, mentioned in our newsletter, and may get a write up in the Transitions Blog or featured in images from our shows if you post a banner at the shows. Let's not forget that sponsorship contributions to SBC-CDS, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, may be tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law, allowing sponsors to support a meaningful cause while receiving potential tax benefits.

To become a sponsor, click on the "Become a Sponsor" button or contact Alice Howland at sponsorshipchairsbccds@gmail.com

LAST BUT NOT LEAST

For current updates, photos and videos follow us on Instagram @santabarbaracds. Thanks to Alice Howland for bringing us the most fun content!!

We want to feature YOU! We love to highlight and get to know the members. Our simple questionnaire will allow you to answer a few questions so we can turn this into a new Member Feature on our Transitions Blog. We promise, it's a very short questionnaire and we would be so honored to feature you. Click HERE to introduce yourself.