Quarter 3, August 10, 2025 | | |
CHAIR'S CORNER
Dear SBC-CDS members,
Can you feel the excitement in the air with Summer Dressage in Santa Barbara at the Earl Warren Showgrounds just around the corner? To up the ante, this show will also include the Regional Adult Amateur Championships. We have a full show which means 8 hours of rides, both days in two arenas!! Come on out to see some really terrific rides.
Mark your calendars for Friday, August 15th for our first ever Barn Crawl, starting at 5:30pm. Generously sponsored by Custom Saddlery, various barns are signing up with a chosen theme and hosting food and beverages for a kick-off social gathering. Saturday, August 16th and Sunday, August 17th will be filled with riders of all levels along with several Freestyles. It’s always fun to watch a horse and rider “dance” to music. Saturday, after the last ride of the day, we will be having our traditional BBQ dinner with grilled salmon and tri tip with all kinds of yummy accoutrements. RSVP and get your tickets by August 12th. Contact Mary Couch at marycouch1@me.com or (310) 850.9333.
Throughout the weekend we will have a vibrant vendor village outside of the show office. Plenty of eye candy to dazzle the equestrian spirit in all of us.
Please consider being a part of making this show a success by sponsoring a class for $75. A donation of $25 can cover the cost of lunch for three of our 50 volunteers. Consider underwriting a portion of the Saturday night BBQ or a coffee cart for that first, very important morning cup of Joe. Other ways to chip in would be to sponsor an arena for $1500 or the winner’s circle photo booth. Contact Karen Christensen or Alice Howland at sbccdssponsorship@gmail.com. Alice is a new member on our sponsorship team. We would like to welcome and thank her for stepping in to help.
We appreciate the confidence CDS has in our chapter in granting us the opportunity to host this exciting championship show for the Central region. We can always use more volunteers, especially to set up early Friday morning and breakdown Sunday after the last ride. Please contact Sara Cutter sbcutter@gmail.com or (808) 990.6200 if you’d like to be a part of this weekend event. The recent surge we have had with new volunteers becoming involved is the reason why our chapter remains one of the most vibrant in the state. Jump on board. It would be great to have you!
Finally, I’d love for you to check out our website and catch up on the latest blog posts. We’ve covered some great events and topics since June and you can read all about it!
See you at the show!!!
Mary Couch
Chapter Chair
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Keep the good times rolling by scrolling. Here's a quick look at the sections below:
- Funta Barbara Fun Fact
- Previous events
- Transitions Blog and Features
- Member Updates
- Upcoming chapter events (chapter sponsored)
- Other events (not chapter sponsored)
- Sponsors' Corner
| | Information taken from the California Dressage Society 50th Anniversary Yearbook. | | |
Funta Barbara Fun Fact
The Santa Barbara County Chapter of the California Dressage Society (CDS) was founded in 1969, thanks to the vision and enthusiasm of CDS founding member Susan (Sue) Davidge. While CDS held its first 18 member Executive Board meeting on January 20, 1968, the Santa Barbara Chapter hosted its first Annual Show at Sue's Etcetera Farms in Santa Ynez. Over the years, the chapter continued to hold Annual Shows at Earl Warren Showgrounds and in Los Alamos, with many Schooling Shows taking place at the Modoc Riding Ring.
In 1991 several members got together to organize the Santa Ynez Chapter. Some may remember the very successful "Surf and Turf" show series, which was a joint effort between the Santa Barbara and Santa Ynez Chapters in the 1990's.
In 2013, the Santa Barbara and Santa Ynez Chapters officially merged, combining their resources to create the unified SBC-CDS. This merger allowed the chapter to offer more opportunities for dressage education, shows, and social events. Today, the SBC-CDS is known for hosting successful shows, including the large 3-show-ring Summer Dressage Show at Earl Warren Showgrounds in 2024. The chapter also recently won the Best Events award for its Olympic Viewing Party.
This chapter has thrived thanks to the dedication of many members who have served as chapter chairs. If you see any of these individuals, be sure to thank them for their incredible contributions and ask about their favorite stories from their time leading the chapter. In no particular order, past chairs include Susan Davidge, Paquita Parker, Sue Scott, Patricia Miller, Pam Shrewsbury-Orr, Maria Norris, Kip Goldreyer, Barbara Cleveland, Patricia Cronshaw, Gina Von der Burg, Susannah Kramer, Sara Ellsworth, Laurie Freeman, Hilo Nick, Louise Caccese, Gabriella Valsecchi, Beanie Schaller, Mary Beth Randolf, Jenny Alexander, Charlotte Bredahl, Marianne Kruidenier (co-chair), Deborah Knopfler, Karen Christensen, Allyson Aldrich (co-chair), and currently Mary Couch.
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The Riding Doctor will See you Now!
Dr. Beth Glosten came to Santa Barbara for a 3-day clinic at event chair Carolyn Adams' home and three local barns. After an evening of unmounted instructions with the help of a Pilates ball and stretchy bands, the participants got their individual '"riding prescriptions" after thorough examination during the mounted lessons. All three sessions were focused on developing ways of using the body in the best way to most effectively influence the horse. Based on Dr. Glosten's book, she shared her most important principles, which are available through her RiderPilates program. Her teachings focus on body position and a way to systematically develop the correct position and usage of the body in the saddle for years to come. Want to know more about her book, her approach and what your fellow riders thought about the clinic? Click on the button to read on.
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Pelvic Muscles & Balance for Dressage
Between the Spring Dressage Show and the fast-approaching Summer Show, SBC-CDS has been busy cooking up some fun and educational events for our fellow horse lovers. On a recent sunny Sunday, ten dedicated riders ditched the stirrups for floor mats and exercise balls and headed to Core Sport, all in the name of better riding. The focus? The pelvic floor—an unsung hero of the rider’s core that plays a huge role in balance, connection, and staying with the movement (even when your horse throws in a surprise spook!).
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WANT TO GET THE LATEST BLOG IN YOUR INBOX THE MOMENT IT GETS PUBLISHED INSTEAD OF WAITING FOR THE NEXT NEWSLETTER?
Click here and get your coffee or matcha ready. Look for the round-up of the upcoming Summer Dressage Show at Earl Warren, more member features and event recaps in the upcoming blogs!
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Unwind Their Holdings, Unlock Their Potential: Exploring the Bodywork Modality of Structural Integration
Tory Names is a Practitioner and Owner of Poised Equine Bodywork. She is a certified Equine Structural Integration Practitioner, Large Animal Massage Practitioner, and SBC-CDS member who lives in Ojai, CA. In addition to updating the SBC-CDS website, she also took the time to dive deep into structural integration of your equine partner for our July blog post. Click on the button below to learn more about her specialty and how it can help the horse.
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Bevor the Turn of the Century...
While we love highlighting our current members, it’s always fun to dig into the archives and learn about the incredible individuals who helped shape our chapter over the years. Enter: Barbara Cleveland.
Barbara joined SBC-CDS in 1988 while still living in Hawaii and earned her Bronze Medal with her Appendix QH, Vali—who lived to the impressive age of 37! Over the years, Barbara wore many hats within the chapter, including Chapter Chair, Vice Chair, Social Chair, and Newsletter Editor—not to mention countless volunteer roles at shows and beyond. This is your chance to learn more about Vali (pictured left) and Barbara’s rich, horse-filled life.
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We welcome new members with open arms. Do you know anyone who'd like to be part of our amazing chapter? Even if you are not showing or even actively riding, you might enjoy being part of our active and fun chapter. SBC-CDS organizes social and educational events for members, holds volunteer appreciation events and more. 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 <<
To our current members>>
If you haven't already, please fill out our member survey to help us make the chapter better.
If you're ready to be introduced to the (SBC-CDS) world, please complete our short spotlight questionnaire HERE with as much information and detail as you'd like. We will turn the questionnaire into a member feature blog! If you'd rather chat, please email Lisa White at lisaellen2@gmail.com or Nicole Walther at nicole.silverliningpr@gmail.com to set up a time for a little interview. We can't wait to get to know you and see you at our events and shows.
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SBC-CDS EVENTS:
August 15 > Jr/YR Pizza Social at Earl Warren Showgrounds
August 15 > Barn Crawl 5:30pm - 7:30pm, Contact christi@intheironsfarm.com for questions or check HERE.
August 16-17 > Summer Dressage in Santa Barbara/ Central RAAC at Earl Warren Showgrounds, Contact Regina Antonioli 805-306-1885 or eqconcepts@earthliknk.net
- Want to volunteer? Contact Sara Cutter at (808) 990.6200 or sbcutter@gmail.com
- Want to sponsor? Contact Alice Howland or Karen Christensen at sbccdssponsorship@gmail.com
- Want to see cute horses and fun rides? Just show up!
October tbd - Social Event - Trivia - Stay tuned!
More info on our Events page soon!!
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OTHER RELATED EVENTS
Dressage Clinics & Schooling Shows
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 October 30, 2025. This is for events happening after November 10, 2025, the publishing date of our next newsletter. Late or incomplete submissions can not be accepted.
Please contact organizers about the events.
SEPTEMBER
September 18-21 > 58th Annual California Dressage Society State Championships. Murieta Equestrian Center, Rancho Murieta. Contact: Glenda McElroy, 818-841-3554, glenda@glenroys.com
September 7 > On the Bit Schooling Show. Santa Ynez Equestrian Center, 195 North Refugio Road, Santa Ynez. Contact: Kelly Greene, OnTheBitSYV@Gmail.com
NOVEMBER
November 1 - 2 > The Horse 2 Human Connection, California Western Dressage Association, At the Kellogg West Conference Center, Pomona, Registration
November 23 > On the Bit Schooling Show. Santa Ynez Equestrian Center, 195 North Refugio Road, Santa Ynez. Contact: Kelly Greene, OnTheBitSYV@Gmail.com
November 8-9 > Paul Belasik Clinic, Ojai. Contact: Stephanie Gustafson: 805-798-1303 or Steph9291@sbcglobal.net
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The Summer Dressage Show (August 16 & 17) is just around the corner, and with it comes a great opportunity to support our local dressage community. Whether you’re showing, volunteering, or just coming to cheer us on, consider becoming a sponsor—it’s one of the best ways to give back to the sport we all love.
You can sponsor a class, arena, the BBQ, or even become a Level Sponsor—which comes with some seriously cool perks.
👉 Click HERE to check out the sponsorship levels and benefits.
To make your contribution, please contact Alice Howland or Karen Christensen at sbccdssponsorship@gmail.com.
- Payment options:
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Check made out to SBC-CDS, mailed to:
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Pam Allman, SBC-CDS Treasurer
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226 E. Canon Perdido, Suite F, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
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Venmo: @SBCCDS805
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In person: Call Karen at 805-570-1700 and bring your payment to the show.
Important: For all payment types, please include a note indicating where you'd like your support directed (e.g., arena, class, photo booth, BBQ, or general support).
If you're unable to sponsor for this particular event, you can still become a chapter sponsor at any time after the show. Your donations help fund future shows, educational activities, and other chapter events.
Visit our Sponsor Page to see a list of our past and current amazing supporters—we’re so grateful for each and every one!
Have a business? Gain extra exposure while supporting the chapter by featuring your business card on our Classified Page for just $200 per year.
Don't forget to check out our SBC-CDS merchandise—available at the show! Want to shop early? Contact us through the website's contact page to make arrangements.
And don’t forget—SBC-CDS merch will be available at the show! If you want to grab something early, just reach out via our contact page on the website.
🐴 Bonus for sponsors: Certain levels include a full-page article in our Transitions Newsletter and blog—perfect if you want to spotlight your barn, business, or a special story.
Let your generosity be the gift that keeps on giving. SBC-CDS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, so your contribution is tax-deductible—and deeply appreciated.
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Summer Dressage In Santa Barbara
Official Barn Crawl Sponsor
Thank you!
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LAST BUT NOT LEAST
For current updates, photos and videos follow us on Instagram @santabarbaracds. Thanks to Avery Klein and Kelly Thoits for always bringing us the most fun content!!
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