It is not affiliated with the ASCI department although many of our students participate in the club which is why it is featured through our department clubs and programs page. Please see the SGA club link for contact information.

The University of Vermont Dressage Team has a lot to offer to riders of all disciplines and experience levels. Our current team consists of individuals from a range of different backgrounds, but the study of classical dressage provides the perfect common ground.

The UVM Dressage Team consists of 15-20 members. In the fall and spring semesters try-outs are held to fill any open spots. We invite all athletes to try-out.
The selection process is competitive, but not impossible as we have various experience levels to fill. If you are interested in the team, have any questions, are interested in attending tryouts, or would like to be added to our interest list, please email us at dressage@uvm.edu.

The UVM Dressage Team is based out of the UVM Horse Barn Co-op, conveniently located about five minutes from campus. 

Membership on the UVM Dressage Team offers approximately 8, 45 minute lessons per semester, plus multiple “free rides” (practice rides, on your own) throughout the year. Additionally, the team hosts clinic lessons each semester with guest clinicians. In the past we’ve hosted Olympic and Grand Prix level trainers as well as qualified judges to help with our competition preparation.

We believe in a hands-on approach to horse care and providing our members with a comprehensive learning experience in all aspects of the equestrian sport. Our team is led by the wonderful Carolyn Tulumello! Carolyn is a USDF Bronze and Silver medalist who has over 20 years of experience working with all levels of horse and rider. Early on in her career Carolyn spent two years in Europe training with both Dressage and jumping professionals. Over the years Carolyn has brought many horses through the levels of dressage; training with notable trainers such as, Carol Lavell, Pam Goodrich, Madeleine Austin, Kathy Crosby, and Heather Blitz. Carolyn has successfully coached riders and ridden horses to many regional championships. Carolyn’s approach to training is dynamic and takes into account both horse and rider biomechanics which impact growth and development at every level.

To put our skills to practice, the UVM Dressage Team takes part in intercollegiate dressage competitions, sponsored by the IDA. The team takes several members to each show, where we compete at Introductory, Lower Training (T1), Upper Training (T3), and First Level. We compete against other schools in regions A and B. Riders are mounted on a horse, drawn at random from within their level, given 10 minutes to warm up, and then expected to perform their test. This is an excellent opportunity to improve your ability to ‘catch ride’ and learn how to ride and perform on any horse. Each semester there are approximately four to six horse shows sponsored by university teams within our region, as well as IDA Nationals, held in mid-April. We currently compete in the A/B region of the IDA which includes UNH, JWU, UMass, UConn, MHC and UVM.

Have any questions or want to learn more? Email us at dressage@uvm.edu.

And follow us on Facebook and Instagram @uvmdressage

dres·sage   (dr-säzh, dr-) [French, preparation, training, dressage, from dresser, to set up, arrange, train, from Old French drecier, to set up, arrange.]

"To the untrained eye it looks easy, but like many equestrian sports, it serves the needs of a diverse range of horse lovers. It's an Olympic equestrian sport; yet a basic training discipline for the backyard horse. Dressage teaches a horse to be obedient, willing, supple and responsive. The horse freely submits to the rider's lightest "aids" or body signals, while remaining balanced and energetic. The object of dressage is the harmonious development of the horse in both mind and body, and every horse, regardless of its type or use, can benefit from this training. Dressage principles are a logical, step-by-step progression from simple to increasingly complex movements. More and more is asked of the horse as it becomes mentally and physically ready to respond to these demands. The graceful movements performed in competition may look effortless, but are the result of years of training. The aids should be virtually imperceptible. A squeeze of the calf, a closing of the fingers, a shifting of the rider's weight in the saddle should be all that is necessary to tell the horse what is required. Dressage requires the horse and rider to combine the strength and agility of gymnastics with the elegance and beauty of ballet. The result is truly the best blend of sport and art. The highlight of a dressage competition is the Musical Freestyle in which the rider creates and choreographs to music an original ride of compulsory figures and movements."

—The United States Dressage Federation

UVM Dressage on Facebook

UVM Dressage on Instagram

• United States Dressage Federation
• Intercollegiate Dressage Association
• UVM Dressage on UVM Clubs

Need to Contact someone from the Team?
    
Coach: Cornerstone Dressage on Facebook

Club Advisor: Marie-France Nelson (Marie-France.Nelson@uvm.edu)

Captains: dressage@uvm.edu