Dressage
IDA Region H Team
VEDT is proud to be a competing university within the Intercollegiate Dressage Association! Our dressage program gives students to a fun, affordable option to continue (or begin!) their riding education at UVA without needing their own horse. We offer weekly or biweekly lessons with our coach Mimi Combs at the lovely Brookhill Farm on their lesson horses. We take pride in our inclusivity at the club with members ranging from absolute beginners to experienced riders. The dressage program is flexible, fitting the individual goals of each rider from simply getting time in the saddle or seriously competing with the team! Competing members participate in IDA shows at the regional and possibly even national level. UVA is a competitive program with many of the top riders in the region
View photos from lessons at Brookhill Farm and IDA shows!
FAQs
Where does the team practice?
Our dressage riders take lessons under coach Mimi Combs at Brookhill Farm, a lesson barn that is about a 12 minute drive from Grounds. Brookhill provides fantastic horses and tack for us to use.
Brookhill's address is 2067 Scottsville Rd, Charlottesville, VA 22902, United States.
How often does the team practice?
We currently offer two lesson packages to our riders: a full package including 1 lesson per week for 10 weeks and a half package including 1 lesson every other week for 10 weeks. There are additional riding opportunities through Brookhill Farm for those who are eager for saddle time. Prices vary by semester. Please inquire for further details.
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With only one lesson every week or every other week, it is very easy to balance VEDT alongside academics and any other clubs. If you are nervous about the time commitment, we are happy to talk to you about it!
How much experience is required to join?
We accept riders of all experience levels, including those with no experience at all! We will cater to your riding goals. You are not required to compete to be on the team. Competition levels include Introductory, Lower Training, Upper Training, and First Level.
Do riders need to have their own horses?
Nope! Brookhill Farm provides wonderful lesson horses for us to ride.
What equipment do I need to bring?
You only need to bring personal gear such as breeches, a helmet, boots, and spurs. Brookhill and the team have extra equipment if you do not have any of these items, so reach out to us if you have any problems!
How often does the team compete?
Our team competes at IDA shows in Region H. There are typically 4 to 5 shows per semester. We do not host shows, so we always travel to compete at other schools, such as Emory & Henry College and Virginia Tech. There is always lots of team-bonding during competition weekends, since we carpool and stay overnight at hotels together.
Nationals take place in the spring each year, and if we qualify, we will travel to that, too! It usually takes place in late April.
How expensive are lesson packages and club dues?
Lesson packages and dues vary by semester depending on fundraising needs and the size of our team. We ask your to reach out directly to get the most up-to-date information.
Nationals
Our team qualified for the IDA National Championship in 2022 and 2023 by placing second in our region.
In 2022: 6th place Overall Team
In 2023: 4th place Overall Team
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Our riders have also qualified individually for nationals by placing either first or second in our region at the levels they show at.
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In 2025: Megan Loughnane - First Level National Champion
Nora Read - Upper Training Reserve National Champion
Lauren Vann - 6th place, Introductory DSE
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In 2023: Megan Loughnane - First Level Reserve National Champion
Lily Mutzig - 8th place, Upper Training
Lily Ervin - Reserve Champion Upper Training DSE
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