GMO Question

[starrunner]

Hello!

Sorry if I sound ignorant but I’ve never had cause to explore other options until my original club withered with lack of support as so many do.

But can someone join a GMO outside of their region? For example, I am really rather displeased with my local GMO and am looking for a different one that more fits my pov without breed bias…am I just limited to Region 2 or can I just search all the different clubs and find one the vibes the best?

If so, anyone have a GMO that they love. I know some are doing more virtual education events which would be lovely too.

[Bogey2]

Yes you can join a GMO outside your region.

[starrunner]

Fabulous!

Does anyone have a GMO they love? Online educational events would be great or an awards program that doesn’t breed discriminate?

[trubandloki]

@starrunner

or an awards program that doesn’t breed discriminate?

Can you clarify what this means?

I know many organizations have extra awards that are sponsored by certain breeds, are you meaning something else?

[starrunner]

Yes, of course.

Ideally I’d love a new GMO with an awards program that would accept scores from breed restricted competitions.

I was reviewing the program for my current GMO before my first competitor which stated no breed competitions would count. I inquired to ask if they were USEF/USDF licensed if this could be waived if there was concern about a competition being more of a schooling show. I was told no because judges do not score breed shows like regular dressage. That didn’t vibe well with me, even though the awards program accepts schooling show results too.

So looking for a more open option. If they have western dressage awards, that would be even better.

Just looking for a better, more progressive fit I suppose. I also like to share this type of information (potential awards program options, etc) for people within my breed or choice that want to dabble and show breed shows and open USDF events too.

[atr]

It’s a “damned if you do, damned if you don’t” situation for most GMOs deciding what to recognize for year end awards. Whatever they do makes someone unhappy.

Most seem to require that the show in question be recognized by their organization, for which the show can pay a fee.

Ours includes their own schooling show series, judged by at least L judges, as well as the local recognized shows. This leads to grumbling amongst members who only compete at recognized shows.

It does not include breed shows, it doesn’t include (most) out of state shows-except one right across the state line that pays the fee. This leads to grumbling by people who compete out of state and at breed shows…

[emeraldcity]

Not a full answer to your question, but NEDA in New England runs some virtual learning type events mostly over the winter- you do not have to be a member to listen in. I find out about them by following on Facebook.

[enjoytheride]

It’s the exact same judges at a breed oriented dressage show using the exact same rules and tests.

Suggesting that the scores are inflated because it’s a breed show is incredibly insulting. You’re competing against horses of the same breed who spend most of their time competing at open rated dressage shows. If you’re not competitive at a regular recognized dressage show you wouldn’t be competitive at a breed oriented dressage show. If it’s good enough to earn your medals then it should be good enough.

If we’re going to do that we might as well throw out Pony Cup because the judges are giving extra points for cute ponies.

[starrunner]

Exactly

I gave the example of a show I managed earlier this month. I had some of the same horses that competed earlier in the weekend in the breed restricted classes compete on Sunday in an open (all breed) class.

All USDF/USEF recognized. Same judges. Same scores amazing enough.

My point is that if they permit all non restricted schooling shows (not ones that pay to a gmo to be recognize or approved) it seems quite silly to not accept a breed restricted shows and then it got insulting with the insinuation that the scores aren’t equivalent. It was then the cherry on the top when the newsletter had it emphasized that breed shows aren’t acceptable for the awards program.

I figure if the scores are good enough for medal scores they should be good enough for a GMO.

But anyway, onwards to looking for the unicorn GMO. I didn’t realize how sad that my original GMO dissolved (not my current one). They were very inclusive of all breeds, western dressage, etc. They even reached out and had me write articles about competing at my breeds national event, etc.

[atr]

I’m not disputing that, just reporting what I hear from sitting and watching.

And I do think it’s dumb to allow schooling show scores and not breed show scores. Once upon a time our GMO had separate awards for the schooling series and recognized shows, which seemed like a much better idea.

[Bogey2]

I disagree with this comment…have you been to a Morgan show? They are allowed to do all sorts of things that a dressage show would not allow…not even a schooling show in my area allows you to warm up in draw reins.

[starrunner]

Absolutely shouldn’t be permitted if the show is USEF approved and definitely not if it is USEF/USDF.

The C2 stewards if it is usef need to be reporting illegal equipment and of course, the TDs I’ve all worked with are wonderful at helping identify illegal equipment.

But I’ve been at a few schooling shows that have been a 3 ring circus but it all depends on who is running it and how serious it all is.

But personally that’s why if it has a steward or a technical delegate, it’s above a schooling show regardless if it is breed specific imo.

[enjoytheride]

Are you talking about a main ring show? That is a vastly different animal.

Rated dressage at a sport horse shows follows all usef and usdf rules

[lorilu]

Yes you can join a GMO out of your area - even out of your “Region”. Here in Florida many of our GMOs have out of area members who are here for the winter but are residents/declare for their home Region.
Look at the websites/facebook pages for GMOs that interest you. As noted above, NEDA has some cool programs. So does Georgia Dressage and CT, and look at South Carolina Dressage and CT.
You might want to contact the various Regional Directors and ask about GMOs in their Region, or contact the GMO Committee member for that Region. Committee Members for each Region are here:https://www.usdf.org/about/about-usdf/councilscommittees/gmo.asp

[SillyHorse]

@starrunner

If they have western dressage awards, that would be even better.

Northern Ohio Dressage Association not only has year-end Western Dressage awards, they are doing a recognized Western Dressage show this year.

https://www.nodarider.org/WesternShows

[Bogey2]

So you have been to a Morgan show? It’s hard to see if they follow those rules when there are a lot of different disciplines being ridden on the grounds.