PSU Dressage is a club sports team that competes in the Intercollegiate Dressage Association (IDA). Our diverse team is made up of enthusiastic people from all majors, ages, backgrounds, and experiences. From international riders to first-time riders our team welcomes and caters everyone. If you are passionate and dedicated, and looking for a well-rounded experience -- riding, socials, community service and more -- this is the team for you!

 

Simply said, dressage is a style of riding that does not include jumping, but is referred to by many as “horse-dancing.” If dictionary definitions are more your speed, dressage (ˈdresäZH/) is a noun meaning “the art of riding and training a horse in a manner that develops obedience, flexibility, and balance.” Nevertheless, dressage is the foundation for most types of riding, so if you’re looking to start riding or strengthen your riding, joining our team is a step in the right direction.

 

We learn and train with our coach, Lindsay Hafer (check out “meet your team” for her bio), at an eventing barn called Standing Ovation in Port Matilda. There we have the privilege of teaming up with over 20 horses who prepare us for our IDA showing season. As part of region C of the IDA, we travel and compete against 7 schools in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York. As a member of PSU Dressage you may have the opportunity to compete as an introductory, lower training, upper training, or first level rider. Per the IDA rules, riders draw horses from the host school first thing each show day.

 

Beyond the barn our team provides opportunities for team bonding, too! Socials, movie nights and barn picnics, are a big part of getting to know our teammates. Sometimes, we even double up by mixing socials with fundraisers like for our popular pottery painting and bowling nights. And, of course, lending a helping hand to our State College community is an essential piece that all of our members take pride in. We especially love going to Nittany Valley Greyhounds and Shaver’s Creek to make a difference.