VADAF has modified the requirements for Year End Awards for 2020 ONLY due to the effect the pandemic had on Horse Shows this year. Please refer to the new Guidelines provided in the below document. Updated forms are available on the Forms page.
VADA Shel Gafford Memorial Award for
EXCELLENCE IN SPORTMANSHIP
Nomination deadline for 2020 Awards: December 1, 2020
For anyone not fortunate enough to have known Shel, he was not only a gifted horseman and successful competitor, but also a truly good sport and dedicated advocate to VADA. Shel was a seasoned competitor, having won the Gold and Silver Individual Medals in his last two years as a Young Rider at the NAYRC. He always rode to win, but never at the expense of his horse or another rider. Rather than “psyching” his fellow competitors, Shel was more likely to offer a helping hand or wish them luck. Furthermore, Shel was a tireless supporter of VADA. He served as President during some of our Association’s most difficult and trying times. It is largely due to his diplomacy and tenacity that VADA exists as it does today.
It is this spirit of unselfish good sportsmanship and generous volunteerism, which were so much a part of Shel’s nature, that VADA wishes to encourage and reward. If you are aware of a VADA member who is: 1) Actively involved in any aspect of competition and/or VADA activities (eg. Rider, owner, trainer, coach, show mom/dad, spouse, offspring, VADA Board Member, VADA volunteer), 2) who consistently exhibits the characteristics of good sportsmanship and unselfish support of VADA, and 3) has not received the Shel Gafford award within the past 10 years, please nominate that person for the Shel Gafford Award. Include in your nomination the person’s name, chapter affiliation, and a brief statement (200 words or less) explaining why you feel your nominee is deserving of this award.
Nominations must be received by December 1st. The slate of nominees will be sent to the President of each Chapter, who shall, using the method they determine, poll the members of their Chapter and select their Chapter’s choice for the award. In the event of a tie, the VADA Board of Directors shall select the winning nominee from the two candidates. Chapters MUST report their selections to Sheli King no later than January 15. The recipient will receive a special award and a check for $250.00.
Dressage at Rose Mount
We are excited to see all of you wonderful competitors and your lovely horses this weekend! Please be safe traveling to and from the show and we cannot wait to see you!
Show Program
Our Program for 2020 is 100% online. There is an online flipbook version available if you click here (Updated 9/10/2020)! Or you may choose to view/download the pdf version available here. (Updated 9/10/2020)!
Ride Times, Ring Schedules and Schooling Schedules can all be found on Horse Show Office
Quick Link to the Dressage at Rose Mount Page
Announcements
We are in unprecedented times and appreciate everyone’s cooperation to follow all USEF, USDF and State of Virginia COVID Guidelines.
- Per USEF anyone on the show grounds who is NOT mounted on a horse MUST wear a face mask.
- Please practice Social Distancing for the entire weekend.
- The Show Office Will be By Appointment Only. If you need to make an appointment, please text Bettina at 540-222-5850
- More COVID Guidelines and Information will be posted throughout the show grounds and are also available in the Program
- For those who are stabling, your rider packets will be in your tack stall (or horse stall if you did not reserve a tack stall).
Dressage Clinic with Olivia Lagoy-Weltz July 25-26
Great Scott Farm, 8736 Lawyers Rd., Spotsylvania VA
VADA-F members $120; non-members $155
*Auditing is free for VADA-F members and $20 per day for nonmembers
Olivia
Olivia is a USDF bronze, silver, and gold medalist. A knowledgeable and skilled rider and trainer who has earned scores as high as 80% at the Grand Prix atop her own horse Rassing’s Lonoir. She was traveling reserve rider for Team USA at WEG as well as an active competitor in the CDIs in Wellington, FL (www.mountaincrestfarm.com).
Auditors must also RSVP. In order to adhere to safety guidelines we will be ensuring the number of auditors complies with social distancing measures put forth by the CDC.
Please reserve your spot by sending a text or calling Roberta Dascoli at (804) 836-2226, or email rdascoli1234@yahoo.com
VADAF April Meeting
April 14th, 2020
Angela’s Italian Restaurant
6336 Jefferson Davis Highway
Spotsylvania, VA 22551
Dinner (optional) 6:30 pm
Meeting 7:00 pm
All current and prospective members welcome!

March Meeting Location Change
The next club meeting will be held March 10th at Denny’s (5325 Jefferson Davis Highway, Fredericksburg, VA). Dinner at 6pm and meeting will begin at 7pm. Look forward to seeing you there!
VADA 2020 Auditor Friendly Symposium with George Williams and Bill Warren
February Meeting Cancelled
The general membership meeting for February 2020 has been cancelled.
2019 Year End Awards
January Club Meeting
The January Club Meeting will be held January 26, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. (just prior to the start of the awards luncheon). 6 Bears & A Goat Brewing Company, 1140 International Parkway, Fredericksburg, VA 22406