About Us:
It is the Mid-South Dressage Academy's mission to provide equestrians in the Memphis area with high-quality
horsemanship learning opportunities, so that they may 'achieve excellence through education', as our motto states. We have
built our programming around dressage because we believe that good dressage basics are the essential foundation for every
other riding discipline. With this in mind, our students have the opportunity to develop a strong riding foundation
which can be applied unilaterally across the equestrian world, from the neighborhood rodeo arena to the World Equestrian Games.
The Mid-South Dressage Academy is a unique place
for many reasons, but perhaps most importantly because it is a non-profit organization. Our non-profit status has allowed
us to create one-of-a-kind programming that empowers our students to earn lessons completely free of charge. Sound
to good to be true? It's not. Our students earn lessons by attending Academy "Horsin' Around" classes and volunteering
at MDA events. Their hours are logged and, when students have enough hours, they can exchange them for riding lessons
or vaulting lessons.
We encourage our students to earn their lessons for several reasons. First, by attending regular Academy
"Horsin' Around" classes, our students gain a thorough understanding of
horsemanship. Second, by hand-teaching our students, we prepare them ‘to move up through the ranks as working students
as age, maturity and physical ability increase and allow. We believe that this addition
to the program fosters work ethic, dedication, leadership and a sense of ownership in our students.
How You Can Help:
As a non-profit organization, MDA relies on the public for assistance
in keeping the riding school active. If you or someone you know would like to be a part of the MDA legacy, there are several
ways in which you can contribute.
·
Matching:
o Suggested for parents and/or supporters
of current/future students. If students participate only in Academy "Horsin' Around" classes (at a rate of 1 credit
hour per week), students can earn one lesson every 10 weeks. This length of time in between earned lessons
will prevent students from progressing as fast as those who ride more frequently. Parents and supporters are encouraged to
match their student's commitment to the MDA program by providing one paid lesson for every lesson their child earns. This
will allow students to ride every 4-5 weeks rather than every 10 weeks, which in turn translates to faster skill progression
and retention.
·
Sponsoring
o Suggested for MDA enthusiasts and other
interested parties. Sponsor an academy student by purchasing lessons on their behalf. Sponsorships will
benefit students who are unable to meet the financial commitment of purchasing lessons, or those who are not riding frequently
enough to meet their goals in a timely fashion. Sponsors can purchase either single private riding lessons or in a weekly
package format.
·
Donations
o Suggested for MDA enthusiasts and other
interested parties. Make a direct contribution to the Mid-South Dressage Academy. The expense of running a riding school does
not stop at the cost of hay; our other expenses include (but are far from limited to) veterinary bills, farrier bills, tack,
stall shavings, arena heating, lighting, administrative costs and labor. As such, we rely heavily on the generosity shown
by the community we serve. As a non-profit organization, the funds we raise return directly into the operation
of this unique riding school. Your donation is always tax-deductible!
