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Georgia Dressage & Combined Training Association

Atlanta Youth Festival Dressage4Kids 2026

Where Young Riders Become Horse(WO)men

The Dressage4Kids TEAM Clinic & Atlanta Youth Festival is more than a clinic or a competition—it's an unforgettable educational experience designed to inspire, challenge, and empower the next generation of equestrians.

Hosted by GDCTA in partnership with Dressage4Kids, this three-day event brings together riders, trainers, parents, and mentors who share a passion for developing outstanding horsemanship, sportsmanship, and lifelong learning. Founded by Olympian Lendon Gray, Dressage4Kids is dedicated to helping riders under 25 become knowledgeable, compassionate horsemen through education, mentorship, and competition.

Unlike a traditional horse show, the Atlanta Youth Festival rewards complete horsemanship. Competitors demonstrate their knowledge through a written test, showcase their riding in a dressage test, and put their equitation skills on display—all contributing to the overall championship. The weekend also includes the popular Kick-Off Dinner and educational panel discussion, creating opportunities to learn from experienced professionals while building lasting friendships within the equestrian community. Atlanta proudly hosts one of the largest Dressage4Kids Youth Festivals in the country.

Whether you're competing, auditing, volunteering, or cheering from the sidelines, you'll experience a weekend filled with learning, encouragement, and inspiration. From the first ride to the final awards, every moment is designed to help young riders grow—not just as competitors, but as confident horsemen and future leaders of our sport.

Come join us as we celebrate education, excellence, and the joy of horses.

Link To Full Event Information, Prize List, and Entry/Registration: https://www.gdcta.org/event-6422911

EVENT ORGANIZERS


COMPETITOR'S CORNER

The Ultimate Dressage Showdown

  • Atlanta Festival Dressage4Kids 2026

    • September 04, 2026
    • September 06, 2026
    • 1996 Centennial Olympic Parkway, Conyers, GA


    Atlanta Dressage4Kids Lendon's Youth Dressage Festival 


    The Dressage4Kids TEAM Clinic & Atlanta Youth Festival Show is more than a clinic or a competition—it's an unforgettable educational experience designed to inspire, challenge, and empower the next generation of Dressage equestrians.

    Lendon Gray's Dressage4Kids TEAM (Training, Education and Mentoring) 2-day Clinic (Fri/Sat) and Atlanta Youth Festival Horse Show on Sunday. The Festival is a unique competition with a Saturday evening Kick-Off Dinner with Panel Discussion. Sunday's competition starts with a Written Test, One Dressage Test, and a group Equitation Class for an overall winner. Atlanta is proud to be the 3rd largest D4K Festival in the Country, after New York and Midwest! Read more

    IMPORTANT ENTRY LINKS:

    Entries and purchases are nonrefundable and are not eligible for voluntary refunds. However, the value of your entry may be eligible to be applied toward the price of entry for another GDCTA clinic or event. 


    Additional Links


    IMPORTANT DEADLINE DATES

    • SHOW ENTRY CLOSING DATE - August 28, 2026
    • TSHIRT ORDER DEADLINE - August 19, 2026
    • DINNER TICKET DEADLINE - August 28, 2026 (Dinner tickets must be pre-purchased this year)
    • SPONSOR AND VENDOR APPLICATION - August 25, 2026


    EVENT ORGANIZERS


    Dressage4Kids™ Kundrun TEAM Program Clinic on Friday and Saturday is organized directly through Dressage4Kids. Click here to find out how to apply and for more information


    TENTATIVE SCHEDULE

    Thursday

    • D4K Team Clinic horses move in beginning at noon.

    Friday

    • D4K Team Clinic all day.
    • Chick-fil-A catered lunch for D4K Clinic participants.
    • AYDC Schooling Show horses move in beginning at noon.

    Saturday

    • D4K Team Clinic all day.
    • AYDC Schooling Show. (note: this is a separate show from D4K Festival Show)
    • D4K Festival Show horses move-in.
    • Winner’s Circle Concessions open for breakfast and lunch.
    • Catered competitor dinner tickets (tickets must be purchased ahead of time)
    • Stall Decorating Contest Saturday evening.

    Sunday

    • D4K Festival Show begins.
    • Written test at 8:00 a.m.
    • Dressage and equitation tests.
    • Winner’s Circle Concessions open for breakfast and lunch.
    • Mandatory full-dress awards ceremony at approximately 3:00 p.m.


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    YOUTH FUNDRAISER CHALLENGE

    Support Dressage4Kids at the Atlanta Youth Festival! 

    Link to Donate - YOU MUST ADD YOUR RIDERS NAME TO COMMENTS SECTION Of THE DONATION FORM TO RECEIVE DONATION CREDIT

    Since 2012, the Atlanta Youth Festival has proudly supported educational opportunities for our local dressage community through the vision of Elizabeth Molloy and the continued generosity of Lendon Gray and her Dressage4Kids (D4K) program.

    Now it's our turn to give back! Every rider participating in the Atlanta Youth Festival is invited to raise funds in support of Dressage4Kids. Every donation helps D4K continue inspiring and educating young equestrians across the country.

     The rider who raises the most funds will receive a special prize!


    ****************************************

    WE NEED PRIZE/PLACING DONATIONS FOR THESE AWESOME KIDS! Please contact Deb Cohen at djcohen23@gmail.com or (770) 870-7388 if you would like to donate items or gift cards.

    Interested in becoming a Sponsor or Vendor at this event?

    Contact Event Management for more information. Link to pricing and purchase can be found Here. Follow the link and view the store at the bottom of the event's page

    We are beyond grateful for your amazing support in bringing this event to life. Learn more about sponsoring this event below.

    SPONSORS 

    To our fantastic crowd, the excitement doesn't stop here. Make sure to check out and shop our awesome vendors today!

    VENDOR LIST

    ✨ The Magic Behind the Moments — Volunteers Make It Happen ✨

    Be part of the energy, teamwork, and behind-the-scenes excitement that brings this incredible event to life! From helping prepare arenas to welcoming riders and supporting the action throughout the day, our volunteers are the heart of the experience. Whether you have a few hours or several days, your time makes a real impact — and it’s a fun, rewarding way to connect with the community.

    GDCTA members earn credit toward the Liz Faso Memorial Volunteer of the Year Awards (sponsored by Bouckaert Farm!) $1,000 top prize for most volunteer hours in a year + additional awards and raffle entries

    Ready to be part of something special? Sign up through event management today!



    Show details

REGISITRATION FORM (use this form to enter; you will be invoiced before the deadline)

If you are signing up for additional items after your invoice, feel free to use the store options below to select the items you would like. It will give you a total for everything. Or if you would prefer, please email a committee member or admin@gdcta.org to get an invoice emailed to you.

SPONSOR OPTIONS

Building Better Riders. Inspiring Future Champions.

A weekend where education, horsemanship, and opportunity come together to shape the next generation of equestrians.

The Dressage4Kids TEAM Clinic & Atlanta Youth Festival is more than a clinic or competition—it's an immersive learning experience where young riders develop confidence, knowledge, and lifelong skills alongside their horses. Hosted by GDCTA in partnership with Dressage4Kids, this nationally recognized event celebrates the values that make great horsemen: dedication, sportsmanship, education, and teamwork.

From educational clinics and mentorship opportunities to the exciting Youth Festival competition, participants leave inspired, motivated, and better prepared for every step of their equestrian journey.

Thank You to Our Sponsors!

Invest in the Future of Equestrian Sport

Your support does more than sponsor an event—it helps develop tomorrow's riders, trainers, instructors, and leaders.

By partnering with the Dressage4Kids TEAM Clinic & Atlanta Youth Festival, you'll connect with:

  • Dedicated youth riders and their families who are passionate about horses and lifelong learning.

  • Trainers, coaches, and mentors committed to excellence in equestrian education.

  • A loyal and engaged equestrian community that values businesses supporting youth and the sport.

  • Horse owners and spectators who appreciate brands investing in the future of dressage.

Whether you're increasing brand awareness, introducing new products, or demonstrating your commitment to youth equestrian programs, this event provides a meaningful way to connect with an enthusiastic audience while making a lasting impact.

Sponsorship & Vendor Opportunities

Put your business in front of an engaged equestrian community while supporting one of the Southeast's premier youth educational events.

  • Showcase your brand throughout the weekend.

  • Sponsor educational sessions, awards, or competition classes.

  • Connect directly with riders, families, trainers, and horse owners.

  • Participate as an event vendor.

  • Advertise in the official event program.

For sponsorship and vendor information, please contact Event Management (above).

Vendor and sponsor applications are accepted through August 25.

Together, we're investing in the future of our sport—one rider, one horse, and one unforgettable weekend at a time.

VENDOR OPTIONS

ADVERTISING OPTIONS (digital program)

Your Brand, Center Stage at the Region’s Premier Dressage Event

This isn’t just a competition—it’s a high-profile celebration of equestrian excellence, drawing hundreds of competitors, passionate spectators, and influential community members. With about 400 top horse-and-rider teams expected to compete, the spotlight is bright and the audience is engaged.

As an advertiser, your brand becomes part of the story—visible, respected, and aligned with the elegance and prestige of the sport. From arena banners to digital shoutouts, this is your chance to connect with a loyal, values-driven audience that appreciates quality and community.

Send Ad files (JPG, PNG or PDF) to webmaster@gdcta.org by August 25th.

Payment must also be made by September 25th.

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