history of MODA
In April of 1976 the first organization meeting was held. On June 8, 1976, Mid-Ohio Dressage Association (MODA) was incorporated. That first year, MODA offered three educational programs with films and discussion: a one day clinic with Hans von Bredow, a two day clinic with Debbie Johnson of Potomac Maryland, and a dressage forum on test riding, judging, and scoring with Peter Nelson.
At that time there were no “dressage” instructors, but there was a great need for regular instruction, and during the clinics there would be 30 to 35 interested observers. In September, dressage classes were held at Stillwater Farm during Stillwater’s Fall Show. This gave MODA the opportunity to “learn the ropes” of presenting a show and helped spread the word for dressage to a great number of Ohio riders. The following year, MODA held its first Recognized Show. In 1978, Laura Crawford, Sandra Burnard, Hans D. Von Bredow, and Nancy Wentz officially registered Mid-Ohio Dressage Association as a USDF club. The Classic was kicked off the following year.
Since then MODA has grown in membership, and continues to host clinics, educational seminars, schooling shows, the Mid-Ohio Classic, and recognizes multiple shows throughout the community.
At that time there were no “dressage” instructors, but there was a great need for regular instruction, and during the clinics there would be 30 to 35 interested observers. In September, dressage classes were held at Stillwater Farm during Stillwater’s Fall Show. This gave MODA the opportunity to “learn the ropes” of presenting a show and helped spread the word for dressage to a great number of Ohio riders. The following year, MODA held its first Recognized Show. In 1978, Laura Crawford, Sandra Burnard, Hans D. Von Bredow, and Nancy Wentz officially registered Mid-Ohio Dressage Association as a USDF club. The Classic was kicked off the following year.
Since then MODA has grown in membership, and continues to host clinics, educational seminars, schooling shows, the Mid-Ohio Classic, and recognizes multiple shows throughout the community.