Connecticut Horse Symposium

Saturday, March 29, 2025 9AM – 1:30PM

UConn Horsebarn Hill Arena

Spectators please park in the paved lot to the right of the arena. Horse trailers only in the dirt lot to the left of the arena.

Enjoy our fun event with heated seating!

Pay at the door (cash or check payable to UConn only)

Hope to see you there!

 

Sign up to try our new Canter Curriculum Online Courses on Equine Nutrition and the Skeletal System and Disorders!

Sponsored by:

 

When:
Saturday, March 29, 2025
9 AM - 1:30 PM
Vendor Fair 8:30 AM - 1 PM
Where:
UConn Horsebarn Hill Arena
3099 Horsebarn Hill Road
Storrs, CT 06269
Questions?
Contact: Dr. Jenifer Nadeau
PHONE: (860) 486-4471
FAX: (860) 486-4375
E-MAIL: jenifer.nadeau@uconn.edu

 

Get some new ideas for the riding and driving season! No need to worry about preregistration for auditors or spectators, pay at the door.

Enjoy our heated lobby and arena seating while participating in a fun equine event! Take a break from the action by visiting the sponsors and vendors in our heated foyer.

Please park in the paved lot to the right of the arena. The dirt lot is reserved for horse trailers.

Please note our health requirements for visiting horses in the documents area at the bottom of this page.

 

3 Exciting Clinic Sessions with Melissa Tindall!

Join Melissa Tindall for a clinic where horses and riders will gain confidence and skills combining dressage principles with groundwork and pole work.  Riders from all disciplines can learn the correct use of aids for lateral work on the ground to further their understanding when mounted. They can then work on improving balance and rhythm in the saddle over poles and cavaletti.

Melissa Tindall has been riding horses for 40 years and earned her USDF Bronze medal on her self-trained mare who she is currently competing at Prix St. George.  She is the Coach of the UConn Dressage team, teaches riding at UConn and travels to teach locally. She was an apprentice with FEI rider and USDF Instructor faculty member Melanie Tenney, where she went through the BHS Instructor Training Program. Melissa began her riding career in hunter jumpers and eventing but has concentrated on dressage for the last 25 years. She focuses on positive teaching and training methods utilizing in-hand work, in addition to mounted work, to encourage connection and understanding of both students and horses.

Session 1: In Hand Lateral Work (limited to 12 handlers) 9-10 AM 

Learn the how, when and why in asking/teaching horses to move laterally using dressage principles on the ground.

Session 2: Basic Pole Exercises (limited to 8 riders) 10-11 AM 

For riders who are comfortable walk/trot over ground poles and comfortable cantering a single pole. Basic exercises designed to help the rider find balance and rhythm using dressage principles.

Session 3: Advanced Pole Exercises and Cavaletti (limited to 8 riders) 11 AM -12 PM 

For riders who are comfortable walk/trot/canter over ground poles and cavaletti. More advanced exercises designed to help the rider find balance and rhythm using dressage principles.

11:30-1 Lunch Available On Site - Pizza and Beverages - To Benefit UConn Equine Club

12:00-1:30 PM Approximately - Demonstrations by the UConn Teams!

Short break then demonstration by the UConn Dressage Team

Short break then demonstration by the UConn Equestrian Team

Short break then demonstration by UConn Polo 

Pricing: As Always, a Great Value!

Riders/Handlers:

$51/session with your own horse

$71/session using a UConn horse (must be able to walk, trot and canter in control if riding, age 12 and over only)

Must complete a release form, equine health form if bringing own horse and wear an ASTM/SEI approved helmet if riding

Auditors:

$25/Adults All Day

$15/day Age 9-18/4-H leaders/UConn students/4-H members

Kids 9 & under free!

Money raised is used to directly support equine research and extension programs at the University of Connecticut! No pre-registration needed for spectators: pay at the door (cash or check payable to UConn; sorry, no credit cards) or online!

Important Documents:

  • Equine Health Form - REQUIRED for anyone bringing their own horse to participate in clinics.
    • Horse Symposium Twitter 2025 - please share with others!
    • Horse Symposium Social Media 2025 - please share with others!

     

        The University of Connecticut complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding non-discrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action, including the provision of reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. UConn does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religious creed, age, sex, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, genetic information, physical or mental disability, veteran status, prior conviction of a crime, workplace hazards to reproductive systems, gender identity or expression, or political beliefs in its programs and activities. Employees, students, visitors, and applicants with disabilities may request reasonable accommodations to address limitations resulting from a disability.