In the 1960's and '70's, a group of early Dressage enthusiasts, led by a passionate Iowa transplant named Betsy Coester, formed what would eventually become Eastern Iowa Dressage and Eventing Association.

 

EIDEA, as it is currently known, is a Chartered USDF Group Member Organization and officially incorporated as a nonprofit in 2003 under the leadership of the late Amanda Johnson, then President.

 

Between Betsy's early days, when Dressage was barely known in the US, and the present, eastern Iowans hosted internationally prominent clinicians and held fondly remembered recognized show series. Many of the active barns in those days are now gone, but the memories and reputation of eastern Iowans as promoting Dressage theory and practice, remain. Many thanks to member Sharon Neff for compiling our important milestones through a series of interviews, and to Megan Ward and Barb Hall for photos.

 

Dressage Milestones in Eastern Iowa

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• 1956 Betsy Coester (later a charter member of USDF) founds Winds Reach Farm in Iowa City. The farm remains an active hub for dressage and eventing today, owned and managed by her son, Bill Coester.
   

• 1959 Betsy founds Rapid Creek Pony Club. Clinicians include Waldemar Seunig.
   

• 1973 USDF Founded by Lowell Boomer in Lincoln, Nebraska. EIDEA's origins start here (then known as Winds Reach Dressage), as Betsy Coester was involved with the founding group.
   

• 1975-1976 Karl Mikolka clinics at Maffitt Lake Farm in Des Moines.
   

• 1978 River City Dressage and Combined Training Association founded, Ellen (Mahaney) DeCicco founder and president.
   

• Iowa Dressage and Combined Training Association Founded (a USDF GMO).
   

• 1980's University of Iowa Riding Classes at Sugar Bottom Stables.
   

• A sampling of clinicians who visited Eastern Iowa barns: Tom Poulin, Bill Woods, Neil Ishoy, Betsy Steiner.
   

• 1990s Free Rein Farm opens on Dubuque Street in Iowa City, hosts recognized shows, benefits and dressage camps. Clinicians include Mette Rosencrantz and Colonel Von Ziegner.
   

• 1996 EIDCTA record of first meeting held: "Developing an Eye for Collection." with Betsy Coester and Dorothy Maxwell (R).
   

• EIDEA (jointly with IaDCTA) hosts the 2002 USDF Region 4 Adult Clinic featuring Walter Zettl at Winds Reach Farm, an undertaking involving many volunteers and attended by participants from a five state region.
   

Past EIDEA Presidents

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• Barb Putnam (1998-2002)

• Chuck Bennett (2003)

• Jan Vlasak (2004)

• Amanda Johnson (2005-6)

• (2007 – no president) Merrill Klemm Vice President 

• Anne Cizadlo (2008-2011)

• Nan Barta (2015-2017)

• Jean Rude (2018-2019)

• Ali Hayford (2020-2021)

• Leigh Ennen (2022 to present