NEDA Then and Now

The New England Dressage Association first formed with 40 members in 1972, and has remained a proud leader of American tradition ever since.

  • By the 1980’s NEDA grew to 500 members..

  • And in present day has grown to over 1,800 members from New England and beyond!

A history to be proud of:

New England Dressage Association (NEDA) was incorporated as a nonprofit corporation in Massachusetts in 1972, but its origins go back several years before that to the 1968 Olympics held in Mexico City. Several equestriennes had the chance to watch the dressage competition there and returned to New England determined to learn more about the sport. Pamela Fitzwilliams and Priscilla Endicott were soon joined by Marjorie Kittredge, Betty Ellis and Mary Lou Cabot in hosting informal clinics, practicing test rides and putting on small shows at the lower levels. They got connected to a handful of riders with training in dressage who assisted, such as Tom Poulin and Jack Burton, an Olympic eventer. When they formed NEDA in 1972, there were about 40 members. The first top level show was held in conjunction with the famed Ledyard Farm Horse Trials on the North Shore of Boston, with crowds, most of whom were viewing dressage for the first time. The show’s single Grand Prix competitor was John Winnett from Tuxedo Park New York, who had trained in France.

Join NEDA as it builds on this incredible history in support of members far and near: