FAQs

ESDCTA has just released a new membership module (February 2019). This new module greatly simplifies the management of your membership and addresses the bugs in the old system. In order to manage your membership, you will need to log in. The email address that we have on file for you will be your username. Since this is the first time that you’ve logged in to the new website, you will need to reset your password. You will be prompted to enter your email address. You will receive an email with a link to reset your password in a few minutes. Note that if we don’t have your current email address, you will need to contact our membership team and they will be happy to update it for you.

Once you reset your password and login, you can click on the “Join/Renew ESDCTA” button and you will be taken to the membership home page.

Select the membership level that you want to renew at and click next. You’ll be asked to enter your credit card information and you will be renewed!

Joining ESDCTA online is easy! All you need is a credit card!

• Click on the “Join ESDCTA” button.
• Select the type of membership.
• Scroll down and click the “select” button next to the membership type that you want.
• If you are joining as a family membership, check out the important FAQ on how to register your secondary family members as ESDCTA members.
• Complete the online registration form. You will need to create a username and password. Make sure you complete all the required fields and provide the CVV security code from your credit card.
• Once you complete the registration, you will be logged into the website. Note that if you are joining as a primary family member, you will receive discount coupons to register your additional family members. Be sure to write these down. If you miss this step, you can also retrieve them by logging onto the website and going to your profile.
• Edit your profile to tell us about yourself, so we know what your interests are.
• If you have problems registering, you can contact the membership chair or the webmaster.

Welcome to ESDCTA!

ESDCTA offers family membership bundles, which allows additional immediate family members that are part of your household to join for free or at a discounted rate. The first member that joins is the “primary” family member (bundle administrator). All major correspondence is sent to this member.

Here are the steps:

• Select the family membership that corresponds to the number of family members that you wish to join the organization.
• Follow the instructions to register each member.

For renewing:

• Login as the “primary” family member (the bundle administrator) for your family. Follow the renewal instructions. This will renew all the family members.

If you don’t want your name to appear in the membership directory, click on the “edit profile” link. Scroll down to the checkbox that says “List in Membership Directory” and uncheck it. Scroll down to the bottom of the page and click “Update Profile” to save the changes.

Please PRINT all necessary information so that it is easy to read. Membership applications will be processed as efficiently as possible, but remember that the Membership Chair is a volunteer who is doing this work in her spare time. You should be able to check your membership renewal status online by logging in with your name and member number. You should also be able to print an ESDCTA membership card. Your membership number appears in the address label on your printed newsletter. If you still have questions, contact the membership chair.

If you already have a USDF number, include it in the application. This is how ESDCTA coordinates information with USDF.

Yes! As with any successful organization, it is only as good as its volunteers! YOU can make a difference. From helping out at a schooling show to becoming an ESDCTA board member. Plus, this is how we know who to contact when we’re looking for volunteers for our shows and events. You’ll need your volunteer hours to qualify for Year End Awards, be eligible to receive Educational and Training Grants or to be eligible to ride on ESDCTA sponsored teams. Volunteering is fun and a win-win experience.

The ESDCTA membership year runs from November 1 through October 31 of each year. You can renew as early as September to avoid any delay with the last-minute rush. All renewals are taken in the order received and have a usual turnaround time of two weeks. A free omnibus is included with your membership if you renew prior to December 15th.

Email correspondence is preferred and should be directed to the membership chair at membership@esdcta.org.

There is less room for error when information is written down. If you leave a voice mail, please pronounce your name and phone number clearly, spell your last name and repeat your phone number. A very brief description of your concern is all that is necessary.

Your email address is important. ESDCTA sends out E-News announcements of interest to all members. Please put your ENTIRE web address, including the domain name information (@msn.com, @aol.com, etc).

First: USDF member fees

• $20 for every member is sent to USDF to sign you up as a USDF Group Member. This entitles you to many USDF GM Benefits.

Second: Communication with the membership

• $22 – $25 per member is spent to produce our monthly newsletter. Additional communication fees include the website domain and Constant Contact subscription.

These first 2 fees account for approximately $45 – $50 from each member’s fee. Based on an average membership of 700, this leaves a balance of approximately $5 – $10 per member or about $3,500 – $5,000 from the typical $55 membership fee for the balance of managerial expenses.

Broadly these expenses include ($ amounts vary from year to year):

• $7,500 for administrative expenses including directors insurance, liability insurance, accounting services and organization registration fees
• $3,000 for marketing and advertising activities
• $3,000 for participation in USEF, USDF, USEA national and regional meetings
• $10,000 for Year End Awards program, covering awards and ribbons
• $3,000 +/- to sponsor ESDCTA Youth and Adult Teams
• $1,500 +/- to repair show equipment like dressage rings, judges booths and x-c jumps. This does not include the replacement cost of equipment that is beyond repair or needed to expand our inventory.
• In an effort to give back, the board also tries to have some money available to donate to other worthy not-for-profits.

It’s easy to see that membership income pays for only a fraction of the actual costs of running such a large organization.

This is why it’s so important for our other events, like horse shows, fundraisers and sponsorship campaigns, to be supported by our members, so we have the financial stability to continue quality programs.

While clinics are a great learning opportunity for you and your horse, only tests at ESDCTA registered shows can be used for a year end award.

High Score awards (for dressage, musical freestyle, eventing and combined training) have to be earned on one horse. However, scores on different horses can contribute to your ESDCTA Bronze, Silver or Gold Medal. Depending on your scores, you may qualify for an Achievement Award on both horses. Remember that each Achievement Award requires eight volunteer hours though!

We understand that eight+ hours are sometimes difficult when you are competing. Family and friends can accumulate volunteer hours and transfer them to you. Make sure they know that they can’t use the hours they have transferred. You’ll find the option to transfer hours on the ESDCTA Volunteer Hours Record form.

Also, keep in mind that we often need help at various times – weekends, weekdays, and evenings, so we might have a volunteer job at a time that works for you. Check the volunteer page for more information.

A good question! {who knows the answer?}

Of course! You do not need to be an ESDCTA member to compete at an ESDCTA registered show. However, if you’re attending the shows anyway, you may want to consider becoming a member in order to take advantage of our championship, award, educational and team opportunities!

Certainly! Check out our Youth Education Award program. Not only can your daughter stay active in the organization, but she can even be awarded for her accomplishments as she continues her equestrian education.

Her volunteer hours that she accrues during this time will be ready for her when she’s back in the saddle or can be transferred to a friend or family member in need!

ESDCTA follows USEF’s three-test limit per horse per show. Therefore, only three scores will be recognized. Please note that combined tests only count as one test. Additionally, per USEF rules, quadrille, pas de deux, and where applicable, dressage seat equitation, prix caprilli, and “fun” classes do not count towards the three test limit. Musical freestyles, however, are counted as one test each.

Of course! You do not need to be an ESDCTA member to compete at an ESDCTA registered show. However, if you’re attending the shows anyway, you may want to consider becoming a member in order to take advantage of our championship, award, educational and team opportunities!

ESDCTA follows USEF’s three-test limit per horse per show. Therefore, only three scores will be recognized. Please note that combined tests only count as one test. Additionally, per USEF rules, quadrille, pas de deux, and where applicable, dressage seat equitation, prix caprilli, and “fun” classes do not count towards the three test limit. Musical freestyles, however, are counted as one test each.

Show management has the right to add or change judges at their discretion. While they do their best to publicize the correct judge ahead of time, extenuating circumstances may require a different or additional judge. If you want to scratch your classes, it is up to show management to determine whether you will receive a refund.

Show secretaries are required to send results to the ESDCTA show Results Chairperson within 2 weeks of each competition. The Chairperson records the results and sends postcards to members who have gained a qualifying score. The postcard confirms their eligibility to compete in the Championships. If you know you have qualified and have not received a postcard verifying your eligibility, it will be necessary for you to get in touch with the Results Chairperson. She will be able to tell you if she has received the results from the show in which you have qualified. If the results have not been submitted from the show secretary, it is suggested you make a photocopy of the qualifying test and send it along with your entry form to the Championships show secretary.

The Championship Prize List specifies classes to be ridden at each level, which are usually the 2 highest tests of the level. It is compulsory for you to compete in both tests at your qualifying level. The scores from both tests are averaged to determine class placement.

The current USEF rule limits competing one horse in no more than 3 classes per day. Because it is a requirement to ride both tests at your qualifying level, the horse may only be shown at one level. It is permitted to compete a second horse on which you have qualified at the same or different level. You have the option of adding a Dressage Seat Equitation class or a Freestyle as a third class. Dressage Seat Equitation class is open to all Championship competitors. Freestyle TOC class is offered to those who have gained a qualifying score at their level.

ESDCTA is a volunteer organization. It can’t run without your help!

It’s important to keep your volunteer information up to date, so that we can reach out to you to help keep ESDCTA running. Login to the website and click on “my profile” from the “For Members” page. This will take you to your “My Profile” page. Click the “Edit Profile” button. Scroll down and verify that your contact info is completed and correct. Scroll further and update the volunteer information. Finally, scroll back to the top of the page and click “Save.”

We understand that eight+ hours are sometimes difficult when you are competing. Family and friends can accumulate volunteer hours and transfer them to you. Make sure they know that they can’t use the hours they have transferred. You’ll find the option to transfer hours on the ESDCTA Volunteer Hours Record form.

Also, keep in mind that we often need help at various times – weekends, weekdays, and evenings, so we might have a volunteer job at a time that works for you. Check the volunteer page for more information.

Certainly! Check out our Youth Education Award program. Not only can your daughter stay active in the organization, but she can even be awarded for her accomplishments as she continues her equestrian education.

Her volunteer hours that she accrues during this time will be ready for her when she’s back in the saddle or can be transferred to a friend or family member in need!

Yes, you can use scores obtained on any horse to qualify for a Youth Team provided you will be riding the new horse at the same level or a lower level than the one that you earned the scores on. We allow this since many youth members are competing on lesson horses or “outgrow” their ponies and move up to horses, etc.

Certainly! Check out our Youth Education Award program. Not only can your daughter stay active in the organization, but she can even be awarded for her accomplishments as she continues her equestrian education.

Her volunteer hours that she accrues during this time will be ready for her when she’s back in the saddle or can be transferred to a friend or family member in need!

If your qualifying scores are at Training Level, you will not be permitted to ride a higher level at the team competition. However, check the deadline for the team you want to apply for. You may be able to attend a few shows this year before the deadline and earn scores at the higher level.

Show secretaries are required to send results to the ESDCTA show Results Chairperson within 2 weeks of each competition. The Chairperson records the results and sends postcards to members who have gained a qualifying score. The postcard confirms their eligibility to compete in the Championships. If you know you have qualified and have not received a postcard verifying your eligibility, it will be necessary for you to get in touch with the Results Chairperson. She will be able to tell you if she has received the results from the show in which you have qualified. If the results have not been submitted from the show secretary, it is suggested you make a photocopy of the qualifying test and send it along with your entry form to the Championships show secretary.

The Championship Prize List specifies classes to be ridden at each level, which are usually the 2 highest tests of the level. It is compulsory for you to compete in both tests at your qualifying level. The scores from both tests are averaged to determine class placement.

The current USEF rule limits competing one horse in no more than 3 classes per day. Because it is a requirement to ride both tests at your qualifying level, the horse may only be shown at one level. It is permitted to compete a second horse on which you have qualified at the same or different level. You have the option of adding a Dressage Seat Equitation class or a Freestyle as a third class. Dressage Seat Equitation class is open to all Championship competitors. Freestyle TOC class is offered to those who have gained a qualifying score at their level.

If you have been a member of ESDCTA, you have an account. To log in the first time, you will need to click on the “reset password” link. You will be prompted to enter your username. That is the email address that we have on file for you. Enter it and you will be emailed a link to reset your password.

Once you log in, you’ll be able to renew your membership online for the new membership year, then you’ll have access to the members-only content on the site.

If you’ve never been a member, you can just click “join ESDCTA” and you can sign up to be a member in a matter of minutes!

If you have further questions, you can contact the webmaster at webmaster@esdcta.org.

Joining ESDCTA online is easy! All you need is a credit card!

• Click on the “Join ESDCTA” button
• Select the type of membership.
• Scroll down and click the “select” button next to the membership type that you want.
• If you are joining as a family membership, check out the important FAQ on how to register your secondary family members as ESDCTA members.
• Complete the online registration form. You will need to create a username and password. Make sure you complete all the required fields and provide the CVV security code from your credit card.
• Once you complete the registration, you will be logged into the website. Note that if you are joining as a primary family member, you will receive discount coupons to register your additional family members. Be sure to write these down. If you miss this step, you can also retrieve them by logging onto the website and going to your profile.
• Edit your profile to tell us about yourself, so we know what your interests are.
• If you have problems registering, you can contact the membership chair or the webmaster.

Welcome to ESDCTA!

ESDCTA offers family membership bundles, which allows additional immediate family members that are part of your household to join for free or at a discounted rate. The first member that joins is the “primary” family member (bundle administrator). All major correspondence is sent to this member.

Here are the steps:

• Select the family membership that corresponds to the number of family members that you wish to join the organization.
• Follow the instructions to register each member.

For renewing:

• Login as the “primary” family member (the bundle administrator) for your family. Follow the renewal instructions. This will renew all the family members.

Of course! You do not need to be an ESDCTA member to compete at an ESDCTA registered show. However, if you’re attending the shows anyway, you may want to consider becoming a member in order to take advantage of our championship, award, educational and team opportunities!

Show management has the right to add or change judges at their discretion. While they do their best to publicize the correct judge ahead of time, extenuating circumstances may require a different or additional judge. If you want to scratch your classes, it is up to show management to determine whether you will receive a refund.