The University of Connecticut Department of Animal Science and Extension will host the CT Horse Symposium on Saturday, March 7. We invite riders, auditors, and equine enthusiasts to join us for a full day of learning, demonstrations, and hands-on instruction with Melissa Tindall.
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
Participants and spectators will take part in a clinic with Melissa Tindall, where horses and riders will build confidence and skills using a combination of:
- Dressage principles
- Groundwork and in-hand lateral work
- Pole work and cavaletti exercises
Riders from all disciplines will learn how to:
- Improve communication and correct use of aids from the ground
- Develop better balance and rhythm in the saddle
ABOUT MELISSA TINDALL
Melissa Tindall is an FEI rider 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.
SCHEDULE
Session 1: In-Hand Lateral Work
9:00–10:00 AM
Learn the how, when and why in asking/teaching horses to move laterally using dressage principles on the ground.
Session 2: Advanced Pole & Cavaletti Exercises
10:00–11:00 AM
For riders who are comfortable walk/trot/canter over multiple ground poles and cavaletti in more complex patterns. More advanced exercises designed to help the rider find balance and rhythm using dressage principles for both dressage and jumping.
Session 3: Basic Pole Exercises
11:00 AM–12:00 PM
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.
11:30 AM–1:00 PM – Lunch available on site (pizza and beverages) to benefit the UConn Equine Club.
12:00–1:30 PM (approx.) – Short break followed by demonstrations from the UConn Dressage Team and UConn Equestrian Team.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
More event information can be found here: https://animalscience.uconn.edu/horsesymposium/
REGISTRATION (DEADLINE: FEBRUARY 28, 2026)
To participate in a riding session:
Register here: https://secure.touchnet.com/C21646_ustores/web/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCTID=905
You must also complete a release form, found here: UConn Horseback Riding - Kuali
To attend as an auditor/spectator:
Register here: https://secure.touchnet.com/C21646_ustores/web/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCTID=906
(Note: it will start with a $1 page. Please continue clicking forward)
BRINGING YOUR OWN HORSE
If you are bringing your own horse, the Equine Health Form for Visiting and Donated Horses must be completed and brought with you that day including negative Coggins, a veterinary certificate if out of state, rabies within 1 yr – 28 days prior, Eastern/Western/West Nile Virus/Tetanus/Flu/Rhino within 1 year and a 3 day temperature log. You will not be allowed to unload your horse until we receive this paperwork. ASTM/SEI approved helmets required for all participants as per UConn Horse Barn rules. Find the form here: https://uconn-my.sharepoint.com/:w:/g/personal/jenifer_nadeau_uconn_edu/Ef9W2nfoQJhCpS2lPP3D0pYBFwsFR9D_5szQiWR-ffnYpg?e=hzhZyB
VENDOR AND SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES (DEADLINE: FEBRUARY 28, 2026)
Interested in being a vendor (Vendor fair 8:30-1 PM)?
Register here: https://secure.touchnet.com/C21646_ustores/web/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCTID=907
Would you like to sponsor the event and get free advertising throughout?
Register here: https://secure.touchnet.com/C21646_ustores/web/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCTID=909
QUESTIONS
If there are any questions, please call Dr. Jenifer Nadeau at (860) 486-4471 or email jenifer.nadeau@uconn.edu.
For more information, contact: Jenifer Nadeau/Department of Animal Science at jenifer.nadeau@uconn.edu