History of MODA

In April of 1976 the first organization meeting was held. On June 8, 1976, MODA was incorporated.

That first year, MODA offered three educational programs with films and discussion, a one day clinic with Hans von Bredow, a two day clinic with Debbie Johnson of Potomac Maryland, and a dressage forum on test riding, judging, and scoring with Peter Nelson. In September, dressage classes were held at Stillwater Farm during Stillwater’s Fall Show. This gave MODA the opportunity to “learn the ropes” of presenting a show, and helped spread the word for dressage to a great number of Ohio riders. The next year, a Recognized Show was held. At that time, there were no “dressage” instructors but there was a great need for regular instruction, and during the clinics there would be 30 to 35 interested observers.

The response to the creation of MODA was enthusiastic. During the first year, there were 36 paid members, with an active mailing list of 60.

The first Recognized Show, Mid-Ohio Dressage Association’s Fall Dressage Show, was held at Stillwater Farm in 1977, with Ann Rawle and John Kimbel as judges and Col. Jerald Weikert as the Technical Delegate (TD). Nancy Wentz was the Manager and Lynn MacIntosh was Co-Manager.

From Stillwater, the show was moved to the Delaware County Fairgrounds in Delaware, Ohio and the name was changed to Mid-Ohio Classic. The Classic added sport horse breeding classes. In 2002, this part of the Classic spun off and became Mid Ohio Sport Horse Showcase, now held at Rolling Acres in Delaware, Ohio.

Today MODA sponsors three recognized shows a year, as well as three-to-four schooling shows (unrecognized). The organization also sponsors annual educational forums and riding clinics.

The General Membership and Board Meetings are held once a month. Officers, which include President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and four Board of Directors (includes the Past President), are elected in November at a General Membership meeting. The Board selects Chairpersons for the following Committees: Adult Scholarship Program; Annual Awards Program; Membership; Directory; Dressage at Delaware; Mid-Ohio Classic; Mid-Ohio Sport Horse Showcase; Schooling Shows; Volunteer Hours; Newslette; and Web Site Manager.

The purpose of MODA, as articulated in the original by-laws (Word Doc) or (Adobe PDF) is, “to promote and encourage a high standard of accomplishment in dressage; to promote the better understanding of dressage through educational programs, clinics, forums, seminars, membership meetings, publications and dissemination of information to the public and general membership of the organization; to provide opportunities to exchange information and to practice the art of dressage, and to do all other things.” To that end, from its inception MODA has offered clinics and other training opportunities from notable dressage authorities, sponsored recognized shows, offered judge and instructor education programs, and offered lectures and discussions on a wide variety of topics relating to horse care and training.

Former Presidents of MODA

Sandy Bernard, Founding President – 1976-1978
Laura Crawford – 1979
Nancy Wentz – 1980-1981
Lynette Archer – 1982
Penny Ninni – 1983-1984
Vicki Milliron – 1985
Mary Lynn DiNicola – 1986
Vicki Batte – 1987
Rick Maioriello – 1988
Chris Manack – 1989-1991
Linda Houze – 1992-1995
Vicki Milliron – 1996-2004