Clinics & Workshops
Clinics and workshops are a cornerstone of ADA’s mission to support education and continuous development for riders at all levels. These events feature nationally recognized judges, trainers, and specialists who share their knowledge in a supportive, inclusive setting. Whether focused on biomechanics, test riding, judging perspectives, or mental performance, each event is designed to offer valuable insights riders can immediately apply in and out of the arena.
ADA’s clinics include both mounted and unmounted formats, providing flexibility and depth in how members engage with the sport. Together, they empower riders to strengthen their skills, refine their understanding, and build more effective, ethical partnerships with their horses.
We believe education should be accessible, dynamic, and directly supportive of our members’ goals. From introductory sessions to advanced training opportunities, ADA clinics and workshops are intentionally crafted to reflect our core values of progress, community, and empowerment. Each event invites riders to invest in their journey, celebrate milestones, and stay connected with a like-minded dressage community committed to learning.
24
OCTOBER
About Our Speaker:
Janet L. Jones, PhD, is a cognitive neuroscientist and veteran horse trainer. She earned her doctorate in cognitive science from UCLA and taught the neuroscience of perception, memory, language, and thought for more than two decades, while training horses across many breeds and disciplines throughout her life. She is the author of the bestselling Horse Brain, Human Brain: The Neuroscience of Horsemanship and, most recently, A Horse’s World: A Neuroscientist’s Journey into the Equine Mind, named one of the season’s best science books by New Scientist. Her work bridges the gap between the laboratory and the arena, helping riders understand the science behind the bond they share with their horses.
An Evening with Janet Jones: Step Into A Horse’s World
Saturday
October 24, 2026 @ 1:00pm – 5:00pm (Arizona/MST)
Renowned neuroscientist and horse trainer Janet Jones, PhD, invites you to step into a horse’s world. On October 24, 2026, the Arizona Dressage Association is honored to host an evening that reveals the science behind how horses think, learn, perceive, remember, and connect with their human partners, along with insights that can transform the relationship you share with your own horse.
Few people can speak to both sides of this partnership the way Janet Jones can. She earned her PhD in cognitive science from UCLA and spent more than two decades teaching the neuroscience of perception, memory, language, and thought, and she has spent a lifetime training horses across many breeds and disciplines. Her bestselling book Horse Brain, Human Brain: The Neuroscience of Horsemanship helped riders around the world understand the two brains at work in every ride.
This event celebrates her newest book, A Horse’s World: A Neuroscientist’s Journey into the Equine Mind (Little, Brown and Company, released June 23, 2026). It is the first book of its kind to explore how horses think, feel, learn, and bond with people, told through the moving story of a 1,500-pound Dutch Warmblood named True North as he learns to navigate the human world. Written in the spirit of An Immense World and The Soul of an Octopus, the book was named one of the best science books of the season by New Scientist. Every attendee will receive a copy of A Horse’s World, and Janet will sign books following her presentation.
Whether you compete at recognized shows or simply treasure your time in the barn, you will come away with a deeper understanding of equine perception, memory, emotion, and the remarkable brain-to-brain communication at the heart of the horse and human partnership, plus practical ways to build trust and connection with your horse.
Space is limited and a signed copy of the book is included with registration.
Rider Selection Process for Ridden Clinics
To be considered, riders must be current ADA and USDF members in good standing at both the time of application and clinic participation.
In keeping with USDF/USEF Education Program guidelines, the clinician(s) will provide input during the rider selection process. The goal is to present training concepts, problem-solving techniques, and progressive ideas appropriate to each level. This clinic is not simply a series of private lessons; it is a public educational event designed to demonstrate the featured professional’s training philosophy for the benefit of both riders and auditors.
Each clinic is unique. The combination of clinician(s) and applicants results in different training focuses and outcomes. A variety of horses and training issues are intentionally selected. In some cases, the clinician may request specific riders they are familiar with. The clinician(s) will have the final say on which applications are accepted. The ADA does its best to pre-define the format and schedule of the clinic in cooperation with the clinician(s) and to provide accurate descriptions to riders and auditors; however, the ADA cannot guarantee there will not be deviations from the planned format which may be adjusted at any time at the sole discretion of the clinician.
Applicants must submit a video showing all required movements from the highest test of the level for which they are applying (e.g., Third Level Test 3). The horse must be sound in the video. The Education Committee will review all submissions to ensure requirements are met.
Incomplete applications or poor-quality videos (e.g., blurry, distant, or unfocused footage) reduce the likelihood of selection. Volunteerism, length of membership and service to the organization are considered.
Ethics and Fitness Acknowledgement
I understand that riding in clinics is demanding, and I declare that my horse is sound, fit and able to perform the movements at the level I have indicated above. The Arizona Dressage Association Education Committee will review all videos and judge fitness prior to acceptance.
I also understand that the clinic environment, with unfamiliar sights, sounds and performance expectations, can be stressful for both horse and rider. If either the Clinician or the Arizona Dressage Association perceive a safety, fitness, or ethical issue during the event, we reserve the right to interrupt and/or terminate the session.
Video Submission Requirements
The video must show the applicant rider and horse pair riding all three gaits (including rising and sitting trot up to and including first level) and all movements required in the most advanced test for the level you are applying for. VIDEOS SHOULD BE NO LONGER THAN 5 MINUTES and/or the length of full test and recorded from the end of the arena at A or C or the side, B or E. Poorly shot video (out of focus, distant images, smudged lens, etc) will not allow those participating in the selection process to adequately consider your application. Please use a high-quality video.
Az Dressage Association
USDF Region 5 Group Member Organization
Address
100 Easy Street, Box 2855
Carefree, AZ 85377
info@azdressage.org
A 501(c)3 organization
ADA is a local charitable non-profit organization established in 1963.
