SANTA BARBARA COUNTY CHAPTER
of the
CALIFORNIA DRESSAGE SOCIETY

It’s 2026, The Year of the Horse, and there was a lot of energy at the CDS Annual Meeting and Symposium in Pasadena this year. Gary Getz is the new President of CDS and educational events are a top priority for CDS this year. Margaret Fleming and Lisa White attended the Annual Meeting and are pictured here with Central Region Chapter members. Central Region Chapters - Central Valley, Carmel Valley, Gavilan, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz, San Luis Obispo, Tehachapi, and Ventura A

SBC-CDS members gathered on January 25, 2026, at Convivo Restaurant in the Santa Barbara Inn for the Annual Awards Banquet, celebrating the accomplishments of riders, volunteers, and leaders who make the chapter thrive. The afternoon featured heartfelt recognitions, award presentations, and special thanks to longtime board members, all in a warm setting filled with camaraderie and appreciation.

Avery Klein’s dressage journey began far from the traditional path, shaped by early ranch life and a deep belief in putting the horse first. Now training with Larisa Mantor and Albrecht Heidemann, she has quickly made her mark in the dressage arena while continuing to grow alongside her talented young partner, Georgi, a Glamourdale son with a puppy-dog personality. Balancing life in the saddle with her studies at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Avery values the strong Santa Barbara

Meet SBC-CDS member Kelly Thoits and learn more about her.