From Genetics to Grand Prix:
Conformation & Development in the Dressage Horse
August 20-23, 2025 | Wayne, Illinois
Held during the US Dressage Festival of Champions
Discover how today’s top dressage horses are shaped—from carefully selected bloodlines to elite performance in the FEI arena. This immersive four-day educational seminar, hosted during the prestigious US Dressage Festival of Champions at Lamplight Equestrian Center, brings together renowned international experts, trainers, and judges to offer an in-depth look at conformation, rideability, and developmental pathways for dressage success.
Featured Speakers:
- Dr. Ludwig Christmann, former Deputy Breeding Director for the Hanoverian Verband and a globally respected authority on sport horse genetics and evaluation.
- Meg Williams, head of the AHS Mare & Stallion Committee, Grand Prix competitor, and longtime U.S. Hanoverian breeder.
Through a dynamic blend of ringside analysis, live conformation discussions, expert panels, and evening lectures, participants will gain a unique understanding of:
- The heritability of traits like movement, rideability, and conformation
- The influence of German, Dutch, and blended bloodlines in the modern dressage horse
- Key evaluation criteria at different ages and stages—from young horses to the FEI levels
- Building your own breeding program with real-world insights from leading professionals
Whether you’re a breeder evaluating stallion matches, a trainer selecting prospects, or an owner invested in performance development, this course offers valuable takeaways tailored to your role in the sport horse pipeline.
Registration & Pricing
Early Bird Rates (through July 1, 2025)/After July 1st:
- $525/$590 – AHS Members
- $575/$625 – Non-Members
Junior/Young Riders and Young Breeders receive a $50 discount off the above rates.
Registration includes: Three days + one evening of seminars, all admission/parking, private reserved seating, lunches Thursday/Friday/Saturday, dinner Wednesday night, and refreshments and snacks daily.
The course will officially conclude on Saturday night to accommodate various travel plans on Sunday, but the competition will run through Sunday and for those staying over the lively conversations and opportunities to watch and network will continue.
Host Hotel – Courtyard Chicago St. Charles IL
The Courtyard Chicago St. Charles is in a convenient location to Lamplight Equestrian Center as well as the charming foodie town of St. Charles, IL. High-speed wifi and access to pool/fitness center are included in your daily room rate of $155.00 plus tax. Each guest room has a minifridge, coffee maker, and microwave and there is free parking. Breakfast is not included but there is a Bistro in the hotel serving Starbucks Coffees and Breakfast items. Book directly via our group link to secure your room. Hotel space becomes very limited for this weekend, so we suggest booking early! BOOK HERE – AHSF Dressage Course-Courtyard-St. Charles
Travel
Chicago offers multiple options for travels, including flights to both O’Hare International and Midway Airports. Both options work for travel to Lamplight Equestrian Center and our Host Hotel, however O’Hare is the closer option. A rental car is recommended but not required as Uber/Lyft options are abundant.
Wayne, Illinois
Situated in the scenic Fox River Valley, the area is a paradise for diners and shoppers alike. Located approximately 35 miles west of Chicago, competitors and spectators will appreciate Lamplight’s proximity to O’Hare International Airport, downtown Chicago, and all the activities and entertainment the city has to offer.
