FIRST TIMER
How did you first get involved in dressage?
I initially started doing dressage as part of
eventing, where I previously competed up to
the three-star level. This year I underwent four
surgeries to have my left eye reconstructed,
which required 17 weeks of bed rest. I’ve
focused exclusively on dressage to minimize
the concussion to my eye and, due to the
loss of vision in my left eye, I have impaired
depth perception. Dressage has given me the
opportunity to enjoy my horses in a new capacity
and focus on my partnership with my horses.
Is there anything you and your horse
have been working on that you’re
especially excited to showcase?
Dressage! One year ago he’d never ridden in a
dressage saddle. It took several shows before he
really started to understand what the dressage
ring was, and I’m just so proud of him. I am
also trying to navigate the warm-up rings more
effectively. With my limited vision, I’m still
learning how to negotiate crowded spaces.
What does it mean to you to compete
at the US Dressage Finals?
I made a goal last year on the day of my
second emergency surgery that I wanted to
go to Finals; to see that come to fruition is
emotional for sure. I was still in my hospital
bed when I really started dreaming about it. I
managed to squeak out qualifications in April
before having another round of surgeries. My
husband and I made my dressage freestyle
during my spring bedbest. So to be able to ride
to something we choreographed is really fun
and I’m excited to show that off. Aaron Vale
also helped us picked the music. Aaron’s a big
star fan and Luke (Skywalker)/Red Five is a
Star Wars-themed name, so we had to!
ADULT AMATEURS
SAMANTHA ERWIN
Region 3 – Friendsville, TN – First Level AA Ch & FS
US DRESSAGE FINALS • 2026