This month s board member to meet is our intrepid webmaster, Wendy Murray. She s the author of all that is cool on our website and blasts!

Transcription

1 Page Half-Halt Newsletter of the Southeast Virginia Dressage Association Half-Halt The Newsletter of the Southeast Virginia Dressage Association August 2014 Volume 31, Issue VIII This month s board member to meet is our intrepid webmaster, Wendy Murray. She s the author of all that is cool on our website and blasts! I grew up in upstate New York, almost the youngest of six (next to my twin) and I can credit my love of horses to my oldest sister Bonnie and my blind pony Trixie. By the time I was a teenager, my parents were about over the horses, and I began my career as a test dummy for off the track Thoroughbreds picked up at auction for a local sale barn. I learned the hard way how to ride, how not to treat horses, surrounded by kids who were given fancy horses as accessories to their fancy cars. I was usually the groom, or the rider who got tossed on to correct a naughty horse at a show, so the princess could collect their blue ribbon. I didn t own my horse until I was an adult, and shortly after joined SVDA and board of directors where I have served primarily as the resident nerd in some fashion since 2005ish. I m easy to identify, usually with the smallest horse at our SVDA events, and finally got to move to our own farm in June of In addition to my horses, I also do the occasional track event with my Dodge Viper when one horse power is not enough. I like to ride with a variety of local and regional trainers in the area as well as my cowboys. My kids have also joined in the fun with one great rescue gelding Mikey, and our latest addition Naomie who my daughter can happily jump.

2 Page 2 Half-Halt Newsletter of the Southeast Virginia Dressage Association 2013 Board of Directors President: Kathy Rowse- Did you know Vice President: Robyn Nunnally- Secretary: Danielle Rowland- That you can use your SVDA vouchers for clinics and schooling (but not sanctioned) shows? Treasurer: Shari Cutchin- Clinics and Programs: Janice Mumford- Awards Chair: Carol Gonyo- Juniors Chair: Tristin Butler- Licensed Show Chair: Donna Rowland- Membership Chair: Reeta Edmundson- Scholarship Chair: Sandy Johnson- Schooling Show Chair: Robin Jones - Ways and Means Chair: Grace Harrell Quotable Quotes: The seat of the rider and the influence he has on the horse show his artistic ability. The highest level of skill is demonstrated by quiet, invisible, perfectly timed aids that influence the horse immediately. This is always a result of a rider who can sit well on a supple horse that is forward and swinging. That is the point where the technique of riding becomes the art of riding (Reitkunst). Dr. Josef Knipp, FEI judge and horse breeder. A horse is the projection of peoples' dreams about themselves--strong, powerful, beautiful--and it has the capability of giving us escape from our mundane existence. Pam Brown, writer Newsletter /Webmaster Chairs: Anna Schriebl- Members at Large Mary Winchell, Julie Spencer & Tina Bodnar

3 Page 3 Half-Halt Newsletter of the Southeast Virginia Dressage Association NEWSFLASHES! SVDA low cost clinics & VADA Events August 23 VADA Chapter Challenge Show at VA Horse Center, Lexington, VA September 6-7 VADA Sponsored George Williams Clinic, Up Through the Levels at the VHC East Complex. Look for more info on the VADA web site. A new feature is coming to your SVDA newsletter! We would like to highlight the local barns in the area where SVDA members train and board. Would you like to have an interview from our intrepid reporter to show off your barn or farm? patriotfarm@wildblue.net to get your visit scheduled!

4 Page 4 Half-Halt Newsletter of the Southeast Virginia Dressage Association

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6 Page 6 Half-Halt Newsletter of the Southeast Virginia Dressage Association Lionheart Show Results

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8 Page 8 Half-Halt Newsletter of the Southeast Virginia Dressage Association Ask the Trainer/Expert One of a horseman s biggest fear is a barn fire. I asked Ray Zicopula, a former NY firefighter for some tips for fire safety in the barn. Here s what Ray shared: - First and foremost it is very important to keep dry brush, grass as clear as possible around any barns and farmhouses to help prevent brush fires. Also, make sure you have no electrical heaters, heat lamps, warmers, etc. inside any barns, especially around any livestock. Heating equipment is the leading cause of fires in barns. Never store motorized equipment, especially lawn mowers within any barn, but if you must, isolate it in separate areas, away from any hay or other dry materials. Ensure any and all flammables and accelerants are stored in proper containers/cabinets, and have at least one ABC (all class) dry-chemical fire extinguisher readily available in all workshops and any structures that house livestock. Recommended would be around a 5 or 10 lb., depending on the size of the structure. It wouldn't hurt to have more than one. Another important aspect to consider is to have any barns, especially the taller ones equipped with professionally installed, properly grounded lightning rods to help prevent any lightning strikes. It would be best for your newsletter subscribers to contact their local fire department for a more extensive fire prevention checklist, and ask if they can possibly get a walkthrough with their fire department. They are the experts. Thanks Ray!

9 Page 9 Half-Halt Newsletter of the Southeast Virginia Dressage Association The VADA Chapter Challenge Schooling Show - It s Back! The VADA Chapter Challenge Schooling Show is making a return appearance on Sat. August 23 rd, and this year s venue is really exciting the Wiley Arena (the large outdoor grandstand) at the Virginia Horse Center! Here is a chance to ride in a really nice show venue, while representing your VADA chapter. It doesn t get much better than that. If you are a member of a local dressage chapter, then you are automatically a member of VADA. Remember unlike say the Region I Youth Team show, this show does not require you to enter as a team, so there is no need to round up folks to enter with you. This schooling show is open to all VA- DA members, and all you need to do is decide what tests you want to ride, fill out the entry form and indicate what VADA chapter you are riding for. All USEF/DF dressage tests are offered, and other tests such as MFS, western & gaited dressage will be available as well. Each class will be individually pinned through 6 th place. Then, individual scores will be used to determine which VADA chapter reigns supreme. Bragging rights go to the winner, along with special awards to the top six placing chapters. If your chapter does not have enough riders entered to compete in the Chapter Challenge part of the show, you can still enter and be part of a VADA mixed chapter team. In addition, each chapter is sponsoring a special award, high score rider over 50 yrs old, blind us with your bling, oldest horse, high score Throughbred and many others, see prize list. This show is a great opportunity for anyone who has always wanted to show in one of the premier rings at the Virginia Horse Center but may not want to enter a licensed show there, or anyone who wants the opportunity to school in Wiley before the Fall Championships. And, since the plan is to hold this show every year, and rotate it throughout the state, it will be some time before this opportunity presents itself again. Check out all the show details in the prize list and find the entry form at (scroll down and look on the left hand side of the page or go to the show s website at

10 Page 10 Chapter Challenge Schooling Show LOCATION: Virginia Horse Center, 487 Maury River Rd. Lexington, VA Wyllie Arena Show Date: August 23, 2014 Closing Date: August 9, 2014 Manager: Meredith McGrath Secretary: Alison Douglas Halcyon Way Prince George, VA Phone # to reach manager, Meredith McGrath, on the day of the show: Judge: Margaret Little r Suffolk, VA. The entry form is on the VADA web site: Show details: This show is open only to VADA members and all VADA members are eligible to ride in individual classes, regardless of whether their chapter is participating in the chapter challenge. Tests offered: Intro through Grand Prix, to count individually and for chapter challenge scores. Riders Tests, Western Dressage, Gaited Dressage and all levels of MFS are also offered BUT WILL NOT COUNT TOWARD CHAPTER CHALLENGE SCORES. (riders must bring their own boom box.) VADA reserves the right to limit riders to 2 tests per horse and a total of 2 horses, in the event that the show fills. VADA will consider adding a second judge and ring if entries warrant. Chapter Challenge: In addition to the individual class placings, there will be a chapter challenge using the scores from the individual classes, except that Rider Tests, Western Dressage, Gaited Dressage and MFS scores will not be used for purposes of the chapter challenge. Each person entering the show will be asked to designate the chapter he/she is riding for on their entry form (may be the chapter of either the rider or the horse s owner, if different.) If a rider is member of more than 1 chapter, he/she must designate one chapter that they are riding for; riders cannot split their rides among chapters unless they are riding 2 horses, in which case, each horse s scores can be credited to a different chapter. To be eligible to participate in the chapter challenge, a chapter must have a minimum of 3 riders (can either be riding 1 or 2 tests each.) At least 1 of the 3 riders must show at or above 1st level, and no more than 1 out of every 3 tests per chapter can be at Intro. If there are more Intro riders entering than are allowed, members riding for the chapter will be decided based upon the date their entry was received. If a chapter has less than the minimum number of riders, too many Intro riders or riders not showing at the required levels, the chapters will be combined to form a VADA mixed team.

11 Page 11 If there are more Intro riders than allowed for a particular chapter, including the VADA mixed teams, these riders can enter and compete as individuals, but will not be representatives of their chapter for purposes of the chapter challenge placings. To determine Final chapter placings, scores of all designated chapter riders will be added together and divided by the number of rides to determine the chapter average. MFS, Rider Tests, Western Dressage and Gaited Dressage scores will not be used for purposes of the chapter challenge. Fees: Classes: $30.00 Late Entry Fee: $10.00 Stalls: $30 per stall, per day (Fri night & Sat or Sat only). No bedding is including, bedding is available for purchase at VA Horse Center for $7.50 or you may bring your own. Please list on entry form if you want VHC to provide bedding and how many bags. Stalls must be vacated by 10PM August 23, 2014 or you will be charged a $10.00 lay over fee by VHC. Mucking out not required upon departure. No arrivals before Friday August 22, 2014 Haul in fee/trailer Tie out: $15.00 Trailers will be allowed to park in the camping area near Northern ring. Non-competing Horse Fee: $25.00 Please note: In addition to a valid coggins test, VA Horse Center requires out of state horses to have a valid health certificate, dated within 30 days of shipping, for entry to the Center. Tent Camping: $20.00 VHC RV Camping: $30.00 VHC Awards: Individual classes pinned to 6 th place; prizes for 1 st place winners and a ribbon for high score rider of the day (Intro,Western dressage, Gaited dressage and MFS tests excluded) Chapter Challenge: riders representing the top 6 placing chapters will receive special ribbons. Special Chapter Awards: Each of VADA's Chapters is sponsoring special awards: VADA/NOVA: High Score Musical Free Style: $50.00 gift certificate VTO Saddlery NEVADA: High Score rider greater that 50 yrs old: TBA Must list age on entry. VADACC: High Score Pony: TBA SWVADA:High Score Jr/Yr rider (age 14 21) $50.00 gift certificate Dover Saddlery. Must list age on entry. SVDA: Blind me with your Bling! $50.00 gift certificate Smart Pak VADA-CH: High score Thoroughbred $50.00 gift certificate VTO Saddlery

12 Page 12 VADAF: TBA SHENVADA: TBA Reserve High score Throughbred $25.00 gift certificate VTO Saddlery Must have a copy of jockey papers with entry to be eligible Dogs: Please leave them at home. If you must bring them: VHC regulation: on leash at all times. $ fine no exceptions. Food: available on gronds: Coliseum snack bar and food truck. DIRECTIONS: From I-81 North or South, exit # 191 on to I-64 West, then exit #55 onto Rt. 11 North, turn right, at the next stop light, turn left onto Maury River Rd. Go 1 mile, VA Horse Center entrance is on the left. HOTELS: Several in the area: Best Western Lexington Inn reduced rate $ Please note: THIS BEST WESTERN IS NOT THE ONE OFF MAURY RD NEAR THE WAFFLE HOUSE! Mention VADA Chapter Challenge Show, must make reservation by July 22, 2014 Howard Johnson: Holiday Inn: Super 8: Comfort Inn: Motel 6:

13 Page 13 New! SVDA Bred in Southeast Virginia Award Awarded annually to the horse with the highest average of 3 scores at schooling shows, licensed shows, or a combination of those. A copy of the front of the tests or the USDF printout must be included with the award form Scores from musical freestyles, opportunity classes or rider tests are not eligible Horse must have been bred in southeastern Virginia (as defined in the VADA Purplebook): Norfolk, Portsmouth, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Suffolk, Hampton, Newport News, Williamsburg, Gloucester, Isle of Wright. A copy of the registration papers or other documentation to this effect must be included with the award form. ( Bred means the mare owner or stallion owner lives in SE Virginia.) Owner must be a current SVDA member in good standing with at least 8 hours of volunteer credit in the award year Horse need not be competing in the SVDA area The award form must be completed and submitted to the Awards Chairman with the appropriate documentation This award is limited to once per horse per level. A horse may win at different levels. This is to promote up the level achievements SVDA Member-Sponsored Events August 23/24 Olivia LaGoy Weltz at Silverleaf November 14/15 Julio Mendoza Clinic at Silverleaf Contact: Kathy Rowse, krowse@verizon.net October 4 Bruno Greber at Rider s Crossing Farm Contact: Jamie Nicolato, pandaisgood2me@gmail.com

14 Page 14 Do Dreams Really Come True? By: Katie Lang For most people, the horse enthusiasm starts at a young age. I was no different. In grade school, I remember wanting to do nothing else but look at pictures of horses in the animal encyclopedias in my classrooms and picking out which ones I d have one day. I guess my parents got the hint after I wouldn t shut up about them, and conceded to let me feed a bag of carrots to the horses at one of local barns. And as my parents now joke, it was the most expensive bag of carrots they ve ever bought. That is truly where this NAJYRC journey began the beginning. For those who are not familiar with this acronym of NAJYRC, it stands for The North American Junior and Young Rider Championships. A prestigious competition, the NAJYRC is the premier (and only) championship competition in North America where young equestrian athletes can come and compete for FEI medals. In sum, it s an international competition for elite riders under 21 in five disciplines. The NAJYRC is my favorite show I ve had the privilege to attend, yet it s no cakewalk. Don t be fooled by it s impressive credentials: it takes an unbelievable amount of work to even qualify for the competition, and for dressage, just being able to qualify doesn t guarantee you a spot on the team. In fact, nothing is guaranteed until about two weeks before the competition. For the Dressage competition, qualification can be a bit of a beast. First, you have to ride the specific FEI Junior/Young rider tests (depending on your age and horses ability level) and you have to have at least three rides in both the Team and Individual Test. Second, your average score has to be at least a 62% or higher to be eligible for the team. Third, you have to have a freestyle that scores above a 62% and believe me when I say that this is the place where you highlight the best part of your horse. For example, if he s really good at canter half passes and flying changes, put a lot of these in. It will only increase your score. Fourth, the higher your average score, the better. This year in Region 1, we had a lot of people try out for both Junior and Young rider teams. Enough to make two or three teams for each level. So even though these girls had great qualifying scores, others had higher averages, and thus made the team. In fact, as one of our Chef D equipes Debbie DelGiorno said, I was checking scores until the last day. It came down to tenths and hundredths. It s amazing how deep we are becoming in talent!

15 Page 15 While qualifying may seem incredibly daunting, that s probably the toughest part of the whole NAJYRC experience. But once you make it, it s a flurry of paperwork and preparation. However, there s one other important aspect of this journey that you cannot overlook. You must be willing to put the countless hours of work into your riding. For me, it was riding after school almost everyday as well as on the weekends. I fully believe that if you want to succeed you have to put the effort and dedication into all aspects of your riding, whether that s hacking your horse around, cleaning your tack, or spending extra time with your four-legged partner. It all adds up in the end, and if you re failing to prepare, prepare to fail. It s that simple. When I arrived at the Kentucky Horse Park (KHP), I still couldn t believe I d made it. Just pulling the horse trailer by the Rolex Stadium is incredible. And when I met my teammates, I knew it was going to be a special week. One of my favorite aspects about NAJYRC is that you re not only there as an individual competitor, but you re representing your region and the other girls on your region s team. Dressage may be labeled as individualistic in nature, but at this competition, it mimicked a real FEI event where your region acts as your country that you represent. Once everybody made it to the KHP, we had our first team meeting. This was where we got all of our gear from our generous sponsors to wear for the week. This included multiple region 1 polo shirts, a lovely jacket, saddle pads, backpacks, etc. We all discussed the plans for the week and the orders of go for the Jog. For those who don t know, all FEI and CDI events have a jog where you present and jog your horse to a ground jury for inspection. It sounds quite fancy, but the ground jury is just checking to make sure your horse is sound and fit to compete. For many it s daunting knowing that your whole competition rests on a 30-second jog. All Region 1 riders passed. As a team building exercise, each team has a cart to decorate for the golf cart parade that lead to the opening ceremonies at Spy Coast Farm where all the riders congregated before competition the next day. As per usual, there was water gun fights, great music and a mechanical bull. The next day was the team competition. My ride wasn t as good as it could have been but it certainly wasn t our worst. Luckily, my other teammates fared better, with two 65% and a 68%. We d been watching the scores closely the entire day, but it came down to the last couple of rides to determine how we d place. Our scores were good enough that I knew we d medal and it wasn t until our Chefs started jumping up and down that I knew we d done it. Gold! We d won! Our team had pulled through to clinch the gold medal. I think it wasn t until the officials slid the FEI medals around our necks that it slowly started to sink in what had just happened. There were so many amazing rides and amazing people that had competed, it helped remind me what I truly wanted to gain out of this competition: experience. On the Individual day of competition my ride improved from the day before, and although I didn t advance to the freestyle, I was able to cheer my teammates on! Some of the music was traditional, but more people are moving to funky songs that showcase their horses in new ways. In the dressage competition, this is my favorite day because all the riders are showcasing their specialties to music.

16 Page 16 We also had a town hall meeting where we were allowed to discuss how to improve the competition for the next years to come and given the chance to thank our sponsors. There are so many wonderful organizations and companies that made NAJYRC possible, so I d like to personally thank Adequan, Gotham North, and Platinum Performance again because my goals couldn t have been achieved if not for their generous time and effort. It was truly one of the best experiences of my life, and not just because we won. Meeting the rest of the Region 1 team, cheering on my friends from across the country, and seeing other disciplines in action made my time at NAJYRC priceless. So I guess when people always say, Dreams come true they re right. And as long as you put the work in and are lucky enough to have your teammates beside you on the podium with the national anthem playing in the background, well, that was my dream come true.

17 Page 17 Pferdechen Tip: Save your saddles from dents when using metal saddle racks. Just put pipe insulation (the foam type that goes around water pipes) around the metal bars so it s easier on your saddle. It s thick enough to protect your saddle and flexible enough to bend around the saddle rack bars.

18 Page 18 Dressage at Lexington Results Ballisymo - Ester van Brederode - Rider Brenda Stevens Owner 1st th TL nd TL rd 1st th

19 Page 19 SCHOOLING SHOW VOLUNTEER POSITIONS 2014 Date: September 21, 2014 Location: Sterling Meadows, VA Beach Entry Secretary (1): Wendy Murray Show Secretary A.M. (1): Show Secretary P.M. (1): Ring Transportation to (1): Only show secretary boxes, tables and chairs for secretary Ring Set up: (4) Not needed Lunches & snacks (1): Jennifer Freeland Scribe A.M. (1): Cyndi Osborough Scribe P.M. (1): Jennifer Freeland Ring Steward A.M. (1): Krista Bryant Ring Steward P.M. (1): Brian Deal Runner A.M. (1): Ester van Brederode Runner P. M. (1): Connie Killian Ring Take Down: Ring Transportation from (1): show boxes and tables, chairs SVDA Rep: a.m. p.m. -

20 Page 20 Region 1 Volunteer Opportunity! At the Region One Spring meeting, a silent auction at Devon was discussed to raise money to help defray PM delegate convention expenses. Devon is just around the corner and I am seeking a few hearty volunteers to help acquire items for the auction, coordinate with Devon on the space they have allocated, man the area and set up and take down at the show. I anticipate setting up on Friday morning and ending the auction after the Freestyles on Saturday night when there will be the most traffic. Day tickets will be available for our volunteers. Thank you all for your consideration and looking forward to hearing back from you. All the best, Lisa Schmidt USDF Region 1 Director crisismgt@aol.com Do you have an idea for the 2014 SVDA Awards Banquet? Let a board member know!

21 Page 21 Special Horse Organization Winners Program (SHOW) Southern States has a program to help non-profit horse associations and clubs have their own sponsorship tool. In order for our club to benefit, we need proof of purchase seals from Southern States, Legends and Triple Crown feed bags. If you are willing to help or have a neighbor or friend that is willing to provide their feedbag seals, please contact Mary Winchell at ambeholdin@verizon.net.

22 Page SVDA Schooling Show Dates 8/10 (S) Bridlewood Estates (Suffolk) 7/14 7/28 Deri Jeffers r 8/17 Transitions Farm 8/8 Sandy Toby (L) 8/23 VADA Chapter Challenge Show TBA TBA More info to follow 9/13 (S) Bob Martin Ag Ctr TBA 8/25 TBA 9/21 September Sterling Meadows 8/25 9/15 Danielle Rowland (L) 10/12 Merry Oaks Stables (Windsor) 15/9 29/9 Helen George ( r ) 11/2 (S) Bridlewood Estates (Suffolk) 10/6 10/20 Wanda Escobar (L) 11/8 (S) Currituck County 4H Center TBA TBA TBA 11/15 (S) Bob Martin Ag Ctr TBA 10/27 TBA 11/23 (S) Bridlewood Estates (Suffolk) 10/27 10/20 Kim Briele (L) (S) = Sanctioned Show Pls see the website for more information and entry forms.

23 Page 23 Volunteer Hours 2014 SVDA members please check your volunteer hours carefully and report any discrepancies to Robyn Nunnally immediately TOTAL Tina Bodnar 13 Ester Brederode 5 Russ Bruns 12 Mark Butler (for Hannah Foote?) 2 Tristin Hardy Butler 53 Susan Cain 8 Jennifer Smith Cobb 8 Cathy Couch 10 Anna Curran 2 Beth Curran 7 Dan Curran 7 Shari Cutchin 8 Eileen Darland 2 Brian Deal 9 Samantha Dice 8 Savannah Dodge 2 Theresa Dodge 2 Reeta Edmondson 12 Susan Erb 18 Ashley Fisher 5 Hannah Foote 5 Jennifer Freeland 25 Carol Gonyo 11 Matty Harrell 3 Ally Hemphill 6 Joanne Hodeen 4 Katie Jenkins 13 Betty Johnson 2 Sandy Johnson 16 Stacey Johnson 2 Robin Jones 8 Connie Killian 6 Katie Lang & family 8 Eddie Louk 2 Melisa Mahoney 8 Martha Marquette 4 Ingrid Martin 8 Toni Meranda 6 Sarah Miller 17 Janice Mumford 19 Louise Murray 8 Wendy Murray 21 Collen Nabhan for Liz Smith 3 Lili Nabhan 8 Amy Neff 2 Ava Neff 5 Robyn Nunnally 34 Cyndi Osborough 6 Katharine Owens 8 Ray Penland 9 Nancy Pettet 8 Beth Rippel 13 Danielle Rowland 16 Donna Rowland 13 Kathy Rowse 31 Pam Shanahan 4 Anna Schriebl 14 Julie Shilling 7 Nancy Slack 11 Liz Smith 5 Allison Spanka 10 Julie Spencer 8 Brenda Stevens 13 Lorna Thielen 8 Aubrey Vande Brake 5 Jennifer Torres 10 Grace Williams 10 Donald Williamson 3 Yolanda Williamson 12 Mary Winchell 27 Mike Winchell 8 Lori Wood 8 Chaya Woods 7 Jess Zoskey 4

24 Page 24 HELP THE SVDA JR S!!!!!! Please save your soda/beer cans for us! We will use the tabs to make our costumes for next year s Championships in July Medieval Knights chain mail. After we use them we will donate them for dialysis. We will crush the cans and turn them in for money. You can drop off bags of cans at Bridlewood Estates in Suffolk to Tristin, bring to schooling shows, or we can arrange a pick up. Please contact Theresa Dodge at (call or text) or theresadodge@charter.net with questions or to make arrangements. Thank you, SVDA Juniors

25 Page 25 Classified Ads (Free to SVDA members!) Jumbo custom designed 1995 Turnbow 3 horse gooseneck slant load trailer for sale. Designed for large horses. Aluminum on steel frame. Full storm doors and rear ramp. Extra large carpeted dressing room and collapsible rear tack area with swing out saddle rack. Large hay storage box. Retractable awning. Stall fans and lights and loading lights. Very good condition. Pictures available. $15,000. Located on Eastern Shore of Virginia. Pls maureen@tidewaterfarm.com or call Help wanted: Seeking barn help. Evenings and some weekends. Good pay, possible board exchanged for work. Kings Fork area in Suffolk. Call Sandy