SVDA NEW TEST CLINIC SUCCESS Thank you to moderator Kathy Rowse, Judges Margaret Little and Tristin Butler, Demo riders and Terra Ceia Farm!

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1 Half-Halt The Newsletter of the Southeast Virginia Dressage Association SVDA NEW TEST CLINIC SUCCESS Thank you to moderator Kathy Rowse, Judges Margaret Little and Tristin Butler, Demo riders and Terra Ceia Farm! Kathy Rowse Allison Tayler & Ambeholdin Stacey Johnson and Olivia Jessica Zoskey and Dexter S Mike Winchell Test Reader Extraordinaire Danielle Rowland and Fenix Amanda St John and Larks Rugged Rider SVDA SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS DUE APRIL 4, 2011 Information and Application on Pages 3 4 Gabrielle Fleming and Rio SOUTHEAST VIRGINIA DRESSAGE ASSOCIATION IS A GROUP MEMBER OF THE UNITED STATES DRESSAGE ASSOCIATION MARCH 2011 VOLUME 26 ISSUE III

2 2011 Board of Directors President Kathy Rowse Vice President Robyn Nunnally Secretary Danielle Rowland 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 Kristen Tessenear Ways and Means Chair Diane Rombs Newsletter and Webmaster Chairs Wendy Murray Members at Large Mary Winchell and Robin Jones VADA Representatives Beth Rippel Robyn Nunnally Sandy Johnson SVDA Member Articles The Shoulder In by Anna Schriebl The shoulder in is the cornerstone of the lateral movements that follow in a dressage horses training and is know as the "mother of all lateral movements" by the old masters. The renvers, travers and halfpass should only be started once a solid and correct shoulder in is achieved. So, how do you ride and perfect the shoulder in? Your first step is to understand the purpose of the movement and the aids given. In the shoulder in, the horse is bent around your inner leg and the forehand is positioned to the inside track. The horse will travel on three tracks with the inner foreleg at the innermost track (3rd track), the outer foreleg and inner hindleg on the middle track (2nd track) and the outer hind leg on the track closest to the wall (1st track). You can start your horse in the shoulder in by giving him a half halt as you approach the corner before the long side of the ring. As you leave the corner, use your inner rein to guide (not pull) your horse s forehand to the inside. Your outer hand will follow the flexion of the neck and control the amount of bend through your horse s body. Drive with your inner seat bone and put a bit more weight on it without collapsing through the hip. Your inner leg will remain on the girth to drive the inner hind leg in a forwards sideways movement to allow it reach under your horse s center of gravity. The outer leg remains just a hand width behind the girth to keep the bend and activate the outer hind leg as necessary. Remembering that your hips and shoulders should match the horses may be a useful image. Sounds easier than it is! There are a lot of moving parts to the shoulder in and each is dependent upon the other. Using the corner before the long side of the arena will help establish the bend and balance needed for the shoulder in. Ask for only a few steps as your horse learns this and return him back to a straight forward line in the rising trot along the long wall if he loses rhythm and forwardness. Common faults and their causes: Falling out of the shoulder: Be sure that your outer rein has a good connection (don t throw it away) and that your outer leg is helping control the bend. Also ensure that your inner leg is not over driving and over powering your outside leg aid. Lastly, make sure you re not pulling your horse to the inside but rather guiding him to the inside track. Horse tips his head sideways/holds it unevenly: Look at your horse s ears. Are they level? If not, he is more than likely tipping his head and usually you ll see the inner ear lower than the outer. Why? Too strong outer rein aids combined with the rider collapsing the hip to the inside rather than driving with the inner seat bone. Horse comes behind the vertical: This stems from a loss of tempo or too strong of a rider s hand. Immediately put your horse on a straight line and ride forward in the rising trot. Check your contact. Is he 100% in the bridle? If not, work on transitions within the trot and trot/walk to establish a better contact and more forward horse. Once the connection is good, try your shoulder in again. Some of these faults manifest themselves when the horse is not physically ready for the shoulder in. Can you ride a serpentine with your horse equally bent in both directions and equal rein contact on both sides? Is your horse accepting the bit and reaching into the bridle? If you feed him the reins in a forward rising trot, will he reach and stretch down? Has he accepted the aids for yielding to the leg in a responsive manner? The shoulder in develops from the hind legs. Is your horse moving from back to front and truly activating his hindquarters? Have you established that energy flow from the hindquarters, over the back, to the forehand into the bridle? If there is an interruption in the flow of energy, your horse will just move incorrectly sideways without the body bend or the activated hind legs and that s definitely not a shoulder in! If any of these questions is answered with a no, work with your instructor to go back to the basics. Correct basics that lead to a correct shoulder in will have you well on your way to half pass, travers, renvers and beyond! 2

3 SVDA Education Scholarship Program PURPOSE: To encourage the continuing advancement in dressage of SVDA members and to encourage active participation and volunteering by SVDA members. BUDGET: The Board of Directors has budgeted $800 per year, for two $400 grants to be awarded to two different members of SVDA in April each year. (2/03) Members must meet the following qualifications: Two full years of membership in SVDA prior to the April 1 st deadline A minimum of 20 hours of volunteer hours to benefit SVDA Participations in the SVDA fundraising project. ELIGIBLE EVENTS: Clinics for training of the horse and rider combination Clinics for training of the rider *NOTE* the training of the horse that does not include the education of the SVDA member is not eligible for fund use. Instruction with the rider's regular local instructor is not allowed, nor is food, transportation or lodging. REQUIREMENTS: Application form must be completed and received by the Scholarship Chairman before April 1 st AWARDS: Two awards will be made to eligible SVDA members on the basis of volunteer hours. The minimum of 20 hours performed during the past two years. Services must be rendered to SVDA (sanctioned show service does NOT count), and the merit of educational plans will also be considered. A Board member is considered a volunteer for the purposes of scholarship eligibility (7/06). VOTING: The Scholarship Chairman will present all applications to the Officers and Board of Directors at the April Board meeting. The Board of Directors will vote by secret ballot to select the two winners. All applications will receive a letter form the Scholarship Chairman within two weeks from the date of that vote. Applicants not awarded a grant are eligible to apply again. Applicants may only receive one grant per year and must meet new requirements before applying again. PAYMENT: Payment will be made directly from the SVDA treasurer to the clinician or educational program management. When this is not possible, receipts must be presented to the SVDA treasurer before final payment will be made. The SVDA treasurer has the final decision that the receipts presented are acceptable. Applicants who win the awards have one year to complete training with the award money. At the end of one year, any award money unused will revert to the SVDA treasury. WRAP-UP: A written report on the event paid for the SVDA grant should be sent to the newsletter editor and the Scholarship Chairman by the last Monday of the month in which the training has taken place. 3

4 SVDA SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION NAME: ADDRESS: PHONE NUMBER: ( ) ADDRESS: When did you join SVDA? Describe all volunteer services performed for SVDA in the past two years. Give dates and number of hours worked. The name of the show, jobs performed and so on. BE SPECIFIC. Be sure to include: schooling shows, recognized shows and dollar ($$) amounts raised for SVDA fundraising activities. (Attach additional sheets as necessary) Describe in detail your plans for using the educational grant for dressage riding improvement. BE SPECIFIC. Include names, dates and locations. Please state your objective, instructor and/or organization with whom you will be working. (Attach additional sheets as necessary) I agree to submit a detailed account of my educational experience sponsored by SVDA. This report is to be submitted as an article to the editor of Half Halt within 30 (thirty) days after the instruction is complete. Signed: Date: SEND APPLICATION TO: Sandy Johnson P.O. Box 3024 Suffolk VA Pemcorgiluv@aol.com DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION SUBMISSION IS APRIL 1 st of each Year 4

5 SVDA VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR Vice President Robyn Nunnally REMINDER: MEMBERS MUST HAVE FIRST 4 VOLUNTEER POINTS COM PLETED BY JULY 1, 2011 TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR YEAR END AWARDS 2011 SVDA Volunteers Totals Totals Tristin Butler 8 Shari Cutchin 8 Susan Erb 8 Carol Gonyo 8 Sandy Johnson 24 Robin Jones 8 Sarah Miller 8 Janice Mumford 8 Wendy Murray 16 Robyn Nunnally 16 Beth Rippel 8 Diane Rombs 8 Danielle Rowland 8 Donna Rowland 8 Kathy Rowse 16 Kristin Tessenear 8 Mary Winchell 8 Volunteers Needed for SVDA Licensed Shows! Ring Setup Runners Ring Stewards Scribes And MORE! First Licensed Show is April 17, 2011 Contact Donna Rowland at Donna.G.Rowland@USA.dupont.com SVDA Events, Volunteers and More... SVDA CALENDAR OF EVENTS Date Event Name Location March 12, 2011 Hop into Spring Schooling Show Williamston, NC March 20, 2011 SVDA Schooling Show Bridlewood Estates Suffolk March 27, 2011 SVDA Low Cost Clinic w/jessica Zoskey Transistions at Lakeview Windsor April 1, 2011 SVDA SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS DUE April 3, 2011 SVDA Schooling Show Princess Anne Farms Va Beach April 10, 2011 SVDA Low Cost Clinic w/anna Schriebl Patriot Farm, Ivor April 17, 2011 SVDA Licensed Show Carlton Farms Williamsburg May 3, 2011 JR Team Intent Forms Due Bridlewood Estates Suffolk May 22, 2011 SVDA Low Cost Clinic w/tristin Butler Bridlewood Estates Suffolk May 29, 2011 SVDA Schooling Show Bridlewood Farms Waverly June 12, 2011 SVDA Schooling Show Happy Valley Center Suffolk July 3, 2011 SVDA Schooling Show Terra Ceia Farm Suffolk August 7, 2011 SVDA Licensed Show Carlton Farms Williamsburg August 21, 2011 SVDA Sanctioned Shooling Show Bridlewood Estates Suffolk September 18, 2011 SVDA Schooling Show Sterling Meadows Va Beach October 16, 2011 SVDA Championship Schooling Show Marturia Farm Chesapeake December 3, 2011 SVDA Awards Deadline Schooling Show Volunteers Date: April 3 Location: Princess Anne Farms Entry Secretary (1): Katy Owens Show Secretary A.M. (1): John Rombs Show Secretary P.M. (1): Tiffany Rombs Ring Transportation to (1): Ring Set up: (4) Melinda Brown Lunches & snacks (1): Anita Rees Scribe A.M. (1): Diane Rombs Scribe P.M. (1): Susan Forester Ring Steward A.M. (1): Reeta Edmondson Ring Steward P.M. (1): Reeta Edmondson Runner A.M. (1): Ian Hubbs Runner P. M. (1): Jennifer Rombs Ring Take Down (4): Melinda Brown Diane Rombs Jennifer Rombs John Rombs Tiffany Rombs Ring Transportation from (1): Diane Rombs Date: May 29 Location: Bridlewood Farms-Waverly Entry Secretary (1): Show Secretary A.M. (1): Show Secretary P.M. (1): Ring Transportation to (1): Ring Set up: (4) Lunches & snacks (1): Scribe A.M. (1): Scribe P.M. (1): Ring Steward A.M. (1): Ring Steward P.M. (1): Runner A.M. (1): Runner P. M. (1): Ring Take Down (4): Ring Transportation from (1): SVDA Rep: AM PM - SVDA Rep: AM PM - 5

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7 About Half Halt Half Halt is published monthly by the SVDA and provided as a service to its members. News items, show results, calendar of events, photos, classifieds and services directory are incorporated into the newsletter. DEADLINE FOR NEWSLETTER IS THE 25th OF EACH MONTH Wendy L. Murray Newsletter Editor/Webmaster vablonde25@aol.com SVDA encourages its members to submit articles, member updates, information and pictures for publication, however, SVDA reserves the right to edit, reject or use materials as and when deemed appropriate. SVDA Members: Submit your Show Scores, News, Stories or ideas for publication in Half Halt by ing Wendy at vablonde25@aol.com How to Care for Your Dressage Horse's Muscles by Lorinda A Springston, EqTPM Part One Getting Dressage Horses Ready for Show Season As show season winds down in the Fall of each year, many riders are ready for a mental and physical break from the stresses and rigours of the Spring and Summer training and showing schedule. Show horses, too, need a vacation. Poor footing muddy or frozen ground and cold, windy weather are not the best conditions to ride. Traditionally, experienced horsemen have given working horses a season (usually Winter) when they pulled the horse's shoes and turned the horse out to pasture in order for them to rest and recuperate. It is important to their overall well being that horses have time to be horses. Early each year is a good time to take stock and prepare for the upcoming show season. It is a good idea to ask your veterinarian to help you evaluate your horse to make certain s/he is healthy enough to be brought back into work. Discuss the work you have been doing, any problems you might be experiencing, and your goals for the year ahead. Your veterinarian knows your individual horse's history, age, experience, etc. and can give very helpful advice. Be sure to discuss the horse's diet so the veterinarian can make certain it provides adequate nutrition for the horse's age and exercise levels. Discuss the horse's ideal weight, as too thin will reduce strength, however too heavy is bad for stamina and joints. Be certain that the horse's teeth are given a thorough inspection, and any dental issues fixed. If the horse does not already have a "bit seat", consider having it done. Dental problems can not only effect how comfortable the horse is with the bit and in the bridle, but also overall posture and the comfort of the neck, back and even hocks, etc.. Dental pain can cause resistances, even otherwise unexplained explosive behavior. This is a good time to make certain your tack is in good repair and still fits. Saddles should be reflocked and checked for proper fit yearly. Poor fitting saddles are not only the major source of back pain, but can also effect your horse's "throughness" and gaits. If your horse has been moving up in the Levels, his muscular development can change how the saddle fits. Make sure your saddle pad is clean, and is correct for the saddle. Check the materials it is made of, making sure that it "wicks" the sweat away from the skin and supplies air flow, as cotton and many synthetics do not "breathe", and can cause a build up of heat that will make the back sore. Do your homework, and research what are level, balanced hoof angles. Hoof pain effects the horse's posture and muscles, and is yet another over looked reason for resistances. Many horse owners neglect to educate themselves on this subject. It is very important to be able to have a knowledgable discussion with your farrier regarding correct hoof angles. Make sure your farrier takes the time to watch your horse walk and trot. Long toes and under run heels are epidemic in this area, and are a condition that can cause many problems that will sideline your horse permanently. After consulting your vet, you might wish to also consider schedueling your horse to be evaluated early in the year, for conformational compensations, postural/structural alignment, gait irregularity, muscle suppleness, joint flexibility, imbalances etc. that can be addressed with bodywork. A therapeutic series of myotherapy (muscle therapy) sessions can help ensure the horse is at an optimal comfort and performance level, and assist in prolonging its athletic career. Proposed future articles would cover: Proper Warm Up and Cool Down, Three Phases of Fitness Conditioning (as opposed to Schooling), Passive and Active Stretching, Groundwork (in hand, ground driving, long lining), Cavalletti Work, Cross Training, Acupressure Points Every Horse Owner Should Know, etc. Watch for Lorinda s Next Article in the April Edition of Half Halt! Lorinda Springston is a certified Equine Trigger Point Myotherapist, with over 1,200 hours of both human and equine training (including disection), and more that 20 years experince with hands on therapies with horses. Originally from California's San Francisco Bay Area, she has had a life long association with horses, has been a 4 H Light Horse Project Leader, 4 H Team Horse Judging Coach, and English Hills Pony Club District Commissioner. She has treated horses of every description in 8 States, from California to Virginia. She has taught numerous courses in Northern and Southern California, given many clinics/workshops on East and West Coasts, been an invited speaker, has both written articles and been subject of articles and mentioned in published books. Lorinda's practice, Integrated Equine Muscle Therapies & Equine Bodyworking services the entire greater Hampton Roads Region. 7

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9 SVDA Junior/Young Riders Coordinator Tristin Hardy Butler INTENT FORMS DUE MAY 3, JOE CORBI FUNDRAISERS UNDER WAY NOW! 3. 4 HOURS OF VOLUNTEER POINTS BY JULY 1st Junior News and Updates SVDA JR/YR USDF Region 1 Team Championship Information Fun, fun and more and more fun!!! Who can participate: The Junior/Young Rider Region 1 Team Championships are open to all USDF Region 1 members who turn 21 yrs or under (in the year of 2011) who would like to participate. Your SVDA membership gives you a qualifying USDF affiliate membership. Benefits of the SVDA sponsored team: 1. You will be eligible for all or part of the costs of entries and stabling to be paid (fundraising!) 2. You may receive a Team polo shirt and saddle pad, and possibly polo wraps (fundraising!) 3. You get to have fun with the other members with decorations, costumes and team spirit 4. You will stable with other participating SVDA members 5. You will receive assistance and coaching at the competition and assistance with entries 6. You will be eligible for other planned activities such as a low cost clinics Scores can be counted towards SVDA schooling show year end awards 1 To participate as part of the SVDA team you must: Be a current 2011 SVDA member (go to for information) 1. Participate in the fundraising (approximately $350 per rider) 2. Let Tristin Hardy Butler know of your interest as soon as possible (see intent form) 3. Have at least 4 volunteer points for SVDA by July 1 st this will also help for your year end award requirements. Be able to competently ride dressage Intro tests or higher (through FEI) NOTE: You must have your volunteer hours and fundraising committed prior to mailing entries in May. Combine fundraising with volunteer hours at the SVDA schooling shows by helping staff the concessions booth. Other opportunities available ask Tristin for details. July 22 nd 24 th Team Championship Show Friday travel to Morven Park in Leesburg, VA. Saturday and Sunday competition. Sunday awards ceremonies. Please contact me with any questions Thank you! Tristin Hardy Butler phone tristin@elfenridge.com fax SVDA SPRING FUNDRAISER ORDER YOUR SPRING PLANTINGS ONLINE AT SVDA RECEIVES 50% OF THE PROCEEDS! 9

10 SVDA 2011 Junior/Young Rider Region 1 Championship Team Intent Form Please fill out and return NO LATER THAN May 3 rd, 2011 To: Tristin Hardy Butler 1106 Mill Pond Ct Suffolk, VA (757) phone (888) fax You can type the information into an and send to: Tristin@elfenridge.com Rider Name: Rider Date of Birth: Parent(s) Name: Horse s Name: Parent Home Phone: Parent Cell Phone: Rider Phone: Rider Shirt Size: Parent Rider Select the Level at Which you are currently Competing? (circle all that apply) Introductory Level Training 1 and Training 2 Training 3 and Training 4 First Level 1 and First Level 2 First Level 3 and First Level 4 Second Level and above I intend to participate or have already participated in 2011 Rider fundraising activities. (approximately $350 needed per rider) I intend to volunteer at least 4 hours before July and have the hours completed or committed by May 15th Rider s Please Sign and Date: Fundraising activities participating in: Volunteering Completed or Scheduled On: Parent Please Sign and Date: If possible, I would like to be on a team with: This information will help to plan for fundraising, making the teams, and make sure you receive all important information. Changes can be made until entries are due. Please keep checking the SVDA website for updates. 10

11 Musical freestyle clinic Interested in: learning how to design freestyle? How to select music to fit you and your horse? Have a current freestyle that you want to bump up a level? Interested in an affordable freestyle solution? Presented By: Tristin Butler and Wendy Murray Join us for an afternoon of Freestyle Entertainment and Information: Music, Demonstrations, Snacks and FUN!! With an Award Winning Freestyle Design Team at Elfenridge Productions!! Sign Up Today As Space is Limited: vablonde25@aol.com Mail $15 Made Payable to: Elfenridge Dressage Wendy Murray 124 Rockland Tr. Suffolk VA

12 Christopher Newport Dressage Team Fully Funded by donations, sponsors, fundraisers and grants Need a Babysitter? Give one of our energetic young ladies a try! References available Contact Coach Tristin Butler for information Services Available at the March 20th SVDA schooling show: Tack Cleaning: Bring your oldy moldy tack and have it cleaned while you show Test Reading: by qualified readers For Donations (tax deductable) Trailer Wash Coming soon to a barn near you! We are a new college club striving to promote dressage, showing, demonstrations, team building, leadership, riding skills, equine knowledge and Community Service in the Tidewater Area. CNU students can bring their horse, ride a lesson horse, work on a project horse. Many options available. Accepting project horses on a limited basis. Contact Coach Tristin Butler for more information Tristin@elfenridge.com 12

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21 SVDA NEW TEST CLINIC By Katie Lang I attended the New Test Clinic sponsored by SVDA and taught by Kathy Rowse. It was a beautiful day and participant turnout was high. Terra Ceia Farm is a lovely facility and the owners were very hospitable. I was excited to see many new faces, especially junior riders like me. The Junior Team set up a table and sold baked goods. The delicious cupcakes were a big hit with the crowd. Kathy Rowse began the clinic with an overview of the new test format and the reasoning behind the changes. This overview served to set the tone for the clinic and provided a useful framework for discussion. After this overview, the riders and the horses began demonstrating each new test from Intro C through Third level. Kathy Rowse called out her marks for each element right after the element was ridden. Participants were given actual test forms and could follow along and fill out the form and the comments. Margaret Little Judge After each ride, Kathy Rowse led a lively discussion on the scores given which was very interesting and informative. As a dressage rider, I often wonder why certain marks were given for my tests. Hearing Kathy Rowse s explanation and thought process during this clinic really helped shed light on what judge s look for. She also concisely explained items that are frequently the subject of confusion amongst judges, riders, and trainers, such as the modifiers, the difference between the free walk and the extended walk, and the importance of the rein back element. She also isolated certain elements during the discussion segment and asked the riders to redo the element so that the participants could get a better understanding of how to do it correctly. Kathy Rowse also asked members of the audience to take a shot at judging. Margaret Little and Tristan Hardy Butler bravely volunteered. It was interesting to hear what these other judges had to say and what elements they felt were well ridden. The participants asked excellent questions and were actively engaged throughout the day. I was very impressed with all the knowledge displayed by the participants. Most importantly for me, seeing the tests ridden in order from Intro level to Third Level really showed the progression up the training pyramid from a freely moving horse with good rhythm to a supple and fluid athlete. Even though I have learned what is contained in the training pyramid I never really visualized the concept until I attended this clinic. The riders and horses worked very hard and everyone was appreciative of their efforts. Kathy Rowse was a wonderful instructor and everyone learned a great deal. Thanks SVDA for providing this wonderful learning opportunity! 21

22 Advertise with SVDA All ads must be submitted as they are to appear in the newsletter. SIZE PER ISSUE PER YEAR FULL PAGE $15.00 $ HALF PAGE $10.00 $ QUARTER PAGE $7.50 $75.00 BUSINESS CARD $5.00 $50.00 CLASSIFIEDS $5.00 $50.00 Submissions MUST be received by the 25th of the month. Classified Ads Albion SLK Dressage Saddle 17 in., regular flaps, XW tree. This saddle has been meticulously cared for and is in excellent condition. $1600. Contact Toni

23 The Newsletter of the Southeast Virginia Dressage Association Wendy L. Murray 124 Rockland Terrace Suffolk, VA Web: We re on the Web! example.microsoft.com Tag line goes here. 23