Of Fredericksburg. Volume 12

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1 Collective Remarks VADAF s Own Upcoming Clinics, Licensed and Schooling Shows Schedule of Events VADAF Meeting Minutes Announcements & Featured Articles VADA Meeting Minutes USDF Schooling Show Awards Program Draft Advertisements Volume 12 Of Fredericksburg 6:30 p.m. Dinner / Social Time (Optional) 7:00 p.m. Meeting Agenda: Location: Approval of Meeting Minutes New Business Elections Bravo Spotsylvania Town Center Captain s Room Dial In for meeting: Access Code # Is your horse autonomic? No, I didn t say automatic. Do you give your horse certain responsibilities in life? Can you trust your horse to do the simplest things under saddle? Like, maintain gait and direction. Working with a one-thousand-pound animal isn t exactly easy, but it doesn t have to be so hard. Horses are capable of being responsible for themselves. How do they manage free range in a 1 herd of other equines if they aren t? Let your horse be a horse. Let s just imagine your horse isn t the type that gets turned out by himself in a small paddock with splint boots and bell boots. That guy might have a harder time understanding autonomy, but it can be taught. Regardless of discipline, Isn t our ultimate goal self-carriage? Selfcarriage implies responsibility, it shouts autonomy. Think about your human relationships. Do you have better partnerships with those people who allow you the space to think, speak, and act or do you enjoy being micromanaged? Be a partner to your horse. While being a partner to your horse; remember, he doesn t think like you, but that doesn t mean he isn t capable of responsibility. Take the time to understand horse behavior, not the anthropomorphized version most of us were taught learning to ride. Learn what makes your horse confident, what makes him unconfident, and what he really feels good doing. Then, start by asking for slow and small bouts of independence. Take this time to micromanage yourself and leave your horse alone. As your horse is confident with these small bouts of autonomy, increase their duration. Don t increase your aids. If anything, think about decreasing your aids. Now, can you be autonomic? Can you sit still and enjoy the ride? Expect to sit still. Expect the horse to carry you. Expect your aids to be quiet. Use these moments to engage your brain. Concentrate on where you want to go next. Did a funny thing happen? Did your horse start to go in that direction? If he did, great! You re tuned in and he autonomously made the decision to follow your lead. If he didn t, don t worry, just keep going. Relax, breathe, check in Control leads to compliance, autonomy leads to engagement. Daniel H. Pink

2 VADAF is a Chapter of the Virginia Dressage Association (VADA). VADA is a U.S. Dressage Federation (USDF) Group Membership Organization (GMO); all VADA members automatically become USDF Group Members. The 2018 membership year runs from December 1, 2018 through November 30, Membership_Form-2019-Revision pdf VADAF Members New Members: Roberta Dascoli Lindsey Masouras Anna Mitchells Samantha Silver Returning: Margaret Gutermuth Sharon Ackley Sharnette Atkinson Christine Balasi Catherine Bednar Hannah Bowers Debbie Bowman Kelly Bowman Kristen Brown Debra Carter Joanne Collins Teresa Crater Roberta Dascoli Barbara Ellis Anna Fox Rachel Gannaway Sarah Grady Margaret Gutermuth Britt Harmon Taylor Heldreth Megan Irby Alexandra Jeffers Molly Judge Gracelynn Martinez Lindsey Masouras Pat McGovern Nancy Mendonca Anna Mitchell Sharon Kipping Lorraine Klepacz Kate Lepree Paul Limbacher Peggy Minnich Anna Mitchell Lynn Oeters Elena Prokos Karen Rice Kathy Sandor Tara Schillumeit Rachel Sigler Samantha Silver Kristine Slovis Barbara Snapp Cambray Walmer Sara Worsham General Principals Continued: with yourself. Did you notice what happened? Did your horse just keep doing what he was doing? Great! That means he was responsible for carrying you both, even if it was just for a few seconds. Keep going, expect more, a little at a time. If your horse gets unconfident, take a few steps back. Be a partner, not a boss. Read more at equusenlightened.net/blog Officers & Committee Chairs President: Anna Fox Vice President: Barb Ellis Secretary: Joann Collins Treasurer: Sharon Ackley Membership: Sharnette Atkinson Awards: Sharnette Atkinson Show Secretary: Bettina Longaker Education & Clinics: Megan Irby Volunteer Coordinator: Sharon Kipping 2 Youth Team Coordinator: Anna Fox Adult Team Coordinator: Karen Rice Sponsorships/Publicity: Lorraine Klepacz Website: Ashley Noble Newsletter: Nancy Mendonca Website: Ashley Noble State Board Representatives: Anna Fox, Alison Thompson and Barb Ellis

3 Clinics Apr14-15 Bedford, VA Kim Robare of Classical Solutions Apr 20 Montpelier, VA Nadege Soubassis Clinic Jun 1-2 TBD VADAF Naturally Clinic w/ Shawna Lewis Eventclinics.com Jun 1 Haymarket, VA VADA-NOVA Fix-A-Test, Compass Rose Farm calendar/index.html#jun Oct TBD VADAF Christoph Hess Clinic Eventclinics.com TBD TBD VADAF Debbie Bowman Clinic Eventclinics.com Licensed Shows May Culpeper, VA Mitchell Dressage Series, Southern Heritage Farm Eventclinics.com Schooling Shows Apr 7 Midland, VA VADA-CH Isabel F. DeSzinay Memorial Dressage Show May 18 Spencer Sport Horses Eventclinics.com Warrenton, VA May 19 Midland, VA Mitchell Dressage Series, Southern Heritage Farm Eventclinics.com Jun 2 Compass Rose Farm Haymarket, VA Eventclinics.com Jun 13 Warrenton, VA CDCTA Thursday Evening Dressage Schooling Show, Warrenton Show Grounds Eventclinics.com Other Events Apr 28 Remington, VA Mitchell Working Equitation Schooling Show Kelly s Ford Equestrian Ctr Eventclinics.com Club Notes: Next Licensed Show Meeting: 12:30 April 7th, Angela s Restaurant, Thornburg The VADAF Handbook is being reviewed. Please Anna, if you would like to review it and provide comments and have not already received a copy. The Handbook will be voted on at the April Meeting. Dear Members, As some of you may know, Sarah Grady's father, Stephen Smith passed away last week. Mr. Smith's funeral will be Friday, March 29th at noon. Services will be held at Covenant Funeral Home 4801 Jefferson Davis Hwy Fredericksburg, VA In lieu of flowers, the family is asking donations be given in his name to January 26th VADAF Awards Banquet Location: Angela s Italian Restaurant February 10th VADA Awards Banquet Location: Pippen Hill Farm and Vineyards February 12th Monthly Meeting Location: Bravo, Spotsy Towne Center February 17th Show Committee Meeting Location: General s Quarters Restaurant March 14th Monthly Meeting Location: Bravo, Spotsy Towne Center April 9th Monthly Meeting Location: Bravo, Spotsy Towne Center May 14th Monthly Meeting Location: Bravo, Spotsy Towne Center June 11th Monthly Meeting Location: Bravo, Spotsy Towne Center July 9th Monthly Meeting Location: Bravo, Spotsy Towne Center August 13th Monthly Meeting Location: Bravo, Spotsy Towne Center Sept 7-8th Rosemont Show Location: 9601 Courthouse Rd. Spotsy September 10th No Meeting October 9th Monthly Meeting Location: Bravo, Spotsy Towne Center November Elections Meeting Location: TBD Dec TBD Membership Meeting Location: TBD Sadly, Anna Fox VADAF President 3

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5 Meeting Minutes March 14th 2019 Bravo Cucina, Spotsylvania Towne Centre Or Dial In Phone number , Access Code: # Meeting Facilitator Anna Fox, President meeting called to order 7:00 p.m. Meeting adjourned at 7 pm In attendance: Megan, Anna, Barb Ellis, Joanne, Sharon Kipping, Hannah, Tereasa Motion to approve minutes from February meeting passed. Licensed show meeting was held on Feb 17 th. Next meeting, April 7 th at 12:30 pm at Angela s Clinic Updates Dressage Naturally clinic -Rider fees about $150; Non-member riders $250; Auditors $10 (includes lunch); non-member auditors $25; date TBD Ally Brock clinic 8 rides per day. Rider fees about $150 for members; $200 for nonmembers; will confirm in next couple 2 weeks Debbie Bowman April 20 Megan s ($50 per ride for members; $110 per ride for non-members) Erin Sweeney (March 23/24) - $40 for members; $80 for non-members By-Laws Updates to voting procedures for scholarships. The club may approve up to 5 grants of $500 each. Handbook minor edits to language Membership 41 members, 36 individuals, 4 juniors, 1 affiliate Treasurer s Report Website - clinic dates will be added Dial in number for meeting is changing. Look for meeting invitation update. Meeting adjourned: 8:17 pm 5

6 A Week at Mountain Vista Farm I ve considered several viewpoints on how to write about my awesome week with Britta Johnston at her Mountain Vista Farm. I ve thought about describing all I learned, but that would likely bore most readers. I thought about reflecting on what a fantastic opportunity it was. I considered relating how rejuvenating I found it and how I d do it again in a heartbeat. I know this article wouldn t have been complete without me saying how welcoming and open Britta and everyone there was and highlighting the great people I was able to meet. I also contemplated including several interesting observations. So maybe I ll touch a bit on all these things and there will end up being something of interest here to everyone. I would like to thank VADAF for the grant that made this week possible. I delayed the trip a week because work meetings got shifted due to the furlough but the timing was fortuitous. My outdoor arena was frozen, temps were hovering in the 30s and 40s and it definitely wasn t pleasant to be outside for very long. So having the opportunity to ride and watch lessons in an indoor arena was fabulous. I boarded Danny with Britta for the week that we were working with her so he wouldn t have to do the two hour commute with me each day. He had a stall when the weather was nasty and his own pasture to stretch his legs when the weather was better. He was there for 7 days and I came up and rode for 6 of them. I d arrive mid-morning and before I left in the evening, I d have watched 3 to 5 lessons or training sessions and ridden Danny. The youngest horse under training was 3 years old and besides Britta, the most experienced rider was Ginger who is an adult amateur competing at the higher levels. So I not only got to hear where I could do better but see where everyone else excelled and where they were focusing to improve. It was also fun to bundle up with a lap blanket to watch and have one of the dogs cuddle up and share the blanket. The week was refreshing to get away from the crazy post-furlough catching up and just focus on riding, learning and enjoying being untethered from digital devices. I also greatly appreciated the timing. It s pre-show season, a typically lousy weather month and really great to be able to be able to focus on improving all aspects of my riding including my understanding of how to work better with Danny during a period I likely wouldn t be able to ride home at all. What did I learn? Let me stick to the highlights otherwise this article would be far longer than it should be. Interestingly, I learned a lot about German riding schools. I had no idea about how detailed they are and how focused. I learned about shopping and shipping a horse from overseas. I also learned quite a bit about the horse s anatomy, how to interact with their physical structure to be both a better rider and how I could do different things to improve my riding. One thing I admit that I still need to really work on is how to be lighter and more stable in the saddle. It s not hard to understand how being off balance and slamming your butt in the saddle is darn uncomfortable to your horse and would never result in a round and collected frame. And while I ve had days I ve felt like a sack of potatoes bouncing along, Britta s tutelage has really made me much more conscious of how I can change the mechanics of how I ride and how the tense manner I typically ride resulted in what I was feeling. And how a slightly forward lean in my torso would make posting easier, how a relaxed seat would give me both a deeper seat, how leaning impacts both of our balances and how not clenching Danny s ribs would make both of us more relaxed. While I m still working on a posting tempo that allows Danny to move better, I doubt I ll forget Britta telling me I should be thinking that there were pins in the saddle and I needed get out of the saddle much quicker than I was doing. I also learned just how much the running has helped. Last fall, my lesson with Britta was exhausting. This time my lessons were still tiring, but I felt like I could really concentrate on learning rather than focusing on just keeping going. Over the week we also had the opportunity to have several philosophical discussions. We talked about the differences in training in the US and in Germany and what could benefit the US Dressage community. We also talked about the VADA clubs and how to balance expectations with what volunteers can achieve with the time they have to donate versus expanding the clubs horizons beyond just benefiting riders to expand to include trainers and judges. We talked about the demands of running a barn where there is never truly a day off and the joys of running a barn where you can see both riders and horses learn and grow towards their full potential. In closing I d like to thank Britta and all the people who came through her barn the week I was there for an outstanding experience. First and foremost, Britta was fabulous to work with, I learned more than I imagined I would. And from her neighbor, to the representative from the Culpeper Co-op, to all her students and boarders, to the training barn who brought her two horses to work every other day to the two ladies who were learning to train horses, Britta made it a point to introduce every one of them and without exception they were warm, welcoming, more than willing to pass on what they d learned and just plain great to be around. Going forward, I do plan to continue to work on what I learned and look forward to seeing Britta again to measure my progress. 6

7 Announcements and other things Spread the word far and wide! We now have new ways you, your family and/or friends can support VADAF. PayPal Giving Fund receives donations through PayPal, ebay and other technology platforms and makes grants to your charity (hint: VA- DAF). PayPal has partnered with ebay for Charity, Humble Bundle, and Go Fund Me to make it easier for you to donate to VADAF. For more information on the PayPal Giving Fund program, please visit: To donate directly to VADAF, you can click this customized link: paypal.com/us/fundraiser/charity/ Amazon Smile: Support VADAF just by shopping on Amazon. Instead of going to the you can visit: smile.amazon.com/. Amazon Smile works just like Amazon, only 0.5% of your eligible purchases made through Amazon Smile will be donated to VADAF. It does not cost you or VADAF any additional money to do so. Find out more by visiting: smile.amazon.com. When using Amazon Smile, you can indicate the Virginia Dressage Association Fredericksburg as your chairty by doing a search or use this customized link: We hope you will consider using these programs to support VADAF. Please let us know if you have any questions or have difficulty using any of the links. Why do zebras have stripes? Perhaps to shoo away flies Zebra stripes are dazzling, particularly to flies and scientists say that might be the answer to how zebras got their stripeslondon (AP) Zebra stripes are dazzling particularly to flies. BY DANICA KIRKAASSOCIATED PRESS That s the conclusion of scientists from the University of Bristol and the University of California at Davis who dressed horses in black-and-white striped coats to help determine why zebras have stripes. The researchers found that fewer horseflies landed on the bedecked horses than on those without the striped coats, suggesting that zebra stripes may offer protection from blood-sucking insects that can spread disease. This reduced ability to land on the zebra s coat may be due to stripes disrupting the visual system of the horse flies during their final moments of approach, said Martin How, a research fellow at the University of Bristol. Stripes may dazzle flies in some way once they are close enough to see them with their low-resolution eyes. From a distance, the flies were equally attracted to both horses and zebras, with the same number of insects hovering around both types of animals. But when the flies got closer, things get dicey. The flies landed less frequently on the zebras and the horses covered in striped coats. Once they get close to the zebras, however, they tend to fly past or bump into them, said Tim Caro, a professor in the U.C. Davis Department of Wildlife, Fish and Conservation Biology. This indicates that stripes may disrupt the flies abilities to have a controlled landing. The work, reported in the journal Public Library of Science ONE, seeks to answer one of the oldest questions in zoology why do zebras have stripes? Charles Darwin had his theories. So did British naturalist Alfred Russel Wallace. But the scientists from Britain and California sought to examine that question by studying both horses and zebras at the Hill Livery in Britain, which works with zoos in Europe on conservation for zebras. That provided a controlled environment where the horses could be dressed up and closely observed to test the theory. It s one of those pieces of research that you say, why hasn t someone done this before?' said Tim Woodfine, the director of conservation at Marwell Wildlife in southern England. It s simple and neat. I think it s a great piece of work. How, an expert on animal vision, told The Associated Press on Thursday that there are reasons to be quite excited about the research, which helps scientists understand what s happening in the mind of a fly. This has broader implications in terms of technology such as driverless cars, which are inspired by insect vision. If stripes disrupt a fly, they might also possibly disrupt a driverless car s systems, for example, he said. What we needed to do is get our mind into the eye of the fly, How said. They have very different eyes from us. Erica McAlister, the senior curator of flies and fleas at the Natural History Museum in London, said the research helps add more understanding to a subject long debated in the science community. We ve been arguing about zebra stripes for 75 years, she said, explaining that the study will provide useful information going forward. It s another useful investigation. But there are also human applications. How says from now on, he s wearing stripes while riding his bike during horse-fly season. 7

8 VADA Meeting Minutes March 20th 2019 Meeting Minutes August 15th 2018 Present were Tina Longaker (C vlle), Sheli King (NOVA), Jessie Ginsburg (NOVA), Alison Douglas (Central), Meredith McGrath (SWAVDA), Robyn Nunnally (SVDA), Sandy Toby (SVDA), Angie Stanaway (NE), Sherri Booye (C ville), Laura Nelson (SWVADA), Penny Hawes (C ville), Beth Rippel (SVDA), Nancy Lowey (C ville), Anne Draine (NE), Diane Nathan (NE), Anna Fox (Fred), Diane Boyd (NOVA) The meeting was called to order at 8:00 pm A motion was made by Sandy Toby and seconded by Diane Nathan to accept the minutes from the last meeting. It passed unanimously. Treasurer s report: Jessie reported that the combined balances are around 141K. The total awards banquet expenses were $ The facility expense alone was $ only offset $3080 with income from the reservations. Because there were several issues with the facility, we will be looking for a new venue for next year. The online and silent auctions brought in $3K. Jessie will not be running the online auction for next year so we will need another volunteer. To increase donations, later this year we will be asking chapters to designate a member who will be in charge of soliciting donations from their chapter area. Jessie discussed that the Purple Book cost us $ equating to $4.42 per book which is less than last year s cost of $4.73 per book. Ad revenue was $505. Discussion was held regarding whether we continue to publish, and the consensus was that it is useful to members and will be even more so next year to advertise schooling shows as in 2020 USDF will be staring the schooling show awards program. Chapter Challenge is August 3 rd at Morven Park in Leesburg. A motion was made by Diane Nathan and seconded by Anne Draine to hire Peggy Pariso as the second judge which passed unanimously. Helen George is the other judge. DAL- Nancy Lowey reported that the sponsorship packages are out for both this and the Fall Show. Dianne Boyd reported that most of the officials are in place. SHAC rules will be streamlined. Tina, Diane B., Sheri and Alison will meet separately to finalize. Fall show- CBLM has a new website- cblm.org. Nancy Doody will be taking over the decorating in front of the show office. Because of lack of competitor participation, a motion was made by Diane Nathan and seconded by Meredith McGrath to discontinue the stall decorating contest. It passed unanimously. Updates from the Region 1 meeting- Youth Team competition will be held in NJ Oct 5-6. Adult Team competition will be held Nov 9-10 in Upper Marlboro, MD by PVDA. PVDA is also hosting the L program this year. DAL will have L testing out of FL. The omnibus will be advertising both shows and clinics. Shows are $50 and clinics are $10. The contact is Penny Hawes at USDFRegion1Omnibus@gmail.com. For 2020, the omnibus will also advertise schooling shows. The USDF convention will be held in Savannah, GA Dec 4-7. PM delegates need to declare by April 15 th USDF Schooling Show Award Program- VADA will be reimbursing chapters for the $25 per show fee. The board will be voting in an upcoming meeting on how many shows to reimburse and is seeking feedback from chapters. This will only be for chapter run schooling shows NOT shows that chapters sanction from other organizations. Please note the distinction. Attached to the minutes are the guidelines on the program from USDF. Please disseminate to your members. Chapter Events for April: NOVA- Licensed show April 6-7 SWVADA- Schooling show April 27 th. SVDA- Schooling show April 21 st. Next meeting will be held the on THURSDAY April 25th as a teleconference at 8 pm. The meeting was adjourned at 9:20pm. Respectfully, Alison Douglas VADA Standing Committee Members Chapter Challenge- Susan Ellis (chair), Marie Taylor, Robyn Nunnally, Anne Draine, Paige Stewart, Jane Palmer, Alison Thompson, Sheli King. Banquet/Silent Auction/Awards Alison Douglas (chair) Jessie Ginsburg, Nancy Doody, Jane Walker, Alison Head, Beth Rippel, Susan Ellis Licensed Show- Alison Head, Dianne Boyd, Sheli King, Tina Longaker, Nancy Lowey, Penny Hawes Sponsorship/Publicity- Nancy Lowey, Nancy Doody, Penny Hawes, Alison Thompson, Gardy Bloemers the goal of this committee is to figure out ways to promote the VADA brand 8

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11 Horse For Sale Disney. 11 yr, Oldenburg, 16.3 hands, Training/1st Level, loves people, not spooky, quiet. Owner has too many horses. $12,000 Joanne Collins King William County, Virginia Apartment and stall available for experienced individual willing to work in exchange for rent/ board at horse boarding/dressage training barn. Up to 18 stalls, 1/2 day, five days per week in exchange for basement apartment, one bedroom, one bath, kitchen and private entrance and lots of living area. Stall and turn out for your horse. You would be responsible for all expenses for feeding, vet, farrier, etc. for your own horse. Own source of income, medical insurance and references required. Contact Sara Worsham at Ashley is looking for pictures to place on our updated website. They can be horses, farms, people; anything that represents the club. The pictures just can't have any copyright restrictions. Please forward them to Ashley Noble's . Thank you! Anna 11

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