May through August 2016 Boardgram Thank you! To everyone who contributed to our mounted rallies this season. * Games Rally at Percy-Warner Park in Nashville had 9 teams, and we sent 3.5 teams (16 riders) to Champs East! * TET numbers were down this year, but we were happy to be able to get everyone inside at Masterson Station Park - including the tack rooms. We feel as if it's much safer to have all the competitors where they can be easily monitored by rally officials, instead of being scattered around. Not sure if the kids like being so close to HM, but it was a lot nicer. We sent 2 competitors to Champs East. * Show Jumping at KHP - our numbers were down, but the convenience of being able to use the Horse Park for everything, not to mention the cost savings, made it a success. We sent 7 riders and 2 stable managers to Champs East. * Dressage rally - we had about the same number as last year, and sent 4 riders and 1 stable manager to Champs East. * Eventing rallies: D1 was the same as 2015; D2/D3 as about the same as 2015; and C level and up was up a bit, AND we had our first ever Horsemasters team compete. The ladies are all graduates from USPC and it's been a long time since they rallied, but they all had a good time! We sent 11 riders and 4 stable managers to Champs East. * Quiz - we sent 12 competitors to Champs East. All in all, we had 59 members participate at Champs East. National level tests in MidSouth Region: For the H-B test that was held at Greenacres Equine Center in July, we had 9 candidates, and 3 passed outright, and the other 6 are eligible to retest. We have no other upper level tests scheduled for MidSouth this year. Those candidates we have will travel to other regions to get tested. We have candidates for the H-A; C3, B, and A TRAD; and B-Show Jumping Specialty. In order to be considered to host a testing, the region must have at least 5 candidates at each level, a suitable facility, and someone who is willing to be the coordinator. 1
XC Concerns at D Rally: This is in response to a concern raised by a parent after D2/D3 rally. I forwarded the concern to Erin Woodall, our Rally organizer and she talked to Cindy Wood, our TD about it. This is Erin's response: I talked to our TD who supplied her measurements for all of the fences on D2 and D3 XC. As you can see the D2 course is all 24" or less with the exception of the brush which was 28" in total height (including brush). I do not have the specs on the solid part of the brush fences with me at the moment, but can't imagine that it was taller than 24" if the brush was 28". The spreads for each of the fences was within the 2' top spread and 3' bottom spread suggested specifications. The D3 course had one fence 31" in height (1" above the suggested specifications) and the brush was 36" in height (including the brush). The spreads for the fences were all within the 2'3" top spread and 4'3" bottom spread suggested specifications for the D3 courses also. As Becky previously mentioned, measuring fences should be done at the take off spot and not standing next to the fence. I am not sure how Jane Doe was measuring, but I do wish that she had expressed her concerns to the TD onsite during the event, or afterwards during the OHT as I am certain that Cindy would have been more than happy to discuss it with her. I would like to point out that the Eventing Rulebook is a specific set of rules when it comes to the Qualifying rallies only. In several places it makes reference to the fact that it includes suggested guidelines for Non-Qualifying rallies, such as D2 and D3. Had either of them brought up their concerns at that time to me, I could have contacted the TD and we could have discussed this in person and measured the fences together. Please let me know if you have other questions. Thanks, Erin Woodall D2 course Fence 1. Log. H 2' Fence 2. Coop H 2'. BS 31" Fence 3. Post and rail H 2' Fence 4. Oxer. H 23" TS 2' BS 31" Fence 5. Coop. H 2' BS 34" Fence 6. Hog back. H 2'. BS 32" Fence 7. Grey table. H 2' BS 36" Fence 8. Roll top. H 2' BS 36" Fence 9. Brush. H with brush 28" Fence 10. Vertical H 2' Fence 11. Water option. Log was H23" Fence 12. Hogs back H 23". BS 28" Fence 13. Roll top. H 2' BS 36" D3 Fence 1. Log H30" Fence 2. Brush H 36" Fence 3. Table H 31" BS 52" TS 25" Fence 4. Coop. H 30" BS 35" Fence 5. Coop H 29". BS 31" Fence 6. Coop H 30". BS 31" Fence 7. Hanging log H 29" BS 41" 2
Fence 8. Hogs back. H 30". BS 38" Fence 9. Ditch. Width 36" Fence 10. Roll top H 29" bs 46" Fence 11. Brush. H 33" Fence 12. Water Fence 13. Logs. H 29" bs 27" Fence 14. Table. H 29" BS 41". TS 20" Fence 15. Roll top H 29" BS 40" As a result of this once more being a controversy, and despite the fact that MANY D rally competitors stayed and participated in the OHT with absolutely no concerns or complaints, we are looking at the option of allowing D rally competitors to choose from a straight Starter course, or a straight Beginner Novice course. Some D3 riders may not be confident enough to take on a BN course, and some D2s may already be riding at a BN level. We'll tell you more about that option at the Fall Regional Council meeting. Champs East - 2016: You've already read that we sent a LOT of members to Champs East. Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC) is definitely "Disneyland" for competitors, with a carousel; free pony rides; skydivers; free popsicles and shuttle service, and lots of places to sit. Two years ago it didn't even exist, and now they are hosting large shows and still building and moving dirt. Our Eventing competitors had the opportunity to ride on a XC course designed by Captain Mark Phillips, and before the AEC competition to be held later in August. It was a very different course than many are used to riding - in and out of sand arenas, through narrow lanes, but all in all a challenging and enjoyable course for both riders and horses. Many, many thanks to all of the parents, coaches, family members and others who volunteered their time to all the disciplines. USPC appreciates you very much! Thank you to Carolyn Oldfield for sharing this picture. I also want to thank two special members: Anna Hayes and Beth Ann Dell who stepped in at literally the last minute to travel to Champs East as stable managers for us. You two girls made my day! 3
Congratulations to: Lorenza Savini, from Stillwater Pony Club who has been in training at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, CO for the Modern Pentathlon Nationals competition. She traveled to Ireland in early July to compete there, and is eligible to compete in Cairo in September. Lorenza has been competing and doing well at nationals last year ( bronze), Olympic qualifier ( 8th), bronze at Pan American Cup and is working towards world championship in Cairo and/ or Ireland this summer/fall. Even though she loves pentathlon & Pony Club, she wants to do pony club TET because it's with her own pony ( George of the Jungle) who has been with her since the day he was born! They have been a team their whole lives. Marisa Savini and Lorenza Savini Lorenza Savini on the right. Congratulations to: Our MidSouth former and current members who are part of the 2016 NAJYRC teams: Callie Jones and Meredith Talley, both on the Region 2 Junior Dressage team. Callie belonged to Rolling Hills Equestrian Center, and Meredith was a member of Four Rivers PC. For the Area VIII eventing Junior team Elizabeth Ragan - a current member of Hidden Bridge Riding Center and Alexandra Baugh, a current member of Keeneland PC. For the Area VIII, Young Rider eventing team Margaret Ragan - a former member of Covered Bridge PC and Woods Baughman - a former member of Keeneland PC. Congratulations to our Games players: This report is from Peppy Butler, VRS about the World Team Championships in Ireland: The Under 17 team had pony clubbers from all over the US- Libby Butler, Olivia Owen, Emma Boylan, Aidan Doud, Bella Pellett and Kimi Fleming. They were one of the few teams on borrowed ponies and out of a field of 12 countries, they made it to the "A Final" which was a huge accomplishment. They ended the competition in 8th and couldn't have been more proud of their performance. It was a great trip and 4
experience for all. Some of the open(18 and up) team members were Midsouth pony clubbers. Mary Peabody Camp and Jackie LeMastus were members of that team. They made the B final and ended in 3rd of the B Final. All scores are cumulative through the qualifying rounds. Then the top 8 get to move forward to the A Final which determines places 1-8 overall. Once you make it into the top 8 (A final) all scores are wiped clean and you start the final 2 rounds in an even playing field. The B Final are those teams that placed 9th and beyond Pony Club gaming was the start to games for all of these riders who now have traveled the world with this sport. In October, Olivia Owen will travel to Australia with the International Games Exchange. Pony Club has so many opportunities not only for the beginners, but the older riders. I hope everyone will read up on them and take advantage! Congratulations to: Emma Massa from Keeneland Pony Club who had the opportunity to travel to Canada to participate in the Canadian Nationals Tetrathlon Competition last week (after competing at Champs East!). This is from Emma: Hello Mrs. Becky, I just wanted to thank you for allowing me to travel to Ontario, Canada and compete in their National Tetrathlon. I met so many amazing people and athletes. Our first day there we saw Niagara Falls and visited an amusement park. Day 2 we did the riding portion of the competition, it was my first time competing a horse that wasn't my own but everything went great. The next day we did the run, swim, and shoot, tiring but fun. Our last day we had a large banquet and then we came home. I had an amazing time and am very motivated to bring some of their Tetrathlon ideas back to the Midsouth region as well as Keeneland Pony Club. Again thank you for the phenomenal opportunity. Once again, an opportunity to travel the world to compete in the discipline she loves! 5
Congratulations to: Keely Bechtol and Lark's Magic from Bluegrass Pony Club who are members of the USPC Pony Jumpers Team competing at the US Pony Jumper Championships in Lexington, Kentucky this week. USPC Pony Jumper Team after all ponies passing the jog. Keely is the third from the right. 2016 Annual Regional Council Meeting: You should already be saving the date, and now you have a location! Saturday, November 5th at the Creasey-Mahan Nature Preserve located at 12501 Harmony Landing Road in Goshen, KY 40026. This location is about half an hour north east of Louisville, KY. www.creaseymahannaturepreserve.org We changed the date so there will be no more conflicts with the event at River Glen. And this notice should be received in plenty of time that your club or center does NOT schedule a conflicting event. Your attendance is important! It will be very much appreciated if all the clubs have completed their annual meeting of sponsors before this weekend. Local hotels are: Holiday Inn Express Louisville Northeast 3711 Chamberlain Lane, Louisville, KY 40241 502-814-0004 Hampton Inn by Hilton Louisville Northeast 4100 Hampton Lake Way, Louisville, KY 40241 502-327- 8880 Drury Inn & Suites Louisville North 9597 Brownsboro Road Louisville, KY 40241 502-245-5500 1-800- 378-7946 www.druryhotels.com Hilton Garden Inn Louisville Northeast 9850 Park Plaza Avenue Louisville, KY 40241 502-423-0018 We do NOT have a block reserved at any location. 6
REMINDER ABOUT REGIONAL DUES: As your members renew, or new ones sign up, don't forget to collect regional dues from everyone. New and on time renewing members are $20 each, prorated new members are $30 (joining as of September 1st) and late renewals (renewing after November 15th) are $25. The dates we follow are exactly the same as the dates the national office follows for membership. If you are a club, we need a club check and a list of names that are covered with the renewals. If you are a riding center, collect individual checks from the members and send those in along with a copy of the membership application form. It is your responsibility as the club or center leaders to take care of collecting regional dues. Members who have not paid regional dues are not in good standing in the region, and can't participate in regional activities. Also, if there is a new member, the only way the region is aware is if YOU send in the dues check along with the copy of the membership application. If you make it a habit to copy the membership application for all new members, and send the original with check to USPC, a copy with check to MidSouth Region, and keep a copy for your records, all will be good. There is no magic button that notifies us when a new member joins, unfortunately. With 500 members in 30 clubs and centers in 7 states, it takes some effort to manage the active member in good standing list! 2016 Nominating Committee: Thank you to Julie Kenline of Miami Valley Pony Club; Kellye Boylan of Stones River Pony Club and Lisa Bechtol from Bluegrass Pony Club for being willing to serve as the regional nominating committee this year. Sincerely, Becky Logsdon, RS beckylogsdon02@gmail.com 8425 Baptist Church Road SE Elizabeth, IN 47117 812-969-3638 7