January 2012 NEDA’s Award Winning Newsletter...

T HE N EWSLETTER OF THE N EW E NGLAND D RESSAGE A SSOCIATION 2012 NEDA Stallion Auction January 15 9AM - February 18, 2012 9PM EST

B BY KATHY HICKERSON, NEDA SPORTHORSE DIRECTOR b he start of the 2012 breeding season kicks off the pres- Ttigious NEDA Stallion Auction, the financial founda- tion for our NEDA Sporthorse program. The NEDA Stallion auction provides access to top stallions at a good price. The proceeds from the auction go towards breeder scholarships for continuing education, and $11,500 worth of cash awards at the NEDA Fall Festival USDF Breed Show and Series Championship in Saugerties, NH. The NEDA Sporthorse program’s goal is to continue dressage breeding education and encourage young horse showing. Our country is now breeding top quality dressage horses comparable or better than European bred horses. We want to continue that trend so that we are providing the Congratulations to the winner of the 2011 Stallion Futurity: best horses for our riders right here at home. Through the Dalziel HHF owned and bred by Christine Kropf, NEDA Scholarship program, NEDA members who volun- Sire Dacaprio (Davignon I x Caprimond x Laterit) teer can apply for scholarship for continued education. This aids on the ground which easily transfers to riding aids in will help for better breeding decisions and better opportuni- the saddle. I have experienced the benefit myself of a ties for our riders to find their next Grand Prix horse here horse that has been handled and shown at a young age, but at home without spending extra money and risk for import- we also hear the same from the riders and trainers. The ing a horse from Europe. young horse learns about showing. It then becomes familiar Showing our young horses starts their development on for them which leads to less stress in the future dressage an early road to success. The horse learns basic handling (Stallion Auction continued to page 4) Renew Your NEDA Membership for 2012! PLEASE SAVE THE DATE! B BY DEBBIE CARR-KIRK, NEDA MEMBERSHIP COORDINATOR b Details to be announced soon! Dear NEDA Members, Group Member card and your April 27-29, 2012 Welcome to the New Year! If you Omnibus Prize List in time for your Apple Knoll Farm in Millis, MA are not sure if you are a 2012 NEDA first competition or educational event. n member, please check the mailing Join now and rest easy for the address on the back of this issue. If upcoming season. If you have NEDA Spring Symposium the year after your name reads 2011, questions, feel free to email (member- with Olympians Michael and unless you’ve renewed in the past [email protected]) or give me a call Poulin and Carol Lavell few weeks, it means that this will be at 508-539-3534. your last issue of the TIP. Yours truly, Lunging the Rider, In-Hand Even worse, you may not have Debbie Carr-Kirk Sessions, Ladder Rungs of the your NEDA Member card, your USDF Training Scale, and much more! i The New England Dressage Association j

A Tip of the Hat COMPETITION COMMITTEE FOR QUESTIONS, The Newsletter of the Competition Coordinator: Beth Jenkins New England Dressage Association (H) 508-655-6490 (Fax) 508-655-3456 please contact NEDA 63 Western Avenue, Sherborn, MA 01770 NEDA 2012 OFFICERS e-mail: [email protected] at [email protected] President: Katherine McHugh Fall Festival: Jane Sheehan CHANGES OF ADDRESS H: 617-337-5914 (H) 508-339-6209 (Fax) 508-339-7116 64 Pearl St, Charlestown, MA 02129 600 South Main St, Mansfield, MA 02048 For all membership questions [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] please contact: Tammy Paparella Vice President-Activities: Kate O’Connor Spring Show: Paul Cormier 6 Pratt’s Junction Rd., Sterling, MA 01564 (H) 508-995-5988 (H) 508-886-4580 Phone: 978-422-2324 235 Glenwood Road, Rutland, MA 01543 20 Village Avenue, Acushnet, MA 02743 e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] email: [email protected] Vice President-Services: Alexandra Dane Sport Horse/Breed Shows: Kathy Hickerson The Tip deadline is the 1st of the month (H) 978-356-0682 (H) 603-673-4344 (Fax) 603-672-0139 3 Newbury Road, Ipswich, MA 01938 68 Russell Hill Road, Brookline, NH 03033 prior to the month of publication. e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] SUBMISSIONS ARE ENCOURAGED FROM ALL Secretary: Heather Stone MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE NEDA MEMBERS. CONTACT THE EDITOR AT: 617-480-8077 Membership Services Coordinator: [email protected] 78 Front St., Hopkinton, MA 01748 Debbie Carr-Kirk (H) 508-539-3534 e-mail: [email protected] 8 Carr Lane, Forestdale MA 02644 Please submit classified ads via email in Treasurer: Sue McKeown email: [email protected] plain text (.txt) or Word (.doc). Display ads (H) 508-459-9209 (C) 978-430-9254 Membership Recruitment: Karin Swanfeldt may be submitted as press ready pdfs with all 6 Whitehaven Lane, Worcester, MA 01609 978-855-4683 e-mail: [email protected] images and fonts embedded or as a Quark 105 Park St., Ayer, MA 01432 XPress document with all supporting docs, or NEWSLETTER STAFF e-mail: [email protected] Nominations: Lainey Johnson a hi-res TIF or EPS. All ads must be submitted Editor: Open (H) 978-568-0523 to the advertising editor with a check to NEDA. Graphic Design: Beth Robinson 474 S. Bolton Rd., Bolton, MA 01740 Tip Of The Hat Advertising (H) 978-448-9839 e-mail: [email protected] 216 West Main Street, Groton, MA 01450 Volunteer Coordinator: Diane Holston Jennifer Dillon e-mail: [email protected] (H) 978-249-8543 191 Lincoln St. Franklin, MA 02038 Tip Advertising: Jennifer Dillon 49 Stevens St., Athol, MA 01331 email: [email protected] (H) 508-528-2242 (C) 508-641-3121 e-mail: [email protected] 191 Lincoln St., Franklin, MA 02038 Board Member at Large: Shawn Walker The Tip of the Hat is a publication of e-mail:[email protected] 978-314-7691 The New England Dressage Association, Inc., 1 Willard Circle, Andover, MA 01810 a non-profit, tax-exempt corporation COORDINATORS AND MANAGERS e-mail: [email protected] under Section 501(c)3. EDUCATION COMMITTEE SPONSORSHIP COMMITTEE Education Coordinator: Angela Prenosil Sponsorship Coordinator: Phyllis LeBlanc (C) 413-627-2699 (W) 978-745-7648 P.O. Box 398, Thorndike, MA 01079-0398 650 Boxford Rd., Bradford, MA 01835 e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] Facilitator: Christine Shea In This Issue... Continuing Education: Sally Davenport 978-314-9922, Stallion Auction ...... 1 781-378-1881 369 College Hwy., Southampton, MA 01073 91 Front Street #309, Scituate, MA 02066 e-mail: [email protected] President’s Message...... 3 e-mail: [email protected] Sponsorship Major Donors: Sue Storbeck Fall Symposium: Jennifer Dillon (H) 978-779-6020 USDF 2011 Convention...... 6 (H) 508-528-2242 (C) 508-641-3121 92 Sampson Rd., Bolton, MA 01740 191 Lincoln St., Franklin, MA 02038 e-mail: [email protected] e-mail:[email protected] 2012 Flextime Program...... 10 Spring Symposium: Linda Mendenhall OFF BOARD POSITIONS (H) 978-448-0066 Webmaster: Tammy Paparella 2012 Flextime Application ...... 11 401 Nashua Rd., Groton, MA 01450 (H) 978-422-2324 e-mail: [email protected] 6 Pratt’s Junction Rd., Sterling, MA 01564 2012 Flextime Instructors...... 12 Scholarships: Susan Edelen email: [email protected] (H) 978-356-8704 Competition/Other: Diana Lane 21 Paradise Rd, Ipswich, MA 01938 781-662-2373 Lendon Gray...... 23 e-mail: [email protected] 34 Mt. Hood Ter., Melrose, MA 02176 PUBLIC RELATIONS COMMITTEE email: [email protected] “My Ride With Kyra” ...... 24 Year-End Awards and Banquet: Karin Swanfeldt Public Relations Coordinator: Tracie Richardson (H) 978-772-5197 (H) 781-826-4038 105 Park St., Ayer, MA 01432 “NEDA Wants You”...... 25 466 Broadway, Hanover, MA 02339 e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] Equine Affaire: Karin Swanfeldt Lowell Boomer Obituary...... 26 Advertising: Kat Wojtylak (H) 978-772-5197 716-440-3505 105 Park St., Ayer, MA 01432 Dressage Foundations ...... 27 474 So Bolton Rd., Bolton, MA 01740 e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] Flextime Lesson Program: Nancy Marsh Terry Official Photographer: Carole MacDonald 845-790-1221 Thank You Letters...... 28 (H) 508-366-7886 53 Alda Drive, Poughkeepsie, NY 1 Bowman Lane, Westboro, MA 01581 email: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] 2012 NEDA Calendar ...... 31 Publications: Ginette Brockway Technology: Alison Yama 200 Annie Moore Rd, Bolton, MA 01740 (H) 978-266-1390 Classifieds...... 32 (H) 978 779 2989 12 Putnam Road, Acton, MA 01720 e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] 2 To become a NEDA member visit our website at: www.neda.org i A Tip of the Hat j

President’sNEDA Turns Message 40!

B BY KATHERINE MCHUGH, NEDA PRESIDENT b o far as I can tell, NEDA is ready Ipswich and Gore Place in Waltham to tiated as any athletic competition. Sto celebrate its 40th birthday. Our showcase our sport. These elegant How to do this? We’d like to bring articles of incorporation and IRS non- events, sometimes in the evening dressage exhibitions to equestrian profit letter are both dated in 1972, under the stars, served to introduce competitions in other disciplines, as although surely early efforts to organ- the sport to audiences that included well as reviving performances at ven- ize preceded those events. It is diffi- but were not limited to horse enthusi- ues like Castle Hill. If you are cult for us to imagine how primitive asts. Many of us remember those the state of dressage was in the United events as our first introduction to this involved with Pony Clubs in your States at that time. In the coming beautiful discipline, with the horses area, with riders in your barn compet- months I hope to use this space in the floating through grassy gardens. It ing in other disciplines, or with ven- Tip to bring some of those stories to was only later that I realized how ues that might be suitable for freestyle you. NEDA was born from the idea much of a sport it actually was – the performances, suggest this idea and that if the sport was to flourish in this see where it goes. We can help make country, two elements had to be pres- it happen. What better way to cele- ent. First, there had to be a way to The NEDA board give riders access to the best recently concluded that it brate this important birthday than by European methods and trainers, for needs to launch another tooting the horn of our sport. there were few if any such resources effort to bring the sport I’m always amazed at the USDF here. Second, horse enthusiasts and convention, from which I’ve just the general public needed the chance more into the limelight. returned, at the size and strength of a to observe the beauty of the sport by strength and agility required of riders, national industry that no one else has watching the best the sport had to offer. So NEDA was born with a pri- the conditioning and stamina required ever heard of. We come through as mary education and outreach mission of the horses, and the detailed pre- navel gazers of the first order, with our and has grown from that handful of scriptions for the performance of each attention to the minutest details of or visionary zealots to the organization it movement. The NEDA board recently rules, prize criteria, qualifications, concluded that it needs to launch is today, with over 1,800 members, and attention to the integrity of our another effort to bring the sport more four major and numerous other activi- sport, while so little attention is ties, and a national reputation for into the limelight. Dressage training focused on how we can broaden its attracting top quality trainers from all is now recognized as excellent founda- over the world to our educational tional training for other disciplines, a reach. NEDA needs to lead the way events. version of it is catching on in western in this effort as it has in so many other In the early years, NEDA also riding as “western dressage,” and top ways in dressage over the past forty sponsored public exhibitions of dres- freestyle performances can be as years. With your help, we are up to sage at venues like Castle Hill in exciting and breathtaking to the unini- the task. Z NEDA’s Headgear Policy Begins 2012 Beginning in 2012, it will be NEDA’s policy that all photos of mounted riders that appear in any NEDA publication or on NEDA’s website must be shown wearing headgear that comply with its policies. Please visit http://www.neda.org/NEDAHelmetPolicy.html for more information.

January 2012 3 i The New England Dressage Association j

(Stallion Auction continued from page 1) cash $ rewards for Born in America, shows. That can make for a more Devon Breed Show also provides cash relaxed supple horse. rewards for Born in the USA too. When the breeders show their If you’re a breeder or thinking horses, they also get some valuable about breeding, we need your support feedback early in their breeding pro- by bidding in the NEDA Stallion auc- grams from their fellow breeders and tion. Not only will you get access to judges. That can make for better some of the top stallions in the coun- choices for the next breeding, some- try, but you will be helping fellow one else's breeding or confirm that the American breeders. d l

breeder is making the right choices. a n o

Showing also helps to promote our D c

“Our country is now a

breeding and provide a showcase for M

e

breeding top quality dressage l

buyers. We have a fantastic USDF o r a

horses comparable or better C

New England Breed show series lined y b than European bred horses. ”

up this year to help our breeders and o t o

owners get their horses out. The h p NEDA Sporthorse Sweepstakes helps The stallion auction team has Dante MG (Chin Chin x Glenridge to reward the horses and shows at all been working hard to recruit dona- Keur x Zuidhorn) owned by Kathy of our participating shows. tions from the best stallions in the Hickerson of Majestic Gaits. In this challenging economy, this country. Kathy Hickerson is even more important to help sup- A complete list of available stal- NEDA Sporthorse Director port our breeders and supply afford- lions can be found on the NEDA able horses for our riders. Many Stallion Auction website: [email protected] shows are now rewarding American www.nedastallionauction.org Z 603 673 4344 bred horses. NEDA Fall provides

Q Bid in the Auction to Support American Breeders and Owners! 2012 PARTICIPATING STALLIONS INCLUDE ~ Congratulations to the Winner ~ of the 2011 Stallion Futurity: ~ CA DILLON, Arabian, Chopinn - Etiw Dalziel HHF owned and bred by Christine Kropf, ~ DON CARUSO, Danish/GOV, Don Schufro - Bolero Sire Dacaprio (Davignon I x Caprimond x Laterit) ~ DON HILL, Hanoverian, Don Gregory - Hill Hawk xx ~ SCHROEDER, Hanoveron, Sandro Hit - Escudo I ~ SIR SINCLAIR, Dutch, Lord Sinclair - Flemmingh ~ SOLOS LANTINUS, Danish, Landadel - Argentinus ~ DON CARUSO, Danish/GOV, Don Schufro - Bolero ~ WERBELLIN, Hanoverian, Weltmeyer - Legat Q • All offspring from the donated stallions are eligible for the d l a n $5400 Futurity class at NEDA Fall Festival for 5 years. o D c • Money paid to top 6 horses owner, breeder and sire. a M

• Proceeds of the auction go to Fall Show Futurity and Born e l o r in America Awards. a C

y Go to WWW.NEDASTALLIONAUCTION.ORG b

o for more info & a full listing of participating stallions t o h p

4 To i A Tip of the Hat j

January 2012 5 i The New England Dressage Association j The 2011 USDF National Convention From the Eyes of a Non-Dressage Rider

B BY KARIN DYNICE-SWANFELDT b had the privilege of representing organization, working as volunteers in convention it is to represent you, our Ithe NEDA membership at this its trenches for almost all of its membership. We carry votes which year’s USDF National Convention events. I became a board member two are your voices through us and are which took place November 28- years ago and have been learning ever reimbursed for our expenses from your December 2, 2011, in San Diego, since. NEDA is a part of USDF, one dues. Decisions are made through all California. From the minute I boarded of the GMO’s in the country to the the plane for departure my brain was USDF Executive Board. NEDA in overdrive: “why was I here, what It was exciting to know I holds one of the largest numbers of could I offer, who would I meet, what was helping to implement a votes for a GMO, this is because of would my days be like, what would I change to the USDF structure our high membership numbers, that’s be able to bring back to my work with with the information I had at YOU! As an example I held 9 NEDA NEDA?” As a person who does not hand. votes going into this process. I hope ride dressage but loves the sport I through this article I help you better knew there would be many different understand how NEDA works with ways of looking at my upcoming week. GMO (Group Membership other GMO’s and the USDF. It is a My family and I have been mem- Organization) among numerous others process that I did not have a complete bers of NEDA for years, actually since within this giant world called United understanding of until I attended and our daughter was seven years old. We States Dressage Federation. When took part in this very comprehensive have always been very devoted to this representatives from NEDA go to the (USDF 2011 Convention continued to page 7)

6 To become a NEDA member visit our website at: www.neda.org i A Tip of the Hat j

(USDF 2011 Convention continued from page 6) tion of our Regional Director, Fern resenting each of these three councils. working convention. Feldman. This is where we prepared In this way, the important work of the As I arrived at the convention for our day. Topics and different committees finds its way into the center I began to realize this was classes were discussed and as a group knowledge and expertise of the mem- going to be an event of a lifetime. we chose what meetings we would bers of the Executive Board. The resort that we were staying in was attend with the plan to bring ideas This vote was going to take place the size of the town I live in. I have back to our region the next morning. at the BOG (Board of Governors), never seen anything like this, beauti- I took my IPad so I would capture which took place over two days. The ful California. From the minute I every detail. Our days, for the most BOG is the policy-making body of stepped on to the property an over part, wrapped up at 5:30 for dinner. USDF, led by the USDF Executive whelming feeling of honor came over There were a few evening meetings as Board. All major policy decisions are me to know I was there for you. well, which many chose to attend also. made through the BOG, and I and Dressage people came from every- This may sound like a lot of work and other NEDA representatives were offi- where and we all had the same mis- no fun, but it was incredible in every cial GMO delegates to the BOG, rep- sion . . . TEAM work, learn and take way! I never stopped. resenting YOU. The BOG also has back to share! I knew I was going to I traveled through meetings from participating member delegates elect- be okay and all of my questions were the USDF Awards Committee, to ed from each region. The USDF quickly answered, I knew why I was Adult Programming, and the Regional Executive Board carries out the direc- there and what I needed to do. Championship Committee. The USDF tives of the BOG throughout the year, Our days began very early. works for us through a great number listens to the views expressed by the Pilates and Yoga were offered to of committees, each with its own BOG, and seeks to improve the world everyone beginning at 7AM. I howev- chairperson. These committees have of Dressage and the membership. It er did not attend these sessions, been recently organized into three was exciting to know I was helping to focusing instead on the educational councils – Administrative, Technical, implement a change to the USDF and official committee parts of the and Activities - and this year we structure with the information I had at program. We began our mornings with needed to vote in three new at-large hand. I listened to speeches by each a Region 8 gathering under the direc- directors to the Executive Board, rep- (USDF 2011 Convention continued to page 8)

January 2012 7 i The New England Dressage Association j

(USDF 2011 Convention continued from page 7) us through USDF. I then had the once in a life time experience for candidate and as a region we dis- pleasure of listening to Anne those who would be able to attend. cussed the pros and cons of each can- Gribbons, Chef d’Equipe of the USEF As I said earlier, the BOG was a didate. It was a very healthy way to High Performance Dressage Coaching two day process and on that second gather knowledge to make the best Team. The USEF and USDF are day we had a lot of voting to do. choice for our future within USDF. working together with a common goal There were by-law changes being We listened to many reports from for the betterment of the sport of made, an Audit which needed to be USDF leaders and committee chair- Dressage. What a feeling I had lis- approved, presentations to all out persons, including the President tening to all of the ideas coming out of going committee chairs, voting for our George Williams and Executive this group of fantastic Dressage/Horse new at-large Directors, approval of our Director Stephan Hienzsch, followed 2012 USDF Budget, presentations of by many others. This information NEDA won top honors for GMO and Regional Volunteer Awards. gave me the insight as to how all of The Tip, in the category of NEDA won top honors for The Tip, in these pieces of USDF fit together. layout and design for GMO’s the category of layout and design for Our own Steven Schubert, USDF GMO’s with more than 500 members! Treasurer, presented documentation of with more than 500 members! There was a lot of ground covered in USDF financials and presented the these two days at the BOG but the USDF budget for the coming year for professionals which consists of Anne, biggie was the discussion of and vot- approval. I never knew the amount of Scott Hassler, Debbie McDonald and ing on a USDF National money needed to operate the USDF. Jeremy Steinburg. After listening to Championship Competition. This This is a business which once again is Anne, I regretted that my work sched- topic has been an on-going discussion working for us, the world of Dressage. ule would not allow me to stay for the since 1994. We are the only disci- As I sat and listened to Steve’s report weekend Symposium which consisted pline that does not have its own I was blown away with the numbers of all of these CHAMPIONS working National Championship. The discus- and amount of WORK that is done for together under one roof. This will be a (USDF 2011 Convention continued to page 9)

8 To become a NEDA member visit our website at: www.neda.org i A Tip of the Hat j

(USDF 2011 Convention continued from page 8) Horse Park. It was obvious to me that Gribbons talking about being the sion was long but a healthy one. the USDF and the BOG were a Coach for the 2011 Pan Am Games Some felt it was planned for a time too TEAM! The USDF is there for us and and watching a video of the games. close to the qualifying regional cham- I saw it first- hand. There are many, Three individual gold medals, as well pionships, others felt it should include many new innovative ideas coming out as team gold…..for the USA, I had juniors and young riders right from of USDF to benefit all of us. The goose bumps. What a TEAM for USA. the start, while still others felt it could USDF Executive Board heard us and I was honored listening to Steffen not succeed at all due to travel chal- listened. There were many other meet- Peters talk about the horses he is lenges. What the USDF Executive ings that I attended. I wanted to just blessed to ride and his TEAM. To Board was asking for was permission give you a highlight of my journey. meet his groom was to me just AWE- There is much more information about to go forward with the development SOME!!! Ravel, Grand Prix Horse of and creation of the competition, with the Year. What more can I say!! And the opportunity to build on it as time The highlights of the all those award winners, some from as went on. While it will be held at the evening for me were listening to far away as Hawaii and many from our Kentucky Horse Park for the first few Region 8. Our very own President, years, USDF has promised to move it Anne Gribbons talking about Kathy McHugh receiving her silver to other locations around the country being the Coach for the 2011 medal. What an evening!!!!!!!! in the future, making travel a big Pan Am Games and watching a issue for everyone. I was so excited to video of the games. Three indi- It does take a TEAM to do any- be a part of something this important. vidual gold medals, as well as thing successfully and that is what I As the meeting grew to a close we all team gold…..for the USA, I came away with from this convention. Yes, there is much I learned and feel voted electronically and in the end it had goose bumps. passed overwhelming. So it is hoped can improve our services to you our that the first National Dressage membership. I will be sharing these Championship will be held in the 2011 USDF Convention on the ideas with NEDA. I met some incred- USDF website for those of you who November of 2013 at the Kentucky ible people and made some long dis- would like more details. tance friendship but of everything and As my week was coming to an end everyone I met the mission for all was I attended the Salute Gala and Annual TEAM work, the love of our horses Awards Banquet. This was attended and Dressage. Thank you for letting by over 500 people from all over the me be your voice and vote for a better USA. The highlights of the evening USDF and to our future in NEDA. It for me were listening to Anne was my pleasure! Z

January 2012 9 i The New England Dressage Association j NEDA Flextime Mounted Education Program 2012 For Junior/Young Rider and Adult Amateur NEDA Members

B BY NANCY MARSH TERRY, FLEXTIME LESSON PROGRAM COORDINATOR b he Flextime Mounted Education Program will be off and list that you are interested in applying for and have any Trunning again this year on the opening date of February scheduling questions, please contact the instructor before 15. If you are an adult amateur or a Junior/Young Rider, applying to be sure they will be able to accommodate you. don’t miss out on one of the best benefits NEDA offers its There are a few instructors who have school horses avail- membership. The definition of Amateur status for purposes of able, so you do not need to own your own horse or trailer. the Flextime program can be found in the USEF Rule Book - If stabling or the use of a school horse is possible, it will be SUBCHAPTER 13-B AMATEURS AND PROFESSIONALS, listed with the biography of the instructor. GR1306 Amateur Status. These dedicated instructors welcome the chance to If you are new to NEDA or have not previously heard of help JR/YR and Adult Amateurs with their dressage train- the Flextime lesson program, it is an innovative idea ing. The Flextime Program gives riders the chance to try designed to give members located in all of the geographical an instructor they may have thought about working with in areas that NEDA covers access to instruction usually avail- a clinic or on a regular basis but were not sure of the ‘fit.’ able in a clinic setting. Many of the most talented instruc- Please don’t be shy. This chance, to have your own person- tors in the nation are NEDA members. These Olympians, al clinic, is for riders and horses of all ages and ability from World Cup riders, National Championship participants, internationally known judges, and gifted teachers volunteer training level up. All Adult Amateurs, Young Riders and one to three lessons each year to the program. The list of Juniors who are NEDA members are encouraged to apply. Flextime Instructors along with their biographies is pub- To take advantage of the Flextime Program, review the lished in several issues of “Tip of the Hat” and all year on list of the participating instructors and instructions on the the NEDA website (www.neda.org) under Clinics/Education. application form. Your application can be sent anytime The lessons are to be taken between April and October before the opening date, but will be marked as though it of the current year as many of the instructors go south for was postmarked February 15. If several applications for the winter. The proceeds benefit the USDF Region 8 the same instructor are postmarked on the same day, the Junior/Young Rider Team at the North American Young recipient will be chosen “out of a hat.” Every effort will be Rider Championships and other NEDA programs. The cost made to match the riders not selected in that drawing with of the lessons has been increased $5.00 this year to $45. their second or third choices. Applications postmarked for Junior/Young Riders and $50. for Adult Amateurs. This later than February 15 are welcome, but remaining slots is the first time the cost has ever been increased since the with some instructors may be limited. There are now more program’s inception. These rates are an incredible offer for than fifty instructors who participate and last year there the opportunity to have your own personal clinic. were still quite a few openings left at the end of the season. It should be noted that the instructors have very busy Don’t miss out this year! You can apply for up to 3 sepa- schedules and may have restrictions on dates they are rate lessons, but please be realistic regarding travel dis- available, especially during show season. Plenty of lead tances and scheduling when choosing an instructor. time should be planned when scheduling, especially if you If you are not currently a NEDA Member, you can are limited in days or dates you yourself have available. download a membership form from the website and mail The instructors are enthusiastic and excited about teaching and helping you. Each year there are a number of instruc- that with your Flextime application. Applications will be tors who are disappointed because they have students who accepted until the lessons fill, but for your best chance, sign up and then do not follow through. send it in early! If you have not been one of the lucky ones You are encouraged to sign up, but you should be able to receive a lesson, you will be notified by email, and your to be flexible enough to accommodate your schedule to the check(s) will be either returned to you or shredded, time slots the instructor has available. Some instructors whichever you prefer. may be able to travel to you, but as they are volunteering If you have any questions, please feel free to their time, they should not be asked to travel an undue dis- contact me: Nancy Marsh Terry, [email protected], tance from their location. If you see an instructor on the 845-790-1221. Z

10 To become a NEDA member visit our website at: www.neda.org i A Tip of the Hat j NEDA Flextime Program 2012 Opening Postmark Date is February 15, 2012

January 2012 11 i The New England Dressage Association j 2012 NEDA Flextime Instructor Biographies

Jane Ashley - Windsor, VT. Jane Marie Louise Barrett – Sudbury, ty, she was in constant contact with the has performed successfully in three-day MA. Mary Louise has been a dressage best dressage riders in the world as they events, competitive trail rides, and dres- instructor for twenty-five years. She has wrote about the technical aspects of sage competitions. In dressage, she has competed in the New England region dressage. Stabling not available. trained several horses to Grand Prix through Intermediare I and is currently Beth Beukema – Rehoboth, MA. level. She has earned USDF bronze and showing two horses, both at upper lev- Beth is the Director of the Center for silver medals. In recent years she has els. Mary Louise studied for many years Equine Studies at Johnson and Wales worked principally with well-known with Sue Blinks, and now clinics with University. She holds an “R” judge’s trainer Pam Goodrich. She is a USEF Chris Hickey and Shannon Dueck. She license in Dressage. A graduate of the “r” judge. Jane teaches all levels. Her enjoys teaching amateurs, juniors and Eckart Meyners’ Balance in Motion pro- teaching focus is on the basics: devel- young riders, and is comfortable teach- gram, she incorporates these techniques oping a horse’s balance and gaits with ing at all levels. As an instructor, she into her teaching. Through mounted and emphasis on straightness and supple- focuses on finding ease with the horse unmounted exercises, efficient results ness; improving a rider’s position and through correct seat position, accuracy can be obtained in training the rider to use of seat to ensure correct and effec- of the aids, and adhering to the classic move with the horse’s oscillations and tive application of aids. Stabling may be training scale. develop harmony with the horse. Beth available. Verne Batchelder – Piermont, NH. particularly enjoys working with riders Madeleine Austin – Williston, VT. Verne approaches dressage instruction on the development of the seat and the correct use of the aids. Students may Madeleine Austin trains horses and rid- with an articulate, technical, yet com- wish to practice a dressage test and ers up to Grand Prix at her farm, passionate system. Verne transfers to his students the ability to be patient and work on portions of the test that need Imajica. From an early show jumping persistent in their training with their development. Summer is the best time and eventing background, she has been horses. He provides students with train- for availability. Stabling is not avail- a dressage professional for nearly thirty ing exercises so they are less likely to able. years. She has won USDF awards at all take it personally when all does not go Rita Brown – Scituate, MA. Rita levels, always on horses she trained from well. He is comfortable teaching riders Brown is the head trainer at the beginning. One of her strengths is of all ages and aspirations. He and his Longmeadow Farm in Scituate, Mass. the ability to teach riders how to feel family operate River House She has earned her USDF bronze, silver what is correct so as to develop a harmo- Hanoverians. They have produced five and gold medals, holds a bachelors nious partnership with their horses. She horses that have competed at Grand Prix degree of science in animal science and believes that the fundamentals of dres- and three horses that have qualified for equine studies and is a USDF certified sage will make any horse or rider better the FEI Young Horse Championships. “L” judge since 1996. Rita has helped able to enjoy and excel in whatever dis- They have imported over 200 many students earn their bronze and sil- cipline they may choose. Stabling is Hanoverians from Germany and pro- ver medals and enjoys competing her available. duced twice that amount domestically own horse as well as her horses in train- Joy Bahniuk – Harvard, MA. The from their own mares and stallions. ing. “I enjoy working with horse and owner and head trainer of Cadence Stabling is available. rider combinations that have a good Farm, Joy is a successful competitor in Beth Baumert – Columbia, CT. basis of dressage and are interested in Region 8. Joy has started horses from Beth Baumert operates Cloverlea Farm understanding how the training scale three years old and trained them up to where she trains horses and riders from will improve their overall performance the FEI levels. She has trained young Training Level through Grand Prix. She as a team.” Stabling available. riders from walk-trot to successful FEI and her husband Alan have owned the Roberta ‘Bobbi’ Carleton – riders, most notably her daughter, Mary farm for 37 years. Their daughter Salisbury, CT. Bobbi Carleton is a Bahniuk Lauritsen. Joy has coached at Jennifer Baumert operates Cloverlea USDF “L” graduate with distinction and the USEF National Equitation Finals, Dressage LLC in NC and Loxahatchee, a USDF bronze and silver medalist. She Dressage at Devon and the NAJYRC. FL. Beth is a USDF Certified instructor is the trainer and manager of Weatogue Joy holds USDF bronze and silver through Fourth Level and an “L” gradu- Stables in Salisbury, CT. The focus at medals. She enjoys working with riders ate with distinction of the USDF judging the farm is on developing dressage and of all levels and all types of horses. program. She served as the technical event horses into happy and athletic www.CadenceFarmInc.com. Stabling editor for Dressage Today magazine for and a school horse available. more than fifteen years. In that capaci- (Flextime continued to page 13) 12 To become a NEDA member visit our website at: www.neda.org i A Tip of the Hat j

(Flextime continued from page 12) Nancy Chandler-Conrey – concepts using innovative yet simple to individuals with well rounded educa- Waterboro, ME. Nancy has 35+ years understand methods. Yvonn has studied tions. Bobbi enjoys working with both experience teaching and training with a with top international instructors such as lower level riders and green horses and background in Pony Club, competitive Kyra Kyrklund who share her philoso- helping them to build their potential trail riding and dressage. She rode with phies. She teaches all levels and cre- through solid basics. She is an active Sue Jacoma and Karl Mikolka for many ates a customized training plan geared competitor, showing both her own and years and currently works with Kathy to the ability and goals of the student; clients’ horses through the FEI levels as Connelly. She is a USDF silver and gold emphasizing the importance of under- well as eventing. Stabling and lesson medalist and MDS silver, gold and plat- standing where the rider wants to go horses available. inum medalist. Nancy competes Grand with their training and why different Helen Cast – Danvers, MA. Helen Prix Dutch horse Klassic and 6 year old methods work. Stabling available. was born in Surrey, England, where she Dutch gelding Zeppo. Her approach is Leah Conathan – Duxbury, MA. apprenticed for certification with the kind and sensitive. She accepts students Leah has been teaching dressage to British Horse Society & was first intro- of all levels. Especially good with chil- adult amateurs for the last 15 years. duced to dressage by Donald Kear, a dren and adult amateurs, she fully under- Her success in teaching comes from her student of Charles deKunffy. Continuing stands the dedication and commitment ability to give her students the confi- her dressage training in the USA with required to ride and train while working a dence and skills necessary to ride and Kathy Connelly, Helen has also worked full-time job. Students may truck in to compete. Leah has a lifetime of experi- with Henk Van Bergen, Pam Goodrich, her Lyman, ME farm or she will travel. ence correctly starting young horses giv- Gary Rockwell, Karl Mikolka, Michelle School horse may be available. ing them the same confidence she Gibson, Dr Cesar Parra, Dotti Morkis, Yvonn Coleman-Larsen – Deerfield, inspires in her students. Her systematic Annemieke Vincourt, Tom Noone, Bent NH. Yvonn is a USDF certified instruc- and classical approach to riding and Jensen & Janet Foy. Helen obtained her tor and USDF L graduate. She covers 7 training is also patient and understand- gold & silver medals on two horses that states giving clinics and judging shows. ing, creating a consistent positive envi- she trained to GP in the USA; Yvonn trained and competed in ronment for both student and horse. “Nautical” & “Fig Newton”. Denmark to FEI Levels. She bases her Leah is currently competing at 4th level www.helencastdressage instruction on proven classical dressage (Flextime continued to page 14)

January 2012 13 i The New England Dressage Association j

(Flextime continued from page 13) Harry Boldt. Her students have and has trained many horses and stu- working towards her USDF silver medal achieved USDF bronze and silver dents to the FEI levels. His philosophy and is training with Kathy Von Ertfelda. medals, USDF horse of the year awards, holds that keeping a horse happy serves Students through 2nd level. Stabling is and regional championships. She enjoys as the foundation for strong development not available. working with horses and riders at any of natural athletic ability and a good Joy Congdon - Shelburne, VT. Joy level, is not breed conscious, and also work ethic. He strives to bring your horse operates her training and teaching busi- enjoys the re-hap project or difficult to its peak gymnastic development while ness, Still Point Dressage in Shelburne, horse, as she believes any horse can helping you form the close connections VT. She is a USDF certified instructor improve through the consistency of good and understanding that result in a true through fourth level, a USDF graduate dressage work. Stabling is available. partnership that is effortless and relaxed. “L” judge and a USDF bronze and silver Leslie de Grandmaison – Auburn, By focusing on the basics of correct posi- medalist. Joy was the assistant trainer to NH. For over 25 years, Leslie de tion, balance, soft and light aids, the idea Kathy Connelly for seventeen years. Grandmaison has ridden and trained that less is better, and the lighter the She enjoys working with all levels of horses for dressage and eventing. She horse gets, the more you can collect it. horses and riders, and uses a system of holds USDF bronze and silver medals, Stabling is not available. progressive exercises, with emphasis on achieved USDF “L” graduate with dis- Danielle Gavriluk – South the rider’s position to help students learn tinction, and is British Horse Society Dartmouth, MA. Danielle Gavriluk is a and have a clear program to follow on Assistant Instructor Certified. She has USDF bronze, silver and gold medalist their own. She has worked with many competed successfully at Devon and who has trained and shown many horses different breeds and enjoys seeing the won NEDA YEA Open Reserve through the FEI levels. She also benefits that dressage can bring to any Championships at Third Level in 2009 imports, trains and sells top quality horse. She is a popular clinician and placed third at Fourth Level in Hanoverians. Danielle owns and oper- throughout New England and has earned 2010. With strong emphasis on correct ates Salt Marsh Farm, a successful and many USDF and NEDA year end rider position and appropriate advance- experienced dressage facility on 50 acres awards. www.joycongdondressage.com. ment, Leslie’s balanced and systematic overlooking Buzzards Bay. Danielle Stabling not available. offers year round classical dressage teaching style creates happy, healthy Kathy Connelly – Concord, MA. training for horse and rider. Truck in and successful horse and rider teams. Available on weekdays for Flextime les- lessons are welcome and lessons are For more information and full bio, sons. Kathy is an international dressage available on our FEI schoolmaster please visit www.saltboxfarmdress.com rider, trainer and coach as well as an S “Pinot”, who is fun to ride, safe, and well A lunge horse and stabling is available. level judge. She has won national titles trained. Stabling is not available. Gretchen DeMone – Rehoboth, MA. at all the FEI levels including the US Sarah Geikie – Lebanon, CT. Sarah Gretchen is a graduate of the USDF “L” Grand Prix Championship and the US is currently a USEF S judge and FEI C Judges program, a USDF Certified World Cup. One of Kathy’s specialties judge. Sarah has her USDF bronze and instructor/Trainer, and a silver medalist. is training piaffe and passage on the silver medals. She is a USDF instructor Gretchen has trained with Kathy long lines. Her horses and students education faculty member and is certified Connelly for five years. Gretchen have competed on Olympic teams, at the through fourth level. She judges and accepts all levels of horses and riders. World Cup, the World Games and The conducts clinics throughout the country. Pan American Games, The Canadian Her students range from beginner riders Sarah's training philosophy is to present World Cup and the US Young Rider to serious competitors. She is more an educated approach to riding and train- Teams. She has acted as Chef d’Equipe interested in a student’s willingness to ing. Stressing an integrated approach in for the US Dressage Team and coached learn and the effort that is put into her teaching, she works to improve the the US Silver Medal winning YR team improving, than in the current level of rider's technique and communication in Australia in 2003. Many successful the rider. Her business is based on trav- with the horse as well as to address and international riders have trained with eling to her students in the SE MA or RI improve the horse's strengths and weak- Kathy. She also trains many amateurs area. Focusing first and foremost on ness according to the Training Scale. She and young riders. Stabling is available. correct dressage basics, she often incor- offers a positive approach that empha- Kathleen Crosby – Rockport, MA. porates natural horsemanship, jumping, sizes positive reinforcement to both horse Kathleen is a USDF bronze, silver and trail riding and galloping inter cross and rider, with the development of har- gold medalist, team bronze medalist at training program. www.gretchende- mony very important. the USOC Olympic Festival, and as a mone.com. Stabling and a schoolmaster Emily Gershberg – Hudson, NY. former rider on the USET Grand Prix is available. Emily has trained out of her family's training list was fortunate enough to be Olav Drehn – Millbrook, NY. Olav Apple Hill Farm Dressage Center, LLC, able to work with German dressage icon, achieved his Bereiter license in 1969 (Flextime continued to page 15) 14 To become a NEDA member visit our website at: www.neda.org i A Tip of the Hat j

January 2012 15 i The New England Dressage Association j

(Flextime continued from page 14) Connecticut. Ann is a professional dres- the horse. She loves to see the results of for the last 22 years. She is a USDF sage rider, trainer, and instructor. She is helping a person to sit better, getting a Certified instructor through 4th level a USDF Certified instructor and is an horse round for the first time, working and has trained and competed many examiner for the USDF Instructor on the more advance movements, or horses from training level through FEI. Certification Program. Ann has won helping with competition preparation. In 2004, she trained in Germany with numerous regional and national titles at Jane and her horse Maksymilian repre- Ulla Salzgeber. Emily enjoys working all levels of dressage, with her career sented the United States Dressage Team with students of all levels and particu- highlights including the 1987 Pan at the 2008 World Cup Finals. larly enjoys working with capable young American Games Team Silver Medal. Heidi Jo Hauri-Gill – Enfield, NH. horses. Stabling may be available. Ann competes a variety of breeds and Heidi is most fond of teaching juniors, Pamela Goodrich – Boscawen, NH. types of horses in dressage and enjoys and has had a lot of success with her USDF silver and gold medalist, Pamela teaching students of all levels. Stabling juniors at both the Region 8 Goodrich has received numerous region- is available. Riders need to sign a farm Championships and Lendon’s Youth al and national awards on over 20 horses release when they arrive. Festival. She works with AAs as well. she has trained to Grand Prix. Touch Jeanie L. Hahn – Piermont, NH. If you are struggling with connection, or Stone was USDF Grand Prix Freestyle Jeanie, along with her family, Verne, how the pyramid works, Heidi can help. Champion, Midas Touch competed in Emma and Nora Batchelder operate As a USDF “L” she can help with fine the World Games in Toronto and River House Hanoverians. A USDF tuning your performance as well. She Donnerhit won the open Grand Prix and bronze, silver and gold medalist, and trains to Fourth Level. Wellington Classic in 2010. Pam’s stu- USDF certified instructor through sec- www.firstchoiceridingacademy.com. dents have competed successfully from ond level, Jeanie has students and hors- Multiple school horses are available, Training Level to Grand Prix. They have es at all levels. She enjoys helping peo- stabling is available and there is a B&B competed in the Pan American Games, ple understand the progression and within miles from the farm. Olympic Sports Festivals, the World application of the training scale. GP Mary A. Howard –Brentwood, NH. Cup, the World Equestrian Games, and school masters are available and she Mary Howard has won numerous Horse the Olympics. She has coached riders teaches lunge lessons. Stabling is avail- of the Year titles over the past 20 years. who have won team Gold in the Pan able. She has trained and competed success- American Games, competed in World fully in Europe and was the highest Susanne Handler – Ridgefield, CT. Cup in S’Hertongenbosh, WEG, as well ranked American rider in the Prix St Susanne comes from Sweden, where as national championships in the US. Georges /Intermediare I at the 1986 she is a certified riding instructor from Stabling is sometimes available. World Championships. She was the win- the " Stroemsholm" riding academy. Lendon Gray – Bedford, New York. ner at PSG/I1 level at the Pan Am She has been a AHSA/USEF Dressage At the age of 27, Lendon started to spe- Games in 1985, and was short listed for judge since 1987, ( Large "R"). She cialize in Dressage, and began to work the 1988 Olympics. More recently, Mary has been involved in riding, training with Seldom Seen, the first of her has trained and competed Pik L to and teaching dressage for over 30 famous Dressage “ponies.” Seldom Seen Intermediare I, with many wins locally years, and has earned her bronze and was National Champion at Third and and in Florida CDIs. “She enjoys teach- silver USDF medals. She enjoys Fourth Level, Prix St. Georges, ing motivated willing riders at all levels, teaching all levels and all types of Intermediare 1 and 2, and Grand Prix. with an emphasis on position and the horses, and likes to emphasis the pos- Although Lendon rode Warmbloods in training scale.” Stabling is available. itive and fun in riding dressage, but two Olympics, the ponies hold a special Jane Karol - Concord, MA. Jane still focusing on the correct use of aids, place in her heart. She remains commit- has earned her bronze, silver and gold working towards the best "connection" ted to encouraging riders who may not USDF medals and has trained several with the most suppleness possible. have the fanciest horses or best-known horses through Grand Prix. For nearly trainers, to be the best that they can be. Jane Hannigan – Harvard, MA. twenty years, she has been training with She takes students of all ages, but is Jane has been an FEI competitor since Gerrit Claes Bierenbroodspot of Holland particularly noted for her work with she was fifteen. Her teaching revolves and currently rides intensively with Juniors, to help them develop into well- around the way a horse and rider work Kathy Connelly. She has a doctorate rounded horsemen. Lendon is happy to together bio-mechanically. She focuses degree in clinical psychology and has each any level, pre training on up. on how the Training Scale relates to the developed a clinical practice for chil- Cannot travel more than one hour from horse just started under saddle through dren and adolescents at her barn using a Bedford, NY. Stabling may be available. the FEI levels. Jane conveys a base of horse as her co-therapist (The Bear Spot School horses are not available. engineering knowledge that enhances (Flextime continued to page 18) Ann Guptill – East Haddam, the rider’s understanding of and feel for 16 To become a NEDA member visit our website at: www.neda.org i A Tip of the Hat j

January 2012 17 i The New England Dressage Association j

(Flextime continued from page 16) Volker Brommann, Tuny Page, Roel Wellington, FL from December thru Foundation for Equine Assisted Theunissen and Henk Van Bergen. April. For the past several years Bill Psychotherapy). As a teacher, Jane Jennifer believes it is important to build has studied primarily with Conrad enjoys riders of all levels and all breeds confidence in both the rider and horse. Schumacher and George Williams. This of horses. She focuses on finding a You then have your baseline to start with concentrated work with their classical teaching methodology to match the par- and can begin to work up the ladder of approach has further strengthened Bill's ticular way of learning of each horse and the levels. Stabling sometimes avail- teaching abilities and classical princi- rider combination. Stabling is available. able. ples. Bill enjoys teaching riders of all Shan Lawton – Dorchester, MA. Holly Mason – Lincoln, RI. Holly abilities and especially using gymnastic Shan Lawton is a USDF Silver Medalist Howard Mason specializes in the biome- exercises to show the rider how to pro- based at Larkspur Farm in Littleton, chanics of horse and rider. She has stud- duce a better result with their horse MA. He has trained with Karin ied with many of the modern masters of while emphasizing the importance of a Schlueter, Robert Dover, and Tom dressage and has combined her exten- correct rider position throughout. Noone. He has trained and competed sive dressage knowledge with her design Stabling not available. through the Grand Prix level. Canadian background, recently publishing “It’s Gwyneth McPherson – New Olympian Cindy Ishoy purchased Dakar Never Too Late". Her teaching is dedi- Gloucester, ME. Gwyneth is lead trainer from Shan at 6 and rode him at the cated to helping riders understand the and Director of Pineland Farms Barcelona Olympics three years later. “why” behind what we do when we ride. Equestrian Center. An FEI competitor Shan’s students have consistent records “I enjoy helping riders grasp more clear- since 1987, she has competed on six of success in competition at all levels. ly the physiological truths of humans sit- Young Riders Teams on 4 different hors- In 2009 all of his students who compet- ting on horses. This allows riders to be es, earning team gold, silver and bronze ed qualified for regional championships better problem solvers, be more effec- medals, as well as an individual gold (or, in the case of his junior rider, tive, and just have more fun”. More medal. She has also earned her USDF CADI). In 2010, his junior rider earned information about Holly Mason is avail- bronze and silver medals and many her bronze medal in one season. national titles. She has trained 3 horses able on her web site: www.dressagebyde- Stabling and a school horse is available. through Grand Prix, and has been teach- sign.com. Stabling is available. Dee Loveless – Monson, MA. Dee ing for over 20 years. Gwyneth teaches Sharon McCusker – Ashby, MA. is an USEF “R” judge; FEI trainer; with an emphasis on position, proper Sharon owns and operates dressage USDF Silver & Bronze medalist; dres- usage of the aids, and fairness to the training facility, Souhegan Farm. A suc- sage coach, Mt. Holyoke College. Dee’s horse. She enjoys working with riders of students include novice riders to FEI cessful FEI trainer and competitor for all ages and levels. She has schoolmas- competitors; young riders; A/A’s and pro- over 15 years, Sharon had the opportuni- ters 2nd Level, 3rd Level, PSG and GP. fessionals. She currently competes a ty to train with Pam Goodrich, Michael The FEI horses are available to a rider Han , I-2; Morgan, 3rd Level; 4 yr old Poulin, Carl Lavell, and Klaus who has taken at least one lesson with Han., Training Level. Dee competed in Balkenhol. In 2000, Sharon and her her. Stabling available. Pineland Farms hunt seat and eventing before specializ- horse Peter the Great were on the USET is a breeding facility. All visiting horses ing in dressage in 1990. Dee’s training long-list, and they were ranked 6th in must be vaccinated for Flu/Rhino no comes from her work with a variety of the USDF National Rankings at Grand less than 2 weeks and no more than 6 instructors, old world classicists (Major Prix. She’s also competed and earned months from their arrival. Szilagyi, Captain deSzinay) modern many national and regional titles with Patty Montana – Raynham, MA. trainers (Kathy Connelly, Mikala other horses she’s trained such as Patty is a USDF bronze and silver Gundersen, Roel Theunissen). Maestro and Weltheir. Sharon has medalist and teaches out of Kyriebrook Jennifer Mahoney-Goland – North coached three Young Riders to top plac- Farm in West Bridgewater, MA. She has Andover, MA. Jennifer is a USDF ings at the NAYRC and has helped been teaching and training for 20+ years bronze and silver medalist, FEI trainer many of her Adult Amateur students from Training Level through FEI. She and competitor. Jennifer has been earn their USDF medals. Stabling not enjoys teaching both junior riders and teaching and training for the past 20 available. amateur adults on horses and ponies, years on the north shore of Bill McMullin - Stoughton, MA. emphasizing correctness, confidence and Massachusetts. She teaches and trains Bill is a USDF certified instructor, a harmony. She has participated in the riders and horses of all levels. She has USDF silver medalist and USEF 'r' NEDA Weekend with Ralf Isselhorst brought many young horses to the FEI Judge. Since 1998 he and partner Bill and the USDF Region 8 Clinic with levels, including Grand Prix. She has Warren have been operating Warren- Walter Zettle. Training primarily with worked with several national and inter- McMullin Dressage in Massachusetts Bill Warren, she has also had the oppor- national trainers; Renate Lansburgh, from May thru November and in (Flextime continued to page 20)

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January 2012 19 i The New England Dressage Association j

(Flextime continued from page 18) his best, and enjoy doing it !". Stabling regularly rides in clinics with interna- tunity to work with Shannon Dueck, Sue and well educated school horses are tionally known Volker Bromman and Jacoma, Ron Postleb, and George available. Kathy Connell. Linda enjoys working Williams. Stabling is available. Tom Noone – Chester, NY. Tom is with riders and horses of all levels and Deborah Moynihan – Bolton, CT. an accomplished dressage rider and disciplines and focuses on learning the Deb is a USDF Certified trainer, having won National and German training scale as well as longe- instructor/Trainer (T-2), a USEA Regional Championship at every level of ing for the rider. She is very committed Certified Eventing Instructor (Level-1, dressage. He has trained more than a to the horses’ harmony and soundness. Training) and a Level IV Centered dozen horses to the Grand Prix level and 3rd level school master available. Riding Instructor/Clinician. Her spe- has competed four of them himself. He Stabling occasionally available. cialty is teaching the rider how to effec- was the US representative to the World Jodi Pearson-Keating – Hopkinton, tively use their body, learn feel, achieve Cup in 2001 in Denmark and he made MA. Jodi was a member of the 1983 balance, and properly communicate with the Nation’s Top 12 for the World Region 8 JR/YR Dressage Team that their horse. She enjoys working with all Equestrian Games in 2002 (having to won Team Gold and is a USDF bronze levels of riders and horses. A school withdraw Fresco due to illness at the and silver medalist who has competed horse is available and stabling may be final trials). He had the 1997 USDF several horses at FEI. Jodi currently available. Horse of the Year at Grand Prix. Tom trains with Christopher Hickey and Diana Mukpo – Providence, RI. does particularly enjoy teaching young Sharon McCusker and has also trained Diana Mukpo is a USDF gold medalist. riders, to both show them the classical with Walter Christiansen, Louise She was one of a few women ever admit- arts of dressage and teaching them the Nathorst, Michael Poulin, Volker ted to the foreign student program at the partnership that leads to successful Bromman,, and Sue Blinks. She has AA Spanish Riding School of Vienna. She competition riding and the horse as a and YR clients that pin consistently at then trained in Germany with Herbert happy athlete. Tom is only available on shows and often achieve placings in Rehbein. She was long listed for the weekdays for Flextime lessons. HOY and NEDA’s year end programs. 2005 Young Horse Championships and Those students who don’t show enjoy Colleen O’Connor-Dzik – Holden, is currently competing her horse Pascal their horses while getting an education MA. Colleen is a freelance dressage on the Grand Prix circuit in the north- in classical dressage. Jodi’s primary trainer and instructor who has trained east and Florida. Diana enjoys working focus is establishing the best program and competed through Grand Prix, earn- with horses and riders of all levels with for each individual horse/rider pair ing her bronze and silver medals and two focus on seat position and clear commu- keeping happiness, relaxation, and cor- nication between horse and rider. See scores shy of her Gold. Specializing in rect classical basics the priority. Dressage Daily Who’s Who for complete the training of young horses and stal- Stabling sometimes available. lions, and also excelling in training at bio. Diana trains out of Cutler Farm in Lisa Pierson – Hopewell Junction, the FEI levels, she was head trainer at Medfield, MA. Stabling is sometimes NY. Currently based at CB Walker Majestic Gaits for 7 years. Colleen was available. Stables in Brewster, N.Y., Lisa Pierson chosen to participate as demonstration Jerilyn Nieder - Jerilyn Nieder is is an FEI rider and trainer who teaches rider for NEDA Symposia with two the owner/trainer of Twin Ridge Farm in and gives clinics throughout the Metro Internationally renowned trainers, Ingrid Warner, NH. She is an "r" judge, has NY/CT area. She is a USDF certified Klimke (2007) and Christoph Hess her USEF Bronze medal and is an FEI instructor through fourth level, a USDF competitor. Jeri gives clinics around (2009) at Intermediare I and bronze and silver medalist and has won New England and enjoys teaching all Intermediare II respectively. Colleen several regional championships and levels. Having worked extensively with enjoys working with riders and horses of reserve championships. She is a contrib- Karl Mikolka and Pam Goodrich, she all levels and breeds. Stabling available. utor to Dressage Today and USDF ‘s has also been fortunate enough to ride Linda Parmenter - Hubbardston, Connection. Lisa teaches traditional with International trainer/riders such as MA. Linda has been teaching and train- dressage, using the classical training Sue Blinks , Lilo Fore, Linda Zang , ing horses and students for over twenty- pyramid. She believes success at any Carol Lavell, Lendon Gray, Jane Savoie , five years, owns Pinehaven Farm and level originates with these basics, always Cindy Sydnor and Shelly Francis. " travels throughout New England for clin- applied in an honest and positive man- Horses are the great joy and passion of ics. Linda has earned USDF bronze and ner. Her focus is on relaxation and trust my life and it is this love of the animal silver medals and has won regional and for both horse and rider, with true that forms the foundation of my personal national awards through FEI levels. throughness as the goal for every horse. philosophy on teaching people how to Training over the years with such lumi- Stabling usually available. ride. It is the knowledgeable rider who's naries as Walter Christensen, Louise mount can realize his potential, perform Nathorst, and Sue Blinks, Linda now (Flextime continued to page 21)

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January 2012 21 i The New England Dressage Association j

(Flextime continued from page 20) Claudia Tarlov – Colchester, CT. ber of the USET team that won the Team Candace Platz – Auburn, ME. An Claudia is a USDF silver medalist and Bronze for the United States at Holland. equine veterinarian and certified USDF L Graduate with Distinction. In 1996, Kathy represented the United instructor, Candace has special interest Claudia teaches at her farm and travels States at the Volvo World Cup in in improving and preserving health in to teach clinics and judge. Her emphasis Sweden. In 1997, they won the Team the dressage horse through correct, kind is building on strengths to produce a Silver Medal at the North American and effective work. Her teaching helps positive learning experience. She is championship. Currently, she trains and her students better understand them- comfortable working with horses of all competes in both New England and selves and their horses so that they can backgrounds and breeds as well as Florida. Stabling available. continue the work independently at cross-training horses from other disci- Bill Warren – Stoughton, MA. Bill home. She is a USDF bronze and silver plines to improve their performance in currently trains and teaches from medalist hoping to earn her remaining their chosen field. She recognizes the Drywater Farm in Stoughton, MA where scores at Grand Prix on a home-raised considerable effort and commitment that he and Bill McMullin operate Warren- and trained horse. Candace has studied all riders invest regardless of their level. McMullin Dressage. As a USEF "S" with Bill Warren, Cindy Sydnor, Sarah Claudia has trained her horses from pre- Judge and USDF gold medalist, Bill Geike, Michael Poulin, Heike Bean , backed through FEI, and is competing judges and teaches clinics throughout Oded Shimoni and Ruth Sarkunas, her horse, Taptoe, at fourth level and the US. He also maintains an active among others. She currently hosts clin- PSG. She is currently a student of Kathy show schedule accumulating many ics and trains with Rodrigo de Matos. Connelly in Massachusetts. regional and national awards. Bill has She teaches training level through PSG. Jessica van Eyck – Bondville, VT. studied dressage in Austria with Ernst School horse and stabling are available. Jessica currently owns Northshire Farm, Bachinger in the 1980's who is currently Charlie Porter – South Dartmouth, where she teaches and trains a combina- director of the Spanish Riding School. MA. Charlie Porter is the owner of Tin tion of competitive adult and young rid- He was also a working student for Karl Roof Farm, located in Jensen Beach, FL. ers. She has trainee and competed mul- Mikolka at Tempel Farms. In recent He spends 6 months of the year at Peak tiple horses at the FEI level and has years he has worked most closely with Rock Farm training, teaching and com- earned her USDF bronze, silver and gold George Williams and Conrad peting in the northeast. He received his medals. She is a USDF certified Schumacher. Stabling not available gold medal in 1999 while riding the Instructor through 4th level and graduat- Jan Williams – North Hatfield, MA. Oldenburg gelding Freco, by Grundstein. ed from the USDF L Program with dis- Jan, a USDF gold, silver & bronze He also received his teaching certifica- tinction. Jessica believes that through medalist, has won numerous regional tion through fourth level from USDF in correct and kind dressage training all and national awards with many horses at 1999. Charlie created and designed horses and riders can be improved and the USEF and FEI levels. Currently, Kathy Von Ertfelda’s Grand Prix freestyle can become a harmonious team. She Jan competes Conchita at Grand Prix. performed in Aachen, Germany in 1995, feels that position and aids have more Her training focus is to improve the and at the Volvo World Cup in Sweden in influence on our horses than we can rider’s communication with their horse 1996. He spent the past summer in imagine and takes pleasure in helping to in order to achieve greater success in England at Kyra Kyrklund’s farm. clarify and improve communication and the competition arena and to develop greater appreciation of their horse Stabling is available. understanding between horse and rider. (www.coyoterunfarm.com). Stabling Pat Spettel – Merrimack, NH. Pat Stabling is available. available. Spettel has trained and taught dressage Kathleen Von Ertfelda – South Samantha Williams – Holyoke, MA. for over 26 years. She has successfully Dartmouth, MA. Kathleen has ridden Samantha has been teaching and train- competed through I1, earned her USDF and trained dressage for twenty-five ing professionally for 10 years. She bronze and silver medals, along with years. She has trained six horses from enjoys working with horses and riders at winning several USDF year end awards. youngsters to Grand Prix, earning her all levels, focusing on developing a Her teaching is based on a strong use of USDF gold medal. She competed at clear, fair and effective communication imagery to help her students visualize Grand Prix nationally and international- between horse and rider and encourag- how their position affects the horse’s bal- ly from 1992 to 1999, and qualified for ing relaxation and expression through ance and way of going. This in turn the Grand Prix Championships at the levels. She was a working student develops feel to harmonize with the Gladstone each year. In 1995, Kathleen for USET rider Arlene Page and spent horse. Pat will travel within 1 hour of trained in Germany and competed for Merrimack, NH. No stabling available. USET at Aachen. She was also a mem- (Flextime continued to page 23)

22 To become a NEDA member visit our website at: www.neda.org i A Tip of the Hat j

(Flextime continued from page 22) Learning, and teaching, is a process, one Mary Howard, Linda Zang, Pam many years working and riding for vari- step at a time, so it is always fun to help Goodrich, Gary Rockwell, and many ous US professionals including travel to you take that next step! She sometimes more. She welcomes riders from all dis- Florida and Europe. Samantha has com- has a school horse available. ciplines and levels. Stabling and peted through 4-3 and earned her Jennifer Wilson-Horr – Springvale, school horse available. bronze medal. She has also ridden ME. Jennifer is a USDF bronze and sil- Cindi Rose Wylie - Georgetown, many quality horses schooling all the ver medalist and USDF certified instruc- MA. Cindi Wylie, based at Rosebrook FEI movements and has extensive expe- tor. She owns and operates Cedar Hill Farm, is a versatile instructor, working rience developing young horses. She Farm, along with her husband. Jennifer with a variety of horses and riders. currently trains with Barend Heilbron, has been a successful dressage trainer Cindi’s most recent Grand Prix horse is Bill Warren and Conrad Schumacher. with numerous regional and national Audacity, a half Morgan cross. They Stabling and school horse available. awards from training through FEI. She placed fifth in the Special at Devon. Susan Williams – Rumford, RI. was 2009 year end reserve champion, Cindi’s philosophy regarding teaching Susan has 36 years of learning, training, 2010 third, I-1 champion. She compet- focuses on helping riders achieve the teaching and competing along with ed many years as an event rider through correct balance and feel for their horse, twelve years of judging through 'R' dres- Preliminary and Intermediate. Jennifer facilitating communication between the sage. She has trained four horses to has helped many of her dressage stu- pair through the correct use and applica- Grand Prix competition. Susan enjoys dents earn their USDF medals along tion of their aids. Stabling is not avail- teaching all ages, rider/horse combina- with helping event riders improve their able and a current coggins and health tions and the many goals they aspire to. dressage scores. She has trained with certificate is required for truck ins. Z Lendon Gray Announced as 2011 Roemer Foundation/USDF Hall of Fame Inductee

Lexington, KY (October 11, 2011) - ics, the East Coast Dressage Pony Cup, and offers scholar- he United States Dressage Federation (USDF) is ships and professional development programs. Gray has Tpleased to announce that Lendon Gray will be inducted been actively involved in numerous committees within into the Roemer Foundation/USDF Hall of Fame (HOF) at USDF, the United States Equestrian Federation and the the Salute Gala and Annual Awards Banquet, on December United States Equestrian Team. Through her dedication 2, 2011, during the Adequan/USDF Annual Convention in and devoted energies in improving all riders and horses, San Diego, CA. Induction into the HOF is an honor Lendon has and continues to provide numerous opportuni- bestowed on horses and individuals that have made out- ties for others to learn and improve. standing contributions to the sport of dressage in the U.S. “Lendon has a long list of accomplishments and per- Lendon Gray has made a significant impact through haps even more impressively; a long list of accomplished many facets of the sport. As an international rider, she has students. Through her Dressage4Kids, she has inspired represented the U.S. in the Alternate Olympic Games of many others to learn more about dressage and her impact 1980, the Seoul Olympics in 1988, and the 1991 World on the discipline will be felt for years to come. The USDF Cup in Paris. Nationally, Lendon has won five gold medals is pleased to recognize Lendon for her outstanding dedica- at U.S. Olympic Festivals on five different horses of vary- tion to education and the promotion of our sport," stated ing breeds, one of whom was 2005 USDF Hall of Fame George Williams, USDF President. inductee Seldom Seen, a 14.2 hand American-bred For more information about the Roemer Thoroughbred/Connemara pony. As a teacher and instruc- Foundation/USDF Hall of Fame, visit the USDF website tor, Gray has provided an array of educational and com- or contact the USDF office at [email protected]. petitive opportunities for youth through Dressage4Kids, Founded in 1973, the United States Dressage which is Lendon’s non-profit organization that provides Federation is a nonprofit membership organization dedicat- educational and competitive opportunities for youth riders ed to education, recognition of achievement, and promotion and the adults who support them. To that end, Lendon, of dressage. For more information about USDF member- through Dressage4Kids operates the Youth Dressage ship or programs, visit www.usdf.org, e-mail Festival, weekend educational programs, pony-only clin- [email protected], or call (859) 971-2277. Z

January 2012 23 i The New England Dressage Association j My Ride With Kyra Reflections from an Amateur Rider

B BY ROBIN TROY b hat a surprise to receive a phone and correctness of seat and aides. Even Wmessage from coordinator, if you never have the opportunity to Jennifer Dillon, inviting me to be a ride a Grand Prix horse, one should demo rider with Kyra Kyrklund, in the still envision this goal. d NEDA Fall Symposium! Not negating l Saturday morning. The buses were a n the fact that I sent in my application o rolling in. Secret, fed, groomed and D c under the pretext – I’ll never be picked a braided, I walked her over to the arena M

e – seventy plus applicants later. And if l to expose her to the vendor booths, ban- o r you’re wondering, so, what’s the big a C ners, and crowd. It was very heart-

y b deal…well, for this First/Second Level warming to see so many familiar faces, o t rider – this was huge, very exciting, and o h and receive words of encouragement I felt - an honor. p Robin Troy and Secret with Kyra Kyrklund. from friends. I had this inner fear that I There were many emails, forms, was going to be put on the lunge line – and liability wavers to be signed – Finnish accent, “Well, practice makes not that we can’t benefit from this exer- including a visit from my vet to update perfect.” I thought about one of my cise, but I half expected it, especially vaccinations. When I saw the initial favorite quotes from Kyra’s book, when Kyra attached two grab straps to rider line-up, which included FEI rid- Dressage with Kyra, “If you always do the D rings on my saddle. I was pleas- ers I knew and respected, I thought, what you always did, you’ll always get antly surprised this was not to be. yikes! I am the only non-professional. I what you always got. If you are not Surprisingly I was not nervous. I just think I can speak for many of us who happy with what you are getting, you focused on Secret warming up, listened make up NEDA. The fact is, we are a have to change what you are doing.” to snatches of conversation from the majority of middle-aged, predominantly Later we all had lunch together, audience, and Kyra’s intro and her focal female riders, who have homegrown or and she announced her final rider point, my seat. rescued horses, between Training and selection. I was not to ride Sunday. Her Sitting trot has never been an issue Second Level. And as I was to learn, I goal for me was to work on seat, and the for me. So, to have difficulty with it on had been chosen to represent this very this horse was quite disconcerting. I sector with my little, painted quarter ... regardless of your level have tried various exercises, including horse called “Secret.” Wow! or experience, all riding shares holding the pommel of the saddle in an There were approximately 15 semi- the same foundation and cor- effort to not bounce about. With Kyra, I finalists who traveled down to UMass rectness of seat and aides. was instantly amazed at the difference on Thursday night. We were to ride in Even if you never have the between holding the grab strap and rein front of Kyra on Friday morning. It was opportunity to ride a Grand with the outside hand – a very subtle very casual, and after a brief introduc- change, but allowing me to keep the tion, she instructed us to ride, as we Prix horse, one should still correct hand position, and elbows at my would warm up at home. Secret, was envision this goal. side which was emphasized throughout well behaved and willing in her new the clinic. Kyra stressed using the rein environment. I just trotted and can- sitting trot in particular, which she for placement, flexion, turning and tered, combining a little lateral work pointed out - just needed “kilometers.” stopping – to help guide the horse in and suppling. Other pairs passaged and She explained that in demonstrating her whatever direction, nothing more. pirouetted by us – interesting. training method, she wanted to start The bulk of my lesson was spent on with Grand Prix – the ultimate goal, Kyra asked me to sit the trot. Not a circle. I learned that what I always then jump back to the basics (me) and very pretty on bouncy, short-coupled did (squeezing) had not gotten what I work forward up the levels. Her point; pony, and is my main obstacle to always wanted (beautiful sitting trot). regardless of your level or experience, advancing to Second Level. I laughed, Squeezing my thighs had accomplished all riding shares the same foundation she laughed and said in her distinct (Robin Troy continued to page 25)

24 To become a NEDA member visit our website at: www.neda.org i A Tip of the Hat j NEDA Wants You!

B BY DEBBIE CARR-KIRK b Dear Dressage Enthusiast: become part of the team that runs an event. There am on the hunt for a few key individuals with is always a need for newcomers in the field. Ian interest in helping NEDA create a few trav- NEDA would like the workshops to be a fun eling workshops to help people learn more about experience combined with an educational opportu- the opportunities to support the sport of dres- nity for potential volunteers. And, no, you won’t sage and to be part of the growth of dressage in have to be a NEDA member to participate. our region. Before we can put any workshops I’m envisioning one-day workshops that together, we need to find a few people to will teach newcomers to the sport of dressage help create and run these workshops. Do some of the basics such as how to fill out an you have time, ideas, expertise and skills entry form, with insight into what other in this area? Do you have access to requirements(such as what organizations classrooms or conference rooms you may need to join before the compe- where workshops might be able to titions begin) are necessary to pursue take place? Would your GMO or your interest in dressage. We’d also your farm be interested in host- like to create a fun experience for ing such a workshop? dressage enthusiasts who want to I’m hoping that this is an opportuni- know more about the “behind the ty for NEDA and other GMOs in the region to sport” aspects of dressage. work together to create a volunteer work force that As with most equestrian disciplines will help all of us host better competitions that in America, dressage runs on Volunteer Power. will be fun for competitors and volunteers alike. That means that every competition and every Please send an email ([email protected]) or give a GMO in the region is looking for volunteers to scribe, stew- call (508-539-3534) if you’d like to get involved. Thanks ard, score, help with sponsorship and possibly/eventually so much! I’ll look forward to hearing from you. Z

(Robin Troy continued from page 24) feel the beat of the gait before Secret Kyra’s sense of humor and guid- nothing more than pushing me out of struck into it. We were walking, and ance was very reassuring, often adding the saddle. “Concentrate and relax your then we were cantering, soft and lovely. playful comments that evoked laughter entire leg. Ride the back and stomach It truly was teamwork of dance. My only from the crowd. And remembering that of the horse,” Kyra said. I had always regret was I did not ask her about the practice makes perfect, Kyra stressed visualized riding the hind end and legs, aides for canter-walk. It is something that riding is more about the communi- but the concept of the horse’s back as we hadn’t done before, and we were not cation with the horse than perfection of the bridge formed a new meaning to successful in this transition during the the horse’s movement. “If we have one, me, and I envisioned us suspended like symposium. the other will follow.” Applause. Thank a marionette, Secret’s legs dangling We made mistakes, but we had you, Kyra. below, soft and reaching. I could feel some lovely moments. I realized that in Afterwards, I was surprisingly her increasingly step up under herself, the past I had prohibited my horse from inundated by several groups of NEDA lifting in her shoulder, and as she did I carrying herself. Now when she does, it members who said how much they found that magic “spot,” that place of is very possible to sit with her. And enjoyed my ride - it was something they suspension and balance – the still OK, as Kyra says, to “bounce a bit.” I could really relate to – those of us who point, ironically the name chosen by my really enjoyed her image of the seat as slug it out at the lower levels. I’m wonderful trainer, Joy Congdon for her a cushion, and the horse a balloon, not embarrassed to say I felt like a celebri- business, Still Point Dressage. a tube of toothpaste. The rider is to ty with my little cow pony, especially When I asked about the aides for keep her upper body weight down into with the amazing lineup of riders and walk-canter, Kyra said, “Think canter the back of the saddle, “…allow your the gorgeous horses at the symposium in the walk - one, two, three.” I could horse to do the job.” (Robin Troy continued to page 27)

January 2012 25 i The New England Dressage Association j USDF Founder, Lowell Boomer Dies at One-Hundred

. Lowell Boomer of of Dressage.” The Dressage Foundation’s national head- GLincoln, Nebraska, quarters is permanently anchored in Lincoln. He has won died Sunday, November 20, an extensive array of equestrian honors throughout his life- 2011. Lowell was born on time. He was the first inductee into the USDF Hall of October 12, 1911, in Fame, and has received the USEF (United States Burwell, Nebraska, to Equestrian Federation) Lifetime Achievement award. The George R., and Grace Y. Chronicle of the Horse named Lowell as “one of the 50 Boomer. Lowell graduated most influential horsemen of the 20th century worldwide.” Lincoln High School, and Lowell Boomer was an active, lifetime member of the attended the University of The Chronicle of the Lincoln Downtown Sertoma Club, and was involved with Nebraska School of Music, Sertoma’s sponsorship of Cedars Home for Children when it Horse named Lowell as Lincoln. While in High was founded in 1947. “one of the 50 most School, he won first place Lowell is survived by son John and wife Lynn, Lincoln, influential horsemen on the clarinet in a Lincoln NE; Son Jim, Ft Wayne, IN; three grandsons John Boomer, of the 20th century Music contest playing jr., David Boomer, Mark Boomer; two grand daughters Beth worldwide.” “Concertino” by Weber. He Bivins and husband Mike, and Melissa Kleber and husband then went on to win the Robert; Three great grandsons Adam and Benjamin contests at the State, Boomer, Adam Kleber. Lowell was preceded in death by his Regional and National levels. He played clarinet for many wife Gladys, his parents, three brothers and one sister, and years in the Lincoln Municipal Band summer concert series daughter-in-law, Lois. He leaves many nieces and in Lincoln, alongside his wife, Gladys who played trumpet. nephews, friends and former horsemanship students. Lowell studied printing while in Junior High School, The family suggests Memorials to The Dressage and started a letter shop with a mimeograph and multigraph Foundation, 1314 ‘O’ Street, Suite 305, Lincoln, NE 68508 machine in his mother’s Teachers Employment Agency. It and/or Cedars Home for Children, 6601 Pioneers Blvd, grew to become Boomer’s Printing Company, which Lowell Lincoln, NE, 68506. would head as President for the next eighty years, at which Private family burial of cremains, Wyuka Cemetery. A time he sold the company to its employees. “Celebration of Life” Memorial Service was held on His avocation has been a lifetime love of horses, and he Tuesday, November 29, 2011 at the Roper & Sons became internationally renowned in the equestrian world. Mortuary, 4300 ‘O’ Street, Lincoln NE, 68510. He was the founder of The United States Dressage Arrangements by Roper and Sons Funeral Services. Federation (USDF) in Lincoln in 1973, and served for six- Condolences or personal reflections may be left at teen years as its Chief Executive Officer. Today, USDF is www.roperandsons.com. Z headquartered in the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, with over 30,000 members nationally. In 1989, he estab- lished The Dressage Foundation in Lincoln, Nebraska “to cultivate and provide financial support for the advancement NEDA IS LOOKING FOR MORE VENUES TO HOLD EVENTS For a symposium, we are looking for a facil- ity that can hold 300-600 people (does not have to have its own seating), and parking. Please get in touch with Angela Prenosil if you have or know of a facility like this. Angela Prenosil | 413-627-2699 e-mail: [email protected]

26 To become a NEDA member visit our website at: www.neda.org i A Tip of the Hat j Elysium Farm Creates New Grant Fund for Breeders at The Dressage Foundation

B BY MELISSA FILIPI, THE DRESSAGE FOUNDATION b September 6, 2011 - “Abbey had a vision and a passion for helping breed- he Dressage Foundation announced today that a new ers in the United States," said Melissa Filipi, Tfund has been established to help support breeding Development Director for The Dressage Foundation. "She programs in the United States. The Fund provides finan- took the first step by contacting the Foundation, and work- cial assistance to breeders to pursue educational opportu- ing with us to see this dream become a reality. Thanks to nities related to breeding that will advance their careers, Abbey, Elysium Farm and this Fund, U.S. breeders will promote sound breeding practices and further enhance the have the financial assistance needed to excel in their pro- quality of U.S.-bred dressage horses. fessional endeavors.” “I wanted to do something to support breeders in the Application and donation information for the Elysium United States ever since I found my ‘perfect’ horse, a Farm Fund for U.S. Breeder Excellence is available at The locally-bred Dutch Warmblood. From that experience, Dressage Foundation website, www.dressagefoundation.org, among others, I gained a better understanding of the chal- and the Elysium Farm website, www.elysiumdressage.net. lenges facing breeders in this country. I learned how seri- For more information about The Dressage Foundation, ous many of them are about improving the quality of U.S.- please contact Melissa Filipi at (402) 434-8585 or visit bred horses,” said Abbey Henderson, of Elysium Farm. www.dressagefoundation.org. The Elysium Farm Fund for U.S. Breeder Excellence The Dressage Foundation is a 501(c)(3), non-profit, at The Dressage Foundation will begin making grants in tax-exempt, donor-driven organization that is dedicated to 2012. Completed applications are due no later than May supporting and advancing the sport of dressage. The 1st for consideration. Maximum grants of $1,000 per year organization solicits contributions, appropriately allocates for programs held in the United States and $5,000 per the donations, and awards grants and scholarships to dres- year for programs held overseas are available. Additional sage riders of all ages and levels. For more information, funds may be available in future years, as donations please visit www.dressagefoundation.org. Z increase the fund balance.

(Robin Troy continued from page 25) Medal with her. Grand Prix horse? to watch. But, I truly appreciated the Probably not. But, I'm loving the jour- sentiments, and empathize with those ney, and I’d think Kyra would like to of us who also balance family, job and finances with lessons and stall muck- know that some of us “amateurs” do ing. To follow our passion; to dance imagine ourselves in shadbellies pas- with our horse. saging down the centerline. The night of the banquet, I had I’d like to personally thank the honor to personally speak with NEDA, Jennifer Dillon, and rider liai- Kyra. She was very complimentary son, Alison Yama, for smoothly and and happy to autograph my book. She efficiently organizing such a wonderful said, “…you are a star because you symposium despite the weather com- are open to learn it.” A special gift I plications. To Ovation Equestrian for have brought back from the sympo- the really cool and comfortable show sium. But, a more important gift I helmet (I’ll no longer need to wear a learned was to really trust my horse. helmet cover at shows). To Dark Horse Not in the sense that she will behave and listen – but, to trust her capabili- Chocolates for the dark chocolate cov- ties. Because of her breeding, age, ered almond butter crunch, which and her lack of formal training I never sadly I consumed much to quickly. thought we’d go beyond First Level. And finally, to my cherished mare, My goal now is to get my Bronze Secret. Z

January 2012 27 i The New England Dressage Association j

Letters . . . Thank You, NEDA!

Dear Tip of the Hat, iding with Kyra Kyrklund was a wonderful finish to a Rgreat season for my mare DeJure and me. I had been urged to apply by my coach, Kathy Connelly, and was very excited to get the nod from the selection committee to ride d l in the Symposium. a n o I must say, the organizers had their hands more than D c a full to get this Symposium to happen. Most of them were M e l without power from the snow storm that devastated parts of o r a New England, including the Hadley, MA area where the C y b

Symposium was held. The riders and horses were comfort- o t o able with the set up, and we were delighted to receive fabu- h p Mellissa Bilodeau and Versace. lous helmets from Ovation. Another nice surprise was a bag of Harbor Sweets chocolates that we all found in our recently had the pleasure of riding in the NEDA Fall tack area. I am a wicked chocolate snob, these are fantas- ISymposium with Kyra Kyrklund. I have to admit with all tic chocolates, as I’m sure all NEDA members know by the planning that it took and to take the time from my now! everyday business, as time went on made me skeptical if it I have attended many of these symposiums over the was all going to be worth it. Well it turned out to be a won- years, NEDA, USDF and smaller local ones as well. I can derful experience, one that I would do again immediately. honestly say that this was one of the most informative ones The clinic was amazingly organized, planned and I have ever been to. Not just for me, but for all levels of attended. I felt like I got to reconnect with old friends and riders. Kyra wanted to give a few simple but profound made new ones. I can’t thank everyone enough who helped adjustments to horses and riders to improve throughness, put it all together! I wish to thank Ovation and Dark Horse and ultimately collection. Chocolates as your gifts made me feel appreciated. For me, I found that many of her ideas and terms were I unfortunately only got to ride one day and like every- similar to my own. While I am always happy to be intro- one, I am sure, would have ridden for 10 days. But I feel so duced to new concepts, it was very helpful to clarify and fortunate to have Versace and to have been so lucky to have confirm things that I work on all the time. For example, been chosen to even attend. Kyra gave me such a positive think of lifting the belly instead of the usual reference to attitude towards training and teaching. I loved her patience raising the back. with every horse and rider. I have always felt that I also loved to watch Kyra ride some of the horses. “patience” is so important. Horses want to please us. We need to teach them what we want and to give them the time to understand so they can please us. Too many people think they can just get on and ask for something and the horse should just do it correctly or he is just being ‘resistant” or ‘naughty.” Nine times out of ten this is not the case. When teaching students they also need to understand and we need d l to have patience for the outcome to be positive. I think Kyra a n o

did this with each and every horse and rider! D c a M

Thank you Kyra for your input and guidance. It will e l o stick with me through out the rest of my years with training r a C Versace, Comcord and hopefully many other happy horses y b

Z o and clients. t o h

— Mellissa Bilodeau p Tanya Rennie and DeJure.

28 To become a NEDA member visit our website at: www.neda.org i A Tip of the Hat j

ManyLetters of us are . visual. . learners, and it was great to have her talk through what she was doing while she rode the horse. Because I had to ride, and therefore get ready, I missed some of the rides. It was hard to tear myself away! I would like to thank NEDA and the sponsors for put- ting on these educational events. I would especially like to thank Alison Yama and Jennifer Dillon for all they did to help us understand the process, and feel so welcome and comfortable at Hadley Farm. Being the organizer is noth- ing but hard work and they did a great job. I was very happy to be able to participate. Z Sincerely, — Tanya Rennie Vienna Farm, Gorham, Maine

would very much like to thank everyone involved in the INEDA Fall Symposium for including Farleight and I as a demo combination for the Kyra Kyrklund clinic. I found Kyra’s tailored approach to improving each individual horse/rider combination extremely helpful. Her theories and practical exercises for assisting the horses to find greater degrees of collection in all three gates have been very helpful for Farleight and I as we try to move closer to grand prix, and her progressive approach has been equally helpful and applicable to all of my other equine partners at home. I must also thank the other horses and riders, as hav- ing the opportunity to observe their rides provided invalu- able training insights. In addition to Kyra’s great work at the symposium, I also enjoyed her talk at the banquet. Her discussion of the trials and tribulations that befell her and her horses at several Olympic games was an eye opening commentary about the uncertainties of realizing an Olympic dream. The entire symposium/banquet weekend was a great experience, and I wish to thank all of the many NEDA volunteers that made the event, and so many others over the years, a success. Thank you to Dark Horse Chocolates for leaving bags of delicious candy by our stalls and to Ovation for their generous donation of helmets to all the demo riders. And lastly, a big thank you to Kyra for being flexible in her symposium plan in order to provide the most constructive guidance toward the training success of both the horses and riders before her. Z Thank you so much, — Nora Batchelder

January 2012 29 i The New England Dressage Association j 2012 NEDA Calendar of Events B VISIT WWW.NEDA.ORG FOR MORE INFO b January 15 - February 18, 9:00 PM September 13 / 14 / 15 / 16 NEDA STALLION AUCTION Great American Insurance Group/ United States Dressage Federation Contact: Tammy Paparella at 978-422-2324 or REGION 8 DRESSAGE CHAMPIONSHIP QUALIFYING [email protected] COMPETITION AND FINALS CLASSES February 15 Breeders Championship New England Series NEDA FLEXTIME INSTRUCTORS PROGRAM BEGINS presented by New England Dressage Association Contact: Nancy Terry 845-790-1221 or FALL FESTIVAL OF DRESSAGE [email protected] CDI-W Y/J SAUGERTIES & USEF HIGH April 1 PERFORMANCE QUALIFIER NEDA SPRING SCHOLARSHIP DEADLINE HITS on the Hudson, Saugerties NY Scholarship Application is available on-line at www.neda.org. Contact: Show Secretary Debra Reinhardt at 203-264-2148 or Contact: Sue Edelen at 978-356-8704 or [email protected] [email protected] Show Manager: Beth Jenkins at 508-655-6490 or April 27 - 29 NEDA SPRING SYMPOSIUM WITH MICHAEL POULIN [email protected] & CAROL LAVELL September 14 (eve), 15 & 16 Apple Knoll Farm, Millis, MA NEDA/USDF LEARNER JUDGES PROGRAM PART II Contact: Linda Mendenhall at 978-448-0066 or Final Exam @ NEDA FF: Testing sessions for candidates. [email protected] Closed sessions. May 6 Contact: Sally Davenport at 781-378-1881 or THE FARM SCHOOLING SHOW [email protected] Tewksbury, MA Contact: Diana Lane 781-662-2373 or DEADLINE SUBMISSION FOR NEDA YEAR END Competition/[email protected] AWARDS - TBA May 12 & 13 Contact: Karin Swanfeldt at 978-855-4683 or NEDA SPRING SHOW [email protected] Marshfield Fair Grounds, Marshfield, MA Linda Mendenhall at 508-527-4946 or [email protected] Contact: Show Secretary Sue McKeown at 508-459-9209 or October 1 [email protected] NEDA FALL SCHOLARSHIP AND ANN VILLANI Show Manager Paul Cormier at 508-995-5988 or MEMORIAL AWARD DEADLINE [email protected] Scholarship Applications available on-line at www.neda.org. May 12 & 13 NEDA/USDF LEARNER JUDGES PROGRAM PART II Contact: Sue Edelen at 978-356-8704 or [email protected] Session D-1 @ NEDA Spring Show: Evaluation and Testing NEDA FALL WEEKEND - TBA sessions for candidates. Closed sessions. Contact: Jennifer Dillon at [email protected] Contact: Sally Davenport at 781-378-1881or Check the web site for updates! www.neda.org [email protected] NEDA YEAR END CELEBRATION AND AWARDS July 14 & 15 NEDA/USDF LEARNER JUDGES PROGRAM PART II BANQUET - TBA Session D-2 @ King Oak Farm: Evaluation and Testing ses- Contact: Karin Swanfeldt at 978-855-4683 or sions for candidates. Closed sessions. [email protected] Contact: Sally Davenport at 781-378-1881 or Nov 8 – 11 [email protected] NEDA AT EQUINE AFFAIRE July 31 - August 4 Contact: Karin Swanfeldt at 978-855-4683 or CHILDREN OF THE AMERICAS DRESSAGE INVITATIONAL [email protected] Bear Spot Farm Concord, MA. Nov 30 Info @ www.bearspotcadi.com DEADLINE FOR 2013 NEDA EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT Contact: Cathy Zemaitis at 978-257-0567 or Contact: Debra Carr-Kirk at 508-539-3534 or [email protected] [email protected] August 5 THE FARM SCHOOLING SHOW, TEWKSBURY, MA Contact: Diana Lane 781-662-2373 or Carole Competition/[email protected] August 15 MacDonald DEADLINE TO JOIN NEDA TO PARTICIPATE IN 2012 n n n n NEDA YEAR END AWARDS Equine Photography Join on- line at www.neda.org, click the membership tab. Official Photographer for the September 13 & 14 GREAT AMERICAN/USDF NEW ENGLAND BREEDERS New England Dressage Association CHAMPIONSHIPS SERIES QUALIFIER & FINAL, PRE- [email protected] SENTED AT NEDA FALL FESTIVAL, $5,400 STALLION www.carolemacdonald-photos.com AUCTION FUTURITY, $2,400 BORN IN AMERICA PURSE & $2,100 NEDA SPORTHORSE SWEEPSTAKES 1 bowman ln. | westboro, ma 01581 | 508.366.7886 Contact: See Fall Festival information top right

30 To become a NEDA member visit our website at: www.neda.org i A Tip of the Hat j

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NEDA Education Outreach The NEDA Education Outreach program has been devel- oped by the Education Committee in an effort to address the membership's request for more clinics, including riding and auditing opportunities for dressage enthusiasts of all levels. Since it is nearly impossible for NEDA to organize clinics that would be equally accessible to its almost 2,000 members across 7 states, NEDA is introducing the Education Outreach Program to fill that gap. At present, the Outreach program offers Tier I - Advertising assistance to any NEDA member organizing a clinic (non- profit groups are exempt from required membership). Advertising opportunities will be given to help promote your event in exchange for auditing (and sometimes rid- ing) discounts for NEDA members at the clinic. Plans for two more tiers offering financial grants and organizing partnerships with NEDA are being considered and details of those will be announced later this year. If interested in complete details, please contact Angela Prenosil, Education Coordinator, at [email protected] or visit the NEDA website. Advertising Rates for NEDA’s “A Tip of the Hat” “TIP OF THE HAT” ADVERTISING RATES Member Non-Member

1 •Full Page - 7 ⁄2"w x 10"h ...... $250 ...... $300

1 •Half Page - 7 ⁄2"w x 5"h ...... $150 ...... $175

1 •1/4 Page - 3 ⁄2"w x 5"h ...... $100 ...... $125

1 •Business Card - 3 ⁄2"w x 2"h ...... $50 ...... $65 •Classified Ads - $2 for every 30 characters ($10 minimum per month) *Classified Ads must be supplied electronically via e-mail, in plain text (.txt) or Microsoft Word (.doc) • Submit display ads and photos on disk in Quark XPress, TIF or EPS format. Or email with hi-res pdf or jpg files. All images must be 300dpi. NO MS WORD DOCS ACCEPTED. *An add’l $5.00 will incur if ad is not supplied to our specs VOLUME DISCOUNT: 3 months – 10% • 6 months – 15% • 12 months – 25% (Combined discounts not to exceed 25%. All ads to be paid in advance to qualify for the discount)

January 2012 31 NON-PROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 444 SPRINGFIELD, MA

6 Pratt’s Junction Rd. Sterling, MA 01564 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

NEDA is a USDF member and all GMO members are automatically USDF Group Members

of the New England Dressage z The mission Association is to and the promote support Happy New Year! and to the Art Sport of Dressage equestrian community for the purpose of January Tip Highlights and What’s Inside fostering individual collective 2012 Stallion Auction - pg. 1 by providing leadership, education, growth h exhibitions, publications, competitions; and 2011 USDF Convention - pg. 6 to greater public , h enhance awareness 2012 Flextime Program – pg. 10 , and for the h understanding appreciation “My Ride with Kyra” – pg. 24 of . g discipline Dressage and more...