The President S Message

Collective Marks September 2006

The newsletter of the Virginia Dressage Association

Central Chapter

FROM THE PRESIDENT:

When I lived in Milpitas, California, I used to go on regular trail rides in a huge county park next door to the stable where I kept my horse. I had a riding buddy named Liz, and we had a ritual. On every trail ride, at some scenic overlook, one of us would exclaim, “Aren’t we lucky??!” and the other would respond, “We are SO lucky!” I find myself thinking that same thought here lately, with regard to the abundance of clinics and dressage competitions in this area. Jane Walker reminded me this week that it didn’t use to be like this just a few years ago. But now one could do something dressage-related just about every weekend from spring through fall. I had the privilege of scribing with judge Nancy Lowey in our fix-a-test clinic, and I learned a lot from my front row seat as she coached each rider. I’m looking forward to the “Riding to Music” clinic with Michael Matson tomorrow. If my young horse Zephyr were far enough along in his training, I would ride in this clinic, but I’ll be auditing instead. The VADAF chapter invited our members to their bus trip to Dressage at Devon in September. If I didn’t have to work, I would be going! I did get to ride Zephyr several times last month with other clinicians. Being a back-yard horsewoman without a riding arena, I’ve been using monthly clinics with Catherine Sutton to help me bring Zephyr along. I also always enjoy riding with Nicole Zoet, who lives in Europe and was here recently on a visit. Nicole is something of a horse communicator and works a lot with the horse and rider’s energy and interaction – subjects that I don’t consciously think about when I’m riding on my own. The 2006 dressage show season is heading into its final push. For those of you who show, there are still some opportunities to earn scores toward year-end awards at every level, so check the calendar of events. We are already starting to plan the VADACC annual awards banquet in January. I also want to remind you about our chapter scholarship program. If you have put in eight volunteer hours supporting chapter events, you can apply for a scholarship of up to $50.00 to use toward your dressage education. Enjoy the wealth!

VADACC Teleconference Board Meeting

Monday,VADACC September MEETINGS 11 @ 6:30 pm

Dial 978-964-0031 Enter the pin code of: 7803562# Wait for the moderator to start the meeting

GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING: W. ZETTL FILM FESTIVAL

Friday September 22 @ 7:00 pm J.Walker’s house Pot luck dessert soiree! 3322 Wood Brook Lane Glen Allen, VA 23059 (804) 515-0517 [email protected] Virginia Dressage Association – Central Chapter

2006 Officers

President: Capri Winser VADA-CC Board 804.883.7582 Alternate 804.769.1115 [email protected] Anne Draine

First Vice President Lynn Whiteside-Jones State Representatives: 804. 541.1857 804.449.6030 Alison Douglas 804.883.7582 [email protected] Capri Winser 804.449.6030 Lynn Whiteside-Jones Second Vice President

Secretary: Mary Shipman Other Contacts: 804.769.8647 Junior/Young Rider

Treasurer: Alison Douglas 804.541.1857 [email protected]

Newsletter Editor: Karen Bell 804.339.5927 [email protected]

GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

**VADACC MEMBERSHIP EXPIRATION: NOVEMBER 30** SEND IN YOUR 2007 MEMBERSHIP FORM TO MARY SHIPMAN

** Aria Farm Schooling Show Prize list will be sent separately**

IT TRULY IS AN HONOR JUST TO BE NOMINATED!!

Once again its time to submit nominations for the SHEL GAFFORD MEMORIAL AWARD for EXCELLENCE IN SPORTSMANSHIP. Please take a few minutes to think about your friends and fellow VADA members. There are surely several who exhibit the qualities of good sportsmanship. If you know someone who is always willing to help a fellow competitor; who cares more for their horse’s welfare than for winning a trophy; and/or who values the judges’ criticisms rather than complaining about them, because they really want to improve their riding. These are people who deserve to be recognized for the fine example they set for us all. Please take a few minutes to send in a nomination. Your prose doesn’t have to be worthy of a Pulitzer, just honest and to the point. Remember there’s a 200 word limit on all nominations, (this is already 144 words long not counting the title!) so it shouldn’t take you long at all. If you value sportsmanlike behavior, and if you’re tired of cut-throat competition, then please recognize those you know who uplift our sport. We need to honor those of our members who bring honor to our sport. Please take the time! It would be a sad commentary if we had no members worthy of nomination! Email your nominations to [email protected] , or fax them to 804-994-0268 (press send button as soon as the machine message starts), or snail mail them to: Louise West 29400 Secretariat Rd. Ruther Glen, VA 225436-4128 September 15, 2006 is the stated deadline for nominations, but there is some “wiggle room”. Call or email me if you need more time. (My phone and fax numbers are the same.) 2 Tidbits from the 7/29/06 Fix-A-Test Clinic with “L” judge Nancy Lowey

Nancy emphasized that dressage is about riding with feel. “I put my brain in my seat,” she said repeatedly. “With the back of my seat I feel whether the hind legs are coming under, and with the front of my seat I feel if the withers are coming up.” What you have in front of you is what you have behind. If the horse is resisting the bit and above the bit, his hindquarters are usually trailing out behind, not coming under. If the horse is soft and round in front, he is usually well engaged and coming under behind. To ask the horse to supple his jaw and give to the bit, Nancy showed riders how to play with the bit (slide it gently left and right in the horse’s mouth, or maybe shake the rein gently). When the horse gives to the bit, give him a place to hang his head by giving forward with the hands. Regarding communicating with your horse through the aids, Nancy talked about the “knock-knock” rule. Ask first with a quiet aid. If you don’t get a response, knock harder (use stronger aids). If you still don’t get a response, use even stronger aids and get the horse’s attention and get a response. For a horse that is behind the leg, Nancy advised not to nag with the aids. If the horse is dull and unresponsive to the rider’s leg, whomp them with both legs. If necessary, do a double whomp or even a triple whomp. To keep your horse straight on the centerline and into and out of the halt, Nancy taught riders to feel which way the horse wants to drift and control the horse’s shoulders using their thigh and knee. She called this the adducting aid (to adduct a limb is to move it laterally toward the body’s centerline). Nancy demonstrated the effect from the ground by pushing on the horse’s shoulder from the side. The horse responded by unweighting that foreleg and moving it inward. She then stood several meters directly in front of the horse and rider and asked them to move from a halt to a walk, and feel whether the horse moved off straight, or fell out to one side or the others with the shoulders. If the horse fell out, she had the rider repeat the halt-walk transition, using their knees and thighs to control the horse’s shoulders and keep them from falling out. Nancy said that the adducting aid is also used to create bend by combining it with the inside lower leg at the girth to engage the inside hind leg (have it step under and toward the horse’s midline). You turn the horse with your body, she said, not with the inside rein. On circles, alternate the turning and engaging aids to create bend with your body. The adducting aid is given when the horse’s outside shoulder is back (just before it leaves the ground), and it tells the horse to move its outside foreleg inward as it steps forward. The engaging aid is given just before the inside hind leaves the ground. She had riders practice the timing of the aids on a circle at the walk, and then again at the trot. In the trot, every time you sit, bring your outside shoulder forward. This automatically engages your outside thigh and knee in the shoulder-turning aid. To show riders how to half halt with their body, Nancy pulled back on their belt and had them resist her pull. That, she said, is what you need to do with your body when you half-halt. In rising trot, half-halt when seated, engage with the lower leg aid when rising. In canter, study the mane, and half-halt when the mane is up. To create more jump, use leg and possibly spur when the mane is down and front legs are on the ground to lift the forehand and increase the quickness of the stride. Want the front legs to be quick off the ground. To prepare your horse for the canter transition, sit up straight with your shoulders down and back. (Some riders lean forward anticipating the transition, and this puts the horse on the forehand instead of allowing the horse to sit behind and jump up into the canter.) Squeeze with both legs to prepare horse, then squeeze with inside leg while brushing outside leg back and lift horse into canter by lifting your ribcage and perhaps the inside seatbone.

Sandy Monolo practices bending her Morgan mare, Green Bay Yours Truly, with her body as clinician Nancy Lowey looks on.

3 Gail Markey enjoying an expressive canter with her Arabian mare, Mi Royal Rebekah.

Introducing…VADACC MEMBER SPOTLIGHT- Monica Rivera

1. How old were you when you started riding? 8

2. Did you start out riding dressage? No. I started out riding hunter and a little western.

3. If not, what got you interested in this discipline? I saw my instructor, Anne Draine, ride in local dressage show and I was inspired. I was also inspired by Tracy Spinelli and Allison Douglas who came to Anne for lessons. Then I got the opportunity to ride Byron Childress's Morgan at the Old Dominion Morgan Horse Show. I rode his horse, Roxy, in both hunter and dressage. I did pretty well for my first time out and that got me hooked on dressage.

4. What was your most memorable riding experience? When Buddy and I won our Training 1 test at the State 4-H show with a score of 71%.

5. What was your most embarrassing or humorous story regarding horses? Buddy can be a little unpredictable. The first time that I had to jump off of him at a show, I was very embarrassed. He kind of took off with me. That day, I became

4 known as "the little girl that fell off." My sister, Cori, who always tries to make me feel better, said that I looked liked I was floating off like a ballerina. Everybody was really nice and told me their stories about falling off.

6. What is your aspiration when it comes to dressage? I want to be a really good riding instructor so others can have fun with horses too.

7. What is the best piece of advice regarding horses and riding that anyone has ever told you? To enter the dressage arena for your test "proud as a peacock"!

8. Do you make most of your horse related purchases on-line, by catalog, or at a retail store, and what's your favorite place? Well, we shop around by all of them. The best, though, is buying things that others have grown out of.

Congratulations Monica!

Monica Rivara and This Bud’s 4 Me went to 4-H Southern Regionals July 22 and socred a 60.77 and was 18th out of 56 entries

My Life with Savvy – Part 2, Cheryl Painter

So we all know he made it home but he was by no means out of the woods. The many conversations I had since his homecoming about his ups and downs would focus back on how many thought he would never walk out of there and of course they still weren’t sure he would make it. And considering all the NSAID’s he was on I was lucky he didn’t die from kidney failure. Before he left home Savvy had blood drawn every couple of weeks to be checked and he had a urine analysis after I saw him urinate. I could tell it was painful and what came out scared the hebie jebie’s out of me. There wasn’t much coming out and what there was was very dark. I immediately went to the manager and asked if anyone had seen him urinate lately. I told her what I saw which started the new challenge of trying to capture the urine. I had no idea I had a prude he certainly never minded peeing in front of me. Doug told me he wasn’t too surprised and the urine was so concentrated because he hadn’t been consuming that much water while he was down. Of course the trickle of urine was just after he had gotten back up and feeling better. How was I supposed to know that trickle would turn into a flood. I was taking out over ½ of a big wheel barrow of a day and mind you he was in his stall 24 hours a day. Not that I minded but gee whiz!! Oh I guess that was big wiz. I’m assuming he was trying to flush his system from all the drugs, poor guy. One day when he was especially difficult about being medicated, I told him, “Savvy I’m just as tried of giving these meds as you are of taking them.” And I really didn’t blame him; he was getting six to seven syringes of meds each day. I had to buy a stethoscope so I could check his heart rate two times a day. Sometime I checked it more than twice, it just depended on the beats per minute. This was the only way to gauge his pain. On average the beat at rest is 35, when he came home he was averaging around 45. Of course a rise in heart rate could mean something else. In all likely hood it would be pain but there was infection to consider too. I still called every few days to report on his condition and Doug came a few weeks later to check on his patient. Everything looked fine. I’m lucky to have such good friends. Charlotte Kaspareck, Dana Metheny and Anne Annala come over every other day for the first few weeks to help me change his bandages. After that they rotated so I only had to ask for each of their help every fourth day. After a month Savvy was doing better and I felt confident I was able to do it myself. The two voices of gloom and doom Dan Solvis (vet) and Eric Blake (farrier) came in October for the second trim. They were what I called pessimistic, while they said voices of reason. And though I can understand why they held this position, Savvy was still in a precarious situation, the right hoof looked like it could fall off at anytime when he put weight on it you could see it move, I was always remained upbeat and optimistic. I had to, someone did and I know they didn’t want to put any false hopes in my direction. I subsequently teased them in the months that followed, gloom and doom. Although I must admit I didn’t like such a small bridge on the right hoof I knew it was necessary if that hoof was every going to have an opportunity to grow out. The following pictures are of the October trim.

VADA Central Chapter August 21, 2006 Minutes

Participants: Alison Douglas, Mary Shipman, Capri Winser, Anne Draine, Lynn Whiteside-Jones, Jane Walker, and Karen Bell

The board meeting was held face-to-face at Panera Bread by Virginia Center Commons. The meeting began around 6:30.

Old Business:

Treasurer Report Alison gave the treasurer’s report as follows: The club has between $2,500 and $3,000 in the account. Lynn made a motion to reimburse Wanda Escobar her show registration costs, as she was unable to ride due to safety issues that were not her fault. The board voted unanimously to reimburse her. Alison reminded us of the upcoming costs for taxes and insurance, which will be approximately $1,100. Alison graciously offered her home as a location for the year-end awards banquet to help save on costs and volunteered her husband to grill the entrees.

Planning Committee Report by Lynn Whiteside-Jones

Four rides with Michael Matson are scheduled. It does not appear that any rides will be scheduled for Sunday. The September board meeting will be by teleconference on Sept. 11 at 6:30, so Capri can be included as she will be in California with her father. Costs from different teleconference companies were discussed. Karen suggested web conferencing. Decision tabled for future discussion. The schooling show scheduled for Sunday, October 15 at Campbell Springs was discussed. Capri volunteered to be the jump show manager. There was discussion of how to advertise the show. Jane suggested contacting Central Virginia Show Jumping Association. Lynn to call and is working on the prize list. It was decided to have the next general membership meeting at Jane Walker’s home on September 22, at 7:00. Pot luck dessert soiree for sharing. Walter Zettl videos to be watched and discussed. The Recognized show scheduled for June 10 at Aria Farm was discussed. Capri will be the show manager, and is in discussions with a possible show secretary. Alison suggested some sort of incentive program for volunteers. Scheduling a Recognized show for 2008 was discussed. Morven Park is closing, so possibly a Fredericksburg area location should be considered. Membership Report It was decided by the board that the bylaws are broad enough to cover the membership year change, scheduling of the general membership meetings and board meetings (including the format) to not require revising the bylaws.

Mary gave the membership report. The club has 81 members at present. Due to the membership year change by USDF any persons wishing to join at this time will be welcomed as a 2007 member.

New business:

No nomination for USDF volunteer award needed. Capri discussed the need to form a nominating committee for the 2007 Board at the October meeting.

6 Officers will be voted on at the November meeting and 2007 officers installed at the December meeting. Capri said that she is willing to be president in 2007. February’s slated topic is the conditioning of your sport horse –maybe Tracy Spinelli will be able to do. Lynn to coordinate gift basket for VADA silent auction. BLMs – Alison motioned for 3 of the $35 dollar class sponsorships, the board voted yes unanimously. Alison to mail check by 9/18. A booth at the Horse Expo was discussed to represent VADACC and possibly recruit new members. Suggestions were to get promotional materials from VADA and USDF. Moving videos and a banner. Attention getting things that pop. [Alison subsequently learned that it costs several hundred dollars to have a booth at the Equine Extravaganza, so the idea is not feasible.]

Respectfully Submitted by Mary Shipman, Secretary

2006 Events Calendar

September 2 Horse Trials, http://www.campbellspringsfarm.com/ 3 Aria Farm Schooling Show, http://www.ariafarmdressage.com/ 16-17 2006 USDF Reg. 1 Adult Clinic w/Jan Ebeling, sponsored by PVDA, located at Wyndham Oaks in Boyds, MD, contact Kathie Robertson at (859) 271-7877 or [email protected] 23 Jennifer Stanger Alexander Technique Clinic, Edgehill Stables, contact Anne Draine at 804-769-1115 27-28 Walter Zettl clinic, Reademeade, Silver Spring, MD, contact [email protected] 24 Chestnut Oak Schooling Show, contact Barbara Wiefelstede 994-2331 October 1 NEVADA Schooling Show, Scripture Farm 15-16 VADACC D/CT Schooling Show, http://www.campbellspringsfarm.com/ 29 Aria Farm Championship Schooling Show, http://www.ariafarmdressage.com/ 29 NEVADA Schooling Show/Junior Benefit, Scripture Farm November 4-5 George Theodorescu clinic, contact Lea Ann Hansen, [email protected] 804-994-2444 12 Chestnut Oak Schooling Show, contact Barbara Wiefelstede 994-2331 Italicized shows are “sanctioned” shows by VADA-CC – scores are acceptable for year-end VADA-CC awards. Check the websites of CDCTA, USEF, USEA, VADA (http://www.virginiadressage.org/) and the individual farms for final schedules, entry forms and information as well as additional events, clinics and seminars.

Free Calendar listings for VADA members! Email Karen Bell With your listing at [email protected].

Collective Marks Advertising Rates Size Members Non-members Full Page $10.00 $20.00 Half Page $ 6.00 $12.00 Quarter Page $ 4.00 $ 8.00 Business Card Free $ 4.00 Classifieds Free $.15/word, $5.00 minimum

CLASSIFIEDS ______Apartment for Rent: with or without stall available immediately at dressage facility in Doswell. One-bedroom with A/C and microwave. $700 per month, includes water/sewer/electric (bartering possible). No smoking in apt. Call Lea Ann at 804-994-2444

7 Saddles for Sale: 18" seat, 32 cm tree, stubben Maestoso, black, excellent to new condition, $1800.00. 18" seat 31 cm tree, stubben Scandica, excellent condition to almost new condition, 1900.00. Please contact Lucy Maurer, 804-694-3147 ______Saddles For Sale: Brand new, never used, Cambridge 17” med tree dressage saddle, long billets $250; Crosby Wembley II dressage saddle, 17” med spring tree, very comfortable seat, $400; Argentine jumping saddle w/leathers, $100; 18” Stubben Siegfried, new knee rolls $250 (see photos at http://bellequine.net, click on ‘for sale or lease’ button). Karen at 804-339-5927 ______Horse Boarding: Excellent facilities, full care, 3 arenas, jumps, outdoors lights, mirrors, nearby trails. King William County. All disciplines welcome. Contact Sara Worsham at 804-769-1715. ______Training and Instruction Through FEI: Jody Wilson @ Oakdale Farm in Powhatan. Call 804-938-2558 ______For Sale: 17.5” DEEP seat Theo Sommer Diplomat Exclusive Dressage Saddle. Excellent condition. Black. Newly flocked and balanced. Exposed knee blocks – rides very similar to a Hennig at a fraction of the price. $1195 obo. Molly 804-363-0969 ______For Sale: Albion Style Ultra Dressage Saddle 17” MW, black w/standard gusset. Excellent Condition.-used less than 1 yr. $1200. Lynn @ 922-9747

Barbara Wiefelstede AHSA “R” Judge Chestnut Oak Stable Dressage Instruction – Training Level through FEI. Lower level & FEI trained school horses available. Basic dressage can help you to train your horse to become more supple, obedient and easier to ride. Boarding: Complete care (30 years experience). Covered arena and outside standard dressage arena w/ lights. Jumps and trails. Training Day Clinics – on and off grounds 3 Schooling Shows on Grounds For more information, call 804-994-2331.

Bell Equine Services LLC Training & Instruction http://bellequine.net Phone (804) 339-5927 [email protected] PO Box 4726, Richmond, VA 23220

Please email your classified ads, business cards or clinic/show announcements to Karen Bell at [email protected]. Submitted images must be .jpg files, no larger than 2.5 x 3.5 inches and less than 1 MB in size.

8 Chestnut Oak Stable Schooling Shows April 9, May 21, September 24, November 12, Closing dates: The Monday prior to show dates.

Judges: April Jan Garlitz, May Helen George, September TBA, November TBA Secretary: Barbara Wiefelstede PO Box 175, Doswell, Virginia 23047 ( 804) 994-2331 [email protected] Dressage Tests: - USDF Introductory Level Tests (Please Specify) - USEF Training - Fourth level - 2002 USE A Test of choice Group Classes: 1. Dressage Equitation: W-T (Open to riders who have not shown above Training Level & who have not shown at recognized shows) 2. Dressage Equitation: W-T-C 3. Suitable to Become Dressage Horse: W-T* 4. Suitable to Become Dressage Horse: W-T-C* * Classes 3 & 4 open to horses any age who have not competed above first level. Awards: Six ribbons per test. A cash prize of 15.00 will be awarded to classes with 5 or more riders. High score & reserve ribbon. Series end awards will be given to the rider with the highest % average at the same level test . To qualify the same horse and rider must compete in three shows. Coggins: Current 12 month Coggins required Fees: Dressage Tests: before closing* $25. after closing $30. Group classes $10.00 Entries: *Complete entry (signature, check, Coggins) must be received by closing date. Post entries will be allowed in group classes. No refunds after closing. Times: Call for times Saturday before the show. Classes will be in accordance with USEF Rules. Hard Hats must be worn when mounted. Food: Food will be available on the grounds. Directions: I-95 to Kings Dominion Exit (Exit 98), east on Route 30 (2.5 miles) left on to Signboard Road (Route 652), go 1 mile, turn left at second board fence.

(Please cut and return entry form below. We can not accept entries by E mail.) ------Chestnut Oak Stable/ VADACC Schooling Show Entry Form

Horse's name: ______Rider: ______Please print Rider's date of birth if Jr.______Owner: ______

Address:______City ______Zip ______

Phone number: ______E mail: ______Show date: ______Classes or Tests Entered

1. ______2. ______3. ______4. ______Mail with Coggins, check and signed release to: Barbara Wiefelstede, P. O. Box 175, Doswell, VA 23047 Release I realize that there is inherent danger in participating in any horse related activity. In consideration of services or property provided, I, for myself, guests and any minor children for which I am parent, guardian or otherwise responsible, any heirs, personal representatives or assigns do hereby release: Chestnut Oak Stable, Inc. and VADA Central Chapter, its principals, directors, officers, agents, employees, and volunteers, and each and every land owner upon whose property an activity is conducted from all liability and waive any claim for damage from any cause whatsoever. This agreement is made pursuant to the provisions of the Virginia Equine Activity Liability Act (Title 3.1, Chapter 27.5 & 3.1-796,130, et seq.) I further assume full responsibility for myself, guests and any minor children for which I am a parent, guardian or otherwise, for all activities while on the grounds at Chestnut Oak Stable, Inc.. . I have read and understand the foregoing release.

Date: ______Signature: ______If under 18 years of age, parent or guardian must sign. Signature: ______

9 MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION VADACC 2007 December 1, 2006 to November 30, 2007 Type of Membership Please note:  Individual $50  Membership expires on November 30, 2006 for the 2006 Year.  Junior $30  Membership is for the Central  Family – 2 members $55 Chapter of the Virginia Dressage *Primary Family Member ______Association: VADA is a USDF *Supporting Family Member ______Group Member Organization. All members of VADA-CC are Your VADACC Individual, Junior or Family membership entitles automatically USDF GROUP you to the following benefits: Members.

Make checks payable to VADA-CC and mail with 1. One subscription to the VADA-CC Collective Marks application to: monthly newsletter 2. Eligibility for VADA AND VADACC awards and Mary Shipman, Secretary scholarship programs VADA-CC 3. Eligibility for USDF Rider, Pas de Deux and 1299 Walkerton Road Quadrille Team awards Walkerton, VA 23177 4. Eligibility for USDF/Dover Saddlery Adult Amateur Medal Program 5. One subscription to USDF Connection Magazine 6. A discount off of one USDF Participating Membership 7. Refunds of Multiple GMO dues

Ea. Additional member $20

 Affliate (Members of other VADA chapters who wish to participate in VADA-CC sponsored clinics and year-end awards. Please provide the name of your primary VADA chapter______) $40

 Friend (Newsletter only) $22

 Patron (Organizations/businesses interested in VADA-CC activities and ad opportunities but are ineligible for VADA-CC awards or programs) $35

Name: ______Phone: ______

DOB (JR/YR): ______

Address: ______

______

E-Mail: ______Would you prefer to receive your newsletter by e-mail?______

Volunteer Interests:______