Campaign Overview | Mailchimp 1/15/20, 304 PM WE United Newsletter: December 2019

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December 2019 Newsletter View this email in your browser

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Reminder: Member Meeting Jan. 4, 2020

The WE United Board invites all current members to attend our Member Meeting, taking place online on Saturday, January 4, 2020.

The meeting will begin at 10:00 AM, Pacific, and we anticipate running until 11:30.

All members were sent an emailed invitation to the meeting, with instructions for how to log on, on December 3.

If you can't find that email (or have joined since December 3), it's simple to participate. Using your computer, log on to:

Website: https://zoom.us

Type in the following Meeting ID: 994 202 3002

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS! November 15 through December 15

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LINDA SEWALL and GLICK'S REGENT aka POPPY from North Carolina

Poppy is a 12y old Morgan pony. Linda and her partner have participated in two clinics and one schooling show. She says they have a lot to learn and are really looking forward to participating in 2020!

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BARBARA CAIADO and PRINCIPE from Fort Mitchell, Alabama

She is 41 years old, born and raised in Germany, where she was a passionate student of the horse for most of her life and active as a horse riding instructor. Working Equitation and Doma Vaquera are a great passion in her life!

In 2013 Barbara moved to the United States and brought the very successful company, "DP Saddlery LP", where she is both owner and President.

She is excited to join WE United and looks forward to meeting everyone at future events and shows.

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MIRIAM GONZALEZ and VINAS AMAYA from Ocala, Florida

Vinas Amaya is a 2y old PRE filly checking out the American flag. Currently stabled in Virginia, Miriam is hoping to bring her home soon.

LINDA HOGAN-PRUIKSMA and EISENHERZ aka ICEMAN https://us13.admin.mailchimp.com/campaigns/show?id=2088713 Page 6 of 16 Campaign Overview | Mailchimp 1/15/20, 304 PM ICEMAN from Williston, Florida

Eisenherz means "Heart of Iron", however, Iceman is MUCH easier to pronounce. At their first WE show, they are HOOKED!!

IDA NORRIS and PARTNER from Vermont

Ida is an "S" dressage judge and wants to judge WE shows too. Her horse business has changed in the past two years to mostly WE and Western Dressage. She is so excited to compete!

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LINDA TURNER and DEL from El Cajon, California

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JOSEPHINE TROTT and HD REDFORD from Davis, California

PAIGE TORO and GUINEVERE from Eugene, Oregon

They entered their first show in October. Welcome! https://us13.admin.mailchimp.com/campaigns/show?id=2088713 Page 9 of 16 Campaign Overview | Mailchimp 1/15/20, 304 PM

They entered their first show in October. Welcome!

From the Judge's Table

1. Dressage Movement

In previous newsletters, specific dressage maneuvers have been discussed. I would like to shift the emphasis during this month to the overall impression of the horse while performing the dressage test phase.

The reason being that there seems to be an emphasis placed on the individual maneuvers, when it is the entire “frame” and “balance” of the horse which must be considered to be executed during the maneuver. In WE, there are no pictorial standards being used to establish this expectation of the judges. Yet, if we go back in time, the French created this illustration to demonstrate the frame and balance of a standing horse. Their theory is this image should be maintained within reason throughout the performance of the horse.

The French created this illustration to demonstrate the frame and balance of a standing horse. Their theory is this image should be maintained within reason throughout the performance of the horse.

So, first question: Can your horse be collected and placed into a similar profile while standing and then maintain that frame in motion? If not, then perhaps you need to work on the basics of collection and relaxation before attempting to perform some of the advanced maneuvers in the dressage phase of WE. Just keeping your practice sessions simple, yet effective.

Now, one of the important elements of practices sessions is to have “eyes on the ground.” Yes, having someone observing and telling you, “Up”, “Down”, “More flexion at the poll”, “Overflexed, behind the vertical”, and so on. Those “eyes on the ground” become important to those developing the fundamental qualities of balance and frame in all horses.

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If you do not have the proper instructor or coach, perhaps the use of a video of you and your horse can be helpful as a reference to assist you. If you do this, you must be objective in yoru assessment, recognizing the strengths and weaknesses of what you observe.

You will need to make some of the following observations:

1. Rein length 2. Amount of contact on rein(s) 3. Height of hands above withers 4. Distance of hands from rider’s body 5. Hands equal in position and contact 6. Reaction of horse to changes in rein position and contact 7. Horse’s non-acceptance of the bit, resisting the bit

Second question: Does your horse “fall out of balance and frame” while you are performing a maneuver during the dressage phase? If so, there are typically four main factors to consider:

1. Rider’s saddle position is insecure, and rider is balancing on the horse’s mouth. 2. Rein contact is inconsistent, pressure release, pressure release, more one rein that other rein, and reverse. 3. The horse’s conformation does not permit the desirable head and neck position, like seen in the photograph above. 4. The fundamental lack of understanding of the desirable balance and frame capabilities of your horse and appropriate methods to achieve the desirable balance and frame.

A horse’s conformation may be a limiting factor as to the athletic ability and potential for the horse to advance through the WE test levels. Therefore, judges need to understand the breed conformation standards when assessing the performance.

A normal head and neck position for a Quarter Horse, but the conformation with the straight shoulder (red line) fault makes it nearly impossible to achieve the proper frame and roundness in the back to permit the freedom of shoulder and hindquarter during movement.

Third question: What does a judge want to see in the Introductory Level vs an Intermediate Level, when it comes to consistency in balance and frame? https://us13.admin.mailchimp.com/campaigns/show?id=2088713 Page 11 of 16 Campaign Overview | Mailchimp 1/15/20, 304 PM

The new horse to the Introductory Level could be a “green horse”, a young horse just developing the sensitivity and responsiveness needed to be successful in any equestrian sport. And so, this horse may have some minor inconsistencies in the performance that are not influenced by their rider. The judge wants to see a performance that flows, with no extremes with serious faults, where the head and neck position may vary, but the horse demonstrates the athletic ability to perform the task.

As we advance to the Intermediate Level, the horse must be well beyond the “green horse” behavior and image. The horse must display confidence and consistency, with proper responsiveness to the rider’s aids. Yes, this horse may be capable of making mistakes, minor faults; however, the overall test flows, demonstrating the maturity of the horse in its acceptance of performing as the rider is asking. I want to see this horse consistent in frame and gait, which means the horse must be balanced throughout the ride.

A final consideration: Due to the high level of amateur owner-trainers in the sport of Working Equitation, I find that horses are being advanced to tests with increased degrees of difficulty without accomplishing perfection at the lower levels. It is understandable about how riders may wish to be challenged by different levels, but the goal is to be successful at lower level tests, and as the horse advances in training and responsiveness, the horse uses this confidence to advance to more difficult challenges.

It is vital to know the potential and realistic talent of your horse. Not all horses can perform at the Master’s Level.

2. Ease of Handling The bridge can be a challenge to many horses, especially at the lower levels. And, this obstacle like all others needs to be practiced at home. Yes, you need access to a safe bridge to practice. Do not wait until you arrive at the competition to practice. The greatest faults here come from the lack of practice.

When a bridge is used, I expect all horses to have confidence to cross the bridge. And the fact a horse crosses the bridge is not indicative of a high score. The key to scoring is “HOW” the horse crosses the bridge. We will see differences in the confidence and responsiveness as we ascend the levels.

The Vision

The horse approaches the bridge and transitions to the walk at the appropriate location as indicated by outer markers or within 1-2 strides of the bridge. This distance needs to be flexible according to the degree of difficulty in the approach to the bridge and the gait prior to the walk transition.

The downward transition needs to be smooth, with a continuous forward motion of the horse, with no hesitations, pauses, or halts in motion. The transition onto and over the https://us13.admin.mailchimp.com/campaigns/show?id=2088713 Page 12 of 16 Campaign Overview | Mailchimp 1/15/20, 304 PM horse, with no hesitations, pauses, or halts in motion. The transition onto and over the bridge should flow, without the use of obvious aid and encouragement from the rider. And, there should be no significant change in the head and neck position during the transition, although the slight lowering of the head to “examine” the bridge by the horse may occur. In cases like this, we must remember the limitations of the horse’s vision and how the adjustment from monocular vision to binocular vision when crossing the bridge may cause a slight hesitation. Be horseman/horsewoman enough to understand the reason for this.

As you approach the bridge, place an imaginary line through the center of the bridge. This becomes your “target” for approaching and completing the bridge. Without hesitation in forward motion, the horse’s hoof should be placed on the center deck of the bridge, not toward one side or the other. We want the horse to walk in the center of the bridge, in normal stride, as it completes the obstacle.

Notice the obstacle number is on the right, mounted on the cone, meaning this is the correct direction of travel. There is approximately a four inch step up onto the bridge. The “threats” to the horse could be the flowers and other items lining the bridge. Find the center and ride the center as the flowers could tough the leg and cause a stimuli to respond stepping to the side. This bridge has a slight arch.

Most bridges have an arch, which means the horse will be descending from the mid-point of the mid-point of the bridge to the departure point. The angle of the descent can cause some horses to shorten their stride, slightly hesitate as they approach the transition point of the solid wooden deck to the dirt of the arena surface. We desire to see the horse continue with a uniform stride onto, up and down off the bridge. No changes in length of stride, cadence, and rhythm of movement. https://us13.admin.mailchimp.com/campaigns/show?id=2088713 Page 13 of 16 Campaign Overview | Mailchimp 1/15/20, 304 PM

Once completely off the bridge, the horse should be asked to transition from the walk to the next gait. This transition does not take place while the horse is on the bridge. It must be completely off the bridge with all four hooves before starting the transition. Be sure to know the status of transition markers during this phase of performing the obstacle, although these markers may not be used.

PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE builds confidence and responsiveness along with trust.

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Thoughts about Trends

The sport is new, with first-time riders participating in many different areas of the United States. As organizers and officials, we need to be understanding and helpful in considering these newcomers, realizing that many of them have never had a chance to compete with a full set of obstacles at home. It may be conducive to provide a practice time with obstacles, like warm-up fences at hunter/jumper shows, but not on the official course to put the newcomers and their horses at ease.

Newcomers need to be reminded about the importance of some very silly seeming simple concepts:

1. Take obstacles in numerical order. 2. Make a sincere attempt of the obstacle even though it is new to your horse. 3. Ringling of the bell by the judge means she/he is ready and the course is ready. 4. Once you hear the bell, face the judge and salute, acknowledging you are ready. 5. Mentally focus on taking one obstacle at a time, not the entire course. 6. Have a route of travel between obstacles, even though it may be long. 7. Enter and compete at a level where you can be successful, not over your ability. 8. Practice at home, with friends or participate in schooling competitions. 9. Know the correct direction to enter and pass through start-finish cones.

Prepared by

Wayne G. Hipsley, BSc, MSc Lexington, KY

He believes – “WE is a sport for all breeds of horses, in all states of training. https://us13.admin.mailchimp.com/campaigns/show?id=2088713 Page 14 of 16 Campaign Overview | Mailchimp 1/15/20, 304 PM breeds of horses, in all states of training. Remembering, ‘cream’ comes to the top.”

He believes the partnership of horse and rider is necessary to be successful in the sport. The horse must be responsive while the rider performs a maneuver in Dressage or an obstacle in Ease of Handling. He believes in learning the fundamentals to perfection before advancing the horse and rider to the next level. Learning the proper techniques to execute maneuvers and obstacles is vital.

Remember, WE NEEDS WE RIDERS

WE Experience – Judged 1st Working Equitation Competition for Eastern Regional Andalusian Horse Club in 2009. Licensed by WE United – Status S; WEIAUSA – The Confederation for Working Equitation – Status S. Judged and Conducted Educational Clinics and Seminars on WE in: Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, California, Massachusetts, Virginia, Florida, Ohio, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Texas. Served as official on Judges Panel for Haras Cup and Australian Working Equitation Nationals, Tamworth, NSW, AU – ANWE, Ltd. (affiliated with WAWE). Participated in 4 WAWE taught Judges Seminars; FITE – European Judges Seminar. Former Member, WE United Licensed Officials Committee.

Wayne is a licensed horse show judge for 8 different breed and discipline societies. He serves on Licensed Officials Committees for two breed associations. He has been a licensed USEF judge for over 40 years and judges an average of 45 days per year.

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