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Vol. 17, Issue 1 www.azdressage.org JANUARY 2017 Sitzfleisch “The ability to Persevere or Endure” by Susan Downs Parrish, Ph.D. “Forward means hock to bridle! Klimke said there are a thousand things you can do with the reins, but two things you should never do with reins: shape the neck or inhibit the hind legs. Two riding tools exist: the rider and patterns.” (Charles de Kunffy, 11/04/16) On November 4th through the 6th, Charles de Kunffy shared his mastery of classical dressage in a clinic in Sonoita, Arizona. Among friends, about twenty is my guess, he was at his best. Colleen Clement and Scarlett Fahrenson worked together to host the event. The grounds, weather, and ambiance were perfect. It’s no secret that I spend many hours riding, watching others ride, and thinking about riding. Lest you pity me, I am a daughter, mother, grandmother, and wife, but I’m one of the lucky few who are surrounded by independent, healthy people. For the most part, I have the luxury of choosing my focus, and my passion is classical dressage. Bet you didn’t know that. What Charles taught me changed my life. Really! Charles said, “I’m tired of hearing people talk about driving a horse forward, and making a horse in front of the leg. Forward means hock to bridle, period, end of discussion.” He proceeded to prove his point by coaching riders into creating more activity in their horses’ hind legs, not by dashing around in a “forward” trot, but by producing a “melancholy” trot so the animal could “articulate” the hocks before the rider asked for bigger strides. When I followed his direction, Maronda produced half steps followed by an airborne trot that looked like a lengthened passage, not to be confused with a passagey trot. My eyebrows disappeared into my helmet. The man didn’t hesitate to point out unevenness behind, which he detected within the first few seconds of a lesson. Usually, the source of the problem was in the failure of the left hind leg to track up. The remedy was to give up the left rein rather than let the horse lean on the rein. Giving up the quick fix—ever so subtly maneuvering the head to the left—may sound easy, but it’s not. At home, on my own, I am following through with the idea of giving up the left rein. Tracking left at a walk, Maronda likes to invert her neck and look right while her haunches fall inward. Inversion (head up, back dropped), falling in or out with the shoulders or haunches represent resistance. Oh, the urge to pull Maronda’s head to the left was strong, but I didn’t succumb. Instead, I held Arizona Dressage Association Dressage Arizona my elbows close to the rib cage, leaned back twenty degrees behind the vertical, and screwed my seat Continued on Page 8 BOARD Earn Volunteer/Service Hours!! President: ------------------------------------Sue Leutwyler ----------------------------------------s.leutwyler@azdressage.org Contribute to the Centerline Today! 1st VP: ----------------------------------------Kathy Smith [email protected] 2nd VP: ---------------------------------------Lara Bowles Barn Tips Submit your innovative, imaginative and useful barn [email protected] tips to Meredith Watters at [email protected] Secretary: -----------------------------------Cindy Hitchcock ---------------------------------------c.hitchcock@azdressage.org Letters to the Editor Treasurer: -----------------------------------Cynthia Ganem If you have comments, suggestions, or wish to express [email protected] opinions relating to the sport of dressage, submit your letter Trustee of Records: ------------------------Cynthia Ganem for consideration to [email protected] [email protected] Clinic Reviews Heather Bilodeau [email protected] Review a clinic you attended describing the training Michell Combs [email protected] and what you learned from the clinician. Send submissions Betty Drake [email protected] to [email protected] Sarah Lindsten [email protected] Kim Pribble [email protected] Barn News Pam Polydoros [email protected] This column is for the trainer/barn to brag about the Alternate Directors: ------------------------ Tania Radda, Toni Crowther accomplishments of its clients, introduce new clients and horses, update readers about any barn improvements, or COMMITTEES talk about any other news of interest to the membership. It’s Awards: --------------------------------------Kim Pribble a free plug for the barn, trainer and clients. Send submissions Centerline Editor: -------------------------Sue Leutwyler to [email protected] Communications: --------------------------Sue Leutwyler Education: ------------------------------------ Sarah Lindsten Finance: --------------------------------------Cynthia Ganem Nuggets Fundraising: --------------------------------Pam Polydoros Do you have a training concept that you would like Futurity: -------------------------------------TBD to share? Something your trainer has said to make your understanding more clear? Please share with other riders Juniors/Young Riders: -------------------Bobbie Lynn McKee [email protected] by sending submissions to [email protected] Membership: -------------------------------Michell Combs Nominating: --------------------------------TBA Member Submitted Articles Scholarship: Ann Damiano [email protected] Submit an article and photo of you and your horse on a Recognized Shows: ----------------------Kathy Smith topic of interest, a clinic or show experience. We’d love to Rules ----------------------------------------Betty Drake hear from you! Send to [email protected]. If the Scores Compilation: ----------------------Sue Leutwyler photo is a riding photo, a helmet for photo is required. NAC President: -----------------------------------Jerri Wilhite-Harms **Product Endorsements/Advertising** Vice President: ----------------------------Kirsten Kuzmanic In most cases, products and services are considered Treasurer: -----------------------------------Susan Crampton paid advertising. Occasionally a specific product will be Secretary: -----------------------------------Jacki McKinney-Rodriguez named as to how it benefits the horse or rider, but this is discouraged. Press Releases are welcome. Likewise, articles Directors: Sondra Wilkening, Debbie Lindley, Syndy Cunningham, Maren Cochran, Debbie Carson, Carol Lands, Ann Callahan & that are negative in nature concerning a particular product Kati Anderson will not be considered for publication. ADA BOARD ATTORNEY: Wendy Riddell [email protected] 2 | THE CENTERLINE | JANUARY 2017 ~ ADVERTISING ~ The Centerline is not responsible for, nor does it endorse any claims made by advertisers. 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Newsletter Deadline: 20th of the previous month Mail to: ADA Editor, 6160 E Cielo Run N, Cave Creek, AZ 85331 Email to: [email protected] Please be sure that your check accompanies your ad. The Centerline is the official monthly newsletter of the Arizona Dressage Association (ADA), a 501(c)(3) not-for- profit organization. Material in the newsletter may not be reproduced, with the exception of forms, without the written consent and credit of the editor and/or author. The Centerline assumes no responsibility for the return of unsolicited material unless accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope. The Centerline welcomes your articles, letters, barn news, cartoons, artwork, poetry and especially, your photographs. Submissions, news, views and opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the position or views of the ADA. Acceptance does not constitute an endorsement. Accuracy of materials submitted is the sole responsibility of the author. The Editor reserves the right to accept, reject and edit submitted material. The deadline for articles and advertising is the 20th of the month. Email to: [email protected] JANUARY 2017 | THE CENTERLINE | 3 2017 Arizona Dressage Show Calendar SHOW LEVEL SHOW DATE CLOSING DATE JUDGES TDC Winter Heat I & II 3 January 21 & 22, 2017 January 8, 2017 Christel Carlson ‘S’ and Elizabeth Kane Tucson – Pima County Fairgrounds ‘S’ ADA Fun in February 1 February 19, 20167 January 13, 2017 Melonie Kessler ‘S’, Eleanor Stine-Masek Litchfield Park – Dale Creek Equestrian ‘S’ Village