UTAH DRESSAGE SOCIETY ENEWSLETTER

OCTOBER 2014 UDS ENEWSLETTER OCTOBER 2015

TABLE OF CONTENTS President’s Message: Every Little Bit Helps 2 Submittal Deadline for End of Year Awards 4 Corinne Cody Named Region 5 Volunteer of the Year 4 October Birthdays 5 UDS Board Member Candidates for 2015 6 New Newsletter Editor for 2015 9 The Dressage Foundation Scholarships 10 UDS Ads and Submission Info 11 Images from Bits and Bitting Clinic 12 Images from Utah Museum of Natural History “The Horse” Exhibit by UDS 13 And so it begins. Two young ladies braiding a “dressage horse” during the Natural History Museum of Utah’s "The Horse" exhibit, UDS booth. EVERY LITTLE BIT HELPS PRESIDENT’S by Carol Kounanis

MESSAGE I can’t begin to tell you how interesting and educational the “Bits and Bitting” clinic was on September 26 and 27. Lori and Mike Carter from GEMtack dispelled many common myths and miscon- ceptions about bits and offered lots of great advice on how to se- lect the right one for each horse. I learned so many new things that will enable me to take a serious look at the bit I’m using on my horse and determine if it is truly the right bit for him in order to make him most comfortable and responsive.

One of the first things Lori talked about was metal composition. Copper has many positive aspects to it because it causes the horse to salivate, thus lubricating the bit. However, copper is a very soft metal and easy to nick or bend. In order to make bits harder or stronger, nickel was added, but nickel can be toxic and may cause allergic reactions. Earlier bits, many of which are still in use/for sale today, are made of stainless steel (a combination of iron, chrome and nickel) or German silver (a combination of copper, nickel and zinc.) Since stainless steel has no copper it

2 doesn’t encourage salivation. German silver en- up into the palate, but rather rest on the tongue courages some salivation, but since it has nickel more. A curved bit may be milder and more com- there may be some toxic effects. Newer metal fortable in the passive position than a straight bit, alloys use copper, silicon or manganese and but it will be stronger in the active position. zinc, encouraging salivation while still providing Loose rings are considered a little milder than strength and less of a chance of incurring nicks fixed ring bits because they allow a little bit of or scratches that could irritate the horse’s mouth. “play” when activated. A curved bit with fixed The next thing Lori talked about was the size and rings would be the strongest type of bit because thickness of the bit. She noted that current re- it provides immediate response to the action of search has discovered that a horse’s mouth is pulling on the reins. smaller than originally thought. She also said Another thing that Lori explained was that a that it was initially thought that a thin bit would be horse’s tongue tends to fill the empty space in a harsher on the bars of the mouth and therefore a horse’s mouth. While it might seem like a good thicker bit would be gentler. She explained that thing to use a bit that doesn’t rest directly on the this is not always the case; if a bit is too thick it tongue when activated (such as a single jointed can cut off circulation and that can cause quite a bit), when the rider pulls on the reins the bit bit of pain for the horse. However, if the bit is too pushes up into the palate, the tongue fills the thin it can bump around in the mouth and on the void in the center of the mouth and moves away bars and the banging of the bit can also cause from the bars of the mouth, leaving these sensi- pain. tive areas without cushioning. Lori discussed The best thing to do is to examine the space be- several advances in design and technology to tween the upper and lower jaws to determine the alleviate the “nutcracker” effect of single jointed appropriate thickness for your horse. Other bits by changing the angle of the joint and the ac- things to look for are whether or not your horse tion of double jointed bits by changing the angle has a fleshy tongue and whether they have a of the center section to allow for gentle, effective, high or low palate (the roof of the mouth.) independent control of each side of the horse’s mouth, thus giving clear instructions to the horse. Lori explained the different actions produced by single jointed bits, double jointed bits, loose Even though most of the seminar was spent dis- rings and fixed rings, as well as the difference cussing snaffle bits and their different designs, between bits that are straight and those that are Lori did touch on double bridles as well. She ex- curved. She noted that some bits might be con- plained the difference between low and high sidered milder when they are in the passive posi- ports (the arched section in the middle of the tion (simply resting in the horse’s mouth) versus curb bit) and how the length of the shank can af- the active position (when the rider is activating fect the action of the curb bit. She also sug- the bit by pulling on the reins.) Single jointed gested that when fitting a double bridle, the Wey- bits put pressure on the bars of the mouth and mouth (curb) bit should be slightly snug so it also the palate. Double jointed bits don’t push doesn’t have any lateral movement, whereas the

3 bradoon (snaffle) bit should be slightly wider CORINNE CODY NAMED than usual. REGION 5 VOLUNTEER Not only did Lori and Mike share their expertise OF THE YEAR with us, everyone who attended received a won- by Carol Kounanis derful goodie bag with samples of tack and For the second year in a row, a member of the horse cleaning products. All in all it was a very Utah Dressage Society has been selected as the beneficial clinic for everyone involved, and we Regional GMO Volunteer of the Year for Region are extremely grateful to Lori and Mike for pre- 5. There are nine GMOs (Group Member Organi- senting the clinic. zations) in Region 5, and each one was invited to submit a nominee for this award. This year the honor goes to Corinne Cody, who has been serv- SUBMITTAL DEADLINE IS ing as the UDS Director of Competitions. OCTOBER 15 FOR YEAR END Corinne’s Georgia roots are readily apparent in AWARDS! the southern hospitality she exhibits to all mem- by Corinne Cody bers of our community, whether young or old, It’s time to get your scores in for YEAR END and new or long-time members. Her warmth and EQUINE ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS!!! The easiest genuine interest in others makes everyone feel way to find out exactly what to do is go to page welcome. She is a great ambassador for the or- 51 in this year’s omnibus and follow the direc- ganization and the sport, encouraging all to join tions. Remember three our “family” and rejoice together in learning and things: No handwritten progressing. She has score sheets will be ac- helped enhance the or- cepted, send them to Cor- ganization through innova- inne Cody at her home ad- tive ideas for new pro- dress and have them post grams, progressive marked by Oct 15-NO EX- forward-thinking leader- CEPTIONS!! The scores ship and a desire to unite from Region 5 and Region all barns and riders. 6 Regional Championships Corinne has not only volun- DO COUNT for this year!!! teered as needed for the We will see you all at the organization, she has banquet to claim your served on the Board as prizes, accolades and rib- Director of Events, Direc- bons! The banquet will be tor of Competitions and held again at the Old Mill Awards Tabulator. She Golf Club. has organized our annual awards banquet and silent auction, as well as

4 Congratulations, Corinne, our annual shows. In addition, she has served as liaison with our insur- on a job well-done and on ance company to make sure all events and members are covered in this much-deserved honor. case of accident, has helped with educational programs and is willing to assist with any assignments whenever requested.

Corinne has taken an active role in expanding the organization through wise suggestions and decisions at board meetings. She also had a ma- jor role in securing, organizing and carrying out the Region 5 Champi- onship show in 2012 and our “L” judge program workshops, and sug- gested we combine our local “Short Tour” championship show with our Annual Show to increase participation and crossover between groups.

Congratulations, Corinne, on a job well-done and on this much- deserved honor.

OCTOBER BIRTHDAYS

10/10 Ellen Walker

10/11 Lucy Knorr

10/12 MacKenzie Lombard

10/16 Heather Baker

10/16 Laura Cowder

10/19 Stacy Palen

10/23 Karen Rawson

10/25 Christine Celestino

10/26 Thann Hanchett

The UDS was well-represented by Carol Kounanis at the Natural History Museum of Utah and their event “The Horse” this month. For more images, go to page 13

5 UDS MEMBER CANDIDATES Karen Robinson and a Bits and Bitting clinic with U.S. Herm Sprenger representative Lori Carter. FOR THE BOARD POSITION ELECTIONS II. DIRECTOR OF COMPETITIONS (Starting January 2015) Nance Allen

I. DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS Lara Oles

Bio: Many people know me as "the lady who runs the HoofPrints schooling shows" which encourages all riders to practice their dressage tests. Others know me from the startup of the Short Tour Series that UDS devised and has promoted to great suc- Bio: cess; while others know me as a past president In 2012, Lara, her husband, and a menagerie of of UDS. I am all of those – the common thread pets, moved to Heber City to pursue her dream being a commitment to the promotion of dres- of representing the United States on the Para sage in Utah. Dressage Team at the Paralympics. She trains As Director of Competitions, I will incorporate with Annie Sweet at Sage Creek Equestrian, and those experiences to support the variety of dres- now owns two dressage horses in addition to two sage competitions, competitors and coaches in Tennessee Walking horses for trail riding. our service area which includes parts of Idaho, Lara signed on with the UDS as the Adult Educa- parts of Wyoming, parts of Nevada, and the tion Coordinator in the fall of 2012, and helped WHOLE of Utah. It is also my wish for all of us to plan a Scribe clinic with “L” Judge Marlo Viven- join together to offer riders opportunities to pre- zio, and a riding clinic with Mette Rosencrantz in pare for Regional and National Championships. I 2013. For 2014 they decided to make the Educa- look forward to working with you all. tion Coordinator a Board member. Lara took the Sincerely position and helped plan a freestyle clinic with Nance Allen

6 III. DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION as it will combine two things I love best - horses Stacey Hornsby and teaching/organizing events that will make us better with and for our horses!

IV. TREASURER Alison Child

Bio:

I grew up as a horse crazy kid just outside of New York City. For my 12th birthday my grandfa- ther bought me a package of riding lessons and I never looked back since! I have competed in hunter/jumpers, eventing, western pleasure, dres- sage, and jousting games through the SCA. I graduated with a degree in Equine Science from Bio: Centenary College, and then graduated from Pur- Alison has been in the sport since 1996 but has due University as a Veterinary Technician. I have managed to become a USDF “L” graduate (with been a nurse for 20 years with a specialty in clini- distinction), and has earned both her bronze and cal education. When I lived in Indiana I owned silver medals on her Hanoverian, Shaka Zulu. Ali- operated a small horse boarding and training fa- son showed her talented new young horse, cility with the main focus on eventing, 4H and World Games (“Woody”), at first level last year helping kids learn to bond with their ponies. and after a bumpy summer looks forward to the Since moving to Utah 10 years ago, I have run a challenges of third level in the 2015 show sea- 4H club, shown dressage and been a trainer and son. She has been a member of the UDS for at lunger for the Technique Equestrian Vaulting least 16 years and was honored with the USDF Club. I regret having to step down from being Region 5 Volunteer of the Year Award for 2013. President of the UDS back in 2010 but health She was also instrumental in bringing the USDF and family issues took precedence. I learned a Region 5 Championships to Utah for the first time lot from my time on the UDS board and enjoyed in 2012. Alison is also a professional saddle fit- bringing the L Program to Utah. With my back- ter representing the Trilogy line by Performance ground in education I feel the new Director of Saddlery. Education position would be a lot of fun for me

7 As a 33-year resident of Park City, Alison is very VI. VICE PRESIDENT active in the community and serves on a variety Sydni Ottesen of non-profit boards. A big outdoor enthusiast, she loves to hike, fly fish, mountain bike and ski with her husband of 30 years, Paul Kirwin. They have three dogs, two horses and many visiting friends and relatives.

V. VICE PRESIDENT MJ Babcook

Bio:

Like many Adult Amateurs, I did not ride as a Bio: child. When I did begin riding about 5 years I have been riding dressage in the state since I ago, it was as a western rider. But I found my was young girl and have always had a deep pas- true calling in dressage with Chopin, my locally sion for our sport. After being a working student bred and born Oldenburg-Arabian gelding, and and assistant trainer for FEI trainer Trisha Kerwin many friends within the UDS community. After 2 for many many years I split off to create my own years on the board as vice-president, I have de- business and have since trained and competed cided to run again to put into practice all I've through Prix St George. I'm am education junkie learned: how the annual show works and being and am always looking for ways to increase my available for any job as necessary at the annual knowledge and am currently working on becom- show, organizing and running the silent auction ing an L judge and a USDF Certified Instructor. at the banquet, and working with the catering By being on the UDS board I hope to be able to folks at the banquet. Because I am self- create an even more harmonious relationship employed, I can and will continue to arrange my with the UDS with the membership and to en- schedule to accommodate the varied demands hance in every way possible the quality of dres- of serving on a board with a diverse group of sage in our state. My goal is to find ways for the needs. Onward and upward. UDS to better serve all the members it repre- sents!

8 NEW NEWSLETTER EDITOR FOR 2015 2 Arab 1/2 Warmblood mare. We are competing at First Level and schooling for Second. I'm very We are pleased to announce that Tonya Skinner excited about the future and am looking forward has volunteered to be the newsletter editor begin- to continue learning and moving up in the levels. ning in 2015. Tonya will be replacing Christie Bo- gle who will be moving to Georgia in December. The one thing I love about dressage is that you We thank Christie for her wonderful service this never stop learning. As you move up the levels year and wish her continued success in her new there is always a new challenge with new skills to ventures. be learned.

Tonya's bio is listed below.

Bio: I started riding when I was 4 years old. I grew up in Montana and my grandfather worked on a large cattle ranch. My sisters and I spent our sum- mers out on the ranch rid- ing all kinds of different horses. I fell in love. I knew horses were for me. When I was 7 our grandfather bought us our first horse, a gray 1/2 Arab. I began competing at the age of 7 in 4-H and the all-breed shows in western and Eng- lish.

I moved to Salt Lake in 1992 and bought my first horse as an adult, my be- loved "Dee." We competed in western pleasure for sev- eral years throughout the valley and enjoy a lot of Lorelei and Mike Carter presented to UDS members about bits and success. I started taking bitting for dressage horses on September 26th. For more images, go to dressage lessons after the page 12. birth of my daughter in 2002 and was instantly hooked. I've competed on a Paint mare, "Pippi," a national show horse "Simba," and now I have my superstar "Rita," a 1/

9 10 Advertising UDS Members receive 20 free words per year per member in the classifieds. Newsletter Ads will also be run on the UDS website for no additional charge.

Article Submissions Rates for Display Ads: (includes a photo) UDS invites member Full Page $50.00 per issue submissions. To Half Page $25.00 per issue meet the purpose of Business Card $15. 00 per issue a member Rates for Classified Ads: newsletter, we invite Up to 50 words $10.00 articles that share From 50 to 100 words $25.00 personal learning experiences and Nonmembers are welcome to advertise. educational Cost is an additional $15.00 to the rates information. Articles shown above for any size ad. written for advertising purposes Use PayPal to pay for your ads or mail a may be published by check. Make checks payable to: Utah Dres- purchasing sage Society, PO Box 562, Draper, Utah advertising space. 84020. Be sure to notate on check or PayPal that the payment is for a Newsletter Ad. Deadline for submissions is the 20th of each month. Ads must be paid for before this date. OCTOBER BIRTHDAYS

11 A Little Bit on Bits

The Bits and Bitting Clinic on September 26th offered education to UDS members.

Lorelei and Mike Carter from GEMtack educated UDS members about best bitting practices with a slideshow (shown above) and bits and accessories (shown below).

12 UDS Goes to the Museum The Natural History Museum of Utah offered an exhibit “The Horse.” October 1st, Carol Kounanis represented UDS at the event with educational posters and hands-on activities for the kids like the braidable manes on poster horses and a miniature dressage ring with a toy horse to try the test.

13 Official Newsletter of the Utah Dressage Society

UDS is on the web at www.utahdressagesociety.org

On Facebook, search for and “Like” Utah Dressage Society for more updates with pictures and information.

Send articles, pictures, ads and items of interest to

Christie Bogle, UDS Newsletter Editor, at [email protected]

14 Utah Dressage Society

PO Box 562 Postage

Draper, UT 84020

To:

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