Campaign Overview | Mailchimp 1/15/20, 304 PM WE United Newsletter: December 2019 Campaign Preview HTML Source Plain-Text Email Details December 2019 Newsletter View this email in your browser https://us13.admin.mailchimp.com/campaigns/show?id=2088713 Page 1 of 16 Campaign Overview | Mailchimp 1/15/20, 304 PM 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 https://us13.admin.mailchimp.com/campaigns/show?id=2088713 Page 2 of 16 Campaign Overview | Mailchimp 1/15/20, 304 PM 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! https://us13.admin.mailchimp.com/campaigns/show?id=2088713 Page 3 of 16 Campaign Overview | Mailchimp 1/15/20, 304 PM https://us13.admin.mailchimp.com/campaigns/show?id=2088713 Page 4 of 16 Campaign Overview | Mailchimp 1/15/20, 304 PM 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. https://us13.admin.mailchimp.com/campaigns/show?id=2088713 Page 5 of 16 Campaign Overview | Mailchimp 1/15/20, 304 PM 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! https://us13.admin.mailchimp.com/campaigns/show?id=2088713 Page 7 of 16 Campaign Overview | Mailchimp 1/15/20, 304 PM LINDA TURNER and DEL from El Cajon, California https://us13.admin.mailchimp.com/campaigns/show?id=2088713 Page 8 of 16 Campaign Overview | Mailchimp 1/15/20, 304 PM 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. https://us13.admin.mailchimp.com/campaigns/show?id=2088713 Page 10 of 16 Campaign Overview | Mailchimp 1/15/20, 304 PM 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.