April 2004

OFFICERS
 President -  Beckie Mitchell - 540-989-8709
Vice-President - Pat Nelson - 434-283-1055
Secretary - Gary Maupin Goodale - 540-334-5852
Treasurer -  Blanche Mahoney - 540-989-4948

BOARD of DIRECTORS
 Pam Bennington
Kim Reid
Susan Dallas
Annette Massey-Shaw
Robin Jones
Harriet Keys
Gabriele Hooten
Rebecca Splan
Laura Nelson
Megan Irby
Elise Tyminski

Next Meeting  April 19, 2004  7:00pm
the Wildflour Restaurant
7770 Williamson Rd., Hollins VA  540-362-1812

 

President's Message

I was there when it all began.  These are words that I can speak with fondness and pride about one of the most beautiful show grounds I’ve ever seen – The Virginia Horse Center.  I remember when “the hill” was the only developed area – the combined tests and dressage shows held there teemed with excitement at the newness of it all. I remember when the cross country course was raw and new – and contained only courses for beginner novice, novice and training levels.  I remember when the excavation for the Coliseum began – what a big hole that was!  I remember raking the center line for the Olympic qualifying dressage show proudly held in the newly erected Grandstand Arena.

 

 Many of the shows were in the spring and fall, and, if you’ve ever been at the Horse Center in the early morning during those seasons, you know that means one thing…fog. There’s something extraordinarily special about riding and watching for horses in the fog.  There’s a certain softness of sound – the muffled thud of hooves announcing the presence of a horse well before it appears almost magically from the mist.  There’s the beauty of the surrounding mountains slowly emerging as the rising sun burns off the fog.  I’ve had the pleasure of visiting many very nice show grounds in my time with horses, but none can compare to the Virginia Horse Center.

 

I was there when it all began.  These are words that I don’t want to speak with disappointment, regret, and disbelief.  As most of you know, the Horse Center is facing a serious financial crisis.  Please contact the state legislators listed below and express your desire for continued state support for the Horse Center.

 

Beckie

 

Dear Friends of the Virginia Horse Center:

The Virginia Horse Center needs your help!

The Virginia General Assembly created the Virginia Horse Center in 1984. The Governor appoints the members of the Virginia Equine Center Foundation responsible for overseeing the Center's operations, and once the construction debt is paid in full, the Commonwealth of Virginia will own the land and improvements, including those paid with private donations.

The approach taken by the 2003 General Assembly in cutting the state's annual appropriation to pay for the Center's original capital construction costs would not allow the Virginia Horse Center to survive. Please contact the legislators listed below as soon as possible and make the following three points:

  1. The Virginia Horse Center has a tremendously positive economic impact on the Commonwealth of Virginia



    2.

  2. The Virginia Horse Center, and when needed, the private Virginia Horse Center Foundation, have always been responsible for operational costs. The public sector, through the General Assembly, has, in the past, always paid the original capital debt necessary to build the Virginia Horse Center.



  3. The approach taken by the 2003 General Assembly in severely restricting debt service payments and curtailing them by 2006 will not allow the Virginia Horse Center to survive. The General Assembly needs to fund the original debt service (used to purchase the land and pay for capital construction) from Fiscal Year (FY) 2004 through Fiscal Year (FY) 2010, so that the Horse Center may remain viable.

It is very important that all correspondence be respectful and polite in nature. We have worked hard to clarify former misconceptions about the Virginia Horse Center and build good will among legislators.

Please contact EACH of the Budget Conference Committee Members and the Speaker of the House. Their names and e-mail addresses are listed below:

 

Senator John H. Chichester - district28@sov.state.va.us

Senator William C. Wampler, Jr. - district40@sov.state.va.us

Senator Walter A. Stosch - district12@sov.state.va.us

Senator Charles J. Colgan - district29@sov.state.va.us

Delegate Vincent F. Callahan, Jr. - del_callahan@house.state.va.us

Delegate Lacey E. Putney - del_putney@house.state.va.us  

Delegate Phillip A. Hamilton - del_hamilton@house.state.va.us

Delegate M. Kirkland Cox - del_cox@house.state.va.us

Delegate Johnny S. Joannou - del_joannou@house.state.va.us

Speaker William J. Howell - del_howell@house.state.va.us

 

All individuals should be formally addressed as The Honorable. For example, Delegate Hamilton is The Honorable Phillip A. Hamilton, the Virginia House of Delegates. In the salutation, he should be addressed as Dear Delegate Hamilton. The following individuals hold special positions in the General Assembly and should be addressed as follows: Senator Chichester is the Chairman of the Senate Finance Commitee, and in the salutation, he should be referred to as Dear Mr. Chairman. Delegate Callahan is the Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee and should be referred to as Dear Mr. Chairman. Delgate Howell is the Speaker of the House of Delegates and should be referred to as Dear Mr. Speaker.

I would appreciate receiving a blind copy of your correspondence for our records. If your software does not have that capability, you may forward a copy to me at lhammond@horsecenter.org AFTER you have sent the original messages.

To assist you in drafting your message, talking points about the Virginia Horse Center and Virginia's equine industry are listed below. We do not want all of the electronic messages to sound exactly the same, but they should all include the three points listed above. If you have moved to or located or expanded a business in the Commonwealth as a result of Virginia Horse Center operations, please make that point as well.

Thank you very much for your assistance.

Sincerely,

Lethia C. Hammond
The Virginia Horse Center Foundation

*************************************************************************************

Virginia Horse Center’s Impact on the Tourism Industry

The Virginia Horse Center attracts over 400,000 visitors each year.

60% of Horse Center visitors come from out-of-state

Each show exhibitor brings an average of 3 people with them who combined generate over $3,000 in direct taxable spending during their stay.

According to a 2001 study conducted by the Weldon Cooper Center for Public Policy at the University of Virginia, (the 2001 study), lodging sales generated by the Virginia Horse Center generated nearly 30 % (506 rooms) of all lodging sales in the Rockbridge County area. Since the study was conducted, three new hotels have been built within a mile radius of the Horse Center. Reliable Reservations, a private reservation company, estimates that over 40% of all lodging sales are now generated by Horse Center visitors.

Since Virginia Horse Center operations began, six new hotels have been built within a five radius of the facility and a seventh is under construction.

The Virginia Horse Center captures a significant amount of in-state tourism dollars that would otherwise be spent at out-of-state equine facilities.

The Virginia Horse Center hosts over 80 events each year over 280 show days.

Following the 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon travel decreased significantly throughout the Shenandoah Valley. However, visitors to the Virginia Horse Center increased significantly providing a stabilizing force in Virginia’s tourism industry.

According to Reliable Reservations Service, during the Lexington Spring Premiere and Encore shows in 2003, a million dollars in hotel sales were generated in the Rockbridge area alone during the two-week period. The event drew 700 horses from twenty states.

Virginia Horse Center Contributions to the Commonwealth’s Equine Industry

The Virginia Horse Center was created to revive and enhance the state’s declining equine industry and the results have been phenomenal.

Virginia now ranks as the 5th largest equine state in the U.S. surpassed only by Texas, California, Missouri, and Tennessee.

The total value of all equine in Virginia is $1.46 billion dollars.

Equine sales in Virginia are approximately $1 million annually making equine the 7th largest agricultural commodity in Virginia.

Each year $500 million is spent in Virginia caring for equine.

In 2001, the equine industry generated over $800 million in business sales and created 22,000 jobs in Virginia with a payroll of over $352 million.

Numerous small businesses have been created to service the state’s equine industry and Virginia Horse Center exhibitors.

A number of declining agricultural properties have been purchased and preserved by Virginia Horse Center enthusiasts, breeders, and trainers relocating to Virginia from out-of-state.

The Virginia Horse Center regularly attracts top competitors from throughout the country and around the world.

Private Investment in the Virginia Horse Center

Private donations to the Virginia Horse Center have totaled nearly $10 million dollars. Over 95 % of these donations have come from private individuals.

The Horse Center and the Commonwealth have been able to leverage private donations making the Virginia Horse Center one of the finest equine facilities in the country and enabling it to compete with facilities in neighboring states that are fully state funded.

The property and improvements purchased with private donations will ultimately become the property of the Commonwealth of Virginia when the capital construction debt is paid.

Increasingly public-private partnerships are encouraged as a means of financing state and local government projects. Private investors noting the potential loss of private donations, should the Virginia Horse Center default on its debt service payment and be forced to close, will be less likely to support public-private partnerships in the future.

Average Exhibitors at the Virginia Horse Center

64% of all horse owners throughout the United States have a total household income of less than $75,000 annually. Only 21% have incomes in excess of $100,000.

Each year over 300 youth from across the United States attend the United States Pony Club show held at the Virginia Horse Center.

4-H events are held annually at the Virginia Horse Center, attracting thousands of youth and their parents from throughout the Commonwealth.

Annual therapeutic riding shows have been held at the Virginia Horse Center for the past 11 years.

Hoofbeats Inc., a local, nationally accredited therapeutic riding facility, has submitted a letter of intent to build a national Special Olympics and Make-A-Wish Foundation facility at the Virginia Horse Center, paid entirely with private donations.


Virginia Horse Center General Talking Points

According to the 2001 study, for every dollar the state has invested in the Virginia Horse Center, nearly three dollars in sales taxes are returned to state and local governments. These numbers were conservative at the time the study was conducted, and are low now. Since 2001, Horse Center operations have grown 20%. It is now estimated that nearly $4.00 in tax revenues are returned for every dollar the state has invested.

According to the 2001 study, direct expenditures in Virginia by visitors to the Virginia Horse Center and the Horse Center itself total over $30 million annually.

These expenditures have a total impact of at least $41 million of the state’s economic output.

In 2001, Horse Center activities accounted for over $3.4 million in state and local tax revenues, of which $1.9 million went to the state and $1.5 million to local governments. Because Horse Center operations have grown significantly since 2001, tax revenues generated have also increased tremendously.

In 2001, the Virginia Horse Center added a second covered arena and two additional barns. The expansion has allowed the Horse Center to host multiple, large events simultaneously, drawing more profitable events and attracting greater numbers of top competitors.

According to the 2001 study, over 700 jobs have been created throughout the state as a result of spending at the Virginia Horse Center.



 

 

SWVADA MINUTES
March 2004
Next Meeting: April 19, 2004  7:00pm at the Wildflour Restaurant
 7770 Williamson Rd., Hollins VA 540-362-1812

The regular monthly meeting of SWVADA was held on Monday, 15 March 2004 at the Wildflour Restaurant in Hollins,VA. President Beckie Mitchell called the meeting to order at 7 PM. Board Members Present: Pam Bennington, Susan Dallas, Gary Goodale, Gabi Hooten, Megan Irby, Robin Jones, Laura Nelson, Blanche Mahoney, Beckie Mitchell, Pat Nelson, Annette Massey Shaw, Rebecca Splan. Board Members Absent: Harriet Keys, Kim Reid, Elise Tyminski. Members/Guests also present: Sue Cooper, Alyssa Leib.

President’s Report: Beckie Mitchell
1. Asked that Board consider having a Long Range Planning Committee.
2. Requested input at conclusion of meeting.

Secretary’s Report: Gary Goodale
1. VOTED to dispense with reading of minutes.
2. VOTED to approve minutes as submitted.

Treasurer’s Report: Blanche Mahoney
1. Balance: $1,999.37
2. Savings: $ 1,052.79
3. A fire proof safe has been purchased and important SWVADA papers will be stored in. To be housed by Blanche.
4. Explained insurance fees for year. USDF/VADA dues paid.
5. Will replace lock on trailer; combination to remain the same.

Education/Clinics: Laura Nelson
1. Freestyle Seminar with Tigger Montague: Seminar is designed for AUDITORS. . Reviewed format of the Seminar. Will begin at noon on Saturday, 27 March. Quadrille/ Pas de Deux scheduled for Saturday. Will begin at 9 AM on Sunday, 28 March. Individuals at various levels to demonstrate/discuss.VOTED to charge $5 per day for non members to audit. (Free to SWVADA members – part of VADA Chapter grant.) Look for further info/directions on the SWVADA web site.

2. Moving Up a Level Clinic with Judy Westenhoefer: The date will be Sunday, August 1. Location TBA. Demonstrators needed (must be confirmed at the level to be demonstrated). This clinic is designed for AUDITORS and will deal with how to determine when to move up a level.
3. Adult Camp: Will be located at Fancy Hill Farm; dates are September 10-12. Instructors will be Harriet Peterson (“r” Judge/USDF Certified Instructor) and Cathy Howard of Cooperstown, NY (USDF Certified Instructor). Spaces available will be 16-18 and could handle as many as 20 if needed. Cost: approximately $500. Watch for more information here and on web site! Contact Laura Nelson if you have questions.

Educational Sunday: Beckie Mitchell for Ellen Aiken
1. Great turnout with over 162 attending from as far away as Richmond and Harrisonburg.
2. The Tack Sale was very popular with SWVADA receiving $95 in vendor fees.
3. There were 30 evaluation forms turned in with compliments and suggestions.
4. Financial Report not yet completed.
5. Recommendations: Clarify policy for paying speakers, determine how to finance, try to keep free to attendees, appoint a committee to investigate/make recommendations to the Board.


 

 Green Hill Committee: Pam Bennington
1. A person has been found to drag the rings; the schedule will be twice a month in the summer and once a month in winter.
2. Improving publicity: includes an ad in the RVHA newsletter and improvements to the web site www.GHPEC.org ; and an ad on the Q99 Banner.
3. Considering building day stalls (would like input/ideas).
4. Need sponsors for the April show, a major fund raiser.
5. SWVADA Board VOTED to sponsor 2 classes in the April show.

Horse Show Committee: Gary Goodale
1. A summary of the February meeting was sent to all Board members for review. A copy is available from Gary Goodale if desired.
2. VOTED to budget $50 per schooling show for prizes (to be determined by the Show Manager).

Hospitality: Blanche Mahoney
1. The trailer has been restocked with paper goods. Show Managers please notify Blanche if replacements are needed.
2. Decided that the Freestyle Seminar will be a “Bring Your Own Lunch.” Will order out pizza on a pay basis if seminar lasts through dinner.

Membership: Pat Nelson
1. 102 members to date.
2. Pat will mail out the VADA Purple Books to those who have not yet received them.

Omnibus: from Harriet Keys
1. The Omnibus has been mailed.
2. Note: Ride a Test information is not in Omnibus but has been posted on the SWVADA web site.

Video Library: Gabi Hooten
1. A number of new videos have been added to the library.
2. Gabi will post titles on the web site.

VADA: from Harriet Keys
1. No VADA meeting since the last SWVADA meeting.
2. Next VADA meeting is March 20.
3. Sue Cooper has volunteered to be the SWVADA clinician for the VADA Round Robin Clinic.

Upcoming Events:
1. Freestyle Seminar – March 27,28; Organizer, Laura Nelson
2. Ride a Test – April 10; Organizer, Beckie Mitchell
3. Schooling Show – April 24; Manager, Harriet Keys

Long Range Planning Committee:
1. The following have volunteered to serve: Gary Goodale, Chairperson; Ellen Aiken, Pam Bennington, Susan Dallas, Robin Jones, Laura Nelson, Pat Nelson, Annette Massey Shaw, Rebecca Splan.
2. NOTE: The committee met briefly following the Board meeting. Discussed some possible topics to be considered. Will meet following the April Board meeting. Will correspond via email as much as possible.

The meeting adjourned at 8PM.

Respectfully submitted,
Gary Maupin Goodale, Secretary
Committee Chairpersons
Education/Clinics - Laura Nelson / Annette Massey Shaw
Equipment - Blanche Mahoney / Becky Cairns
Green Hill Park - Ellen Aiken / Pam Bennington
Horse Shows - Gary Maupin-Goodale / Pat Nelson / Annette Massey Shaw
Hospitality - Blanche Mahoney / Ellen Aiken / Gary Goodale
Membership - Pat Nelson
Newsletter/Website - Frances Yeardley
Omnibus - Harriet Keys / Rebecca Splan 
Points/Awards -Ellen Aiken
Public Relations - NEEDED
Ribbons/Trophies - Becky Cairns
VADA Representatives  - Harriet  Keys / Susan Dallas / Annette Massey Shaw /alt. Robin Jones
Video Library - Gabi Hooten

VADA News

2004 Virginia Dressage Association Celebrity Freestyle calling all VOLUNTEERS!

Get your volunteer hours in .Contact Pat Eveland - CFS Volunteer Coordinator at Pat_Eveland@msn.com

The Virginia Dressage Association will host its 5th annual ‘Celebrity Musical Freestyle Dressage Horse Competition ‘ to benefit the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation on June 19, 2004 at the Keswick Hunt Horse Show Grounds in Keswick, VA.

The late afternoon and evening performance will feature horses performing dressage movements to music including the beginning levels up to the advanced Grand Prix level. Costumed riders will also perform to music in the ‘Mini- musical Freestyles’.

A panel of noted celebrities will judge horse and rider teams. Celebrity names will be announced soon.
General admission is $ 10.00 per person (advanced purchase) and $15 at the door. Special ‘ Patron ’ seating is offered and includes admission for the event and a specially prepared dinner under the tent at ringside with the ‘Celebrity Panel of Judges’. The cost is $ 125.00 per person. This year a ‘Picnic Tent’ with preferred seating will be set up for those wishing to bring a picnic and enjoy the summer evening in a more casual way. The cost is $65 per seat. A one of a kind ‘Gazebo’ is available for $250-seating up to 6- in the elevated gazebo ringside.

There will be a variety of exciting and interesting mounted exhibitions. The annual ‘Calcutta’ (a fun auction which encourages spectator to bid on their choice for the winner at the advanced level of competition) will take place. A Silent Auction offering a wonderful variety of items will take place, open to all spectators .

A wide range of sponsorships for the classes of the day is available and encouraged.
Further information:
‘Patron ‘ seating & Preferred Picnic Tent seating, or General Admission call Marlene Eagleburger 434-977-7175.
Sponsorship and Program ad information: Tigger Montague @ 434-979-7421 or Barbara Schulman 434-825-5867
Silent Auction donations. Contact Mimi DeNicolas 540-672-0708
Visit our website www.vadressage.org for prize list and entry information
Show organizer: Nancy Lowey. nlowey@rocketmail.com Secretary: Molly Layfield: mshl@mindspring.com
Program publisher : Robin Dannels reigndear01@aol.com
Volunteer coordinator: Pat Eveland . Contact her for volunteer opportunities at Pat_Eveland@msn.com or 540.948.5654.
 

VADA Board Meeting
March 20, 2004
Minutes

Members Present: Bettina Longaker (CH), Holly Veloso (SW), Jessie Ginsburg (Nova), Paddy Patton (Nova), Susan Dallas (SW), Harriet Keys (SW), Annette Massey Shaw (SW), Sharon Ackley (F), Beth Rippel (SVADA), Tammy Hryczaniuk (F), Catherine Sutton (CH), Lynn Whiteside-Jones (CC), Jane Palmer (Shen), Beth Jandl (CH).

Tina called the meeting to order at 11.15

1. The Minutes from the Feb. 1, 2004 meeting were approved as written.

2. Treasurer’s Report: Catherine reported approximately $6,000 in the general account. That amount will be increased by the chapter membership mailings that have not yet been received.

Budget/Budget Committee Report: Jessie suggested projections be made for each year to help us stay within the budget. Board representatives have received many objections to the Board’s decision to have members pay for the Purple Book next year. After discussion on ways to defray the cost of publishing the Purple Book such as obtaining a major sponsor and asking members to pay postage costs, it was agreed that it is an invaluable asset and we would continue to look at ways to defray the expense, without charging the members. Auctioning the front cover and possibly the inside cover and back cover at the awards banquet as previously discussed for next year will help. Advertising the auction should begin in October. All money received from auctioning the cover will be used to publish the book and will not go in the grant program.
The expense of sending VADA representatives to the USDF convention was also discussed. USDF provides only $500.00 for Region I reps. A motion was made by Jessie Ginsburg that two VADA members be sponsored for the convention at a maximum of $500.00 per person in addition to the convention fees. Paddy Patton seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. It was agreed that the issue of this particular expense should be revisited each year.

3. VADA Bylaws vote: All Chapters have been working on getting the two thirds vote of their membership. ShenVADA was the only Chapter to have reached that goal so far. The deadline is March 31. A final push will be made to reach the goal.

4. VADA/BLM Show: Diane sent an update on the status of planning for the show. It appears that this will be a big show season which should produce a good turnout for the BLMs.

Volunteers: Holly Voloso has sent several Emails to potential volunteers and has had good responses.
Scribes will be assigned on a first come first serve basis; rules preclude riders from scribing or scoring. It will help both Tina and Holly for riders to indicate on their entry if they are showing and volunteering too. Scoring will be more computer oriented. Tina described the software that will be used for scoring so certain scorers will have to be computer literate. Devon Red (brick red) sweatshirts will be given to all volunteers but no hats this year.

Sponsors: Beth Jandl reported that a title sponsor, which costs about $4000.00, has not yet been secured. Passier has donated a saddle. Raffeling the saddle was suggested. A freestyle choreography is also being raffled. Chapters are being asked to push sponsorships of $45.00 for classes. A motion was made by Beth Rippel and seconded by Tina to track sponsorships from each Chapter and the Chapter with the highest number of sponsorships will be awarded an additional $50.00 in chapter grant funds for 2005. The motion passed unanimously. A good selling point is that sponsorships are tax deductible.

Sharon Ackley moved that the Chapters sponsor the breakfast in the barns like last year at the cost of $45.00 per chapter. The motion was seconded by Paddy. The motion passed unanimously. Holly will provide donuts and muffins for the volunteers.

Catering: Holly will pursue a bid from the same caterer, Revolutionary Soup, as last year (from Charlottesville). The food will be similar to last year. The room will be set up so the judges are isolated from the volunteers, who will not be able to eat in the same room as the judges. There was a long discussion on how best to set up the food and serve to judges and volunteers. Holly will handle that aspect. Jessie moved to accept the catering bid from Revolutionary Soup as long as it is within 10 percent of last year‘s bid. Catherine seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

Awards: Sharon Ackley reported that Harriet Keys will handle the awards ceremonies, as long as she is recovered from her son‘s wedding (in California) the week before. BLM puts up $5000 in money but does not provide money for gifts. Gifts will depend on sponsorships. The awards table will be upstairs again. Awards for the dog show are needed and Tina agreed to provide. Musical Freestyle classes will be held on both Friday and Saturday nights. It was agreed to move the dog show from Saturday night to Friday night as entertainment for the Wine and Cheese. Catherine suggested having the saddle raffle at the Wine and Cheese. A sponsor is needed for the Saturday Competitors party.

Show Program: Will Leslie Painter handle? Not confirmed yet.

Stable Manager: Alison Head will handle with the Horse Center handling the daily stable management like last year.

Rings: Catherine Sutton will again handle set up. There are three rings at the Horse Center but eight in all will be needed. She will arrange for borrowing the additional rings from various chapters. Stake and chain can be used in an emergency. Catherine will waive her fee for a half page add in the program, a $120 value.

Rain/Cold Contingency: Tina advised that there needs to be people there with big cars to help transport judges.

Judges Perspective: Kathy Rowse has again volunteered to give the judges perspective narration on Friday and Saturday nights. Hilda is committed for Saturday night.

Judges Hospitality: If Nita Catterton will handle the set-up, Thursday, and Friday nights, Holly will provide “skating mothers“ Saturday and Sunday.

5. Celebrity Freestyle: Several celebrities are being invited to attend, including Ted Koppel and others. Pat Eveland will handle the volunteers this year.

6. VA Grant for Musical Freestyle: A proposal for $3900.00 to advertise musical freestyle riding has been submitted by Paddy Patton to the State of Virginia, along with 30 others. The State will inform us by the middle of April of their decision. She suggested VADA come up with other proposals for grants because the money is available.

7. VADA Website: Junk mail is becoming a problem on the website, but the links are working pretty well. Chapters need to continue to feed information to Randi so she can update.

8. Newsletters: Everyone needs to check to be sure the newsletters are being distributed properly. VADA Board members should be receiving copies of each chapter’s newsletter, except for those newsletters that are online.

9. VIP Program: Catherine reported that the VIP awards program cost approximately $2000.00 last year. The Board agreed that the criteria for awards for next year should be addressed and will be discussed at the next meeting.

10. Round Robin Clinics: Leslie Sebers is working on this.

11. State membership: Beth Ripple reported a total of 819 memberships have been received and paid to USDF and VADA.

12. Awards: Beth Ripple reported that a 5 and 6 year combined award will be given this year.

13. Chapter Grants: SWAVDA and Central are working on getting grants.

14. 2005 Luncheon--Tammy has not been able to confirm the date with the Gordonsville restaurant but will continue to pursue.

15. Shel Gafford: Tina will have an update at the next meeting.

16. Purple Book: Chapters are continuing to distribute the Purple Book but have found it expensive to mail. It was suggested that members could be asked to send the cost of postage if they want a book. Each chapter is responsible for distribution to its membership.

17. Region I Omnibus: The book is still available for purchase. It was noted that some of the tests are not printed accurately in the new Omnibus and should be compared with last year’s tests to make corrections.

18. Region I Meeting: Tina and Diane Boyd will be attending the meeting at Hill Top, in Colora, MD on March 28 and present the bids for next year’s BLMs and GAIGs.

19. Additions: Paddy is proposing that a Large R program be presented at Dressage in Lexington in 2006.

Next Meeting--May 23, at 11:00 a.m. at the Double-Tree in Charlottesville.
 

Dates to Remember
Shows, Events, Sales, Etc.  

Ride A Test info and form

  • April 10th   Ride-a-Test with Helen George "r" at Green Hill Park



  • April 24 & 25  Frank Bell, legendary horse whisperer and gentling specialist, is coming to Christiansburg. Find out more information about Frank Bell on his website at: www.HorseWhisperer.com


  • May 22-23  Workshop with Susan E. Holowchak, CMT, Ex.Physiologist, ESMT, CSMT
    OPEN TO ALL VADA MEMBERS Certified Equine, Human, and Canine Massage Therapist/Bodyworker-20 years experience specializing in Myofascial Release, Asian Bodywork Therapy, and the use of Therapeutic Pure Essential Oils. Contact: Diana Burton at 804-725-2180 by April 1

NEWS in BRIEF

Volunteers needed for the Recognized Show on May 29th. Contact Jeanette Shires
 
  • BARN TIPS For quick access during schooling, keep a mailbox or storage box at the riding ring. Handy for fly spray, a lunge line, spurs, etc. Saves a trip back to the barn! (The 3 step mounting blocks have a lift up top with a storage space.)
Educational Sunday was a great success with a record crowd and super programs! We couldn't have done it without a fantastic bunch of volunteers, who met all tasks and solved every unexpected problem resourcefully and cheerfully. I've never worked with a better bunch! Jeanette and I would like to thank personally all these the folks:

Beth Blackwell, Jean Bost-Moore, Sharon Cargill, Abbey Chase, Kimberly Cowser, Darlene Foley, Summer Foley, Jeannie Hopkins, Lynn Jendrowski, Sara Kominsky, Blanche Mahoney, Beckie Mitchell, Katie Myers, Celeste Rustom, Gail Stanley, Tammy Stanley, Monica Weinzapfel, and Meg Willis.

--Ellen Aiken, Ed. Sunday Co-chair
 
Here is the Green Hill Park Equestrian Center benefit horse show program. The proceeds from this show are used to make capital improvements at the park. Also attached is a class sponsorship form. At $10 a class this is a very easy way for individuals to support the park. Sponsorship Form Word doc. Contact Tamla Nichols for more information tammy.nichols@itt.com
 

EXTRAORDINARY RULE CHANGE PROPOSALS PASS FOR WHIP LENGTH IN DRESSAGE COMPETITIONS

During the March 16th meeting, the USEF Executive Committee approved three Extraordinary Rule Change Proposals regarding the legal length of whips which may be carried in Recognized Dressage Competitions.

These changes affect Article Numbers 320, 1920.5, and 1921.9: Effective June 1 of this year, only one whip, no longer than 43.3 inches (110 centimeters) including the lash, may be used in dressage classes and for warm-up. One standard longeing whip is permitted only when longeing.

These changes apply to all dressage test levels (Intro - Grand Prix) at Recognized Dressage Competitions.

These rule changes, put forward by the USEF Dressage Committee, reflect changes to FEI regulations which became effective on January 1, 2004.

Please refer to the Dressage page of the Federation website, www.usef.org, (Equestrian Sports - International Disciplines - Dressage) for these complete rule changes.

THESE CHANGES BECOME EFFECTIVE JUNE 1, 2004. All exhibitors are strongly encouraged to check the length of their whips prior to this date, and all officials and management are asked to assist with educating competitors and issue warnings as appropriate during a six-month transition period after the effective date.

For more information, contact Jennifer Keeler, Sport Manager - Dressage, at jkeeler@usef.org or (859) 225-2024.

 

 Send interesting news items and shameless brags to Editor.  Need to express yourself?
Write or suggest an article for the newsletter.

TIDBITS

It's show season, take the time to read the glossary of judging terms in the back of the USDF skinny book that gets sent out every year. Also, really read the USEF rules and definitions on the gaits, movements and exercises to optimize your showing strategy.. Frances

 

 

Harriet Peterson
Instruction/Training/Judging
USDF 4th level certified instructor
"r" dressage judge
USDF bronze and silver medalist
434/ 845-2735 hhpete22@aol.com

Brigitte Peterson
Encore Stable, Blacksburg
Training/Breaking/Lessons/Clinics/Sales
Bereiter-FN
540/ 544-7662 encorestable@aol.com

Holly Veloso
Central Manor Farm, Bedford
Sporthorse Breeding/Sales/Training/Lessons/Clinics
540/ 586-6649

Susan B. Cooper
Catawba, VA
Dressage training/Instruction/Clinics/Sales
USDF Bronze, Silver and Gold medalist
540/ 384-7115 suebcoop@aol.com

Tamla Nichols
"r" Dressage Technical Delegate
1689 Bore Auger Road
Blue Ridge, Va. 24064
540/ 890-5770 Tamla_nichols@msn.com

Judy Westenhoefer
Central Manor Farm
Lessons/Clinics/Judging
AHSA "R" Judge
USDF Bronze/Silver Medalist
540/ 586-2253

Gabriele Hooten
 The Solid Rock Farm   Roanoke
Dressage Training/Clinics/Sales
Bereiter-FN  USDF L Certification
540/ 427-1271 thesolidrockfarm@aol.com

Pati Pierucci
Rivers' Bend Farm
Training/Lessons/Sales/Quarantine
USET long listed member
434/ 369-5874 mystudmuffins@aol.com

Frances Yeardley
TurtlePond Farm   Lexington
Instruction/Training/Clinics/Judging
USDF Bronze/Silver Medalist
USDF "L" Certification
540/ 463-1964 yeardley@ntelos.net

Debra Crockett Maddux
Importer of Hennig Saddles
Importer/Breeder of Hanoverians
Legend Hill Hanoverians LLC
Glasgow, Virginia
540-258-9922
 Legend Hill Hanoverians rain4st@ntelos.net

Sandy Panek MSA Certified Saddle Fitter & County Saddlery agent   www.saddlefitting.org

 

Lynn Jendrowski
Bent Tree Farm, Ltd.
 Instuction/Training/Clinics
USDF Bronze/Silver Medalist
ARIA Certified Dressage Instructor
540/ 392-8777 dressagelynn@netscape.net

Why don't YOU have a website yet?

As a service to its members, this space will serve as a directory listing the Chapter's professionals and their services. SWVADA in no way endorses those listed here-in. Listings are FREE for SWVADA members. SALUTE editor reserves the right to edit listings.
To submit a listing, include your name, contact information (phone, e-mail, etc.), services offered,
and e-mail to yeardley@ntelos.net or snail mail to Frances Yeardley / 220 Tempi Dr. / Lexington VA 24450.



CLASSIFIEDS
Classified ads are free to all SWVADA members. Non-members: $5 per insertion
Please notify the editor when your horse, tack or other advertised items are sold.

  • Master Saddlers Association CERTIFIED SADDLE FITTER and COUNTY SADDLERY AGENT: Providing and adhering to the highest standard in saddle fit.   Fitting and on-site flocking adjustments. www.saddlefitting.org
    Contact Sandy Panek 540-272-0797  sandypanek@cs.com.


  • Sue Cooper horse sales:
    Find the horse of your dreams right here in Roanoke. I have horses to fit every budget, and level of ability. Also offering select imported Dutch Warmbloods. Take the short trip over Catawba Mtn to check us out! Suebcoop@aol.com or 540 384-7115. Also offering lessons and training.

  • Otto Schumacher Profi Dressage Saddle, 17.5' seat, blk, very gd condition. Tree width can be adjusted (free of charge) by manufacturer to fit your horse. $1000   Call Marie Klimchuk 540-586-1812


  • Stall available at Cobbs Mountain Farm: Full Board w/ pasture turn out. Large lighted arena and lunging ring with groomed footing. Heated tack room. Wash stall with hot/cold running water. Qualified Dressage and Huntseat Instructors available for lessons. REASONABLE RATES. Call for more info, Marie Klimchuk 540-586-1812


  • Wanted: Riding apparel, formal/informal for 5 year old girl. Size 5T and up. Please call Gabi at 540-427-1271
  • Wanted: absolutely childproof, bombproof pony for five year old girl. Must be extremely safe and sound enough to walk, trot and canter in ring and on trails. Does not need to be show quality. Will have the best home possible. Call Gabi at 540-427-1271.


  • For Sale  Zana Bint Krush- 7 year old registered Arabian mare By Krushan Al Krush out of Mistanny Imaar; Davenport lines, Tripoli and Pasha lines Proven broodmare, throws beautiful babies, two year old colt on farm Started under saddle, round pen trained, and worked in long linesThree elegant gaits, excellent disposition
  • Nadita Krush- 8 year old registered Anglo-Arabian mare
    By Krushan Al Krush out of Starflight; Davenport lines, Tripoli and Pasha lines Proven broodmare, beautiful two year old filly on farm. Round pen trained, has been saddled, will start long lines this winter
    Both mares lead, tie, load, and stand for grooming and farrier
    $1000 each or best offer, will consider package deal for both
    Located in Bristol, TN
    Email Mammafern@aol.com or call (423)878-3557

  • Blue Ridge Equine Appraisal is now offering discounted services to SWVADA members. Whether you require an appraisal for tax, resale, insurance or legal reasons, certified equine appraiser Rebecca K. Splan, PhD, PAS, can provide you with a detailed, professional and confidential assessment of your horse's value. Specializing in sporthorse valuation. (540) 384-8063 rsplan@vt.edu,  or visit us on the web at www.blueridgeequineappraisal.com


  • For Sale: 3 pr. child's riding pants (2 breech, 1
    jodphur), light colors, size 8, gently used. 1
    Tailored Sportsman hunter coat, light pinstripe gray,
    fits 8-10 yr. old child. $50/everything. Holly,
    velosoh@yahoo.com 540-586-6649
  • For Sale; Branded ISR-Oldenburg dark bay. 15.3h, 6 yr. old mare. Pretty. Well started under saddle. Ready to expand on dressage education or start O/F for a possible career in Dressage, CT, or the Hunter ring. Very quiet temperament. Asking $10,000. Contact Marie Klimchuk 540-586-1812 or klimchuk@bellatlantic.net


  • Arab Trakehner mare 6yr. by Gideon. Price reduced.  Must sell, will consider offer.   Going well under saddle has been introduced to jumping. Dressage or combined training  $4,500  Double registered ready to go. 
  • Arab Trakehner gelding 4 yr. old  by Gideon.  16H,  Started under saddle. Handsome and obedient very up hill conformation for dressage.    $5,000. Robin  540-473-3598 thejonesgroup@rbnet.com  

  • For Sale:  Small child's 14" all purpose english saddle with fittings and saddle pad.  In excellent condition.  Call Meredith McGrath at 540-745-2004 (work)or 540-745-3976 (home) $400.00


  • One opening for Pasture Board now available at Camlach Farm in Boones Mill, Va (10 miles south of Roanoke). For the health of your horse, 24/7 Turnout in LARGE pasture with LARGE,double Run In Shed, Heated Water, Unlimited Hay. Limit of 4 horses in pasture. Scenic 90 acres to ride on; quiet, peaceful atmosphere. Use of all facilities. Call Gary Goodale at 540-334-5852 or email: camlachfarm@aol.com


  • Virginia Equine Appraisals certified equine appraiser, when you need a professional appraisal for IRS, donations, insurance, litigation, etc. www.va-equineappraiser.com


  • EquineDzine - Be an internet presence! Specializing in websites for horse people. It's more affordable than you think. Keyword and metatag optimization, search engine submission.  www.equinedzine.com


  • COURBETTE LUXOR DRESSAGE SADDLE: blk, 17.5in., prof.re-stuffed by David Young. A good condition saddle with classic knee rolls, and clean, long flap lines.
    Priced to sell at $800. velosoh@yahoo.com,
    540-586-6649


  • Hennig Saddles for sale. Several Recently Imported from Germany.
    17 M Black Exposed Thigh Blocks custom made and formerly owned by World Class Rider Heike Kemmer
    18 M Black Exposed Thigh Blocks "Ride like a world class rider with the right equipment".
    email us     rain4st@ntelos.net  and get into our data bank
    Legend Hill Hanoverians LLC
    Debra Crockett Maddux / Glasgow, Virginia 540-258-9922     


  • FOR SALE - Falkland Schoolmaster: 20 yr. old TK chestnut gelding, 16.1h, trained and competed to 4th level dressage.  Does not look or act like a 20 year old horse.  Great JR/YR or adult amateur rider who wants to learn dressage movements.  Needs a rider with experience.  Must sell. For more information:
    Lynn Jendrowski - (540) 392-8777 email: dressagelynn@netscape.net


  • Albion Comfort dressage saddle, excellent condition, medium tree, 17 inch seat. $1200.
    call Debbie Coots at 540 992 3049


Newsletter submissions to:  Frances Yeardley / yeardley@ntelos.net / 220 Tempi Dr. / Lexington, VA 24450 / 540-463-1964

 

 


fma

              

Newsletter submissions to:  Frances Yeardley / yeardley@ntelos.net / 220 Tempi Dr. /Lexington, VA 24450 / 540-463-1964

Just for Fun

Anyone who is concerned about his dignity would be well advised to keep away from horses.

-Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh