December 2005

President's Message	SWVADA Minutes	VADA News
Dates to Remember	News in Brief	Pro Paddock
Classified Ads	Display Ads	Just for Fun

 

OFFICERS BOARD of DIRECTORS President -  Beckie Mitchell Vice-President - Pat Nelson   Secretary - Gary Maupin Goodale   Treasurer -  Blanche Mahoney   Pam Bennington  Kim Reid Susan Dallas  Annette Massey-Shaw Robin Jones Gabriele Hooten  Rebecca Splan Laura Nelson Sue Cooper Jeanettes Shires

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PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

As November draws to a close and the hustle and bustle of the holiday season is upon us, I hope each of you will take the time to think about your commitment to SWVADA in the upcoming year.  Serving as president for the past two years, I've had first hand experience with the joys and difficulties of being an active part of a volunteer organization. The SWVADA Board is tasked with providing educational experiences (in the form of shows, clinics, etc.) for those interested in the sport of dressage.  Obviously, the decisions the Board makes toward that end are not going to be popular with everyone.  Therefore, it is of utmost importance for you, the members, to share your concerns and ideas either with a Board member or at Board meeting.  That is the only way the Board can act upon the needs and concerns of the membership.  All Board meetings are open to the membership and we encourage you to attend.     There is a new slate of officers (Susan Dallas, Laura Nelson, Jeanette Shires, and Blanche Mahoney) full of enthusiasm  -  ready to begin the 2006 year.   I encourage each of you to take a more active role in SWVADA.  Don't be afraid to volunteer to help with an event - even if you're a "newbie" to dressage or event management, you can help.  You'll be matched up with someone with more experience and they will guide you in the learning process.   Greater member involvement can only make SWVADA stronger and better!    Happy holidays.... see you at the shows in the Spring!   Beckie

 

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  SWVADA MINUTES
November 2005
Next Meeting: 7 PM, Monday, December 19, 2005
Hollywood's Restaurant at Hollins 

The regular monthly meeting of SWVADA was held on Monday,  21 November 2005 at Hollywood’s in Hollins, VA. The meeting was called to order by President Beckie Mitchell. Board Members Present: Sue Cooper, Susan Dallas, Gary Goodale, Gabi Hooten, Robin Jones, Blanche Mahoney, Beckie Mitchell, Laura Nelson, Pat Nelson, Annette Massey Shaw, Jeanette Shires, Rebecca Splan. Board Members Absent: Pat Bevan, Kim Reid, Bob Whitehurst. Members/Guests also Present: Ellen Aiken. President’s Report: Beckie Mitchell 1. Outgoing President Beckie Mitchell expressed her appreciation for the hard work and the cohesive nature of the 2005 SWVADA Board. 2. Much was accomplished this year and show attendance has been very high. Volunteers have come forth when needed. Secretary’s Report: Gary Goodale 1. VOTED to approve/accept the minutes as presented. Treasurer’s Report: Blanche Mahoney 1. Balance in Checking Account: $11,181.02 2. Balance in Savings Account: $$1059.43 3. Blanche reported on her investigation of bank rates for CD’s. 4. VOTED to place $3000 in a CD at Valley Bank. Adult Camp 2006: Gary Goodale, Blanche Mahoney, Laura Nelson 1. Discussed various topics relating to Camp 2006. Laura and Gary will check with possible clinicians and fees for next year. 2. A tentative date with Fancy Hill for Camp 2006 has been set for the first weekend in October (October 6-8). Clinics: Annette Massey Shaw/ Rebecca Splan 1. Rebecca has discussed with Debbie Bowman the possibility of a lecture series. Will check on available dates. 2.Annette discussed information re: having SWVADA sponsor a major clinic. Various possibilties reviewed. It was decided that a more regional approach might be best for a first year clinic. Educational Sunday: Ellen Aiken/Jeanette Shires 1. Reviewed BREA’s request to sponsor a speaker at Educational Sunday. Need more information re: intent. SWVADA welcomed the suggested topics and plans are being formulated for topics/speakers for next year. 2. Discussed possibility of having sponsorships (donations) such as: Platinum, Gold, Silver, etc. 3. Ellen will investigate applying for a grant with the VA Horse Industry Board. Hospitality: Blanche Mahoney 1. The SWVADA Social and Annual Banquet will be held at the Wyndham Hotel in Roanoke on Saturday, February 11, 2006. Cost: $21 per person (See web site for info.) 2. Agreed to add entertainment to the social. Agreed to have a DJ and dancing. Blanche will make the arrangements. 3. REMINDER: Donations for the silent auction for Green Hill and the VA Horse Center are tax deductible.

Membership: Pat Nelson 1. 137 current members. 2. USDF membership year is now December 1 to November 30 for ALL members. Points/Awards: Ellen Aiken 1. Updated status now on the web site. 2. REMINDER: Scores/volunteer hours must be reported by NOVEMBER 30. 3. Ellen has made a new form for show managers, event directors, etc. to report volunteer hours. The volunteer form will still be available for use if needed. 4. Copies of tests for Recognized Shows and for Medal Awards must be in by NOVEMBER 30. VADA: Susan Dallas/ Robin Jones 1. Minutes of the last VADA meeting have been sent to members via email. 2. Noted that VADA is requesting funding for improving the footing at VHC. Videos: Gabi Hooten 1. New videos/ DVDs are available. 2. Titles will be posted on the web site. October Schooling Show: Jeanette Shires 1. 85 rides were scheduled! 2. A special thanks to Show Management and Secretary for pulling together to make this show happen. Volunteers did a great job. Recognized Show: Beckie Mitchell 1. Jeanette Shires has agreed to manage or co-manage the show if it is held. At this point we still need an experienced secretary who is computer savvy. All reports must be filed online now. 2. The date reserved for the show is May 27,2006. 3. Tammy Nichols has agreed to TD the show in exchange for SWVADA membership and volunteer hours. Miscellaneous 1. VOTED to "Buy a Brick" at the VA Horse Center ($100). Proceeds from this campaign will help support the Horse Center facilities and program development. Bricks will be used in a new honorary walkway built in front of the Howard P. Anderson Coliseum. 3. Noted that $50 has been paid to the VA Horse Council Legislative Reception. 4. Membership: Pat Nelson 1. 137 current members. 2. USDF membership year is now December 1 to November 30 for ALL members. The meeting then adjourned. Respectfully submitted, Gary Maupin Goodale

 

Committee Chairpersons Awards/Ribbons - Becky Cairns Education/Clinics - Laura Nelson / Annette Massey Shaw / Susan MacIsaac                                 Gary Goodale Educational Sunday - Jeanette Shires / Ellen Aiken Equipment - Bob Whitehurst Green Hill Park - Bob Whitehurst Horse Shows - Gary Maupin-Goodale / Pat Nelson / Annette Massey Shaw Hospitality - Blanche Mahoney Long Range Planning - Annette Massey-Shaw Membership - Pat Nelson Newsletter/Website - Frances Yeardley Omnibus -  Rebecca Splan Points/Awards -Ellen Aiken Public Relations - Pat Bevan Video Library - Gabi Hooten Young Riders - Pat Bevan

  VADA

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NEWS & NOTES

 

“Master Class” Clinic with Lilo Fore –  November 11th - 13th, 2005 by Harriet Peterson On November 11th - 13th I had the privilege to ride in a “Master Class” clinic taught by Lilo Fore at Cindy Sydnor’s Braeburn Farm in Snow Camp NC.  Lilo Fore is an FEI “I” judge, an examiner for the USDF Instructor Certification program, and a trainer and teacher with tremendous experience and talent.  The riders were all certified instructors, but the clinic was open to anyone for auditing.  I took Harriet Key’s “Copelia” and Deborah Carwile’s “Pier B.”  Harriet, Deborah, Jane Leggett, Val Garrett, and Tiffany Mioduszewski came along to help and to audit.  Braeburn Farm is a wonderful site for a clinic with beautiful rolling pastures and woods and an arena with excellent sand/rubber footing and large mirrors.  We were blessed with beautiful weather for the weekend, once we thawed out from Friday morning’s brisk wind. Lilo watched each rider warm up for a few minutes and then was able to pinpoint areas to work on that consistently produced clear improvement in the horse and the rider.  Her approach was simultaneously tough and positive with a good sprinkling of humor.  Between rides she welcomed questions from the auditors which helped clarify issues and kept those not riding feeling included and involved.  The horses ranged from green four year old to PSG.  I’ll try to share some exercises and some insights used for horses of varying levels.  Throughout the weekend there was much discussion on the importance of developing straightness and evenness in the reins.  With a young horse ridden by Ellen Miller, Lilo emphasized the importance of riding disciplined lines.  She told Ellen to be sure to decide what size circle she was going to ride and where that circle was to be located so she could ride exactly on the line she had planned.  This was especially emphasized in riding transitions without losing the line of travel.  To help develop straightness, she used small counter flexions on the circle, moving the horse into the inside leg and bringing the shoulders in front of the hindquarters.  Lilo told Ellen to “feel that you’re riding between your arms to the contact” and to “look between the ears of your horse so you feel that your body is in the right place” and to “ride the horse’s shoulders forward.”  As she did in many of the lessons, Lilo emphasized the importance of not letting the reins get too long.  Appropriately short reins are not less soft than long reins and tend to be much less “busy”.  In talking about riding transitions, she said that good training is about being patient enough to know when your horse is not ready yet to make a transition and waiting for him to be ready before asking for it.   With a six year old mare ridden by Jeanne Karver, Lilo demonstrated exercises to begin to create more collection and alternated these with others to help keep this mare from becoming tense and braced.  To help her to activate and engage her hind quarters instead of pulling herself with her shoulders, Lilo started with a walk exercise to make her more aware of her hind legs.  She told Jeanne to keep the footfalls quicker so she doesn’t “swim” but marches.  They worked back and forth across the arena with halt/1/4 turn on forehand then halt/1/4 turn on haunches with frequent changes of direction, then did trot work with leg yields from the quarter line to the track and head to the wall leg yields.  She advised Jeanne to make sure the horse is coming into both reins before asking for the canter depart and to use a little counter bend if the inside rein is empty.  To activate the hind leg in the canter, Lilo suggested that Jeanne think a “slower swoop” in the canter and then add a little leg.  She also had her gallop forward around the arena and then return to the 20m circle.  Another exercise was to  trot a smaller trot and activate the hind leg with a touch of the whip several times, then do the same in canter.  This work helped the mare get more active behind but also made her somewhat tense and braced, so they did work on circles with leading/giving inside rein and lots of changes of direction to “make her feel like a rubber band.”  Lilo reminded Jeanne to always loosen the opposite rein so the mare could follow the inside rein and move her shoulders away to facilitate the bend.  With this mare Lilo made the point that in training you often have to step back to basics if you ask a little too much and create tension.  You have to work back and forth and find the place where the horse is able to work. One of the most fun lessons to watch was Tracy Smith-Oliver on a five year old Connemara/Irish draft horse.  The horse started off very polite and steady but unremarkable in his movement.  Using a series of exercises including leg yields, circles, shoulder-in, and stretching, Lilo and Tracy began to get the horse to open up and become much more expressive in his movement.  Lilo emphasized to not get stuck on just one thing and nag but to use a lot of variety to find what will help, and so the horse says “Wow, look at that.  I can do it!”  She used a lot of body and seat imagery to help Tracy attain this.  She told her to “work upward with your seat and body so that as you go up you take him with you.”  She said to think about “riding the horse into the frame but that the reins have to be the right length with the right feel for the particular horse.  The horse has to tell you and you have to listen to him.  Your core is amazingly important.  It must think forward along with your forward thinking rein and leg.”  Lilo talked about why she thinks dressage is the hardest sport.  “The rider is in constant motion on something with its own mind.  The rider has to constantly adjust to appear still and balanced and to balance the horse.”  This is why it is so vitally important that the rider develop a good position.  Another good exercise used on a young mare ridden by Mary Flood was to ride down the center line and then ride straight on the line from D to R or S.  After doing this several times, the rider was to begin to leg yield slightly along this line once she had established the line.  This helped the horse to develop leg yield without losing the feeling of forward.  The horse’s shoulder remains always on that same line while the haunches are brought slightly off the line to make the horse gradually more parallel to the track.  Lilo suggested that the rider imagine the horse has an eye in his outside shoulder during the leg yield to help hold the line and ride forward on that line but not to let the haunches lead.  Lilo said, “If you have your forward you will have control of your sideways.”  Also she reminded Mary to “keep the rein contact thinking ahead of you.”  Another simple exercise used with this four year old mare was to alternate rising and sitting trot so that the horse knows that she can continue to carry the rider forward in sitting trot. Another very useful exercise used often was to ride a 20m circle at B and E, then, at the center line, a 10m circle in the opposite direction.  This helped riders to get more centered over the horses and made riders more aware of--and horses more responsive to--the outside aids.  Lilo used this exercise in varying ways also to help prepare horses for improved canter transitions and to help improve the flying changes on a horse which was not straight and therefore was changing short behind.  There were a couple of horses who were very active and forward but tended to get strong.  With Catie Hill, Lilo started out with five loop serpentines with an “S” feeling in the changes of direction.  She told Catie to focus on keeping her horse between both legs and trying to help him find even contact in both reins.  “Don’t let him run ahead of you,” she said.  “You want to be in charge of that impulsion.”  They used circles to say “Be round, a little soft, be light,” then shoulder-in. With the mare Copelia, Lilo had me ride transitions between trot and walk in shoulder-in and also a series of 10m circles to counter shoulder-in to 10m circle, etc.  She reminded me to “Put the horse in the middle of you.” and to “sit over the reins” and not lean back.  I was told to frequently remind “Kerry” to “Stay here by my seat!” so that I could gain control of her hind legs and create impulsion rather than speed.  One of the difficult but effective exercises to improve the canter was to ride on a 20m circle and on each 1/4 circle to transition from collected to medium or from medium to collected canter.  I was reminded to think about riding the horse’s shoulders uphill and to think “up and light.”  The transitions came easier and easier and I was increasingly able to give the reins in the collection without losing it.  Lilo reminded me to keep the reins short but “forward feeling” and that, when I shorten the reins, I need to stretch myself upward and give gently the reins.  On Sunday afternoon we headed home tired and happy but with many complaints that “my brain is full!”  After a day off to relax and absorb lessons learned, I went back to work to find that the horses had retained what they had learned, and I had actually retained some myself (my memory is never as good as theirs).  The collection came easier and the horses were decidedly more straight and even in my hands.  I’ve enjoyed using the things I learned and the things I was reminded of in my teaching, and the results have been very rewarding.  Just about the most exciting thing was the immediate improvement in the riding of my students who went along to audit.  It was clear that they were paying attention and soaking it in.  It was an especially good auditing situation because the horses were mostly lower level but the riders were all accomplished and able to carry out the exercises and instruction given by Lilo.  We all came home with the image of correct riding burned into our brains and also such a clear view of the effect of appropriate exercises well executed.  The plan is to have Lilo come and do this clinic for certified instructors and auditors again in the spring, though a date has not yet been set.  They hope to do this regularly on a semi-annual basis and I highly recommend that anyone interested take advantage of it next time either as a rider or an auditor.

On behalf of Judy Bonin and Jean Bost-Moore, I'd like to thank the great volunteers we had to help us with the Frightfully Fun Schooling Show on October 29.  The three of us have worked shows but never had the experience of managing one.  The tremendous support we had from you made it very easy.    The following made the day great:  Annie Ireland, Marilyn Conatser, Terry Abrams, Linda and Stephanie Till, Jane Leggett, Meredith McGrath, Catherine Galecki, Caitlin Worrell, Michelle Zorn, Bob Whitehurst, Linda Oberlender, Gail Stanley, Tiffany Mioduszewski and her extremely helpful parents, and Blanche Mahoney who answered all my questions and then filled in as scribe.  Oh, can't leave out Donna Reynolds who isn't yet a member of SWVADA; she served as a ring steward all day to help out her friend, Judy.    Laura Lee

STALLS FOR RENT	SERVICES
Board the NATURAL way! Camlach Farm has 2 spaces available for pasture board. LARGE pasture, LARGE run in sheds, heated water, unlimited hay. Use of all facilities. Located 10 miles south of Roanoke in Boones Mill. Contact Gary Goodale at: 540-334-5852 or camlachfarm@aol.com  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 Sea Horse South, Raphine VA. - Horse Boarding - Indoor and outdoor arenas, jumps, instruction available. $400/month. Warmblood Yearlings for sale - by Rosenthal, De Laurentis, and Feinbrand. $10,000 each. Clinics with Jean Luc Cornille - Better performance through biomechanics. July 18, auditors free, private lessons $125. For more info. contact Tricia O'Keefe Boutin 540-377-2055 seahorseso@ntelos.net  Full board with turnout in SW Roanoke County. 12x12 stalls. Wash stalls with hot and cold water. Large lighted riding arenas. Please call 540-871-8455	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.  EquineDzine.com 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 Saddles 'n Stuff  www.SaddlesnStuff.com
HORSES FOR SALE	SADDLES FOR SALE
For Sale: 10 Yr. Old registered Oldenburg Gelding - 16.2 hh, has had a total of 13 mos. professional trianing. He has been successfully shown in VADA-CH in the schooling division at Intro. & Training Level I. He would be a wonderful prospect for an individual with serious dressage goals who is looking for a sound competitive horse to move up. Excellent ground manners. $15,000 Contact: Debbie Fahrner at (804) 784-3884 or DebFahrner@aol.com Lipizzaners for sale: Bred to excel in dressage at Four Pillars Farm in Chilhowie, Virginia. www.FourPillarsFarm.com   Impulsion Unlimited is now offering a great selection of top quality dressage horses for sale. Many are imported, all have great temperaments. Come find the horse you've been searching for right here in VA. Now at our new facility in Huddleston, VA, just 20 minutes from Lynchburg. www.impulsionunltd.com  540 296-0868    For Sale: 2003 year old registered Connemara halfbred filly by *Hayselden Perseus.  Ena is 13.3 hands and growing.  She is a showy chestnut who placed 2nd in the Halfbred Filly Futurity at the Region III Connemara show in Middleburg.  Ena is a beautiful mover who likes to show.  Excellent ground manners, clips, loads, hauls well.  Event, Sport or Hunter Pony potential.  Recently backed. Video available.$4,000.  540-745-3976, accof2@swva.net  Meredith McGrath Gosse Van Boekelte 11 yr. old 16.2h Friesian gelding. Rides and drives, has driven single to four in hand. Recently imported. For information contact Lynn Jendrowski VA 540-392-8777 or e-mail: dresssagelynn@netscape.net For Sale: Anglo-Trakehner bay mare, 8 yr. old, 15.3 hh. By Domritter o/o Fast Recording (TB). Green broke, ready to begin regular work in lower level dressage, CT, or Hunter. Started O/F. She has good regular paces, is light in the hand and naturally on the bit. Lots of personality and very sweet, needs someone who can give her lots of attention. Excellent ground manners. Ready for the knowledgeable rider to finish and enjoy. Asking $7000, obo. Call (540) 961-2855 or email laarthur@vt.edu  for more information and photo. For Sale: "QT Pie" 15.1, 7 yr. old QH type mare. Chestnut, 4 white socks, flaxen mane and tail. Scored 60's and 70's at her first show, started over fences, lots of trail experience. Great event or Pony Club prospect. $5,800 Tricia (540) 377-2055 seahorseso@ntelos.net	Passier GT dressage saddle, black, 17", short billets, VGC, $795 OBO  Passier Nicole dressage saddle, black, 17", long billets, EC, $1200 OBO Stubben Diana all purpose saddle, black, 17". Unusual design with built in girth system to prevent saddle from slipping forward. Great for horses without withers! $450 OBO e-mail LOberlende@aol.com call (540) 774-1244 Hennig Saddles for sale. Recently Imported from Germany. "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 Otto Schumacher Profi Dressage Saddle, 17.5' seat, blk, very good condition. Tree width can be adjusted (free of charge) by manufacturer to fit your horse. $1000   Call Marie Klimchuk 540-586-1812   Albion Comfort dressage saddle, excellent condition, medium tree, 17 inch seat. $999. call Debbie Coots at 540 992 3049   For Sale: 2003 year old registered Connemara halfbred filly by *Hayselden Perseus.  Ena is 13.3 hands and growing.  She is a showy chestnut who placed 2nd in the Halfbred Filly Futurity at the Region III Connemara show in Middleburg.  Ena is a beautiful mover who likes to show.  Excellent ground manners, clips, loads, hauls well.  Event, Sport or Hunter Pony potential.  Recently backed. Video available.$4,000.  540-745-3976, accof2@swva.net  Meredith McGrath For Sale: 16.5" Stubben Siegfried, all purpose saddle, with fittings, good condition. $600.00. Meredith accof2@swva.net or 540-745-3976.
WANTED	MISCELLANEOUS
Full time working student needed at Impulsion Unlimited in Huddleston VA. The ideal candidate should ride at least 2nd level, and be comfortable with young horses. This position includes lots of riding on fabulous horses! Contact Sue Cooper at 540 296-0868 suebcoop@aol.com	6 metal cone stands for dressage arena: $30, OBO, call Bob Whitehurst 540-772-6911. Sport Horse Auction Breedings, training time, tack, and more! January 15-31, 2006 on www.ablackhorse.com/forums  . Contact lrharris@vt.edu  for more information!

 

Newsletter submissions to:  Frances Yeardley / email Frances/ 220 Tempi Dr. / Lexington, VA 24450 / 540-463-1964

N/J/M/M/J/S
SWVADA is a participant in S.H.O.W 'feed bags to money