Volunteers came out in record numbers. They were all super in their jobs and without them we could not conduct this special event. Thank you goes out to all volunteers!

Exhibition rides included the talents of the Mount Tabor Vaulters from Blacksburg, VA, dressage side-saddle rider Anne Moss from Coatesville, Pa and the thrilling Andalusian stallion Coral 11 and Matt Mclaughlin from Capriole Farm in Catlett, VA.

Dressage riders and horses competing at all levels are another important contribution to our event! Thank you to all riders and horses that took the time to support our event and The Christopher Reeve Paralysis foundation.
Winners include:
First level- Catherine Sutton, 71.20%
Second level - Kathy Rowse, 70.95%
Pas de Duex- Rachel Lohr and Anna Fusco, 60.06%
First level -Junior- Chelsea Allen, 76.45%
Intermediare- Lynn Jendrowski, 71.03
Grand Prix- Elizabeth Lewis 76.23%
FEI High Score went to Elizabeth and the USDF High Score went to Catherine Sutton.
Artistic High Score was again Elizabeth Lewis and USDF Artistic High Score went to Donna Gatchell
Overall High Score was Chelsea Allen
In the Mini Musical rides winners are chosen by audience participation. There were some very creative costumes and the audience always finds this a favorite. Five riders participated in this event and we thank them for their support!

Congratulations to all and to every rider THANKS for supporting the cause!

Sponsors are another large part of the success of our event and we want to thank all sponsors-Crown Motorcar Company of Charlottesville being our Title Sponsor this year. Without our sponsors, small and large, (some having supported us for two years or more) we would be at a loss to make this event the financial success it has become.

Thanks again to all! We brought our love of horses, and dressage to people that may not have had a chance otherwise to enjoy an evening 'dancing with horses'!
 

VADA May 23, 2004 Board Meeting

Attending:  Tina Longaker (CH), Dianne Boyd (NOVA), Jessie Ginsberg (NOVA), Cheryl Painter (NEVADA), Holly Veloso (SW), Leslie Sebers (ShenVADA), Jane Palmer (ShenVADA), Beth Ripple (SE), Debi O’Bier (CC), Annette Massy Shaw (SW), Harriet Keys (SW), Susan Dallas (SW), Beth Jandl(CH).

 The meeting was called to order at 11:20 AM.

1.  By-Laws Ballot:  The vote on changes to the VADA By-Laws passed with seven out of eight chapters carrying the vote.  NEVADA was unable to acquire the needed majority vote of its chapter.  Tina thanked the Board for its support in this effort.  Tina will remind chapters to hold onto ballots in the event there is a challenge.

2.    Virginia Horse Industry Board Grant:  A grant of $2500 has been given to VADA to be used for publicity purposes of promoting musical freestyle at the BLMs.  Catherine will handle the accounting to meet VHIB’s criteria.  Charging at the door for the evening performances at the BLMs was discussed but it was agreed that would be too complicated logistically and it is too late this year to consider that option. But we might collect donations to be forwarded to the USDF Capital campaign.

3. BLM (see below).

4.  2005 GAIG:   Tina presented bids at the Region 1 Spring meeting for the 2005 BLMs and/or the 2005 GAIG to be held in Lexington.  But, because of the importance of supporting other venues in the Region, the BLMS will be held in Allentown, New Jersey in 2005 and the 2005 GAIG will be held in Lexington.    

5.  Round Robin Clinics:  Leslie Sebers presented her report for the VADA Round Robin Trainer Clinics.  VADA/Nova and ShenVADA will not be participating this year.  To encourage people to participate and show up at free clinics, Harriet Keyes suggested that a reservation fee be charged and then refunded if the participant shows up.  The clinic information has been provided by Tina to the “Virginia Horse Journal” for publication.

6.  VIP Awards:  Debi O’Bier is handling and will obtain information and awards, etc. from Kristen Pagelsen.  There seems to be little interest so far this year, but more participation is expected toward the end of the year.

7.  Chapter Updates:  Beth Ripple reported that there is a total of 967 members in VADA so far this year.  By chapter, Nevada - 50, VADA/Nova - 457, SW - 122, Central - 97, CH -100, ShenVADA - 43, Fredericksburg - 40. SW has upgraded the footing of their one day recognized show and they have had a great response.  VADA/Nova will have musical freestyle in their September show as a warm-up for the BLMs.  NEVADA will host a clinic by Paul Belasic in November.  At the recent CH Schooling Show, there were 86 rides entered, which is considered a very positive response compared to past schooling shows.   An equitation class for juniors was added to a recent ShenVADA Schooling Show and it was very well accepted.   

8.  Annual Dinner:  Beth Ripple agreed to check again with The Crossings at Ashland where it was held last year because a place has not yet been secured.  (As reported by Tina on May 26, the 2005 Annual Banquet will again be held at the Virginia Crossings Resort in Ashland, VA on January 23, 2005.)

9.  Membership:  (See No. 7, Chapter Updates).

10.  USDF Chapter Awards:  Tina reported that there was discussion at the Region 1 meeting about USDF trying to do more for the GMOs.  There was also discussion via email within the Competition Management Council on developing recognition and tracking awards (scores) for schooling shows.  The show would pay USDF a small fee, probably $25.00, and there would be a small fee collected from the rider to cover USDF costs of the program.  This would be a way to offer the GMO member who does not show recognized an award.  It would be called the National Schooling Show Award.  An “L” graduate or better would have to judge  at the show.  Tina will be discussing this, including different ways of handling a points versus percentage system, with other GMOs.  A discussion of this is set forth in a USDF Connection editorial.   Jessie suggested that USDF give an award to the GMOs to present to the individual chapters to promote their own awards.   It was agreed the program would be cumbersome no matter how administered but it would tie USDF to the GMO a little better.

11.  Celebrity Freestyle:  Celebrities so far are Mary Banham, Margaret Warner, David O’Connor, Rob Banner, Lawrence Eagleburger, Hugh Wilson, and Mary Phelps.  Anita Owen is the Technical Judge.  They are planning adds on TV to help draw a bigger crowd. Crown Motor Car and Avanti Farms are sponsors.  FEI riders are strongly encouraged.  Pat Eveland is the volunteer coordinator.  A VADA Board meeting at the Celebrity Freestyle was tentatively planned.  Tina will advise after discussing with Nancy Lowey. (The Meeting is scheduled for 11:00 AM in the Picnic Tent.)

 12.  Jessie Ginsberg brought up the adult team competition at Morven Park and wants to advertise in chapter newsletters or E-News to get people interested in participating.   Also discussed was the planning for a major clinic in 2005.  Everyone agreed that George Williams would be the best clinician.  The pros and cons of having such a clinic in the new East complex at Lexington were presented.  Tina will look into it.  All agreed off-season (late fall) would be the best time.

 3.  BLM:  Dianne Boyd presented her BLM Championships Update.

>    Paddy Patton’s proposal to the Virginia Horse Industry Board for a grant of $2500 to promote the advertisement of the musical freestyles was awarded and she is coming up with a lot of ideas to attract a crowd for the evening classes of musical freestyle.  Our challenge is not to expect to much from the local area.  Paddy is exploring various advertising avenues.  Various ways of splitting Fourth level by the rider’s experience (those who have ridden FEI Intermediaire I and those who have not) was discussed for 2005. 

>    Volunteers - Holly:  It was agreed Volunteers from out-of-state will receive credit from their states for volunteering at the BLMs.  Criteria was set forth for volunteers to secure a hotel room is to work 8 hours in a minimum of four-hour blocks on consecutive days (work 4 hours on either side of night).  Riders who have their own hotel rooms will receive credit for hours volunteered.  Dianne and Holly will get the word to out-of-state volunteers.

>    MFS - Awards from sponsors and VADA will be given.  Patton Equine Legal Services is the major sponsor of the Musical Freestyle awards.

>    Beth Jandl advised that there is no title sponsor yet.  A saddle from Passier has been donated and will probably be raffled providing that is within the sponsor’s expectations.  Competitors and volunteers will receive one ticket for raffle.  Dianne said we could go without a title sponsor and hype up the lower level sponsors. ($4000 is required for title sponsor.)    Ways to reward sponsors were discussed. 

     A Chapter Challenge for sponsoring classes will be pursued.  Randi and Alison will carry forth the challenge to the chapters.  Also need to push sponsors for musical freestyle.

     We have agreed to have the ESDCTA‘S "r"to "R" judging testing during BLMs. We will feed their judges for which we will be reimbursed.

>    Breakfasts:  The VADA Chapters will each contribute $45 to sponsor the competitor breakfasts Friday, Saturday and Sunday at $120.00/morning.  Volunteers will get donuts and muffins.

>    Lunch:  The caterer, Revoluntionary Soup, will again provide lunch, including vegetarian entries.

>    Judges Hospitality:  Holly Veloso will handle getting someone for Saturday and Sunday; Nita Catteron will set up and run on Thursday and Friday.

    The next VADA Board meeting will be planned for the Celebrity FreeStyle.  Tina will advise the time by email. (11:00 AM in the Picnic Tent). There will be a BLM meeting at Lexington July 17 at 6:00 PM and there will be a VADA Board meeting Sunday Aug 8, 11:00 at the DoubleTree in Charlottesville. 

   The meeting was adjourned at 1:30 PM.

  Respectfully Submitted by Jane Palmer