by Tigger Montague
After two years of inclement weather, and feeling our way through this most unusual dressage competition, we've finally hit our stride with this year's Celebrity Freestyle. Over 180 people dined in the patron/sponsor tent (up from 110 the year before) and nearly 500 general admission spectators were on the grounds, including a tailgating crowd who added much whopping and hollering to the upbeat, almost festival atmosphere.
The riders make the show. Without them it's an empty arena with music playing. But what is so remarkable to see are the smiles on the faces of the riders. They were having a blast! The audience really doesn't care about less than perfect tempiis or half passes ---the audience is thrilled to see the power and grace of the horses to music. Spectators clapped at extended trots, held their breaths at piaffe/passage, clapped for tempiis and pirouettes. That kind of energy, the non-judgmental, non-critical energy lifts riders and horses up in a really magical way.
When Intermediare rider Peggy Minnich came out of the ring she said, "I don't even care about my score, I just had so much fun!" Peggy, by the way finished second in the hotly contested class of seven riders with a 67%.
Alison Head on Calhambeque was debuting a new freestyle in the GP class, and held the audience spell-bound as she and her horse piaffed and passaged in perfect tempo to the Malaguena music. Judge Libby Anderson said, "the highlight for me was Alison's ride, because of the fluency of music to the horse. This freestyle told a story with a beginning, a middle, and an end." For the second consecutive year, Alison and Calhambeque won the Grand Prix, and this year scored a 69%.
Carol Bauer an Anne Aloi took the Pas de Deux class with a staggering 81.7% ---their interesting and innovative choreography with their chestnut mares brought a tremendous round of applause from the audience, who could appreciate the well-done synchronicity of that ride.
The Celebrity Freestyle is far more complex a show than even the BLM; it takes over 70 volunteers to run this seven hour show ---the BLM even four days long takes a total of 150 or so volunteers. Seeing volunteers from every chapter of the VADA made me feel so incredibly honored to be a part of this organization. I received so many compliments from spectators on how nice the VADA volunteers were. VADA members pitched in, jumped in wherever they were needed. This spirit of cooperation and harmony added to the overall atmosphere, and like the audience, the volunteers lifted the show up. Many chapters like NEVADA, and Shen-Valley brought juniors to help at the show: from set up to selling programs, to taking the ring down, these juniors and young riders were terrific! The future of the VADA rests on their shoulders, and I for one feel very confident in their leadership in the years to come.
The Celebrity Freestyle Committee: Marlene Eagleburger, Nancy Lowey, Mimi deNicolas, Barbara Shulman, Catherine Sutton, Molly Layfield, Cindy Aspden, CJ Woodburn, Dan Rogers, and Erin Sweeney have virtually spent a year preparing for this show. Their incredible dedication and ability to bring dressage out into the public, and make it fun, entertaining, and classy is a real reflection of the VADA, of us, the members. The Celebrity Freestyle is the VADA ---and it's something each one of us can be proud of.
My heartfelt thanks to all who helped make the 2002 Celebrity Freestyle a great venue to showcase horses and riders dancing together. Kudos to the owners, riders, trainers, grooms and of course the horses for taking the time to participate in this event.
Bravo to the volunteers --- June 15th could not have run so smoothly without your help!
Cindy Aspden, Stable Manager Celebrity Freestyle
Vice President Pam Bennington called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. on Monday, June 17, 2002.
Officers/Board Members present: Pam Bennington, Cathy Caspole, Chris DeVuyst, Hal DeVuyst, Gary Goodale, Gabriele Hooten, Harriet Keyes, Blanche Mahoney, Beckie Mitchell, Laura Nelson, Pat Nelson
Members/Guests present: Patricia Brooks, Anastasia Gontrun.
Motion was made and seconded to approve May minutes.
PRESIDENT'S REPORT: Vice President, Pam Bennington, conducted the meeting on behalf of absent President, Robin Jones.
VICE PRESIDENT'S REPORT: None.
TREASURER'S REPORT: Copies distributed. Suggestion was made to include bank balance information in the minutes. Checking $4,136.46; Savings $1,045.95.
SECRETARY'S REPORT: None
VADA REPORT:
Harriet commented on the Celebrity Freestyle.1. Clinic with Helen George. Sue Cooper is our exchange.
2. VADA will grant credit for two volunteers hours per day of work for riding at the "L" program. Time can be claimed by completing the form in the purple book and sending it with your packet of scores, etc.
3. Discussion about the possibility of renting a bus for the Symposium in November.
4. Looking for volunteers for the BLM.
5. SEVADA is using their grant money to rent a bus to go to Devon. Discussions followed on SWVADA doing the same. We are investigating rates, etc.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Commonwealth Games: Cathy Caspole is requesting volunteers for all positions, scribes, scorers, ring setup, etc.Green Hill Park: Discussion on requesting improvements to the footing in the ring SWVADA regularly uses for shows. Results will be reported at next meeting.
Membership: Currently 116 members.
Newsletter: Frances Yeardley, Louise Rozene and Heidi Clay will handle various aspects of the newsletter. Louise handles the online newsletter and is trying to compress the web edition. Requesting an outline with show results. Volunteer hours should be added to the newsletter.
Education / Clinics: Blanche gave a preview of the TREC program to be offered at the July show. Suggestion was made to have a freestyle at the October show and to use European scoring for awards.
Equipment: Delay plans for purchase of new arena, footing at Green Hill is more important.
Hospitality: Blanche is having golf towels as a possible fundraiser for SWVADA. Still have available some mugs and polo shirts.
Omnibus: Plans for next year are to offer all contributors an opportunity to submit a 1/2 page insert which will be photocopied as presented and included in the omnibus.
Points / Awards: No report
Ribbons & Trophies: Ribbons are in for shows and the TREC program.
Public Relations: No report.
Horse Show Committee: No report.
Juniors / Young Riders: No report.
Video Library: Looking into a new video "Yoga for Equestrians," not the same as the book.
CURRENT PROJECTS:
Recognized Show: Pam Bennington offered highlights from the show. Footing was a problem. Financial statement will be provided at the July meeting.July Show: Blanche Mahoney & Jeanette Shires need volunteers for the show and TREC program.
August Show: Nancy Frank & Jeanette Shires. No report. Suggestion made to offer TREC. Myler clinic.
Adult Camp: Camp dates September 13 - 15. Fee $500. Looking for 18 riders. Liz and Sue suggested that the first day should include lungeing to work on riders' position in the morning; riding on your own to work on position in the afternoon. Saturday and Sunday will be individual lessons as usual. Sue Cooper offered to help. Marie is leading yoga. Deposit required in July. Jan is doing food. Same motel arrangements.
Suggestion was made to check on the Lexington Horse Center for the recognized show in the future.
Show meeting in early November, date to be advised.
Motion was made and seconded that SWVADA policy for future shows is that we do not break ties. Awards made to tied scores.
Meeting adjourned at 8:39 pm by Vice President Pam Bennington.
Respectfully submitted,
President
Robin Jones (540) 473-3598
Vice President
Pam Bennington (540) 774-6924
Treasurer
Blanche Mahoney (540) 989-4948
Secretary
Chris Devuyst (540) 586-4686
Board Members
Cathy Caspole (540) 776-8396
Susan Dallas (540) 992-3114
Karen Davis (540) 562-4357
Hal DeVuyst (540) 586-4686
Gary Maupin Goodale (540) 334-5852
Jan Keener (540) 261-3315
Harriet Keys (540) 989-4198
Marie Klimchuk (540) 989-8709
Laura Nelson (540) 382-0078
Pat Nelson (434) 283-1055
Chairpersons
Adult Camp
Laura Nelson, Marie Klimchuk
Commonwealth Games
Cathy Caspole
Education Clinics
Person Needed
Equipment
Cathy Caspole
Green Hill Park
Pam Bennington
Hospitality
Blanche Mahoney
L Program
Jan Keener, Judy Gustafson
Membership
Nancy Frank
Points/Awards
Beckie Mitchell, Becky Cairns
Omnibus
Gary Maupin Goodale, Harriet Keys
Sanctioning
Gary Maupin Goodale
Public Relations
Karen Davis
VADA Representatives
Robin Jones, Harriet Keys
Video Library
Pat Nelson
Young Riders
Person Needed
Newsletter submissions:
Please send SWVADA newsletter news and advertising material to:
Louise Rozene, P.O. Box 1110, Amherst, VA, (434) 946-2211,
isocom@aol.com
August 10 & 11
SVDA, Inc. 23rd Annual Competition
S.E. 4-H Edu. Center, Wakefield, VA
August 24 & 25
USDF/State Line Tack Adult Team Competition
Morven Park, Leesburg, VA
July 6
SWVADA Dressage Schooling Show at GHEPC
Featuring a new activity called "TREC"
"TREC" consists of three phases: orienteering, control of paces, and obstacles.
We will offer "control of paces" and "obstacles" phases only.
Contact Blanche Mahoney (540) 989-4948, btlbeam@cox.net
August 10
BREA Combined Test (XC) and Dressage Show at GHEPC
Contact Liz Leeger (540) 745-5153
August 24
SWVADA Dressage Schooling Show at GHEPC
Contact Jeanette Shires (540) 961-7363, eekwine@bev.net
Account blances as of 6/16/2002
Checking- $4,136.46
Savings- $1,045.95
The next SWVADA board/general membership meeting is July 15 at 7 p.m. at the Teng Fei restaurant in Daleville. Please join us!
Pat Nelson qualified for the Arabian Regionals on her 5-year-old Hanoverian/Arab at the VAHA Culpeper Show.
VADA is hosting the BLM Finals in Lexington, Va, again this year on Oct. 17, 18, 19 and 20. This show is the last chance to fulfill your volunteer requirement for the 2002 season. We will need scribes, scorers, ring stewards, runners, awards staffers, gatekeepers, and lots of general help for each day of the show. No experience is needed, hours are flexible (full and half days available, or work around your ride times) and all help is appreciated. If you are interested in a particular job, it is best to commit early. Anyone interested in scribing must be willing to work a full (eight hour) day, and should have scribing experience. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact kpagelsen@starpower.net
You also can fulfill your state volunteer requirement by getting $400 or more in sponsorships or advertising for the BLM Finals. Shows such as the BLM finals are a primary source of income for VADA, and provide funding for such programs as the Round-Robin Clinics.For additional information on sponsorship and vending opportunities, contact Dianne Boyd at boyd_d@mediasoft.net
EF Foundation for Foreign Study is a worldwide, non-profit organization dedicated to international student exchange and education which aims to encourage cultural awareness and mutual respect between nations. Foreign students between the ages of 15 and 18 are coming to the local area for the 2002-2003 academic year. Students from 28 different countries are represented.
Families will provide room and board and a loving environment. Many students are talented in various areas such as soccer, equestrian, swimming, gymnastics, art, music, and other disciplines. Most speak two or three languages. Students attend a language and cultural camp two weeks prior to arriving in the host community.
EF foundation has a network of 1,000 International Exchange Coordinators (EICs) throughout the United States. IEC's live in close proximity and conduct orientations and organize occasional activities, maintaining regular contact with students, families, and schools throughout the exchange. Communication lines are open 24 hours in case of an emergency.
The Foundation also does outbound programs for U.S. high school students wishing to spend time studying abroad. Students interested may call for more information.
If you are interested in opening your door to a student from around the world, you have the opportunity to learn about a new culture and build friendships---without leaving home! All students are thoroughly screened, fully insured and bring their own spending money.
For more information call your local coordinator today to learn more about how your family can make a difference for one student. Anne and James Nettles (804) 693-2967
Following are the selection criteria and forms for score submission for anyone interested in joining VADA's team for the Region 1 Adult Team Competition. As many past participants will attest, this show is a lot of fun and a great way to meet other adult riders in Region 1. This is the first time this show has been held in Virginia, so we hope to make a really strong showing.
The VADA state board of directors has committed a minimum of $1,000 to subsidize team entries, with more funding to be appropriated if there is enough interest. This show is open to all adults, amateur and professional, and has team competition from Introductory through FEI levels. We already have some great prizes lined up, such as monogrammed Irish knit sheets for the highest scoring team, donated by Dominion Saddlery.
You can submit scores from both schooling and recognized shows, and you may either request to be on a team with friends or get matched up with others competing at your level.
Why should the juniors get all the fun?
Send in your scores today!
Can't decide if this show will fit into your competition schedule? We still need entries to help VADA put together teams, so here are a few facts to help you decide.
1) VADA has already pledged a minimum of $1,000 to subsidize its teams, with more funding to follow if membership interest warrants.
2) Other GMOs in Region 1 are already planning to send several teams, and we wouldn't want to let VADA get outdone at its own show!
3) Freestyle classes are offered on Sunday at all levels, including the Quadrille and Pas de Deux. Riders in PDD and Quads do not have to be competing at the same level in the team competition on Saturday.
4) Scores earned at the ATC will count towards schooling show year-end awards.
5) You don't have to put together your own team. Just send in your scores, and we will match you with other VADA members at your level. However, you may request to be on a team with friends at your level.
6) The ribbons provided by USDF are really nice, and I have ordered nice ribbons and trophies for the freestyle classes.
7) Dominion Saddlery is giving embroidered Irish knit sheets to the highest scoring team.
8) The juniors have their team competition, but why should they get all the fun?
9) This is the first time the Region 1 ATC has been held outside of New Jersey.
10) The competitors' party, with a silent auction to benefit the Region 1 general education fund, is sure to be a good time.
11) All the fun of a recognized show with none of the pressure.
12) It's a chance to bond with your fellow dressage queens (and kings).
VADA Team Guidelines
See the prizelist for complete details on the competition and the fee schedule.
1. All adult (over 22 years of age) members of VADA are eligible (amateur or professional).
2. One Team may be fielded at Intro, Training, First, Second, Third, Fourth and FEI levels. Additional teams may be fielded if space permits. A team consists of four principle riders and up to two alternates. Selections will be made of horse/rider combinations and no substitutions will be made. A rider may apply for more than one team level on one or more horses, but may only ride one horse on a team, at only one level. The horse/rider combination may not at any time have competed two levels or more above the team level for which application is being made.
3. Applicants MUST be VADA members at the time the scores used in the applications were received and must be members in good standing for 2002.
4. Riders must submit at least 5 scores from at least 2 different shows and 3 different judges. Copies of the tests or a USDF printout of show results are required. All USA EQ recognized shows, as well as open schooling shows judged by a USA EQ "r", "R" or "S" judge or an L graduate are acceptable. Only scores received after January 1, 2001 may be submitted. The application must include scores from the following tests or any tests of one level higher that the level applied for:
Intro 1 or 2
Training 3 or 4
First Level 3 or 4
Second Level 3 or 4
Third Level 1 or 2
Fourth Level 1 or 2
FEI (test of choice)5. Median scores will be used to rank the applicants, and a minimum median of 55% is required for consideration. The median score is obtained by listing scores from highest to lowest and finding the median or middle score. If there is an even number of scores, the two middle scores will be averaged to calculate the median. Once scores are ranked, teams will be formed, with the goal being balanced, competitive teams that bring members of the various chapters of VADA together.
6. ALL candidates must have completed at least 4 hours of volunteer work for their chapter in 2001. Chapter Presidents or volunteer chairmen should be prepared to vouch for volunteer work performed. Volunteering at any VADA activity is also acceptable. All team members are asked to volunteer time as the schedule permits at the Adult Team competition.
7. To apply for a team, contact the team coordinator. Provide the rider's name, the horse's name and the level for which you are applying. If your scores are complete, you should submit them at that time. If more scores are required or you want to add to your existing scores, you must submit them no later than July 1, 2002. The Coordinator will calculate the median scores and notify team members and alternates as soon as possible after the deadline so that entry forms can be submitted in a timely manner. The closing date for the Adult Team Competition is July 30, 2002 (received by the secretary).
8. The Team Coordinator is:
Carolyn Jackson
106 Claymont Court Drive
Charles Town, West Virginia 25414
(304) 728-8296
mandrakefarm@earthlink.net or carolyn.jackson@vadanova.org
Susan B. Cooper
Catawba Equestrian Center
USDF Bronze, silver and gold medalist
Dressage training, instruction, clinics, sales
(540) 473-2098
suebcoop@aol.com
Jane Gennaro
Fancy Hill Farm, Fancy Hill
Lessons/Clinics/Training
Training to FEI Levels
USDF Bronze/Silver/Gold Medalist
CHA highest teaching certification
(540) 291-1000
Gabriele Hooten
The Solid Rock Farm, Roanoke
Dressage Training/Clinics/Sales
Bereiter-FN
(540) 427-1271
The Solid Rock Farm
thesolidrockfarm@aol.com
Brigitte Peterson
Encore Stable, Blacksburg
Training/Breaking/Lessons/Clinics/Sales/Consignments
Bereiter-FN
(540) 544-7662
encorestable@aol.com
Harriet Peterson
Instruction/Training/Judging
USDF 4th level certified instructor
"r" dressage judge
USDF bronze and silver medalist
(434) 845-2735
jepete1@aol.com
Pati Pierucci
Rivers' Bend Farm
USET long listed member
Training/Lessons/Sales/Quarantine
(434) 369-5874
mystudmuffins@aol.com
Holly Veloso
Central Manor Farm, Bedford
Sporthorse Breeding/Sales/Training/Lessons/Clinics
(540) 586-6649
Judy Westenhoefer
Central Manor Farm
Lessons/Clinics/Judging
AHSA "R" Judge
USDF Bronze/Silver Medalist
(540) 586-2253
Frances Yeardley
Turtle Pond Farm
Dressage Instruction/Training Through FEI
USDF Bronze/Silver medalist
USDF "L" Certification
(540) 463-1964
yeardley@cfw.com
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 isocom@aol.com or snail mail to Louise Rozene, P.O. Box 1110, Amherst, VA 24521.
Classified ads are free to all SWVADA members.
Non-members: $5 per insertion.
For Sale: Albion, HR Dressage Saddle, Black, medium tree, 17.5. Larger knee rolls added, Excellent shape, with some fading. $800. Blanche Mahoney, (540) 989-4948, btlbeam@cox.net
For Sale: Prestige 17/33 dressage saddle. Very good condition. $800. Contact Sharon (276) 638-7340.
For Sale: Branded ISR-Oldenburg pretty dark bay, 15.3h, 6 yr. old mare. Well started under saddle. Ready to expand on dressage education or start O/F for a possible career in Dressage, CT or Hunter ring. Very quiet temperment. Asking $10,000. Contact Marie Klimchuk (540) 586-1812 or klimchuk@bellatlantic.net
At Stud: WAYFARER ("Winny" - with the fabulous disposition that he passes to his get). 16.1h chestnut Hanovarian. Qualified BLM with over 70% in first Training Level. Currently successfully showing 1st Yr. Green (3.6) at "A" hunter shows. Come see his babies yearling to 2 coming 4 yr. olds started under saddle. Fee $700. Also "HANS" reg. Westphalian pony. Fee $200. Contact Muffin Pantaze (540) 261-1177 or mpantaze@ntelos.net
To Lease: "COPY," older TB mare, 15.2, big body, big mover. Very correct at 1st Level. Wonderful teacher. Easy keeper. Contact Muffin Pantaze (540) 261-1177 or mpantaze@ntelos.net
Get Ready To Show SALE: Dressage pads the good ones with small squares and no foam. White and colors. $22. Two "oldie but goodie" dressage saddles (1 barely used) and ditto jumping saddles--all priced to sell! Telephone Tack (540) 261-3315 or jkeener@ntelos.net
