March 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

 

Ed. Sunday Lost and Found Lost:  2 videos from the SWVADA information table - "Dressage Basics with David Hunt" and a private copy of taped coverage of the 1992 Olympics.  Found:  a set of car keys from a GM vehicle, and a pale green fleece hat.  Contact:  Ellen Aiken, Huntaik@cox.net or 540/345-4761

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PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

 

As I sit here watching the beautiful snow fall outside my window, I think, "Wow, what a month for SWVADA!" The rescheduled Year End Celebration was a blast! While a few members were not able to attend on the new date due to prior commitments (which was necessitated by an ice storm - don't you just love February?!) , others found themselves now available and made the trip to the Wyndham for the party. (Some in chauffeur driven limousines!) Blanche, our "hospitality queen," did a fabulous job, as usual, of arranging the use of the facility, picking the menu, getting together door prizes - all the little, "behind the scenes" things that make such a difference. Robin applied her considerable artistic talents to the decorations, inspiring us all with lovely renderings of the DaVinci horse, among other things. The Wyndham came through with delicious food, beautifully prepared and presented, and in more than ample supply. Yum! Many unique and desirable objects were brought for the silent auction. Tom Nelson, Pat's husband, was undoubtedly the star of the evening as the auctioneer as he coaxed and cajoled unprecedented bids out of the willing bidders. The incredible amount of almost $1500 was raised in the auction - which will be divided between the GHPEC stable fund and the debt retirement fund of the VHC. All told, everyone seemed to have a great time socializing and catching up with their SWVADA friends. The other annual February event, Educational Sunday, was held February 27 at Virginia Tech and was also a great success. Many thanks to Ellen and Jeanette for making it all happen, and to Virginia Tech for allowing us to use the fabulous new facility for this major educational outreach event. This year there were more visitors than ever enjoying the outstanding program put together by Ellen and Jeanette. Many thanks to all the presenters and volunteers that had a part in making this day so successful! While February was an exciting and productive month for SWVADA, I can't say that I'm sorry to see it leave - and take the snow with it! It's time to start riding and conditioning those horses so we'll be ready for those SWVADA events that are just around the corner. Remember that there's a Ride a Test on April 9, and the first schooling show on April 23. Be on the lookout for your Omnibus which contains information regarding those events and others for the year. Let's hope this snow leaves quickly so we can all get to work! Beckie

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SWVADA MINUTES
February 2005
Next Meeting: 7 PM, Monday, March 21, 2005
The Wildflour Restaurant at Hollins

 

The regular monthly meeting of SWVADA was held on Monday,   21 February 2005 at Wildflour Restaurant in Hollins, VA. President Beckie Mitchell called the meeting to order. BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Pam Bennington, Sue Cooper, Susan Dallas, Gary Goodale, Gabi Hooten, Susan Mac Isaac, Blanche Mahoney, Beckie Mitchell, Pat Nelson, Rebecca Splan, Kim Reid, Jeanette Shires. BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: Robin Jones, Annette Massey Shaw, Laura Nelson. MEMBERS/GUESTS ALSO PRESENT: Ellen Aiken, Pat Bevan, Jean Bost-Moore. President’s Report: Beckie Mitchell Thanks and compliments to all those helping with the SWVADA Annual Banquet. Blanche Mahoney did her usual superb job of organizing the affair. We all had a marvelous time; in addition, approximately $1400 was raised at the silent auction to be split between the Virginia Horse Center and Green Hill Park Equestrian Center! There were a number of hotly contested items at the auction. Harriet Peterson’s wonderful photos continue to bring in the big bucks at the auction. Tom Nelson was a hit as MC! Secretary’s Report: Gary Maupin Goodale 1. Gary noted that she is keeping an ongoing record of VOTED items at business meetings for a quick reference/reminder. 2. VOTED to approve/accept January minutes as presented. Treasurer’s Report: Blanche Mahoney 1. Figures not completely totaled yet for the banquet. We had 56 in attendance. 2. Balance Checking: $7,069.26. 3. Balance Savings: $1055.79 Education/ Camp/ Clinics: Gary Goodale, Susan Mac Isaac, Annette Massey Shaw, Laura Nelson 1. Annette asked for review of etiquette for practice rides in the arena which will be set up for this purpose at the Ride a Tests. Order of go will be by request on schooling show entry forms. If not in use, practice arena will have a sign up sheet posted. Warm up for test rides will be in the large arena at GHEP. 2. Camp: Gary Goodale and Pat Nelson will serve as Co- Directors. Pam Bennington and Susan Mac Isaac offered their help. It was decided that we would like to have Harriet Peterson and Cathy Howard return as instructors. Harriet and Cathy have agreed to join us! Camp will be held at Fancy Hill Farm on September 9-11 and will follow the format established in past years. OPENING DATE : Wednesday, 1 June 2005. ($100 non-refundable Deposit, unless slot can be filled if unable to attend.) Deposit to be sent to: Gary Maupin Goodale at 240 Camlach Lane, Boones Mill, VA 24065. 3. All in agreement that clinic information from other chapters may be posted on the SWVADA web site. Green Hill Park: Pam Bennington 1. Pam, as SWVADA contact, attends monthly meetings and works at 2 of the Fun Shows. 2. $1050 was made at the last Fun Show. March Show coming up. 3. Two meetings re: stabling have been held. The decision to go forward has been made. Decided portable stabling would be best; to be done w/8 to 12 stalls first. Funding must be addressed. Considering donations w/donors names on inside of stalls. Details re: rental, etc. yet to be considered. Potluck/Tack Sale: Gary Goodale 1. VOTED to approve budget of $150. 2. Will provide chicken, drinks, door prizes. Long Range Planning: Gary Goodale 1. Next meeting date not yet set. 2. Gary requested that someone else chair. Annette Massey Shaw has volunteered to take on this job.

Membership: Pat Nelson 1. Currently have 99 members. 2. Have lots of new members. 3. Plea to get dues in immediately! Points/Awards: Ellen Aiken 1. Becky Cairns would like someone to be responsible for collecting the trophies at end of year. Susan Dallas volunteered to do so. 2.Will use mass mailing in effort to get trophies returned in a timely manner. VADA: Susan Dallas 1. Harriet Keys and Susan attended the meeting and Annual Banquet. Officers were elected. 2. March 20 will be the next meeting. 3. 2006 will be a change in Family Membership dues. Do not know yet how this will affect SWVADA dues. 4. The SWVADA basket with a “Southwest” theme taken to the VADA banquet brought the highest auction price of $175! Tina Longacre purchased and reports are that she had a wonderful time discovering all the goodies ensconced in the “box.” Public Relations: Pat Bevan 1. Reported on the contacts she has already made. 2. Pat has volunteered to make posters, etc. for our events! If you need her assistance in getting word out about events, please contact her. Omnibus: Rebecca Splan 1. Reported that the Omnibus was going to press the next day. 2. Will be available for pick up by members at Educational Sunday. Also may be purchased for $5 (free to members). Recognized Show: Jeanette Shires/Rebecca Splan 1. Our Technical Delegate for the show will be Kelly Farmer. 2. Jeanette will contact Harriet Keys re: meeting/responsibilities of the Recognized Show Committee. 3. Forms are available for sponsorships. Educational Sunday: Ellen Aiken/Jeanette Shires/Rebecca Splan 1. Reviewed last minute details. 2. Budge of $500 is NOT to include the insurance fee. 3. Will investigate grant funding for the future. Miscellaneous 1. VOTED to give half the proceeds of the Silent Auction to Green Hill and half to the Virginia Horse Center. 2. Gary will take the VHC Benefit Trophy for display to Educational Sunday. Proceeds from the VHC Benefit Classes amounted to $280 and have been sent to VHC. 3. SWVADA has donated $700 to Green Hill and $700 to VHC from the Silent Auction. 4. Request for members to serve on Finance Committee. Contact Beckie Mitchell if interested. 5. SWVADA will provide 1099 forms to anyone paid over $600 in the course of the business year. (Does not include expenses.) 6. Proposal made to review the selection process of the Barcelli Award. Consider how to involve more member participation. Also consider establishing a Volunteer of the Year Award. The meeting then adjourned. Repectfully submitted, Gary Maupin Goodale

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

  VADA

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NEWS in BRIEF

 

Educational Sunday A Big Success!    SWVADA's 10th annual Ed. Sunday was its biggest and best yet as it made its premier in the new Alphin-Stuart Livestock Arena at VA Tech on February 27th.  Over 200 attendees, some from over 100 miles away, enjoyed a variety of programs in the spacious facility that offers a modern classroom, large indoor arena, and a full service concession stand.  The tack sale drew a wide variety of used items and large crowds as people looked for bargains between sessions.  SWVADA board members were on hand to promote its programs and dressage generally at their information table, and they were joined by several other horse related non-profit groups who set up informational displays as well.     Many thanks to all the speakers, volunteers, organizers, exhibitors, vendors, and contributors who made the day a fun-filled and educational event for all.  Watch for a list of all those who helped make it possible on our Ed. Sunday web link, as well as photos from the event.

 

CLINIC REPORT      In early January I was lucky enough to be invited to audit a Klaus Balkenhol winter training session at Brookside Equestrian Center in Walnut, Ca. For those of you not familiar with Klaus, he is the head coach of the USET dressage team. The clinic I attended was over a span of about 6 days (I was there for only one day) and was broken up into three basic categories: Grand prix A horses and rider combos, Grand Prix B horses, and developing horses. The developing horses were future hopefuls to becoming Grand Prix A and B horses. Most were at the Prix St. George level and up, though one was a young 5 year old just getting going. To be in the Grand Prix A list you have to have a 68% or higher. To be in the Grand Prix B group you have to have a 64% or higher.      There were just myself and another girl I had met at the Young Rider Graduate Program there auditing, so it seemed much more of a personal situation. We met Klaus early in the morning about 8:00, where with a warm hello he introduced himself and proceeded to ask me if I knew or understood German. Of course I said “No, not a lick.” Then with another warm smile and a giggle he said “Good luck!” and gave me a hearty thumbs up. And so began the clinic.       The first rider out was Gunter Seidel, who was riding a large bay horse. Though I didn’t understand what was being communicated between Klaus and Gunter, it was evident that their way of going was more than correct---it was harmonious and a joy to watch. It was really exciting to then watch Klaus hop on Gunter’s horse and make the ride look, well... easy! Gunter also brought out another big grey horse that started out really tense. It seemed as though just a little into the ride, Klaus had the two of them developing more swing, relaxation, and ease of going. Klaus also rode that horse. While the next rider Carol Plough worked, Gunter “schooled” Nicholas and Klaus give his input periodically. Carol had a beautiful and HUGE chestnut horse that had a wonderful work ethic and an even larger presence. Klaus reminded her to keep the forward/medium feel during her movements and continue forward after them. He definitely made it clear the horse needed to have a loose back to achieve good quality gaits, especially in the canter. Rhythm was critical and lightness also very important. He also pointed out to Carol, amongst other riders, to really use the corners of the arena. Half halt before going thru the corner, obtain suppleness and lightness, and then allow for the horses next to stretch down and out a little and the back to swing and bend. Carol then schooled some passage and piaffe where Klaus said to keep the lower leg loose in passage and to use lots of walk breaks between schooling the two. In the canter work he also had her work on developing a collected canter and then for a few strides canter almost in place and forward again into collected canter---of course all by using her seat and half halts used earlier thru the corners!      The other riders there were Joe Moran, Nicole Perry (the youngest at 26 yrs old), Lori Doyle, David Whiteman, and my personal favorite Jennifer Hoffman. I’d like to post a couple of these articles over the next couple of newsletters, so I can help translate, the best I can, what I learned at the clinic. I have more little “tid bits” that I learned thru the other rides and would love to share them. Stay tuned for more, and remember to think about a couple of points Klaus made with Carol, which are basically relaxation, looseness, lightness, and forwardness. Klaus made it very clear how important it was to have a happy horse and I believe those four things are ways to achieve that! ~Susan Mac Isaac

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

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