The Newsletter of the Southeast Virginia Dressage · PDF fileThe Newsletter of the Southeast Virginia Dressage Association Voting time is here again. And you have a chance to vote

Page Half-Halt | Newsletter of the Southeast Virginia Dressage Association

Volume 30, Issue 6 June 13

Half-Halt The Newsletter of the Southeast Virginia Dressage Association

Voting time is here again. And you have a chance to vote for our very own Sandy Johnson to

serve as a delegate for our region! And now a word from our president…..

2013 Participating Member Delegate Voting for Region One

It is time to elect our Delegates for Region One to serve in 2013 to 2014. There are 21 nomi-

nees for 13 positions. The duties of the delegates are to attend the USDF convention and vote

for Region 1 interests, to attend 2 Region 1 meetings each year and to vote on Region 1 busi-

ness for example like the location of the GAIG and BLM Championships.

SVDA members are members of VADA as our primary GMO but also frequently we are mem-

bers of NCDCTA and show in North Carolina as well. When considering your choices this

year – you may consider voting for all VADA and NCDCTA delegates listed below as well as

other delegates that you feel are qualified to represent the interests of SVDA/VADA and Re-

gion 1. Complete biographies can be found on the USDF and Region 1 website.

Voting is due by June 30th! Go to www.usdf.org Log in and click on VOTE

Bettina Longaker -VADA

Sandy Johnson - VADA

Michelle King - VADA

Dianne Boyd - VADA

Carol Kelly - NCDCTA

Patti Hildreth - NCDCTA

Donna Kelly –NCDCTA

Lynn Kerin - NCCTA

Lori Kaminski – PVDA

Lauren Annett – DVCTA

Roberta Soos – OVCTA

Melanie Sloyer – PA

Debbie Delgiorno – ESDCTA

Ange Bean – OVCTA

Fay Seltzer- FCDA

Darcy Miller – DVCTA

Lisa Toaldo – ESDCTA

Margaret Scarff

Sandy Williams

Anne Moss – DVCTA

Melissa Capozzoli – ESDCTA

Pamela Wooding – ESCDTA

Let your SVDA voice be heard!

http://www.usdf.org

Page 2 Half-Halt | Newsletter of the Southeast Virginia Dressage Association

2013 Board of Directors

President:

Kathy Rowse-E-Mail

Vice President:

Robyn Nunnally-E-Mail

Secretary:

Danielle Rowland-E-Mail

Treasurer:

Shari Cutchin-E-Mail

Clinics and Programs:

Janice Mumford-E-Mail

Awards Chair:

Carol Gonyo-E-Mail

Juniors Chair:

Tristin Butler-E-Mail

Licensed Show Chair:

Donna Rowland-E-Mail

Membership Chair:

Reeta Edmundson-E-Mail

Scholarship Chair:

Sandy Johnson-E-Mail

Schooling Show Chair:

Robin Jones -E-Mail

Ways and Means Chair:

Grace Harrell

Newsletter /Webmaster

Chairs:

Anna Schriebl-E-Mail

Members at Large

Mary Winchell,

Julie Spencer & Tina Bodnar

Did you know…

That the SVDA has make a $100 donation to the Dressage Founda-

tion Century Club? SVDA is pleased to support his inspiring

award!

And that….

You can put in a classified ad for free if you are SVDA member?

How cool is that?!

And that…

The board is in the process of approving more schooling

shows!

Quotable Quotes:

“Horses are my friends, not my slaves”

Reiner Klimke

“Competitive riding should be classical riding at its best”

Charles de Kunffy

“In riding a horse, we borrow freedom”

Helen Thomson

“He doth nothing but talk of his horses”

William Shakespeare

mailto:[email protected]?subject=From%20the%20Southeast%20Virginia%20Dressage%20Association%20Website!













SVDA low cost clinics & VADA Events

SVDA has a new low cost clinic with Kathy Rowse on 12 October at Silverleaf Farm in

Suffolk. Cost is only $35 (private) or $25 (group of 2). SVDA members will have priori-

ty over non-members so hurry because the closing date is 4 October!

On 27 October at 1:00 PM, the SVDA will have a general membership meeting with

Debbie Rodriguez lecturing with demo riders showing the new Dressage Rider EQ tests

at Bridlewood Farms in Suffolk. Bring a chair and audit for free! No rider spots are

available.

Rebecca Vick will be back for an SVDA clinic on 16 November (Silverleaf Farm) and 17

November (Princess Anne Farm, Va Beach). SVDA member price is $45; non-members

is $64 with SVDA members having priority over non-members.

NEWSFLASHES!

A new feature is coming to your SVDA newsletter! We would like to highlight the local barns in the area where SVDA members train and board. Would you like to have a visit from our intrepid reporter to show off your barn or farm? Email

[email protected] to get your visit scheduled!

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.animaatjes.de/bilder/pferde/61-108266/


2013 Schooling Show Calendar

Date Location Judge

15 June Cottonwood Farm (Sanctioned) “r” Nanci Lindroth

23 June Happy Valley Equestrian Ctr “L” Kris Montgomery

7 July Terra Ceia Farm “L” Kelly Farmer

20 July Lionheart Equestrian Ctr “L” Janice Mumford

4 August Merry Oaks Farm “r” Helen George

8 September Sterling Meadows “R” Deri Jeffers

13 October Marturia Farm “r” Margaret Little

“...pressure can get to us very easily, but can you look in the mirror at

the end of the day and say, 'I trained my horse with the best horsemanship

in mind.'?” Steffen Peters (Photo by Marty Schriebl, all rights reserved)





THE HAPPY HORSE

By Rudolf Vlatten (USEF “S” Judge)

Shared by his daughter Dorie Vlatten-Schmitz

Successful trainers often refer to the importance of the horse's happiness.

Riders must remember that the horses' emotions are not influenced by an occa-

sional carrot or by the rider's exuberance after a good ride in the ring. It is im-

portant not to treat a horse as a human friend who will understand periods of sep-

aration, silence and excuse our frailties.

The horse's happiness depends on the daily routine and the environment.

Most important is the balance of demand and reward in the training period. We

must be patient, repetition must be measured and reward must be frequent with

every sign of progress.

Treated with balanced requests during training sessions and relaxed rides

around the property or in the country, the horse will be happy. It will show signs of

joy that make a "good ride" brilliant.


Volunteer Hours as of 1 June 2013

Tina Bodnar 8

Tristin Hardy Butler 26

David Christiansen 8

Una Clancy 8

Shari Cutchin 8

Dan Curran 4

Savannah Dodge 4

Reeta Edmondson 8

Hannah Foote 4

Susan Forester 4

Carol Gonyo 8

Danielle Goulding 8

Betty Johnson 1

Sandy Johnson 24

Stacey Johnson 1

Robin Jones 8

Marylyn Leonard 4

Margaret Little 8

Joan McClellan 8

Toni Meranda 8

Sarah Miller 8

Janice Mumford 12

Louise Murray 4

Wendy Murray 12

Robyn Nunnally 28

Katharine Owens 8

Nancy Pettet 2

Beth Rippel 8

Danielle Rowland 8

Donna Rowland 12

Kathy Rowse 16

Anna Schriebl 8

Robin Simmons 4

Nancy Slack 10

Allison Spanka 2

Julie Spencer 8

Jennifer Torres 4

Pam Troutman 4

Grace Williams 8

Mary Winchell 28

Mike Winchell 4

Eve Zentrich 8

Page 10 Half-Halt | Newsletter of the Southeast Virginia Dressage Associa-

SVDA Member Show News!

Dressage at the Meadow, Doswell, VA

Gabrielle Fleming and Rioja Reserva at

PSG 64.2%, 1st out of seven riders

Jessica Zoskey on Dexter S (owner Janice Mumford)

4th LL 2—66.892% 1st Place and High Score 4th Level

4th LL 3—62.76% 2nd Place


Caitlin Couch and Chero-

kee Night Prowler on their

way to earning a 1st

Place in both Intro A

(70.6%) and Intro B

(68.4%) at Bridlewood

Farms.

After their hard work, it

was time for some “Happy

Mouth Lemonade!:






Pferdechen Tip: This one was learned from Jane

Ayers, dressage judge and a member of the L Pro-

gram Faculty. Be sure to memorize your dressage

tests. That not only helps you to practice on your

own but also helps if your reader reads the wrong

tests or reads it incorrectly. Seen it happen! You can

stay on course if you know your test. Thanks Jane!



SCHOOLING SHOW VOLUNTEER POSITIONS – 2013

Date: June 23, 2013

Location: Happy Valley

Entry Secretary (1): Wendy Murray

Show Secretary A.M. (1): Wendy Murray

Show Secretary P.M. (1):

Ring Transportation to (1): Sarah Miller (ring is at Kathy’s)

Ring Set up: (4)

Julie Shilling

Nancy Pettet

Jennifer Torres

Sarah Miller

Martha Marquette

Lunches & snacks (1): Allison Spanka

Scribe A.M. (1):

Scribe P.M. (1):

Ring Steward A.M. (1): Pam Troutman

Ring Steward P.M. (1):

Runner A.M. (1): Louise Murray

Runner P. M. (1): Cathy Couch

Ring Take Down (4):

Julie Shilling

Jennifer Torres

Ring Transportation from (1):

SVDA Rep :

a.m. – Anna Schriebl

p.m. - Reeta Edmundson

Be cool and volunteer early!


SCHOOLING SHOW VOLUNTEER POSITIONS – 2013

Date: 7/7/2013

Location: Terra Ceia

Entry Secretary (1): Jennifer Freeland

Show Secretary A.M. (1):

Show Secretary P.M. (1):

Ring Transportation to (1): (tent, table, chairs)

Ring Set up: (4)

Donald Williamson

Yolanda Williamson

Hold

Hold

Lunches & snacks (1):

Scribe A.M. (1):

Scribe P.M. (1): Marylyn Leonard

Ring Steward A.M. (1):

Ring Steward P.M. (1):

Runner A.M. (1):

Runner P. M. (1):

Ring Take down (4):

Donald Williamson

Yolanda Williamson

Hold

Hold

Ring Transportation from (1):

SVDA Rep:

a.m. – Tina Bodnar

p.m. – Sandy Johnson





Classified Ads (Free to SVDA members!)

Jumbo custom designed 1995 Turnbow 3 horse gooseneck slant load trailer for sale.

Designed for large horses. Aluminum on steel frame. Full storm doors and rear ramp. Extra

large carpeted dressing room and collapsible rear tack area with swing out saddle rack.

Large hay storage box. Retractable awning. Stall fans and lights and loading lights. Very

good condition. Pictures available. $15,000. Located on Eastern Shore of Virginia. Pls

Email [email protected] or call 757-678-7520

Brown older Passier PSL with some blemishes but serviceably sound with new billet

straps. $200. Pls call Anna at 757-876-3272 or email [email protected]

Albion SLK, wide tree, 17.5” seat, excellent condition, purchased new, ask-

ing $1850. Contact [email protected]

Ladies 2000 Petrie Dressage Boots. Excellent Quality in good condition with normal wear.

Size 7.5, measurements: 14.5” calf, 16” height heel to back of knee, 17.25” foot to tallest

part of the outside boot. Asking $175. Pls email me at [email protected] if in-

terested.

2000 Sundowner Gooseneck Trailer for sale. 5 horse head to head with tack room and

new tires and landing gear. Excellent condition! $24,000. Pls call Martha at 757-581-8228

mailto:[email protected]


SVDA Member-Sponsored Events

Silverleaf Farm

Jim Koford Clinics

21 & 22 July—limited to 13 rides/day

Julio Mendoza

28 & 29 June—limited to 10 rides/day

2 & 3 August—limited to 10 rides/day

Applications must be received with a check to guarantee a slot. Clinics

are already 1/2 full to get your applications soon to reserve your slot!

Pls email Kathy at [email protected] for more information.

Patriot Farm

27 July— David Young, British Master Saddler Clinic for saddle fitting,

repair and reflocking. Pls email Anna at [email protected] for a

slot and information.

Special Horse Organization Winners’ Program (SHOW)

Southern States has a program to help non-profit horse associations and clubs

have their own sponsorship tool. In order for our club to benefit, we need proof

of purchase seals from Southern States, Legends and Triple Crown feed bags.

If you are willing to help or have a neighbor or friend that is willing to provide

their feedbag seals, please contact Mary Winchell at [email protected].


Board Meeting Minutes VADA

May 22nd 2013 Teleconference

Board Members Present: : Meredith McGrath (SWVADA), Alison Head (NOVA), Jessie Ginsburg (NOVA), Alison Douglas (Central), Robin Nunnally (SVDA), Tina Longaker (Cville), Nancy Lowey (Cville), Sheli King (NOVA), Judith Harroun-Lord (ShenVADA), Sandy Johnson (SVDA), Anne Draine (NE), Penny Hawes (SWAVDA), Nancy Shaeffer, (Central) Others- Dianne Boyd (NOVA), Sherri Booye (Cville) The meeting was called to order at 8:00 pm Minutes –Minutes from the last meeting were approved. Motion made by Tina seconded by Sheli and approved by all. Treasurer’s report- Balance is $148,411. Chapter Challenge & 2014 Clinic- Alison Head has received the contracts and is reviewing. Update on the next call. Date for Chapter Challenge is August 23

rd at VHC. Still need management teams

and sub committees will work on that. Janet Foy is not available for 2014 clinic. They are working on George Williams. L program- next session in June in Raleigh at the Capital Classic- the D2. Fall Show- A good show sponsor is (diamond $2000) Devoucoux- saddle maker wants to provide gift certificates of $100- they don’t provide product- As a club, we don’t’ want to give a gift certifi-cate as an award if competitor has to put more money in. Gardy will go back to sponsor and find out what they can do. Nancy’s update is that we have all the high score sponsors taken care of. Penny did an article for Horse Talk magazine which was very helpful. Dianne updated us on the facility- the Wiley footing was redone but not well and it doesn’t drain well. VHC is aware of the problem and they are addressing. The Northern (speed) ring got sloppy last weekend primarily because people rode in it after it was sealed. The ring was moved to the covered and it worked well, could be a backup if we need it. Sound system was updated, no trailer up on the hill for sound. They can put It back up there for ring steward in inclement weather. VHC can now set up rings. Dianne has talked to them about what it would cost to have them do it. She proposed that we hire them to do it rather than get volunteers. Cost would be $120 for our rings and $100 for theirs. This also includes washing. We will have to get one more ring from a club. Would like to borrow one closer than Centrals. Board agreed that we have VHC set them up. Nancy has also lined up a sapphire show sponsor, Paradise Farm & Tack supplies. Tina worked on the website and has updated. She has also updated the VADA website. Facebook page- We have two and need to close one that anyone can post on. There will also be one created for the Youth Team Show. Next meeting- Board call on July 17th . - Teleconference Meeting was adjourned at 8:51 pm. Respectfully submitted, Alison Douglas


SVDA Ask a Trainer Column

Dear SVDA Ask a Trainer, I’m interested in becoming a working student for a dressage trainer. What can I expect?

Signed, Looking for a Dressage Yoda

Jessica Zoskey, USDF Bronze and Silver Medalist and L Program Candidate, shares her experience..

How I became a Working Student

After participating in a young rider clinic at Hassler Dressage in the summer of 2009, I was inspired by the level of training, professionalism, and horse care exhibited by the Hassler Dressage team. Soon thereafter, I began the most educational year of my life thus far. From October 2009 to October 2010, I was privileged to be a working student at Hassler Dressage where I grew as a person, rider, coach, professional, and equine caretaker. Such a wonderful expe-rience, however, did not come easily as I was faced with many challenges including long work days, hard physical labor, and homesickness.

What does it take to be a working student?

Being a working student is a privilege. It is an opportunity to grow, learn, and shape your future. However, being a working student is not for everyone. It requires a tireless work ethic, a strong will to succeed, and a sincere passion for the sport.

Before delving into the extensive list of my duties as a working student, let me say that what I gained was well worth the work.

The workday began promptly at 6am and first on my list was feeding the 25 horses at Riveredge West, after which all buckets used for feeding had to be scrubbed and stacked to dry. By 6:30 I was to join the rest of the team in cleaning stalls and turning horses in and out of pastures. Let me note that the stalls were bedded with straw, which is much more labor intensive than shavings. Also, the motto we used in stall cleaning was, “when in doubt, pick it out,” which meant the stalls were to be nearly spotless after cleaning. Afterward, stalls were re-bedded daily to maintain the 12-18 inch depth requirement. Once stalls were underway, precise scheduling was no longer the focus. Instead, the focus was completing the day’s duties.

I was responsible preparing all training horses for work, which included grooming, wrapping legs, tacking, un-tacking, and bathing. Following training sessions, various therapy treatments were to be performed on specific horses includ-ing, the game ready ice system, laser therapy, magnetic therapy, etc. Moreover, an important element of stallion care was hand-grazing and hand-walking, since most of the stallions were not turned out in pastures. Lastly, all horses were to maintain a clean and presentable appearance at all times which meant grooming them throughout the day in their stalls.

Aside from horse care, there were many other chores performed to maintain optimal cleanliness. First, the barn aisles were swept a minimum of four times per day and as much as ten times per day. Second, water buckets were scrubbed daily and filled four times per day. Lastly, all tack was cleaned thoroughly, wrapped neatly, and hung in an organized display on the walls.

Some of the most exhausting work, however, was that required to deep clean the barn bi-weekly and in preparation for clinics hosted at the farm. The hardest, most labor intensive, exhausting chore, which was fortunately only done the week of a clinic, was scrubbing the walls of every stall in the barn, inside and outside the stall. Otherwise, weekly deep cleaning began on Monday with dusting every corner, nook, and cranny to prevent cobwebs and dirt buildup. Tuesday was pasture picking and water trough scrubbing day. Wednesday was stall barn cleaning day which meant scrubbing every stall bar on the front and sides of stall to remove all dust, dirt, and bug remnants. On Thursday the process start-ed over and continued through Saturday. Sunday was intended to be the lightest day of the week but nevertheless, water and feed buckets were to be cleaned and scrubbed more thoroughly than that done daily.

Miscellaneous other chores included hand-walking all horses when the weather prevented training, mopping the tack room, and cleaning windows and kickboards. Also, the breeding shed was to be cleaned after stallion collections. Lastly, common areas in the student house were to remain clean and presentable at all times.


What can be gained from being a working student?

In exchange for fulfilling my duties as a working student, I was provided my own room in the Hassler’s student house, board for FA Patriot (Blue) in the training barn, and lessons on Blue from Scott and Susanne Hassler. Additionally, I was given opportunities to audit numerous clinics, events, and symposiums hosted at Hassler Dressage. Clinicians I audited included the famous German young horse trainer, Michael Klimke, U.S. Olympians Steffen Peters and Deb-bie McDonald, and six-time Olympian, Kyra Kyrklund. I also attended the annual Young Dressage Horse Trainer’s Symposium (YDHTS) with clinicians Scott Hassler, Michael Klimke, and Ulf Moeller, and various team-building and leadership conferences.

Other educational opportunities to which I was exposed regarded all aspects of performance horse care, which were provided by routine evaluations, treatments, and team discussions. Some included learning about equine sports medicine and treatments from US Olympic veterinarian, Tim Ober and equine lameness specialists Kent Allan and Doug Langer. Also, I spent many days learning about equine nutrition from nutrition specialist, Don Kapper. More-over, I was exposed to various forms of equine massage, chiropractics, acupuncture, and Chinese medicine, all of which increased my awareness of the extensive care given to top performance horses.

My Overall Experience:

I feel incredibly blessed to have been the opportunity to work for and learn from Scott and Susanne Hassler. They are both incredibly generous people with fair expectations of working students. Not only did they take me in as mem-ber of the Hassler Dressage working team, they also took me in as a member of their riding team. Unlike any other working student on their team, I had opportunities to ride many of their training horses, including stallions, and was permitted to train an Arabian stallion in addition to riding and training Blue.

The knowledge and experience gained through being a working student at Hassler Dressage is something I will cher-ish forever. It was an opportunity of a life time which has helped shape my understanding of correct, classical dres-sage training. I was challenged daily, exhausted often, and missed my family dearly, but my overall experience was the turning point in my riding career that has inspired me to become the best dressage trainer I possibly can with the utmost respect for my equine athlete partners.

Advice for working students:

For anyone aspiring to be a working student or who is currently a working student, you must first be sure the working environ-ment provides fair compensation. I have heard numerous sto-ries of working students who were taken advantage of and nev-er given opportunities to learn. Second, set clear goals for your-self as a rider, trainer, and caretaker. In doing so, try to work for trainers who want to support and help you achieve your goals. Third, be prepared to work hard. Fourth, once you become a working student, always, always, always remain focused on your goals, the things you are learning, and maintain a positive attitude about your work. The struggles, upsets, homesickness, and exhaustion can only be overcome with a positive attitude.

Thanks Jessica!


Memories from Jessica’s Working Student Days

Conquering

Poo Mountain!

BRRRRRRR!


Yesterday, for the first time, I was too tired to ride Yesterday, for the first time, I was afraid I would be hurt if I was thrown ... Yesterday, for the first time, I heard someone say my barn was too shabby Yesterday, for the first time, I let someone tell me I was too pudgy to ride Yesterday, for the first time, I realized I was old Yesterday, for the first time, I had to face that I could no longer keep up Yesterday, for the first time, I had to let go of my dreams Yesterday, for the first time, I felt my heart break Yesterday, for the first time, I turned my back on my friend Yesterday, for the first time, I knew I was done Today, for the last time, I felt warm, braided leather in my hands. Today, for the last time, I ran my stirrups up so they wouldn't bang my mare's sides Today, for the last time, I released the buckles on the girth and watched my girl sigh Today, for the last time, I slowly dropped the bit so it wouldn't hit her teeth Today, for the last time, I gave my mare a cookie to thank her for the ride Today, for the last time, I buried my head in her soft, warm neck Today, for the last time, I inhaled the sun and the dust in her long winter coat Today, for the last time, I closed the gate and trudged to the muddy porch Today, for the last time, I tracked hay and horse hair into my house Today, for the last time, I pulled off my boots and felt the sting of warm blood returning to my cold toes Today, for the first time, I cried after my ride Today, for the first time, I felt my hands shake as I set the saddle on its rack Today, for the first time, I hugged my young trainer a final goodbye Today, for the first time, I waited for the new owner's trailer to arrive Today, for the first time, I set my boots in a box to go to the Goodwill Today, for the first time, I sighed at the wear on my riding gloves Today, for the first time, I had no hay in my hair Today, for the first time, I did not hear nickering when I opened my back door Today, for the first time, I felt worse leaving the barn that I did when I entered Today, for the first time, I had no one to check on before going to bed Tomorrow, for the first time, I won't have to buy hay Tomorrow, for the first time, I can stay in bed longer Tomorrow, for the first time, I won't see the poop pile grow Tomorrow, for the first time, I won't be able to fly on four legs Tomorrow, for the first time, I will be sorry I listened Tomorrow, for the first time, I will regret letting her go Tomorrow, for the first time, I will be angry at God Tomorrow, for the first time, I will be angry at myself Tomorrow, for the first time, I will cry the day away Tomorrow, for the first time, I will be glad to die Day after tomorrow, for the first time, I will awaken in tears Day after tomorrow, for the first time, I will know I was wrong Day after tomorrow, for the first time, I will defy all the judgement Day after tomorrow, for the first time, I will ignore my old bones Day after tomorrow, for the first time, I will return the buyer's check Day after tomorrow, for the first time, I will bring my friend home Day after tomorrow, for the first time, I will take my boots out of the box Day after tomorrow, for the first time, I will be reborn For the rest of my life, I will have a horse in my yard For the rest of my life, I will ignore the cruel judging For the rest of my life, I will watch the poop pile grow For the rest of my life, I will have hay in my hair For the rest of my life, I will track mud in my house For the rest of my life, I will bury my face in her soft neck For the rest of my life, I will let my soul fly For the rest of my life, I will never be alone

Documents

The Newsletter of the Southeast Virginia Dressage · PDF fileThe Newsletter of the Southeast Virginia Dressage Association Voting time is here again. And you have a chance to vote