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Volume 11
Collective Remarks
VADAF’s Own
VADAF Clinics
Chapter Challenge
Upcoming Clinics, Licensed and
Schooling Shows
Schedule of Events
Licensed Show Committee Notes
VADAF & VADA Meeting Minutes
Advertisements & Special Interest
Sponsorship Forms
6:30 p.m. Dinner / Social Time
(Optional)
7:00 p.m. Meeting
Agenda: Last Meeting Follow-Up
Approval of Meeting Minutes
New Business
Location:
Bravo—Spotsylvania Towne
Center—Captain’s Room
I’m always amazed at how quickly spring passes. While scheduling with my farrier, I thought, “Wow, this next appointment will take us into June!” Then I immediately thought of all the things I wanted to accomplish this year. That, of course, leads to a feeling of being overwhelmed and then panic. So, I thought to myself; you just have to do one thing at a time, find a rhythm and then you can relax into it. Now, all of you who have children know how easily they disrupt a “rhythm”. You would think it was their job! This got me thinking about how alike children and horses are, because horses love to do the same thing, disrupt your rhythm. Then I start thinking to myself how I have to get the horses back into their rhythm and then the training scale pops into my head. Geez, am I overthinking this or what? It’s probably a combination of sleep depri-vation and permanent mommy brain, but it gave me an idea for this message and for a blog I’ve been meaning to start.
I thought that with rhythm being
the foundation of the training scale there would be some grand quote or at least grand explanation of it’s meaning in re-lation to riding. What did I find? Not much, not even in the USEF directives for Dressage. It says you should have it, it defines the footfalls of the gaits, and uses the terms freedom and regularity a lot, but doesn’t explain what rhythm is. Is this why rhythm is such an elusive quality, because there is no good expla-nation of its meaning? I even took to the internet and put my faith in the music community for a good, firm definition. The best I could come up with was from Elvis Presley and it seems quite fitting: “Rhythm is something you either have or don't have, but when you have it, you have it all over.” Not even The King can easily explain what does and does not constitute rhythm. Of course, this makes perfect sense. We are all different, our horses are all different, so all of our rhythms are different. That doesn’t make it any easier to find out what real-ly is the right rhythm though, now does it? (cont next page)
Of Fredericksburg
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VADAF is a Chapter of the Virginia Dressage Association (VADA). VADA is a U.S.
Dressage Federation (USDF) Group Membership Organization (GMO); all VADA
members automatically become USDF Group Members. The 2018 membership
year runs from December 1, 2017 through November 30, 2018.
Membership Form: http://vadaf.net/sites/default/files/Membership_Form%
202018.pdf
Sharon Ackley
Page Allen
Sharnette Atkinson
Christine Balasi
Debbie Bowman
Teresa Crater
Doug Crooks
Barbara Ellis
Anna Fox
Sarah Grady
Margaret Gutermuth
Megan Irby
Britta Johnson
Molly Judge
Sharon Kipping
Lorraine Klepacz
Denise Lennon
Gracelynn M. Mar-
tinez
Pat McGovern
Nancy Mendonca
Peggy Minnich
Karen Rice
Lee Scott
Rachel Sigler
Barbara Snapp
Alison Thompson
Officers & Committee Chairs
President: Anna Fox
Vice President: Barb Ellis
Secretary: Alison Thompson
Treasurer: Sharon Ackley
Membership: Sharnette Atkinson
Awards: Sharnette Atkinson
Licensed Competition: Casey Longerbeam
Education & Clinics: Megan Irby
Volunteer Coordinator: Sharon Kipping
Youth Team Coordinator: Anna Fox
Adult Team Coordinator: Karen Rice
Publicity: Casey Longerbeam
Website: Ashley Noble
Newsletter: Nancy Mendonca
Website: Ashley Noble
State Board Representatives: Anna Fox and
Alison Thompson
VADAF Members New Members
Catherine Bednar
Debra Carter
Kate Lepree
Tara Schillumeit
Sara Worsham
Collective Remarks cont I’ll have to delve deeper into this conundrum with my new blog and share it on my training page, but in the meantime, club business seems to be finding a nice rhythm. Clinics are planned for the year, the horse show committee is hard at work, and the website and handbook are getting much need-ed face lifts. I want to thank eve-ryone for their hard work already this year. I hope we can keep this momentum going and create a strong rhythm for the future!
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Nicki Carson - Domenique (Nicki) Carson is a Maryland based FEI Dressage Trainer. USDF
Bronze and Silver Medalist. Date: May 12-13
Location: Old Chapel Farm, 27542 Tatum Rd, Unionville, VA 22567
Rain location - 8431 Heron Way, Spotsylvania, VA 22551
(some stabling is available at Old Chapel Farm)
Contact: Megan Irby phone or text (540)247-6344
Fees: Members - $40 Non-members - $80
Michael Bragdell—Michael is originally from Gothenburg, Sweden. Michael has handled hundreds of horses at breed shows around
the country and frequently wins top Championships with them. In 2008, Michael captured his first National Championship aboard Selten-HW
in the FEI Four-Year Old division and captured this championship again in 2012, this time aboard Hem-
mingway. He has won four US Dressage Finals National Championships as well and is a USDF Bronze,
Silver, & Gold Medalist. Michael is a USDF Certified Instructor and is available for lessons at Hilltop
Farm as well as offering limited clinics.
Date: June 23-24
Location: Old Chapel Farm, 27542 Tatum Rd, Unionville, VA 22567
Rain location - 8431 Heron Way, Spotsylvania, VA 22551
(some stabling is available at Old Chapel Farm)
Contact: Megan Irby phone or text (540)247-6344
Fees: Members - $100 Non-members - $150
Lisa Hellmer July 21 and Erin Sweeney July 22 Date: July 21-22
Location: Old Chapel Farm, 27542 Tatum Rd, Unionville, VA 22567
Rain location - 8431 Heron Way, Spotsylvania, VA 22551
Contact: Megan Irby phone or text (540)247-6344
Fees: Members - $40 Non-members - $75
Lisa Hellmer: USDF Bronze and Silver medalist and is an assistant trainer at
Sprieser Sporthorse. Worked at The Hanoverian Verband in Germany learning
about the breed and training. Currently working toward Grand Prix. She uses cavaletti training to enhance collection and strength
Erin Sweeney: Erin Sweeney is a USDF bronze and silver medalist and a USDF Certified Trainer/Instructor. She
delights in teaching riders of all ages, disciplines and experience levels. As an instructor she emphasizes classical
dressage principles, horse and rider confidence, and balanced partnership. She is also a yoga instructor and uses this
training to help riders of all ages find their correct seat and position and use logical and effective aids. During her 30
year career as a professional dressage trainer, she has started and sold over one hundred horses and rehabilitated
multiple horses with behavior and confidence problems.
Britta Johnston Date: Aug 4-5
Location: Mountain Vista Farm, 67 Hackly's Mil Rd, Amissville, VA 20106
Indoor with some stabling available
Contact: Megan Irby phone or text (540)247-6344
Fees: Members - $50 Non-members - $100
Britta Johnston: She is the owner and head trainer of Britt Johnston International Sport
Horses. USDF Bronze, Silver and Gold medalist. Classically trained in Germany with
Rudolf Zeilinger. Uses ground work for teaching movements which is then translated to
your riding performance.
VADAF 2018 Clinics
Please bring your Coggins and vaccination certificate Schooling show dress is appreciated, polo wraps optional Water and light snacks are available for you and your horse Helmets are to be worn when mounted
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This is a non-
recognized show with
a low-key atmos-
phere. Come on
VADAF members,
let's win again this
year!
— Karen
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Clinics May 12 Doswell, VA
Allison Spivey Dressage Clinic
14545 Meadow Farm Road
May 23 Marshall, VA
Sprieser Sporthorse Michael Barisone Clinic
6782 Olinger Rd 540-364-6179
Licensed Shows April 14-15 HITS Commonwealth Park, Culpeper , VA
Isabel F de Szinay Memorial Dressage Show
https://vadach.org/wp/licensed-show/
April 14-15 Williamston, NC
Williamston Spring Dressage
http://www.rosinburg-events.com/
September 8-9 Spotsylvania, VA
VADA Fredericksburg
https://www.mitchellds.com/2018-series
Schooling Shows April 22 Doswell, VA
Chestnut Oak Stables Schooling show
http://chestnutoak.net/
April 29 Leonardtown, MD
Begin Again Farm – with Western Dressage
May 19 Midland, VA
Mitchell Dressage Series
https://www.mitchellds.com/2018-series
May 20 Powhatan, VA
Saddlebrook Stable Schooling Show
https://saddlebrookstables.files.wordpress.com/2018/02/saddlebrook-
flyer-2018.pdf
June 3 Catlett, VA
Homestead Horse Farm
https://homesteadhorsefarm.com/shows-clinics/
June 16 Powhatan, VA
Saddlebrook Stable Schooling Show
https://saddlebrookstables.files.wordpress.com/2018/02/saddlebrook-
flyer-2018.pdf
July 21 (Evening) Midland, VA
Mitchell Dressage Series
https://www.mitchellds.com/2018-series
October 21 Catlett, VA
Homestead Horse Farm
https://homesteadhorsefarm.com/shows-clinics/
Other Events November 10-11 Upper Marlboro, MD
USDF Region 1 Adult Team
See the handbook for details about being on the VADAF team.
Dressage at Lexington 13-16 July 2018
VADA Fall Show/
2018 Great American Insur-ance - USDF Region 1
Dressage Championships 11-14 October 2018
http://www.virginiadressage.org/
wp/vada-shows/
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Ashley Noble and her mare Gimme Somoa Cookies achieved their Third Level scores earning them their USDF Bronze Medal over the weekend at the VADA CH Show in Culpeper.
Licensed Show Update
March 13th Monthly Meeting Location: Bravo, Spotsy Towne Center
April 10th Monthly Meeting Location: Bravo, Spotsy Towne Center
May 8th Monthly Meeting Location: TBD
July 10th Monthly Meeting Location: TBD
August 14th Monthly Meeting Location: TBD
September 8-9th Rosemont Show Location: 9601 Courthouse Rd. Spotsylvania
September 11th Monthly Meeting Location: TBD
October 9th Monthly Meeting Location: TBD
November 13th Monthly Meeting Location: TBD
December TBD Membership Meeting Location: TBD
TBD Awards Banquet Location: TBD
Show season is beginning
right along with Spring,
and before we know it,
September and the VADAF
Rose Mount Show will be
here. Now is the time to
get signed up for the posi-
tion you would like to help
with. This show provides
the VADAF the funds to be
able to offer members the
fantastic clinics that we do
so please sign up. I am this
years volunteer coordina-
tor, so please contact me,
Sharon Kipping, at sha-
(email), text or call 804
339 0110 to let me know
what vacancy you'd like to
fill. We have openings for
all positions. Scorers, Run-
ners, Ring Stewards, Setup/
Take down, Scribes,
Awards Table, Volunteer
Table, Tack Sale and Park-
The licensed show committee is interested in switching to the Horse
Show Office program for online entries. This should streamline the
process, make it easier for competitors, and make scheduling easier.
The cost to the club is .9% per entry. We've also received a printing
quote for 200 copies of a show program for around $500. The print-
er is also going to be a sponsor, so they've offered a discount and
final price will depend on the size and what features we choose.
Next month we'll be adding a budget calculator, so members can
keep track of how much money we need to raise to fund the show.
Remember, the less money the show costs the club, the more mon-
ey we have for clinics and other club activities.
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Meeting Minutes—April 10th 2018
Bravo Cucina, Spotsylvania Towne Centre
Or Dial In Phone number 641-715-3580, Access Code: 796394#
Meeting Facilitator Barb Ellis, Vice President – meeting called to order 7:03 p.m.
Present at meeting: Barb Ellis, Chris Balasi, Sharnette Atkinson, Nancy Mendonca, Alison Thompson, Megan Irby, Sharon Kipping,
Sarah Grady
On the phone: Teresa Crater, Lorraine Klepacz
Last Meeting Follow-up
A. Approval of minutes from March meeting - motion made to approve minutes without reading them. Approved unanimously. B. Serenity Equine Sanctuary – Does the club want to make a donation? Nancy asked if they had any items they needed (fencing/feed).
Sharnette suggested a credit at their feed store. Alison made a motion for Barb to follow up on the feed store they use. Megan sec-
ond. Passed unanimously. Handbook update. Rachel is willing to do the updates. Alison will share the most recent version with her and committee chairs.
Committee chairs get Rachel their updates by May 15, 2018. Rachel will have work done by June 15, 2018. Alison and Barb will
review bylaws. New Business
A. Committee Chair Reports Membership: Sharnette – 28 individuals, 1 youth, 1 affiliate.
Awards: Sharnette –If anyone has new award ideas, please share with Sharnette. Looking into embroidery options both
local and with Dover/Smartpak. Has some ideas for Rose Mount and will share at the next licensed show meeting.
Newsletter: Nancy Mendonca – Officers and committee chairs need to be updated. Nancy is still working on the hyperlinks.
People like having the shows listed in the newsletter.
4. Education: Megan – Megan has clinics scheduled for 2018.
Nicky Carson May 12-13, 2018. At Megan’s farm with Sharnette’s as rain location. Members pay $40 per day.
Club pays $40 for member per day. Non-member $80 per day.
Michael Bragdell June 23-24, 2018. At Megan’s farm with Sharnette’s as rain location. Up to 8 rides per day. $150
per ride. Members pay $100 per day. Club pays $50 for member per day. Non-member $150 per day.
Lisa Hellmer July 21, 2018. Cavaletti work. At Megan’s farm with Sharnette’s as rain location. Members pay $40.
Club pays $25 for member. Non-member $65.
Erin Sweeney July 22, 2018 At Megan’s farm with Sharnette’s as rain location. Members pay $40. Club pays. $35
for member. Non-member $75.
Britta Johnson August 4-5, 2018 At Britta’s farm in Amissville. Members pay $50 per day. Club pays $50 for
member per day. Non-member $100 per day
.Megan will get bio information on the clinicians to Nancy M for the newsletter by the 25 th of April.
Alison made motion to accept the clinics. Sharon K second. Passed unanimously.
5. Website: Ashley – Looking for photos of members for the website. Please email them to her. Sharnette will send updat-
ed club contact info to Ashley so the website can be updated.
6. Sponsors/Publicity: Lorraine - Lorraine is working on sponsorships. Has 5 businesses/individuals with verbal commit-
ments for a total of 10 sponsors. She will follow up with Smartpak. Members please consider sponsoring a class.
7. Volunteers: Sharon Kipping – Will contact people about what they noted on membership form for RM.
8. Adult Team: Karen – no updates. Will be November 10-11 in Upper Marlboro. The VADA Chapter Challenge will be
at the Wakefield 4H Center on August 11. Teresa Crater offered to help members who attend.
9. Licensed Show: Casey/Barb –April meeting was cancelled. New date of April 17, 2018 set.
B. VADAF Brochures
Sharnette updated the brochure that Sharon K had. Nancy M suggested 2 separate ones – one for membership, one for sponsor-
ship. Sharnette will work on it and share.
Next Meeting May 8, 2018.
Meeting adjourned at 8:04 p.m.
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VADA Telcon Meeting Minutes—March 21st 2018
The meeting was called to order at 8:05pm. Present were , Alison Head - Pres (NOVA), Tina Longaker
(C’vlle) – VP, Jessie Ginsburg (NOVA) - Treas, Angela Stanaway (NE), Anne Draine (NE), Meredith McGrath
(SWAVDA), Nancy Lowey (C’ville), Robyn Nunnally (SVDA), Beth Rippel (SVDA), Dianne Boyd (NOVA),
Alison Thompson (Fred’burg), Marie Taylor (Central), Sheli King (NOVA), Jane Palmer (ShenVADA), Jane Walk-
er (Central), Penny Hawes (C’ville) and Nancy Doody.
Anne Draine made a motion that we approve the minutes from the February board meeting. The motion was
seconded by Marie Taylor, and was passed unanimously.
Treasurer’s Report- Jessie Ginsburg that our combined balances are around $84K. We’re starting to pay ex-
penses for the shows.
Banquet Wrap Up- Jessie provided financials showing the cost of the banquet was $3350. Costs are down
from the year before but we are still subsidizing. We need a committee to work on this and the online auction. The
board discussed how much we subsidize and how much is shared with the membership. Should we have an awards
committee to look at whether we drop the number of tests required and/or up the number of volunteer hours?
We need to form a committee for sponsorship/web/and FB.
Tina reported that at the Region 1 meeting on March 3rd, the region voted to have VADA host the CBLM
show in 2019. NCDCTA will host the GAIG show that year. This is still waiting on USDF approval. Tryon isn’t
really a viable option because they would have to be pushed earlier and it’s far away. NJ may be back in considera-
tion in the future as they are working on footing.
Licensed Shows- We are on track for both shows. We have judges. We do need to work on isolation proto-
col at VHC for EVH. Sponsorships- Nancy Doody reported that less than 50% of people click on the link when she
uses constant contact. We need to utilize facebook more. She is open to any other suggestions on sponsorships and
marketing. We need to make sure the chapters are getting the info into their newsletters. We need volunteers-
please mark your calendars with the dates- DAL is July 13th thru 15th and GAIG is October 11th thru 14th.
Clinic Update- Alison Head reported that she has 1-2 riders for each level. The venue is still an issue and
uncertain. If we can’t have it at Morven, it’ll be held at Alison’s Looking Glass Farm with stabling at Morven.
Chapter Challenge- Margret Little is on standby if we need a second judge. Robyn is following up with Carol Bish-
op to be the primary judge. Chapters need to get their awards in. Robyn is working on the prize list.
Committees that were formed:
Chapter Challenge- Susan Ellis (chair), Marie Taylor, Robyn Nunnally, Anne Draine, Paige Stewart,
Jane Palmer, Alison Thompson, Sheli King.
Banquet/Silent Auction/Awards – Alison Douglas (chair) Jessie Ginsburg, Nancy Doody, Jane Walker,
Alison Head, Beth Rippel, Susan Ellis
Licensed Show- Alison Head, Dianne Boyd, Sheli King, Tina Longaker, Nancy Lowey, Penny Hawes
Sponsorship/Publicity- Nancy Lowey, Nancy Doody, Penny Hawes, Alison Thompson, Gardy Bloemers
– the goal of this committee is to figure out ways to promote the VADA brand
We would like to enlist non-board members to join committees- newsletter editors- when you put this in your news-
letters, add that we offer volunteer hours for committee work.
We need everyone on the board to join a committee. Please contact Alison Head with your choice.
Next Meeting: April 11th at 8 pm via teleconference.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:15pm.
Respectfully, Alison Douglas
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Announcements
SERENITY FARM EQUINE SANCTUARY Aims to Find Homes for Horses during ASPCA Help A Horse Day Contest
SERENITY FARM EQUINE SANCTUARY is competing to win some of the $110,000 available in #HelpAHorse prizes
Serenity Farm Equine Sanctuary (Louisa, VA) will be participating in the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) national HELP A HORSE DAY contest, which kicks off on April 26, competing for a chance to win some of the $110,000 available in grant prizes. The nationwide competition for rescues, shelters, animal control agencies and sanctuaries that adopt out equines is designed to raise awareness about the year-round lifesaving work they do to find homes for horses. As a participating group, Serenity Farm Equine Sanctuary (SFES) wil l reach out to the com-munity to help rescued horses. Multiple community groups will be participating including CART, Louisa’s Community Animal Response Team, Louisa’s Locust Creek Fire Department, Louisa County Sherriff’s Department, home grown live music and local vendors. Games and demonstrations will make the day fun and educational. Most importantly, adoptable horses will introduce themselves and hope to meet their very own PERSON that day. HELP A HORSE DAY will be celebrated at SFES on Saturday, May 19, 2018. This event is significant and celebrates ASPCA’s long history of horse pro-tection. In 1866, ASPCA founder Henry Bergh stopped a cart driver from beating his horse, resulting in the first successful arrest for horse mistreatment on April 26 of that year. Now in its fifth year, HELP A HORSE DAY has been a meaningful way for hundreds of equine rescues and sanctuaries to garner community support for their lifesaving work. Since 2014, the ASPCA has awarded equine groups more than $300,000 in grant funding through the HELP A HORSE DAY Contest. In 2017, SFES was one of 10 equine rescues who received a grant of $5,000. That cash prize was used to begin a barn extension to provide more stalls for medically fragile horses. Since then SFES’s owners have added another $7,000 and construction is nearly complete. Motivated by the results of ASPCA equine research suggesting there could be approximately 2.3 million adults in the U.S. with both the resources and de-sire to adopt a horse in need, Help A Horse Day 2018 is focused on finding more good homes for horses.. “The horse that will save you may be here!” “This is a wonderful opportunity to raise awareness about the horses we have available for adoption and find them good homes.” says Rhondavena LaPorte, Executive Director. “Horses are majestic, loving animals, and we hope our local supporters will come out to learn more about equine adoption and help us win grant money so we can continue our lifesaving efforts for years to come,” says Bill LaPorte, Director. This year we’re focusing squarely on adoption.
Printed bios will be on our website and available at our event regarding each horse available for adoption. We want you to know their story. A special 3-minute video has been developed regarding rehabilitation, adoption and Serenity Farm Equine Sanctuary. It will be on our web-site and on our Facebook page and will be available to the public for sharing. On HELP A HORSE DAY, May 19th, we will host an open house with games and activities including;
Children’s games and activities (horse shoe, parachute activities, paint a horse, roping contest….. Food!!!! Live Music The Kenquacky Derby (Rubber Duck race in our creek) Learning Opportunities like Horse 101; About Horses! Blacksmith Demonstration Demonstrations with horses ready for adoption Hayride around the farm Hot baths 5-cents in a horse trough SFES Sheriff and possibly some arrests And so much more
During HELP A HORSE DAY 2017, Hank found his special home:
Hank’s Story!
When Hank was young, he had his own boy. They rode through pastures and in parades and life was good. They were partners and Hank was happy. But when the boy turned 16, things began to change. Hanks’ boy found cars and girls. Hank was kept in a pasture, ignored and alone for FOUR years. One day, a nice lady bought him for her daughter. But her daughter did not know how to ride and was afraid. Hank was in a 16’x16’ pen for nearly a year. Mud caked his skin and he was sad. Hank thought he’d found a new partner. He was wrong. In September 2016, Hank (15 years old) was surrendered to SFES. It took 3 weeks to get him clean and he was afraid of the other horses. As desperately as he wanted to interact with them, he didn’t know how. He was checked by a vet, en-joyed all his shots and retraining began. Hank was gaited and a joy to ride. And he learned to be a horse again. Hank loved every minute of the attention and even taught a 5 year old how to ride. Everyone loved Hank. In April 2017 a family came to see Hank. They loved him and he loved them. He now lives in a nice barn with a brass plaque on the door that says “Hank”. And that is the magic of HELP A HORSE DAY! Please help us with our finding homes for our other equine residents. Interested in pictures and videos, check out our website. In addition, in May, we will release a 3-minute video specifically prepared for the ASPCA HELP A HORSE DAY Contest. Please let us know if you would like a copy of it.
For more information about Serenity Farm Equine Sanctuary please visit our website at www.serenityfarmequinesanctuary.org or find us on Facebook.
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Equestrians are loyal:
86% are more likely to buy products and
services from companies who sponsor
equestrian events and provide discounts.
-USEF
Demographics
Economic Impact in the US: Direct $39 Billion Indirect $102 Billion
Equestrians are also very active outside of equestrian sports 70% go out to dinner several times a month
74% volunteer in their community once a year or more
89% Donate money to non-pro t organizations
72% visit museums/galleries once a year or more
70% go to movies once a year or more
66% enjoy DIY projects
59% attend professional sporting events/games once a year or more
76% are dog owners
52% are cat owners
Ashley is looking for pictures to place
on our updated website. They can be
horses, farms, people; anything that rep-
resents the club. The pictures just can't
have any copyright restrictions. Please
forward them to Ashley Noble's email.
Thank you! Anna
Farm/house sitting available for your
horses, cats & or dogs.
Call Barb Ellis, 804-448-9376. Available
in the Fredericksburg area.
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