tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53713751440790155242024-02-06T21:24:40.705-05:00Lendon and Dressage4kidsLendon's musings on Dressage in general and Dressage4kids specificallyUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5371375144079015524.post-30039543244907141062010-12-21T07:19:00.000-05:002010-12-21T07:19:35.488-05:00Post competition news<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf6p6O8TGlALsIfoFGSOEnZbwhbmn_1LfMZ3YmtpAK5kYA9gcBCwR_Sn0Tyeh_5KL1Wa-ZFf8iCA3ZF24fwt0PorlD7xoMCNYiJyG6ft43TinEE9PJzr5QDkXMQ7OiQoAaV8x-wfW_CjM/s320/ps_2010_12_20___11_59_51.jpg" width="320" />Meagan and Bentley competing.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> They are safely at Hubertus Schmidt's -- took four hours instead of two in the snow storm. She has had one lesson so far and also rode a 6 year old stallion of his this morning. Lucky girl!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I made it out between storms and more closures of the airport -- what a mess European travel is right now. And yet we have almost no snow at home :-(</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5371375144079015524.post-4567723636360024282010-12-18T16:35:00.000-05:002010-12-18T16:35:37.036-05:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeSD0uDciQQBIc6lxML4qiKvIetTKcQvQKXXySxJFg5OM8BrEWvsbk3ydGOWKifSZX2wuEVAfS_b-jbEqO5shGgkrxcrej3_OoBWN-oQT4wEmktBnkf8QIbxybcCKjKngjNMQOThg7vpc/s1600/Meagan+bentley+leap.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeSD0uDciQQBIc6lxML4qiKvIetTKcQvQKXXySxJFg5OM8BrEWvsbk3ydGOWKifSZX2wuEVAfS_b-jbEqO5shGgkrxcrej3_OoBWN-oQT4wEmktBnkf8QIbxybcCKjKngjNMQOThg7vpc/s320/Meagan+bentley+leap.jpg" style="clear: both; float: left; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0;" /></a> This is a little of what Bemtley can do -- Bentley at the National Champs -- just so you know what <b><i>can </i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">happen.</span></b><br />
<div style="clear: both; text-align: LEFT;"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img align="middle" alt="Posted by Picasa" border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" style="-moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; border: 0px none; padding: 0px;" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5371375144079015524.post-21856807865137610712010-12-18T16:28:00.000-05:002010-12-18T16:28:59.289-05:00 <span style="font-family: Calibri,Verdana,Helvetica,Arial;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Well, our evening is over. I guess it could have gone better, but if you were to have asked me two weeks ago to tell you honestly what I expected, I would have said, “please, let us get through without a Bentley explosion. Having been here before, I knew the difficulty of this arena, the excitement, the closeness of all the crazy/gorgeous decorations, the tough warm-up, etc,etc,etc. Anyway Meagan and Bentley made it through warm – up holding her own against the rider who was pretending she owned the arena (it was really rather amusing), the jumpers coming out of awards, the three trucks going through the warm-up pulling trailers filled with arena stuff along with the tractor that drags, the 10 jumpers coming out of the awards and being oblivious to the riders warming up. Anyway they warmed up well and the beginning of their test was so much better. Then as she came toward the corner for her canter pirouette, it became a bit too much for him. Bentley stopped dead and I was afraid he was going to rear and/or spin, but Meagan was very cool, finally picked up a canter then did like a quarter pirouette. From there on there were some very uncharacteristically weak changes, she tried to put in another pirouette with only a little success. She tried valiantly to make it all work. And came out with a smile — 63+ % and 7th place (<u>very</u> close to 6th). The first time, I believe that a US rider has made the A final.<br />
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I assure everyone in America that we were very well represented. Despite being quite sick, Meagan was always positive, did her best, smiled, rode well, and turned out to be a leader amongst the riders. The tope riders all have AMAZING horses — on a par with our Olympic horses, (some are Grand Prix). I am pretty sure that she is the only rider who has done all the riding on her horse since she acquired him – she gets an average of maybe three lessons a month, and has to go in the ring never knowing if Bentley will pull a Bentley. It doesn’t happen often but when it does it’s pretty impressive.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri,Verdana,Helvetica,Arial;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> <br />
So I leave Monday (weather permitting — Europe is in the midst of a mega wild winter) and tomorrow Meagan and Bentley go to Hubertus Schmidt’s for 4 – 6 weeks. This will be the first time that she has some long term daily lessons. I am thrilled for her and can’t wait to see her when she returns for part of the Florida season — no longer a young rider, but showing with all the professionals.<br />
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And a huge congratulations to her parents — more supportive and fun to be with wouldn't be possible and her great brother Brad who made it here today to watch. Brad took a lot of pictures so hopefully we will have some tomorrow.</span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5371375144079015524.post-45370446333460207102010-12-17T06:43:00.000-05:002010-12-17T06:43:12.846-05:00Meagan and Bentley day 2 <span style="font-family: Calibri,Verdana,Helvetica,Arial;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">This morning the riders did the Young Rider Individual Test. Most riders did better than yesterday. We warmed Bentley up much less. The warm-up ring was still crowded, but outside it was quieter (last night we got about 5 inches of snow – today is sunny and cold). Bentley was pretty normal in warm-up — still not as powerful as usual. He definitely could use a longer arena to get him going — this arena is square. In the stable he looked tired. The long trip, two moves, yesterday’s nervous breakdown may be catching up to him. Meagan said as soon as he went in the arena he deflated again. It’s a bit like going from cold New York to hot, muggy Florida in 3 seconds. He was still behind the leg, but not so much as yesterday. She went off course (same place another rider did) but with a 66+% she held onto 6th place and made it into the A final. Everyone rides their freestyle but the top group goes tomorrow night and the bottom group goes Sunday. I never understand this because only the winners get publicity — so the winner of the bottom group will get more attention than 3 – 7 th place in the top group :-?<br />
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Meagan is the only FEI Dressage rider competing in a helmet. Someone came up to me during her warm-up and asked where I was from and did we not have top hats in America! Today, however, the head judge, at the awards, congratulated and thanked her for wearing a helmet. No one can say she is being looked down on for having the courage of her convictions.<br />
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This afternoon it’s off to the famous Christmas Fair in downtown Frankfort — a party for the riders at our hotel tonight and then on to the freestyle tomorrow. Wish us luck. We are trying to talk Clipmyhorse.com who has live video coverage of the competition to make it available in the US.<br />
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Cannot tell you how proud I am of Meagan — she is representing the US so beautifully.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri,Verdana,Helvetica,Arial;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Results: http://eventcontent.hippoonline.de/542/sta_erg/24_ergDEU.htm?style=hippo </span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5371375144079015524.post-56990590017917870592010-12-16T15:37:00.000-05:002010-12-16T15:37:29.809-05:00Meagan's first rideThursday <span style="font-family: Calibri,Verdana,Helvetica,Arial;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Again we went to school early — in the arena at 6 AM — along with 14 or more other riders — fortunately Bentley was calm and we got out quickly before 14 – 17 horses were all cantering, pirouetting, doing lines of changes all at once — saw a few pileups at X, each rider looking accusingly at the others. We finished Bentley’s relaxing stretching in the warm up ring with just a few others.<br />
I am starting to see people I know — Jan Brink from Sweden. Sven Rothenberger with whom I competed in my day whose kids have been cleaning up from the time they were pony riders. Mr Markowski, head of the ground jury and Dieter Schule who judges a lot in the US. Klaus Martin Rath is everywhere as the organizer.<br />
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When we walked over for the competition tonight it was, I would guess, in the low 20’s, high wind, and snowing. After spending a little time with Meagan, I went over to watch the 1st 7 riders. It is interesting how the draw for order of go can go. The top European horses were all in the first half and tomorrow they are all in the second half — both draws were done yesterday in public.<br />
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So by the half way mark the scores went from 74.5 Fabienne Lutkemeier of Germany to 54.4 for the Brazilian rider, Victoria Riskalle. When Bentley arrived at the warm up ring the fabric walls of the huge tent were billowing and making noise, the snow was blowing in under the walls, and you could hear the snow blowing against the roof. He was WIRED! Bill tried to hand walk him, but it became obvious that it would be better to have Meagan on him. We finally found a spot where he would stand long enough for her to get on and she moved right off at a trot. So there were not only the 7 warming up to compete but also a few overbearing Grand Prix riders who rode by their own rules. Bentley was more on edge than I have ever seen him and Meagan handled him beautifully. She was obviously nervous to start with, but both she and Bentley gradually settled into their routine. Of course Bentley can over react (to put it politely) to noise and he is also insecure about leaving the group. So we had everyone at their station to get her into the arena. Bill was near her to lead her if needed and myself and a friend were at the entrance to the show arena to be certain that the curtain was immediately pulled back totally and that everyone was out of the way so Meagan could power forward to get into the arena before the previous rider had left. All went well. They had a very good start to their test, but I kept whispering to myself “more forward, more power” which is not usually a problem..... But it was. Bentley has used himself up with all the nervous energy in the warm-up and he just deflated during the test. No mistakes, just no oomph. I have actually never seen him like that. We had the usual amount of warm-up time, but the extreme nervousness just took it out of him. Her extended trots and canter are normally superb and even they were barely average. Meagan rode very well, a clean and accurate test. So she got a 63.368 — a fair score, but the worst she’s ever gotten I think. But with that she finished 6th!, behind all the top Europeans, but ahead of eight others! I was proud of her. She is amazing at handling difficult situations. <br />
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So tonight is a party for all the World Cup riders and families back at Schafhof and then Meagan does the Individual test at 9:46 tomorrow morning. Now that we know that Bentley will settle fairly quickly even if he starts as a nervous ninny, we will plan a shorter warm - up.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri,Verdana,Helvetica,Arial;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Here are the complete results: http://eventcontent.hippoonline.de/542/542online1DEU.htm?style=escon </span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5371375144079015524.post-5180994578177155802010-12-15T13:39:00.002-05:002010-12-15T13:39:56.955-05:00Wednesday -- school and jog <span style="font-family: Calibri,Verdana,Helvetica,Arial;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Finally got to bed after 1 and up at 4:45 AM to go to the stable so Meagan could be one of the first riders in the show arena — wanted to make sure we weren’t with a mob — and we were first :-) Even though the hotel is directly across the street to the public entrance to the Festhalle, we got a bit lost driving there. It is definitely quicker to walk as long as we know we can get in the front door.<br />
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Meagan is fighting a wicked chest cold — a tenacious cough that must be making her really miserable. We have tried medications we found here, but with no success. She can’t sleep well and has major coughing spasms. Some friends flying in today are bringing an arsenal of medications for her. However when she rides she is total focus and concentration.<br />
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The jog was a bit anticlimactic. In Europe they don’t take these things as seriously as we do with several members of the ground jury as well as the vets, people watching, riders dressed nicely. Here there were grooms, coaches jogging and riders in jeans and overcoats. It was lovely that the non Europeans were well dressed in slacks, nice sweaters, vests, most had their hair done up and horses were braided. Some truly gorgeous horses, fabulous movers. It was a bit wild at times — the jog was in the stable area warm-up with nice spongy footing, but right next to the stalls and the people arriving with their huge trunks, horses rearing up on their stalls to see, bags of shavings being dropped onto the pavement. No lack of entertainment — watching extremely athletic horses being extremely athletic.. Bentley was a perfect gentleman. The first class for the YR World Cup starts about 5:20 on Thursday. We haven’t heard yet about the draw to know exactly when Meagan goes.</span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5371375144079015524.post-87153979146367275402010-12-14T17:55:00.002-05:002010-12-14T17:55:43.045-05:00arrived at the show grounds 12/14/10 <span style="font-family: Calibri,Verdana,Helvetica,Arial;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Yesterday, Monday, was a light day for Bentley. We have to try to plan to have the horse ready to be his best on the days of the competition, so we decided to make Monday a sort of day off. Since we cannot turnout or really even hand walk outside due to the ice, Meagan hand walked as usual and just gave him a light stretchy work under saddle. Today, Tuesday, Bentley had a hand walk first, then a normal workout in the early afternoon. He was a bit tight especially on one side of his back and was a little strong. But Meagan handled it well, understanding that this is the way he often is on the day after a day off. He expect him to be better tomorrow if only because it’s the second day after his day off. She had some super trot work though by the end. We leave for the Stadthalle about 6 PM tonight — it’s near- and will be allowed to work in the show arena tonight about 8. We plan to make that the stretchy work that we usually do in the AM. We want him to have his first time in the show ring a very relaxing ride. <br />
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We watched some of the regular riding here. The young horses work in groups. For example we watched one group of three – working almost nose to tail — the four year old was leading with two three year olds following. And they HAD to stay in line. When the last horse had a little bucking fit he was put instantly back in line again. They worked big circles and serpentines at trot and circles and straight lines at canter – nicely forward at all times, very consistently on the bit. There were other lovely young horses that the staff rode and we also watched Ann Katrin school several horses -- one of her older former competition mares, Wahajama, who is heavily in foal but obviously wanting to work. Of course for me the most fun was watching her school two ponies :-) Nothing like watching an Olympic gold medalist riding ponies!<br />
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Today is well below freezing — feels like it is on the 20’s — we had about 3/4 inch of snow last night and it has no intention of melting today.<br />
<br />
Later,<br />
<br />
The amazing truck from Schafhof took the three horses (Meagan, Canada and New Zealand’s) to The Stadthalle in Frankfort — about a 30 minute trip. The horses are in temporary stalls in the indoor parking area. After settling Bentley who travelled like a trooper, I took Meagan to the warm up arenas and the main arena. Her eyes went about as big as Mica’s did when we came a couple of years ago. The arena is beautifully decorated for Christmas with Santa’s holding up the letters, topiary rearing horses, bunting all over the walls and around the huge TV screens hanging from the ceiling. It is still impressive, even though I was here before.<br />
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Meagan brought Bentley out and hand walked him around — the only thing that bothered him was the vacuum at work in the hallway. She did a little stretchy trot and he was as calm as he could be — absolutely a star. We met Megan from Australia and Anna Kasprzak from Denmark — individual bronze medalist in the Kur at the European YR Champs!<br />
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I am now settled into the Hotel Hessischer Hof across the street from the Stadthalle, but it’s one of those situation where you can’t get there from here — have to drive all around. It will be faster to walk I think. It’s a fabulous hotel — heated towels even :-) It’s almost midnight and I have to be up before 5 to Meagan can school Bentley in the arena tomorrow before the show starts.</span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5371375144079015524.post-90937893327278073652010-12-12T15:57:00.000-05:002010-12-12T15:57:51.575-05:00Amazing German Horses!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvOyYZLN2VXwuo__USS2np4zGpBDfSF8jew-Rhahy3UNX7jacZSMYL6dBPTUYhEhZ34pbfRGcSDH_w1glGU68gSdrcvyXhOipi9lerMqIjjtWfWPtvQ5iEDSCfvAmMurJvasZkCygSD7Q/s1600/mail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">For those of you who have never been to see horses in Germany, in is an international horse lovers' dream - just gorgeous international quality horses everywhere.<img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvOyYZLN2VXwuo__USS2np4zGpBDfSF8jew-Rhahy3UNX7jacZSMYL6dBPTUYhEhZ34pbfRGcSDH_w1glGU68gSdrcvyXhOipi9lerMqIjjtWfWPtvQ5iEDSCfvAmMurJvasZkCygSD7Q/s320/mail.jpg" width="320" />However, those of you who know me, know that nothing makes my heart warmer than an elegant pony. But absolutely nothing makes me happier than a pony like this. I'm pretty sure he will fit in my suitcase!</a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5371375144079015524.post-78995222459315166382010-12-12T15:32:00.000-05:002010-12-12T15:32:34.760-05:00Trip for Young Rider World Cup with Meagan DavisArrived in Frankfort after a fortunately uneventful flight. Meagan's mom Karen met me at my house and we went together to JFK for the flight. Meagan and her dad Bill met us at the airport. It's about a 1/2 hour drive to Kronberg to our very pleasant hotel near the Schafhof, the stables of Ann Katrin Linsenhof. This is where Meagan's horse Bentley is staying until the competition along with Jamie Holland's mare Fleurina (from Canada) and Georgia Worth's horse from New Zealand. <br />
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Georgia's horse's trip from Australia took a long time; they had an 8 hour layover in Singapore and another stop in UAE, but I don't think anyone traveling with horses has the story to tell that Bill Davis and Tom Dvorak have after their trip with the horses. Hopefully the entire story will be written up but in very, very brief:<br />
horses bump along NYC roads in truck, into quarantine stables at JFK for 6 hours, delay for three hours, nice flight in humongous cargo plane, about to land in Frankfort, airport closed due to snow, fly to Cologne, start to land, about to land, shot back up into air, planes stuck in snow on runway, fly to Munich where they will "try" to land, before landing pilot says: "hang on, it;s gonna be rough" because will have to use engine to stop plane because don't want to use brakes, but his runway is short for this big a plane; they are last plane allowed to land; they wait; they wait; they wait; this crew leaves because their time allowance to fly is up - new crew comes in; Frankfort opens, maybe, we can't leave for hours because passenger planes have to be gotten in and out first; but we have live horses and are running out of food and horses will run out of patience soon (Bentley can be VERY opinionated about travel); too bad they are told; pilot keeps calling everyone possible; finally animal welfare people in Belgium are called; eventually after being given several different wheels up time, they are on their way again and land in Frankfort and after hours waiting for the vet there the horses are released after 34 hours of travel. The truck from Schafhof picks them up - Matthias Rath himself had driven out first on one of the unsuccessful trip. Bill said all the Lufthansa pilots and crew were wonderful throughout and he now knows all about how a cargo plane works.<br />
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As an FYI, Ann Katrin Linsenhoff is a former team rider for Germany (rode in Seoul “with” me), her mom Liselott was an individual Gold Medalist, and her stepson is Matthias Rath who was a very successful YR and this year represented Germany at WEG. He is to be the new rider of Totilas. Totilas isn’t here yet — he will come in January.<br />
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Anyway, Bentley now seems happy and comfortable. Meagan is doing her usual two times a day ride. In the morning she just stretches him for a 20 - 30 minute relaxing ride and in the afternoon we school him. His schooling is mostly suppling, reminding him of half halts and me annoying Meagan with position reminders :-)<br />
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So let me explain where we are -- Ann Katrin Linsenhof was instrumental in putting together a World Cup for Young Riders about 7 years ago. Riders are invited from around the world — I went with Mica Mabragana a couple of years ago — she represented South America. The US rider is chosen from the Freestyle scores from all the CDI’s around the US. The rider with the highest average of two scores is invited. Some of the riders go early to get training in Europe. The European representative usually were European Champion or highly placed in the European YR Champs. This year there are 14 riders – from Germany, Holland, England, Austria, Belgium,Denmark, France, Switzerland, Sweden, Canada, Australia, Brazil, and New Zealand.<br />
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Meagan is fighting a cold, but hopefully will be through with it by competition time on Thursday.<br />
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Kronberg is a bedroom community for Frankfort. Last night we had a nice dinner at an Italian restaurant and fought the crowds at the Christmas Fair. Several streets are blocked off and the place was jam packed with people, baby strollers and big dogs.<br />
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When we arrived it was just above freezing. Most of the snow had melted. It has been raining or drizzling most of the time since then, just above freezing, although this afternoon the sun tried to come out for awhile.<br />
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A brief word about how I feel about Meagan and what she has accomplished. Meagan and her amazing family first came into my life in 2000 (I think) at the second Youth Dressage Festival. Two years later she rode in a clinic with me with her pony Van Gogh (all she remembers is the 45 minutes without stirrups!) and I showed her that she COULD do FEI pony and that summer she won the FEI Pony Championships at the CanAM Challenge in Canada. Meagan lives in Stone Ridge, NY — not exactly the center of Dressage riding in the US — not exactly the center of any kind of riding in the US. As she progressed from Van Gogh (FEI Pony) to Cachet (FEI Juniors at NAJYRC) to FEI Young Riders with Bentley (NAJYRC two years and this year’s National YR Champion at Gladstone) she worked with me off and on. Between the offs and ons, she works mostly on her own. In the past she had some lessons with Debbie Bowman, Tom Noone, Volker Moritz, Courtney Dye, Scott Hassler, Henk van Bergen and some of the USDF Young Rider Clinics (Conrad Schumacher, Sue Blinks, George Williams), but the day to day (week to week and often month to month work) has been on her own at home where they have no indoor. And of course anyone that rides with me has the disadvantage of not having someone get on to fix a problem or demonstrate how it should work. No matter how talented someone might be, this is a real disadvantage — one learns by feeling what is correct (for both rider AND horse) or seeing what is correct — it is hard to learn by only being told what is correct. Also as a teacher, it is always nice to be able to get on and feel what the rider is feeling to be able to relate better. <br />
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Bentley came to Meagan as a very successful horse, but a horse with some serious issues (some of you may have seen the pictures of Bentley doing his antice with Meagan and with other riders!). He was unlike anything she had ridden before — both at his best and at his worst. Meagan’s riding has improved tremendously in the two years she has had him — there have been some major ups and downs — thrills and disappointments. But I have never known Meagan ever to be discouraged. She comes for a lesson occasionally and then does her work faithfully at home. When she returns for the next lesson she can efficiently tell me what is going well and what is not. There were sometimes months between lessons. Even the best riders in the world have people watching their schooling all the time. Meagan is fortunate that her dad fulfills this role the best he can. Bill listens and watches at her lessons and has developed a terrific eye. At the shows Bill and I often stand together and his suggestions are always right on.<br />
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I feel honored to be part of this team — Karen is the most organized person I know. I have no worries that the paperwork is correct and that we have the latest information. Bill can fix anything, handle the horse, and keep us laughing. Even younger brother Brad is a supportive and helpful part of this team. So no matter what happens this week, I feel fortunate to be here with Meagan — the culmination of her years as a youth rider. Starting next Monday she will be looking forward to competing as an adult.<br />
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The competition is part of a major show — lots of classes including top level show jumping and a World Cup qualifier for Dressage — we probably will see a lot of riders who came to WEG including Peter Gmoser, Christoph Koschel, Matthias Rath, Isabell Werth, Imke Schellekens Bartels, Patrick Kittel, plus other top competitors like Ulla Salzgeber and Victoria Max-Theurer. Should be fun. They organize a show that is super fun for spectators.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5371375144079015524.post-609745993796434932010-03-24T15:24:00.001-04:002010-03-24T21:03:59.784-04:00An Update on CourtneyCourtney is still technically in a coma, although she sometimes responds to commands to move and even smile. She is being put in a special chair to allow her to sit up for periods of time. Tomorrow she will be flown in an air ambulance to The Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation in W. Orange, NJ. This highly regarded facility is near her northern home and a large support group. Even better they are open to having her dogs and even a horse visit! This is the beginning of a long road of rehab although no one can tell us how long or how difficult that road will be. The address is 1199 Pleasant Valley Way, West Orange, NJ 07052. Cards and notes are welcome, no flowers yet please. Visitors will still be extremely restricted and in the future we will create a schedule for visitors. Anyone wanting to visit should contact me graydressage@optonline.net. <br />
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Courtney’s family is extremely grateful for the outpouring of love shown through cards and email — comebackcourt@gmail.com. I have received such amazing support through my facebook page and want everyone to know that Betsy Tyler, Jen Baumert, Courtney’s parents, brothers, and sister have joined Jason at her side daily. There is a friendly face with her 24 hours a day. <br />
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There have also been so many people generously helping with the finances. While insurance will cover most of her medical bills at this time, the generosity of others is helping with her two flights, the medical extras necessary, as well as some of her regular expenses like mortgage, car payments, etc. We will make sure Courtney is always taken care of , but we appreciate those who are offering to help. There are various fundraising efforts: the first was done by Charlotte Page and Brendan and Kaitlyn Tota. These children sold carrots and apples during the Palm Beach Dressage Derby right after Courtney’s accident. Upcoming activities include a clinic that Stefan Peters is donating, an online auction of a Patricia Powers painting donated by Tami Hoag - http://greydun.com/index.html - as well as a Succeed sponsored online ebay auction. Thank you all so much for your generosity. Any donations should be made to the Courtney King Dye Trust, % Equine Business Institute, PO Box 286, S. Deerfield, MA 01373.<br />
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Courtney’s horses are being cared for by her regular staff and Jenn Marchand, her long time assistant, is currently working them. They will be going north to her summer home in NY in a couple of weeks. All owners have decided to keep the horses fit and ready for Courtney’s return.<br />
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Thank you everyone for your love, prayers, offers, and overall caring for Courtney.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5371375144079015524.post-57200750536128260752009-12-01T18:17:00.000-05:002009-12-01T18:17:46.222-05:00My trip to SpainI am starting my trip home from an amazing 5 days in Seville, Spain. With thanks to Kim Boyer of Hampton Green Farm, I know much more about the Spanish Andalusian horse, saw some lovely Spanish countryside and was awed by SICAB (Salon Internacional del Caballo PRE), the daunting trade fair/breed and performance national championships/exhibition, etc. all celebrating the PRE (pure Spanish horse). I joined Kim and her husband Fred, their business manager Joan, and Courtney and Jason Dye. We had a blast!<br />
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The flight over was uneventful although we bumped all the way across the Atlantic. On the flight from Madrid south to Seville I got my first glimpse of Spain. The only other time I was in Spain was in 1969 when I went by ship to Italy for my college Junior year abroad – we stopped for about three hours in Malaga. The countryside was mostly flat with some hills, very dry and barren looking at this time of year. After leaving New York at 6 PM we arrived in Seville about 7 AM (about 1 AM home time and needed to stay up until about 10 PM (4 PM home time). I used to be able to pull all nighters but can’t any more. Only last night did I get a decent sleep – my body could not figure out what time it was. <br />
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Alex Zilo (who owns a champion PRE) and his wife Lily, who competes for Hong Kong) had gotten us wristbands so we could go anywhere, although mostly that meant we could get in free and get into the warm up ring. Everyone could go everywhere else.<br />
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There are about 1000 horses there and everyone wanders through the stables. The breeding mares are all in stalls in one wing of the convention center – really they are in pens so their heads can hang into each other’s stalls. They are there for at least a week and I never saw one being taken out for a walk. The stalls are no more than 8 x 8 and some even had rather large foals with mom. In general mares are not ridden (keep ‘em barefoot and pregnant). You can quickly tell a mare under saddle because her mane will be roached and her tail cut often just below the bone. The other stables are in tents and anyone can go there, peer in the stalls, pat the horses. Actually you could go in the stalls because, at least during the week, there are very few people around the horses. No one worries, which is a testament to the temperament to the PRE stallions. On the weekend when the place was truly mobbed – as in, one literally could barely move through the crowds – it wasn’t unusual to see a small child riding a stallion piaffing through the crowd. Amazing! <br />
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Another wing of the convention center has the stud farm stands many with a stallion or two in a tie stall right there with the crowd. This was definitely the place to be at night – the parties started in earnest about 11 PM with much camaraderie, drinking, and flamenco.<br />
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Another wing of the convention center was for a trade fair with everything imaginable for sale, and on the end was a sort dressage arena sized ring where on three sides people could hang over the rail. On the weekend the crowd was 6 or 7 people deep and the grandstand along one side was packed. Here they had the morphology classes – in hand classes – mares and stallions separate from age 2. In these the handler has the horse on a halter or small lunge cavesson. He walks the horse down the center line, then canters the horse on a lunge circle and jazzes him up, then the handler runs down the middle of the ring while the horse does extended trot down the side (on a lunge length lead), canters a few circles, runs the long side at trot – several times. This way the judges see the horses at all three gaits – unlike us who never see the horse canter in hand. The handlers are 99% men in VERY tight pants, little Spanish jackets and hats – they were as fun to watch as the horses. I watched one class of 21 stallions. They all stood next to each other along one side and then one at a time they do their in hand work. They had to be there close to an hour – side by side and I never saw one be disobedient. They stood absolutely quietly – then perked up for their performance and then stood very obediently again.<br />
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The top horses were taken from each age group, age 4 and up– stallion and mare groups, then performed in the Functionality test – sort of a first level test in the Dressage arena. The champions are the ones with the highest scores from each test. This way they don’t have so much the problem that we have in the US where the most gorgeous in hand horses in all the breeds often never become great performers.<br />
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Other classes included Prix St. Georges, Intermediare Kur, Grand Prix and Grand Prix Kur, FEI 4, 5, and 6 year olds. And four in hand and pair combined driving, show jumping, and levels of Doma Vaquera (4 – 6 year olds, and 6 and older) alta esquela and concurso de exhibiciones). These were held in the smaller ring and the horses were ridden in traditional Spanish attire (tack and clothes). The saddles sit high off the backs with simple decorations and cruppers. The bridles were either a pelham type set up or a combination curb hackamore with the top rein attached to the noseband. The manes were French braided and the tails were tied up in what we call a mud tail. The best I can tell is the riders are given about 4 minutes to do whatever they want showing walk trot and canter. Some did lots of quick transitions trot, walk about 6 times in a row. Lots of circles (most with very good bending, lots of counter canter at a very brisk canter, some sort of sliding stops, long distance rein backs, poor flying changes in the more advanced classes. They do dressage movements plus Spanish walk in the highest levels. My impression is that those without the quality work required in a dressage test do these tests: not so correct in the contact, unevenness in movements, weak extensions, poor walks (all by dressage competition standards). Still they were fun to watch and I saw some really nice horses who with better riding could be wonderful dressage horses. It wasn’t uncommon to see a horse who wouldn’t do well in the dressage arena due to poor contact, resistant transitions, etc. and then he would do a gorgeous piaffe and/or passage. <br />
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We saw no young riders in competition and very, very few women – although a woman won the Grand Prix Freestyle. During the week I would say that more than 90% of the spectators were men. On the weekend everyone was there – lots of families. I think the stands had more people watching the in hand classes even that the Grand Prix Freestyle. They take their horse breeding very, very seriously.<br />
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Courtney and I did an interview for the PRE Magazine. They were especially interested in what we thought of their breed, how they could improve it, and about their training. Kim was telling us about how they are working to improve the walks especially for their sport horses – length of stride never meant anything to them. Their horses have very active walks but not very long strides. And the younger horses do have better walks. <br />
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After watching the Grand Prix, Courtney and I agreed that there wasn’t a horse in the class we wouldn’t like to have in our stable – either as an amateur horse, or a nice competition horse or…there as one that we both felt could be a top international horse – wow, he was fabulous – good walk, very supple, very good extensions, super scopey half passes, and excellent canter work and piaffe/passage.<br />
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Every night they have the “espectaculo” – performances of all types for entertainment. I went twice and had a blast. There was a very good pas de trois (Grand Prix level). There was a really very good couple who did a tango on horse back…lots of riding knee to knee, one facing forward the other facing backward and one horse would back while the other walked forward, sideways, turns – it was fun. They had a driving exhibition. All in the ring at the same time: a single, a pair, two horses one in front of the other, one horse with two behind, a four in hand, two horses in front and three behind, one horse in front (not pulling anything), and two and two behind. They all went around the outside one behind the other and then one carriage at a time they drove figures through the middle. The 2/2/1 carriage, the lead horse who only has reins to him, no harness, sort,of drifted about in front of his four behind him. Then when they went into the middle the driver turned the coach so sharply that the front horse almost touched the back of the carriage. <br />
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Raphael Soto and Invasor, the most famous Spanish dressage competitor did a very effusive freestyle to finish the performances one night – dressed in traditional Spanish attire. He’s a real showman.<br />
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There was a Hungarian group on little horses – an older man with six students who did a liberty, trick riding, roman riding (standing with one foot on each of two horses) that was extremely entertaining. They did some wild vaulting type moves on their horses while they galloped fast around the ring with no bridles. The best was when one girl was roman riding at trot and three loose horses, one behind the other galloped up behind and between the two horses, under the rider’s legs.<br />
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There was a flamenco dancer --I have to say I have a hard time appreciating flamenco singing (yelling) and dancing, but they probably don’t understand the twist ☺. They did a lovely performance with her and some traditional riders with a long pole that the horses work around, and at one point the rider holding one end of her shawl. It was very well done. There were also horses doing airs above the ground that were pretty spectacular. One of the horses who did the capriole would jump in the air three or four times before he got the kick-out – sort of saying I know I can, I know I can, I know I can – there! I did it. He was so focused and trying so hard. Then there was one horse who stood straight up on his hind legs and hopped backwards and at the end he reared straight up and stood there for about 15 seconds.<br />
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One horse/handler from the Spanish National School did a very good long reining demo.<br />
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By far the most exciting and unique were the Moroccans. Apparently every year SICAB partners with a country. The Morrocans had a large booth in the breeders tent. There were three artisans working on their equipment. One man was making rifles (real ones), another man was doing the inlay on the stirrups, and a woman was doing the incredibly elaborate “embroidery” that covered all their tack.<br />
During the exhibitions they came in in Moroccan warrior gear – flowing robes and head gear, saddles that literally put them at least a foot above the horses backs, knives at their sides. They started in a long line, about 15 of them next to each other and came down the arena at a???? canter? That was no faster than I could crawl. It was sort of three beat, with a little up and down hopping. Three of the horses did more of a canter but continually rotated left and right, sort of quarter pirouettes, non stop down the arena, sort of running into each other. After coming all the way from one end to the other like this they did a little quadrille type performance – not a lot of polish. They ended up at the far end of the arena and once again did their little canter almost in place, then all of a sudden with blood curdling yells went flat out toward the end of the arena. Just as you were sure they would run into the wall, the rifles went off and they slammed on their brakes – lifted everyone right out of their seats. The first night I was seated quite high up in a corner – I had gone alone while the others in our group went into the city for dinner. The second night we had very VIP seats and I was seated in the front row, floor level with nothing but a little flimsy fence between me and the arena. During the performance there was one horse who was a bit out of control. Of course I knew what was coming at the end and I noticed that the horse who had been difficult was directly opposite me. It was all I could do not to sneak into the back of our section and hide – but let me tell you with the bits they had in their mouths those horses were going to stop – and they did.<br />
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On Friday Kim, Fred, and I dove to Malaga, on the Mediterranean with Danny who rides a horse Kim bred and owns who is doing PSG. We drove through endless olive groves and over the mountains to the sea. It was interesting to see a typical Spanish stable – right in town, one “paddock” about 30’ x 60’, riding ring with just enough sand footing., an old building, nice stalls with straw bedding. I am sure there are many days the horses don’t get out of their stalls. They are given two big flakes of hay on the morning, and get an oats corn mixture three times a day. At the show we saw many horses without water buckets. They obviously get watered at certain times.<br />
I gave Danny a lesson – here he is one of the better FEI riders in Spain and it was his first help in over two years. He started out riding doma vaquera as most of the riders do and then switched to dressage (doma classica). Danny treated us to a delectable seafood lunch – the first time I had seen fish cooked completely encased in about a ½ inch of salt. One night in Seville I had fish and it was heavily salted so that one actually crunched down on chunks (not grains) of salt – too much for me. But the fish is Malaga after they broke the crust and peeled the salt off with the skin, was scrumptious.<br />
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So now I am on my way home, having missed Thanksgiving for the second time in my life. The first time was in 1969 while I was studying in Rome. I spent the Thanksgiving weekend in Vienna at the Spanish Riding School. This was such a special trip and a great break. Thank you Kim and Fred.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5371375144079015524.post-71177179807348874182009-07-08T21:45:00.005-04:002009-07-08T21:53:01.006-04:00Kids working for their success<div>An invitation to a party and a fundraiser -- how great it is to see two 15 year old kids taking the initiative, going into town and getting donations for their silent auction, and planning the day of fun and fundraising. Do come join us on Sunday with Tina Konyot, Courtney King and Young Rider Reserve National Champion Meagan Davis riding her freestyle.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>On Sunday, July 12 at Sunnyfield Farm in Bedford (825 S. Bedford Rd, 10506) renowned international Dressage trainer Tina Konyot will be teaching a clinic all morning. <br /><br />Starting at 12:30 there will be a luncheon (with a suggested donation) and participants may eat while watching the horses. There will be a performance by Tina on her Grand Prix horse. Olympian and two time world cup competitor Courtney King Dye will address the audience at about 1:30. Two young riders who are trying to raise funds so they may compete in the Youth Dressage Festival as well as their regional championships will ride with commentary by Lendon Gray, two time Olympic rider and trainer.<br /><br />For the luncheon please RSVP to Heather Ward at heatherton2000@yahoo.com or call 914 234-6302.<br /><br />In the afternoon during and after the performances there will be a silent auction to raise funds for Megan Heeder and Rachel Chowanec’s journey to equestrian success. These two girls are willing to work hard washing cars, baby sitting, trunk cleaning, whatever they can do to finance their dream this year.<br /><br />There will be refreshments available all afternoon as well as face painting and other activities for kids.<br /><br />The program and activities should be fun for all from the grandparents to the kids; for Dressage experts to those who simply love to watch horses. Come and bring the family and your neighbors.<br /><br />Below is part of the list of auction items. Contact Lendon if you would like to place a bid before the auction<br />a private tour of the MET permanent collection for 4, followed by lunch in the Trustees' dining room overlooking Central Park - donated by Francine Walker<br />Custom Hand-Painted Portrait of your animal by Jeanne Pacchiana<br />2 Consulting Sessions with Tammy Vankrevlen. See website for more information: http://intuitiveadvancements.com<br />Afternoon of sailing lessons down the Hudson River for up to 6 people donated by the Jennings family<br />Fancy Belt and $250 Gift Card to L’Armoire, New Canaan<br />Cooking Class for 6 with Jackie Hijkoop<br />Chef for Dinner Party by Jackie Hijkoop<br />Colored Pencil Sketch done by Laura Satterfield; with horse and owner or from photo<br />Various styles of custom-made jewelry donated by Ingrid Taff<br />Activate Your Horse’s Core autographed by author, Hilary Clayton<br />Michigan State University Children’s Choir CD (featuring Megan)<br />Handheld CD Player donated by CVS<br />Night of Babysitting (M & R)<br />Thinline Saddle Pad donated by Thinline<br />2 Lessons on Rendezvous 3, Francine Walker’s Grand Prix mare, with Courtney King-Dye<br />Photography Session by Jayne <br />Lesson on Simba<br />Lesson on Mouse<br />Lesson on Sunny <br />Lesson on Loui<br />Lesson on Danny<br />Lesson on Ivan taught by owner Laura Satterfield<br />1 Free Clipping by Edgar<br />Copies of Lessons with Lendon <br />Copies of Mikhail the Dressage Mouse<br />Joules Jacket, light blue (Size Large) donated by The Horse Connection<br />2 Movie Tickets to Bedford Playhouse<br />MOSS Tack Soap<br />2 Lessons with Lendon Gray at HW Dressage to new students on their own horses<br />$25 Gift Certificate to Bedford Hardware<br />Trailer Cleaning (M & R)<br />Boot Polishing (M & R)<br />Tack Trunk Cleaning (M & R)<br />Tack Cleaning (M & R)<br />Car Washing (M & R)<br />2 US PRE polo shirts donated by Hampton Green Farm<br />Hat with Hampton Green Farm logo<br />Tote with Hampton Green Farm logo<br />Handmade Fleece Blanket- purple and black check with horse heads donated by Mrs. Heeder<br />Gift Certificate from Burts Ives Tackshop in Columbia, CT<br />Saddle Fitting (Done by Katie Gussenhofen of County Saddlery)<br />Stabling at CDI at Saugerties, normally $175 for the weekend<br />1 Week of Camp at Newberry Farm in Columbia, CT, age 2 – 16 donated by Chandra Chowanec<br />An extra day for your favorite HW Dressage groom (M & R)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5371375144079015524.post-61273396460802635222009-06-14T22:14:00.002-04:002009-06-14T22:39:38.907-04:00I had to share with you all what I did this past weekend. I spent the last three days in Bozeman, Montana teaching a clinic. After doing clinics for the last forty years all over the world I am pretty sure that this is the best one I have ever done.<div><br /></div><div>No, it wasn't because I stayed in a beautiful home where I ate lobster, steak, and shrimp; where I lay in bed at night and woke up in the morning looking out over the most glorious view of the mountains, the trout jumping in the pond, the hordes of pheasant families, the magpies, the hawks, the deer grazing, the groundhogs, and even a badger, and the impressive cloud formations. Well, OK, that may have kept me in a good state of mind.</div><div><br /></div><div>I worked with 7 riders on 9 horses -- thoroughbreds, warmbloods, an Andalusian, a percheron cross, Morgan -- 4 years old to Grand Prix schoolmaster. That isn't unusual. What was unusual was that there wasn't one horse/rider combination that I had to go back and fix things with. In every case I said, "you can do more -- challenge yourself and your horse more!." They had lovely positions (yeah, there was a tweak needed here and there). What a pleasure to work with horses and riders with really sound basics who haven't pushed and shoved their horses, jammed then together, tried to do things before they were ready. Perhaps it's because there is very little competition available so they are truly riding for the love of it. </div><div><br /></div><div>The horses were really so well schooled, so comfortable in their work, and so ready for a challenge. What a pleasure. I can't wait to go back in October.</div><div><br /></div><div>The other thing I loved was that the riders I had worked with 6 months ago were able to tell me what I had worked on with them then and what was working or not quite working now from the previous lessons. My favorite kinds of students.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5371375144079015524.post-74302075873606515612009-06-05T09:03:00.003-04:002009-06-05T09:22:41.003-04:00I have to say that one of my pet peeves is that people cannot tighten their girths or shorten their stirrups safely and quickly while mounted. I think that most people do not tighten (or at least check) their girths after riding around for a bit. I was always aware if my girth was a bit loose because I could feel the saddle bouncing a bit on the horses back. Tighten the girth and it was easier to sit the trot. <div><br /></div><div>A rider must be able to quickly adjust the stirrups without taking the foot out and while keeping one hand on the reins and it should take a few seconds only. Sure you'll have to practice to be able to do this. I used to adjust my stirrups while trotting or cantering. :-)</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyone who feels that this might be too difficult, check out this video: http://www.barnmice.com/video/metropolitan-mounted-police</div><div>Make sure you get to the end. What wonderfully trained horses! And riders with independent seats and hands. WOW!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5371375144079015524.post-42140358362672943672009-04-01T08:13:00.003-04:002009-04-01T08:28:10.580-04:00riding to music clinicJust a quick note to tell you about a clinic we just had with Mike Matson on riding to music -- not developing freestyles specifically, but just have fun, suitable music to listen to when working your horse. The participating riders included one who has trained the most wonderful Grand Prix horse -- a top horse who doesn't go to shows -- to a rider who hadn't cantered around the indoor arena all winter due to fear -- and with the music around and around she went -- to one highly competitive professional with a fourth level horse. Without exception everyone thoroughly enjoyed Mike, his music selection, and his ability to broaden their enjoyment level when they ride. It truly is amazing how the right music can help the rider to relax, to focus, to be aware of the horse's rhythm and tempo, to be distracted from the problems that so often get in the way. I have never had a clinic where riders of every level, professional to very amateur were so pleased with their rides. Each rider now has her own DVD with her own music on it.<div><br /></div><div>He has already been invited back for another clinic on May 3. Mike has a website with lots of music for anyone to try -- www.equimusic.com. The site also gives some help on how to create competition freestyles. </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5371375144079015524.post-86549084687976702132009-03-20T19:47:00.001-04:002009-03-20T19:50:19.034-04:00To Barbados for the USEF and FEI<!--StartFragment--><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:Calibri, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial;"><span style="font-size:11pt">Here I am flying back from my quick trip to Barbados. The FEI with help from the USET has started a program assisting developing countries in Dressage in hopes that they will be able to create teams for the Pan Am Games. I was asked at the last minute to go to Barbados to observe their riders at the FEI Dressage Challenge. Two international judges, one from Finland and one from Columbia, have been on the road for about a month, judging shows in Trinidad, Jamaica, Haiti, Antigua, Bermuda. At each show there are FEI classes for Children, Preliminary. Medium (about 2nd level), Advanced (about 4th Level) and PSG. Each country names 4 riders to be their team before the show starts and then the country with the highest score is the Group winner.<br /><br />I arrived in the early afternoon and went directly to the jog. They were holding the jog at two venues where almost all of the horses are boarded. We waited in the hot sun for almost an hour because the vet was dealing with an emergency somewhere. The horses went from average paints and appy’s to Swedish warmbloods crossed with their local TB race horses, to imported schoolmasters. The horses looked well but by our standards were a bit thin (translate into, were not overweight). One rider was bemoaning the difficulties of getting her horse shod properly because there was a week or two where there wasn’t a shoeing nail to be found on the entire island. Not to mention that the farriers don’t have much education in farriery. The jog was fine, a couple were held for the next day. Then the judges went off to the other end of the island for the next part of the jog and I went home with my hosts, Alison and James Elliott. He is the president of the National Federation. They had a nice home on the top of a hill where the breezes were delightful. Windows are open all the time. They had two little sparrow/finch type birds who fly into and out of the kitchen all the time. Apparently a few years ago they had two pair — one pair came in the windows on one side and the other pair came in from the other side and if they ever met, all hell let loose.<br /><br />Off to a press conference at the incredibly elegant hotel on the beach where the judges stayed (donated by the Hotel). To no one’s surprise the press was an hour late, but our time was used up when a call came from the chief judge that he did not feel the footing at the second stable which is where the competition was to be held was sufficient and could not be used. So anyone who has ever had anything to do with organizing can now imagine the consternation. But in about an hour’s time the owners of the other stable agreed to hold it, tents, chairs, port-a-potties were organized, competitors were informed and transportation was arranged. There is some rivalry between the two stables as can be imagined, but that was also dealt with. Oops, forgot to tell you about the jog at that stable. A stallion got away from his rider and left......was found 2 hours later, after he had found a girlfriend mare. Someone received a free breeding! Trailering can be a bit of an ordeal since they move their horses very seldom. The trailers and the vehicles pulling them made me a bit nervous now that I am used to our elegant solid trailers and trucks. Since the horses are trailered in, just for the day it can be tough because some horses get pretty up tight trailering and I can certainly understand after driving on the roads. They are barely wide enough for two vehicles, with absolutely no shoulder and the traffic is a bit.... Well let’s just say I as glad I wasn’t driving. They don’t have many lights, but lots of confusing roundabouts.<br /><br />So we had a wonderful dinner finally, to bed, and on to the show which went well. Most of the riders had nice horses, some could be very competitive with the riders getting a little more help. And Barbados ended up winning their group challenge. I spent Sunday AM writing up my reports for the FEI, the USEF, and the riders.<br /><br />A bit of Barbados trivia for those who don’t know much about it. It is the easternmost island in the Caribbean, 166 square miles, was fairly safe while the European countries were fighting over the islands because while it is easy to sail from England to Barbados it is extremely difficult to sail from the other islands there. The island has mongooses, only one type of snake, a harmless garden snake that is pretty rare. The pelicans have become pretty rare because of loss of habitat and appear to be adapting to eating freshwater fish. There is one oil well. Horse racing and polo is very active. Lots of sugar cane fields. The gorgeous coastline beaches with fabulous homes and hotels. Thee interior is pretty unimpressive. Lots of tiny brightly painted homes jammed together with tiny very clean yards, but you weren’t aware of terrible poverty.</span></span></span> <!--EndFragment-->Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5371375144079015524.post-27310798661798095692008-12-29T21:18:00.003-05:002008-12-29T21:35:13.183-05:00It's the end of 2008Hi all! It's been a long time and the year is almost over. Just before Christmas I started following daily a story about two horses abandoned in the mountains of Alberta above the tree line in 6+ feet of snow and the efforts of rescuers to safe them I wanted to share the storyhttp://www.edmontonsun.com/News/Alberta/2008/12/29/7871216-sun.html. Some people are just so incredibly wonderful.<div><br /></div><div>I hope that everyone is coming to the Weekend Educational Program that Dressage4kids puts on. We have a truly amazing program this year. A full day just for kids competing at the FEI level or getting ready to. This should be required of all riders planning to try out for NAJYRC (which is being moved to KY, lots closer than CO!) Also a full day on How to Teach -- this is a unique program for all instructors and also should be a requirement. There is a three sessions series for Supporting (not smothering) your competitor for parents and instructors. We are also honored to have two wonderful vets -- Brendan Furlong will speak about Keeping the Dressage Horse Sound -- he has been the team vet at numerous Olympics, World Games, etc. and Michael Stewart will talk about the new treatments for laminitis as well as the mental and physical aproach to preventing burnout in the horse. There will be special programs for pony clubbers and special sessions for little kids. There are also sessions just for parents. And general talks cover stable management, riding theory, judging, and going to the Olympics as a Groom. All the info will be on the dressage4kids website shortly. And best of all thanks to very generous sponsorship the fees are very low.</div><div><br /></div><div>I want to thank all the amazing people who have been part of my life in 2008. None of the things for which I get credit would happen without the efforts of many people behind the scenes. Those who have written me lovely notes, Thank You. Those of you who have challenged me, I thank you. Those of you who have shared your love of horses, and learning with me -- how lucky we are.</div><div><br /></div><div>I want to wish everyone a wonderful 2009 -- it's going to be a challenging year, but we are up to it, I know we are.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5371375144079015524.post-83182928714560126922008-06-23T15:54:00.004-04:002008-06-23T16:20:07.379-04:00Are our instructors and trainers continuing their education?I just returned from a clinic/symposium with Michael Klimke that was excellent. There were about 100 auditors. As I have noticed while auditing many clinics and symposia, there were very, very few professionals there. It concerns me that many teachers and trainers are not getting good ongoing education. Riding lessons are wonderful, but the only way to develop a good eye and a broad spectrum of useful exercises is watching others teach and train.<div><br /></div><div>Often when I ask professionals why they are not attending educational activities they tell me they cannot afford to lose a day of lesson income. That is a legitimate reason. So here is my idea. Those of you who are being taught, why don't you get together with other students of your instructor and go to an educational program as a group -- even split the cost of taking your instructor. It will be to your advantage in the long run.</div><div><br /></div><div>With this is mind I want to recommend two programs coming up: the Eckart Meyners Seat Symposium August 2/3 <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255); font-family: Arial; "><a href="http://www.equestrianeducation.org/calendar_events.html">http://www.equestrianeducation.org/calendar_events.html</a></span><br /><!--EndFragment--> and the Symposium with Klaus Balkenhol, Col. Christian Carde, and Gerd Heuschmann on October 18/19<a href="http://www.maplewoodwarmbloods.com/mw_news.html" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-decoration: none;"> </span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255); font-family: Arial; "><a href="http://www.maplewoodwarmbloods.com/mw_news.html">http://www.maplewoodwarmbloods.com/mw_news.html</a>.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255); font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; ">Both of these should be superb programs and somewhat unique. Wouldn't it be fun for a trainer to go with students so they could all discuss what they are seeing and hearing with each other?</span></div> <!--EndFragment-->Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5371375144079015524.post-56256524224227004392008-04-07T13:15:00.001-04:002008-04-07T13:17:09.395-04:00I just finished a lovely weekend. Scott Hassler came to my stable to teach my students. He worked with Courtney King with her top horses, Mica Mabragana with the horse she rode in the YR World Cup, Meagan Davis who is trying out for the North American Young Rider Champs, three certified instructors, some other upper level horses as well some lovely young horses. What a fabulous teacher he is – challenging but encouraging, positive, a wonderful command of the language, and fun. As a long time teacher I was invigorated. I learned some new exercises as well as new phrases to use in my teaching. And I got hit on the head (figuratively) for missing some things with my students or letting some things slide by. We had a small group of auditors who were enthralled. How I wish more people would spend a day at a clinic like this just sitting and watching – filling their eyes with good quality riding, filling their ears with good quality teaching.<br /><br />I know that I was started on the road of knowing what to look for by sitting for hours in Michael Poulin’s indoor arena watching him ride and watching and listening to his lessons. In the freezing cold huddled with blankets and Michael’s dog to keep warm, I wasn’t even aware of what I was learning. In the beginning I had no idea what to look for. Later I was able to guess what he was going to say as my eye became educated to seeing what he was seeing. Later I spent some wonderful days in Herbert Rehbein’s indoor arena outside of Hamburg, Germany. I speak no German and Mr. Rehbein spoke almost no English. But just sitting and watching some of the world’s top riders as they trained sent me home with a raised level of awareness.<br /><br />On another hand I had two less known professionals at my stable last week. Corinna Scheller and Cheryl Reeve are working on their instructor certification and come to Gleneden to get some help in their riding and teaching. These nationally unknown teachers gave some wonderful lessons to my regular students. I find that very often riders only want to ride with the big name. We have some truly wonderful teachers who can teach lower levels superbly. I believe strongly in the USDF instructor certification program if only because you know that these certified instructors are interested in their own education and improvement. If an instructor is not willing to have their work evaluated and is not getting more education every year, perhaps they are not the best for you.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5371375144079015524.post-36617859638931071892008-03-13T21:31:00.004-04:002008-03-13T21:35:45.912-04:00In magazines and on the webJust wanted everyone to know that Margaret Freeman wrote a wonderful article about the Youth Dressage festival that is in the March/April Hunter and Sport Horse Magazine. Great quotes from several competitors and lots of pictures.<br /><br />I also wanted to suggest that anyone who will ever ride in a clinic read the article on <a href="http://www.dressagedaily.com/">www.dressagedaily.com</a> about the Wellington Jr/YR Clinic. There is a wonderful list of do's and don't's.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5371375144079015524.post-10488412437249150252008-02-22T10:27:00.002-05:002008-02-22T10:40:58.446-05:00While the snow comes down and we had to cancel clinics and schooling show today there are a few things I would like to share. First of all people often ask me if I miss riding. One of the things I miss is riding in the snow -- especially when it has been cold so that the show is light and fluffy. I think the horses love it; I got my first sense of suspension and even passage with my little western horse bouncing along at the trot.<br /><br />But back to my world now. As one who would watch the super bowl for the ads I hope everyone has seen this year's Budweiser ad -- One of the things I have always said about my retirement (yeah, right) is that I want to look out on a pasture with Clydesdales in it. If you haven't seen it, here is the link: <a href="http://sports.aol.com/nfl/superbowlads?videoId=2065836">http://sports.aol.com/nfl/superbowlads?videoId=2065836</a><br /><br />I also want to share a comment from one my vets, Matt Eliott who is also an event rider. He wrote me a note from Florida where he is for the winter. I help him with his Dressage occasionally. He is such a terrific student and inspiring:<br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;"><em>The dressage is essential to the rest of it and I spend hours at it !!! It is always challenging, requiring focus and yet, relaxation. There are so many components along the way to making it all happen..... discipline, determination, letting go and yet holding on....a collage of sorts...much like life!!<br /><br />I remember almost every time I swing my leg over my dressage saddle, many of your "pearls of wisdom" ....."Offer, don't give!"......"The take means nothing without the release!"</em></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5371375144079015524.post-79119890783343126402008-02-15T12:53:00.006-05:002008-02-15T13:03:34.694-05:00Every morning one of the first things I do when I sit down at my computer is check the website <a href="http://www.dressagedaily.com/">www.dressagedaily.com</a>. Mary Phelps does a remarkable job giving everyone up to date news on this free site. I just read with special interest about the recent Graduate Young Rider Program. Liza Sydnor passed on a lot of excellent info that she received at the program. I wanted to share a poem that speaker Carol Lavel had written and shared with everyone:<br /><br />Give credit where credit is due,<br />Don't take credit when it's not about you.<br />Remember the dressage world is very small,<br />Fame comes to those who stand very tall.<br />Honor those who give you their time,<br />Boosting you so your star can shine.<br />When and if you climb to glory,<br />It's now time to write a new story<br />About sharing , giving, helping, support,<br />It's now your time to give back to your sport.<br /><br />At the Youth Dressage Festival every year the judges speak to the riders at the evening dinner. Carol gave one of the best talks we have ever had. In a nut shell she told us all to stop complaining about riding in the extreme heat -- if you go to the Olympics you and your horse will have to deal with it. She was much more entertaining than I have been!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5371375144079015524.post-51195222350728497882008-02-07T22:34:00.000-05:002008-02-07T22:40:30.762-05:00Anne Gribbons and ContactI am always a bit behind in my reading, but tonight I did get through the December 21 Chronicle of the Horse. Anne Gribbons has a wonderful article on contact at: <a href="http://www.chronofhorse.com/index.php?cat=23007043193535&ShowArticle_ID=1212012070529024">http://www.chronofhorse.com/index.php?cat=23007043193535&ShowArticle_ID=1212012070529024</a><br /><br />You have to be a subscriber to the Chronicle to read this -- borrow one if you don't have it. I spend my life trying to help riders with the feel of a correct, elastic connection with the horse's mouth -- to be "there" without pulling, to have total elasticity without losing the contact, to be serious about riding half halts. Anne does a lovely job explaining this.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5371375144079015524.post-4129679019323863352008-02-07T07:42:00.000-05:002008-02-07T07:58:05.225-05:00An Inspirational PhotoI hope each of you is aware that there are different ways for people to learn -- I am totally a visual learner. Some people need to feel to learn, some to have the technique explained....<br /><br />For me pictures mean a great deal and for that reason I am an annoyance to publications that use photos of incorrect riding.<br /><br />Anyway there is a photo of Spanish rider Victor Alvarez on the home page of <a href="http://www.dressagedaily.com/">www.dressagedaily.com</a> this morning that shows such wonderful riding. I suggest when you go to ride next you have that picture in your mind. (not of the horse tilting his head :-)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5371375144079015524.post-88175204750663183812008-02-03T20:07:00.000-05:002008-02-03T20:16:27.621-05:00Weekend Educational ProgramWhat a great weekend we just had. I have to tell everyone that our new location was a huge success. Our speakers were so generous with their time and knowledge. How lucky we are to have such people be willing to help us out.<br />But I was most pleased by the comment from the school janitor just as I was leaving at the end of today. He said they had never had a group take such good care of the facility and be so pleasant to work with. YEAH us! And thanks to everyone who helped out. I especially want to thank Kathy Kiesel, Kim Best, Susan Sieber, and Connie Cartesio who spent so much time yet were not able to listen to any of the speakers because they ran the registration, handled the activities for the children, and sold the merchandise.<br />I'm also really excited because I two people offer to help with our other activities -- yeah, new volunteers for D4K!<br />I am super tired and have to finish unpacking all the"stuff". Check out the website for Jeff Kurtz' photos.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0