Volume 28, Issue XII December2012

Half-Halt The Newsletter of the Southeast Virginia Dressage Association

Southeastern Virginia Dressage AssociationAnnual Awards

Banquet

January 26, 2013

Grand Affairs @ Virginia Beach: 2036 Pleasure House Road, Virginia Beach,

VA 23455

Telephone 757-460-9786

Closing Date: January 12, 2013. Please mail reservations early.

RESERVATIONS POSTMARKED AFTER THE 12 OF JANUARY WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

Organizer: Carol Gonyo, 920 Forest Lakes Drive, Chesapeake VA 23322

email: tullagonyo@cox.net

Theme: Mardi Gras Reception starts at 6:00 PM with dinner starting at 6:30 PM

Please E-Mail Carol with the

following Nominations:

Most Improved Rider

Sportmanship Award:

DEADLINE IS DECEMBER 31, 2012

E-Mail: tullagonyo@cox.net

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

2012 Board of Directors

President:

Kathy Rowse-E-Mail

Vice President:

Robyn Nunnally-E-Mail

Secretary:

Danielle Rowland-E-Mail

Treasurer:

Shari Cutchin-E-Mail

Clinics and Programs:

Janice Mumford-E-Mail

Awards Chair:

Carol Gonyo-E-Mail

Juniors Chair:

Tristin Butler-E-Mail

Licensed Show Chair:

Donna Rowland-E-Mail

Membership Chair:

Reeta Edmundson-E-Mail

Scholarship Chair:

Sandy Johnson-E-Mail

Schooling Show Chair:

Robyn Nunnally-E-Mail

Ways and Means Chair:

Grace Harrell

Newsletter /Webmaster

Chairs:

Wendy Murray-E-Mail

Members at Large

Mary Winchell, Robin Jones

SVDA Member News...

Note from the Editor….

This will be my last official newsletter for SVDA. I am happy to

report that Anna Schriebl has graciously offered to take the

reins as the Newsletter Editor for SVDA.

Anna did such a wonderful job on the Ask the Trainer column

and other articles that I asked her if she was interested in

taking over the Newsletter to breathe some new life into it.

I will still be the Webmaster for SVDA. Anna and I will work closely to promote and

publish information to the SVDA Membership. Anna’s email address is

patriotfarm@wildblue.net

It’s been my pleasure to serve as two chairs for many years.

Best Wishes

Wendy L. Murray

“Sorority Sisters at Bridlewood Farm”

The L Program Section A: The Journey Begins!

By: Anna Schriebl

The day finally came to start the highly anticipated L Program and I was absolutely jazzed about it! L Candidates from several

regions converged on the Doswell Community Center to start the course and listen to an awe-inspiring instructor.

As we registered, I was able to say "Hi" to some old friends and meet some new ones. The range of candidates was amazing and

varied. Hearing of their accomplishments during our introductions made me realize I was in the company of some of the dres-

sage elite and that I would learn alot from my fellow candidates. Lois Yukins, FEI I/4* judge and a member of the L faculty, would

lead the instruction with Kay Meredith, "S" Judge" attending as a volunteer. Kathy Rowse, "S" Judge", organized this program

with her usual attention to detail that makes her every effort excellent. Starting to get a sense of the caliber of this program?

Both Ms. Yukins and Ms. Meredith gave insightful, and often funny, examples of some of the things they've experienced in judg-

ing as well as many words of wisdom. One particular comment made by Ms. Yukins really stood out to me. She implored us to

always consider the horse and to give helpful comments to the rider which will help to send the horse home to kindness and not

a bad training situation set up by less than insightful test comments. The entire theme of this section centered around the well-

being of the horses and the need for the candidates to gain the knowledge to protect the horse and the sport of dressage.

The candidates were instructed to know the rule book well and to be consistent in their judging. We were also advised to use

the scoring scale in its entirety and avoid lazy judging. As we started the section on biomechanics, we were shown videos of gift-

ed and not-so-gifted movers and instructed on what to look for to ensure the paces remained pure and the elements of the

movements were correctly presented. At that point, I gained even greater respect for the current judges who had to not only

evaluate the horse, but had to ensure their scribe was keeping up, make sure the rider was on course and think of concise, in-

sightful comments within a matter of seconds!

The next afternoon at Lea Ann Hansen's lovely Glamorgan Manor all of this quick thinking would come into play. We were treat-

ed to two groups of horses which represented the levels we would judge, although a cute stallion with a Grand Prix background

snuck in there to delight us with his 2nd level work. We were asked to evaluate the horses gaits, movements and the rider's

effectiveness. Candidates were offered the opportunity to share their comments, and with trembling hands, I took the micro-

phone. The lovely, young mare presented was a bit taken aback by the busy, new environment but was nicely presented. As I

gave my comments, Ms. Yukins reminded me that we don't have a crystal ball to see what the horse could do in a calmer envi-

ronment so judges need to evaluate what they see on that particular day. Other brave souls took the microphone and as they

evaluated movements and horses, Ms. Yukins helped us mold our comments into understandable language that would further

the development of the horses and riders. Phrases such as "develop better stretch into the bridle", "commit more from the

rear", and "need more volume in the canter" began to resonate with us as her words played out before us in the form of horse

and rider.

I left for my drive home that evening with a head overflowing with information and a heart that was on a quest for more. There

is so much still to absorb from this fantastic weekend as I look over the notes and re-read dressage glossaries and rule books.

And there is so much more to learn in the future! I feel truly fortunate to be a participant in this program.

Landlust

“Maus”

18 May 1987 – 1 Dec 2012

Liebe Maus, Thank you for teaching me more about finesse as a rider than any other horse

and how to read a horse to approach things their way. Thank you for our 23+ years together

and everything you gave me that made me a better rider and horseman. You will always be

held deep within my heart. Bis wir uns wiedersehen, Anna

SVDA’S “ASK THE TRAINER/JUDGE ” BY: ANNA SCHRIEBL

Submit your Questions to… patriotfarm@wildblue.net

Our question this month is answered by Kathy Johnson, a trainer who comes to us all the way

from Boulder, Colorado!

Dear Ask-the-Trainer, I have a "non-fancy" dressage horse that I would like to compete. How

can I train and show him to give him the best chances against the warmbloods with flashy gaits?

Signed,

Love my Rescue

Kathy answers:

In a word, classically. No shortcuts, no gadgets, no gimmicks. Non-fancy horses often have limited

gaits and less than stellar conformation. If you rush training, take shortcuts or use gadgets like

drawreins or bungees, you run a very real risk of breaking the horse down.

Training should continue at about a level a year. When the horse is not "born on the bit" or born without superb musculature, it's im-

portant to give him time to build his muscles to compensate for any issues he may have in his conformation.

Make the most of his strengths. A "non-fancy" horse may not be terrific in everything, but he will be terrific in some things or you

wouldn't own him. If he has a great brain and is quick learner, you may be schooling him in some movements that are well ahead of

where you'll be showing him. It's not unusual for these types of horses to be "between the levels." For instance, they may be con-

firmed in the trot work and doing lateral movements in trot, but the canter may not be connected enough for first level. Take your

time and play to his strengths, especially when you show.

Downplay his weaknesses. If the horse doesn't have much in the way of lengthenings, shorten him a little before and after the length-

ening to show a transition. If the horse makes a mistake in a test, recover quickly, forget it and ride the next movement even better.

Choose tests that play to his strengths. Choose tests where the horse is strong in the coefficients. Really ride the coefficient move-

ments well. Pick up points where your horse is great. If he has a great halt, hold it a little longer and smile. If he has a great free walk,

don't blow it by pushing too hard. Pick up as many easy points as you can.

Be as accurate as possible in test riding, but don't forget the flow. Prepare, prepare, prepare for each movement. Use every corner.

Know your test.

Work diligently on your position. The rider score has a higher coefficient. This is a good place to gain points, whatever kind of horse

you ride. Practice frequently without stirrups to improve your seat.

When you ride a non-fancy horse, you have not only have to ride better, but you have to have great ringcraft and showmanship. When

I was a child showing the pony I saved every penny for, all $150, my dad said, "Show her like she is the best horse in the world."

And I believed she truly was. Believe in yourself and your horse and you will never have a bad show.

Kathy Johnson is a past board member of the Houston Dressage Society, past president of the Foothills Dressage Society, and now Ex-

ecutive Director of Medicine Horse Program, one of the largest facilities specializing in Equine Assisted Psychotherapy. They are located

in Boulder, Colorado. Many of her therapy horses are former dressage or show horses who were donated to Medicine Horse because of

physical issues. Kathy believes they make excellent therapists because of their intelligence and ability to connect to people. She rehabil-

itates the horses with dressage so they can lead longer, healthier lives. One donated horse, Santiago, recently won one of Kathy's stu-

dents her bronze medal, despite his limited gaits.

Special Thanks to Pam Keffer at Totally Horses for the donation of the

"totally awesome" custom blanket given to the High Score MFS winner at the Williamsburg show this past spring.

We can attest to the warmth of the

blanket, as Olivia wore it at BLMs and was quite toasty!

Betty and Stacey Johnson

Carol Gonyo riding "TC" comes up be-side Logan Myers riding "Midnight" in a lesson with Grace Williams at Bridle-wood Estates - practicing their posting. Carol and Grace are both SVDA board

members.

SVDA Annual Silent Auction

to benefit the SVDA Juniors

Fun for all and all for Fun!

Held at the 2012 Awards Banquet

1/26/13

· Simply bring items to the banquet to donate (or contact Tristin)

Items are Tax Deductable · Bring your bidding enthusiasm

· Horsey and Non-horsey items welcome It's always an interesting and fabulous mix of items to bid on, many

unique selections and great deals

Please contact the Junior Coordinator with any questions or to make do-

nations:

Tristin Hardy Butler

757-615-4975

tristin@elfenridge.com We greatly appreciate your support, and hope you enjoy the fun!

AVAILABLE TO TRAVEL TO YOUR FARM

Janice Mumford

USDF Bronze & Silver Medalist

USDF “L” Graduate

Clinics & Lessons at your Farm

Judging Dressage & Open Schooling

Shows

Call

757.635.8023

CLINICS | LESSONS | JUDGING

Half-Halt | Newsletter of the Southeast Virginia Dressage Association Page 13

Sunday, January 27, 2013

Low Cost Clinic with Sandy Johnson

at Happy Valley in Suffolk

Happy Valley has an indoor so need to worry about weather

$30 for private lesson and $15 per person in a semi-private lesson (you provide the other rider).

Go to the SVDA website and print out the clinic application and mail it to me with your check. No

slots will be held with out the proper paperwork

Contact Janice at liljesco@aol.com if you have questions

Sisters at CNU Benefit Show at Bridlewood Estates

Classified Ads…

For Sale: Albion SLK, 17.5 standard seat, XW tree, low head, Straight Flap, ultima leather – goes for about $3500 new $2000 , very good condition

Also have a similar Albion SLK, W, 17.5 standard seat, low head, ultima leather $2000 excellent condition

Just need to clean out the barn of extra saddles! Contact

Kathy at 757-617-9505

Euroriding Diamant. 18"/ Med Tree Belgian Saddle – Fits

narrow withered horses. $1200. krowse@verizon.net

2001 Ford Explorer for sale , Dark blue, 180,000 miles, not particularly pretty but runs great – dealer maintained – all

service records available.

Mike Rowse takes care of his vehicles like he takes care of his

horses. $3200 621-6769 or michaelrowse@hotmail.com

Half-Halt | Newsletter of the Southeast Virginia Dressage Association Page 14

Jumbo custom designed 1995 Turnbow 3 horse gooseneck

slant load trailer for sale. Designed for large horses. Alumi-

num on steel frame. Full storm doors and rear ramp. Extra

large carpeted dressing room and collapsible rear tack area

with swing out saddle rack. Large hay storage box. Re-

tractable awning. Stall fans and lights and loading lights.

Very good condition. Pictures available. $15,000.

Located on Eastern Shore of Virginia. Email

maureen@tidewaterfarm.com or call 757-678-7520

If you have a horse with Cushings or IR and have been looking for a healthy treat for your horse, we have a

solution! Patriot Farm LLC now offers ReitTreats made especially for horses whose sugar intake must be lim-

ited. These all-natural, no preservative treats are made with Stevia (a natural, no calorie/no carb sweet-ener) and Chaste Tree Berry, a herb used for Cushing

Syndrome and IR horses as well as for tempering mares' heat cycles. We guarantee your horse will love them or your money back since our finicky mare, Lan-

di, loves them!We also offer Medicine Mash, an all natural mash to help you get your horse's to eat their

meds without even knowing it!

Pls email patriotfarm@wildblue.net or call 757-876-3272 for more information. God bless and good riding!

STALL FOR RENT

ROUND PEN AND “UNIQUE”

DRESSAGE ARENA

PUNGO AREA

CALL 721-5169

Board Meeting Minutes

VADA Wednesday November 14, 2012

Teleconference

Board Members Present: : Shelli King (NOVA), Meredith McGrath (SWVADA), Alison Head (NOVA), Sandy Johnson (SVDA), Beth Ripple (SVDA), Jessie Ginsburg (NOVA), Anne Draine (Central/NEVADA), Jane Palmer (Shenvada), Kathy Rowse (SVDA), Catherine Kern (Cville), Angela Stanaway (NEVADA), Robin Dannels (NOVA), Tracey Smith-Oliver (SWVADA), Alison Thompson (Fredericksburg), Lea Ann Hansen (Central), Alison Douglas (Central) Others- Dianne Boyd (NOVA), Penny Hawes (SWVADA) The meeting was called to order at 8:00 pm Minutes from the last meeting were reviewed the following corrections were noted- USDF convention GMO delegates (4 from us) are getting $500 each, Shelli already submitted the financial report for the Chapter Challenge Schooling Show, Tina is contacting Anne Gribbons with the contract for the clinic. Treasurer’s report- Current combined balances are $172,769.87. Minimal expenses for the L program have been paid and some BLM expenses are still outstanding. Membership report- Beth reported that as December 1st starts the new year, she has no members for 2013 as of yet. Chapter Challenge Schooling Show- A committee was formed with Meredith McGrath as the chair. One member from each chapter is to be appoint-ed. The following appointments were made at the meeting- Shelli King (NOVA), Jane Palmer (Shenvada), Anne Draine (NEVADA), Alison Douglas (Central) and Alison Thompson (Fredericksburg). Need an appointment from SVDA and Charlottesville. The committee will research venues in different areas and report back to the board. Fall Show- Diane has posted the opening for the vendor/sponsorship coordinator position for next year. Fundraising for “Friends of Homeless Ani-mals” went well. As the final dollar amount raised has not been determined, Jessie made a motion that was seconded by Beth that VADA round the amount up to $200 as our donation. The motion passed. The show was a success with over 400 horses and approximately 1200 rides. The VADA Stakes Championship classes were not as successful as planned. The future of the program was tabled till the next meeting. Sweatshirts will be ma-roon next year. “L” program- Kathy Rowse reported that the program is full at 30 people with plenty of auditors. She asked that the information be put on the VADA website. Part II is also full. Kathy will have a report for the next meeting recapping the first meeting. Anne Gribbons Clinic- Clinic to be held in March 30-31st 2013 in the East Complex at the VA Horse Center. Tina and Nancy Lowey will be organizing. The fee structure needs to be finalized so we can get fliers out and the information in the Purple Book. Year End Awards- Alison Head made a motion that was seconded by Shelli King and passed by the board that we use Andy’s Engraving for the awards. Jessie will be in charge of selecting the items at the same price point as last year. The topic of Training Level MFS and where they fit into the awards program was discussed. It was decided that they should fall into the same award(s) as the other musical freestyles for 2013. USEF Riders Tests were also discussed. It was decided that all levels would be grouped together for 2013 and offered as one award, separated for licensed and schooling. If future entries warrant they could be split between senior and junior and possibly levels and would require 3 scores. The topic of adding western/gaited to the awards program for schooling shows was also discussed and tabled for the next meeting. The board would like one of the chapters to make a proposal if they want an award added for 2013. The proposal should be submitted with specifications to the board via email by December 15th in order to be considered for 2013. Alison Head reminded the board that there is no more Region One Omnibus. All the information is on the Region One website where it can be updat-ed throughout the year. Shel Gafford Award- There was one nomination. Sandy Johnson has offered to take over the program. 2013 Officers- Those interested in running for board positions should contact Tina by November 30th. Purple Book- Robin Dannels reported that the cover photo is done. She needs updates from the chapters as to the information for their page by Jan-uary 7th at the very latest. Chapter information includes new board, volunteer of the year, and event dates. She also asked that members push for more advertising. Awards Banquet- Will be held February 10th at the Boars Head in Charlottesville. The new menu is not available as of yet. Anne Draine made a mo-tion that was seconded by Meredith that we raise the per person price to $30 as we have had an increase in several years and the cost of the ban-quet has increased. The motion passed. Next meeting will be held before the Awards Banquet on February 10th at 10:30. Meeting was adjourned at 9:42 pm. Respectfully submitted, Alison Douglas

SVDA Newsletter Editor

Wendy L. Murray

124 Rockland Terrace

Suffolk, VA 23434