ESDCTA Collective Remarks - February 2023

COLLECTIVE REMARKS

WWW.ESDCTA.ORG

February 2023

3

President’s Message

10

News from Outside the Ring

12

Amateur Dilemma

8

ESDCTA Was there - The 2023 Adequan / USDF FEI Level Training Conference

18

6 Horse Treats New Minimum Eligibility Requirements for National Levels

This year is off to a great start. Many shows are already scheduled and have been entered into the online Omnibus flip-book https://www.esdcta.org/home/omni-calendar/omnibus/, and it looks like it’s going to be a full competition year. With the pandemic basically over, this year should be a very active one.

After a two year hiatus due to Covid, we’re excited to be holding our annual awards presentations in-person on Sunday February 26, 2023 at the Copper Hill country club in Ringoes, NJ, to celebrate our 2022 year-end award winners. If it isn’t already available, the online registration form and payment will be available through the website

https://www.esdcta.org/home/awards/esdcta-annual-awards-luncheon/. Ed and Jill Kuc will be our very entertaining emcees again this year, along with all their “special” awards.

I’m really looking forward to seeing everyone on February 26, and I’m sure you’re excited to see everyone else, as well.

Happy February, and don’t forget to take all those leftover holiday peppermints to the barn to share with your horse!

President

Jena Rondinelli Jennifer Duelfer

Lisa Toaldo

Janice Pellegrino

Zimmerman

Lemack Gary Maholic

Shilton

datlargeMAL@esdcta.org eatlargeMAL@esdcta.org dressage@esdcta.org

fi nance@esdcta.org

NJEAB Representative crunner141@comcast.net Awards

OFF BOARD COMMITTEE CHAIRS Calendars/Activities Grants

Equipment Newsletter Nominating

Omnibus Show Results

Becky Kuc

Carolyn Montgomery awards@esdcta.org

Mia Zimmerman

Wilma Pfeffer

Meredith Rogers Vacant

activities@esdcta.org grants@esdcta.org dressage@esdcta.org newsletter@esdcta.org nominations@esdcta.org

Mia Zimmerman Lori Kelly calendar@esdcta.org results@esdcta.org

COLLECTIVE REMARKS

CROSS COUNTRY...

News Across Our Region

COMMUNITY NEWS

If you’re reading this, you are probably a member of ESDCTA, but I’m sure you know of someone who rides dressage or events who is not a member. You know all about the wonderful things offered like educational programs, clinics with big name trainers, horse shows, year-end awards, and not least, that sense of being part of a community of likeminded people. The more members ESDCTA has, the better the programs we can offer. Our membership numbers are also important considerations when state and local governments decide on legislature that affects us (like open space), and we advocate for our sports (We helped get better footing at the HPNJ). Please reach out to your equestrian buddies and tell them about all of the benefits of membership and have them sign up. The more the merrier!

WHAT’S YOUR TALENT??

Let us know what you would like to help us with in 2023. All skills and interests wanted. Have an idea? We want to hear about it. Remember, this club is what YOU make it. Contact president@esdcta.org if you are interested.

NEWSLETTER COMMITTEE

Have a great article that you would like to share?

Please send article to: Meredith Rogers: newsletter@esdcta.org

All submissions are due by the 15th of the month. Due to space considerations, the editor reserves the right to edit submitted articles. If necessary, articles will be edited and returned for your review.

AND YOU GET VOLUNTEER HOUR FOR EACH STORY!

Milestone

Please Contact this newsletter if you know any ESDCTA members who have achieved any Milestones. Success at a show, regional/national/international award, new horse, or anything else you want to celebrate.

e-mail: newsletter@esdcta.org

MEMBERSHIP QUESTIONS

For membership questions including updating physical or e-mail addresses please contact:

Heidi Lemack membership@esdcta.org

2023 ADVERTISING RATES

Deadline: 15th of prior month Email: newsletter@esdcta.org

Please have electronic ads in Adobe PDF or .jpg format You will receive an invoice for ad via email.

Send Payment to: Betty Adduci 3340 Curley Ct, Mullins, SC 29574

Email: treasurer@esdcta.org

Amateur Dilemma

By, Meredith Rogers

It’s that time of year again when we start to look at the show schedule and plot our plan. But, even if we don’t show, this is still a time to think about goals for the upcoming year. If you are lucky enough to have an indoor, you may even be starting to actually work on your goals. If you don’t have much opportunity to ride during the winter, you can still prep for better weather. For example, you can take the time you normally spend riding and watch YouTube videos that provide insight into a problem you’re having.

There are two competing theories of improvement. The old way of thinking is strength-based, where you build on skills you already possess. However, this can lead to a false sense of confidence. The new way of looking at growth is to critically examine what you need to improve and work on those skills. This involves a lot of selfreflection, which isn’t always pretty. No one likes to have their weaknesses pointed out, even by ourselves. Nevertheless, critical feedback has been shown to provide the motivation needed to work on what needs to be worked on.

For me, it’s always my position that I need to work on. I am jumping full in on trying to fix it this winter. My trainer has been very creative and I’ve seen improvements as we attack the problem(s). But, we’re also not ignoring what I need to learn to show 3rd level. So, my overarching goal is to fix my position, so I can be more effective at getting flying changes, half-pass, and all the other requirements of 3rd. My goal for showing has always been to ride as well at shows and I do at home, and I want to ride well at home.

“New year, new you” doesn’t have to be just a cute phrase. Look in the mirror, have that difficult talk with your trainer, and pick one thing that you want to work on to improve. Then, figure out the best way to go about it, whether that be changing how you ride or doing some reading/watching. Once you’re well on your way in accomplishing that goal, move on to another and then another and then another. By spring, you’ll be amazed with where you are! (At least that’s what I tell myself.)

Working towards getting back here!

Let's Ride the 2023 Dressage Tests

A Symposium featuring Jeanne McDonald, S and Jim Koford, USDF Gold Medalist

Delaware Valley University Equestrian Center

Doylestown, PA

Saturday, April 15, 2023

Jeanne McDonald is a well-respected judge and trainer She is currently a USEF “S”and FEI**** judge. She holds her Bronze, Silver and Gold medals, and sat on the committee to write the 2019 dressage tests.

Jim Koford is a well-known competitor and coach who has his USDF Bronze, Silver and Gold medals. He is a regular competitor and winner at the US Dressage Finals, frequently showing non-traditional breed horses to the highest levels of dressage.

They will give the auditors and riders a unique perspective on riding & perfecting the 2023 dressage tests from Training level through Fourth level from both a judge’s & trainer’s viewpoint.

Demonstration Riders being sought for each level! Application and selection procedure can be found on StriderPro.com

CLINIC PRICE:

$50 per rider includes test of choice for the level with commentary followed by a short training session

AUDIT PRICE:

$50 pre-registered $60 at the door (will include snacks and water)

A copy of Negative Coggins (dated within 12 months of the event) and a copy of the LVDA waiver must be submitted at time of application. Rider applicants please read all criteria before submitting videos.

RIDER APPLICATION DEADLINE:

MIDNIGHT March 1, 2023

Horse Treats

By, Meredith Rogers

We have all heard of the Ford Mustang, but did you know that there are a lot more cars named after something related to our favorite animal, the equine? Here’s a rundown of some of them.

First, the Ford Mustang, which isn’t directly named after the breed of horse. The car is actually named after the P51 Mustang fighter jet, which was named after the horse by the UK Air Ministry. However, the designers of the car still chose a running horse for its logo.

Ford also has the Bronco, which was introduced in the 1960s. Initially, it was a bare-bones sport utility vehicle designed to compete with the Jeep and possibly Land Rover. It went through many iterations before being retired in 1996 and then resurrected in 2021.

And, Ford had the Pinto, which was a subcompact car sold in North America from 1971 to 1980.

Hyundai had the Equus, which was a full-size, front-engine, rear-drive, four-door, five-passenger luxury sedan from 1999 to 2016.

In the 1980s Mitsubishi named a sporty coupe the Starion. It is rumored that the Japanese engineers originally wanted to name it the Stallion, but something was lost in translation because they had trouble pronouncing L’s.

Both Mitsubishi and Chrysler had the Colt. First introduced by Mitsubishi in the early 1960s, then rebranded by Chrysler in a deal with Mitsubishi in the 1970s. In 2023, Renault is set to revive the Colt nameplate.

In the US, Subaru called its small utility vehicle the BRAT, but in Australia it was called the Brumby, which is their version of an indigenous feral horse. Both the BRAT and the Brumby have been out of production for decades.

The Hyundai Pony was Korea’s first mass-produced car. It is said they were built with pre-rusted steel, so their durability and longevity were questionable.

Volkswagen named the Polo after the sport. The hatchback has been available in Europe since 1975, and is currently sold in a number of countries outside of the US. In 1977, a version called the Derby was sold and differed from the Polo in that it had a large boot (trunk).

Austria named their multi-wheel-drive military vehicle, the Pinzgauer, after a breed of draft horse. It is a bulky thing that doesn’t resemble the majestic horse after which it was named at all.

Pegaso was a Spanish auto company founded in 1946 and named after the mythical winged equine, Pegasus. It went bust in the mid-1990s.

News from Outside the Ring

23 and Me Equine Edition

The field of human genomics is rapidly expanding but you hear very little about genetic markers of disease in horses. A new study is shedding some light on how our horses’ genes affect hoof health (Han et al. BMC Genomics. 2023;24:35). An international group of researchers looked at five distinct Chinese Mongolian horse populations to identify genomic regions that mapped to the breed-specific traits of gait (pace vs trot), black coat color, and hoof quality (good vs bad). These populations of horses were chosen because they each represent distinct horse types that have been domesticated for a very long time and can be differentiated from each other by variations in these traits that were enhanced through human intervention (selective breeding). The results showed specific genes that were linked to each of these characteristics. Although it is still not possible to test a horse’s DNA for hoof problems, this research brings us one step closer to that reality.

Paris or Bust in 2024…Hopefully Not a Bust

Paris is hosting the 2024 Summer Olympics and the horse sports will be held on the grounds of the Chateau de Versailles, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a very popular tourist attraction. For Eventing, the host city usually puts on a full test event to make sure all is in order for the big show. There’s a lot involved with dressage, jumping, and cross-country and these test runs, which are usually staged at a level below the Olympics, help identify any potential issues. However, due to cost-cutting, there will be no test event for Paris. It’s a huge expense to set up the temporary arenas, and closing parts of site to visitors is just not economically feasible. To compensate, a cross-country test event will be held and open to national federations and national Olympic committees. The dressage and jumping phases will have practice shows at Fontainebleau, where they will test the footing surfaces. Another deviation from what has been done at past Olympics is that the first horse inspection will not be open to the public.

SAVE THE DATE

2023 NJ Junior Breeder Symposium

Location: Round Barn

@ George H. Cook Campus Rutgers University

Location: Intersection of College Farm Road and Sheepfold Lane, North Brunswick Township, NJ .

Registration will be open in February!

Questions? Contact: Eppinger@njaes.rutgers.edu

Amelia.Valente@njaes.rutgers.edu

Saturday March 25, 2023

8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.

For youth and adults Rain or shine!

Hands-on workshops in the following tracks

 Equine

 Large Ruminant (Cattle)

 Dairy Quiz Bowl & Art Contest

 Small Ruminant (Sheep & Goat)

 Swine

 Poultry

 Rabbit

 Cavy (Guinea Pig)

 Small Animals

 Beekeeping

Sponsored by the New Jersy Department of Agriculture Junior Breeder Program in cooperation with Rutgers Cooperative Extension faculty and staff.

ESDCTA Was there - The 2023 Adequan / USDF FEI Level Training Conference

By, Heidi Lemack

The FEI Level Trainers Conference has been held for, I believe, 20 years at Mary Anne McPhail’s High Meadow Farm in Loxahatchee, Florida. The Trainers conference is designed as a continuing education program for trainers to help with technique and methodology and is interactive with the audience. We were all invited to write questions down for the panelists to answer during short breaks. COVID made the conference impossible to put on for the past 3 years, so everyone was hungry to attend again. This year it was held January 16 & 17, and there were 300 pre-registered auditors, and I know of quite a few people who registered at the conference itself.

The presenters, David Hunt, Henk Van Bergen, Linda Zang, and Lilo Fore are all members of the FEI Judge Supervisory Panel. It is their responsibility to check via video replay that the judges at FEI dressage competitions do not miss an error, and then subsequently correct the score if an error is found. But that is for another article. The 8 riders and horses worked privately with the panel on Sunday, and then they worked with a selected trainer over the 2 days of the conference.

Linda Zang and Lilo Fore answered the questions that the audience wrote on cards, while Henk and David taught the riders. The presenters all showcased their great passion for the horse and for the sport of dressage.

The riders were all very accomplished and brave to ride in front of all of us. The panel commented on the high quality of the riders’ seats, hands, and positions. The horses were equally impressive, with many being part of the Markel/USEF Dressage Emerging Young Horse Program. All the horses were between 7 and 14 years old. Here is the list of riders and horses:

• Lehua Custer from Wellington: USDF Bronze, Silver, and Gold medalist; graduate of the L program and a USDF Certified Instructor. She rode FJ

• Ramzes, a 12-year-old KWPN gelding by Juventus owned by Wendy Sasser.

• Kimberly Herslow from New Jersey: USDF Bronze, Silver, and Gold medalist. Has represented the United States in two Nations Cup teams and member of the 2015 Pan American Games Gold medal team. She rode Feymar OLD, 7-yearold Oldenburg mare by Furstenberg.

• Chris Hickey from Wellington: USDF Bronze, Silver, and Gold medalist; Certified Instructor; member of the 2007 Pan American team winning team and individual Gold medals. He rode Valentine, 11-year-old Swedish warmblood gelding owned by Cecelia Stewart.

• Jan Lamontagne from Loxahatchee Groves: USDF Bronze and Silver medalist, has participated in the Markel USEF Young Horse Emerging program. She rode Kentucky, 7-year-old Dutch warmblood gelding by Lord Leatherdale.

• Anna Merritt from Ocala: USDF Bronze, Silver, and Gold medalist. Rode Fox Creek’s Censational, 9-year-old German Riding Pony stallion by Caramel, owned by Orona.

• Endel Ots from Wellington: USDF Bronze, Silver, and Gold medalist, Diamond Achievement recipient. Rode King’s Pleasure, 8-year-old KWPN approved stallion by Dark Place, owned by Heidi Humphries.

• Krisitin Stein from Wellington: USDF Bronze and Silver medalist. She rode Elbrasco L, 14-year-old KWPN gelding by Ampere, owned by Sally Alksnis.

• Cindi Wiley from Palm Beach Gardens: USDF Bronze, Silver, and Gold medalist, USEF “S” Judge and USDF Certified Instructor. She rode her own Amado XXXV, 14-year-old PRE stallion.

The first day of the conference focused solely on the basics for each and every horse and rider combination. Very simple straight lines, very simple and correct transitions, and a focus on balance, tempo, rhythm, and position over the line of travel. Henk discussed the way he “directs” a riding lesson, to help us trainers in the audience know how to formulate a plan for the rider in front of us. That was very helpful! (so trainers, I’ll let you know his secret…he watches and picks 5 things that need fixing, starts fixing the one he thinks is most important for the rider and horse, and moves on from that.)

After a full day of teaching on Monday, Dressage4Kids presented a Training4Teaching Program at a local hotel. Lendon Gray led a round table discussion with the panel, and

Cindi Wylie and Amado XXXV with Henk

we learned how they started on their horse journeys, the pitfalls they encountered, and the help they received. Everyone needs help at one time or another!

On Tuesday, the second day of the conference, more work was directed on riding the FEI movements, but the presenters kept the focus on the basics throughout each ride. Henk and David both were adamant that the quality of the trot, which should be an “easy” natural trot, not an artificial trot, and of the canter should not be taken away by the exercise. Some examples included the half pass, which should just be trot sideways, so think about the trot. And, for the canter pirouette, if there is no clear canter rhythm, then it is not a canter pirouette. Let the pirouette collect the canter. They spoke about how there are 3 reasons exercises can go wrong:

1) Horse does not understand the aids

2) Horse is missing physical qualities, strength, and suppleness to do the exercise

3) Horse does not want to or does not like doing it

Thus, there are 3 different approaches to fix the problem. A rider needs to ask “Why do I have a problem here?” so they can know how to help the horse and fix it. David was very particular about a movement having a beginning, a middle, and an end. “The way we finish the exercise is how successful it is.” With one rider he spoke about the leg yield. “Better to have a good beginning and go straight (rather than finishing the leg yield to the rail) than have a good beginning and insufficient end.” He used the leg yield quite a bit with all the riders since the “leg yield checks obedience to the aids, while shoulder in, travers, and renvers are all gymnastic.”

Both Henk and David were very strict about riders not just letting the horses run after finishing a movement. They wanted speed control and the horse to stay on the rider’s seat. That took a lot of focus of the riders!

After the end of the day on Tuesday, Helgstrand had their open house at their newly renovated farm, showcasing 12 sales horses, each one more beautiful than the last. They had their horses perform in front of more than 800 people, and there was food and wine a plenty for the crowd.

On Wednesday, I was able to watch my far-away trainer, Luis Denizard, work horses and teach lessons all day. I had the most horse-intensive, amazing time in Florida, and

I even got to catch up with some ESDCTA folks who was also attending the conference. I am beyond grateful to ESDCTA for granting me the Dom Perignon Educational grant. Without their funding, I could never have attended. I have brought so much home to my horses and students. I am much more mindful than I was before.

ESDCTA has many different grants to help you fund your educational needs.

Look up the grant offerings here. ( https://www.esdcta.org/home/grants/)

low is a post that Jodi Jones Lees created and shared on Facebook. It sums up the two days perfectly!

Be-

These are SOME of the big thoughts that Jodi Lee Jones (and I concur) came away with from the 2023 USDF Trainer’s Symposium with David Hunt and Henk van Bergen:

You must create a MENTAL partnership with your horse — your horse must ACCEPT and trust the balance and connection that the rider establishes.

We want to be able to influence the balance of the horse — a combination of tempo and position defines the balance.

Only a horse in balance can be trained. It is the riders job to define the tempo and the contact which develops the position, which develops the balance.

Balance is the balance that the RIDER chooses.

Before we can influence the position of the horse, the horse must be accepting of the bit and the aids.

Practice GOOD and CORRECT transitions — quality trumps quantity.

Dressage is the systematic development of the natural abilities of the horse.

The rider must be the leader in the partnership — influence the quality and do not be a passenger.

Helgstrand Open House

The back legs follow the front legs and the front legs follow the mouth.

The easiest way to ruin your horse is to be afraid that you are going to ruin your horse.

Lilo’s 3 R’s: relaxation, response, respect

The rider’s perception of a canter pirouette is much more difficult and complicated than the reality — a pirouette is a small canter circle and the canter must be maintained!

Ride the horse, not the movement.

Acceptance brings relaxation. Relaxation does not bring acceptance.

Progress happens on the edge — it is a fine line between good and wrong and you must work to help the horse find the correct answer without being afraid to ask.

It is not only where you want the horse to go but more importantly HOW you want him to go.

This is a basic summary of some of the concepts that were presented throughout the Symposium. Truth be told, this is just a drop in the bucket of the collective knowledge shared over the 2 days by the presenters, riders, and horses. Huge thank you Jodi Jones Lees for allowing me to share this with the ESDCTA membership!

The ESDCTA crew: Paige Banks, Eliza Banks, Heidi Lemack, Carol La Cava Miele, Cindy Glaser, and Willette Brown

ATTENTION JUDGES

The time has come to RSVP for this year’s Edgar Hotz Memorial Judge’s Round Table to be held on Sunday, February 12th at 10 am in the library at the USET Headquarters in Gladstone, NJ.

We offer this opportunity every year in memory of Edgar Hotz who so generously gave of his time and expertise to the sport of dressage and the judging community in this area.

The program is open to all licensed dressage and eventing judges, “L” graduates, “L” candidates, and USEA judges in training.

There is no charge for attending the program. We ask only that everyone contribute to the pot luck lunch.

We will once again be USDF CE approved so attendance will count toward “L” graduate’s USDF CE obligation.

We will be introducing the new USEF dressage tests this year. If anyone has anything else in particular that they would like to have included in the discussion, please let me know.

Please email Jake Stapel (jastapel14@embarqmail.com) to RSVP and let me know what you intend to bring, keeping in mind that main course dishes that can be served in a crock pot as well as salads are especially appreciated.

Come early for coffee, tea, and a light breakfast. We will be starting promptly at 10 am.

Any questions or concerns about weather, my cell number is 201‐874‐2386

I look forward to hearing from everyone!

Jake Stapel

New Minimum Eligibility Requirements for National Levels

By, US Equestrian Communications Department | Feb 1, 2023,

Dear U.S. Eventing Athletes,

As the 2023 season gears up, we would like to take this opportunity to remind you of the new Minimum Eligibility Requirements (MER) for national levels. All MER specifications can be found in Appendix 3 of the USEF Rulebook. All Minimum Eligibility Requirements (MER), except Classic Three-day Events, must be obtained within a 4-year period. One MER must be obtained within 12 weeks of the event for which it is needed when moving from one level to the next. E.g., when moving from Intermediate to Advanced, one MER at Intermediate is required within 12 weeks of the event.

2.2.1 When achieved at a national horse trials, an MER is achieved by completing the entire horse trial and scoring:

> Not more than 45 penalty points in the dressage test; and

> No jumping penalties at obstacles on the cross country test unless specified otherwise, and not more than 75 seconds (30 penalty points) exceeding the optimum time; and

> Not more than 16 penalties at obstacles in the jumping test. 25 penalty points received for dangerous riding will not achieve a national qualifying result.

3.5 PRELIMINARY (P) - Open to competitors from the beginning of the calendar year of their 14th birthday, on horses five years of age or older. The competitor must have obtained an MER at six horse trials at the training level or higher. The horse must have obtained an MER at four horse trials at the Training Level or higher: One of the four MERs must be as a combination. Athletes with more than 10 MERs at the Preliminary Level or higher are exempt from one MER in combination.

3.9 INTERMEDIATE (I) - Open to competitors from the beginning of the calendar year of their 16th birthday, on horses six years of age or older. The athlete must have obtained an MER at six horse trials at the Preliminary Level or higher. The horse must have obtained an MER at four horse trials at the Preliminary Level or higher: One of the four MERs must be as a combination. Competitors with more than 10 MERs at the Intermediate Level or higher are exempt from one MER in combination.

3.10 ADVANCED (A) - Open to competitors from the beginning of the calendar year of their 18th birthday, on horses six years of age or older. The athlete must have obtained an MER at six horse trials at the Intermediate Level or higher. The horse must have obtained an MER at four horse trials at the Intermediate Level or higher: One of the four MERs must be as a combination. Athletes with more than 10 MERs at the Advanced Level or higher are exempt from one MER in combination.

Questions regarding qualifications can be sent to Alison Lloyd at alloyd@usef.org

Jersey Palms Farm

177 S. Stump Tavern Road Jackson NJ, 08527 609.213.5745

KWLYNX@comcast.net

www.jerseypalmsfarm.com

Irish Manor Stables

718 Sergeantsville RoadStockton, NJ 08559 908.237.1281

info@irishmanorstables.com

www.irishmanorstables.com

Good Times Farm

278 Jackson Mills Road, Freehold, NJ 07728 732.409.2882

gtts@optonline.net

www.GoodTimeFarm.com

Rhythm and Blues Stables

108 Old York Rd. Hamilton, NJ 08620 609 306-8221

RBLStables@aol.com www.rhythmandbluesstables.com

Anjelhart Equestrian Center

38 Millers Mill Rd, Cream Ridge, NJ 08514 609.758.7676

lacavacreations@aol.com www.Anjelhart.com

Heart’s Journey Stable

425 Kromer Road Wind Gap, PA 18091 610.730.8016 mmorehouse07@gmail.com www.heartsjourneystables.com

Equisential Equine LLC

111 Snyder Ave Bellmar NJ 08031 717.649.4799

bryner.2@gmail.com

https://www.esdcta.org/home/omni-calendar/