ESDCTA Collective Remarks - October 2022

COLLECTIVE REMARKS

Happy Fall everyone!

We’re all looking forward to the Championship and Open show on October 15. The closing date has already passed, but I hope everyone who will be attending has a wonderful time and it proves to be a great learning experience.

A couple of reminders:

• Here’s a quick link to the Omnibus: https://www.esdcta.org/home/omni-calendar/omnibus/

• And here’s a quick link to a printable pdf of the Calendar: http://www.esdcta.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/ESDCTA-Events-Calendar-asof-2021-09-19.pdf

The Year-end awards deadline is fast approaching on October 31, 2022, so don’t forget to save your scores and submit your applications by November 15 – more information will be com ing soon. Also, look for a communication on the awards banquet, to be held in February 2023.

Speaking of which, it’s time to nominate members for the special year-end awards:

• Lifetime Achievement award

• Volunteer of the year award – Dressage

• Volunteer of the year award – Eventing

• Sportsmanship award

For details on each of these awards, visit: https://www.esdcta.org/home/awards/special-awards/

Send your nominations to president@esdcta.org

There will be new USDF Dressage tests next year, so keep a look out for clinics that will help explain changes to the tests, and help you understand what the new tests are looking for. There will also be clinics that will offer you a chance to practice the new tests, which is a great way to learn the modifications.

I hope everyone has a fun-filled Halloween, and don’t eat too much candy corn.

President

Board of Trustees

OFFICERS

Phone only before 9 p.m. please

President president@esdcta.org 732.208.8715

Holly Cornell

Vice President vicepresident@esdcta.org 609.351.1054

Ellen Brindle-Clark

Secretary secretary@esdcta.org 201.240.4505

Treasurer

Ruth McCormick

Betty Adduci

3340 Curley Ct, Mullins SC 29574

treasurer@esdcta 610.564.9169

Executive Board

Jena Rondinelli

Dressage at Large 732.814.1117

Jennifer Duelfer

Eventing at Large 732.598.3077

Eventing Competitions

Dr. Lisa Toaldo

Janice Pellegrino

Dressage Competitions 201.874.0373

Paige Zimmerman

Vacant

Heidi Lemack

Marketing Membership Membership 609.306.8221

Gary Maholic

Victoria Shilton

Youth

Stephanie Warner

datlargeMAL@esdcta.org eatlargeMAL@esdcta.org dressage@esdcta.org eventing@esdcta.org marketing@esdcta.org membership@esdcta.org membership@esdcta.org fi nance@esdcta.org education@esdcta.org youth@esdcta.org

Finance 215.489.1557 Education 6093511054

Carolyn Montgomery awards@esdcta.org

NJEAB Representative crunner141@comcast.net Awards

OFF BOARD COMMITTEE CHAIRS

Calendars/Activities Grants

Equipment Newsletter

Nominating

Omnibus

Show Results

Becky Kuc Holly Cornell

Mia Zimmerman

Wilma Pfeffer

Meredith Rogers Vacant

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

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

Mia Zimmerman

Become a friend of the ESDCTA on Facebook Follow us on Twitter @ESDCTA

CROSS

News Across Our Region COMMUNITY NEWS

Milestone

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

us know what you would like to help us with in 2022. 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

MEMBERSHIP QUESTIONS

2022

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Amateur Dilemma

By, Meredith Rogers

Regionals went better than I ever thought it could, and now we are Kentucky bound! I ended up showing 1st, 2nd, and the 2nd level musical freestyle, placing 1st, 3rd, and 3rd, respectively. Showing 1st level instead of 3rd was definitely the right decision. While I am over the moon with how we scored and placed, there are two things that really made this weekend extra special.

The first is the strengthened bond between me and Leo. Saugerties is a crazy place with horses everywhere, golf carts and mopeds whizzing by, and flags waving in the wind. He got very anxious throughout the weekend but calmed down immediately upon reassurance from me. If I had any doubt that he trusted me it evaporated this weekend. It’s a great feeling that this thousand-pound animal, which I pour my blood sweat and tears into, takes comfort from me. That’s the best sign that I’m living up to my side of the relationship. We are truly a team.

The second was the great equestrian community we have in ESDCTA. There were a lot of us there and we all cheered each other on. I was truly humbled when I was doing my victory lap to a roaring ovation that was louder than for anyone else. And, these were not people I see regularly. Some were people I’ve seen at shows, gone to 1 or 2 clinics at their barn, friends of friends, and even a couple of people who read this newsletter. I was equally happy for their successes this weekend. It is so nice to be part of a community that understands the highs and lows of equestrian life and who will celebrate and commiserate with you.

When we trot down centerline the only person we are in competition with is our selves. We can only ride our horse as well as we can at that given point of time. The judge is in control of the score and the other riders have no input in how you will do. Therefore, there is no reason not to become excited about others’ achievements. Going into Kentucky there is a big contingency from the NJ/PA area and I will be hoping we all have the best rides ever!

Before After

My Experience at the USDF Region 8 Dressage Championships in Saugerties, NY

By, Paige Zimmerman

From September 21-25, I had the fantastic opportu nity to participate in the USDF Region 8 Dressage Championships in Saugerties, NY at the HITS on the Hudson Showgrounds! It was definitely filled with highs and lows, but it was a fantastic experience. (We go to Region 8 instead of Region 1 because the showgrounds are significantly closer.)

We departed from our home base Va Pensiero in Pittstown, NJ, on September 21, with three horses: Ducati and Flying Colors aka Muppet (both owned by Brenda Curnin), and Spree (owned by Marie Kohles). Ducati and I were planning to participate in the 3rd Level Jr/Yr Championships and the 2nd Level Open Freestyle Championships, and my trainer Olivia Steidle was going to ride Muppet and Spree in the 3rd Level Open Championships. The first day, Wednesday, we got settled in and had some good schooling rides, though the horses were very excited by all the activity. The next day, Thursday, I was supposed to ride my freestyle practice test. However, unfortunately we were rained out and our classes were canceled. At the end of the day, we managed to get into the rings for some schooling, but there were 20 people riding at the same time in the same ring… It was hectic and Ducati was…spicy. Luckily the next day we had much better weather. I put Ducati on the lunge, which I don’t normally have to do, and he actually had some bucks to get out, which was funny to watch! The few other times I have put him on the lunge before, he was rather disinter ested. After that we had a great school ing ride and we turned him out in the paddocks, where he rolled about ten times in the mud pit. I think he appre ciated having time to relax and stretch his legs.

On Saturday, bright and early in the morning, I had my 3rd Level Jr/Yr Championship class. Ducati and I had a great warmup and went into the ring to earn 7s and 7.5s on almost all of our

trot work! He unfortunately anticipat ed his right lead flying change and put a lot of pizzazz into it, since I wasn’t able to catch him quickly enough with a half-halt prior to asking for the change. We recovered quickly and had a very nice left lead flying change (which is his harder direction). The hiccups we had in the test brought the score down to 63.875% and 6th place. I was a bit disappointed about the score since the rest of the test felt very nice, but I am incredibly grateful to have been able to show off the pieces of the test that we’ve really been work ing hard to improve!

On Sunday, I rode in the 2nd Level Freestyle Championship, which is an open division including adults and mostly pro fessionals, since there is currently no Jr/Yr freestyle division. Ducati had an even better warmup than on Saturday: I asked him to be much more forward and responsive to my bending aids than I did in the previous day’s warmup. We went into the ring with confidence. It was a nice and mistake-free ride, and halfway through my trot work I started to focus less on the test itself and more on enjoying the ride. It was like I had a realization in my mind that said, “Hey this is fun and relaxing!” and I began to push for a little more energy and swing once that bit of confidence bubbled up in my head. In our canter work, in the choreography where we do a 4-loop serpentine with simple changes over centerline, he snorted and sneezed the entire movement, which made me laugh even if our simple changes were a bit sloppier than they usually are. Our ride earned a 69.633%, with the judge at B giving us a 71%. There were 17 people in this class, and we placed 6th! It was a ton of fun to go around for another victory lap, and I think Ducati enjoyed himself too.

This was definitely a Regional Championships to remember! Thank you Olivia Steidle for your nonstop help, coaching, and support all weekend.

None of this would be possible without you! Thank you Brenda Curnin for your generosity in allow ing me the opportunity to ride and show the best Ducati! Thank you Marie Braverman-Kohles for being a fabulous cheering squad and for your fan tastic company and generosity. A big thank you goes to my parents for supporting my journey in this crazy sport!! I was also very grateful to be able to take over the Facebook and Instagram stories for The Distinguished Rider during the show, which was a ton of fun! I wouldn’t be where I am today without this support system of amazing people. Also… Congratulations Olivia on earning 3rd place in the 3rd Level Open Championship with Brenda’s mare Flying Colors aka Muppet!!

I can’t wait to see what the future holds! I have lots of things I want to improve for next time, and I am determined to get there.

Calling all ESDCTA Members!

Would you like to be featured in a member spotlight on our Social Media?

We are seeking riders, owners, trainers, volunteers, juniors, and all ESDCTA members who would like to be featured on our social media pages. These "member spotlight" posts will be shared on Facebook, and they'll also be shared on our newly created Instagram page, @esdcta_dressage!

If you would like to be featured, please respond to this email, send an email to marketing@esdcta.org, or message us on Facebook or Instagram. Please include the following information, but feel free to include more and have fun.

• Your name

• Your horse's name(s), if applicable

• A fun fact about you and your horse(s)

• What your goals are (for the rest of the season, for next year, etc...

• anything you'd like to share)

• Your favorite venue/ event to attend (for example, Summer Days at the USET, which is right around the corner!)

• What you enjoy most about ESDCTA!

• A picture (or a few) that you'd love to see posted

Our goal is to share one spotlight a week. We hope to hear from you all very soon!

Horse Treats

By, Meredith Rogers

There are literally skeletons in the closet of these institutions. But when the skeletons are of famous horses, there shouldn’t be too much scandal…or should there be?!?

Lexington was a race horse born in 1850 who as a 5-year-old set a record by running 4 miles in 7 minutes and 19 ¾ seconds. He was also a prolific sire, and was the father of a racehorse named Preakness, who gave his name to the classic Triple Crown race. When Lexington died in 1875, he was originally buried in a coffin in front of the stables housing his harem. However, in 1878 his owner donated the horse’s bones to the United States National Museum where it was put on display. The articulated skeleton is currently on display at the Interna tional Museum of the Horse, Lexington, Kentucky.

General Robert E. Lee’s horse, Traveller, who died in 1872 was unceremoniously buried, but there was such a request to see the famous horse that he was disinterred. The skeleton was displayed at Washington and Lee University, Lexington, Virginia for 60 years. In 1971, the horse was reburied on University grounds, close to the Lee family crypt.

Comanche, of mustang lineage who was supposedly born about 1862, was the sole survivor of General George Custer’s command at the Battle of Little Bighorn. He was found severely wounded when a burial party came to the site. They sent him to Fort Lincoln to recuper ate where he freely roamed the grounds and flower gardens, having been discharged from formal duties. He still participated in funerals, being led, draped in black, with stirrups and boots reversed. He followed the Calvary to Fort Riley, where he died of colic at the age of 29 years (or so). His skin and bones were mounted by Lewis Lindsay Dyche of the University of Kansas, who charged $400 for the service. His body was exhibited at the Chicago Exposition in 1893, and then was put on display at the University of Kansas, where it remains today at their Museum of Natural History.

Napoleon Bonapart’s horse, Le Vizir, outlived his master by 8 years. He was likely a purebred Arabian, as he had been a gift of the Ottoman Empire Sultan Mahmud II. When the horse died in 1829, the newish art of taxidermy was used to preserve the stallion who is currently on display at the Musee d’Armee de l’Hotel des Invalides, Paris, France.

The famous Australian racehorse, Phar Lap, died at the age of 8 years. It is rumored that American mobsters poisoned him to prevent big losses by illegal bookies. It was during the great depression, and his owners thought that even in death he could inspire a nation, so they sent his heart, which was anatomically extraordinary, to the Institute of Anatomy in Canberra, his skeleton went to the New Zealand National Museum, and his mounted hide when to the Museum Victoria in Melbourne.

News from Outside the Ring

Be careful out there

A 14-year-old Sicklerville girl was minding her own business on September 13. She was riding her horse with her brother on the shoulder of Monroeville Road in Frank lin Township, NJ, when a hit-and-run driver slammed into her. The horse died and the girl was injured. The driver fled the scene and is still at large. If you see an oldermodel, light colored pick-up truck with extensive damage to the passenger side, please call police. Thankfully, the girl will be okay, but she lost her best friend and her life will never be the same.

USEF has some new leadership in two eventers

First, Graeme Thom was appointed Director of FEI/High Performance Sport Programs by USEF and then David O’Connor was appointed USEF Chief of Sport. Mr. Thom is an eventer who has ridden to the CCI3* level and was shortlisted for the Canadian Eventing Team. He has also served as Chef d’Equipe for Canada and New Zealand, including at the 2021 Olympics. He will be in charge of not only eventing, but all international disciplines recognized by the FEI, focusing on High Performance athletes. Mr. O’Connor is a famed eventer, having earned individual gold and team bronze medals at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, and team silver at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. He will work with the USEF Executive Team to promote international and national sport, and support the USEF Strategic Plan.

Show Results

Below is a list of show results that have been submitted since last month. Please click the link to access the Show Results page on the website: https://www.esdcta.org/show-results-2022/

• Dressage at Stone Tavern I 9.10.22

• Suddenly Farm 9.11.22

• SLM 9.17.22

• LVDA Schooling Show 9.10.22

• Sara Schmitt Dressage Schooling 6.1.22 and 8.24.22

• Square One Show 9.11.22

If you are an organizer or secretary and haven’t submitted your results yet, please send them (any format is fine) to: results@esdcta.org

Thank you!