ESDCTA Collective Remarks - October 2023

COLLECTIVE REMARKS

October2023

Happy Fall everyone!

We’re all looking forward to the CBLM Dressage Championship show coming up October 12-15. The closing date has already passed, but I hope everyone who will be attending has a wonderful time. We are still in need of volunteers, so if you have a half day or full day that you can help, please email volunteer@esdcta.org Thank you for volunteering!

A couple of reminders: Here’s a quick link to the Omnibus flip-book: https://www.esdcta.org/shows-events/omnibus/

Here’s a link to the Calendar: https://www.esdcta.org/calendar-of-events/ And here’s a quick link to a printable pdf of the list of shows, alphabetically by farm: https://www.esdcta.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Calendar-as-of-5-17-2023.pdf

The Year-End Awards deadline is fast approaching on October 31, 2023, so don’t forget to save your scores and submit your applications by November 15 – more information will be coming soon. Also, look for a communication on the awards banquet, to be held in February 2024.

The annual awards banquet is also the time to hand out Special Awards, so start thinking about anyone you might know who would be a good candidate for any of the following 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/awards/special-awards/

Send your nominations to president@esdcta.org

Exciting news for Eventers – USEA has voted to add Starter as a recognized level. Up until now, many events offered a 2’3” jump height level, but they have been unrecognized. In addition, many shows gave that height different names, so there hasn’t been any consistency. The new Starter level will use either the USEA approved Starter dressage test or the Beginner Novice A test. This will be great for juniors on ponies or very young horses where Beginner Novice has been just a bit of a daunting place to start.

I hope everyone has a fun-filled Halloween, and don’t eat too much candy corn. And I wouldn’t recommend feeding any left-over candy to your horse, either. He’s an athlete too!

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

Carolyn Montgomery awards@esdcta.org

Becky Kuc

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

I admit it. I adore my horse but I want my feeling reciprocated. I want my horse to love me. I want my horse to think I’m the best thing since sliced bread. I want my horse to ignore all other humans and just perform for me. How realistic is this really, considering I’m an amateur who has no clue how to teach a horse to do a flying change or step into piaffe? Well, with a lot of peppermints I’ve been able to have him come to me in the field no matter what else is going on; the barn worker has trouble catching him unless it’s feeding time. His eyes follow me around the barn, but it’s most likely because of those aforementioned mints. He and I definitely speak the same language under saddle, which is both a plus and a minus. A plus because we have trained each other to the same aids, but a minus because we have the same holes in our training. My trainer can get him to offer more.

Yes, I feed him lots of peppermints, but I also treat him fairly. I respect that he has feelings and opinions and I let him express them to an extent (safety first). Training necessitates pushing boundaries, but I try to make it a conversation. Him: “That’s hard, I don’t want to.” Me: “Please try.” Him: “Okay…wait, that wasn’t so bad.” I never ask him anything I think he’s not strong or supple enough to do; I don’t ask him to do anything that I think will cause him pain. In turn, I expect him to try. That’s it. That’s been the secret to our success.

At the end of the day, I do think I am his favorite human. He tries to do what I ask even when I don’t ask with the same finesse as my trainer. He does his best to overcome his spookiness, but it’s just not always possible, and I understand that. He knows I’m not just a peppermint dispenser but I’m his peppermint dispenser. I have invested so much money, time, and emotional baggage in this sport. However, I don’t ever ask why do I do this. When Leo pricks his ears when I walk to his stall instead of dropping his head and hiding in the back, that’s all the validation I need.

Leo trusting me enough to walk across a bridge for the first time

USDF Virtual Education Series presents: The Purpose of the Movements

Presented by Sarah Geike and Bill McMullin

Tuesday October 24th

8:00 PM ET

Join Certified Instructor, Instructor/Trainer Program Faculty Member, and USEF Senior Judge Bill McMullin and Certified Instructor, Instructor/Trainer Program Faculty, USEF Senior Judge and FEI Level 3 Judge USDF Senior Judge Sarah Geikie s they discuss the purpose of the movements from and Judges and Trainers perspective.

For more information and to register please visit: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_0CYI2zjRLKRdkjxuiBsZQ#/registration. Your confirmation email will contain your Zoom invitation.

For the Love of Standardbreds | Retired racehorses

For the Love of Standardbreds, a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization, strives to provide retired Standardbred racehorses both meaningful new careers and an excellent quality of life, avoiding those common paths which lead many horses to unwanted situations.

www.fortheloveofstandardbreds.org

News from Outside the Ring

A Legend Has Died

Peggy Thomas was born in August 1926 in Preston, Idaho, not quite the mecca of dressage. She died September 19, with a lot of life in between. She went to the University of Utah and then married Parry Thomas soon after graduation in 1947. They moved to Las Vegas, where they were successful enough to indulge in their passion for horses. Peggy rode into her 80s! Part of their journey involved owning Brentina, who with Debbie McDonald aboard, won both individual and team gold at the 1999 Pan American Games, team silver at the 2002 FEI World Equestrian Games, a 2003 FEI Dressage World Cup Final win, team bronze at the 2004 Olympic Games, and team bronze at the 2006 FEI World Equestrian Games. They also owned Wizard, which took Adrienne Lyle to the Olympics in 2012. As a way to give back, she and her husband started the Young Adult Brentina Cup program, which has launched the careers of many budding professionals. They also helped finance the Thomas and Mack Arena in Las Vegas, where several World Cup dressage and jumping finals have been held. Parry died in 2016 at the age of 95. RIP Peggy.

There Is Only One

Can you believe that there is only one female horse racing announcer in the entirety of the United States?! Well, there is and her name is Jessica Paquette and she is right in our area. She became the first woman to ever call a Grade 1 Horse Race in the world when she called the betPARX Pennsylvania Derby & Cotillion Day (in Bensalem) on September 23 —the biggest horse racing day in Pennsylvania. The first race she called was at Suffolk Downs after a tornado kept the track’s regular announcer from making it in that day. She’s been at Parx Racing since November 2022 but her career began 20 years ago. As a kid in New Hampshire, she worked as a hot walker at Rockingham Park (in Salem), and studied horses during every moment of free time. When she was 18, she was a mutuel clerk at Suffolk Downs (in Boston) while studying journalism at Rivier University. She has been a racing analyst at Suffolk Down, Colonial Downs Racetrack, and Sam Houston Race Park. Most recently she was the Director of Communications for the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation and has two OTTBs of her own. You can spot her at the track in her signature Converse sneakers and binoculars in her hand.

Eventing for Everyone

Straight to the point: Starter level to be USEA recognized for the 2024 eventing season, effective December 1, 2023. There are no qualifications for a horse and rider to compete at Starter level, you don’t have to be a member to compete, but USEA membership is mandatory if you want to get year-end awards or qualify for championships. Same for horse registration. Please see the USEA website for more information: Start Your Engines—Starter Level to Be USEA Recognized for 2024 Eventing Season (www.useventing.com)

Horse Treats

By, Meredith Rogers

Visiting cemeteries may not be everyone’s idea of a good time, but if you’re looking for a slightly different itinerary for your travels, keep reading.

Blackjack: He is famous for his role as the rider-less horse in not only President Kennedy’s funeral (where he misbehaved quite noticeably), but that of Presidents Hoover and Johnson, and General MacArthur. He also served in thousands of ordinary veteran funerals at Arlington National Cemetery. When he died in 1976 at age 29, his ashes were conveyed with full military honors to his gravesite near the flag pole at Summerall Field in Arlington Cemetery, Arlington, VA.

Justin Morgan (aka Figure): The sire of the Morgan breed, Figure, died in 1821 at the ripe old age of 32. Despite his small stature, he proved his worth by out-pulling, out-working, and out-racing all competition, as well as being a good family horse. He is really buried at Harolyn Hill Farm in Tunbridge, VT, where Figure spent his last years, but there is a memorial marker not far.

Man o’ War: This famous racehorse is buried at the entrance of the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY. He was born during WWI (hence his name) and won 20 out of 21 races. He died in 1947. Next to him lies War Admiral, another stellar speed demon.

Marengo: Napoleon’s famous white horse (and his favorite), who died in 1832, wasn’t buried, but instead, his skeleton was articulated. And two of his hooves were made into snuffboxes! He “resides” in the National Army Museum, London, England.

Misty of Chincoteague: Who doesn’t know the true story of Misty written by Marguerite Henry? Misty was originally sold to Ms. Henry for the sum of $150 and the agreement that the original owners’ (the Beebe’s) two children would also be included in the book. Misty died in 1972. She was stuffed, and along with her foal, Stormy, are on display at the Beebe’s old house in Chincoteague, VA, in the same spot where she gave birth to Stormy.

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 22, 2023

www.nj.gov/agriculture

PO Box 330

Trenton, New Jersey 08625-0330

Contact: Jeff Wolfe

P: (609) 633-2954

C: (609) 433-1785

E: jeff.wolfe@ag.nj.gov

GLOUCESTER COUNTY HORSE CONTRACTS EASTERN EQUINE ENCEPHALITIS

First Eastern Equine Encephalitis Case for New Jersey in 2023

(TRENTON) – An approximately 1-year-old Gloucester County colt is the first reported case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), a serious mosquito-borne illness in horses, in New Jersey for 2023. The New Jersey Department of Agriculture is working to obtain clarification on the horse’s vaccination status. The colt was humanely euthanized on September 17, 2023. There had been no prior reported cases of EEE or any animal cases of West Nile Virus (WNV) in New Jersey this year. West Nile Virus is another serious mosquito-borne illness that horses can contract.

EEE causes inflammation of the brain tissue and has a significantly higher risk of death in horses than West Nile Virus infection. West Nile Virus is a viral disease that affects a horse’s neurological system. The diseases are transmitted by a mosquito bite. The virus cycles between birds and mosquitoes with horses and humans being incidental hosts. EEE infections in horses are not a significant risk factor for human infection because horses (like humans) are "dead-end" hosts for the virus.

In general, most regions in New Jersey have a reported mosquito population near the 5-year average. The first EEE positive mosquito pool was detected in Gloucester County this year (https://www.nj.gov/health/cd/statistics/arboviral-stats/). Ongoing surveillance indicates WNV activity is high among mosquitos this year, as compared to 5-year averages.

Livestock owners are strongly encouraged to vaccinate against WNV, EEE, and other mosquito-borne diseases. Effective equine vaccines for EEE and WNV are available commercially. Horse owners should contact their veterinarians if their horses are not up to date on their vaccinations against both EEE and WNV.

“We continue to encourage horse owners to be vigilant in vaccinating their animals against these diseases spread by mosquitoes,” New Jersey Assistant Secretary of Agriculture Joseph Atchison III said. “Vaccinated animals are much less likely to contract deadly diseases such as EEE and West Nile Virus.”

For more information about EEE in horses, visit the New Jersey Department of Agriculture website at: http://www.nj.gov/agriculture/divisions/ah/diseases/diseaseworksheets.html

EEE and West Nile virus, like other viral diseases affecting a horse’s neurological system, must be reported to the state veterinarian at 609-671-6400 within 48 hours of diagnosis. The New Jersey Animal Health Diagnostic Laboratory is available to assist with EEE and WNV testing and can be reached at 609-406-6999 or via email – jerseyvetlab@ag.nj.gov

Learn more about the NJ Animal Health Diagnostic lab at www.jerseyvetlab.nj.gov ###

To learn more about the New Jersey Department of Agriculture, find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NJDeptofAgriculture and www.facebook.com/JerseyFreshOfficial or Twitter @NJDA and @JerseyFreshNJDA.

ESDCTA is on the National Stage!

By, Nancy Jaffer

If you’ve been following dressage and eventing, or really any horse sport, you’ve probably read an article by Nancy Jaffer. Her pieces have not only been published in Horse & Hound, Horse Sport, Practical Horseman, and In Stride, but she’s written a few books with such big names as Debbie McDonald, and Karen and David O’Connor. As a New Jersey native, she has a soft spot for our area, and we were honored that she covered our ESDCTA Championship show, held on September 23. You can read her wonderful article here:

Rain can't douse enthusiasm at ESDCTA ChampionshipsNancy Jaffer - Equestrian Sports

( https://nancyjaffer.com/rain-cant-douse-enthusiasm-at-esdcta-championships/ )

How Do I Know PEMF Is Right for Me and My Horse?

By: Cheyenne Lord, Certified PEMF Practitioner

How Do I Know PEMF Is Right for Me and My Horse?

By, Cheyenne Lord, Certified PEMF Practitioner

When I first read “A Critical Review of Alternative Therapy” in last month’s Collective Remarks, I practically tunnel-visioned on one sentence: “PEMF had no effect on performance.” My initial reaction was that the author was yet another naysayer in the world, ready to downplay the benefits of pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (PEMF), with only their opinion to back them up.

Thankfully, that wasn’t the case; the review was simply a reminder to research alternative therapies before adding them to your care routine. While I can’t speak for every Certified PEMF Practitioner in business, I certainly agree. That’s why I spent plenty of time researching PEMF online, talking to my local practitioners and veterinarians, and reading testimonials before I even started my certification process.

Now, I spend that time providing the best possible care to my clients, including myself, my two OTTBs, and my care-leased senior American Paint Horse. I still defer to my doctors and veterinarians when health issues arise, but I’ve seen (and felt) the benefits of PEMF firsthand.

So, what is the science behind this modality?

PEMF works on a cellular level to stimulate the production of ATP (the chemical energy needed to fuel many cell functions) and increase the electron spin and transport chain (electrical communication channels between cells). PEMF also raises each cell’s transmembrane potential, which “blocks” harmful electrical signals (like pain) by making their threshold more difficult to reach.

Think of each cell as one of the many batteries needed to power our bodies. This improved cellular function essentially recharges those batteries to maintain our overall health. This in turn allows for many of the biological benefits we see in PEMF marketing: reduced pain and inflammation, increased blood flow and oxygenation, and accelerated tissue repair, among others. Researchers are constantly releasing new studies to support these claims, with their cases often published on websites managed by the Association of PEMF Practitioners (AOPP) and the National Library of Medicine (PubMed).

Put simply, PEMF is a drug-free, noninvasive way to help the body perform at its best. Various low- and high-powered machines on the market serve different roles in improving wellness, much like how different types of massages can relieve tension in their own ways. But, that creates another frequently asked question: Is it really safe if there aren’t standard protocols for specific ailments?

The machines’ differences in power come from their individual gauss (Gs, or the intensity of a magnetic field) and delivery method. Low-powered devices (Bemer, ActivoMed, Pro Series,

other blanket types) can be used daily for general relaxation purposes, while high-powered machines (Magnawave, Pulse, PEMF Complete, etc.) penetrate deeper into the body for more systematic results over less frequent sessions. During the certification process, practitioners are taught general guidelines to optimize each session for the individual client, assuming there are no contraindications preventing it.

The most important things to remember are that: 1) everyone will respond to PEMF differently; and 2) it is meant to be complementary to traditional medicine. A good practitioner will ask their clients about prior health issues and wait for doctor or veterinarian approval if there are any concerns. Because PEMF machines are often classified as medical devices, practitioners and distributors are also subject to federal and state regulations for safety, efficacy, and environmental protection standards.

If you’re considering adding PEMF to your horse care routine but not sure where to start, talk it over with your veterinarian or contact a local practitioner with your questions. Listen to the testimonials from other clients. And if you want to read some of the research findings for yourself, check out credible, unbiased sources such as the AOPP, PubMed, and peer-reviewed medical articles.

Photos of common releases during sessions:

Stretching

Yawning

Paraphrased testimony from fellow practitioner Camille Boldt (including before & after X-rays):

“This is a broken ulna (elbow) on a horse with multiple smaller fractures around the large break. After waiting 14 days to allow her body to recover, I have been working on this mare twice a day for about 10 minutes each, which is all she’ll tolerate from each session. Her second X-ray shows the small fractures almost healed and the larger one being potentially pushed off to grow in new bone. If this happens, it will fall down her leg and blow out like a foreign body abscess. The vets are completely amazed that this mare stopped needing pain meds, is not limping, and puts full weight on her leg!”

Author bio

Cheyenne has spent over half her life in the NJ horse community, working her way from “barn rat” status to running her own business focused on equine and canine performance. Alongside her work as a Certified PEMF Practitioner for her fellow athletes, she is a freelance writer and public relations specialist for clients such as the Hampton Classic, Kentucky Three-Day Event, U.S. Dog Agility Association, and North America Diving Dogs. For more information, visit https://cheyennelordfreelance.com/

My Dressage at Devon Adventure

By, Paige Zimmerman

At the end of September, I had the pleasure of competing at Dressage at Devon with Ducati! This was my first time competing at this show. I was so excited to finally be able to get into the ring at one of the biggest shows of the year in our area. I have been attending Devon for almost 10 years as a spectator and volunteer (I started volunteering as a runner when I was about 14). Riding in this show was a fantastic learning experience and I can’t wait until I can return.

The fact that I had the opportunity to attend Devon with Ducati, owned by Brenda Curnin, was really special because I have been working with him since he was a 1stlevel horse, and Olivia Steidle has been educating and guiding us consistently for all that time. Olivia, Brenda, and I have put a lot of blood, sweat, and tears into providing Ducati everything he needs to succeed. Ducati and I had not competed at 4th level prior to this year, so I knew that our tests would be less polished than some of the other horses. However, my aim really was only to do my best in this particular atmosphere and obtain valuable experience to bring to future shows and endeavors. Devon is an incredibly electric environment with many top horses from across the USA and beyond competing. There’s nothing else like it within commuting distance to me.

On Wednesday and Thursday of Devon, I had the pleasure of helping out and watching Olivia Steidle ride Brenda Curnin’s homebred Wolfstanzer (aka Wolfie) in the 5-year-old Materiale classes. He was obedient and calm the entire time. I was very impressed with his maturity. Ducati arrived on Wednesday evening (thank you to the Sara Schmitt Dressage crew for trailering him) and we had a short but successful schooling session. Thursday we also schooled, and he was a little bit anxious, but Olivia helped us work through it. At the end of the day Thursday, there was a masterclass with Catherine Dufour. The masterclass featured some really outstanding quality horses and established riders. Catherine’s approach to teaching is very positive and horse-friendly. She has a great eye and uses a lot of exercises that I have heard from Felicitas von Neumann-Cosel and Olivia before, so that reinforcement was extremely encouraging.

On Friday, it was time to start showing. I entered 4th Level Test 1 on Friday September 29 and Sunday October 1. In our warmup, Ducati was a bit tight and distracted. The environment was unlike anything either of us had experienced before, so I was concerned about how the test would go. However, he clicked right in on centerline and we had a very nice test! We had no big mistakes except for the last line of changes, which I knew would be our most difficult movement since he gets anticipatory. We ended on a 62.631% in front of a discerning judge, so I am very proud of that. I

brought him back to the barn and took all his braids out before finding out that we had placed 8th, so I hurriedly re-braided him in order to participate in the awards ceremony. The victory lap was a ton of fun, and Ducati seemed to enjoy it too!

On Saturday, we had a schooling session, focusing a lot on basic transitions, stretching the neck, collecting and extending the canter, and lateral work in the walk. Thanks to Olivia’s coaching, he gave me a really nice and smooth flying change to the left. The canter quality improved a lot over the course of the ride, as well. The next day, he warmed up much better than on Friday. However, in the show ring, we had a few mistakes on my part that impacted the score, and the line of changes was again sketchy. Nevertheless, we earned 5th place and were able to participate in the victory lap again. Ducati is still very green at this level so I am not discouraged. The single changes are improving and they are clean fairly consistently. He just gets a bit anxious. We will be working on all of this over the winter to get him more established and confident at the level. He is extremely talented and I have a lot of faith in him and in the training we are receiving. I just have to remain patient.

Thank you to all of the volunteers and organizers at Devon for running such a great show this year. As always, thank you to Brenda for sharing Ducati with me. He is such a good boy and tries so hard, and I really love the journey with him. Thank you to Olivia for your support in getting Ducati and I to where we are today, and congratulations on your great rides with Wolfie! Thank you to Emma, Karen, and everyone else who stopped by to say hi or watch my rides. I always appreciate the encouragement in such a tough sport. I also want to thank Lannah and Lorinda for generously opening their home to me during Devon week. Your hospitality and friendship is very much appreciated. And, of course, thank you to my parents for always encouraging me and supporting my dreams. It really does take a village. Now to finish off the show season at CBLMs!

Hello Friends!

WESTERN DRESSAGE

How much we have grown!

By, Joann Sarni

As the 2023 show season nears its conclusion with year-end championship shows just around the corner, I looked back at my very first newsletter installment in August 2019. In that first article I enthusiastically talked about the sport, urging folks to pull out and dust off their old western saddles and give it a try. Many of you did and fell in love with the sport. Fast forward 4 years later, we have had 6 WDAA rated shows this year, a growing number of riders at the schooling shows, and ESDCTA members who participated in the annual WDAA International Challenge and the WDAA World Show.

New Show Season, New Faces, More Entries

The start of 2023 show season brought a new light to the sport with a WDAA rated show at SLM Dressage the first weekend in April. Riders from New Jersey and Pennsylvania came out to compete on a beautiful, crisp, sunny day. Personally, it was one of the highlights of the year for me. I proudly strutted Blondie down centerline with the goofiest grin on my face as I saluted the judge. It was finally happening: a rated Western Dressage show with a full list of classes right in my own backyard! The following week we attended another rated show and clinic held at the Horse Park of NJ with WDAA judge and clinician, Lynn Newton. The central location brought out riders from northern New Jersey, as well as the Jersey shore. Both of these shows offered an AQHA incentive, which attracted Quarter Horse competitors to try Western Dressage for the first time.

In addition to these two rated shows, there were 4 rated shows in south Jersey and in Dillsburg, PA. Our PAWDA (Pennsylvania Western Dressage Association) neighbors held a Winning Ways Western Dressage show and clinic in July with Lynn Palm, as well as a rated show in August, in which a few New Jersey riders attended. With the 2023 show season underway, more riders were entering the schooling shows that were offering Western Dressage TOC classes. Paula Zimmerli-Angulot and Suddenly Farmscame up with a brilliant idea of sponsoring a high point Western Dressage award at each show. Each high point winner received a bucket full of goodies, such as grooming tools and treats! Several riders including yours truly were lucky recipients of this award (see pictures below).

WDAA 2023 International Challenge

For the first time we had 3 New Jersey riders competing in this year’s WDAA Online International Challenge. Paula Zimmerli-Angulot, Lindsey Medio, and myself. All three of us entered the HUGE Amateur division with 40+ riders in each class. Paula and Lindsey won jackets placing in the top ten of their classes. \As for me, Blondie came up lame so I had to quickly go to Plan B and use one of the lesson horses at my barn, a lovely Arab X mare named A Solid Alybi (Heidi). We did well, scoring a 67% in our test placing within the top 20 of a class that had 48 riders. Considering that I hadn’t ridden her in about a year, I was pleased with our score. Each year the WDAA International Challenge offers a team completion where 3 to 4 riders join up and use what they think was their best test for the competition. Paula’s team, “The Georgia Peaches Freestyle” team, came in first in the Freestyle division. Mine and Lindsey’s team, “Friends in Low Places”, came in 6th in the Mixed Team division (Amateur and Open Riders).

The International Challenge and team competition is always a lot of fun and I hope to see more riders enter it next year.

The 2023 WDAA WORLD SHOW Sept 26–30, 2023

This is crowning jewel of the WDAA, where everyone from around the country comes to Guthrie, Oklahoma to compete and celebrate. This year a record number of entries filled the show before the closing date. Kadi Lee Farrell riding Sharp Dressed Romeo and Lindsey Medio riding Blue Suede Irons were able to get their entries in before the show filled and by the time this goes to press will have made the trip to Guthrie to represent the Garden State this year.

In closing, 2023 was a very good year for New Jersey Western Dressage. We were able to compete in rated shows and attend clinics with top clinicians. Most of all, we made new friends along the way.

*SAVE THE DATE*

SLM Dressage will be hosting a WDAA rated Western Dressage show on Saturday, April 6, 2024. Mark the date on your calendars to attend. We hope to see many more of you trotting down centerline in a Western saddle. Happy Trails, Joann

Follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/1178940859511996

***Pictures of Some of the Western Dressage Riders Who Trotted Down Centerline This Year***

2023 WDAA INTERNATIONAL CHALLENGE TEAMS:

SHOW RESULTS

Applewood Farm Dressage, Combined Test & Clear Round Show

Wednesday, September 13, 2023

Applewood Farm Dressage, Combined Test & Clear Round Show

Wednesday, September 13, 2023

Dressage Jump

LVDA SCHOOLING SHOW WITH CHAMPIONSHIP CLASSES AT BUCKS COUNTY HORSE PARK 9/17/2023

Judges: Susan Jones-Sinelnik, r and Torrey Wilkinson, r

LVDA SCHOOLING SHOW WITH CHAMPIONSHIP CLASSES AT BUCKS COUNTY HORSE PARK

9/17/2023

Judges: Susan Jones-Sinelnik, r and Torrey Wilkinson, r

LVDA SCHOOLING SHOW WITH CHAMPIONSHIP CLASSES AT BUCKS COUNTY HORSE PARK

9/17/2023

Judges: Susan Jones-Sinelnik, r and Torrey Wilkinson, r

9/17/2023

Judges: Susan Jones-Sinelnik, r and Torrey Wilkinson, r

LVDA SCHOOLING SHOW WITH CHAMPIONSHIP CLASSES AT BUCKS COUNTY

LVDA RECOGNIZED SHOW AT BUCKS COUNTY HORSE PARK

8/20/2023

Judge: Sandy Osborn, S

LVDA RECOGNIZED SHOW AT BUCKS COUNTY HORSE PARK 8/20/2023

Judge: Sandy Osborn, S

LVDA RECOGNIZED SHOW AT BUCKS COUNTY HORSE PARK

SQUARE ONE DRESSAGE

June 4th, 2023

Judge: Maggie O’Leary

SCORE

SHOW RESULTS TEMPLATE – Word Document

Name of Show Square One Dressage

Date August 8, 2023

Name of Judge if Whole Show Cindy Glaser Class

Class Name or # Second Level Test 2

Class Name or # Jake’s Dressage Test Challenge

EXAMPLE: The Best Farm May 1, 2023 (Blank)

Class: Training Level Test 1

USDF Virtual Education Series presents: The Purpose of the Movements

Presented by Sarah Geike and Bill McMullin

Tuesday October 24th 8:00 PM ET

Join Certified Instructor, Instructor/Trainer Program Faculty Member, and USEF Senior Judge Bill McMullin and Certified Instructor, Instructor/Trainer Program Faculty, USEF Senior Judge and FEI Level 3 Judge USDF Senior Judge Sarah Geikie s they discuss the purpose of the movements from and Judges and Trainers perspective.

Class: 7 Second Level TOC

For more information and to register please visit: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_0CYI2zjRLKRdkjxuiBsZQ#/registration. Your confirmation email will contain your Zoom invitation.

Class: 20 Beginner Novice Combined Test

SUDDENLY DRESSAGE 9/10/23

JUDGE: NICOLE IVINS (L)

Saddlebrook Ridge Dressage Schooling Show Judge: Tracey Wilson ( L ) 9-Sep-23

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/