Collected Remarks

October 2020

Georgia Dressage and Combined Training Association, Inc. GDCTA is a Group Member Organization of USDF.

HGF EQUESTRIAN

Helite Equestrian

Racesafe Equestrian

Custom Pinny Holders

Joanne Morse hgf.equestrian@yahoo.com 770-313-6283

In This Issue

NEWSLETTER ADVERTISING For information about advertising in the Collected Remarks newsletter, please email:

STORIES

Outside the Sandbox

delivering general articles and activities

5 – Letter from the President

Caren Caverly

webmaster@gdcta.org

7 – GDCTA Horse of the Month - Gucci Dressage

Ad space is limited. Scheduled ads are due by the 5th of the month prior to publication. Information about advertising is also available online at:

inside the sandbox

9 – New to Dressage?

11 – Got Your Back(ing)

Bill Woods

14 – Trot for Teal virtual Dressage Series 15 – Youth Corner

Eventing

GDCTA.org/advertise The deadline for articles is also the 5th of the month prior to publication. Advertisements and Articles should be emailed to: webmaster@gdcta.org

3 time the fun

17 – Sometimes Plan B Can be Just as Fun! GDCTA Business

Joanne Morse

a glimpse behind the curtain

The advertisements contained herein are paid advertisements. The information is provided by the service provider. The GDCTA makes no specific recommendations for any particular company, individual, or service.

19 – Volunteers Needed

20-21 – GDCTA Board & Committees 22-23 – Meeting Highlights 24 – Donors

Online Newsletter Advertising Rates

25 – Event Calendar

Deadline for submission is the 5th of every month Email to webmaster@gdcta.org All ads are in COLOR

29-34 – GDCTA Election 2020

You may pay online or Make checks payable to GDCTA and mail to Peter West 20 Wild Turkey Lane Jasper, GA. 30143

AD Size in PDF, Microsoft Word or .JPG Full Page 8.5” x 11” Half Page - horizontal only - 8.5” x 5.5” Quarter Page 3.5” x 4.75” Business Card Advertorial Photo Classified - includes pic plus 30 words; $.50 per word over 30

On the Cover COVER IMAGE:

Lillian Memark on Princeton Field Hunter Division

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$100 $60 $40 $20 $50 $10

$900 $540 $360 $180 NA $90

PHOTO: Jennifer Bishop Photography

Contact Caren Caverly 770-713-4025 / ccaverly@comcast.net

Outside the Sandbox delivering general articles and activities

Dearest Rider Tribe, September slipped into October quickly, didn't it?! Our new membership portal and event registration are both up and running. There were a couple of missteps but overall it's gone well from our standpoint. How do you like them? Have you logged in yet? If you are participating in the Awards programs, make sure to check the Awards: Rider Status to make sure I have all your scores counted. Schooling show riders are on the page now with USEF/USDF/USEA riders coming later when they have been sent to us digitally. You have until October 31 to note errors.

Notes

•Election ballots will hit your inbox later this month! Please vote when you receive the email with the link to the ballot. The candidate biographies are in this newsletter. If you need a written ballot, please contact Lori Goodwin lori@goodwinfam.org to have one mailed. •December 1st begins the new GDCTA membership year. You can join now and your membership is good for both 2020 and 2021 through November 30, 2021. •Our last dressage clinic of the year - Laura Graves - at Shannondale Farm in Milton December 12 and 13. We are allowing a small number of auditors and tickets are selling fast. Buy your tickets here: https://gdcta.wildapricot.org/event-3932789. We are always striving to improve the organization and meet our members’ needs. We welcome any new ideas you have. Please join and participate! Our members are the backbone of our organization. We need YOU to support Georgia Dressage and Combined Training! We are YOUR equestrian organization! We are able to accomplish much more with the help of members’ contributions of time, participation, and donations. Thank you!

Caren Caren Caverly President, GDCTA 770-713-4025 / ccaverly@comcast.net

GDCTA Horse of the Month - Gucci Three years ago, I lost my beloved schoolmaster and was so heartbroken I thought I would quit riding. That thought didn't last long! I planned to buy another schoolmaster but came home with a 5-year-old KWPN, green broke just gelded Gucci. Under Marjolein Geven's training and showing, he has wont three Regional Championships and one Reserve, as weel as USDF yearend championships. And the best part is that I ride him regularly as well. He is completely amateur-friendly. What a unicorn! - Susan McCoskey

About Gucci •Favorite treat: He is a sugar cube fanatic.

•Favorite dressage movement: Extended canter - sometimes he loves it so much we wonder if he will stop!

•Personality: He is definitely an extrovert and thinks every single person needs to appreciate his majesty! •Unique quality: He hates children (sarcasm).

DRESSAGE inside the Sandbox

New to Dressage?

Here are a Few Things to Remember • The judge will ring a bell when you have 45 seconds to enter the ring. This is enough time to get to A at a trot from wherever you are around the outside of the dressage arena. • You are allowed to have someone read the test aloud while you are riding it. This person must stand at E or B outside of the dressage arena. Your reader cannot read any movement more than once and must read it exactly as written. The reader cannot coach you through the test; he or she can just tell you what movements you need to do. Your reader should stay one letter or movement ahead of where you are riding. There is no penalty for having a reader. • When you salute the judge at the beginning and end of your test, it is important to wait for the judge to acknowledge you before you proceed. Some judges write a lot of comments on the test, and you want to be sure the judge is ready to give you his or her undivided attention. • Voice commands are not to be used in the dressage arena. There may be a penalty if the judge hears you using voice commands, which includes words and clicking. • If you go off-pattern, you are not disqualified. The judge will ring a bell and you will be given a two-point penalty and begin riding from the point in the test that the judge tells you. • Do not dawdle when exiting the ring after a test. To keep the show moving and to show respect for the competitors who will follow you, leave the ring at a medium walk and clear the area. • Refer to the USEF/USDF rulebook for the appropriate attire and equipment when you ride in a dressage show.

Dressage is a French term meaning “training” and is defined by the Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI), the international governing body of equestrian sports, as “the highest expression of horse training.” There are several important general points you can work on to improve the way to ride any dressage test. • Practice your transitions until you can receive and maintain whatever gait you request whenever you want it. Remember, an essential part of smooth transitions is preparing your horse to let it know a request is coming. • Practice your halt until your horse stops smoothly and squarely and remains still until you ask it to move forward. • Work on circles – there are four in this test! They need to be round and balanced. In a good circle, the horse’s body has a uniform bend from poll to tail and remains in the same bend throughout the circle. • Work on each of your gaits until you get the rhythm and tempo you desire. Counting aloud, or riding with a metronome, may help you to find and maintain a comfortable rhythm. • Your horse’s gaits should show activity and cadence. Sluggish movement does not show the harmony between horse and rider that one tries to achieve in dressage. • Every movement in this test is done in both directions, so you should practice in both directions until they are the same. • You can ride each part of the test once only. This means that even if you do not get the canter before you start a circle, you must ride the circle once. You can continue to ask for the canter during the circle but may not continue circling until you get the canter. Dressage Etiquette • You will be assigned a ride time. You should not be asked to ride earlier, and you cannot ask to ride later. Ride times are set based on how long it takes to ride each test, and they allow each rider to properly schedule his or her warm-up. • You may ride around the outside of the ring when the rider before you has completed his or her test. Use this time to familiarize your horse with anything that may scare it. Do not interfere with the rider who is leaving the ring.

GDCTA is pleased to present Laura Graves Dressage Clinic December 12-13, 2020 Shannondale Farm Elite Training Center 2395 Birmingham Road Milton, Georgia

GDCTA.org

#LauraGravesGDCTA

Thank you to our Sponsors! Silver Sponsor: Saddlery Dresch, LLC Breakfast sponsor (both days): DeNiro Boots Lunch sponsor (both days): Triple Crown Feed Wine and Cheese Party on Saturday a�ernoon: Thompson & Associates Equine Medicine Goodie bags for all! Pla�num Performance Thank you all for helping us create a memorable event!

Laura Graves is one of the most

successful USA dressage riders of all time. Her training is steeped in a solid background of USDF instructors, Anne Gribbons, and Debbie McDonald. Laura sets a high bar but she has an accessible demeanor and makes riding light and fun despite its demands.

Tickets: bit.ly/LauraGraves_�x Website: gdcta.org/laura-graves Facebook: facebook.com/events/971055353251894

Got your Back(ing)?

Ǥ ǡ Ǥ “Mr. Woods,” she said, “I’m not going to do the rein back, so don’t bother to ring the bell. Just give me a zero.” “Um, okay,” said I, “but why don’t you even want to try it?” “Well,” she explained surprisingly cheerfully, “he always falls over backwards when I do.” Ǥ ǡ Ǥ my part I couldn’t help but think that unless her horse ǡ Ǥ ǡ Ǥ Ǥ ǡ on’t understand that “command.” It’s a restriction that often promotes ǡ ǡ ǡ Ǥ is actually “riding forward in reverse.” In simples Ǧ Ǥ Ǧ movement but doesn’t actually pull the bit backwards.

Ǥ Ǥ aid doesn’t work, don’t give up after a few seconds and Ǥ result. A panicky, rushed backing doesn’t do you much good and confirms your horse’s worst expectations. inviting he doesn’t understand. Teach him first from the ground Ǥ Ǥ Ǥ the other one. Don’t worry if he doesn’t stay straight in Ǥ Ǥ f it’s not working, a ground person reinforcing your Ǥ ǡ Ǥ ǡ ǡ ǡ Ǥ That’s where you’ll receive the highest scores (and the happiest ȌǤ

Two Wesleyan College equestrians qualify for IDA National Championship! Wesleyan College joined the Intercollegiate Dressage Association in Fall 2019. We are proud to announce that under the leadership of Wesleyan Head Equestrian Coach Catherine Baker, two of our riders qualified for 2020 IDA National Championships in our first year. Become a part of our winning team. DISCIPLINES IDA Dressage IHSA Hunt Seat IHSA Western

EQUINE ASSISTED THERAPY MINOR A growing field which allows mental health professionals to utilize horses in a therapy setting.

Catherenne (Caty) Hogeland ’20

To schedule a personalized equestrian center visit, email Catherine Baker at cbaker@wesleyancollege.edu. To schedule a personalized visit or to RSVP for a Preview Day, visit our website at www.wesleyancollege.edu/visit. 4760 FORSYTH ROAD MACON, GEORGIA 31210 W W W.W E S L E YA N CO L L E G E . E D U

Audrey Mecklenburg ’22

GAIG/USDF Region 3 Dressage Championships October 8-10, 2021 Georgia International Horse Park Conyers, GA

Now Accepting • • • •

Sponsors Vendors Advertisers Volunteers

contact:

Caren Caverly ccaverly@comcast.net 770-713-4025

GDCTA.org/oct-reg-3-champs

Trot-For-Teal Virtual Dressage Series benefiting Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance Competitor Tent, the app for competitive riders, is teaming up with the GDCTA again to launch our second virtual charity series, this time in show format. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Trot-For-Teal Virtual Dressage Series benefiting Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance.â&#x20AC;? This series will continue to allow riders to compete from home during this current pause in the competition calendar and like our first series, make a difference in a time when many of us feel helpless to affect the current crisis. Competitor Tent hopes to help riders continue to work toward their goals and compete safely during these difficult times. The series has monthly shows running from July through December 2020 (September 19, October 24, November 14, and December 19 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; all can be found on Equestrian Entries). Riders will register through Equestrian Entries the Monday before each show weekend, then video their test and upload it from home by Tuesday before each show weekend (the day after entries close). A panel of great judges will then judge the tests and results will be available through the Competitor Tent app (download the free app at the Apple App Store) and tests will be emailed and physically mailed to competitors. For this series, high point awards will be provided over the course of the series in three categories: classical dressage, eventing dressage and western dressage. See class list below. Competitor Tent encourages riders competing in this show series to follow social distancing guidelines as suggested or required by local authorities. More information on logistics: https://competitortent.com/virtual1/

Note to FEI riders: If you are planning to enter a live FEI competition within six months, please do not

enter this series due to FEI restrictions on unsanctioned showing. For more information on this, please contact us.

About Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance: Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (OCRA) is the leading organization in the world fighting ovarian cancer from all fronts, including in the lab and on Capitol Hill, while supporting women and their families.

competitortent.com/trotforteal

YOUTH CORNER Congratulations to our young members who have been selected for the USDF Region 3 jr/YR Clinic with George Williams being held at Top Hat Dressage this month. We hope you enjoy it, learn a lot, and share your experiences with us here after the clinic. •Alice Burley •Ciera Foley •Maren Fouche-Hanson •Tessa Geven •Emily Harrison •Marian Hebert •Caitlyn Massey •Caroline McQueen •Marline Syribeys •Virginia Woodcock

EVENTING 3 times the fun

Sometimes Plan B Can be Just as Fun! By Joanne Morse I was lucky to get to host Michael Pollard again this past weekend at the beautiful Chattahoochee Hills Eventing in Fairburn, Georgia. I had always dreamed of getting to ride with Michael back when he was competing full time and it was a dream come true to get to start organizing clinics for him this year. I am a huge fan of clinics because I learn so much not just from riding but from getting to watch such a variety of horse and rider combos learn as well. As a trainer myself, I find this to be an unbelievably valuable tool to help me keep my teaching sharp. I always pledge to “Never Stop Learning!”

occasional fallen tree out in the woods, but this is hardly the same thing. I once again told myself that I would have to make sure that I gave him the most positive ride possible. He deserved no less from me. I could tell he was a bit frazzled when we got down there. He is used to all the horses going in the same direction and doing the same thing in the hunt field. Out on cross country there were a lot of horses going in all different directions at all different speeds. Years ago, I learned to ride the horse you have not the horse you are expecting to have. We all took a deep breath and with each exercise he got better and better.

I was incredibly excited after the August clinic to show Michael what I had been working on with my main ride Simple Obsession aka Sammie. However, a minor accident leading up to the clinic meant that was not to be a reality this go round. The way I looked at it I had two choices. I could not ride and still help put on the best clinic possible for all the other riders or I could pick a last-minute replacement. I am blessed that I have several horses that I ride that I could choose from and I made the decision to take my draft cross hunt horse, Galen, as we are currently gearing up for hunt season.

The horse that started off tense and popping up behind on the landing side of the jumps was now cantering forward and relaxed to fences and jumping in a clear rhythm. With Michael’s guidance, we not only survived but we were then able to push a little and ask a bit more from him at the end. Once again, I found myself with a feeling of pride that I could not measure. My chunky hunt horse that keeps me safe when I gallop with hounds had just conquered his first eventing clinic. He may have been quite different from the other horses that attended that clinic. He does not have as many buttons. He is not as refined and there is not a lick of thoroughbred in him. It did not matter though because he was a star in the eyes of everyone who watched him. Maybe, just maybe, there will be a few more clinics for him in the future. I think I see some coops in our winter hunt season!

It is safe to say that Galen was a bit unprepared to go to a jumping clinic. As a solid Second Flight hunt horse and my main trail riding horse, he does not do very much jumping. It had honestly been last summer since I played with him over any small fences, so I was very realistic and slid us into the two-foot tadpole group for the weekend. I was prepared to be on my A game to help my sweet boy navigate the exercises since we were riding in a “jumping” clinic. In true Galen fashion though he was a total champ and showed everyone that he totally could handle whatever Michael threw our way. By the end of day one, I was beyond proud and he got ALL THE COOKIES for being the amazing boy that he is! The second day of the clinic was cross country and I am embarrassed to say that it had been even longer since he had been on a course to school. Sure, we jump the

GDCTA BUSINESS a glimpse behind the curtain

Georgia Dressage and Combined Training Association needs your help! Your ideas, opinions, and involvement are how we plan and get things done. Our Committees are listed below or you can find them on the website Contact Us page. If you would like to join a committee . . . (usually takes just a couple of hours per month of your time)

More than another other position, we need a Volunteer Coordinator! Volunteer Coordinators -

Work closely with show manager and secretary to schedule volunteers; deliver coolers and ice to judges’ booths and show office; monitor volunteer sign-in; hand out supplies to volunteers; get lunches ready for judges, etc.

– • • • • • • • •

Awards Education Gala Horse Shows Schooling Show Recognition Kudzu Klinics Marketing/Public Relations Membership

• • • • • • • •

Newsletter Nominations Scholarship Sponsorships Volunteer Website Young Horse Youth Program

Please contact: Caren Caverly ccaverly@comcast.net / 770-713-4025 19

GDCTA Board 2020 OFFICERS President: Caren Caverly VP Dressage: Julie Shannon VP Eventing: Joanne Morse Treasurer: Peter West Corresponding Secretary: Peri Lambros Recording Secretary: Lori Goodwin

MEMBERS AT LARGE Carol Tresan Halliea Milner Abigail Kroupa Liz Molloy Jen Scherrens Amanda Moretz

To our departing Board Members: Board service is one of the toughest volunteer roles of all, and you performed with dedication and tenacity. A famous activist once said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Wisdom is knowing what to do next; virtue is doing it.â&#x20AC;? You proved to be both wise and virtuous. Thank you for your service. Peri Lambros Amanda Moretz Heather Ryfa Erin McCloud

Committees 2020

Newsletter Submission Guidelines

1) Nominating – Decided on in April 2) Grievance – 2 VP’s and only if there is a complaint 3) Finance a. Chair – Peter West b. Sponsorship – Caren Caverly 4) Awards a. Grants – Open 5) Award Gala a. Chair – Caren Caverly b. Silent Auction – Joanne Morse c. Barn Raffle – Open 6) Education – a. Chair – Julie Shannon b. Clinics – Caren Caverly c. Kudzu – Halliea Milner 7) Youth a. Chair – Joanne Morse b. Schooling or Grassroots – Halliea Milner c. Recognized – Liz Molloy, Lori Goodwin d. Collegiate – Amanda Garner

Collected Remarks is the official publication of the Georgia Dressage and Combined Training Association, Inc. (GDCTA), a non-profit, exempt corporation organized under Section 501© (3). It is the monthly newsletter designed to inform, educate and entertain the membership. The Editors encourage members to submit original advertising, articles, photographs, and artwork for possible publication. The editors of ‘Collected Remarks’ reserve the right to reject any advertising or article deemed to be unsuitable for this newsletter. • Editorial contributions of 600 words or less (accompanied by photos with permission to publish, if applicable) are welcomed although publication cannot be guaranteed. • GDCTA is not responsible for the opinions and statements expressed in signed articles or paid advertisements. GDCTA Collected Remarks welcomes submissions of quality color dressage and sport-horse photographs. All mounted riders must be wearing appropriate headgear (a safety helmet, a derby, or a top hat). Photos must be accompanied by complete captions, including the full names of all subjects.

8) Communication – a. Chair – Joanne Morse b. Yearbook – Penny Morse, June Brewer c. Newsletter – Penny Morse, June Brewer d. Website – June Brewer e. Social Media – June Brewer 9) Show – a. Chair – Open b. Recognized – Caren Caverly c. Schooling – Caren Caverly i. Horse Show Recognition – Carol Tresan d. Regionals i. Chair – Caren Caverly ii. Vendors – Caren Caverly iii. Hospitality – Open iv. Awards Chair – Peri Lambros v. Grounds – Open e. Volunteer Coordinator – Open

For print, only high resolution (300dpi) Jpeg or PDF files will be accepted. Please submit electronically to designonpenny@yahoo.com and webmaster@gdcta.org.

Georgia Dressage and Combined Training Association Regular Meeting

Minutes Overview September 21, 2020  

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President Caren Caverly called the regular meeting of the GDCTA to order on September 21, 2020 at 7:00 pm on Zoom. Recording Secretary, Lori Goodwin, performed roll call. A quorum of the board consisting of Caren Caverly, Joanne Morse, Lori Goodwin, Liz Molloy, Amanda Moretz, Peter West, Halliea Milner, Julie Shannon, Peri Lambros, and Jennifer Scherrens were present. Also present were members Janie Pride, Heather Askew, Ashley Boyd, Danielle Perry The minutes of the regular meeting for August 17, 2020 were emailed to board members prior to the meeting. Caren Caverly made a motion to approve the minutes. Peri Lambros seconded. Motion passed. Nominating Committee – Liz Molloy and Carol Tresan Caren presented the current list of nominations. Liz Molloy made a motion to accept. Everyone present accepted. Motion passed Treasurer’s Report, Peter West sent August report of financial statements via email. Happy to report we have a profit for the month. VP Dressage, Erin McCloud, not present VP of Combined Training, Joanne Morse. Nothing to report since the AEC’s were canceled. Membership, Mary Lou Freil, Big News! The upload into Wild Apricot will be loaded tomorrow. The people on the board will be the beta testers and will receive an email to log into the new system. People will need training on how to run reports. The individual login is easy, and the family membership has a few extra steps, but is manageable. Communications, Joanne Morse. Yearbooks have been mailed. If you or someone you know has not received their yearbook, reach out to

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Caren and she will get them out. She has a few extra. Show Committee, Caren Caverly. Caren reported the Labor Day Classic had a small loss.  Next show Greater Atlanta May 15, 2021  We canceled our SS for October, as Chatt Hills has moved the SESSC to the same day. Schooling Show Committee, Carol Tresan, not present Finance Committee, Peter West – things are looking good. Sending out sponsorship packets to the following: Spirit Airline, Cherokee Feed, Lowes, Marriott, and DHL. Youth Chairperson, Joanne Morse  Youth call last Tuesday, improvement in discipline. Transition to run meetings like our board, they did much better.  Officers were announced, Phoebe is President.  Youth nominations will be published in the next newsletter with photos  JR- YR George Williams USDF Clinic to be held at Top Hat.  Ambassadors are growing from barns in our area.  We need to start having parents/Ambassadors present at local shows to help grow the youth group. Awards, Amanda Moretz – nothing to report. Education and Young Horse Chairperson, Julie Shannon reported that Laura Graves is coming in December.

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Old Business  Email Blast: September 30 ends the 2020 show season. October 15 is the deadline for Letterman jacket applications.  Still need a volunteer coordinator.  Survey: Caren stated this is still sitting and needs to be sent next month! Jennifer Scherren will redo the survey questioner and send to Caren.  Mike Stancell will be installing new top doors on the GDCTA trailer.  Need to find a place to store the GDCTA trailer.

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New Business Travel Grant-Liz Molloy made a motion and Peri Lambros second to discuss a travel grant of $500.00 for the five riders who went to compete in the championships at Lamplight this year. The board discussed that Lamplight is not in Region 3. If we give these five people a grant, then we must be prepared to give all the riders riding in a National Championship at AEC’s a travel grant as well. Travel Grant did not pass. 2021 Year End Award Rules were amended and passed. Halliea Milner stated she will get new packet information together for new people that are interested in becoming a GDCTA member. 2020 Gala: with Covid-19 and the CDC rules the Gala will not be taking place in person, with 450 members and guest who attend. We need to come up with some ideas to make it fun and to make it happen in a nice way. Application, like zoom, but can handle the large quantity of guests attending. Silent online auction Raffle baskets

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Caren Caverly made motion to adjourn; Julie Shannon seconded. Meeting adjourned at 8:55 p.m. Next meeting is October 19, 2020, at 7:00 PM via Zoom Email Caren Caverly at ccaverly@comcast.net to be included in the meeting.

GDCTA.org 23

Thank you to the following donors for their generous gifts Alex M. Adams Leslie Allen Eliot Axt Lynda Y. Baker Jessica Beier Lori Bell Caryl Berzack Sue Bibler Terry Blair Ashley Boyd Fred M. Burdette Meghan Cameron Mary Campbell Theresa Campbell Rhonda Cathy Richard Cohn Mary Bess Davis Susan M. Day Leeanna Dick Martine Duff Judith C. Fiorentino Lottie Foster Devon Fowler Jean Corbett Fowler Michelle B. Futral Susan Gampfer Caroline Garren Linden Gaspar Marjolein Geven Pagan Gilman Tamara Gomez Abigail Goodwin Julie Ballard Haralson Janet Hawkins Kathy Hedgepeth Emily Hewitt Hannah Hewitt Vicki Holland Mark Hook Claire Howard Jessica Howington Allisa Huestis Melody Jackson Elizabeth Jones

Kay Kendzor Leigh Kent-Scherzer Andrea L. Krakovsky Susanne Lauda Sydney Lee Valerie Levin Elaine McAllister Christi Meyers Melanie Miller Heather Moffett Janie Montgomery Carol Morgan Elleene J. Morgan Michaela Mosley Kimberly Murray Wisti Nelson Chantelle Noble Miriam Offermanns Emma Osmer Cara Oswalt Janie Pride Robin G. Puryear Margaret Putnal Shelley Rahiya Hannah Rickles Gillian Robinson Claire Roddy Lou Roth Aubrey Sabatino Sarah Serban Julie Shannon Kelly Reed Slack Betty G. Smith Kimberly Schisler Sosebee Holly Spencer Julia Stainback Elizabeth Syribeys Marline Syribeys Brad Thatcher Tara Tibbs Alethea Tinkle Claudia Tomaselli

Karen Trout Mireille van Haren-Poeisz Linda K. Varkonda Marie Vonderheyden Sylvia Wade Merrell Waggoner Alexa Wegner Chandilyn Wicker India Wilkinson Virginia Woodcock Hadiya Yarbou

SPONSORS

Competitor Tent Deniro Boots Lisa Seger Insurance Platinum Performance Thompson & Associates Triple Crown Wilsun Custom Blankets

GOATâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;Greatest Of All Time

GDCTA EVENT CALENDAR (GDCTA Events are in RED) GDCTA Clinics & Symposiums Dec 12-13 Laura Graves Dressage Milton, GA Caren Caverly ccaverly@comcast.net TICKETS gdcta.wildapricot.org/event-3932789

GDCTA-Recognized Schooling Shows (green=pending purple=provisional black=approved)

2021 Show Season Oct 3 Cornerstone Dressage Dacula, GA mcbjumper@gmail.com Oct 10-11 SeSSC Fairburn, GA info@chatthillseventing.com Oct 10 Full Circle Fall Show Pell City, AL janice@fullcirclehorsepark.com Oct 17 Poplar Place Farm Hamilton, GA launa@poplarplacefarm.com Oct 17 (Leslie Olsen, Susanna Lauda) North Atlanta Equestrian Cartersville, GA gallop766@aol.com Oct 18 Stableview Aiken, SC cyndy@stableviewfarm.com

Oct 24 (Cindy Thaxton) BellaRose Dressage & CT Woodstock, GA miriam@milym.com Oct 24 (Sally Crews) LEAF Gainesville, GA Allfergs2@yahoo.com Nov 14 Poplar Place Farm Hamilton, GA launa@poplarplacefarm.com Nov 15 Stableview Aiken, SC cyndy@stableviewfarm.com Nov 21 (Erin McCloud) LEAF Gainesville, GA Allfergs2@yahoo.com Dec 5 Poplar Place Farm Hamilton, GA launa@poplarplacefarm.com Dec 13 Stableview Aiken, SC cyndy@stableviewfarm.com Jan 16 Stableview Aiken, SC cyndy@stableviewfarm.com Feb 28 Stableview Aiken, SC cyndy@stableviewfarm.com May 16 Stableview Aiken, SC cyndy@stableviewfarm.com

July 31/Aug 1 Summer Finals Wills Park Alpharetta, GA Caren Caverly ccaverly@comcast.net Aug 8 Stableview Aiken, SC cyndy@stableviewfarm.com

Caren Caverly GDCTA AWARDS CHAIR â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Recognized & Schooling Shows ccaverly@comcast.net 770-713-4025

Pagan Gilman Field Agent Pagan@LisaSegerInsurance.com (770) 283-7344

GDCTA Election 2020 “Every election is determined by the people who show up.” - Larry J. Sabato

Whether you’re a Dressage enthusiast, Eventer or nonrider, you can be a champion of this organization by voting in this Board of Directors election! A GMO cannot work effectively if its members don’t participate in the process. We can agree to disagree on many things, but let’s at least agree on the importance of casting your vote. Can you promise that you will vote this year? All the cool kids are doing it!

Officer Candidates President: CAREN CAVERLY

Caren has enjoyed serving on the GDCTA Board for the past 13 years and as President for the last 11 years. She is also the Chairperson for GDCTA Insurance, Annual Awards Gala, the Year-End Awards, and the Sponsorship Committee. While on the board at GDCTA, she proposed and managed the 2009-2020 Schooling Shows at Wills Park and at the Georgia International Horse Park. In 2020, she took over the management of the GDCTA-hosted USDF shows after Sandy Donovan retired.

Caren has been riding for over 56 years with the last 15 years focused on dressage. She currently owns one horse, Solant (retired). In the past, she has also served as Treasurer for the Georgia Arabian Association for four years. Her professional experience includes working as Manager and Buyer for Tack Tavern for either and a half years, followed by 15 years in the car business, and Assistant Manager at Dover Saddlery for eight years. Caren is currently a Level 3 Show Manager and is also going for her “r” TD license. On-going goals for the GDCTA include getting the Region 3 Championships back to Conyers and making them the most fun and successful championships. Caren also hopes to continue the growing success of the Awards Gala.

As President, she would like to see GDCTA host more educational seminars and junior activities. She says, My personal goal is to make GDCTA the best GMO in the country – the one every other GMO looks to as the example of how things are done! VP Dressage: ABIGAIL KROUPA

Abigail is a dressage rider, originally from South Florida, with 20+ years’ experience in multiple riding disciplines. She is a USDF Bronze medalist and runs a small training operation at her private farm in Canton Georgia. She is passionate about teaching her students. She focuses on correct rider biomechanics, creating forward energy, understanding connection all while maintaining relaxation and the emotional wellness of the horse and rider. In addition to training and teaching, Abigail enjoys writing educational posts on her equestrian blog. She has a BS Degree in Marketing with a focus on online advertising and web design from Florida Atlantic University. She has been married to the love of her life, Todd Kroupa, for 10 years and they have two beautiful children together. Besides her passion for horses, Abigail also loves assisting her husband with their successful real estate business.

VP Eventing: JOANNE MORSE

Treasurer: PETER WEST

Joanne is both an eventer and dressage rider who trains out of her family-owned farm in Villa Rica, Georgia. She has served on the board for several years and for two years was the Recording Secretary and is currently the Vice President of Eventing. This past year, she became the Chair of Communication Committee and therefore is more involved in the communication side of GDCTA, helping with the monthly newsletter and the annual yearbook that is published each summer. Joanne’s goal for the 2021 is to help increase member involvement in using GDCTA as a platform to share their experiences in the equestrian world. She is also working on ideas to increase engagement on the eventing side of GDCTA’s membership.

Peter is the founder and Managing Partner of Radix Consulting Inc., a full-service firm providing business consulting services with its office located in Atlanta Georgia. Previous and for over 25 years, Peter was President and CEO of Canuck Industries Inc., a diverse private corporation consisting of an airfreight service division and three manufacturing and distribution facilities of aluminum products for home construction in the United States and Canada. A University of British Columbia grad with a Bachelor of Commerce degree, Peter earned his Chartered Accountant (CPA) designation with a major CPA firm in Vancouver B.C. He left

public practice and joined ITT Rayonier where he started in their tax division, moved to Business Planning and in 1977 transferred to Atlanta Georgia where he became their Director of Southeast Operations. While with ITT he undertook the EMBA program at the Wharton School of Business at The University of Pennsylvania. After declining a Division Vice President position and transfer to New York, he moved forward and formed Canuck Industries Inc. Peter is married to Teresa and has two children. Son Chris is married with two children; and daughter Karen has been an avid dressage rider and competitor for a number of years. Recording Secretary: LORI GOODWIN

Corresponding Secretary: CAROL TRESAN

Lori is a wife of 20 years to an amazing man and a mother to two awesome daughters. She loves being a horse and show mom. Her daughter has been riding for seven years, her discipline is eventing. Lori loves to volunteer at horse shows, with her favorite job being a XC judge, but sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll pitch in wherever she is needed. Volunteering is her way of giving back to the horse community. The shows canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t go on without the volunteers!! Lori has been serving with GDCTA for two years and prior to that, she volunteered at GDCTA shows and helped with setting up the Gala for several years.

Carol grew up with all kinds of animals. Her mother ran a riding stable, and together they trained and campaigned Welsh ponies and cobs in the breed ring, competing in English, Western, Carriage diving and Trail classes. Their goal was always the Versatility award, which demonstrated their ability to master several disciplines. They also competed their ponies in Combined Training and Combined Driving. Carol was active in her local Pony Club. When Carol outgrew the ponies, she got an OTTB named Rapid Falls and continued up through the levels of eventing.

Carol moved to Atlanta to be the Event Director of the Foxhall Cup CCI***, the National Championship of Eventing, and the final selection site for the Olympic team. She married Greg in 2002 and together they operate Animal Casting Atlanta, the number one provider of animals for movies and television in the southeast. Carol has over 30 years experience training animals ranging from a tiny hamster to a 1,500 pound Clydesdale. She owns Flying Colors Farm, breeding and training horses from miniatures through her gentle giant draft horses. She competes with her Friesian Sport Horses in dressage and eventing. Carol is most proud of her daughter Devon, who competes in eventing with her as well as Pony Club rallies! Carol is currently on the Board of Directors and is Chair of the GDCTA-Recognition Committee. She volunteers for the GDCTA at shows and events as well as other local events including Chatt Hills and Poplar Place.

At Large Candidates JEN SCHERRENS (incumbent)

As a recent addition to the board, she has not had much time to dig in and get involved. She says, I would like to remain on the board to focus on bringing more clinics focused on educating our eventing members both in the tack and out. Bring on the Kudzu Klinics! Any recommendations on clinicians are always an email away. She is big on quick communication and follow through.

Jen has been an avid equestrian for over 30 years, the majority of that time has been focused in eventing, though she has ridden Hunter/Jumper and Dressage as well. Jen graduated from University of Georgia with a BS in Animal Science and has been a professional trainer for over 20 years. Jen grew up riding in the Alpharetta area, and has been a competitor with USEA for over 20 years. She currently owns River Mist Equestrian, LLC, a boarding and training facility in Milton. JULIE SHANNON (incumbent)

Owner/trainer at Shannondale farm, a USEF Elite Training Center, for more than 20 years, Julie is focused on hosting world-class clinicians and promoting dressage education in our region. Julie is the Georgie State Representative for The Dressage Foundation and has been the GDCTA Vice President of Dressage in the past. She has held the Education Chair position at GDCTA for 10 years.

Julie trains and maintains a select group of students and their horses, focusing on their physical and mental partnership development in the sport of dressage. As a GDCTA board member and committee chair, she works to provide the best educational opportunities for our members. HEATHER ASKEW

Heather spent 18 years in corporate communications and public relations for such companies as WorldCom/Verizon, The Home Depot, and Oldcastle/CRH Americas, and now works as a senior director at BrightHouse, a BCG company. She is a member of IABC (International Association of Business Communicators) and sits on their program advisory committee. There were so many times where her life would have seemed easier if she gave up horses, but problem solving and determination kept that from ever happening. Today Heather owns two senior geldings: FunnyMan (Holsteiner X TB) and Savash (OTTB) who live in Milton. Both were jumpers who tolerated a little dressage. Currently 24 years old, FunnyMan is under saddle doing light flatwork and trails, and 30-year old Savash spends his days hunting peppermints.

The GDCTA has long improved the quality and opportunities for equestrians across Georgia, and she wants to help others access those wonderful opportunities and find ways to keep horses in their

lives. She looks forward to continuing to volunteer at GDCTA shows and rounding up friends to join her at GDCTA clinics as frequently as she can. Heather and her husband, Mitchell, live in Roswell and are long-time Georgia residents, with family roots in Douglasville and Manchester. ASHLEY (GILES) BOYD

Ashley began competing horses in Georgia 35 years ago in Georgia when she was 5 years old. Since then she has competed many horses in the area and has attended recognized and schooling shows throughout the state. Ashley’s primary discipline is eventing, but recently she has developed a passion for dressage as well. Ashley grew up spending the majority of her free time at Wood N Horse Stables in Newnan, Georgia, owned by Dick and Nancy Gosch, where schooling shows were a regular occurrence. The years she spent at that farm and around Nancy Gosch were extremely influential on her life. As a young rider, she competed extensively in Georgia and throughout the country through the Intermediate Level. While getting her teaching degree at West Georgia College, she managed Pat Burns farm in Newnan and began teaching riding there. Ashley managed her farm for six years and during that time she went through and graduated from the USEA ICP (Instructor Certification Program).

After leaving Burns’ farm, she began a freelance riding and training business which she did full time for many years. Ashley enjoyed competing her own horses, as well as clients horses, teaching students, and coaching at shows. She now teaches some lessons in the area but primarily focuses on the horses that are coming up through the small breeding program she and her husband created, while managing and running a skincare business. Their breeding program primarily focuses on horses for the upper levels of eventing and have some strategic goals set with our program. They realize that breeding quality horses takes a lot of time, proper management, and continuing education. They hope to someday have our horses competing in the top eventing programs in the US. After having ridden horses for 35 years, Ashley still gets teary eyed every single time when driving the trailer to a show. She says, When I am at a horse show surrounded by my friends and peers it is when I feel the most like myself and it feels like home. I love every aspect of it from the organizers, volunteers, announcers, judges, officials, spectators, and the many friends I have made throughout the years. Ashley has also seen the very real and difficult side of horses. Having had a string of bad luck that many of her peers have also experienced in this profession she has become equally as passionate about sharing about the mental health issues that many riders face. Ashley’s goal with that is to make sure that people never feel alone in their struggles. DANIELLE PERRY

Danielle loves riding horses. She loves the process of riding horses – the grooming, the tacking, the planning for riding. She loves finding creative ways to ride better and be a better partner for her horse. She has always found her horses inspire her to be a better human. Danielle has been horse-crazy since she was little. Her parents joke her first word was ‘pony’. She loves her farm and the barn and all the work she has done in it and is doing to make it a beautiful sanctuary. The work is hard but gratifying. She loves supporting our competitions and she competes regularly. Danielle is also a USDF/USEF Little ‘r’ recognized judge. She enjoys teaching riders to be better with their horse partners through the comments and feedback she gives as a judge at schooling and recognized shows.

Danielle has her USDF Bronze and Silver Medals and is “so close” to her USDF Gold Medal. She says, Maybe this year I can get down the center line riding the Grand Prix. She also loves the people who are around horses. It’s such a diverse group to work with – show management, farriers, vets, competitors, volunteers, clients, and other riders. Riders are special, unique, and amazing people. She is always inspired by what she sees other riders and trainers doing. It’s this passion for horses that motivates her to give back and serve at GDCTA. Danielle has also been in IT and project management for years and likes to use her organizational skills to get things done to make someone else’s experience more enjoyable. She has experience serving as GHF’s scribes coordinator. Danielle likes being part of GDCTA since it’s such a vibrant group of horse people. She says, I would be honored to serve and assist with keeping the great traditions going for GDCTA as a volunteer coordinator or other position as needed. JANIE PRIDE

Janie has been involved in dressage for over 30 years and has been an active member of GDCTA. She competed two horses through second level and was involved in the GDCTA Awards’ Program. Janie has many volunteer hours with GDCTA. She has scribed, served on the Awards’ Committee, run scores, helped at the in gates, and run the awards’ table for USDF Regional Competitions. She also has many volunteer hours at Poplar Place Farm where she has served as scribe, announcer, safety officer, and dressage steward. Janie had two FEI ponies (she recently lost one) who were very successful boys. Generously, she shared the ride on those special ponies with seven riders who all earned USDF medals on them from Bronze to Gold and Bronze and Silver Freestyle medals. She continues to be very active in the world of dressage ponies.

She has also been very involved in Youth Dressage and has served on the GDCTA Youth Committee. As volunteer for the Atlanta Dressage 4 Kids program, she donated prizes and found sponsors. Janie helped plan the riding programs for two young riders, helping them achieve their USDF Bronze and Silver Medals, a Shining Star Award and a USDF Youth Rider Recognition pin. This year she served as a PM delegate on the USDF board. She says, I would like to serve this area of the state by being on the GDCTA Board. Interested in being part of the GDCTA Board of Directors but have time constraints? Consider joining one of our numerous committees – we always need help! If you would like to be a part of any of these committees, please contact President Caren Caverly (ccaverly@comcast.net / 770-713-4025).

1) Finance a. Chair – Peter West b. Sponsorship 2019 – Caren Caverly 2) Awards a. Grants – Open 3) Award Gala a. Chair – Caren Caverly b. Silent Auction – Joanne Morse c. Barn Raffle – Open

4) Education a. Chair Julie Shannon b. Clinics Caren Caverly c. Kudzu Halliea Milner 5) Youth a. Chair Joanne Morse b. Schooling or Grassroots Halliea Milner c. Recognized Liz Molloy, Lori Goodwin d. Collegiate Amanda Garner 6) Show a. Chair Open b. Recognized Caren Caverly c. Schooling Caren Caverly 1 Horse Show Recognition Carol Tresan d. Regionals 1. Chair Caren Caverly 2. Vendors Caren Caverly 3. Hospitality Open 4. Awards Chair Peri Lambros 5. Grounds Open e. Volunteer Coordinator Open 7) Communication a. b. c. d. e.

Chair Joanne Morse Yearbook Penny Morse, June Brewer Newsletter Penny Morse, June Brewer Website June Brewer Social Media June Brewer

YOUR VOTE COUNTS! Please participate by voting when the email notice arrives before the end of October. The ballot will contain instructions for how it should be marked and should also state how many candidates for the director positions may be voted for.