YOURDRESSAGE
September 2016
Natalia von Windheim Gets a Visit From Her Mother in Marbach, Germany
A United States Dressage Federation Publication
Welcome to Your Wonderful World of Dressage YourDressage is compiled by the United States Dressage Federation, written by participants from throughout the dressage community. The articles in this publication are submitted by people like you to share and be shared by all. Experience their stories as they navigate through the wonderful world of dressage and become friends with your dressage community. It’s YourDressage, be part of it! If you would like to submit your story see the last page of this publication.
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WHAT TO SEE INSIDE DEPARTMENTS ENGAGEMENT: From Rider to Regional Director Carolynn Bunch tells her journey to becoming a regional director ON THE GROUND: Drawn to Dressage Renee Bambach is drawn into the world of dressage sport horse breeding YOUNG & INSPIRED: My Weekend at Hilltop Farm Margaret Stocum discovers what life on a breeding farm is like HEARD AROUND THE ARENA: At the 2016 Rio Olympics The 2016 Rio Olympics captured people’s imagination, see what they said. USDF FLASHBACK: The History Behind the Regional Championships It is time for regional championships, we take a look at how they started. GMO SPOTLIGHT: Cayuga Dressage & Combined Training, Inc. Take a look at this group member orginization.
COVER STORY My Visit to Marbach Germany Monika VonWindheim shares her story of visiting her daughter Natalia at a state run stud farm located in Marbach.
FEATURE Road To The Finals Jennifer Keeler continues a three-part series sharing three riders’ journeys to attempt to compete at this year’s US Dressage Finals. September 2016 Z YOURDRESSAGE
ENGAGEMENT
From Rider to Regional Director By Carolynn Bunch
consider doing something for an organization. Looking back, o you remember, back in ordering awards and designing high school, when you had one of the early Equestrians Into take career assessments? No? stitute websites is where my road Well, the high school I went to to becoming a Regional Director made us take them, and at the started. time I thought, “Well that is Then, I traded in workwrong, what a waste of time!” ing on the Equestrians InstiWhat did the assessment tell me? tute website for their auction. It said I would like to work outAt one of my last Equestrians side or be a CEO. Flash forward Institute auctions, Donna Lonto present day, I work outside at gacre, Region 6 Director at the the horse shows and run two of time, came up to volunteer and my own businesses. So, maybe mentioned she was looking for adults do know more than 17 a Regional Awards Committee year olds. person. My thought process was How does this fit into being “Wait, awards? Well, I already Regional Director? Well, there’s have a working knowledge of that CEO prediction again. It was awards! Well sure, I can do that.” a journey to get here. I started When you take on a commitwith USDF and dressage, as many tee role, they tell you that it is of you did, as a rider. I rode and best if you can attend the anshowed through most of my nual convention, in December. teens, and into my 20’s. One of Then I thought, if I was going to my instructors, Wendy Meyers, convention, why shouldn’t I run was the President of Equestrians and carry votes as a ParticipatInstitute. As most volunteers can ing Member Delegate? At times tell you, it all starts when some(honestly, most of them) we had one you know asks if you would a hard time finding enough peo-
D
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ENGAGEMENT
ple to run and go. So now I call my “vacation” the Adequan®/ USDF Annual Convention, and I get to see a new airport almost every year! All joking aside, I also get to see friends, meet new people, and expand on those relationships every year. So what is it like to be Regional Director? Is it what I thought it would be? Well, the jury is still out. I’ve only been in the role for about six months right now. Some weeks are slow, and I almost panic thinking I’m not doing enough, wondering what I’m missing, as I’m sure I should have something to do. Other weeks are so busy I wonder if I’ll ever have time for my own business again. As a new regional director, I try to sit in on all the conference calls that I can. Those calls, that I’m silently listening to, have happened in a wide range of places, and I have gotten a lot of odd looks while roaming the aisles of JoAnn Fabrics, Costco, and my quilting class! Carolynn on the trail
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ENGAGEMENT
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My main role is to think about what is best for USDF, and my region as a whole. From the time I started voting as a PM delegate, I have thought of all the members in my region as “mine”, to try to care for. Whether we had met or not, I am determined to do my best for you. Now, as Region 6 Director, I truly think of the membership as mine, to put an arm around and point in the best direction, whether it is educational, showing, or otherwise. I enjoy the successes, and feel sad for any setbacks. It’s about looking out for the organization, both financially and what USDF stands for. So, like the other regional directors, I realize that means making decisions that not everyone is going to like, but still trying to do the best I can. I look forward to seeing how USDF and my region grow going forward in the coming years.
Carolynn at the 2012 Adequan®/ USDF Convention in New Orleans with AnnaLucy Keller (left) and Emma Dye (center).
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ON THE GROUND
Drawn to Dressage By Renee Bambach
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s a new arrival to the dressage and sport horse breeding worlds, I was uncertain of where or how to begin my journey. I am originally from the Hunter/Jumper industry in Wellington, FL, and while Wellington certainly sustains an active dressage community, I felt intimidated by the industry’s fast pace and grandiose image. I am now a resident of Winchester, KY, and maintain a breeding operation at my farm, where I focus on the production of multipurpose sport horses. While I have a history of selling stock to dressage-minded competitors, I never thought of myself as being a breeder predominantly geared towards the dressage industry. I am an unguided breeder, meaning that I do not have anyone sitting down with me and telling me what Renee at the KDA Breed Show last year, with Bedelia HHV. Her son Austin holds Whimiscal HPF, the dam of Bedellia HHV.
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ON THE GROUND
to do. I do read and educate myself, however, and I’ve always had good luck, so I must have some idea of what I’m doing! I was drawn into the competition world of dressage sport horse breeding and the Great American Insurance Group/USDF Breeders Championship Series in 2015 with my latest foal, Bedelia HHV. Bedelia HHV is a homebred, Hanoverian filly by Bon Balou and out of the Widmark mare, Whimsical HPF. My first experience with a dressage sport horse breeding competition was at a locally held show, which was serving as a qualifier for the series. While the competition suffered significant upset in the days prior to the show’s commencement, when the show facility had a structure fire, competition management was able to smoothly and successfully transition the competition to a new location. The show organizers flawlessly moved the show within a few days. The volunteers were great, the judges were informed and educated, and my fellow competitors were supportive. Everyone helped me. I experienced help like I never
have before. Even when I arrived at the show, a man in the parking area offered to help unload my horse. I had such a positive experience at this competition, that I committed to hauling Bedelia HHV the six-and-a-half-hour distance to compete at the North Central Series Final in Lamplight, IL. She ultimately went on to win the title of 2015 North Central Series Current Year Foal Champion. I largely credit that victory to the support and friendship found within my local dressage community. Everything from the USDF website, to support from the Kentucky Dressage Association, made my transition into dressage easy and enjoyable. It all helped to give me a plan and a goal, and to turn my hunter into a dressage prospect. I wish I would have started years ago, but now plan to catch up and get on board with a trainer. I found the feedback provided to competitors, through their participation in competition, to be especially valuable- both as a breeder and a competitor. People will ask when I’m going to take my horses to a keuring, but that is difficult for September 2016 Z YOURDRESSAGE
ON THE GROUND
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us to get everyone to. When I take a horse to a [Breeders Championship] competition, I am getting an unbiased opinion, versus what I get from a Hanoverian judge at a Hanoverian keuring. The judging provides great feedback for both my business and my horses. Looking forward to 2016, I plan on taking full advantage of the numerous educational opportunities available through the Kentucky Dressage Association, and I’m excited about the upcoming competition season. I plan on competing Bedelia HHV in the Great American Insurance Group/USDF Breeders Championship Series as a yearling, as well as competing additional stock I’ve bred, and expanding my horizons as a rider. This is all so exciting and fun! I look forward to future years of competition. I have met so many wonderful people, and made so many friends. It’s always great when someone has your back in new adventures. Bedelia HHV in motion
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YOUNG & INSPIRED
My Weekend at Hilltop Farm By Margaret Stocum
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n the beginning of May, I was going through my Facebook feed when I saw a link to a USDF program called “Life on a Breeding Farm�. At the time, I was not a USDF member, but I was intrigued to find out more about the program. As I started to investigate the list of things this program would cover, I realized how perfect the timing of it would be. This year, I delivered my first foal out of my Dutch Warmblood mare, and I was thrilled to find out that the program would cover a little bit of everything about breeding, from the reproduction side to conformation and movement, to training in-hand and under saddle with different aged horses. There was no better time to get involved, become a USDF member, and sign up for the program, since it was focused for young breeders like myself! The beautiful landscape of Hilltop Farm
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YOUNG & INSPIRED
The USDF Sport Horse Youth Breeder Seminar “Life on a Breeding Farm” was held at Hilltop Farm in Colora, MD. Hilltop Farm is a state of the art facility and a perfect place to host the program. The two day seminar was a flood of valuable information. We started the morning by going over some basics of conformation and movement, with Kristi Wysocki. Kristi was a fabulous presenter and played a major role throughout the whole weekend. Her wealth of knowledge was evident through all of her presentations, and her priority was helping all of the participants learn. After Kristi’s presentation, the group split into two. One group went to see the mare and foal barn, while the other, myself included, went to the stallion barn to learn more about the collection process. Hilltop Farm allowed us to observe the semen collection from one of their stallions, and see how it is processed. I was glad this was in the day’s schedule because it gave me a new appreciation for the work involved before you receive your stallion order. The rest of the after-
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noon was spent in Hilltop’s beautiful indoor arena with head trainer Michael Bragdell, discussing the way he trains and handles the foals, young horses, and stallions. We were able to watch his daily routine as he rode variously aged horses. With each horse, we evaluated their gait and Kristi gave examples of their strengths and weaknesses. I found it beneficial because I could see the horse in person as she pointed things out. Sunday started with Kristi again, discussing development of the foal to adulthood and their characteristics that you can predict as they age. Afterwards, we headed back into the arena to observe Michael ride more horses. It was great to listen to him give details of his training philosophy and then see it in action with a variety of horses. It was not only informative, but inspiring. Later on, my group got their turn in the mare and foal barn. What fun it was to walk into a barn full of babies! We were able to Learning about the basics of conformation and movement. Photo by Michaela Tolman
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YOUNG & INSPIRED
talk to Hilltop’s veterinarian about breeding, and got to watch a few ultrasounds. It truly is a miracle what goes into getting a foal on the ground! I left Hilltop Farm that week-
end, having learned so many new things and meeting a great group of people. Kristi Wysocki, Natalie DiBerardinis, Michael Bragdell, and all the other presenters and staff made the weekend a valuable,
educational experience. I plan on applying the new knowledge I obtained to the everyday handling and training of my new colt. Thank you USDF, for organizing an incredible event!
Hilltop stallion Qredit and head trainer Michael Bragdell.
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MY VISIT TO MARBACH, GERMANY by Monika von Windheim
One of the barns at Marbach
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his past April, I had an incredible opportunity to visit the Haupt-und Land Gestuet Marbach in southern Germany, a state run stud farm located in Marbach. My eldest daughter, Natalia, started working there as a volunteer during the gap year between her junior and senior years of college. Natalia’s father had trained dressage horses in Germany during his youth, and he would often share these stories with Natalia during her dressage lessons. With these stories as inspiration, she set off at the beginning of January to make some of her own. Texts and video calls were a great way to stay in touch between the USA and Germany, but I was excited to finally be with Natalia, and the horses, in person. I had an easy flight via London to Stuttgart, where I picked up the rental car and headed off. Haupt-und Land Gestuet Mar-
Natalia staying up at night foal watching
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bach is situated in a very picturesque area called the Schwabian Alb, just over an hour south of the Stuttgart airport. The winding roads reminded me a bit of the foothills in North Carolina. I passed by villages, with church steeples rising above the trees. The sight of old fortresses on hillsides made me appreciate that, once upon a time, there had been another lifestyle in this region. I thoroughly enjoyed driving my compact stick shift around the tight corners, up the mountainside, and through the villages. On my approach to Marbach, I passed a horse driven carriage and knew I was almost there. It was great to be reunited with Natalia. In her time away from home, she had learned to speak German, and was easily introducing me to her colleagues in their language. On a quick tour, she showed me The welcome sign at Marbach marks the 500 years since it was established. It shows the traditional uniform of the riders as well as the Marbach logo
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the stables, the horse stadium, the office building, and the gift shop. She explained that she had also spent time working on another farm, where the Marbach stallions were kept. Her main tasks, whatever the location, were to muck out stalls, groom horses, and sweep the aisles. When I saw the broom Natalia used, I thought that it was a witch’s broom- it was just a stick with branches attached to the bottom! Sure enough, these brooms were put into action several times a day, and I never heard a leaf blower. After dinner, Natalia had to work a shift of night watch in the foaling barn. She had been informed just before my arrival that she would be needed to watch the mares, because the usual foaling staff was unavailable that night due to illnesses. Natalia had worked with the mares previously, but never experienced a foaling. After a long trip from the USA, I was tired and looking forward to going to bed, but first I stopped by to say goodnight
to Natalia in the foaling barn. Natalia assured me that she understood what to do and when to call the barn manager. She summarized the signs of a mare going into labor, and the maiden mare Natalia was watching was exhibiting all of those signs. She stood close enough to the stall gate that I could reach in and pet her, and when I felt her warm, sweaty coat, I knew the first stage of labor had begun. I decided to stay and watch. Natalia offered to set me up with some hay bales, but I chose to stay with the mare and offer her companionship. Labor progressed, and within two hours the mare gave birth to a handsome colt. Once the foal was born, the mares in the neighboring stalls gave a round of nickers. I’m not sure if it meant congratulations to the mare, or welcome to the foal. However, it was a very reassuring sound. Over the next few days, Natalia showed me her favorite places in the surrounding area. The brooms
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The nearby villages offered an ice cream parlor, a bakery, and an outlet shopping center. After each excursion, the return to Marbach always felt like we were taking a step back in time. Perhaps it was because I was surrounded by the architecture of former days. Or, maybe because it was a quiet week and only a few tourists were visiting. I was told that if I visited during another time of year it would be a totally different atmosphere. Marbach offers several events for the horse enthusiast. I missed the opportunity to attend the horse auction that is held in early spring. The grounds are also used to facilitate an international Eventing competition, at the beginning of May. The first weekend in July is the Marbach Classic, which is an extravaganza of horse performances, accompanied by a live orchestra. Another large event is the stallion parade that occurs in the fall. The schedule on their website (info is in German at http://www.gestuet-marbach.de/) A barn at Marbach
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lists the numerous other events and opportunities available at Marbach. I left Marbach wanting to return. This traditional horse community, established in the year 1514, is both a step back in time and very much a part of the 21st century. I was pleased to hear
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about Micheal Jung’s win at the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, the weekend following my arrival back in the USA. He won the event on his mare, fischerRocana FST, sired by Ituango xx, one of the successful stallions standing at Marbach. It was a fitting end to my German adventure.
Some administrative buidlings at the stud
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Road To The Finals By Jennifer M. Keeler We continue our stories following three riders through their attempt at qualifying and going to the the 2016 US Dressage Finals presented by AdequanÂŽ at the Kentucky Horse Park.
Amy Paterson with trainer Melissa Allen, Cindy Olson, and Lysa Hodgson
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Ride of Redemption Amy Paterson and Wies V/D Klumpert Region 4
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fter braving the jump to Grand Prix only to be rewarded with a disappointing showing at last year’s US Dressage Finals, Region 4’s Amy Paterson knew she needed to make some dramatic changes in order to have a chance at redemption in the Alltech Arena. In this case, those dramatic changes included driving across the country to train in the equestrian mecca of Wellington, FL. “After I came to terms with what happened at the Finals, my husband Doug encouraged me to take Wie to Florida and train there for the winter season. Have I mentioned how wonderful he is?” laughed Paterson. “So the day after Christmas, Doug and I packed up like the Clampetts of the Beverly Hillbillies, loaded Wie in the trailer, and began the 22-hour drive to Wellington.” Escaping the snow in her hometown of Lee’s Summit, MO, afforded Paterson the incredible Reward for their efforts. Wie wearing a blue ribbon from the Global Dressage Festival.
opportunity to work with some of the sport’s best riders. “I had the good fortune to work with Allison Brock and also took a few lessons from Shelly Francis,” she noted. “I wasn’t in full training and only averaged about a lesson a week. But that gave me time to really process what each trainer suggested in order to continue our progress.” This proved to be a successful strategy—when Paterson and her Dutch mare rode in three national competitions in Florida, the pair won all but one adult amateur Grand Prix class with scores ranging from 62% to 69%. The debut of their new freestyle earned an impressive 70% score. “I did not have any coaching at the shows, and did this all by myself—literally—no help at all from set up, tacking up, schooling, just me…alone...with Olympic riders and trainers all around,” she explained. “It’s not something I would recommend to another adult amateur rider, and not something I would do by myself again, but I have to say I am really
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They did not travel light for their trip south to Florida.
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proud of what my horse and I accomplished. It was an invaluable experience to be able to show consistently and gain my confidence back after the disappointment of our 2015 show season.” On their way home from Florida, a rejuvenated Paterson and Wie stopped in Georgia where they earned their final qualifying scores for the Great American/USDF Region 4 Championships in September, before taking a well-deserved break. But before long, the summer show season was underway and the pair returned to the arena for additional mileage. Shaking off the cobwebs, they cantered down centerline at the KCDS Summer Dressage show in Kansas City on July 17-18. “It was extremely hot for the show that weekend, but I was pleasantly surprised by how much energy my horse had,” Paterson said. “In Florida, Ali Brock sent me home with the task of getting Wie more fit, and I think we are getting there! After the issues I had in last year’s Finals class, I am much better about running through the test, so didn’t feel too rusty at least for the Grand Prix. The freestyle had
a couple moments when I felt like I was re-acquainting myself with the music and timing, but overall it felt pretty good. It was wonderful to show at home again, and it was great to have my family, trainer and friends there to cheer me on.” With her final prep competition completed, Paterson now turns her attention to final plans for the Region 4 Championships in Mason City, IA. “I can’t fit another recognized show into my schedule between now and Regionals, so my job will be to stay tuned up and run through the tests prior to competing again. I plan on going over to my trainer’s barn to run through the tests a few times, maybe go to a schooling show to keep us sharp, and I plan to have my mom video tape me as much as possible. It helps so much to see our training sessions. I am also on the obligatory ‘white breeches diet’ and starting to watch what I eat, walk and ride more to lose a few pounds. Nothing like wearing white breeches to keep you honest about what you eat, and I have to at least try to look fabulous for the Finals!” she laughed.
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From Ranch Life to Equestrian Paradise Cindy Olson and Pikko del Rio Region 3
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hile the summer months are the height of the show season for much of the country, in sweltering south Florida it’s a time for a break for most equestrians. But Cindy Olson and her 12-year-old Hanoverian gelding Pikko del Rio don’t waste a minute – they have their sights set on cooler days at November’s US Dressage Finals, and in the meantime have devoted their efforts towards training. “In the summer, training is adjusted to take the Florida heat and humidity into account. It is easy to get dehydrated, and some days it feels like I am participating in an episode of Equestrian Survivor: whoever passes out and falls of their horse first gets kicked out of the village,” laughed Olson. “I stuff cool packs in my helmet and my pockets to cool off, and I drink Pedialyte. Most weeks we still ride five times per
Cindy Olson (middle) braving the Florida summer heat with trainer Chenett Chemnitz (right) and assistant trainer Alex Garrett.
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week with one day off and one day hacking out. The main difference is that the intervals we ride have to be shorter, and we have to take an extra break. The horses are offered water with molasses to encourage them to drink more. “We have to keep an eye on Rio. If the humidity is too high or it is too hot, we have to wrap things up early,” Olson continued. “We attempted to go to the show and had to scratch because the heat index was 106. I was woozy and I could tell it was making Rio sluggish. I’m disappointed but we’ll keep cleaning up our Third Level test and look forward to the next competition at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center this fall.” For the past year and a half Olson has worked with Mikala Gundersen in Wellington, and during summers when Gundersen is competing in Europe, Chenett Chemnitz takes over training duties. “Mikala teaches classic dressage technique and always considers the horse first. Cindy Olson the day she earned her Bronze Medal at Global Dressage last season.
In training, if there is a problem, it is always considered the rider’s problem, not the horse’s,” Olson explained. “When I first arrived, I had to deconstruct my riding technique, using lunge lessons and riding without stirrups. I have continued to take Pilates classes, and as my core strength developed, I have been able to ride with my leg off and apply leg more effectively, and to be more steady and sensitive with my hands. That being said, we still have a long way to go. I’ve had to learn how to trust my horse and my riding ability, so that I do not block his lovely gaits. At the current moment, as we prepare to compete at Third Level at Regionals, our focus for this summer has been on collection.” But it’s not all about sweating it out in the ring for Olson and Rio. Their weekly hacks on miles of trails along the canals of Wellington include sightings of interesting waterfowl and an occasional alligator. If the weather is uncooperative, Rio utilizes a covered treadmill for exercise. In contrast to her former home
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in rural Nebraska, Olson also appreciates the many resources readily available to equestrians in Wellington. “We have all amenities and a wide variety of equine experts are right here, from the grooms and trainers, to the farrier and the vet, the saddle specialist and massage therapist. “For instance, Rio has a high wither and if the front of the saddle has fallen, he starts to dip his shoulder. I wasn’t able to determine what his problem
was until I moved to Wellington. Now with the help of Bernardo Vergara of TrustIn Saddlery, I appreciate the importance of a well-fit, well-maintained saddle. It was pretty dramatic to see the issue disappear instantly when I had the new saddle, and a great relief that my horse didn’t have a soundness problem or a rider problem.” Florida’s tropical climate also dictates special attention on the grooming front. “Down here,
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grooms and trainers are always on the lookout for any nicks or scratches,” Olson explained. “If discovered, wounds are tended to meticulously so that summer sores aren’t able to set in. The flies lay larvae in the wounds and cause sores which are difficult to heal. We use a product called Heel Guard to help wounds heal quickly. Horses are washed almost every day, often with anti-fungal shampoo, and they have fans placed around
them to dry before they are put in stalls. So basically Rio usually gets a mini equine spa treatment daily, plus standing on the Thera-Plate after a workout while he dries. He’s better taken care of than I am!” In our next installment, see if Olson’s and Rio’s hard work pay off as they head to the Great American/USDF Region 3 Championship in Atlanta and continue their quest for an invitation to the US Dressage Finals!
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Nervous Nellies UNITE! Lysa Hodgson and The Usual Suspect Region 1
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any equestrians suffer from some degree of anxiety related to riding and showing, and this is no different for Lysa Hodgson. “I struggle with all kinds of fears when it comes to competing, including of course concerns for my physical safety, especially the older I get and the more financial responsibility I have. In the past, I’ve read non-horse self-help books about dealing with anxiety and they always say something like, ‘imagine the worst case scenario…. take it to its final conclusion’ and I think to myself, “I’m dead or paralyzed and the horses are at the slaughter house…..who writes this stuff ?? I don’t feel any less anxious!” she laughed. “I’ve tried a lot of things over the years ranging from meditation, coloring books, sports psychology help, breathing techniques, etc. etc. etc. Sometimes I think it helps because I can find that Lysa and her horse The Usual Suspect along with her husband Terry.
‘zone’ and ‘stay in my bubble’, but other times I’m a complete wreck. I feel like it’s a constant process of moving forward, falling back, and then trudging forward again.” Another common concern that so many riders can relate to is a fear of failure or of disappointing trainers, family, horses or themselves. But conversely, Hodgson also admits to one more unlikely fear: of success. “Sometimes it’s easier for an introvert when you DON’T do well because then there’s no attention on you, no expectations, and you can just hide in the crowd,” she explained. “For instance, it’s much easier to cheer on all of my friends and their successes while telling myself I did great just for participating, than it is for me to walk up on stage and accept a Horse of the Year award at our GMO’s awards banquet, even though I’m proud of our hard work. So while I’m somewhat embarrassed to be showing at Training and First Level again this year, we have no business showing any higher. I can’t sit the trot and
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See more of Lysa and Bogey in this video of her freestyle at Pinehurst, NC
Bogey struggles with lengthening, so the work continues.” Hodgson says keeping perspective is important. “When I start to throw myself a pity party over the glacial pace of our advancement, I have to stop and remind myself that it’s a true First World problem.” On top of everyday fears, many riders add on a hearty serving of insecurity in their pursuit of the seemingly glamorous sport of dressage. “My horse and I don’t ‘look’ like your typical dressage dream team,” Hodgson admitted. “Let’s face it, I don’t look good in white breeches and Bogey clearly isn’t a well-bred dressage mount—he’s a ‘6’ mover, maybe a ‘7’ if the judge just finished lunch that included wine, and a ‘5’ if the wine was cheap. I really question my sanity when we get to a big show like Regional Championships where we stick out like a sore thumb. But that’s when I try to remind myself that every person at the show is on their own personal journey with their own personal limitations and roadblocks, and their own personal history of successes and failures.
Bogey and I are simply writing our next chapter just like everybody else, and we’re nowhere near the end of the story.” Hodgson’s and Bogey’s story and their Road to the 2016 Finals continues thanks in part to their having eight USEF-licensed/ USDF-recognized competitions within 20 minutes of their farm, and for them, more is definitely better. “For us nervous types, I think repetition until something is boring is a very important concept,” said Hodgson. “It’s hard to replicate all the scary things about a show without actually going to a show. I can turn down centerline a million times at home, but we all know it’s completely different when someone’s kid is playing on the bleachers, the wind is howling, the loud speakers are crackling, there’s a loose horse, you don’t like three of your braids, the person in front of you just scratched and the judge is hungry! That kind of experience and pressure only comes from competing in a show Lysa with her trainer Anne
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environment, so my goal is to get as many trips down centerline under those conditions as I can afford. Having so many shows close to home helps eliminate costs like hotel rooms, farm sitters and missed work.” So far in 2016, the cautious pair have competed at four shows which Hodgson classified as successful by virtue of the fact that “we stayed in the ring, finished with a score, not a letter, and generally left feeling positive about the experience,” she chuckled. “A recent show was Rise N Shine in Pinehurst, which is part of a fun series where classes only run until noon because of our hot summer weather. My First Level Test 3 scores were 65.5% for second place and 67.2% for first place, so I was very pleased even though we had all the usual comments of ‘braced’, ‘needs longer strides’, ‘more ground cover,’ etc. Bogey was well-behaved and I didn’t faint, so I put that in the win category.” When her regular trainer Anne DeKeyser isn’t avail-
able to travel to shows, Hodgson credits her “adopted trainer” Briana Atwell for helping make the show experience a (mostly) positive one. “I really appreciate all of her guidance and calming wisdom. She’s held my hand and Bogey’s hoof through many terrifying moments,” she added. For the first year, Hodgson and her mount are pushing their comfort zones with riding a freestyle, with the big show debut held in May. “I was incredibly nervous, and Bogey isn’t a fan of loud sudden noises so when it came to showtime, I wasn’t sure how he would do with booming music coming out of the loudspeakers,” she remembered. “We trotted around the ring, checked in with the judge and scribe, and I positioned Bogey in our predetermined perfect starting spot. I raised my hand like all those riders I’ve watched on YouTube, and I heard the announcer say ‘Your music is playing,’ and sure enough our music started. As we trotted along, a big smile spread
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across my face….until I turned down centerline and saw the judge literally leap from the judge’s box while wildly waving papers in her hand. I couldn’t tell if she was battling an army of angry wasps or if I had done something wrong. And then I realized that she never rang the bell. I wanted to crawl under the nearest rock I could find. But it all turned out fine – we started over and had only one minor almost-bolting episode, but nothing we couldn’t handle.” Despite the rocky start, both horse and rider have since become more comfortable with their performance and are hoping to qualify for the Finals in their First Level Freestyle division. “I’m learning that different judges will feel differently about my music and choreography, and that’s okay,” said Hodgson. “We still have lots of little bobbles and timing issues to clean up, not to mention the general work of trying to unclench my hands, thighs and butt cheeks, but I have to say I’m enjoying the whole freestyle
process.” They won both freestyle classes at July’s Rise N Shine show with scores of 65.500% and 68.300%. In early August, the pair earned two more wins and their first freestyle score over 70% while having to rebound from the horror of watching as the previous rider was bucked off, kicked in the head and carried off in an ambulance. “As soon as the ambulance left I had to go in the ring,” said Hodgson. “I walked down to check-in with the judge and she was clearly able to see that I was ghost-white and not doing well, but she simply said, ‘Now is the time to practice focusing.’ I knew she was right. There was a time not too long ago that Bogey could have easily added to the chaos and danger in that situation, but he was rock solid and I’m so grateful for that. And as desperately as I wanted to scratch at that point, it wouldn’t have helped anything. We just needed to get in there and do it. So we did, and I’m super proud of both of us.”
September 2016 Z YOURDRESSAGE
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HEARD AROUND THE ARENA
What interesting or fun thing have you heard lately? Send it to us using #aroundthearena
The 2016 Rio Olympics captured people’s imagination. We went to social media to see what people were saying and sharing.
September 2016 Z YOURDRESSAGE
USDF FLASHBACK
To learn more about GAIC/USDF Regional Championships click here
The History Behind the Regional Championships The following is an excerpt from the Spring 1993 USDF Bulletin
I
n 1985, USDF Region 4 organized the first USDF Regional Championship. With each passing year, additional regions have chosen the championship format as a way to determine and recognize the best riders in the area while building enthusiasm for dressage. In 1992, seven USDF Regions held USDF Regional Championships—Regions 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, and 9. Regions 1 and 7 also hold “regional championship” shows (the Ljungquist Finals and the CDS Championships), but they aren’t called “USDF” regional championships. This article goes on to tell of a need to standardize the qualifying criteria and basic organizaition of all USDF Regional Championships. The first championships using this criteria started in 1994. In 2005, Great American Insurance Group came on as title sponsor and the championships have continued to thrive.
Mary Beth McLean on Masterpiece won the ABIC/USDF Region 1 Dressage Championship in the Fourth Level open division in 1994
Heather Mason on Another Story won the ABIC/USDF Region 1 Dressage Championship in the First Level open division in 1994.
Hilda Gurney riding Cabriolet at the 1995 ABIC/ USDF Region 7 Dressage Championships
September 2016 Z YOURDRESSAGE
USDF FLASHBACK
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Susan Springsteen and Fanale, the 2006 Region 1 Fourth Level and Prix St. Georges Adult Amateur Champions.
Used on the cover of the January 2007 issue of USDF Connection magazine, this photo was from the 2006 Great American Insurance Group/USDF Region 2 Championship. Major, ridden by Rosemary Julian-Simoes, won the First Level Freestyle and 2006 USDF vice president and current USDF president, George Williams, won the Grand Prix championship riding Marnix. (Disclaimer: USDF strongly recommends all riders wear protective headgear when Cynthia Jackson and Strauss, the 2006 Region 5 Second Level open champions. mounted. This photo appears in a historical context.) Bob Tarr photo.
September 2016 Z YOURDRESSAGE
GMO SPOTLIGHT
Tell us about your GMO. #GMOSpotlight
Cayuga Dressage & Combined Training, Inc. (CDCT) Group Member Organizations (GMOs) are the foundation of USDF and integral in bringing dressage and dressage education to the masses. Stay connected with your local dressage community and support dressage at the local level by joining a GMO in your area today! USDF GMO Established: 1980 Locality: USDF Region 8, New York Website: www.cayugadressage.org How many members does your GMO have annually, on average? 60 members. Tell us a little about your GMO: Cayuga Dressage & Combined Training has been around since the mid-seventies with the membership hub in Ithaca, NY. In the past, the club put on many recognized horse trials, but as time went on, the combined training focus slowly diminished and dressage took center stage. The club has been holding a recognized dressage show since the mid-eighties. It is a big event to pull off, year after year, with such a small group of volunteers. On three occasions, the show has been run as a charity fundraiser. The proceeds from these shows went to the local Cancer Resource Center, a thoroughbred rescue, and a therapeutic riding stable. Currently, we hold the schooling show on the first day and the recognized show on the second day. This is so we can include those new to dressage and our western dressage competitors. For a small club, CDCT takes on some pretty awesome events. We regularly host clinics and camps, with well known instructors. Several of these clinics focus on freestyle and quadrille composition. We hosted a desensitization clinic with a mounted policewoman. We also work together with other nearby GMOs to host symposiums and L Programs.
Does your GMO offer unique classes or activities that cater to youth, adult amateurs, or professionals? In our most recent recognized show, we held our first ever Equitation class. It was held in honor of our club’s Volunteer of the Year. The money collected from the entries in this Equitation class, and a few future classes, will be going to the Volunteer of the Year’s favorite charity, to be presented at CDCT’s Annual Awards Banquet. Our Volunteers are very important to our club. So, as of 2016, our banquet will be all about awarding the volunteers. In addition to the Volunteer of the Year award, the following awards will also be presented: the Spirit of Dressage Award for Junior and Young Riders; a Sportsmanship Award; and the Carry On Regardless Award, for members who have overcome troubles to keep on riding. On top of these awards, volunteers who are in attendance at the banquet will have their names entered in a drawing for three cash prizes. September 2016 Z YOURDRESSAGE
GMO SPOTLIGHT
What type of educational events does your GMO offer? At Cayuga Dressage and CT, we have offered dressage exhibitions for horse lovers and the public on a couple of occasions. Victor Silva comes to town with his Lusitano Stallions to demonstrate the art of dressage. He incorporated airs above the ground, as well as pas de deux and quadrille rides. This first event was a fundraiser for the Ithaca Cancer Resource Center. The second even was geared to juniors and young riders. They were required to apply for The Dressage Foundation sponsored event to have lessons on Mr. Silva’s fabulous schoolmasters. Mr. Silva then taught mounted lessons, as well as teaching the students and auditors about working the horses from the ground. Another evening, Dressage Exhibitions were featured and open to the public. What type of “fun” events does your GMO offer? Over the years, we have hosted an assortment of fun events: a poker run event in a nearby state forest; a braiding clinic; a “dessert to pass” horse video evening; belly dancing instruction; Yoga, Alexander Technique; and various other body awareness work. We might also be known as the Cayuga Dressage and CT Supper Club, as we like to have our meetings with meals! Additional Comments The Cayuga Dressage and Combined Training club is just a small club that has big ideas. We like to have fun and get together to make things happen.
Visit www.usdf.org for a list of GMOs in your area.
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Support dressage and connect with your local dressage community by joining a USDF Group Member Organization today!
September 2016 Z YOURDRESSAGE
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For more information, check out the USDF Member Guide available on this app! September 2016 Z YOURDRESSAGE