Greenstone Dressage Recap & SVF June Show Update

Things are happening fast and furious around here it seems.

Greenstone Dressage Show - June 14

Took Shirley to the dressage show.  It was... educational and interesting.  We entered Training Level Test 1 and the USEF Rider Test (Training Level).  Arrived in plenty of time to have a nice LONG warm up with lots of reward breaks.  I think that worked but she was still "up" when we walked over to the other side of the trees and went in the ring.  We've been trying to work on keeping her in front of my leg... and thus soft, forward and straight.  Yeah... that didn't work very well initially.  I'm sure people who watched us enter the ring for our T1 test thought for sure I'd started drinking really early that day!!  "Not straight" doesn't even BEGIN to describe our entrance... or the trot from the halt at X up to C.  It was really funny.  Even funnier was the judge's comment which simply said "haunches left" or something mild like that. 

We did have some nice moments.  And our final centerline and halt were wonderful (scoring our only 7).  But we still have a LOT of work to do.  The second test wasn't even as nice.  She really fell behind my leg and would go hollow.  I was told it was almost like she simply didn't want to try.  Like she was saying "I already did this and now I'm not sure what you want!"  Frustrating but we'll get there I guess.  Finished with both scores just a hair below 60% (that dreaded 40 that I try so hard to break) and a 4th and 2nd ribbon.  Just don't ask how many were in the class!

Training Level Test 1 - the final centerline

After the final halt - Training Level Test 1

SVF Show - June 28

The show is rapidly approaching.  There was still room in the schedule when the closing date for the dressage and CT entries came so we extended closing date to Wednesday (today).  Yikes!!  Probably shouldn't have done that as between Saturday and Monday's mail delivery we received over 25 entries!  It will be a VERY full day!  Entries are officially closed for non-jumper classes today and no late entries will be accepted.  Of course pre-entries and day-of entries for jumper classes are still being and will be accepted.

We are so excited about the show.  We're currently working on not only the Ride Times schedule but lining up plenty of volunteers (if you can help, we'd REALLY appreciate it!), getting all the paperwork in order, and looking at ways to make the show really nice for all participants.  We'll be at the park Friday afternoon/evening to set up the rings and of course all day Saturday, including tearing down after the show and putting the dressage rings and jumps away.  Please help if you can!

Farm Update

We currently have a contract for the purchase of the farm!  I'm so excited about the change.  The process itself is amazingly convoluted and difficult, but really looking forward to a fresh start.  I don't yet have a purchase contract on the new farm so that's yet to be announced.  Closing date for the contract is currently set for July 25th.

Upcoming Events

In addition to the whole packing and moving, Shirley and I will be at Red Tail Ridge in Johnstown this weekend for a Jimmy Wofford clinic (Ella and Thumper will be there on Saturday as well).  And July 5th is the Leg-Up Horse Trials in Indiana.  Cannot wait!!  Also it looks like the farrier was able to locate Spider's recent abscess so she'll be going back to work.. which is exciting as usual!  Things are definitely looking good around here.

Happy Summer!

Nad Noon Adult Rider Clinic Recap

This weekend, Shirley and I trekked out to Twin Towers Park and participated in the Nad Noon Adult Rider Cross Country clinic.  We rode with Nad a couple times last year and this was our first XC schooling for 2014.


Summary:  WOW!!  There's obviously work to do, but we both learned a ton and had a blast!!  It was SO much fun, not to mention so worth the money spent.


Saturday:  Up at the buttcrack of dawn as we were scheduled for the 8am ride time.  We were in a small group of 3 starter/beginner novice folks.  Day 1 was more grid type exercises using XC elements.  SJ fences were set up around the water or near the bank for example.  We started out in our typical fashion and I think really got things sorted out.  Lessons for the day -- MORE LEG, especially at just before and at take off.  Shirley, in typically hot OTTB fashion, has really taught me to take my leg off lest she bolt after the fences like she used to last year.  She's doing so much better now, but if the fences are at all "different", because my leg is off she peeters out on her energy and looks.... I get worried about the fence and throw my upper body forward so I don't hit her in the mouth at what will most likely be somewhat of an awkward jump... and my lower leg flies back.  Leg on keeps her in the contact and she has much better jumps... and so do I.


Sunday: Late afternoon ride time, though Reilly did NOT let me sleep in.  I think both of us were a little tired. We started out a bit off.  Shirley was backing off too much with the curb rein so Nad had me ride with it really loopy so I could ride her up into the bit more.  I was a bit off with my position... staying "stuck" in the folded position instead of opening my shoulders on landing.  And of course when Shirley backed off, I jumped up her neck with threw us REALLY off.  Sunday was more gallopy mini-courses.  Jumped BN... a few Novice and even a couple Training size fences.  Really got her going and I could definitely feel the difference in how we jump when she's really in front of my leg and in the bridle. 


As I said, we both learned a TON!  Shirley jumped SO well (and at one point too well when she left out a stride in the 2-stride small SJ vertical to 3' bank up combination.... too much speed and too long of a stride... but she jumped VERY well).  I think she gained a ton of confidence and so did I!


We have the Greenstone Dressage Show this Saturday, where I entered us at Training 1 and the USEF Training Rider Test.  Next weekend we're off to another clinic... this time with Jimmy Wofford.  Then there's the SVF show... then we head to Indiana on July 5th for the Leg Up Horse Trials!!  Cannot wait!!

3-Day Eventing thoughts... and plans!

I spent the first day of June announcing the Show Jumping phase at the IEA Horse Trials.  This is a job that I look forward to every year.  Saturday I started in dressage then moved to Show Jumping, with making the announcements and raffle drawings Saturday night at the Competitors/Volunteers Party... and did Final Inspection wrangling first thing in the morning and then did SJ the rest of the day Sunday.  It's a fantastic event with a wonderful organization. Even better, IEA Horse Trials also hosts one of a handful of Classic Format Training and Novice Three-Day Events.  If you've never heard my rant about the FEI and what they did to eventing when they nixed the classic format, or how much the classic format is important for horses and rider... be prepared... it's coming up next.

Eventing, for those who don't know, evolved from the cavalry. Dressage = parade grounds, obedient, relaxed, etc.  Cross Country = battlefield, endurance, speed, bravery, etc.  Show Jumping = soundness after the battle, obedient, responsive, etc. Cross Country day in the Classic Format used to entail 4 phases -- Phase A Roads & Tracks (a warm up), Phase B Steeplechase (speed), Phase C Roads & Tracks (cool down + added endurance) and Phase D Cross Country (test of endurance, bravery, etc.).  A decade ago, for what I'm sure are entirely monetary reasons, the international governing body of the sport, the F.E.I., dropped the speed and endurance portion of day 2 (phases A, B and C) and left just a longer Cross Country track (to distinguish between a 3 day and a horse trial which has always only had cross country). They decided it would no longer be part of the championship events - WEG, Olympics, etc.  Then those changes trickled down... they no longer became part of the events used to qualify for the top events.  That is the only part that makes sense.  It's silly to qualify over a different type of event than you are competing.  However, that change spelled doom for the classic format.  Soon it was no longer even an option to use a classic format event as a qualifier.

There are currently no longer ANY Advanced or Intermediate classic events anywhere in the country (I'd guess the world, but I don't know for sure).  And in the US there is only 1 Preliminary Classic 3-Day.  Thankfully that is close by in Kentucky and has a fantastic organizer who understands the value of the classic format. 

A classic format 3-day horse is, in my opinion, the epitome of the equine athlete.  They are very much akin to the Ironman triathlete... extremely fit and capable of doing a variety of work. They aren't always "easy" but to me, there's nothing like them.

I have participated in 4 classic format events, all of them with Char.  My first was a Training Level 3-day in Canada before they existed in the US.  Unfortunately, lameness issues meant we drove north of Toronto and were unable to compete.  The following year (2000) we made the trek north again and were able to complete the event!  In 2001, we were entered in the Preliminary (CCI*) event in Kentucky. I even borrowed a top hat and tail coat to wear in dressage (the ONLY time I've ridden a horse without a helmet since an accident in 1993). 

Lameness issues plagued us again leading up to the event and we made it a little over halfway around the course before calling it a day.  In 2003, we completed the Training 3-day at Mayfest in Kentucky.

Events that host Classic 3-Day Events should be praised and helped as much as possible.  To have 2 such events in my "backyard", IEA hosting Novice and Training and MSEDA hosting Training and the country's (world's?) only Preliminary, is amazing to me! I hope those organizers (IEA and Lee Ann Zobbe, and MSEDA and Mary Fike) know how much their continued commitment means to me and to the sport - even if the sport doesn't always recognize it!

I'm not sure I have the energy to compete at the Preliminary level again.  It's quite a time commitment, but I haven't ruled it out either. What I do know is that I have a 10 year old extremely talented mare who is quite capable of that level. It may take us a few years to figure out if we can do it again, but we'll figure it out.  In the meantime, I KNOW she can go Novice and Training... and so can I.  So we've developed a plan...

2014 - get her going smoothly at Beginner Novice. Part of the reason for not pushing is because the farm is still for sale (I've been told I will be receiving an official offer THIS WEEK!) and will need time to set up at a new farm AND get used to what that entails, both financially and effort-wise.

2015 - renew my USEA membership so I can get her to some recognized Novice horse trials. We need to have numerical results (aka "finish") 4 Novice horse trials in order to qualify for....

2016 - forgo my beloved announcing job at IEA and COMPETE in the Novice 3-Day Event.  Shirley will only be 12 at that point and I have no doubt she can do it!

Updates on it all

Time for updates!!

SVF Show 
We are now accepting entries for the June 28th show for all divisions! Thank you to those who have already sent entries. We had fun running this show last year and are REALLY looking forward to it again this year.

For dressage, Prix Caprilli and all combined tests, entries close on Saturday, June 14th. To be considered on time, entries must be postmarked by June 14th. Late entries for these classes will be accepted if space is available and with a $10 late fee.

To qualify for pre-entry Jumper class fees, entries must be RECEIVED by Wednesday, June 25th. Entries for all jumper classes as well as schooling jump rounds for either the jumper class courses or the CT jump courses can be made up to and on the day of the show.  

Farm 
Still working on selling/buying a new farm. The process is PAINFULLY slow! Still showing the farm to prospective buyers, though one of the buyers is currently working through the financing process and says we're close to her being "approved" and will be doing a contract soon. Dropped off a contingent purchase contract to the new place. Have a lot of plans for it and cannot wait! The horses have taught me more patience, but it's getting ridiculous! Beyond ready to get started.  

Ponies 
Shirley went out for her first trail ride of the season yesterday. Can I just say that Buck Creek State Park has AMAZING trails! They're in great shape and a ton of fun. Wish it wasn't an hour drive to get there, but it is what it is and so worth it. She was GREAT too! She's done 2 shows so far this year - the first DLSC hunter show at Hilltop Equestrian where she earned two 3rds and a 2nd in the Beginner Hunter (2'-2'3") division. The next weekend we went to the May Come Again Farm Event Derby and competed in both the Starter CT and Starter Derby divisions. Had a couple equipment issues along with ... good grief... COWS!!... but I'm pretty proud of her overall. The pics below are all screen captures from video that Anita took.... some of our nicer moments. :)

 

Spider has been working very well with Anita on her dressage and coming along nicely working some 2nd level movement and building some much needed strength. She hasn't been out showing yet this year, but I'm hoping we can get her out soon.

Show Information

Wow, the year has started flying by! Shirley has 2 shows under her belt, as well as a new show name. But more on that later. Saturday is opening day for our June 28th show and as such, I figured I would mention a few things about the show. The website has been updated with almost all the latest information. We haven't changed much this year from last year, but there are a few new items.

• New Class: Due to requests from the community, we've added a new Test of Choice class. A rider may enter this class as many times as they wish and ride any test at any level not already being offered. Tests may include regular dressage tests, eventing dressage tests or even western dressage! Please note that like the Prix Caprilli classes, the Test of Choice class does not count towards DLSC year end awards. Class may be divided as necessary and will be judged as a Percentage class.

• Judges: The judges for this show will be Emily Abbate (FL) and Emily Hansen-Palmus (OH).

• Change to Gambler's Choice: We are making a change to how the Gambler's Choice classes run to be more in line with the USEF rules. When ready, the judge will blow the whistle. Riders must cross the start line, in either direction, for their time to begin. They will have 60 seconds to jump any fence they wish. Refusals only count for time. Knock downs will not give riders the fence points. Fences may only be jumped twice. At the 60 second mark, the judge will blow the whistle and riders MUST cross the finish line (in either direction). Should we have a tie in points, it will be the time taken to the finish line that will determine the tie-breaker (fastest time wins). AFTER crossing the finish line, the rider will have the option of jumping the fence marked as the Joker. Successfully jumping the Joker (no refusal or knockdown) will add 200 points to a rider's score. Failure to jump the Joker will remove 200 points from a rider's score. If you have any questions on this class, please ask. Remember, this is a Payback class as long as there are at least 5 riders!

• Food: Food will be provided by The Junction (from Miamisburg). I don't yet have an idea of their menu, but I will post it here as well as on Facebook as soon as I find anything out.

• Cross Country Schooling: While the majority of Twin Towers is open for schooling at any time, the bank and the water complex are by paid permit only. Unfortunately, we are not able to pay the cost of the permits. If you are interested in schooling those complexes, please let us know. We would be happy to have them open for schooling (for a small fee) if we knew we'd have enough interest to cover the cost.

I believe those are currently the only show changes from last year. Be sure and take a look at the Event Information page on the website for all the details and ask if you have any questions. Again, opening date for ALL CLASSES is Saturday, May 17th!! Our goal is to have a well-run, friendly show that provides an educational outing for both horse and rider for all the classes we offer. We are open to suggestions and look forward to hosting the show! Hope to see you there!

Plans?

Wow, aren't I the complete and total slacker for not posting here in the last several months! Bad me! I may not post every day during 2014, but this is my pledge to do better. So how did 2013 end? Not half bad I suppose. Shirley competed at the "Very Not Scary" mini trial in September at Beginner Novice. We had a couple stops on cross country but all in all, she was a superstar! She got braver and braver as the round went on. She did a FANTASTIC job in show jumping, even saved my butt once. And her dressage was not at all half bad for where we were. Both girls competed at the Encore OTTB Show at Majestic Farm in October. Shirley did the Beginner Novice CT -- decent dressage given we had 15 minutes total to not only tack up but warm up (yep, arrived LATE), with a clean albeit FAST Show Jumping. Spider did a Training Level dressage test with Anita (scored close to 65% if I remember correctly) and a couple VERY nice jumper rounds with Ella later in the day. Overall the day was HORRIBLE weather-wise, but they both settled and we're VERY proud of them. Anita and Ella have continued to work on Spider's education and she's doing wonderfully. Still a bit of a diva, but she's schooling first level with Anita and doing wonderfully over fences with Ella. Shirley and I have continued to build our partnership and our respective educations. We've continued our monthly lessons with Emily Abbate (though no lessons through the winter), and have started picking up jumping lessons from Rob at Celebration Farm. She's coming along fantastically and I'm really looking forward to this show season. I think she's on the verge of being quite the show horse. For me, I'm just trying to keep up with her... getting in better shape to give her the kind of rides she deserves, staying positive and patient, and giving our time my best. As for plans... well, we all know what they say about the best laid plans, right? Sometimes I think that's even more true with horses. That said, we're looking to get a couple lessons/clinic day with Dorothy Crowell in April (as a get to know you session before scheduling my WINNING prize weekend at her farm in Kentucky)... possibly a Nad Noon XC clinic in early June... and we've put down a deposit on a Jimmy Wofford clinic later in June. As for shows, the only one I know of at the moment is IEA's Leg Up Horse Trials in July. There is so much on the calendar to choose from though, I'm sure our summer will fill quickly ... or as quickly as the bank account will allow. Other current plans include attending Jimmy Wofford's sessions at Equine Affaire on April 10th and going to Rolex for the first time in a few years at the end of April. I'll be down there Thursday-Saturday and will be working the Vet Box sometime on Saturday. I'm extremely excited to be able to volunteer in the vet box. I'll be announcing this year (so far) at Greater Dayton (May 17-18), IEA (May 31-June 1) and Hunter's Run (August 9-10). And of course Serenity Valley will be hosting 2 shows again this year: Saturday June 28th and Saturday, October 4th. Both will consist of DLSC dressage classes, Combined Test classes from ground pole through Preliminary level, Jumper classes from 2' and up, all 3 Prix Caprilli classes, and 2 Gambler's Choice payback classes. Stay tuned to the website for a complete class list and information for the June show to be posted soon! Yep, it's a busy season... but there's still room for more. Speaking of which, part of the reason the season isn't all planned out yet is because of the farm. I have an INCREDIBLE opportunity to purchase a farm that seems to be tailor made for me: more land, more stalls (which means more company/boarders), riding ring and a nice but smaller house. I'm really trying to make this deal work out. We have a contingent agreement in place, just need to sell the current farm and have the new place appraised. With any luck, come spring if not sooner, Serenity Valley Farm will be relocating! 2014 is the Chinese Year of the Horse. Sounds appropriate to me!

"Don't Come in Last"

This post is a slight diversion from normal farm stuff. Today I participated in the Lake Loramie Triathlon (canoe/bike/run). Have a few thoughts that I wanted to write down.

This was my second triathlon. Due to a planned vacation, I ended up doing this one solo. I'm still waiting for the official results but there's no doubt that I came in last in the solo division... in fact, due to the staggered start, there's a very real possibility that I came in last for the entire event. If not last, then 3rd to last.

I'm competitive. I always have been. So don't take this next comment wrong because I enjoy doing well and love to win. But honestly? I am PERFECTLY FINE coming in last. I actually thought about this the entire race. Within the first 20 minutes, a female team passed me on the lake and the person in the back had a t-shirt on that said "Don't Come In Last". I hated that t-shirt and was really glad I didn't see it the rest of the race. I understand the sentiment, but when you're doing something difficult... actually TRYING something that is hard... why is it so bad to come in last? At least you're trying. And DOING! Better to come in last doing something... than to never try at all, right? After seeing the t-shirt, during the lake portion about the last turn before heading to the take-out, a friend of the people in the canoe next to me told her friends "you're not last!!" I'd be thrilled if folks cheered me on... even if I was last!

Here are a few other observations and thoughts:

• 2.5 miles alone in a kayak is longer than 2.5 miles in a canoe with a friend. Especially on a lake and not going downstream in a river.
• 15 miles on a bike is definitely longer than 12 miles.
• Running after biking sucks! I could barely walk when I got off the bike, much less run!
• There are a bunch of triathlon participants at this race and at the one I did last month that remind me of eventers. So many people wished me well and cheered me on even though they didn't know me from the next person. Definitely reminds me of the "have a good ride" you hear so often at horse trials and 3-Days. Maybe it's the triathlon aspect.
• Having a triathlon next to a lake is a great idea. After I finished, I gathered my stuff and then went and took a dip in the lake. It was awesome! Good thing I took a change of clothes.
• Biggest mistake of the race? Not taking sunscreen! OOPS!!

Had a great time... thought I'm not entirely sure I was thinking that at various times during the race. Next one is September 29th.