N E D A’ S A W A R D W I N N I N G N E W S L E T T E R
A Tip of the Hat Nov/Dec 2019
Congratulations
Diane Holston! FIRST PLACE WINNER
Best Amateur Photograph USDF 2019 GMO Awards with this photo! See page 19
PRESIDENT’S PAGE
I
t’s hard to believe this is my last president’s letter to our membership in the Tip! Thank you so much to the NEDA members for your support during my time as president of NEDA. I enjoyed meeting many of you and learning your stories about our shared passion for dressage. It has truly been an honor and a privilege to serve as president of an organization held in such high regard all over the country and parts of the world!
The NEDA board of directors and all the volunteers work so hard to provide the membership with programs and events of the highest caliber. I will miss our spirited discussions at board meetings and the synergy that develops when you bring together a passionate group of intelligent, committed people working in the best interest of our sport and our membership.
Together we’ve accomplished a great deal in the past three years, bringing in three major headliners, Carl Hester, Charlotte Dujardin and Dorothee Schneider for our symposia. We’ve successfully transitioned the management of the NEDA Fall Festival, the largest dressage show in the country. We’ve brought new members into the organization and onto the board, all while maintaining financial stability. The fact that this incredible work is all done by volunteers is a true testament to commitment of the members, board and all the volunteers.
I will treasure the friendships that have grown out of my 15 years serving on the NEDA board knowing that I may never have crossed paths with so many people in the dressage world had I not had this amazing opportunity.
I am eager to see the organization grow and evolve under the leadership of Iris Berdrow, our incoming president. In her “day job” Iris teaches international business to undergraduate and graduate students at Bentley University. She travels regularly with her classes to Scotland and South Africa and has some amazing stories to share. Iris has demonstrated her commitment to NEDA as an officer and done an amazing job as Treasurer of NEDA. I look forward to seeing her bring NEDA to new heights as president. The board has a wonderful mix of long-time members who bring a wealth of experience and knowledge, and new members with fresh ideas and energy. I look forward to a bright future for NEDA! Warm regards,
Phyllis
Nov/Dec 2019 NEDA.ORG
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A Tip of the Hat
Contents: 3 5 7
President’s Page
New President’s Page Fall Festival Recap
11 Spring Show Update
NEDA 2019 OFFICERS
President:
Phyllis LeBlanc 978-807-3378 president@neda.org
Vice President-Activities: Kate O’Connor 508-612-6985 vpactivities@neda.org
12 Membership Information
Vice President-Services:
14 Wanted! The NEDA Board Needs You 16 Breed Show Awards
Board Secretary:
20 Equine Lemon Law
Treasurer:
13 And that’s a wrap!
19 GMO Award Recipients 22 Partners in Education: JJ Tate @ Puckerbrush
23 What I Learned Last Winter: “Riding in the Moment” 24 Young Rider International Dream Program
25 Kids and Dressage: Build it and They Will Come 27 The Road to Lamplight 28 NEDA Calendar 2019
29 Obituary: Verne E. Batchelder 30 Region 8 News
31 Stallion Paddock
A Tip of the Hat is a publication of The New England Dressage Association, Inc., a non-profit, tax exempt corporation. MEMBERSHIP QUESTIONS AND CHANGES OF ADDRESS Please contact: Tammy Paparella 6 Pratt’s Junction Rd. Sterling, MA 01564 978-422-2324 memberentry@neda.org
A TIP OF THE HAT ADVERTISING Classified ads must be submitted to the Advertising Editor via email in plain text (.txt) or word (.doc).
Christine Shea 978-314-9922 vpservices@neda.org Heather Stone 617-480-8077 secretary@neda.org Iris Berdrow 781-589-6422 treasurer@neda.org
COORDINATORS and MANAGERS
EDUCATION COMMITTEE
Membership Services Coordinator: Jennifer Dillon 508-641-3121 membership@neda.org Nominations: Jennifer Englund 917-330-2462 volunteer@neda.org Ombudsman: Alexandra Dane 978-356-0682 ombudsman@neda.org Member-at-Large: Helen van der Voort 917-834-2635 memberatlarge@neda.org
Competitions Coordinator: Beth Jenkins 508-655-6490 shows@neda.org Spring Show: Paul Cormier 508-995-5988 springshow@neda.org Fall Show: Beth Jenkins 508-655-6490 shows@neda.org Sport Horse/Breed Shows: Kathy Hickerson 603-673-4344 sporthorse@neda.org Year-End Awards: yea@neda.org
Public Relations Coordinator: Krista Nordgren 207-749-6643 pr@neda.org Communications/Social Media: Krista Nordgren 207-749-6643 communications@neda.org Advertising - Outbound: advertising@neda.org Photography: Carole MacDonald 508-366-7886 photo@neda.org Technology Coordinator: Donna Winters 508-947-6982 technology@neda.org
Sponsorship Coordinator: Vincent Flores 832-205-2285 sponsorship@neda.org Sponsor Facilitator: Kari Cincotta 781-654-7694 cincottak@neda.org Sponsor Development: Sam Yonika 508-277-6090 yonikas@neda.org
TIP Editor: Angela Prenosil 413-627-2699 TipEditor@neda.org Graphic Design: June Evers 845-294-0656 jevers@warwick.net TIP Advertising: Angela Prenosil 413-627-2699 tipads@neda.org
COMPETITION COMMITTEE
SPONSORSHIP COMMITTEE
All ads must be submitted to the Advertising Editor with a check made out to NEDA. Contact: Angela Prenosil, 413-627-2699 ▲tipads@neda.org
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PUBLIC RELATIONS COMMITTEE
NEWSLETTER STAFF
USDF REGION 8
Region 8 Director: Debra Reinhardt region8dir@usdf.org Youth Coordinator: Jennifer Dillon 508-641-3121 jen@dilloneq.com
Display ads and photos may be submitted on disk or via email to the Advertising Editor. Ads must be high resolution, press ready PDFs with all images and fonts embedded or high resolution TIF, JPG or EPS. MS Word doc templates are available for your use at neda.org and must be converted to PDFs.
Follow us! @NEDAdressage #NEDAdressage
MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE
Education Coordinator: J. Stanley Edwards 617-293-8209 education@neda.org Judge Education: Sally Davenport 781-378-1881 judgeed@neda.org Symposium Organizer: Beth Beukema 508-320-6549 fallsym@neda.org Scholarships: Samantha Williams 413-297-2384 scholarships@neda.org
Cover: Caitlin Puller on Albert ISF owner Mary Mar Spring Show Cover: Diane Holston
NEW PRESIDENT’S PAGE
Y
ou know that feeling when you are riding from the warm up to your show ring to ride a new level test for the first time? This kind of feels like that. A little nervous, running through my goals and aspirations, trying to remember the to-do list (take his boots off!), excited to be moving up but seeing the amazing rider before me totally nail it! Phyllis, you nailed it. How can I possibly live up to the standards of achievement and diplomacy that you set? And without Christine as wing woman? … By embracing the challenge, as we always do when we halt at X, salute and carry on.
NEDA is in great hands with our slate of continuing and new Board members. Kate O’Connor and Heather Stone are going to keep Jen Dillon, Helen van der Voort and I between the guardrails. Our wonderful slate of Coordinators and Event Managers are going to keep the show running, providing educational opportunities, competitions, supporting scholarships, dazzling publications, exciting sponsors, and all the supporting infrastructure. NEDA is a growing, complex organization based almost entirely on volunteers. I say almost because we would be lost without our Bookkeeper Carol Gordon, our Membership Services contractor Tammy Paparella, and our Fall Show Manager Sue McKeown, our only paid staff. Everyone who contributes to NEDA, especially our members, does so for a common passion – the sport of dressage and the gracious horses we ride. So, let’s ride!
2020 is an exciting year for NEDA as we celebrate 50 years of memories, accomplishments and historic contributors to our organization. We have big plans for this celebration as we look back at all that has happened. But we also have big plans to draw on that history as we move forward on our strategic plan to support the Aspiring Rider. We coined this term during our 2018 strategic planning retreat. This year our plan comes to fruition. The Board recognizes that people become part of NEDA for different reasons – to achieve riding goals, to be part of a supportive community, to learn, to be part of the larger USDF network, or to do things with friends. In all, there is a common aspiration to embrace the sport of dressage whether in the saddle or on the ground. We hope to support that aspiration through our services to our member community.
Did I mention volunteers? We need more! Want to be part of a fun group of people working together on great events? We are seeking Board members for technology infrastructure and year end awards. Don’t want to commit to being on the board but still want to contribute? We need folks to take on specific projects in document management and a publicity project. Have some skills in project
management, publication, and/or document storage – please let us know. Specifically, send a note to our Nominations Coordinator Jennifer Englund at nominations@neda.org. She will help find the perfect place for you within this marvelous organization, whether for a few weeks, a year or a lifetime.
So, how did I get here? I have been riding all my life, starting in a Western saddle on a farm in Ontario, CA. Then in a jump saddle, and now a dressage saddle. My love for the horses, the smell of the barn, and the elusive perfect ride has never waned. A few years ago, I joined some folks from my barn on a road trip to Equine Affair. I had just acquired my first real dressage horse and of course, shopping was in order. I came across the friendliest group of people ever at the NEDA booth. What on earth was “needa”? And who was this crazy woman in bling? (Who hasn’t met Karin Swanfeldt and not walked away bedazzled?). I joined on the spot and have grown in the organization ever since. We should never forget that people come to us for different reasons, on different paths, and from different backgrounds. I am speaking to our membership in this letter. Thank you for signing up and staying with us. But who else could you bring to our party? Are there people in your barn that you could entice on a road trip? Friends that you could join with in taking on a project? Ways that you could help promote our great organization? Look around, I am sure there’s someone. Thank you for your support. I am excited about this new adventure and look forward to seeing you at another great NEDA event. Cheers,
Iris
Nov/Dec 2019 NEDA.ORG
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SHOW NEWS
a F tival
Saugerties N.Y. BY LYNNDEE KEMMET
s e F ecap R
The 2019 New England Dressage Association’s Fall Festival of Dressage was one of its largest ever with more than 650 horses participating, up from around 600 the previous year. Held September 18-22 at the HITS-on-theHudson show grounds, the Fall Festival is one of America’s oldest and most prestigious dressage shows. In addition to a regular, open dressage show, it also hosts a CDI, paradressage competition and the U.S. Dressage Federation’s Region 8 championships.
In previous years, the Fall Festival also hosted a breed show but in 2018, the decision was made to split the two. That proved to be a wise move that allowed the breed show to develop into its own series and gave the Fall Festival more room to grow.
“Splitting off the breed show to be its own show at a separate location and a different weekend was a total winwin. It allowed the breed show to successfully expand in a facility that was much kinder to your horses and their handlers,” said Fall Festival show manager Sue McKeown. “And for the Regional Championships, it allowed us to use the full HITS facility in the way that it was meant to be used, with having warm up rings lead directly into the competition rings for the most part. Riders did not have those ‘spooky’ hand-led youngsters jumping all about. And we had better use of the full range of the stalls.”
While NEDA would like to increase the participation of CDI-level riders and horses at the Fall Festival, McKeown said NEDA is clearly focused on making sure that the show is seen by adult amateurs as that special, must-attend final season event. “Regional Championships are the first place that adult amateurs can compete against just other adult amateurs head to head. So, it becomes a real goal for many adult amateurs not only to reach the ReContinued →
Hannah Parker on Chiaras Haven. Photo: Susan J. Stickle
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gional championships, but to do well enough here that they can get invited to the National Championships,” she said. “They (adult amateurs) have achieved something by reaching their goal, and it should feel like it. Adult amateurs are an important, and critical, part of the show in terms of numbers and financial break-even, but most importantly, we need to make sure the Fall Festival is something they want to return to year after year,” she said.
In that, the Fall Festival has proven to be a major success. It has truly become a show that makes adult amateurs not only feel welcome but special.
“I have come home from the show humiliated and/or elated, depending on the year and the status of my current horse and myself in our educational progression,” said Nancy Binter, an adult amateur who has been competing at the Fall Festival for 30 years. “But I have never come home without feeling motivated and strongly supported by the show and the volunteers. I cannot em-
phasize how difficult the line is between producing a quality show and not crushing the hopes and aspirations of those of us who are on this endless educational pathway. What other show manager but Beth Jenkins (who managed the show from 1989 to 2018) would run out and take a picture of my horse, my husband and I with our very first ‘big-girl ribbon’ – a sixth place CDI finish. For years the main arena had the same ring steward who would always give a smile and kind word as we entered the arena. Someone picking up the gate for me to try to ride my dream is such a privilege. I cannot tell you how much these volunteers help to steady the show nerves and always remind us of why we are here.”
For all the years that she has been competing, Binter has balanced her riding with her work as a neurosurgeon and she is just one of many adult amateurs at the Fall Festival who share the struggle of trying to find time to train and ride while managing careers and family. For Hannah Parker, the 2019 USDF Adult Equitation champion, that balancing act in-
cludes her riding, her career and her graduate education. She admits that her schedule is often “challenging.”
“I work as a registered nurse in neuroscience intensive care in Allentown, Pennsylvania,” she said. “I’m also working on an accelerated master’s degree. So, balancing personal life, riding and further education around 12-hour shifts can be difficult. There are a lot of late nights at the barn, but the horses are always good sports.”
Parker earned her win with the help of her own Chiara’s Haven, a 13-year-old Trakehner mare. She said that she was “surprised but thankful” about her equitation win. “She warmed up with a lot of fire, but I’m definitely happy with the ride she gave me.”
Parker said she only started riding dressage five years ago and just recently started working with Kimberly KobrynCallaway. “Being six-feet tall is definitely a blessing and a curse, but Kim has helped me refine my technique.” That great technique Parker showed in the ring earned her an 81 percent score in the equitation competition. And one of the equitation judges, Elizabeth Kane, expressed great pleasure at the quality of riding she saw not just in those equitation classes but throughout the Fall Festival.
“I judged several equitation classes on Sunday, and they are becoming a favorite of mine. It is thrilling to see these competitors focus on the basic skill of correct riding,” Kane said. She also judged young riders in the medal semi-finals saying that she was “happy to see a large class of younger riders participating in this division. They are, after all, the future of our sport.” One of those young winning riders was Paige Zimmerman, who won the USDF Junior Medal Semi-Final in the 14-18 age group with Brenda Curnin’s 10-year-old Hanoverian gelding Ducati.
Callie O’Connell on Weltgang. Photo: Susan J. Stickle
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“It didn’t quite hit me that I had won until I was halfway back to the barn, and then all of a sudden I realized it,” Zimmerman said. “Ducati has been working really hard and I’m very proud of him for taking the show environment so well, just like a seasoned competitor. This is our first year showing together thanks to the generosity of his owner, Brenda Curnin. She has been letting me ride him and I can’t wait to see what the future holds. I still really can’t believe it.”
FALL FESTIVAL - cont’d
Zimmerman was at the HITS show grounds earlier in the season competing at the Youth Dressage Festival, but this was her first year competing at the Fall Festival. “I really like the venue, and the volunteers, food and vendors were all great. However, the thing that I enjoyed the most about the show was the energy of it. There were a ton of competitors and people around, and it was nice to see people sitting in the grass to watch rides, or support their barn mates, etc. Everyone that I met was incredibly supportive, and they all seemed to really enjoy the sport of dressage and do it out of pure enjoyment. I’m glad that there was such a great sense of community while we were there.”
Another young rider who had tremendous success at the 2019 Fall Festival was Callie O’Connell. She had four first-place wins, three of which were junior/young rider championship wins – Intermediate 1 with Bierholm’s Ebony, Prix St. Georges and Young Rider Team Championship with Weltgang. Her fourth win was in Third Level with Zorba.
O’Connell initially didn’t think she would even be at the Fall Festival because her main horse, Furst Story, was sidelined by an injury. “To be given the opportunity to qualify and take three amazing horses to NEDA was just incredible. I am so proud of all of them and the feeling they each gave to me in the ring! This was also my last season as a junior/young rider and to finish with some personal bests, and top placings was a fun way to end that chapter.”
O’Connell recently became an assistant trainer with Jane Karol and said that’s how she ended up with three great horses at this year’s Fall Festival. Each horse is owned by a client of Karol’s. “Jane completely supports my development as a rider and top professional.” O’Connell has been riding Weltgang, owned by Anna Kolchinsky since April. “This was his first time out showing in the US and he proved to me he loved to compete as much as I do! The feeling he gives me in the ring is amazing! To compete at NEDA with him and get one of our best scores of 71 percent in the PSG was a special feeling.”
She also just started riding Zorba, owned by Nancy Fischman, last spring and this
Chris Clyde on Jayvyn. Photo: Susan J. Stickle
year was also his first competing in the U.S. O’Connell said this season was also a first for both her and Beirholm’s Ebony, owned by Meg Steiner, for competing at Intermediate 1. “She got me half my gold medal this year and gave me a great test at regionals. Her canter work was the best I had felt in a test. I love riding her and being able to learn from her. Her tempis and changes are her highlight and always put a smile on my face,” O’Connell said.
Many Fall Festival competitors have amazing stories of overcoming challenges on their way to this prestigious end-ofseason show. Consider the story of adult amateur rider Christopher Clyde, winner of the 2019 Second Level Adult Amateur championship with his 10-year-old gelding Jayvyn.
Like most adult amateurs, Clyde must balance his riding career with that of his fulltime job in project management with Johnson & Johnson based in New Jersey. He bought Jayvyn three years ago as an eventing prospect but after Clyde tore his groin muscle twice, which required long periods of recovery, he decided to switch from eventing to dressage.
“I am the only one who rides my horse, so, I handle everything myself,” he said. “My goals would be to go as high up the levels as my horse can take me. I have owned him for three years now training him in dressage from scratch basically from training level.”
Clyde, who trains with Silke Rembacz, did not have an easy path to this year’s Fall Festival. After competing in the 2018 Fall Festival, Clyde and Jayvyn were headed to
the U.S. National Dressage Finals in Kentucky. But then problems emerged and Jayvyn was soon diagnosed with EPM.
“Since it was so close to the finals, the vet and I decided not to start him on Marquis treatment because horses typically get worse before getting better. So, lots of muscle work (acupuncture, massage, shock wave etc.) and he was getting better with those treatments. So, we packed up my trailer and drove all the way to Kentucky but when I got there, he was feeling awful and I had to scratch the entire show,” Clyde said.
Clyde and Jayvyn then spent six months battling the EPM. “By May, we began some shows, but it really took all summer for him to get back his strength, suppleness, etc. So, to end the year with a 70 percent is beyond satisfying. Every horse has its story and with my torn groin the previous year and earlier last year and then with his EPM, it has been quite the ride for both of us,” Clyde said. “So, we are off again to the finals in Kentucky and are keeping our fingers crossed that this time we can compete!”
Also heading to the National Dressage Finals after success at the Fall Festival is a frequent big winner at the Fall Festival – New Jersey’s Heather Mason. Mason shows up at the Fall Festival year-after-year with an entourage of horses and students. “The Fall Festival is such a big show and is amazingly well organized. The arenas are always nicely decorated making it feel like a championship competition. In addition, the atmosphere is very similar to a CDI or the Continued → Nov/Dec 2019 NEDA.ORG
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U.S. Dressage Finals so its great exposure for the horses,” Mason said.
It seems that every year, Mason and her students go home with lots of ribbons and championship wins. Mason herself earned five 2019 Regional Championships, including an open Grand Prix and Grand Prix Freestyle championship with RTF Lincoln. “This was Lincoln’s first season at Grand Prix, and he has really impressed me with his consistency,” Mason said of the. Her FirstLevel championship wins were with New Beginnings, sired by Mason’s stallion Nimbus.
One of Mason’s students who went home with a championship win was adult amateur rider Amy Gimbel, winner of the adult amateur Prix St. Georges and Intermediate 1 championships with Eye Candy. “Eye Candy (Candy) was fantastic for the entire weekend. The Prix St. Georges was one of our best tests to date and I know I still have room for improvement, which is always an inspiring feeling. The Intermediate 1 was still a nice test but the temperature was unseasonable warm coupled with a long week meant that both Candy and I had to work hard,” Gimbel said.
Like many adult amateurs, Gimbel said one of her biggest challenges is finding enough hours in the day for riding, work and other responsibilities. “I consider myself incredibly lucky because I have lived across the street or around the corner from my trainer, Heather Mason, for the last 28 years. Heather has taught me before a work trip or long after the sun has set because it was the only day and time that could work,” said Gimbel, who also has to find time to care for horses she keeps at home. “Additionally, I work about 40 minutes away for Markel Global Reinsurance where I have a wonderful boss and colleagues who are really supportive. Even with amazing luck and support at home there are times of the year that finding time is not easy. Sleep is often the element that gets cut first, but it is always worth it!”
Another big winner at the 2019 Fall Festival was Hilltop Farm’s Michael Bragdell, who had six first-place wins at the Fall Festival, all of them with scores over 70 percent and ranging from Training Level to Intermediate 1. Bragdell arrived at the Fall 10 TIP OF THE HAT
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Michael Bragdell on SternlichtHTF. Photo: Susan J. Stickle
Festival with six horses – the nine-year-old gelding Faberge Blue, the five-year-old stallion Frisantos, the 11-year-old stallion Qredit Hilltop, the six-year-old gelding SenSation HW, the four-year-old gelding Steinbeck HTF and the nine-year-old stallion Sternlicht Hilltop.
Bragdell said he was proud of all of the horses. “It is always a great feeling when you are able to get the horses to peak at the right time. I was very excited about how my horses were feeling coming into the Regional Championships, but this is a very competitive region with a lot of great riders so of course it’s a very special feeling when your horses do really well.”
But he noted that winning isn’t the only thing that makes the Fall Festival such a great show for him. “The NEDA show is always really well put together. Super organized and super volunteers! I especially liked the new set-up of rings 1 and 2, it seemed better for the horses. I liked that each championship ring had it’s on warmup. That really helped in limiting the number of riders in the warm-up, which is very nice for the riders that are getting ready to show in a championship class. And, of course, the weather was amazing this year!”
Courtney Bolender, winner of the 2019 CDI Intermediate 1 with the 10-year-old Hanoverian gelding Demetrius, is also a big fan of the Fall Festival. “The Fall Festival is an exciting component to the season. For myself, my students and our horses it's a wonderful way to set goals and mark achievements. The show itself is always quite electric with the buzz of excitement and fresh fall weather. It’s run well and the footing this year was quite nice. The vendors that are there every year provide an extra special touch especially for clients, friends and family to enjoy. Having the opportunity to compete in a CDI is also so wonderful as there are not many during the season that are close by.”
“NEDA is one of my favorite shows of the year,” said Katie Robicheaux, the 2019 Open Fourth Level champion with the eightyear-old Dutch Warmblood gelding Grandioso. “I love the atmosphere of having everyone that you showed with at different shows throughout the year being in one place! It’s a huge show but you would never be able to tell by the warmups because NEDA runs it so well. The shopping is also a plus!”
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SHOW NEWS
Top left: TLF Rebel Yell and Colleen Barrett. Photo: Carole MacDonald Top right: Southridge Thistlebit and Kimberely Sterl. Photo: Diane Holston Bottom right: MLC Rocky River Morn and Connie Brown. Photo: Carole MacDonald
And that’s a wrap! BY SARAH BLATCHFORD
I
t was a stellar weekend at NEDA’s Breed Show and New England Series Final. Personally, it was my last show of the season for my young horse, her first ever show season. I could not have asked for a better show to end on.
Once again, I remain awed by the kindness and support of my fellow competitors. There was never a hesitation when someone asked for help or a spare wheelbarrow- as we all know we’ve forgotten one before. How lovely it is to be surrounded by people who genuinely want you to succeed. My fellow competitors were so genuine when wishing me luck or congratulating me on any success. The breed show community is one I never thought I’d join but am so glad I did. The weather for the show was beautiful, though there was no doubt that fall was trying to creep up on us. The judges
were so informative with their comments in the classes, making suggestions that I and my fellow competitors appreciated. The management even surprised us with a Turn Out award Sunday, awarded to Colleen Barrett for her super black and pink turn out on her stunning grey mare TLF Summer Solstice.
Once again, the competitors’ party was a blast. NEDA truly outdid themselves with a beautiful spread thanks to generous donations. NEDA and our fellow competitors made sure we were well fed and well hydrated all weekend, with complimentary sandwiches, snacks and beverages. All the special awards were given out during the party . As a newbie to these breed shows, I had no idea the sheer number of awards given out at the show. These include: Born in America, ThreeYear-Old Prospect, and 2019 Futurity . It was so refreshing to see some diversity in the placings. NEDA has recently added Continued → Nov/Dec 2019 NEDA.ORG
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THAT’S A WRAP! - cont’d
the Pony Cup classes to their breed show series and the quality of ponies that were being brought out to these shows is inspiring. I cannot wait to see these young talented horses and ponies progress!
This was the first time our Region 8 Final was held separate from NEDA Fall’s Championship show. Separating the two allowed riders who would be showing in both the breed and ridden championships to devote their focus to one show at a time. The organizers rose to the occasion and made sure that the breed show ran smoothly for its debut in Hadley, MA.
This season went by so fast! These breed shows were the perfect introduction to showing my mare that I needed. I hope NEDA continues to offer them and keeps up their partnership with the Pony Cup. If you have never been to a breed show I urge you to consider it. I am extremely hopeful with our support these shows will flourish in Region 8. Top: Searah's Celtic Legacy and Kathy Trum Searah. Middle: Summer Solstice. Bottom: Summer Solstice and Colleen Barrett. Photos: Diane Holston
(
WA N T E D ! )
THE NEDA BOARD NEEDS YOU!
Year End Awards Coordinator
Our Year End Awards program is one of the most important things we manage. We're looking for a Year End Awards Coordinator to lead the existing team that runs the program and banquet, including defining the criteria for awards, budgeting, and coordinating the volunteers in charge of things like tallying results and planning the banquet.
Technology Coordinator
NEDA's website and technology platform are also critical! We're looking for a Technology Coordinator to lead a team to help NEDA use technology effectively, including defining how best to use our existing technology, designing content for neda.org and working with our Webmaster to post it, and exploring future technology investments. Ideally this person will have past experience with web design or development.
Both of these roles are board positions, so you'll have a large part in shaping what NEDA offers to members! Contact Jennifer Englund at nominations@neda.org 14 TIP OF THE HAT
NEDA.ORG Nov/Dec 2019
H H H H H H H H H H H H HH H H H H H H H HH H HH H HH H H SPORT HORSE NEWS
And the Winner is...
Every year NEDA sponsors a 3-year-old Prospect Award at the New England Series Breed Show Championships!
This award is for the Champion and Reserve with the highest combined score that competed in both the 3-yearold Material Class and the 3-year-old in hand class. Champion wins $200 and Reserve Champion wins $100.
If you have a 3-year-old next year we hope to see you at the New England breed shows!
Andris J. Kaneps DVM, PhD, DACVS, DACVSMR 978-273-5479 cell 978-927-6404 office and fax
!
68 Grover Street Beverly, MA 01915 www.kanepsequine.com ajkaneps@kanepsequine.com
"#$%&'(&")!%'*$!+,*!-,.*!/,*"$!! 01!2345!
Congratulations To the Top 3-year-old Prospect
Kristin Grosso owner and breeder of her Hanoverian gelding, Diamantenstern by De Niro
!
!
!"#$%&'($)*+*(%,*-,./$0($1,#-%,.2"$)., 3(%*'*-(4$(5#6*7*)#)*"-, !
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NEDA.ORG Nov/Dec 2019
Diamanstenstern owned by Kristin Grosso. Photo: Carole MacDonald
H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H HH H HH H HH H H SPORT HORSE NEWS - cont’d
And the Winners are...
NEDA is proud to promote our breeders by sponsoring and promoting horses that are born in America!
Each of the twelve age classes at the New England Series Championship Breed Show in September reward the top score (>72%) of the horse that is born in America (includes USA and Canada). Owner receives $150 and breeder receives $50.
Congratulations
Broodmares Class –
to all the owners and breeders:
Davina ggf (4yo Hanoverian mare by Dancier) owned and bred by Rachel Ehrlich
Maiden/Yield Mares –
Mi Coco Amour (6yo Oldenburg mare by Coco Cavalli) owned by Taylor Bumgarner and bred by Lisa Grossi
Stallion >4yr not at stud —
Karrington MG (4yo Dutch by Farrington) owned and bred by Kathy Hickerson
3-Yr-Old Fillies –
Photos: Carole MacDonald
Myristica (Hanoverian by Mitril) owned and bred by Silene White
2-Yr-Old Fillies –
Fleur De Nero (Hanoverian by Furstenball) owned and bred by Anke Ott-Young
Fillies of 2019 –
Enchanted Summer FF (Friesian by Mente FOM) owned and bred by Angela Rice
Colts of 2019 –
D’Obrigado ggf (Hanoverian by Desperado) owned and bred by Rachel Ehrlich
2-Yr-Old Colts –
Marcato MG (KWPN by Hennessy) owned and bred by Kathy Hickerson
Yearling Colts –
Sorens Secret (Oldenburg by Secret) owned and bred by Cara Kettenbach
Yearling Fillies –
Zaphira (KWPN by Blue Hors Zackery) owned and bred by Anke Ott-Young
Left bottom: Fleur De Niro owned by Anke Ott-Young Middle bottom: Myristica owned by Selene White Top right: Davina ggf owned by Rachel Ehrlich Middle right: Karrington MG owned by Kathy HIckerson Bottom right: D'OBrigado ggf owned by Rachel Ehrlich Nov/Dec 2019 NEDA.ORG
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H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H HH H HH H HH H H SPORT HORSE NEWS - cont’d
And the Winners are...
Top 6 Horses Received $5,400 in Futurity Awards! A highlight of the NEDA Breed Show and New England Series Championship is the $5400 Futurity awards given to the top 6 horses of the show (scores from their age classes) that are sired from stallions donated in our NEDA Stallion Auction. Prize money is awarded to the Owner, Breeder and Stallion Owner. This award is given at our awards ceremony at the NEDA Competitor Dinner Friday evening and the horse must be present to win. Congratulations to our winners and thank you to all the stallion owners who donate in our annual NEDA Stallion Service Auction.
Congratulations 1. 81.625% Marcato MG (2yo KWPN colt by Hennessy) owned and bred by Kathy Hickerson - $700. Sire owner: VDL Stud/Verhagen Sporthorse - $350
2. 80.350% Novarette MG (1yo KWPN filly by Hennessy) owned and bred by Kathy Hickerson - $600. Sire owner: VDL Stud/Verhagen Sporthorse - $300 3. 79.550% Dribaldi AVF (under 1 Hanoverian colt by Devon Heir) owned and bred by Anke Ott-Young - $500. Sire owner: Terry Mason-Esteban - $250
4. 79.325% Enchanted Summer (under 1 Friesian filly by Mento FOM) owned and bred by Angela Rice - $400. Sire owner: Lisa Trum-Searah - $200 5. 78.975% Sullivan WHF (under 1 Hanoverian colt by Schroeder) owned and bred by Hillary Andrews - $300. Sire owner: Kathy Hickerson - $150 6. 78.000% Namaste HMF (1yo KWPN gelding by Olivi) owned and bred by Elizabeth Preston - $200. Sire owner: Beth Mitchell - $100 18 TIP OF THE HAT
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Top: Marcado MG owned by Kathy Hickerson. Photo: Carole MacDonald Bottom: Enchanted Summer owned by Angela RIce. Photo: Diane Holston
AWARDS
Congratulations 2019 USDF GMO Award Winners Diane Holston
Kristen Becker
Sophia Chavonelle
Stanley Horton
Best Amateur Photograph
Newsletter Awards First Person Experience
General Interest/ Informational Article
Volunteer of the Year
GMOs with 500 or more members
FIRST PLACE
New England Dressage Association A Tip of the Hat August 2019 Photographer
c
GMOs with 500 or more members
HONORABLE MENTION New England Dressage Association A Tip of the Hat January 2019 Ode to Zoomie!
c
FIRST PLACE
New England Dressage Association A Tip of the Hat November/December 2018 Charlotte Dujardin Symposium
c
Regional GMO
Region 8
Glenville, NY – Eastern New York Dressage & Combined Training Association
c
ThankYou for making us look GREAT! Nov/Dec 2019 NEDA.ORG
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CURRENT NEWS
EqUINE LEMON LAW Pending in Massachusetts Learn About – And Help Pass - House Bill 845 BY LISA KEER CARUSONE
When you think about your friends in the horse community, what comes to mind?
Great rides and horses of a lifetime, right?
But what about that friend of yours who bought the horse that didn't work out, the horse that turned out to be a lemon?
That's what passing Massachusetts House Bill 845 will prevent. Find out what you need to know about the bill, its current status and how you – as a Massachusetts resident - can take action.
H 845 - What You Need to Know Massachusetts is known for strong consumer protection laws, including a pet lemon law. However, the only consumer protection that applies to horse sales is when those sales are made through a licensed horse dealer or at a licensed horse auction.
Private sales, which constitute the majority of horse sales in the state, are unregulated. So when you buy your next prospect through a private sale, none of the state’s consumer protection regulations apply or protect you should the horse you buy turn out to be a lemon.
Massachusetts House Bill 845: An Act Regulating the Sale and Purchase of Horses is designed to close existing gaps in state consumer protection laws and protect equestrians who buy horses in Massachusetts. Three states, Florida, Kentucky and California, all with robust horse sales markets, have equine laws similar to H 845 in place. 20 TIP OF THE HAT
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H 845 also addresses other key issues that the term lemon law may not immediately bring to mind. One is dual agency. Here, a single individual represents both buyer and seller in a horse sale yet does not disclose his or her status to either party, thereby reducing the transparency of the transaction. The second is that in the case of equine sales gone wrong, Massachusetts courts typically default to caveat emptor – buyer beware. H 845 provides much needed guidance to our courts. It may also reduce the number of cases going to court.
About this Bill Introduced into legislation by Representative Alice Hanlon Peisch (14th Norfolk) in January 2019, H 845 was referred to the Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture. The bill had an initial hearing on September 10, 2019. It is currently with the Joint Committee, which has until February 2020, to vote on advancing the bill, or letting it die in committee. Here is the language of H 845: *Section 45 of chapter 129 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2016 Official Edition, is hereby amended by inserting the following new section at the end thereof: -
Section 45A. The Department of Agricultural Resources in conjunction with the Attorney General shall examine the conditions surrounding the sale and purchase of horses and shall adopt regulations to prevent unfair or deceptive trade practices. The department shall promulgate regulations ensuring the consumer is protected in the purchase of a horse. Said regulations shall include, at least; the disclosure of the legal owner and buyer of the horse and any dual agency to the buyer and seller; the disclosure of relevant medical conditions, defects, and surgeries; the conduct or alterations that could affect the performance of a horse; and the need for a written bill of sale.
What Can I Do to Help? Take Action! As a Massachusetts resident and equestrian, here’s how you can support House Bill 845:
Email or call your Massachusetts House representative, and let your representative know that you support this bill. Ask for his or her support. Not sure who represents you? Use this link to find out: https://malegislature.gov/search/findmylegislator
LEMON LAW - cont’d
And, ask your representative to contact Rep. Smitty Pignatelli (4th Berkshire), the House chair of the Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture. Ask your representative to express support for this bill to Rep. Pignatelli.
Here is sample language you can use in crafting your email: Dear Rep. My District:
As one of your constituents, I ask for your support of House Bill 845 - An Act Regulating the Sale and Purchase of Horses.
This bill was introduced by Rep. Alice Hanlon Peisch (14th Norfolk). It was heard by the Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture on September 10, 2019.
I would appreciate it if you would contact Rep. Smitty Pignatelli (4th Berkshire), Chair of the Joint Committee directly, and indicate your support for this bill. Massachusetts does not have specific law(s), statutes, or administrative oversight governing horse sales unless conducted by a horse dealer and/or through an auction. The vast majority of horse sales in our state are private sales, so consumers are unprotected.
Our state’s pet lemon law does not cover horses. And the Uniform Commercial Code does not fully address the range of unfair or deceptive trade practices related to the sale and purchase of horses. H 845 closes those gaps.
Court decisions regarding equine sales gone wrong typically default to caveat emptor – buyer beware. H 845 provides much needed guidance to our courts. It may also reduce the number of cases going to court.
As an avid equestrian, I believe House Bill 845 provides essential consumer protections not currently available, encourages equestrians to buy with confidence in ours state, and is worthy of your support.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Your Name
Your Street
Your Town, State, ZIP
For more information on H 845 and the effort to help pass this bill, visit www.PassMassH845.com. Or follow us on Facebook at Pass Mass Equine Lemon Law HB 845.
NEDA Educational Scholarships ~ Don’t Miss the Deadline! NEDA members please take note -
Scholarships are currently available for qualified applicants... that could be you!
The next deadline for scholarship applications is April 1st! To receive an application or an informational brochure about the Scholarship Program. Go to: http://www.neda.org/?page=SCHMAIN Samantha Williams Scholarship Chairman
9 Nags Head Rd, Ipswich MA 01938 Phone: (413)297-2384
E-mail: scholarships@neda.org
Nov/Dec 2019 NEDA.ORG
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NEDA PARTNERS IN EDUCATION NEWS Formerly Education Outreach
JJ Tate @ Puckerbrush Farm uckerbrush Farm (with the support of the New England Dressage Association, The Maine Dressage Society and Eastern Maine Dressage Association) was lucky enough to host a weekend clinic with JJ Tate on September 7th and 8th.
J
This was a fantastic clinic. JJ taught 11 lessons per day ranging from Training to FEI Level and brought the same energy, enthusiasm and exceptional skill from beginning to end. This clinic also brought out a large group of auditors. It was wonderful at times to see nearly 30 people in the stands watching and learning throughout the weekend.
JJ’s teaching style brought a lot of humor to the weekend as well as bringing significant improvement to every horse and rider pair. She encouraged participants to try to keep the horse balanced in front of the tailbone, between the seat bones and stabilized with the core. She also wanted us to think of our seat bones like flashlight beams and point those beams toward the place we want the horses back feet to land.
This clinic was spectacular and the participants are looking forward to hosting JJ again in the near future!
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Retail store: Mon. - Sat. Online 24/7 PROUDLY SERVING EQUESTRIANS FOR 33 YEARS!
508-835-2773
67 West Boylston St, Unit 1 West Boylston, MA 01583
WWW.TRIPLECROWNTACK.COM
“
W hat I learned last winter: BY JULIE HOOGEVEEN
Riding in the Moment
What does it mean to “Ride in the moment?” It is probably one of the most important lessons I’ve learned so far in becoming a FEI rider. It means giving the right aid in the right amount at exactly the right moment. It requires being steady in your hands, and quiet in your seat, and tuned in with the horse. And being quick: Quick to help the horse and quick to correct him, if needed. The idea is to fix a potential problem early, when it’s small and by making small adjustments, prevent it from becoming bigger.
“
MEMBER HIGHLIGHT
So what kind of changes have I made? Well, I had to find my legs for one. I had been underutilizing them Did you know you are supposed to use your legs every stride? Well, I wasn’t. Sure, I used them on transitions and when I wanted the horse to put more oomph into it, but a little all the time? That was a new one on me. So, I tried it…And I had too big an aid at first. (You know you have too much leg when your horse blasts forward and your half halt doesn’t work!) It takes a while to get the right touch. Then you have to be adjustable-- stride for stride, depending on what’s needed-- A little more or a little less. And of course, you have to apply your leg in the rhythm of the gait, enhancing the horse’s rhythm.
Then there were my hands and the half halt. I needed to be quicker and not hold. Did you know that if you pat your horse after the half halt you won’t be holding? I liked that one. And my horse liked it too! Interestingly like the leg, the half halt seems to happen more in upper level riding. Again, every stride kind of thing and again, “little.” Before I had used my half halt a lot like my high school English teacher talked about my use of commas, “Sprinkled here and there” when I thought I needed one. And how many kinds of half halt are there? The rebalancing kind, the collecting kind, the upward “no diving” kind. I’m sure a grand prix rider has about 25 different half halts. I’m working on my list. But they all have one thing in common, they start and stop quickly. They can be different strengths, but they all need to be at the second that you need it, in the rhythm of the gait, and then stop.
And last, but most importantly is the seat. It’s been in boot camp too. Learning to sit. Butt down in the saddle no matter what the horse is doing. Maintaining the position. Keeping the upper body still and as I like to say “Charlotte-like.” This has been a big challenge for me in canter. As both me and my horse have been rockers. But did you know that “the seat” in dressage is more than just your butt? It’s the thighs, pelvis, core, chest, shoulders all those things that need to sit still so your arms and legs can give clear and independent aids at guess when—the right moment!
Julie on Renzi. Photo: Jen Dillon
In the moment riding means you do not ride by habit, you ride based on what your horse needs right now. For instance, you cannot say, “I always start my half pass from shoulder-in.” Because, although correct, that may not be what’s needed in the moment. You need to know what perfect looks like then aspire to it. Use your aids with this in mind and work with what you have right now. Don’t think about how your horse’s half pass was yesterday. Respond to what you feel now and do the things that you know will make it better. Maybe it’s a little more bend, a little more haunches, a little more shoulder, a half halt, or a little more forward. And remember that keeps changing stride to stride! Julie Hoogeveen is a USDF Bronze and Silver Medalist training with Gwyneth McPherson at Forward Thinking Dressage in Gray, ME. She is a 2018-19 AA NEDA Scholarship Recipient. She has two horses Lorenzo III a 20 year old Dutch Warmblood and Grand Irishman a 14 year old Connemara-TB. Nov/Dec 2019 NEDA.ORG
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DRESSAGE FOUNDATION NEWS
Young Rider
Meeting with Carl Hester and Katherine Bateson-Chandler!
I N T E R N A T I O N A L
DREAM
Program
BY SOPHIA CHAVONELLE
fter about 18 hours of travel, we finally arrived in Aachen on Tuesday afternoon. As the dressage competition had not yet started, we took this first day to explore the city. Full of cathedrals and churches and towers, Aachen was a very beautiful, old city; all of the shops’ windows were decorated for “CHIO,” with dancing horses, German flags, and the Aachen logo. Each morning, we woke up early for breakfast in the Hotel Lousberg, where our host always greeted us, offering “three cappuccinos and one tea, ja?” Then we were off to the competition. In between watching top-notch riding in the classes, we got to meet with dozens of industry professionals from around the world.
A
The judges we met all seemed to agree on a few key points. First, no one gets into judging for the money, but for the knowledge and experience that comes with traveling around the world and watching some of the best horses and riders compete. Second, Charlotte Dujardin is the most elegant and correct rider any of them have seen; she is one to emulate! Third, the joy they find in judging all combinations; while these spectacular 80%+ rides at Aachen are exciting to watch, beautifully harmonious rides where pairs perform as one being can be just as thrilling, no matter the level.
To the trainers and coaches, keeping a positive mindset was a huge point. Katherine Bateson-Chandler urged us to “tell your horse he’s a genius! If you really believe that they are, they can come to believe it, too.” Bringing a positive attitude to the arena every day can greatly affect the success of your horse and help you to achieve the best with what you’ve got. Carl Hester was quick to note that there is always going to be someone with a better horse, and “it is our job as riders to make our horses into the best versions of themselves.” Consistency is key to success; finding your path and sticking
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We were ready for CHIO!
to it is crucial. When navigating the highs and lows of this sport, mental fitness is just as vital as your (or your horse’s) physical fitness.
Our time at Aachen was sincerely amazing. We met dozens of the top riders, trainers, and industry professionals in our sport who were all incredibly generous with their time. The atmosphere, the professionalism, the knowledgeable spectators, the top quality of horses, and the history of horses in Aachen are just a few of the many factors that made this event so special. We watched hours upon hours of top-quality riding, sitting between a knowledgeable trainer and judge, in a crowd of thousands of true dressage fans, from every age and all walks of life. Watching our home riders compete in the prestigious World Equestrian Festival left us with a great feeling of pride as well as a desire to attain the same experience. The atmosphere of a full stadium clapping in unison as riders took their victory gallop was indescribable, one that we hope to experience again as riders in the future. It was a week that none of us will ever forget and we will be forever grateful to the Dressage Foundation and its donors for sending us on this journey. Thank you!
D DRES N A S E AG
KID S
YOUTH NEWS
Build it
and they will come BY HOLLIE MCNEIL
eople of a certain age will recall the 80's movie with Kevin Costner that brought us the phrase “build it and they will come.” The movie was about the improbable success of a baseball field in an Iowa cornfield. Fanciful concept or not, there is truth that we can find something we didn't even know we were looking for when opportunities present themselves.
P
Does the “build it and they will come” philosophy extend to dressage? No doubt, some horse loving person can discover dressage on their own. Quite often though, it's a student who arrives at a barn not knowing much about the sport. Their passion and love for dressage started with the seed planted by riding in a basic lesson program.
A growing segment of dressage is the youth competitor. There's a saying that without a base there is no top and the sport is certainly stronger with a vibrant, solid base. When you look at all the big names in dressage you know they didn't just arrive in the big leagues. Laura Graves is a perfect example. A rider from a very early age, Laura was just 15 years old when she bought a foal in Europe. That foal is Verdades, her Olympic partner. As Laura or anyone else at the top of their game will tell you, dressage takes
Top: Julia Houser and Rainmaker. Photo: Hollie McNeil Middle: Lendon Gray and Merritt Perkins. Photo: Hollie McNeil Bottom: Youth Dressage Festival. Photo: Don Espey
Continued →
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DRESSAGE4KIDS - cont’d
years to learn (some say two lifetimes) and that means world-class riders really need to start out as youngsters.
There's an argument that dressage is not a sport for kids. They want jumping and adrenaline filled sports like eventing. However, evidence abounds that kids actually like dressage and can be quite serious even at a young age. For proof, look no further than the non-profit organization Dressage4Kids. D4K was started in 1998 as the brainchild of two-time Olympic Champion Lendon Gray. Its mission, “to encourage riders under 21 to become true horsemen; to offer scholarships; to develop good sportsmanship; to support programs for adults who in turn educate youth; and to have fun.” In twenty plus years D4K has gone from hosting the annual Youth Dressage Festival, to having YDF events in various parts of the country, developing TEAM (Training, Education & Mentoring) clinics, WEP (Weekend Education Program), WIT (Winter Intensive Training), and many more programs.
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Lendon Gray and her team of supporters have hit a home run with the “build it and they will come” concept. Can a grassroots barn grab onto the coattails of D4K? The answer is yes and here are some proven paths to success.
A barn with a lesson program in place has the basic ingredients; kids and horses. To introduce competitive dressage try organizing a low-key schooling show. Making it as inclusive as possible will get the best results. So often, the biggest barrier to getting kids involved is the lack of a horse. A good solution is to have them ride school horses or borrowed horses from boarders or friends.
Once these young riders are hooked a fun next step is to form an actual team. The team can have “practices,” take road trips to audit clinics, and go to big dressage shows as spectators. Kids love getting team shirts, jackets, hats, and saddle pads. Many teams that were formed in this method make a goal of participating in the annual Lendon Gray
Youth Dressage Festival. It's the perfect event to help focus their dressage education by defining a very attainable goal. The beauty of the three-part competition of dressage test, equitation class, and written test is that it's an equalizer for the grassroots farm. Knowledge counts as much as a nice dressage test. A well-positioned, functional rider on a basic school horse can still do extremely well.
That small group of riders that started on schoolies can grow into a big group of very serious-minded dressage riders in no time at all. Soon enough the kids will be wanting their own horses and will want to attend recognized shows and climb the dressage ladder. From grassroots barns to the Olympics: build it and they will come. Hollie is the author of 40 Fundamentals of English Riding & Owner/Trainer of Riding Right Farm in South Cambridge, NY.
MEMBER NEWS
BY MEGAN TURSI
I
am a 16-year-old, Region 8, Junior Young Rider. I have always had a passion for horseback riding. I started what I thought would be a hobby when I was 5 years old, not knowing how this sport would change my life. Since then, I continued to practice and take lessons weekly and went to my first competition when I was just 7 years old. When I was 10, my trainer, Jannike Gray, put me on her old show pony, My Blew Angel, thinking it would be a good horse for me to learn on. No one imagined that years later, not only would I still be with Angel, but she would officially become mine as well as becoming fourth in the country at the FEI pony national championships.
Megan Tursi. Photo: Susan Stickle
The road to Lamplight Equestrian Center’s USEF Festival of Championships was a long and stressful journey, but the outcome surpassed my expectations. It was a bit of a last-minute decision to go into FEI pony, so I ended up only having three competitions to qualify. Every time Angel went out into a qualifying test, she gave it her all, and I couldn’t be happier with her performances. We were able to achieve all our qualifying scores.
With the USEF Dressage National Championships quickly coming up, I was getting nervous. Not only was this the first time I ever sought qualifying scores (besides the NEDA fall festival), it was my first time attending a national championship. When the day came to put the horses onto the shipping trailer for their long 13hour journey to Wayne, Illinois, my nerves turned into excitement knowing that the time was finally here. Angel walked right onto the big trailer and was off. We took a plane early the next morning and met up with the horses. I think I was more overwhelmed then I imagined when I got there. Not only did the main arena with the surrounding seating, multiple judging booths, and scoreboard seem intimidating, there was a large amount of beautiful and talented horses already schooling in the rings.
Finally, when the days of competition came, I started off more excited than I would have thought. Angel was being her perfect self in the warmup which gave me a lot more confidence. By the time it was my turn, I convinced myself that I was ready. Next, I entered Continued →
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MEMBER NEWS - cont’d
the arena entrance and up came all my nerves. As I said before, the arena seemed very intimidating. It was the biggest and fanciest arena I have ever shown in. Not only that but it was my first time competing live on the USEF network. But when the bell rang and I cantered up the centerline, I forgot about everything around me, the arena wasn’t intimidating to me anymore, my focus was placed on the test and on Angel. She was on my aids and you could tell Angel was having a lot of fun (it's always amazing to work with a horse that absolutely loves their job). Going up the final centerline, I couldn’t help but smile. I completed my first national test. Angel was focused the entire time and was overall, a clean test.
When all the ponies gathered for the final award ceremony, I was ecstatic at how well we competed. Angel and I came in fourth in the country.
I learned so much from this experience. I never have been in such a competitive atmosphere. I believe I learned more on the ground then when I was actually riding. I learned how to cope with my nerves and anxiety. To the many young riders out there like myself who are looking to grow and learn in the dressage world, I think the best way to learn is to attend the shows, watch what goes on, and meet experienced people. By seeing how they perform, teaches me and anyone else interested a lot about the higher levels and what to strive for. Of course, none of this would be possible without my amazing parents, trainer, and many other people who helped me along the way. I couldn’t be more grateful for this experience and the many more I am hoping to have in the future.
Before the FEI pony tests, I had the honor of receiving a NEDA youth scholarship. With this scholarship, I was able to attend a total of seven clinics from different people around New England. I was able to ride and attend seminars to continue my training with trainers I never I would have had the opportunity to without the scholarship. I highly recommend applying for this scholarship to everyone in the region. I am so thankful for NEDA for the endless support. They go above and beyond to help the committed youth dressage riders who are looking to get better.
NEDA CALENDAR 2019 DATE
DEC. 7
8
EVENT DESCRIPTION
Become a NEDA Volunteer
**Partners in Education Program events offer special discounts to NEDA members** (Highlighted in yellow)
Check out www.NEDA.org and click on Support NEDA
LOCATION
RER Ponies, Hatfield, MA
Uphill Dressage Center, Salt Point, NY
Like to see your event listed here? Email edpartners1@neda.org for more info!
Check www.neda.org for updates!
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Join us and become the engine for New England Dressage.
Be sure to check the NEDA CALENDAR website page for full calendar listings including prize lists, updated and additional information.
▲ Gwyneth McPherson Clinic*
▲ Freestyle Clinic w/Ann Guptill*
Megan Tursi. Photo: Susan Stickle
OBITUARY
Verne E. Batchelder WILLISTON, FL —
Verne E. Batchelder, born June 23, 1953 in Woodsville, N.H. succumbed to a cardiac event over the weekend of October 18th while on a business trip in Ogunquit, Maine.
Verne grew up in Fairlee, Vermont one of six siblings born to dairy farmers Verne C. Batchelder and Kathryn George. He attended Fairlee Elementary, Bradford Academy and the University of Vermont.
Verne taught math and sciences for seventeen years at Thetford Academy, simultaneously developing a herd of quality Holstein cattle. Verne claimed to be a farmer first, embracing animal husbandry and care of the land. He made hay from childhood until close to his death. However, from childhood horses were his passion. He always had them and selling his cattle herd in the early eighties allowed him to purchase the Piermont, N. H. property that would become River House Hanoverians. From this base, Verne continued his riding education with various horse masters and Olympians.
Verne attended an equine breeding techniques program at the University of Colorado and traveled to Germany many times to improve his knowledge of bloodlines. He and his family developed a nationally known breeding program: standing stallions, raising and training young horses and teaching lessons to aspiring riders. He im-
The family is establishing a grant in Verne’s name, through the Dressage Foundation, to support educational opportunities for riding teachers.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating at dressagefoundation.org/support/, please write “In memory of Verne Batchelder” in the special notes box. Alternatively, you can call the US Dressage Foundation at 402-434-8585.
ported over 200 Hanoverian horses for US breeding and riding.
The farm was eventually moved to Williston, Fl becoming a base for his clinic travels, sometimes teaching riding twenty or more days a month. Verne was a sought-after clinician attending some sites for more than thirty years. His students loved him, his caring and his humor.
Verne was a USDF bronze and silver medalist having shown success with a variety of horses. In later years he was a breed inspection judge for the American Hanoverian Society. He has many friends and colleagues throughout the United States as well as Germany.
Verne was very proud of his daughters and sang their praises to all who listened. He is survived by his wife and helpmate of fortyone years, Jeanie Hahn and daughters Emma Batchelder, a nurse anesthetist living in Denver Colorado, and Nora Batchelder a successful equestrian who recently represented the USA at the Pan American Games in Lima, Peru.
Verne had traveled to Maine to take a few days off in between clinics to enjoy the beautiful New England fall. He was moved by the beauty and posted this poignant and moving message on Facebook, just before a heart attack took his life. Now the single red maple leaf as well as photos and tributes with friends and students wearing his signature mustache continue to honor him. “Having the privilege of spending some time in New England doing my clinic tour. The fall foliage is spectacular this year. I have taken many pics of scenic vistas to share with my southern friends. I was going to join the crowd and post some here. However instead I found this vibrant single leaf to share. It is truly special, yet it came from the same tree, the same hillside view that stops cars with out of state plates to click pics. All of those multi-colored leaves came from the same roots, the same soil, the same nutrients, absorbed the same sunshine yet the billions of them end up with a stunning variation of colors that makes us all stop and admire the variety. I look at the people of this planet with the same awe. We have shared all of the above yet come out in different shades of color. But together we have a chance to make a beautiful view. One leaf at a time.”
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REGION 8 NEWS ur most recent regional meeting was done by conference call on October 1st and was very productive; we had several reports and discussed a lot of ideas and projects. Thank you NEDA for providing the phone! Other discussions were on funds raised for the PM Delegates. While Kate and Linda did a great job, they need help. Each of the PM delegates who benefit from receiving funds needs to do something towards the fund raising, such as find items for the silent auction, help with the silent auction or simply come up with another fund raiser.
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In less than two days, I am leaving for the US Dressage Finals. We have about the same number of riders this year as compared to last year, and we will cheer our riders on. We will especially cheer those
selected for the Region’s Cup. Again our region’s riders will be given a hat and saddle pad with a wonderful Region 8 logo on them. A big thank you needs to go to Lisa Valone for helping with the cost of the saddle pads. Meanwhile, come help me cheer Region 8!
Go Region 8!
As the year winds down, I hope you have done your year-end awards with your GMO and will be attending those banquets. The winter gives us all time to rejuvenate and an opportunity to read and attend educational seminars. GMOs, you should be doing unmounted educational days, or training of volunteers such as scribes and stewards. Be creative. If you need ideas, we have several USDF Certified Instructors in our region who can certainly come up with ideas for you.
Next month’s newsletter will be a short report on the US Dressage Finals and then it’s off to the convention. See you on the Centerline…
Debra Reinhardt
USDF Region 8 Director
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