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2019 Contenders

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From Center Ring with Youth Nationals Judge Todd Hickerson

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Finding a Lesson Program

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Disciplines Defined

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Relationships Unbridled with Doug & Kristi Stewart

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From Center Ring with Youth Nationals Judge Todd Hickerson What is something that stands out to you in a Hunter Pleasure horse/ rider?

I love to see a horse and rider that flow around the arena smoothly.

Nice cadenced, athletic stride from a well balanced horse that is not labored in his motion and a rider that makes it look easy.

What characteristics differentiate an English Pleasure Horse from a Country Pleasure Horse?

Easy vs animated. A Country horse should have an easy, pleasant way of going without appearing edgy. An English Pleasure horse will look like he/she is giving their all and appear animated. I think of a Country horse like a Mercedes and an English horse like a Ferrari. Ideally both will present as if they enjoy their job!

In Western Pleasure, explain the importance of maintaining a connection with your horse?

It is very important for there to be a good connection between horse and rider. Even though the contact may be super light, the rider should always be in control and be able to navigate the horse without it appearing intimidated.

What is something you would like to see more of at the local level to promote the Arabian breed?

We need more access to the breed for the general public. Events that are both welcoming and entertaining. Show people why the Arabian horse is such an amzing breed.

What is the most valuable lesson our youth riders gain from competing at the Regional & National level?

Experience, confidence and humility. It is great for our riders to compete at the highest levels possible to push themselves; to go outside their comfort zone and see what they are capable of.

Every rider comes back from a national level show a significantly improved rider.

“How do I find the right place to begin taking lessons?” It is the most important journey when starting with the Arabian Horse.

Unfortunately, there is not on answer that makes a place the right choice, but a combination of things. This guide will help you in finding the right facility to meet your personal equine goals and dreams.

Choosing the right lesson program

By Elizabeth Pizzonia

First ask yourself, “What am I trying to accomplish?”

Are you looking to become an expert showman or do you enjoy recreational riding. Whatever your direction choose a facility that fits the needs of your own personal goals.

The Instructor A friendly, welcoming environment is key. Learning to ride is an enjoyable adventure andn you wan to make sure you enjoy the process, and you are encouraged to reach your goals. Make sure that there are opportunities to advance your skills, which is very important to your success as a rider. Take the time to go out and observe a lesson. Is the instructor attentive to his/ her student, do they communicate in an effective way, and is the rider properly suited to the horse. Instructors have many ways of teaching make sure the instructor you choose teaches in a way that resonates with you as a rider. Often good riding instructors will have positive feedback and referrals. With any succesful riding program, it is critical to teach riders from the ground up. Remember, horses are not soccer balls that you can just stick in the corner until your ready to play with again. To become a successful horseman/woman it is essential you learn how to completely care for your horse. Look for a program that will teach you the entire skills of caring for a horse, not one that just skips to the riding.

Tour the Facility Something very important to every new rider is what kind of facility is offering riding lessons near you? Is this a professional equine program promoting lessons? How long have they been in business? What does there facility look like at a a glance, well cared for? Or sloppy and disorganized. Make sure there is a set arena for lessons and not an open field. Does the facility provide equestrian approved helmets, and what are the clothing requirements to ride. A beginner will not advance appropriately unless they are in a safe area to ride.

Observe Students with Lesson Horses Often the horse are the real instructors. When touring a facility observe the horses in there stalls, ask yourself to they appear to be well taken care, well nourish in a clean and safe environment.

Observe regular lesson students around the horses. Are they well behaved? Do they stand quietly while grooming? Are they well behaved during the lesson? The horses in a lesson program are a huge part of the learning process, a great lesson horse will help a rider with confidence and advance them properly.

Ask What Type of Lessons are Offered Are group or private lessons available? Private lessons are great for one on one learning and normally produce the quickest results. Group lessons can be a fun way to learn with others while keeping riding more cost effective. Talk with potential instructor to see what they think is right for you and your personal goals. Ask how long lessons are and what portion is dedicated to learning how to care for a horse. Remember that riding is a commitment and often takes several lessons to get the hang off.

Visit some of these lesson programs for further information Mike & Gretchen McDaniel www.mcdanieltraining.com Tamara Collins www.earthquakearabians.com Reno Tahoe Equestrian Center www.renotahoearabians.com Patti Belanger www.pjbarabians.net Donna Waggoner www.hiddengemfarms.com Tammy McDonald Training www.tammymcdonaldtraining.com Hickerson Arabians www.hickersonarabians.com

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Relationships Unbridled with Doug & Kristi Stewart 1. What’s your spirit animal?

Kristi: I know this because it was discussed around a camp fire in Pendleton once upon a time: Black Panther, because it’s the only big cat that kills for fun, not just food.

Kristi about Doug: Black Lab 2. If you were on Survivor, what’s the one luxury item you could take?

Kristi: Lotion. I have bad skin.

Kristi about Doug: Knife, so he can kill things and feed us.

3. What would you do if you didn’t train horses?

Kristi: My job as a horse trainer has taught me two things I could be good at: therapist or event planner.

Kristi about Doug: hunting guide 4. What’s your Top 3 favorite movies?

Kristi: Gladiator, Dances With Wolves, Man From Snowy River Kristi about Doug: Any hunting show, Tombstone, Unbranded 5. If you could have one Superpower, what would it be?

Kristi: to fly.

Kristi about Doug: Never grow old.

1. What’s your spirit animal?

Doug: Labrador Retriever Doug about Kristi: Black Panther 2. If you were on Survivor, what’s the one luxury item you could take?

Doug: Survival Knife Doug about Kristi: Lotion 3. What would you do if you didn’t train horses?

Doug: Real Estate Agent Doug about Kristi: Phycologist or psychiatrist 4. What’s your Top 3 favorite movies?

Doug: Lonesome Dove, Talladega Nights, Jeremiah Johnson Doug about Kristi: What’s Eating Gilbert Grape, Goonies, Seabiscuit 5. If you could have one Superpower, what would it be?

Doug: Turn things to ice Doug about Kristi: Throw fireballs

The Disciplines Defined

English Pleasure The Arabian English Pleasure horse demonstrates animated, exhilarating strides, with impulsion and expression. These fine horses combine their athleticism with grace and style of the typical Arabian horse.

Driving Drivers skillfully maneuver their horses around the arena while performing the trot and strong strot with fluid motion that is smooth and soft. The beautiful combination of an Arabian horse and the elegant fine harness equipment makes the discipline a crowd favorite.

Show Hack Combining the precision of dressage and the brilliance of the Arabian horse reulsts in a class that can only be described as elegant. This discipline has its roots in classical movements of the collected and extended gaits.

All movements are natural which amply demonstrates the Arabian’s versatility.

Halter Each horse is judged comparatively on their correctness, Arabian type and movement. The halter horse is shown in hand where his or her natural qualities are captured in

the entrance and presentation. Conformation, type and movement are taken in to consideration in the judging process.

Hunter The hunter horse should cover ground in a cadenced, smooth and effortless stride. He or she should appear as a pleasure to ride with a correct and balanced frame. The hunter pleasure horse should not be animated but should show their natural arabian type.

Western A western pleasure horse is calm, willing, has an obedient attitude with smooth, soft gaits and is happy and content to do it’s job. They are ideal for sitting in the saddle all day. Although the horses are shown with light contact, rider’s should have complete control over their horses body, head and speed; this is what makes western one of the most beautiful and most difficult divisions.

Native Costume The beauty of the Arabian horse and the colorful heritage of the costumes make this one of the most exciting and popular classes to watch at a show. Representative of the historic Arabians in the traditional Arabic costumes worn in the desert.