First and foremost, THANK YOU! No matter what role you played in the show; competitor, volunteer, judge, Technical Delegate, Manager, Secretary, you helped make the show a success!
While chaotic at times, I enjoyed every second of it and look forward to doing it all again next year This was the first year I have stepped in to be the S ecretary for our annual Memorial Day Weekend show. It was also my first time as S ecretary for a breed show. There was a learning curve with the breed show, and I sincerely appreciate those experienced individuals who reached out, gave me advice, and pointed me in the right direction. There is a lot riding (pun intended) on the success of our shows for all involved and knowing that people feel they can approach me and give advice and constructive feedback really makes me feel part of the community.
It was great to see so many of our members succeeding in their goals. I look forward to seeing this show grow in the future.
The CBLM Championships are only 3 short months away! Labor Day Weekend will be here before we know it and then it will be time to celebrate everyone’s success with a Hawaiian themed show. So get your grass skirts, leis, and coconuts ready! I’m excited to see everyone there.
grants@esdcta.org horselover8968@gmail com newsletter@esdcta.org nominations@esdcta.org nominations@esdcta.org
Ashley Mucha results@esdcta.org
CROSS COUNTRY...
News Across Our Region
COMMUNITY NEWS
If you’re reading this, you are probably a member of ESDCTA, but I’m sure you know of someone who rides dressage or events who is not a member. You know all about the wonderful things offered like educational programs, clinics with big name trainers, horse shows, year-end awards, and not least, that sense of being part of a community of likeminded people. The more members ESDCTA has, the better the programs we can offer. Our membership numbers are also important considerations when state and local governments decide on legislature that affects us (like open space), and we advocate for our sports (We helped get better footing at the HPNJ). Please reach out to your equestrian buddies and tell them about all of the benefits of membership and have them sign up. The more the merrier!
WHAT’S YOUR TALENT??
Let us know what you would like to help us with in 2025. All skills and interests wanted. Have an idea? We want to hear about it. Remember, this club is what YOU make it. Contact president@esdcta.org if you are interested.
NEWSLETTER COMMITTEE
Have a great article that you would like to share?
Please send article to: Meredith Rogers: newsletter@esdcta.org All submissions are due by the 15th of the month. Due to space considerations, the editor reserves the right to edit submitted articles. If necessary, articles will be edited and returned for your review. AND YOU GET VOLUNTEER HOUR FOR EACH STORY!
Milestone
Please Contact this newsletter if you know any ESDCTA members who have achieved any Milestones. Success at a show, regional/national/international award, new horse, or anything else you want to celebrate.
e-mail: newsletter@esdcta.org
MEMBERSHIP QUESTIONS
For membership questions including updating physical or e-mail addresses please contact: Heidi Lemack membership@esdcta.org
Deadline: 15th of prior month Email: newsletter@esdcta.org
Please have electronic ads in Adobe PDF or .jpg format You will receive an invoice for ad via email.
Email: treasurer@esdcta.org
Amateur Dilemma
By Meredith Rogers
“Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.” – John F. Kennedy (35th President)
The same can be said about your local GMO, which is us, ESDCTA (and LVDA). I had the pleasure to volunteer one day at ESDCTA’s Memorial Weekend show. I ended up scribing for two great judges who made my time both fun and educational. However, we were short-staffed, not that the competitors knew that. We did everything in our power to have the show run on schedule, and get accurate scores posted in a timely manner. I admit, we failed at the former with respect to the breed show, which ran more than an hour behind. Why? The short answer is the lack of volunteers. For those of you who don’t know how show days go, here’s a short overview along with some of the issues we faced at this particular show.
Let’s start with the first ride of the day. A judge is sitting at C, next to a scribe (volunteer) who records the scores and comments either using paper test sheets or electronically on a laptop or tablet. There’s a ring steward (volunteer) at the warm-up, helping to ensure that the right rider is headed down to the right show ring at the right time (although it is the competitor’s ultimate responsibility). There’s a ring steward (volunteer) at the in gate making sure riders are crossing paths appropriately (rider #2 isn’t
entering the ring before rider #1’s final halt-salute). The ring steward is also there if there are any issues, which there are often, and to answer competitor questions (“Who am I after?”). For this show, we used electronic scoring for the performance division and the ring steward needed to radio to the main office a few times, such as when a rider was added to take the place of a scratch. For the breed show, we used paper scoring sheets and needed additional help in the form of a runner (volunteer) who takes the sheet from the scribe and gives it to a scorer (volunteer), who then does the math on a calculator (or her phone when the calculator seized up) to get the final score. We were short a runner, so test sheets got held up with the scribe, which means placing the classes got delayed, which dominoed as the day went on. Oh wait, a show also needs an announcer who not only broadcasts the winners but also updates everyone about whatever they need to know about (eg, green car with CT plates left its lights on). That means, for each ring, we need between 5 and 6 people ALL DAY.
I get it. We are all pulled in so many directions that giving up a weekend day or even a half-weekend day seems a burden, but I implore you to plan ahead. ESDCTA’s next show is the 43rd Annual Colonel Bengt Ljungquist Memorial Dressage Championships & ESDCTA Garden State Classic August 29-31. Please put it in your calendar to give back to the sport you love by contacting our volunteer coordinator at volunteer@esdcta.org. We literally can’t do it without you.
“Many hands make light work.” – John Heywood (English playwright, poet)
News from Outside the Ring
Tragic swarm
In Texas, 3 horses died from a swarm of Killer Africanized Honey Bees. Their owner looked out of her window to see her horses in their pasture with their heads between their legs and a massive black cloud around them. At first she thought it was just flies but after going outside to check on them she realized it was thousands of bees that were now not only attacking her horses, but herself, as well. She was able to get back inside and dress in heavier clothing, after which she ventured back out to try to get her horses to safety. Unfortunately, they were too frenzied from trying to get away from the bees. An ambulance had been called and when EMTS got to her and brought her inside, they had to remove stingers out of her neck, scalp, and face, and also helped her manage a panic attack that she was having as she watched her horses suffer. A veterinarian sedated the horses and administered drugs to reverse the growing allergic reactions and inflammation because the horses’ muzzles and eyes were swollen shut. Unfortunately, one horse died on the scene after going into anaphylactic shock. The second experienced unending seizures and had to be euthanized upon arriving at the clinic. The third horse was able to be taken into intensive care, but later died after also seizing uncontrollably. Although Killer Africanized Honey Bees have not been found in our area, history tells us that it’s only a matter of time, and any bee swarm has the potential to be harmful. So, it is advised to keep on hand a fire extinguisher that can be used on smaller swarms and always have liquid Benadryl around.
Loss of a Legend
Anne Dunham, a 6-time Paralympic gold medal winner, died May 11 at the age of 76 years. She started riding at 8 years old and was quite accomplished by the time she was a teenager. However, at 27 years of age, she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (later correctly diagnosed as dystonia)after the birth of her daughter, and by 30 years of age, was confined to a wheelchair. Ten years after her diagnosis, she and her husband purchased a farm in Wales, and created a holiday home and riding school. She competed as part of Team Great Britian at her first Paralympic Games in 1996 in Atlanta, which is when para dressage first became a Paralympic event. At the time, riders did not bring their horses and had to pick their mounts out of a hat. Anne, along with Team Great Britain won gold that year, a feat that they repeated in Sydney 2000, Athens 2004, Beijing 2008 (where she also won individual gold), and Rio 2016 (despite having a heart bypass in 2009). At the Rio games, Anne was the oldest athlete and not only helped her team win gold, but she won 2 individual silver medals. She retired from competitive sport in 2017 after 23 years, spending time gardening and painting, and continuing to inspire other equestrians.
Obituary
April 28, 1940 – May 6, 2025 (age 85)
Ann was born and grew up in San Juan, Puerto Rico where her father was a US Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. She loved animals from an early age and eventually acquired a horse, which she rode all over the countryside. At the age of 16, Ann attended Gaucher College in Baltimore, and upon graduation attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City. After some acting, she moved on to be a talented writer and journalist, primarily in the health care and medical research fields. She eventually held the position of Vice President of a large public relations agency where she headed the Science and Medicine division. This led to her meeting Bill Stockton, who was at that time the Science Editor for the Associated Press in Washington D.C. They married in 1977 and were together until his death in 2021.
Her deep love for horses led her to an active competitive eventing and dressage career. She and her eventing partner Victory advanced through the levels up to Preliminary, and later, her mare Sienna became a wonderful partner in her dressage journey, helping her to achieve her USDF Silver Medal. In her later years, her lovely mare Pooka was her cherished companion. During all these many competitions, she worked toward and achieved her “R” dressage judging license.
Ann’s passion extended beyond her own riding; she generously mentored and taught many aspiring riders over the years, leaving an indelible mark on their equestrian journeys. She was a popular judge over the years at many of the area’s schooling shows, where she offered invaluable advice and constructive comments to new comers and veterans alike.
Her loss will be deeply felt by the dressage and eventing communities, as well as by the many individuals whose lives she touched with her wisdom, guidance, and unwavering passion.
Ann Forer Stockton
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Horse Treats
By Meredith Rogers
We love our horses and want to spend a lot of time with them. However, there are some places that horses should not go and Walmart is one of them. These people did not think that the “no pets” sign on the door applied to them and their steeds. Gives a whole new meaning to the term “horsing around.”
On April 2, 2025, a teenager and 3 men were arrested for riding their horses through a Walmart in Baker, Louisiana. There is proof because they posted their exploits on TikTok, and a Walmart employee also recorded them entering the store, hanging around the self-checkouts, and then moseying on to the back. The police put out an all-points-bulletin, but they didn’t need to search long for the riders who call themselves the “Cut Throat Cowboys”. They turned themselves in and now face misdemeanor charges of disturbing the peace in a violent and tumultuous manner, entering and remaining after forbidden, and for unlawful post of criminal activity. The latter of which stems from them posting their video online because it’s against the law to gain notoriety or publicity for a crime. However, the men claim the horses are their emotional support animals.
On March 19, 2017, shoppers at a Houston Walmart were surprised when two men on horseback wandered through the aisles. The security guard at the door didn’t say anything when they started to enter, so they thought they were okay to continue in. One of the riders said his horse “relieved himself in the worst way inside the store.” It started innocent enough with a group of friends going for a Sunday evening ride down to the mall. Then one decided he wanted a candy bar, and the rest is an internet sensation, with the video posted on Facebook by the riders viewed by people from across the country. Only in Texas would the propagators of this stunt not be prosecuted.
On April 7, 2002, two men dressed in jeans and cowboy boots rode their horses through the food section of a Walmart Supercenter in El Dorado, Arkansas. Shortly after midnight, the men rode through the store, leaving a pile of poop behind. Officers were able to quickly apprehend one of the men but the other rode off. Once cornered by the police, the second man started to swing a rope at the deputies, yelled obscenities, and then rode off again. He was finally caught on a nearby road. They both ended up pleading guilty to public intoxication and the second rider was also charged with disorderly conduct. They not only had to pay fines and court fees, but they were ordered to write letters of apology to the public, which were then published in the local newspaper.
How to Become a Professional Rider in Germany: A Pathway to Excellence
By Kathrin Hain
Germany is the most successful equestrian nation in Olympic history, and their country’s federally-run structured training program is the key to consistently producing outstanding riders and horses. The system is unlike anything in the US, involving formal apprenticeships, rigorous testing on many topics including dressage, jumping, teaching, barn management, horsemanship, economics, and social studies.
The school system ends either after 9th, 10th, or 13th grade. For everyone who wants to study, let’s say medicine or law at the university, 13th grade is mandatory. The requirement for most trades is 9th or 10th grade, but more prestigious trades may require 13th grade.
Trades in Germany are structured through a federally- and trade-specific-body approved apprenticeship program. The duration is usually between 2 and 3.5 years, and is split between practical training in a company, and theoretical education at a vocational school. This system produces fully qualified highly skilled professionals. Germany offers over 300 officially recognized apprenticeship occupations, including fields like IT, banking, healthcare, industry, and in our case, agriculture. The governing body for the regulation of the professional training program is the FN, the German National Equestrian Federation.
It all starts with finding a position as an apprentice at a certified barn. This requires the barn to fulfill certain standards like having an indoor arena, at least two horses trained to second level that are available to the apprentice to learn on, and a master certified trainer. Often barns require an internship period before they offer an apprenticeship contract, which will be registered with the Chamber of Agriculture and the FN.
The apprentice system is the first step toward a career as a professional rider
The apprentice will be part of the team and be involved in all aspects of daily operations. Once a week the apprentice will attend vocational school for theoretical education in anatomy, feeding, horse law, teaching and training, horse health, etc. The apprentice must keep a detailed journal, which includes description of daily tasks, weekly short essays about a related topic (for instance a write up about how to lunge, or what tack is used and why), details about the barns management and operations, and more in-depth essays about training specific topics. This journal must be presented for the final exam and will be part of the grading.
In many cases apprentices will live at the barn and can bring a horse of their own. A small salary is paid. All costs for the exams are paid by the employer.
Halfway through is the Midterm exam to test progress. In some cases, judges will recommend not continuing with the apprenticeship due to not fulfilling the requirements.
The final exam is held either at the German Riding School in Warendorf , Westphalian Riding School in Muenster, or the Bavarian Riding School in Munich. It requires a two-week stay for an in-depth course leading up to three days of oral, written and practical exams. It is rigorous and not all will pass. (See Bereiter Examination Requirements and Weighting below)
Bereiter Examination Requirements and Weighting
These requirements are the same throughout Germany. Passing the final exam bestows the title Bereiter/in FN. At this stage you are a fully trained skilled worker, who can work independently but usually under the supervision of a master and eventually aim to become a master rider yourself.
Dressage Training (20%)
Independent dressage work with horses on a bridle and curb bit and riding a second level dressage test; Analysis of exterior, interior, and equipment; Determining how the horse should be worked according to the riding theory and the task or goal set
Jumping Training (20%)
Independent work with horses over jumps and riding an L-level style jumping test with standard requirements (height 1.10m to 1.20m); Analysis of exterior, interior, and equipment, determining how the horse should be worked according to the riding theory and the task or goal set
Rider Training (20%)
Dressage and Show Jumping Instruction; Analyzing the horse and rider’s specific characteristics; Planning, conducting, and evaluating lessons based on this analysis
Horse Health, Riding and Sports Instruction (30%)
Planning and calculation of feeding for different needs in horses, training theory, pedagogy, fundamental understanding of veterinary and farrier care, ethical husbandry
Economics and Social Studies (10%)
Barn management, history of development of the horse and training principles, cost calculations
Jumping training is just one of the skills that are tested to earn the title Bereiter FN
Classical Riding Training emphasizes harmony, balance, and the horse’s natural movement
Becoming a Master Rider/ Trainer
Earning the prestigious title of Master Rider/ Trainer is necessary to qualify to train apprentices. It requires at least 3 years of work as a Bereiter FN. The Meisterprüfung (Master’s Examination) itself is a rigorous, multi-part process. Candidates must demonstrate mastery in riding, theoretical knowledge of horse management, stable and business operations, and the ability to teach and mentor apprentices. In the practical phase, riders are often tested not only on their ability to perform, but also on their capability to assess, improve, and train unfamiliar horses — a true test of their horsemanship.
Formal preparation involves enrolling in Meister preparatory courses offered by recognized training institutions such as the Deutsche Reitschule in Warendorf. These intensive courses cover four key areas: advanced riding and training, business and stable management, teaching methodology, and equine health and management theory.
Master in Classical Riding Education test requirements
After at least 3 years working as a Bereiter, applicants take a seven-week intensive preparatory course at the German Riding School in Warendorf for all aspects of riding and training, followed by a five-week course for all the business and legal knowledge. Additionally, a thesis must be written about a chosen and approved training topic. The applicant has 3 months to finish and submit before starting the 12-week course work.
Riding/ Training requirements:
Riding a third level dressage test; Riding a 1.40m to 1.45m jumping course; Teaching a dressage and a jumping lesson; Riding as a student in a dressage and a jumping lesson; Lunging/ double lunging; Work in hand; Schooling an unknown horse; Oral exams on feeding, barn management, training, teaching, veterinary topics, farrier care; Giving a lecture followed by in depth questioning on one of 18 topics related to either Jumping, Dressage, Eventing or general training
Business and Legal requirements::
Accounting; Law; Business management
Vocational training qualification (teaching methods, pedagogy—preparing you to train apprentices):
Teaching an apprentice on a chosen subject; Writing a detailed and structured lesson plan and executing it.
After passing, you receive the title Pferdewirtschaftsmeister klassische Reitausbildung FN (Master in Classical Riding Education). With this title, they are authorized to train future Bereiter, run their own FN-approved training facilities, and are considered among the elite of Germany’s equestrian professionals.
In sum, the path to becoming a professional rider and trainer in Germany is demanding, comprehensive, and deeply respected. From apprentice to master, the journey shapes not only excellent riders but true educators and stewards of horsemanship, carrying forward the proud tradition of classical equestrian training in one of the world’s most esteemed riding nations.
Germany, with its extensive network of riding schools, boarding facilities, and breeders, offers a wide range of employment opportunities for professional riders and trainers. The majority of the work takes place at the foundational level, involving the education of amateur riders and the starting and training of young horses. While competition may be a component of the role, many professionals do not compete at the CDI level or own their own horses. A significant part of a professional rider’s responsibility lies in preparing young horses for the amateur market—training, presenting at shows, and facilitating sales—rather than pursuing accolades at the upper levels of sport. There is a strong recognition within the industry that the early training of young horses is best entrusted to the most experienced riders, ensuring a solid and correct foundation.
Kathrin Hain is a native of Germany. After earning her Masters in Classical Riding Education degree in 2007, she moved to New Mexico to work as head trainer for Pembroke Farm. For almost 15 years she successfully started and trained the horses through the levels for showing and sale. She is currently running her own boutique style training program at Licking Creek Farm in Quakertown.
In addition to teaching riders of all skill levels, her special expertise lies in developing young horses correctly according to the classical system of the training scale and producing reliable and successful partners for amateurs and professionals alike.
Learn more at kathrinhaindressage.com
Jumping in Style
By Earlen Haven
I’m happy to see that there have been some social media postings about light rein aids, self-carriage, and other critical but often overlooked aspects of good riding.
I found this photo of a horse free schooling over a fence and I thought it was worthwhile posting since it showed such good form over the fence .
The horse has a great bascule, nice round top line, stretched neck, knees tucked and in front of shoulders, etc. Horses seem to handle the fences with no sweat when there is no rider interfering with their use of their body.
With about 60 years of teaching, I truly believe in my theory to allow the horse to do his job. I always taught to release the reins about 2 strides before the fence and don’t touch them until he is 2 strides past the jump. I can attest to the fact that my students hardly ever had refusals or runouts. When the horse can use his neck, he can get himself out of trouble if need be.
Photo credit: Valiane at the 2022 Dutta Corp. USEA YEH and FEH West Coast Championships taken by Tina Fitch Photography
George Morris did a big favor to horses when he developed the crest release. It kept a lot of riders from catching the horse in the mouth while the rider was learning how to follow the motion over the fence and not open up too early with the upper body and catch the horse in the mouth before landing. That’s basically punishing the horse for doing what you asked him to do.
I have had riders say to me, well how do I steer him to the jump? If you learn to use your legs and your weight, you actually don’t need the reins for steering. Besides that, it allows the horse to stretch his neck to make the bascule over the jump which gives him a much better chance of clearing the jump.
Horses are much better at finding their take-off spot than we are and they lengthen or shorten their stride to adjust to where they should be for the take-off if we let them. We were always taught that a take-off and landing should be between 1 to 1 1/2 times the height of the fence. For instance, if it is a 3’ jump, the horse should take off from 3-4 1/2’ before the fence and land 3-4 1/2’ after the fence.
When you hold the horse’s neck short with a tight rein, they cannot reach and adjust their stride on their own.
Another point to consider is when you start pulling on the reins to slow him down he raises his head and shortens his neck to try to lessen the pressure of the bit in his mouth. The structure of the horse’s eye causes him to raise his head to see distance and lower it to see close. So when you’re yanking on the reins and his head goes up, as he gets closer to the fence, he can no longer see it so he takes a wild leap at it. That’s a bit scary for both horse and rider.
I judged for 50+ years in hunter, hunter equitation, jumper, and eventing (and dressage) and saw horses being hindered by the rein aids on so many occasions, making it really difficult for them to jump the fence.
I hope you will look at the photo and see where the horse puts his head, neck and body to jump a fence with ease. Then look at some short videos of you jumping your horse and compare how much you are helping or hindering your horse’s ability to do his job.
Any questions, please check out my farm’s website, countryhavenfarms.com, or call me at 856-769-1916 and I’m happy to explain more.
Make a partner of your horse. It makes it more fun for both of you!
Also, you can always come try your skills on our cross-country course (Country Haven, Woodstown NJ) for only $40 or try a lesson for $65. No long-term commitments required.
If riding isn’t fun, learn more and it will be!
French Classical Dressage Clinics with Dominique Barbier
June 20-22, 2025
Oct 3-5, 2025
Location: Daystar Farm 455 County Road 579 (Easton Trenton Tpk) Ringoes, NJ 08551 (across from Hampton Corner Road)
It is hard to miss the mustache and ponytail, but the most unusual thing about Dominique Barbier and about his clinics is the extraordinary rapport that he establishes with each horse within minutes of introduction. A student of the great Nuno Oliveira, Mestre Barbier’s philosophy is completely about the horse. About the horse as teacher, about the horse wanting to know his place, about the horse wanting to have a partner. This emphasis on the horse means that the emphasis is not on what we do to the horse, it is about what we do with the horse without pushing, pulling, or special gadgets. It is not a formulaic approach.
The Clinic Format
The 3 day clinics start between 9:00am and 9:30am and run until around 5pm with about a 1.5 hour lunch break. The work is determined by the needs of the horse. The greatest benefit to horse and rider comes from the three days of sessions as the work can thus be thoroughly confirmed. Day 1: Establishing understanding; Day 2: developing the work; Day 3: refining the results. All lessons are private one-on-one sessions. Riders and horses get 2 lessons per day. In the morning, Mestre Barbier teaches the rider to lunge their horse, do ground work in hand, then works with the rider under saddle. After lunch, the process is repeated.
If you want to take your dressage to a new and more personal level with your horse, then this is the clinic for you!
FMI: Gary Maholic
215.489.1557
gmaholic@gmail.com https://www.barbiernj.com
(Photos by Keron Psillas)
Applewood Farm Dressage, Combined Test & Clear Round Show
B
Dressage4Kids Benefit Show 4/13/25
Freestyle
USDF Intro Test A Youth
USDF Intro Test A Adult
Rider
USDF Intro Test B Youth
Lehigh Valley Dressage Association I:
Bucks County Horse Park
4/27/25
USDF Intro Test B Adult
USDF
USDF
Training
FEI
Lehigh Valley Dressage Association II: Sterling Hill Stable
