Mark Your Calendars For A March Scribing Clinic
In an effort to better prepare our local scribes and to develop new ones, the UDS will be presenting a scribing clinic on March 31st in Salt Lake City. The clinic will run from 10-2 and lunch will be served. This educational program will be held indoors, in an office setting so everyone is warm and comfortable for the entire presentation. Patti Thurman and Trisha Kerwin will be conducting the clinic. Patti and Trisha both graduated from the USDF “L” program with distinction and are working to enter the USEF “r” judging program.
When it comes to getting volunteers together for a show, I have found that everyone wants to scribe. That’s because it’s a great learning experience. However, we typically only assign scribing positions to people with experience scribing. So here’s your chance to get the experience you need to start scribing and further your education.
For Championships in October, we’re going to need to supply lots of scribes. More than ever. So here’s your opportunity to position yourself in the most coveted volunteer job.
Carol Kounanis is the contact for the UDS and her number is (801) 592-2750. Look for all the detailed information coming soon in the UDS Newsletter and website.
One Chapter Ends and Another Begins
My dad always looked at life as a series of chapters that we each write for ourselves. Dad was great at turning the pages in his life and creating new exciting journeys for himself and our family. He had a gift for never living in a chapter too long and he was always ready for the next new adventure.
Sometimes we can’t wait to get out of a particular chapter in our lives. Others, we linger in and hope it goes on forever, even when we know it’s time to turn the page.
For Zulu and me, we’re very reluctantly ending our chapter together in the show ring. He’s 17 now and simply can’t carry the collection and engagement necessary to move to I-2 and Grand Prix. His size has taken it’s toll on his joints and it’s becoming more difficult for him to provide the level of throughness and quality that he’s been able to provide in the past.
Last time in the show ring together.
On one hand, it’s really sad. But on the other, I couldn’t be more proud of Zulu and what we’ve managed to accomplish together. We started at training level 12 years ago and we’ve won two Regional Championships (4th level and I-1), I earned my USDF bronze and silver medals on him and we were champions at every level (except I-2 & GP) in the Utah Dressage Society. Clearly, none of this would have happened without the excellent training and coaching from Margo Gogan, the support and camaraderie of the barn ladies and my darling husband.
The good news is, I get to keep riding Zulu on the trails and in moderate work at home. I still say he’s the most beautiful horse in the world and I couldn’t love him any more than I do.
And yes, the beginnings of a new chapter are starting to form with the quest to find a new young horse. The title of the new chapter is “Patience”.
Ride Times For Sarah Martin Clinic
Submitted by Trisha Kerwin
Sarah Martin Clinic and Riverbend Open House
Feb 4th-5th
Saturday Ride Times
8:15 Jackie,
9:00 Anna Ford on Draco- Training/First Level
9:45 Sydni Ottesen on Vito- First/Second Level
15 min break
10:45 Kay Johanson on Plato- Third/Fourth Level
11:30 Annette Coester – Third Level
12:15 Kirsten
1:00 lunch,
2:00 Trisha Kerwin on Nike or Harmony-Grand Prix
2:45 Barbara Progess on Max- Second/Third Level
3:30 Kris
15 min break
4:30 Joanne Glantz on Hala- First/Second Level
5:15 Mike Lund
6:00 Heather on Mac- Training Level
Sunday Ride Times
8:15 Anna,
9:00 Sydni Ottesen on Lil Bit- Third/Fourth Level
9:45 Patti Thurman
15 min break,
10:45 Kay Johanson on Plato- Third/ Fourth Level
11:30 Annette Coester- Third Level
12:15 Kirsten,
1:00 Lunch,
2:00 Trisha Kerwin on Nike or Harmony- Grand Prix
2:45 Barbara Progess on Max- Second/Third Level
3:30 Jackie
15 min break,
4:30 Joanne Glantz on Hala- First/Second Level
5:15 Mike Lund
6:00 Heather on Mac- Training Level
Important Deadline Approaching
For the first time ever, the Utah Dressage Society will be hosting the USDF’s Adult clinic, right here in Utah. Lilo Fore, one of the best clinicians and judges in the country was chosen to instruct the clinics for this year. Lilo is highly sought after for both clinics and judging. Plus, she’s a lot of fun!
The clinic will be held April 21-22 at the Golden Spike arena in Ogden. If you want to be considered by the USDF to ride in the clinic, you must submit your application and video to the USDF by February 17th. You can get all the information and forms on the USDF website. You can also sign up to audit the clinic on the website. You save $20 if you sign up early on-line.
This is a very exciting clinic opportunity so don’t miss this important application deadline. You’d be crazy not to try and ride with Lilo!
News From Windswept Stables
Written by Dawn Bowes
Len and I wanted share with you some exciting changes at Windswept Stables for 2012.
We are announcing a new name, EquiSportUSA; the launch of our new website http://equisportusa.blogspot.com <http://equisportusa.blogspot.com/> ; and expansion of services in training, sales and team competition. We decided to change the name to EquiSportUSA to better reflect our new and expand services and to focus on the 3-Day Eventing. Feel free to post on the blog, would love to know what you think.
Over the years, we invited neighbors and trainers use the arena for schooling and lessons. We will continue to allow friends and neighbors to ride in or haul in to use the facility, however, we have created a fee schedule to help us cover facility maintenance costs. Please take a look at our services and fees on the website. We’ve also updated the facility, arena, parking and trails rules and etiquette to minimize conflict. Please take a look when you have a chance.
We’ve also had some great, local trainers (Trudy Allen, Tisha Green, Cara Weiser and others) work with riders throughout the show season and last fall we had a 2 day clinic with Stephanie Goodman that was well organized and attended. What’s new this year are the creation of formal training program packages and schedule for beginners to advanced riders. We also have plans to organize clinics with National 3-Day Trainers in May, August and October. Stay tuned for the clinic schedule.
The new website has a horse sales and leasing page, where I have posted all of my horses for sale or lease. I am hopeful that two of the horses will either be leased or sold before the beginning of the competition season this year. I plan to keep one to compete with this year. If you know of anyone who might be interested in leasing or purchasing one of the horses please let me know.
We are also starting an EquiSportUSA Team that could provide sponsorship opportunities for our competitive riders. Let me know if you’d like to be on the team, we currently have an opportunity to partner with a sporting apparel company.
I hope that you’ll see the value in the new EquiSportUSA vision and you will benefit from the expanded and structured services. Maybe get involved in the training program or become a member of the EquiSportUSA Team.
Warmly,
Dawn and Len Bowes
Riverbend Open House Coming Up
Come check out the beautiful Riverbend Ranch
On February 4th and 5th, Riverbend Ranch will be hosting an open house and dressage clinic with Sarah Martin. They will also be introducing their new trainer, Trisha Kerwin.
Trisha is a USDF ”L” graduate and has earned her USDF bronze and silver medals. She’s also won multiple national, regional and state championships. She works with a wide range of riders from beginners to Grand Prix. Trisha will start full time on February 1st at Riverbend. She can be reached at 801.885.1946.
Riverbend Ranch Equestrian Center is located at 13239 South 1100 West (Lovers Lane) Riverton,Utah 84065 801.230.9841
The clinic is free to all auditors and refreshments will be served. Lunch will be provided from 12:00~3:00. There will also be several drawings per day for lessons with Trisha.
If you plan on attending please R.S.V.P. to Tamara at 801.230.9841.
The indoor at Riverbend
How Dressage Is Like Religion
by Alison Child
I was talking with a dressage buddy of mine about our various journeys in this crazy sport we love. I told her I thought dressage is a lot like religion. And I don’t mean to be disrespectful here but my point is that we’re all trying to get closer to dressage “God” – meaning that feeling of throughness, carriage and connectedness that is so elusive and so hard to describe to a non-rider. We seek it desperately at all times, horse heroin addicts trying to capture that softness, feeling of power and oneness with our horse.
And like religion, we’re all arguing about the correct path to get to dressage heaven. Is it through “the classical method”, the cowboy way, with this trainer or that clinician? Is the correct path with this exercise or that judge? Do we let our horses go out in a pasture or do we keep them in a stall? Do we use that shoer or that vet? What is the “one true path”?
Like religion, we’re all so positive our way is the only way and we spend lots of energy trying to convince others that our path is the only path. I would argue that there are many paths to dressage heaven and sometimes one path works one day and another path works another day. The idea is to learn as much as you can by keeping yourself open to all paths and to avoid the temptation of judging others for their “dressage religion”.
By Alison Child
In case you haven’t heard yet, judges are now being asked to use a half of a point or .5 when they think it’s appropriate. So this year, expect to see not just your typical 6 or 7 on your test sheet. Now you will see a decimal point for all scores. For example, instead of getting a 6 you will now see a 6.0. Or, if the judge thinks it’s better than just a straight 6.0, they may give you a 6.5.
I think this a great change for two primary reasons:
1). It allows the judge to more clearly communicate to the rider about the quality of the movement.
2). It gives the judge an increased ability to separate out the scoring of the rides. So often when I’ve been in the judge’s box I’ve thought, gee that movement by that rider was a 6 but barely a 6. Another rider may do the movement with higher quality but it’s not quite a 7 either so they also get a 6. This can go on for an entire test although most judges will reward the higher quality ride somewhere in the collectives. But this new option really gives the judge the clear ability to better place the classes – a benefit to everyone.
The scribe is the only one whose job becomes a little harder because now they are required to write the score using decimal points. For example, if the score is a 6, the scribe has to write it down as a 6.0. Or, a 6.5 if the judge decides to add the .5 for that movement.
I applaud the USDF for improving the scoring system and I look forward to seeing it in action.
Local Trilogy Riders Have A Huge Year
The 2011 show season was a huge success for my local Trilogy clients so I thought I should take a minute to congratulate them. They took at least one championship at almost every level including national, regional and local championships. Once again, way to go team Trilogy!
Anna Nemeckay and Jorryn UDS AA Training Level Champion RMDS Top Friesian
Madeline Birch and Donegal UDS Jr. Training Level Champion
Margo Gogan and Tennyson UDS Open First Level Champion
Ashley Simmons and Zena Kismet UDS Second Level AA Champion
Margo Gogan and Gretzky UDS Third Level Open Champion
Karen Rawson and Made in America UDS AA Fourth Level Champion
Joan Innacone and Welthana UDS AA PSG Champion
Madeline Birch and Uoeri UDS Jr. PSG Champion ABIG Region 6 Jr. PSG Champion Two Time FEI Gold Medal Young Rider
Cassie Benson and Viking UDS Jr. Intermediare 1 Champion ABIG Region 6 Jr. Intermediare 1 Champion USDF Jr. Intermediare Champion
Alison Child and Shaka Zulu ABIG Region 6 AA Intermediare 1 Champion RMDS AA Intermediare 1 Champion IDEA AA FEI Rider of The Year
Margo Gogan and Ziggy UDS Open FEI Freestyle Champion ABIG Region 6 Open Intermediare 1 Freestyle Champion
If you want to experience the benefits of what a Trilogy saddle can do for you and your horse, please contact me, Alison Child, at (435) 640-3287.
Premier Equestrian Sponsors Margo Gogan’s Hilltop Dressage And Super Star Young Riders
Press Release From:
Heidi Zorn, Premier Equestrian
1-800-611-6109
Sandy, UT (December 23, 2011) – Premier Equestrian, a leading supplier of dressage arenas, horse jumps, arena footing and stable accessories, is proud to announce they are sponsoring dressage trainer Margo Gogan, of Hilltop Dressage in Heber City, Utah, and her talented group of Young Rider students. Cassie Benson and Maddi Birch, two of Gogan’s award-winning students, were recently chosen to ride at the 2011 United States Dressage Federation (USDF) National Symposium.
“Premier is thrilled to be sponsoring Margo and her students at Hilltop Dressage, and we firmly believe Hilltop is one of Utah’s hidden gems,” said Heidi Zorn, President of Premier Equestrian, which is also based out of Utah. “Margo has had so much success with her students and horses over the years and Premier is privileged to be sponsoring them. Margo has a great long history of promoting and training Young Riders and Cassie and Maddi are two fine examples of the level of students Margo produces.”
Both of Gogan’s students had a successful 2011 year, with Birch bringing home her second team gold medal from NAYRC on her Dutch gelding Uoeri. Benson competed Melissa Connelly’s Danish gelding Viking, winning the National Intermediaire I Championship in the Junior/Young Rider Division. “It’s unique that we are in Utah, because we are a bit outside of the dressage world. But we keep our heads down and work hard. We have great clinicians come to Hilltop, including National Youth Coach Jeremy Stienberg, and we have great horses and the support of really good parents,” Gogan said. “I was very pleased that Maddi and Cassie were asked to ride at the USDF Symposium.”
Zorn added, “Margo and her students are such a success, I just can’t say enough wonderful things about them. With her business partner Alison Child, Margo is putting together the Region 5 Championships next year and Premier will be one of the official sponsors for the event. We are hoping to install new footing and we will be providing all of the equipment for the Championships.”
A Brentina Arena, from Premier Equestrian, was used at the 2011 USDF Symposium. “We were excited to be part of the USDF Symposium, as Premier is a strong supporter of the dressage community. Our Brentina Dressage Arena is named after Debbie McDonald’s famous equine partner, Brentina, and Debbie is one of the national coaches who took part in the Symposium. Margo’s student Cassie recently worked with Debbie in California and her goal is to compete in the Brentina Cup,” Zorn said.
As an official sponsor of the United States Dressage Federation, Premier Equestrian is well known in the dressage community. Premier supplied the dressage arenas for the 2010 World Equestrian Games, as well as the dressage warm-up arena, driving arena, driving warm-up arena and the flower boxes and dressage letters. “The Brentina Arena was used for the main competition arena at the World Equestrian Games in Lexington and was very well received by the international dressage community,” Zorn said.
Considered America’s leading manufacturer and distributor of dressage arenas, Premier’s website offers extensive and informative information designed to help horse owners understand the differences in arenas as well as horse arena footing. “While Premier is thrilled to sponsor Margo and Hilltop Farm, especially because they are from our home state of Utah, Premier is also pleased to say that 99.5% of our products are made in the United States or Canada. I strongly believe that we need to support our own,” Zorn said.
Premier Equestrian also offers a complete line of horse jumps and horse jumping equipment. Including jump standards, gates, walls, jump cups, horse jump poles, sponsor jumps, and cavaletti. For more information on all Premier Equestrian products, including footing, dressage arenas, jumps and stable accessories, visit their website at www.PremierEquestrian.com or call 800-611-6109. For more information on Margo Gogan, visit her site http://www.hilltopdressage.blogspot.com/.
alisonchild
