Coming Soon…..

Santioned Schooling Show @

Bridlewood Estates Suffolk,

Hosted by Elfenridge Dressage

August 12, 2012

Volume 28, Issue VI June 2012

Half-Halt The Newsletter of the Southeast Virginia Dressage Association

Suzanne von Dietze clinic at Riversedge at Hassler

Dressage

Report by Kathy Rowse

I was able to clear my schedule and audit 2 days of a recent clinic with Suzanne Von Dietze clinic

entitled “Perfecting the Biomechanics of the Rider”. This is a particularly fascinating topic and

area of interest for me. Suzanne is a German trained FEI rider who also is a Physical Therapist.

She currently teaches and trains in Israel, traveling internationally to teach and lecture. Her clinic

added multitudes of rider exercises to my teaching and riding toolbox!

The focus of the clinic was to help the rider finding their balance point in the walk, trot and canter

which also enabled the horses to find their balance point. It is impossible to be totally symmetri-

cal in our bodies. However when we unknowingly shift our weight around we are unbalancing

our horses or even giving contradictory aids like telling the horse to go/stop – go/stop . While

we all strive to have a stable core, its important to realize that a stable core is not a locked core

and we must develop the ability to have all our parts work independently! She gave multitudes

of exercises to help the rider identify where their weight really is going in the saddle and to be

able to shift your weight in a positive way.

Rider imbalances must be corrected through the pelvis – so you can’t fix your shoulders or a col-

lapsed core unless you fix your pelvis. “To control the horse you must control your pelvis.” Suz-

anna gave a couple exercises to help riders identify where their pelvis position is, where they are

locked and to “awaken” the pelvis where it is currently not working. Try this: while in posting

trot, put all your reins in one hand, with your other hand find your hip joint with your thumb and

feel the motion in the joint as you post. Now switch the hand holding the reins and feel your

other hip joint. You will probably notice a difference in the range of motion. Now you are a little

more aware of where you are locking up while you post!

Suzanna really emphasized that riders must keep the clear rhythm of the gait with their pelvis.

Posting evenly was a problem even for several FEI riders. Two basic exercises were actually

very difficult to perform. Instead of posting every stride – try sitting 2 strides and standing up

for one. (Continued on Page 2)

The SVDA Board of Directors is Proud to Announce a New

Foundation Program for 2012!

This Program will fund a wide range of opportunities for SVDA

Members outside the annual Scholarship Program. See pages 10-

11 for form and details! SVDA Fall Clinic with Debbie

Rodriguez 9/23/2012-Silverleaf Farm Demystifying the Riders Marks

and Dressage Equitation

Half-Halt | Newsletter of the Southeast Virginia Dressage Association Page 2

2012 Board of Directors

President:

Kathy Rowse-E-Mail

Vice President:

Robyn Nunnally-E-Mail

Secretary:

Danielle Rowland-E-Mail

Treasurer:

Shari Cutchin-E-Mail

Clinics and Programs:

Janice Mumford-E-Mail

Awards Chair:

Carol Gonyo-E-Mail

Juniors Chair:

Tristin Butler-E-Mail

Licensed Show Chair:

Donna Rowland-E-Mail

Membership Chair:

Reeta Edmundson-E-Mail

Scholarship Chair:

Sandy Johnson-E-Mail

Schooling Show Chair:

Robyn Nunnally-E-Mail

Ways and Means Chair:

Grace Harrell

Newsletter /Webmaster Chairs:

Wendy Murray-E-Mail

Members at Large

Mary Winchell, Robin Jones

NCDCTA Capital Dressage Classic Jessica Zoskey & Dexter S

owned by Janice Mumford

Third 3 66.282% 2nd place Fourth 1 62.429% 2nd place Fourth 1 64.143% 1st place Fourth 2 67.973% 1 st place

SVDA Member News...

(Continued from Page 1)

When you you get the hang of this–try sitting one stride and standing for two. Everyone struggled with

this! These 2 exercise helped riders find their balance and push out of the saddle more in the horse’s

rhythm. During posting, Suzanne said that most riders sit down in the saddle a millisecond too late and

don’t get out of the saddle quick enough. The horse must now struggle to push us back out of the saddle.

Unfortunately when the horse has to support our weight on the posting beat – they have to work harder to

get us out of the saddle and it makes them either push out with their hind legs or they tighten and hollow

their back. It was so obvious how much every horse got better after their riders improved.

We have a habit of when we need strength in one area of our body – we incorrectly make up for in with

another part of our body. So these incorrect feelings start to feel “normal” and changing it feels

“abnormal”. In order to find our balance in the middle – we must fix the two ends. Many exercises fo-

cused on helping the rider use both sides of the body and their front and back evenly. She illustrated

her exercises with many imagery that helped the rider understand better and perform better.

Suzanna has written two books that I would highly recommend reading “Balance in Movement” and “Rider

and Horse Back to Back”. When I came home and next rode Izzy and Bailey – I put some of the exercises

to use. I couldn’t believe how much better connected and in rhythm my horses were – all with swinging

necks and backs. It was exactly as I had seen happen in the clinic!

Good Luck to the SVDA

Junior Team at the Region

1 Jr Team Championships!

Schooling Show Entry/ Elfenridge Dressage@Bridlewood Estates Entry Rules: Entries open one month prior to show date and close on Monday, two (2) weeks prior to the show. A late fee of $5.00 per class will apply if you enter after the closing date or if our signed entry is not received paid in full with a current Coggins test copy before the day of the

show. (Late Fees: $25 per ride for SVDA Members, $30 per ride for non‐members). A current negative Coggins copy is required with each entry. USEF Rules Apply!

PLEASENOTE: SVDA DOES NOT ALLOW ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES OF ANY KIND ON THE SHOW PREMISES

SVDA Helmet Policy: All riders, youth and adults, must wear a properly fitting equestrian helmet meeting or surpassing current applicable ASTM/SEI (American Society for Testing and Materials/Safety Equipment Institute) standards with chin strap secured while mounted at any

time/anywhere on the competition/event grounds. Participants who do not adhere to this policy will be required to dismount until appropriate headgear is obtained. Upon any continued non‐compliance with the helmet policy, the rider will be disqualified from the competition and will

forfeit all entry fees. RETURNED CHECK NOTIFICATION: The current bank rate charge will apply to a RETURNED check for ANY reason. SVDA

Treasurer will contact member to arrange payment. If payment is not made within thirty (30) days, the member will be suspended with all rights and priveleges revoked until payment is made. Suspended members WILL NOT receive credit for

scores earned while on suspension and will NOT be eligible for year end awards.

ENTRY FORM Rider Name: ____________________________________ Horse Name: ________________________________________

Street Name: _________________________________ City: ___________________ State/Zip: ___________________ E‐Mail Address: _________________________________ Home Ph: ___________ Cell Phone: __________________

In case of Emergency Contact: NAME: ____________________________________ Phone Number:___________ ______________________________

Show Date: August 12, 2012 Location: Elfenridge Dressage@Bridlewood Estates, Suffolk, VA ‐Introductory Level through FEI ‐Junior (JR) Test of Choice (Training through Second Level)

‐ Dressage Equitation ($20.00 /class) ‐ Dressage Suitability ($20.00 /class) ‐Walk/Trot Leadline Equitation ($5.00/class) ‐Musical Freestyle (Training‐FEI) ‐Non‐Compete Horse Fee $10.00 (with signed waiver and current Coggins)

Entry Fees: $20.00 per class /SVDA Member ‐ $25.00 per class/NON‐Member Make Checks Payable to Elfenridge Dressage

AGREEMENT AND HOLD HARMLESS.‐ The Equine Activity Liability laws of the State of Virginia, VA Code Ann. Sec 3.2‐6200‐6203state among its statutory provisions that , “NOTICE: Intrinsic dangers in equine activity, include (i) the propensity of equines to behave in ways that may result in injury, harm, or death to persons on or around them; (ii) the unpredictability of an equine’s reaction to such things as sounds, sudden movement, and unfamiliar objects, persons, or other animals; (iii) certain hazards such as surface and subsurface conditions; (iv) collisions with other animals or objects; and (v) the potential of a participant acting in a negligent manner that may contribute to injury to the participant or others, such as failing to maintain control over the equine or not acting within the participant’s ability.” No Participant nor any participant’s parent, guardian, or representative shall have or make any claim against or recover from any equine activity sponsor, equine professional, or any other person for injury, loss, amage, or death of the participant resulting from any of the intrinsic dangers of equine activities. It is further understood that each owner, rider, spectator, and other participants assume any and all risks of loss or injury and agrees to hold harmless, regardless of negligent acts or omissions SVDA, Inc., USDF, USEF, its instructors, officers, directors, agents, show management, show committee, and all other horse show personnel, including Elfenridge Dressage, Indian Point Farm and Bridlewood Estates. Signature: ________________________________________ Print Name: _________________ Date: ______________________

(A Parent MUST sign if Rider is Under 18 Years of Age)

Checks Payable to Elfenridge Dressage Mail to: Tristin Hardy Butler

1106 Mill Pond Ct Suffolk, VA 23434

757.615.4975 tristin@elfenridge.com

Half-Halt | Newsletter of the Southeast Virginia Dressage Association Page 5

SVDA Board Meeting Minutes June 18, 2012

Members in attendance: Kathy Rowse, Robyn Nunnally, Shari Cutchin, Janice Mumford, Mary Winchell, Robin Jones,

Donna Rowland, Danielle Rowland, Carol Gonyo, Sandy Johnson, Reeta Edmondson, Grace Williams.

Call to order

President Kathy Rowse called to order the meeting at Kelly's Tavern, Suffolk, VA at 7pm, June 18, 2012.

Approval of minutes from last meeting

Minutes from April meeting were motioned to approve by board. Danielle will send out updated minutes to the board.

Actions Taken Between Meetings

Kathy informed the board via email that Central Chapter is reserving the May 4/5 date for their recognized show. That

leaves SVDA without a date in the Spring months for our recognized show.

I, Robyn Nunnally, make a motion that SVDA not hold a licensed show in 2013. (This is only for 2013. We will re-

visit the issue for 2014.) Please send your "AGREE" or "DISAGREE" vote as "reply all" to the group or just to

Kathy Rowse (who cannot vote unless there is a tie) who will tally them. Please vote as soon as possible but no later

than Sunday, June 24.

- overall vote was

Officer Reports

1. Vice President: Robyn Nunnally needs volunteers for July show. As far as she knows, no one has been unable to get

their 1st 4 hours of volunteer time in or at least, no one has contacted her with this concern..

2. Treasurer: Shari reported that the balance to date is $25,635.24.

3. VADA Rep: nothing new, we have not had a meeting or TC since before the last SVDA meeting. Our next teleconfer-

ence is this Wednesday June 20.

New Business:

Budget committee report: Shari Cutchin (representing budget committee) reviewed the budget for 2013 allowing

flexibility for establishment of baseline.

--The board members reviewed the budget committee's proposal:

Clinics – The budget committee recommends a $1,500 allocation plus the VADA grant money for a total of $2,300 in 2012 for clinics.

Licensed Show – Recommend doing an inventory of supplies prior to purchasing anything. We currently have a large inventory of supplies

(toilet paper, paper towels…). We propose moving the date of the show to May (either the middle or the end of May). We would also like

to consider ways to reduce management and secretary fees.

The budget committee recommends a $6,500 allocation plus a portion of the sponsorships for the licensed shows; this amount excludes prize

money awarded.

Schooling Shows – The budget committee recommends an allocation of $4,000.

Ways & Means – The budget committee recommends prior approval on all W & M expenditures.

VADA CHAPTER CHALLENGE SCHOOLING SHOW Show Date: August 18, 2012 Closing Date: August 11, 2012 Location: Rose Mount Farm, 9601 Courthouse Rd, Spotsylvania, VA 22553. Manager: Sheli King Secretary: Bettina Longaker 703-868-9062 8246 Open Gate Rd , Gordonsville VA 22942

amking91@verizon.net vadvirag8@gmail.com Judge: Harriet Peterson (“r) Show details: This show is open only to VADA members and all VADA members are eligible to ride in individual classes, re-gardless of whether their chapter is participating in the chapter challenge. Tests offered: Intro through Grand Prix, including all levels of MFS (riders must bring their own boom box.) All classes, in-cluding Intro to be held in a standard/large arena. Chapter Challenge: In addition to the individual class placings, there will be a chapter challenge using the scores from the individual classes, except that MFS scores will not be used for purposes of the chapter challenge. Each person entering the show will be asked to designate the chapter they are riding for on their entry form. To be eligible to participate in the chap-ter challenge, a chapter must have a minimum of 3 riders (can either be riding 1 or 2 tests each.) At least 1 of the 3 riders must show at or above 1st level, and no more than 1 out of every 3 riders per chapter can show at Intro. If there are more Intro riders entering than are allowed, members riding for the chapter will be decided based upon the date their entry was received. If a chapter has less than the minimum number of riders, or they are not showing at the required levels, the riders may still enter the show and compete as individuals, but the chapter will not be eligible to participate in the chapter chal-lenge. Similarly if there are more Intro riders than allowed for a particular chapter, these riders can enter and compete as individuals, but will not be representatives of their chapter for purposes of the chapter challenge placings. To determine Fi-nal chapter placings, scores of all designated chapter riders will be added together and divided by the number of rides to de-termine the chapter average. Fees: Classes - $30 each Day stalls available for $30 per stall (Friday nite & Sat or Sat only). No bedding is including, bedding is available for purchase at $8 a bag is you notify the show manager by Wed 8/15 or you may bring your own. Mucking out not required upon depar-ture. Awards: Individual classes pinned to 6th place; prizes for 1st place winners and a ribbon for high score rider of the day (Intro and MFS tests excluded) Chapter Challenge: riders representing the top 3 placing chapters will receive special ribbons. A Food Vendor will be available on site

The entry form is on the VADA web site: www.vadasschallenge.info DIRECTIONS: From I-95: take exit # 126, Spotsylvania, Rt. 1/Rt. 17 South. Turn right onto Southpoint Pkwy. At Rt. 208, Court-house Rd, turn left. Go through 6 traffic lights and start looking for Rose Mount on the left. Horse show entrance is the SEC-OND Rose Mount Farm entrance (marked). Physical address of show grounds: 9601 Courthouse Rd, Spotsylvania, VA 22553. HOTELS: ALL WITHIN 6 MILES OF SHOW @ Exit 126 off I-95. Econo Lodge: 540-898-5440 Sleep Inn Southpoint: 540-710-5500 (ask for the VADA Chapter Challenge special rate) Hampton Inn and Suites: 540-898-5000 Ramada Inn South: 540-898-5550

Board Meeting Minutes

VADA

Wednesday June 20th 2012

Teleconference

Board Members Present: : Alison Douglas(Central), Robyn Nunnally(SVDA), Sherri Booye (Charlottesville), Anne Draine (NEVADA), Judith Harroun-Lord (ShenVADA), Shelli King (NOVA), Meredith McGrath (SWAVDA), Catherine Kern

(Charlottesville), Angie Stanaway (NEVADA), Penny Hawes (SWAVDA) The meeting was called to order at 8:00 pm The purpose of this meeting was to discuss the Schooling Show Challenge.

It will be held August 18th as Rosemont. Shelli reported that we will be paying a flat fee and as of now, we will be run-ning one ring. Day stalls will be available and horses will allowed to come in on Friday night, however, there will not be security. Shelli is the manager and Tina is the secretary. Those who want to volunteer should contact Shelli

(amking91@verizon.net). All the particulars and rules can be found on the Challenge’s website www.vadasschallenge.info. Chapters are asked to include the information in their newsletters and on their websites. Competitors do NOT need to form a team, just make sure to put their chapter on their entry form.

Next meeting will be held Wednesday July 18thst at 8:00 pm (teleconference)

Meeting was adjourned at 8:21 pm. Respectfully submitted,

Alison Douglas

Ten tips to stay safe with your horse in hot weather Using common sense to keep your horse and yourself healthy throughout the summer.

By Leslie Potter

Take precautions to avoid heat-related health problems.

1. Know the signs of heat exhaustion. In horses, symptoms include weakness, stumbling, increased temperature (higher than 102 F)

and elevated pulse or respiration. In serious cases, a horse may stop sweating (anhidrosis). To help a heat-stressed horse cool

down, offer water in small amounts, hose him down with cool water, keep him out of the sun and, if possible, in front of a fan. If his

symptoms persist, call your vet.

2. Heat exhaustion affects humans, too. Symptoms include feeling faint or lightheaded, nausea, skin that is cool and moist to the

touch, and a rapid, weak heartbeat. If a rider in your group is experiencing these symptoms, get her out of the sun and in front of a fan

or air conditioner, if possible. Remove her helmet and loosen clothing and have her drink water or a sports drink. Don't just let some-

one experiencing heat exhaustion "ride it out." Heat exhaustion is easily remedied, but if left untreated, it can advance to life-

threatening heat stroke.

3. Schedule your rides to avoid intense heat. Early morning hours tend to be the coolest, making them ideal for more serious school-

ing sessions. The sun and heat levels are at their most dangerous from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. If the afternoon is your only time to ride,

stick to shady areas or a well-ventilated indoor arena.

4. If you compete, you don't have a choice about when you ride. To ease the heat, wait

until you're about to enter the ring before putting on your show coat. Find a shady area

to stand with your horse before your class. Have a friend bring a bottle of water ring-

side. A judge may waive the requirement to wear coats for English riders when the tem-

perature soars. If she does, take advantage of it.

5. Cool your horse out properly. There's a persistent myth that it is dangerous to let your

horse drink when he is very hot, when in fact it can be very harmful to withhold water. If

your horse is hot and breathing heavily after a workout, let him take a few sips of water,

then walk him for a minute and let him have another drink and continue this way until he

is cooled out.

Continued on Page 10

Juniors – The budget committee recommends all expenses being paid by a credit card be submitted to the same person (Kathy, Robyn or

Shari) and a remaining balance be verified with the Treasurer prior to using the credit card. A suggestion was also made that the Juniors

qualify for the team with a minimum score from the March/April shows or from the previous Oct/Nov shows.

The budget committee recommends more frequent communication between Tristin and Shari, with ALL funds raised being accounted for timely.

Banquet – The budget committee recommends increasing the price of the banquet to $30 per member and $35.00 for nonmembers. We also

propose seeking alternate venues for 2014, less meal choices and consider a luncheon to reduce expenses. The budget committee recom-

mends all expenses being paid by a credit card be submitted to the same person (Kathy, Robyn or Shari) and a remaining balance be

verified with the Treasurer prior to using the credit card.

A budget of $2,500 was discussed but no recommendation was made until we have better estimates of the actual costs involved.

--Wendy suggested kids prices for the banquet, and Carol confirmed that kids 10 and under do have a cheaper

fee for the banquet, but the meal price is $35/person.

--Robyn Nunnally suggested utilizing southern states feed tag reimbursement as a ways and means/way to sub-

sidize the awards banquet. Mary Winchell said she would check into the details.

--Donna reviewed the recognized show section of the budget. She said it would be a close cut if we decide to

have a show this year. Donna suggested a $7,000 budget, and Shari & board agreed.

--Carol asked that we keep the banquet price the same this year, $25 per person with continued $10 subsidized

by SVDA, and Carol will find other ways to cut cost to meet her budget. The board agreed and gave Carol

"free rein" to make decisions as needed to meet budget of $2500.

--Robin Jones motioned to accept budget report with additional $500 in Licensed show budget, Donna sec-

onded, and board passed.

Licensed show 2013: Kathy made note that 1) the Licensed show is important for our members, 2) is there a

viable date? 3) can we meet budget for Recognized show? Donna noted: we have to make decision by the

21st to submit show date to USEF. Dates were reviewed, and discussion was made that the board wants to

continue to use Dianne and Bill as the show Secretary and Manager. Question is still not confirmed if Dos-

well is going to be sold and if the May 4/5 date is open. Wendy asked if Central Chapter would like to part-

ner with SVDA for a weekend show. Kathy said she would call CC and ask if they have confirmed date

May 4/5 at Doswell, or if they are using another facility, and if they would like to partner? Kathy will

come back with information to board via email and will vote via email.

e. Kathy will send out a updated foundation fund policy. Kathy asked Sandy to formulate an application for

the foundation fund and send to Wendy to post on the website

Committee Reports

1. Recognize Show: Donna Rowland sent her report via email: Nothing new to report since our last meeting except if we are

going to have a Licensed Show next year we need to let them know by the 21st of this month (from USEF Renewal Reminder: Your

renewal is due no later than: 6/21/2012).

2. Schooling Shows: All the shows have all filled with the exception of PAF, which was about 2 hours short. We turned

down a couple late nonmember entries for the HVEC show due to it being full.

· All ribbons are sorted and organized.

· All ribbons are sorted and organized.

· We will need to order ribbons for the Championship show, we only have a few. Sandy, can you help with that

please? Like tell me what is usually awarded and I will order the balance of ribbons needed. Are we doing ad-

ditional prizes for 1st place or just ribbons this year? I believe we have about 9 pieces of crystal that is stored at

Kathy Rowse’s, I suggest we use that up if possible so it doesn’t continue to hang around and get broken.

· Also, we need to set discuss and set score requirements for the Western and Gaited Championship classes, if

we are going to have those: The board agreed to have championship classes for the Western and Gaited classes.

Western Basic (walk/jog) will be qualifying score of 62%, Western Primary (walk, jog, lope) will have qualify-

ing score of 60%. Gaited dressage test will have qualifying score of 62%. Kathy asked Robyn to write this up

for Wendy to post on the newsletter. Also, 12 more sets of championship ribbons will be needed, Robyn in-

formed Donna to check if there are any awards stored away.

3. Awards: Carol's report included: 1.)Website correction: The SVDA Forms Library, 2012 Schooling Show Award has the

wrong header. It should read “Schoolings Shows” instead of “Licensed Shows”. Wendy has corrected this. 2.) Carol did not remem-

ber a discussion about changing the requirement for FEI levels from 6 to 3 tests to qualify for Schooling Shows End of Year require-

ments. It was suggested because Musical Freestyle requires only 3 tests. Carol does not remember making a by-law/policy change

when the MFS change was done. 3. ) The Banquet is set for January 26, 2013 at Grand Affairs, Virginia Beach, Mardi Gra theme. 4.)

End of Year Western and Gaited Championship Award qualifications – the usual volunteer hours requirement, 6 rides in a level.

After discussion that the Year End Awards requirement is a policy an can be voted on by the board, Carol pro-

posed that for 2012 FEI schooling show awards include 3 tests versus the previous 6. Sandy confirmed that it is

indeed a policy. Janice seconded and the board passed this vote.

--As discussed previously, Western and Gaited dressage will have 2 separate awards for their division, and at this

time they will not be eligible for "special awards."

4. Juniors: Tristin was not present due to illness. She sent report via email: Following is her Junior report: As far

as the 2013 licensed show, I will vote with the majority. I would support a show by bringing volunteers and rid-

ers but if it's too much hassle and not good for dates I understand. For the Junior Championship show: it is a

Wedding Theme with two teams, Brides and Bridesmaids. One at Intro and one mix with first and second level

riders, Four musical freestyles, two at training and two at first. There are six girls going. The smallest team ever

but they have been very dedicated with their volunteering, riding and fundraising! We are looking forward to

additional team activities such as swimming and shopping at the local outlet mall!

· We worked on entry forms at this past Sat team meeting. I have a check from Shari and will mail the entries on

Monday.

· One parent is making brides costumes and one parent is ordering tuxedo t-shirts, we will have 3 brides and 3

grooms for the awards costume ceremony. Another will make top hat covers for helmets and a cardboard wed-

ding cake. Others are getting decorations, ribbons. We will have pretty silk flower bouquets and plastic vases to

store them in for decoration. Will get window markers for team spirit. Three girls are making neat stall signs.

Will get pics of all. Maybe we will win decorations this year (sigh, we never win, even with great themes and

decorations, good thing we have fun!)

· I will bring cherries for our 3rd annual cherry pit spitting contest. Winners for overall length and best 2 out of 3

average.

· I also bring a little prize for each girl who drinks a certain amount of water and Gatorade for the weekend to

keep hydrated. It's usually a record high heat index!

·Grace is going as assistant coach. Yay!!!

· We raised enough money to cover cost of entries, stabling, golf cart, coach hotel room (we are still sharing with

a family), team shirts and team pads. · I received two responses to the emails I sent out earlier in the year to all Junior and Family members and to lo-

cal Pony Clubs. They are interested in the team for next year. I still have a response of relief that we do not

have more team or Jr activities because everyone is so busy doing other things. I'll poll everyone again in the

fall.

· It was nice that at our meeting Sat everyone was offering to bring extra supplies, stock tie pin, jacket that was

outgrown, etc., that someone else might need to borrow. This is such a great team spirit building weekend. The

parents always notice and comment, as well as the girls, at how wonderful it is to learn team spirit, helping each

other, having fun as a priority. Many girls that have gone on to college find this a valuable team and leadership experience.

I really try to foster the organization, preparation, helping each other, responsibility for self, teammates, horses, and fun!

· Team Brides: Ellen Bouchard, Stacey Johnson, Beth Curran

Team Bridesmaids: Anna Curran, Louise Murray, Savannah Dodge

5. Membership: Reeta sent latest Membership report. 115 members currently. Last year there was 128 members at this time.

6. Clinics and Programs: A new venue or date is needed for the Equitation clinic. September 23rd is the current date. Po-

tential other locations are Happy Valley Equestrian Center, Silverleaf Farm, or Bridlewood Farm in Waverly.

.

7. Scholarship/Foundation Fund: Sandy submitted information/article from her scholarship in 2011 and she has contacted

Rombs but have not heard back. Sandy has informed the new 2012 recipients.

8. Ways and Means: Grace Williams is filtering through the notebook to determine what to use and not. August is the

month for the Sally Foster wrapping paper.

9. Newsletter and Website: Wendy may need to put a post up the website to make sure people get entries in on time, as the

show may be full prior too.

Adjournment

Kathy adjourned the meeting at 8:29pm. Next meeting will be a face to face meeting on Monday, August 27th, 2012 at the Chesa-

peake Great China Buffet.

Minutes submitted by: Danielle Rowland, Secretary

Continued from Page 7

6. Another myth is that you should never spray a hot horse down with cold water. The fact is, top-

level endurance riders and eventers douse their horses down with ice-cold water immediately

after they finish a ride to bring the body temperature down to a safe level. However, using cool

water instead of cold is generally more comfortable for your horse, so if you aren't headed into

the vet check after a 100-mile ride or an advanced cross-country course, you can use a more

moderate temperature to cool him down after a workout.

7. Use sunscreen of at least SPF 15 and reapply throughout the day. Wearing a hat or helmet

with a visor will help protect your scalp and face, two very sun-vulnerable areas. Horses with

white on their muzzles are prone to burns as well, so make sure to use sunscreen there as well.

8. Hot weather brings out the bugs. Use plenty of insect repellant on yourself and fly spray on

your horse, especially if you're headed out into the woods. You can put a fly mask on over your

horse's bridle to protect his face from flies while riding. Just make sure to take it off if you ride

after the sun goes down.

9. The days of riding in heavy jeans and sweat-soaked t-shirts are over. Hot weather riding apparel is now widely available and af-

fordable. Manufacturers now offer lightweight riding pants, moisture-wicking shirts, ventilated helmets and even perforated half

chaps that allow for better air circulation.

10. Your pastures need to have sufficient shade for all of the horses that live there. That can be from a shelter or from trees as long

as the shade is available as the sun moves throughout the day. Check the pasture water daily to make sure it is clean and hasn't

become too hot if the trough is out in direct sunlight. If your horse is stabled during the day, keep the windows and doors open for

ventilation, or mount a box fan on your horse's stall to improve air circulation. Just make sure the wire is out of reach of all horses.

Using ice-cold water isn't harmful to your horse, but cool water is more comfortable for him.

Half-Halt | Newsletter of the Southeast Virginia Dressage Association Page 11

SVDA’S “ASK THE TRAINER/JUDGE ” BY: ANNA SCHRIEBL

Submit your Questions to… patriotfarm@wildblue.net

SVDA has actually always offered dressage equitation classes at our schooling show but sadly we rarely have any entrants. Getting this division off the ground locally is a passion of mine! The classes are frequently thought of for junior riders but amateur and open divisions are also allowed. If there are enough entries we can divide it into under 13, 14-18, and ama-teur. We could also offer a walk trot division for juniors under 13. So as not to disturb the regular dressage classes, some of our host farms may let us run a separate ring for 30-60 minutes in addition to the dressage ring. You do not have to have a dressage ring for these classes!

In an equitation class the judge will generally ask the rider to do walk, trot and canter both ways of the arena including sitting trot. The judge may ask for any movements in training and first level . At the National Dressage Seat Equitation fi-nals individual tests may be required. A judge must assign a final overall score to each rider and then the prizes will be awarded according from highest to lowest scoring rider.

The judge is looking for a proper classical position. This includes evaluating leg position, seat, hands, balance, and rhythm. The rider should to be relaxed and effective, able to make full use of all riding aids. The rider and horse should have unity and harmony the horse’s gaits are not judged. If your horse makes a mistake, its fine – correct it as best you can and go on. The judge will appreciate a rider who effectively corrects mistakes but penalize an ineffective rider.

Nationally, USEF offers a Dressage Seat Equitation program. There is a national championship that you must qualify for that is held at Lamplight in Illinois every August. Last year I attended a USEF Young Horse judge’s conference there and was able to watch the Dressage Seat Equitation semi-finals. Its very exciting stuff and a great goal for our SVDA junior rid-ers reach for. If you’d like to find out more – go to www.USEF.org look up the rulebook and review DR133 – it has all the rules and information that you will need.

So please give me your feedback. How can we better get this division off the ground in 2012 and beyond? Would any-one be interested in a CHAMPIONSHIP class at our October championship show? I would be willing to sponsor a cham-pionship prize if we got 6 entries! Please contact me with your suggestions at krowse@verizon.net

Yours in Equitation, Kathy Rowse

Dear Equitation Challenged:

"I attended a schooling show with dressage equitation classes last month. Can you expand upon what these types of classes entail, are they walk trot canter, what are the required movements, how are they judges are they available at SVDA schooling

shows etc?"

signed- Equitation Challenged

Half-Halt | Newsletter of the Southeast Virginia Dressage Association Page 12

AVAILABLE TO TRAVEL TO YOUR FARM

Janice Mumford

USDF Bronze & Silver Medalist

USDF “L” Graduate

Clinics & Lessons at your Farm

Judging Dressage & Open Schooling

Shows

Call

757.635.8023

CLINICS | LESSONS | JUDGING

Contact Robyn to Sign up for Schooling

Show

Volunteer Positions!

robynnunally@aol.com

DON’T FORGET YOUR 4

HOURS OF VOLUNTEER

POINTS IS REQUIRED

BEFORE JULY 1, 2012 IN

ORDER TO BE ELIGIBLE

FOR YEAR END AWARDS!

Half-Halt | Newsletter of the Southeast Virginia Dressage Association Page 15

Date: July 8, 2012

Location: Terra Ceia Farm, Suffolk

Date: July 8, 2012

Entry Secretary (1): Wendy Murray

Show Secretary A.M. (1): Debbie Basta

Show Secretary P.M. (1): Danielle Goulding

Ring Transportation to (1):

Ring Set up: (4)

Betsy Harmon

Yolanda Williamson

Donald Williamson

Lunches & snacks (1): Nancy Pettet

Scribe A.M. (1): Carol Gonyo

Scribe P.M. (1): Carol Gonyo

Ring Steward A.M. (1): Mary DiJoseph

Ring Steward P.M. (1): Marylyn Leonard

Runner A.M. (1):

Runner P. M. (1): Robin Simmons

Ring Take down (4):

Yolanda Williamson Donald Williamson

Ring Transportation from (1): Janice Mumford

SVDA Rep:a.m. – Kathy Rowse p.m. – Kathy Rowse

SCHOOLING SHOW VOLUNTEERS

Date: June September 2, 2012

Location: Sterling Meadows, Virginia Beach

Entry Secretary (1):

Show Secretary A.M. (1):

Show Secretary P.M. (1):

Ring Transportation to (1):

Ring Set up:

Lunches & snacks (1):

Scribe A.M. (1):

Scribe P.M. (1):

Ring Steward A.M. (1):

Ring Steward P.M. (1):

Runner A.M. (1):

Runner P. M. (1):

Ring Take Down (4):

Bonnie Williams

Ring Transportation from (1):

SVDA Rep:

AM –

PM –

Half-Halt | Newsletter of the Southeast Virginia Dressage Association Page 16

2012 SVDA Volunteers Totals

(through June 2012)

Totals

Karen Barnard 8

Betsy Beard 8

Tina Bodnar 8

Ellen Bouchard 8

Rhonda Bowen 4

Melinda Brown 8

Russ Bruns 8

Victoria Bryant 4

Pam Burdette 8

Tristin Butler 27

Becca Canterbury 8

Suz Cornelsen 8

Robin Criswell 8

Anna Curran 4

Beth Curran 4

Shari Cutchin 14

Savannah Dodge 8

Reeta Edmondson 8

Gabrielle Fleming 4

Susan Forester 6

Carol Gonyo 35

Danielle Goulding 4

Sacha Ingram 7

Sandy Johnson 43

Stacey Johnson 16

Jaye Jones 8

Robin Jones 46

Nikkie Jordan 4

Vince Jordan 4

Katie Lang 12

Marylyn Leonard 4

Melisa Mahoney 7

Barbara McArthur 8

Joan McClellan 8

Toni Meranda 8

Sarah Miller 24

Janice Mumford 21

Louise Murray 8

Wendy Murray 24

Robyn Nunnally 43

Katy Owens 8

Amanda Petroski 4

Nancy Pettet 7

Princess Anne Farm 8

Beth Rippel 8

Diane Rombs 13

Tiffany Rombs 8

Danielle Rowland 20

Donna Rowland 28

Kathy Rowse 43

Anna Scriebl 17

Julie Shilling 3

Nancy Slack 7

Julie Spencer 1

Brenda Stevens 4

Bettina Strobach 10

Kristin Tessenear 8

Jennifer Torres 13

Bailey Troutman 4

Bonnie Williams 2

Grace Williams 11

Yolanda Williamson 4

Mary Winchell 32

Mike Winchell 8

Wendy Zolinski 8

Jessica Zoskey 16

Half-Halt | Newsletter of the Southeast Virginia Dressage Association Page 17

Southeast Virginia Dressage Association Foundation Policy

Vision:

The vision of the Southeast Virginia Dressage Association Foundation is to cultivate and provide financial sup-

port for the advancement of Dressage.

Mission:

The mission of this foundation is to cultivate and financially support opportunities in the sport of dressage, to

members of SVDA, through targeted financial assistance and dressage opportunities which would other-

wise not be possible for the recipient due to financial limitations.

Objective:

The objective of the SVDA Foundation is to enable adult amateurs, professionals, juniors or senior members

the opportunity to participate in dressage related opportunities which can include (but not limited to):

Participation in regional and national level clinics and programs

Participation in educational opportunities not covered by the SVDA Scholarship Program

Continuing Education for Dressage Instructors

Continuing Education for Dressage Judges and “L” Graduates.

FEI Level Young Riders in pursuit of National Level Competitions

Adult Amateur Support for educational and training opportunities not covered by the SVDA Scholarship Program

USDF National Conventions and Symposiums

A PM delegate to the USDF convention

Other dressage opportunities as deemed by the Foundation Board of Directors

Applications:

Applications will be considered as opportunities become available but should be considered only at regularly

scheduled board meeting. The scholarship Chairman will receive the application and present it at the next

regularly scheduled board meeting.

The Scholarship Chairman will privately notify Final Foundation Award Recipients upon SVDA Board Approval

Awards:

SVDA Foundation Awards will be based on a demonstrated financial need. The

Applicant can request an amount but the Board will set the final award. Generally

Awards will be between $50 and $200.

SVDA is looking for applicants with a strong volunteer background and commitment to dressage and promo-

tion of SVDA related activities. A minimum of 2 years membership and 20 hrs volunteer credit is re-

quired.

SVDA Foundation Awards encourages applicants who would like to participate in opportunities not normally available to

them.

Awards can’t be given to the same applicants more often than every 2 years.

In general, a scholarship and Foundation Fund award won’t be given to the same person in the same fiscal

year.

The Budget committee will set the maximum amount of $ that can be awarded each year determined by the

clubs financial status each year.

Half-Halt | Newsletter of the Southeast Virginia Dressage Association Page 18

Half-Halt | Newsletter of the Southeast Virginia Dressage Association Page 19

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SVDA Newsletter Editor

Wendy L. Murray

124 Rockland Terrace

Suffolk, VA 23434