New USEF Safe Sport Educational Requirements

US Equestrian developed their Safe Sport program to create and maintain an equestrian community free of all forms of emotional, physical and sexual misconduct. They state that all of their members have a mandatory duty to report suspected sexual misconduct.  They have recently developed the USEF Safe Sport Policy and U.S. Center for SafeSport Code which are intended to protect all competitors. 

Their homepage for Safe Sport can be found by clicking on this link.  There is a compelling video on the homepage of five time Olympian Anne Kursinski sharing her experience of being abused at age 11 by a worldclass trainer.  In this video she encourages everyone to become educated about what to look for so that no more children suffer what she suffered.  

In order to be eligible to compete in any USEF events in 2019 you need to take the three Safe Sport training modules.  The instructions for taking the training can be found on the US Equestrian Safe Sport homepage.  Additonally they have phone numbers for a 24 hour helpline and a link to electronically report sexual misconduct as well as resources for victims of sexual misconduct.  They also have resources for parents including a “Complete Parent Toolkit” and a “US Safesport Directory” of individuals who have successfully completed the USEF background screening check.  Please feel free to contact the USEF if you have any questions.

 

CWDS Equine Massage Clinic

Our April 30th CWDS Equine Massage Clinic was a great learning experience.  Ellen Roy was kind enough to volunteer her horse “Chance” for the demonstration by Liz Kelley, a Certified Equine Massage Therapist. Ms. Kelley taught us about pressure points and the associated muscle weaknesses that can be found in our horse’s bodies.  She then demonstrated how she looks for these pressure points when working with one of her equine patients. In particular, she demonstrated how she investigates the tissue along the horse’s spine and in their shoulder area for problems. Next she showed us how as a Therapist she addresses pain and injuries in the equine patients with her gentle touch.  She also demonstrated how her work helps to create balance in the horse’s musculoskeletal system.

 

In addition to demonstrating treating the equine patient, she also taught us simple practices that we could do to improve our horses’ health. One thing she recommended was the use of a curry brush with magnets to increase muscular circulation.  She also emphasized that we provide our horses with a nice cool down after each ride.  There were many other tips and tricks that she gave us to help us keep our equine partners feeling and performing their best.  

We would like to thank Liz Kelley for donating her time to help educate us about the benefits of Equine Massage. If you would like to contact her to work with your horse please click on this link for more information about her practice and how to set up an appointment for your horse.

 

About Central Washington Dressage Society

Central Washington Dressage Society is committed to offering Educational Opportunities like this, in addition to Clinics with esteemed Dressage Trainers and Schooling Shows, to it’s members on a regular basis to help them to develop in their dressage endeavors.  To learn more about the benefits of becoming a member, please go to the Membership Page of our website.

 

What is Tellington TTouch for Dressage Horses?

   Linda GarconLinda Tellington Jones, the founder of Tellington TTouch, has a long history of involvement in Dressage.  She studied Classical Dressage, was a founding member of the California Dressage Society, she has had the honor of riding Grand Prix horses throughout the world, has worked with numerous world class riders and their horses, Linda and Ingridincluding Ingrid Klimke, and has offered seminars at the Spanish Riding School at the private stable of Arthur Kottas. She also worked for years with Reiner Klimke and was featured in a Dressage Today article entitled “Reiner Klimke and Linda Tellington-Jones: Working Magic with Dressage Horses” which you can read in full by clicking on the link.

    In her book Dressage with Mind, Body & Soul, she talks about how her TTouch massage techniques help horses to relax and supple their bodies, which causes them to be more comfortable when they are working thereby improving the quality of their performance and lengthening their careers.  Linda Wrap WhiteThe Tellington Method also includes groundwork techniques with obstacles that help horses learn hoof-eye coordination, balance, confidence and patience, which carries over to work under saddle, in hand or in the trailer. Finally her system includes a series of “wraps” which calm horses and helps them to gain more awareness of their bodies so that they can move with more engagement from front to back. The following video shows a mare relaxing and improving in her connection from front to back almost immediately with the application of some of the TTouch techniques:

 

    Linda Training ScaleTo help people who are schooling their horses in Dressage, Linda outlines in her book TTouches, ground work exercises and wraps that help horses with each step of the Classical Training Scale. She talks in her book about how many horses and riders are currently suffering because they ignore the Classical Training Scale.  In her opinion, it is partially because they do not always understand how to apply it in their training, which is why she offers other techniques to help horses gain proficiency in each level before they progress to the next.  Finally Linda has added another layer to the foundation of the Training Scale that she calls “Balance”.  She defines Balance in her book as “mental, physical, and emotional well being”.  She specifically references the quote from Klaus Balkenhol where he says “caring for horses appropriately, providing good training, plenty of love and knowing and understanding the Training Scale… are of utmost importance to your success as a dressage rider.”  

    My horse Midnight and I have already benefited from the few TTouches and wraps that we learned when Julie Jene’ came from Spokane for a seminar back in July.  Since then I have purchased Linda’s book on Dressage and have been going through it in detail to try to find ways to help my horse develop in his skills as well as being a happy and more comfortable partner in our work together.  Julie Jene’ will be returning to Selah on October 10th for another workshop that I will definitely be attending.  I would like to encourage everyone who is interested in helping their equine partners to perform at their best, while being comfortable and happy in their work, also to attend.  Information about the seminar can be found on the calendar page of our website.  I hope to see you there!

Dawn Fulton

 

 

Pilates for Riders Class – A fun learning opportunity!

Our recent Pilates for Riders Pilates Pic 1class gave all CWDS members an opportunity to enjoy an evening of Pilates with Pam Brooks. Ms. Brooks is a certified Pilates instructor and an avid rider. We spent our session concentrating on Pilates basics that would particularly be valuable for Dressage riders. Among other techniques, we learned the value of concentrating on the core muscles of our pelvic floor and abdominal wall. One such exercise is the chest lift with rotation. This exercise utilizes the oblique muscles of the abdomen and builds Pilates Pic 2flexibility through rotational activities that are common during riding. In addition to the excellent instruction we enjoyed good fellowship and good food!

Paula Helm Saddle Fitting Clinic-Saturday March 28th

Paula Helms Saddle Fitting ImageThe Central Washington Dressage Society is pleased to invite you to attend the Paula Helm Hands-On Saddle Fitting Clinic on Saturday, March 28th from 10:30am to 12:30pm.  The event will include a lecture and demonstration that will be held at Sue Bisko’s barn at 12383 Vantage Highway in Ellensburg.  There is no cost for CWDS Members, however Non-members* will be charged $25 per person. Everyone is invited to a Potluck after the Clinic. Following the potluck, Paula will have appointments available Saturday, March 28th in the afternoon, and Sunday, March 29th for individual saddle fittings.  

Costs for individual saddle fitting (fees payable to Helm Saddles, LLC) are as follows: 

            Barn Call:                                        $15.00

            Saddle Check Fee:                          $60.00

            Flocking (includes saddle check):     $185.00 

About Helm Saddles, LLC:  Paula Helm’s love for horses, and her desire to help make them comfortable, resulted in her training as a professional saddle fitter.  She enjoys being able to help riders and horses work together.  Paula rides and currently trains with Jennifer Williams out of Summervale Premier Dressage competing HS Whrapsody at FEI, and HS Wroyal Prince at 3rd Level. For more about Paula and Helm Saddles, LLC, please visit her website at:  Helm Saddles

To sign-up for the Clinic and/or an individual saddle fitting, please contact Kim at khixson01@aol.com or (509) 698-6778.  One to three demo horses will be needed for the Hands-On Lecture.  Please let Kim know if you are interested.  To attend you will need to complete the following registration form and send it to Kim:

Paula Helm Clinic 2015

 *Non-members are invited to join and be able to attend at the member no-cost rate. Membership is $45.00 annually.  For information about CWDS and for information on how to become a member click on this link.  

2015 Platinum Performance/USDF Region 6 Jr/YR Clinic

featuring

George Williams

George Williams

 

George Williams is a prominent figure in international dressage competition whose career highlights with Chuck and Joann Smith’s grand prix mare, Rocher, include: three-time Dressage at Devon Grand Prix and Grand Prix Freestyle, 2005 United States Equestrian Federation/Collecting Gaits National Grand Prix Champion, team bronze at CHIO Aachen, 5th at the 2003 World Cup in Sweden, United States Dressage Federation Grand Prix and Grand Prix Freestyle Horse of the Year as well as being named Dressage Horse of the Year by the Chronicle of the Horse. Mr. Williams has been studying dressage since 1973 and has coached many Young Riders to Medal finishes. George traveled to Germany to enroll at the Reitinstitute von Neindorff’ where he earned his German Bronze Rider Medal. He was later a resident trainer and rider for The Tempel Lipizzans in Wadsworth, IL for 20 years. Mr. Williams has trained in Germany with the former US Dressage team coach and Olympic gold medalist, Klaus Balkenhol, on numerous occasions. He currently is active as the President of USDF, a member of the United States Equestrian Federation Dressage Committee, a member of the USEF High Performance Eligible Athlete Committee, a member of the USEF Board of Directors, and is Chair of the USEF High Performance Dressage Committee. Mr. Williams was co-winner of the USEF William Steinkraus Equestrian of Honor award for his success in 2005. He was a contributing author to the USDF’s booklet on arena footing, Underfoot, and his accomplishments and training techniques have been featured in many publications. From the summer of 2000 until the spring of 2009 Mr. Williams rode and trained for the Smiths at their Gypsy Woods Farm in Richwood, OH. On May 1, 2009 he started to ride and train for Elizabeth Juliano’s Havensafe Farm of Middlefield Ohio and Wellington Florida. In addition he continues to teach and coach with Williams Dressage LLC. In 2014, George was named the USEF National Youth Coach and will be conducting national clinics in pursuit of finding talented young dressage riders.

To register for this Clinic, please go to the USDF Region 6 Website.

Don’t miss the January Clinic: “Intro to the tests of 2015” w/Mike Osinski

Get Ready for the 2015 Season!

The Oregon Dressage Society Hosts:

“Intro to the Tests of 2015”

w/Mike Osinski-FEI 3*

Jan. 17-18, 2015

This clinic will go through all of the changes for each test from Training to Fourth Level. There will be a lecture on Saturday afternoon and 15 rides on Sunday to demonstrate the new tests. This will be an interactive clinic with a lecture and video, live riding demos and lots of time for questions.  Deadline for Pre-Registration is 12/18/14.  Please go to the following link for more information:  “Intro to the Tests of 2015” Clinic.

 

Dressage through the Levels – Dec 6-7 at Donida

Donida Header

December 6-7, Donida Equestrian Center will be presenting “Dressage through the Levels of 2015″.  At this symposium the new USDF 2015 test movements Training Level through Grand Prix will be demonstrated and scored.  Additionally Scott Hassler and Janet Foy work with each horse/rider combination to correct the basics and move them up the levels. Janet and Scott will give examples and demonstrate training exercises to help the horses/riders achieve the correct basics and balance for their level. Both interacting with the audience for consistent question and answering periods.  For more information and to register as an auditor for this clinic please follow this link to the Donida website: Dressage through the Levels of 2015, or  you can also view their flyer which is below:

Dressage through the Levels of 2015 Flyer

Dressage Clinic with Meg Hays – Sept. 6th

Megan Riding 1The Hixsons will be hosting a dressage clinic with Meg Hays on Saturday, Sept 6th.  If you ride an Arabian or Half Arabian, Meg has been to the Arabian Sport Horse Nationals and has won several Regional and National titles.  She has also shown her horses at open competitions.  She is willing to work with traditional dressage breeds as well as the non traditional breeds. This clinic is open to  CWDS members only and the lessons are $40.00 for 45 min.  To register please complete and submit the following form:

Meg Hays Sept Clinic

Paula Helms Saddle Fitting Clinic – June 28th & 29th

Paula Helms Saddle Fitting ImagePlease join us at Ellen Roy’s barn,Last Chance Rance, 1502 University Parkway, Yakima, WA 98901 on June 28th and 29th for a Paula Helm Clinic. In the morning Paula will be teaching group Dressage Lessons on Suppling and Moving Forward and Leg Yields and Haunches-In. Riders purchase both days for a total of two lessons, one on each day. In addition, Paula will be fitting, flocking and demonstrating saddles for individual clients in the afternoon.

Both clinic days include a delicious continental breakfast and a lunch, beverages included. Snacks will be provided to “graze” all day and although the start time for meals is definite the end time is not, so it is okay if you arrive later than others to eat. We will have expert equine educational guest lecturers each day during our lunch hour. Please bring a lawn chair with you to sit.

Due to insurance reasons to ride in the clinic or to ride at the barn in your saddle for a demo/fitting, you need to be a CWDS member. Annual dues are $45, payable to CWDS and can be done at the time of the clinic. Clinic auditors do not need to be members.

Basic clinic fees pay for your meals and the lecturers. Auditors pay $20 a day or $30 for both days. Clinic riders/saddle demo people will pay $10 a day. Haul in fee to Ellen’s is $10 a day, overnight stalls are available in a neighboring stable, please let me know and I will help you make any arrangements. Also, if you have any dietary needs or allergies, I would be happy to assist. We will have vegetarian food available. Clinic fees for meals and lecturers for both auditors and rider/demo people are made out to CWDS, however all saddle demo/fitting/flocking expenses are paid to Paula. Please bring your checks with you the day of the clinic.

Group Dressage lessons will be in the morning and will last an hour, cost is $45 and will include two riders. We currently have one opening on both days at 1015-1115. You will be riding with me and my horse Hans Felix. He is easy going and so am I:)

We held a Paula Helm clinic last Fall and it was a great success, we hope to see everyone there. Please let me know if you have questions or need assistance. Marli Parobek 509.834.9714, marli@parobek.com.

Tentative Schedule: Saturday, June 28th 2014

0830  Breakfast Served

0900-1000  Group Lesson #1 Suppling and Moving Forward:

                                    (Open Entry)

                                    Ellen Roy

1015-1115  Group Lesson #2 Leg Yields and Haunches-In:

                                    Marli Parobek             

                                    (Open Entry)

1130-1230 Torey Griswold:  Equine Chiropractor – Lunch Lecture

1230-1345 Michelle Long – Saddle Fitting 

1400-1530 Megan Hays – Saddle Fitting

1545-1745 Vangie Crago – Saddle Demonstration

 

Tentative Schedule: Sunday, June 29th 2014 

0830  Breakfast Served

0900-1000  Leg Yields and Haunches-In

                        (Open Entry)

                        Ellen Roy

1015-1115  Suppling and Moving Forward

                        Marli Parobek

                        (Open Entry)

1130-1230 Bruce Samels:  Equine Massage – Lunch Lecture

1245-1330 Allison Enters – Individual Lesson

1345-1445 Pete Dimoff – Saddle fit/flock

1445-1545 Holly Warner – Saddle Demonstration

1545-1545 Marli Parobek – Saddle Demonstration

Arthur Kottas Clinic: March 24-26 in Sauvie Island (Portland), OR

Arthur Kottas

Arthur Kottas was accepted as an Eleve in the Spanish Riding School of Vienna at the age of 16. He rose rapidly under the tutelage of Col. Podhajsky to become Bereiter and then Chief Rider, both in the shortest time in the school’s history. He was elevated to the post of First Chief Rider in 1995, and served until his retirement in 2003.  At the same time he operated his own training stable, coaching riders up to Olympic level. He is also a master of the use of in-hand work in the training of piaffe and passage. Due to his in-depth knowledge of classical dressage as well as his experience in the successful training of competition horses and riders, he is currently in huge demand world wide both as a clinician and as a lecturer. This is the only West Coast venue for clinics with Herr Kottas.

All breeds and levels are welcome. Both amateurs and professionals are encouraged. 

For more information about the clinic, please contact Lisa Scaglione.

lascaglione@earthlink.net      www.lisascaglionedressage.com      (503) 504-2006

To see more information about Arthur Kottas, please visit his website at:  http://arthur.kottas-heldenberg.at/

 

 
 

We learned a great deal at the scribing clinic!

images-2Two of us traveled over the pass Tuesday evening to learn what it takes to be a scribe.  Beth Glosten teaches this class as her contribution to the sport and what a fine job she does! Eight of us listened and watched and then were given the opportunity to scribe for several rides as Beth judged. My goodness, I will never again take for granted the comments I receive on my tests. It takes concentration to legibly write all the comments made by the judge, to get the right tone and exact words to express the judge’s thoughts.   I found an article that sums up the evening and thought I’d share Jennifer Walker’s tips for a scribe:

Serving as a dressage scribe is really pretty simple.  All it takes is good listening and fast writing skills. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

1. Arrive at the show grounds early so no one worries that you won’t make it. You’ll also want to have plenty of time to find the show office, get your scribe kit, and meet the judge.

2. Make sure you have the tests and plenty of pens. You should have a red pen for marking errors.

3. Ask the judge if she gives scores or comments first, and tell her if you’ve never scribed before, or if you have any questions.

4. Check the number on the horse to the number on the test. Every horse must have a number, and you must make sure that the pre-printed test matches. Write the number in the space provided at the top of the side of the test where you write the scores. If you can’t see the number, ask the rider as she rides by.

5. Write the score in the Points column. Do not write in the Coefficient or Total column.

6. The judge will usually fill in the collective marks, but may dictate them to you. Make sure she signs the front of the test.images-3

7. Sometimes the tests move quickly. The most important thing is the score-if you miss comments, you can try to go back and complete them, but make sure you get the score. If you didn’t hear or understand something, ask.

8. Keep an eye on the rider in the ring to make sure you’re on track and writing in the right place. You will often be writing about one movement halfway through the next. If you’re not sure which movement a comment or score goes with, ask. “Was that for the transition?” or “Was that for number 6?” Judges are usually understanding of this.

9. Write as legibly and clearly as you can. Abbreviations are often necessary, but write out words if you have time, and make sure your abbreviations make sense. You can make a big O for circle or draw a square for “square halt.”images-4

10. Do not offer commentary about the riders. Do not write anything the judge didn’t say.

11. Take a cue from the judge as to whether she’s interested in chatting or letting you ask questions. If she doesn’t offer, stay quiet and let her concentrate.

Scribing at dressage shows is a great way to see and learn about dressage, while giving back to the dressage community. Give it a try, and you’ll find it a rewarding experience.