NCDCTA June 2009

Adult Amateur Spotlight: Laurie G. Watson

There is nothing more divinely distracting on a road trip than a long strip of wooden horse fencing at the edge of a large green field. Most of us impulsively crane our necks and wonder who the lucky farm owner is. In Summerfield, Laurie G. Watson owns and manages one such property, Avalon Sunset Farm, where she lives with her husband and 12 year old daughter. Laurie keeps four horses and one donkey there. The horses vary in age from five to twenty eight. The five year old, Winterbreeze was bred and raised on the farm. The horses’ breeds vary also: Cleveland Bay, Hanoverian/TB, QH, and Welsh pony.

The horses enjoy Laurie’s philosophy of plenty of turn out with run-in sheds and regular workouts with her or one of her trainers. Laurie takes weekly instruction on Jack, the Cleveland Bay. After losing her great old show horses, she took a hiatus from competition. And as her life evolved as homemaker, “family traveler”, soccer mom, and farm manager, Laurie has found it difficult to fit competitions into her busy schedule. However, she is planning to change that and return to the show ring this year, along with another goal of riding her 5-year old herself. Most amateurs can share Laurie’s perspective on defining future ambitions: “As I get older, I find that I am definitely not as brave as I used to be. New situations on new horses have really tested my comfort zone. Learning to trust my new, wonderful horses and my own abilities are my greatest challenges.” Laurie exudes a truly grateful attitude toward her horses and the people in her life who have guided her and supported her in her 20+ years of horsewomanship.

Editor’s note: This column, written by Jeanne Karver, appreciates and acknowledges the NCDCTA adult amateur membership. The intent is to enhance the community, commonality, and spirit of adult amateur equine enthusiasts. Each month with spotlight a different rider. To offer tips or suggestions: karv4@netzero.net

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OUR BIG ADVENTURE AT THE FORK
By Anne Beech

Easter weekend at The Fork Horse Trials, Norwood N.C. started out stormy but Saturday dawned bright and sunny, if a bit soggy. My horse Merlot was on his best behavior in dressage and put in a nice obedient test. I wanted to walk cross country once more to see what effect the rain had on the course. My camping neighbor Cindy Deporter insisted I take her scooter and showed me how to work it. I promptly attempted to T-bone the rented golf cart, then went for self decapitation under the shavings trailer! The whole thing was a bit harum scarum, but after that I successfully drove like an old lady out to the course.

The rain had turned great footing into fantastic footing! The course was the same as last year except the pastel eggs were now shiny white eggs. Merlot believes eggs are barrels and white barrels are at the top of the "things to be avoided at all costs" list. He was looky here last year, which we later attributed to soundness issues. This year he raced around the course like there was a fire he needed to get to and even white barrels weren't going to get in his way! As usual he was a holy terror in warm up even with trainer David O’Brien’s help. When we pulled up after cross country, David said we needed to rethink our choice of bit since I didn't have even a hint of brakes and Merlot's position of choice was mach 7 on the forehand. I apologized for being his most embarrassing student, and David said we weren't, but I think he was just being polite!

On Sunday stadium jumping was in the upper arena with warm up in the lower arena. I was absolutely delighted to have stadium in an arena with awesome footing rather than on grass as in previous years. Merlot was an angel, even the ring steward commented on how delightful he was compared to the day before! I had one idiot moment where I inexplicably drove for a long spot (read: a stride early) which Merlot took with aplomb. After apologies in midair, we took the oxer again in a civilized manner. David explained, yet again, that the horse sees a spot, right or wrong, long before the rider does. If the rider will just keep the canter coming the horse will find a distance whether the rider sees it or not. When the rider drives to a non-existent long spot or checks to a non-existent short spot it will often end unpleasantly. For once in my public jumping career I was able to remember and execute David's instructions for an entire course. It was pretty darn miraculous! We finished on our dressage score (plus a few penalties for speeding XC) to win Novice division B with a 23.8. The Fork, Finishline, and Bit of Britain provided a bunch of loot which Merlot was kind enough to let me carry back to the stables without blowing up and landing all his new finery in the dirt!

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ANOTHER FUN MOTHER’S DAY AT PINEHURST
By Liz Bromberg

Katie Sanders of Greensboro summed it up well by saying “It seemed like everyone and their mother was there watching … In fact, my mom's mother was there! Grandma came in from Arkansas to see me ride.” So did her dad, boyfriend, and stable buddies.

“It was fun having a crowd, but it also put on the pressure,” Sanders added. Everyone wants one of those fancy prize jackets, but you have to earn it at one of the state’s largest shows, Dressage in the Sandhills, Pinehurst, on Mother’s Day weekend, May 8-10. Sanders and Don Giovanni (“Felix”) did just that, in spite of a few hiccups along the way.

On Friday, Sanders’ trainer Donna Kelly of Oak Ridge showed Felix at 4th level earning a 70.9% and the 4th level open high score award. So the pressure was on as Sanders rode up center line for the 4th level amateur sweepstakes. This was her first show since the BLM Championships last fall, and it was likely to be her last show for a while, because Sanders will be heading off to college in Utah.

“Felix and I had a few hiccups. He did a fancy jig when all I wanted was a flying lead change. He decided to canter instead of doing a medium trot. Needless to say, I didn't feel this was my best test.” Happily, in spite of the “hiccups,” Sanders snagged the jacket with a winning score of 63.1%.

USDF MEDALS EARNED
Misty Bosarge, 22, of Jacksonville, began riding Arabians at the age of 13. In 2007, she began searching for a larger horse to accommodate her 5’9” frame. With the help of her father and trainer Michelle Folden, she found her 17.3 hand Belgian/Saddlebred cross, Covert Destiny, and the pair began to work their way up the levels with an eye on the USDF bronze medal.

Bosarge moved up to third level last year, but that final bronze medal score was elusive. “That was the toughest year,” Bosarge recalled. Her dad, who had suffered serious injuries while in the service, and had undergone a liver transplant at UNC in 2001, “and almost lost his life three times.” “But at the same time I was blessed. I met my boyfriend, Amiel Myers, who has been a great support and help…he shines my boots, washes and walks Covey, and at the end of the ride he gives me that big pat on the back no matter how we did in the show ring.”

Bosarge and “Covey” earned a 61% at Pinehurst to earn her bronze medal. Bosarge says she still misses having her dad at horse shows, but he remains her biggest fan.

Janice Aquino of Middlesex also earned her USDF bronze medal at Pinehurst by winning a third level class (61.8%)

“Twenty years and four horses later,” Aquino quipped with characteristic humor and humility. Her medal-winning mount is Galleon, a 16-year old Hanoverian gelding who also carried former owner Marianne Turnbull of Cary to a Bronze Medal. Both riders train with Becky Blikslager of Apex.

LEATH CLAIMS FEI CHAMPIONSHIP

Lynn Leath of Chapel Hill took six months off from showing to work on the Grand Prix with her 10-year old gelding d’Artagnan. Still, she felt that the gelding was not yet polished enough to show in the large tour. Nevertheless, the training apparently did a great deal to improve their performance (71.5% at I-1, earning the FEI Open High Score Award)

“Passage work has given him more of the idea of spring off the ground,” Leath added. “Piaffe work has made him more electric in his hind legs. Working on one's (tempi changes) has given him the idea of more uphill changes. And his stronger hind end has enabled him to show more self carriage.” All that work must have pleased the judge, as Lilo Fore commented "A lovely horse with many well presented highlights of correct basic schooling. Well done."

And Leath said “In my 30 years of showing this is the nicest comment I have ever had from a judge.”

A ROLLER COASTER RIDE FOR MARLEY

Showing the Grand Prix has been a “rollercoaster” for Patrick Marley of Burlington and his Quarter Horse mare, Honey Bright Dream. But Marley has hung on for the ride. And it paid off at Pinehurst. The pair had not scored above 60% at Grand Prix since last fall, but the work they did over the winter with trainer Tami Batts of Greensboro seemed to have put them back on track. That is, until they arrived at the show grounds on Thursday.

“Honey was “crazy…she was spinning in the warm up,” Marley recalled. On Friday, their performance was disappointing (51%). Marley considered scratching the next day, but decided to give it another try. A smart decision as it turned out. On Saturday the pair scored a 65% and a blue ribbon!

On Sunday, Marley played it safe and gave his mare the day off.

TEAM COMPETITION

You have to love any team with a name like The Whicker Chicks. Katelyn and Kourtney Whicker of Hillsborough are 12-year old twins who claimed first prize in the Junior Team Challenge. They give the credit for their success to trainer (and winner of the 2009 MaryBeth Trainer’s Award) Julia Dearborn of Oxford, and the rest of the Endeavor Farm crew.

Katelyn rides a 13-year old Hanoverian, Destiny, who is owned by Diane Isenhour, also from Hillsborough. The pair scored two 10’s (excellent!) on one test this weekend. Destiny used his down time during the show to practice his chair-tossing skills: picking up chairs in his teeth and tossing them across the barn aisle. Kourtney rides a 16-year old Selle Francais, The Big Easy (AKA Cajun). Cajun’s mane is a perfect match for Kourtney’s hair, but only their hair dresser knows for sure…

The Whicker’s had a “blast” at the show. They expressed great appreciation for everyone’s support, and especially for the tote bags full of goodies donated by M&M Tack Shop!

For complete results, go to www.Carolinadressage.com

Flat Tires, Speeding Tickets and Hives
By Liz Bromberg

It might sound like the lyrics to a Johnny Cash song, but it’s true, I kicked off my horse show weekend with a flat tire, a speeding ticket, and hives. On the way to the show Thursday, my trailer tire blew out on 15-501. I changed the tire and arranged for my husband to pick up a spare from the trailer company and bring it to Pinehurst on Friday. Disaster averted.

That afternoon, my long suffering husband (who is allergic to horses and is forced to live on a farm with two of them) drove to Alamance County to pick up the spare tire…and got clocked at 72mph by a State Trooper.

On Friday morning, I gave my mare a bath and took her for a walk around the polo field while reflecting with gratitude that it was only a tire, only a ticket, only money – but at least the horse was safe and sound. That is, she was, until about ten minutes after we returned to the barn and she broke out in hives. No, I didn’t cry. But I came close. I called the vet who assured me she had probably just eaten a strange weed. No need to panic.

On Friday afternoon, I braced for the worst and rode Training Level test 4. My trainer, Lynn Leath, observed it was our best ride ever. No lie. Sure enough, my mare, Magda, and I scored our first 70% score, good enough for the Training Level AA High Score Award.

Later that day, Magda and I made our debut at First Level test 4, scoring a 63.6% and far exceeding my in-going goal: to avoid extreme humiliation and injury. Although that might have made for better song lyrics…

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Well, here we are again, summer in NC. How can you tell, you ask? Well, other than the sweltering heat and sauna-like atmosphere when you first walk out of that door in the morning, it’s easy. Here are a few signs that it is finally summer in NC when you’re a rider:

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NCDCTA Board Meeting, May 5, 2009

The NCDCTA Board met at Flamingo’s Restaurant in Pittsboro on May 5. Members present: Jennifer Mitchell, Dave Stuckey, Lynn Leath, Donna Kelly, Anita Quinn, Andrea Glenn, Robyn Hahn, Diane LeFevre, and Sue Smithson. Excused: Suzanne Mullen, Carol Kelly.

President’s Report: Jennifer brought the meeting to order at 6:36 p.m. with a report that 218 members have responded to the recent survey. A final hard copy survey will be included in the June Newsletter, and a results summary will be available shortly thereafter. It was decided to sell the remnants of our old chain arenas at the CDI Silent Auction.

Vice President: The N.C. Museum of Art will be closed and unavailable for the January 2010 Gala. Donna will inquire about revisiting the Childress Winery in Lexington. An inquiry regarding the current policy on volunteer card limits for private shows and events (5 cards per day for dressage shows, 10 cards per day for events) was discussed. It was decided that the current guidelines are satisfactory and the policy will be maintained.

Dressage Education: Lynn asked for input on the fee structure for the Kathy Connelly Symposium scheduled for October 16-18, 2009. It was decided that all riders must be current members, and that non-members should pay higher audit fees. A committee will review rider applications.

Treasurer: The current budget is on track, and Dave agreed to make inquiries to our insurer regarding liability forms for clinics and camps.

Eventing Education: Anita and Andrea will co-organize the NCDCTA Steuart Pittman clinic this fall, but no dates have been confirmed yet. Another clinic with Melissa Jones-Sarle, an accomplished Grand Prix show jumping rider and FEI dressage rider, is in the planning stages.

Competitions: Diane has all 2009 show manager contracts in hand except one, but expects to have it signed and returned this week. She has developed a spread sheet to help with oversight, management, and budgetary topics for all NCDCTA licensed shows.

Communications: A need for shorter term website banner ad rates was discussed, and a new two month ad was accepted for $75.

New Business: Robyn will organize a scholarship subcommittee meeting in the coming weeks. The meeting was adjourned at 8:20 p.m., with the next meeting date set for June 2.

Respectfully submitted by Sue Smithson.

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ASK THE EXPERTS – June 2009

Q. My horse and I are ready to show third level, but the lead change from right to left is often late behind. Do you have any suggestions for training exercises that might help fix this problem? Sincerely, Late Behind (Serina Tart, Roseboro, NC)

A. Dear Late Behind: Great question as this is a common problem. You may have heard your horse needs to be more collected. This is true; however it’s been my experience that horses with late lead changes need to be suppler on the side of the new lead to help promote better balance and collection. You must always remember that a lead change is a transition and should be ridden with the same thought of any other transition, in that the transition itself is only as good as the quality, suppleness, and balance of the gait before.

One exercise I like to use is leg yielding on the track. You can start by tracking right on the right lead. This exercise is more about bending than about angle. While cantering on the right lead down the long side you will use a gentle opening rein on the left, bending your horse left towards the track with a slight body angle towards the inside. Once you get to the corner, bend your horse back to the right through the corner and ride your short side as normal. Then continue to do the leg yield on the next long side.

Some words of caution; if you get too much angle your horse will be unable to go forward and the quality of the gait will be lost. You must always be careful to keep your left hand on the left side of your horse’s neck with a slight opening rein, do not use an indirect rein (i.e., left hand towards the right). You may have to do a few long sides before you begin to feel more suppleness on the left. Once you feel that your horse is letting go and softer on the left rein, you can turn up the next quarter line, straighten your horse, and ride him forward in an uphill balance. I like to use the quarter lines as sometimes if you are asking for a change to counter canter against the track it can be a bit confusing for the horse. Keep your whip on the right side and ask for the change, tapping your horse with the whip at the same time you use your leg as this will help to promote a quicker response. Then continue through the remainder of the short side in counter canter, cross the diagonal and do the same thing on the other side. This exercise also works great at the trot without the flying change of course. You may want to get a feel for the exercise at the trot first anyway as this will help to promote more suppleness for a better canter.

Stacey Hastings is a USDF Certified Instructor Training-4th Level; a USDF Bronze, Silver, and Gold medalist; and an “L” graduate with distinction. She is based in Mooresville, NC at FinncastleFarms. Learn more at www.staceyhastingsdressage.com and www.finncastlefarms.com .

Have a question about shoeing? Showing? Training? Saddle-fitting? Veterinary care? E-mail it to: asktheexperts@ncdcta.org