NCDCTA October 2009

NCDCTA MINUTES, September 1st, 2009

The NCDCTA Board met in Pittsboro beginning at 6:30 p.m. Present: Jennifer Mitchell, Dave Stuckey, Carol Kelly, Lynn Leath, Anita Quinn, Robyn Hahn, Diane LeFever, Sue Smithson, Suzanne Mullen. Excused; Donna Kelly

PRESIDENT’S REPORT: We are gearing up for the 2010 GAIG Region 1 Championships to be held in Williamston, and hoping for increased participation from out-of-state riders in shows held there prior to the Championships. The Board also discussed the need for clarification of BLM Championship fees now being billed to shows offering qualifying classes.

VICE PRESIDENT: (presented by Jennifer). We have had requests from members to use Paypal instead of hand written checks for the HOY banquet. This has been discussed previously and rejected because of the deficiencies of the current Paypal system of reporting monies paid without a corresponding line item. The board voted to defer to Steve Nelles on how to correct this problem, and allow more flexibility for members to pay on line.

A motion was presented by the HOY committee to allow NCDCTA members competing in out-of-state shows to have those points count towards HOY awards, if the show chooses to be recognized by NCDCTA, for a higher fee than in state shows. After much discussion the motion passed and the change would take effect beginning in 2010.

EVENTING: All plans are in place for an exciting NCDCTA Championships at Five Points HT, Sept. 11th - 13th, with excellent prizes for NCDCTA members including leather halters, director’s chairs and picture frames, as well as special neck sashes for each division. Two NCDCTA sponsored course walks will be held Friday Sept.11th along with a wine and cheese reception partially sponsored by Childress Winery, the location of our 2009 HOY banquet.

DRESSAGE: Registrations for auditors for the Kathy Connelly Symposium October 17th and 18th are continuing at a steady rate. A wide cross section of junior, amateur and professional riders from multiple levels will be represented at this symposium. Lynn has graciously installed a professional sound system at her farm to accommodate the auditors.

The adult clinic was very successful and will likely be repeated and perhaps expanded next year

COMMUNICATIONS: Printing costs for the newsletter have continued to rise. Sue proposed increasing 2010 ad prices in the newsletter to $150 (full page) $100 (half) for straight advertising; and $75 (full), $50 (half) for shows and clinics. Robyn seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

The board also voted to allow the text-only version of the newsletter to be posted on line concurrently with the mailing of the printed copies.

SCHOLARSHIPS COMMITTEE: Robyn reported that six applications for NCDCTA scholarships have been received from Junior/YRs, amateurs and professionals. All recipients will be required to “give-back” to NCDCTA through volunteer services. A decision will be made on who will receive the scholarships (one for each category) in early October.

COMPETITIONS: Diane presented show accounting and preliminary accounting for the following shows: Summertime Blues (Dianne Boyd) Summer Highland Fling (Melissa LeRoy) Down East Dressage (Dana Diemer) Check for $795.45

CDI/CDC (Janine Malone) Preliminary Accounting

The Competition committee recommends standardizing financial reporting from shows for ease of comparison in Profit and Loss statements. Diane plans to have discussions with show managers early in 2010 to clarify expectations and contracts.

Diane will attend the NC Horse council meeting in Reidsville on September 29th on behalf of the NCDCTA and will report back to the board.

TREASURER: The NCDCTA budget is within expectations for a down year and a sluggish economy.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:40 p.m. The October Board meeting will be held by teleconference.

Respectfully submitted by Suzanne Mullen, Recording Secretary

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Adult Amateur Spotlight: Laurie Bauchman

At North Carolina dressage shows, there is a literal dark horse preparing to boldly fulfill his owner’s glamorous ambitions. Still early in the dressage journey, this dark horse appears to have quite a future in the competitive arena. The horse, William E, is a 6 year old KWPN gelding by Gribaldi, and his owner/rider is Laurie Bauchman.

Laurie has been riding under the guidance of trainer Becky Blikslager for ten years and tries to take one lesson per week. She boards William at Blikslager’s Windcroft Farm in Apex.

“The horse management is outstanding,” Laurie said. “Becky keeps a very close eye on everything and works overtime to be sure the horses are happy and healthy. I always get a call right away if my horse loses a shoe, gets a cut or scrape, or is just not acting like himself.”

Laurie favors the part time turn out system where William is in his stall eight hours a day. She schools him about five days a week with field rides a couple of those days. Like an educated sports trainer, she alternates hard workouts with lighter days.

Her proud trainer adds, “Laurie bought him sight unseen as a sparky, barely broke, two and a half year old from Holland and has done all the work herself.”

Laurie and William participate in four or five recognized dressage shows per year and a number of schooling shows. Her main equestrian goals for 2009 include polishing up the 3rd level movements and showing a third level test before the end of the year. She hopes to finish in the top five KWPN all-breed awards and the top 20 for the USDF AA awards at second level. In the long run, Laurie’s ambitions stay horse related. She would like to have her own barn one day and do horses full-time. With William, she hopes to do the Grand Prix eventually.

When considering her principal philosophy of life, she says “I believe that if you are willing to commit and work hard enough, anything is possible. My father drilled that idea into my head at a young age.” Laurie also mentions one of her biggest thrills has been doing her first line of one-tempi’s on one of Becky’s horses.

Laurie is a special education teacher at a school for elementary kids with significant behavior and emotional disabilities. She is single, and lives with her golden retriever and two cats. She mentions her very supportive family of parents, step parents, sisters and step sisters: “I would never be able to ride and keep the crazy schedule that I do without their help.”

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NCCTA Adult Camp: The Hottest Dressage of the Summer

“It was certainly the ‘hottest dressage’ weekend that I've ever had – in more ways than one,” said Karen Young of Apex about the NCDCTA Adult Camp, August 7-9, at St. Andrew’s Equestrian Center in Laurinburg. As Polly Yeago of Summerfield observed, “Even though it was beastly hot, once we started working, you forgot about the heat because both Harriet (Peterson) and Dawn (Jensen) kept you engaged and learning.” Moreover, Rhiannon Kincaid of Cary, the inspired creator and organizer of this event, had strategically placed well-stocked coolers both in the barns and the arena, so campers stayed hydrated and happy.

Peggy McElveen, Director of Equestrian Programs at St. Andrew’s College in Laurinburg, greeted arriving campers with a smile, making everyone feel right at home. Well not quite at home – the Equestrian Center’s facilities are slightly more impressive than most backyard set-ups, with 12x12 stalls, airy aisles, acres of pasture. And there was the enormous covered arena, which offered plenty of shade, excellent footing, and easily accommodated campers, auditors, and clinicians. Patricia Roberts of FenRidge Farm in Mebane gazed admiringly at the soaring roof and admitted to just a little arena envy.

Each day riders worked with both clinicians, starting with Dawn Jensen of Columbia, SC. Jensen earned her German Riding Instructor/Trainer license in jumping and dressage. She is also Curriculum Director for Balimo™ - Balance in Motion - a system of movement and balance training developed by Eckart Meyners, an expert in kinesiology and sports physiology, which is made possible by having equal access and coordination of all muscles in the body; an absence of blockages (both physical and mental); and balanced brain function, as it relates to movement. Sounds complicated, but Jensen made the concepts accessible and relevant with her empathetic and down-to-earth style.

During this first session, riders repeatedly dismounted to do exercises on the ground, and then remounted to evaluate the impact in the saddle. The results were consistently enlightening. Lynn Poland of Davidson observed that “Dawn helped me to rediscover the mobility in my pelvis so I could really move with my horse... I have been holding myself stiffly without being aware of it.” Yeago learned “that my body can and should move in the saddle.” And Young gained tremendous insight “about my body and its relationship to how my horse moves.”

Riders then worked with Harriet Peterson of Lynchburg, VA, who is a USDF 4th Level Certified Instructor and USEF “r” Judge. Given her credentials, you might expect a stiff and formal clinician. But Peterson, who has a passion for drum circles, charmed and surprised all with her Friday night ice breaker – a rhythm session that demonstrated our universal need for improved coordination, and had all of the participants laughing together.

On the following days, Peterson’s positive approach endeared her to the campers. She provided valuable instruction, building on their experiences with Jensen, and tailoring their sessions accordingly. Poland reported that Peterson “was wonderful both days in helping me deal with Rosie's anxieties…and to use my seat to push her through to the bit and connect her.” Young “learned more about what I need to bring to the ride…and what I need to expect and ask from my horse for our level and the goals we have for the future.” Lisa Graf of New Bern said, “I think the light bulb moment might have been when Harriet addressed some of the issues I was having with falling out in the circles. The fix was so simple but I just didn't realize it.”

The fix may be simple, but it’s rarely easy, participants uniformly agreed, creating a tremendously supportive atmosphere for the camp. Young noted, “I have never been to a clinic where everyone was just so helpful with each other and their horses… or where I felt I was having the same struggles that everyone else was having; but with this clinic I could relate to each horse and rider on some level and learned something from every lesson I watched.” Tracey Ruff of Raleigh summed it up, “I learned a lot from my actual rides as well as watching other participants,” and each one of them “made improvements in their riding.... a sign of a successful clinic!” Winston Dwyer of Gibson said, “I learned a great deal…I am in a part of the state where I don't really get to meet other amateurs like myself. I will definitely go again next year!” Dwyer’s sister campers agreed: they are all looking forward to next year’s hottest dressage event. Rhiannon, time to start stocking those coolers…

Photo Caption: Happy Campers, from left – Valerie Eakley, Liz Bromberg, Harriet Peterson, Lynn Poland on Rose, Dawn Jensen, Patricia Roberts, Eileen Keipper, Polly Yeago, Lisa Graf, Charlotte Mell, Tracey Ruff, Karen Young on Mo. (Photo by Teresa Del Vecchio)

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The Simple Things

I gotta tell you, it’s been one of those weeks. Trying to get things organized for the NCDCTA championships at the Five Points Horse Trial, trying to get myself ready as a competitor, and trying to keep up with the demands of daily life is hard enough without throwing in the amazingly simple and stupid things that we all occasionally do, which suddenly makes life a whole lot harder. Allow me to reminisce while I hunt and peck typing this….

It all started innocently enough on Monday during my dressage lesson. We noted some resistance that hadn’t previously been there. I noted it at home, but it was so gradual I assumed it was a training issue. My trainer thought it looked more reminiscent of teeth, despite the fact he was done in the Spring. I obsessed about that possibility the whole way home. Of course, how could I have missed that? All that resistance that has been building that I’ve been trying to work though…and it could be as simple as the teeth. I immediately felt guilty. Here I was trying to push him through the training issue, when instead it could be a physical one. How could I rightfully wait for the vet to check his teeth? I had to know…NOW! Well, we’ve all seen this done a million times, right? How hard can it be? I stuck my finger in his mouth before thinking any more of it, pulled his tongue out of the one side of his mouth and felt along the molars. Hmmm...nothing noticeable there. So I switched sides. I pulled the tongue out the other side of the mouth and started to feel along those molars…and then quicker than you could blink an eye…suddenly slurp…the tongue was gone…chomp...down he came on my finger. I’d guess I missed something that the vet students were taught, because I don’t remember ever seeing a vet do THAT.

I will spare you the gory details of the blood, torn flesh, and almost missing fingernail. I’ll even spare you the details of the trip to the Urgent Care with the fascinated 8yo in tow commenting on everything done to the wound (while I’m NOT looking, mind you) followed by an “Ewww” or a “That’s GROSS!), the x-rays, the miserable symptoms of the DTP booster shot, and the fact that my horse is now ‘quarantined’ for 3 weeks because we couldn’t get his Spring shot records from the previous owner to show he was vaccinated for rabies. Never mind trying to explain HOW I got bitten “No, he didn’t charge at me with his mouth open…YES, I did stick my hand in between his teeth…” *sigh*

Well, all in all, I’ve learned some valuable lessons. Think it through before you act, don’t try to play veterinarian, use some common sense, be patient (there is very little that actually has to be done RIGHT NOW), and most of all, don’t stick your fingers in your horse’s mouth. Sometimes it’s the simple things in life we need reminding of. Ah…now I’m off to see if I can ride all three phases at Five Points, with a vet-wrapped, Band-Aid laden finger that won’t bend nor fit in a glove…wish me luck!

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Raleigh Rides Like a Million Bucks
Show Manager Janine Malone has been running shows at the Hunt Horse Complex in Raleigh since 1992. But for the first time, at the NCDCTA Labor of Love, September 5-6, she was able to say that ALL the competition arena footing was improved. The newest phase in Malone’s catalog of upgrades is a dressage pad west of Barn E. Large enough for two show rings with warm-up space, it boasts state-of-the-art drainage and all-weather footing. So no matter the weather, the $300,000 installation will ride like a million bucks! Several trainers came out to test the footing, including Lynn Leath, winner of the FEI High Score Award (68% at Intermediaire 1). The Chapel Hill-based trainer brought student Donna Christopher and her horse, Landor, who appeared to be “quite happy to stride out in the new footing that was not too deep and not too hard....it seemed just right… with plenty of room for a couple of ‘on deck’ horses to do their final warm up before entering the competition arenas.”

Next on Malone’s radar: the main warm-up, where Hunt Horse Complex manager Dale Barnett has plans to install new drainage and footing as soon as funds are available.

Totally Cool Coliseum

Another innovation: Big Ass Powerfoil ™ fans (yes, that’s what they’re called) kept everyone comfortable, even when the coat rule was waived. As the 16-foot fans circulated noiselessly above the arena, spectators pointed and stared at the massive blades. However, even the most distracted horses did not pay the fans any mind at all.

The same fans were installed in the covered arena the day before the competition started. Unfortunately, they were not fully operational in time for the show. We look forward to riding under them next time!

No Jacket Required

Having the coat rule waived turned out to be a stroke of luck for Robyn Davis Hahn of Holly Springs. Labor of Love was to be a debut weekend for Hahn and her new horse, Bravo. “He has his little quirks, like any baby--he's tried to leave the ring with me at home a couple times, so I knew we'd have to be prepared for that evasion,” said Hahn, who grew up doing “A” hunters and has competed in dressage up to fourth level. “He warmed up well for the first test on Saturday…I put on my BRAND NEW grey dressage coat and we walked down to ring 3. As soon as we got in the ring he was a bit resistant, but I figured it was first-time nerves.” The five-year old began to “hop” in the first canter. In the second canter he began to buck. And the more Hahn put her leg on him, the more he bucked. “Luckily,” Hahn reflected in hindsight, “he did throw his shoulder and leave the ring at A so we were eliminated;” and the USDF Bronze Medal rider was not unseated. However, she was “quite dejected, as this had not been in his repertoire to date.”

Trainer Becky Blikslager supervised the warm-up for Hahn’s second ride, which began uneventfully. Midway through the warm-up, Hahn put on her coat and “the rodeo resumed,” she recalled. Blikslager yelled, "It's the jacket!" The horse apparently didn’t appreciate Hahn’s new dressage coat – the tails were “goosing” him behind the saddle pad. Lucky for Hahn, the coat rule was waived that afternoon and again on Sunday. Not only did this give the rider an excuse to shop for some “pretty show shirts,” but her happy horse rewarded her with good behavior and scores (ranging from 67% to 71%), and two blue ribbons. “But best of all, I had my horse back, and our first big outing together ended on a positive note,” said Hahn. “Now we just need to do some desensitizing before Pinehurst.”

Last But Not Least

Rebecca Nelles of Knightdale and Victor De CER (“Trace”) drew the last ride of the day on Sunday – and posted the best score of the weekend. With a 76% at training level, the pair won the Bred in NC, Bred in the USA, Training Level, and Overall High Score awards. Trace was bred in Cary by Sameh Toma, Center for Equine Reproduction.

Nelles began working with the Belgian Warmblood a little over a year ago. “He hadn't been in a regular work program…and was very out of shape. Now he pretty much only gets ridden three days a week and a lot of times (owner Mary DeCoursey of Raleigh) throws her western saddle on and takes him out for a trail ride.” The talented Trace doesn't need a lot of warm up for shows either. “Before our test, we only did about ten minutes of actual work before going in…He doesn't need to be drilled, just loosened up.” Still, Nelles was “a little worried” during her test, as it was the end of the day and the maintenance men were dragging chains behind a tractor next to the arena, and fired up a diesel truck behind the equipment shed.

Fortunately, the 12-year old gelding “was awesome…He got a little tense but never quit listening.” Most important, the grateful trainer said, was that Trace and DeCoursey “have been so much fun to work with! Often when I start to take myself too seriously they remind me that in the end this is supposed to be fun!” For complete results, go to NCDCTA.org

Photo credit for Robyn Davis Hahn image: Jump the Moon Photography Caption for Robyn Davis Hahn image: Lucky for Robin Davis Hahn and Bravo, the coat rule was waived.

Photo credit for Rebecca Nelles image: Steve Nelles Caption for Rebecca Nelles image: Rebecca Nelles and Victor De CER earned the Bred in NC, Bred in the USA, Training Level, and Overall High Score Awards at Labor of Love.

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Mitchell’s Message

I probably said the same thing last year at this time, but fall is my favorite time of year! Blue skies, color in the trees, and I can finally ride without sweating through every stitch of clothing. It’s also a great time for furthering our education! For eventers, NCDCTA offered cross country course walks with Nanci Lindroth and John Williams last month. Coming up on November 7-8, we are sponsoring a two-day clinic with upper level event rider/trainer Steuart Pittman. Visit www.ncdcta.org for details.

And don’t miss the Kathy Connelly Symposium coming up October 17th and 18th. I’ve been looking forward to this for months! When George Williams, (famed rider of the wonderful mare Rocher) thanked Ms. Connelly for having coached him, I new she was someone I wanted to learn from. I can’t wait to see what she does with those fortunate enough to garner riding spots. Thanks in advance to all the riders participating in this public scenario, so that we might learn from your lessons!

On a final note, please contact a member of the nominating committee if you know of someone that you believe would be just what NCDCTA needs to serve on the 2010 Executive Board. Often times, people don’t see their own strengths when it comes to leadership, but others who know them do. NCDCTA can’t function without the volunteer effort of the board. Current board members drive to Pittsboro for meetings every other month. We meet via teleconference in between. It is quite a commitment, but I’m confident that I speak on behalf of our current board to say that our work has been rewarding and we have served with a great deal of enthusiasm. A few of us will be leaving our positions to make room for new members to join the team. It is good to have fresh ideas, which requires “fresh blood”, so please give this some consideration. If you know a good candidate, please inquire if they would be willing to be nominated. A list of positions can be found on the website.

In the meantime, enjoy those refreshing autumn days. We’ll be looking for our warm socks and earwarmers before you know it!

Jennifer Mitchell

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Buckhorn Combined Trailer Driving Event: The Road Less Travelled

As competitors rode through their tests at the Buckhorn Farm Dressage Show, August 29, in Apex, an unscheduled visit by a port-a-potty pump truck ended badly. But as a result, a lucky group of dressage divas got a chance to try out their truck-driving chops, navigating a technically challenging cross-country course through Buckhorn’s bucolic pastures and ponds – with their horse trailers.

It all started around 2:30 in the afternoon. The port-a-potty pump service driver had been specifically directed to NOT come to the farm on that date. Regardless, he pulled in and then promptly dropped a front wheel off the edge of the driveway, wedging it firmly over a drainage pipe. The truck, which completely blocked the gate to the trailer parking area, rested on its oil pan, front axle suspiciously askew, a half-full tank of liquid sewage perched precariously on top. It looked like a potential EPA disaster. No farm tractor was going to dislodge the vehicle; it would have to be lifted by a professional with a winch. Unfortunately, the tow truck driver was coming from Raleigh and would not be arriving for several hours. Which meant no one could leave.

Wives and mothers glanced anxiously at their watches, calculating how much time they had until their Saturday evening non-horse commitments. Julia Dearborn had only 30 minutes. There was an event she HAD to get to.

The Oxford-based trainer’s son is a 2nd Lieutenant in the USMC, stationed in California. He also competes in Mixed Martial Arts Fighting and had come home to NC to compete in a fight in Raleigh starting at 6:00 PM. Dearborn recalled, “My husband's final words that morning were, ‘We ARE leaving at 5:00 to be on time for the fight.’ And he was EMPHATIC!” Additionally, the devoted mom explained, “It was the first time ever that I would see my son compete. Family and friends from all over the area were coming, and of course, with him being a Marine, we just never know when we will see him again.” In an effort to get Dearborn home on time, her students had already scratched all rides scheduled after 3:00 that day. The “amazing Endeavor Farm crew had all the horses loaded and the truck running with the AC on as (her) final coaching test was completed...only to have all their planning thwarted” by the foundered port-a-potty pumper.

Dearborn, a fighter herself, was not to be stopped. So she considered a cross-country route. Several people suggested that her idea was impossible, but Dearborn is not a big believer in “impossible.” She carefully assessed the technical questions posed by the course and planned her drive accordingly. Then the intrepid trainer blazed the trail with her F350-4WD-diesel and new Trailet 4-horse head-to-head trailer; the particularly long rig added an element of difficulty in the turns and drops, but Dearborn showed everyone else how it could be done.

The first obstacle, a narrow gate that led from the parking area to the competition field, required an absolutely straight approach – no problem for dressage riders who have ridden centerline thousands of times. As the rigs that followed in Dearborn’s wake maneuvered past “A”, behind the bleachers, and around the judge’s box, farm owner Bridget MacNair reported that, “Our judge, Jan Jacobson, never missed a beat, just kept the riders coming, stayed on schedule and got a full report at the end of the day. It was sort of hilarious by that time.” In the meantime, test riders used the traffic distraction as a training opportunity, and demonstrated that their horses were truly on the aids. Undoubtedly this schooling show experience will help them tremendously in the future at recognized show locations such as Raleigh and Lexington (VA), where horse-eating lions are widely known to lurk in the corners of the coliseums.

The second obstacle, a left turn through double gates followed by the sweeping right turn around the wood pile, required some planning for the change in bend, particularly for the longer rigs. In the approach to the creek bed and the steep ascending bank, pick-up drivers confidently shifted into 4WD, while SUV drivers took a more aggressive tack – and gunned it. The course then continued up the hill, wove through the recently dismantled round–pen, and finished in the parking lot behind the barn, where gooseneck drivers enjoyed a distinct advantage in executing a 90-degree turn in reverse before pulling up to load their horses. All competitors completed the course well within the target time limit with only minimal damage to fenders and fence posts.

Dearborn did ultimately make it to her son's fight. He won his bout with a “fantastic” move that earned him the “Submission Hold of the Night" award. And that “made it all worth it,” said his proud momma. That same evening at about 8 o’clock, after finishing barn chores, Buckhorn’s Bridget and Colin MacNair, and Kelly Clement “were mighty glad to sit on the front porch and drink a cold one.” And they “sincerely hope for a relatively quiet (dressage show) season finale on October 3rd.”

As for the port-a-potty pumpers, their contract has not been renewed.

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