Canadian Diane Creech is collecting blue ribbons both north and south of the border so Chris caught up with her to find out the secret of her success. Our first Young Reporter Koryn Staehling tells us about the Kids 4 Dressage Festival that was hosted by Lendon Gray. Plus, we welcome a new sponsor, HorseShow.com. Listen in…
Dressage Radio Episode 113 – Show Notes and Links:
Debbie McDonald and Lendon Gray are back in conversation to share some helpful training advice and offer sharp observations on typical challenges for dressage riders. Take a listen right here.
Dressage Radio Episode 105 – Show Notes and Links:
Despite her tender age of 16, Lendon Gray protégé Rachel Chowanec took home top honors at her first CDI of 2011, in front of top American and European judges; she also won the Trilogy Saddles’ Best Seat award by unanimous decision of the judges’ committee. It’s a result illustrating Trilogy’s philosophy that saddle fit and rider position are crucial in helping both horse and rider achieve their best in performance.
Chowanec’s partner in the FEI Junior Rider Individual Test, 13-year-old PRE (Pura Raza Española or Pure Spanish Horse) gelding Embrujado XI (‘Mouse’), has been her new ‘ride’ for two years, a grown-up mount to succeed the longtime dressage pony who helped Chowanec get started in Junior competition. “We were looking for a while, and one day about two years ago PRE breeder Kim Boyer called and said ‘I think I found the horse.’ That horse was Mouse, and I love him with all my heart.”
Riding with Gray since the age of 9, Chowanec’s dedication to dressage and horses has meant long hours in the saddle, receiving her schooling online, and even relying on horses to soothe her homesickness. “It’s a great experience to ride with Lendon, but it’s meant I’ve been away from home for long periods,” she says.
Debbie McDonald and Lendon Gray join Chris again this week to discuss a top effecting the sport: Does Being a Good Rider Qualify You to Become a Good Teacher?
Debbie McDonald and Lendon Gray discuss young riders’ careers in dressage, their opportunities for riding different horses, spending time with horses out of the barn, and the importance of horsemanship in the sport. A fascinating conversation with two great horsewomen, so take a listen…
Greetings Competitors,
I hope everyone had a great summer and that you are looking forward to a winter of progress with your mounts. Below are notes on several activities coming up. As you will see, D4K is trying to create educational opportunities for everyone. Any questions? Email me: graydressage@optonline.net.
Clinic for Pony Riders on October 9-11. Adults may apply but younger riders will be given preference. We are hoping to help riders prepare to qualify for the first ever National FEI Pony Championships to be held at the Festival of Champions next year. Go to Dressage4Kids.com and click on clinics or email me at my address.
Workshop and Clinic with Lilo Fore November 12-14 – geared specifically to instructors and trainers at the FEI Level (youth and senior levels). Go to Dressage4Kids.com and click on clinics or email me at my address.
The 2011 Weekend Educational Program will be held January 29-30 in CT. If anyone wants to suggest speakers, please email Susan Sieber.
The 2011 Youth Dressage Festival will be held July 8-10 in Saugerties, NY. The prize list for next year will be very similar to 2010.
Traverse City, MI – August 31, 2010 – Horse Sports by the Bay is pleased to announce that Hampton Green Farm, known nation-wide for their dedication to dressage and to the development of the PRE Horse for Dressage in America, will be hosting a Dressage 4 Kids Fundraiser and exhibitor party during the Great American Insurance Group/Region 2 Dressage Championships on Saturday, September 11. The Regional Championships are being held from September 9 – 12 at Flintfields Horse Park in Traverse City, MI, which is home to the prestigious Horse Shows by the Bay Equestrian Festival.
The fundraiser features a silent auction which will include riding helmets donated from English Riding Supply and other retail pieces donated by Sporthorse Saddlery and Equine Source among others. Funds collected from the auction and from ticket sales to the exhibitor party will go directly back to Dressage 4 Kids’ extensive education campaign. Donations are still being taken for the Auction; please email here for more information.
Grand Prix dressage rider Lauren Sammis judged young riders recently at Lendon Gray’s Youth Dressage Festival in Saugerties, New York. (Photo by SusanJStickle.com)
Saugerties, NY (July 13, 2010) – Pan Am Gold Medalist Lauren Sammis, who is back in the Grand Prix show ring with Al Guden’s Sagacious HF, spent time with young dressage riders recently when she served as a judge at Lendon Gray’s Youth Dressage Festival at Hits-on-the-Hudson in Saugerties, New York. Sammis, who worked for Gray as a working student starting in her early years, was thrilled to take part in Gray’s annual Youth Dressage Festival, an event that attracts young riders from around the world.
“I judged the 7-9 year olds and the 16-17 year olds and they were unbelievably cute and adorable,” Sammis said. “This is exactly what you want your children to be involved with because they were braiding their own horses and ponies, taking written exams and taking part in an equitation class series.”
We are excited to report that this is our biggest show ever, with 251 riders entered!
It’s going to be more than busy; it looks like it’s also going to be hot. Be prepared! Bring a fan for your horse, lots of water for you both, and a ready attitude. I would plan on not wearing a coat in competition. Remember unlike at recognized shows we allow you to compete in colored polo shirts (maybe team shirts).
Check the YDF prizelist for the dress rules. It’s always harder to stay focused and have fun when it’s hot, so remember the important things: sportsmanship, horsemanship, and camaraderie. If we go in set and excited, we should all be able to enjoy some fun in the sun.
In the final lead-up to the Dressage Festival, there are a few important notes and changes of which you should be aware. Stabling has been arranged as requested on your entry forms whenever possible. Much effort was put into making these assignments successful and they are now immovable. You will not be allowed to change stalls; please do not ask!
On Thursday horses and trailers may arrive between 3:00 and 8:00 pm. If you have a problem arriving between those times, call the stable manager Bill Davis (845-399-5478) in advance. DO NOT come earlier – you don’t want to have to leave your horse on the trailer when it is so hot.
This is special audio update on Courtney King-Dye’s condition by her good friend and trainer Lendon Gray. This was recorded April 15, 2010. Listen in as Lendon shares some great news…
Dressage Radio Courtney King Dye Great News Update – April 15, 2010:
Here is a link to etsy.com where you are able to purchase a ‘ComeBackCourt’ t-shirt. They are $30 each and 100% of the profits are going to Courtney’s medical fund. http://www.etsy.com/shop/coup?section_id=68839
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