The Dressage Foundation Gifted Fund Grant for Adult AmateursReport by: Annie Houchin, Vice PresidentHorses: Noah (10) & Asgaard (8)

My goal in receiving the Gifted grant was to

spend a week learning with my horses and

trainer without distractions. I was laid-off from

my job and caring for an ailing parent so,

finances were tight and time was limited.

Taking bi-monthly lessons was good but, I felt

like my horses and I needed more attention than I could afford. (Continued on Page 2)

Central Plains Dressage News Volume 3Number 5June 2019

Central Plains Dressage Society is a USDF Group Member Organization

in Oklahoma. We offer dressage enthusiasts a place to learn about the sport,

socialize with other dressage riders, participate in shows and clinics, and

more.

Grants available! A note from Chris……There May Not be Crying in Baseball but

There is Certainly Crying in Dressage!

It is the beginning of summer and after a long period of

training (or not because of weather) realization starts to

appear that we may not reach our goals this year.

Before we allow the frustration to affect our outlook

there may be some legitimate reasons why we are frustrated this year.

1. There has been enough rain to launch a steam

ship;

2. Training has been on and off so it feels like we are

always starting over;

3. Emergency expenses have had to divert us away

from competition, lessons or clinics;

4. The horse is hurt after slipping in mud;

5. Dressage is the hardest of all activities to learn!

When we set goals it is always with the idea that “stuff”

happens and that they may have to be adjusted. Half

way through the year is a good time to do just that. It is

far better to adjust than to toss everything away and

say better luck next year. So stop and reevaluate. What

can you do right now to stay on some track to move

forward? Most dressage exercises can be done at a

walk. What do I want out of this year to make me feel

accomplished? Go to one show, two shows? Invest in a

clinic? Take more lessons to make up for the ones that

were washed away? Volunteer and share experiences

with other riders? (Continued on page 2)

Show Report starts Page 4

This month Annie Houchin shares with us her

Adult Amateur Grant story. The Dressage

Foundation provides grants and scholarships

in various categories, including Adult Amateur.

For more information, visit their website at

https://www.dressagefoundation.org/grants-

and-programs/

Within riding exists a fundamental conflict of

interest: The rider needs to have control—her

confidence depends on her ability to control the

balance of her own body as well as that of her

very powerful horse. The horse, by nature,

needs to feel free—free in both mind and body

to express himself through movement.

Suggested ReadingWhen Two Spines Align : Dressage Dynamics

Beth Baumert

A note from Chris……(Continued from page 1)

Whatever you need to do….do it!!!! Do

something. If you need a good cry do it and then

stand up and get going again. The year isn’t

over. There is still lots of time and opportunities

left due to our ambitious schedule of events.

There are 24 more chances to meet your new

goals.

I look forward to seeing you at an event soon.

Chris Cashel, President

The Dressage Foundation Gifted Fund Grant for Adult Amateurs (Continued from page 1)

I knew if I could get consistent lessons, I would feel more comfortable moving towards competing in

recognized shows and beginning the goal of attaining my bronze medal.

On Monday, April 22nd I loaded up the trailer and headed to Sherry Guess’s home in Porter, OK.

Fortunately, we only had one day to schedule around rain storms which is a rarity in NE Oklahoma.

Spring time weather can sometimes be… exciting.

Sherry Guess is one of the first dressage trainers to recognize the importance of Biomechanics and

its influence on effective communication between horse and rider. Sherry and I used the Equestrian

Journal daily to keep track of what we worked on so I will be able to go over my notes in the future.

June 2019 Central Plains Dressage News 2

DAY 1:

“STAND IN THE BOAT”… Which basically means balance. We

worked on Asgaard’s better response to the basics and

meeting his contact. Light aids, listen for response, no

response = consequence.

Noah is a Haflinger which, presents its own challenges. He

has a difficult time working from his hind and under himself.

Canter does not come naturally. 8-10m circles using the inside

leg to drive the hind leg under. Come out of the circle, leg-yield

and ask for lengthening. Squeeze long and strong. Canter,

keeping inside rein to keep from head-toss. “Self-carriage for the rider is hard”.

DAY 2 RAIN:

“YOU MUST TRAIN EVERY STRIDE”. Since it was raining,

Sherry came to the arena where I board. It was a good chance

for her to see the horses in their daily element. With Noah, we

worked on 20 meter circles in small trot, working trot and

lengthening. Leg yield loops the width and length of the arena.

Then, lengthening in loops. Prepare and pay attention during

canter transitions.

DAY 3:

“PREPARE – WHAT COMES BEFORE”. Worked on not

having to push Asgaard to get him to go. Walk needs more

power from my body to get power from him. Canter transition,

hind needs to be more active. Noah, square corners in trot,

now add lengthening.

DAY 4:

“RIDE TO THE BIT”. Low Gear (use lower abs/core), lats and

calves to ride into the bit. Canter, keep the inside rein. Even if

really strong, release your outside arm so he has some place

to go. Push him into your hands.

DAY 5:

“DO NOT ACCEPT A WALK YOU DON’T WANT TO

SHOW”. Head-wagging/bobbing at the walk = Dragging

belly. 10m canter circle. Working trot E to CL, CL to B – Leg

yield, B-E Lengthen trot.

On the Sunday after my wonderful

week with Sherry, I competed with

my Haflinger, Noah at the Central

Plains Dressage Society Spring

Recognized Show at Valley View

Equestrian Center in Stillwater, OK.

We rode 1st Level test one and

received a 65% which, earned us

second place! This is my first score

towards my bronze medal and I

don’t think I would have had the

confidence to ride the test if it

wasn’t for my time with Sherry. I

want to thank The Dressage

Foundation, its committee and the

Equestrian Journal for giving me

the opportunity to learn and grow in

my dressage journey. I love this

sport and I want to be the best I

can be for my horses and our

community. I will encourage others

to take advantage of this GIFT!

Annie Houchin3 June 2019 Central Plains Dressage News

June 2019 Central Plains Dressage News 4

A welcome to our new editor!We welcome this month budding journalist, Autumn Brown, as our Newsletter editor. Autumn is

interested in journalism and photography and last year served on the yearbook committee at Cushing

High School. We’re excited to have her join us in this role! As we are making changes in our Newsletter

format, we’d also like to take a moment to review your options for receiving Newsletters and New

Alerts. From our website – www.centralplainsdressage.org – you can subscribe to receive this type of

communication via email. If you follow our Facebook page -

https://www.facebook.com/Centralplainsdressage/ - you will see this same information in your Facebook

feed. If receiving content both ways is too much, and you prefer to only follow the Facebook page, you

may unsubscribe to emails at any time by following the “unsubscribe from this list” link at the bottom of

any email. We do our best to make sure everyone remains informed, using their preferred method of

electronic communication!

Warm regards,

Central Plains Dressage Communication Committee

Get Ready for Summer AGMWe’re gearing up for another fun summer AGM! The event is

scheduled for August 24th, and will be held again at First

Christian Church on Duck Street in Stillwater. More details

will follow in a separate announcement but get the date set

aside on your calendar now! We’ll have our general meeting,

and will have a special speaker again. The group yoga was

a huge hit last year so expect a repeat of something along

those lines – Yoga or Pilates for Riders. We hope to see you

there!

From 2018 Summer AGM, photo by Amy Mullins

Photo by: Nancy Eytcheson

Upcoming events

June 2019 Central Plains Dressage News 5

Upcoming Shows:

June 29th – Schooling Show

June 29th – USEF "Lite" Recognized Western Dressage Show

July 13th – Schooling Show

August 31st-September 1st – USEF/USDF Recognized Show

Upcoming Clinic Opportunities:

July 10-12th Lurena Bell

September 2-3 Fran Dearing

SAVE THE DATE for these Special Events!!

Summer Annual General Meeting - August 24th

Freestyle Festival &

Tack Consignment Sale – November 9th

Photos on this page by: Nancy Eytcheson

Register for shows and clinics at

https://www.horseshowconsulting.com

/central-plains-dressage

Show Report by Stacia Wert-Gray, Show Secretary

April 27-28 USEF/USDF Recognized Show ReportThe second USEF/USDF recognized show of the year has held on April 27-28 at Valley View Equestrian Center

in Stillwater. Our judge was Thomas Poulin who stayed an extra day for a clinic. The club had reason to

celebrate on Saturday with a cake and sparkling juice when CPDS members Courtney Vaughn and Hensley

Moses earned the final score needed for USDF bronze medals. Congratulations to Courtney and Hensley. The

show was live streamed and well over 100 people tuned in from all around the country to watch their friends and

relative compete. As always, a big thank you goes out to all the volunteers, trainers, competitors, vendors, and

staff who made the show a success. Below are the high points. Complete class results are available at

www.horseshowconsulting.com.

Introductory LevelAmateur Greenlie Renee Rollins 67.813

Junior Dragon Anna Droegemueller 66.563

Open JMF Rainbow’s Echo Carolyn Hoekstra 68.438

Training LevelAmateur Desperado Julia Denton 70.862

Junior/YR Florentina Anna Drogemueller 72.069

Open Just a London Lady Nancy Burba 68.444

First LevelAmateur Mocha Joanna Bartlett 67.361

Amateur Jesperado Julia Denton 67.361

Junior/YR Fergie Kyriana Beard 69.757

Open Florentina Richal Flannery 68.571

High points

June 2019 Central Plains Dressage News 6

Show Report (April 27-28 Recognized Show Continued)

Second LevelAmateur Radiance DMV Liz Dudley 69.054

Junior/YR Lupo Chloe Patterson 66.757

Open Rojo Diamante Audrey McKenna 66.215

Third LevelAmateur Corona Lee Ann Alf 67.750

Junior/YR Deer Park Echoing Lark Hensley Moses 65.811

Open Deacon Carolyn Hoekstra 63.649

Fourth LevelOpen None

Amateur Roundabout Tamera Mayo 66.795

Junior/YR None

FEI LevelOpen Vashti Kristin Knutson 67.165

Amateur Buena Vista Chris Cashel 65.147

Junior/YR None

New USDF Medals

Courtney Vaughn – Bronze

Hensley Moses - Bronze

7 June 2019 Central Plains Dressage News

Show Report

Introductory LevelJunior Dragon Anna Droegemueller 65.000

Open JMF Rainbows Echo Carolyn Hoekstra 62.500

Training LevelAmateur Magnolia Kathy Maxwell 64.655

Junior/YR Checkers Kyriana Beard 68.448

Open Just a London Lady Nancy Burba 71.522

First LevelAmateur Magnolia Kathy Maxwell 62.069

Junior/YR Fergie Kyriana Beard 69.714

Open Horino Lynn Vandenberg 70.000

Second LevelAmateur Bella Annie Warren 61.098

Junior/YR Lupo Chloe Patterson 64.595

Open Florentina Richal Flannery 73.243

May 18-19 USEF/USDF Recognized Show ReportThe May 18-19 recognized show had light attendance but was lots of fun. Below are

the high points. Complete class results are available at

www.horseshowconsulting.com. Our judge was Donna Richardson. We did celebrate

a new member to the Perfect 10 Club. Kyriana Beard earned not only one 10 but two

10s! Both scores were earned on Fergie on her free walk.

June 2019 Central Plains Dressage News 8

Show Report (May 18-19 Recognized Show Continued)

Third LevelAmateur Corona Lee Ann Alf 56.500

Junior/YR Lupo Chloe Patterson 61.768

Open Bella Jenna McGowan-Terry69.189

Fourth LevelOpen Diamond Robin Hessel 65.278

Amateur Roundabout Tamera Mayo 64.489

Junior/YR None

FEI LevelOpen Darlins Money Dun It Heather Gelvin 57.749

Amateur Buena Vista Chris Cashel 63.676

Junior/YR None

Welcome to the CPDS Perfect 10 Score Club

Kyriana Beard

Rain, Rain Go AwayThe East area schooling shows are being rained out at a regular rate. Because of the reduced

number of schooling shows available, the year end awards program will be modified. A few

options include:

Decreasing the number of required scores from 7 to 4

Combining East area and West area into just one schooling show awards category.

(Remember that we are basing placings on a median score and not points this year.)

Please let the board know how you feel about these options.

June 2019 Central Plains Dressage News 9

Show Report

CPDS West Area Schooling Show ResultsJodi Lees judged a schooling show at Valley View on June 1 and stayed for a 2 day clinic after.

The following are the show high points and team challenge results This show featured a team

challenge. We had seven teams competing. Here are the team results

Team Name: Den and the GalsBubba Bailey / Den Burdette

Flidias Mark / Amy Kramer

Sweet Samauri / Lori Mullin

Rowdy / Sherri Bross

Team ChampionsAverage Score: 68.266

Team Name: Valley Girls #2Wei Gehtz / Robin Hessel

Magnolia / Kathy Maxwell

Skip Along Callie / Jinny Enkey

Reserve Champion TeamAverage Score: 67.115

Summer Team ChallengeCPDS is offering a fun way new way to compete. Introducing the Summer Team Challenge. Three

team challenges will be offered including:

East Area Schooling Show on September 12 (tentative)

West Area Schooling Show on June 1 (see results below)

Recognized Show on June 22-23

The program is simple. Pick a team of 4 riders. Each rider’s top score at the show will be used to

form a team average with the lowest score being dropped. (Minimum of 3 scores needed.) Scores

will be “handicapped” to encourage teams to include upper level and lower level riders. No entry

fee is required. Just submit your team members to the show secretary before the show begins.

Champion and Reserve Champion Team prizes will be awarded. Please see the flyer following the

newsletter.

June 2019 Central Plains Dressage News 10

High Points Dressage Introductory Level Fladais Mark Amy Kramer 69.688

Training Level Skip Along Callie Jinny Enkey 65.577

First Level Sweet Samauri Lori Mullin 66.207

Second Level Wie Gehtz Robin Hessel 65.471

Third Level Won Direction Courtney Vaughn 60.135

Fourth Level Roundabout Tamera Mayo 62.105

FEI Buena Vista Chris Cashel 64.706

Western Dressage Introductory Level Rowdy Shari Bross 66.905

Basic Level PWR Brienne of Tarth Patty Couch 65.25

Level 1 Checkers Kyriana Beard 65.556

Level 2 and above Gallant Prince von G Patty Couch 63.387

Show Report CPDS West Schooling Show, June 1st

June 2019 Central Plains Dressage News 11

Editor: Autumn Brown

Design: Autumn Brown

Contributors: Members of the Central Plains Dressage Society

Central Plains Dressage News