On The Double

Witness Delphinia's earliest lessons in the double bridle:

Equine Herpes Virus Update

Click the link for the most current information from May 26, 2011:
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/nahss/equine/ehv/ehv_2011_sitrep_052611.pdf

Lola

Lola's dressage odyssey continues:

I worship the ground she treads.

The Double Bridle

Though I am not ready to ride her in it, in Karen's capable hands Delphi debuted the double bridle today. Karen's words were: "What a great ride!" My little pumpkin is a big girl.
Photo courtesy Karen Brown.

Pas de Deux Rules and Guidelines

Rules, guidelines, and definitions:
http://www.usdf.org/docs/education/other/PDDRGD.pdf

Test movements:
http://www.usdf.org/docs/ShowFlash/web/Tests/pasdedeux.pdf

From the USDF:
http://www.usdf.org/education/other-programs/pasdedeux/index.asp

From the Jeff Moore Clinic

Equine Herpes Virus Report

Blue Fox Farm has been placed under voluntary ten day quarantine secondary to the Equine Herpes Virus 1 exposure in Texas. Click the link below for a report from May 19, 2011.

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/nahss/equine/ehv/ehv_2010_sitrep_051911.pdf

Some further info from the USDA: http://www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/nahss/equine/ehv/

New Wash Rack

Old Chocolate Barn- so named for its proximity to Old Chocolate Bayou- now has its own washrack. No more slumming it under the tree. Hip hip, hooray!

Wizard and Delphi Gait Comparison

Delphi and Wizard will be collaborating this summer in a Pas de Deux. We've settled on Spanish music for our theme.


2011 USDF First Level Freestyle requirements:
1. Walk (20m minimum continuous free walk).
2. Walk (20m minimum continuous medium walk).
3. 10m or smaller circle in trot (no smaller than 8m)j.
4. Leg yield in trot. (Coefficient of 2)
5. Lengthen stride in trot.
6. 15m or smaller circle in canter (no smaller than 10m).
7. Change of lead through trot. (Coefficient of 2)
8. Lengthen stride in canter. (Coefficient of 2)
9. Halts at beginning and end of test.
10. Gaits- rhythm and regularity
11. Impulsion- energy, elasticity and engagement
12. Submission- basic issues of submission, technical aspect of the rider.

Artistic Impression:
1. Harmony between Horse and Rider. (Coefficient of 3)
2. Choreography- use of arena, design cohesiveness, balance, and creativity (Coefficient of 4)
3. Degree of difficulty. (Coefficient of 2)
4. Music-suitability, seamlessness, cohesiveness (Coefficient of 3)
5. Interpretation-music expresses gaits, use of phrasing and dynamics (Coefficient of 3)

2007 USDF Pas de Deux:
Technical Execution:
1. Performance as a Pair- spacing, alignment, and synchrony (Coefficient of 4)
2. Required elements- Technical Execution (Coefficient of 3)
3. Impulsion & Submission. (Coefficient of 3)
Penalty for exceeding maximum time. (One point is deducted from the total for Artistic Impression for exceeding the time limit. There is not minimum time or specified deduction.)

Artistic Impression:
1. Harmony between Horses & Riders. Fluency of performance. (Coefficient of 3)
2. Choreography. Balance, creativity, difficulty, construction. (Coefficient of 5)
3. Musicality. Suitability, cohesiveness, editing, phrasing and dynamics. (Coefficient of 2)

Time requirements: no minimum time for any level. Training-Fourth: 5 minutes max; PSG-Intermediate: 5 minutes max; Grand Prix: 6 minutes max

"Food"