Showing posts with label Shows. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Shows. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Monday, March 19, 2012
Good Show
Delphi and I showed at Windy Knoll Farm spring dressage shows I and II this weekend March 16-18, 2012.
What did I learn from this show? Arriving on the showgrounds the day before the show is extremely helpful as Delphi and I were able to school with our adjunct trainer Lurena Bell in the actual competition arenas which gave us time to focus and relax. Delphi improves as the day goes on, but only if I am careful not to overtax her especially on the final day of the show. Giving Delphi a "mercy lunge" for just a few minutes very early in the morning helps her to relax both days of the show. Having a trainer to direct our warm up and otherwise coach us at the show is indispensable. Finally, using my seat and body in a swinging, relaxed way especially in transitions allows Delphi to stay relaxed.
Five positive things that went well at this show:
1) Delphi and I made our individual and collective debuts at third level at a recognized show.
2) We were able to work through much tension to achieve calmness and relaxation, even in the face of over a week's worth of stall rest secondary to wet weather and no riding secondary to some swelling in one of Delphi's legs.
3) Delphi remained calm and navigable before, during and after all her flying changes.
4) We gained show mileage and learned a lot about show strategy, especially warm-up and relaxation tactics.
5) Even in the midst of raging stallions, uncontrolled rogue horses, lunge whips cracking almost directly in her face, strange dogs in strollers, and myriad other wind-flapping distractions, Delphi remained extremely obedient and safe all weekend.
What did I learn from this show? Arriving on the showgrounds the day before the show is extremely helpful as Delphi and I were able to school with our adjunct trainer Lurena Bell in the actual competition arenas which gave us time to focus and relax. Delphi improves as the day goes on, but only if I am careful not to overtax her especially on the final day of the show. Giving Delphi a "mercy lunge" for just a few minutes very early in the morning helps her to relax both days of the show. Having a trainer to direct our warm up and otherwise coach us at the show is indispensable. Finally, using my seat and body in a swinging, relaxed way especially in transitions allows Delphi to stay relaxed.
Five positive things that went well at this show:
1) Delphi and I made our individual and collective debuts at third level at a recognized show.
2) We were able to work through much tension to achieve calmness and relaxation, even in the face of over a week's worth of stall rest secondary to wet weather and no riding secondary to some swelling in one of Delphi's legs.
3) Delphi remained calm and navigable before, during and after all her flying changes.
4) We gained show mileage and learned a lot about show strategy, especially warm-up and relaxation tactics.
5) Even in the midst of raging stallions, uncontrolled rogue horses, lunge whips cracking almost directly in her face, strange dogs in strollers, and myriad other wind-flapping distractions, Delphi remained extremely obedient and safe all weekend.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Another Fat Envelope
Mailed our entry today for the Windy Knoll Farm Spring Dressage I and II March 17-18 2012. Our goals at these two shows: 1)complete our score requirements for our USDF bronze medal by earning 60% or better- once in second level and twice in third level, and 2)qualify for the Region 9 championships at second level by earning 61% or above at second level on each of the two days.
Lofty (and attainable!) goals I know so I'm really thinking positively. Oh and doing my due diligence by generating wet saddle pads. The Jeff Moore clinic February 18-21 will be a perfect tune-up.
Lofty (and attainable!) goals I know so I'm really thinking positively. Oh and doing my due diligence by generating wet saddle pads. The Jeff Moore clinic February 18-21 will be a perfect tune-up.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Centerline Sweep
The Centerline Training group was a hit at this weekend's All Heart Horse Farm Houston Dressage Society show. We took champion, first, and second places in all levels entered: third, first and training; with Rajah and Tiffany champion training level (and overall show highpoint training level and above) and Allie and Lisa champion first level.
Amazing what solid coaching, supportive atmosphere, and excellent training at home produces! With thanks to our wonderful trainer Karen Brown who empowers us- horses and riders alike- with solid principles of classical dressage, plus that extra something that is empathy, respect, and love for our equine partners and each other.
The Centerline group from left to right Marlene, Tiffany, Lisa, Karen, Rachel and Carrie, with a Wizard nostril in the foreground (with thanks to helper/photographer Amy, Rajah's owner!):
Having a blast; Wizard/Rachel, Rajah/Tiffany, Allie/Lisa and Delphi/Carrie:
Amazing what solid coaching, supportive atmosphere, and excellent training at home produces! With thanks to our wonderful trainer Karen Brown who empowers us- horses and riders alike- with solid principles of classical dressage, plus that extra something that is empathy, respect, and love for our equine partners and each other.
Long time buddies Allie and Wizard arriving:
The Centerline group from left to right Marlene, Tiffany, Lisa, Karen, Rachel and Carrie, with a Wizard nostril in the foreground (with thanks to helper/photographer Amy, Rajah's owner!):
Having a blast; Wizard/Rachel, Rajah/Tiffany, Allie/Lisa and Delphi/Carrie:
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Perspective
Having chosen the slow, intentional path to learning the art of dressage, one expects good days and poor but with an overall progression toward harmony and influence over one's horses.
At least that's how I'm trying to keep perspective after two unsatisfactory scores at our most recent one day show. At 59.4 I was just shy of getting my final second level bronze qualifying score, and when I received a 47 from a different judge at the same show I couldn't help but feel disappointment.
To gain further perspective I began thinking about disappointment versus perseverance. While it's true my goals include an element of prize riding, that is not the ultimate objective. I contemplated my personal dressage odyssey that has serendipitously overlapped with some pretty awesome and amazing people and horses, and realized that a couple of bad scores shall not deter.
My trainer Karen Brown, to whom I owe a debt of gratitude and whose experience and knowledge I benefit from on an almost daily basis, just celebrated her tenth year anniversary of being cancer free. Beautiful Windy Knoll Farm, where Delphi and I spent this past Saturday in idyllic surroundings, was 1/4 mile from being burned to the ground by the recent Texas wildfires but by the efforts of local and volunteer firefighters was spared. My gentle and trustworthy mare obediently travels with me to shows, clinics and trail rides and is my daily partner, teacher, and co-scholar.
Yes, 47% on a second level test sheet with not receiving my qualifying score stings. Yet with so much to be thankful for I decided this weekend to graciously accept the red and blue ribbons on behalf of my "white horse" and march ever gratefully forward toward harmony and understanding.
At least that's how I'm trying to keep perspective after two unsatisfactory scores at our most recent one day show. At 59.4 I was just shy of getting my final second level bronze qualifying score, and when I received a 47 from a different judge at the same show I couldn't help but feel disappointment.
To gain further perspective I began thinking about disappointment versus perseverance. While it's true my goals include an element of prize riding, that is not the ultimate objective. I contemplated my personal dressage odyssey that has serendipitously overlapped with some pretty awesome and amazing people and horses, and realized that a couple of bad scores shall not deter.
My trainer Karen Brown, to whom I owe a debt of gratitude and whose experience and knowledge I benefit from on an almost daily basis, just celebrated her tenth year anniversary of being cancer free. Beautiful Windy Knoll Farm, where Delphi and I spent this past Saturday in idyllic surroundings, was 1/4 mile from being burned to the ground by the recent Texas wildfires but by the efforts of local and volunteer firefighters was spared. My gentle and trustworthy mare obediently travels with me to shows, clinics and trail rides and is my daily partner, teacher, and co-scholar.
Yes, 47% on a second level test sheet with not receiving my qualifying score stings. Yet with so much to be thankful for I decided this weekend to graciously accept the red and blue ribbons on behalf of my "white horse" and march ever gratefully forward toward harmony and understanding.
Far from perfect but enjoying the journey.
Delphi and me at our first show in 2005:
Delphi and me at our first show in 2005:
Delphi and me on a trail ride earlier this year:
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Another Fat Envelope
Mailed in my entry for the Windy Knoll Farm Fall Dressage Show today. Goal: to earn our final second level qualifying score toward our USDF bronze medal.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Mare on Fire
As Karen put it, we "cleaned up" this weekend at the Windy Knoll Summer Dressage I and II show.
Best of all, I earned my initial second level qualifying score, putting us halfway to our USDF bronze medal. Delphi and I were on the USDF Adult Amateur Team "Stranger's Danger" and won first place for the team gold medal. Delphi earned two firsts under Karen and me respectively, which earned us the blue ribbons and two lovely crystal wine glasses.
Karen's ride-- which was awesome-- earned her the Reserve Champion for Second Level Open and a gift certificate to Charlotte's Saddlery! All in all, a fun weekend!
Nephyn served as show Director:
Taking a break from the heat:
Swag, swag, and more swag:
Best of all, I earned my initial second level qualifying score, putting us halfway to our USDF bronze medal. Delphi and I were on the USDF Adult Amateur Team "Stranger's Danger" and won first place for the team gold medal. Delphi earned two firsts under Karen and me respectively, which earned us the blue ribbons and two lovely crystal wine glasses.
Karen's ride-- which was awesome-- earned her the Reserve Champion for Second Level Open and a gift certificate to Charlotte's Saddlery! All in all, a fun weekend!
Trakehner trot:
Nephyn served as show Director:
Taking a break from the heat:
Swag, swag, and more swag:
Delphi earned two blue ribbons, two wine glasses, a red ribbon, and the USDF Adult Team Competition Gold Medal (Delphi was real impressed, can you tell?):
Karen earned Reserve Champion Second Level Open, a gift certificate from Charlotte's, a blue ribbon, and a crystal wine glass:
Karen earned Reserve Champion Second Level Open, a gift certificate from Charlotte's, a blue ribbon, and a crystal wine glass:
Karen rode Delphi to the absolute razor's edge and pulled the utmost out of Delphi. After being inspired by Karen's ride and with additional coaching from Karen, our scores improved the second day.
Some score sheet highlights:
In my second level test three:
From Creeky Routson: "Attractive horse." [At least they didn't say "Nice tail!"] "Improved suppleness in connection will help consistency."
Maryal Barnett said of Delphi "Seems like a very honest horse." [HA! Delphi's got her snowed.] "Work on getting a more through topline."
Update: click for Delphi's results on the ATA page.
Some score sheet highlights:
In my second level test three:
- medium trot = "expressive" 7
- both shoulder ins = "good bend, needs activity" 7 and "angle varies a bit" 7
- up trans to collected canter from shortened stride in walk = "prompt" 7
- simple change (canter-walk-canter) = "smooth, could stay better connected" 7
- 10 meter canter circle, then simple change = "smooth but needs to improve connection" 7 and 7 respectively
- GAITS (freedom and regularity) = 7
- halt, rein back = 8
- rider's position and seat = 7
From Creeky Routson: "Attractive horse." [At least they didn't say "Nice tail!"] "Improved suppleness in connection will help consistency."
Maryal Barnett said of Delphi "Seems like a very honest horse." [HA! Delphi's got her snowed.] "Work on getting a more through topline."
Update: click for Delphi's results on the ATA page.
Monday, June 13, 2011
Windy Knoll Summer Shows I and II
Mailed our entry today for the two summer shows July 23-24 at Windy Knoll Farm.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Topsider Spring Show Stills
Team Delphi bids a fond farewell to first level, and a warm hello to second and third level.Monday, March 28, 2011
Topsider Dressage One Highlights
- For Karen in Second Level Test Three: "Nice pair- horse needs to better connect from behind so hind legs can step under and carry weight. Lateral movements need more suppleness and engagement."
- For me in Second Level Test One: "Attractive horse-" (At least she didn't say "Nice tail!") "Needs to improve uphill balance and engagement for improved collection and self carriage."
- For me in First Level Test One: "Attractive, willing horse. Try to develop more balance so horse isn't on forehand. Shows bend, but could have more energy at times."
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Valentine's Fun Show at Blue Fox Farm
Centerline Training students from left to right: Carrie on the Trakehner mare Delphi, Crystal on the Trakehner gelding Gryphon, Lisa on the Hanoverian gelding Allie, Rachel on the Spanish Barb Wizard, and Marlene with the Haflinger gelding Notice:
Not pictured: Marcella on the Percheron/Thoroughbred mare Daphne and Judy on the Fresian gelding Tiede.
What an awesome "all for one, one for all" group! Everyone did a stellar job and had a blast in the perfect weather. Congratulations to Rachel on high point of the show!
Not pictured: Marcella on the Percheron/Thoroughbred mare Daphne and Judy on the Fresian gelding Tiede.What an awesome "all for one, one for all" group! Everyone did a stellar job and had a blast in the perfect weather. Congratulations to Rachel on high point of the show!
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Alphabet Soup with Stars
Delphi and I want to compete at the HDS upcoming CDI* Y/J show April 29-30 2011. Just so we're clear, here's a breakdown:
CDI is an acronym for Concours Dressage International, a dressage competition recognized by the FEI.
"W" suffix means world-cup qualifier.
"O" suffix means Olympic qualifier.
CDI*:
-INVITATIONS: No restrictions.
-LEVEL OF TESTS: Up to Intermediate I
-JUDGES REQUIREMENTS: At least three Judges (two FEI Judges)(one national allowed, one Foreign Judge optional)
-SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS: Competitors living abroad may compete in events of their host country, with a license of their host country. Competitors competing in a foreign country require an official FEI passport for their horse. If competing in their own country, this is not required. NF approves schedules. GR Art. 154 (only Appeal President, i.e. active or retired FEI International Dressage Judge, required).
CDI**:
-INVITATIONS: No restrictions
-LEVEL OF TESTS: Up to GP, excluding GPS + GP Freestyle
-JUDGES REQUIRED: At least three Judges (two FEI Judges), at least one Foreign, one national allowed (Art. 437 applies)
-SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS: See conditions above for CDI*
CDI*** (including CDI-W):
-INVITATIONS: At least six countries with min. two riders each must be invited (An OC may never invite more home than foreign riders)
-LEVEL OF TESTS: Up to GP, including GPS and GP Freestyle
-JUDGES REQUIRED: Europe: five FEI Judges, at least two Foreign, recommended three; Other countries: See Art. 437 CDI-Ws: three foreign judges required
-SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS: Competitors may only participate under the jurisdiction of the country from which they hold their passport. Official FEI passport required for horses whether competing in CDIs*** at home or in a foreign country. FEI approves schedules GR Art. 154 (only Appeal President, i.e. active or retired FEI International Dressage Judge, is required).
CDI-Y/J:
-INVITATIONS: No restrictions
-LEVEL OF TESTS: Young Riders and Juniors Official Dressage Tests
-JUDGES REQUIRED: Judges: at least three FEI judges; one must be foreign. At Championships, five FEI judges; three must be foreign.
-SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS: Competitors may only participate under the jurisdiction of the country from which they hold their passport FEI horse passport not required if competing in their home country (see Senior CDI**). Nevertheless, horses should be required to have a proper identification document, including FEI-type diagram and the required vaccination certificate. Only one Appeal President (active or retired judge) required.
CDIO**/*** and Championships: According to existing Rules
CDI is an acronym for Concours Dressage International, a dressage competition recognized by the FEI.
"W" suffix means world-cup qualifier.
"O" suffix means Olympic qualifier.
CDI*:
-INVITATIONS: No restrictions.
-LEVEL OF TESTS: Up to Intermediate I
-JUDGES REQUIREMENTS: At least three Judges (two FEI Judges)(one national allowed, one Foreign Judge optional)
-SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS: Competitors living abroad may compete in events of their host country, with a license of their host country. Competitors competing in a foreign country require an official FEI passport for their horse. If competing in their own country, this is not required. NF approves schedules. GR Art. 154 (only Appeal President, i.e. active or retired FEI International Dressage Judge, required).
CDI**:
-INVITATIONS: No restrictions
-LEVEL OF TESTS: Up to GP, excluding GPS + GP Freestyle
-JUDGES REQUIRED: At least three Judges (two FEI Judges), at least one Foreign, one national allowed (Art. 437 applies)
-SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS: See conditions above for CDI*
CDI*** (including CDI-W):
-INVITATIONS: At least six countries with min. two riders each must be invited (An OC may never invite more home than foreign riders)
-LEVEL OF TESTS: Up to GP, including GPS and GP Freestyle
-JUDGES REQUIRED: Europe: five FEI Judges, at least two Foreign, recommended three; Other countries: See Art. 437 CDI-Ws: three foreign judges required
-SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS: Competitors may only participate under the jurisdiction of the country from which they hold their passport. Official FEI passport required for horses whether competing in CDIs*** at home or in a foreign country. FEI approves schedules GR Art. 154 (only Appeal President, i.e. active or retired FEI International Dressage Judge, is required).
CDI-Y/J:
-INVITATIONS: No restrictions
-LEVEL OF TESTS: Young Riders and Juniors Official Dressage Tests
-JUDGES REQUIRED: Judges: at least three FEI judges; one must be foreign. At Championships, five FEI judges; three must be foreign.
-SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS: Competitors may only participate under the jurisdiction of the country from which they hold their passport FEI horse passport not required if competing in their home country (see Senior CDI**). Nevertheless, horses should be required to have a proper identification document, including FEI-type diagram and the required vaccination certificate. Only one Appeal President (active or retired judge) required.
CDIO**/*** and Championships: According to existing Rules
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Photos from Windy Knoll
Active hindquarter:
There were moments of uphill tendency and suspension:
Nice braids:
At 59.2 our score wasn't quite there, but we're almost satisfactory at second level. Keep on striving!
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Insist on Personal Excellence
Beautiful Freestyle Farm was the venue for our most recent show Sunday July 11, 2010. Though Delphi got two blue ribbons for two rides, our scores did not improve. Delphi was much more relaxed and obedient however; now I need to continue to develop the engagement of the hindquarters, lightness of the forehand, and insist on personal excellence in making my aids effective.
The helpful collective remarks from judge Leslie Cummings reveal where our homework should focus:
Second level test two: "Attractive team. This level requires much more engagement of the hindquarters with thrust and ground-covering strides. Expect more. Sure seems to be in there!"
First level test four: "Pleasant team. 1st 4 gets serious about thrust from behind, an elastic connection back-to-front with straightness AND ground-covering strides. Re-balance that 'lengthening' trot as your starting point!"
Delphi's medium and lengthened trot got "some ground cover but needs more-- 7" and "some thrust shown; use this energy in your working trot--7."
Also telling were our respective collective marks. Delphi got "7" for GAITS while I got "5" on RIDER. I need to expect as much personal excellence from myself as what I expect Delphi to give; if I will bring my A game every day, every ride-- no excuses-- our scores will improve.
The helpful collective remarks from judge Leslie Cummings reveal where our homework should focus:
Second level test two: "Attractive team. This level requires much more engagement of the hindquarters with thrust and ground-covering strides. Expect more. Sure seems to be in there!"
First level test four: "Pleasant team. 1st 4 gets serious about thrust from behind, an elastic connection back-to-front with straightness AND ground-covering strides. Re-balance that 'lengthening' trot as your starting point!"
Delphi's medium and lengthened trot got "some ground cover but needs more-- 7" and "some thrust shown; use this energy in your working trot--7."
Also telling were our respective collective marks. Delphi got "7" for GAITS while I got "5" on RIDER. I need to expect as much personal excellence from myself as what I expect Delphi to give; if I will bring my A game every day, every ride-- no excuses-- our scores will improve.
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Photo Highlights from Hearthstone
These photos were videographed by Karen Brown (yes, she CAN coach, call, and operate a camera all at once-- I've seen her do it). The indoor dressage arena at Hearthstone is shredded rubber tires over a sand base- makes for lovely schooling. Witness:
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Consistency, Please
As everyone who shows their horse knows, it takes a huge amount of effort and a certain amount of good luck to make it to the summit of riding for six minutes in front of a judge at a dressage show. Delphi got marks everywhere from "good" (8) to "insufficient" (4). We are working to become more consistently through, with more engagement of the hindquarters and more thrusting power- with relaxation- in all gaits and paces.
For example, in the leg yield at Saturday's schooling show in first level test 4, judge Grace Harris gave the first leg yield to the left: "Fluid, but needs energy: 7 (Fairly Good)."
But leg yield right got: "No crossing shown: 4 (Insufficient)."
The transition to canter: "Hollow in depart: 5 (Marginal)" but the change of lead through trot was: "Few too many trot steps but straight and balanced: 7 (Fairly Good)."
The halt got: "Straight; balanced: 8 (Good).
In second level test two the walk work and halt/rein back got 7's (Fairly Good) while the travers ("too little angle" and "hollow- no angle or engagement") got 4's (Insufficient).
The first medium trot was: "hollow, losing rhythm: 5 (Marginal) but the second medium trot got: "lacks throughness: 6 (satisfactory)."
Delphi's gaits and my rider score were both 6 (Satisfactory).
Of course we're striving to improve our scores at the summit experience of shows while keeping in mind that it's the journey to the summit-and how we build on it- that really matters.
For example, in the leg yield at Saturday's schooling show in first level test 4, judge Grace Harris gave the first leg yield to the left: "Fluid, but needs energy: 7 (Fairly Good)."
But leg yield right got: "No crossing shown: 4 (Insufficient)."
The transition to canter: "Hollow in depart: 5 (Marginal)" but the change of lead through trot was: "Few too many trot steps but straight and balanced: 7 (Fairly Good)."
The halt got: "Straight; balanced: 8 (Good).
In second level test two the walk work and halt/rein back got 7's (Fairly Good) while the travers ("too little angle" and "hollow- no angle or engagement") got 4's (Insufficient).
The first medium trot was: "hollow, losing rhythm: 5 (Marginal) but the second medium trot got: "lacks throughness: 6 (satisfactory)."
Delphi's gaits and my rider score were both 6 (Satisfactory).
Of course we're striving to improve our scores at the summit experience of shows while keeping in mind that it's the journey to the summit-and how we build on it- that really matters.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Hearthstone Schooling Show
Left to right: Dezi, Sarah, Tina, Delphi, Carrie, Karen, Karen, Christy, Rogue, Marlene, Allie, and CrystalThe Hearthstone Riding Stables schooling show was a blast this past Saturday June 26, 2010. Photographer Laurie Virkstis was there capturing memories like this one of a group of some of the Centerline Training students. View more proofs of the show at www.laurievirkstis.com.
Another group photo:
Left to right: Christy, Bailey, Ceil, Karen, Allie, Crystal, Carrie, DelphiMonday, November 9, 2009
To the Victor Goes the Spoils
A day off work and plenty of horse cookies and carrots to be specific. Job well done, Delphi. This time she truly "threw a little dirt on the judge's score card" at yesterday's Freestyle Farm schooling show.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
More Second Level Feedback
Pam Grace was the judge at today's Freestyle Farm schooling show in Fulshear. Some of her comments:
- Halt: square and balanced 8
- Medium trot (test 1): first four steps very high quality, then cantered (7 crossed out) 4
- Medium trot (test 2): good from behind 8
- Halt, rein back: through and balanced 8
- Circle right and shoulder in: nicely through and connected; cover more ground with more energy 6
- Free walk and medium walk: good overstep and good stretch 8
- Counter canter: better 7
- Travers: above bit, lacks angle and bend 5
- 10 meter canter circle: above bit 5
- Simple canter change of lead: stiffening, trot steps 5
- Collectives: Smooth ride- encourage more engagement and throughness and Attractive horse- encourage better throughness and better engagement
Monday, October 19, 2009
Progress
Judges' comments have always been a helpful learning tool. Yesterday's Solstice Farm Halloween show was both fun and educational. The following are comment highlights from Delphi's second level tests 1 and 2 from judge Donna Meyer:
- First medium trot: Some loss of rhythm, run vs lengthen but in the second medium trot: clear effort, shows thrust but come uphill vs over through bit
- Shoulder in: overbent neck, leg yield
- Travers: lost energy and connection and need bend, angle and energy
- Halt, rein back: not square but obedient and correct steps back
- Medium canter: need thrust and ground cover, crooked
- Counter canter serpentine: need rounder connection
- Counter canter on a straight line: straight but not on bit
- Halt: straight, nearly square
- Collectives: Adorable pair- keep developing thrust and rounder topline and Some better moments- horse tries :) Keep developing balance to hind and energy, impulsion so comes through back and improves throughness and connection. Capable pair- keep trying!
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