File - Midwest Dressage Association
Transcription
File - Midwest Dressage Association
Midwest Dressage Association November 2015 Can a Horse Dance? Report from the MDA Freestyle Clinic October 17-18, 2015 If you attended Terry Ciotti Gallo’s dynamic and informative freestyle lecture and then watched the riders put the concepts into practice…..the answer would be a resounding, “YES!” considerable background in dance and gymnastics was evident in her discussions on various ways to create dynamic and successful choreography. She discussed the pros and cons to the ‘music first’ approach and the ‘choreography first’ approach to Terry opened her lecture on Saturday morning creating a successful freestyle. She spoke at length with this question, and it became the theme for the about the importance of good editing and she also weekend. She followed up with a wonderful video encouraged riders to have a back-up plan: know your exercise where we saw the same horse and rider music in case the unexpected happens. (Steffen Peters and Valero) doing a musical freestyle to six different genres of music ranging from pop to The morning was packed with great information but jazz, from classical to classic rock. Seeing the same the best was yet to come… horse and rider doing the same steps to different music highlighted one of Terry’s core concepts: it Saturday afternoon and Sunday we got to see is not only important to get the correct beats per the theory put into action. Terry spent time with minute syncopation between horse and music, it is each rider, talking with them about their horse’s imperative to have music that the horse and rider personality and their own musical tastes. She had an respond to! enormous inventory of music available, and based on each horse’s beats per minute (bpm) she offered up a Terry encouraged riders to do their homework for number of selections. As we had seen on the video in freestyles, especially at the lower levels. Fortunately the morning’s session, now we were seeing a horse she provided a wealth of information to help and rider responding live to the musical selections. novices get started including: what resources and What magic! Terry involved the auditors in asking equipment (hardware and software) are needed, their impressions of which music worked best for how to find and select appropriate music, and how each pair, making it a fun and interactive event for all. to create a cohesive and seamless musical freestyle. She explained in detail the USDF and USEF Things came together very quickly for each rider Freestyle judging criteria and the details that support as optimal selections of music to accompany trot interpretation scores, educating the audience on the and canter work were selected. Terry then spent the importance of correct and successful phrasing among remaining time working on choreography with each other technical elements. team. The lessons of the morning were not wasted on Choreography is central to Terry’s work. Her very Continued on Page 4 2015 MDA Board and Committees Committees Officers The Board welcomes members to assist on these committees. Please contact the Committee Chairperson. President Will Davis II [email protected] Awards - Beth Schaub Directory - Tom Bird Education - Ingrid Baranski Membership - Julie Fleming Newsletter - Barbra Reis Nominations - Valerie Dean, Jennifer Moyne and Lisa Pinkos Howle Product Sales - Will Davis Professional Advisors - Valerie Dean Public Relations and Marketing - Lisa Machala Sponsorship - [email protected] Video Library - Tom Bird Volunteers - Will Davis Web Site - Barbra Reis Vice President Ingrid Baranski [email protected] The Midwest Dressage Association is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit Secretary Tom Bird [email protected] November 2015 Contents 1 “Can A Horse Dance” 8 Feldenkrais for Riders 13 Board of Director Meeting Minutes, Sept 2015 15 “Dressage and the OTTB” 17 Classified Ads/Stable Listings 18 Calendar of Events 19 2016 Membership Application Treasurer Lisa Pinkos Howle [email protected] Board Members Valerie Dean [email protected] Julie Fleming [email protected] Classified Ads must be submitted to the newsletter editor via email and in Word format. Advertisments must be submitted via email in either PDF or JPEG format. Deadline for Advertising AND Classified ads is the 15th of the previous month. All ads MUST be prepaid prior to publication. MDA bucks may not be redeemed for advertising. Denise Gentile [email protected] Lisa Machala [email protected] Jennifer Moyne - jmoyne@med. umich.edu Beth Schaub - [email protected] Susan Snethkamp -kampdressage@ gmail.com MDA Newsletter Advertising Rates Effective 7-1-2015 Advertising Submissions are due to the Newsletter Publisher by the 15th of the month preceding the publication date. Payment must be made in full prior to placement of the ad. All member rates reflect at 20% discount of retail price. 1 month Retail 3 Month Rate Member Retail Member 6 month Retail 12 Month Member Retail Member 1/4 page 40.00 32.00 90.00 72.00 150.00 120.00 240.00 192.00 1/2 page 60.00 48.00 120.00 96.00 210.00 168.00 360.00 288.00 Midwest Dressage Association Annual Awards Banquet at The Buhl Estate at Addison Oaks 1480 W. Romeo Rd., Leonard, MI 48367 Sunday, November 22, 2015 Doors open 11:30 am The beautiful, historic Buhl Estate has the look and feel of a European country club. Come enjoy a beverage by one of the working fireplaces . Guest speaker will be Sydney Collier, 2014 Jr. Equestrian of the year. This talented Para-Equestrian has competed at the international level including the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. Sydney’s dog Journey will also be attending. If you would like to donate items or a basket to be raffled off, you may bring it with you Cash bar will be available $25.00 per person or reserve a table for 10 for $250.00 Send your check made payable to the MDA with a the names of the people in your party to Denise Gentile, 38249 Lesha, Clinton Township, MI 48036 If you have questions call Denise at (586) 463-7741 _____________________________________________________________ Name_________________________________________ MDA #______________ Address____________________________________________________________ City_______________________________State________Zip__________________ Phone #__________________Email_____________________________________ Additional names____________________________________________________ Amount enclosed___________________ Continued from Page 1 these talented riders who understood immediately how to optimize their freestyle performance by correct use of the arena, balance of elements, design cohesiveness, correct phrasing and creativity. Terry’s knowledge and talent are unparalleled in the sport of dressage. Not only has she been instrumental in creating the USDF and USEF freestyle judges training program, she has taught many of today’s freestyle clinicians! After participating in one of her engaging and educational workshops, it is easy to see why the top names in dressage continue to work with her in developing multiple freestyles. She is the clinician’s clinician and the expert’s expert! In addition to her excellent rider’s freestyle clinic, Terry also teaches a one day workshop on Freestyle Judging that is open to L students and judges. To learn more about Terry’s work, please visit www.Klassickur.com. It was inspiring to watch riders and horses of all levels from First Level through Grand Prix find their tempo and prove that yes, HORSES CAN DANCE! The MDA would like to publicly thank our hosts for this event: Carole and Tonya Grant. The Grants and their team were very gracious and helpful throughout the planning and execution of this event, and we are most appreciative to have their support! Lisa Machala MDA Marketing Committee Chair Clinic Riders (L to R),Susan Snethkamp, Barb Reis, Terry Gallo, Andrea Bingham, Tonya Grant, Barb Sudomier, Kristie LaFraboise. Therapeutic Bodywork for Horse and Rider Are you or your horse experiencing limitations in range of motion or balance? Experiencing stress, tension, stiffness, or muscle or joint pain? Has your horse become unwilling? We have the solution! Private Client Sessions Professional Trainer / Barn Programs (great discounts) Prepaid Massage Programs (great discounts) Equine Massage for Horse Owners (Workshops) Reiki Natural Stress Reduction for Self and Others (Workshops) Horse & Rider Wellness Clinics Client Referral Rewards Program Health & Wellness products for you and your animals MDA members receive 10% discount on services! Call or Text Lisa @ 248.282.4065 Visit www.MichiganEquineTherapy.com for program details Perfecting Comfort and Performance for Horse & Rider Since 2004 Licensed, Certified, Insured 11/2015 Two Day Workshop in Shelby Michigan Saturday, December 5 and Sunday, December 6, 2015 9:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Barclay Physical Therapy 51517 Van Dyke, Shelby MI 48316 Tuition $200 cash, check, credit card An Unmounted Workshop using AWARENESS THROUGH MOVEMENT lessons selected with the rider in mind. Enhance your ability to reduce muscular tension, alter your self-use and improve your physical organization in the saddle. 248.842.1195 “I recommend Feldenkrais for any rider” Heather Blitz, 2011 Pan American Games, Team Gold & Individual Silver Medalist Co-taught by Guild Certified Feldenkrais Practitioners: Mary Lou Dyker www.movementlearninglife.com [email protected] Dale Jensen www.michiganfeldenkrais.com dale@ michiganfeldenkrais.com 12/15 Feldenkrais For Riders Like many people, I was introduced to the Feldenkrais Method of Somatic Education when I had physical therapy for an injury I’d sustained. I knew nothing about the Feldenkrais Method and I was completely unprepared for the experience. My therapist directed me to move myself in unusual ways, using less and less effort, and a painful guarding habit I had developed around the injured area ‘let go’ in a matter of minutes and I was flooded with surprise and relief. I had no idea what had just happened but I was intrigued. How could making small gestures with my mouth produce a change in a very painful neck injury I acquired in a riding accident? I continued with therapy for a number of visits and began to attend Awareness Through Movement (ATM) lessons to support those changes. YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT YOU DON’T KNOW… I had acquired a number of injuries in riding accidents over the years and had stopped riding. It was painful to quit something I enjoyed so much, but I didn’t see another option. Early in my Feldenkrais training I developed such a clear understanding of how my pelvis moved I experienced one of those ‘Aha’ moments and knew I would be able to return to riding. HOW IT WORKS In order to take advantage of your body’s ability to improve itself through sensory motor learning, the Feldenkrais Method teaches (you, the individual) how to detect and reduce unnecessary, counterproductive muscular effort in your body. When we use minimal muscular effort, our brain is free to make important sensory distinctions. By eliminating unnecessary effort and feeling finer and finer differences in what you do, your brain gets the information it needs in order to create effective, powerful and safe movement. Awareness Through Movement lessons apply this rule: less muscular effort produces more sensory motor learning, and physical improvement. “The Feldenkrais Method helps people …increase their awareness in any activity…to develop their ability to self-regulate and adjust from moment to moment. Because a horse responds to the information from the rider’s seat, leg and hands, the rider must learn how to be more focused and precise… This work addresses nearly every movement function or difficulty a rider can imagine.” (Paris Kern, Feldenkrais Practitioner and Assistant Trainer, from ‘Riding with the Whole Self ’) SOME SPECIFICS: “During a Feldenkrais lesson, the student makes a series of gentle movements, but more importantly, she uses her attention to notice subtle sensations caused by changes in pressure against a supporting surface or the way that the movement of one limb alters the feeling in another part of one’s body. This information, generated through movement, creates a new learning environment for the brain, which immediately has the opportunity to try new possibilities. The nervous system processes the sensations, then re-imagines how to create new possibilities in subsequent movements by sending new kinds of signals.” (From the website of Seth Dillinger, movelikeachild.wordpress.com) The brain controls sets of muscles and bones performing actions or synergies rather than controlling individual muscles…no need to think about muscles when learning movement skills. Instead, think skeletally, think patterns, think actions, think synergies. Forget muscles.… Large, fast movements are simply scaled up small slow movements. Learn small and slow first. (Robert Burgess, PhD, Feldenkrais Practitioner, from ‘A Guide to Body Sense’) Continued on the next page A NEW DEFINITION OF STRENGTH (from the SenseAbility Journal Interview with Jeff Haller, Practitioner and Trainer) SenseAbility: One of the criticisms I’ve heard of the Feldenkrais Method is that it doesn’t address core strength. I have lots of friends who ride horses and the big thing in riding right now is Pilates, because you have to be stronger. Jeff Haller: I have a different view of “strength”. I would add ‘based on the way you find support from the surface you are on.’ Now, if I train myself in any exercise system, and I’m sloppy in the way I provide support for myself, all I will do is train muscles based on supporting myself the way I am accustomed to. Until I’m able to fluidly change from position to position, and use the entirety of all the surfaces of my body with clear intention, I would say that I’m not strong. I wouldn’t be able to completely access my own muscles, or use them fluidly for any activity. Core strengthening exercises will NOT change the dynamic pattern with which you engage the environment. You’ll continue to maintain the faulty support. …I’ve worked with many people (who have gone through rigorous strength training regimens)…without understanding - or being able to feel, or attend to - where their base of support is coming from. The endless succession of core strengthening exercises won’t necessarily improve the way a person rides their horse. It won’t change their understanding of their own balance, or their sensitivity. It won’t change their internal environment that governs their ability to sense their position in space. It won’t give them a more refined sense of what their horse is doing. It won’t give them a sense of moving on their horse so their hands can be soft. Nor will it give them the ability to sense what their horse needs. Awareness Through Movement lessons can bring awareness to the sense of effort, so that athlete, rider and martial artist can free themselves of bad habits that interfere with true strength. (From Practitioner Spotlight, SenseAbility, A newsletter of applications of the Feldenkrais Method of Somatic Education, Summer 2009. Mary Lou Dyker, Feldenkrais Practitioner: As a practitioner I select lessons that address functional issues riders deal with. I work with riders whose issues range from peak performance to recovery from injury. The lessons address issues every rider is concerned with: breathing throughout the entire torso; discovering how you load and unload the seat bones for increased freedom to re-balance yourself and your horse; softening and opening the hip joints; differentiating movements of the pelvis and hips for independent use of the leg and trunk, just a few of many explorations around self-use for the rider.(Permission to reprint this list granted from Paris Kern, Feldenkrais Practitioner and Assistant Trainer. Thank you, Paris!) Share your story! Write an article for MDA newsletter and earn MDA Bucks. Email your idea to MDA newsletter editor Barb Reis at [email protected] Midwest Dressage Association OFFICIAL BALLOT Voting Member Number_____ There are FOUR positions open. Vote for NOT MORE THAN FOUR � Allison Gaughan-McNab I began riding when I was a toddler and grew up with a passion for horses. As a youth I participated in Washtenaw county 4-H and in high school was a member of the Manchester Equestrian Team. I rode throughout college and that’s when I embarked in my eventing and dressage careers. I attended Washtenaw Community College where I was inducted into Phi Theta Kappa, the two-year college honor society and then later earned my degree from the University of Michigan in English Language and Literature. After graduation my parents and I began construction of Far Gone Farm where I now teach and train full-time. I believe that by serving on the board for the MDA I will help to educate and serve an often overlooked region of dressage riders, specifically the Washtenaw and Lenawee county areas. I firmly believe that my writing and communication skills will be a tremendous asset. I represent an important and burgeoning dressage community in Southeastern Michigan. � Tonya Grant I have been involved in dressage since I was a child growing up with my dad Chuck Grant and my mom Carole Grant. I won the 2008 USEF Silver Stirrup award for Grand Prix and I-2 Champion and was ranked 4th nationally with the USDF riding the Dutch stallion Kevekko. In 2009, Kevekko and I won the Grand Prix at the Winter Equestrian Festival Classic in Wellington, Florida. I have been actively involved in promoting the future of our sport by developing a Dressage Pony program. I worked with Kevin Bradbury at the Waterloo Hunt Club to supporting the Dressage Pony Cup Program. I have been following my father’s footsteps in training young horses. I actively believe in bringing dressage education to everyone. � Shawn Ozker-Ragsdale I have been involved in dressage for 45 years. I began my career at Bloomfield Open Hunt which lasted for 20 years and am currently training in the Oxford- Metamora area. I also offer clinics in Michigan and the tri-state area. I have my USDF Bronze, Silver and 50% of my Gold Medal, all of which were earned on horses that I trained. I recently organized the “Dressage at Devon” outing for the MDA and I regularly attend MDA board meetings. � Barbra Reis I have been riding since the age of five, and after participating in hunters and eventing, found dressage to be my forte. I have a Bachelor of Science in Equine Studies from Cententary College in NJ and a British Horse Society Assistant Instructor certification from Porlock Vale Equestrian Centre in England. I have my USDF Bronze and Silver Medals and showed Intermediate I in 2015. My husband and I own Brilliant Reflection Farm in Ortonville, a dressage boarding and training facility. I have been involved with the MDA for over 15 years, having served on the board for several terms and most recently taking over the MDA website and newsletter. Write-In � Bring to the banquet or mail to Julie Fleming at 9480 Grand River Rd. Fowlerville, MI. 48836 ___________________________________. with a postmark no later than 11-15-15 Photo credit: Ron Berg TDF – Your Source for Support SInCE 1989, donors to Each year grants and The Dressage Foundation scholarships are awarded have generously provided to riders of all ages and funds to create a better levels, instructors, judges, dressage community… breeders, and non-profit for you. organizations. Could you be our next grant recipient? Photo credit: Jennifer Bryant Visit www.dressagefoundation.org to learn about the opportunities that are currently available: adulT amaTeurs • Gifted Memorial Fund • Heldenberg Training Center Fund YouTH • Carolyn Van Cise Fund • Heldenberg Training Center Fund • Renee Isler Dressage Support Fund • Trip Harting Fund • Young Rider International Dream Program insTrucTors • Captain Jack Fritz Young Professionals Grants • Continuing Education for Instructors Fund • Karen Skvarla Fund • Major Anders Lindgren Scholarships • Renee Isler Dressage Support Fund • Trip Harting Fund • USDF Region 9 Teaching Excellence Award TDF General Sheet.indd 1 Judges • Edgar Hotz Judges Fund • Renee Isler Dressage Support Fund • Trip Harting Fund Breeders • Elysium Farm Fund for U.S. Breeder Excellence HigH Performance Teams • Carol Lavell Advanced Dressage Prize • Patsy Albers Award educaTional evenTs • Continuing Education for Instructors Fund • Dancing Horse Fund • Edgar Hotz Judges Fund • Michael Poulin Dressage Fund • Sally Swift Memorial Fund • Violet Hopkins Fund 1/15/15 9:43 AM MINUTES OF THE MIDWEST DRESSAGE ASSOCIATION BOARD September 2, 2015 6:30 PM Held at La Herradura Restaurant Highland, Michigan Board members in attendance: Chairperson Will Davis, Tom Bird, Sue Snethkamp, Denise Gentile, Lisa Machala, Lisa Howle and Julie Fleming Guests: Shawn Ozkar-Ragsdale, Barb Reis, Tammy Shivers The meeting was called to order by the Chair at 6:30 PM Comments from the Chair: no comments. Secretary’s Report: Tom Bird presented the minutes from the August 5, 2015 board meeting. Copies of the minutes and synopsis were previously emailed to the board for their review and comment. Two corrections were requested: adding Tammy Shivers as a guest; and, the estimate of the Tribute Feed rebate to $150. Motion by Tom Bird that the August 5, 2015 minutes be approved with corrections. Seconded by Sue Snethkamp. Approved by voice vote. Treasurer’s Report: Lisa Howle reported that the financial statements for the month of August with a balance of $15,726.04. Detailed Profit and Loss reports were sent out to the board by email. Motion by Tom Bird to accept the August 2015 financial report. Seconded by Julie Fleming. Approved by voice vote. Committee Reports: Memberships: Julie Fleming reported current membership being 252 with 132 Amateur/Owner, 37 Juniors, 81 Professional and 2 Life members. There was discussion about offering discounts for early membership enrollment in order to encourage both new and existing members to join early. There was no support for this concept as is would cost the MDA twice, as the USDF portion of the membership would not change. Last year the USDF portion of the MDA GMO membership went from $17.00 to $20.00. Education: Lisa Howle, reporting for Ingrid Baranski, stated that the freestyle clinic still has space available for riders and auditors and that allowing reciprocal privileges to other Michigan GMOs to attend at the same rate as MDA members could result in increased attendance. She also noted that PayPal is available for use at this activity. An application for a grant from the Dressage Foundation has been made in the amount of $250.00. This reciprocal privilege with other Michigan GMOs was discussed and approved by the Executive Committee. Executive Committee: Motion by Tom Bird to confirm the action of the Executive Committee to grant reciprocal privileges to other Michigan GMOs of the USDF for the Teri Ciotti Gallo Freestyle Clinic on October 17 and 18, 2015. Seconded by Lisa Howle. Approved by voice vote. Product Sales: Will Davis showed the board several of the new product items that will be available for sale at shows, the upcoming Metamora celebration and freestyle clinic. Marketing and Promotions: There was discussion about the upcoming Metamora Country Days Celebration and the Tribute Feeds coupon rebates. There was also discussion about expanding access to the MDA Facebook page to MDA Board members as a way to expedite the posting of new material. Concern was expressed about the need for some supervision and editing for the posts and that the use of a single supervisor provides some control and continuity. Motion by Lisa Howle that other MDA board members have posting rights to the MDA Facebook page. Seconded by Lisa Machala. Approved by voice vote. Annual Meeting: Denise Gentile reported that she has contacted Cindy Collier as the guest speaker. There was discussion about activities at the awards luncheon ranging from creating focus groups to help with the direction of the organization to dressage trivia games that would promote interaction among the members. Barb Reis said that she would work with Denise on the program handout which included those getting awards. There was discussion about auction baskets. A motion by Lisa Machala that the activities include a raffle. Seconded by Sue Snethkamp. Approved by voice vote. Will Davis stated that the committee reports will be consolidated into a single document and will be read to the members. Professional Advisors: no report. Nominations: Lisa Howle stated that she had a four candidates who were interested in the upcoming vacant board positions and their information will be available at the annual meeting. Scholarship: no report Awards: no report. Historian: no report Directory: no report Newsletter: Will Davis stated that due to personal conflicts, Jennifer Moyne is looking for someone to replace her in doing the newsletter. There was discussion by the board on the importance of certain deadlines and the need for a volunteer to undertake this task. Barb Reis stated that she could do the newsletter. Motion by Lisa Machala to approve Barb Reis as the MDA Newsletter volunteer. Seconded by Sue Snethkamp. Approved by voice vote. There was continued discussion which included the availability of upto-date publishing software and how that would simplify the process for both the newsletters and directory, as well as other publishing requirements of the organization (ie: annual meeting program). Motion by Tom Bird that an Adobe cloud publishing license be approved at an estimated cost of $40.00 per month. Seconded by Lisa Howle. Approved by voice vote. Volunteers: Lisa Machala stated that she has 40 volunteers to work at the Region 2 USDF Finals at Waterloo in the Fall. Video Library: no report. Website: Barb Reis reported that the MDA website does not support filling out membership forms on line. She did report the use of PayPay is possible and that there is no fee for this service for a non-profit organization. There was discussion about other possibilities to explore that might allow for the use of on-line forms. Old Business: Will Davis indicated that it was past the date to have a proxy presence at the USDF Convention that is being held in Las Vegas. However, he will check to see if it is not too late to send a delegate with the MDA votes. Motion by Sue Snethkamp that if it is not too late that the MDA send a delegate to the USDF Convention with an expense limit of $1000.00. Seconded by Lisa Machala. Approved by voice vote. The next meeting of the MDA Board was approved for Wednesday, October 7, 2015 at 6:30 PM at the White Horse Restaurant in Metamora. Motion by Tom Bird to Adjourn. Seconded by Lisa Howle. Meeting adjourned at 7:55 pm. Respectfully Submitted, Tom Bird, MDA Secretary Dressage and the OTTB: The Real Story By Allison Gaughan-McNab Whenever I see an article written by some of the great upper-level trainers discussing the merits of re-training off-the-track Thoroughbreds for Dressage, I read it with great interest. As a dressage trainer myself, I specialize in re-training these masterful athletes for new careers in the show ring. And while the articles I read are usually well-written and insightful, the authors often gracefully gloss over what I have come to know as “Reality and Your OTTB”. First, while your OTTB, whom you have already renamed “Turbo” has been at the track and seen and heard all kinds of sights and sounds, nothing can prepare him for the sight of that odd-looking piece of real estate we know as the dressage ring. To Turbo, it is a really small and nicely decorated track. And he is the only one in the race, unless you are lucky enough to have “competition” in the next ring over from another horse doing a canter lengthening behind you. Then the race begins! The start gate has been replaced by the letter “A” and some fake flowers (which Turbo has already sampled and deemed inedible), and you are a very fancily dressed jockey asking yourself that nagging question: “Am I still covered by my husbands’ insurance plan or did he drop me from it the last time I went to the ER because Turbo zigged and I zagged?” Thankfully you are able to perform most of the movements in the general locations where they have been prescribed by test writers who it turns out, have been overly generous with the time allowed. Secondly, your horse will never look like a warmblood. It’s a cross all Thoroughbred riders have to bear. Turbo will never be the big-boned SUV-type horse that is warming up in the ring with you. As your nemesis warms up Schnitzel von PoopsWithAnAccent, a horse dripping in dollar signs and wearing more bling than Katy Perry, you prance around on your skinny Thoroughbred – a horse that looks more like an equine version of a greyhound than a dressage horse. And while Schnitzel plods around causing the earth to quake, Turbo blithely skims across the ground pretending that a lengthening is the Kentucky Derby that he never got to run. Schnitzel will run into you in awkward attempts at half-pass but it’s alright because Turbo was retired from racing because of that nasty habit of biting the other horses in the race when they got too close. And the big kind eye that those warmblood trainers are so fond of? Turbo happily shows you the whites of his…every time you ask for a half-halt. Lastly, while there is really no trainer that can truly teach “feel”, no one can really teach a rider to have a sense of humor. I always tell my students when they announce that they would like to go to the track “horse shopping” that you need a sense of humor more than you need money. Thoroughbreds most definitely have their place in the world of dressage. Who can forget the great Keen? But it takes a patient, special rider to work with an OTTB. I always laugh because more often than not, when I take a young OTTB to their very first show the comment that I seem to always get from the judge is “tactful ride.” I believe that is judge-speak that translates to “You’re a great negotiator.” While you can try to master the art of dressage, you will never master a Thoroughbred – they will always be your greatest teachers. Classified Ads MDA Member 2 issues - FREE 60 words or less: $10.00 60- 80 words Non-member/ per 2 issues $20.00: 60 words or less Free member ads will run for two issues only. One free ad per member at a time. Submit Ad and payment by 15th of the month. Website posting included. Free Stable Listings: include contact info, city and three lines. Ads subject to editing. Newsletter/Website Editor: Barbra Reis [email protected] or 248-670-9031 Check payable to MDA and send to: Barbra Reis, 490 Rissman Lane, Ortonville, MI 48462 Apparel and Tack Your Ad Here! Horses for Sale or Lease Your Ad Here! Help Wanted Your Ad Here! Instruction and Training Your Ad Here! In Search of Your Ad Here! Classified ads are one of the many “perks” of MDA membership. As a member you can run an ad (60 words or less) in our newsletter and website for FREE! An ad will run for two issues and then, if you’d like, you can run another ad! We hope that MDA classified ads wil help our members sell horses, tack, apparel, and trailers. And that ads will also help trainers find more students and barns to fill more stalls. You can also use ads to help you find something you’ve been searching for– such as the perfect horse to buy or lease or a specific type of used saddle. It’s easy to place an ad – just email the wording to our newsletter editor Barbra Reis at blondmane@gmail. com and we will take it from there! Stable Listings Brilliant Reflection Farm Brian & Barbra Reis 490 Rissman Lane Ortonville, MI 48462 248-670-9031 www.brilliantreflectionfarm.com Lessons, Boarding, Rehab for equine, Schooling Shows, Turnout, Indoor/Outdoor arenas. Deisig Dressage Janelle Deisig 7330 E. Curtis Road Frankenmuth, MI 48734 989-598-6850 [email protected] www.deisigdressage.com Dressage training, sales, trailer in lessons Far Gone Farm Allison Gaughan-McNab 923 Sharon Hollow Road Manchester, MI 48158 9734-276-8967 [email protected] Boarding, Lessons Training, Breeding, Sales Lone Willow Farms Ingrid Baranski 5781 Hessen Road Casco, MI 48064 586-306-6275 www.lonewillowfarms.net Reflection Arabians Jim & Nancy Lapeer 3332 Lake George Road Dryden, MI Sky High Farm 1759 Smith Road Lapeer, MI. 48446 248-890-2426 [email protected] http://skyhighfarm.vpweb.com. Boarding & Dressage Training Southview Farm Sandra Tull 8023 N. Center Road Mt Morris, MI 48458 810-397-0387 sandytulldressage.com Dressage training, Coaching at shows, Sales,Trailer in welcome Will travel for lessons, Hosting clinics with Internationally known clinicians Summerwood Teah Weyers Bankes 3589 Fenton Road Hartland, MI 48353 248-887-3819 or 248-408-7842. Training - GP dressage. Work with pony clubbers. Visual Equestrian LLC Tonya & Carole Grant 5390 Pleasant Hill drive Fenton, Michigan 48430 248-219-0410 Dressage training, Sale horses and ponies, Pony program, Clinics Trailer in lessons welcome Will Davis Training Center @Rattlewood Farms Oxford, MI 810-387-2011 Boarding, Training, Lessons, Clinics with international trainers, home to MidMichigan Dressage shows Calendar of Events November 2015 4 - MDA Board of Directors meeting, McPhee’s in Ortonville, 6:30pm. 15 - Dressage Schooling Show at Brilliant Reflection Farm, Ortonville, MI. Intro to Dressage thru 2nd Level. Casual show, no braiding or show clothes. Prize list and entry form available at www.brilliantreflectionfarm.com/dressage-schoolingshows-2015.html 20-22 Nancy Baker Dressage clinic at Pepper Ridge Equestrian Center, Holly MI. Please call 517-404-1157 for availability and pricing. See Wicklowdressage.com for more information. 22 - MDA Year End Awards Banquet at Addison Oaks County Park, Leonard, MI. Items needed for auction to be held at banquet. Please contact Denise Gentile at [email protected] (586) 463-7741. December 2015 20 - Dressage Schooling Show at Brilliant Reflection Farm, Ortonville, MI. Intro to Dressage thru 2nd Level. Casual show, no braiding or show clothes. Prize list and entry form available at www.brilliantreflectionfarm.com/dressage-schoolingshows-2015.html January 2016 21 - MDA Movie night at Deisig Dressage in Frankenmuth, MI. Free to Members, pizza and refreshments. Starts at 7:00pm. RSVP to Janelle at 989-598-6850 or [email protected]. February 2016 25 - MDA Movie night at Brilliant Reflection Farm in Ortonville, MI Free to Members, pizza and refreshments. Starts at 7:00pm. RSVP to Barb at 248-670-9031 or [email protected]. Midwest Dressage Association Membership application December 1, 2015—November 30, 2016 Membership Information: Name: Renewal (MDA #): Farm/Business Name: Street: Zip: Rider Status: Phone: Open Adult Amateur Email: New Member : Date of Birth City: State: Junior/Young Rider (Must be under 21 as of 12/1/2015) If a rider status is not selected, applicant will be considered as Open for all MDA purposes including year end awards. Adult Amateur status is limited to riders who meet the guidelines of USEF GR808. Family Memberships: Name: Phone: Rider Status: Open Only the primary member will receive monthly newsletters and yearly directories. Email: Adult Amateur Date of Birth Junior/Young Rider (Must be under 21 as of 12/1/2015) *********************************************************************************************************************************************************************** Name: Phone: Rider Status: Open Email: Adult Amateur Date of Birth Junior/Young Rider (Must be under 21 as of 12/1/2015) *********************************************************************************************************************************************************************** I would like to be listed in the MDA Directory with the following services: Boarding Facility Training Facility Trainer (will travel) Judge Other: Member these services apply to: I DO NOT want my information printed in the MDA Directory All Members receive a membership card and lapel pin, monthly newsletters, a yearly directory, and a group membership to Unite d States Dressage Foundation (USDF) for the membership year. The effective date of membership is the postmarked date of the application. MDA is not r es pons ible for late, delayed, or m is dir ected m ail. Pleas e allow thr ee weeks for proces s ing of MDA application and USDF group membership. For Questions, please contact: Julie Fleming [email protected] Office Use Only: PM: AMT: CK: TOTALS: Adult Am ateur/Open ($51) $ Junior ($41) Family Members ($21 X $ ) $ MDA Annual Awards $ Non US Mailing address (add’l $15) $ I would like to donate to: (tax deductible) Please indicate amt. MDA Educational Clinics $ Less MDA Bucks (Please Include) $ TOTAL PAID: $___________ Please make checks payable to MDA and send to Julie Fleming, 9480 W. Grand River Rd., Fowlerville, MI 48836 It’s time to renew your MDA Membership for 2016! Fill out the application at the back of the newsletter and either bring to the Awards Banquet or send to Julie Fleming! c/o Barbra Reis Brilliant Reflection Farm 490 Rissman Lane Ortonville, MI 48462 Midwest Dressage Association