End of Summer 2020
USEA Area 1 News
|
|
|
From the Chair
Suzanne Adams is an Insurance Consultant by day, a crazy horse girl most of her waking moments and believes strongly in volunteerism. She was the Area 1 Adult Rider Coordinator from 2014 - 2019 before assuming the Area 1 Chair in 2020.
There is so much I want to say about our Area 1 Season that I think I could fill up this entire newsletter. First, let me get out some words that we all love to hate: This has been an unprecedented year and our new normal has begun to feel a bit normal. Phew, got that out early!
Really, there is so much to be thankful for this year. When we started in April, no one knew whether or not we would even be able to have competitions. We were in various forms of lockdown with the real fear that our lives were in danger. As restrictions eased, our Organizers and Landowners stepped up and made the season happen. If you haven't thanked an Organizer or Landowner yet, please do! They made this happen.
Most folks complied with all the new rules and adjusted when they changed again. There were a few that went rogue (and yes, I was the annoying person reminded you to wear your mask), but the Officials handled the challenges with grace if not with ease. I used to excuse myself from not recognizing someone because they were in street attire but the masks made a better excuse. See, silver linings.
I want to reach out and thank the volunteers. Most years it's tough to get volunteers, but this year had even more challenges to recruitment (unprecedented). And yet, they still showed up with or without amenities, like lunch, t-shirts or treats. YOU STILL SHOWED UP! Just this past weekend, I saw two ARP members volunteering. I asked them why they were doing it. Both said, "I'm doing it to support our events. It is the right thing to do when I'm not riding in it."
So, what makes Area 1 tick? The people. Whether it's a dedicated organizer waiting until the last moment to cancel hoping their State would let them run or the volunteers who come to show support or competitors, family and grooms who do the right thing to assure that our Events can continue to run. We are all Area 1! Thank you!
Enjoy the rest of the season. Donate to our non-profit (501 3c) events, like GMHA, Millbrook and Groton House, where you can. Wear your mask until they tell us we don't need to and keep on kicking on!
Have a great ride!
Suzanne Adams
|
|
Summer Clinics for Instruction and Fun
by Jennifer Clapp
With our competition season limited by coronavirus restrictions, many Area 1 riders turned to clinics as a way to both improve their skills and add some socially distant excitement. Organizers figured out ways to safely bring top riders/trainers to the area and all the clinics were run with attention to recommended protocols. All came away with useful feedback and exercises for the future.
Allison Springer gave several popular clinics in the area and local riders Saija Laurla and Gail Kirkman both rode with her multiple times at Karen Lorenzo’s Frosted Moon Farm in Lancaster, MA. Both commented on Allison’s focus on equitation and the connection between form and function; “look pretty” and “channel your inner Beezie Madden'' were repeated comments. As event riders, we sometimes sacrifice form to “get ‘er done” and Allison made a point of holding all riders to a higher standard, from elementary to prelim groups. She gave equal attention to making sure that horses were responsive to light aids. A favorite exercise was a set of four caveletti set on the ends of both long sides of the ring. Riders were asked to canter the first, then make a small circle(10-15 meters, depending on the level of the horses and riders) and jump it again, then continue down the line, circle immediately after the next cavelletti, jump it again and then continue around. Riders did this exercise in both directions until the horses were responsive and thinking about the next question. As Gail said, “it was very simple, but hard to do.” Saija was riding my big lug of a 17.1 Cleveland Bay cross and it was fun to watch him get more and more nimble as he went through the exercise. Both riders would recommend Allison as a clinician, complimenting her “precise style of teaching” that ensures understanding and her depth of experience. As Gail says, “she’s someone you would want to emulate.”
Our area chair, Suzanne Adams, rode with Kim Severson at Orchard Hill Farm in Berlin, MA and raved about the experience. Suzanne focused on dressage with Kim, who pushed her to be exact and to “dare to go bigger.” Her favorite exercise was doing a walking turn on the forehand and coming out of it into a working trot, which rewarded her with “an even feel in the reins and lightness up front until I felt this beautiful fluidity under the saddle and power in my hands.” That’s something we all would like to feel! Suzanne felt that this clinic was super useful and that she was still using information from it well afterwards.
Sharon White was able to visit several Area 1 farms to provide skillful instruction for everyone from elementary level through much more advanced riders. Andrea Waldo complemented her “extremely positive” teaching style and her ability to shift gears depending on the riders in front of her, being tough on the pros and a little more gentle on the adult amateurs. Sharon, like Allison, focused on making those “little position tweaks” that lead to much better outcomes. There was also a strong focus on horse and rider balance and the usefulness of repetition in helping horses to learn.
Finally, some of our Area 1 riders rode with Boyd Martin. Kate Rakowski reported that the focus was on position for xc, practicing a “forward following seat” and a more defensive seat and then making choices for your own horse; another rider described it as “more of a coaching session” than a traditional clinic. Kate also enjoyed Boyd’s charm and knowledge, even though her horse was not that interested in doing her job that day.
Did you attend a clinic this year that you enjoyed? If so, let the newsletter know; we’d love to continue to feature area clinics to help our members make informed choices about all the options we have for clinics!
|
|
Summer Eventing Season Recap and Division Winners
by Jennifer Bagley
As both the leaves and the temps start to fall, the last two recognized events of the Area 1 season arrive this weekend. Good luck to everyone at Kent School Fall and GVRDC "Spring" horse trials!
While it was a short season this year with so many events having to cancel, each event was valued and appreciated. Thanks to Joan Davis at Flatlandsfoto we have some amazing shots and beautiful fall scenery to highlight the winners at our Area 1 events. Congratulations to everyone who made it out to a show this season, and thank you to all who volunteered - your help allows this amazing sport to happen year after year! |
|
Larkin Hill Horse Trials - July 4-5
Intro A - Laura Voorheis and Welcome Diamond
Intro B - Destiny Darnell and Charlie
Intro C - Imanol Echeverria and Stuart
Intro D - James Devanney and Cooley Caviar
Prelim/Training - Madison Haney and Revelation
Training A - Audrey Littlefield and Mr. Pumpkin
Training B - Beth Murphy and Jimba
Novice A - Amanda Ko and Carnivale King (Pictured)
Novice B - Pamela Lyon and Coosanmore
Novice C - Alison Eastman-Lawler and Lexington II
Beginner Novice A - Abigail Hilliard and Memo
Beginner Novice B - Kristen Smith and Cearney
Beginner Novice C - Darrah Alexander and Ad Lib
Beginner Novice D - Emma Armstrong and Newman
Beginner Novice E - Emilija Zygelyte and Carriage House Dominic
Beginner Novice F - Alexander Conrad and Fernhill El Rico
|
|
Genesee Valley Hunt Horse Trials - July 11-12
Modified - Carolyn Wehle and Stravinsky
Training - Carolyn Wehle and Ballyadare
Novice A - Daisy Trayford and St. Nick's Beam of Light
Novice B - Lilli Smith and Wild for Summer
Beginner Novice A - Rebecca Blackburn and Regally Blonde
Beginner Novice B - Lois Hacker and Adagio
Beginner Novice C - Noell Sivertsen and Try This
Beginner Novice D - Jannah Matzan and Talim
Open Intro A - Anne Eilinger and Garryduff Clover
Open Intro B - Madison Matuszweski and Everlasting
Open Intro C - Suzanne Chang and Brogan
|
|
Course Brook Farm Horse Trials - July 18-19
Prelim (Sat) Corrinne Lauze Caraway Gilly
Prelim (Sun) Elisabeth Libby Irish Silk (Pictured)
Modified/Training (Sun) Erin Langan Blue Collar Dollar
Training (Sat)-A Eliza Quigley Contaro
Training (Sat)-B Katie Murphy Joshua Tree
Training (Sun) Sarah Newman Dexter's Dream
Novice (Sat)-A Laura Casey I Need A Guinness
Novice (Sat)-B Bevin Dugan Gentleman Barton
Novice (Sun)-A Sophia Midgley Minnick Verse
Novice (Sun)-B Kristal Gessler Fernhill Sinatra
Novice (Sun)-C Janet KentonWalker Carmella
Beginner Novice (Sat)-A Emilee Kenney Bantry Bays Winston
Beginner Novice (Sat)-B Rebecca Woodaman Dawn of the Dey
Beginner Novice (Sat)-C Gwendolyn Braglia Oveta
Beginner Novice (Sun)-A Laura Voorheis Welcome Diamond
Beginner Novice (Sun)-B Jacquelyn Arnold Abracadabra
Starter Gabriella Curtin Oceana
Starter Martha Palermo RREF Rubix
|
|
GMHA Festival of Eventing - August 7-9
Open Intermediate - Anna Loschiavo and Spartacus Q
Open Preliminary - Bevin Dugan and Cape Cal
Preliminary Rider - Megan Tardiff and Vindakova
Prelim/Training - Lea Adams-Blackmore and Fernhill Frostbite
Junior Training - Eliza Quicgley and Contaro
Open Training - Heather Navarrete and Javas Mystery Man
Training Rider - Alexandra Kavouksorian and The Alchemist
Junior Novice - Eloise Plante and Mr. Lickety
Novice Rider A - Andrea Brainard and Watson's Beijing
Novice Rider B - Pamela Bolek and Well Decorated
Open Novice - Marcia Kulak and Gran Torino
Beginner Novice Rider - Chloe Ruhan and Baciami
Junior Beginner Novice - Kendall Turney and Take Another Road
Open Beginner Novice A - Annie Barron and Lil' Debbie
Open Beginner Novice B - Marion Pomeroy and Romance II
Open Beginner Novice C - Lydia Foster and Oidhre Leir
|
|
GVRDCA - August 15
Open Preliminary - Cassie Sanger and Born Ready
Open Modified - Kelly Ransom and Heart of Hollywood
Open Training - Cassie Sanger and Redfield Fyre
Open Novice A - Stephanie Baer and Chesterland's Farewell Angelina
Open Novice B - Lilli Smith and Wild for Summer
Jr/YR Beg Novice - Jacquelyn Arnold and Abracadabra
Open Beg Novice A - Devyn Anderson and Johnnie Walker Red
Open Beg Novice B - Anne Eilinger and Garryduff Clover
Intro A - Pamela Tooker and Celtic Rose
Intro B - Abigail Mullen and Princess Fiona
FEH-2 Year-old - Ronan Moloney and KC's Governor
FEH-3 Year-old - Taylor Phoenix and DaVinci HTF
FEH-4 Year-old - Christine Eromenok and King Leonidas
FEH-Yearling - Kelly Ransom and Light of Hollywood
|
|
Town Hill Farm Horse Trials - August 22-23
Open Preliminary - Elizabeth Libby and Irish Silk
Open Training - Emily Van Gemeran and Winter Carnival
Training Rider - Sarah Tompkins and Hypnotiq
Novice Rider A - Francesca Valeri and Daultless
Novice Rider B - Marion Pomeroy and Romance II
Open Novice - Marcia Kulak and Pantheon
Beginner Novice Rider A - Hannah Lowin and River Rocks
Beginner Novice Rider B - Susan Heffron and Major Tom
Beginner Novice Rider C - Helen Sharp and GAF Intuition
Open Beginner Novice - Alexandra Naja and Who Can Charm
Starter - James Devanney and Cooley Caviar
|
|
Course Brook Farm Horse Trials - September 5
Preliminary - Ferial Johnson and Great Recession (Pictured)
Modified/Training - Suzi Gornall and Spring Street
Training A - Emma O'Lone-Higgins and Carlsburg
Training B - Katie Murphy and Joshua Tree
Novice A - Audrey Littlefield and Whinny
Novice B - Isabelle Blair and Izzabella
Novice C - Alison Eastman-Lawler and Lexington II
Beginner Novice A - Syndey Smith and Stormy's Got The Blues
Beginner Novice B - Anneka Paelinck and Maleficent
Beginner Novice C - Babette Lenna Gonyea and Kennebec Elegance
Starter - Amy Kuo and Wintermist Irish Fairy
|
|
GMHA September Horse Trials - Sept 12-13
Open Preliminary - Kylie Lyman and Da Vinci Code
Preliminary Rider - Laurie Seely and One Of The Girls
Junior Training - Amanda Gardiner and Miller's Law
Open Training - Stephanie Jackson and Drumloman Lad
Training Rider - Ann Grenier and Almost Famous
Junior Novice A - Maggie Sheehan and Absoroka (Pictured)
Junior Novice B - Emma Armstrong and Newman
Novice Rider A - Melissa Alaimo and Fascinating Rhythm
Novice Rider B - Jennifer Lingeman and Marana Samson Jaydun
Open Novice A - Alison Eastman-Lawler and Lexington II
Open Novice B - Susan Berrill and Lally Move On
Beginner Novice Rider A - Gabrielle Curtin and Oceana
Beginner Novice Rider B - Anneka Paelinck and Maleficent
Junior Beginner Novice A - Molly Czub and Peguin
Junior Beginner Novice B - Lydia Foster and Oidhre Leir
Open Beginner Novice - Alexandra Naja and Who Can Charm
|
|
Apple Knoll Horse Trials - September 19
Training A - Laine Mourgenos and Fit & Frisky
Training B - Emily Holmes and Hurricane Bay
Novice A - Eloise Plante and mr. Lickety
Novice B - Gwendolyn Braglia and Oveta (Pictured)
Novice C - Jennifer Bagley and Intrinsic
Beginner Novice A - Isabella Day and Twilight
Beginner Novice B - Devon L Champlain and Champaign Event
Beginner Novice C - Caroline Teich and Lyrical
|
|
Larkin Hill Horse Trials - September 27
Intro A - Spencer Stickles and Mystery Machine
Intro B - Julia Slater and Good Mark
Intro C - Anne Burkhardt and Mr. WB
Preliminary - Anna Loschiavo and Drumloman Lad (Pictured)
Training A - Beth Murphy and Jimba
Training B -Katherine Cooper and Gigi
Novice A - Abigail Hilliard and Memo
Novice B - Alexander Conrad and Ricky
Novice C - Kimberly Sevigny and Sander
Novice D - Alison E Silvester and Breeze
Beginner Novice A - Jillian Rose Perry and Estrella Bosque
Beginner Novice B - Anneka Paelinck and Maleficent
Beginner Novice C - Rebecca (Reeva) Saria and Prince Caspian
Beginner Novice D - Sage Kuren and JW Silver Ops
Photo credits Joan Davis / Flatlandsfoto - for newsletter use only
|
|
If you ever get a chance to catch up with Area I Young Rider Abby Niles, grab it! Abby had what some may fondly call a "book end year": starting the season with a 4th place finish at her Advanced debut at Rocking Horse, and finished her summer by completing her United States Pony Club (USPC) A rating at Fair Hill, but it was during the day to day in the middle of the season when she learned the most. While some of us were struggling to get out of our own way during Covid 2020, Abby stayed true to her goals and with her partner, Finn, learned a ton about herself and the sport of Eventing.
Abby was able to spend the past 14 months with Sharon White as a working student and found the experience remarkable and the friendships she fostered to be ones that she cherishes. At Last Frontier Farm, she learned about the universal benefit of a drop of Ivory soap, a small bucket, a rub rag and hot water - this simple combination is a recipe for very effective cleaning of horses, tack, trunks and everything in between!
Abby is very reflective about the power of one’s mindset to create the atmosphere to compete or to have effective training rides. Finn, a 16'3 hand Irish gelding, has been her partner for over five years, and in that time this twelve year-old has taught Abby that horses are mirrors of their riders and that our mounts often rise to meet us and our moods and our visions. So if we, as riders, are not visualizing a rhythmic and confident round then we are more likely to get rattled by an off distance in warm-up or by the professionals in our division, and then, unfortunately, the rails leave their cups!
Often, in this age of Social Media, it’s easy to make assumptions and to only see "highlight reels" - not the real deep work that Eventers need to sort through to keep plugging away....at any level of the sport. After Abby's remarkable start to the season, she and Finn experienced a rotational fall towards the end of the course at Surefire and although they walked away unscathed, they really had to work through all the mind static that would have kept another rider home. With a big breath and a lot of work and support from her team, both at home and in West Virginia, Abby moved down to Prelim and Intermediate at back to back events at Loch Moy where they had two confidence building outings.
Virginia and Fair Hill horse trials were also learning experiences - from riding in the colosseum (not Finn’s venue of choice) and having tough fences in warm-up to getting eliminated at Virginia and then two weeks later, having an amazing time at Fair Hill in the intermediate horse trials. Abby has ridden the rollercoaster of this sport, where there are high highs and low lows! Returning to Fair Hill for her Pony Club certification was fun, and it was special to be able to have had Finn for her C-3, B and A.
Abby just started her freshman year at college and will be crossing off the days on her calendar until October 1st, when Finn will join her at Dartmouth. Abby is looking forward to balancing her interest in Chemistry with meeting new friends and keeping Finn conditioned so that they can return to Ocala for winter term. Speaking with Abby was a treat because she is so aware of how much work goes into the top of this sport, appreciative of all the support she has been given and acutely aware of the power of mind over matter. There is no doubt Abby will be someone to keep watching in the sport of Eventing in the coming years!
Sarah O’Sullivan, Young Rider Coordinator
Photo Credit Sandy Niles
|
|
Trainers/Coaches/Professionals
Bevin Dugan, Area 1 Council Rider/Trainer Liason (or whatever I am called?) wants to hear from you. The Area 1 Council would like to establish better communication with professionals in the area. Bevin will be coordinating the effort to bring questions, comments and concerns from professionals to the Area 1 Council and to USEA. Please call, text or email Bevin to be included. winchester.vt@gmail.com, (413)478-1661
Bevin is a USEA ICP Level 2 Instructor and USDF Bronze and Silver Medalist. She actively competes through the CCI-3*L level of Eventing and Prix St. Georges Dressage. She operates her business, O'Reilly Equestrian LLC, in Vernon, Vermont.
Photo Credit Dianne Engleke
|
|
Adult Rider News
Welcome to the autumn eventing season. Due to budget challenges, we were not able to do all the usual ARP programs this year. Hopefully, the beloved season long Virtual Team Challenge will return for 2021.
National Virtual Adult Team Championship Challenge
Due to the AEC being cancelled there is now a National Virtual Adult Team Championship Challenge. To be eligible horse and rider combination must have been qualified to compete at the 2020 AEC in the Rider or Amateur division and a member of the Area 1 Adult Rider Program by July 1st.
Additional details include:
• Teams will be composed at the BN, N, T, M and P levels
• Scores from recognized event (any area) from August 1st to November 22nd count
• Teams are due to National ARP Coordinator early October with rider/horse name and designated event score to come from at the qualified level
I will need teams for Area 1 finalized by October 3rd, please contact me if you want to participate.
Area 1 Adult Team Challenge
The Area Adult Team Challenge this year at Town Hill Farms event had 11 teams participate.
The top three teams were:
• Team E with a score of 89.7 (Lisa Hida, Paige Montague, Liz Nakumara, and Erin Risso)
• Team I with a score of 99 (Alex Conrad, Tracie Sales, Emily van Gemeren, Pam Lyon)
• Team Fast & Furious with a score of 100.1 (Shannon Deurring, Sandra Holden, Lydia Sarro, Alison Silvester)
Congratulations to all the riders and teams. Prizes for the top two (2) teams and ribbons through 10th place will be mailed before year end.
Classic Series Voucher
We are offering the voucher program for those ARP members who meet the qualifications this year. Vouchers are up to $250 towards the entry and expenses of competing at Waredaca (Novice, Training and Prelim).
The qualifications criteria:
• USEA Area 1 Adult Rider Program Member by July 1, 2020
• Complete 8 hours of volunteer work at a USEA recognized event(s) (two half days or one full day)
• Horse and Rider must be present at the initial Vet Check
• Voucher Form (available on Area 1 website), proof of entry/payment must be submitted to the ARP Coordinator by November 20, 2020 (email is acceptable)
Please make sure you have a current email on file with USEA, as that is used for our mailing list to inform you about events. Also please join the Area 1 Adult Rider Facebook Group Page to see announcements.
If you have questions on how to become an ARP member, any comments, program ideas, or good peanut butter cookie recipes feel free to contact me at adultriders@area1usea.org
Amy Winnen is a biotech professional residing in Rochester, NY. She owns three horses. Eddie, an upper level horse with bigger ambitions than she has, Gia, my competition mare and her 2020 colt Pi.
Other Random facts -
H-A pony club graduate from Monadnock Pony Club
Lived in Boston, MA area for ~20 years
Grew up in southwest NH on the VT border
Big skier and can be found in CO frequently during the ski season
Was 2019 AEC BN Master Amateur Reserve Champion
|
|
Area 1 members Jen Bagley and Jen Clapp are looking for your help as they produce the monthly Area 1 Newsletter. Please submit photos, articles, ideas, and event recaps to USEAArea1newsletter@gmail.com by the 15th of each month!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
