june 2018 | st. louis area dressage society | ... filetoni kanne steven marchal pat mcnamara abby...

HoofprintsJune 2018 | St. Louis Area Dressage Society | www.slads.org | Volume 8 Issue 5

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Leslie Burket Elizabeth DudleyLynn Gregory Kristin Von HoffmanToni Kanne Steven MarchalPat McNamaraAbby Melchior Sally MillerCharli Stevens Sarah Szachnieski

Board Members 2018-2019EXECUTIVE OFFICERSBrianna Zwilling PresidentLindsey Culver Vice President Caroline Bean SecretaryBetsy Jacoby Treasurer

The Message Board – from the SLADS Officers & Directors

Greetings!I’M SO HAPPY TO REPORT that the June recognized show was a smashing success! A special shout out to Vice President Lindsey who put in countless hours before and during the show to help organize and keep everything running smoothly. Kristin, Volunteer Coordinator extraordinaire, also did a wonderful job at her first big event. Thank you to all of the volunteers, competitors, horses and to the NEC for giving it their all and helping SLADS shine. New to this year’s show was a competitor’s party, generously sponsored by a number of barns and individuals, where board members who were present introduced themselves, and invited ideas and direction of where people would like to see SLADS in the future. Everyone in attendance was thrilled to feel that they were part of the group and that their concerns and ideas were heard. Another activity at the party was a much loved awards presentation of the High Point Ribbons sponsored by Acropolis Investment, High Point First Level saddle pads sponsored by Quarterline Dressage, and Overall High Point Engraved Leather Halters also sponsored by Acropolis Investment. Congratulations to the winners! The Show committee is already excitedly working on fun award ideas for the October Show.

The board and I are continuing to define methods for increasing membership and growing the community. Next up on the calendar of events is organizing Educational, unmounted workshops. We would like to provide affordable and engaging events that would appeal to a vast majority of the membership and help draw all of us closer as we enjoy the sport of dressage together. Stay tuned and stay cool!

— Brianna Zwilling PRESIDENT

100MEMBERSSTRONG!

SLADS

http://www.slads.org

June 2018 | St. Louis Area Dressage Society | www.slads.org 2

Thank you Acropolis Investment Management

Thank you Quarter Line Dressage and Marketa Matthews for sponsoring high point at First Level for AA, Open, and JR/YR with embroidered saddle pads.Jr/Yr: Brooke Von HoffmannAdult Amateur: Erin LoomisOpen: Lotta Eklund

for sponsoring high point ribbons for all of the divisions and beautiful engraved leather halters for the high point riders of the SLADS June Show in AA, Open, and Jr/YR.

Congratulations to all our High Point Riders: Karen Whitlock Spradling, Jamie Lawrence, Erin Loomis, Brooke Von Hoffmann, Lotta Eklund, Ashley Sundin, Emily Raynor, Marketa Matthews, Marikay Asberry, Claire Nickelson, Kari Felton, & Heather Romriell

Congratulations Lotta, Erin, & Claire!!

Lindsey’s daughter, Harper and Lotta’s pup, Batman

Lindsey Culver’s baking skills were both beautiful & delicious

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JUNE SHOW SURVEY

As a prior competitor please rate the footing compared to previous competitions (select NA if you have not competed at he NEC in the past)

44.44% 44%

Worse 0% NA 0%

Same Yes

A little better

Much Improved

Please comment on the functionality of the prize list and its contents for issues that could be improved

– Prizes could’ve been better; more treats, socks, hats, etc.

– That was fine.

– No issues. Provided all necessary information

– Very good! Have no complaints.

– The prize list was fine but very difficult to find online

– Need better prizes

– Seemed fine

– Fair

– Unfortunaltly I downloaded an incorrect prize list. Evidently it was on the site for a day and I was the lucky winter. So all class numbers, cost and day of the FEi junior freestyle were completely wrong. The secretary thought I had lost my mind I’m sure lost my mind I’m sure

–It was fine but when I tried to use the online entry I couldn’t use my credit card. I also thought the $40 fees on top of all the other fees was ridiculously expense just to go online so I went the paper route.

– All good

– Office fee too expensive!

– I didn’t print it and found it more difficult to view online. With a lot of people utilizing mobile applications and computers, we may need to be more cognizant of that in the design and layout of the prize list as appropriate per regulations.

As a competotor do you attend the competitors party?

Was the online entry process easy to use or do you prefer paper as a means of entry?

I prefer paper entriesYes

No Answered: 18

Answered: 18

Answered: 18

1. 3.

4.2.

27.78%

55.56%

11.11%

33.33%

27.78% 55.56%No

SLADS Show

Fun!!Brooke Von Hoffmann and her Cantino goofing off at braiding time.

Photo provided by Kristin Von Hoffmann



Let’s share the beauty of dressage with photos of our SLADS horsesPlease send in photos of your horses at home or shows! Include your name, your horse’s name and a small description of your horse. For example their: likes and dislikes, nicknames, challenges and/or accomplishments — you choose!To be part of our published newsletter photo credits/permission are necessary. Send high-resolution photos to: [email protected]

If you know of a clinic or other event in our area let me know! [email protected]

UPCOMING EVENTS

Board & Membership MeetingJuly 12 , 7:00 pm – 9:00 pmDaniel Boone Library - 300 Clarkson Rd. Ellisville, MO, Room 1

Western Dressage 101 Cindy Butler WDAA president & judge July 28 New Hanover Farm Waterloo, IL [email protected]

CW Schooling ShowAugust 4 CW Equestrian Center Mascoutah, IL

Board & Membership MeetingAugust 9 , 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm Daniel Boone Library - 300 Clarkson Rd. Ellisville, MO, Room 1

The Kirkwood ShowAugust 18-19 National Equestrian Center Lake St Louis www.thekirkwoodshow.com

Musical Freestyle Clinic Melanie Michalak August 18 New Hanover Farm Waterloo, IL [email protected]

SLADS Schooling ShowSeptember 1 National Equestrian Center Lake St Louis slads.org

– stall need to be chad and mats. Large holes. doors of stalls are hard to open and close. need more water spickets. footing in those areas also need improve-ment

– I was very happy with all of the above– Stabling needs much improvement stall bases had huge holes, many boards

loose with lots of gaps for a hoof to get caught in, roofing materials falling down in the stalls, doors are so hard to open and close

– Stalls need work. One bar was bent so badly the door didn’t open. The end of the barn closest to the street was REALLY hot on friday pm. There were empty stalls closer to the front of the aisle t hat were cooler. That we need to pay attention to in the future as we are likely to be hot. Also, when it’s hit, it may be best to stall groups of more than 3-4 across the aisle so less movement in the heat is necessary for everyone. The facility is improv ing. But it has a ways to go yet. Staff did a good job keeping aisle watered and dust down there. Very appreciated!

Rate the stabling, lunging and warm-up areas

Does not meet my needs 0% Did not responed 22.22%

Needs Improvement

Adequate/Good

Answered: 18

5.61.11%

16.67%

Sally Miller and her mare Dea Bella enjoyed some down time between classes at the SLADS June Show!

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SLADS Show

Fun!!


mailto:eswan.creative%40gmail.com?subject=




St. Louis Area Dressage Society

May 2018 Board Meeting Minutes

President Brianna Zwilling called this meeting to order of the SLADS board at the St. Louis County Library Daniel Boone Branch, Ellisville MO at 7.08 p.m.

Roll Call: Brianna Zwilling (P), Lindsey Culver (VP), Caroline Bean(S/Scribe), Leslie Burket (D), Pat McNamara (D), Lynn Gregory (D), Sally Miller (D), Charli Stevens (D), Steven Marchal (D), Elizabeth Dudley (D), Toni Kanne (D), Sarah Szachnieski (D), Kristin Von Hoffmann (D)

Excused: Abigail Melchior (D), Betsy Jacoby.

Guest: Mary Ellenberger

Executive ReportsReport of the President: Brianna Zwilling. President Zwilling welcomed all to the meeting. President Zwill-ing thanked all who volunteered at the 4/28/18 SLADS schooling show. Feedback from the show was very positive with the club receiving many compliments for a well-run show. An inventory of the SLADS storage locker is in process by Brianna with the help of other members. An inventory list of the contents of the locker will be sent to all board members.

The 2019 USDF Regional Championships for Region 4 have been awarded to Maffit Lake facility in Iowa. This will be the third consecutive year the Region 4 champi-onships have been held in Iowa, one of the reasons given by current Region 4 Director, Anne Sushko, an Iowa res-ident, for SLADS not being awarded regionals in 2019 was the centrality of the chosen location, other reasons given were quality of footing, stabling and lighting.

All present agreed the proposal submitted by SLADS for 2020 Regionals will address these concerns and provide a detailed proposal.

Report of the Secretary: Caroline Bean. April minutes were previously approved by membership via e-mail.

Report of the Treasurer: Treasurer’s minutes were giv-en by President Zwilling in absence of treasurer Betsy Jacoby. Betsy Jacoby recently met with Judy Ethel. The ending balance of 2017 does not reconcile with begin-ning balance of 2018. They are working on identifying the source of some ledger entries. Judy recommends removal of 2014 and 2015 checks.

President Zwilling found two uncashed checks from the L program. These will be submitted to the bank for payment by Betsy Jacoby. Income from 2017 Fix-a-Test show has been located, it was journaled in the November 2017 instead of October 2017 folder.

Committee Reports Banquet: A discussion was held regarding venues and dates for the 2019 banquet. A motion was made by Toni Kanne seconded by Lynn Gregory to hold the 2019 banquet at Vito’s on 1/12/19. Motion passed unanimously.

Education: Steven Marchal reporting for Abby Melchior. The committee is working on a short survey to send to membership to gauge interest for various educational dressage related topics and mounted vs. unmounted clinics. They will present the survey for review by the board at the June board meeting.

Sub-Committee Scholarship: Steven Marchal report-ing for Abby Melchior. A discussion was held regard-ing transferring the responsibilities of the schooling shows from the education committee. Motion made by Liz Dudley to move said responsibilities to show committee seconded by Steven Marchal. Motion passed unanimously. This will require a change in standing rules. Action item: Liz Dudley will draft a proposed amendment and report back to board how to best proceed with the proposed amendments.

A discussion was held concerning the September 2018 SLADS schooling show as it is the same weekend clinician Buck Brannaman will be at the NEC. If the show lacks entries options include using two outside arenas at NEC which rent for $ 500.00 and having two judges: one L and one little r rated.

Audit: Elizabeth Dudley reported that Steven Mar-chal has joined the committee. No meeting has been scheduled yet. Elizabeth requested the board consid-er what would be helpful for her committee to review within the club’s bylaws and committee structure.



Nomination: Steven Marchal reported that the SLADS voting cycle starts in September. Currently board members serve two two- year consecutive terms. The board needs to consider whether it wants to keep the current term status or make changes and consider what changes could be made to term limits.

Membership: Sally Miller and Pat Mc Namara reported that three new members from Epique and Tinker’s Ridge barns have joined SLADS in the past month. Sally requested that board members send her a list of pros and cons what we think the club is doing well and what could stand improve-ment.

Communications: Lindsey Culver reported her committee has been in contact with web master Kim Eplett who is very knowledgeable about our site and always ready to make any changes we need. Our membership portal is being evaluat-ed for user access. Lindsey suggested the board using the “Crew” for more seamless scheduling and communication among its members. Lynn Gregory made a motion, second-ed by Kristin Von Hoffman, that the board try the Crew app. motion passed unanimously.

A discussion was also held regarding using Mail Chimp to promote future horse shows and for mass mailings to mem-bers and volunteers, with link to membership portal.

Awards Committee: Leslie Burket reported that we have sufficient ribbons for the June show she needs to order more ribbons and bridle tags for the schooling shows.

Sponsorship Committee: Sally Miller inquired on moneys required for the Competitors party for the June show so that her committee can begin soliciting funds.

Recognized Horse Shows Committee: VP Lindsey Culver reported that we will have three judges for the June rated show. The judges will each work shorter days, five hours a day vs. eight hours a day.

We have contracted with the NEC to have the arena dragged 2x a day. To optimize footing, the board agreed to add a third daily drag at an additional cost of $ 50.00 per drag.

The competitors party is in the works, and the committee is still working on the budget, will probably be a taco theme. Several vendors have been contacted but none have signed up so far. The photographer will be signed up as a vendor.

A suggestion was made to add flowers and greenery to the arena letters at the recognized shows.

Lindsey has contacted Kari Felton at the NEC regarding securing dates for our 2019 shows and negotiating better stall rates, perhaps without pre-purchased shavings included with the price of the stall.

Volunteer Committee: A discussion was held moving contractual responsibilities for porta-potties and walk-ie-talkies to Show committee. Motion made by Steven Marchal and seconded by Kristin Von Hoffman. Motion passed unanimously. SLADS has implemented a reward program for show volunteers. The winner of the Olive Garden restaurant gift card reward for the April show is Meaghan Groenamann.

Sarah suggested SLADS purchase a small metal tool box to attach to our dressage arena trailer for $100.00. Motion to do so was made by Steven Marchal and seconded by President Zwilling. Motion passed unanimously. Toni Kanne will check to see if she has a hitch to donate for the dressage arena trailer.

The volunteer committee is planning to host in conjunc-tion with the education committee a future volunteer education day for those wishing to learn and or improve scribing and stewarding skills.

Sub-Committee Scholarship: Future discussion is need-ed on how to better recruit members and how to best determine availability and distribution of scholarship funds.

Jr/Young Rider: No report due to lack of time.

Sponsorship: No report due to lack of time.

Meeting was adjourned at 8.55 p.m. Motion to adjourn made by Steven Marchal and seconded by Lynn Gregory. Next board meeting will be held on 6/14/18 at 7 p.m. Daniel Boone County Library, 300 Clarkson Road, Ellisville, MO.

Respectfully submitted,Caroline Bean, Secretary

Continued: Board Meeting Minutes



Since being awarded the SLADS AA scholarship, I have tried to advance my dressage

partnership with my Fjord, Linden, in a variety of ways. First of all, I am in a lesson program with Marketa Matthews, the trainer at my home barn Quarter Line Dressage. Marketa knows Linden and understands him well. She is aware of his strong points — his willing temperament and increasing fitness — as well as his liabilities — his Fjord conformation! (massive neck, thick throatlatch, short front legs...). She does not overface him in what she asks nor does she try to bring him along too quickly. She also takes into account his rider’s limitations. We have definitely progressed under her watchful eye.

I have also ridden in several clinics. Jennifer Kaiser of Forrest Hill Farm in Lafayette, IN. is a regular visitor to Quarter Line. Jennifer and her mother breed and train draft crosses, so they are used to hefty horses. Jennifer is a USDF gold medalist whose students show often; many of them have earned USDF medals. Thus Jennifer offers help-ful advice tailored to the competition ring. She has worked on helping me get Linden more round, using lateral work and transitions within the gaits to more effectively recruit his hindquarters.

In addition to riding with Jennifer at my home barn, I had the opportunity to travel

to Lafayette with Linden (thanks Sarah Szach-nieski and Shelley Brubaker!) Not only did Lin-

den and I get to do additional lessons with Jennifer; I also got to see two of Jennifer’s talented young interns ride

him and bring out his latent ability, plus I got to take lessons on two FHF horses who know a good deal more than Linden. Those rides on safe, well-trained horses gave me a great chance to experience well balanced, more collected gaits. Linden and I will definitely aspire to replicate aspects of those rides.

Another clinician with whom I have ridden is Jennifer Truett of Dancing Horse Farm in Lebanon, Ohio. An accomplished Grand Prix rider who has earned all her USDF medals and freestyle bars, Jen regularly brings both Mary Wanless and Gerd Heuschmann to her farm for clinics. She has developed her own unique system integrating their approaches to emphasize both rider biomechanics and horse performance and welfare. Jen now comes to Catlin Farm four times a year. In a clinic that concluded just today, she guided me and Linden through an exercise (devised by Dr. Heuschmann) to promote self-carriage without the rider forcing the horse into a frame. I believe patient pursuit of this method will do much to rebalance Linden, get him off the forehand.

Riding in Brommelsiek Park. Photo by Martha Yates

SCHOLARSHIP UPDATE

Dressage Fun with A Fjord by Stephanie Ross



In addition to these clinic experiences, Linden and I rode in the Spring SLADS show. We were perhaps not quite ready to excel, as we don’t yet achieve optimal Fjord-style roundness, nor is a balanced canter fully in our repertoire. But it’s always fun to spend a weekend with your horse, so we went to the show with our usual modest goal of break-ing 60 at training level. Unfortunately, we achieved this in only one of our four rides. When schooling Fri. night and in our T-1 ride Sun. morning, Linden inexplicably went into pocket-rocket mode. He was almost impossible to stop, and for a moment I worried that we would gallop around the bend to our final halt/salute! Still, it is helpful to know that one’s Fjord is not a lazy slug. The judges gave Linden for quite good marks for gaits (three 6.5s, one 7.0) in the cumulative scores, and I earned a 6.0 in all four

tests for my position and seat. We did less well on submission and effective use of the aids. Our judge on Sat. pointed out ways that my lack of balance unbalanced Linden, while our judge on Sun. noted that I rode too much with my hands, ne-glecting appropriate leg and seat aids. Both sets of comments amount to constructive criticism. I hope to compete again at the Fall Festival and get closer to that Fjord-appropriate goal of breaking 60 in all my Training Level rides.

Of course I don’t want my pursuit of dressage with Linden to be all work and no fun. I love gentle trail rides and try to avail myself of opportunities to ride out in local parks. SLADS member Martha Yates and her QH Buddy are often our com-panions. It’s great fun, with this pair of dun-factor boys, to see two dorsal stripes advancing through the woods and fields.

The past spring has been nothing short of a whirlwind. My first year as being a pre-vet

student in Ohio came to close. Within the past year I learned much more than medical care for animals, I also was able to blossom as a dressage rider. While riding on the University of Findlay’s dressage team, I also was fortunate enough to bring my personal horse Cantino to school with me. One of the highlights of my spring was being chosen to ride in a dressage demonstration with Stephen Hayes at Equine Affaire. The SLADS scholarship was able

to fund this fantastic riding experience. My ride went wonderfully and Cantino handled the large crowds and impressive ring beautifully. On top of having the opportunity ride, I was also able to audit clinics from; Jan Ebling, Findlay alum Stacy Westfall, Tommy Turvey and Lynn Symansky. Getting to watch and learn from these great and accomplished horsemen and woman was truly memorable. I’m extraordinarily grateful to SLADS for enabling me to have this educational experience. I look forward continuing learning and riding and showing this summer, thanks to the support of SLADS.

Brooke and Cantino at Equine Affaire

Higher Education & Dressage Demoswith Brooke Von Hoffmann

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STLOUISAREADRESSAGESOCIETYMEMBERSHIPAPPLICATION/RENEWAL

SLADSisaUSDFGroupMemberOrganization(GMO)andSLADSmembersareautomaticallyUSDFGroupMembers(GMs).

ForUSDFParticipatingMembership,membersmustapplydirectlytoUSDF.

ApplicantInformation

�NewMember �RenewingMember

Name: DOB:

Homephone: Cellphone: USDFNo.

Address: Email:

City/State: Zip: RiderStatus(JR/YR,AA,Open):

MembershipType RiderAwardsCategory PrimaryDiscipline

�Individual$60/yr �Bronze(age13oryounger) �Dressage�Jr/YoungRider$45/yr �Silver(ages14to21) �Eventing�Family$80/yrfortwofamilymembers �Gold(ages22to39) �WesternDressage

$35foradd’lfamilymembers �Platinum(age40orolder) �Hunter/Jumper�Professional �Other

HorseInformation

Myhorse(s)reside: �atmyhome �ataboardingbarnnamed

Horse’sName: Breed:



AdditionalFamilyMembershipApplicants

Fee Name DOB RiderAwardCategory

USDFNo.

$0

$35

$35

BENEFITSOFSLADSMEMBERSHIP:USDFGroupmembership,eligibilityforawardsandscholarships,discountedschoolingshowentryfees,complimentaryHoofprintsnewsletter,websitemembers-onlyaccess,andpriorityconsiderationatspecialevents.AllcurrentSLADSmembersareeligibleforYearEndAwards;mustbeamemberamemberpriortotheshowtoqualify.

Signatureofapplicant

Send application fees & completed applications to:SLADS C/O Betsy Jacoby, Treasurer771 Tanglewood LaneUnion, MO 63084

Date:

Direct membership questions to:Bev Sloop - Membership [email protected]

june 2018 | st. louis area dressage society | ... filetoni kanne steven marchal pat mcnamara abby...

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