Contributors

Dressage


Dressage (a French term meaning "training") is a path and destination of competitive horse training, with competitions held at all levels from amateur to the Olympics. Its fundamental purpose is to develop, through standardized progressive training methods, a horse's natural athletic ability and willingness to perform, thereby maximizing its potential as a riding horse. At the peak of a dressage horse's gymnastic development, it can smoothly respond to a skilled rider's minimal aids by performing the requested movement while remaining relaxed and appearing effortless. Dressage is occasionally referred to as "Horse Ballet." Although the discipline has its roots in classical Greek horsemanship, mainly through the influence of Xenophon, dressage was first recognized as an important equestrian pursuit during the Renaissance in Western Europe. The great European riding masters of that period developed a sequential training system that has changed little since then and classical dressage is still considered the basis of trained modern dressage.

Early European aristocrats displayed their horses' training in equestrian pageants, but in modern dressage competition, successful training at the various levels is demonstrated through the performance of "tests," or prescribed series of movements within a standard arena. Judges evaluate each movement on the basis of an objective standard appropriate to the level of the test and assign each movement a score from zero to ten - zero being "not executed" and ten being "excellent." A score of nine (or "very good") is considered a particularly high mark, while a competitor achieving all sixes (or 60% overall) should be considering moving on to the next level.

Monday, March 26, 2012

Welcome Back to White Fences

So another successful show for Carousel Dressage Horses! Once again Adam created a wonderful show! Thank you! The footing is great! A panel of super judges and organised staff kept everything running smoothly.
Taylor did an awesome job on her debut into the Young Rider ranks! She and Cookie have now posted their first qualifying scores on the board 67% and 65%. A great way to start, no one would have ever known it was her first time in the Prix St Georges. Congratulations :)
Roxanne was a star once again! Thank you Casey and Scott for the opportunity to take your beautiful, inspiring mare into the show ring. We were second the first day with 68% and won the second day with 71% which could have been a squeek higher except for a pilot error!
My Noah played with me in the ring. Some very good things and scored 64% in both tests, but we can do much better when we are both on the same page! He brings so much character to the game! Thank you Gail for supporting me and giving me the opportunity to get into the show ring with your special horse.
Thank you so much to our fantastic team for presenting the horses in the ring so beautifully and for keeping things running smoothly at the stable so that the horses that are not showing still get all the attention and lessons they need. Ariel our master coordinator and braiding artist and Andrea for her cheerleading ! THANK YOU everyone for a fantastic weekend!

Friday, March 16, 2012

It's Your Choice

A smart man said: Action alone brings potential into reality. Dreams, thoughts, good intentions, commitment, courage, love remain good concepts however only action brings them into being. To turn ideas into action requires intention, commitment, movement of energy and courage because to act is to take a risk. We only grow stronger from our own action - we have to be proactive to determine our growth. Being reactive is fear based defensiveness. Being proactive is having the courage to commit to change. Act or be acted upon - it's your choice

Monday, March 12, 2012

Congratulations Roxanne

The Florida season is going by so quickly. The farm is full and horses are fantastic. Roxanne (owned by Casey and Scott Satriano) has had ywo successful outings this winter at White Fences and Wellington Classic Dressage. Moving up to 3 rd level and winning 3 out of 4 of her classes with scores 68% - 69% . She is such a pleasure to show. I am grateful to Scott and Casey and Andrea! for making it all possable.
Mr Schumacher's clinics in February were fantastic. The results are still tangible. I am so excited to be putting together a clinic in Ashby in May! This is going to be alot of work, I am feeling it already, but I think it will be inspiring for all of region 8.
We are happy to have Donna Armata and Gille back in the barn. This year they joined us late in the season. Welcome back! It is such a pleasure to work with Donna and Gille has improved since last year far more then I could have expected!
We say good by today to Honolulu and congratulations to Jessie Rizzi who has purchased her for a brood mare. Good luck Jessie !
Tomorrow we say good bye to Bandit. Congratulations to Cynthia Makishima who is the new lucky owner of this wonderful 6 year old dutch gelding.
So much fun to have so many nice shows with such good footing and organization such a short distance from our farm! Next week we have a schooling show at Jim Brandon, then the following week White Fences and then Equestrian Estates. Busy, but good!! Good luck everyone!

Friday, March 9, 2012

My Moto this year!!!

A man grows most tired while standing still. ~Chinese Proverb~ :)

Sunday, March 4, 2012

March

The season is flying by! But the horses are amazing in their improvement. February was a fantastic month with a strong presence from our best friend and trainer Mr Schumacher. His advice and encouragement has kept us on track and our horses are stronger and happier for his great advise.
Taylor and Ariel looked fantastic in their clinic lessons. I am so proud to see them answer his questions so well and work their horses in such a positive and thoughtful way. So many people in this era have no time for training and what the horses need. I am so happy to be surrounded by clients and working students that are driven by the same fuel that drives me. Success yes, but from the right training. The horses come first, especially if we are in it for the long haul.
Roxanne did wonderful in the White Fences Show last weekend. She won both of her classes with 68% but better then that she was so confident and relaxed. So much fun! We are on again this coming weekend at Jim Brandon.
Equestrian Estates held the Palm Beach Derby over this weekend and what a fantastic job they did. The show grounds just looks fantastic and everything ran so nicely. Congratulations to Rikke who did great with her latest project in 3 rd level, 3 rd with 66 + and 2 nd the next day with 68 SUPER job!
Presently working on a great article about Mr Schumacher and his super training technique. Back to work!