All posts by Associate Editor

Organizing Your Ride, by Jane Savoie

Sometimes it seems like a real dilemma to fit everything into one training session. The following is from an email I got recently. Does any of this sound familiar to you?

Q. How do you fit all the “things” you need to into your training sessions? I’m a First level rider with a confirmed First level horse. My problem is that there are so many things that need work.

  1. Everything needs fine-tuning.
  2. I want to build more strength, and I also want to do some small jumps.
  3. I want to work on lengthenings.
  4. I want to work on counter canter.
  5. I want to improve lateral work.
  6. I want to work on bringing the poll up while staying supple.
  7. I want to work on my 10m trot and canter circles.
  8. I have a freestyle that is almost complete. I want to practice it and riding to the music.
  9. I want to give him time out of the arena (hacking or a hunter pace)

…And I want to give him time off.

Continue reading Organizing Your Ride, by Jane Savoie

Motivation from Moshi 47, by Jane Savoie

Learning never stops. I am competing now at the highest level available, but I’m still learning more. I’m refining and improving all the time. There is never an end to journey, just new paths and new heights to reach.

Have you ever met someone who believes they already know all there is to know? I overheard one of the horses in the pasture next to mine say, “I’m not arrogant, I really do know everything.” I was so sad for this lovely mare, for she will never improve, never move forward, and never learn anything more. Yes, she is talented and has a lot to offer, but her cup is already full. Her belief that she’s already arrived at the pinnacle of her game will keep her stuck right where she is.

Dressage is a challenging sport. It attracts people who like precision, rhythm, and rules. Dressage riders tend to be a bit didactic, meaning once an idea of how something is done is accepted as THE way, they want it done that way every time.

But what if there’s another way? What if someone comes up with a new way that works better?

Continue reading Motivation from Moshi 47, by Jane Savoie

Apollitical Jess Named 2010 World Champion Racing American Quarter Horse

The American Quarter Horse Journal, January 12, 2010 – Champion of Champions (G1) victor Apollitical Jess was honored as the 2010 AQHA World Champion Racing American Quarter Horse tonight during an award ceremony at Heritage Place Sale Co. in Oklahoma City.

The 3-year-old colt is bred and owned by Juan Alberto Tirado Lizarraga Rancho El Cabresto Inc. Also named the champion 3-year-old colt and champion 3-year-old, he won six of eight starts during the year and earned $1,066,011. His victories included track-record-setting wins in the Los Alamitos Super Derby (G1) and the Champion of Champions. Trained by Juan Aleman and ridden by Felipe Garcia and Eduardo Nicasio, Apollitical Jess (Mr Jess Perry-Apollitical Time by Apollo (TB)) also finished second in the All American Derby (G1).

Double Down Special, who defeated Apollitical Jess in the All American Derby, is the champion 3-year-old gelding. Owned by Vanessa Bartoo, trained by John Stinebaugh and ridden by Salvador Martinez and Jacky Martin, Double Down Special (The Down Side-Pamper Me Special by Special Effort) won five of six starts and earned $1,147,067. He set a world record of :18.613 for 400 yards while winning the West Texas Derby (G3), then won the Ruidoso Derby (G1) in addition to the All American Derby. The gelding was bred by Bob and Jerry Gaston.

Continue reading Apollitical Jess Named 2010 World Champion Racing American Quarter Horse

USET Foundation Trustees Tuny Page and Kim Boyer Host Donor Reception to Honor Riders and Thank Supporters

Wellington, FL – January 12, 2011 – On Saturday, January 8, 2011, Tuny and David Page and Kim and Fredrick Boyer hosted a wonderful cocktail reception for the United States Equestrian Team Foundation at the Page residence in Wellington, FL.  The evening’s events were held to honor those who support the sport of Dressage through the USET Foundation and give them the opportunity to meet and mingle with the athletes who benefit from their support.

“I had no idea how much it actually costs to train, transport, coach and really make the team work,” noted 2010 World Equestrian Games Dressage U.S. rider and Olympian Steffen Peters.  “I am so very thankful to the USET Foundation and everyone who supports the Foundation.  The team could not function without their incredible generosity – so thanks again for everything you do for us!”

All four members of the United States Dressage Team who competed at the World Equestrian Games last fall were in attendance on Saturday night, along with many other distinguished Dressage riders. The team was composed of Steffen Peters, Todd Flettrich, Tina Konyot and Katherine Bateson-Chandler.

Read more> http://www.horsesinthesouth.com/article/article_detail.aspx?id=12937

WildAlert News from The Wilderness Society

Just before the new year, the Obama Administration took action to address a Bush-era “no more wilderness” policy that had left millions of acres of western wild lands at risk to destructive development. The new policy requires the BLM to reconsider millions of acres of our public lands for new protections. The WildAlert community had spoken up urging this policy change many times over the past years, so thank you!

The new policy will be only as strong as the agency’s commitment to it. That’s why we need you to take action today to ensure that the guidance document that directs the process ensures maximum protection for deserving wild places. Read on to learn more, and take action.

Take Action

In ending the Bush-era “no more wilderness” policy, the Obama Administration has restored a path toward protection for millions of acres of wilderness-quality public lands across the West. BLM officials are now working on guidance to govern the process for wilderness inventory and management, and we need to ensure that the document covers all the bases. Click here to take action.

Continue reading WildAlert News from The Wilderness Society

Saddlebreds of the Silver Screen, Cinema and History Exhibit to Open Soon

Clark Gable and Carole Lombard with their American Saddlebred, Sonny.

AMERICAN SADDLEBRED MUSEUM SET TO OPEN NEW YEAR-LONG EXHIBIT
Celebrities: Saddlebreds and Personalities from the Silver Screen, Cinema and History

LEXINGTON, Ky (January 11, 2011) – Lights, Camera, Action!  The American Saddlebred Museum at the Kentucky Horse Park is readying its 2011 exhibit which will feature both Saddlebreds and Saddlebred owners that have played important roles in the movies, on television and throughout history.

Celebrities: Saddlebreds and Personalities from the Silver Screen, Cinema and History will open on Friday, Feb 18, 2011.  On view will be an eclectic grouping of photographs and memorabilia featuring celebrity horses including My Friend Flicka, National Velvet and Fury (all registered Saddlebreds) along with human stars who rode Saddlebreds such as Clark Gable, Will Rogers and William Shatner. Visitors will learn that not only did Generals Grant and Sherman have Saddlebreds but so did politicians from Franklin Roosevelt to Harry Truman.

Continue reading Saddlebreds of the Silver Screen, Cinema and History Exhibit to Open Soon

Top Equestrian Leaders to Participate at Canadian Women’s Horse Industry Conference, March 4-5, 2011 in Toronto

The WHIA Global headquarters has announced that top equestrian leaders are signing up to participate at the WHIA Canadian conference as speakers. The conference will be held March 4-5, 2011 in Toronto at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Equine Wellness Magazine is the Platinum Media Sponsor and will assist in the marketing and promoting of the event.

Participating on the panel entitled “THE BUSINESS OF HORSES” on March 4, 2011 is Melissa Monardo. Monardo is the Marketing Manager for the Ontario Equestrian Federation. On a horse since age four, she has enjoyed many competitive successes in the hunter/jumper rings. She earned an Honours degree in Communications at the University of Ottawa and upon graduation became the Marketing Manager at the Ontario Equestrian Federation (OEF). As Marketing Manager, Melissa helped to create a marketing department from the ground up. And, has been instrumental in developing and maintaining corporate partnerships; creating and implementing marketing campaigns; and publishing one of the most widely circulated equine publications in Ontario. Melissa is also an active volunteer, most recently working on the Take the Podium committee that raised funds in support of the Canadian Dressage team that competed at the 2010 World Equestrian Games.

Read more> http://www.horsesinthesouth.com/article/article_detail.aspx?id=12930

The Breeders’ Cup Forum: What goes into the World Thoroughbred Rankings?

Thomas S. Robbins was born into a racing family and he’s dedicated his professional life to the sport. A son of the renowned equine veterinarian Jack Robbins (a co-founder of the Oak Tree Racing Association), Tom, a graduate of the University of Southern California, was given his first job as racing secretary by Marje Everett at Hollywood Park’s inaugural fall meeting in 1981, and has worked numerous California race meetings over the last 30 years. Robbins is currently executive vice president of racing and industry relations for the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club.

He is recognized as one of American racing’s most knowledgeable officials and serves on numerous committees, including American Graded Stakes, the International Cataloguing Standards Committee, North American Rating Committee, and the World Thoroughbred Rankings.

Read more> http://www.horsesinthesouth.com/article/article_detail.aspx?id=12929

MARK YOUR CALENDARS NOW! Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center Announces Dates and Details for the 2011 Dinner Dance!

Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center will be hosting its annual Benefit Auction Dinner & Dance on Friday, February 18, 2011, at International Polo Club Palm Beach in Wellington, FL. Photo Courtesy of the Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center.

Loxahatchee, FL – January 11, 2011 – Get out your planners and your cell phones to schedule yourself for a night you don’t want to miss in Wellington, FL.  Friday, February 18, 2011 is Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center’s Benefit Auction Dinner & Dance, which will be held at the International Polo Club Palm Beach in Wellington, FL. The theme for this year’s gala is “My First Pony,” and it will again feature the hugely popular mechanical bull riding competition.

“My First Pony” is this year’s theme, and will showcase riders from all levels and disciplines and their first ponies.  These riders will include Mason Phelps, Tuny Page, and Tami Hoag along with riders from the VTRC whose first ponies are mounts owned by VTRC.

After last year’s success with the Mechanical Bull riding competition, VTRC has stepped it up a notch this year to add another layer of excitement to the Annual Dinner Dance.  This year, there will be three “Buck Off” events held at the Players Club on Thursday nights before the Dinner Dance.  These dates are Thursday, January 27, 2011, Thursday February 3, 2011 and Thursday February 10, 2011.  Each of these “Buck Off” Events will serve as the qualifying rounds for the Final “Buck Off” Event, which will be held on the night of the Dinner Dance.  The final teams qualified will compete against the winners from last year’s competition, the “Bad Boy Vets” made up of Bill Patterson, Bryan Dubynsky, Johnny Jack, and Travis Laas.

Continue reading MARK YOUR CALENDARS NOW! Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center Announces Dates and Details for the 2011 Dinner Dance!

New Schedule for Week One of the Jacksonville Winter Series

January 10th, 2011

Exhibitors,

All is looking well for the Jacksonville Winter Series this year. We are not in snow and ice and we have a few stalls available for weeks one and three and for the most part, we are sold out for week two. I want to thank everyone for sending in thier entries this year that helped a great deal with our planning.

We do have a new schedule for week one. I have published it on this link.

http://www.classiccompany.com/zdocs/jax_sch.pdf

If you have any questions the show office number is 904 284 1579.

See you at the rings,

Bob Bell

The Classic Company, Ltd.

www.ClassicCompany.com

Phone/FAX: (843) 768-5503

Post Office Box 1311 Johns Island SC 29457