THE NORTHEAST FLOR ID A D RESSAGE ASSOCIAT ION IS A GROUP ME MBER O RGAN IZATION O F THE UNITED STATES DRESSAGE FEDERAT

ION

May, 2013

Newsletter
WHEN YOUR HORSES FIND YOU
Chapter 1Molly Molasses
As many of you know, I grew up in a family where horses were a part of our lives, but not dressage horses. My first time on a horses back was when the trainer of my fathers 4 year old Standardbred filly, scooped me up and put me on her back in the cross ties (I was about 18 months old and she was not broke to ride). There was a sweet little pony at the track named Heather, and I would always ask to have a ride on her when we were out there on weekends, which lead to my first official riding lesson at age 5. This is when a force bigger than myself took over this is when ponies started finding me. I think that I had been taking weekly lessons for about 6 months on the CUTEST pony named Scotty, a Palamino/Pinto pony. (We thought he was HUGE, but meeting up with him at a show years later he was about 12.0hh). I remember my trainer explaining that she had a new pony in the barn. The pony was bigger than Scotty and she was still deciding on a name. I walked back to a newly built stall, in an old New England barn and thats the first time I remember seeing Molly Molasses. She was Arab and Welsh Pony. Standing about 13.2 and chestnut, she gazed at me with the kindest of eyes, and I fell in love. I started taking my lessons on Molly, and it was quickly decided that we would enter a horse show. Leadline was the class, but to me it was the Olympics! We sat under an apple tree (my trainer and all her students going to the show) and assigned responsibilities, talked about our classes, show rules, and her expectations. I remember learning what it meant to see a red ribbon in a horses tail and I also hit the JACKPOT and got to take the Stubben home to clean it! That first show we came in second. But more importantly, I think it is when Molly and I decided we were in this for the long haul, together. You had to be 8 to join Pony Club, but my birthday is in the summer so I think they let me join when I was 7 (about to be 8). My parents hadnt purchased Molly, or even signed a lease agreement, but slowly Molly had been phased out of the lesson program. It wasnt because she wasnt a good fit for lessons, but it seemed that she was a better fit for me. I did every school project I could on my pony. I even took my class out to the barn and did a project on Arabians. We were showing regularly and now joining Pony Club. My dream was slowly coming true. I was getting my own pony, and Molly was getting her own little girl. I knew her so well, keenly aware of every little quirk, personality trait, habit, like, and dislike (MANE PULLING); we were fast friends, soul mates, partners, and a team. I was so very little and Molly always took care of me. Jumping cross country through the fog, dressage tests on hold for lightning and thunder, swimming in ponds, Pony Club camp, costume classes with no bridle; I even brought her to my house and rode her up and down our dirt road all day with my parents in a car at each end of the horseshoe shaped road warning the traffic (there are about 8 houses on the

nfda
road) that there was a child on a pony riding back and forth that day. Molly never spooked, she never took a bad step, she never refused, she was kind, and she was a dream come true. Maybe Molly and I would have found each other had I been looking for a pony maybe not. But one thing is for sure, Molly found her girl in me and we had several years of fun and learning together. Molly also taught girls after me, and our paths grew apart. When we were reunited, as she was living out her last days on the farm, I was a Junior in High School. We were able to bring her home and she had the run of the place. When I would round the corner or walked into the barn and called her name, EVERY SINGLE TIME she let out a huge whinny. I could do it 10 times in a row, and every time she would do it. She was my first pony and I was her first girl. I was just lucky enough that she found me. See you on the Centerline! ~Kate

Kates Corner

Name

Total points 2013

Lake, Sarah Davis, Nan (Annie) Beardsley, Lisa Johnson, Kate Brooks, Shantel Ambergy, Steve & Jill Heise, Melissa (pts to Hailey) MacMahon, Brian Morris, Jill O'Brien, Mary Turner, Barbara Yankee, Elizabeth Ellmaker, Carol Hayes, Sarah Maletz, Barbara Rodney, Heather Spurgeon, Libby (pts to Cassidy) Taylor-Kirk, Gwen Wadsworth, Lynnette Merritt, Emily Velasco, Michelle

15 14 12 12 11 10 8 10 8 7 7 7 6 5 5 5 5 5 5 4 4

Name

Total points 2013

Andra, Karin Petzold, Kristen Belcher, Carolyn Gould, Beth Katz, Lisa McNally, Debbie Ruth, Taylor Savage, Marge Stage, Melanie Sterling, Amy Wilson, Kimberly Cook, Kathee Cox, Denise Dennis, Linda Eby, Laken Elder, Pat Grafe, Birgite Grimm, Hannah Johnson, Laina Moore, Martha Rojek, Dinah

3 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

Volunteer points tally as of 5/13/13. Remember, you need 2 points in order to qualify for Year End Awards. Any questions, please email Sarah Lake at slake@marksgrey.com

Heat Related Emergencies Horses

By: Lisa Beardsley, RN, BSN Reviewed by: Michelle Velasco, DVM
Heat exhaustion and heat stroke consistently pose a threat to the health and wellness of our equine partners during the warmer months. Since they are unable to verbalize symptoms that they are not feeling well, we need to educate ourselves on the signs they exhibit that signal they are having a heat related reaction. Florida summers, with their high temperatures and insanely high humidity levels, create a condition of great threat for injury. Recall from last months article, that heat exchange is dependent on gradients of temperature and moisture and as the ambient temperature and humidity increase, thermal transfer of heat becomes less efficient resulting in increased core body temperatures and increased possibility of heat related reactions. Here in Florida, this situation exists almost continuously for many months. Fortunately, by observing for signs associated with overheating and taking measures to correct the condition, bad outcomes may be avoided. Like many conditions Prevention is key. Heat exhaustion precedes deadly heat stroke, so it is imperative that the signs of heat exhaustion are readily recognized and actions to reverse the condition are undertaken immediately. If cooling actions are taken in error on a horse that is not truly being affected by the heat, it is far better than delaying treatment to an animal that is having an issue. If you have any concerns initiate cooling measures. Do not rely on body temperature alone to determine if there is a heat reaction taking place, as body temperature readings may be normal. Be aware instead of the subtle signs your horse will exhibit. Monitor your horse at all times during the summer for any signs of heat exhaustion and take preventative measures as needed. Be sure to monitor your horse very closely during and after rides or when trailering as they are at increased risk of heat related illness during these activities. In horses, sweating is the first line of defense against over heating. Once heat transfer becomes inadequate from sweating, the body attempts to dissipate heat through air exchange through rapid nasal breathing known as panting. If your horse suffers from anhydrous (does not sweat), a condition common in hot humid environments your responsibility for prevention of heat exhaustion increases exponentially. (See: Prevention of Heat Related Emergencies Below) As heat exhaustion progresses to heat stroke, the ability to sweat decreases or ceases and the horse becomes disoriented and unsteady on its feet. At this point, the horse is critical and may possibly collapse and die at any moment. Reversal at this point is quite difficult, if not impossible, unless a veterinarian and the proper equipment are immediately available. Again prevention is the best treatment for this condition. When heat stroke exists, rapid cooling must begin immediately if there is to be any hope of survival. Evaporative cooling is the best way to attempt to reduce core body temperature. If the horse is able to walk take it to the wash rack and continuously spray it with cool water and place blowing

fans on high speed upon the horse. Provide shade if possible. If there is a veterinarian at hand, expect that intravenous electrolyte fluid replacement will ensure along with the potential for administration of cool water enemas. Icing the horse should be avoided as it actually causes vasoconstriction (tiny blood vessels become smaller) there by reducing blood flow to the skin surface impeding your cooling attempts. Cool water from a continuous running hose is best. If the horse is unable to walk, make every effort to continuously wet the horse with running water or repeatedly pour buckets of cool water over the horse. To simply wet the animal once or twice will not reverse the condition as the water next to the skin is quickly warmed and ceases to provide cooling measures. Fan the horse with towels, tarps or anything that will cause air movement. If possible run electrical cords to the horse and place blowing fans on high speed upon it. Provide shade by using tarps if possible. Regardless of attempts made at this point, survival rates are low. If you only recall one word from this article let it be Prevention. Prevention. Prevention. We live in the most dangerous climate for horses to experience heat related emergencies. Take preventative measures to assure your horse

(and you) has as pleasant a Florida summer as possible. Actions taken by you will determine if your horse has reduced physiological stress this summer or is playing the horse version of Russian roulette.

Heat Related Emergencies Horses, contd from page3

By: Lisa Beardsley, RN, BSN Reviewed by: Michelle Velasco, DVM

If there is any one step you can do to minimize the threat of heat related emergencies in your horse offer water frequently. Train your horse to drink often by offering water before, during and after your workouts and during show warm ups/cool downs. Offer cool or room temperature water. Avoid iced water or water that has been sitting in the hot sun for any period of time. Do NOT wait until your ride is over to offer water, or worse, until the horse is unsaddled, washed down and put back to pasture or into its stall and finally has access to a water bucket. If your stable does not have drinking water available in their arena, make a habit of taking a water bucket to the arena with you. In fact make a habit of taking two buckets. You will be better balanced during your walk and you may use one bucket for sponging off your horse during the workout and the other for offering drinking water. Use white or light colored buckets and take a towel to cover the water from the sun to keep it cooler or place the buckets near by in the shade. You may be very surprised at how much your horse actually drinks during workouts at home and at show warm ups! Remember, that heat and humidity affects horses at rest too. Assure all horses that are in pastures have access to shade at all times and that fans are utilized for horses standing in stalls. Be sure there is plenty of cool drinking water available at all times for all horses where ever they may be stalls, pastures, arenas, or trailers. If troughs or buckets are in the sun, consider building shade barns to house these items to keep them cool in the summer. When trailering your horse during hot months be sure to have your own supply of water and buckets along on the drive. Schedule your drive to avoid the hottest time of the day. Also, time your drive to avoid periods of heavy traffic as air flow inside the horse area is

greatly reduced when the vehicle is not in motion. Install fans inside the trailer to blow upon each horse as you drive. Assure all windows and vents are open. Be sure to offer water before you load and along the drive if it is greater than 60 minutes. Unload as soon as possible once you arrive at your destination and offer water yet once again. You may also want to keep the water container inside your vehicle during the haul so that the water does not become warm or hot during transport. Cooler water will facilitate drinking along the route and immediately following unloading. Do not wait until you unload your gear and set up your stalls at your destination to offer water. Have your buckets and water supply on hand and ready to go. Do not make the mistake of assuming water will be available at your destination even if it is a show ground as systems fail and waterlines break. Be prepared for your horses sake. In closing, remember actions taken, or not taken, by you may greatly influence the health and wellness of your equine partner (s). A little time, consideration and implementation of heat exposure prevention will go a long way to increase the comfort level of your horse this summer. Remember too Prevention, Prevention, Prevention.

Region 3 Championships

CONGRATULATIONS!

members, having earned their scores for Regional Competition, slated for October, 2013 in Conyers, GA!

Kudos go out to the following NFDA

Michelle VelascoTraining Sandi LucasFirst Level Kate JohnsonFirst Level Marge SavageSecond Level Rachel BaumgartnerSecond Level Mary OBrienFourth Level Mary Ann CallahanPSG Lynnette WadsworthGrand Prix Suzanne GrahamFirst Level Suzanne GrahamSecond Level Suzanne GrahamThird Level Suzanne GrahamFreestyle (2nd) Lynnette WadsworthFreestyle (GP)

EMILY MERRITT
CONGRATS to Emily for earning her Rider Performance Award in Training Level from USDF!

Have a
CONGRATULATIONS

you want to celebrate? Send your pictures and information to Heather Rodney
rprincess73@yahoo.com

Rider: Test:

Heather Rodney Training Level, Test 3 Dressage on the First Coast, April 6-7, 2013 Horse: Paddington McGhee 6 year old American WarmbloodClyde/TB Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_LN73igvDoE

Brian MacMahon is a USDF "L" graduate with distinction working towards his "r" judge's license. He competes at all levels including Gran Prix depending upon the development and training of the horse and coaches students of all levels as well. He resides in Wellborn, FL. This session is Heather Rodney and Paddington McGhee competing at Training level Test 3 in Jacksonville, Florida April 6th, 2013. The purpose of training level as described in the USEF rule book is to confirm that the horse is supple and moves forward in a clear and steady rhythm, accepting contact with the bit. In this test there are 13 movements; each movement has a directive idea as to what is expected, which is shown in column 3 of every test. Each movement is judged on the basics (pyramid of training which equals pure rhythm with suitable tempo, relaxation, correct contact, straightness and longitudinal balance suitable to the level and task at hand) plus the criteria (standard by which the movement is judged as stated in the USEF rule book), plus or minus the modifiers (which are elements within each directive box secondary to the essence of the movement; example corners, tripping, shying, etc.) equals the score per movement. The right hand column below explains the combination of these factors I used to assign the score I gave each movement.

Test 1A Enter working trot Halt, Salute Proceed working trot Track left One loop

Directive Ideas Straightness on centerline and in halt: immobility; quality of trot; willing, balanced transitions Bend and balance in turn; quality of trot; shape and size of loop; changes of bend.

Points

Co (x2)

Total

Remarks Braced against hand Not square behind Tight in neck

Basics, criteria, plus or minus modifiers Basics: clear rhythm, some tension not relaxed, lack of consistent contact Criteria: Halt slightly open behind

2C HXK

Leaning through shoulder in corners; tight in neck; fussy, inconsistent contact

Basics: fairly clear rhythm but inconstant contact, and needs a crisper tempo Criteria: shows a change of bend and correct geometry on the loop Modifier: leaning on left shoulder at turn at C (-)

Continued on page 7

Judge My Ridecontinued from Page 6

3
Between

A&F

Working canter left lead Circle left 20 m

4 B

Willing, calm transition; quality of trot and canter; bend. Quality of canter; shape and size of circle; bend

12

Hesitant Braced against hand

Basics: showed clear change of rhythm, against hand Criteria: reluctant depart

Twist in poll on second half of circle. Bracing at M.

Basics: maintain clear rhythm, some resistance to contact Criteria: accurate geometry following line of travel with correct positioning of body Modifier: Corners should be ridden as a 10 meter quarter circle with some steps straight on short side. Basics: showed clear change of rhythm canter to trot, but on forehand and against contact Criteria: reluctant and unwilling in transition Modifier: incorrect position in corner Basics: clear trot, clear walk Criteria: slightly braced in transition, needs more march

5 HXF X

Chang e rein Working trot

Quality of canter and trot; willing, balanced transition; straightness on diagonal. Willing, balanced transition; quality of walk

Braced against hand, on forehand

6 A A- K

Medium walk Medium walk

Slightly braced in down transition fluid walk

Continued on page 8

Judge My Ridecontinued from Page 7

7 KXH H-C

Free walk Medium walk

8C MXF

Working trot One loop

9 Between A&K

Working canter right lead Circle right 20m

10 E

Reach and ground cover of free walk allowing complete freedom to stretch the neck forward and downward; quality and regularity of medium walk; willing, balanced transitions; straightness on diagonal. Quality of trot; willing, balanced transition; shape and size of loop; changes of bend. Willing calm transition; quality of trot and canter; bend Quality of canter; shape and size of circle; bend

6.5

13

Could have more march and stretch over top line; better after X; bracing against hand to medium walk

Basics: clear walk Criteria: fairly good ground cover, could have more consistent stretch over top line Modifier: against hand, bracing free walk to medium walk, tight medium walk

Against hand @C Very resistant @X

Basics: clear change of rhythm but tight in transition Criteria: maintained line of travel, but resistant to left bend on loop Modifiers: not riding into corners Basics: clear rhythm in trot and canter Criteria: willing, slightly against hand

14

Prompt Tight in neck

Curled second half of circle

11 C

Working trot

Willing, balanced transition; quality of trot

On forehand, tight in neck

Basics: clear rhythm, some curling behind the aids on second half of circle Criteria: good geometry, fairly correct positioning to line of travel Modifier: needs more balance and bend through corner Basics: showed clear change of rhythm Criteria: reluctant, tight in neck, on forehand(balance) Modifiers: Corner should be a quarter of a 10 meter circle

Judge My Ridecontinued from Page 8

12 B

Before B

Circle right 20m in rising trot allowing the horse to stretch forward and downward Shorten the reins Down Centerline Halt, Salute

Forward and downward stretch over the back into a light contact maintaining balance and quality of trot; bend; shape and size of circle; smooth, balanced transitions. Bend and balance in turn; straightness on centerline and in halt; willing, balanced transition; immobility.

Inconsistent tempo horse not stretching forward and downwards

Basics: Did not maintain clear rhythm, tempo Criteria: Horse did not gradually take the reins stretching forward and downward with light contact while maintain balance, rhythm, tempo, and quality of gait Modifier: Quality of corner before A

13 A X

Not square behind Braced against hand

Basics: Maintain clear trot, but inconsistent contact Criteria: Halt not square reluctant transition Modifier: bend and balance at A

Judge My Ridecontinued from Page 9

Collective Marks:
Gaits ( freedom and regularity) Impulsion (desire to move forward, elasticity of the steps, suppleness of the back, engagement of the hindquarters) Submission ( attention and confidence, lightness and ease of movements, acceptance of the bridle, lightness of the forehand) Riders position and seat Riders correct and effective use of the aids Harmony between rider and horse 6.5 6 1 2 6.5 12 Horse needs more freedom and scope

10

6 5 5

1 1 1

6 5 5

Hands and stiff elbows interfere with contact Needs to develop more secure seat and leg to lessen dependence on hands Nice moments but need to sustain throughout test

Further remarks: Suitable pair. Rider needs to work on developing a more consistent elastic contact that will allow horse to reach over top line. Canter work seems more developed than the trot tour at this point. Keep up the good work.

Overall score: 58.2 %

After analyzing each score based on basics, plus criteria, plus or minus the modifier, it becomes apparent that the team met most of the criteria per movement, but needs to work on the basics as described in the pyramid of training. Keep riding well. Brian MacMahon

Have you had a moment during your Training, Lessons, Riding ...anytime in or out of the saddle, that makes you light up and feel like you have truly accomplished the task or its made you/your ride better?

SHARE IT!
Email to rprincess73@yahoo.com With your TA-DAH moment!

NFDA is pleased to announce the NEW Judge My Ride page! Brian MacMahon, USDF Bronze, Silver and Gold Medalist, and L Graduate, with Distinction will be sharing his expertise with a lucky rider EVERY month!

Send Your Photo/Video

You can submit your photo for critique, or you can send your photo with a link to a video. Include a short bio/explanation of your horse and your ride/video. Please email to MacMahonDressage@gmail.com
Photo/Video submission deadline is the 20th of each month for inclusion in the following months newsletter.

SERVICES Personalized, bead embroidered stock pins. You pick the picture and colorsI do the rest. Starting at $30. Heather Rodney rprincess73@yahoo.com or 904294-2563.

Like the new front page pictures?

Send in one of you, your horse, etc...and be in the next edition of the NFDA Newsletter!

NFDA ADVERTISING RULES and RATES

AD DEADLINE: Payment and/or order must be received by 25th of preceding month. QUESTIONS: Heather Rodney (904) 294-2563 cell or rprincess73@yahoo.com. CLASSIFIED AD RATES NFDA members: First 50 words free (email to Rprincess73@yahoo.com by 25th). Additional words at 5 cents per word. Payment must accompany order for ads over 50 words. Non-members: 5 cents per word. Payment must accompany order. Note: Classified ads run for 2 months (see months listed in brackets at the end of your ad). To renew, notify us by email to rprincess73@yahoo.com by the 25th of the preceding month (e.g., Jan 25 for Feb issue).

Classifieds

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TACK

rprincess73@yahoo.com

Newsletter Editor

17" adjustable tree king sad-dle, with new billets, am asking $950 firm. The seat rides larger than 17". Con-tact Michelle Velasco at sunvetmc@gmail.com.

Have an Idea, Article or Thought? SHARE IT WITH NFDA! Send your thoughts, ideas and articles to: Heather Rodney Newsletter Editor

Windsor Brown Dressage Saddle. Size 17, Narrow twice, Medium DISPLAY AD RATES: tree. Eleven years old, very good Two sizes only Business card size (3.5"x2"): condition. Contact Jeannine at $10 / month. $120 for 12 issues panache@comcast.net. Full page: $45 / month or annual rate $450 prepaid Check must accompany order Ads must be submitted in electronic format to rprincess73@yahoo.com LOOKING FOR? SPONSOR ADS: BusinessPartial Lease Wanted! Experienced AA es that offer NFDA members a looking for a solid horse to part lease. 10% discount get a free busiReferences. Liz Yankee, 617-694-8832 ness-card size ad. Ad must be or yankee14@comcast.net submitted in electronic format, and contain the words "10% Discount for NFDA Members.
MAIL CHECKS TO: Heather Rodney, NFDA Ads, 804 Hickory Knolls Drive, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043. Make checks payable to NFDA.

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May 2013
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 5
Rocking Horse Spring Dressage

2 9 16 23 30

3 10 17 24 31

4
Rocking Horse Spring Dressage

6 13 20 27

7 14 21 28

8 15 22 29

11
May Days I Canterbury

12
May Days II Canterbury

18 25
Under the Lights

19 26

NFDA

June 2013
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 2 9
Suncoast Sunburn ClassicTampa

3 10 17 24

4 11 18 25

5 12 19 26

6 13 20 27

7 14 21 28

8
Suncoast Sunburn ClassicTampa

15
Surfs Up Cup New Symrna Beach

16
Surfs Up Cup New Symrna Beach
HSITPDressage Longwood Farm

22
29
Summer Sizzler Canterbury NFDA Under the Lights

23
30
Summer Sizzler Canterbury

2013 O FFICERS

PRESIDENT: Kate Johnson VICE PRESIDENT: Shantel Brooks TREASURER: Carol Ellmaker SECRETARY: Heather Rodney Board Members: Anna Kirkpatrick Barbara Turner Carolyn Belcher Lisa Beardsley Lynnette Wadsworth

NFDANEWSLETTER
804 Hickory Knolls Drive Green Cove Springs, FL 32043