The Retired Racehorse Trainers have now had their horses for about two weeks and their first few blog posts are rolling in on the Retired Racehorse Training Project Website. The trainers, Kerry Blackmer of Middleburg, Va., Eric Dierks of Tryon, N.C., and Tiffany Catledge of Adamstown, Md, selected their horses at the Maryland Horse Expo on January 20 and then were able to bring them home to their farms for their month of training. Check out a few of the blogs below.
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Feb 12
Retired Racehorse Training Project Update
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Feb 12
Area VI Adult Riders Present Clayton Fredericks at Galway Downs
Clayton Fredericks will be teaching a two day clinic at Galway Downs in Temecula, CA on February 11 and 12, 2012. The first day will include stadium jumping and gymnastic work, while the second will focus on cross-country skills over the Ian Stark designed course. Clayton will also be offering private dressage lessons on Friday the 10th. This clinic is being organized and offered by the Area VI Adult Riders, with significant support from Robert Kellerhouse, Del Mar Eventing and the Southern California Equestrian Center.
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Feb 12
Learning to be Independent: a Plan to Solve the Lesson Addiction
By Leslie Mintz
I have a confession to make: I am addicted to taking lessons. I know, I know I need to be a more independent rider who can think for herself, solve her own problems, and my trainer isn’t always going to be there. But I just love taking lessons. During a lesson I actually feel like I am accomplishing something and improving both myself and my horse whereas when I ride alone (especially doing flatwork) I feel like my horse and I are regressing and the ride often ends up in fits of frustration for both human and equine. Oh and another thing – I think lessons are just so much fun. They are like my version of going to a party.
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Jan 12
Rolex Kentucky Featured Riders
One of best ways to know that Rolex is just around the corner is when the first installments of the Rolex Kentucky Featured Riders are posted on www.rk3de.org. This year the three riders who will be blogging their journeys to Rolex are James Alliston (GBR), Jan Byyny, and Doug Payne. Be sure an keep an eye on the Rolex Website as each of the four parts are posted!
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Jan 12
The Yoga of Competition: How This 4,000 Year Old Tradition Can Create Success in the Show Ring
Blast from the past – this article originally appeared on the USEA blog in January 2008. We dug it out of the archives to re-inspire our readers!
By Amanda Botur, MA, L.Ac., CHom
“Omâ. Omâ.” I chant aloud. Slowly and methodically I recite ancient Sanskrit chants and invocations in the warm-up arena. My fellow competitors turn and look wildly around to see what that foreign noise is. They half expect to see a stick of incense burning from a hole in my reins, and me sitting cross-legged atop my dressage saddle with my hands in some strange mudra. For some, it may seem like a great idea for a cartoon but amidst the stares and giggles, I’m creating strength of presence in my saddle and a centeredness in my being. My horse, Sebastian, is being soothed by the ancient language and the sacredness of the chants: he is relaxed and attentive. My body knows that chanting means relaxing, coming into the moment, and being present with all that is. My arms relax, my hips open and softness occurs in my belly, I am in union with my surroundings and, most importantly, with my horse.
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Jan 12
Bit of Britain Product Videos
Bit of Britain has started a series of product videos featuring riders such as Sharon White and Jennie Brannigan. These videos give a great inside look at a variety of products being used in real life situations with just a bit of humor thrown in sometimes! Watch a few of them below and then check out the rest on Bit of Britain’s YouTube Channel.
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Jan 12
U.S. Eventing Association To Launch Redesigned Website
The United States Eventing Association will be launching a dramatically redesigned website on February 9 that will enhance the online experience of USEA members and eventing enthusiasts alike. The redesigned site – the result of over a year of organization, design, testing, and feedback – utilizes a design that gives every member of the eventing community whether a competitor, trainer, volunteer, official, or supporter an instinctual place to find the materials they need. To preview the USEA’s redesigned website visit beta.useventing.com. Please take the time to get used to the new design and then give us feedback using the webform.
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Jan 12
Two Horses, Two Three-Days: Part 2
Did you miss part one of Katie’s blog series? Check it out here.
By Katie Wherley
Hi Everyone!
I just wanted to give a quick update before I leave for Aiken. With snow on the ground, I decided now was a good time to get some work done on my computer.
For the past few years, I’ve only been able to go south for one to two weeks at a time. Being the primary caretaker for my barn in Maryland, it’s hard to leave for any extended period of time … but I’ve been able to make it through, thanks to my indoor arena and some creativity.
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Jan 12
Daniel Stewart Question & Tip of the Month
Daniel Stewart has been one of the favorite speakers at the USEA Annual Meeting and Conventions. A recap of his presentation at the 2011 Convention on Equestrian Sports Psychology will be appearing in the January/February issue of Eventing USA and a monthly blog post from Daniel Stewart will be featured on the USEA site. Interested in learning more from Daniel Stewart? Be sure an sign up for his monthly newsletter on the bottom of his website.
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Jan 12
“Team Allison” Fundraiser & Concert
On February 26th, from 3:30 – 6:30 p.m. there will be a fundraiser for Allison Angove and her family held at Veterans Memorial Martinez, located at 930 Ward Street, in Martinez, California 94553. Tickets are $25 and tax deductible.
The event will include food, raffles, silent auction, and dancing with live music by the new local band PUSH, featuring ABC7News Anchor, Dan Ashley, as lead singer. The local community has been very generous in their donations so that our raffle will include a flight around the San Francisco Bay, as well as other spectacular items for raffle and auction, including Celebrations on the Bay cruise tickets, two hours of DJ services, massages, movie tickets, Curves membership services, restaurant gift certificates, and numerous other "surprise" merchandise and services. You won’t want to miss this event!