Click here to your May 2012 Newsletter

“Striving Toward Riding Improvement and Dressage Education”
S T R I D E
STRIDE is the Ocala, FL Group Membership Organization (GMO) of the US Dressage Federation (USDF)
May 2012 Newsletter
STRIDE CONTACTS
President Hellena Smejda
352-351-9262
hellenas@mac.com
Immediate Past President Vickie Rollack
352-425-4000
Vickier352@aol.com
Vice President Irene Gentile
352-245-2730
pinkwoman55@aol.com
Recording Secretary Margaret Mayer
630-220-1521
mamayer02@earthlink.net
May 6: Volunteers needed for STRIDE
Schooling Show. Contact Irene. Entries closed April 23.
May 15: STRIDE Membership Meeting, 7 pm,
“Rider Biomechanics” by Judy Downer, PhD, at
the College of Central Florida, Building 11
(Equine Studies). Directions: Enter the campus from
SR200 at the traffic light by the Paddock Mall. Turn left at
the T intersection and proceed to the stop sign next to
Criminal Justice. Turn right and take another right turn
into the parking lot. Building 11 is the gray house-like
building across the parking lot. Campus map at
www.cf.edu.
Treasurer Carola Sanz, 352-591-9715
Carola.sanz@windstream.net
May 21: STRIDE Board of Directors Meeting.
6 pm. Any member may attend, but not vote. Notify
Membership Secretary Judy Downer
352-854-7367
Starrynightfarm55@yahoo.com
June 23, Saturday, Volunteer training show,
Rebel Ridge Farm, Anthony. Judge: Vickie Rollack.
Member-At-Large Barbara Brown, 352-427-7345
Dressage1@earthlink.net
Show Secretary Dibbie Dunnam, 352-466-3538
Gtrslfrm@aol.com
Advertising Staci Sperandeo
ads@stridedressage.org
Volunteer Coordinator Irene Gentile, 352-245-2730
pinkwoman55@aol.com
Webmaster Maurice Grafe, 352-591-9715
barn@stridedressage.org
Editor Lisa Walsh, 352-812-1262
lisawalsh@embarqmail.com
Published on www.stridedressage.org and
www.stridedressage.com.
Check out our new Facebook page:
/STRIDE-Dressage-of-Ocala-FL/
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2012 STRIDE EVENTS
Hellena if interested (email at left).
Show Manager trainee needed. See article on page 2.
TBD July (maybe): Workshop: Using Social
Media Anyone interested in teaching this hands-on
workshop to be held indoors in air conditioning? Email,
Facebook, etc. Contact Hellena.
Aug 18, Sat late pm-? Membership Meeting &
Pool Party, at Lonni Bechen’s, Weirsdale
Sept 18: STRIDE Meeting, Location TBD
Sept 30: STRIDE Schooling Show, Fla Horse Park
Oct 16: STRIDE Meeting, Location TBD
Oct 28: STRIDE Schooling Show, Fla Horse Park
Annual Halloween show includes costume classes.
Nov TBD: (Sat-Sun) STRIDE Riding Clinic
Dec TBD: Annual Banquet & Year End Awards
STRIDE BUSINESS NOTES
By Hellena Smejda
• We’re still working on a way to display
ongoing show results so you can see how
you rank against your competition for Year
End Awards.
• This Sunday, May 6, is the 3rd of our 5
schooling shows. It’s not too late to
volunteer. If you can spare a half day – or
even a full day – contact Irene Gentile.
Help your club and help yourself by earning
a STRIDE voucher which can be used for
any STRIDE event.
• On June 23rd, we’re repeating last year’s
successful show volunteer training minishow. This is a chance to get hands-on
experience in scribing, scoring, show
managing, etc. Entries are free (riders only;
second level and below), with small stall
fee. Location: Rebel Ridge Farm. Contact
Hellena.
• Karen Kennedy has volunteered to
coordinate and organize our November
two-day riding clinic. If you have clinician
suggestions, or want to help out at the
clinic, please contact Karen. She moved
here permanently from Minneapolis area
after trying it out for the winter of 2010-2011.
She has a palomino German Riding Pony,
Magnus, and has adopted a mini to keep
him company. Karen has been involved in
Dressage and eventing (with her son
Jacob) in Minnesota and Ocala for many
years. Karen is an excellent photographer
and graphic designer. She designed last
year’s Banquet program and contributed
the cover photo. She is also a regular
advertiser in our newsletter.
•
Two articles in the current issue of USDF
Connection magazine (one of your
member benefits) were relevant to STRIDE.
Here’s the “Letter to the Editor” I wrote to
Jennifer Bryant:
Enjoyed your magazine as usual. Just wanted to drop
you a note bragging about STRIDE, the Ocala, FL
USDF GMO. Your cover story was about Western
Dressage, and this year he have added those classes
to all 5 of our schooling shows (we don't hold a
recognized show, but there are several organized by
others in our area). I also enjoyed Axel Steiner's article
about what judges go through to earn those letters.
Our two-year L Program completed last year added
the following "Graduated with Distinction": Karen
Abbatista, Erin Brinkman, Kari Garber, Brian
MacMahon, Matt McLaughlin, Megan FischerGraham (all from FL), and Krister Schwartz (VA) and
Danielle Perry (GA). The two organizers, Judy Downer
("r") and Charlotte Trentelman ("S") are now planning
the next phase, the "r" program. STRIDE presented a
Special Recognition Award to these two ladies at our
Annual Banquet held last December. In Axel's article,
it was interesting to read that there are only 85 "r"
judges, only 83 "R", only 112 "S", only eleven 4* FEI and
only four 5* FEI judges in the entire USA! I can only
assume that many of them are doing this mainly for
the sport and perhaps some prestige, because I don't
see how they can recoup their educational
expenses. In any case, we do appreciate their
contribution to the sport. Keep up the good work with
the magazine. - Hellena Smejda, STRIDE President,
Ocala, Florida
CALENDAR OF NON-STRIDE EVENTS
May 11-13, Ladies Driving Retreat, The Grand Oaks, (352) 6388398, Judycde@yahoo.com, www.thegrandoaks.com
May 12-13, Obstacles Clinic with Jean Thornton, Rebel Ridge
Farm, Anthony (386) 985-2103,
www.palominowarmbloods.com/training.html
May 13, Working Equitation Competition, Little Lamb Farm, Dade
City. See www.workingequitationusa.com
May 19, Dr. Carla Pasteur, DVM, Seminar: “The Horse: Inside and
Out,” at the Equine Inn (near HITS). Register at info@pelidvm.com
or call 352-362-0074 or visit www.pelidvm.com. Registration $75
June 24, Rebel Ridge Farm, half-day Dressage Schooling Show
benefit for Humane Society. Watch your email for details.
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More than DQs!
By Lonni Bechen
STRIDE Members competed in the WE USA
Show at Rainbow End's Farm on April 15, were
judged by Jean White, and rode in all three
phases: Dressage test, ease of handling on the
obstacle course, and speed event on the
obstacle course. A wonderful adventure was
had by all, and quite the learning experience
and new training for our dressage horses!
Thank you Jody Simonton for bringing this new
equestrian experience into our horse world!
We had a great time, and a great day! The
next WE USA show is scheduled for May 13,
2012 at Little Lamb Farm in Dade City. See
details, rules, tests, and upcoming events at
www.workingequitationusa.com.
High Point Dressage Champion for Show
Lonni Bechen and Admiral Buckee 71.75%
High Point Ease of Handling for Show
Edith Finlayson and Lil Bit O Luck 71.8%
Novice Junior Division
1st Emily Lombard and Marco
2nd Lindsey Lombard and Hollywood
3rd Emily Lombard and Mad Maxx
Novice Open/Non Pro
1st Edith Finlayson and Lil Bit O Luck
2nd Vickie Rollack and Secret Blessing
High Score Dressage Novice
Edith Finlayson and Lil Bit O Luck 63.478%
High Score Ease Of Handling
Edith Finlayson and Lil Bit O Luck 71.8%
High Score Speed Novice
Edith Finlayson and Lil Bit O Luck 1:36.43
Champion Novice Division
Edith Finlayson and Lil Bit O Luck
Reserve Champion Novice Division
Vickie Rollack and Secret Blessing
Walk/Trot Junior
1st Madison Mc Donough and Wendy
2nd Sera Mc Donough and Candy
Walk/Trot Open/Non Pro
1st Lonnie Bechen and Admiral Buckee
2nd Diane Laws and Second Glance
High Score Dressage Walk/Trot
Lonni Bechen and Admiral Buckee 71.75%
High Score Ease Of Handling
Sera Mc Donough and Candy 64.5%
High Score Speed Walk/Trot
Madison McDonough and Wendy 1:08.44
Champion Walk/Trot Division
Lonni Bechen and Admiral Buckee
Reserve Champion Walk/Trot Div
Madison McDonough and Wendy
Page | 4
Jody and Sage
Edith and Lonni & Admiral Buckee
Vickie and Secret Blessing
Diane Laws and Second Glance
Lonni and Edith and Lil Bit O Luck
Vital Signs Clinic and Membership
Meeting held April 7 at Rebel Ridge
Thanks to the volunteer efforts of organizer
Loretta Lucas and presenter Dr. Carla Pasteur,
more than a dozen STRIDE members learned
how to take and record their horses’ vital signs.
Charlotte and Chris Trentelman once again
made their Rebel Ridge Farm facility available
to STRIDE at no charge. The “Vital Signs Kit”
included a digital thermometer, a
stethoscope, a syringe to draw medicine from
a vial, and a recording form. See two videos
posted on youtube:
http://youtu.be/uapQrSQei9c and
http://youtu.be/gikkQVrN2Ms
Carolyn Hall listening to heart beats using stethoscope
provided in the kit. Dr. Carla is coaching.
One pulse point: under the cheekbone.
Dr. Carla Pasteur and Loretta Lucas at the anatomy
lecture after the hands-on vital signs clinic.
After the clinic, a general membership
meeting and pot luck lunch was held under
the trees. Discussion included location and
topics for future meetings/events.
On May 19, Dr. Carla is holding the day long
seminar, “The Horse: Inside and Out” which will
focus on how the bones, muscles and tendons
work together. Location: The Equine near the
HITS showgrounds. To register e-mail
info@pelidvm.com or call 352-362-0074.
Registration is $75. www.pelidvm.com
Photos and videos by Hellena Smejda
Eynestyne was a patient subject for owner Barbara and
other members who attended without their horses
Page | 5
Stand Up for Your (Equestrian) Land
Report from the Equine Land Conservation
Resource seminar, Shannondale Farm, Aphareeta
Georgia, 10 March 2012, by STRIDE Member Su Zi
Did you know that horse land is not considered
agricultural land? This means that the United
States Department of Agriculture (USDA) does
not define equine activities in its code, that
there are no subsidies for horse farms. This
means that if something were to happen to
your fencing, or horse buildings, that your only
aid in recovery would be your homeowners
insurance—if those aspects are even covered
in your policy.
Did you know that “6000 acres per day: lost
to development […] where will you ride, drive,
race, compete, raise foals and grow hay”
(Equine Land Conservation Resource
brochure)? This means that hay will be more
and more expensive, because the land on
which to grow it has been turned into tracts of
clone-identical houses, strip malls, RV-mobile
home parks, and access roads. This means that
there will be more competition between
bicyclists, ATVs, and hunters for the quiet trails
that used to be the soul-easing domain of
horse trail riders; that there will be fewer places
with smaller warm-up areas for shows; that
neighborhoods will start outlawing horse
ownership because of flies, muck piles, horsie
smells.
Did you know that as a land owner you
“are important to the future of this country”(
Daniels)?
Did you know that, also according to Dr
Tom Daniels ( U. Penn), “many local officials still
have the idea that any development is good
development” and that’ “the average new
home demands more in services than it pays in
taxes, whereas agriculture is a fiscal benefit to
the community”? This means that if you own
land, and have horses on it, thus have a few
acres, that you are an important aspects of
the future of our country. What will happen to
your land after you are gone?
Did you know that as recently as fifteen
years ago, Marion County had more than four
hundred horse farms—some as large as
thousands of acres—and that nowadays this
number is maybe half? How can we claim the
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boast of Horse Capitol if we allow our farms to
be recklessly developed, willy-nilly and
senselessly? Are you one of those people Dr
Daniels says who “doesn’t care until it affects
you directly’, and when you finally find yourself
in “a very expensive lawsuit” that you have
entered court to find “it’s a crap shoot”
(Daniels).
Did you know that you don’t have to ignore
all this until it comes to your own barn door,
only to then cry woe? “Land use planning is a
legal process, but it is also a political
process”(Daniels). Every few years, every
county has to submit land use proposals—a
comprehensive plan, and if you do not speak
up about how you value our horse heritage,
decisions will made to erase it.
We can insist, Dr Daniels says, that our local
commission “protect, preserve and enhance
the residential rural character and individual
lifestyle” that brought us here and with which
we each fell in love. Dr Daniels warns us “don’t
wait until it’s too late”.
Also, did you know that your estate
planning can include provisions for the use of
your land? You can place a permanent
conservation easement on your property that –
even though the land can be sold—insists that
your horse farm always stay a horse usage
property: it cannot be subdivided, rezoned.
There also may be some tax credits for you.
There are legal tools for Farm and Ranchland
protection, even if equine activities are
determined to be commercial (boarding,
shows, clinics, horse dealing) by Internal
Revenue standards (the tool by which all
equine operations are judged, since—
remember—there’s no USDA codes).
You probably know that this report is a brief
overview of all the information presented by
the Equine Land Conservation Resource
people, at the seminar held in March. Did you
know that I, and my media person Angel
Jones, were the only people from Florida, that I
was the only person remotely connected to
USDF, that the ELCR has a website, a Face
Book page, and a host of printed books that
include a step by step guide on how to build a
horse-friendly trail. Angel posted the hour-long
seminar by land use attorney L Florio in five
parts on youtube and you can see for yourself
how to protect your life’s work in your estate
planning:
http://youtu.be/N4s5_4St6kg
http://youtu.be/1JUzoz2AFgI
http://youtu.be/y5DEOOfZtD0
http://youtu.be/w2iT_MhDKnI
http://youtu.be/iKU4aZdtX5g
You ought to know what land can go from
“pasture to regional mall overnight”, as we
who have been in this county a while have
sadly seen. You ought to know that our local
and state legislators are in need of the
education your simple letter or phone call will
provide. You already know that “ your
property is a form of advertising for yourself”,
and for the horse community as a whole.
Remember: horse people make a positive
economic contribution every single day, and
are crucial to our future as a community, and
a country. Isn’t it time you plan for your land?
END
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STRIDE ADVERTISING RULES and RATES
WHERE ADS APPEAR: The STRIDE e-newsletter (digital version only,
emailed as PDF) is published 11 times a year (no July). Classified ads
and display ads also appear on both STRIDE websites:
www.STRIDEdressage.org (and wwwSTRIDEdressage.com for viewers
with slower internet connections).
AD DEADLINE: Payment and/or order must be received by 25th of
preceding month.
QUESTIONS: Ad Manager Staci Sperandeo, ads@STRIDEdressage.org
CLASSIFIED AD RATES
! STRIDE members: First 50 words FREE (email to
ads@STRIDEdressage.org by 25th of preceding month). Additional
words at 5 cents per word. Payment must accompany order for ads
over 50 words. The Ad Manager reserves the right to edit free ads
submitted at greater than 50 word length.
! Non-members: 5 cents per word. Payment must accompany order.
! Renewals: Classified ads run for 2 months (see months listed in
brackets at the end of your ad). To renew, notify us by email to
ads@stridedressage.org by the 25th of the preceding month (e.g.,
Jan 25 for Feb issue).
DISPLAY AD RATES: Two sizes only
! Business card size (3.5" wide by 2" high): $10 per month or $100
prepaid for 11 issues (no July)
! Full page: $45 per month or pre-paid annual rate $450 prepaid
! Check must accompany order
! Complete ads must be submitted in electronic format to
ads@stridedressage.org
SPONSOR ADS: Businesses that offer STRIDE members a 10%
discount get a FREE business-card size ad. Ad must be submitted in
electronic format, and contain the words "10% Discount for STRIDE
Members.”
MAIL CHECKS TO: STRIDE Ads, c/o Staci Sperandeo, PO Box 242,
Ocklawaha, FL 32183
STRIDE CLASSIFIED ADS – MAY 2012
HORSES FOR SALE OR LEASE
Horse for Lease: IAHA/AHAF Legion of Honor solid First
level Half-Arab multi-champion dressage/ sport horse
(11 yrs. old) available on site to lease, schooling
Second level - perfect adult amateur horse, trained
by Greta Wrigley. Contact Lonni 352-821-3459 or
oakhilleclipse@marion.k12.fl.us [April/May]
Page | 9
16.3 h Selle Francais Third - Fourth Level Schoolmaster,
Onsite lease. Nw 21st Ocala. Ride 4 -5 days a week,
required one lesson per week. Lovely, kind, willing
horse will teach you the ropes. Bombproof at shows.
$450.00 / month. Anna Toomey 352 484 5013 Martin
(352) 425-9280, trishmartin@yahoo.com [May/June]
TB gelding needs a forever home. 16.1h, bay, green
broke in a dressage home. 5Yrs old, ez keeper, goes in
a herd, no vices. Needs a rider of his own. Raised at
home, never raced, has JC papers. Just needs more
saddle time. Free to a good home. call 352-237-6310.
[May/June]
INSTRUCTION and TRAINING
Dressage instruction/training, 30 years experience,
specializing in confidence building, balanced seat
training for Dressage. Timid riders and beginners
accepted. Reasonable rates, at your location or in
covered arena with mirrors at Rebel Ridge. Also
available to train, ride, show. Vickie Rollack, A.S.
Equine Studies with honors. (352) 425-4000 or
vickier352@aol.com. [May/June]
Improve yourself & horse with solid explanations from
experienced BHS Trainer/Instructor. Author, USDF Silver
Medalist. Will evaluate progress by riding & feeling
your horse, every step of the way. Love to teach all
levels. Full board available, beautiful 42 acres, full size
dressage arena, clay/sand/fiber. (352) 425-1506
www.trainingdressage.com. E-mail
Jacqui@trainingdressage.com [May/June]
SERVICES
Professional Body clipping, show braiding and grooming,
farm and pet sitting. Excellent references, reasonable
rates. Vickie Rollack (352) 425-4000 or
vickier352@aol.com. [April/May]
HORSE BOARDING
Boarding S. Marion Co: Oak Hill Farm has one opening.
Includes turn out, paddock, stall, feeding twice a day,
blanketing, and dressage arena. Adjacent to 500
acres of trails. Located close to The Villages & Grand
Oaks. Experienced Eventing/Dressage trainer (Katie
Walker) on site to ride/train/exercise your horse, very
affordable rates. Cross country jump course. $350/mth
Winter rates, $325 mth Summer/Fall. Contact Lonni
352-821-3459 or oakhilleclipse@marion.k12.fl.us
[April/May]
Boarding with miles of Trails! Large stalls with attached dry
lot, 2 arenas; large dressage with mirror & lights. Large
lush pastures with shade trees. All day group or private
turnout. Your feed or mine. Retired show horse
available for on farm lease. Located 12 miles west of
Ocala. Www.Alwaysabreeze.com 352-861-7405
[April/May]
EQUIPMENT, APPAREL AND TACK FOR SALE
FOR SALE Black Crosby Prix St. Georges dressage
saddle.17" seat. Includes leathers. Pristine condition.
New $1,200 Sacrifice $650. Stubben Siegfrid 161/2
seat, havana,leathers. Excellent condition. New
$2195.Sell $1,000. 352-351-2782. [May/June]
Balance Nexus Saddle, wide tree, B seat, like new. Two
sets of blocks, two sets of lambskin extra thick pads,
and two sets of three types of JB pads. $2700 or best
offer for whole package. Will consider sale of saddle
alone. Call Maxene at 352-816-0394 or e-mail
MRenner3@cfl.rr.com [April/May]
For Sale: G&S cart Two wheeled carriage. Carriage
currently fits a 15-16 hand horse but can be modified,
gscart.com. This is a beautiful cart that can be used
for show or out on the trails. Pat Glenton at 352-6823721. Asking $1200.00. Pictures available if you email
me at patglenton@gmail.com [April/May]
Smucker's Black Leather Driving Harness for sale. Patent
leather blinders and breastplate. Was used in
competition by a Morgan. Asking $425. Mary Ann
O'Connor 352 237 1670 or e mail maoc28@cfl.rr.com
[April/May]
Rudge Pace dressage saddle size 17 med. tree Black and
brown. This saddle has been very well cared for, is in
excellent condition. Asking $1275. Call 352-212-4385 or
352-344-1211 or e mail for pic
camitop@tampabay.rr.com Located in Citrus county.
[April/May]
Courbette Alpina 17" close contact jumping saddle,
w/fleece lined saddle case. Excellent condition. $700
OBO. County Eventer 17 1/2" No 3 fit, black, excellent
condition. $900 OBO. Call or e-mail with questions or if
you would like photos. 352-229-3215
ponypair@gmail.com [April/May]
Single Horse Leather Harness from Country Carriages USA
Black with stainless hardware, patent leather blinkers
and saddle Padded nose band, breast plate, girth
and breeching 2 sets of traces, slotted and D ring [80
& 78] Marathon shaft loops Used with a Morgan, and
young Swedish WB $750 OBO Call or e-mail with
questions or if you would like photos. 352-229-3215
ponypair@gmail.com [April/May]
Back to Back Village Cart by Mill Run $3,300 obo Dark
forest green with wheat pin striping, super smooth ride
Med to Lg pony or cob size Call or e-mail with
questions or if you would like photos. 352-229-3215
ponypair@gmail.com [April/May]
Page | 10
FOR SALE: Courbette Trenck D Cutback Dressage Saddle,
medium spring tree, 16 ! inch seat, with Courbette
leathers/irons. Great condition show saddle, house
kept. $550.00 OBO Call Robin at 352-402-9973.
[May/June]
FOR SALE: Zaldi Ledyard Close Contact Cutback Jump
Saddle, medium tree, 16 ! seat, with leathers and
irons. Great condition show saddle, house kept.
$450.00 OBO Call Robin at 352-402-9973. [May/June]
Prestige Opti Max dressage saddle for sale, 17 in seat and
34 cm tree (meduim wide) with a short flap, does not
seem very short. Excellent condition, will be 3 years old
in late July. $2895. Call or email Gaile Gibson at 352669-3294 or bggibson@centurylink.net. [May/June]
Black Collegiate Dressage Saddle with gold piping, 17 in.
deep seat. Prestine condition, used only for showing
$625.00. Saddles have straight long flap for classical
dressage leg position, semi-cut back pommel,
medium tree. Saddle fit to Thoroughbreds, Quarter
horses and Appx. Call 352-509-4288 or 301-848-0028.
Leave message, please. [May/June]
(2) Dark Brown Lovatt & Ricketts dressage saddles, made
in England. 17.5 in deep seat used showing only
$575.00. 17 in. deep seat used schooling $350.00.
Straight long flap for classical dressage leg position,
semi-cut back pommel, medium tree. Saddles fit to
Thoroughbreds, Quarter horses and Appx. Call 352509-4288 or 301-848-0028. [May/June]
LOOKING TO BUY
Old style Wintec Pro Dressage 18 inch. Loretta, 875-3613,
or meadowlarkhill@earthlink.net [May/June]
FOR SALE
'02 Silver Star two horse gooseneck st. load trailer.
Dressing rm., ramp, fully insulated. EXCELLENT
condition. Just serviced and has new tires. $10,200. in
Weirsdale. Call Karen 352-821-3645 [May/June]
FOR RENT
HOUSE FOR RENT 2 Bedroom (large Master), 4 walk-in
closets, 2 baths, Kitchen, Dining Room, Great Room,
and large screened/glassed in porch across back of
house. Located in Countryside Farms. For more
information call (H) 352-620-2205 or (c) 518-222-9543
[April/May]