File - Midwest Dressage Association

Midwest Dressage
Association
November 2015
Can a Horse Dance?
Report from the MDA Freestyle Clinic October 17-18, 2015
If you attended Terry Ciotti Gallo’s dynamic and
informative freestyle lecture and then watched the
riders put the concepts into practice…..the answer
would be a resounding, “YES!”
considerable background in dance and gymnastics
was evident in her discussions on various ways to
create dynamic and successful choreography. She
discussed the pros and cons to the ‘music first’
approach and the ‘choreography first’ approach to
Terry opened her lecture on Saturday morning creating a successful freestyle. She spoke at length
with this question, and it became the theme for the about the importance of good editing and she also
weekend. She followed up with a wonderful video encouraged riders to have a back-up plan: know your
exercise where we saw the same horse and rider music in case the unexpected happens.
(Steffen Peters and Valero) doing a musical freestyle
to six different genres of music ranging from pop to The morning was packed with great information but
jazz, from classical to classic rock. Seeing the same the best was yet to come…
horse and rider doing the same steps to different
music highlighted one of Terry’s core concepts: it Saturday afternoon and Sunday we got to see
is not only important to get the correct beats per the theory put into action. Terry spent time with
minute syncopation between horse and music, it is each rider, talking with them about their horse’s
imperative to have music that the horse and rider personality and their own musical tastes. She had an
respond to!
enormous inventory of music available, and based on
each horse’s beats per minute (bpm) she offered up a
Terry encouraged riders to do their homework for number of selections. As we had seen on the video in
freestyles, especially at the lower levels. Fortunately the morning’s session, now we were seeing a horse
she provided a wealth of information to help and rider responding live to the musical selections.
novices get started including: what resources and What magic! Terry involved the auditors in asking
equipment (hardware and software) are needed, their impressions of which music worked best for
how to find and select appropriate music, and how each pair, making it a fun and interactive event for all.
to create a cohesive and seamless musical freestyle.
She explained in detail the USDF and USEF Things came together very quickly for each rider
Freestyle judging criteria and the details that support as optimal selections of music to accompany trot
interpretation scores, educating the audience on the and canter work were selected. Terry then spent the
importance of correct and successful phrasing among remaining time working on choreography with each
other technical elements.
team. The lessons of the morning were not wasted on
Choreography is central to Terry’s work. Her very
Continued on Page 4
2015 MDA Board and Committees
Committees
Officers
The Board welcomes members to assist
on these committees. Please contact the
Committee Chairperson.
President
Will Davis II
willdavis@aol.com
Awards - Beth Schaub
Directory - Tom Bird
Education - Ingrid Baranski
Membership - Julie Fleming
Newsletter - Barbra Reis
Nominations - Valerie Dean, Jennifer
Moyne and Lisa Pinkos Howle
Product Sales - Will Davis
Professional Advisors - Valerie Dean
Public Relations and Marketing - Lisa
Machala
Sponsorship - sponsorship@midwestdressage.org
Video Library - Tom Bird
Volunteers - Will Davis
Web Site - Barbra Reis
Vice President
Ingrid Baranski
ingridbaranski@gmail.com
The Midwest Dressage Association
is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit
Secretary
Tom Bird
tomkbird@hotmail.com
November 2015
Contents
1 “Can A Horse Dance”
8
Feldenkrais for Riders
13 Board of Director Meeting
Minutes, Sept 2015
15 “Dressage and the OTTB”
17 Classified Ads/Stable Listings
18 Calendar of Events
19 2016 Membership Application
Treasurer
Lisa Pinkos Howle
mlphowle@gmail.com
Board Members
Valerie Dean
bovaliefarm@yahoo.com
Julie Fleming
judgejulie33@aol.com
Classified Ads must be submitted to
the newsletter editor via email and in
Word format.
Advertisments must be submitted via
email in either PDF or JPEG format.
Deadline for Advertising AND
Classified ads is the 15th of the previous month. All ads MUST be prepaid
prior to publication. MDA bucks may
not be redeemed for advertising.
Denise Gentile
dar-den@comcast.net
Lisa Machala
MichiganEquineTherapy@gmail.com
Jennifer Moyne - jmoyne@med.
umich.edu
Beth Schaub - beschaub@frontier.com
Susan Snethkamp -kampdressage@
gmail.com
MDA Newsletter Advertising Rates
Effective 7-1-2015
Advertising Submissions are due to the Newsletter Publisher by the 15th of the month preceding the publication date.
Payment must be made in full prior to placement of the ad. All member rates reflect at 20% discount of retail price.
1 month
Retail
3 Month Rate
Member
Retail
Member
6 month
Retail
12 Month
Member
Retail
Member
1/4
page
40.00
32.00
90.00
72.00
150.00
120.00
240.00
192.00
1/2
page
60.00
48.00
120.00
96.00
210.00
168.00
360.00
288.00
Midwest Dressage Association
Annual Awards Banquet
at
The Buhl Estate at Addison Oaks
1480 W. Romeo Rd., Leonard, MI 48367
Sunday, November 22, 2015
Doors open 11:30 am
The beautiful, historic Buhl Estate has the look and feel of a European country club. Come enjoy a beverage by one of the working fireplaces .
Guest speaker will be Sydney Collier, 2014 Jr. Equestrian of the year.
This talented Para-Equestrian has competed at the international level including the Alltech
FEI World Equestrian Games. Sydney’s dog Journey will also be attending.
If you would like to donate items or a basket to be raffled off, you may bring it with you
Cash bar will be available
$25.00 per person or reserve a table for 10 for $250.00
Send your check made payable to the MDA with a the names of the people in your party to
Denise Gentile, 38249 Lesha, Clinton Township, MI 48036
If you have questions call Denise at (586) 463-7741
_____________________________________________________________
Name_________________________________________ MDA #______________
Address____________________________________________________________
City_______________________________State________Zip__________________
Phone #__________________Email_____________________________________
Additional names____________________________________________________
Amount enclosed___________________
Continued from Page 1
these talented riders who understood immediately how to optimize their freestyle performance by correct
use of the arena, balance of elements, design cohesiveness, correct phrasing and creativity.
Terry’s knowledge and talent are unparalleled in the sport of dressage. Not only has she been instrumental
in creating the USDF and USEF freestyle judges training program, she has taught many of today’s freestyle
clinicians! After participating in one of her engaging and educational workshops, it is easy to see why the
top names in dressage continue to work with her in developing multiple freestyles. She is the clinician’s
clinician and the expert’s expert!
In addition to her excellent rider’s freestyle clinic, Terry also teaches a one day workshop on Freestyle Judging
that is open to L students and judges. To learn more about Terry’s work, please visit www.Klassickur.com.
It was inspiring to watch riders and horses of all levels from First Level through Grand Prix find
their tempo and prove that yes, HORSES CAN DANCE!
The MDA would like to publicly thank our hosts for this event: Carole and Tonya Grant. The Grants and
their team were very gracious and helpful throughout the planning and execution of this event, and we are
most appreciative to have their support!
Lisa Machala
MDA Marketing Committee Chair
Clinic Riders (L to R),Susan Snethkamp, Barb Reis, Terry Gallo,
Andrea Bingham, Tonya Grant, Barb Sudomier, Kristie LaFraboise.
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Call or Text Lisa @ 248.282.4065
Visit www.MichiganEquineTherapy.com for program details
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“I recommend Feldenkrais for any rider”
Heather Blitz, 2011 Pan American Games, Team Gold & Individual Silver Medalist
Co-taught by Guild Certified Feldenkrais Practitioners:
Mary Lou Dyker
www.movementlearninglife.com
mldyker@gmail.com
Dale Jensen
www.michiganfeldenkrais.com
dale@ michiganfeldenkrais.com
12/15
Feldenkrais For Riders
Like many people, I was introduced to the Feldenkrais Method of Somatic Education when I had
physical therapy for an injury I’d sustained. I
knew nothing about the Feldenkrais Method and
I was completely unprepared for the experience.
My therapist directed me to move myself in unusual ways, using less and less effort, and a painful
guarding habit I had developed around the injured
area ‘let go’ in a matter of minutes and I was flooded with surprise and relief. I had no idea what
had just happened but I was intrigued. How could
making small gestures with my mouth produce a
change in a very painful neck injury I acquired in
a riding accident? I continued with therapy for a
number of visits and began to attend Awareness
Through Movement (ATM) lessons to support
those changes.
YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT YOU DON’T
KNOW…
I had acquired a number of injuries in riding accidents over the years and had stopped riding. It was
painful to quit something I enjoyed so much, but I
didn’t see another option. Early in my Feldenkrais
training I developed such a clear understanding of
how my pelvis moved I experienced one of those
‘Aha’ moments and knew I would be able to return
to riding.
HOW IT WORKS
In order to take advantage of your body’s ability to
improve itself through sensory motor learning, the
Feldenkrais Method teaches (you, the individual)
how to detect and reduce unnecessary, counterproductive muscular effort in your body. When we
use minimal muscular effort, our brain is free to
make important sensory distinctions. By eliminating unnecessary effort and feeling finer and finer
differences in what you do, your brain gets the
information it needs in order to create effective,
powerful and safe movement.
Awareness Through Movement lessons apply this
rule: less muscular effort produces more sensory
motor learning, and physical improvement.
“The Feldenkrais Method helps people …increase
their awareness in any activity…to develop their
ability to self-regulate and adjust from moment
to moment. Because a horse responds to the
information from the rider’s seat, leg and hands,
the rider must learn how to be more focused and
precise… This work addresses nearly every movement function or difficulty a rider can imagine.”
(Paris Kern, Feldenkrais Practitioner and Assistant
Trainer, from ‘Riding with the Whole Self ’)
SOME SPECIFICS:
“During a Feldenkrais lesson, the student makes a
series of gentle movements, but more importantly,
she uses her attention to notice subtle sensations
caused by changes in pressure against a supporting surface or the way that the movement of one
limb alters the feeling in another part of one’s body.
This information, generated through movement,
creates a new learning environment for the brain,
which immediately has the opportunity to try new
possibilities. The nervous system processes the
sensations, then re-imagines how to create new
possibilities in subsequent movements by sending
new kinds of signals.” (From the website of Seth
Dillinger, movelikeachild.wordpress.com)
The brain controls sets of muscles and bones performing actions or synergies rather than controlling individual muscles…no need to think about
muscles when learning movement skills. Instead,
think skeletally, think patterns, think actions, think
synergies. Forget muscles.… Large, fast movements are simply scaled up small slow movements.
Learn small and slow first. (Robert Burgess, PhD,
Feldenkrais Practitioner, from ‘A Guide to Body
Sense’)
Continued on the next page
A NEW DEFINITION OF STRENGTH
(from the SenseAbility Journal Interview with Jeff Haller, Practitioner and Trainer)
SenseAbility: One of the criticisms I’ve heard of the Feldenkrais Method is that it doesn’t address core
strength. I have lots of friends who ride horses and the big thing in riding right now is Pilates, because
you have to be stronger.
Jeff Haller: I have a different view of “strength”. I would add ‘based on the way you find support from
the surface you are on.’ Now, if I train myself in any exercise system, and I’m sloppy in the way I provide
support for myself, all I will do is train muscles based on supporting myself the way I am accustomed
to. Until I’m able to fluidly change from position to position, and use the entirety of all the surfaces of
my body with clear intention, I would say that I’m not strong. I wouldn’t be able to completely access
my own muscles, or use them fluidly for any activity. Core strengthening exercises will NOT change the
dynamic pattern with which you engage the environment. You’ll continue to maintain the faulty support.
…I’ve worked with many people (who have gone through rigorous strength training regimens)…without understanding - or being able to feel, or attend to - where their base of support is coming from. The
endless succession of core strengthening exercises won’t necessarily improve the way a person rides their
horse. It won’t change their understanding of their own balance, or their sensitivity. It won’t change their
internal environment that governs their ability to sense their position in space. It won’t give them a more
refined sense of what their horse is doing. It won’t give them a sense of moving on their horse so their
hands can be soft. Nor will it give them the ability to sense what their horse needs. Awareness Through
Movement lessons can bring awareness to the sense of effort, so that athlete, rider and martial artist can
free themselves of bad habits that interfere with true strength.
(From Practitioner Spotlight, SenseAbility, A newsletter of applications of the Feldenkrais Method of
Somatic Education, Summer 2009.
Mary Lou Dyker, Feldenkrais Practitioner: As a practitioner I select lessons that address functional issues riders deal with. I work with riders whose issues range from peak performance to recovery from
injury. The lessons address issues every rider is concerned with: breathing throughout the entire torso;
discovering how you load and unload the seat bones for increased freedom to re-balance yourself and
your horse; softening and opening the hip joints; differentiating movements of the pelvis and hips for independent use of the leg and trunk, just a few of many explorations around self-use for the rider.(Permission to reprint this list granted from Paris Kern, Feldenkrais Practitioner and Assistant Trainer. Thank
you, Paris!)
Share your story!
Write an article for MDA newsletter
and earn MDA Bucks.
Email your idea to
MDA newsletter editor
Barb Reis at blondmane@gmail.com
Midwest Dressage Association OFFICIAL BALLOT
Voting Member Number_____
There are FOUR positions open. Vote for NOT MORE THAN FOUR
�
Allison Gaughan-McNab
I began riding when I was a toddler and grew up with a passion for horses. As a youth I participated in Washtenaw
county 4-H and in high school was a member of the Manchester Equestrian Team. I rode throughout college and
that’s when I embarked in my eventing and dressage careers. I attended Washtenaw Community College where I
was inducted into Phi Theta Kappa, the two-year college honor society and then later earned my degree from the
University of Michigan in English Language and Literature. After graduation my parents and I began construction
of Far Gone Farm where I now teach and train full-time. I believe that by serving on the board for the MDA I will
help to educate and serve an often overlooked region of dressage riders, specifically the Washtenaw and Lenawee
county areas. I firmly believe that my writing and communication skills will be a tremendous asset. I represent an
important and burgeoning dressage community in Southeastern Michigan.
�
Tonya Grant
I have been involved in dressage since I was a child growing up with my dad Chuck Grant and my mom Carole
Grant. I won the 2008 USEF Silver Stirrup award for Grand Prix and I-2 Champion and was ranked 4th nationally
with the USDF riding the Dutch stallion Kevekko. In 2009, Kevekko and I won the Grand Prix at the Winter
Equestrian Festival Classic in Wellington, Florida. I have been actively involved in promoting the future of our
sport by developing a Dressage Pony program. I worked with Kevin Bradbury at the Waterloo Hunt Club to
supporting the Dressage Pony Cup Program. I have been following my father’s footsteps in training young horses.
I actively believe in bringing dressage education to everyone.
�
Shawn Ozker-Ragsdale
I have been involved in dressage for 45 years. I began my career at Bloomfield Open Hunt which lasted for 20
years and am currently training in the Oxford- Metamora area. I also offer clinics in Michigan and the tri-state
area. I have my USDF Bronze, Silver and 50% of my Gold Medal, all of which were earned on horses that I
trained. I recently organized the “Dressage at Devon” outing for the MDA and I regularly attend MDA board
meetings.
�
Barbra Reis
I have been riding since the age of five, and after participating in hunters and eventing, found dressage to be my
forte. I have a Bachelor of Science in Equine Studies from Cententary College in NJ and a British Horse Society
Assistant Instructor certification from Porlock Vale Equestrian Centre in England. I have my USDF Bronze and
Silver Medals and showed Intermediate I in 2015. My husband and I own Brilliant Reflection Farm in Ortonville, a
dressage boarding and training facility. I have been involved with the MDA for over 15 years, having served on the
board for several terms and most recently taking over the MDA website and newsletter.
Write-In
�
Bring to the banquet or mail to Julie Fleming at 9480 Grand River Rd. Fowlerville, MI. 48836
___________________________________.
with a postmark no later than 11-15-15
Photo credit: Ron Berg
TDF –
Your Source for Support
SInCE 1989, donors to
Each year grants and
The Dressage Foundation
scholarships are awarded
have generously provided
to riders of all ages and
funds to create a better
levels, instructors, judges,
dressage community…
breeders, and non-profit
for you.
organizations. Could you
be our next grant recipient?
Photo credit: Jennifer Bryant
Visit www.dressagefoundation.org to learn about the opportunities that are currently available:
adulT amaTeurs
• Gifted Memorial Fund
• Heldenberg Training
Center Fund
YouTH
• Carolyn Van Cise Fund
• Heldenberg Training
Center Fund
• Renee Isler Dressage
Support Fund
• Trip Harting Fund
• Young Rider International
Dream Program
insTrucTors
• Captain Jack Fritz Young
Professionals Grants
• Continuing Education for
Instructors Fund
• Karen Skvarla Fund
• Major Anders Lindgren
Scholarships
• Renee Isler Dressage
Support Fund
• Trip Harting Fund
• USDF Region 9 Teaching
Excellence Award
TDF General Sheet.indd 1
Judges
• Edgar Hotz Judges Fund
• Renee Isler Dressage
Support Fund
• Trip Harting Fund
Breeders
• Elysium Farm Fund for U.S.
Breeder Excellence
HigH Performance Teams
• Carol Lavell Advanced
Dressage Prize
• Patsy Albers Award
educaTional evenTs
• Continuing Education for
Instructors Fund
• Dancing Horse Fund
• Edgar Hotz Judges Fund
• Michael Poulin Dressage Fund
• Sally Swift Memorial Fund
• Violet Hopkins
Fund
1/15/15 9:43 AM
MINUTES OF THE MIDWEST
DRESSAGE ASSOCIATION BOARD
September 2, 2015 6:30 PM
Held at La Herradura Restaurant
Highland, Michigan
Board members in attendance: Chairperson Will
Davis, Tom Bird, Sue Snethkamp, Denise Gentile,
Lisa Machala, Lisa Howle and Julie Fleming
Guests: Shawn Ozkar-Ragsdale, Barb Reis,
Tammy Shivers
The meeting was called to order by the Chair at
6:30 PM
Comments from the Chair: no comments.
Secretary’s Report: Tom Bird presented
the minutes from the August 5, 2015 board
meeting. Copies of the minutes and synopsis
were previously emailed to the board for their
review and comment. Two corrections were
requested: adding Tammy Shivers as a guest; and,
the estimate of the Tribute Feed rebate to $150.
Motion by Tom Bird that the August 5, 2015
minutes be approved with corrections. Seconded
by Sue Snethkamp. Approved by voice vote.
Treasurer’s Report: Lisa Howle reported that
the financial statements for the month of August
with a balance of $15,726.04. Detailed Profit
and Loss reports were sent out to the board by
email. Motion by Tom Bird to accept the August
2015 financial report. Seconded by Julie Fleming.
Approved by voice vote.
Committee Reports:
Memberships: Julie Fleming reported current
membership being 252 with 132 Amateur/Owner,
37 Juniors, 81 Professional and 2 Life members.
There was discussion about offering discounts
for early membership enrollment in order to
encourage both new and existing members to join
early. There was no support for this concept as is
would cost the MDA twice, as the USDF portion
of the membership would not change. Last year
the USDF portion of the MDA GMO membership
went from $17.00 to $20.00.
Education: Lisa Howle, reporting for Ingrid
Baranski, stated that the freestyle clinic still has
space available for riders and auditors and that
allowing reciprocal privileges to other Michigan
GMOs to attend at the same rate as MDA members
could result in increased attendance. She also
noted that PayPal is available for use at this
activity. An application for a grant from the
Dressage Foundation has been made in the amount
of $250.00. This reciprocal privilege with other
Michigan GMOs was discussed and approved by
the Executive Committee.
Executive Committee: Motion by Tom Bird to
confirm the action of the Executive Committee
to grant reciprocal privileges to other Michigan
GMOs of the USDF for the Teri Ciotti Gallo
Freestyle Clinic on October 17 and 18, 2015.
Seconded by Lisa Howle. Approved by voice
vote.
Product Sales: Will Davis showed the board
several of the new product items that will
be available for sale at shows, the upcoming
Metamora celebration and freestyle clinic.
Marketing and Promotions: There was
discussion about the upcoming Metamora
Country Days Celebration and the Tribute Feeds
coupon rebates. There was also discussion about
expanding access to the MDA Facebook page to
MDA Board members as a way to expedite the
posting of new material. Concern was expressed
about the need for some supervision and editing
for the posts and that the use of a single supervisor
provides some control and continuity. Motion
by Lisa Howle that other MDA board members
have posting rights to the MDA Facebook page.
Seconded by Lisa Machala. Approved by voice
vote.
Annual Meeting: Denise Gentile reported that she
has contacted Cindy Collier as the guest speaker.
There was discussion about activities at the awards
luncheon ranging from creating focus groups
to help with the direction of the organization
to dressage trivia games that would promote
interaction among the members. Barb Reis said
that she would work with Denise on the program
handout which included those getting awards.
There was discussion about auction baskets.
A motion by Lisa Machala that the activities
include a raffle. Seconded by Sue Snethkamp.
Approved by voice vote. Will Davis stated that
the committee reports will be consolidated into a
single document and will be read to the members.
Professional Advisors: no report.
Nominations: Lisa Howle stated that she had
a four candidates who were interested in the
upcoming vacant board positions and their
information will be available at the annual
meeting.
Scholarship: no report
Awards: no report.
Historian: no report
Directory: no report
Newsletter: Will Davis stated that due to personal
conflicts, Jennifer Moyne is looking for someone
to replace her in doing the newsletter. There
was discussion by the board on the importance
of certain deadlines and the need for a volunteer
to undertake this task. Barb Reis stated that she
could do the newsletter. Motion by Lisa Machala
to approve Barb Reis as the MDA Newsletter
volunteer. Seconded by Sue Snethkamp.
Approved by voice vote. There was continued
discussion which included the availability of upto-date publishing software and how that would
simplify the process for both the newsletters and
directory, as well as other publishing requirements
of the organization (ie: annual meeting program).
Motion by Tom Bird that an Adobe cloud
publishing license be approved at an estimated cost
of $40.00 per month. Seconded by Lisa Howle.
Approved by voice vote.
Volunteers: Lisa Machala stated that she has 40
volunteers to work at the Region 2 USDF Finals at
Waterloo in the Fall.
Video Library: no report.
Website: Barb Reis reported that the MDA
website does not support filling out membership
forms on line. She did report the use of PayPay is
possible and that there is no fee for this service for
a non-profit organization. There was discussion
about other possibilities to explore that might
allow for the use of on-line forms.
Old Business: Will Davis indicated that it was
past the date to have a proxy presence at the
USDF Convention that is being held in Las Vegas.
However, he will check to see if it is not too late
to send a delegate with the MDA votes. Motion
by Sue Snethkamp that if it is not too late that the
MDA send a delegate to the USDF Convention
with an expense limit of $1000.00. Seconded by
Lisa Machala. Approved by voice vote.
The next meeting of the MDA Board was
approved for Wednesday, October 7, 2015
at 6:30 PM at the White Horse Restaurant in
Metamora. Motion by Tom Bird to Adjourn.
Seconded by Lisa Howle. Meeting adjourned at
7:55 pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
Tom Bird, MDA Secretary
Dressage and the OTTB: The Real Story
By Allison Gaughan-McNab
Whenever I see an article written by some of the great upper-level trainers discussing the merits of
re-training off-the-track Thoroughbreds for Dressage, I read it with great interest. As a dressage trainer
myself, I specialize in re-training these masterful athletes for new careers in the show ring. And while
the articles I read are usually well-written and insightful, the authors often gracefully gloss over what I
have come to know as “Reality and Your OTTB”.
First, while your OTTB, whom you have already renamed “Turbo” has been at the track and seen and
heard all kinds of sights and sounds, nothing can prepare him for the sight of that odd-looking piece of
real estate we know as the dressage ring. To Turbo, it is a really small and nicely decorated track. And
he is the only one in the race, unless you are lucky enough to have “competition” in the next ring over
from another horse doing a canter lengthening behind you. Then the race begins! The start gate has
been replaced by the letter “A” and some fake flowers (which Turbo has already sampled and deemed
inedible), and you are a very fancily dressed jockey asking yourself that nagging question: “Am I still
covered by my husbands’ insurance plan or did he drop me from it the last time I went to the ER because
Turbo zigged and I zagged?” Thankfully you are able to perform most of the movements in the general
locations where they have been prescribed by test writers who it turns out, have been overly generous
with the time allowed.
Secondly, your horse will never look like a warmblood. It’s a cross all Thoroughbred riders have to bear.
Turbo will never be the big-boned SUV-type horse that is warming up in the ring with you. As your
nemesis warms up Schnitzel von PoopsWithAnAccent, a horse dripping in dollar signs and wearing
more bling than Katy Perry, you prance around on your skinny Thoroughbred – a horse that looks more
like an equine version of a greyhound than a dressage horse. And while Schnitzel plods around causing
the earth to quake, Turbo blithely skims across the ground pretending that a lengthening is the Kentucky
Derby that he never got to run. Schnitzel will run into you in awkward attempts at half-pass but it’s
alright because Turbo was retired from racing because of that nasty habit of biting the other horses in the
race when they got too close. And the big kind eye that those warmblood trainers are so fond of? Turbo
happily shows you the whites of his…every time you ask for a half-halt.
Lastly, while there is really no trainer that can truly teach “feel”, no one can really teach a rider to
have a sense of humor. I always tell my students when they announce that they would like to go to the
track “horse shopping” that you need a sense of humor more than you need money. Thoroughbreds
most definitely have their place in the world of dressage. Who can forget the great Keen? But it takes a
patient, special rider to work with an OTTB. I always laugh because more often than not, when I take a
young OTTB to their very first show the comment that I seem to always get from the judge is “tactful
ride.” I believe that is judge-speak that translates to “You’re a great negotiator.” While you can try to
master the art of dressage, you will never master a Thoroughbred – they will always be your greatest
teachers.
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Website posting included.
Free Stable Listings: include
contact info, city and three
lines. Ads subject to editing.
Newsletter/Website Editor:
Barbra Reis
blondmane@gmail..com or
248-670-9031
Check payable to MDA
and send to:
Barbra Reis, 490 Rissman
Lane, Ortonville, MI 48462
Apparel and Tack Your
Ad Here!
Horses for Sale or Lease
Your Ad Here!
Help Wanted
Your Ad Here!
Instruction and Training
Your Ad Here!
In Search of
Your Ad Here!
Classified ads are one of
the many “perks” of MDA
membership. As a member
you can run an ad (60 words
or less) in our newsletter and
website for FREE! An ad
will run for two issues and
then, if you’d like, you can
run another ad! We hope
that MDA classified ads wil
help our members sell horses, tack, apparel, and trailers.
And that ads will also help
trainers find more students
and barns to fill more stalls.
You can also use ads to help
you find something you’ve
been searching for– such as
the perfect horse to buy or
lease or a specific type of
used saddle.
It’s easy to place an ad – just
email the wording to our
newsletter editor Barbra
Reis at blondmane@gmail.
com and we will take it from
there!
Stable Listings
Brilliant Reflection Farm
Brian & Barbra Reis
490 Rissman Lane
Ortonville, MI 48462
248-670-9031
www.brilliantreflectionfarm.com
Lessons, Boarding, Rehab for
equine, Schooling Shows, Turnout,
Indoor/Outdoor arenas.
Deisig Dressage
Janelle Deisig
7330 E. Curtis Road
Frankenmuth, MI 48734
989-598-6850
Janelledeisig@yahoo.com
www.deisigdressage.com
Dressage training, sales, trailer in
lessons
Far Gone Farm
Allison Gaughan-McNab
923 Sharon Hollow Road
Manchester, MI 48158
9734-276-8967
fgfsporthorses@yahoo.com
Boarding, Lessons Training, Breeding, Sales
Lone Willow Farms
Ingrid Baranski
5781 Hessen Road
Casco, MI 48064
586-306-6275
www.lonewillowfarms.net
Reflection Arabians
Jim & Nancy Lapeer
3332 Lake George Road
Dryden, MI
Sky High Farm
1759 Smith Road
Lapeer, MI. 48446
248-890-2426
jenmaull@yahoo.com
http://skyhighfarm.vpweb.com.
Boarding & Dressage Training
Southview Farm
Sandra Tull
8023 N. Center Road
Mt Morris, MI 48458
810-397-0387
sandytulldressage.com
Dressage training, Coaching at
shows, Sales,Trailer in welcome
Will travel for lessons, Hosting
clinics with Internationally known
clinicians
Summerwood
Teah Weyers Bankes
3589 Fenton Road
Hartland, MI 48353
248-887-3819 or 248-408-7842.
Training - GP dressage. Work with
pony clubbers.
Visual Equestrian LLC
Tonya & Carole Grant
5390 Pleasant Hill drive
Fenton, Michigan 48430
248-219-0410
Dressage training, Sale horses and
ponies, Pony program, Clinics
Trailer in lessons welcome
Will Davis Training Center
@Rattlewood Farms
Oxford, MI
810-387-2011
Boarding, Training, Lessons, Clinics with international trainers, home
to MidMichigan Dressage shows
Calendar of Events
November 2015
4 - MDA Board of Directors meeting, McPhee’s in Ortonville, 6:30pm.
15 - Dressage Schooling Show at Brilliant Reflection Farm, Ortonville, MI. Intro to Dressage thru 2nd Level. Casual show,
no braiding or show clothes. Prize list and entry form available at www.brilliantreflectionfarm.com/dressage-schoolingshows-2015.html
20-22 Nancy Baker Dressage clinic at Pepper Ridge Equestrian Center, Holly MI. Please call 517-404-1157 for availability
and pricing. See Wicklowdressage.com for more information.
22 - MDA Year End Awards Banquet at Addison Oaks County Park, Leonard, MI. Items needed for auction to be held at
banquet. Please contact Denise Gentile at dar-den@comcast.net (586) 463-7741.
December 2015
20 - Dressage Schooling Show at Brilliant Reflection Farm, Ortonville, MI. Intro to Dressage thru 2nd Level. Casual show,
no braiding or show clothes. Prize list and entry form available at www.brilliantreflectionfarm.com/dressage-schoolingshows-2015.html
January 2016
21 - MDA Movie night at Deisig Dressage in Frankenmuth, MI. Free to Members, pizza and refreshments. Starts at 7:00pm.
RSVP to Janelle at 989-598-6850 or Janelledeisig@yahoo.com.
February 2016
25 - MDA Movie night at Brilliant Reflection Farm in Ortonville, MI Free to Members, pizza and refreshments. Starts at
7:00pm. RSVP to Barb at 248-670-9031 or blondmane@yahoo.com.
Midwest Dressage Association
Membership application
December 1, 2015—November 30, 2016
Membership Information:
Name:
Renewal (MDA #):
Farm/Business Name:
Street:
Zip:
Rider Status:
Phone:
Open
Adult Amateur
Email:
New Member :
Date of Birth
City:
State:
Junior/Young Rider (Must be under 21 as of 12/1/2015)
If a rider status is not selected, applicant will be considered as Open for all MDA purposes including year end awards. Adult Amateur status is limited
to riders who meet the guidelines of USEF GR808.
Family Memberships:
Name:
Phone:
Rider Status:
Open
Only the primary member will receive monthly newsletters and yearly directories.
Email:
Adult Amateur
Date of Birth
Junior/Young Rider (Must be under 21 as of 12/1/2015)
***********************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Name:
Phone:
Rider Status:
Open
Email:
Adult Amateur
Date of Birth
Junior/Young Rider (Must be under 21 as of 12/1/2015)
***********************************************************************************************************************************************************************
I would like to be listed in the MDA Directory with the following services:
 Boarding Facility  Training Facility  Trainer (will travel)  Judge  Other:
Member these services apply to:
 I DO NOT want my information printed in the MDA Directory
All Members receive a membership card and lapel pin, monthly newsletters, a yearly directory, and a group membership to Unite d
States Dressage Foundation (USDF) for the membership year. The effective date of membership is the postmarked date of the
application. MDA is not r es pons ible for late, delayed, or m is dir ected m ail. Pleas e allow thr ee weeks for proces s ing of MDA
application and USDF group membership.
For Questions, please contact: Julie Fleming
membership@midwestdressage.org
Office Use Only:
PM:
AMT:
CK:
TOTALS: Adult Am ateur/Open ($51) $
Junior ($41)
Family Members ($21 X
$
)
$
 MDA Annual Awards
$
Non US Mailing address (add’l $15)
$
I would like to donate to: (tax deductible) Please indicate amt.
 MDA Educational Clinics $
Less MDA Bucks (Please Include) $
TOTAL PAID: $___________
Please make checks payable to MDA and send to Julie Fleming, 9480 W. Grand River Rd., Fowlerville, MI 48836
It’s time to renew
your MDA Membership
for 2016!
Fill out the application at the back of the newsletter and either
bring to the Awards Banquet or send to Julie Fleming!
c/o Barbra Reis
Brilliant Reflection Farm
490 Rissman Lane
Ortonville, MI 48462
Midwest Dressage Association