September 2013

If I were to ask which part of the horse’s anatomy is the most important in training for the sport of dressage you might answer that it is the hindquarters. It would be dif-ficult to disagree. However, there are means by which a horse can disallow the trainer/rider to have access to its hindquarters. How many evasions are you familiar with? And what are they? Of all the aids we use in riding a horse, to me the most important is the combination of seat and leg used to send the horse forward to the hand which receives and shapes the energy. The rider’s hand holds the rein—which is attached on both sides of the bit, which itself is located in the horse’s mouth. How the horse deals with the bit is what determines what happens in the rest of its body. It’s as simple as that—but at the same time, it is a totally sophisticated necessity if you want to be a “feeling” rider with a relaxed and responsive horse. A relaxed jaw allows the horse’s mouth to be recep-tive to coordinated “driving” and “restraining” aids. The rider “asks” and then allows the horse to “answer”. The horse with a “good mouth” responds to the rider’s request without pulling or locking the jaw, but by doing what the rider has requested, such as increasing the engagement, moving laterally, changing gaits or whatever. (From the USDF Glossary of Judging Terms [caps my emphasis]: “Throughness/Through: State in which the rider’s aid in-fluences go freely through to all parts of the horse, from back to front and front to back - e.g., the rein aids go through and REACH and INFLUENCE the HIND LEGS. Prerequisites for this state are good connection and posi-tive mental/emotional state.”)

No doubt you know that the rider should use the aids in such a manner that one rides the horse forward to the bit (hand). Contact is not established by first tightening the reins to get a feel of the bit. Instead ride forward in a relaxed and energetic manner offering the rein to the horse. As the horse reaches (finds) the bit through the forward extension of its neck the horse has taken the first step toward a relaxed jaw. If the rider is not equally supple in the hand (contact) as well as the rest of his/her body the horse may well defend itself by tightening its jaw and thereby also the poll and all of the muscles back to the tail. The rider has inadvertently created a barrier which must be eliminated before the leg can effectively create energy and engagement in the horse’s hind legs. If the rider wonders about the possible truth to such a statement please take a look at the same USDF Glossary of Judging Terms. There are at least eight specific refer-ences to the bit. There are 18 additional references to the influence of the bit as can/might be observed by a judge in a dressage test. Most specific are the directives for dres-sage tests starting at Training Level; “acceptance of con-tact with the bit.” First Level states further: “to maintain a more consistent contact with the bit.” Second Level and beyond: is “reliably on the bit.” Look again at “Submis-sion” in the Collective Marks. There are many steps between acceptance of the bit and being reliably on the bit. It can take years to achieve the latter for an inexperienced rider or with an inexperi-enced horse. Perhaps the very first place to start the train-ing process is with a thorough examination of the horse’s mouth as well as the correct fitting of the bit being used.

The View from C: Yielding in the Jaw by Betty Jo Crosby

Cont Page 4

Sun ‘n Sand Dressageat Equine EdenAugust 3, 2013

This year’s show was again held at the beautiful facility owned and operated by Tim and Eve Gentz on a picture perfect day. Many thanks to Tim and Eve and their fabulous crew of vol-unteers who directed and guided competitors around the barns and grounds!

Some highlights from the day were the strong groups of ju-niors in Training and First levels and also competitive First level Adult Amateurs. The rider tests in Training and First level—as well as the sole entry in the new Western Dressage, Amanda Terpstra, riding at Level 1—were entertaining and a nice change from our traditional classes.

Many competitors were unaware that running concurrent-ly with this show, a team of Pony Clubbers were having a ‘mock’ dressage rally using their riding scores from the ADA classes as well as additional scores for a formal turnout in-spection, stable management, and equine/tack turnback. The team of six (four of them ADA junior members) did very well and learned a lot about being independent, working as a team, and maintaining good sportsmanship. The girls be-long to the local Pony Club branch, Grand River Pony Club (led by Pam Liggett), which accepts members up to 25 years of age in following with United States Pony Club guidelines. Also well worth mentioning was a special ribbon awarded to Liz Rice by fellow competitor Jeana Schuitman, who chose a particularly creative way to invite her good friend to be a bridesmaid at her upcoming wedding. Congrats Jeana!

Thanks to all who competed and especially to those who vol-unteered, including the scoring team of Deb Danowski and Cheryl Lamphere from Country View Stables in Sparta, and scribes Jaci Dryer and Lisa Westcott-Dryer from Serenity Farm. Thanks also to the runners, ring crew, and ring stew-ards, all from Grand River Pony Club.

Special thanks to my family for ring set up, office work, and that friendly, helpful face that met the competitors at check in.

Regular dentistry should eliminate mouth issues such as sharp edges which can lacerate cheeks and cause continu-al pain. An inappropriate or poorly fitted bit can cause the same problem. Any horse with a physical problem in its mouth is not going to be comfortable in its work. For example, I am working with a horse that I pur-chased in March, 2012. The horse, a 13 year old 16 hh gelding, was competing at Intermediate Level in eventing. I liked his temperament immediately. I was aware that he was “heavy” on the bit and that he was very stiff when going to the right. However, there was something in the horse that prompted me to buy him. He was a good size for me and he obviously had a good mind. The last year has been one of discovery. The normal vetting did not show a particular problem in the back (sacroiliac joint) or his mouth. Both became apparent as we got to know one another. In a nutshell, the horse just about pulled me out of the saddle when working in a snaf-fle. After about six months, I put him in a double bridle. The instant I got on his back, I felt the difference: he could not lock his jaw on the bits, and I was therefore able to have access to his hind end. In a relatively short time I could collect him into a “pirouette canter” or go from a nicely collected canter to a medium canter and back to collected with no change of balance. But the problem was not solved. His behavior became almost frantic when being bridled. In another nutshell: ulcers. I was stressing him too much. Therefore, my horse is now on daily treatment for his ulcer, has had is mouth thoroughly worked on and is clearly becoming the “very nice guy” that I knew he was. According to the horse den-tist my horse had injured his jaw, probably because it is unusually narrow. At the Intermediate level an eventing horse gallops very fast, on the forehand, and jumps high. This horse knew his job, did it well, and but was not very adjustable in longitudinal work. I mention my horse’s issues because I am even now at age 79 still learning ways to get him to yield in the jaw on the right side. I work and supple at the walk for at least 15 minutes. Some days we only walk. After weeks of doing this and adding occasional trot and canter, always asking for yielding, I am finding a more responsive horse that springs off the ground and gives a satisfied sigh at the end of the work. I do this by taking the right rein, going to the right, and asking him to accept the bit with flexion in the poll. I use

no left rein to begin with. I bring the rein against his neck and raise my hand slightly. He has not liked this process, but as he learns that he can accept the bit on the right side of his mouth, I can feel his right hind connecting. (I also ask the horse to yield to the left hand in our warm-up—but that direction is easy.) There are no mechanical devices that can take the place of a sensitive and “feeling,”-reactive hand. Some day soon, I may return to the double bridle, but when I do it will be with an entirely different understanding of how respectfully I must treat my horse’s jaw! To return to the subject from the judge’s point of view. Judges look for horses who are being ridden by under-standing and balanced riders whose shoulders, elbows and hands are supple, and who have a stable and secure seat. This allows us to see clearly the energy being re-cycled through the entire horse as demonstrated by the muscling in the horse’s neck and bouncy, powerful but relaxed movement. Would that we could all experience the complete bal-ance and harmony that Charles DeKunffy refers to when he states that simply closing one finger (on a thoroughly trained horse) will bring the hock up and more forward. Look in almost any book about dressage and check the references to the jaw, bit, mouth. Even the Greek philos-opher Xenophon said (in 400 BC), “As for the mouth, you must take as much care to make it soft as you take to make the hooves hard; and the same treatment softens a horse’s mouth that softens a man’s flesh.”

The View from C cont.

Sam Haagsma and Deo Gratias prepare for their ride at the Serenity Farm Fall Dressage Show. Photo by Emily Bengelink.

2013 ADA BoardNelly Cooper • President ADA Annual Show Chair nellycooper@aol.com (616) 676-3113

Janine Holmes • Vice-President jhequestrian@comcast.net(616) 723-4122

Barbara Gering • Secretary/Treasurer geringb@gmail.com(616) 977-9790 Diane McNultyPoints & Membership Mcnultydmm66@gmail.com(616) 886-1864

Denise Colon-Bonet • Banquet cbsparta@yahoo.com(989)560-2358

Kathy WaltersRapport Newsletterkathybhsai@tm.net(616) 334-3219

Lynn LentzEducation / Events lentz.lynn@yahoo.com (616) 302-8858

Ginny Smith Omnibus/Show Sanctioningchaffeesmith@hotmail.com (616) 874-9987

Tara KeelWebsite and Marketingtara@jabaridesign.com

Barbara Bytwerk • Advertising bbytwerk@havenanimalhospital.com (616) 638-0237

What ADA Means to Me.Youth Rider of the Month: Abby LiggettHi! My name is Abby Liggett. I have been riding for almost 3 years. Two of them were spent riding in ADA and doing shows. I like the ADA shows because I can compete and be challenged but in a friendly, less stressful way. I also like learning from the judge’s comments, so I can become a better rider. Making some new friends who like the same things I do is cool, too. Last April, I got my first horse, and she is named Bailey. Bailey is an ador-able bay Arabian with a loving personality. My trainer, Lisa Knapp is great! She and Bailey and I work on flat work, some jumping and Horse Manage-ment. I am active in Pony Club and play volleyball and tennis. I will be going into 7th grade in Caledonia in the fall. I hope to participate in the ADA and Dressage Shows for many more years!

ADA Members – Please Respond!!Putting out a newsletter is very interesting, but it is costly and time consuming to print and send. This is your chance to provide feed-back to your organization’s leadership! Please tell us: – what do you like about this newsletter?– do you read the newsletter front to back or do you skim?– do you share this newsletter with anyone else? – do you think the printed version newsletter should be discontinued and the news and information posted on our Facebook site? – what else should we know?If feedback tells us it’s not of value, it may end, so please send us feedback! Call or email Kathy Walters (Newsletter Board Rep) at 616-334-3219 or kathybhsai@tm.net.

If you love your Rapport, lobby for it!

ATTENTION ADA MEMBERS: It is our intention that all sanctioned ADA shows focus on integrity, safety, fairness and fun. Members and participants should expect consistency among each of our shows. We will be striving to ensure our regulations are followed both by shows and show hosts. We hope you will enjoy the remaining show year and good luck!

Thomet July 20 & 21: Show RecapThomet Stables Dressage, July 20 and 21, turned out to be a bigger than normal show with two arenas running all day on Saturday under beautiful skies. Kerry Petty joined Dorothy Mueller in judging the show.

Show secretary Nelly Cooper would like to thank the many competitors who so graciously accepted day stalls in lieu of overnight stalls.

The championships are listed below. A complete list of show results is available on the ADA website.

Show Championships

Intro AAChampion: Pam Ditonto on Cowboy Dodger Too 68.437 Reserve: Ashley DenHartigh on Briarby 65

Intro JuniorChampion: Emily Siriano on Shaklan’s Premier 70.5 Reserve: Kellie Timmer on Zenae 69

Intro OpenChampion: Lisa Knapp on Denali 70.75 Reserve: Catie Cumming on Sassy-Classy 62.812

Training AAChampion: Sue Casey on Saturday Night Dealer 73.571 Reserve: Brittany Hunter on Chanting Jezebelle 65.357

Training Junior 15 & UnderChampion: Abby Haworth on Something Fishy 66.4 Reserve: Elena Trumbull on Jabula 65.416

Training Junior 16-21Champion: Lauren Prince on Emma 65.208 Reserve: Kellie Timmer on Zenae 64.357

Training OpenChampion: Lisa Knapp on Denali 69.791 Reserve: Nelly Cooper on Izzy Cool R What 64.6

First AAChampion: Jeana Schuitman on Wisdom’s Epiphany 71.206 Reserve: Cathy Bruinsma on Scenario 67.258

First JuniorChampion: Olivia Lorence on Rasputin 63.448 Reserve: Liz Rice on Tatu 55

First OpenChampion: Cathy Bruinsma on Scenario 66.612 Reserve: Kalie Groeneveld on Phyl 62.972

Second OpenChampion: Cathy Bruinsma on Scenario 61.428 Reserve: Kim Nobel on Pretty Special Titan 59.42

Pam Ditonto and Mic competed in theAdult Amateur division.

633 Lincoln Lake Ave, SELowell, MI 49331(616) 897-2615fax: (616) 897-3045

May 25 - Serenity Farm

June 15 & 16 - Thomet Stables

July 20 & 21 - Thomet Stables

July 27 - Concorde Ridge Eq. Ctr

August 3 - Equine Eden

August 31 - Serenity Farm

September 14 & 15 - ADA Annual Show at Thomet Stables

2013 ADA Shows

P.O Box 337Ada, MI 49301