Who needs that pesky Punxsutawney groundhog telling us when winter will end when we have our horses??!?! Phil might say six more weeks, but I have it on the best horse authority that spring is just around the corner. Jeepers has begun The Shedd. This is a sign that the days are getting longer, that we will be riding again, and that before we know it the grass will be green (Jeeps tells me this last item should be the first).

We all had a great time at the Banquet, Sixth Annual. Almost sixty members and friends turned out, even if it was Super Bowl Sunday and the Patriots were going to be whipping the butts of those Panthers. Next year’s Super Bowl schedule has already been explained to us, so we won’t do that again! Congratulations to all the winners!!!!!!! You can find out the complete list on our web site – crdressage.org. This year, due to the snow storm that caused the cancellation of the Holiday Show in December, Pam created a new awards category, "Could Have Been a Contender, if it hadn’t snowed," and ribbons where handed out in Leadline, Intro, Training, First, and Musical Freestyle categories.

Three Cheers to Pam for organizing a wonderful event. With help in procuring the awards and ribbons from Kathy O’Leary and Barbara Gokey. Thanks to Kelli Mason who did a terrific job at organizing Barnyard Bingo. She made up the score cards, had the clues and supplied the prizes. She also brought all the materials needed i.e. crayons, paper, wooden poles, for the kids attending to make their own stick horses.

I don’t know if anyone really thinks about it, but it is important to note that most of the awards were donated by our sponsors: Dover Saddlery, The Saddle Shed, and The Mane Place. CRDA purchased saddle pads and tote bags and had them embroidered with the club logo. These went to some of the winners and the volunteers.

Since March is just around the corner, I know I rushing things here, I am once again putting in a plug for the Centered Riding Clinic with Deb Moynihan on March 21st at Apple Knoll Farm. This will be a great way to start off your season. Centered Riding is an innovative way of expressing the classical principles of riding, using body awareness, centering and imagery. It encompasses all seats and styles of riding, and teaches a language that allows clearer communication between horse, rider, and instructor.

This one-day clinic will give you an introduction to Centered Riding. Deb will begin in the morning with a lecture and unmounted groundwork, followed by mounted rides. The lecture/groundwork is for all participants, as well as auditors. Semi-privates: $45 members/$55 non-member; privates available upon request. The lesson price includes the morning lecture/unmounted groundwork. Auditors only $5 members; $7.50 non-members. Contact: Carolyn Wolfe (401) 353-1204 or email wylecoyote@cox.net.

Centered Riding was developed by Sally Swift, author of the best-selling books and videotapes. For additional information you can visit the web site centeredriding.org

And since we are talking about March, April is not far beyond. April 2 & 3 is the Musical Freestyle Clinic with Kelli Mason at Letter Perfect Farm, Uxbridge. Friday night, Kelli will offer a detailed overview discussion of what is required according to the AHSA/FEI rules, focusing on training and first levels (higher levels if there is interest); how to select music that is appropriate for both horse and rider, the different gaits, what the judges like to see. She will explain how to get started, how to experiment with music, music phrasing, artistic interpretation, and how to arrange the choreography to showcase your horse’s abilities. Kelli will also discuss scoring by reviewing the technical side - compulsory movements; the artistic impression -what the scoring in broken into; and the importance of paying attention to the different coefficients. A variety of videos showcasing some of the best riders and performances will be viewed. Friday night is open to everyone who is interested in learning about Freestyles, even if you don’t ride on Saturday.

Saturday’s mounted clinic will be an opportunity to ride to a variety of music and learn what type of music works best with your horse. You will also be able to see Kelli choreograph a program for someone who already has their music selected.

Friday night only is $5 for members/$10 non members. Semi-privates: $55 for members; $65 for non-members. The lesson price includes the Friday night discussion. Contact: Kelli Mason at (508) 278-9905 or email kelli@letterperfectfarm.com.

I won’t go on about all the other upcoming events. You can check them out on our web site crdressage.org. But I would like to mention that we will be holding a Used Tack Sale at the Adult Camp in May. Great place for all those horse items you no longer need. Keep this in mind as you particpate in the ancient custom of Spring Cleaning. And keep this in mind when you start to think about all those horse items you need! Contact Kelli if you have things you would like to move to a new home. Her contact info is just above.

See you in the saddle
Jamie

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