Hoofbeats

COCHISE DRESSAGE AND EVENTING ASSOCIATION

Jan/Feb 2013 Rosalie Nitzsche and Bonny Glen Hi Jack

Message from the President

Happy New Year to all! I am looking forward to this year and to helping lead our club to even greater heights! We have a new Board of Officers and lots of enthusiastic volunteers to get this Club moving again. I was really encouraged to see the number of folks who showed up at our last meeting and hope we can continue with this momentum! I know meetings are not the most exciting things in our lives and believe me, I am not really thrilled to give up an evening either, but we need to have the membership at the meetings in order to conduct business and to ensure the membership has a strong voice in the direction of this club!!! The two most important things we have to discuss over the next few months are the revised Constitution and By Laws and the dates and places for our 2013 shows! We also need to find a place to hold the meetings. While it was wonderful that both Terri and Pia have volunteered to host the last and next meetings, we need to find a more central and public place. I will do my best hold true to my goal of not having any meeting go over one hour I also see meetings as a chance to meet each other and enjoy the company of other horse enthusiasts. If any member has any ideas on what else we need to do to encourage new membership and make this a more exciting club, please bring it up at one of the next meetings or email me. Just remember that in order to implement a new idea, we need someone to take charge of it and do the work. I want to point out that there are some great educational opportunities coming up this spring. Hilda Gurney is giving a two day seminar in Phoenix on 20-21 April - go to www.USDF.org for more information. Also Tucson Dressage Club will be holding a two day clinic with Charles DeKunfy on 18-19 May in Tucson - go to www.tucsondressageclub.org. Both of these presenters are pillars of the dressage community. I hope to see many of you at our next meeting! Happy New Year !! Charlotte Borghardt, President Cochise Dressage and Eventing Association

time before I pursued it.

On my twelfth birthday, my parents gave me my first horse. We lived on a farm and I did all the normal kid activities - 4-H shows, many neighborhood rides with friends, and so on. As a young adult I took a few jumping lessons, but after seeing some accidents, decided to change my focus to something I perceived to be less dangerous. My jumping instructor suggested dressage. A number of years passed with marriage and motherhood taking up most of my

I could be the poster child for buying horses for all the wrong reasons, I decided to shop for a horse with a bit more aptitude for dressage than any I currently owned. I shopped and I shopped. I really wanted a Morgan but they seemed in limited supply with the qualities I sought. Finally I narrowed the list to two and asked my trainer, Maryal Barnett, to make the choice. She chose a red chestnut Morgan gelding named Bonny Glen Hi Jack, age six. It seems he had a questionable past. He was shuttled from pillar to post, exposed to many differing disciplines and, after continually failing, landed back at his breeder's farm. Jack seemed to like the structure of dressage. He spent a month now and then with "Aunt Maryal" to learn new things. Our lessons progressed and, even though I had no plans to compete, we eventually found ourselves in the show ring. I think our competition career encompassed three years or so in the early nineties. We earned the American Morgan Association's Bronze Medallion in dressage, a second place in Training Level USDF Vintage Cup, and other certificates of achievement. Dressage was a fit for us. Jack is not a gorgeous horse. He does not have outstanding gaits or impulsion. What he does have in abundance is a kind, gentle, and willing spirit. He is honest and always gives the best he can. Cont. on page 2

Rosalie Nitzsche Cont. from pg 1

Jack successfully fought back from EPM and just last December suffered a torn cruciate ligament. The prognosis was to hope we could make him pasture sound, but his riding days seemed over. That was very difficult to accept, but the barn owner, Renee, took me aside and quietly said, "Don't count Jack out." She was right. After months of rehabilitation, we were back to limited arena work. With much encouragement, Jack and I joined a weekly riding and lunch group at the barn. When weather permits, we explore trails and fields. On the trail Jack is a calming influence for the younger horses when it comes to footing and wildlife issues. He is a joy to ride.

A friend of mine started talking about something called a Century Club Ride that could be done at the Michigan State University Dressage Club Fall Schooling Show. Since Jack is now 30 and I am 70, we qualified. I braided, clipped, and made Jack presentable for competition. It was my great pleasure to once again enter at A, halt at X, and share with him this last dressage test. We won Training Level Test 1 with a score of 70%. We concluded our show careers with the judge's kind words - "A pleasure to watch. Thank you." I consider our Century Club ride a gift from Jack. Through the years he has given me so much. He has taken me places I never thought I would go, literally and figuratively. We have made many wonderful memories and friends in our 24 years together.

Presidents Biography ~ Charlotte Borghardt

I was born in Germany but grew up in New York. My mother taught me to ride at an early age and later I was lucky enough to ride with Harry DeLeyer (of Snowman fame). Growing up on Long Island, I was exposed to the hunter/jumper world of the east coast and loved attending the National Horse Show in Madison Square Garden. But at that time there was not a lot of dressage going on - strictly hunter/jumpers. After joining the Army, I was stationed at Fort Devens, MA and had my first introduction to dressage by taking lessons at the Robert Halls Fulmer School of Equitation in Pepperell, MA. I also continued to ride the jumpers Moving to Germany (thanks to the US Army), I found a local stable to ride at and since I was the only English speaking student, I had to relearn all my German riding terms.I eventually wound up here at Ft Huachuca when there was little to no English riding in this area, so I spent a few years driving to Tucson every weekend to pursue dressage I later moved out to Hereford and brought my horses on my property but never did find the small English enclave that was here in this area. My interests changed, and I started breeding, showing and training dogs. So eventually, I sold all my horses but for some reason I held onto my equipment My participation in the dog world had expanded to my becoming an approved AKC judge for Dachshunds and Rhodesian Ridgebacks, being the Chairman of the Health Committee for the Dachshund Club of America and also being Show Chairman for the Greater Sierra Vista Kennel Club. During this time, I also left the military but continue to work for the Army Intelligence Center on Fort Huachuca. Purely by accident, a close friend of mine (an old Army Buddy) bought herself a new dressage prospect and invited me to come watch her lesson with Kris Wells. Needless to say, I got bit by the bug again and started to ride with Kris. One thing led to another and I bought a new horse and the rest is history, as they say. Over the years, I have had the opportunity to spend a week studying in Spain with Salvator Fabregas (former Chef dEquipe for the Spanish 3 Day Eventing team); spend a week studying classical dressage with Dr Thomas Ritter and have been lucky enough to spend a week with Jane Savoie and Ruth Hogan Poulsen in Wellington, FL. (Hopefully I can go back there perhaps next year). So now I have to balance my full time job with my dog pursuits as well as my horse activities. I am married to a retired firefighter, who is also my dog sitter and part time horse helped (very PART time).

Please bring an appetizer or dessert of your choice

CD & EA Meeting
24 Jan 6:30pm
Pia's house
Email Pia for the address at

piaz@yahoo.com

Meet the Members

Aime Arnold Riding since 2002 (10 years) Main Equine Interests: Eventing, General Horsemanship
I have always been fascinated with animals, any animals. I was raised with a Weimaraner and learned to walk holding her skin clenched in my baby fists. My mother said I once brought home a bobcat, although I do not remember the incident. I do remember asking my mother for a pony. We could not afford equine interaction let alone owning an equine. But, I was determined. When asked what I wanted for my fifth birthday I replied that since we could not afford a pony I would be willing to make a trade for the day: my Mom for a pony. Eventually, I was gifted two riding experiences on rental horses. Once in middle school and once in junior high. I was hooked for life. As an adult I rode twice more on rental horses and several times on my step-daughters horses prior to moving to Palominas. I took a job in Sierra Vista in late 2000, and for the first time in my life horses were within reach. We built a home and barn in Palominas and the real adventure began. Trail riding, cow sorting, and barrel racing were my first regular horseback riding activities. I had always been interested in jumping and decided to try Eventing. In 2006 I competed at my first Horse Trials (HT) and have been working toward my next HT competition ever since. Looking at the pictures from the 2006 HT I realized that I needed some good instruction and set my sights on becoming a better rider. I worked at improving my flat work while I searched for a good jumping coach. My event horse became lame and never recovered. I bought another and she died. Reggie, my current partner, along with my coach, Kathleen Zins, are teaching me to jump effectively and safely. I ride nearly every day and feel grumpy when I cannot. I regularly enjoy trail riding along the San Pedro River, in the Huachuaca Mountains, and in the fields near my home. I take riding lessons and work diligently at improving my riding skills. I count the days until my next jumping lesson and enjoy participating in schooling dressage shows.

Pia Szypko Riding since 1979 (34 years) Main Equine Interests: Dressage, Jumping, Horse Rescue, Trail Riding
I am originally from Sweden and My father put me on the first horse when I was 2, at least that's the first time I remember, and it was a Beautiful Arab when we were on vacation in Morocco. After that horses became my passion. I rode school horses - dressage and jumping and wild crazy trail rides. When I became a teenager I was lucky to have my own horse for a few years. Then there was about a 25 year gap where I sporadically got to ride depending on where the military brought us. When we finally made it back to the States and Virginia I found a hunt stable where they let me ride dressage and do some hunt seat jumping which I find "odd".. Much prefer "real" jumping but always fun to try new things. When we got to AZ I knew my husband was not far off from retiring from the Military so I was finally able to get my forever horse Jesse- a warmblood. I have since then adopted/rescued a Missouri Fox Trotter, a paint and an Arab. I still love dressage, jumping and going for trail rides although they are not wild and crazy anymore. I hope that we together can make CD&EA a fun active club where we can learn and share information beneficial to us all. Happy Trails!

Terri Renwick Riding since 1968 (45 years) Main Equine Interests: Dressage, Team Penning, Cross Country
I recently retired from 30 years of federal service, mostly with Dept of Army as a Computer Scientist. I rode school horses as a child and was fortunate to have a horse of my own for a year at Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas when I was 12. As an adult I got my Arabian mare, Dolly, in 1987. I started competing at Horse Trials in the mid 1990s with Dolly here in Arizona. We had lots more fun "eventing" than "showing" in Arabian Breed or Hunter/Jumper shows, so we stuck with it. Dolly and I did lots of trail riding and some Team Penning for fun and variety. Dolly had a filly, Mystee, which became my next partner in the sport. Mystee was the pony for me that every horse lover dreams of owning, a soul mate. Mystee and I had many years of fun, falls, sickness and health, traveling with Vicki Brown and Phillipe to events from New Mexico to California. I then purchased Leo, 13 year old Thoroughbred, who became Phillipes traveling companion through all the same states. Leo and I successfully bucked our way up to Training level. Completing any cross country course from Pre-Comp to Training is the best feeling in the world according to Terri. My homebred, Anglo Arab, Kendall began her career in hunter/jumper schooling shows and we made it to a couple of events before she started having serious health issues in 2009. Kendall is sound and we trail ride now. My dreams are to return to Eventing when I get a suitable partner. I was an original member of the Cochise Dressage and Combined Training Club, now CD&EA. Upon my retirement, I thought it would be good to help bring new life back into the association. It is my goal to encourage participation among the membership so everyone feels like it is their club. We need to bring in younger riders to promote the sports of Dressage and Jumping with educational and fun activities.

What Your Score Means

I heard a number of disappointed riders after the last show. The main comment was that they didn't have many positive comments on their score sheet. Well, there's a reason why. The judge's responsibility is to evaluate and verbalize, in a minimum of words, what would make the score higher. For instance, if you got a 5 as a score, the comment should reflect why it wasn't a 6 or what essential element needs improving. Also keep in mind that this must be done before the next movement is started. That's pretty quick. Comments must be concise as well, or the scribe will have a hard time writing it in the box and keeping up with the test. Your entire test usually takes about 6 to 8 minutes. After which another rider starts and expects the judge's undivided attention. At the bottom of your test you will often see a general comment. That is the place a judge will usually write the most reoccurring or important element that needs your attention. This is an area where they can quickly write other comments. If a judge takes too long the show will gradually get further and further behind time. If you are riding later in the day and thought your ride was at 1:20, it could easily move to 2:00, if the judge took even 1 or 2 minutes more. The judge also has a responsibility to show management and the competitors to try to keep the show running in a timely manner. Another thing to keep in mind is the score itself. It is not at all like school. If you got a 55 or a 60% on a test you might be sitting in study hall and losing your allowance. In dressage a 60% is a very respectable score. If you are new to the sport or riding an older school horse you will see some 50% scores. Keep in mind schooling shows are practice shows. They are designed to help you get comfortable with showing. You have an opportunity to work on improving your basics and learning the ropes. If you own a horse it's a great way to try a new test or bring a nervous horse along. Take it in stride (Pun intended) and have a good time! Compliments of Dorie Schmitz, Central Arizona Riding Academy

Sudden Death of Show Pony Clouds Image of Elite Pursuit

Early on the morning of May 26, Kristen Williams and her daughter, Katie, arrived at a barn on the grounds of the Devon Horse Show, where elite competitors in full dress have entertained spectators for the last century on Philadelphias Main Line. Ms. Williams had paid thousands of dollars to lease a pony for Katie to ride in a hunter competition, a 12th birthday present. Soon after arriving, their trainer left to administer an injection to a nearby pony, Humble, that Katies friend, also celebrating her 12th birthday, was scheduled to ride shortly. Moments later, with Ms. Williams and her daughter watching, Humble collapsed and died. The death of a supposedly fit pony about to carry a young rider over hurdles was worrisome by itself, but circumstances surrounding the death made it even more so. In the three days before Humble died, he had been scheduled to receive 15 separate drug treatments, including antiinflammatories, corticosteroids and muscle relaxants, according to his medication chart. The average horse that walks in my clinic here doesnt get anything like that, said Dr. Kent Allen, chairman of both the veterinary and the drugs and medications committees of the United States Equestrian Federation, the sports nonprofit governing body. It gets a diagnosis and then gets a very specific, appropriate treatment. The horse-racing industry has openly debated the influence of drugs on the safety and integrity of the sport, and has taken significant steps this year to minimize it. But in the cloistered equestrian world, medicating horses has attracted much less public attention. To read the story in its entirety please go to: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/28/us/ponys-deathdraws-notice-to-drugs-in-show-ring.html?smid=fb-share&_r=0

FOR SALE - FOR SALE - FOR SALE

Contact Terri Renwick for items listed below, 520-249-4601, tyrenwick@gmail.com 70 Stable Blanket with Outer Cover to keep blanket clean - Excellent Condition, Black with Gray binding, Closed Front, $40.00 74 Fleece Blanket Liner, Never used, Black, Closed Front, No straps, $15 68 Nylon Sheet, Good Condition, Blue with Green trim, Buckle Front, Surcingle belly strap, Leg Straps, $5.00 72 Fleece Sheet, Excellent Condition, Royal Blue, heavyweight fleece, Buckle Front, Cross T-Lock Surcingles, Leg Straps, $35.00 75 Masta Fleece Sheet, Excellent Condition, Deep Turquoise Blue, Lightweight Fleece, Buckle Front, Cross T-Lock Surcingles, tail strap, $30 68 Waterproof Blanket, Excellent Condition, SSTack Storm Shield VTEK, Heavyweight, Blue and Silver, $80 Medium Neck Cover, Excellent Condition, SSTack Storm Shield VTEK, Heavyweight, Blue and Silver, $30 28 Dressage Girth for long billets, black leather, $25.00 18 Chafeless Dressage Girth for long billets, Curved elastic synthetic dressage girth that moves with your horse to prevent chafing and to maximize comfort. Stainless steel roller buckles. Easy care; wipes clean. $16.00 Foal or Mini Halters, pink, green, blue, $5.00/each Ulster Open front jumping boots which fit small horse/pony or Arabian $25.00 Woof Single Lock Brushing Horse boots (pair) Medium $25.00 Splint boots, pair, Medium $10.00 Snaffle bits: 4 Full Cheek $13.00; 5 Slow Twist Eggbutt $14.00; 5 French Training Loose Ring $10.00; 5 Hollow Mouth Loose Ring $10.00; 6 Level 1, Myler Loose Ring Comfort Snaffle with some copper on mouthpiece $30.00 Contact Aimee Arnold for item listed below, southbranchada@gmail.com MCD Sport Classic Stirrup, $110, like new

Cochise Dressage and Eventing Association Minutes of Meeting 5 Dec 2012 Meeting began at 7:00- approximately 40 people in attendance Opening statement/ information provided by Carolyn Weaver, President: Dues. Why do we pay $40 and $20? The USDF gets $20 of the $40 to enable the member to also be a member of USDF for a reduced cost and receive the benefits of that membership while supporting the local Group Member Organization (GMO) of their choice. Supporting members are $20, $10 of which goes to USDF. A GMO can charge whatever they wish for membership as long as USDF gets their fee. For example- The Tucson Dressage Club fee is $45. $20 goes to USDF, $15 to the club. Shows on Saturday and Sunday. We have members that volunteer at CANTER, which is held on Saturdays, and members that will not show on Sundays. That is why I have always tried to have at least one show on Saturday and one on Sunday. Insurance- $465 for 12 months. Currently due in April 2013. This gives the club $500 thousand coverage for 7 events a year at any location. We need 20 regular memberships and 6 supporting memberships just to pay for the insurance. This is why it is so important that people pay membership fees in a timely manner. Membership fees did not cover the insurance for 2012. Cost of putting on a show. Retaining a Judge must be done months in advance because they also have shows to ride in and other shows to judge. The sooner we call them better chance of securing helpful judges. We pay $150 for an L judge, $200 if we are lucky enough to get an S judge. Arena costs can be anywhere from $50 to $200. The less the arena costs, the more of the proceeds we can put into the bank for future shows, clinics, special events or donations to local equine rescues or other non-profits such as CANTER. We charge $15 per class for members of CD&EA and of Tucson Dressage Club, others $20 per class. Western Dressage. We offered western dressage classes in both our shows in 2012 and they were quite successful. They are a great addition and can help us all learn more from each other. This is an evolving sport, not without controversy, so we will hopefully continue to offer and provide education for those wishing to learn more. Club assets. CD&EA has one Standard size Dressage arena and one show jumping course, both donated to the club in 2006 and 2007 by the Huachucans organization. They were donated as a result of an application by CD&EA on the basis they would be used by the club to provide equestrian opportunities to the local community with an emphasis on children. The dressage arena currently is stored in a small trailer for easy transport to show locations and the jumps are stored at Rockin JP Ranch in Palominas. Other assets are cross country course flags stored at Rockin JP and ribbons and other show necessities stored in the garage of Carolyn Weaver. Nominations and Voting for Executive Board positions. Charlotte Borghardt had volunteered for position of President and spoke regarding her qualifications and vision for the club, advertising and promotion plans. Dede Havens moved that members present vote on the slate of candidates previously identified via email- President- Charlotte Borghardt; Vice President- Terri Renwick; Secretary Carolyn Weaver; Treasurer-Pia Szykpo. Vote was unanimous to accept. Election completed. Volunteers for other positions: o Newsletter- Carissa Hernandez o Membership- Carolyn Weaver o Web Master (http://www.cdandea.com/about-us.html) George Weaver o Awards Chair Aimee Arnold o Show Organizer- Cindy Normandeau- duties- organize and run show. Locations to be determined by majority vote. o Clinic Organizer Pia Szypko o New position to coordinate and ensure we publish all local, State, and Area equestrian events in our newsletter and on the website Eileen Swiers, Terri Renwick, Kathryn Calkins. * Relevance and currency of existing by-laws discussion tabled for a later date- Terri and Pia will research. * Discussion of recognition of our shows by TDC, which requires a fee be paid, usually $100 or $125, to TDC for each show- Terri Renwick moved that we have shows so recognized, seconded by Dede Havens- Motion carried. * Terri Renwick motioned that Joe Scelso be made an honorary member as a thank you for the years of support by Rockin JP-motion carried. * Discussion of safety of cross country jumping course in light of fissures which have made it unsafe to use in recent years. Brian Normandeau volunteered to contact Joe Scelso for discussion. * Meetings to held last Thursday of each month. Next meeting 24 Jan, at Pia Szykpos. * Meeting adjourned 845 pm.

Quick Tip: Giving horses ulcer guard when preparing to ship will save you a bunch of time and frustration.

JANUARY
January 19 & January 20, Tucson Dressage Club Recognized Show, Winter Heat I & II, Pima County Fairgrounds. Secretary Dian Seabury dfseabury@gmail.com, 520-906-5545 January 19, Care For The Horses Fundraiser, Horse Training Demonstration-Calming Cues & Spook In Place, 10am to 2pm, Darci Witlicki, clinician, Benson. For more information contact careforthehorses.com or call 520-559-2224 January 26, Continued Ed, Pima Community College, HERD, AN 131 Spook in Place Demonstration. Location, Darcie Litwicki Equine Services, Vail. See pima.ed/continuinged for more information January 27, Dressage and Western Dressage Test Riding Clinic Series at Dressage in the Desert, St David. For more information see dressageinthedesert.com or contact Colleen@dressageinthedesert.com

MARCH
March 2, J-Six Ranch Equestrian Center, Spring Ranch Buckle Series Gymkhana (2/4) 9am, Time Only Runs 9am-10:30am. All day activities. Divisions: Leadline*, Novice Rider*, Novice Horse*, 7 and under, 8-13, 1418,19+, 50+, awards. Call 520-343-0535 March 2, Continued Ed, Pima Community College, HERD, AN 102 Horse 102. Location, Darcie Litwicki Equine Services, Vail. See pima.ed/continuinged for more information March 2, Men's Intimacy Workshop, Sherry Simon-Heldt, MS, LISAC, CG-C, Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapist, Jim Morris, Ph.D, LPC, Somatic Psychotherapist, Tucson, 9:30am to 3:30pm, see equineexplorations.com for more information March 3, High Desert Stables Show Series, Western Dressage, InHand Suitability, Intro Level to 2nd Level Dressage. Jackpot for High Score, normandeau@cis-broadband.com, or call 520-366-5581 for more information March 3, Dressage and Western Dressage Test Riding Clinic Series at Dressage in the Desert, St David. For more information go to dressageinthedesert.com or contact Colleen@dressageinthedesert.com March 3, Arizona Dressage Association, Schooling Show, Dale Creek Equestrian Village, Litchfield Park. For more information contact laura.borghesani@gmail.com March 10, Tucson Dressage Club, Recognized Schooling Show, M2 Sporthorses, Tucson. See tucsondressageclub.org for more information March 10 & March 11, Desert Sport Horse/Care Free Farms, Schooling Jumper Day and Derby, Phoenix, contact laura.borghesani@gmail.com March 16, Gymkhana, Huachuca Saddle Club, 1st Buckle Series Time only 9 am to 11 am. Regular events begin at 11 a.m., Wren Arena, Fort Huachcua. Contact eileen@swranch.netfor more information March 16 and March 17, Tucson Dressage Club, March Madness I & II, Recognized Dressage Show, Pima County Fairgrounds. See tucsondressageclub.org for more information. March 24, Care Free Farms, Dressage Schooling Days, Phoenix. Contact laura.borghesani@gmail.com March 30 and March 31, Arizona Dressage Association, USEF/USDF Spring Celebration Horseshow. WestWorld, Scottsdale. For more information contact az.dressage@cox.net

FEBRUARY
February 2, J-Six Ranch Equestrian Center, Time Only Runs 9am10:30am, All day activities. Divisions: Leadline*, Novice Rider*, Novice Horse*, 7 and under, 8-13, 14-18,19+, 50+, awards. Call 520-3430535 for more information February 2, Arizona Dressage Association, Schooling Show, Dale Creek Equestrian Village, Litchfield Park, contact: k.smith@azdressage.org February 9, Continued Ed, Pima Community College, HERD, Horse 101, AN 101. Location, Darcie Litwicki Equine Services, Vail. See pima.ed/continuinged for more information February 9, Reconnecting Coupleship Workshop, Sherry Simon-Heldt, MS, LISAC, CG-C, Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapist, Jim Morris, Ph.D, LPC, Somatic Psychotherapist, Tucson, 10am to 3pm, for more information see equineexplorations.com February 10, High Desert Stables Show Series, Western Dressage, InHand Suitability, Intro Level to 2nd Level Dressage. Jackpot for High Score, normandeau@cis-broadband.com, or call 520-366-5581 for more information February 10, J-Six Ranch Equestrian Center, Roundpenning and Groundwork Clinic. Starts at 9am. Open to participants and auditors. Call 520-975-2822 for information and to reserve space. February 10, Dressage and Western Dressage Test Riding Clinic Series at Dressage in the Desert, St David. For more information go to dressageinthedesert.com or contact Colleen@dressageinthedesert.com February 10, Arizona Dressage Association, Fun In February, Recognized Dressage Show, Dale Creek Equestrian Village, Litchfield Park. For more information contact azdressage.org. February 10 & February 11, Desert Sport Horse and Care Free Farms, Schooling Jumper Games and Derby, Phoenix, contact: laura.borghesani@gmail.com February 16, J-Six Ranch Equestrian Center, Care For the Horses Charity Gymkhana, Time Only Runs start at 9am. Call 520-975-2822 for more information. February 16, Tucson Dressage Club, Recognized Schooling Show, Blue Banner, Tucson. For more information see tucsondressageclub.org February 16, Continued Ed, Pima Community College, HERD, AN 132 Science of Saddling. Equine Voices, Green Valley. See pima.ed/continuinged for more information February 17, Care Free Farms, Dressage Schooling Days, Phoenix,. For more information contact laura.borghesani@gmail.com

APRIL
April 3 to April 24, Continued Ed, Pima Community College, HERD, AN 101 Horse 101. Location, Darcie Litwicki Equine Services, Vail. See pima.ed/continuinged for more information April 6, Gymkhana, Huachuca Saddle Club, 1st Buckle Series - Time only 9 am to 11 am. Regular events begin at 11 a.m., Wren Arena, Fort Huachcua. Contact eileen@swranch.net for more information April 6, Continued Ed, Pima Community College, HERD, AN 127, Horse Acupressure, Location, PCC, Tucson. See pima.ed/continuinged for more information April 7th, High Desert Stables Show Series, Western Dressage, InHand Suitability, Intro Level to 2nd Level Dressage. Jackpot for High Score, normandeau@cis-broadband.com , or call 520-366-5581

APRIL cont.
April 7, Dressage and Western Dressage Test Riding Clinic Series at Dressage in the Desert, St David. For more information go to dressageinthedesert.com or contact Colleen@dressageinthedesert.com April 13, Tucson Dressage Club, Recognized Schooling Show, Doubletake Equestrian, Tucson. See tucsondressageclub.org for more information April 13, Arizona Dressage Association schooling show. Dale Creek Equestrian Village, Litchfield Park. For more information contact az.dressage@cox.net April 13 and April 14, USEF/USEA Recognized Division:T,N,BN USEF Endorsed/USEA Recognized Divisions:P, USEA Recognized Test:PreCom, St. Johns. See useventing.com for more information April 20 through April 21, Harmonizing with your Horse, Hilda Gurney, Clinician, USDF event, Central Arizona Riding Academy, San Tan Valley. Contact Katheryn Robertson, adultclinics@usdf.org April 20, Huachuca Saddle Club, Western/English Combined Show, Wren Arena, Fort Huachuca. Registration 7am. Show starts at 9am. Contact eileen@swranch.net April 21, Care Free Farms, Dressage Schooling Days, Phoenix. Contact laura.borghesani@gmail.com

JULY
July 6, Gymkhana, Huachuca Saddle Club, 2nd Buckle Series - Time only's 3pm to 5pm. Regular events will begin at 5pm., Wren Arena, Fort Huachcua. Contact eileen@swranch.net for more information July 13 and July 14, Coconino Summer I, USEF/USEA Recognized Division:T,N,BN, USEF Endorsed/USEA Recognized Divisions: IP,P USEA Recognized Test:CT-I,CT-P,Intro. Flagstaff. See useventing.com for more information July 18 through July 20, Coconino Classic 3-day event, USEF/USEA Recognized Division:T,T3D,N,BN, USEF Endorsed/USEA Recognized Divisions:IP,P, USEA Recognized Test:CT-A,CT-I,CT-P,CT-T,CTBN,5YO,N3D,Pre-Comp,YEH-4yo. Flagstaff. See useventing.com for more information July 18 through August 22, USEA Demo Event, USEF/USEA Recognized Division:PT USEF Endorsed/USEA Recognized Divisions:CCI2,IUSEA Recognized Test:CT-A,CT-T,2YO,3YO,4YO,5YO,YEAR. Catalina. See useventing.com for more information

AUGUST
August 3, Gymkhana, Huachuca Saddle Club, 2nd Buckle Series Time only's 3pm to 5pm. Regular events will begin at 5pm., Wren Arena, Fort Huachcua. Contact eileen@swranch.net for more information August 5- August 20, USEA Xentry Demo Event, USEF/USEARecognized Division:T,TR,N,NH,BN, USEF Endorsed/USEA Recognized Divisions:CCI2,P. Flagstaff. See useventing.com for more information August 17, Huachuca Saddle Club, Western/English Combined Show, Wren Arena, Fort Huachuca, registration 7am. Show starts at 9am, contact eileen@swranch.net for more information August 17, Arizona Dressage Association, USDF/USEF, Mountain Air, Recognized Show, Coconino County Fairgrounds (Fort Tuthill), Flagstaff. For more information see azdressage.org August 18, Arizona Dressage Association, USDF/USEF, Dressage in the Pines, Recognized Show, Coconino County Fairgrounds (Fort Tuthill), Flagstaff. For more information see azdressage.org

MAY
May 4, Gymkhana, Huachuca Saddle Club, 1st Buckle Series - Time only's 9 am to 11 am. Regular events will begin at 11 a.m., Wren Arena, Fort Huachcua. Contact eileen@swranch.net May 4, Tucson Dressage Club, Recognized Schooling Show, Constitution Show Stables, Tucson. See tucsondressageclub.org for more information May 4, Continued Ed, Pima Community College, HERD, AN 126, Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapy & Learning. Location, Rancho Amado, NE Tucson. See pima.ed/continuinged for more information May 6, Huachuca Saddle Club, Western/English Combined Show, Wren Arena, Fort Huachuca, registration 7am. Contact eileen@swranch.net May 12, Dressage and Western Dressage Test Riding Clinic Series at Dressage in the Desert, St David. For more information go to dressageinthedesert.com or contact Colleen@dressageinthedesert.com May 18 through May 19, Charles de Kunffy Symposium, Pima County Fairgrounds, Contact Mike Goss at mgossequestrian@yahoo.com or see tucsondressageclub.org for more information

SEPTEMBER
September 7, Tucson Dressage Club, Recognized Schooling Show, St. Georg, Sonoita. See tucsondressageclub.org for more information September 21 to September 22, Coconino H.T., USEF/USEA Recognized Division:T,N,BN USEF Endorsed/USEA Recognized Divisions:P, USEA Recognized Test:Pre-Comp, Flagstaff. See useventing.com for more information September 28, Tucson Dressage Club, Recognized Schooling Show, Constitution Show Stables, Tucson. See tucsondressageclub.org for more information

JUNE
June 1, Gymkhana, Huachuca Saddle Club, 1st Buckle Series - Time only's 9 am to 11 am. Regular events will begin at 11 a.m., Wren Arena, Fort Huachcua. Contact eileen@swranch.net for more information June 8, Tucson Dressage Club, Recognized Schooling Show, St. Georg, Sonoita. See tucsondressageclub.org for more information June 15, Huachuca Saddle Club, Western/English Combined Show, Wren Arena, Fort Huachuca, registration 7am. Show starts at 9am, contact eileen@swranch.net for more information.

OCTOBER
October, 5, Huachuca Saddle Club, Western/English Combined Show, Wren Arena, Fort Huachuca, registration 7am. Show starts at 9am, contact eileen@swranch.net

October cont.
October 12 and October 13, Grass Ridge H.T., USEF/USEA Recognized Division:T,N,BN USEF Endorsed/USEA Recognized Divisions:P, USEA Recognized Test:Pre-Comp, Sonoita. See useventing.com for more information October 19, Gymkhana, Huachuca Saddle Club, 2nd Buckle Series Time only's 9 am to 11 am. Regular events will begin at 11 a.m., Wren Arena, Fort Huachcua. Contact eileen@swranch.net for more information October 27, Tucson Dressage Club, Recognized Schooling Show, M2 Sporthorses. See tucsondressageclub.org for more information

NOVEMBER
November 2, Gymkhana, Huachuca Saddle Club, 2nd Buckle Series Time only's 9 am to 11 am. Regular events will begin at 11 a.m., Wren Arena, Fort Huachcua. Contact eileen@swranch.net for more information November 2 and November 3, Arizona Dressage Association, USEF/USDF recognized horse show, State Championships and Fall Fiestal, WestWorld, Scottsdale. For more information see azdressag.org November 16, and November 17, Tucson Dressage Club, Tucson Fall Festival I & II, Pima County Fairgrounds. For more information see tucsondressageclub.org

** PLEASE CONTACT THE EVENT ORGANIZER TO CONFIRM THE INFORMATION BEFORE ATTENDING THE EVENT. **

DECEMBER
December 10, Arizona Dressage Association, USEF/USDF Holiday Dressage Festival, Recognized Show, Dale Creek Equestrian Village, Litchfield Park. See azdressage.org for more information.

did you know?

* * * * * * * * * *

The differences between well conformed horses of different breeds are very small. The horse carries 60% of his weight on the front legs. The center of gravity is closer to the front. Eight true ribs attach to the sternum and the legs are attached to them. Ribs 9-18 are false ribs and are attached to the costal arch of cartilage. At the trot, the back tends to hollow. Having the hocks out behind due to the structure of the hind end makes this worse. The piaffe tends to round the back. The canter undulates the pelvis. There are 18 thoracic, 6 lumbar, and 5 sacral vertebrae in the average horse. Many Arabians and some others have been found to have 5 lumbar vertebrae about 30% of all horses. A shorter, deeper loin is stronger. A broader loin can carry more weight. Shorter, broader loins are easier to round. Using carrot stretches for as little as 3 months can strengthen core muscles and muscles that stabilize the spine and prevent facet joint arthritis. The further the hind leg goes behind vertical during propulsion, the more the horse rotates onto the forehand and hollows the back. For bones of the same length, the limb gets shorter with more angulation. When the bony framework is too long there is more stress on soft tissues and a predisposition to injury.

CD&EA Officers and Committees

President: Charlotte Borghardt Vice President: Terri Renwick Secretary: Carolyn Weaver Treasurer: Pia Szypko Newsletter: Carissa Hernandez Membership: Carolyn Weaver Webmaster: George Weaver Awards Chair: Aimee Arnold Show Organizer: Cindy Nomandeau Clinic Organizer: Pia Szypko Event Publishing: Eileen Swiers Terri Renwick Kathryn Calkins teckelhof@earthlink.net tyrenwick@gmail.com ThatLegalLady@gmail.com weazelme@gmail.com ThatLegalLady@gmail.com www.cdandea.com southbranchada@gmail.com normandeau@cis-broadband.com piasz@yahoo.com Eileenswiers@gmail.com tyrenwick@gmail.com

Hay Shortage Has Owners Looking for Alternatives

Following the most extensive drought in 25 years, horse owners are facing hay shortages, increased prices and pastures in poor condition.1 We asked an equine nutrition expert about alternatives to feeding hay and what horse owners can do to help fill the gap left by these unusual and difficult conditions. To get a complete picture of why hay is important to horses diets, Jolene Wright, Consumer Service Specialist, Nutrena, responded to some commonly asked questions. Q. What does hay in a horses diet provide? A. Hays and forages make up the majority of a horses diet and provide necessary complex carbohydrates they need, as well as protein and vitamins and minerals. Complex carbohydrates include hemicellulose, cellulose and lignin. These complex carbohydrates form in the cell wall in plants and provide fiber in the horses diet. Q. How much hay does a horse need? A. Horses require one to two percent of their body weight in forage daily, depending on their activity level and life stage. For a 1,000-pound horse, that would translate to 10 to 20 pounds of hay per day. Growing, breeding and working horses need additional supplementation to meet daily nutrient requirements. Q. Is any hay okay, or are there things a horse owner should look for when choosing hay? A. Horse owners should always seek out good quality hay. If it is coarse and stemmy, its a sign that the hay was baled when it was too mature and has high levels of lignin, which is not readily digested and has no nutritional value. This can increase the risk of gastric disturbances and distension of the digestive tract. Q. Why has the drought impacted the hay crop? A. When there is insufficient rain, the plant doesnt get enough growth to cut at the proper stage for optimum nutrient levels. Cutting and baling hay at the proper nutrient stage varies from one type of forage plant to another and is also dependent on the climate and weather. Q. What are some alternatives if I cant find good hay thats affordable in my area? A. First, because hay provides long-stem forage which is ideal for the horses digestive system, it is better to stretch the existing hay source instead of feeding all the hay first and then switching to a hay replacement product. There are many products available that can provide the fiber, protein, and vitamins and minerals a horse needs every day. Other forage options include hay cubes, hay pellets, compressed hay, chopped hay in bags and complete feeds with high levels of fiber that can be fed as a sole ration. Q. Is there anything I need to do when adding one of these replacement type feeds to my horses diet? A. Its best to consult with your veterinarian to ensure a seamless transition. Then, make the changes gradually over seven to 10 days, following recommended feeding rates for the horses individual weight and activity level. Q. In warmer climates where the grass doesnt go dormant, can that make up for a lesser amount of hay? A. Winter pasture can provide a level of energy, protein, vitamins and minerals. The quantity and quality of winter pasture will determine the amount of additional hay or hay replacement type product that a horse will need. Too many horses on a small amount of pasture will reduce the amount available to the horse and can deplete nutrient yield. Horse owners can get the suggested minimum number of acres per horse from the local agriculture extension agent for their specific area. For horses on winter pasture, its important for the horse owner to assess the body condition score of the horses and monitor their body condition through winter months. This will help determine if they are getting enough dry matter intake from winter pasture. Jolene Wright has a masters degree in Animal Science from West Texas A & M University, a bachelors degree in Agricultural Business and Equine Industries from West Texas A & M, and two associate degrees in Equestrian Science and horse Science Technology from Black Hawk College. Wright is a two-time American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) World Champion and was a member of the West Texas A & M and Black Hawk College AQHA World Championship Horse Judging Team, West Texas A & M National Reining Horse Association Championship Horse Judging Team and West Texas A & M National Champion Equestrian Team. Article provided by Nutrena/US Eventing Association

As a courtesy, the "For Sale" section of the newsletter is available for all current izations to list items that that they wish to sell. These items will be card size advertisement is available for non CD&EA members for $10.00 page ads available. For ads larger than a business card, please call her at weazelme@gmail.com.

CD&EA members or non-profit organprinted in the classified style. A business per issue. We also have 1/4, half or full Carissa Hernandez at 249-0960 or email

Charles De Kunffy Clinic

MAY 18-19 2013

Dont miss this once in a lifetime opportunity to see one of the greatest dressage clinicians of all time in what may be his final symposium in North America. It will be held at the Pima County Fair Grounds (covered arena and cantina) For more information on who Charles is go to www.charlesdekunffy.com or for more information for the clinic please contact www.tucsondressageclub.org

April 20-21

Harmonizing with your Horse Featuring Hilda Gurney

Generously Hosted By Arizona Dressage Association Central Arizona Riding Academy , San Tan Valley, AZ

Hilda Gurney is an FEI "I" Judge and large "R" Dressage Sport Horse Breeding judge, as well as a decorated competitor. Hilda has had an enormous positive impact on US dressage over the past several decades. Her competition record is unsurpassed: an Olympic Team bronze medal in 1976, an individual gold and silver, and three team gold medals at the Pan Am Games, 6 USET National Grand Prix Championships on the legendary Hall of Fame member, Keen.

You are strongly urged to Pre-register as slots will go fast. Clinic schedules will run from 8 am to approx. 5 pm Sat. & Sun. The rides will start at training level and move up the levels from there. A more detailed schedule will be posted when riders are selected for this clinic. Please contact Jenny Cohen of the Arizona Dressage Association at ccfarms@aol.com for more information or visit adultclinics@usdf.org; www.usdf.org for the information in its entirety.