Here you will find archived news from 2006, reports and editorials from the board of directors. An archive of the Equestrians’ Institute e-Flash can be found here. Timeless stories about and by members can be found here.

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All content is subject to the E.I. Website Publication Policy.

Dressage Director’s Report
December 2006
I am always amazed at how quickly time flies! It has been a privilege and a pleasure serving as your dressage director during the past two years. For me, the benefits have been many: feeling needed and productive, meeting terrific new people and getting to know others better, and enjoying the positive energy of so many dedicated to our sport. Thank you. I look forward to continued involvement with E.I. in the years to come.

A final and heartfelt thank you to all of those who made my job so much easier along the way: Beth Glosten, Wendy Meyers and Jana Steffan who answered my silly questions with patience and were always available for advice. And, especially, Kellie Larsen, who was behind me every step of the way, providing support by handling the schooling shows, organizing the recognized show committee, and making sure that nothing slipped behind the cracks in running E.I.’s dressage division. Thank you, Kellie! I hope to provide the same support for Michele Nolte, our upcoming Dressage Director.

Thanks, too, to Lothar and Caroline Pinkers who, with the assistance of the Recognized Show Committee, have made L’Aperitif, the Beaujolais and the Champagne Classic shows a success each year, and, to my fellow board members, all of whom were a pleasure to work with.

And, a final thank you to all of the unnamed heroines and heroes who form the backbone of our organization — our volunteers. You’ve been a pleasure to work with. It’s great being a part of this equestrian team. Best wishes for the 2007 season!

Carolyn Cole

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Eventing Director Report
December 2006
2007 Clinics
We have two wonderful clinics planned for the Spring!
In March the Carstairs sisters, Jennifer Verharen and Carrie Carstairs, will give a Combined test clinic which will help us sharpen our dressage and jumping skills for the upcoming season, and most importantly, have FUN. Both these clinicians have a great sense of humor as well as being excellent instructors.
In April, Steuart Pittman is returning by popular request to give a 2 day jumping and dressage clinic.
For more details - check the E.I. web site.

New Year's Resolutions
One of my goals for this upcoming year is to strengthen our volunteer base. These last six months I have come to realize how much our sport owes to handful of very special people. The various activities that E.I. and other organizations (Adult Riders, Pony Club etc ) put on, including recognized and unrecognized shows, clinics and derbies, all take up hundreds of volunteer hours. Until I became involved myself, I had no idea how much effort was invested!
If every competitor (or a family member) would volunteer for a few hours each year, it would make a big difference. I hope you'll add Volunteering to your New Year's Resolutions for 2007!

Wishing you all a happy and healthy New Year

Penny Leggott
Eventing Director

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Dancing With The Stars
December 2006
Pacific Moon Equestrian Center hosted the eighth Equestrians' Institute Karen Robinson Freestyle Clinic on October 20-22. The setting and weather were incredible, it was one of those weekends. Many new rider and horse combinations danced to music and worked on choreography patterns. The range included Connemeras riding to Irish songs and Trakehners riding Cirque du Soleil songs. We were inspired by the music and by the patterns that Karen Robinson created for each horse. Join us next spring for the ninth Equestrians' Institute Karen Robinson Freestyle Clinic February 9-11, 2007 at Bear Creek Farm in Woodinville, WA. Contact Kathleen Doyle at Equita8@comcast.net or 425-681-7811 for more information.

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President’s Report
December 2006
By Jana Steffen
Welcome all to the New Year! We had quite the fall/winter with all this rain and snow. Despite the weather, I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season! The USDF convention was held in Kansas City this year. Ingrid Klimke conducted the symposium and did a fabulous job. Hopefully, we will see her more often doing clinics in the States.

The main news from the convention is a change in the discount that Participating Members receive by being a member of their GMO. The Board of Governors passed to discontinue this discount. This means that at some point in the future, Participating Members will no longer receive the $15 discount that they received by being a GMO member. The effective date for this change is to be determined. The reason for doing this is to make up for the deficit in the USDF budget. If you have particular thoughts on this issue, I am sure that USDF would be happy to receive your input. It is my hope that the Executive Board would be able to come up with additional strategies for making up this budget shortfall.

Other noteworthy mentions; for all that have become members of the Washington State Horse Park, thank you! With your help, we can make this happen. E.I. has shown their support as well by becoming a business member. If you have not already done so, please join us in supporting this worthwhile endeavor and become a member of the Horse Park Foundation. Your $25 membership will make a huge difference. To join, go to: http://www.washingtonstatehorsepark.org.

The E.I. annual meeting has been rescheduled for January 7, 2007. The meeting will be held at the Sammamish Valley Grange in Woodinville from 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm. Come see the slide show, hear latest developments, see old friends and collect your year end awards!

Have a prosperous New Year – thank you again for your support of E.I.

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Spring into the 2007 Season with two Eventing Clinics
E.I. is delighted to announce two clinics planned for the Spring. Both these clinics are an excellent opportunity to prepare for the upcoming competition season, or to give you inspiration after a Pacific Northwest winter!

March 17-18, 2007
COMBINED TEST CLINIC with Jennifer Verharen and Carrie Carstairs
Jen is a dressage instructor and rider who is also an “L” judge. She is an excellent clinician who, as a former eventer, understands the importance of dressage in conditioning and training our horses to be supple, balanced and obedient for the jumping phases.
Carrie is an eventing instructor with a special interest in dressage, who is also an active competitor at all levels on her own and clients’ horses. Carrie’s positive instruction style helps riders bring out the best in their horses as well as themselves.

Saturday:
Dressage lesson with a focus on riding a test – Rider’s choice
stadium jumping – Small group sessions

Sunday:
Ride your dressage test for a judge. Receive your score sheet and feedback.
Ride your test a second time and receive a new score.
Ride a Stadium course. Get feedback from the clinician – ride a 2nd time
Combined score on each of 1st and 2nd rounds – with ribbons

Note:
This clinic will be open to dressage riders who do not wish to jump! Check the EI web site for more details. http://www.equestriansinstitute.org/

April 2007
STEUART PITTMAN CLINIC Steuart is coming back by popular request for a 2-day clinic at Tall Firs Equestrian Center in Redmond WA.
Saturday will be a jumping clinic and Sunday will be private lessons (rider may opt for jump or dressage).
Check the EI web site for more details.

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Get Ready for the E.I. Annual meeting
the date has been rescheduled to January 7, 2007!
Location: Sammamish Valley Grange in Woodinville, Time: 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Click for Directions

The program will include: Slide show, door prizes, tasty snacks, volunteer recognition, and year end awards provided! Please come join us!

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New Proposed By-Laws
The E.I. By-laws are the foundation of how E.I. operates. The E.I. By-laws need to be updated as time goes by to keep pace. The board of directors have now gone through several revisions of the by-laws and the final revision can be found here. Feedback can also be provided in e-mail to the webmaster which will be treated as if brought up at the meeting.

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Minutes of November Meeting USDF Instructors Workshop
11/11/06 Saturday 10am McDonalds Woodinville WA
Attending:
Laura McGillicuddy
Michele Nolte
I. - Read minutes of previous meeting
II. - Old Business
A. Location
1) Bonnies Spreadsheet - Maple Valley is the only location to respond
2) Need more locations
B. Instructors
1) Get contract mailed
2) No word fro Rachel Saavedra
III. - New Business - Laura will contact in Region 6 those currently certified instructor/teachers to see of they are interested in
becoming certified faculty.
IV. - Next Meeting 12/09/06 10am McDonalds Woodinville WA
AFTER MEETING Rachael Saavedra called and confirmed Nov 2-4, 2007

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Dinner Auction
for Jeremy Steinberg, Nicki Grandia and Jennifer Schrader-Williams
The Dressage Benefit Bonanza was a great success! The event was held on October 27th, 2006 at Emerald Downs.
Jeremy Steinberg, Jennifer Williams, and Nicki Grandia were delighted at the support and exhilaration of the
evening.
The Bonanza raised almost $18,000 net of costs to be used by the riders for their 2007 competition year. USDF Region 6 will once again be well represented by our best!
We all want to thank our enthusiastic participants and generous donors for a wonderful event!

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Dancing With The Stars
November 19
Pacific Moon Equestrian Center hosted the eighth Equestrians' Institute Karen Robinson Freestyle Clinic on October 20-22. The setting and weather were incredible, it was one of those weekends. Many new rider and horse combinations danced to music and worked on choreography patterns. The range included Connemeras riding to Irish songs and Trakehners riding Cirque du Soleil songs. We were inspired by the music and by the patterns that Karen Robinson created for each horse. Join us next spring for the ninth Equestrians' Institute Karen Robinson Freestyle Clinic February 9-11, 2007 at Bear Creek Farm in Woodinville, WA. Contact Kathleen Doyle at Equita8@comcast.net or 425-681-7811 for more information.
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President’s Report
By Jana Steffen
November 11 2006
In October, the E.I. Board conducted our strategic planning session for 2007. Julie Bennett generously donated her picturesque River Run Ranch for the meeting. The barn has beautiful woodwork with a European feel. We held our meeting in the upstairs lounge overlooking the river and neatly manicured grounds. It was an inspiring setting to spend a gorgeous fall afternoon brainstorming and planning our upcoming year. The intent of the planning session was twofold; to recognize all the hard work and terrific results that folks on the Board have accomplished this year and to plan our three main areas of focus for 2007.

We have a great team of people working on the Board and across the organization. I am proud of the results we have produced this year. In addition to our shows (3 recognized dressage shows, 4 dressage schooling shows and the Horse Trials) we accomplished the following in 2006:

Steuart Pittman Eventing Clinic and Eventing Derby
Two musical freestyle clinics
Two scribing clinics
Saddle fitting clinic
Further revisions to website with new show office section and organization of information.
Added and awarded grants for Eventing members, in addition to the Dressage grants.
Increased our membership to 425 total members, 27 business members and 36 life members
Updated/revised the by-laws (proposed changes are available for review on the website).
Created the requirements document for a volunteer database and the tilization/expansion of on-line capabilities.
Our 2007 theme is “Expanding Impact.” We will continue our focus on expanding our on-line capabilities and offering our regular shows and clinics. In addition, the Board will be focusing on:

Expanding the volunteer base. Explore additional ways to expand our volunteer base such as the E.I. Bucks Program. Our focus is to first define the program, then implement.
Developing links/affiliations/partnerships with other groups to leverage educational and competitive opportunities. This will create increased awareness of E.I. and encourage membership. Provide clinics to lower level riders, potentially offer show jumping clinics and emphasize cross training (jumping for dressage riders).
Creating the electronic “Notebook” of duties: board positions, show office/management positions and other critical E.I. positions. This is intended to smooth the transition between incoming and outgoing Board members and other key volunteer positions.
I’d like to commend and thank the Board members for giving up a sunny, autumn afternoon to discuss the future of E.I. I am honored to be working with such a great group of people. I am looking forward to 2007. It is going to be a great year!

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Driving Report
November 2006
E.I. had a Strategic Planning Day for 2007 at the end of October with Jim Mc Bride and Mary Decher attending. The Driving Section of Equestrians’ Institute is aware of not wanting to compete with others who are bringing in outstanding clinicians from the driving world. Most of the clinics are directed toward drivers who are already accomplished. It appears to us that that market is full and would be better to look for gaps that E.I. Driving Division might be able to fill. The most obvious is to help people who are interested in the sport of driving to learn about it. We have done this successfully in the past and will offer it again in 2007. Understanding what driving requires and how to get started is not a small shift from riding. It is huge with safety issues at the forefront. Many riders are tempted and need more information before deciding if this sport is appropriate for them. Being able to go driving with someone who has a carriage cannot be had easily. Exposure at the clinic will include such opportunities, as driving experience is most often found only in books. It is essential to have hands on experience to see if it is for you. Such a clinic appears to be an un-met need that fits very directly with the educational purpose of E.I.

The two-day Beginner’s Driving Clinic will be held in April and taught by local drivers. We hope to have two half-day follow-up clinics, one in May and another June.

There are several other activities also being planned.
1.A Driving Cure Clinic during the winter in a covered arena. (We are looking for a very large arena in the Seattle region and an instructor.)
2.Re-establish the monthly recreational drives we have had in the past.
3.Support the Vancouver WA Horse Expo in a joint driving booth with the American Driving Society.
4.End of year Holiday Drive and White Elephant Exchange.

If you are interested in working on the Beginners Clinic or any of the other activities or have questions please call Mary at 425-885-1305. Dates will be available in the 2007 E.I. calendar of events.

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Dressage Director’s Report
November 11 2006
I’d like to introduce our upcoming E.I. Dressage Director, Michele Nolte. She will be taking the reins from me beginning in mid-January. Aside from assuming the myriad functions of the Dressage Director, Michele is also spearheading the USDF Instructors’ Certification Program, scheduled for fall 2007. She has already arranged the program instructors and we are currently evaluating facilities in which to hold the workshops and testing. We are also seeking a co-Director to help Michele in her new job. Please contact Jana Steffan janastef@yahoo.com, Michele Nolte mnolte@bestworth.com, or me cacats3@aol.com if you are interested. I have enjoyed serving as your Dressage Director during the past two years, and I look forward to continuing to work with E.I. on various projects.

Also, congratulations to Peter Larsen, recipient of an E.I. Dressage Education grant. Please see Peter’s write-up of his experience.

Best wishes for the holiday season!
Carolyn Adams Cole

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Drive Night
November 11, 2006
There now is an opportunity to share driving with your fellow waggoneer every Friday night at 7 PM starting November 10th at Paradise Stables in Woodinville. Anyone is welcome to join. This is not an E.I. event but just a great idea. Currently there is a mix of miniatures, ponies and big horses. The purpose of Drive Night is to get our equine accustom to other drivers in the ring and to practice, practice, practice! If you wish to join up for Drive Night, please either show up or contact Noelle Mallory for more information. noellecm@hotmail.com Haul-ins are $8. Paradise Stables is located at: 9009 222nd St SE Woodinville, WA 98077

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Olson’s Tack Shop Acquires Mills Horse & Tack
November 11, 2006
Olson’s Tack Shop today announces the union between Olson’s Tack Shop and Mills Horse and Tack. This transaction combines two of the Seattle-area’s oldest and most established equestrian retailers specializing in the needs of local horse enthusiasts.
“The union of Olson’s Tack Shop and Mills Horse and Tack will benefit the entire equestrian community,” said owner Michael Akers, “and will help Olson-Mills continue its growth as a full-service retail equestrian goods provider. We feel that this merger is beneficial to all of our customers because it will allow Olson-Mills to provide a broad selection of goods at lower retail prices due to our increased buying power.”

To celebrate their new endeavor Olson-Mills will host a grand opening party in February. Grand opening festivities will include visits from sales reps featuring some of the industry’s top lines, in-store giveaways, and a $500 shopping spree. A new website (www.olsonmills.com) will launch in January and will feature many new products, as well as listing many of the services such as tall boot and saddle/tack repair.

Olson’s Tack Shop and Mills Horse and Tack.are long time supporters of equestrians in this area and we wish them well in this new stronger union.

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By-Laws Revision
The E.I. By-laws are the foundation of how E.I. operates. The E.I. By-laws need to be updated as time goes by to keep pace. The board of directors have now gone through several revisions of the by-laws and there will now be a meeting for the general E.I. membership on 11/10 at 7:00 pm at Simpatico Stables to give feedback on the proposed by-law changes. Please read the new by-law’s here. Feedback can also be provided in e-mail to the webmaster which will be treated as if brought up at the meeting.

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E.I. Auction
PUT ON THOSE COMFORTABLE JEANS & BOOTS AND COME PARTY
with
EQUESTRIANS’ INSTITUTE
at
Red Hook Brewery in Woodinville Washington,
Saturday evening March 3rd, 2007

E.I. is holding a get-together in conjunction with our annual auction for all E.I. members and guests. We will be serving appetizers, beer, wine and soft drinks. This is the opportunity for all E.I. members to meet and talk about horses, horses and more horses, trail riding, eventing, jumping, driving, dressage or just that favorite barn story……
Please come join us! Have fun! Get to know members and bid on that irresistible auction item!

See the full flyer and future auction item pictures here!

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President’s Report
By Jana Steffen
October 2006
Fall has arrived and it is time to renew your E.I. membership. We are holding a drawing for a FREE individual membership for all of those who either renew or join by November 15, 2006. The drawing will be held at the December Board Meeting.

We had a good show season this year. Our dressage recognized and schooling shows have gone well. Our Eventing division put on a great Horse Trials, a Stuart Pittman clinic and Event Derby. All three “events” were well received and attended. Of course none of this would have been possible without many, dedicated, wonderful volunteers. To all who have volunteered, thank you very much! Your contributions make it possible for these events to happen.

There are several folks that I would like to recognize that helped with the Horse Trials: Todd Trewin continues to help us create a fabulous cross country course, Sarah Lorenz created a terrific stadium course, Leslie Thurston and Dorothy Hamilton were invaluable in helping everything run smoothly. There were many more folks who were also critical to helping the show be a success, many stepped in on short notice and went the extra mile to get the work done. Thank you to all, because of your efforts the Horse Trials went well, the event stayed on schedule and the competitors had a good time.

Speaking of volunteers, we are looking for a few stellar individuals to help out on the Board of Directors. We have the openings in the following areas: Vice President, Website Co-Director, and Promotions Co-Director. Each position is described below. All three positions are volunteer (unpaid), part-time positions.

Vice President. This position will assist the President in managing the organization. The ideal candidate will have excellent leadership and communication skills, experience managing a team of leaders, excellent personal skills with the ability to resolve issues with tact and diplomacy, excellent problem solving skills and strong skills in organization and planning. This is a voting position and will be the candidate for the President role for 2008.

Website Co-Director: This position will help shape the contents of the E.I. web pages. The job of Co-Director entails editing content for the website on a weekly basis and assistance with improving the services offered by the website. While in this position the candidate will learn about website organization, content management, site administration, publishing, web formats and much more. Successful candidates will have strong writing skills, some knowledge of website publishing and possess a desire to communicate. An interest in horses is a plus! Please communicate your interest and resume to the Webmaster: click to email,

Promotions Co-Director. This position will help the Promotions Director with all aspects of promoting E.I., includes promoting business memberships, representing E.I. at horseshows and within the local equestrian community, implementing strategic plans to enhance the public’s awareness of E.I. and helping manage our promotional products. Successful candidates will have strong communication and interpersonal skills, be highly motivated and passionate about horses and furthering the development of dressage, eventing and driving.

If you are interested in one of the above positions and would like to make a difference in your local and regional equestrian community, please contact me at janastef@yahoo.com

Enjoy the fall and thank you for your support of E.I.

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EI Event Derby and Eventing Clinic with Steuart Pittman
Penelope Leggott, EI Eventing Director
October 2006
The Eventing Clinic with Steuart Pittman was held September 30th and October 1st in conjunction with the first Equestrians Institute Event Derby, held on Sun October 1st. Both were a great success, the weather was wonderful, and the entries for the Derby exceeded our wildest dreams (or nightmares!).

My co-organizers of these activities were Lorane Matarazzo and Polly Kranick. We agreed on the format of clinic and derby after consulting with others - since many collegues advised me to expect only a small entry for the Derby (end of season and the weekend between E.I. Horse Trials and NWEC’s Fall Championships). I persuaded Lorane that we could handle both activities simultaneously and we would learn on the job with assistance from Janice, Maggie, Cheri, Dorothy and Polly. We were in for a shock.

The Clinic
Steuart and his family own Dodon Farm in Davidsonville, Maryland where they breed, train and sell horses for all disciplines. He has taken the US Eventing Association's Instructor Certification Program and is now a part of the small group of trainers in the country certified to teach through the preliminary level. He taught in a Washington clinic last year receiving rave reviews, and this year we filled the clinic by the closing date with riders from all over our state. He’s a super clinician – very positive and down to earth. He doesn’t over face horse or rider but helps one progress and push the envelope. He was willing to ride horses when riders were having difficulty, and was as terrific with fossils like myself as with the younger riders. Clinic participants made comments such as “this really gave me confidence,” “I learned a lot,” “I never thought I’d be able to do all that with my mare,” and “I’m feeling really prepared to do the Derby tomorrow.” Best of all – we had fun and we made new friends. A measure of the clinic’s success: the Derby had 5 divisions and 3 of these were won by clinic participants: Penny Anton (Beginner Novice A), Jackie Robinson (Novice), and Suzann Davis (Training).

The Derby
We had almost 100 horses entered, more than 120 rides for the Derby, and Beginner Novice ruled, with 50 entries! A Derby competition consists of a Dressage test followed by a Jumping Course combining both stadium and cross-country fences, to give a combined score. There are approximately 12-22 jumping obstacles which may include banks, ditches, and water. It is an unrecognized competition, adhering as closely as possible to USEA and USEF Rules and is designed to provide a safe and inviting venue for first time competitors, green horses, as well as seasoned competitors through Preliminary level. It also provides cross training for both horse and rider regardless of discipline. Riders are encouraged to enter more than one class. Maggie Rikard and Janice Bryant, who have organized several Derbies for Adult Riders, were very supportive and encouraging, and Janice sent me helpful check lists, Rules, and suggestions.
We drew a hard line on the number of dressage rides so that our wonderful judge, Jayne Arnold, worked a mere 8 hours! Jayne was terrific; she not only donated her time, she was the ideal Derby judge. Her comments were constructive, she was kind (the small girl who rode her circle at A in the ante-ring between large and small ring A was given an error, but not disqualified), she was encouraging and her sense of humor shone through. Jayne sprinted off for lunch and potty breaks without complaint and finished up a packed day by judging 3 FEI tests (HC) as a special request. In an attempt to accommodate pleading parents, friends and others, we accepted several late jump rides which made scheduling rather challenging. We ran close to on time all day and Dorothy Hamilton’s courses were both thoughtfully designed and really fun – good questions and inviting, with lots of variety and the right amount of challenge. We started in the in-field and the course included the water, although there was a no-water option for beginning novice. The course then looped back and took us over the track, right turn to the bank complex, circled around to the ditches, and ended heading back toward “home.” It was my first cross country course riding Skye and we had a blast.

As usual, success depended on a few stellar volunteers, without whom the Derby would not have happened:
Lorane was the Secretary for both the Clinic and the Derby; Dorothy Hamilton designed the courses, built them on Saturday afternoon and evening, aided by Amy Greenbaum and her daughter, with Linda Stuckenschneider and Marie Schofield. We took advantage of Todd Trewin’s E.I. cross country fences and he moved some fences for us after E.I. in preparation. Dot also prepared all the ride times. Polly ordered score sheets, prepared the dressage tests, and did the scoring with Chris Gianini, Tammy Milling and Paula Young. On Saturday, Leslie Thurston helped organize things for the volunteers and RheaNell Plog showed up with her truck and did countless jobs on both days. Cheri Overman labeled all the stalls ahead of time and worked in the Show Office all day Sunday; Len Green worked the hospitality tent all day, Susan Miller and Marcia Jimenez split the scribing, Jeff Roberts, Leslie Thurston and Penny Anton took care of the dressage ring; Wendy Harms, Alyssa Meredith, and Savannah Broadlick’s dad handled the start gate and finish line, Christine and Brian Clemetson helped out with competitor packet distribution and scribing for Dot during cross country. The event farrier was John Dofelmeir who we put to work at crack of dawn on Sunday. Jump judges included Janet and Steve Keller, Jackie Robinson’s sister Robbie, Adriana, Carlie and others whose faces I can see but whose names I have lost! Suzann Davis, Marti Brewer, Paula Young, Michelle Masters all pitched in and helped us so much. Denise Green walked and groomed my horse so I was able to compete. Kelly Lynch was score sheet runner. End of Event clean up is always a thankless but critical chore. The stars were Team Green (Len and Denise, Peggy, Kelly and Byron Lynch) with Marilyn White, Dot and her friend from Hobart, RheaNell and her girls, Marti and others, who took down jump flags and flagging ropes, packed up and tidied.

No report would be complete without acknowledging generous sponsor support. In addition to Equestrians Institute, our umbrella sponsor, additional prizes came from The Gift Horse (saddle pads and water bottles), and gift certificates from Kerrits (thanks to Marie Schofield). All in all – both Clinic and Derby were a great success, riders had lots of fun, and friendships were forged and new connections made. Thanks to all who came!

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President’s Report
By Jana Steffen
September 2006
The Washington Horse Park Foundation needs your support. The development of the park is at a critical juncture and they need additional memberships and/or donations to bring this dream to reality. The park is a going to be on 106 acres in Cle Elum, complete with outdoor competition arenas, cross country course, large indoor arena with seating for more than a 1000, 400 exhibitor stalls, overnight RV/trailer parking, access to miles of trails and a polo field. This facility will be available for every discipline and will give us the opportunity to raise awareness and exposure to equestrian sports. With the demise of cross country courses and other “show” facilities across the state, it is important to have a facility of this size and quality to further our equestrian sports. Join us in supporting the Park by signing up to be a member today.

For additional details and membership information please visit the website: www.washingtonstatehorsepark.org Individual membership is $25, business membership starts at $100. You may sign up on-line or send a donation through regular mail. Please make checks payable to WSHP Foundation, send to: WSHP Foundation, PO Box 145, Fall City, WA 98024

Thank you for helping make this happen.

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Dressage Director’s Report
Carolyn Adams Cole
September 2006
Our 2006 show season has come and gone, with it the promise of riding late into the evenings, enjoying extra daylight time with our horses. After a very active summer, we at E.I .are now turning inward to assess the past show season, and to continue planning for next year.

It’s time to submit your scores for year-end awards. Please mail them to me at 9615 SE 16th Street, Bellevue, WA 98004. The deadline is October 31st.

Upcoming fall events include another Musical Freestyle Clinic, October 20-22, at Pacific Moon Equestrian Center. See our website for details. We are also putting together a second Digital Imaging and Anatomy for Horsemen seminar with Emerald Equine Diagnostic Clinic, scheduled for late autumn or winter. I will keep you updated as we finalize the details on this highly educational program.

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CHAMPAGNE CLASSIC 2006 Report
The Pinkers July 20
The Champagne Classic had all the weather changes we get in Washington, but even so had good dry footing. Much better than the Beaujolais. It started as very laid back show and went so smoothly that we were all sure that something was wrong. But, it was a horseshow and quickly changed to normal. The little things began to occur but were quickly remedied.

We were very pleased to have Becka Wicks with us as Assistant Manager. Becka is looking toward becoming a TD and needed some management credential. She was a great asset to the show and will be a very good TD when she gets her certification.
Again, our thanks to Pam Thornlow for being our Chief Scorer and all the volunteers who worked with her keeping the tests moving and for their accuracy which eliminate protests.
Our Volunteer Coordinators were great this year. All stations were managed with competent people. The show moved on time and so smoothly we received many compliments on how good the show was and how much fun everyone had.
We had 174 entries which was down a little from last year but still produced a fairly full show. Just let us finish early on Sunday which nobody objected to.

Our Dover Medal winner was Karen Petty who rides Pandoer and received a score of 64.902%.
The Equitation Classes were won by:
13 and Under: Christine Thomas riding Oberon
14 to 18 : Madison Cushman riding Caruso
Adult: Sheila Buchanan riding Okarina

Our high point ribbons sponsored by specific breeds were won by:
Trakehner: Sweet Baby James owned and ridden by Marilyn White who earned 63.750%
Oldenburg: Gaila owned and ridden by Kimberly Roe who earned 70.556%.
Hungarian: H.S. Randevu owned by Val Sivertson and ridden by Jessica Wisdom who earned 71.667%.

The Equestrians Institute has seven perpetual trophies which can be competed for by Equestrians Institute members. This year they were won by:
Mary Dodd Training Level Trophy: Cairngan St. Miran ridden by Meghan Fisher with 73.462%.
Carlene Coffin Fist Level Trophy: Barbados ridden by Lisa Boyer with 72.778%
Susie Moery Second Level Trophy: Nickolaus ridden by Patty Russell with 69.26%
Mary Dodd Third Level Trophy: Liberty LHF ridden by Molly Martin with 65.111%
Hitter’s Pride Fourth Level Trophy: Picasso Jr ridden by Diana Dusovic with 66.367%. This trophy requires that 4th Level test 1 and test 3 be ridden, the scores added together and averaged for the highest average points
Royal Ensign Trophy: Luciano ridden by Shaun McLaughlin with 64.187%. To win this trophy the rider must ride a PSG and an I-1 tests the scores of which are added together and averaged, the highest score being the winner.
Meads Half-Penny Trophy: Luciano ridden by Shaun McLaughlin with 66.625%. This trophy is awarded to the highest FEI score from tests PSG, I-1, I-2, or GP.

See all results here.

Champagne Classic also awards a trophy and ribbon to the person earning the highest score earned by an Open rider, an Adult Amateur rider and a Jr/YR rider. This year these awards were won by:
The Open rider was: Missy Myrick riding Rothchild with an 80.370%. This was also the highest point of the show. Very Nice.
The Adult Amateur was Christie Swanson riding Vantage with 73.846%..
The Junior/Young Rider was: Sarah Powell riding Mimosa Girl with a 70.000%.

Congratulations to everyone.
It is just two months until Region 6 Championships which will be a Devonwood this year. See you there in September.

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President’s Report July 2006
By Jana Steffen
For all of those who have volunteered at our recognized dressage and our schooling shows, thank you very much. Although the summer is wrapping up, we still have more events, opportunities to participate, practice your skills and to volunteer! We have schooling shows in both August and September locally and with the Chapters; a Schooling Horse Trial August 27th through the Whatcom chapter and our Horse Trials Sept. 23rd -24th. For those who will be participating in the Horse Trials, the schooling shows are a great way to practice your dressage portion of your test. High dressage scores can make or break your final placing. These are also wonderful opportunities to volunteer. For the past several years I have been a jump judge at the Horse Trials. This is a really fun job. Training is provided the morning of the cross country section. It is quite exciting to watch the horses go over the jumps. We will also need help in many other areas, ring steward, runners, scribes, preparing the cross country course, setting up the stadium jumping, etc. If you are interested in helping out please contact either:
Mary Brumber, the show organizer at 206-329-9027, mbrumder@wolfenet.com or
Heidi Gloudemans, Volunteer Director at 206-419-7186, heidisuemew@hotmail.com

Thank you again to all those who have volunteered so far this summer. Thanks in advance to those who will be helping out with the schooling shows and Horse Trials. We could not do it without you. You make it possible! Enjoy the rest of the summer.

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EVENT DERBY at Donida Farm
Sunday October 1st, 2006
Location: Donida Farm, Nr Auburn WA

Course will include some cross-country obstacles

Opening date: Aug 31st, 2006

Contact Information: Penny Leggott
206-295-8604

Check back on the Web Site (Eventing) for more details.

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Steuart Pittman Eventing Clinic
By Penny Leggott
EI is delighted to announce an eventing clinic with Steuart Pittman – put the date on your calendars! It will be held at Donida Farm, Nr Auburn WA Sept 30-Oct 1, 2006 (which is the weekend following the Equestrian’s Institute Horse Trials Sept 23-24, 2006). Clinic details will be available on the EI web site.

Steuart has become a very popular clinician, and was given rave reviews by those who attended his clinic here in Washington last year.
Steuart began riding as a child in the hunt field, in pony races and at local shows. He was introduced to eventing through Pony Club and learned the fundamentals of dressage as a teenager from his inspiration and mentor, Ellen Shepherd. After a ten-year absence from horses Steuart returned full force in 1990. Steuart's instruction has come from a variety of trainers, including Bruce Davidson to whom he goes regularly with his stallion Salute The Truth, Jim Wofford, Gunnar Ostergaard, Hans Jurgen, Stuart Black, Becky Langwost, and most recently Linda Zang for dressage. He credits most of what he knows to the horses that he has worked with. He believes that all of us learn from our horses, and in his teaching he attempts to speak from the viewpoint of the horse. The other major influence on Steuart's riding has been 20 years of daily practice in Tai Chi, an ancient Chinese practice of meditative movements designed to open up the free flow of energy through the body. Steuart often describes the interaction between horse and rider in terms of energy and encourages riders to think and feel in these terms.

In 2003 Steuart participated in the first training program and assessment of the US Eventing Association's Instructor Certification Program. After intensive coaching and practice teaching before Karen O'Connor, Eric Horgan, Don Sachey and others, Steuart went to Texas to be evaluated in the areas of dressage instruction, cross-country instruction, show jumping instruction, horse management, and safety. He passed in all areas and is now a part of the small group of trainers in the country certified to teach through the preliminary level. The program includes continuing education with the top trainers in the sport.

Penny Leggott
E.I. Eventing

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News update from WCDEA
Deborah Highley, July 6 2006
Whatcom County Dressage and Eventing Association has had a busy year thus far. Monthly activities have included a well attended low-stress dressage schooling show, a regular show, a very successful tack sale, and ever so popular "Ride a Test" clinic. Interest was so high, we had to extend it to a second day!

Many of our activities benefit and support the development of Sunset Farm Equestrian Center. This is a 70 acre Whatcom County Public Park dedicated for equestrian use. In May we completed a scheduled maintenance of the water training facility. This included cleaning and compacting the footing. A work party in June found many of our members weed-eating around the arena and painting cross country jumps. Another work party is coming up soon to install fencing around the arena.

Currently we are planning our annual pot-luck and play day set for July 30th at Sunset Equestrain Center. The month of August has us hopping: An Adult Eventer's Clinic is scheduled for the 5th and 6th with Joanna Herrigstad. On Saturday evening, local eventer Jessica Heideman will be speaking on the topic of getting a horse fit for an event. This is a great opportunity to school at Sunset prior to the one day "Kay Lowery Memorial Horse Trial" on the 27th. Entries are available at http://wcdea.org

There will be no formal meeting in July. However, we are inviting the public to attend our August 24th meeting as it is an educational presentation. Christina Cline will be explaining the theory, practice and benefits of barefoot farrier work. This should be very informative and interesting. Several of our members are currently using this method with their horses. Please be sure to check our website for details on location and time. http://wcdea.org

September 17th is the date of our Fall dressage show. It will be held at Broken Auger Farm. Entries will be available soon on our website.

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BEAUJOLAIS 2006
The Pinkers June 25
If you ever wondered if you and your horse would melt in the rain, Beaujolais 2006 was the place to test it out. We had water in every direction, under foot, and coming down from above, straight, and sideways. Nobody found any pools of melted horse or riders and the show went on. The West ring and the East ring were both flooded out but the Sand ring was large enough for 3 rings and the covered arena was a good FEI ring. Horses muscles were warmed up on the training race track and the fine tuning was in the indoor arena. Everyone seemed to have had a good time, the judges functioned well under these adverse conditions and some of the scores were great.

Lothar moved up to Manager of the show. Kellie Larsen replaced Lothar as Show Secretary. I must admit that we chuckled with her as she learned just what it takes to put on a four ring show. She did a great job and I think will be back next year. Her husband Peter was very supportive and helped a great deal in just the shear labor that it takes to put on a show. For instance, because we decided at the last minute to not use the East ring, two rings that had just been built had to be torn down and rebuilt adding a third one to the sand ring. That is five (5) rings built and then of course there was a sixth ring to be built in the covered arena! That takes time and muscle.

Without Michelle McFadden all would have been lost. She rounded up the additional ring we needed, loaded it on her pickup and brought it to the show grounds in plenty of time to put it in place. Then, when we were wondering when and how we were going to return it to Lower Puget Sound Dressage, she drove in with the pickup and took it away. Thank you very much Michelle.

Pam Thornlow made a great contribution in recording all the scores into the computer, placing the classes as well as taking on other chores as needed. We had a very good scoring crew assisting her.

A special word of thanks to Gwen Blake who coped with all kinds of problems and came up with solutions A.S.A.P. Also to Julio, the Donida Farm manager, who kept things moving.
The first day was the Breed show. Some really lovely horses were entered and shared. Marian Dresel-O=Connor brought three horses over from Idaho and bagged many of the top awards. Jessica Wisdom, as usual, was running her legs off as was Morgan Barrows. We missed Mike Boggs and wish him a speedy recovery.

The major awards for the Breed show were:
Filly Champion: Wolkenkarat shown by Marian Dresel-O=Conner
Colt Champion: With Honors owned by Catherine Vanzwol
Mare Champion: D=Romantica owned by Marian Dresel-O=Connor
Stallion Champion: H. Randevu owned by Val Siverston
Young Horse Champion:: Wolkenkarat owned by Marian Dresel-O=Conner
Mature Horse Champion: D= Romantica owned by Marian Dresel-O=Conner
Grand Champion:: D= Romantica owned by Marian Dresel-O=Conner

In addition several of the breed organizations added:
Hanovarians offered a high placing award which was won by D= Romantica, Grand Champion, owned by Marian Dresel-O=Conner.
The Hungarians offered High Point of Breed to H. Randevu, Jessica Wisdom with 73.389
The Oldenburgs offered High Point of Breed: Reno owned by Pam Pentz with 81.5
The Trakehners offered 2 High Point of Breed which were won by Sagira, Heidi Brandt, with 69. 700 and Eddy’s Magic, Missy Myrick, riding for Joy Vartarian, with 67.750
Our High Point of the ridden Dressage Show was: Missy Myrick on Rothschild who was also the Open High Point of the show with 76.389.
The Junior High Point winner was Caitlin Cushman on Unforgettable with 70.833 There was a tie but it was broken by the same methods used in any class. Unforgettable=s walk was a couple of points better.

The Adult Amateur High Point winner was Cathleen Norris on Danette
We had three Equitation class winners.
The 13 and Under: Christina Thomas riding Oberon with 64.000
The 14 to 18: Caitlyn Cushman riding Unforgetable with 74.000
The Adult Equitation: Kimberly Hiles riding Formal Attire with 58.000
Our Dover medal winner was Marguerite George riding Revelation with 60.000

It is just one month to Champagne, Hopefully things will have dried out and the threat of temperatures in the 90's will not happen. We cannot air condition the out of doors. See you there.

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President’s Report
June 11 2006
By Jana Steffen
Have you ever considered volunteering? This summer is full of opportunities. The Champagne Classic, schooling shows (including the Chapters’ activities) and the Horse Trial need folks to be able to help out. These are great opportunities for individuals to contribute to the success of the show. My first time volunteering as a Ring Steward, at the classic, was a rewarding experience. Not only did I get exposure on how a well run show is organized, I was able to watch some very good warm up rides. It was also nice to be part of the team that made the show successful. I was also a jump judge at the last two E.I. horse trials. It was a lot of fun to watch the jumping and enjoy the great views being on the course.

If you would like to be part of making a show successful, meeting new people and watch some very beautiful horses, then please take this opportunity to volunteer. We will appreciate the help! As I have said before, our volunteers make it possible to put on these shows/events. We could not do it without you.

Enjoy your summer and enjoy the partnership with your horse.

Jana

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E.I. Driving Directors Report
June 11 2006
By Gwen Bassetti
Summer is on us and E.I. carriage drivers are well represented in the growing number of northwest competitive driving events. As a foil, perhaps, to the intensity of competition, the E.I. committee has plans afoot for an August “Picnic Drive”… Watch for details on the web-site… and plan on joining the fun..in your best straw hat (on top of your helmet!)

The Committee is also planning a clinic perhaps to be called… “All About Carriages.” We envision participants having the opportunity see a variety of carriages, learn about their suitability for the various carriage driving disciplines and to judge their appropriateness for a given horse or pony. In addition emphasis will be given to necessary routine maintenance for all carriages to assure safe driving. In the interest of having a wide representation of available carriages, participants may be sought to volunteer their carriages. This clinic will be a late fall, early winter event…. Watch for details and dates!

In the meantime, drive on…and keep the rubber on the ground!!!

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Dressage Director’s Report
June 11 2006
By Carolyn Adams Cole
WCDEA Schooling Show Results
Lynn Salas, Show secretary for Whatcom County Dressage and Eventing Association, a chapter of E.I., submitted the following report on WCDEA’s April 30th schooling show. “It was a great show, perfect weather, a beautiful venue, good footing, and filled to capacity with a waiting list, which we were partially able to accommodate. We had several people drive up from the Snohomish, Everett, Friday Harbor, Camano Island and Arlington areas.” The show was held at Broken Auger Farm, in Ferndale. WCDEA will hold another schooling show at the same venue on September 17th. Contact Lynn at isalas@earthlink.net for further info.

L’Aperitif
Thanks to hard work by Bridle Trails State Park, the Lake Washington Saddle Club, and a generous donation made by E.I., the footing and the venue continues to improve. Show secretary Julie Scott, show managers, Lothar and Caroline Pinkers, and volunteer coordinator Amelia Adair put together a first rate event. The show staff were complimented many times over on the quality of the venue and the footing in both arenas.

Volunteers Kathryn Carter, Anne and Carolyn Cole, Andrew and Lynda Cushman, Heidi Gloudemans, Rosemary and Laura Gorchester, Colleen Jones, Carol Miller, Renee Parrish, and Pam Thornlowe ensured that a fun and smooth day was had by all. Though skies remained gray throughout the day, the first rain drops didn’t fall until the last rider was leaving the arena after her final salute. Judges extraordinaire were Kari McClain and Ann Appleby. Congratulations to our high point winners: Caitlin Cushman, (JR/YR) riding Unforgettable, First Level Test 4, 72.778%; Kim Taylor (AA) riding Flying W Farms Princess Star, Training Level Test 4, 68.462%; and Paige Ruhl (Open) riding Bandolero CLXXVI, Training Level Test 4, 76.308%. See the website for full results of the show.

Finally, congratulations to Jan Loesche, E.I.’s photographer, whose lovely photos celebrating the art and sport of Dressage were mounted at her neighborhood Starbucks in Ravenna. Her images profiled riders and horses of all levels and ages, proving that dressage is a sport for everyone. Great work, Jan!

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Donations Needed to Send E.I. Member to Gladstone
June 4 2006
Two fellow E.I. members and another local rider are having successful seasons in the high performance division. Their goal is to attend the USET Dressage Festival of Champions at Gladstone next month. Jennifer Schrader-Williams and Nicki Grandia have qualified for the Brentina cup, and Jeremy Steinberg is currently ranked tenth on the USET Grand Prix rankings with several qualifying competitions yet to be held.

I'm forwarding this request for financial support from Jennifer's team in
hopes that some of you will be able to contribute. She needs to raise money within the next three weeks to cover transportation expenses. Nicki will also need support and should Jeremy qualify, he will face similar expenses.

Jennifer and Nicki have been an E.I. member for several years. All three are valued for their work and support in Western Washington. We all benefit from their experience and training. Supporting them will help to ensure that
professionals of their caliber can pursue dressage in Region Six rather than
in California or Florida.

Please read the message below for further information about Jennifer and how to donate funds. Please contact Paula Helm directly if you have questions or other fundraising thoughts to help support Jennifer. Paula's contact information is phone: 203-247-4628 or email: paula.helm@gmail.com.

* * *

Jennifer Schrader-Williams and H.S. Wistar of Summervale Farm have just qualified for the inaugural 2006 Brentina Cup at Gladstone, NJ in June.

This is what Jennifer says about qualifying - "I have always dreamed of representing the United States in international competition and I believe this is the first step. I have been blessed with many supporters and I thank you in advance for giving me a hand in representing USDF Region 6 in the Brentina Cup."

The Brentina Cup will be open to riders between the ages of 18 – 26 who are competing at the Intermediare – II level. USEF has designed this national competition to assist and encourage today's Young Riders as they transition to the Senior Grand Prix ranks; the Brentina Cup will shed much-needed light on tomorrow's stars – TODAY.

Jennifer's I – 2 qualifiers earned her 2 blue ribbons which included a 66.5% at the Del Mar National Show and 66.5% at the DG Bar Show, both in California.

Jennifer is thankful for the opportunity to show in the Brentina Cup, but she needs financial help in order to compete.

Here is a basic breakdown of expenses:
Transportation Wistar (splitting pallet each way!) $9,100
Vanning Wistar to and from Airport $1,400
Hotel for Jennifer for 10 days in NJ $1,400
Hotel for Jurgen (trainer) in NJ $1,090
Flight cost for Jurgen $ 550
Rental truck - hay and feed transport $ 750
Veterinary Services $1,000
Total for Brentina Cup participation $15,290
Total raised thus far $4,000
Funds needed $11,290

If you would like to help, donations are tax deductible and should be made out to Claim Assurance and mailed to:

Paula Helm
4250 W. Lake Sammamish Pkwy, NE
Apt. K-2065
Redmond, WA 98052

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Ride time posted for the Beaujolais
June 4 2006
Please see the special Beaujolais page for more detail.

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Updated location for WCDEA Schooling Show
June 4 2006
Please be advised that the September 17 dressage schooling show for WCDEA will be held at Broken Auger Farm in Ferndale instead of Sunset Park.

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Karen Robinson Freestyle Clinic Oct 20-22
June 4 2006
See Flyer Here.

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An Evening with Dressage Superstar Debbie McDonald
May 24 2006
Debbie McDonald has generously agreed to spend an evening with Region 6 dressage enthusiasts as we raise funds to send both an Advanced Young Rider Team and, new this year, a Junior Team, to the North American Young Rider Championships in Virginia.

When: Saturday June 3, 2006 6 p.m.
Where: Crystal Ballroom SeaTac Hilton Hotel
Read more here

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L’Aperitif 2006 was a beautiful ride in the Park
by Lothar Pinkers
May 24 2006
The Equestrians Institute L’Aperitif Dressage Horse Show on May 21st started out as a beautiful, sunny, northwest spring day and just got better until the last ride in the Big Ring with two to go in the Forrest Ring. Big drops came down stopped, started, stopped and then really opened up. The timing couldn’t have been better for this lower levels, one-day, haul-in show. Both rings were full up from 7:45 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.

The show management would like to thank all the volunteers who turned out to help set-up on Saturday, keep the show moving all day Sunday and the ones who turned up to take down and pack up all the hundreds of items that it takes to make a show go. Amy Adair found very qualified volunteers and others who were willing to come and learn one or more of the jobs so they could volunteer and be effective later in the season. (I have always found it more fun to know what goes on behind the scenes as well as be one of the participants.) Also many thanks to the people who stopped by and thanked us for a good show. It is hard work and we do enjoy it, but it is also nice to know when we succeed in putting on a happy show that the entrants have enjoyed.

Jane Cooper, our T.D. was great from our side of the show. She said she was tired but happy when she left because she had so little problem. Few of us really understand the TD job and what it means to good dressage shows. So, also, thank you Jane for a good job.
We must be getting old! Young junior riders that we watched (?) years ago are now standing at the ring side and calling out test directions to new junior riders. Great to see them still in action.
“Ranger Mary” and her new assistant have done a beautiful job of grooming the show area and still keeping it a Park. There is a new (to me) watering trough. The new office building is complete and in use this year. Very nice to be under cover and with wind protection.

Harmonia Body Balance is once again offering their Dressage Seat Year End Award to Equestrian Institute members. There are three divisions, 13 & Under, 14 to 18, and Adult. ( As far as I have heard, the Equestrians Institute shows are the only Adult Equitation Award offered.) Points are to be earned at least two of the three shows with medals and trophies offered at each show. Year-end awards are also given for the best total scorers. Non-members of EI may enter the DSEQ classes and may earn qualifying rides for the USDF Dressage Seat Medal Semi-finals, held each year at the USDF/Region 6 Championships.
Alison Gerther on South Shore’s Tiger Lady has her first leg on the 13 & Under with 67.000%

Ashley Murphy riding Whirlwind also has 67.000% for the 14 to 18
Abbey Williamson on Crescenda follows with a 58.000%
Sheila Buchanan on Okarina has her first leg on the Adult with 68.000%
There is still time to enter and win in the June and July shows.
Sheila Buchanan riding Okarina was also out Dover Medal Winner. She places first in Class 121 with a score of 68.000%
The show Hi-Point ribbons and trophies went to:
Paige Ruhl on Bandolero CLXXVI was Hi-Point Open rider
Kim Taylor riding the Flying W Farms Princess Star was the Hi-Point Adult Amateur
Caitlyn Cushman riding Unforgetable was the Junior/Young Rider Hi-Point.
Caitlyn also earned the highest percentage of the show with 72.778. I was next to the scoring area when her test came in. All of a sudden I heard “that is a 9!” These judges were not easy. Very good Caitlyn!

Onward to Beaujolais and Champagne Classic. Donida has been improving all kinds of areas. The new rings probably will not be in action in 2006, but they will be ready for Championship 2007 See you there in June.

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Dressage Directors Report
by Carolyn Adams Cole
May 2006
Spring has been busy at EI. On April 2nd devoted riders lost an hour of sleep (due to daylight savings) to attend the second schooling show of the season. Once again Lisa Copeland and her barn manager, Salvador, provided a lovely venue for the show at San Sebastian Equestrian Center.

“L” graduate Beth Glosten judged approximately 65 rides, through Prix St. Georges. We had a sizeable group of eventers, including Lindsay Pozarycki, who rode Eventing CCI FEI test B for an upcoming 4 Star Horse Trials this spring. The show was capably staffed by volunteers Taryn Briones, Colleen Jones, Donna Kachinkas, Wendy Meyers, Rafaela Pope, and Nancy Taylor. High point winners were Jane Judson (open), Laura Scholten (adult amateur), and Elysia Ruvinsky (junior/young rider). Thanks to all!

A second “How to Scribe” clinic was held on Thursday, May 4th. We look forward to seeing our new scribes at the shows this season.

By the time of your reading, L’Aperitif will have come and gone, and the Beaujolais will be upon us. Both shows are fully subscribed, and we anticipate the same for the Champagne Classic. Be sure to get your entry forms in ASAP if you plan to enter.

EI is sponsoring a USDF Instructors’ Certification workshop series and testing program. Please contact me if you are interested in participating or helping to organize this program. More information about the program is available on the USDF website, or you can contact me at cacats3@aol.com.

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Jan Loesche on Display in Seattle
by Cinda Peters
May 2006
Art in Motion:
E.I.'s Photographer Earns Recognition as the Featured Artist for May at the Roosevelt Starbucks (Click picture to enlarge)

Jan Loesche received her first "Brownie" camera in fifth grade, quickly filling an album with photos of her dog, backyard, and vistas of Mount Rainier from Paradise Valley. A graduate of the UW, Jan majored in art and minored in elementary education and spent many years encouraging creativity in her young students.

Her love of horses and the desire to capture their dynamic movement has been Jan's artistic goal for the past three years. She has worked tirelessly at nearly every E.I. event and clinic photographing our members and their equestrian partners. Her outstanding photos appear regularly in Flying Changes and the web sites for E.I. and the NW Sport Horse Breeders Association.

Her enthusiasm and dedication is evident when she says, "Horses are our faithful partners, not just during a graceful musical freestyle, but also on a fun trail ride. They offer mobility and therapy to riders with special needs and build character and responsibility for students in youth programs. As we build a relationship of trust, they have much to teach us."

E.I. congratulates Jan for her wonderful images and is grateful for her outstanding effort as one of our volunteers.

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Presidents Report
by Jana Steffen
May 2006
Summer is almost here and E.I. has had a full spring of activities to help kick off the show season. We started with the freestyle clinic, schooling shows, the La Aperitif, two scribing seminars, a saddle fitting clinic and a ride & review. The Chapters have also provided opportunities through their schooling shows.

The ride and review was one of the items offered during last year’s E.I. Auction. It was held last weekend at River Run Ranch. The event went well. Many thanks to all who volunteered and a special thanks to: our judges, Nancy Benton and Nancy Thacher, to Julie Bennett, the owner of River Run Ranch and to Wendy Meyers who orchestrated it all. It was a great venue to get pre-show practice and folks had a good time. I know I did. It was the first outing for my young horse; we both had a good experience. The facility is beautiful, the judge’s comments were very helpful and to top it all off, we had tasty snacks.

I hope all your practice will reap rewards in and out of the show ring. For those who participate in the shows or volunteer, thank you in advance!

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Ride & Review Clinic
by Wendy Meyers
May 2006
RIVER RUN RANCH RIDE AND REVIEW
On Sunday, April 30th, River Run Ranch and Equestrians' Institute hosted a Ride and Review. The day turned out to be lovely, a huge relief to the organizers after the torrential rains of the afternoon before, and the exquisite facility was enough to take the riders' breath away. Looking out on the acres of lush grass while riding in the wonderful regulation arenas, all the participants (human and equine) felt they were a part of something special.

The idea of a Ride and Review is to allow each rider to come before a judge, ride the test of his or her choice, speak with the judge briefly, then either ride the test once more, or go over whatever portions of it the judge offers help with. This allowed all the riders to take full advantage of the judges' knowledge and experience to improve their horses.

We were fortunate enough to enjoy the benefit of two excellent judges, Nancy Benton and Nancy Thacher. Both these ladies took great care to go directly to what they saw as the central issues of each performance. They didn't fuss with superficial bobbles, but focused instead on the deeper concepts of correct training and riding. Everyone who rode emerged from the ring feeling that they'd been given some real assistance with the challenges of dressage.

Tickets for the Ride and Review had been sold last November at the E.I. auction, with all proceeds going to support the organization. This event was made possible by generous donations from several parties. Equestrians' Institute would like to thank Julie and John Bennett, owners of river Run Ranch in Carnation. The Bennetts donated the use of their exceptional facility for the day, and made sure that everyone felt welcome.

The footing in both rings was well-groomed and easy for the horses to work in, and inside the barn were buckets of snacks for human and equine guests. Every blade of grass seemed to be in place, and that means an awful lot of blades of grass! We would also like to thank the eminently qualified judges, Nancy Thacher and Nancy Benton for donating their services. As USEF judges, it was very gracious of both of them to share their knowledge and time so freely in support of E.I.. They truly exemplify the concept of giving back to the equestrian community. And we would be remiss to overlook Cindy Bucceri, who did a marvelous job of organizing the hospitality for the judges and volunteers. Not only that, but she made the morning Starbucks run for the judge, qualifying her as a hero! Thanks also to our scribes and scorers, Pann Bennedict, Renee Parrish, Deborah Hauck, Jana Steffen and Cindy Bucceri. Without our wonderful cadre of volunteers, E.I. would simply cease to be.

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Saddle Fitting Clinic
May 2006
Does Your Horse's Saddle Fit?

How often have you heard of people spending large sums of money on a new saddle, even “custom made,” only to find later that it doesn't actually fit? Or perhaps that person is you? Well, you seem to be in very good company. And after the recent Saddle Fitting clinic, held April 15th at Simpatico Stables in Redmond, WA, it is easy to see why this is such a common scenario. There are so many factors involved! And although two hours doesn't do the topic justice, the presenter, Lisa Jordan, a professional saddle-fitter from the Reactor Panel Saddle Company, did an excellent job giving us a thorough introduction. Those of us attending her lecture certainly came away with a deeper appreciation for saddle fitting as both an art and a science, as well as with some basic “how-tos for applying the information.

As we learned at the clinic, we must look at a multitude of factors, starting with the conformation of the horse standing square (look from above and behind, too!), but also how he moves, how the rider rides, of course how the saddle is made and ultimately, how the whole package works together in action. Jordan’s PowerPoint presentation had many helpful photos for showing us everything she talked about. To paraphrase one attendee's response, “she really helped turn on some lights for me!”

As the organizer of the event, I heard comments from virtually everyone afterwards such as “ That was so helpful!” “Thank you so much for this event”, and from many, perhaps the biggest complement to Lisa's skills and knowledge, “When will she be back?” Well, given the quality of the presentation, the importance of this education, and the response from those attending, I do hope to organize a similar event within the next year.

Meanwhile, one book she referenced, for those of you interested in learning more, is The Horse's Pain-Free Back and Saddle-Fit Book by Joyce Harman, DVM, MRCVS. I have it, and what I have seen of it is excellent. (Still working on reading it all!) Like Lisa's lecture, it includes information on assessing the horse, saddle and rider, saddle innovations, pad and girth considerations, measuring, and much, much more. Also tons of great photos and information on caring for your horse's back.

Perhaps one of the most useful things that came out of the lecture for me (if I had to choose only one) is the importance of a significant trial period. This would also ideally include some form of a test for pressure points with the saddle in motion. There are several options for this, such as a computer pressure read-out system, thermography, carpenter's chalk (picked up by sweat), and the Port Lewis Impression Pad. (You can find information on the latter on the ReactorPanel website, www.reactorpanel.com ).

One example that Lisa gave made the need for more than a few days trial so obvious. If your current shoe rubs your heel and you try another shoe that doesn't, it's going to feel great for a while because your heel gets relief. But if you wear it for a while you may find the new shoe is rubbing your toes, and then you are essentially in the same place you started, with a shoe that doesn't fit. Jordan encouraged us to always insist on at least a one week trial period to really see how the saddle is working for both horse and rider in action.

The consequences of a poorly fitting saddle for the rider can be bad enough, but at least we have advantages such as speech to complain and seek advice, the option of choosing not to ride and ultimately, the advantage of credit cards! But what's the horse to do to express discomfort, pain, and eventual damage to his or her body? Though some may bear it quite stoically, others perhaps start with pinning the ears, swishing the tail, progress to make mounting more challenging, hollow the back, lose coordination and flow, refuse a certain lead, buck, and on and on.

Of course, these behaviors do not necessarily mean the saddle doesn't fit, but it's not a bad place to look, as it is alarmingly common, but not always obvious. We certainly owe it to our horses, and to ourselves, to look at this question much more closely and carefully than we may have in the past. I'm grateful to Lisa for her help in furthering our education so we can.

Magan Ayrault Is an equine and human massage therapist as well as an instructor with the Northwest School of Animal Massage. Please find her business link as Heart in Hand on EI’s business links page or go to www.touchwithheart.com Email: mayrault@nwsam.com Phone: 206-719-5311.

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Eventing Director Report
By Penelope Leggott
I find myself writing this, my first report, with some astonishment. My credentials for the position of Eventing Director are rather humble. I started riding in my mid 40s, but have always loved horses from a distance and had happy memories of riding my cousins’ pony on infrequent visits to their farm in Suffolk, England. When I came to Seattle in 1993 I leased a little horse called CB at Homeport (now Simpatico). He eventually became my very own pony and taught me a great deal, suffering my ignorance and mistakes with aplomb. We found our way to Eventing when a friend suggested I ask Todd Trewin if I could join his program. I was drawn into the camaraderie and exhilaration of Eventing with Todd’s wonderful group of adult riders and we had many good times. Since then I’ve been fortunate to train with Sarah Lorenz, who encouraged me to join EI, and I now train with Carrie Carstairs. I have a 6 year old appendix who injured a front suspensory ligament last August, and we have had a LONG winter of rehabilitation. My credentials regarding the management and treatment of suspensory injuries, and the associated vet bills, are really quite strong!

The mission of the Equestrians' Institute is to provide educational opportunities for skill development, encourage camaraderie, and support the interests of equestrians in our region. The member survey conducted last year made it clear that Eventing members would like more Eventing activities, such as derbies, clinics, or practice trials. They would also like to see an Eventing grant and more information related to Eventing on the website and in Flying Changes.

Education Grants:
This year EI is offering two education grants of $200 each to participants in the Eventing division - one each in the Junior/Young Rider and Adult Amateur categories. Information on how to apply for the grants is available on the EI website (under Grants and Awards in the Show Office section) www.equestriansinstitute.org. The grant application due date is May 15, 2006. All questions about the grant application process should be directed to the grant administrator: Beth Glosten, bglosten@aol.com

Activities:
Our Chapter is this the right word?) of EI is unique in the USA in that it includes the three disciplines, which gives us Eventers access to both dressage and eventing activities. This year we have a busy calendar of educational opportunities, schooling shows, and clinics for eventers; some of these are sponsored by EI and some by other organizations. EI sponsored activities can be found on the web site under Show Office/eventing 
The following are upcoming:
July 29-30, 2006 - Liz Tukey Clinic, Fish Bowl Farm, Vashon Island (See News article)
August 27 2006 - Schooling Horse Trial, Sunset Farm Equestrian Center, WCDEA
http://www.wcdea.org/Horse_Trial.html

Several dressage schooling shows

April 30 2006 -- Schooling show, Broken Auger Farm, Ferndale, WA (see News Article), WCDEA
May 14 2006 -- Dressage Schooling Show, Green Hills Farm, Gig Harbor, LPSDC
May 20 2006 -- Dressage “Ride-a-Test”, Sunset Equestrian Park, WCDEA
June 11 2006 -- Dressage Schooling Show, Sawda Equestrian Center, Port Orchard, LPSDC
July 2 2006 -- Dressage Schooling Show, Bainbridge Island Pony Club, LPSDC
Activities sponsored by other organizations are on the EI web site bulletin board) -  - go to Disciplines /eventing/bulletin board. Region V11 Adult Riders is sponsoring several excellent clinics for Eventers, as well as holding derbies and their annual Adult Rider Camp in May. (http://www.areavii.org/AR/sbergin/index.htm). While jumping and cross country clinics fulfill eventers’ souls, none of us is competitive at an event without strong dressage skills. Accordingly, we are including EI sponsored dressage training opportunities on the calendar. A number of valuable general interest clinics, sponsored by EI, are also listed A second of the very popular scribing clinics will be held at Simpatico Stables in Redmond on May 4th, a saddle fitting clinic will have been held shortly after this goes to press, to give two examples. I have scribed a few times in the last year and it has taught me so much about what judges look for in a dressage test, and how easy it is to throw away marks. I’ve also learned that being a good scribe takes preparation and skill – I’d encourage you to think about taking this course.

EI Horse Trials is scheduled once again in its former “slot”: September 23-24, 2007. This event was a great success last year, with a wonderful new bank complex as well as many new jumps. Mary Brumder is the Event organizer this year and plans are already underway for new improvements to the course this year. Plan to be there!

Resource List:
One of my goals for this year is to put together a really comprehensive list of Eventing opportunities in our region, and for the EI Eventing web site to become a key information resource. If you know of interesting clinics or schooling shows or one day events – please let me know. We obviously need to avoid promoting an individual barn or trainer, but when a well know clinician is coming to town and the clinic is open to all – let’s get the word out!

In conclusion:
We are looking for eventing volunteers who would be willing to help with particular educational activities and to bring enthusiasm and ideas. We want to look at what's currently available for eventers, and identify gaps or areas that EI could strengthen. Joining EI is a great way to meet people who share your passion and to become involved in the larger equestrian community in our area. We look forward to having you contact us.

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In Memory of Eric Krech and Dietrich Von Hopffgarten
Posted March 2006
It is with great sadness that the Equestrians’ Institute community has said goodbye to two well known members of our horse community: Eric Krech and Dietrich Von Hopffgarten. Eric has served E.I tirelessly with video taping our rides and Dietrich has elevated our riding skills. We have included the following memories of:

Eric Krech
Dietrich Von Hopffgarten

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Update: WCDEA Dressage Schooling show
Posted by Lynn Salas
March 13 2006
The WCDEA Dressage Schooling show, and will be held at Broken Auger Farm, 5031 Elder Road in Ferndale, WA. on April 30, 2006. The judge is Monique Frasier, and the Show Secretary, contact person is Lynn Salas, (360) 592-2295 or isalas@earthlink.net All levels are welcome. There will be ribbons to 5th place, and high score awards. Tests will be ridden on an outdoor sand arena, with warmup on hog fuel. Entries may be downloaded from the Chapter website: http://www.wcdea.org

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Dressage Director’s Report
by Carolyn Adams Cole
March 13 2006
On March 5th, intrepid riders and volunteers attended EI’s first of four schooling shows. Undeterred by wind or rain, bodies and souls were warmed by equine companions’ warm bodies, companionship, pizza, hot chocolate, and lattes provided by a mobile espresso van. Great planning, Kellie! Thank you, volunteers Beth Glosten, Donna Kachinkas, Wendy Meyers, Carol Miller, Shelly Navarre, Rafaela Pope and Nathan White. High point winners were Jane Judson (open), Laura Scholten (adult amateur), and Anne Cole (junior/young rider), all of whom had scores in the mid to upper 60s. It was a great start to our ’06 show season. Thanks to all!

In February, another successful Karen Robinson Musical Freestyle
Clinic was held at Bear Creek Farm in Woodinville. Read all about it in an article penned by Laurie Somers and Siggi Wolff, available in Flying Changes or on the EI website. Thanks, Kathleen Doyle, for continuing to organize these great educational opportunities.

As of your reading this, EI will have held its second scribing clinic at Simpatico Stables. If you missed it, ask a friend, or one of the organizers, Beth Glosten or Wendy Meyers, for the lowdown. I am sure that we will have a handful of newly-minted scribes eager to help out at the upcoming shows.

Speaking of which, L’Aperitif is just around the corner. It will be held on May 21st at Bridle Trails State Park in Kirkland. Come compete, volunteer, or just cheer your friends on at the show. It’s sure to be a lot of fun. Don’t forget to check out the EI website for volunteering information.

See you at the shows!

Carolyn Adams Cole

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President's Report
by Jana Steffen
March 13 2006
It is with a heavy heart that I write this article. Several days ago I learned of the passing of Dietrich von Hopffgarten. Dietrich was one of the area's best dressage trainers. He was the trainer of many local trainers and brought many riders to Grand Prix. I was hoping that one day he would help me get there. Unfortunately, although I watched many clinics, I only had two rides with him. He was taken from us too soon. This loss makes me angry and sad. He had so much more to contribute, so much more knowledge and wisdom to pass on. He understood how best to reach each rider and he treated the horses with kindness and sensitivity. His teachings will live on through his students and will be passed on to the next generation of riders. I know that as I ride, I'll hear his voice telling me to keep my shoulders back, lower leg forward, heels down and to be a ballarina. My thoughts and prayers go to Kim and family.

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Updated: Lynne Larsen XC Camp
at NWEC April 13-16, 2006

The following documents are available for signup:

Lynne camp Apr 06 bio.pdf
Lynne camp Apr 06 reg.pdf
Lynne camp Apr 06 release.pdf

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Liz Tukey Clinic
Posted by Emily Wigley
March 13
Saturday & Sunday, July 29-30, 2006
Fish Bowl Farm, Vashon Island, Washington

Liz Tukey has been teaching Dressage and Eventing across the US for over 25 years. She rides & trains at home in Colorado Springs between teaching clinics. Liz is a National USPC Examiner.

Liz has traveled to Germany to work with Eckart Meyners three times. Dr. Meyners is a Professor of Sports Physiology & Body Movement at the University in Luneburg. Over the past 25 years he has dealt with issues of how people learn movement in riding, and has worked with the German FN to develop curriculums for professional and amateur riders, trainers, instructors, and judges.

With balancing and suppling exercises, Liz will discuss and show the importance of balance in the rider’s body and mind as it influences the dialogue with the horse. Riding is about the rider’s coming into harmony with the horse so that she/he may effectively communicate with the horse. It is not a mechanical process, but a union of two moving bodies so the horse is guided by the active and intuitive body language of the rider. Liz will use these balancing exercises on and off the horses while continuing to share her eye and expertise in teaching dressage and jumping lessons.

Riding Sessions: Dressage and/or Jumping
• Private or semiprivate sessions • Dressage and/or jumping. • Fees range from $40 to $80 per session depending on choice of un-mounted balancing exercises, longe work, semiprivate or private riding sessions. Stabling is available.

Balancing and Suppling Exercise Sessions - Unmounted and Mounted Work
• Unmounted exercise session of suppling and balancing exercises with instructor.
• Lunge lessons available for more suppling and balancing exercises.
• Consultation with instructor about position issues, review of exercises, design new suppling exercises.
* If lunging: your horse must be proficient at lunging with rider. Please bring lunging equipment.

Please email ewigley@mindspring.com or call Emily Wigley 206-463-5473 for a registration form. http://www.fishbowlfarm.com

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Region 6 Adult Clinic with Jan Ebeling
Posted by Peter Rothchild
March 13 2006
Jan Ebeling to Conduct
2006 Adult Clinic in Region 6

Jan Ebeling will be the featured clinician at the 2006 USDF Region 6 Adult Clinic scheduled for July 8-9, 2006, in Spokane, Washington. This clinic is generously hosted by Spokane Sport Horse Farm, LLC and is organized by Inland Northwest Dressage Association and Carol Voogd.

As a major force in the U.S. since 1998, when he began riding as a United States citizen, Jan Ebeling rode Gucci to a 1998 Reserve Championship at the Intermediaire I Championship held in Gladstone, NJ, as part of the Bayer/USET Festival of Champions. In 2000, Ebeling found his way back to the winner's circle in Gladstone. This time aboard Ricardo, Ebeling topped the field of the nation's best Intermediaire I horse-and-rider combinations to win the Intermediaire I Championship. In the 2002 Championships, he earned Reserve Champion honors aboard the grey gelding Liberte, owned by Ann Romney. No stranger to the winner's circle at the Intermediaire I Championship, Ebeling achieved success again in 2003 at the Festival where he posted third and fourth place finishes aboard Feleciano and Liberte respectively. Ebeling's 2003 finishes in Gladstone earned him the right to represent the United States at the 2003 Pan American Games in Santo Domingo, the Dominican Republic. While in Santo Domingo, Jan was the highest ranking US rider and clinched the gold medal for the USA team. He finished fifth overall individually with the stallion Feleciano.

Before coming to the United States in 1984, Ebeling worked as an apprentice under late German master Herbert Rehbein and earned his berreiter, a German license to train horses. In 1984, he moved to the United States to work along with U.S Olympian Robert Dover while Dover was preparing for the '84 Olympics. Today, Ebeling and his wife Amy own and operate their own training and sales facility The Acres, in Moorpark, CA.

Applications are currently being accepted for riders in this clinic. Rider applications must be received by the USDF Office on or before May 25, 2006. Please visit www.usdf.org/Programs/AdultClinics/index.asp for selection criteria and further information.

Current USDF participating, group and intercollegiate/interscholastic members who pre-register to audit by June 23, 2006, will receive discounted pre-registration auditing rates.

For further information, visit www.usdf.org/Programs/AdultClinics/index.asp, or contact USDF at (859) 271-7877 or adultclinics@usdf.org

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Scribing for a Dressage Class
Posted by Wendy Meyers
Thursday, March 9th, 2006 6:30 PM
Scribing is an excellent way to increase your understanding of what a judge looks for during a dressage test. The scribe has an opportunity to see the test from the judge’s perspective. Riders who scribe gain a deeper knowledge of the sport. They also forever endear themselves to show management; never a bad thing!

Read more about the scribing clinic here.

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Jimmy Wofford Eventing Clinic
At Deep Creek Farm
June 24-25, 2006
Entries Open: Now
Refund deadline date: May 23
(if confirmed in writing to organizer)
Levels available: Tr*, Prelim, Int/Adv

Prerequisites for each level:
To ride at a level, horse and rider must have completed and placed in a recognized event at that level. If you don’t qualify by that criteria but still want to ride, please contact the organizer (and/or note details on your entry form) so we can form compatible groups at other levels if necessary. * Note some high level Novice riders may be accepted if the groups do not otherwise fill. Please indicate your experience at this level if you apply.

Group size: 8 or fewer riders per group
Ride times: 2 hours per day for 2 days
(exact times to be emailed a few days before the clinic, and each attendee will also be contacted by phone)

Cost: $350 including stabling

($15 Discount for members of Area VII Adult Riders)
($10/weekend for auditors to cover costs of refreshments)
Format:
Saturday will be stadium jumping and gymnastics. Sunday will be cross country. Jimmy will also deliver his famous entertaining and educational lectures with discussion both days before the real fun begins. (Probably 8:00 AM) Entries available: tulipsprings@aol.com

Contact: Carol Curry, (650) 714-4949 Tulipsprings@aol.com

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The 2006 Gifted Fund Application For Training In 2007
posted February 28 2006
The 2006 Gifted Fund information and application is ready to print from The Dressage Foundation website at: www.dressagefoundation.org. Note the deadline date for the 2006 application is Friday, September 15, 2006. A grant in the amount of $750 is available to ADULT AMATEURS, to be selected from the nine USDF regions.

The Dressage Foundation is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization, whose mission is to cultivate and provide financial support for the advancement of Dressage. For more information contact The Dressage Foundation at Wells Fargo Center, 1248 'O" Street, Suite 732 Lincoln, NE 68508. Phone: 402/434-8585, Fax: 402/436-3053, or email to john@dressagefoundation.org.

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Mane Event Equine Education and Trade Fair
by Mary Decher
posted February 11 2006
The Mane Event Equine Education and Trade Fair is taking place Feb. 17-19 at the Clarke County Fairgrounds in Vancouver, WA. Please look here for more information: http://www.maneeventexpo.com/wa/default.asp

Show Hours:

Friday, Feb. 17 - 3:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Saturday, Feb 18 - 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Sunday, Feb. 19 - 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Driving Demonstration hours:

Saturday - 1:45 PM - 2:00 PM
Sunday - 2:30 PM - 2:45 PM
And for your information, Clay Maiers will be giving two driving clinics:
Saturday from 11:00 to 12:15 and Sunday from 12:30 to 1:45.

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Clay Maiers Long Lining Clinic
by Mary Decher
posted February 11 2006
Clay Maiers is coming to Thomas Equestrian Centre in Beavercreek, on March 17, 18 and 19. We will be having a Friday night dinner with Clay to see his new CD.

People can sign up for long lining lessons on Saturday and Sunday. Auditors are welcome for $10/day. Anyone interested can e-mail us at thomasfarm@bctonline.com or call 503/632-5053.

This should really be an exciting clinic with a top professional like Clay Maiers. I'm really looking forward to learning more about long lining, since this is such an important part of any horse training schedule.

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Bill Long Clinic
by Mary Decher
posted February 11 2006
Very exciting news! Bill Long from Southern Pines, NC is coming to Sisters, OR for a clinic on June 30, July 1 and July 2 at Lei Durdan's beautiful Crooked Pine Ranch. We are taking deposits of $100 for anyone who wants to sign up. Checks can be sent to Sharon McCarthy 13777 SW Pleasant Valley Rd., Beaverton, OR 97007. There will be a dinner Saturday night at $10/ person. Auditing is available for $10/day. Registration is on a first come first served basis. A waiting list will be started once the clinic is filled. Refunds will be based on whether or not the sessions will fill.

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President’s Report
By Jana Steffe
posted February 11 2006
With the start of the New Year, we have had several folks complete their terms on the Board of Directors and new folks come onto the Board. I would like to acknowledge both groups.

Sarah Lorenz has been the Eventing Director for the past four years. Thanks to her efforts and working with the Organizers (Cheri Overman and Mary Brumder) we have continued to be able to offer the E.I. Horse Trials. Each year the Trials have improved in quality of jumps (stadium and cross country) and overall organization. In addition, the event has been able to pay for itself, even with funds going toward new/improved cross country jumps. Sarah, thank you for keeping the event alive and going strong. And thank you for keeping a positive attitude and for all the hours and effort you have given to E.I. It is very much appreciated. At this time, we are looking for someone who would like the honor of stepping into the Eventing Director position.

Ann Davis has been the Director for that small but powerful group of drivers. During that time she has worked to promote driving within the equestrian community and has taken a larger leadership role with the Driving Community by becoming the Area Director for the American Driving Society. Thank you Ann for all your efforts.

Mary Decher will be picking up the reins as the Driving Director. Mary has been active with E.I. for many years and we are delighted that she has stepped into this role. She has solid plans to grow the Driving Division with the help of her new Co-Director, Jim McBride. Jim has also been active for many years with E.I. and we are pleased to have him back working directly with the Board. Both offer many years experience of working with non-profits and Jim, an active attorney, has an excellent legal background.

Heather Grassman was our Webmaster. She did a fabulous job in this position and as a result of her work (and the work of Cinda Peters), we were awarded the best GMO website (for our size of GMO) by the USDF for 2005. Heather has been a pleasure to work with; offering great insight on issues surrounding the web site and general operational issues. I am thankful to have such a talent working on the team. Thank you Heather for all the work on the site and doing what it took to get the job done, i.e. putting in extra hours.

Peter Larsen is the new Webmaster and will be carrying the torch for further web site development. He has already begun to implement his ideas. He had previously rolled out the E-Flash and was very involved in our strategic planning and actions for the future of the web site and enhancing our on-line capabilities. Peter has a strong technical background and brings to the table not only technical knowledge but a solid understanding of what it takes to run an organization. Peter will work with his new Co-Director, Carolyn Linstead. Carolyn is a current web guru for Boeing and brings her extensive expertise in designing and developing web sites. It is great to have them both on the team.

Heidi Gloudemans is our new Director of Volunteers. She stepped into this role last fall and has already gotten a great start in working with the Volunteer Coordinators to identify additional ways to enhance our volunteer experience. Heidi has a solid business background and brings many skills to the team. I look forward to working with her.

We also have two new Co-Directors: Liana Antanovich, Co-Director for Promotions and Lezlie Wolff, Co-Director for Education. Liana brings a strong background in marketing and promotions. She will begin with a focus on the business membership and has already offered great ideas and strategies for this area. Lezlie has a terrific background as a writer and is a well rounded horse person. She has been active in multiple disciplines (dressage, jumping and researching/writing articles for general horse care). She brings good insight and practical experience for additional educational opportunities. I am very pleased to have both Liana and Lezlie join the team.

I am looking forward to this next year, with the growth of the team, we are well positioned to further our strategic objectives and make E.I. an even better organization for our members.

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Dressage Director’s Report
By Carolyn Adams Cole
Posted February 5 2006
I thought I’d begin this month’s rumination by providing a brief recap of the accomplishments and activities of the past year (the one that just flew by).

In 2005, E.I.’s dressage division brought you the Steffan Peters and Janet Brown symposium, two musical freestyle clinics, four schooling shows and three USDF recognized shows: l’Aperitif, the Beaujolais, and the Summer Champagne Classic. We provided education grants to members, sponsored classes at area shows, upgraded equipment, organized events such as the Diagnostic Imaging and Scribing clinics, and supported organizations that share our mission: to provide educational and competitive opportunities to the equestrian community.

Now we are in the process of developing this year’s educational programs, including another spring scribing clinic, to be held March 9. Contact Wendy Meyers at whimseyfarm@msn.com. The first of our schooling shows will be held March 5th and April 2nd at San Sebastian Equestrian Center in Redmond. Contact Kellie Larsen at klarsen@wolfenet.com for details.

E.I. recognized the accomplishments of many of its members at our annual meeting, held at the Grange in Woodinville on January 8th. Year-end awards were presented to competitors in schooling and recognized shows, and in recognition of our extraordinary volunteers, without whom Equestrians’ Institute would not exist. Congratulations to all! Please view our web site for full details of the awards.

And now, for a bit of E.I. history… the origins of the Carlene Coffin Perpetual Trophy, named in honor of Carlene “Bobby” Coffin, a founding member of E.I. and “grande dame” of equestrian sports in our region. Bobby Coffin was instrumental in starting Pony Club in our area. This led to adults asking for a similar organization. In response to this need, she and Mary Dodd founded E.I.

The Carlene Coffin Perpetual Trophy, first awarded in 1984, is given to the highest scoring First Level horse and E.I. member rider team at the Champagne Classic. 2005’s winner is Madison Cushman, riding Caruso. Congratulations, Madison!

Other member news:
Michele Nolte of Arlington is the Region 6 recipient of The Dressage Foundation’s Gifted Fund Scholarship. The Gifted Fund, established by Olympic rider Carol Lavell, provides “funding support for adult amateur dressage riders who are working to sharpen their skills.” Michele and her horse Delicada (Della) will train with Jacqueline Oldam. Congratulations, Michele!

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Whatcom County Dressage and Eventing Association
Schooling dressage show and "Haul it in" Tack Sale
Sunday, March 19, 2006
Posted February 5 2006
The Whatcom County Dressage and Eventing Association is hosting a couple of events that might be of interest to other EI members.

Sunday, March 19, 2006 - Schooling dressage show and "Haul it in" Tack Sale at Broken Auger Farm in Ferndale. Both the show and the tack sale commission proceeds are to benefit Sunset Farm Equestrian Center (a Whatcom County Parks facility), where we have built a cross country course and recently finished a large outdoor sand arena. Our next projects at Sunset Farm are to fence the outdoor arena and to start the Training Level part of the cross country course. Entries and more information about the tack sale will be available on the wcdea website www.wcdea.org.

For additional information, please contact info@wcdea.org

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Lynne Larsen XC Camp
at NWEC April 13-16, 2006
by Mary Blackburn
posted Feb 4 2006
Lynne is one of only two Level 4 Certified Eventing Coaches in Canada. Lynne has competed through the Advanced CIC*** level, so she understands the demands and issues of upper level Eventing, but enjoys teaching students at all of the levels.
Lynne is a gifted instructor who brings a positive and energetic attitude to her clinics. She has an excellent feel for horses and what makes them ‘tick’ and a strong background in sports psychology which she combines to create an atmosphere that allows her students the opportunity to explore and understand some of the underlying issues they may