Letters from the Chair - Kern River Dressage

Chapter News: May 12 - GEAHS Open Dressage Show in Bakersfield
Issue 3: March/April 2012
Visit our website: www.kernrivercds.org Like us on Face Book: Kern River CDS
Next Meeting: Tuesday, June 5, 2012, at 7:00pm at La Cabana Restaurant on 6725 White Lane.
Upcoming: May 12, 2012, Triple Rated GEAHS Dressage Show at Rancho Rio, Bakersfield, 5320 Peacock Park Lane
.
Sue Dockweiler, Chair, Kern River CDS
Letters from the Chair
“Happy horse, happy rider”. This is a quote from an article in one of the
many horse magazines we receive at our house (having a daughter who
rides just about every discipline, we get LOTS of different kinds of “horsey”
magazines). I have given that quote a bit of thought over the last few
weeks, wondering what exactly does it mean.
O.K., first of all, there are the obvious things such as not beating the living
daylights out of your horse, or spurring so hard and often you leave a hole
in his side, but what else?
I think probably one of the biggest ones is riding as correctly and effectively as possible. Not only does this help
you, it in turn helps your horse. If you can’t afford to take lessons regularly, enlist the help of a friend with a video
camera. It’s amazing what you can see and improve even on your own! There is also a plethora of free videos out
there to help you with specific issues.
Properly fitting tack has got to be another very important “biggie”. Imagine trying to run a marathon, or even jog a
few miles in shoes that don’t fit. I bet you’d quit running pretty quickly! Think how your horse feels. A change in
scenery is another way to keep your horse happy. If your horse lives in a stall, make an effort to let him out as often
as possible, even if you aren’t riding. How would you feel having to live in just one room of your house all the time?
Lunge him if you can, or better yet, let him out in the arena at your barn while you do other chores. Grass can be a
real commodity here in Bakersfield, but if there is a patch or two at your barn, allow him to graze as frequently as
possible. We all know what a refreshing change trail riding can be from arena work, but sometimes just changing
what we do IN the arena can be helpful. Add ground poles or cavaletti to some of your schooling. Use cones and
mix up the patterns you ride with them. Trailer to other arenas to school occasionally. Just about anything you can
do to keep things different and interesting for both of you, will help to contribute toward, “Happy horse, happy rider”.
Happy Riding!
Sue Dockweiler
Chair, Kern River Chapter
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Letter from the Editor
The Joys of Spring
After all of my years of owning a horse you’d think I’d remember, but no, every March when it’s still a little chilly, I wear
my fleece pullover to the barn. Fleece and horse hair just DON’T MIX!!! I end up wearing at least half of what comes off
my horse if not all. I’m sure everyone else has learned this lesson and remembers, but I’m just a glutton for punishment.
I’ve worn fleece several times this year, not just once, and I have horse hair all over my washer and dryer. It looks like
I’ve washed a saddle pad.
Last year I body clipped my horse. I did this to look presentable at a clinic because my horse is so hairy. I also was
hoping that it’d help with the shedding issue. Well, it did kind of. My horse still shed lots of tiny hairs that stick to my
fleece. And don’t even ask me how the body clipping went. That is an art form that I have yet to accomplish.
This year I decided to forgo the punishment (for me) of body clipping. Even though I blanket my horse, he is still as furry
as ever. The shedding is driving me nuts. I’m just happy that the weather is warming up so I shouldn’t be wearing
fleece any more. Oh, and chap stick doesn’t work too well either!
Mia Selvidge
Editor, Kern River Chapter
Hello Chapter Chairs,
Junior/Young Rider Clinic
I am really excited that CDS is offering a Junior/Young Rider Clinic and hope your chapter is able to send a junior
member. The clinic will be held at Spirit Equestrian Center in Somis. The riders will arrive Friday afternoon June 15th
in time to attend a pizza party and lecture from the clinician Christiane Noelting. The riding portion of the clinic will be
Saturday June 16th.
Please be sure to send your $50 check to CDS Central Office to hold the spot for your chapter member. I will need the
name of your rider and alternate rider by May 8th.
Rider must be a member of CDS SJC in good standing and be a Junior or Young Rider 21 years or
younger. The rider to be eligible must have a sound, fit and in good condition equine partner, presenting as a
"horse/rider team"
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Thanks,
Kristin Young
949-677-1334
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Kern River Chapter’s Thanks to CDS - by Mellanie Burkhart
My trusty steed, Confetti's Magic, aka "Levi" and I were chosen to represent the Kern River Chapter at the Central CDS
Amateur Clinic with Rachel Saavedra. We had a wonderful time in spite of the rain, hail and wind. As the saying
goes, "The show must go on". The cold made us huddle around the heaters and become well acquainted with our
fellow riders and their "peeps.” Golden Hills Farm and the Gilmores went over and above to make everyone feel
welcome and help in any way needed. In my case, I ended up staying an extra night due to truck trouble and Kent was
the first to help....Thank You! San Louis Chapter provided a wonderful, delicious dinner hosted at the Gilmore
home. Rachel's lecture was very informative and made me feel more comfortable about the clinic the following days.
I learned a few exercises from Rachel that I will be able to use in my daily riding. I made new friends that I hope to
keep and had fun with my four legged partner even when he was being a bit of a stinker. Isn't that what riding is all
about: good riding, good friends and good memories?! Last but not least, thanks to Ellen Corob for organizing yet
another flawless function.
Mellanie Burkhart
Co-Chair, Kern River Chapter
Mellanie Burkhart on Levi at the CDS
Amateur Clinic
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A Casual Clinic with Betsy Shelton Hosted by Bakersfield Dressage
Submitted by Karen Sweaney
The clinic on April 21, 2012, was a success largely in part to Crystal Taylor and her dad. Many thanks go to the both
of them for allowing us to use their wonderful arena, and for all their hard work in grooming and watering it. They were
even kind enough to do it all with no haul in fees!
The morning started hot and humid which was only the appetizer for the day's main entrèe, REALLY HOT AND HUMID.
We had had wet, cool weather for weeks so mid-90s was a bit hard on our unacclimated bodies. Interestingly, the heat
didn't slow any of the horses down. Most were fresh and ready to rock and roll. Mid-way through the morning, the
neighbor started shuffling cows through the nearby pasture, and then like dominoes falling, each horse got on his or her
tip-toes and started the Dance of Terror. Most of the horses were able to regroup and the rides continued. There were
eight spots available for the day and all were filled.
Lunch was served under the hospitality tent and seemed well-received by everyone. Crystal's nephew bar-b-qued triptip
for sandwiches which were served with salsa, cold drinks, chips, and cookies, and chilled chocolates were provided
for anyone in need of a pick-me-up.
Betsy Shelton enjoyed working with Bakersfield's riders and expressed an interest in returning. She is available to
coach at the GEAHS's May 12th show and offers a discount for lesson packages. She can be reached at 559-301-
6858 and on her Facebook page, Valleyedge Dressage. For more information on local dressage events, visit
www.bakersfielddressage.com/ and locate the Showing Dressage Link.
Donna Fraser riding Barbara Comstock's Cola
Mary Meyer and Crystal Taylor in the "Hospitality Tent"
Crystal Taylor
The Day's Schedule
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Jane Curtis’ Independent Clinic with Jill Duxbury
Jane Curtis organized a clinic with Jill Duxbury on April 22, 2012. The clinic was hosted by Lori Van Sickel at her
Flying V Farms. It was a lovely day, despite the heat. Mellanie Burkhart, Sally Carter, Lori Van Sickel and Donna
Fraser participated. Refreshments were served.
Lori Van Sickel
Donna Fraser
Jill Duxbury was born in Johannesburg, South Africa. She started riding at six years old. In 1971 she started
competing in dressage and in 1973 was reserve Junior champion. In 1974 Jill started working as an instructor at a
stable in Johannesburg. The stable encouraged many facets of horsemanship including jumping, dressage, vaulting,
driving and liberty horses. In 1979 she spent 1 year as a working student in Canada for Mr. Dietrich von Hopffgarten.
On her return to South Africa in 1980 she joined the South African Lipizzaner team in Johannesburg. At the end of 1981
Jill spent 4 months as a student at the Spanish Riding School in Vienna. She returned to the Lipizzaner team in South
Africa until the end of August 1983 when she moved to Los Angeles. Jill has taught and competed in Los Angeles
since then.
Jill Duxbury
22935 Oxnard Street
Woodland Hills, CA 91367
(818) 404-0932
Jill Duxbury on Jane Curtis’ mare
Sally Carter
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2012 Show Schedule
May 6 * SLO CDS Spring Fling, Paso Robles
Judge: TBA
May 12 *** GEAHS Spring Open Dressage, Bakersfield
Judge: L Koch - For information call Susa at 303-9219 or Marci at 324-7376.
May 19-20 *** Dressage in Santa Barbara
Judge: J Curtis
May 24-27 CDI1 * Dressage at Flintridge, La Canada-Flintridge
Judge: TBA
Jun 9-10 *** Central Coast Dressage Show, Paso Robles
Judge: M Creswick, M Kessler
Jun 24 * TEH Chapter Mountain Dressage, Tehachapi
Judge: C Doran
Jul 7-8 *** LA Chapter Summer Dressage, Burbank
Judge: TBA
Jul 22 * TEH Chapter Mid Summer Dressage, Tehachapi
Judge: Moss Giovannetti
Jul 22 * SLO CDS Summer Fling, Los Osos
Judge: MG Davidson
Aug 25-26 *** Cool August Nights, Burbank
Judge: TBA
Aug 26 * TEH Cool Mountain Dressage, Tehachapi
Judge: TBA
Sept 1-2 *** Central RAAC, SLO CDS Fall Fling, Paso Robles
Judge: H Gurney, G Hoff-Carmona
Sep 23 * TEH Fall Mountain Dressage, Tehachapi
Judge: TBA
Oct 4-7 *** CDS/USDF Regional Championships, Burbank
If there are other shows that you are planning to attend, please let me know at Mia@buttonwillow.com and I will post
them on the schedule. I put shows that I know many people go to, but there are many other shows too.
Mia Selvidge
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We STILL Want Your “Bio + Photo” for the Website!
Attention all riders, owners, breeders, or friends of Kern River CDS: we want to update our membership roster and
revise our website. Please send Edyta at edytag@gmail.com a short biography of yourself explaining your horse
background, disciplines other than dressage that you ride/rode, any major awards won (if any), and your current
horse(s) and level of riding. Please don’t be intimidated if you haven’t shown or won anything. We want to include
everyone who wants to participate. We’d also love to post a picture of you and your horse(s). See below two sample
profiles. For more visit the member section on our website or go to www.kernrivercds.org/members.html Thank you!
Sue Dockweiler
Mia Selvidge
Sue Dockweiler on Chance
Mia Selvidge on Nicholas
I began riding when I was five years old, in my hometown of
Chicago, Illinois. My first trainer was an old ex-cavalry officer,
and pretty tough! I rode until my teenage years, when my
brother had a very bad fall over a jump. My parents didn’t allow
us to ride after that, and it wasn’t until many years later that I
took it up again. I switched to dressage about three years ago,
and am hoping to show again with my new horse, Chance.
Awards
2009 Fifth place in the Central RAAC for Training Level Novice
2010 Fourth place in the Central RAAC for First Level Novice
2011 Adult Amateur Rider for Kern River CDS with clinician,
Donna Richardson
I was born and raised in Bakersfield, CA. I started eventing at
the age of ten and competed through my freshman year of
college. I took a long break from horses, but like most horse
lovers, I couldn't stay away forever. I started riding again 7 years
ago when I got married (I needed someone to help support my
horse habit). I now have two boys, age 4 and 6, who take up
most of my time, but I still find time to ride my horse, Nicolas
(Nick), several days a week. I bought Nick at the end of 2008
and have shown him successfully at First and Second Level for
the past three years.
Awards
2009 Reserve Champion Central RAAC First Level
2010 Reserve Champion USDF Region 7 First Level AA
2010 CDS Horse of the Year Fourth Place First Level AA
2010 USDF First Level Rider Performance Award (ranked 33rd
in USDF)
2011 Reserve Champion Central RAAC Second Level
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Open Meeting: 7:15pm
Minutes from our Last Meetings
Kern River CDS Club Meeting 3-7-12
Members Present: Mel, Sue, Cheryl, Donna, Andrea, Sandy, Alice, Susan
Treasurers Report: Balance $1,984.33
Minutes From Last Meeting: Read & Approved
Old Business:
A. Volunteer Coordinator: Sue confirmed with Barbra Comstock that she would act as our Volunteers Coordinator
and do phone work.
B. Membership Biography’s: Edyta & Mia would like members to send “Biography’s and Photo’s” to post on our Web
site.
C. Memberships: Donna will track down members who are current in their membership. A “Donation/Activity Fund” of
$10 will provide members with our newsletter and updates on our events as well as give priority over non members
to participate in events
D. Year End Awards: Mel reported that their site is currently down. She will continue to try to locate the information.
E. Clinic March 10th: Canceled until further notice. The clinician was reluctant to sign a contract or agree on a fee.
This makes the event un-insurable through CDS.
New Business:
A. Ride a Test: We would like to possibly do another one in April or May. These are extremely popular and people
seem to really enjoy them.
B. Clinic Idea: Andrea suggested that we might get Maria Naslund for a clinic. Possibly this fall when the weather is
cooler. Andrea will check with Maria on this idea.
C. April 14-15 th Amateur Clinic: We would still like to get a group together to go and watch Mel. Sue will do the
Sunday Carpool for those who would like to go. We need a driver for Saturday if another group would like to go.
D. Clinic with Leslie Web: Mel will check with Leslie to see if she would like to do a clinic for us in the Fall.
E. Fund Raising: We are looking for ideas. Anyone who has a good idea please share it with us.
F. Montano De Oro State Park: Mel suggested that as a club it would be nice this Fall if we go as a group to Montano
De Oro Horse Camp Grounds for a little rest and relaxation. Reservations fill up quickly so we need to decide on a
date for this event.
Close Meeting: 7:55pm
Open meeting: 7:20pm
Kern River CDS Club Meeting - April 3, 2012
Members Present: Sue, Mel, Donna, Cheryl, Barbara, Andrea, Alice
Treasures Report: $1,901.04
Minutes From Last Meeting: Read & Approved
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Old Business:
A. News Letter; Please send Biography’s to Mia. Also Mia asked if we could do the newsletter every other month
instead of monthly. This was voted on and approved.
B. Year End Awards; Mel is working on them.
New Business:
A. Clinic; Jane Curtis is organizing a clinic with Jill Dixbury. Fees are $65-70 per ride. Event will be held at Lori Van
Sickles. Haul in fee is $15. Date of event is April 22 nd . Contact Jane Curtis for more info.
B. Clinic; Karen Sweany is organizing a clinic with Betsy Shelton. Date of event is April 21 st . Contact Karen for more
info.
C. Natural Hoof Care Presentation; We would like to have Jennifer Kenerman give a talk about Natural Hoof Care at
one of our meetings. Donna will contact her to see she can do this for us.
D. Amateur Clinic; Mel is riding at the Amateur clinic Sunday April 15 th . She does not know the ride time yet.
Several groups are going to support and watch Mel.
Closed Meeting: 7:55pm
Minutes respectfully submitted by,
Cheryl Blackhawk
Secretary, Kern River Chapter
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Laura Proepper
TACK ROOM / CLASSIFIEDS
Think dressage is a big mystery? Imagine how your horse feels! Laura Proepper
will take the mystery out of dressage! Stalls available for horses in full training.
Laura Proepper, licensed Bereiter from Germany, has recently moved into the
Bakersfield area. She currently has limited space for new riders and horses. This is a
great chance for the serious equestrian - from training level through Grand Prix – to
improve their riding skills and to develop a better understanding of their horse. The
level of training is not important; the ultimate goal is a good rider with a motivated
horse, not necessarily the show arena.
For further information call Laura at 661-618-1275.
FOR SALE: Jumping/close contact saddle. 17 inch seat with stirrups. Medium tree. $200.00. Contact
Andrea Van Nest at 834-3345
FOR SALE: Custom dressage saddle (brown). 17 inch seat. Medium tree. $150.00. Contact Andrea Van
Nest at 834-3345
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