NEDA A Tip of the Hat February 2021

N E D A’ S A W A R D W I N N I N G N E W S L E T T E R
ATip of the Hat
February 2021

PRESIDENT’S PAGE
Ready,
Set... Let’s all hope
for a GO!
A
ssuming we get entries, and
Federal, State and Local restrictions
are lifted, NEDA
Spring Show will be a go. While it seems a
distant option, May will come sooner than
you think. If you are planning to compete,
will you be ready? What will it take?
The NEDA Know How Series has offered
so many resources we can tap into. For instance,
want to get yourself into shape –
mentally and physically? Look back at your
notes from Meredith Brisson (Personal
Mental Health), Dr. Kim Tripp (Body Mechanics),
Kirsten Gray (STBL Pilates for
Riders), Jordan Rothman (Exercises for
Riders), and Jane Karol (Managing Negative
Thoughts). Google them if you weren’t able
to attend. Need to get some training
pointers? We heard great tips from Lois
Yukins and Gary Rockwell (The Overbent
horse), Bill McMullin and Bill Warren (Ride
on the Side Levels 1-4 and FEI), Dr. Heather
Beach (Biomechanics of Engagement and
Collection) and Shannon Dueck (What is in
Front of the Leg?). This is by no means an
exhaustive list, nor intended to highlight
certain speakers, just to remind folks that
there are resources available to get us into
the game again.
One thing we have learned from last
year’s competitions is that small and smart
can be safe. Want to find a local schooling
show to test your readiness? Check the
Show News pages in the TIP. Don’t want to
travel? Why not host a Ride ‘n Critique clinic
at your own barn using a NEDA Partners in
Education Tier I or Tier II grant? Run out of
things to binge watch? Why not spend an
evening updating your 2021 calendar with
clinics, shows and educational events? Or
find the myriad of on-line options. Update
your trailer packing list. Find that deeply
buried stock tie and pin. Wear those new
boots around the house until you can
manage the stairs without bruising the back
of your knee. Basically, get back in the
groove. Get excited! If at all possible, there
will be a centerline waiting for you.
For those who are about to stop reading
because you will not be competing, I bet you
would still like to be part of the buzz. We
always need volunteers at shows. Find a
show on a date that suits your schedule, in
a location that works for you, and email the
show manager. Tell them, “sign me up!”
The NEDA Board is gearing up and ready
to go. We hope you are too. And above all,
we hope the gate is open!
Cheers
Iris
February 2021 NEDA.ORG TIP OF THE HAT 3

A Tip of the Hat
Contents:
3 President’s Page
5 USDF Convention Recap
7 Obituary: Jane Savoie
8 Wanted: Year End Awards Coordinator
Position
9 Century Club: Sandi Hyde
10 2021 Stallion Service Auction
11 NEDA Show Schedule
12 What is the Priscilla Endicott
Fund Scholarship Award?
13 NEDA Scholarship Recipients
14 NEDA Spring Dressage Competitions
Will you be there?
16 Support the Spring Show
17 2020 NEDA YEA
USEF Training - Fourth Levels
19 2020 NEDA YEA
USEF FEI Level and Freestyle
21 2021 NEDA Judges Education Plans
22 WIN FREE Tickets to the
NEDA Fall Symposium!
23 Youth Corner
24 Youth Corner: Chatting with
Alicia Aiyawar
26 Stallion Paddock
30 Wanted: Nominations Manager Position
A Tip of the Hat is a publication of The New England
Dressage Association, Inc., a non-profit, tax exempt
corporation.
MEMBERSHIP QUESTIONS
AND CHANGES OF ADDRESS
Please contact: Tammy Paparella
6 Pratt’s Junction Rd.
Sterling, MA 01564
978-422-2324
memberentry@neda.org
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with a check made out to NEDA.
Contact: Angela Prenosil,
413-627-2699 ▲tipads@neda.org
Follow us!
@NEDAdressage
#NEDAdressage
NEDA 2021 OFFICERS
President:
Iris Berdrow
781-589-6422
president@neda.org
Vice President-Activities:
Kate O’Connor
508-612-6985
vpactivities@neda.org
Vice President-Services:
Jennifer Dillon
508-641-3121
vpservices@neda.org
Board Secretary:
Heather Stone
617-480-8077
secretary@neda.org
Treasurer:
Helen van der Voort
917-834-2635
treasurer@neda.org
COORDINATORS
and MANAGERS
EDUCATION COMMITTEE
Education Coordinator:
Sally Davenport
781-378-1881; 781-854-2547
education@neda.org
Judge Education:
Karry Brothers
judgeed@neda.org
Symposium Organizer:
Beth Beukema
508-320-6549
fallsym@neda.org
COMPETITION COMMITTEE
Competitions Coordinator:
Beth Jenkins
508-655-6490; 508-733-3672
shows@neda.org
Spring Show:
Paul Cormier
508-995-5988; 508-847-2931
springshow@neda.org
Schooling Shows Manager:
Peter Chavonelle, Jr.
schoolingshows@neda.org
Sport Horse/Breed Shows:
Kathy Hickerson
603-673-4344; 603-557-4054
sporthorse@neda.org
Year-End Awards:
Open
yea@neda.org
COORDINATORS and MANAGERS
SPONSORSHIP COMMITTEE
Sponsorship Coordinator:
Kari Cincotta
781-654-7694
sponsorship@neda.org
Sponsor Facilitator:
Open
sponsorfacilitator@neda.org
Sponsor Development:
Open
sponsordev@neda.org
MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE
Membership Services Coordinator:
Dawn Mackenzie
518-657-1773
membership@neda.org
Nominations:
Open
volunteer@neda.org
Ombudsman:
Lainey Johnson
978-568-0523
ombudsman@neda.org
Member-at-Large:
Leslie de Grandmaison
603-759-4642
memberatlarge@neda.org
Kerstin Witaszek
413-695-0693
witaszekk@neda.org
PUBLIC RELATIONS
COMMITTEE
Public Relations Coordinator:
Krista Nordgren
207-749-6643
pr@neda.org
Photography:
Carole MacDonald
508-366-7886
photo@neda.org
Technology Coordinator:
Open
technology@neda.org
NEWSLETTER STAFF
TIP Editor:
Angela Prenosil
413-627-2699
TipEditor@neda.org
Graphic Design:
June Evers
845-294-0656
jevers@warwick.net
TIP Advertising:
Angela Prenosil
413-627-2699
tipads@neda.org
Cover NEDA Ribbons
Photo: Diane Holston
USDF REGION 8
Region 8 Director:
Debra Reinhardt
region8dir@usdf.org
Youth Coordinator:
Bobbi Carleton
bobbicarleton@aol.com
ADDITIONAL CONTACTS
& OFF-BOARD ROLES
Membership Services:
Tammy Paparella
978-257-1374
region8dir@usdf.org
Fall Show Manager:
Sue McKeown
fallshow@neda.org
Fall Festival Volunteer
Recruitment:
Helen van der Voort
917-834-2635
fallvolunteer@neda.org
Summer Show Manager:
Paul Cormier
508-995-5988; 508-847-2931
springshow@neda.org
Northeast Region OPL:
Doreen Quintilliani
Jennifer Dillon
opl@neda.org
Advertising - Outbound:
advertising@neda.org
Scholarships:
Amy Bresky
978-270-3880
scholarships@neda.org
Partners in Education Tier 1:
Angela Prenosil
413-627-2699
edpartners1@neda.org
Partners in Education Tier 2:
Ann Smith
edpartners2@neda.org
Bookkeeper:
Carol Gordon
774-225-8878
bookkeeper@neda.org
Equine Affaire:
Karin Swanfeldt
ea@neda.org
Youth Liaison:
Sophia Chavonelle
youth@neda.org
NEDA Stallion Auction, Recruitment:
Mary Barrett
978-270-3338
stallionrecruit@neda.org
NEDA Stallion Auction:
Kathy Hickerson
603-673-4344; 603-557-4054
stallionauction@neda.org
The Salute, Editor:
Gail Wagner
salute@neda.org
The Salute, layout & design:
Cheri Bryant
bryantdesign@me.com
4 TIP OF THE HAT NEDA.ORG February 2021

Hello
USDF NEWS
again,NEDA members!
I have the honor of providing
you with two articles this month, this
time to give you an overview of the USDF's
first virtual convention, held in the beginning
of December. I do know a lot of you
were able to attend and enjoy at least a few
of the sessions, and I certainly learned a
great deal as well. As a first-time attendee,
I hope to hear from any of you who have
comments or questions regarding any of
the following, and encourage you all to
keep an eye on the USDF website as they
work to post the recordings of the sessions
for anyone who was unable to attend at the
time. I thought the virtual format was wonderful
in allowing so many first-time attendees,
but will echo my fellow board
members in wishing that there had been
more opportunity for socializing and mingling
with other members to discuss what
we learned. Towards that end, I am always
available to any of you at
membership@neda.org, should you have
felt the same way.
Open to all attendees of this year’s first
virtual convention were the individual
meetings held for each region, so we could
gather to discuss the implications of the
USDF Convention Recap
year on our own areas. I also attended a
session for all GMOs in a roundtable
format, where we were able to share ideas
and projects our members enjoyed this
year with each other. There were also open
forums held from the various groups to give
reports and answer questions: Administrative,
Technical, Activities, and Competitions
councils; U.S. Dressage Finals,
USEF and USDF trending topics and rule
changes. I personally learned a lot in these
sessions, not just on the topics but on the
window offered to how these organizations
structure themselves to support dressage
across the country. We learned about the
established feedback process we
members can use to let the USDF and
USEF know our thoughts on the various
rule changes, available on the USDF
website. The Board of Governors meeting
allowed Region 8 delegates to join the
other regional representatives in voting on
a limited number of issues this year- no
surprise to anyone, 2020 offered very
limited options for us all, and I think we're
all glad to just arrive at the other side of the
calendar with our breeches still intact!
There were also some more socially-oriented
sessions focusing on the awards
won by so many talented riders, breeders,
owners, GMOs, and horses. I was able to
grab screen shots of the awards presented
to NEDA for our NEDA Know How series,
and members Hollie McNeil and Julie
Hoogeveen for their articles in A Tip of the
Hat, and wish we could have shared the
cheering in my living room as other familiar
member names scrolled the screen during
the Hall of Fame, Volunteer of the Year,
Rider Awards, Year End, and the All
Breeds Awards sessions. I personally
loved seeing how many breeds organizations
have representatives showing across
the nation- as an owner of a rare breed I
just love to see what else is out there!
I was thrilled to see so many educational
sessions offered from speakers we've had
on our NEDA Know-How series already:
Janet Foy, who kicked off our series with
three weeks in a row starting back in last
April, held a session on "Training Issues of
the Not-So-Perfect Dressage Horse", for
example. Other familiar faces included
Kristi Wysocki, who we just chatted with in
November, doing a session on "Materiale
Classes for the Dressage Horse", and Dr.
Marion Graves of Adequan® discussing
Continued →
February 2021 NEDA.ORG TIP OF THE HAT 5

CONVENTION- cont’d
"Drugs, Devices, and Decisions: Understanding
Your Options in Managing Equine
Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD)", as she
did when we chatted with her back in May.
It’s great to know that our members and
planning committee are in alignment with
the national dressage community on what
topics are needed and important.
Additional sessions included Beth Haist
discussing bits (she will be joining us for
NEDA Know How in January, but that
happens after the time of this writing), Dr.
Sandy Venneman's "Sleep for Success",
and "The P’s and Q’s of Protein Feeding in
Equine Diets" with Dr. Caroline Loos of
Cavalor Feeds. I personally enjoyed a
session with Jean Rude focused on better
marketing to and connecting with your
Group Member Organization, and I hope
use her suggestions to support you all
better myself in the coming year. A session
specially pointed to our youth was offered
by Margaret Freeman titled "You Be the
Judge", which I heard from a few of our
members was interesting no matter the
age of the participant!
In closing, I'll reiterate that I found convention
truly informative on many levels,
though as a higher-education professional
in the "real" world I will admit I am heavily
biased towards learning in general. I look
forward to experiencing the event (hopefully)
in person in the coming year, and
being able to chat more directly with our
fellow industry enthusiasts across the
country. Convention drove home to me this
year the way our larger community tackled
a wild year to try to keep us moving as
much as possible- and how very different
that success looked depending on where
in the country you are. We here in the
northeast got hit hard, and I encourage you
to check in with your fellow riders, owners,
breeders, and dressage fans to congratulate
them on any accomplishment made
this year- it is well-deserved. I look forward
to reporting improvements and further successes
next year, but until then: ride safely
and thankfully NEDA members!
Best,
Dawn Mackenzie
Membership Coordinator
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6 TIP OF THE HAT NEDA.ORG February 2021

Jane
Savoie
Berlin, VT: Jane E. Savoie, 71, of Berlin
died Monday morning, January 4, 2021
at Central Vermont Medical Center in
Berlin of complications from multiple
myeloma that she had courageously
fought since 2015.
Jane was born April 15, 1949 in
Worcester, MA; the daughter of Benjamin
& Lorraine (Tushman) Elkind. She was
raised in Natick, MA where she graduated
from High School, then received
her bachelor’s degree in Animal Science
from the University of Massachusetts.
Jane met Rhett Savoie in college, and
they were married March 24, 1974 at
Martha-Mary Chapel in Sudbury, MA.
Photo: NEDA Fall Show 1994 by Carole MacDonald
They first lived in Amherst, MA before
moving to Randolph, VT in 1976, to Randolph
Center a year later and finally to
Berlin in 2008. Since 1988 they had wintered
in Wellington, FL where an active
and international equestrian community
thrives. Jane began a lifelong love for
horses as a child.
After graduating from college, she did
research in animal science and enrolled
in the riding program at UMASS. At that
time, she bought her first horse and
became interested in dressage, which
led to her lifelong dressage career as a
trainer, teacher and author, and motivational
speaker, known worldwide. She
was an alternate for the U.S. Olympic
Dressage team in Barcelona in 1992 and
coached at the Atlanta and Sydney
Olympics.
Jane published six books on sports
psychology, dressage, and jumping that
have been translated into eight languages.
She produced two successful
video series, “Train with Jane” and “Happy
Horse” courses that enjoy worldwide
success. She was inducted into the US
Dressage Federation’s Hall of Fame in
December 2019. Jane was passionate
about helping amateur riders progress in
the demanding sport/art of dressage while
also developing a “Happy Horse”. Jane
Continued →
February 2021 NEDA.ORG TIP OF THE HAT 7

JANE E. SAVOIE- cont’d
supported many animal welfare organizations. In later years, Jane
practiced Ballroom dancing; competing as an amateur with great
commitment, positivity, grace, and energy, in much the same way
she approached er extremely active and interesting life. At the time
of her death, her first novel was being released. Jane was a magnetic
force to be around and will be so sadly missed and greatly
treasured by many friends and hundreds of her students.
THE NEDA BOARD
NEEDS YOU!
Year End Awards Coordinator
Our Year End Awards program is one of the most important
things we manage. We're looking for a Year End Awards
Coordinator to lead the existing team that runs the program
and banquet, including defining the criteria for awards,
budgeting, and coordinating the volunteers in charge of
things like tallying results and planning the banquet.
This role is a board position,
so you'll have a large part in shaping
what NEDA offers to members!
Contact: nominations@neda.org
Survivors include her husband Rhett Savoie of Berlin, VT;
Rhett’s many siblings and their families; Jane’s one sister, Rhoda;
many cousins; and Jane’s many close friends in the horse world
and dancing world (you know who you are!).
A private family gathering and burial in Massachusetts will be
held at the convenience of the family. Contributions in her memory
may be made to:
Central Vermont Dressage Association
(C/O Andrea Albee, Attn: Jane Savoie
566 S. Main Street, Brattleboro, VT 05301)
or to Green Mountain Horse Association
(PO Box 8, South Woodstock, VT 05071,
please reference Jane Savoie.
Online condolences may be left at www.dayfunerals.com.
Arrangements are by the Day Funeral Home in Randolph.
ADVERTISE
in the tip!
Check out www.NEDA.org
8 TIP OF THE HAT NEDA.ORG February 2021

DRESSAGE FOUNDATION NEWS
ANOTHER NEDA MEMBER
DRESSAGE FOUNDATION
CENTURY CLUB INDUCTEE -
CONGRATS
Sandi Hyde!
The Dressage Foundation Century Club
The Century Club, formed in 1996 at the suggestion of Dr. Max
Gahwyler, recognizes dressage riders and horses whose combined
ages total 100 years or more. In addition to having ages
totaling 100 or more, horse and rider perform a dressage test of
any level and are scored by a dressage judge. The intent was to
encourage older dressage riders to remain active in the sport.
Since that time, the Century Club has grown into a meaningful
and popular endeavor and has over 470 members to-date.
The Dressage Foundation is a 501(c)(3), non-profit, tax-exempt,
donor-driven organization that is dedicated to supporting and advancing
the sport of dressage. The organization solicits contributions,
appropriately allocates the donations, and awards grants and
scholarships to dressage riders of all ages and levels. For more
information, please visit www.dressagefoundation.org.
Sandi and Aspen. Photo: Mikaela Radochia
I
have been infatuated with
horses since I was a little girl
We lived in the city with no
horses in sight, but I was
always drawing them and
daydreaming about them. My mother always
said “horse” was my first word! I used to
insist my parents take me to a local
amusement park so I could go on the pony
rides and ride the carousel horses. After we
moved to the suburbs and I became old
enough, I began babysitting to save money
for riding lessons at a local horse farm once
a week. I began with hunt seat and a little
jumping and knew I was in my element!
Nothing is more intoxicating to me as the fragrance
of hay, shavings, leather and horses.
After I was married and a stretch without
riding, I began taking regular lessons again
at a small local farm doing a little hunt seat
and then Western Pleasure. At this point me
and a friend together purchased an Appaloosa
mare which we both showed locally.
She was quite difficult (i.e., “mare-ish”), and
wanting a fancier horse, another friend suggested
I look at horse that she had previously
owned that was for sale again.
Although he was lovely, I only had eyes for
the little bay ¾ Arabian gelding running
around in an adjoining paddock. Although
that little gelding was not for sale, after some
negotiating, he came home with me several
weeks later, which resulted in a 23-year partnership.
He was trained solely for Saddle
Seat, so I had to learn that discipline, which
was quite rewarding, and we competed regularly
with some success. His idea of entering
the show ring was to burst through the
in-gate with nostrils flared and tail held high!
He had that “Look at me!” attitude. In addition,
we did quite a few organized trail rides
sponsored by local clubs which were such
fun! Also, during that time, a couple of friends
I boarded with offered me their Dressage
horses to ride a couple of times a week when
they were unable to make it to the farm.
Thus, was my introduction to Dressage. I realized
quickly what a wonderful riding foundation
Dressage was and wished I had
learned it before any other discipline.
After my little Arabian passed at the age
of 34, I decided to pursue Dressage, and
there came a succession of leased
Dressage horses at different farms with
various instructors. It was difficult for me because
I formed a relationship with each
horse which I had to divorce myself from.
One horse in particular I leased for several
Continued →
February 2021 NEDA.ORG TIP OF THE HAT 9

10 TIP OF THE HAT NEDA.ORG February 2021

CENTURY CLUB- cont’d
years was especially difficult to let go, but his
owner, who had been residing out of the
country, had returned, and wanted him back.
Shortly thereafter a friend and I were each
half leasing a lovely mare for a year. When
the lease ended, we were desperate to find
another horse. Fortunately, she had been in
contact with Lynda Angstadt at Bradford
Equestrian Center who quite often had a
boarder looking for a lessee. Timing is
everything! Lynda had a horse in mind for us
that was owned by a woman with too many
horses and not enough time. When I first laid
eyes on Aspen I thought, “no way!”. This bay
Hanoverian/Thoroughbred gelding was
quite intimidating at 17.1 hands, but with
Lynda’s encouragement and creative
lessons, Aspen and I have created an incredible
partnership since 2013! Aspen’s
owner then made the decision to sell him
and offered him to me. I knew what I was
getting into purchasing an older horse, but
how could I say no? When my friend decided
to give up her half of the lease, I immediately
contacted another old friend who
had lost her horse a year before, and once
she saw him, she jumped at the chance of a
partial lease from me!
It is incredibly beneficial to have a seasoned
schoolmaster to help me learn the
movements. Aspen has the sweetest personality,
is kind and forgiving, has a huge
heart and has so become a part of our lives.
We have participated in many of the shows
and clinics hosted by the farm (owned by
Keith and Lynda Angstadt), and couldn’t
have achieved our successes without
Lynda’s invaluable instruction. Her encouragement
has given me so much confidence,
and I thank her for suggesting I join the
USDF Century Club! Many thanks to her, the
support of my husband and the Foundation
for this opportunity.
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February 2021 NEDA.ORG TIP OF THE HAT 11

EDUCATION
What is the Priscilla Endicott
Fund Scholarship Award?
Priscilla Endicott in 1988. Photo: Carole MacDonald
P
riscilla Endicott established NEDA
in 1972 with the primary purpose of
actively supporting the sport of
dressage and promoting exceptional educational
opportunities. In light of this commitment,
Priscilla’s family established The Endicott Fund.
Starting this year, the Fund has provided a
Priscilla Endicott Scholarship Award to be distributed
to support the serious seeker of
dressage education. NEDA cannot express
how appreciative the organization is for this opportunity
to enhance the scholarship program
for our membership.
What we’ve often heard is that NEDA
scholarships, while helpful and certainly appreciated
by all, don’t necessarily support certain
goals and programs that have higher costs associated
with them. Therefore, the Priscilla Endicott
Fund Scholarship Award is given out as
an add-on to the recipients’ current scholarship
amount. The Award provides at least one exceptional
applicant most deserving of further financial
support with additional funds to be used
not only for their designated educational purposes
but also for additional related expenses
such as travel, living and transportation.
The Endicott Award of $4000.00 will be
given out once a year in the fall. All those who
have applied and qualified for a NEDA Scholarship
within the calendar year are eligible but
must submit a separate application for this
award. If the Scholarship Committee deems
more than one applicant equally qualified, they
may divide the award at their discretion. The
applicant must be a NEDA member in good
standing for a minimum of five years and active
volunteer supporting NEDA and the sport of
dressage. They must have completed a
minimum of 24 hours of volunteering for NEDA.
The Committee bases their decision most
heavily on the applicants’ stated goals, their concrete
proposed ways to give back to NEDA and
the applicants’ true need for financial support.
This year’s awardees are Shannon Dueck
and Sharon Magnolo - Congratulations!
Andris J. Kaneps
DVM, PhD, DACVS, DACVSMR
978-273-5479 cell
978-927-6404 office and fax
68 Grover Street
Beverly, MA 01915
www.kanepsequine.com
ajkaneps@kanepsequine.com
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12 TIP OF THE HAT NEDA.ORG February 2021

EDUCATION
News from the NEDA Scholarship Committee
Congratulations
TO THE LATEST RECIPIENTS OF NEDA SCHOLARSHIPS!
Photo: Caren Schippers Photo: Carmen Eliza Franco
Shannon Dueck is the recipient of the
Professional Scholarship for Fall 2020 and
also one of the recipients of this year's
Priscilla Endicott Award. She is planning
on going to England with this horse, As
You Wish, to work with Carl Hester.
Sharon Magnolo of Bolton, MA is the
recipient of an Adult Amateur Fall Scholarship
and is using the scholarship to train
with Lainey Johnson to earn her Silver
Medal on her horse Wallacea. She is also
a recipient of a grant from the Priscilla
Endicott Fund.
J. Stanley Edwards of Harvard, MA is
one of the Adult Amateur recipients of 2020
Fall Scholarships. She is using the scholarship
to develop her horse, Dijavan to PSG
with trainers at Iron Horse Dressage.
Kathy Hickerson of Brookline, NH is
the recipient of the Breeding Scholarship
Award. She is going to use the scholarship
to train her developing five-year-old
breeding stallion, Karrington MG with
Bill Warren to prepare him for entering
dressage shows to qualify him for the
Region 8 Championships and Nationals
at Training and First Level.
We wish them all the best
of luck and offer heartfelt
Congratulations!
Photo: Carole MacDonald
Photo: Carole MacDonald
Krystal Wilt of Sand Lake, NY is
the Professional recipient of the 2020
Spring Scholarship, shown here with
Wolkenklaren TF. She is using the scholarship
to pursue her "r" judges rating.
Did you know NEDA Scholarships
become available twice a year?
The next deadline is April 1st. There
are five different categories for which
you can apply:
n International Level Competitor
n Professional Rider/Trainer
n Serious Amateur
n Young Rider
n Breeder
As part of NEDA’s mission to “promote and
support the art of dressage”, scholarships
are available to members wishing to pursue
their training. As a recipient, you will be
asked to give back to the dressage community
in various ways such as keeping a
journal of your experiences, fund-raising,
being available for publicity or interviews,
giving a clinic or an exhibition or providing
your judging services for a show.
If you would like to receive a Scholarship
Application, need more information, or wish
to make a donation to the scholarship fund,
please go to the NEDA website scholarship
page or contact:
Amy Bresky 978-270-3880
scholarships@neda.org
February 2021 NEDA.ORG TIP OF THE HAT 13
Photo: Carole MacDonald

COMPETITION NEWS
NEDA SPRING DRESSAGE
COMPETITIONS
Will you
be there?
BY PAUL CORMIER
I
t seems like just yesterday that
my arm was twisted behind my
back to take on the job as Show
Manager for the soon to be reinstated
NEDA Spring Dressage
Competition. That was 25 plus years ago. It
was just going to be a small one-day show
added to the calendar of competitions in New
England held on the Saturday of Mother’s
Day weekend at Apple Knoll Farm in Millis
MA, and it was for the first few years. Then it
grew to the point all the riding space was
taken up by competition rings and the only
place to warm up was the indoor arena and
the parking lot.
The show was in that situation for several
years with competitors hounding management
to extend the show to 2 days and the
show Manager & Secretary claiming the
grounds couldn’t handle it being a 2 day show
and they would NEVER make the spring
show a 2-day show. That turned out to be
partially false.
In 2007 the NEDA Board decided to expand
the show to 2 days after it learned the Marshfield
Fair Grounds was available to host horse
shows. It had a large area big enough for 4
or 5 competitions rings with good footing and
180 shed row stalls.
So, in May of 2008 the show moved to its
new location and became a 2-day show, to
14 TIP OF THE HAT NEDA.ORG February 2021
Spring Show 2019. Photo: Carole MacDonald
everyone’s delight. Within a couple of years,
the show became a Qualifier for every and
all of the different USEF National Championships.
Things at Marshfield have not all been
peaches & cream, the horrible winter of
2012 caused the roofs of 3 of the barns to
collapse but they were rebuilt in time for the
show the first weekend in May and like all
NEDA competitions the weather has not
always been our friend. Ask around and
people will tell you about the freezing rain
and gale force winds coming off the ocean.
And change is again coming to the NEDA
Spring Dressage competition. We will be celebrating
our 25th Anniversary at our new location
Fieldstone Horse Park in Halifax MA.
At our new location we will have room for 5

SPRING SHOW- cont’d
competition rings and sufficient warm up all
with GGT footing and up to 700 stalls.
Another change is NEDA Medal eligibility.
In the past, if you achieved the appropriate
score and won the class, you would be
awarded with the coveted NEDA Medal regardless
of membership status. Now, you
must be a NEDA member in good standing
before you go down centerline to be eligible.
So, renew your membership to receive this
membership benefit!!! You can join at the
shows as well but why wait?
In closing, even with the USEF Covid-19
Protocols still in place we are hoping that
you are willing deal with the inconveniences
of masks and social distancing and start
your show season with the NEDA Spring
Dressage Competitions. Let’s give a great
start to the 2021 competition year!
Spring Show 2019. Photo: Carole MacDonald
Are you under 25?
The YOUTH CORNER
is looking for
amateur photos
for the TIP!
Email them to:
youth@neda.org
For more information on
Tier I - Advertising Level & Tier II - Financial Aid:
www.NEDA.org/page/PARTNERS
February 2021 NEDA.ORG TIP OF THE HAT 15

Great publicity for your business
for only $35.00!
$upport the
$pring $how!
NEDA is getting ready for the 2021
competition season and the Spring
Show will be here in no time. This
show has always been successful and
a crowd pleaser with competitors and
spectators in the past.
In response to the feedback from
our competitors we will be moving
to a new premium horse show facility,
Fieldstone Show Park in Halifax, Ma.
Because of the considerable increase
in costs for the new location, and in
order for the show to be a financial
success, competition management is
asking for support from our members
in the form of Sponsorship.
In 2019 we had nearly 39 classes
spread over the two days of the show
but only 7 class sponsors. It would
**This support can be shown
through Program Ads, Banner
space, or Class Sponsorship.**
NAME as you wish it to appear in the program:
be great if we have sponsors for
every class.
You as an individual, a farm or just
a group of friends can sponsor can
a class for just $35 or receive a $5
discount per class by sponsoring a
class on each day of the competition.
The show will be offering classes from
Training Level 1 through Grand Prix
and this one way you can let people
know you support NEDA.
All you have to do is send a check
for $35 per class or $60 for one class
per each day made out to NEDA, your
name as you wish it to appear in the
program* and your choice of class or
classes you wish to sponsor. Thanks
for your support.
Details on sponsorship can
be found on the Spring Show
page on the NEDA Web Site.
_______________________________________________________
CLASS: (first choice)______________________________________
(second choice)___________________________________
Mail to: Debra Reinhardt, 160 Woods Way Drive, Southbury CT 06488
**Due to the possible limitations placed on show management by
the USEF Covid-19 Protocols access to the show grounds may be
restricted and actual hard copies of show programs may not be
permitted. If this is the case it is our hope to produce an E Program
with all the same promotional opportunities an in a normal show
program. In either case the support of the membership is still
needed to make the show a financial success.**
GREAT Exposure!
Good will!
Publicity!
Only $35.00!
Open to businesses,
instructors, farms,
individuals or
a group of friends
who want to show
their support of NEDA!
All are welcome!
Great publicity
for business
and great fun
for friends,
only $35.00!
16 TIP OF THE HAT NEDA.ORG February 2021

February 2021 NEDA.ORG TIP OF THE HAT 17

18 TIP OF THE HAT NEDA.ORG February 2021

February 2021 NEDA.ORG TIP OF THE HAT 19

20 TIP OF THE HAT NEDA.ORG February 2021

EDUCATION
‘Hopeful’ is the key word
for the USDF ‘L’ Part IC
session, the three USDF
‘L’ Part II Training and
Testing sessions and
the USEF/USDF ‘r’
Training session, all
rescheduled from 2020.
2021
NEDA Judges
Education Plans
All education sessions must follow
not only the Massachusetts
COVID-19 regulations for large
gatherings for the ‘L’ Part IC session but the
‘L’ Part II sessions as well as the USEF ‘r’
session must fall within the New York
COVID-19 guidelines. In addition, ALL sessions
must fall within the USEF COVID-19
regulations as well as the USDF guidelines.
Given those parameters, NEDA is hopeful
that they can hold all of these programs and
is in close touch with USDF in regard to
specific plans for each. More details will
follow to the Participants, Candidates and
Auditors as COVID-19 regulations become
clearer.
2021 USDF ‘L’ Part IC is
scheduled for April 10-11, 2021.
Janet Foy is the instructor.
n Plan A will be at the Hampton Inn,
Natick and Apple Knoll, Millis, MA. Depending
upon the number of attendees
allowed at the hotel, which is usually 25
under COVID-19 regulations, only the
current 23 Participants and 2 staff will be
allowed. There will be no scribes for the
practical session. Anyone who has already
paid for this session as an auditor
will be refunded. If the hotel is allowed
to have more attendees in April, auditors
will be allowed to attend, beginning with
those who have already submitted applications
and paid. In addition, scribes
will be allowed on Sunday. Auditors who
must have the ‘C’ session for credit have
priority to attend.
n Plan B will be implemented if fewer than
25 are allowed at an indoor setting
(hotel). The lecture and practical judging
will be held at Bear Spot Farm,
Concord, MA. This indoor is heated and
can be darkened enough to allow projection
of the instructor’s PowerPoint.
Only the Participants and two staff will
be allowed to attend. Auditors who have
already submitted applications and
payment will receive a refund.
2021 USDF ‘L’ Part II
n All sessions will be held at HITS,
Saugerties. Only those ten persons already
approved by USDF and accepted
into the 2020 NEDA program
will be allowed to attend, along with
their scribes. If a candidate cannot
attend due to COVID-19 regulations,
they will receive a refund and their
place will be given to the next person
on the current wait list who accepts the
invitation to attend. More information
will be sent to candidates closer to the
first session date.
n The dates are as follows:
l May 22-23, 2021
l June 19-20, 2021
l Sept 25-26, 2021 (written exam
evening of Sept 24th)
2021 USEF/USDF ‘r’ training
session
n Will be held at HITS, Saugerties
on August 20-22, 2021
n Only the ten Candidates, scribes
and staff will be allowed to attend
(per usual.)
n The lecture will be at the Best Western,
Kingston, on Friday, August 20th.
n The written and oral judging will be
Saturday and Sunday.
n Specific information will be sent to
the Candidates closer to the session.
February 2021 NEDA.ORG TIP OF THE HAT 21

You could WIN TWO FREE TICKETS
to the NEDA Fall Symposium 2021 or 2022!
Carl Hester. Photo: Jon Stroud
NEDA is reaching out to current and recent members, as well
as our colleagues in the industry to ensure that we continue to
provide the experiences that best supports our members, and
that they enjoy the most.
To prove our appreciation of your time, at the end of this
survey you will find an opportunity to enter a raffle for two free
tickets to the NEDA Fall Symposium in the fall of 2021 or 2022
(winner's choice).
The winner must be a current NEDA member the year they
choose to attend the Fall Symposium, and this information will be
stored separately from your response, ensuring participant
anonymity.
With this survey, you can help inform decision making within
the organization over the coming year, so we hope you will feel
free to answer honestly and in full. We do not expect it would take
longer than 10 minutes to complete.
Should you encounter any problems with this survey, or wish
to discuss these topics in further depth, please reach out to Dawn
Mackenzie, Membership Coordinator, at membership@neda.org.
https://survey.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9yR67xOsGNkP8fb
Just scan
the code
below and
give us
some info!
*only one entry per
person/survey
22 TIP OF THE HAT NEDA.ORG February 2021

YOUTH CORNER
February
Hello and welcome to February! We are in the thick
of winter now, and I hope you are finding ways to stay
motivated and inspired during these darker days.
Though most of us are stuck riding within the walls
of an indoor arena, make sure you are finding ways
to keep riding fun for you and your horse! Lay out
some cones or cavaletti, ride bareback, try your
horse in a hackamore (if safe, of course!)
Anything that changes up the routine of daily dressage
work will keep you and your horse looking forward
to each day’s ride.
And you’ll get some great bonding time together.
Take some pictures of your creative rides and send
them in to youth@neda.org!
Photo: Sophia Chavonelle
CALLING ALL PHOTOGRAPHERS!
Do you have a great picture, like this one, of your own
winter wonderland? Would you like to see it in print?
We would love to use it! Send your pictures to
youth@neda.org
Are you a dedicated, determined
young dressage rider of any levels,
age 25 or younger?
Consider applying to join
Dressage4Kid’s TEAM program!
Will you be
my
Valentine?
Introduce yourself to the other youth riders in our
region by becoming next month's featured rider!
Email youth@neda.org for more details.
Founded by Olympian Lendon
Gray, D4K’s mission statement is
"to encourage riders under 21 to become
true horsemen; to offer scholarships; to develop
good sportsmanship; to support programs for
adults who in turn educate youth; to have fun,"
and they do just that! From the TEAM program
and clinics to the annual Youth Dressage Festival
in New York, D4K offers seemingly endless opportunities
for riders all around the country. Visit
dressage4kids.org for more information.
February 2021 NEDA.ORG TIP OF THE HAT 23

YOUTH CORNER
?
C H A T T I N G
Alicia
AIYAWAR
Who are you, and where in Region 8 are you from?
My name is Alicia Aiyawar. I’m 25 years old and I’m from
Chester, NH.
How long have you been riding and how did you get started
in dressage? I have been riding for over 13 years. I grew up
near the city in Manchester, NH. It wasn’t until I moved to the
rural community of Chester about 9 years ago that my main focus
became dressage. I started working on my neighbor’s horse farm
exercising and caring for her horse. She gave me the opportunity
to work with her dressage trainer, USDF gold medalist and USEF
“r” judge Adam Cropper, on her horse which opened up many
opportunities for me.
Why or how did you choose dressage as your riding
discipline? I love the beauty of the sport. It’s so inspiring
to see top horse and rider pairs, there appears to be a seamlessness
and ease about them. I really enjoy the strategy in
training dressage horses and how there is a big emphasis
on having good basics.
If you were to compete in any other discipline, what would
it be? I used to barrel race when I was younger and really liked
the rush of the sport. Although you can’t compete in fox hunting,
I loved taking my neighbor’s horse on fox hunts, that’s probably
what I would be doing if not for dressage.
What has dressage taught you? Dressage has taught me that
patience and dedication can get you anywhere. The rewards of
developing a horse correctly and creating a strong bond with
them is priceless.
What is your favorite event in the NEDA Calendar?
I always look forward to the NEDA Fall Symposium! I had the
amazing opportunity to see Carl Hester and Charlotte Dujardin
in past NEDA symposiums.
Have you taken advantage of any of the scholarships NEDA
offers? If so, which? I have not, but plan to in the future!
My horse in three words is: Playful, loving, young
Alicia Aiyawar. Photo: Mary Livernois
Are you a youth involved
in NEDA?
Are you a parent or coach
of a young dressage rider?
Contact us!
Youth Coordinator: Bobbi Carleton
bobbicarleton@aol.com
or Youth Liaison: Sophia Chavonelle
Are you following us?
Instagram @region8dressage
Facebook “USDF Region 8 Youth”
24 TIP OF THE HAT NEDA.ORG February 2021

YOUTH CORNER - cont’d
NEDA is important to me
because it has provided me
with many educational opportunities
that have helped me
be the rider and trainer I am
today.
Dressage to me is... developing
a beautiful partnership
between horse and rider.
If I’m not at the barn,
I’m... working at my pharmacy
job, baking desserts, or
drawing.
I couldn’t live without...
horses and the people I love.
Something most people
don't know about me is...
pre-COVID-19 I really enjoyed
attending music festivals.
Anything else you would
like our readers to know?
I’m incredibly thankful to the
dressage organizations such
as NEDA and Dressage4Kids
for shaping me into the rider I
am today. I’m very thankful that
these organizations aim to educate
the youth. I think it’s so
important to target educating
the youth because they are the
future of our sport.
Thank you, Alicia, for
answering our questions!
Are you interested in being
interviewed for the Youth
Corner? Send us an email!
youth@neda.org
NEDA EDUCATIONAL
SCHOLARSHIPS
NEDA members please take note -
Scholarships are currently available
for qualified applicants...
that could be you!
The next deadline for scholarship
applications is April 1st!
Are you a youth rider
interested in dressage and
LOVE our new Youth Corner?
Want to know
what NEDA has put
in place for you?
Want to become
one of our
highlighted riders?
Have ideas, comments
or questions about
Youth Corner?
Email us: youth@neda.org
Fiona Perreault. Photo: Jesse Klein
To receive an application or an
informational brochure about the
Scholarship Program. Go to:
http://www.neda.org/?page=SCHMAIN
Amy Bresky
Scholarship Chairman
3403 Youngs Rd., Southern Pines, NC 28387
Phone: (978) 270-3880
E-mail: scholarships@neda.org
Don’t Miss the Deadline!
Help us keep The Tip of the Hat
financially viable by advertising in it!
Volunteer!
Check out www.NEDA.org
and click on Support NEDA
Photo: Krisy Nordgren
February 2021 NEDA.ORG TIP OF THE HAT 25

Check out our
NEW Stallion Paddock 2021
26 TIP OF THE HAT NEDA.ORG February 2021

February 2021 NEDA.ORG TIP OF THE HAT 27

STALLION PADDOCK - cont’d
28 TIP OF THE HAT NEDA.ORG February 2021

Are you under 25?
The YOUTH CORNER
is looking for
amateur photos
for the TIP!
Email them to:
youth@neda.org
February 2021 NEDA.ORG TIP OF THE HAT 29

STALLION PADDOCK - cont’d
W A N T E D !
THE NEDA BOARD NEEDS YOU!
Nominations Manager
The Nominations Manager will be responsible
for identifying and recruiting candidates to be
presented to the NEDA Board for any Board
vacancies, prepare annual ballot, maintain
accurate job descriptions and other information required
to fill vacancies, etc. Email for full job descriptions
and details
This role is a board position, so
you'll have a large part in shaping
what NEDA offers to members!
Contact: nominations@neda.org
NEDA KNOW-HOW WEEKLY WEBINAR SERIES
SCAN HERE
A
WEBINAR
SURVEY
JOIN US FOR OUR WEEKLY
WEBINAR SERIES: NEDA KNOW-HOW!
Every Thursday Night n It’s FREE!
Need more info:
membership@neda.org
TAKE OUR SURVEY SO
WE CAN CONTINUALLY
IMPROVE THE NEXT SESSIONS!
30 TIP OF THE HAT NEDA.ORG February 2021

Tip of the Hat
New England Dressage
Association
87 Henry Rd
North Yarmouth, ME 04097
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
NEDA is a Group Member Organization of USDF.
Our members are automatically USDF Group members.
NEDA Hosts
Region 8:
NEDA is a USDF member and all
GMO members are automatically
USDF Group Members
Become a NEDA
Volunteer
Join us and become the engine for
New England dressage.
Check out www.NEDA.org
and click on Support NEDA
FOR THE 20TH YEAR, MOUNTAIN HORSE IS THE OFFICIAL
SPONSOR OF THE NEDA 2021 YEAR-END AWARDS.