NEDA May 2021 A Tip of the Hat

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
May 2021

PRESIDENT’S PAGE
H
appy Spring Everyone!
All you Florida folks can come back now,
the snow is off the roof and the ice has melted.
T
his month I would like to focus
on transference – transferring
what we learn from one context
to another.
Like many of us I did not start out as a
dressage rider. In fact, I spent my childhood
in a Western saddle that still sits on a rack in
my basement. Then the dreaded flat hunt
saddle learning in which I learned point,
count, neck release, forward seat (and pray).
When I took up dressage seriously my coach
spent years getting me onto my seat bones.
Yet in each of those disciplines there were
things I could carry forward. With each
new/different horse I rode, I learned something
new but kept a bit of the previous – including
fear, which taught me to ride the
horse you have under you, not the one that
used to spook in this same corner.
Then there is transferring what you learn
at home (or that winning ride in the warmup)
to the show ring. I remember reading about
an Olympian who upon her first international
competition venue, had to remind herself that
the “box” is the same no matter where you
go. How to push out all the distractions and
focus on those same patterns, in this everfamiliar
20X60m ring?
For the trainers reading this, how many
times have you wanted to say, or actually
have said to your students, but I’ve been
telling you that forever! We come back from
a lesson or clinic with a different trainer with
these amazing ah ha’s that are really just
rephrasing what we already knew. Sometimes
its because we are listening differently,
sometimes because the words used
to convey the concept are different, and
sometimes the concept is conveyed in a different
format – analogies or images instead
of words.
My favorite this month was when my
Riding Pilates trainer (if you are FBF’s with
me you know who I mean) said “now go do
that on a moving object – your horse”. I have
been spending many mornings learning to
differentiate the pressure I put on the ball of
my left foot from that of the little toe or heel
of my right foot. Then there is the movement
of my pubic bone to my nose and back to my
tail bone (don’t repeat that on social media!).
Or learning to move each vertebra independently
as I bridge up and down. It all seems
relatively manageable on my mat, but then I
get on this gorgeous 17.1h big shouldermoving
creature in an arena with the wind
blowing outside and things get a little fuzzy.
Yet, magically one day I just think about
tapping down my big toe and I have a transition
from canter to trot that even my trainer
doesn’t wince at!
How do we take what we learn in one
context and apply it to another? As a sports
psychologist recently said on our NEDA
Know How Series, focus on what you know
how to do. Make a list of all the things you
do well, then practice those. Make a list of
what feels difficult, create a plan for getting
better at those. Keep your lists and goals in
mind, no matter where that 20X60m ring
happens to be.
Happy transference to all! Hope to see
you soon.
Cheers
Iris
Iris
May 2021 NEDA.ORG TIP OF THE HAT 3

A Tip of the Hat
Contents:
3 President’s Page
5 NEDA Know How: Christoph Koschel
6 Support the Spring Show
7 NEDA Spring Show News
7 Year End Awards
8 Competing in the Time of COVID-19
9 Wanted: Nominations Manager Position
10 Obituary: Susan Wildman
12 Disguised as Simplicity:
The Equine Hand, Part 1
14 NEDA Pony Series
15 From Carriage Driving
to Ridden Dressage
16 Educational Scholarship Info
17 Morsels of Equine Information
20 Thank you! from Shannon Dueck
21 Congratulations Daniela Valentgas
22 NEDA Calendar 2021
23 Region 8 News
24 Youth Corner
25 Youth Corner: Chatting with
W Spotlight
26 Stallion Paddock
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
A TIP OF THE HAT ADVERTISING
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Editor via email in plain text (.txt) or word (.doc).
Display ads and photos may be submitted via email
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press ready PDFs with all images and fonts embedded
or high resolution TIF, JPG or EPS. MS Word doc templates
are available for your use at neda.org and can be
converted to PDFs.
All ads must be submitted to the Advertising Editor
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 Facilitator:
Karry Brothers
518-768-1233
brothersk@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:
Cathy Liston
yea@neda.org
Awards Manager:
Cathy Liston
awards@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 photo from
our Morsels of Equine
Information article,
details about this horse
and rider on page 17.
Photo: Carole MacDonald
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:
Kathy Grisolia
631-338-6340
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
Accountant:
Carol Gordon
774-225-8878
accountant@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 May 2021

EDUCATION
Know
NEDA
How
SESSION FEB 18TH:
Christoph Koschel
on Selecting a Dressage Horse
NEDA members were treated to Christoph
Koschel’s Zoom lecture, “Selecting a
Dressage Horse.” A Grand Prix rider, trainer,
and instructor, Christoph was a member of
the German team that won silver at the 2011
European Championships.
Christoph’s presentation was a huge hit
as evidenced by the numerous excellent
questions posed by participants. His insightful
and detailed answers covered
everything from conformation to the importance
of temperament, to the needs of an
amateur rider versus those of a professional,
and more.
Some key take-aways included:
n Amateurs should look for a horse that is
willing to go forward, has a good connection,
is rhythmic and balanced, able to
collect, responsive to the aids and, above
all, has a good character
n When trying a horse, ride a lot of transitions
(trot-canter-trot and walk-canterwalk),
and play with the gears within the
gaits; this will tell you a lot about a horse.
n Beware of walks that are too big as they
tend to become lateral when you go to
collect the horse.
n A very short neck can be problematic: if
too short in the snaffle, it will be exacerbated
with the double bridle.
n Pedigree is important because it can tell
you a lot about the horse’s gaits, temperament,
and aptitude for whatever it is
you plan to do with him. For example,
Donnerhall horses are willing but not nec-
essarily great candidates for young horse
classes. However, they tend to make very
good Grand Prix horses.
n Don’t be quick to rule out a horse for a
conformational issue: a horses’ willingness
to work is far more important than
perfect conformation.
n When buying remotely work with
someone you really trust who will show
everything from the horse being groomed
and tacked up, to being ridden, to being
loaded on a trailer, etc. to give you an accurate
overall impression of the horse.
n Christoph likes the Iberian breeds for amateurs,
as they are comfortable, willing to
work, and have good temperaments. Professionals
like the hotter horses
n The trot is the easiest gait to improve, but
don’t despair; the walk and canter can
also be improved through correct riding
and training.
As someone who has a horse built
downhill, I was thrilled to hear Christoph say
that downhill horses are not a hopeless case
or unworthy of further training. Conformation
challenges (such as my gelding’s) as well as
long back, short back, and so on will help you
determine how to ride the horse to his
greatest advantage.
In closing, you will notice “willingness”
and “good character” repeated throughout.
It’s clear that these qualities are high on
Christoph’s list and, as an international rider
and trainer, he certainly knows what matters
most when selecting a horse, whether you
are a timid amateur who wants to have fun
on a daily basis, or you are a professional
with your sights set on the highest level.
Place inside graphics:
n Rideability is more important than fancy
gaits
n It’s important to enjoy your horse every
day
n Age doesn’t matter if the character is
good. Well-behaved horses are this way
from an early age.
Survey says our members learned:
“I loved the exposure to a top European
professional--he was so nice! I appreciated
his comments and kindness towards the
needs of the amateur. In a few years, I hope
to purchase my first "real" dressage horse
and his comments on the primary importance
of the horse's personality/behavior and
building a partnership (no matter what my
age) were useful to my search.”
“I loved his philosophy especially when he
said that my relationship with my horse is
emotional. To respect the fact that she is a
living breathing being and work with her as
a team. I know this but it always helps when
a amazing rider and trainer reaffirms it.”
“Transitions in a circle when trying a horse
for a quick check of suppleness and
throughness!”
“Always honor those horses that are
blessed with an abundance of willingness.”
May 2021 NEDA.ORG TIP OF THE HAT 5

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!
6 TIP OF THE HAT NEDA.ORG May 2021

COMPETITION NEWS
NEDA
Spring
Show
T
he NEDA Spring show is
rapidly approaching and
even with the COVID-19
protocols there are several opportunities
available to those who would like to
support the show outside of entries and
volunteering. There WILL be vendor
space onsite so if you’re interested in
being a vendor please reach out to show
manager, Paul Cormier at
cormierp@neda.org. Also, there are opportunities
for class sponsorship as well
as banner display on the grounds.
Hard copy programs will not be allowed.
However, there will be a virtual
program available on the NEDA website.
If you would like to put an ad in the virtual
program that will be accessible to ALL
NEDA membership in addition to class
sponsorship, let Paul know. As it will be
virtual on the website this allows for links
to your website; a bonus by any
standard!!!! Go to NEDA.org, access the
Spring Show page under the show
heading, then scroll down for sponsorship
rates and the appropriate form. There is
a direct link on that same page for class
sponsorship and volunteering.
This is a new era for shows and while
there appears to be hope on the horizon
for a return to some sort of “normalcy”
nothing is immediate. Your support
through volunteering, class sponsorship,
purchasing banner space and being a
vendor has never been as vital to a show’s
success as it is currently. We look forward
to putting the best effort that NEDA as an
organization can with your help.
See you at the show!
Year End Awards
If you haven’t already received your 2020 NEDA Year End awards,
they will be sent out shortly so watch your mail for a package from
NEDA. Thank you for your patience and congratulations again on a
successful 2020!
Please contact Cathy Liston with any questions or concerns
yea@neda.org.
Photo: Connor Triehy
May 2021 NEDA.ORG TIP OF THE HAT 7

F
COMPETITON NEWS
or those of you who have not
yet been to a competition or who
have not yet read the USEF
COVID-19 Action plan and its weekly updates,
this is a brief primer on what USEF
requires in the time of COVID-19 as well as
what else you might expect from competition
management. For those who have
been competing or read my prior article in
the TIP, the newer requirements are at the
end of the document.
First, know that shows are doing their
best to provide as safe an environment as
possible and have taken on a lot of extra
work and expense to provide this atmosphere
although this is no guarantee you
won’t be exposed to COVID-19. In addition,
this article is not an answer to the question
of whether to compete or not. It is a presentation
of some of the basics of what a recognized
competition looks like currently in
case you decide to take part. If you choose
to compete, it is up to you to follow the rules,
even if you personally don’t believe the restrictions
help.
Show management has specific requirements
from USEF they are supposed to
follow including having a person or persons
to monitor the grounds and stabling to ascertain
whether competitors and other attendees
are doing what is requested of
them. Some of these requests and requirements
are listed below. Pay attention as
well to additional policies which may be implemented
by management, especially
those regarding refunds and cancellation.
The USEF Technical Delegate is charged
by USEF to include in their mandatory competition
report both compliance by management
to COVID-19 policies but also
include names of people who have not been
compliant as well as those who have been
asked to leave the grounds for the remainder
of the competition because they
would not follow the current guidelines.
8 TIP OF THE HAT NEDA.ORG May 2021
Competing
Competing
in the Time of
If you choose to compete or attend a
competition in any capacity, please do your
part to keep dressage shows going. Don’t
be someone who wears a mask only when
you think someone is checking.
What are you required to do prior to the
competition? Clarification and additional
information about each item are written in
italics.
As a competitor or attendee at any
USEF/USDF recognized competition,
you are on your honor to:
n Do not come if you think you are
coming down with COVID-19
symptoms.
l If you do need to cancel
because you think you are
coming down with something,
check the show refund policy.
n Do not come if you have a
temperature of 99.5’ or higher.
l Some competitions may
actually check your temperature
(and that of anyone with
you) as you come onto the
grounds.
n Follow the show mandated
requirements such as COM-
PLETELY filling out your entries
prior to sending them in.
l This process is very important
and eliminates or reduces
contact with the show office
and protects both you and
them from unnecessary handling
of papers.
l Sign the Covid waiver.
l In addition to limiting paper
handling prior to the competition,
many competitions may
not give you your test after
your ride, but will scan and
send it to you. Usually, your
scores are available on the
web, depending upon which
computer program the scorers
are using. Other competitions
may mail tests and/or ribbons
to you. Some may ask that
you pick up prizes and special
ribbons before you leave
as they will not send these
to you.
n If traveling over state borders,
check travel restrictions and
don’t use travel restrictions as
an excuse to scratch after the
closing date. This information
is readily available on line and
from the show management and
should be accessed early in the
application process.
As a competitor at a USEF/USDF
recognized competition you are
required to:
n Wear a face mask or face
covering at all times when not
mounted on a horse.
l If you are a rider, keep your
face mask in your pocket so
you can put it on the minute
you dismount from your horse.
l Keep your face mask on in the
stabling area as well, even in
a family or ‘barn’ group.

COVID 19- cont’d
n Follow the six-foot socialdistancing
rule.
l Family members can be
within six feet of each other,
but that is it.
l It is hard for the TD, or the
person assigned by management
to monitor COVID-19
compliance, to know who is
and is not in a ‘family’ group
so make it easy on them by
just staying six feet apart.
n Wash or sanitize your hands
frequently.
l Most shows provide multiple
hand sanitizing stations
around the grounds although
it is a good idea to bring your
own wipes, just in case.
n Restrict the number of
individuals joining you at the
competition.
l No spectators are allowed!
That includes horse owner,
friends, family members, and
staff at the barn where you
board, etc. unless one is also
the trainer.
l Technically, you are allowed
only “necessary support personnel”
such as a groom and
trainer.
l Yes, coaches are also allowed
as they usually work with multiple
individuals, but they are
not “necessary” in the barn
area.
n Contact the show office as
well as USEF and let them know
that you are getting sick if you
contract an illness while at the
competition.
Other Covid restrictions at the show
per 2021 USEF Covid Rules:
n Food service may be restricted as
based on local health requirements or
hours of service may be limited.
n The time schedule must be posted in
electronic format and/or in an area
where social distancing can be adhered
to.
n Flexibility with ride scheduled must be
allowed.
n Saddlery and equipment checks will
be visual and random. The Technical
Delegate may follow the competitor to
a designated area if necessary.
n Scores may be sent electronically
(e.g. via text) to competitors and/or
posted via internet.
n If scoresheets are only made available
after the competition day by electronic
methods, management must extend
the deadline for reporting of mathematical
errors to 24 hours from time of
distribution. Scores will be corrected
but class placements will not change.
n Equine Drugs and Medications Form
must be filed with the Technical Delegate
(TD) or Designated Office Representative
(DRO) within one hour
after administration or one hour after
the TD or DRO returns to duty if administration
is at a time other than
during competition hours.
If an online form cannot be submitted
due to lack of internet or
phone service, a paper form may be
submitted. This option must only
be used with submitting the online
form is impossible.
During and/or after the competition, do
not hesitate to thank management and the
volunteers for making the competition possible.
Ultimately, it is still your decision as to
whether you want to participate in a competition
during COVID-19. Although management
will do their best, there are no
guarantees the grounds are COVID-free
and that you will not come in contact with
them. As mentioned, if you decide to
compete, please help management and
your fellow competitors by following the
guidelines. This will also help limit your
contact with the disease
If you have questions, contact USEF,
USDF or the show you wish to attend.
USEF updates their COVID-19 Action Plan
on Tuesdays. Prior to competing, you
should review the “Participant” section of
the latest Action Plan version on USEF’s
home page, www.usef.org.
Sally Davenport
Sally Davenport
NEDA Coordinator of Education
USEF “R” TD and FEI Steward
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
May 2021 NEDA.ORG TIP OF THE HAT 9

OBITUARY
Susan
Wildman
The dressage, and equestrian community as a whole,
lost a beautiful soul recently in Susan Melodie Maas
Wildman at the age of 61. If you knew Sue, you were lucky
indeed. Maybe you saw her supporting one of her horses
and/or friends at a horse show, or you most certainly would
have seen her volunteering. Susan loved her horses and
the people that became part of her barn community with the
utmost passion and zeal. She will be remembered by her
gentle spirit, kindness, extreme generosity and maybe most
of all by her captivating smile and laugh.
Susan is survived by her beautiful daughters, Ellie and Catie.
Susan Wildman
10 TIP OF THE HAT NEDA.ORG May 2021

GENERAL INTEREST
DISGUISED AS SIMPLICITY:
The Equine
Hand
BY BETH ANN CRONAN
PART 1
Y
our horse’s registration reports that your horse is 15.2
hands in height. What is he in inches? That sounds
simple enough: you know that a hand is 4 inches, so
you do a straightforward mathematical equation: 15.2
x 4 = 60.8. Your horse is 60.8 inches tall.
But 15.2 is “equine math” and the 0.2 in the 15.2 is equine math for
2 inches. To the non-equine hand world, 0.2 is two tenths in the
decimal numeral system. This is the base-ten positional system. (The
base-ten positional system is the same numerical system used in
dressage test scoring.) To get the correct number of inches,
multiple the number of hands without the number after the decimal
point: 15 by 4. The answer is 60. Add the 0.2 which in equine math is
2 inches. Your horse is 62 inches tall.
The supposedly simple equine hand has a further storied and complex
history.
A hand is an anthropic unit of measurement. Anthropic is loosely defined
as “relating to humans”. Originally the equine hand was based
on the width of a male human’s hand. Not only do men’s hands differ
in width, but there was no standardization of whether to include the
thumb in the measurement of a hand. The equine hand varied drastically
from area to area within countries.
The Egyptians produced the earliest recorded system of measurement
in approximately 3000 BC. This first standardization of the equine hand
was plagued with extreme variations. In some areas of Egypt, the thumb
and palm were used but in others, just the width of the palm. The generally
accepted measurements, area dependent, ranged from 3 inches,
7.61 cm, to 5 inches, 12.7 cm.
For simplicity’s sake, this example will use the horse height of
15.0 hands and two fictional Egyptian towns, A and B.
Fictional Egyptian Town A used a 3-inch hand standard (no thumb included
in the width measurement of the hand). If a seller in Town A
had a 15.0 hand horse for sale, that horse would be 45 inches tall.
12 TIP OF THE HAT NEDA.ORG May 2021

EQUINE HAND- cont’d
Town A Equation:
15.0 hand horse x Town A 3" hand = 45
inches
Town B used a 5-inch hand (including the
thumb in the width of the hand measurement).
A buyer in Town B would expect
the 15.0 hand horse to be 75 inches tall.
Town B Equation:
15.0 hand horse x Town B 5" hand = 75
inches
That is a difference of 30 inches in the height
of the same 15.0 hand horse!
By today’s 4-inch hand standard, Town A’s
45-inch-tall horse would be 11.25 hands.
Technically, the horse would be a pony.
Town B’s 75-inch horse would be
18.75 hands. Using equine math and not
base-ten positional system math, 0.75
would be 3 inches. At 18.3 hands, that
would be a true equine giant.
This worldwide measurement discrepancy
wreaked havoc with horse sellers, buyers,
and breeders for centuries. It was not until
1540 that England’s King Henry VIII established
the equine hand as 4 inches. With the
4-inch standardization of the hand, a 15-
hand horse is 60 inches in height regardless
of what country or town the horse was
measured in.
What was also accepted was the abbreviation
for hand as “h”. Then “hh” or hands
high, was added to the king’s statute as
being interchangeable with “h”: A horse’s
height could be written as 15.0 h or 15.0
hh. An accepted, definitive reference for
buyers/sellers and breeders was finally established.
Despite the variations in the actual width of
the hand, the Egyptian measurement of the
horse did establish what was measured to
determine the height of a horse: a straight
line up from a front hoof to the withers. The
withers were chosen because they are a
non-variable part of the horse's skeleton located
above the shoulder and at the base of
the neck where it meets the back. Unlike the
head or back, the withers are “fixed” and do
not move up and down. When King Henry
VIII created the 4-inch hand statute, he continued
the Egyptian equine measuring
standard of using the straight line from front
hoof to withers.
White Percheron Draft Horse mare, Molly, 16.0 hands standing with Angel, 11.2 hands black and white
mixed breed pony. Photo: Carole MacDonald
Unscrupulous people would change a
horse’s measurement by allowing the
hooves to grow overly long making the horse
measure taller than it actually was. Conversely,
the hooves could be aggressively
rasped, and the horse would measure
shorter. These issues and other hoof related
measuring information are discussed in
detail in Part 2 of this article series.
An etymological review finds the word
withers in 1570s Old English and German.
The ancient Egyptian word for withers
was not found. Withers derived from the
Old English “wider” and the German
“widerrest”. These words were used to describe
the area of the animal that “would
oppose the load”. The load typically being
created by a harness on the animal’s
chest, withers, and back that was attached
to a wagon or plow. The withers were the
highest and widest point of the back of
various draft-type working animals, such
as oxen, dogs, and horses.
The withers are covered by skin and hair and
are a critical structural point with many
muscles and ligaments attached. The
withers are dorsal (uppermost) spinal
processes (a natural outgrowth on a bone)
of the thoracic vertebrae section of the spine
of an equine. There are 18 thoracic vertebrae
with T4 through T9 comprising the withers.
Typically, T5 is the highest point of the
withers and is used when measuring an
equine’s height. (See photo illustration.)
Read Part 2 of Disguised as Simplicity,
The Equine Hand in the next issue of
NEDA’s A Tip of the Hat publication.
With a sizable cache of antique and
modern books on the equine, the writer is
frequently discovering matters of curiosity
to share with the equine enthusiast. While
preparing a short piece about the equine
hand, she found its past and present to be
complex and storied, but the information is
quite scattered with no single definitive
work. This series aspires to condense the
research to preserve some of the equine
hand’s history and purpose. She can be
reached at cronanba@gmail.com.
May 2021 NEDA.ORG TIP OF THE HAT 13

14 TIP OF THE HAT NEDA.ORG May 2021

MEMBER NEWS
BY KELLY CASELLA
I
must be honest - I joined
NEDA for the webinars. Not that
I wasn’t aware of the opportunities
for learning, scholarships,
and shows that the organization
offers, I simply felt that I wasn’t qualified.
I’m new to the sport, or as I’m discovering,
the obsession of Dressage. For the
past 13 years or so my chosen discipline
has been carriage driving. My horse
Carisma is a 17-year-old Sachsen-
Thüringen Schweres Warmblut gelding, a
breed of Warmblood bred in Germany
almost exclusively for driving. Being a
“Schweres” or heavy warmblood, he is more
of the old type with substantial bone. A powerful,
efficient trot and even temperament
are his strong suits, as well as his talent to
flap his lips when requiring human attention.
We competed in Pleasure Driving Shows
as a single, pair, and tandem (one horse in
front of the other), and Combined Driving
Events, or CDE’s. CDE’s are typically 3 days
long, and are similar to the Three-Day
Eventing format, with a driven Dressage test
on the first day, a cross-country marathon
with obstacles on the second, and timed
cones course on the third. Our team had the
most success in the Dressage phase, since
Carisma has excellent rhythm and I, being a
visual thinker, could drive a very round
circle! We earned great scores, but I felt that
we could achieve more, especially in the
area of self-carriage.
To focus on this, I realized I had to try
something different. Dressage appeared to
be the logical solution. Through Facebook, I
From Carriage
Driving
oT O
Ridden Dressage
found that my current trainer, Ericka Cecere,
was hosting a clinic with Jan Ebeling. Why
not take advantage of the opportunity to
audit a clinic with an Olympic Dressage
rider, staged literally 4 minutes from my
home. As riders, or drivers, we tend to stay
in the circle created by our discipline, and
not venture out to learn different viewpoints.
I was slightly intimidated by the stereotypes
that exist about “Dressage” but figured the
experience was worth breaking out of my
comfort zone.
Dressage seemed to be so ethereal and
unreachable-a discipline only suited for the
naturally gifted horse and rider who has
spent years studying with a master. Due to
the fact that I started riding in college, and
not as a small child, I already felt “late to the
party.” I believed I would never be able to
catch up and become proficient, especially
with a mature driving horse.
What I found at the clinic was a diverse
group of riders of all ages and levels with
horses of all shapes, sizes, and breeds. No,
they weren’t all Charlotte Dujardins riding
Valegros. Jan was patient and attentive, offering
correction and praise to each rider
and horse combination. My type “A” brain
thought, “this could be fun.” I began lessons
with Erica in May of 2020. Fortunately, my
husband Raymond and I keep our horses at
home, and I was able to train throughout the
COVID lockdown.
It’s hard. It’s physically demanding for
both of us. Asking a horse that is used to
traveling forward between shafts and
pushing into a collar with his shoulders to
d
move weight, to now cross his legs over and
go sideways just did not compute in his
brain. Moving his shoulders without falling
in or blowing through my half-halt was
foreign. I needed to be thoroughly accountable
for my own balance and position
at all times, to a much higher degree than in
driving. The tack and bitting are different.
Oh, and the circles are a lot smaller…
Since a driver only has her reins, whip,
and voice, (and to some extent body) to influence
the horse, the driving horse must be
reliable, attentive, and above all, safe. They
must not overreact to noise, machinery,
people on bicycles, flapping harness pieces,
etc. Carisma is pretty bombproof. For riding,
he needed to become more responsive and
quicker, with a rider on his back and in an
open bridle without blinders. We both
learned leg aids and different rein aids than
he was accustomed to. Above all, we both
learned of the importance of the seat. This
is quite a bit to ask.
I quit many times in my head. Told
Raymond that we should sell everything.
He, as always, reminded me that we don’t
give up, and give it another try. Our lessons
kept refining communication with my horse,
and discussions offered insight on how to
execute cues more clearly. Working as a
team with my horse, I am able to overcome
resistance and learn a new language. No, it
does not work every time. Some days are
better than others.
Again, the internet interceded. I saw the
NEDA’s announcement about educational
May 2021 NEDA.ORG TIP OF THE HAT 15

FROM CARRIAGE - cont’d
Zoom meetings, available to its members. I
don’t have the advantage of years of instruction
and experience with many horses,
but I’ve found that outside sources, such as
this program can fill in some of the gaps. As
we all know, the internet is full of armchair
experts, but this venue offered esteemed
professionals sharing their knowledge, at no
cost, online. Where else would a turnout
perfectionist like me be able to take an hourlong
deep dive into the variations of
Dressage braiding? The weekly Thursday
webinars helped get me through the difficult
training days by reminding me others were
also struggling with issues. For example, our
current struggle is finding a bit to keep his
large tongue comfortable.
I continue to immerse myself in the study
of Dressage, both in and out of the saddle.
Due to the somewhat mild weather, we
worked pretty consistently throughout the
winter. Snow is great for hind end engagement!
I love the fact that there is so
much information readily available about all
of the different perspectives one can have in
Dressage. My topics of interest are training
methods, theory, and exercises. I find
learning about the science of biomechanics
and how it relates to the movement of both
horse and rider helps me achieve balance.
This leads to improving the all-important and
elusive “feel” needed to communicate effectively
with my horse.
Out of the saddle, I enjoy window
shopping for show clothes, maybe with a bit
of bling, with an eye toward the fact that we
may become consistent enough this season
to enter at “A”. Stay tuned! I look forward
to exploring all that NEDA has to offer, including
the annual Symposium.
I feel fortunate to have met new friends
that have been so willing to join in and
support me on my journey in the neverending
discipline and art of Dressage. I still
quit, but only about once a month now!
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 Oct 1st!
To receive an application or an
informational brochure about the
Scholarship Program. Go to:
http://www.neda.org/?page=SCHMAIN
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
!
"#$%&'(&")!%'*$!+,*!-,.*!/,*"$!!
01!2345!
!
!"#$%&'($)*+*(%,*-,./$0($1,#-%,.2"$).,
3(%*'*-(4$(5#6*7*)#)*"-,
!
8#3(-(..,(9#7/#)*"-:,2$(2/$'5#.(:,
.5"';@=:,
%*0*)#7,*3#0*-0:,0#.)$".'"21,
!
!
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!
Advertise and
support NEDA too!
BIZ CARD AS LOW
AS $50 FOR MEMBERS!
Email: tipads@neda.org
16 TIP OF THE HAT NEDA.ORG May 2021

GENERAL INTEREST
Morsels
Equine Information
BY BETH ANN CRONAN
If your test comments for your 20-meter
circle are “not round,” try to improve by deconstructing
the 20-meter circle into points
of the circle using the centerline, the quarter
line, knowledge of arena letter placement,
and the arena size. Once the 20-meter
circle is comprised of “points”, you can
ride a 20-meter circle flowing from one
point at another, connecting them into a
round circle. Do not rely on dressage arena
letters to make your circle because the
letters do NOT always match the points of a
20-meter circle! Both the small (20 x 40) and
large (20 X 60) dressage areas are 20
Right: Clydesdale
gelding displaying
perfectly groomed
prolific feathering;
note the feathering
is from the knee
down and covering
the front of the
hoof. Horse and
handler are part
of the Hallamore
Clydesdales
Team with NEDA
Photographer
Carole MacDonald.
Photo courtesy of
Carole MacDonald
from her collection.
OF
meters wide but there are differences in
length. A 20-meter circle starting at C will
have X (on the centerline) as a circle point
in a small arena. In a 60-meter-long large
arena, a 20-meter circle at C has the circle
point 2 meters beyond I on the centerline. If
you use I as a circle point, your circle is 18
meters, not 20. Also, in addition to 20-meter
circles starting at C or A, tests can ask for a
20-meter circle at other letters such as B, E,
and X so it is important to be aware of the
circle points of these 20-meter circles as well
and not to rely on the arena letters. When
riding a 20-meter circle, use circle point
landmarks to increase the roundness of your
circle, increase your movement score, and
eliminate the “not round” comments.
An equine can be feathered, can have feathering,
and can even be well feathered but
never has “feathers”. The origin of the word
feather is 15th Century Old English, and one
definition is “to adorn”. When referring to
equines, feather is an adjective, so the word
is not made plural. For example, you would
say that you ride a brown horse not a
browns horse. "Feathers" is the plural of the
noun "feather". Christine Bartko of Black
The photo is of Raspotnik Silas, a Dales
Pony gelding ridden by NEDA member
Leah Drew. While all four legs have
feathering, the flowing hair of his left
front leg displays an outstanding example
of the long, silky nature of equine
feathering. Maintaining such feathering
demands a great measure of attention
and meticulous, diligent grooming that
goes far beyond “normal” currying.
Drew said, “To keep his feathers clean,
I normally brush and detangle them
every day. And I hose them off after
every ride because they get so gross
and sweaty. Before a show I shampoo
and condition them with Mane ‘n Tail
products and have even gone as far as
braiding them to keep them clean for
the shows.”
Drew applied her conscientiousness
not just to grooming but to competing
as well. In this photo taken at a NEDA
competition, Drew is 9 years old and
riding a Training Level Test. Drew continues
to be an active NEDA member
and is planning on showing her
Hanoverian mare, Harmonious P, in
the 2021 FEI Junior Division.
Photo: Carole MacDonald from her
NEDA competition photograph
archives.
Continued →
May 2021 NEDA.ORG TIP OF THE HAT 17

MORSELS- cont’d
Forest Shires and Gypsy Horse breeding
farm wrote that breeders of feathered
equines will "know you are a newbie if you
say a horse has feathers." A feathered
equine has long hairs on the lower leg
that typically start at the cannon bone
below the knee. This "adornment" is found
in both horse and pony breeds and while
common in draft-type equines it is not restricted
to them. Feathering is frequently
found in cold-weather breeds, such as the
Friesian from the Netherlands, the Fell Pony
from England, and the Ardennes of France.
These long hairs are thought to maintain as
much heat as possible in their lower leg and
hooves. Some breed standards, such as the
Gypsy Horse, state that the feather must go
completely around the hoof and that long
hair must grow in front of the hoof for the
horse to be declared feathered. Due to
feathering having a genetic component,
some stud books require stallions and
mares have breed standard sufficient feathering
to be approved for breeding. Though
these long hairs appear coarse, they are
surprisingly soft and silky but require diligent
grooming maintenance. (See Sidebar and
photos previous page.)
Cleaning your horse’s hind hooves can be
intimidating if no one has ever taught you
how to do it correctly and safely. I work with
many young draft horses and was consulted
by a man that had “issues” with his 3-yearold,
16.3 hand, 1400-pound Brabant colt.
The colt would lose his balance and yank his
leg away when the man tried to clean a hind
hoof. The issue had made farrier work
almost impossible. Knowing that the veterinarian
had cleared the colt of having any
physical issues to cause this behavior, I
18 TIP OF THE HAT NEDA.ORG May 2021
watched the man clean one of the colt's hind
hooves. I theorized the main problem: The
man kept the colt's hoof just a few inches off
the ground when he cleaned it. He did this
thinking it was “helping” the colt. But, with
his hoof not quite “up” and not quite
“down”, standing on three legs was difficult
and anxiety producing for the
young draft horse. Having his hoof held
so close to the ground made the colt
both physically and mentally "need" to
put it down. The colt could not balance and
would yank his hoof free. Panicked, the colt
would snap the crossties. By raising the hoof
higher, the colt was able to activate his abdominal
muscles and balance on his other
three legs comfortably. Due to the months of
incorrect handling, an entire package of unwanted
behaviors was created. Simply
picking the hind hoof higher to clean it would
need to be accompanied by correct hoof
cleaning procedure and positive reinforcement
to reduce the anxiety-driven behavior
of kicking out and breaking the
crossties. These behaviors would have to be
“untrained” and the colt’s confidence in
having his hooves handled improved. For
safety reasons, these issues were best addressed
by a professional horse trainer.
If you are having issues with cleaning your
horse’s hind hooves, consult with a veterinarian
for a physical evaluation first to
rule out any physical issues such as a
sore stifle joint. Then, consult a trusted
trainer for safe handling techniques to improve
how you clean your horse’s hooves.
Not only will your horse appreciate your improved
horsemanship, but so will your
farrier. Hint: Treating a hind hoof abscess is
not the best time to train your horse to stand
quietly on three legs.
Some dogs are sensitive to the commonly
used equine antiparasitic (wormer) ivermectin
and can have a negative reaction
after ingesting it. An equine will shed some
ivermectin in its manure for several days
after being wormed with it. If you dog likes
to snack on road apples, you should restrict
their access to any of the wormed equines’
manure for a least three days or however
long your veterinarian suggests.
"She's precocious; And she knows just how
to make a pro blush". You probably read that
and said, “She’s got Betty Davis eyes”. Other
than in Kim Carnes’ song, it is doubtful that
you have heard “precocious” used to describe
anything unless you follow thoroughbred
horse racing. The Oxford
Dictionary defines precocious as “having developed
certain abilities or proclivities at an
earlier age than usual" and its synonyms are
gifted, talented, and smart. Precocious is a
term used to describe a young

MORSELS- cont’d
thoroughbred racehorse that is beginning
training and is displaying unusually
advanced racing abilities.
Kentucky’s Calumet Farms trainer Gene
Recio described a filly in the 2021 Ocala
Breeders' Sales March 2-Year-Olds in
Training Sale listing as "...she is precocious.
She has one thing on her mind and that's
running."
There is an Afghan proverb, “It’s the
same donkey, just a new saddle”. While
this is true, a new saddle, especially one that
correctly fits the horse, can make an
enormous positive change in an equine’s
performance. The advancements in the
study of equine biomechanics and saddle
making have radically changed how the
saddle tree, gullets, and other saddle components
are designed. A properly fitting
saddle will lessen pain and stiffness and encourage
your horse to display less compensatory
issues such as hollowing the back,
carrying its “nose in the air”, or refusal to pick
up a certain lead. After your horse has a
veterinarian’s physical examination to
rule out non-saddle created issues, an
appointment with a reputable saddle
fitter is a great investment in your riding.
While perusing the horse section at a local
Barnes and Noble bookstore, there it was,
“Horseback Riding for Dummies”. Intrigued,
I flipped the book open and incredulously,
the section was “The Halt”. You may be familiar
with the article “The Halt, Salute”
written by me and published in the May
2020 NEDA Tip of the Hat. The “Horseback
Riding for Dummies” authors directed hunt
seat and Western riders to “brace their legs,
sit on their tail bone, pull back on the reins,
and say whoa loudly” to halt. The instructions
for dressage were identical except
there is not a verbal whoa. While studying
the written works of the masters is universally
suggested to compliment your actual
riding, I was disheartened and cannot recommend
this book to improve your
horseback riding skills. To find quality
reading about dressage, Google your favorite
rider and read the works of the
classical dressage masters that they
follow.
With a sizable cache of antique and modern
books on the equine, the writer is frequently
discovering matters of curiosity to share with
the equine enthusiast. She can be reached
at cronanba@gmail.com.
Help us keep The Tip of the Hat financially viable
in print by advertising in it!
May 2021 NEDA.ORG TIP OF THE HAT 19

SCHOLARSHIP NEWS
Dear NEDA Scholarship Committee Members,
I am taking this opportunity to tell you how grateful I am for
your vote of confidence in awarding me the NEDA Scholarship
for 2020 as well as the First Priscilla Endicott Award to help
me get to the UK to train and compete in England and Europe.
I am thrilled to have a fantastic young horse in “As You
Wish”- he’s 8 years old and has been very successful in the
Small Tour in the past year, starting in CDI’s this spring at Global
in Wellington. I am eagerly looking forward to traveling to England to
train with Carl Hester to help develop him to his top potential. I have known
Carl for many years (since I was a working student in Holland), and have been lucky enough to have
trained with him since 2011, when I went to his yard to train with Ayscha for 6 months. You probably have
seen him at work and I can attest to his skill and empathyas a trainer of both top horses and riders.
Years ago (1999) I was still a newbie in New England, and I was lucky enough to meet Priscilla
Endicott in Harvard, MA. She was a force of good in the dressage world, and she helped me get to Europe
with my very first international horse Korona. What a learning curve that was, and I could not have done it
without her. Because of her generosity I was able to be competitive at the Pan Am Games, WEG and the
World Cup. I am sure I don’t know half of the wonderful things Priscilla has done in her life to promote good
dressage training and learning, but I do know she made a huge difference in my life just by believing in me
and my horse.
As we all know the world of top dressage is incredibly competitive and expensive. I am proof that
someone can compete at the top echelons of the sport with hard work, talent - and support from others.
The finances are very di cult, and I could not do this without your support, nor could I have embarked on
my travels years ago without the backing of staunch supporters like Priscilla Endicott.
I am so thankful for your vote of confidence. I am very excited to see the future of training with
“Westley” (those of you who are fans of The Princess Bride will understand his name). I promise to bring
you back some wonderful training tidbits and help from the Carl. The Scholarship program from NEDA is
a fantastic opportunity and having the new Priscilla Endicott Award is a wonderful addition.
Thank you all again,
Shannon Dueck
Shannon Dueck & As You Wish.
Photo: Carmen Eliza Franco
20 TIP OF THE HAT NEDA.ORG May 2021

EDUCATION
CONGRATULATIONS!
Daniela Valentgas was the winner of two NEDA Fall
Symposium tickets, which she entered by answering our
year-end membership survey back in December.
Daniela is pictured here with Haralambos (“Harry”) a
German bred 12-year-old Trakehner gelding (Krokant &
Caprimond) she imported in 2018. They are riding with
Vincent Flores Dressage in Coventry CT, with goals of
PSG this season for Daniela’s silver medal.
If you see them out and about, be sure to say hi!”
Thank you to everyone who took the time to help us out
with the survey!
Daniela Valentgas. Photo: Salty Dog Productions
May 2021 NEDA.ORG TIP OF THE HAT 21

2021 Competitions
& Event Calendar
NEDA CALENDAR 2021
(Please keep checking the NEDA online calendar for latest COVID-19 updates)
Website
Show
Date(s)
n Dressage4Kids www.dressage4kids.org 5/8-9 East Greenwich RI Heritage Equestrian Center
Team Clinic
n Merrimack Valley www.bradfordequestriancenter.com 5/9 Haverhill MA
Schooling Show
n Cutter Farm www.cutterfarm.com 5/16 Dracut MA Kristin Wesson 603-440-3564
Schooling Show
kristinwesson@gmail.com
Connecticut Equestrian www.onthebitevents.com 5/16 4/11 5/4 Coventry CT Liz Johnson 774-217-0302
Center I
liz@onthebitevents.com
n Xeonophon Farm Schooling Show 5/16 5/12 Montague MA Suzanne Mente
xenophonshows@gmail.com
Centerline Events @ HITS www.centerlineevents.com 5/22-23 4/12 5/5 Saugerties NY Debra Reinhardt 203-264-2148
debra@centerlineevents.com
n Lloyd Harbor Equestrian www.landlequestrian.com 5/22 Lloyd Harbor NY
Center Schooling Show
ENYDCTA Dressage Days I www.enydcta.com 5/28 4/1 5/10 Glenville NY Sue McKeown 978-430-9254
suemckeown@charter.net
ENYDCTA Dressage Days II www.enydcta.com 5/29-30 4/1 5/10 Glenville NY Sue McKeown 978-430-9254
suemckeown@charter.net
ESDCTA Memorial Weekend www.esdcta.org 5/29 4/1 5/15 Allentown NJ Shannon Bossun 703-431-5663
Dressage & Breed Show I
spg588@hotmail.com
Beland Stables www.belandstables.com 5/30 4/12 5/17 Lakeville MA PJ Archambault 508-428-1526
Spring Dressage
secretary@belandstables.com
ESDCTA Memorial Weekend www.esdcta.org 5/30 4/01 5/15 Allentown NJ Shannon Bossun 703-431-5663
Dressage & Breed Show II
spg588@hotmail.com
n NEDA Spring Dressage I www.neda.org 6/5 4/12 5/14 Halifax MA Debra Reinhardt 203-264-2148
debra@centerlineevents.com
n NEDA Spring Dressage II www.neda.org 6/6 4/12 5/14 Halifax MA Debra Reinhardt 203-264-2148
debra@centerlineevents.com
n NHDEA Schooling Show www.nhdea.org 6/6 Atkinson NH
Mystic Valley Hunt www.mysticvalleyhuntclub.com 6/11-13 4/19 5/26 Gales Ferry CT Sue McKeown 978-430-9209
Club Spring
suemckeown@charter.net
Windy Holly Hunt Dressage I www.windyhollowhunt.org 06/11-12 4/10 6/01 Augusta NJ Shannon Bossun 703-431-5663
sgp588@hotmail.com
n Beland Stables www.belandstables.com 6/13 6/06 Lakeville MA
Schooling Show
n Independence Stable www.independencestablellc.com 6/13 Belchertown MA
Schooling Show
Windy Holly Hunt Dressage II www.windyhollowhunt.org 6/13 4/10 6/01 Augusta NJ Shannon Bossun 703-431-5663
sgp588@hotmail.com
GMHA June Dressage Day www.gmhainc.org 6/18 4/19 5/28 Woodstock VT Sue McKeown 978-430-9209
suemckeown@charter.net
Centerline Events @ HITS www.centerlineevents.com 6/19-20 5/20 6/07 Saugerties NY Debra Reinhardt 203-264-2148
debra@centerlineevents.com
GMHA June Dressage Show www.gmhainc.org 6/19-2 4/19 5/28 Woodstock VT Sue McKeown 978-430-9209
suemckeown@charter.net
Opening
Date
Closing
Date Location Secretary/Phone/Email
n Schooling Shows
n NEDA Events
Email shows@neda.org
for more info!
Check www.neda.org for updates!
n Partners in Education
Email edpartners1@neda.org
for more info!
22 TIP OF THE HAT NEDA.ORG May 2021

2021 Competitions
& Event Calendar
Website
NEDA CALENDAR 2021- cont’d
Show
Date(s)
Opening
Date
Closing
Date Location Secretary/Phone/Email
n Cutter Farm www.cutterfarm.com 6/20 Dracut MA Kristin Wesson 603-440-3564
Schooling Show
kristinwesson@gmail.com
n Xeonophon Farm Schooling Show 6/20 6/16 Montague MA Suzanne Mente
xenophonshows@gmail.com
n Fox Ledge Farm www.foxledgefarm.net 6/23 E. Haddam CT
Schooling Show
Mount Holyoke www.mhcriding.com 6/23-24 5/18 6/12 South Hadley MA Sue McKeown 978-430-9209
College Dressage
suemckeown@charter.net
Dressage at Stockade www.stockadepolo.com 6/25 5/10 6/12 Glenville NY Anita Jaffe 518-796-8899
Welcome
stockadepolo@gmail.com
Westbrook Hunt Club www.horseshowoffice.com 6/26-27 5/15 6/05 Westbrook CT Sue McKeown 978-430-9209
June Dressage
suemckeown@charter.net
Dressage at Stockade June www.stockadepolo.com 6/26-27 5/10 6/12 Glenville NY Anita Jaffe 518-796-8899
stockadepolo@gmail.com
n Merrimack Valley www.bradfordequestriancenter.com 6/27 Haverhill MA
Schooling Show
n Heritage Dressage www.heritage-dressage.org 6/27 Hanover MA
Schooling Show
ESDCTA Summer Days I www.esdcta.org 6/29 5/26 6/14 Gladstone NJ Shannon Bossun 703-431-5663
sgp588@hotmail.com
ESDCTA Summer Days II www.esdcta.org 6/30 5/26 6/14 Gladstone NJ Shannon Bossun 703-431-5663
sgp588@hotmail.com
REGION 8 NEWS
What a
change
in a year!
This time last year USEF/USDF shows
were shut down until May 3rd and then that
was extended until June. AND even then
shows in our region really did not start until
July making the show season very short. Of
course major shows like NAYC were cancelled.
However, 2021 looks like it will start
on time and we will all be out there…
Congratulations to Cindi Rose Wylie and
William McMullin for passing their FEI Instructor
certification. Even though Bill has officially
moved to Region 3 we will always feel
he are part of Region 8.
Our Jr/YR Regional Coordinator, Roberta
Carleton, had scheduled JrYR Clinic with
George Williams on April 10-11, 2021 at
Weatogue Farm. Sadly, due to lack of entries,
it had to be cancelled. We are disappointed
as this is an opportunity for the
youth to take a lesson with the USEF Youth
Coach. As you know NAYC will be held at
Great Lakes Equestrian Festival, Traverse
City, MI on August 11-16, 2021, and Roberta
is trying to organize fund raising early.
The Executive Board will meet at the end
of the month for the spring meeting via
several hours of zoom call. I will report in
the May newsletter if there is any news to
be shared.
IMPORTANT….Region 8 was to hold their
spring meeting on May 4th via Zoom call. I
need to move it to May 5th, Cinco de Mayo.
There is an TD educational program that may
take a few of us away on the 4th. Our topics
will be news from USDF, Omnibus printed vs
not, committee reports, and of course, discussion
on COVID effects. I will send more
information at the end of the month.
See you on the Centerline…
Debra Reinhardt
Debra Reinhardt
USDF Region 8 Director
May 2021 NEDA.ORG TIP OF THE HAT 23

YOUTH CORNER
Hello and
Happy Spring!
The birds are chirping, the grass is growing, and horses
are shedding into their summer coats. Even better, show
season is just around the corner! Whether you are planning
a couple trips to your local schooling show or a full season
of qualifying for the Region 8 Championships, it is sure to
be a fantastic summer.
What’s your favorite show on the NEDA calendar?
Are the mountains of GMHA calling your name, or
do you prefer the buzzing atmosphere of the Saugerties
showgrounds? Let us know by emailing youth@neda.org
with your show season bucket list!
This month’s Youth Corner is missing one big part: a rider
interview! Have you been featured yet? If not, send us an
email for a short list of questions! It’s a great way to introduce
yourself to the other youth riders of our region.
Everyone is welcome to be featured!
Spotlight by Gianna Avery
Luckily, my horse Spotlight generously offered to be the
first ‘featured horse.’
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
24 TIP OF THE HAT NEDA.ORG May 2021

YOUTH CORNER
?
C H A T T I N G
W Spotlight
Who are you, and where are you from?
My name is W Spotlight and I am originally from Germany.
I moved to California when I was about six, and then to New
England shortly after that.
Tell us about your background. How long have you been
a riding horse and how did you get started in dressage?
I was bred to be a dressage horse! My dad is the famous
Sir Donnerhall and my mom is Floristin (named after her father,
Florestan). Ever since I was a young colt in Germany, I have been
in training to become a dressage athlete.
What do you love about dressage? What do you not like
about dressage? My favorite part of dressage is when I get the
ring all to myself and I get to show off my moves to my adoring
fans. Especially when I get to do my signature moves, like the extended
canter! My least favorite is when my rider learns something
new, which means I have to do something new (like actually going
sideways or actually sitting in collection. Boring, hard stuff!)
If you were to compete in any other discipline, what would
it be? None. Jumping is dumb and obviously Western tack would
not suit me. If I couldn’t do dressage anymore, I’d be a trail horse.
Cantering along through trails (with no fallen logs in my path),
adventuring all around the place. I would still need a place–like
a long barn aisle or a great big field–to show off my moves in,
though!
What have you taught your rider? I have taught her to be patient,
to have a good sense of humor, and to never give up.
What is your favorite event in the NEDA (USDF) Calendar?
I do love going to NEDA Fall, as there are lots of new horses to
meet and plenty of good grass to eat. However, to show off in the
Fall Symposium, with all of those people watching ME, would be a
dream come true!
Sophia and Spotlight
Finish the sentences:
1. My human in 3 words is… fun, nice, knows me best.
2. My favorite treat is… a big, juicy apple.
3. Dressage to me is… my workout routine, to keep my physique
in top form.
4. If I’m not in my stall I’m… out adventuring with my human.
5. I couldn’t live without… my friends, my human, and a bottle of
triple antibiotic ointment.
6. Something not many people know about me is… I still have
one baby tooth! #youngatheart
Anything else you would like our readers to know?
All fan mail and carrots can be forward to my human’s address,
thank you in advance.
Are you interested in being interviewed for the Youth Corner?
Send us an email! youth@neda.org
Advertise in The Tip of the Hat
and support the most
universally-used and
highest-rated NEDA offering!
May 2021 NEDA.ORG TIP OF THE HAT 25

Stallion Paddock 2021
26 TIP OF THE HAT NEDA.ORG May 2021

May 2021 NEDA.ORG TIP OF THE HAT 27

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

May NEDA.ORG TIP OF THE HAT 29

STALLION PADDOCK - cont’d
Are you under 25?
The YOUTH CORNER
is looking for
amateur photos
for the TIP!
Email them to:
youth@neda.org
Are you a youth rider
interested in dressage and
LOVE our new Youth Corner?
Want to become
one of our
highlighted riders?
Fiona Perreault. Photo: Jesse Klein
Want to know
what NEDA has put
in place for you?
Have ideas, comments
or questions about
Youth Corner?
Email: youth@neda.org
30 TIP OF THE HAT NEDA.ORG May 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
Breanna Rene Sporthorses
Instruction - Training - Clinics
Dressage - Working Equitation
USDF Silver Medalist
Ancram, NY
(616) 403-8503
www.breannarenesporthorses.com