7-3-09
Here is an explanation of Amateur Points from the USEA website. http://www.useventing.com/competitions.php?section=aec&id=1824 Katherine Cooper

7-3-09
I agree...I was cheering on friends and I thought it was a very well run, friendly, welcoming event. I look forward to their next event! Kristen

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7-1-09
In addition to Stall cleaning services, would the Young Riders be interested in hiring themselves out? How about, "Hire an extra pair of hands!' Tack cleaning, anyone?? Boots beautifully polished?? "Slave" for rent!?? (within reason!) barbara

7-3-09
Most people with multiple horse send the envelope with all the enteries inside. One envelope for 6 entries or however many horse they have. When they draw, the draw by envelopes, therfore the trainers with a bunch of different horses can still get in by the luck of the draw. Because you can't accept only certain entries out of one envelope. Everything in the envelope that is drawed gets a slot.

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6-30-09
This same subject came up last year, but I don't remember if there was a clear explanation. (Webmaster, is it archived anywhere?) Perhaps it had to do with including multiple entries in one envelope. I agree with the poster who suggested contacting the organizer/secretary or filling in the event evaluation form. If they don't know you're unhappy they can't initiate change. Grey
From Webmaster: no archive exists. Consider asking Area Chairman to address the issue.

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6-29-09
probably those people just got their entries postmarked earlier. i never enter more than one horse, but on opening day i go to the post office and make sure my entry gets postmarked as early as possible. that's not to say that perhaps organizers shouldn't have a policy stating that if a wait list is necessary, one person gets no more than 2 entries and any above that must go on the waitlist. that would seem fair to me.

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6-29-09
It would really be helpful if people would address the organizers directly about this rather than speculating on the BB. In order for things to change, they need feedback that people are unhappy with how their system is organized.

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6-29-09
One family has 6 horses entered which to me seems a little excessive and very unfair on the up and coming amateurs.

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6-29-09
How can you call it luck of the draw when the Professionals have 3-4+ horses in multiple divisions? I think we need more of an answer than that. I would also like to know the answer to the original posters question. Any organizers out there who can shed some light on this subject? Thanks, Meg

6-30-09
The original poster was just asking for an explanation of how people with multiple horses get into an event that is over subscribed. I think if we complain or ask the organizers of an event these questions, we think that we risk the idea of being "blacklisted". There has to be a fairer way and if someone from Groton House organization who reads this board can answer the question originally asked we would have the answer. The question wasn't "why didn't I get in" the question was "why people with multiple horses got in" and as a poster said there were people with 3+ horses. I think it's a fair question and one that belongs on the BB.

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6-24-09
I think it is just luck of the draw...

7-2-09
We are so lucky to have Town Hill Farm in our area. It is a First Class facility and so welcoming. We are planning to have Heidi White back towards the end of September, so stay tuned and dont' forget their schooling combined test on August 1st. Heidi B

7-2-09
I've done many shows in area 1, and Town Hill is by far one of my favorites. It is extremely well run, and the grounds are beautiful. The cross country is average for the level. I have only competed Training there, but there is water, a large trakehner, sunken road, and several turning combinations. However, I have always felt that the course road beautifully, and even with my rather green horse, have had good rounds. The stadium again is average, I don't remember being taken aback by all maxed out fences, or fences that seemed small. I hope this helps! Augusta

7-1-09
Did you try contacting Ethel Walker directly?

7-1-09
It stands for amature points. I was wondering what they are for too. Olivia

6-24-09
Thanks to all involved in the Groton House Summer Classic H.T. Even the weather didn't damper the spirit, organization, and fun of this event. Everthing from footing to food booth was wonderful. Thanks again to the Getchells and all staff and volunteers. Anita Toscano

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6-24-09
I would like to second a big thank you to Sara Getchell for her generosity and the volunteers this weekend at the GHF summer classic. It was quite impressive and the courses were of sanctioned quality. The weather was awful and the volunteers were great to be out in that !! Kim Caruso

6-19-09
There are also instances where someone might be riding multiple horses and it is a timing issue. In these (dire) days of reduced entries, the organizers may simply be trying their best to accomodate them. Also, to further streamline the entry process we will probably see more and more instances where they simply run all levels as Open divisions and fewer "sub" divisions (horse, rider, etc.) which is quite common in other Areas.

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6-16-09
Eventing is a self-regulating sport. When a rider sends in an entry it is his or her responsibility to KNOW THE RULES and enter the correct division by declaring the eligible divisions at the top of the entry form. The organizers do not have time to go through each horse and rider's record to determine their competition history. Can you imagine how much time that would take :O ? If you have an issue with someone who seems to be in the wrong division, perhaps you should ask them about it? Or, if you are not comfortable doing that, bring it to the attention of the show secretary. Of course, mistakes can happen, so best to give people the benefit of the doubt and give them a chance to correct the mistake. Katherine Cooper, Area I Chair

6-22-09
I agree it is up to the rider to enter the correct division and know the rules. However, I don't think the competitors should have to "police" the entries to make sure it is fair. This problem cropped up a few years ago at the AEC's. As competitors we list our individual rider and horse registration numbers and our competitive history; that should say it all and avoid these problems. Isn't that why they ask for all of that information in the first place?

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6-11-09
How does a horse that has won at Novice compete and win in a Beginner Novice Horse division? It is clear in the rulebook that in order to compete in a "Horse" division, that horse may not have competed at the next level...ever. Who is responsible to follow the rules???

6-15-09
Is this true? Wouldn't the organizer check that out?

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6-10-09
A person can be in the open division and the rider division at an event as long as it is the same division. Being in the rider division means the rider has only competed to that level, but their horse may/may not have competed higher. Open states that the rider and horse have competed higher in the level they are competing at so they can't enter the rider division or horse division. However most events only hold the open becuase it is just easier.

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6-10-09
According to the rules, a competitor is eligible for a "Rider" division if that person has not completed 2 horse trials at the next highest level in 24 months. So if a rider competes at Novice in 2007 and 2008, how can that rider compete at Beginner Novice Rider in 2009?? That looks to be the case at Mystic. Isn't it the rider's responsibility to enter the proper division? This rider clearly should be in the "Open" division at Beginner Novice. How is that fair?

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6-10-09
You list in order of preference on your entry, in which division you would like to be placed. If you're entitled to ride in Rider division, you may want to list that ahead of the Open division, since more experienced riders will be in the Open division and not the Rider division. But you must list 3 preferences, in case the event doesn't offer your first choice.

6-19-09
I want to echo Celia's enthusiasm for the Adult Camp at GMHA. I've just returned from my seventh year. Despite some less than postcard weather, one of my strongest recollections is the brilliance of the smiles as campers returned to the stables after their rides. I alwyas come home feeling I can conquer the eventing world! Many thanks to Barbara Marks and all the clinicians for pulling this together year after year. Ann Pembroke

6-19-09
I would very much be interested in participating in a FEH competition. The nearest one is in Maryland and that is too far to take my yearling. I know of one other yearling that would definetely come and you could check with the people who did the unsanctioned one last year in Epping as well as the sanctioned one at Ledyard as they may have a list of who came last year. Let's not let New England be out of the loop on this. debbie

6-19-09
How cool that your 83-year-old mother is still out watching cross country! Go, Mimi! Pat

6-17-09
Contact ckeim@unh.edu to schedule schooling, or the course is open, I was there last WE and it was great. Arlene

6-16-09
I also have a very calm 8 year old horse. We are competing at the novice level and have done back to back weekend shows but I try not to do 3 weeks in a row. If I am doing two shows back to back I try to give my horse 2 days off during the week. Hope that helps! Olivia

6-15-09
I have leased an old mare of mine out before selling her. she came back a totally different horse and took 6 months to fix (and she was NOT a difficult horse to ride...i turned down A LOT of people and picked what looked like a 'perfect' situation) Also put another horse on trial, came back with falling off shoes and some fungus all over his skin. I would say just sell unless you know the people you are leasing to, and their trainer and you will see the horse regularly. Leases can go bad too easily even when you think you have it all worked out

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6-11-09
I think it really depends on who you are leasing it too. I leased my pony to a family who was wonderful, and she was very well taken care of, but when I got her back she was fat and out of shape and made it harder for me to sell. I think if you can try to get an on-farm lease so you can keep an eye on your horse. also I have heard many freak stories about leasing and letting a horse go on trial. Horses come back skinny, hurt, and looking like a totally differnt horse and then the owner has to recoop and spend alot of time,effort and money into getting the horse back to where it was in the beggining. Leasing is a privelege and people don't seem to understand that, so just make sure both parties understand the terms and have them pay for insurance.

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6-10-09
Well, I am leasing a horse right now. And it is very convenient for the rider, but if I were the owner I would just sell your horse, not lease. Once you lease to someone, they might get attached and not want to give the pony back, even though they will in the end...they will not want to at all. And you might feel guilty.. So, I would just say sell your horse, or half lease it out. Hopefully this helps!

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6-9-09
Be careful. Leasing sometimes sounds great, even when the circumstances appear to be great and with people you know and/or feel comfortable with. Things can come up and go wrong, however. First of all, get a contract and get any arrangement in writing whether it is a free or paid lease. Clearly spell out all the details: what the horse can/ cannot be used for, who pays for vet bills, shoeing, supplements, feed etc. Get an insurance policy for the animal; most people who lease a horse are happy to pay for it for the year or during the period of use. Check out the animals living environment, training practices of who will be schooling the horse, make sure you are comfortable with everything. If a child is going to be riding the horse, make sure there is supervision. Ask for references if you don't know the people. Remember, nobody knows your horse better than you do, so you have to realize as those little things come up some people might not be as attuned to your animal as you are, particularly when it comes to lameness.

6-15-09
Yes!! I would love that!

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6-10-09
YEA!! that would be really cool

6-9-09
thank you everyone for your recommendations - John Bourgoin seems hands-down the person everyone likes(or more accurately,LOVES!),and they have already been in contact with him to set up lessons.My mare is doing wonderfully up in VT - which is so good to hear - having owned her for the past 15 yrs, it was hard to let her move on to someone else,but now I know it was the best thing to do.Good luck Liz and Hope !! Tori

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6-9-09
Tory, I can not recommend John Bourgion enough he is wondeful and I have for many years watched himself, his students and have watched him coach, he is wonderful. Alwynne Hellfach

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6-2-09
You may want to contact Triple Combination Farm in N. Ferrisburgh VT which is on Rt 7 just south of Burlington. Andrea Waldo is a terrific trainer for both the rider and horse. Chris Armstrong is a fantastic barn manager so your horse is assured great care. TCF is also the summer home for the Charlotte Pony Club. Best of luck!

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6-1-09
The signature that is required is that of the owner or owner's agent. You can permit the mother of the lessee to sign as your agent; if you want to back it up with a written document, that's always helpful but probably not strictly necessary. Or, if you have a written lease agreement (definitely a good idea), you can specify in the agreement that the mother of the minor who will be competing your horse has the authority to sign entries as your agent.

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5-27-09
What about John Bourgoin? I think he is in Charlotte, VT or that area. Just an idea.

6-10-09
Thanks everyone for the suggestions, I will be sure to try them all. Will, original poster

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6-10-09
I have a gray mare who hates to be touched anywhere behind her cheek. In an effort to frustrate me, she turns more white each year. She also likes to live outside. And lots of grooming makes her cranky, which is not good for her submission or relaxation in dressage. So, she gets one bath and a hail mary! I have found that ignoring the stains is the best thing to do :) They can be great conversation starters and immediately win you lots of sympathy from your fellow competitors with brown/bay/black/ch horses. They also make people laugh, which adds to the festive mood at shows. Especially the ones on her white tail where she likes to lean against the trailer butt bar. I have also found that you can't see the stains in pictures and that the photographers are great about blotting them out with their software should you get a really nice picture that is marred by a clot of manure. But with all that said, I also do carry a bottle of Cowboy Magic Greenspot Remover and lots of towels! Katherine Cooper

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6-10-09
I also evented a grey horse for a while. Our secret is simple...and a lot cheaper than other products. We use Orvis soap (found at any feed store/tack shop) on all of our horses. It really gets the deep down stains out. You just apply it right to the coat and scrub it in with your favorite scrubbing tool (fingernails work great too in a pinch!) You want to make sure that you rinse all of the soap off though. Warm water is also a good thing to use as it really helps those deep-down stains come out. When the orvis is done, and your horse is rinsed, take a bucket of water and add bluing (found in the grocery store). You want to add enough to make the water the color of the ocean. To finish, dump the bucket all over your horse...and there is no need to rinse! This is also a good thing to use on any colored horse as it really adds that last bit of sparkle to the coat. Good luck! :) Jess Snider

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6-9-09
As someone who dyed her hair platinum blonde at one point---blue (or violet) based shampoos definitely help--the human version may be cheaper than quicksilver and I think you can find it at a drug store, though I haven't tried it on horses. Also, I pony-clubbed a grey mare who had to lay in manure the night before an 8 a.m. formal inspection--I used a mixture of witch hazel, liquid dove soap and water in a spray bottle as 'spot cleaner' (and yes, we did pass the inspection!). This may help remove some of the more difficult stains. Thankfully the mare I have now is chestnut, but she's on field-board most of the year. I use a turnout sheet or fly-sheet to help keep her clean the night before a show---I was surprised at how much the fly-sheet helps, especially one with a neck cover! Meagan

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6-9-09
I have a white mare and I have found quicksilver to be the best. Before I shampoo her I take the hose and make sure all of the dirt/sand whatever is out of her coat. I let the shampoo sit on her for a couple minutes especially in her tail..sometimes I will do that twice. Also very important is bedding. I use shavings, she always has a clean fluffy bed but before an event I will give her a clean bag when I pick her out late night. Make sure there is enough bedding in the stall to soak up the wet. Also at the event i use baby powder, in the tail, her body and legs that really helps to get a really nice white look. Hope that helps

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6-9-09
I had a silver-white mare and found the best way to get her presentable for an event was to use the blue shampoos (like Quicksilver) a day out from the show, followed by an obscene amount of a coat spray like Show Sheen. Don't put it on the saddle area, or mane if you plan to braid but use a LOT of it. The horse should be so slick you bounce off if you touch her. It will help keep the stains from soaking into the hair.
I would wash her tail twice a few days before the show and once more right beforehand - and again use lots of show sheen. The best thing for 'day of' stain removal was Wisk laundry spray. It's harsh, you have to work fast, but walk around the horse and spray each stain, rubbing it in a bit, then come back to the first spot you sprayed and rinse it off thorougly, and proceed around the horse washing off the spots. The stain will come right out. You have to leave it on for a couple of minutes to work, but not more than that or it will irritate. I always felt if she wanted to be dirty on her own time, that was OK with me and I would just groom her and not worry about stains. Hilary

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6-9-09
Practical Horseman had a bunch of grooming suggestions in last month's issue. One of them was to add some bluing shampoo (quicksilver, etc) to rubbing alcohol and spray on the stains. Leave it there for a little bit and then wipe it off. It seems to work on my paint mare, who's mostly white. I'm still playing with the ratios of shampoo and alcohol, but it's a lot better than constantly bathing her! MJ

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6-9-09
I feel your pain! Everyone knows the owners of grey, white horses are up 2hours earlier then anyone else!! I have had very good luck with the Lucky Braids products. They do not dry the hair out, thus making the stains repel abit.You must keep using them and not be tempted to use showsheen, which drys the hairs and makes the pee and poo absorb into the shaft and stay!I also feed half of cup of ground flax seed a day which among other things makes the coat shiny, soft and easier to clean.I have a real mudmonster who loves to grind it in good!!

6-10-09
I don't think there is a reason to get so defensive. Every event has rules and if they are not being followed then something needs to be done. Rules at events require wearing a helmet is a rule then a helmet should be worn. Yes it was poor judgment on the riders part but Rules are Rules..

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6-9-09
ENOUGH ALREADY!!!! I am so tired of people policing other people's business. Every time a magazine shows a picture of a rider not wearing a helmet someone has to write in complaining. Was this your child? Then it is none of your business! Even if the worst had happened, how exactly would it had affected you? People have been riding horses for thousands of years and suddenly we have to be policed. Accidents happen, thats why they are called "accidents". No, I don't wear a helmet at home, and yes I could fall, hit my head, and die. I could also get in a car accident, get cancer, have a heart attack, or my dog could trip me down the stairs. I want to live my life not live in bubble wrap, and I'm tired of the government and selp proclaimed do-gooders telling what to do and how to do it. Let me be clear- if you want to wear a helmet by all means please do - just please stop telling me I have to wear one too.

6-10-09
Whatever that rebellious poster wants to do is up to him or her, but for god's sakes please don't go saying that it is ok for a parent to knowingly endanger their child in a public setting with many risks surrounding such a careless act. This is not policing, this is common sense!!! The "we used to ride around all the time without helmets" just doesn't cut it in this situation. If the child was a grown adult like the person carrying him in front of the horse and he made his own decision to be stupid, then that is a different story. It would absolutely effect everyone around them if that child ended up dead or in the hospital. If you wish to be an idiot and go around riding without a helmet, you better have life insurance. I don't want to hear it when you end up in a coma

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6-10-09
Not to mention the fact that you are a GUEST at someone else's facilities. If you ride without a helmet at home, that's fine-your home, your rules. When you are at a show or someone else's facilities (which are very clearly run by laid down rules), their rules must be followed since it is a PRIVILEGE that they have opened up their property to the public for events. In an age of lawsuits, you as a rider are a liability to the property and an additional preventable injury/death on their property is more work & headache for the organizers of the event. Don't take events such as GMHA for granted and follow their rules!!

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6-9-09
I can't believe what I just read. I usually don't respond to such ignorant things but I can't help responding here. Yes, everyone has a right to make their own decisions, even if they are the most stupid decisions they might make or live threatening. For one thing, that child apparently didn't make the decision to be put in jeopardy or was influenced by the parent for a "pony ride". With that being said, what about the effect this has on a sport that is already under scrutiny for accidents and deaths? I applaud the TD for putting a stop to this bad judgment and behavior. Does this person even think for a second how it would have ruined everyone's day at the event if something did happen to this child? What about the health care workers who have to deal with idiots like this day in and day out who try and save their lives after making such a careless decision or too lazy to wear a helmet. Never mind death, what about brain damage or paralysis? Wake up and smell the roses, it's not worth taking chances... Janet

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6-9-09
I want to let you know that as soon as I was made aware of the situation of the young child riding in front of its father at GMHA without any safety equipment that I immediately spoke to both parents. I reminded them that safety is a primary issue for all riders and particularly eventers, and that what the adult rider was doing was totally inappropriate. The child was then handed down to its mother.
Several people spoke to me about the situation afterwards, and I am only sorry That I didn't see it happening sooner to put a stop to the behavior. Mary H Hutchins, TD at GMHA

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6-9-09
The TD walked right over and asked them to stop, within 2 minutes of the occurence.

6-9-09
The best way to thank Robyn for the incredible work she does to host TWO fabulous events for us in Area 1 is to VOLUNTEER!!! Valinor goes beyond the call in hosting wonderful events and they maintain a lovely, safe xc course. Since you aren't riding this weekend - you are free to volunteer and again, I can't think of a nicer way to say thank you for her considerable grace in refunding the entry! Kay

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5-30-09
Robyn is the best at what she does and gives back to the eventing community!!! We all appreciate her efforts and strengths as an Area 1 event organizer, farm owner and mother!!!! She truly is amazing in what she does as goes for the whole Risso family who put on such a wonderful event!! Michelle Lacasse

6-9-09
Please let GMHA know your thoughts by filling out the online Event Evaluation form. Links may be found on the home and Times/Results pages.

6-5-09
It's not possible to answer your question yet. The host sites and qualification dates for 2010 have not been set. They are not set until the Area I annual meeting in January. Katherine Cooper, Area I Chair

6-5-09
fall 2008 omnibus stated the qualifying period for nov champ 2008 is 9/5/07 - 9/23/08. So one would think 2009 period would start 9/24/08. I agree it shouldn't include nov champ from last year, no free pass. I am happy about this year's decision and thank the chair for expanding the dates. I think every usea area 1 event should qualify for a championship. ps is there anything we can do to get AEC in the North East we have a lot of great venues or at least back east, they are up to switch for 2010. I'd love to get involved to work to make this happen.

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6-2-09
Not exactly, The 2008 qualifying date should have ended 8/08, so the qualifying for 2009 could have started 8/08 ... which would allow ALL competitors to have the same qualifying period. For future, if year to year dates will be drastically different (July and October champs), the period should be well established ahead of time as being shorter. This would keep it uniform for all, instead of "revising" the rule 2 months before the show. Jessica Allsworth

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6-1-09
I'm sorry if you are disappointed in the exception that was made to this year's rule, but it is necessary to write a rule that can be fairly and uniformly applied and have the competition continue to be meaningful for 2009. This change was made in order to allow more competitors to compete in the 2009 Championship. Normally, the qualification period begins on the closing date of the previous-year's championship. Since the dates of the hosting events in 2008 and 2009 were so drastically different (October and July), this rule was changed to more qualifying placements. At the same time, it is not fair to allow people to compete in two championships -- which are historically designated by year -- based on the same qualification period. There are numerous ways to look at this issue -- and there is no one contingency of competitor who will be happy with every specific potential rule that could be crafted. This was the best way to accommodate the greatest number of competitors in a way that still allows the championship to be meaningful. There is still time to qualify for this year's championship. Good luck! Katherine Cooper, Area I Chair

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6-1-09
Actually, it's making it more fair for those that did not compete at 2008 Championships. Otherwise, a rider could use the same scores that qualified them for 2008 again to compete in 2009. It would essentially be a "free pass" to the 2009 Championships. Lucy

6-5-09
Please spread the word about supporting ECTA with your friends. We have the most amazing trail network. Thanks! Martha

6-2-09
thanks everyone! caroline

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6-1-09
I live in Lunenburg and can give you the name of my farrier if you email me. cs_randle@yahoo.com. Christine

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6-1-09
I have a wondeful blacksmith, Deb Ash she lives in Peterbourogh NH but does travel to mass. She is a WONDERFUL Blacksmith/farrier. E-mail me directly please I also have Mike Mooneys, and a few other phone #'s Birchmere1@aol.com for more info. Alwynne Hellfach

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6-1-09
Call Scott Becroft - he is from CT but travels to MA to shoe my (and my clients') event horses. Jeanie Clarke

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6-1-09
Hi, I would highly recommend Bill Duffy, he is out of Ashby and does great work, I trust him with all my horses from my 2 year old to my Grand Prix horse. He is very detail oriented and patient. You can email me privately for Bill Duffy's number if desired, MoHoss16@aol.com Erin

5-30-09
You don't, but should:-)

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5-29-09
I saw the same thing, I don't think you have to have qualifying rounds to move up to training

5-27-09
The water at Huntington can sometimes be intimidating-I think UNH the following weekend is a better first event and is more inviting. Good Luck!

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5-27-09
Huntington is a great event - the courses are over big rolling fields, and are appropriate for each level - not easy, not hard. The one thing a new eventer needs to be warned about is that the event is spread out so be prepared to hike (or bring your bicycle!). Stadium is done in a field, but at BN it isn't super challenging - at Training and Prelim the courses tend to be difficult. The dressage rings are all-weather footing but you warm up in a big field. It's never crowded. Hilary

5-27-09
What can be more important as an event rider than fitness, I do feel that it is over looked by most riders, we worry about how our horses are going on the flat and how well they are jumping and how fit THEY are but give very little thought to just how fit we need to be to do our part of the job. If we all put down our forks and put on our running shoes we might all ride better and be safer. Ferial Johnson

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5-27-09
I do agree with you, Katherine, that rider fitness is important in eventing, but as you said, you do yoga and you run hills. This is much different than simply adopting a "fitness diet". No diet or nutritional supplement can take the place of actual physical exercise. Whether you think clearer or not, it is not going to help you when your horse is strong on cross country and you need to brace and hold against them in order to make it around the course at an appropriate speed. This takes physical strength which is best attained by physical fitness. Perhaps we could have an article that highlights which muscle groups are used the most and how best to condition them accordingly for eventing. I thought this snippet of an article was a roundabout way to pitch a product as well. Let's all get out there and walk, run, do yoga AND eat well, but not rely solely on what we are eating as the best means in which to be fit in this demanding sport.

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5-24-09
I'm so glad to see that people are reading Optimum Minutes! I'm sorry if this article was viewed as offensive. I did not view it that way and I think Mary does a great job with the design and finds a lot of amusing illustrations for each issue. This was only a "teaser" article and the full text is not even included. In addition, I disagree that this is not relevant to eventing. I think rider fitness is crucial to safety and success in this sport. I make myself run hills and do yoga (even though I hate it) so that I can be there for my horses at the end of cross country if they need me. Different people get fit in different ways and I think it is always relevant to keep an open mind as to new ways to help yourself get and stay fit. The same program doesn't work for everyone, just like the same feed regimine doesn't fit every horse. We'd love to hear more specific ideas for stories and to receive more submissions from Area I members. Please send in your articles or talk to me or Mary McEachern about topics you'd like to see! Katherine Cooper, Area I Chair

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5-21-09
I thought the cartoons were a hoot. I don't find them offensive - mostly because they reflect horse and rider combinations that may be seen at every event. As to the content, the Optimum Minutes is completely volunteer based. If you have ideas for articles, send them in! Or better yet, offer to write for the Optimum Minutes yourself!

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5-21-09
I personally found this article to be of little relevance and unnecessary. The cartoons on the side were offensive and the writer seemed to basically be pitching an unnamed product that he or she was trying to sell. Not what we need to be reading about in my opinion. Let's have some articles focusing on more important aspects of eventing, not on someone's personal encounter with a product that made driving home from the barn a little easier.

5-24-09
The Cottonwood motel is very nice. Clean and relatively inexpensive. About 15 minutes from Fitch's corner so further from Millbrook.

5-24-09
Rules are rules but the bottom line is that there are events that do not play by them and riders get put ahead of other riders because they donate money, or other political reasons. Right or wrong that is the way it is. It is only May and I have heard of one big area 1 event already that has told a rider to send late entries and they would be put in. They were not even postmarked within the week after the event but they have slots and stabling.

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5-21-09
After reading this month's Optimum Minutes and Jeanie Clarke's great article about the rule book...I came accross the section on the handling of entries. My understanding of the rules for entries is that COMPLETE entries postmarked on opening day or thereafter have precedence over INCOMPLETE entries postmarked on opening day, and that INCOMPLETE entries should be placed on the waitlist with all unaccepted entries postmarked after opening day. I realize that online entries are not considered complete until they receive payment and coggins and signatures (although these days much of that can be done online through Event Entries), and it seems to me that to be considered "complete" an online entry should have its non-online components sent by mail (check, coggins, and signatures) postdated opening day. It is just my opinion, but it seems only fair that online entries be treated the same as entries by mail...in other words, "complete" is "complete", and not "accepted, but waiting for payment and coggins and signatures to arrive".

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5-14-09
I noticed this as well - especially in a situation where there is a waitlist for a division, I'm confused that organizers would accept an entry missing signatures, coggins, and payment over a complete entry just because the former arrived earlier.

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5-14-09
it may be because they entered online and have not sent in the remaining paperwork and checks

5-24-09
The regular closing date for Riga is June 30. The qualification period runs to July 12. Yes, you can qualify between June 30 and July 12, 2009 for the 2009 Championship (for example by obtaining a qualifying placement at Stoneleigh). This is intentional to allow as many people to qualify as possible. It was due to the flexibility of the organizer who agreed to extend the date as close to the event as possible. (ENYDCTA agreed to do so as well due to the short qualification period). However, if you are qualified prior to the closing date, you need to enter before the closing date (and preferably sooner to help the organizer to plan). Good luck qualifying! Katherine Cooper, Area I Chair

5-24-09
sorry they are lambs i dont know why i called them goats! _kalya

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5-21-09
i would put a horse that doesn't mind goat or lambs and put them in the same field with goats and or lambs, then put your horse and a buddy in adjacent field, so your horse and his buddy, can see the other horse not getting hurt.

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5-21-09
put the goats in a paddock and your horse in a paddock next to them so she can see them,and she should eventually get used to them

5-21-09
As I understand it, these air vests are made to be worn over the more common type of safety vest and should only come into play during a fall from the horse as they inflate when a line of some sort that goes from the vest to the saddle gets stretched or pulled - like a ripcord.

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5-21-09
The "air bag" vest MUST be worn over a standard body protector. Kristen

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5-21-09
As of right now, there are no regulations however it is suggested that you get a vest that "pass or surpass the current ASTM standard F1937 or be certified by the Safety Equipment Institute." (USEF Eventing rules). But lately I have heard some rumors about making that a distinct rule, in which case our good old tipperary vests would no longer be acceptable, Charles Owen vests do pass the regulations. Check to see that your vest is certified, and I'm sure you'll be fine!

5-21-09
i figured that there was, i didn't start taking my trainer's stallion to shows until i was 18. she told me there was a minimum age, but i guess that doesn't necessarily mean there really is.

5-21-09
Not sure where you were looking for information about Young Riders, but there's a section on this web site dedicated to Young Riders. Go to the main menu item "Riders & Teams," and one dropdown menu item is "Young Riders." Click on that, and you'll be taken to the YR section. There, you'll find all the information you seek: qualification requirements, forms to use to join, deadlines, and more. You'll also find a list of people who run the YR program in Area I (under "Contacts") and the YR coordinators (and how to reach them) are mentioned many times throughout all the YR web pages. There's even a YR Bulletin Board (like this one, only for YR participants) on which you would post something like this.

5-21-09
As the online response form indicates, event evaluations are sent to the Area chairman and the respective event organizer(s). The information in evaluations is secure and not provided to the general public. Webmaster

5-21-09
I would check for lice. I have seen hair fall out b/c of lice and it usually looks like dandruff.

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5-17-09
i think that the hair loss and dandruff are probably not related. human dandruff shampoo every few days does great things for mane and tail dandruff though.

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5-17-09
Wash it out with head and shoulders shampoo, then I scrub it with listerine as well.

5-21-09
boston NBC was showing infomercials instead. i was using rolex as a study break from exams, and pretty much lost it when they had infomercials on instead. i wrote them an email letting them know how i felt about that. if rolex wasn't shown in your area, email someone! let them know you're angry!

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5-21-09
If you are that interested in seeing ROLEX you can webcast it for $12, you get to see the whole thing while it is running and it is on demand for a month after. Just go to the event website and look for the link. A Edson

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5-21-09
I was able to record it via my DVR from Comcast. Sorry you missed it, it was awesome. We live in NH.

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5-19-09
There's a hot discussion about this on the Eventers'-L list; apparently, it was shown in some parts of the country, but not all, even though all tv listings indicated it'd be on. Who's to blame for something like this? False advertising, misleading the public, etc. Sponsors of the affiliate stations should be notified!

5-21-09
Thanks for all the thoughts, indeed I am glad that we are thinking! Much as I love the concept of the ICP program it is still evolving so is not ready to be put in place as a set standard. I am not sure what really can be a set standard. I guess the first thought would be just to illicit awareness, especially for the amateur and junior riders. Even if the the schooling facilities could post a blurb re such on websites and as you sign your release and pay your schooling fee. corinne ashton

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5-21-09
I am a little concerned to hear of non eventing trainers (ie trainers who do not ride across country) schooling, and presumably training, riders, My issue with ICP trainers is that they are often competing themselves and access to them can be patchy. My concern is consistent training and the Instructor, knowing both horse and rider well.

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5-21-09
The ICP is a great resource and we have two workshops scheduled in Area 1...but very few people have signed up! Please call or email contact me if you would like to participate - I need a few more people to hold the clinics. The dressage workshop is June 1-3 at my farm in Sherborn, MA. The jumping is June 29 - Aug 1 at my place and at Apple Knoll Farm in Millis, MA. Jeanie Clarke: 203-482-2141, jeanieclarke2141@gmail.com Jeanie Clarke

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5-21-09
As a long time eventer and pony-club based instructor, I have trained with a variety of instructors in the event world. I have cliniced with the best + the big names. However, I have recently been working with an unbelievably talented h/j trainer, and have learned more in the past few lessons than all of my time spent with event trainers. She has experienced the event world + although she doesn't compete in eventing, she is well aware of the challenges on the cross-country course. I don't feel that you can judge someone and their potential to teach someone correct jumping skills just because they don't actively event. Good jumping is good jumping whether it be in the ring or out on the cross-country course. I don't feel that someone needs a certification to be a good teacher. Experience is better than any test.

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5-21-09
My perspective on this is that it's difficult and often ineffective to generalize and make statements and rules that apply to entire categories of people. Someone who's an eventing-specific trainer will not necessarily safely and compentently provide instruction while schooling (whether at a sanctioned location or anywhere else) and conversely, a non-eventing trainer may provide extremely safe and competent instruction out on an XC course. I wholeheartedly agree everyone should be focused on improving safety. However, I don't think a rule requiring instructor qualifications for schooling at sanctioned event locations is a high-impact or appropriate place to spend energy. I hope if unsafe schooling is seen (at any location), someone will mention it directly and constructively to the instructor and also inform the property owner, so the issue can be addressed on a case-by-case basis. Jocelyn

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5-21-09
You don't have to have 3 students competing at the same time to participate in ICP, you need to have had 3 students at that level at some point, so you may be eligible. Also, ICP certification doesn't really get to the heart of what Corinne is concerned about: people who really don't know how to ride xc trying to teach it. ICP certification doesn't teach you how to be an event trainer from the ground up; it examines current trainers, fine tunes their skills and certifies that they are qualified to teach at a certain level. We don't have a comprehensive program in this country to train instructors the way the British and the Germans do. While the ICP is a valuable program (I'm level I training certified) it simply can't be comprehensive enough at this time to deal with people who are not at all experienced in xc riding. I don't have a great solution to Corinne's concerns (which I share) but I'm also leery of more rules and regulations; I'm not convinced that the slew of new ones are making us any safer.

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5-19-09
how would you all feel about alternate types of certifications? for example, my trainer is not ICP certified, but she evented herself in the past, and is ARIA certified in combined training. does the USEA feel that ARIA combined training certification is insufficient? i personally wouldn't be comfortable eventing with a trainer who had never herself had any experience with the sport, but i also don't feel that i need my coach to be ICP certified when she clearly has other qualifications. getting her ICP certification i assume would be a fairly involved process, and seems silly when only about 3 of her students event, and only 1 (me) does it often.

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5-19-09
I have mixed emotions with this post. Although I agree that in this day and age, if you want to event, you really should be riding with someone who has that experience, there are still plenty of event riders/trainers that can't get around the cross country courses. How do these people have students, and what are they teaching them that they can't even do themselves? I grew up in pony club and eventing in the late 70's and the 80's in Area II, when 3-days were still the long format. You rode with the Bruce's, the Mike's, and the Denny's because they were at the top. No last names needed. It was very rare to lose a horse, or a rider for that matter, at the big events. The sport is so different now. I don't think that the USEA/USEF will ever be able to get all of the trainers out there on the same page. That really goes for any horse sport today. I think the ICP is a good program. As a free lance instructor, I can't qualify for this program because at any given time, I do not have 3 riders at the same level out there competing. Most of my riders are adult amateurs who don't want to compete. I think you will find many people out there in the same situation. Keep in mind also, that riding at the upper levels does not necessarily make you a good teacher. You can be a good rider, or you can be a good teacher, but with so many instructors/trainers out there today, it is rare to find one that can do both really well.

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5-18-09
Indeed, a very scary thing. This is why the USEA ICP hs been created. There is a list of instructor's on the ICP website, that are certified to teach eventing at specific levels listed. In the end, it is the responsibility of the rider (or legal gaurdian if a minor) to be "trained" by someone appropriate for what they are doing. Money speaks louder than anything, and if an instructor (who has not evented) can make money off of her students that want to event, then he/she is going to do so. Loosing students to an alternate disipline would not be monetarily advisable. I see and have experienced this FIRST hand, multiple times, in Area 1.

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5-18-09
I agree with you and have wondered if the USEA would eventually make a rule geared towards this. Perhaps any trainer listed or signing for the entry at a recognized event should have have acquired an appropriate level of ICP certification. Obviously there will have to be some time to allow instructors/trainers to get certifications as well as make these coures more frequent and in more locations. I would support a rule like this and hope that other riders would as well. Thanks for posting this has also been a concern of mine as well. Jessica

5-19-09
I didnt know they had a photographer. Where you there just for a rider or did you do all of the riders?

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5-18-09
Saw lots of happy faces, and good rides through the lense, was there photograping. As always a very well run event. Thanks to SBS for putting it on. Stephanie

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5-17-09
I forgot to hand mine in as well! I also want to thank all the organizers I wasnt sure at first on how it was going to be put together but it was great! I really liked how you could pick and choose what you wanted to do and I loved the xc courses! Cant wait to come back!

5-18-09
Please let HPF know your thoughts by filling out the online Event Evaluation form. Links may be found on the home and Times/Results pages.

5-15-09
You are kidding! All this time and I never knew that! I have long legs that dangle down below my horse and didn't know there was a special spur I could use to reach him better! Thanks! :)

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5-14-09
Swan necked spurs are for riders with long legs that hang down below the belly. You frequently see them on riders of lipizzaners(sp) and other iberian horses Penny

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5-14-09
Swan neck spurs are usually used by long-legged riders on short-barreled horses, when the rider's heel is below the barrel of the horse. They allow the rider to use the spur without making dramatic leg movements upwards or backwards. Becky

5-17-09
All the former ideas have been great. One additional thing to check off the list would be bug bites on the sheath or udders, between the hind legs. I use witch hazel on a piece of rolled cotton. Hope this helps, its definately worth investigating all the possibilities already listed though. Sammy

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5-14-09
I used to have that problem as well. I found that if you take some MicroTeck shampoo and wash their tails with it really focusing on the top were the hair is coming out 2-3 times a week, they stop itching. They are just getting itchy because they are starting to sweat more in the warm weather and bugs blah blah blah, hope that helps! Jessie

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5-14-09
Hiedi"s Herbals Tea Tree Gel works very well on sweet itch which makes horses rub their tails. Disa Cheston

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5-14-09
There are a couple of things you can do... I would first check their tails for ticks and wash there tails so there is not dandruff etc. If that isn't the problem, putting vaseline on the bare skin helps increase hair growth. Good Luck!

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5-14-09
Put vaseline on the spot were the hair is getting rubbed off

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5-14-09
I have found the only thing to work on a horse who has "summer itch" for their tails is mouth wash. Everytime my horse starts rubbing his tail a little bit I just put some mouth wash at the top, and it seems to relieve him from sratching. His tails is sticky for a couple days, but I rather have that then no hairs left at the top. Good luck! Brittany Murphy

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5-14-09
My horse does this every year when the bugs start coming out. I've used Derma-Calm and it works wonders. It stops the itching and helps with hair growth. It is all natural. I have only been able to find it online by using google and I order several bottles at a time. Pam

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5-14-09
One of mine has been doing a similar thing - bald in the middle, cracked skin and making me worry it will never grow back! I've tried the itch relief Micro-Tek spray, medicated shampoo, listerine, etc - none of which helped! I ended up buying (human) oatmeal body wash "for dry and itchy skin" and baby oil with aloe and vitamin E - both fragrance free. This seems to be doing the trick - I've been washing just the top of his tail daily and then applying a thin coat of oil. He seems to be much happier (fingers crossed - no rubbing!) and I'm now trying to slowly wean him off the oil, then the oatmeal.

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5-14-09
Mix listerine and baby oil, a little less listerine than oil, and rub it into the tail once a day.

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5-14-09
Hi - MTG is a great product that can help relieve the itching. It is possible your horse may just have dry skin but also make sure they are not wormy.. sometimes horses scratch their tails bc they have worms so be sure of that as well. but i def recommend MTG smells weird but works really well!

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5-14-09
they most likely need the wormed. or, if they're geldings, they need their sheaths cleaned. those are the most common causes behind tail-rubbing. in the meantime, you can soak the tail in baby oil and then they won't pull the hair out when the rub. also works nicely as a conditioner.

5-14-09
Walking up hills and keeping him balanced and slow down hill even if they're real small hills would be great on every ride. During your flat rides many transitions can build abdominal muscles and the hind end. Halts to trots, walks to canter, etc. Trot and canter only a few strides before transitioning down to walk and then back up. At least two times on a 20m circle.

5-11-09
Please let UNH know your thoughts by filling out the online Event Evaluation form. Links may be found on the home and Times/Results pages.

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5-11-09
I want to say THANK YOU to everyone that helped run king oak farm spring horse trials this weekend. We couldnt have done it without you, and it was a awesome event!

5-11-09
There are two new all weather rings, both are excellent. The larger one is in the area where the start box for xc used to be. The other one is parallel to it before the first rock wall and runs beside the road. I notice a real difference when my horses work in those rings, they enjoy it almost as much as I do. DG

5-11-09
Whichever she would prefer, they are both correct, although from what I see riders tend to be more casual (tan breeches). Bring both in case you need them. Sally may run the event with riders wearing their xc gear in stadim, after stadium do their xc warmup fences, then run xc. Their xc time will be closer to their stadium time than the way the event has been run. And after placings are offical, there will be an awards ceremony and perhaps a victory gallop if it can be worked in! Donna

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5-11-09
I would use tan as they are easier to keep clean and white isn't really needed until CCI levels.

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5-11-09
Either. Rules say "white or light colored" for dressage and sj. Kate

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5-11-09
White is normally used in dressage and then tan in xc and jumping, however I have seen people wear white for everything and also tan for everything, she can wear which ever one she prefers

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5-11-09
Back in "the day", we'd wear the whites for dressage and show jump, and colored britches for endurance. That was in 1978...

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5-11-09
Either pair is fine. For the lower levels most people will wear tan and as you move up the levels you will see more white. But tan is fine for BN

5-10-09
3-4 days before is a light jumping school, 2 days before is a day off, day before is light to moderate dressage work to loosen him up & get him thinking about work, but not tiring him out.

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5-7-09
keep your normal routine. and changes can make a horse nervous and that is the last thing they need on top of the stress of competing. keeping everything the same will make your horse more comfortable and they wont suspect, or anticipate anything new or stressful.

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5-6-09
generally i keep things light as we get close to an event. for a one day event on a sunday, i'll do light dressage saturday, and light jumping friday (usually a few xc fences). earlier in the week i might do a more intense stadium school and some more dressage, with a day or two of just hacking in the middle of the week to avoid boredom.

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5-6-09
I usaully go for a trail ride or practice my dressage test

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5-6-09
I do a trail and flat ride

5-7-09
The Stadium for a T/N is always Training level (3'3"). For any of these "multi-level" divisions, dressage and stadium are ridden at the higher level (in this case, Training) and cross-country at the lower level (in this case, Novice). Elizabeth

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5-7-09
Last year the stadium was mostly Training height I think. The xc was probably half and half, they used a few of the Training elements from GHF 1 last year, like the 4ab near the secretary's tent.

5-7-09
Please let UNH know your thoughts by filling out the online Event Evaluation form. Links may be found on the home and Times/Results pages.

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5-5-09
Agreed - UNH was very well run this year. We all were commenting how it was running on time, was well organized, scores were posted quickly, footing was wonderful and all the volunteers and students seemed very knowledgeable and helpful. Thanks for a great weekend! Echo Ridge Farm

5-5-09
You dont have to switch it to your name but it is recommended. Although you do not have to completely re-register your horse because horse USEA registration is for life. I switched my horse from the old owner to myself and you have to pay a $25 fee. Hayley

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5-5-09
In order to change the owner name you must pay a change fee of $25. Or you can just leave the horse registered the way he is with the previous owner's name. It just depends on what you want to do.

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5-5-09
you do not have to pay a fee to register your horse, unless he has a limited registration for training and belowand you want to compete prelim and above then you have to get a full registration, but if you just want to change the rider and owner names you have to pay a fee I think it is like $30

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