Dressage chapter plans another busy year

Betsy Carter's horse column

Date published: 1/21/2005

THE 2004 SEASON was rewarding and busy for the Virginia Dressage Association Fredericksburg chapter (VADAF).

Under the leadership of president Peggy Minnich, the club sponsored three unrated shows: two at Touchpoint Farm in Culpeper and one at Bayberry Riding Center in Spotsylvania.

In September, the Fredericksburg and the Charlottesville chapters combined efforts and organized their first recognized show, a two-day, A-rated show held at Rose Mount Farm in Spotsylvania. The Fredericksburg chapter presented a full day of showing on Sept. 11, followed by Charlottesville's schedule on Sept. 12.

The VADAF also offered its members and guests a variety of educational activities, including regular riding clinics. The education committee is always searching for interesting topics and educational opportunities.

In 2005, the VADAF again will hold three schooling shows: May 8 and June 19 at Touchpoint and July 10 at Bayberry. The locally held recognized horse show will be a three day show, Sept. 9-11 at Rose Mount Farm. On Sept. 9, Fredericksburg and Charlottesville chapters will jointly sponsor a Breed Show. The show on Sept. 10 will be hosted by the VADAF, and Sept. 11 will be hosted by Charlottesville.

The educational programs kicked off the season Jan. 9 with a seminar 9 entitled "Creating a Musical Freestyle," featuring speaker Evelyn Susol, a professional rider. There will be a tractor safety seminar on March 5 at Dickinson Equipment. Contract Sue Rowdon (540/753-2103) for details.

The VADAF chapter is one of eight chapters in the Virginia Dressage Associaiton. The purpose of the club is to encourage and promote a high standard of achievement in horsemanship and sportsmanship by its members through education with its emphasis on dressage.

For more information about the Fredericksburg chapter, call membership chairperson Mary Radintz at 540/785-1341.

VADAF 2004 Year End Awards

Introductory level champion--Helen O'Donnell riding Argento with a score of 66.68; reserve champion--Michelle Minnich/Wind in the Willows (64.11); third--Hannah Lucas/Mytte Barbette, (63.67); fourth--Adam Sinnott/Patches of Gold (62.99); fifth--Barbara Smith/Poco's Warrior (61.44).

Training level champion--Hannah O'Donnell/Seraphim (64.92); Reserve champion--Heather Hayes/Betica TSF (63.59); third--Grace Hodges/Lady Gray (58.68).

Second level champion-Justine Hryczaniuk/Mahogni (62.69); Reserve champion--Amy Biddle/Letter to Elise (58.06).

Justine Hryczaniuk won the Gary Lockie Junior/Young Rider Perpetual Award.

Barbara Smith won the Equine Friends Senior Rider Perpetual Award.

Barb Ellis won the Magic Jami Award.

BETSY CARTER can be reached at The Free Lance-Star, 616 Amelia St., Fredericksburg, Va. 22401 or by fax at 540/373-8455.

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Date published: 1/21/2005