Ark Equestrian

The 2009 Show Schedule is up, and we are all getting ready to try our tests !   Time to start working on brushing out that winter hair !   Once again we will be keeping track of points to go towards year end awards.   The point system is simply 10% of your score in all dressage tests , and a reverse placing score for equitation.  So,  if equitation had three riders and you placed first, that is 3 points.   I will be keeping scores updated and posted online for all of you competitive types !

In order to keep costs in check,  I do need more volunteers.   Scribes,  score tally'ers, entry both people etc. are all in demand.  If you have a parent, spouce or friend that you can coax into helping for a show, please let me know !

USED TACK

I was thinking,  since we have so many growing children riding , that we could add a tack swap at each show ?   If your children  ( or you ) have outgrown or out used an item bring it along.   We will have a table beside the entry booth.   You can mark your asking price on an envelope with your item,  if someone needs what you have,  money will magically appear in your envelope !   Lets try it out and see how it works.

Lastly,  a few of our judges are willing to consider giving clinics through out the season.   This allows us to continue to draw a high level of judges, and I will appreciate your support in attending the clinics as they are announced. 

As always, email me if you are willing to help in any of these areas.

marci@arkequestrian.com

Here is a video of our high point winner at the freestyle show !   We plan to have a freestyle show again this year, so get to work on your choreography now !   I have quadrille teams in the works !   I hope other barns can do the same !   

Our shows are a come as you are show.  While helmets and boots with a heel are required for safety, the "usual" dressage attire is somewhat relaxed here.   If you want to show in a polo shirt and breeches, you are definately still welcome to come.   We want you to try our sport, not break the bank getting ready .   However... we will occationally have some fantastic prizes for best turn out, just to keep us all striving for our best. 

Any tack is welcome.   If you want to try your hand ( and hoof) at a dressage test, come on out in the tack you have.  While we do require a snaffle bit, and reins in two hands, we are pretty flexible beyond that.   If you have any tack questions, please email in advance  marci@arkequestrian.com

The  adgenda so far is

April 25 , 2009  Sarnia Saddle Club  - entry deadline April 17

June 13, 2009   Yellow Rose  - entry deadline June 5

July 18, 2009  Cameo Equestrian  -  entry deadline July 10

Aug 29, 2009   Brasswood Stables  - entry deadline Aug. 21

Sept 26, 2009  Cameo Equestrian  - entry deadline Sept. 18 ( Freestyle and Quadrille )

Walk-Trot and Training level tests are designed for those just starting out in Dressage,  or have never been exposed to Dressage.   All trot movements may be done in sitting or rising trot.  You may enter these classes in any tack, western included.  A snaffle bit is the only requirement ( No shank type, western riders think baby classes with a "ring" bit ) all reins to be held in two hands.   The Intro tests are in place to get you started and give you a taste of dressage !   If your horse can walk and trot, and steer... you are on your way !

If you have any questions about tack or bits, please email arkequestrian@yahoo.ca

For an excellent introduction to riding your first dressage test go here http://www.ces.purdue.edu/extmedia/4H/4-H-982-W.pdf

(Note, all tests are in acrobat PDF format)

Walk-Trot A - http://www.cadora.ca/Tests/Cadora-WalkTrot-TESTA.pdf

Walk-Trot B - http://www.cadora.ca/Tests/Cadora-WalkTrot-TESTB.pdf

Walk-Trot C - http://www.cadora.ca/Tests/Cadora-WalkTrot-TESTC.pdf

Walk-Trot D - http://www.cadora.ca/Tests/Cadora-WalkTrot-TESTD.pdf

Training Level A - http://www.cadora.ca/Tests/TRAININGTESTA.pdf

Training Level B - http://www.cadora.ca/Tests/TRAININGTESTB.pdf

Training Level C - http://www.cadora.ca/Tests/TRAININGTESTC.pdf

Training Level D - http://www.cadora.ca/Tests/TRAININGTESTD.pdf

First Level A - http://www.cadora.ca/Tests/TEST1stA.pdf

First Level B - http://www.cadora.ca/Tests/TEST1stB.pdf

First Level C - http://www.cadora.ca/Tests/TEST1stC.pdf

First Level D - http://www.cadora.ca/Tests/TEST1stD.pdf

Our first show season was a great success,  I hope everyone had a lot of fun.  Next year will be even bigger and better !   I am  hoping for some good volunteers to help me with some of the many jobs that need to be done. 

Check out all the fun we had !   Hope to see you all next year !