tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74986506445000504192011-11-27T20:10:04.258-05:00One competitor's diary of the road to the USDF Regional Dressage Championships.Kimberley R Brown Edelmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13431300211884307661noreply@blogger.comBlogger1161100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498650644500050419.post-24779243664297443032011-10-17T16:07:00.000-04:002011-10-17T16:07:50.486-04:00

Wow! Where did this year go? Another USDF Regional Championship has come and gone! Walking through my barn late at night, I say "Hello" to lots of happy equine faces peering out from their cozy stalls. This year, 2 of those horses contested USDF Region 8 championship classes. One is a boarded horse. The other is my husband's "Piper Warrior". Next year, I hope to see at least 3, maybe 4 of

Kimberley R Brown Edelmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13431300211884307661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498650644500050419.post-36780904627115442252011-08-03T15:33:00.013-04:002011-08-03T16:34:23.291-04:00

Online, in books, and in DVDs, there's a vast array of information from which dressage riders can learn about the art and sport of dressage. However, one dressage topic that seems to be light on suggestions is selection of one's dressage trainer. Maybe this is because it's such a personal and subjective thing. For the past 6 years, since moving back to the USA after 12 years in England, I

Kimberley R Brown Edelmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13431300211884307661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498650644500050419.post-17363201020215759972011-07-27T19:20:00.000-04:002011-07-27T19:20:16.559-04:00

Ever wonder why you ride? Ever wonder what your life would be like without riding? Ever imagine what you would be doing instead to fill your time? Sometimes I wonder these kinds of things. And for one week, I got a taste of what that would be like. And it was not fun at all. After a week of rest and cuperation, I climbed back up into the saddle. And, oh my, how great it felt! So, if all

Kimberley R Brown Edelmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13431300211884307661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498650644500050419.post-22818853519484787902011-07-22T12:07:00.000-04:002011-07-22T12:07:44.919-04:00

Yes, the game continues..... Entries for the Regional Championships are due in this week. However, we are only half qualified for 1st Level Open, 2nd Level Open, and 1st Level Freestyle. So the question is, for which Regional Championships will we complete our qualifications and which do we actually want to contest if we do qualify? We only have 3 shows left on our calendar. GMHA July's 3

Kimberley R Brown Edelmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13431300211884307661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498650644500050419.post-26986044659237724822011-07-22T11:18:00.000-04:002011-07-22T11:18:06.897-04:00

The season didn't start great.  But at GMHA June Dressage in Vermont, Piper and I had a fairly good show. To qualify for the United States Dressage Federation (USDF) Regional Championships, 2 qualifying scores must be earned in qualifying classes at 2 different shows under 2 different judge juries. Qualifying scores differ from level to level, and also by rider category: Junior Rider / Young

Kimberley R Brown Edelmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13431300211884307661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498650644500050419.post-39180686630046520462011-07-08T16:16:00.000-04:002011-07-08T16:16:57.614-04:00

I've got rhythm! I've got music! I've got Piper! Who could ask for anything more!? Well, maybe one thing more. If competing in dressage, it really helps to know the lingo. Over the years, the United States Dressage Federation has developed a really good glossary for judges which competitors can benefit from reading, as well. The updated 2011 version of the USDF Glossary of Judging Terms

Kimberley R Brown Edelmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13431300211884307661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498650644500050419.post-32198598057997085482011-06-03T10:14:00.000-04:002011-06-03T10:14:47.581-04:00

After the terrible season debut at MVHC in April, I decided to enter a local schooling show to put things right again in May. With lovely weather and no pressure to achieve qualifications, we were able to enjoy a very easy show experience, Piper and I, while also winning the combined First Level Test 2 / 3 class. Summer seems to have suddenly arrived! And with it, show season kicks back into

Kimberley R Brown Edelmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13431300211884307661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498650644500050419.post-46094862120960858072011-04-24T21:53:00.004-04:002011-04-24T22:04:21.270-04:00

This weekend, Piper and I competed in our first competition of 2011, reviving the paused 2011 season. And oh my, what a show it was! Despite what the calendar said, Mother Nature decided to throw horrible weather across New England. Travelling from New Hampshire to Connecticut the day before the show felt like time travel. We left the land of lingering snowbanks to find forsythias in full

Kimberley R Brown Edelmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13431300211884307661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498650644500050419.post-25102925127924667602011-03-31T10:37:00.000-04:002011-03-31T10:37:31.663-04:00

Two years ago, NEDA, the New England Dressage Association, invited Christoph Hess to the area for the annual "Spring Fling" clinic. &nbsp It was Hess's first visit to the area and included the obligatory eating of boiled lobstah! &nbsp I reported on the clinic in NEDA's "Tip of the Hat" newsletter with this article. This week, Christoph returned to New England for a tour of clinics in the region

Kimberley R Brown Edelmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13431300211884307661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498650644500050419.post-85528301066470842492011-03-15T13:07:00.000-04:002011-03-15T13:07:26.399-04:00

In New Hampshire, we are still gazing at snowbanks of fairly impressive but slowly diminishing height and striped pastures of alternating areas of mud and melting snow. &nbsp We're a few weeks away from the start of green springtime, but competition season is approaching none-the-less! &nbsp So for me, this is the perfect time to put together my .... The Horse Show Binder I've come to believe

Kimberley R Brown Edelmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13431300211884307661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498650644500050419.post-37337402871733720522011-02-24T19:18:00.001-05:002011-02-24T19:29:26.734-05:00

One of the challenges of competing in the summer time in dressage involves staying cool enough to ride well. &nbsp When the temps climb high enough, show management will often allow riders to compete without jackets. &nbsp But not everyone looks fabulously wonderful in a white shirt and white breeches while sitting the extended trot! In a recent issue of Horse & Hound magazine, a new rather

Kimberley R Brown Edelmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13431300211884307661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498650644500050419.post-81511027600141374172011-02-23T14:40:00.001-05:002011-02-23T14:42:26.799-05:00

It's been a long time coming, but personally, I think this makes sense. &nbsp Starting in 2011, the USEF Rules for Dressage, section DR120: Dress (page DR21) state that all riders must wear "protective headgear" while mounted unless they are riding in only PSG through GPS classes and are over 18 years old. Protective headgear is defined as helmets made to ASTM (American Society for Testing and

Kimberley R Brown Edelmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13431300211884307661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498650644500050419.post-91015485162418199312011-02-21T11:42:00.002-05:002011-02-22T10:22:47.117-05:00

For many dressage riders in New England, the NEDA Omnibus is a much beloved possession. &nbsp The little black book. &nbsp The season's bible. &nbsp The favorite bathroom read. Email and facebook notifications recently went out saying that the Omnibus Prize Lists were in the mail. &nbsp Yippee! &nbsp And as they arrive, the dormant competition itch will spring back to life, and with it, the

Kimberley R Brown Edelmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13431300211884307661noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498650644500050419.post-19225208161386121322011-01-01T18:25:00.001-05:002011-01-01T18:27:30.955-05:00

And so it all begins once again.  A new year.  And with it, thoughts about new goals. By the end of 2010, Piper Warrior and I had achieved our 2010 dressage goals, and then some.  We made it to the 2010 USDF Region 8 Championships in 3 categories!  And we finished 2010 with several National & New England Dressage Association (NEDA) year end awards, including: Champion - NEDA Year End Award,

Kimberley R Brown Edelmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13431300211884307661noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498650644500050419.post-72921353730718477692010-11-01T21:45:00.000-04:002010-11-01T21:45:58.683-04:00

When your horse is a wonderful dressage partner, one with whom you have enjoyed years of dressage education, fun, and success, the retirement of that amazing equine can a difficult thing to accept, embrace, and enjoy. Since the 2009 USDF Regional Championships, Jeddien has not competed. &nbsp Training continued, but with Piper coming along well in his training and two youngsters in the pipeline

Kimberley R Brown Edelmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13431300211884307661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498650644500050419.post-85195485422703422262010-10-11T17:15:00.000-04:002010-10-11T17:15:33.654-04:00

At the 2010 Regional 8 Championships, Piper and I contested 2 classes per day over 4 days. &nbsp While a little bit of a gamble, in the end, this worked out really well. &nbsp It meant that prior to the Training Level Championship class on Thursday and the First Level Championship class on Friday, we rode a warmup test. &nbsp And the night before the Freestyle Championship, we were able to ride

Kimberley R Brown Edelmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13431300211884307661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498650644500050419.post-79820035797716741112010-09-29T13:30:00.000-04:002010-09-29T13:30:45.604-04:00

The 2010 USDF Region 8 Championships are now history. &nbsp The final weeks and days leading up to this huge event is all a bit of a blur now. &nbsp Suffice to say, training continued and several practice runs of the tests and our kur took place. &nbsp And a small tack change was made... &nbsp which I will get back to later. After a four and half hour long drive, arriving at the HITS showgrounds

Kimberley R Brown Edelmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13431300211884307661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498650644500050419.post-28187401262535717282010-08-31T11:52:00.001-04:002010-08-31T11:53:13.000-04:00

This week, I checked out the USDF current standings for 2010 season awards and was delighted to see Piper Warrior and I ranking fairly well for our first real full year of competition together. For USDF Horse of the Year (HOTY) awards at Training Level, we are ranked 166 in the USA. &nbsp The HOTY list bottoms out at median scores of 60%. &nbsp So far, 385 horse / rider combinations across the

Kimberley R Brown Edelmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13431300211884307661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498650644500050419.post-31464821811243253182010-08-18T17:08:00.000-04:002010-08-18T17:08:57.570-04:00

Just before the 2010 competition season came to a close, Piper and I competed at the two back-to-back Vermont Dressage Days competitions in Burlington VT. &nbsp There, we rode in three classes per show: &nbsp Training Level Test 4, First Level Test 4, and USDF Freestyle. The journey up to Burlington is not excessively long at 2 and a half hours, nor very challenging with most of the drive being

Kimberley R Brown Edelmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13431300211884307661noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498650644500050419.post-4833248644909364952010-08-04T15:04:00.000-04:002010-08-04T15:04:17.163-04:00

The past couple weeks have been focused on competing.  Training, traveling, and riding. After the GMHA June show, Piper stayed at the facilities for a week, enjoying a 4-H Camp week with his junior rider.  They participated in all sorts of activities from flat work to eventing, showing to trail riding, and hanging out.  Upon Piper's return home, we got hit with the heatwave to end all heatwaves.

Kimberley R Brown Edelmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13431300211884307661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498650644500050419.post-22577151778350695262010-07-22T12:24:00.000-04:002010-07-22T12:24:02.217-04:00

Designing a kur, one eventually reaches a point where you have to say, "Burn the CD!"  No more editing.  No more tweaking.  No more builds of new audio files.  That time has come.  Now we just make the CD, and a backup copy, test them both, and put them in the horseshow briefcase for safe keeping. From now until 2:45 Saturday afternoon, I will listen Piper's freestyle music over and over,

Kimberley R Brown Edelmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13431300211884307661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498650644500050419.post-77472092281459816212010-07-21T20:50:00.000-04:002010-07-21T20:50:22.275-04:00

After several hours playing with music, editing, riding, videotaping, viewing, reviewing, and more editing.... technology decided to throw in several curve balls. First, my red Acer Ferrari laptop, a computer I have enjoyed for several years, keeled over.  Deader than a doornail.  And sure enough, it was the system I was using for iTunes and Audacity. Then, Audacity had the audacity to erase a

Kimberley R Brown Edelmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13431300211884307661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498650644500050419.post-79562326518638642212010-07-16T21:49:00.000-04:002010-07-16T21:49:18.842-04:00

And of course, according the the USDF rules, my freestyle test can not exceed 5 minutes. Sure enough, after riding mine and taping it in the blazing heat late this morning, I discovered that my current favorite pattern runs 5 minutes, 20 seconds. &nbsp Ugh. &nbsp Fortunately, by removing a stretchy circle, and tightening two half figure eights, I can get back under 5 minutes.... just. &nbsp

Kimberley R Brown Edelmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13431300211884307661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498650644500050419.post-50648625822359422142010-07-13T22:39:00.000-04:002010-07-13T22:39:02.425-04:00

10 days to go and tonight, I made the final choices on which tunes will be used for Piper's first freestyle. The semi-finalists included three Abba songs, four jazz tunes, and three Spanish guitar songs. &nbsp The Spanish tunes did not meld together well and were the first to drop off the list. &nbsp The rest, the finalists, were loaded onto my Shuffle. &nbsp Watching a videotaped training

Kimberley R Brown Edelmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13431300211884307661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498650644500050419.post-23182387453058302722010-07-12T18:37:00.001-04:002010-07-12T18:46:37.162-04:00

Designing a kur reminds me of the chicken and egg puzzle I often tried to unravel as a kid.   In this case, it's a question of which comes first, the music or the choreography. For Piper's debut First Level kur, I have had a floorplan in mind for quite some time.   It includes interesting center line sequences at the beginning and the end of the test, has counter canter movements that aren't

Kimberley R Brown Edelmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13431300211884307661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498650644500050419.post-38292388814994304672010-07-11T18:50:00.000-04:002010-07-11T18:50:32.518-04:00

One of the problems with training outdoors in the summer, at least in this part of the country, is having to deal with horse flies and deer flies. &nbsp Both are nasty persistent bugs who can cause at the very least, distraction during training sessions, and at the worst, pain and suffering to both horse and rider. Using bug spray, ear nets, and a horsehair riding crop can help. &nbsp However,

Kimberley R Brown Edelmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13431300211884307661noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498650644500050419.post-25272464315826586732010-07-07T19:49:00.000-04:002010-07-07T19:49:29.547-04:00

In two and half weeks, Piper and I will be doing our first musical freestyle / kur together in competition.   And at this time, I still don't know what music we will be riding to, nor what pattern we will be using.   But, we have 2 weeks to get this sorted. The design of the kur Jeddien and I did last year, the kur which earned USDF Region 8 Reserve Champion at 3rd Level Freestyle only took a

Kimberley R Brown Edelmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13431300211884307661noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498650644500050419.post-42501677009652951602010-07-01T00:14:00.007-04:002010-07-01T00:40:58.188-04:00

At this stage of the game, I feel confident Piper and I have Training Level down pretty well.  But with only one competition at First Level under our belts, I know there's a lot of work yet to be done to earn consistently decent scores at that level.The biggest challenge for Piper is counter canter.  It's still a new movement for him and he still needs to "chill out" when doing it.  Cantering

Kimberley R Brown Edelmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13431300211884307661noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498650644500050419.post-32487565516438514102010-06-26T12:28:00.000-04:002010-06-26T12:28:17.564-04:00

No Brain, No Pain I mentioned before that during the 2nd day of the GMHA 3 day dressage show, my brain was baking inside my very nice helmet. &nbsp It was not until someone said I looked unwell that I realized how much I was overheating. &nbsp It was not a good thing. After a bit of debate with myself, I decided I really wanted to ride in a lightweight schooling helmet. &nbsp Something with

Kimberley R Brown Edelmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13431300211884307661noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498650644500050419.post-257904575233680442010-06-21T17:38:00.015-04:002010-06-23T11:30:25.500-04:00

I just returned from GMHA's June three day USDF dressage show in South Woodstock, Vermont.   As usual, the show was extremely well run and the weather was hot & sultry. Day One - One Qualifying Score Contesting qualifier classes only, Piper was entered into Training Level Test 4 and was making his First Level debut with Test 4. &nbsp Our first ride was the First Level test.   At home, we've

Kimberley R Brown Edelmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13431300211884307661noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498650644500050419.post-1690915387148710842010-06-14T13:00:00.001-04:002010-06-14T13:38:05.751-04:00

A lot has happened in the last couple weeks.... Since NEDA Spring, Piper Warrior has continued to improve in both his dressage and his jumping.  At the New Hampshire High School Equestrian Teams State Finals held at the Hopkinton Fairgrounds in May, he and Eliza finished 2nd in the WTC Dressage.  A fabulous NHHSET season debut for both of them!  We're already talking about Piper's possible role

Kimberley R Brown Edelmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13431300211884307661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498650644500050419.post-31895914126647119242010-05-18T09:44:00.002-04:002010-06-14T13:03:49.080-04:00

Our first big USDF show of 2010 is now done and dusted.  NEDA Spring is the show at which Piper failed to make it all the way to "X" in his only other visit to the Marshfield Fairgrounds. Piper warmed up very nicely.   He was truly on form, listening, responding to light seat aids, and just being a super calm customer. And, having practiced at home with an open horse trailer at "C", I knew the

Kimberley R Brown Edelmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13431300211884307661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498650644500050419.post-12299019267121257202010-04-19T17:32:00.000-04:002010-04-19T17:32:24.270-04:00

An interesting topic of discussion with dressage trainers can often be kicked off with the question: &nbsp Which should schooled on the horse first? &nbsp Counter canter or flying changes? And the answer will often start with, "It depends." &nbsp :-) &nbsp Yes, there are various training approaches..... Plan A: &nbsp For Piper, his training has generally followed the levels of dressage. &nbsp

Kimberley R Brown Edelmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13431300211884307661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498650644500050419.post-17677954211244286122010-04-16T13:54:00.000-04:002010-04-16T13:54:39.045-04:00

Thanks to a surprisingly warm March and start to April, early spring flowers are everywhere. &nbsp However, typical of New England weather, it is actually snowing right now! &nbsp And so, it feels like a perfect day to sit down with the 2010 NEDA Omnibus, plan out the competition calendar, and get those first show entries in! Piper's 2010 competition season has already started. &nbsp But not

Kimberley R Brown Edelmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13431300211884307661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498650644500050419.post-71614425258461196802010-04-03T20:24:00.000-04:002010-04-03T20:24:45.969-04:00

Preparing to show in your first dressage competition can be a daunting task without a bit of guidance. &nbsp I was lucky in that I received lots of excellent tips and coaching from my dressage trainers over the years. &nbsp Trainers who had been there, done it, and got the tee-shirts. &nbsp :-) &nbsp And thanks to such good preparation, my first dressage show was exciting and fun, as has every

Kimberley R Brown Edelmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13431300211884307661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498650644500050419.post-70997312133865898282010-03-14T12:18:00.002-04:002010-04-16T13:55:39.838-04:00

If you are reading this, you are most likely sitting a computer. &nbsp Which also means you're probably familiar with Google. &nbsp Me, I'm a big fan of Google, but most especially, I love their logos. &nbsp And today's was no exception. At first glance, I thought Google's logo showed a dressage arena with diagrams of suppling exercises and pirouette work! &nbsp Seriously. &nbsp Because

Kimberley R Brown Edelmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13431300211884307661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498650644500050419.post-69569105945890179122010-03-01T12:50:00.000-05:002010-03-01T12:50:11.586-05:00

Each year, before the Dressage Competition Season swings back into gear, we get all of our horses vaccinated against several equine ailments. (Photo from TNT Equine showing Dr. Deme Erickson, DMV) giving a shot Friday, March 5th, Dr. Jen Sula, DMV, from Blackwater Veterinary Services in Salisbury NH will visit.  Working her way down the barn, she will check each horse one by one.   Heart

Kimberley R Brown Edelmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13431300211884307661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498650644500050419.post-19619049064865210162010-02-11T18:15:00.004-05:002010-02-11T18:20:05.193-05:00

As we return to real dressage training, I have noticed that Piper's transitions when travelling to the left are not nearly as good as those done when tracking right. &nbsp And, as is sometimes the case with horses, last year, he was better to the left than to the right. &nbsp Don't ask me why these things happen.... So, while the work to the right feels wonderful, the work to the left,

Kimberley R Brown Edelmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13431300211884307661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498650644500050419.post-32501628332397388112010-01-25T00:44:00.003-05:002010-01-25T01:05:39.754-05:00

Meanwhile, back on the farm.... &nbsp Yes, winter continues to rage on. &nbsp But not only does the USDF Region 8 Dressage Season get back into swing in April.... &nbsp so does the New Hampshire High School Equestrian Team activity. This year, assuming all goes well, and with him... &nbsp or any horse for that matter...&nbsp that is never a given, Piper will be debuting over fences with a

Kimberley R Brown Edelmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13431300211884307661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498650644500050419.post-25601586454312964522010-01-22T14:27:00.002-05:002010-01-22T14:28:23.060-05:00

We are roughly 90 days from when Region 8 Dressage Competitions start up again. &nbsp As winter rages on, that may seem like a long time from now. &nbsp However, from a training perspective, that is Very Soon! Both Jeddien and Piper are now back into dressage work. &nbsp For the 19 year old mare, this means DIET TIME and losing some of her heavy winter coat. &nbsp Her new hairdo, a "Trace Clip"

Kimberley R Brown Edelmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13431300211884307661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498650644500050419.post-66180497288638355492009-12-31T21:28:00.002-05:002009-12-31T21:30:16.078-05:00

From a Dressage Queen's perspective, 2009 was a good year! Jeddien was, yet again, on form for a good competitive year with pleasing results. &nbsp She also shared a wonderful feel of upper level dressage work with several students at Kearsarge Meadows. Piper Warrior provided a rider-challenging second show season with wonderful highlights and heart-stopping lowlights. &nbsp However, at home

Kimberley R Brown Edelmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13431300211884307661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498650644500050419.post-62513408651017400702009-12-19T17:13:00.000-05:002009-12-19T17:13:33.785-05:00

When it comes to gifts, what can one get for the dedicated Dressage Queen in their life? &nbsp For some, this is a perplexing problem that is difficult at best to solve. However, in our household, this is a "no brainer"! Sure, gift certificates to Dressage Extensions, USDF's Store, Dover Saddlery, Smart Pak Equine, and other horsey shopping stores make sense. &nbsp But, for the true Dressage

Kimberley R Brown Edelmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13431300211884307661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498650644500050419.post-27059420955092819382009-12-06T16:34:00.000-05:002009-12-06T16:34:15.717-05:00

There are several camps regarding how dressage horses should be managed, both within the competition season and off season. &nbsp Opinions about daily routines for the dressage horse can differ from barn to barn, and within a barn, from trainer to trainer. With show season on hold for Winter until next April, dressage horse owners in New England are faced with decisions in regards to things such

Kimberley R Brown Edelmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13431300211884307661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498650644500050419.post-73933841925017782702009-11-06T21:07:00.004-05:002009-11-06T21:14:26.516-05:00

The youtube video below shows Jeddien's test from the 2009 USDF Region 8 Championships held at the NEDA Fall Festival this past September. With the sound turned up, you may hear the wind blowing, a train pass in the distance, a bit of audience chatter, and the bell of the judge in the next ring,... something which momentarily caught my attention during the half pass left. The marks from both

Kimberley R Brown Edelmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13431300211884307661noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498650644500050419.post-86813186704130778552009-10-30T19:07:00.000-04:002009-10-30T19:07:03.467-04:00

Every time it happens, I am amazed. &nbsp You would think by now, after training dressage horses for 25 years, I would be used to it. &nbsp But that is not the case. &nbsp I am still impressed by this phenomenon. &nbsp And tonight, I again sit here thinking, "WOW ! &nbsp How did that happen!?" Piper Warrior, our 1997 Olympic Ferro x CandyBoy gelding, is basically a 70% Training Level / 63%

Kimberley R Brown Edelmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13431300211884307661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498650644500050419.post-77712555105357173562009-10-27T17:54:00.000-04:002009-10-27T17:54:27.077-04:00

Cross training. &nbsp That's the fancy term used these days. Ever since I started taking riding lessons as a kid in 1971, it was apparent that the average riding horse should be trail ridden, worked on the flat, and jumped. &nbsp This, after all, was what they taught at Watchung Stables in Summit NJ where I rode for 3 years. &nbsp When we moved to Dunstable Massachusetts and bought our own

Kimberley R Brown Edelmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13431300211884307661noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498650644500050419.post-28038947567981995412009-10-24T21:33:00.002-04:002009-10-24T21:34:13.029-04:00

We get bombarded with so much advertising these days that it's no wonder if I missed ads for this entertaining and informative innovation: &nbsp Dressage Radio. Today, while playing in Facebook, I stumbled upon the Facebook page for Dressage Radio. &nbsp So far, I've only listened to part of Episode 21, a recent interview with Isabell Werth. &nbsp But I heard enough to know I will be tuning

Kimberley R Brown Edelmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13431300211884307661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498650644500050419.post-618136853697598422009-10-16T21:32:00.007-04:002009-10-16T21:40:16.614-04:00

If I were Australian, I would no doubt be using the word CRIKEY a lot this week. &nbsp It has been that kind of week! &nbsp October 16th and half of New England saw snow today. &nbsp Tonight, temperatures are expected to fall into the mid 20's. &nbsp And our spectacular fall foliage has been getting shaken off the trees this week by gale force winds. &nbsp Crikey indeed. It seems Mother Nature

Kimberley R Brown Edelmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13431300211884307661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498650644500050419.post-31842966340204953832009-09-30T19:56:00.000-04:002009-09-30T19:56:49.815-04:00

The USDF 2010 competition season is already well underway.   However, so far, I have not competed in any qualifiers for the 2010 Regional Championships.   In fact, I have yet to set my goals for 2010. That needs to be remedied! Jeddien, bless her, has had a good long run of competition both in the UK and the USA. &nbsp Next year, she is 19 years old. &nbsp So, unless she miraculously suddenly

Kimberley R Brown Edelmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13431300211884307661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498650644500050419.post-18105323422670947752009-09-14T18:55:00.019-04:002009-09-15T11:41:40.103-04:00

I mentioned before that I had a chance to chat briefly with Ulla Salzgeber. &nbsp What I had not shared was that I had complimented her on how she handled "the disaster" that occured during her Grand Prix Kur with Rusty at the 2000 Olympics in Sydney. &nbsp Maybe you remember........Ulla demonstrated such incredible professionalism in a situation which would be any competitor's nightmare. &

Kimberley R Brown Edelmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13431300211884307661noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498650644500050419.post-41551387386992969942009-09-12T20:56:00.002-04:002009-09-12T21:22:32.791-04:00

Today, as planned, was a day of rest, work without a competition timeslot deadline, bathing, and hand grazing. &nbsp Jeddien snoozed, ate, enjoyed some pampering, and rested in her stall. &nbsp Georg and I spent time watching FEI level classes, including the big afternoon Grand Prix class.After the GP, award ceremonies took place in Ring One. &nbsp In the top placings were some fabulous

Kimberley R Brown Edelmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13431300211884307661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498650644500050419.post-52202879643583879812009-09-11T22:57:00.005-04:002009-09-14T20:33:11.754-04:00

Horses are NOT motorcycles. &nbsp Each time you ride them is a little bit different... &nbsp Unlike my Suzuki 300. &nbsp Today, Jeddien reminded me of this in spades. &nbsp She was in a wicked little mood this morning, but a complete super star this evening.When all was said and done, we failed to place in the Sweepstakes. &nbsp To say I am disappointed would be an understatement. &nbsp

Kimberley R Brown Edelmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13431300211884307661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498650644500050419.post-8549894891448642932009-09-11T14:21:00.003-04:002009-09-11T14:57:34.191-04:00

At the HITS Saugerties New York showgrounds, each barn of 80 stalls shares one manure trailer. &nbsp And believe me, even when only 50 or 60 horses are in residence, we are talking about a lot of used bedding and manure being mucked out to the trailer on a daily basis... &nbsp A trailer which can get filled up fairly quickly.With so many horse owners sharing a muck heap trailer, you would

Kimberley R Brown Edelmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13431300211884307661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498650644500050419.post-80964518010700465852009-09-11T13:46:00.002-04:002009-09-11T14:14:58.941-04:00

With our hotel bed a mere 60 metres from New York's Interstate Highway I-87, a full night's sleep was not to be last night. &nbsp Nonetheless, we made another early start this morning, got to the showgrounds early to feed the beast, and then enjoyed a little rest before preparing for a 9:39 am ride of 3rd Level Test 3.The Sweepstakes at each level consists of two components, using the two

Kimberley R Brown Edelmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13431300211884307661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498650644500050419.post-67944419940286224002009-09-10T19:59:00.002-04:002009-09-10T20:43:08.507-04:00

At last, after a year of working towards this one goal, we are at the USDF Region 8 Championships & NEDA Fall Festival of Dressage.The 5 hour drive from central New Hampshire was easy and uneventful. &nbsp By 5pm Wednesday evening, Jeddien was settled into her stall on the showgrounds. &nbsp And after a couple hours of "nesting", organizing our tack stall, we checked into our hotel.Today was our

Kimberley R Brown Edelmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13431300211884307661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498650644500050419.post-7236173258265908932009-09-06T23:56:00.006-04:002009-09-07T01:00:17.259-04:00

And of course, before the big competition, it certainly doesn't hurt to get a bit of a massage followed by a day off. &nbsp Aside from having her pedicures, Jeddien also gets treated to top quality massages by her equine masseuse, Angela LaFave of Centaur Massage. (The photo shows another of Angela's equine clients.)Jeddien's rider, meanwhile, has been making an effort to shed a few pounds,

Kimberley R Brown Edelmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13431300211884307661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498650644500050419.post-20864470853469593692009-08-27T20:04:00.005-04:002009-08-27T22:55:22.974-04:00

Preparing for the USDF Championships is not just about dressage training. &nbsp It also involves the total overall care of the horse.Jeddien, like so many women, has her nails (or hooves) done on a regular basis by her farrier, Adam Pearson . &nbsp Adam has been working with Jeddien and Piper Warrior since we all moved to the USA together in 2005. &nbsp Jeddien, who earns fame

Kimberley R Brown Edelmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13431300211884307661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498650644500050419.post-26579515276538460432009-08-21T11:43:00.008-04:002009-08-21T12:45:27.670-04:00

Hickstead England. &nbsp July 2009. &nbsp A standing ovation was earned by Edward Gal of the Netherlands riding KWPN Dutch Warmblood stallion Totilas, a son of Gribaldi, for their technically correct and artistically stunning Grand Prix Kur. &nbsp The full scoring for the Top 6 in the CDI5* EXQUIS World Dressage Masters Grand Prix Freestyle can be seen on this Hickstead results website. 2nd

Kimberley R Brown Edelmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13431300211884307661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498650644500050419.post-14666966497844410722009-08-12T17:25:00.004-04:002009-08-12T17:31:25.167-04:00

With more and more competition experience, dressage riders eventually start to encounter the same judges over and over. &nbsp In the UK, this was certainly very true, as the judges don't often travel far to judge the 1 or 2 classes they would judge at a given show. &nbsp In the USA, however, there are several big differences. First, judges are paid big bucks to do their job, plus hotel,

Kimberley R Brown Edelmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13431300211884307661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498650644500050419.post-46577382208893228862009-07-30T21:42:00.003-04:002009-07-30T21:59:41.512-04:00

I have always believed there are 3 kinds of luck. &nbsp Good luck. &nbsp Bad luck. &nbsp And horse luck.People involved in horses in any way, shape, or form probably understand.Recently, we encountered some not so great horse luck. &nbsp Piper managed to get an injury which has sidelined him from all work for a couple weeks while his left front leg recovers from a 7 inch gash.Freak kind of

Kimberley R Brown Edelmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13431300211884307661noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498650644500050419.post-78085987380504251132009-07-10T14:31:00.003-04:002009-07-30T21:31:00.673-04:00

Just when things are going swimmingly, one can encounter bumps in the road. &nbsp This is exactly how I would describe Piper's second show of the season. &nbsp BUMP!At the June dressage show at the University of New Hampshire a couple weeks ago, Jeddien completed her qualification for the USDF Region 8 Championships for the Freestyles to Music, 3rd Level. &nbsp The fairly good sized audience

Kimberley R Brown Edelmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13431300211884307661noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498650644500050419.post-81572892285251183672009-06-20T23:28:00.005-04:002009-12-02T21:14:15.562-05:00

To qualify for the USDF Regional Championships in the Open / Professional Division at Training Level, two scores of 68% or more must be earned in Training Level Test 4, each at a different show. This weekend, in his first show of 2009 and his first ever trip to Vermont, Piper earned his first 68% at GMHA. &nbsp He also earned a bonus 69+% in the same test on the second day, but was eliminated

Kimberley R Brown Edelmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13431300211884307661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498650644500050419.post-63030205262479528312009-06-15T13:06:00.002-04:002009-06-15T13:46:33.268-04:00

After a long lazy winter vacation, it is now time for Piper Warrior to compete again. &nbsp Entries have now been accepted at 3 different USDF Recognised shows. &nbsp Before the 2009 qualification season closes in August, a couple more entries may be sent in for other shows as well. The 2009 Plan Piper's training at home as progressed to the point where he is much more likely to cope well away

Kimberley R Brown Edelmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13431300211884307661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498650644500050419.post-10284420135281893222009-05-26T15:38:00.002-04:002009-05-26T16:02:25.184-04:00

A week ago, New England Dressage Association (NEDA) members were treated to a 3 day clinic with Herr Christoph Hess of Germany. &nbsp Christoph worked with 7 very talented horse-rider combinations while also entertaining questions from the audience.When I lived in the United Kingdom, I became aware of the very high regard in which Hess is held worldwide. &nbsp Even my UK trainer said, "If you

Kimberley R Brown Edelmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13431300211884307661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498650644500050419.post-79890103954733776332009-05-10T10:57:00.009-04:002009-09-07T02:00:40.989-04:00

We are back from the NEDA Spring Dressage Show. &nbsp As a key season opening event for 2009, this show attracts both the top professional riders of the area as well as amateurs and grassroots riders. &nbsp And, as long as Mother Nature cooperates, it is a very good show.Jeddien and I only contested two classes. &nbsp We won one with a score of 63.75%, and came second in another with a score of

Kimberley R Brown Edelmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13431300211884307661noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498650644500050419.post-57613346709704956072009-05-08T20:39:00.001-04:002009-05-08T20:44:42.134-04:00

It is early May. &nbsp The 2009 show season ends mid August. &nbsp So, we are now in full swing sending in dressage show entries and competing....Jeddien is qualified for 3rd Level Open (Professional) Regional Championships. &nbsp Tomorrow, we contest the Freestyles to see if we can finish qualifications for that as well.Meanwhile, Piper Warrior's show entries have been sent in. &nbsp Training

Kimberley R Brown Edelmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13431300211884307661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498650644500050419.post-42018161272588065652009-04-27T23:06:00.004-04:002009-04-27T23:16:50.795-04:00

Jeddien's 2006 filly foal by DaVinci is already showing signs of being a future Dressage Queen. Oh my she is fun to watch playing in the pasture!Like Jeddien at this age, the chestnut filly is sharp, energetic, and a cute mover. &nbsp UNLIKE Jeddien, she's a bit of a snuggle bunny who loves attention from people and other horses. &nbsp Like Jeddien, she can already open and close her stall door,

Kimberley R Brown Edelmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13431300211884307661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498650644500050419.post-51519911410507594922009-04-21T09:26:00.002-04:002009-04-21T09:29:50.023-04:00

Mystic Valley Hunt ClubApril 18, 20093rd Level FreestyleScore: 70%

Kimberley R Brown Edelmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13431300211884307661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498650644500050419.post-90605539144481459892009-04-19T12:32:00.005-04:002009-04-20T10:13:34.048-04:00

My first ever "Kur" aka "Musical Freestyle", has now been done. This past weekend, Jeddien and I performed a 3rd Level Freestyle at the Mystic Valley Hunt Club in Connecticut.We rode to German folk music, using three different songs for walk, trot, and canter. &nbsp Using "Audacity", I edited the songs, modified the tempo, and put together 5 minutes of music to which I then choreographed a

Kimberley R Brown Edelmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13431300211884307661noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498650644500050419.post-16256517265248040832009-04-07T23:38:00.002-04:002009-04-07T23:47:51.007-04:00

1. &nbsp Fearless daring; intrepidity.2. &nbsp Bold or insolent heedlessness of restraints, as of those imposed by prudence, propriety, or convention.3. &nbsp An act or instance of intrepidity or insolent heedlessness. OR the name of a wonderful FREE Cross-Platform Sound Editor available at http://audacity.sourceforge.net/ . While Dressage Divas is the tool I am using to choreograph and "test

Kimberley R Brown Edelmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13431300211884307661noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498650644500050419.post-8501727792756283262009-04-03T09:05:00.006-04:002009-09-07T02:06:28.730-04:00

Many equestrians are waking up to the news that Sally Swift, the wonderful woman who shared with the horse world the concept of Centered Riding, passed away yesterday, April 2nd, at an impressive age just 3 weeks shy of her 96th birthday.I never had the opportunity to see Sally in person, but she's been a major influence on my riding since the 80's. &nbsp To this day, I still use her imagery

Kimberley R Brown Edelmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13431300211884307661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498650644500050419.post-82854560510288533272009-03-31T17:43:00.004-04:002009-03-31T17:55:18.866-04:00

1) &nbsp The Dressage Diva software package arrived and has been really fun to experiment with and explore. &nbsp At this point, I would recommend it to those who want to plan their kurs or just practice dressage riding on their laptop! 2) &nbsp Today was the first day that all of my 20x60 metre outdoor arena was usable. &nbsp The snow has finally melted.And &nbsp 3) &nbsp should read: &

Kimberley R Brown Edelmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13431300211884307661noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498650644500050419.post-46761519665610387812009-03-22T18:26:00.006-04:002009-03-23T10:49:08.256-04:00

In October 2003, I submitted to British Dressage the details of my first Dressage Kur or Musical Freestyle. &nbsp The music selected was from a collection of German folk songs and fit Jeddien quite nicely. &nbsp However, I never actually rode the Kur in a competition.Five and a half years later, I'm now FINALLY planning to ride my first Kur. &nbsp Ever. &nbsp (Not counting Quadrilles.) &nbsp

Kimberley R Brown Edelmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13431300211884307661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498650644500050419.post-70442725430928360052009-03-18T22:53:00.002-04:002009-03-18T23:15:39.516-04:00

A critical part of the preparation for competition involves Spring Vaccinations & Coggins Tests.Today, all of the horses in our barn were vaccinated. &nbsp Each of the owners at our barn are completely & proactively supportive of regular vaccinations. &nbsp And those planning on competing also had blood drawn for testing for Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) aka the Coggins Test.All of the horses

Kimberley R Brown Edelmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13431300211884307661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498650644500050419.post-70413032766648041222009-03-09T18:24:00.004-04:002009-03-09T18:47:02.781-04:00

What does the USDF "L" Education Program got to do with getting to the USDF Regional Championships? &nbsp Directly, not much. &nbsp However, indirectly, TONS!I am one of the dressage riders currently in the USDF judge training program known as the L Education Program. &nbsp The specific session in which I'm enrolled is very kindly being hosted by the Central Vermont Dressage Association. &nbsp (

Kimberley R Brown Edelmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13431300211884307661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498650644500050419.post-55275948128028848012009-03-09T17:04:00.008-04:002009-09-07T02:16:18.645-04:00

Winter continues. &nbsp Meanwhile, Jeddien is just getting back into the swing of things. &nbsp And as part of her training, we have been taking advantage of the soft snow on the ground before it all melts away.We never got a hard crust layer in the snow this winter, so riding in the snow is quite doable. &nbsp However, depending on the depths, it can be hard work for the horse. &nbsp I know. &

Kimberley R Brown Edelmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13431300211884307661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498650644500050419.post-45603375461149091972009-02-21T12:32:00.003-05:002009-02-21T12:59:12.248-05:00

Eecks! &nbsp IT has arrived! &nbsp Yes, I'm talking about the 2009 NEDA Omnibus.It is still dead of winter here and we have another snowstorm coming tomorrow which is likely to dump 8 to 12 inches of the white stuff. &nbsp But the arrival of the Omnibus, with its listings of USDF recognised dressage shows in our area for 2009, means Spring is just around the corner!And, EECK!, show season! &nbsp

Kimberley R Brown Edelmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13431300211884307661noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498650644500050419.post-56120266252119124802009-02-17T14:10:00.013-05:002009-09-07T01:54:19.966-04:00

The Region 8 USDF recognised dressage competition seasons runs from mid August to mid August with the Champsionships in September. &nbsp If a rider starts trying to qualify after the long winter's snow melts, there's only 4 1/2 months in which to do so. &nbsp In New Hampshire, there are only 2 USDF recognised shows. &nbsp So for many of us, that means travelling to other states. &nbsp More miles

Kimberley R Brown Edelmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13431300211884307661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498650644500050419.post-39525153529414099302009-02-04T11:51:00.006-05:002009-09-07T01:44:36.522-04:00

We are still in deep winter in New Hampshire. &nbsp It makes it very difficult to even imagine entering at A, halting at X, and saluting the judge. &nbsp But our first competitions may be only 2 months away! &nbsp Mother Nature is going to have to back off a bit first.Meanwhile, Piper is loving winter and is keeping himself busy playing in the snow. &nbsp Little does he know what's being

Kimberley R Brown Edelmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13431300211884307661noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498650644500050419.post-57544560517316780062009-02-02T16:54:00.006-05:002009-02-04T08:50:13.476-05:00

This spring, aside from training and competing with Piper and Jeddien, I'll also be starting two youngsters.Big Ben will be 3 in April. &nbsp Bea Yewtee will be 3 in June. &nbsp Since birth, they have both been handled daily. &nbsp They were taught to lead within their first week. &nbsp And they were lunging (Parelli Natural Horsemanship style) within the first year.Last fall, both of the "B"

Kimberley R Brown Edelmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13431300211884307661noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498650644500050419.post-66511235725178996762009-01-10T10:15:00.011-05:002009-09-07T01:35:55.281-04:00

Temperatures are in the low teens again, in New Hampshire. And with that bitterly cold weather, it is hard to even imagine that the dressage competition season will be starting up again in just 2 months.It is simply too cold to ride, let alone think about serious training.So, while waiting for it to warm up, I've been going through some of the photos of Piper at the 2008 NEDA Fall Dressage

Kimberley R Brown Edelmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13431300211884307661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498650644500050419.post-83314496777256849532009-01-06T18:42:00.015-05:002009-01-06T19:30:19.287-05:00

While the USDF 2009 Region 8 Competition Calendar is not yet showing all of the upcoming competitions, I can already feel show dates looming. March. April. May. The first competitions may be only 2 months away. Hard to imagine while New Hampshire's winter is well underway with no signs of spring on the horizon.Piper is looking like a woolly bear right now. Jeddien is also quite fuzzy

Kimberley R Brown Edelmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13431300211884307661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498650644500050419.post-50173735385848419402008-11-12T19:04:00.002-05:002008-11-12T19:20:38.127-05:00

We've had our first frosts in New Hampshire. The horses are growing fuzzier by the day. And my two dressage partners, Piper & Jeddien, are both having a vacation from real training... for the moment.Meanwhile, I have just returned from my first weekend of USDF "L" Education Program, Session A, in Vermont. The USDF "L" Education Program is the first rung of dressage judge training in the

Kimberley R Brown Edelmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13431300211884307661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498650644500050419.post-72700013223895887172008-10-16T13:46:00.002-04:002008-10-16T13:59:11.928-04:00

Such a far cry from where we started the show season, Piper has truly grown as a competition dressage horse.At his final competition of the year, Piper was a little star! His jockey, Kyle, had only ridden him a few times, and yet they looked as if they had been partners for a long time.Earning two scores in the high 60's and 2nd place ribbons was super! But the best part was that, aside from a

Kimberley R Brown Edelmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13431300211884307661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498650644500050419.post-74232039523316800942008-09-18T10:48:00.005-04:002008-09-18T11:06:04.469-04:00

The last day of the big show. Sunday. Unlike Saturday, the rain stayed away. The morning was lovely. (Later that afternoon, however, it was Very Hot & Humid. Uncomfortable riding weather.) But for Piper who only had morning tests, the weather was wonderful.Training Level Test 2 was our first class on Sunday. I like this test a lot. It flows easily, it allows canter transitions to happen

Kimberley R Brown Edelmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13431300211884307661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498650644500050419.post-75137133069615090602008-09-13T20:19:00.005-04:002008-09-13T20:40:45.749-04:00

Meanwhile, by the close of Saturday evening, Jeddien has also completed a few tests. She came 5th in the 3rd Level Sweepstakes, winning $50. She also came 7th in the USDF Region 8 3rd Level Open Championships with a 61%. The class was won by Ann Gribbons with a 67%. And maybe best of all, Jeddien pulled off a 60% score for 4th Level Test 2, a test which pushes her to her current limits.One

Kimberley R Brown Edelmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13431300211884307661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498650644500050419.post-77557310615427373642008-09-13T20:00:00.003-04:002008-09-13T20:18:26.646-04:00

Thursday evening, after the day of competition closed, we were able to school in the competition arenas. We were thrilled to see that judge booths were no longer an issue. And so we just schooled.Friday morning, Piper and I followed another horse across the bridge and over to the most distant warmup arena were we had a good warmup. We did our walking squares and lots of transitions. Then we

Kimberley R Brown Edelmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13431300211884307661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498650644500050419.post-69010421101481573542008-09-13T19:18:00.002-04:002008-09-13T20:00:20.281-04:00

And so, here we are in Saugerties, New York at the NEDA Fall Festival of Dressage. Both Piper and Jeddien travelled beautifully and settled into their stalls without problems.Thursday morning, Piper was up first at 8:24 am for Training Level Test 1. With my own heart pounding louder than usual, we followed Georg across the wooden bridge, past the farrier & vet station, and along the groomed

Kimberley R Brown Edelmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13431300211884307661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498650644500050419.post-17217802404510407622008-09-08T22:11:00.004-04:002008-09-08T22:36:15.921-04:00

Piper's first class at the big New England Dressage Association Fall Dressage of Dressage is on Thursday morning at 8:24. Training Level Test 1. An hour later, I ride Jeddien at Third Level Test 2. The rest of the day is wide open. I'll probably volunteer a few hours of my time to help the NEDA team.Two days and counting.Piper was a little star today. He worked well indoors. Today, we

Kimberley R Brown Edelmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13431300211884307661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498650644500050419.post-60787781805459027422008-09-04T19:26:00.002-04:002008-09-04T19:34:42.670-04:00

Next week this time, we will have completed our first day of competition at the NEDA Fall Festival of Dressage. But that's still 7 days away.And so we continue training. Transitions, little trail rides, test patterns under the shadow of our scary "judge tent", and night time walks down the driveway.How Piper will behave on the day is an unknown. But in the leadup, he is getting better and

Kimberley R Brown Edelmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13431300211884307661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498650644500050419.post-25410372227651715352008-08-12T10:58:00.006-04:002008-08-12T11:18:13.329-04:00

Summer is zipping by.This may seem especially true thanks to having a full time job, the garden beckoning on weekends, afternoon thunderstorms, the Beijing 2008 Olympics inviting us all to stay glued to our computers and televisions, and BBQs.Actually, what more could one want? :-)Thanks to engine troubles, we failed to get to the University of New Hampshire August dressage show. We were ready

Kimberley R Brown Edelmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13431300211884307661noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498650644500050419.post-42821572040039895842008-07-29T15:15:00.004-04:002008-07-29T16:20:32.521-04:00

Georg got some great photos of Piper at the MRF Dressage schooling competition last week. View here on PicasaWeb.

Kimberley R Brown Edelmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13431300211884307661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498650644500050419.post-7917884294643527802008-07-20T23:11:00.005-04:002008-07-29T16:44:47.313-04:00

Today, Piper and I enjoyed a day at MRF Dressage in Nottingham, NH, at a schooling show. The facilities were perfect for the event. The environment was low key. The organisers and fellow competitors were all friendly and upbeat despite the warmth and humidity.But, once again, Piper wanted nothing to do with the judge's booth! It took following Mary, another dressage rider, walking in front of

Kimberley R Brown Edelmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13431300211884307661noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498650644500050419.post-39876933574575417462008-07-17T19:03:00.002-04:002008-07-17T19:12:53.541-04:00

Yesterday was hot, humid, and borderline horrible for riding. But by 8pm, after the horses had eaten dinner, as the sun was sinking down behind the trees and a full moon was rising in the east, things had cooled down quite a bit.Starting indoors, Piper and I worked on suppling exercises and transitions. Then we ventured outside, into the cooler evening air.Piper marched right down the driveway,

Kimberley R Brown Edelmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13431300211884307661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498650644500050419.post-21184056611239134842008-07-15T19:05:00.003-04:002008-07-15T19:26:10.862-04:00

Our outdoor dressage arena now sports a screened tent, placed a mere metre away from "C". Piper has somewhat gotten used to it, but still goes through a period of hesitation and refusal before moving forward. So more work is needed.Meanwhile, however, we have also been working on mileage and his ability to just keep moving forward. How? Trail riding!Sunday, we went on a 3+ hour trail ride,

Kimberley R Brown Edelmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13431300211884307661noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498650644500050419.post-36265929303284925002008-07-01T12:30:00.008-04:002008-07-01T12:50:42.069-04:00

The USDF Region 8 Dressage Competition Season whizzes by awfully quick in, especially for those who get started in April.Actually, the season goes from mid-August to mid-August. Yes, August. And the USDF Championships are in September. However, between October and April, there are no competitions. Dressage shuts down for the winter in New England, New York, and New Jersey.Piper and I started

Kimberley R Brown Edelmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13431300211884307661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498650644500050419.post-19461403119743061642008-06-17T14:01:00.009-04:002008-07-01T12:30:19.193-04:00

Piper finally posted his first USDF Training Level scores. A 3 day weekend at Mystic Valley Hunt Club in Connecticut really threw Piper into the deep end of the pool, forcing him to sink or swim. And swim, he did !MVHC ran with 3 rings. Rings 2 and 3 had the judges sitting in pretty little gazebos. Ring 1 had the judges sitting in simple functional booths.We missed Piper's first scheduled

Kimberley R Brown Edelmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13431300211884307661noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498650644500050419.post-71710951162250431872008-06-10T17:27:00.003-04:002008-06-10T17:38:22.076-04:00

Few words put shivers down my back as fast as "Heat Wave". I'm not a big fan of extreme heat. And that, of course, is exactly what New England is experiencing right now. Temperatures have been pushing right up against the 100 degree Fahrenheit mark for 3 days running. Humidity has been in the "oppressive" range.All of our horses have been outside during the day, knowing enough to seek shelter

Kimberley R Brown Edelmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13431300211884307661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498650644500050419.post-86915556734550698742008-06-02T17:07:00.008-04:002008-06-17T15:02:44.491-04:00

Every so often, I hear some people imply that dressage horses should be "wrapped in wool", kept in the stable 24 hours a day except when being trained, never turned out, and protected from the "dangers" of trail riding.For our own horses, these are simply not options. And this means that, spooky & timid as he can be at times, Piper goes trail riding.This weekend, after a working session in a

Kimberley R Brown Edelmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13431300211884307661noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498650644500050419.post-76290905792181169872008-05-27T22:37:00.003-04:002008-05-27T22:47:07.895-04:00

Today, the entry for Piper's next competition was sent out. Over $700 worth.We are headed to a 3 day show, with plans of arriving the day before the show starts so that we can take advantage of ring access prior to the competition.The USDF allows a maximum of 3 dressage tests per day, so that's what I entered. 9 tests all together. Training Level Tests 1, 2, and 4... everyday. And for each T4

Kimberley R Brown Edelmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13431300211884307661noreply@blogger.com0