CSDressage

Two shows, one post! #7 and #8 of the season exceeded my expectations, a fabulous segway into championships. A few weeks ago Travis made his 4th level debut at the SLADS show, scoring up to 65% in 4-3! A huge highlight was getting an 8(!) on his 3x tempis.

Last weekend Trav continued his 4th level campaign at Silverwood with scores up to 69% and some fantastic feedback from the judges. This time earning 8’s on his pirouettes, he is now fully qualified for regionals at 4th level in addition to 3rd and 3rd freestyle.

Valkor also made the haul to Silverwood where we found a new level of partnership, receiving scores up to 80% 🤯🤯🤯 At 1st level and 1st level freestyle! He’s given me glimpses of this potential at home, but to bring it to the show ring is just an unreal feeling. The sky’s the limit for this floppy-eared boy!

Marsha I hope you’re as proud of your boys as I am, thank you for everything you do.

Next stop: REGIONALS!

It’s here! Who’s getting up early to watch?!

Team M&M had a fantastic time at the CenterLine Dressage Firecracker schooling show yesterday!

Alyssa and Clayton showed T-3 and 1-1, laying down two of their most consistent tests to date. They even ended up Jr High Point of the show! Great to see all their hard work show up in the ring 💪🏼

Starla rode Misty in her first ever dressage show. They rode Intro C and T-1 and handled the outing like old pros! Looking forward to the next show 🤩

Jodie made a triumphant return to the show ring after a few years off, this time on the pocket perchy Travis. They laid down two solid tests for a clean sweep, all blues 🏆

Hannah also made her show debut on Misty in the lead line division and had a fabulous time. And how about our fabulous ensemble 😄

It’s so wonderful to have this opportunity so close to home, grateful for the opportunity to inspire the next generation. Excellent work, everyone!

Travis 3rd Level Freestyle

2 horses, 3 days, 11 tests, and a whole lot of fun!
Valkor and Trav returned to Lamplight last weekend for show #6 of the season and they did not disappoint!

I am thrilled with how my partnership with Val has improved even since the last show. This weekend he competed training level and stepped up to first level, earning scores up to 73%! I’m still learning how to bring out the best in this horse in the ring, but it’s so rewarding to feel our partnership getting stronger every show.

Trav and I gained more experience at 3-3, and had an absolute blast riding our 3rd level freestyle. It was a party in the ring as we danced our way to scores up to 72%, getting qualified for Regionals and completing my bronze freestyle bar 🥉
Stay tuned for a video…

I’m forever grateful to Marsha Harshman for supporting the journey with these boys, their future is exciting!

Super exciting!!! I had half a mind to create one, but had zero time to set it up. So glad USDF did, looking forward to participating!

📚 USDF is pleased to announce the launch of the new USDF Book Club, the latest program in a long list of education initiatives and opportunities created and offered by USDF. By participating in the USDF Book Club, members will be introduced to the published works of some of the industry’s top authors and professionals.

📅 USDF will announce the book schedule for the year in December of the year before – 4 books per year, with a quarterly discussion schedule

📖 2024 books: ‘Riding Through’ by Debbie McDonald (July – September), and ‘Dressage for the Not-So-Perfect Horse’ by Janet Foy (October – December)

🙋‍♀️Participants will have the opportunity to interact with the authors during Q&A sessions with the The Dressage Radio Show podcast and through webinars.

👩‍🎓 Opportunities to earn USDF University education credits via webinar attendance, quizzes, and submissions of “keywords” provided in Dressage Radio Show podcast episodes.

🏆 GMO and Regional awards will be available based on member participation.

📕 Officially launching in July 2024, the USDF Book Club’s first selection will be ‘Riding Through’ by Debbie McDonald, followed by ‘Dressage for the Not-So-Perfect Horse’ by Janet Foy as the final 2024 selection.

📌 For more information about the USDF Book Club visit: https://usdf.org/education/book-club.asp

Had a fabulous time at CenterLine Dressage’s annual Classic show this past weekend!

I had the pleasure of showing Pat Conner’s fantastic Clydesdale Sammy again, this time bumping him up to training level. While he definitely packed his opinions to this show, he gained valuable show mileage and many adoring fans 😆

Big congratulations to Chris and Payton for earning both their qualifying scores for regionals at Second Level, look out for this pair at Pony Cup in a couple of weeks 😎

It was great to work with Meg and her handsome boy Smoke again, she does such an awesome job with him. It was great to watch his confidence and relaxation build over the weekend, each ride was better than the last 💪🏼

Huge thank you to the village that made this show happen; from the organizers, to the officials, to the sponsors, and of course the volunteers!

SUPER late on this post, but here we go! Windy City was show #4 of the season, and round 2 for both Boo Sinclair and Valkor.

A while back I came across a quote, “Set goals so high that they demand an entirely different version of you.” And then I found Valkor.
This horse challenges me to bring my best self to each ride, and while I’m still learning just what that looks like, we managed to come away from this show fully qualified for regionals. I’m very pleased with the progress we made over the weekend, and I’m excited to continue building our partnership both in and out of the show ring.

Sales horse Boo came along to continue sharpening his 3rd level skills. I was so impressed with how he handled the busy atmosphere of Lamplight; he was brave in the rings, unphased by the torrential downpour on Saturday, and even brought home a reserve champion in the open 3rd level! He’s ready to find his next dance partner, message me for details.

Thank you Marsha for your continued support, and thank you John Borys Photography for the fabulous pictures. What a difference a day made!

Memorial Day weekend we had a FABULOUS bit fitting clinic with Felicia of Bits N’ Such at M&M Farm. The process was absolutely fascinating, and the difference in the horses when we found the right bit was incredible. The new bits are starting to arrive, and I can’t wait to see how much everyone improves!

Show #3 of the season is in the books, and it was definitely one to remember!

Travis the trusty pocket perchy came out strong at 3rd level with scores up to 69% and is now qualified for Regionals. While it was incredible to feel how much stronger he is at this level in the ring, the highlight for me came in the warmup where he gave me five beautiful 4x tempis. When I first started riding him, I jokingly said I was going to make him a PSG horse. 5 years later, it’s so exciting to feel that within reach! This horse is a shining example of where a good brain and correct training can get you, even with average gaits, and I could not be happier with how far he has come. Enjoy those naps, big guy!

After a 3 year break, Domburg made his way down centerline at 4th level and it was certainly worth the wait! To say my relationship with this horse has been tumultuous would be an understatement. He has taught me more about being tactful than any other horse I’ve ridden. So receiving comments like “Harmonious Pair” and “Pleasant Ride” made getting both qualifying scores for Regionals just icing on the cake. I am SO PROUD of the relationship I’ve built with this horse, and I cannot wait to see where this season takes us.

Marsha Harshman thank you for trusting me with these two, and for your unwavering faith in the process even when I was unsure. I truly could not do this without your support.

I also got to be a proud coach and choreographer as Barb Geissler and Pony danced their 4th level freestyle for the first time. It was so fun seeing this dream turn to reality, and they are now half way towards their silver freestyle bar!

Honorable mention to Kristen Becker for friendly competition and camaraderie. HUGE congratulations on your PSG debut, I’m still so excited for you!
To Kate Fleming-Kuhn and Martin Kuhn for your expert guidance at home, you guys never let me settle and I’m so much better for it.
And to Julie K Welch and Custom Saddlery for keeping all my horses well fitted in my favorite saddles, I’m so excited to officially be part of the team!

It takes a village at home to keep these guys feeling their best. Thank you to all the support staff at M&M Farm, vets, chiro and farrrier involved in keeping all our horses happy, healthy, and show ready!

Next stop, Windy City!

CLD Members only!

M&M Farm is hosting a Bridle Fitting Clinic on May 26 and 25th featuring Felicia Sackett of

If you would like to audit this clinic or inquire about participating, please email Tae Erickson at [email protected]

This opportunity is only open to members of CenterLine Dressage.

Second show of the season is in the books! This past weekend I took 2 horses to CenterLine Dressage’s IceBreaker show, and I’m just thrilled with the results.

Iron Horse MM Marq Twain, the lovable Clydesdale known as Sammy, made his first ever trip down centerline, earning respectable scores up to 70% and taking home all blues! So proud of how this marshmallow handled his first under saddle show. Congratulations to owner Pat Connor and breeder Dr. Linda Harmon, thank you for trusting me with this special boy!

Marsha Harshman’s Boo Sinclair came out at 3rd level earning a 66% and a 67% and two blues. I’m so pleased with how this boy handled the busy atmosphere and stayed with me through each ride. It has been so fun getting to know this sweet boy. If you’re looking for a horse that can easily get you your 🥉this boy is available! Contact me at [email protected] if you’d like more information on this special horse.

Thank you CenterLine Dressage and Arab, Inc for putting on a great show, looking forward to the rest of the season!

Super visual for corner depth. Only go as deep as the balance can be maintained! Your horse should feel powered up on the backside, not shut down.

DRESSAGE TRIVIA:

Do you know the answer to this "CORNER CONUNDRUM?" 🤔

How deep are you supposed to ride into your corners?

The answer is, it depends, and here's why:👇

Information is VAGUE out there! But according to the USEF Rule Book, “Corners should be ridden as one-quarter of a volte appropriate to the level of the test (10 meters at training-First Levels, 8 meters at Second-Fourth Levels and 6 meters above Fourth Level).”
[USEF Rule Book DR109]

But in reality, it depends on the development of both the horse and the rider. And in my humble opinion, this is the BEST answer. 🙌
It is far better to ride a good corner that will help support you and your horse for the next movement than to try to jam yourself into a black hole 😉

So definitely strive for the USEF guidelines, but only go as deep as you and your horse can without disturbing the rhythm, balance, and harmony.

Valkor has entered the chat!

This weekend the big guy made his first trip down centerline and he did not disappoint. I was so impressed with how he handled himself, taking the atmosphere in (his giant) stride, and bringing in some respectable scores to boot. I’m so excited to see what the future holds for this handsome talent! And those ears…

HUGE thanks to Marsha Harshman for your continued support and for trusting me to develop this guy, and to the rest of the village behind us too. We’re working hard to make you proud!

I will be available for braiding at April at the Arxh 4/6-7. Email [email protected] or text to book

Mistakes are where the learning happens!

“I will not get upset with you for making a mistake, I’ll be disappointed if you chose to not learn from it.”

Let that one sink in. Coaches: understand the trust that this mentality establishes between you and your students. Students: realize that you’re holding yourself back by fearing making mistakes.

Your perception of mistakes can make or break your mentality as an athlete. Mistakes, by definition, mean something went wrong. We don’t mess up on purpose, we don’t wake up saying “todays the day I get it wrong!” When shortsighted, your mistakes can be devastating. No, you’re not winning the class. Yes, your trainer will give you constructive criticism and it might be uncomfortable but you need to hear it. Long term, this mistake likely won’t matter and you’ve just provided yourself an opportunity to learn to do it better moving forward. You have a chance to ask questions, seek learning. You found a weakness which you can now improve upon. Several potential causes for struggling with mistakes: perfectionism and people pleasing being common. Two big perception takeaways 1) state vs trait. You MADE a mistake (state) you are not MADE OF mistakes (trait). The former is empowering because it gives you room to improve, the latter holds you back because of your self-imposed feeling like a failure. 2) in shutting down when making a mistake, you make yourself uncoachable and inhibit forward movement. Instead of perceiving your mistakes as personal attacks, let down your guard to let in the learning that’s been knocking the whole time

To improve your ability to ride with a forward tendency in your arms ...

Imagine your hands, in riding position, pushing against an imaginary wall. This will give you the right feeling and, at the same time, will lengthen your back and help you sit deeper.—Susanne von Dietze

Super visuals! Not every moment can (or should!) be show ring perfect. The ability to adjust the frame is key 🔑

The IceBreaker Schooling show features both Classic and Western Dressage. So, what tests will you be riding?

Happy to my leading ladies 🥰

Get these dates on your calendar now!

🏆Icebreaker Schooling Show - April 20-21, 2024
🥇Classic I & II - June 22 & 23, 2024
🏆Fire Cracker Schooling Show - July 6, 2024

HOW TO GET THE JUDGE ON YOUR SIDE!

People often wonder what they can do to improve their scores, and get the judges to look for reasons to give points, and not hand them reasons to take points away, as they strive to show their equine partners.

Here are a few.

Show your horse at a level that you and your horse are proficient.

It does not matter if it is a new show season. If you have not done the work to prepare for a higher level, do not enter classes above where your horse can do all of the requirements somewhat comfortably.

Prepare.

Grooming training and preparing take months of practice and the judge knows what a well turned out and prepared horse and rider look like. That means every thing. Groomed to perfection, tack clean and conditioned, clothing clean and appropriate.
You and your horse should be fit enough for the warm up and the class plus 10-15 extra minutes. Meaning you or your horse should not be “so tired” that you use the walk portion of the test to catch your breath. The whole test needs to be ridden to the best of your collective abilities.

Smile and have empathy.

For your horse, the judge and the other competitors. Be a good sport. Don’t hog the warmup. I was at regionals in a crowded warmup recently with a young horse and I was on the rail and a rider came straight towards me not leaving enough room as she flew towards us and passed left to left in a medium canter. But her whip hit my horse in the face causing him to jump out of the ring and then be apprehensive about oncoming traffic. Leave room and keep an eye for green horses or riders when at the show.

A smile and a composed face do a lot to let the judge know that you are there to present your horse. You are there as his friend and leader first and a competitor second. Judges appreciate riders who know how much they can ask of their horse in the ring.

Ride accurately

If you do not ride the test precisely the judge has to believe that either you cannot steer through a correct pattern or your horse does not steer correctly. Don’t lose those points. Perfect practice makes perfect. Video yourself as often as you can find a way to do so and fix the big, then small problems until they disappear. An accurate test with a well turned out horse and rider who has a good attitude and empathy for the horse will get noticed and rewarded.

Watch and learn.

When you have a chance, watch tests of those better than you or classes you hope to prepare for. Watch the warm up, the ride, and then go check out the score and see if it matches your thoughts. Train your eye so you are not surprised by your scores.

Be courteous

To everyone. Show management, other competitors, well just everyone. Congratulate folks that do well, and mean it.
Everyone is on their own journey even those in your class. You may not know what it took for someone to even get to show so…. Be courteous.

Have fun.

Make up your mind ahead of time to have fun showing. Become part of a group at the show so you have a team to cheer you on and help if needed. Ask a trainer you know if you can stable with them if no one from your barn is going. Make friends have fun!

In the long run it is all about you and your horse. You want him on your side, ready to work for you and feeling good about his job. When that happens you have already won.
Happy Centerlines!

Trav and I had a blast at the USDF Region 2 Championships! This year our show season was short and sweet as we focused on the (literal) jump from Second level to Third. But the Pocket Perchy and I made it count! His first time out at 3-3 he gave me fabulous rides earning scores up to 65% and one of the best comments I’ve received on this guy. One score down for Regionals next year, and we are now qualified for the freestyle!
We had two Championship rides as well, dancing our way to a 4th place finish in the Open Second Level Freestyle, and coming in 7th in the Open Second Level.
A HUGE thank you to Marsha for your unwavering support and encouragement as we chase the stars. I’m forever grateful you enjoy the ride as much as we do! And of course, thank you to the entire village behind Trav and I; we may be alone in the ring, but we couldn’t be there without the rockstar team that surrounds us at M&M Farm
Now it’s good riddance to Second Level, onwards and upwards!

Ever wonder about the origins of the dressage letters? Here ya go! Based on the German Imperial system, the letters indicate where each horse should stand for their rider.

I’ve found myself saying this quite a bit in recent lessons, such a good illustration!💡

To maintain an attached, supple balance of your seat …

Imagine your stirrups are like a trampoline. You cannot brace into a trampoline, but if you keep your ankles, knees and hips soft and able to bend, you can maintain your balance on the trampoline.

Stephany Fish Crossman is a USDF bronze and silver medalist as well as one of only nine accredited coaches for Mary Wanless’ Ride With Your Mind Biomechanics System in the U.S. She is currently based in Brooksville, Florida, with her husband, Chris, who is a cattle rancher; her two horses that she’s taking up the levels; and her pet cows.

🎨: Sandy Rabinowitz

COOL SCIENCE (pun intended)!

An old myth wants us to believe that horses should be walked until they cool completely after exercise, even in the summer. However, a study from 2020 looked at five different ways to cool a horse after exercise: walking, walking with fans, walking with intermittent cold water application, walking with intermittent cold water application and scraping, and stationary with continuous tap water application. As it turns out, the method that resulted in the quickest return to normal body temperature was stationary with continuous tap water application (2 minutes), while walking alone took the longest time for recovery (25 minutes).

Bottom line: enjoy your rides in the sun this summer but remain vigilant for signs of heat stress in your horse. If they look tired, it’s time for a drink, a cool bath, and a break in the shade.
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Brough to you by the AAEP Horse Owner Education Committee

THIS! I call it the cookie jar, take all those good moments and stash them, so on bad days you can pull out that memory and remind yourself you’re still a badass 💪🏼

I was scared today.

I was scared to get on, scared to walk out the yard because I had a bad ride the day before. One bad ride, and it made me scared.

I didn’t know why. I’ve had 1000 bad rides. I’ve had 1000 falls. I’ve broken bones and bruised my pride on countless occasions, but today I was scared.

Why? Because confidence is fragile. It takes months and years to build and seconds to lose and yet we are so careless with it.

When we get on a horse, we wear a hat to protect our head. We wear body protectors, gloves, boots...

We pay so much attention to protecting ourselves physically, we forget that our minds are not invincible, and our confidence certainly is not.

Your bank of confidence needs regular deposits, not just from others... but from you. Self confidence is the most valuable currency in life.

When you go to get on, and you hesitate, you falter and you start to ask yourself “can I do this?”, chances are, your account is almost empty.

Every time you laugh and say “oh no, I’m no good” or “so and so is 10x better than me”, you make a withdrawal from that account, and before you know it, your account is empty and you’re scared to get on.

But every time you say “I’m really pleased with how that went” or “I think I rode that really well”, your balance increases.

We need to learn to give ourselves a break, pat ourselves on the back and allow ourselves to feel proud of where we are - after all, most of the time we’ve worked bloody hard to get there!

Recognising your strengths is just as important as recognising your weaknesses. Never allow yourself or anyone else to empty that account.

Confidence is valuable, don’t bankrupt yourself.

Reiner Klimke told us:
"Contact does not mean that by pulling the reins we will have it. The horse should step into the contact and establish an outline corresponding to the respective pace; an outline within which it can best develop its power. This is the aim of stepping into the contact. The rider's legs, weight and hands bring the horse into a form within which it can carry itself so that it can move most comfortably. Then it will be able to move, when it is muscled up, to the best of its ability." Pic taken by Werner Ernst Read more on good contact:
https://www.horsemagazine.com/thm/2021/10/contact-what-is-good-contact/