First good news for the State of Jefferson!!!!  We finally got our website up and running WooHoo!!  Thanks so much to the hard work of Amber Rangel, she really made it happen.  Please check it out when you can.  It is got all our upcoming activities, minutes from meetings.  www.stateofjeffersondressage.org

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We had a nice turnout for our March potluck meeting.   We had a lot of good food, and nice conversation before, during and after our meeting.   We had our usual members attending, with some new faces again this month. We welcomed Pamela Smith as a new member, and a resource for some future meeting topics.  Jorine Rietman has been a member, but March was her first actual meeting with us.  It’s always wonderful to see new faces, and we hope to keep seeing them on a regular basis.

The Bears Show had another successful year, and it was decided we would host the Bears Show next year, in March, at the same facility.  Sylvia has graciously volunteered to be our secretary again, so we can expect another well organized, fun event.  See you there in 2013.

We’re beginning to plan a Ride-a-Test clinic, tentatively scheduled for July 7, so mark your calendars.  We’ll be posting updates as the particulars get worked out.

On a more serious note…..one of our members, Karina Molatore, and her husband were in a tragic head on car accident in November.   They suffered life altering injuries and are still recuperating.  Karina had just joined our chapter, and the Christmas party was going to be her first time with us.  Though still recovering and working through rehabilitation, Karina hopes to return to riding one day.  She has a beautiful Morgan cross named Sonny, who the barn manager, Elyse Evans, and a senior high schooler, Taylor Brummett, are starting to train to drive, so that Karina has additional equestrian options with her horse.  It is so kind of these two horsewomen to use their time to help Karina in this way.

Karina, though still unable to walk, was recently able to be taken from the rehab center for a couple short outings to visit Sonny.  She had not been able to see him since the accident in November, so this was a very special reunion.  There are many things Sonny will have to learn on this journey too, so if there are other trainers familiar with therapy horse training, all help would be appreciated.  Or, if anyone has a therapy horse that they would be willing to donate to Karina as her future dressage mount that would be more than we could hope for.

Because insurance has run out, Karina will be sent home to complete her recovery on her own.  When she is able to return to riding she will need therapeutic riding instruction, and additional special work with Sonny.   I know that our chapter will try to do what we can to help Karina when she is ready to get back to riding, and I’m asking that other chapters help another ODS friend as well.  If anyone has any ideas for a fundraiser, CMC would be happy to help in whatever way we can, or if anyone has other suggestions for helping with Karina’s recovery, please contact me, so that as a group we can work together to help her back to riding.

Karina had another surgery in mid-April, so please keep her in your thoughts, and include her in your prayers. You can write to Karina at:  Karina Molatore…..763 NW Donelson St….Hillsboro, OR 97124   Her email is:  karina.molatore@gmail.com  Karina can also be friended on Facebook, by searching on Karina Mauldin Molatore.   For additional information and ways to help please visit the web site that has been set up for Karina and Paul:  www.helppaulandkarina.com.

Karina is a kind and warm person that has suffered an unfair tragedy, and after getting to know her I’m in awe of her strength and courage.  I also know that the hope of riding again and being with her horse is what keeps her looking toward a bright future.  I know Karina would love to hear from you, and you will love talking with her, so please send her a message, and thank you in advance for anything you can do to help.

Our May 14 meeting at Clover Valley Equestrian Center, starting at 7PM, will feature guest speaker Pamela Smith.  Pamela will be discussing basic hoof anatomy, balance of the equine hoof, and all the health benefits of a barefoot horse.  Pamela graduated from a yearlong study through Equine Soundness.  Her special interest is working with foals, and pathological hooves.  Pamela’s practice is in the surrounding Portland area.  Please join us for an educational evening on May 14.…..Sharon Knowlton

California’s horse owners are being urged to inoculate their horses now against the mosquito-borne West Nile virus to ensure optimal protection.

In 2011, 15 horses in California were confirmed positive for the virus. Four of the 15 were euthanized. None of the euthanized horses were vaccinated.

“Outbreaks of West Nile virus are still a risk for horses,” California State Veterinarian Dr Annette Whiteford said.

“If people get the necessary shots for their horses now, the animals will have optimal protection against the disease.”

Horse owners should contact their veterinarians as soon as possible to ensure their vaccination status is current, she said.

Signs of West Nile virus include stumbling, staggering, wobbling, weakness, muscle twitching and inability to stand.

Horses contract the disease from carrier mosquitoes and are not contagious to other horses or people.

Not every horse exposed to the virus will die, but, over the past eight years, affected horses have experienced a mortality rate of nearly 40 per cent.

More information on West Nile:  http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/ahfss/Animal_Health/WNV_Info.html

MINUTES of NEO Chapter

Meeting date:  4/22/2012

Call to order: The second quarter meeting of the NEO Chapter, was held in La Grande,Oregon onApril 22, 2012. The meeting convened at 2:00 pm, President Zoe Wallace presiding, and Barbara Weinkauf, secretary.

Members in attendance: Karen Hasel,  Kim Hilton,  Mike Weinkauf and Lise Yervasi

Approval of minutes: Motion was made by Kim Hilton and seconded by Karen Hasel to approve the minutes of theFebruary 15, 2012 meeting.

Motion carried.

Officers’ reports: (more…)

The Dressage Foundation is now accepting applications from U.S. dressage breeders who want to continue their education in the United States or overseas.

The Elysium Farm Fund for U.S. Breeder Excellence, established at The Dressage Foundation in 2011 by Abbey Henderson, provides financial assistance to breeders to pursue educational opportunities related to breeding that will advance their careers, promote sound breeding practices and further enhance the quality of U.S.-bred dressage horses.

Specifically, the Elysium Farm Fund for U.S. Breeder Excellence supports attendance at educational programs related to breeding, such as a United States Dressage Federation (USDF) Sport Horse Seminar, the American Hanoverian Society Breed Orientation Course, the Hannoveraner Verband’s Breed Orientation Course, or similar educational program.  No preference is given to programs focusing on a particular breed.  Preference is given to USDF members.

The maximum amount to be awarded will be $1,000 per year for programs held in the U.S. and up to $5,000 per year for programs held overseas.  The amount awarded will depend on the financial plan provided as part of the application.

Completed applications are due to The Dressage Foundation by May 1^st for consideration.  Grant announcements will be made no later than August 1st.

Application and donation information for the Elysium Farm Fund for U.S. Breeder Excellence is available at The Dressage Foundation website, www.dressagefoundation.org.

For more information about The Dressage Foundation, please contact Jenny Johnson or Melissa Filipi at (402) 434-8585 or visit www.dressagefoundation.org.

The Dressage Foundation

The Dressage Foundation is a 501(c)(3), non-profit, tax-exempt, donor-driven organization that is dedicated to supporting and advancing the sport of dressage.  The organization solicits contributions, appropriately allocates the donations, and awards grants and scholarships to dressage riders of all ages and levels.  For more information, please visit www.dressagefoundation.org.

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From the President:
Happy 2012, fellow PCTC members!  I’m really looking forward to a good year of riding, learning, and collaborating on all things dressage! It’s a great time to get your 2012 calendar together–starting with PCTC favorites, including Ernie clinics and the chapter’s ever-popular Dressage Can Be Fun Show during Halloween weekend.
Speaking of calendars, have you seen the newly updated ODS online calendar? It’s got some great interactive features that allow you to receive important reminders, and it is very easy to submit new events for posting. We
will be making sure that all PCTC events are listed and are current on the ODS calendar, so there is just one place you need to go for all your dressage activities.
On behalf of the PCTC board, we would love to see you at any of our chapter meetings, Ernie clinics, other chapter or ODS activities, and definitely if you can volunteer your time at the Dressage Can Be Fun Show later in the year.
Cheers,
Marci Sanders
Read more of the PCTC Newsletter by clicking here:  PCTCNewsletterSpring2012

By Helen Murray

s-Hertogenbosch, The Netherland s- The 2012 Rolex/FEI World Cup Final came to an exciting conclusion Sunday afternoon at the Indoor Barbant in the final competition, held over two rounds. Louis Koninck once again challenged riders over two stiff courses. However, a total of four rounds of competition were not enough to crown a winner of the 2012 Finals. Rich Fellers of the United States and Switzerland’s Steve Guerdat remained tied on one fault following the conclusion of the second round. They would need to return to the ring for a final jump-off to decide a winner. When Fellers (Sherwood, OR) and Harry and Mollie Chapman’s Flexible entered the ring as the second combination in the jump-off the U.S. was amidst a 25 year drought of Rolex/FEI World Cup Finals winners. No more. Fellers and the 16-year-old Irish Sport Horse stallion scorched to a clear round over the short course in a time of 25.97; besting Guerdat and Nino Des Buissonnets by .64 seconds. “I think it’s great for the sport in our country (to have a World Cup winner).” Said Fellers, “Regardless of who won, it’s great for our country.” Chef d’Equipe George Morris summed up the thoughts of all in the U.S. camp when he reflected about how it felt to have a winner for the first time since 1987. “Terrific, terrific, terrific.” Fellers entered the second round of competition in a three-way tie for the lead after a fault free effort in Sunday’s initial round. Just as he had done Thursday, on his way to winning the speed leg of the Finals, Flexible produced an efficient, tidy round over the 12 obstacle course. In the second round, the pair produced another clear round to force the jump-off. Heading into the final day of the championship, Fellers the runner-up in the 2008 Finals with Flexible, believed he could win with his partner of 10 years. “I went in there thinking; I’ve got to win this. I may not get another chance with Flexible and he’s such a good horse.” Listen to a complete interview with Fellers regarding the 2012 Rolex/FEI World Cup Finals here. Fellers and Flexible (Susan J. Stickle/PhelpsSports.com) Richard Spooner, Beezie Madden and Kent Farrington also landed in the top twenty of the overall standings for the United States. Spooner (Agua Dulce, CA) and Show Jumping Syndication International’s Cristallo finished in 16th place after producing four and eight fault efforts in rounds one and two respectively. In addition to his World Cup finish, Spooner also enjoyed tremendous success in the CSI3* this week. With Molly Ohrstrom’s Billy Bianca he won two speed classes; Friday’s Brabants Dagblad Prijs and Sunday’s VDL Groep Prijs. While on Saturday night he was third with Little Valley Farm’s Apache in the Rabobank Grote Prijs. Madden (Cazenovia, NY) and Abigail Wexner’s Cortes ‘C’ completed in 17th place, in the horse’s first attempt in a Finals. In round one they lowered the height of fences at 10 and 12B for an eight fault total. In the second round, the U.S. team veteran recovered masterfully after experiencing difficulty in the triple, to jump an otherwise tidy round. Finishing in 18th place was Farrington (Wellington, FL) and RCG Farm’s Uceko. The pair had four and eight fault totals in the two rounds of Sunday’s final competition. The U.S. was also represented in the first round of today’s final competition by Margie Engle (Wellington, FL) and Kirsten Coe (Johnston, SC). Finishing in second place overall in the 2012 Rolex/FEI World Cup was Guerdat, with Swiss countrymen Pius Schwizer with Carlina collected third place honors. Follow the 2012 U.S. Jumping Team; http://usefnetwork.com/featured/2012Jumping/ Details about the Finals are available at http://www.indoorbrabant.com/  ENDS

The vision of the United States Equestrian Federation® is to provide leadership   for equestrian sport in the United States of America by promoting the pursuit   of excellence from the grassroots to the Olympic Games, based on a   foundation of fair, safe competition and the welfare   of its human and equine athletes.

Lexington, KY – The 2012 USEF Dressage Festival of Champions and USEF Dressage Selection Trial for the 2012 Olympic Games will take place June 8-10 and 13-17, 2012 at the USET Foundation Headquarters in Gladstone, NJ. Members of the media who would like to request credentials to cover should submit an application by June 1, 2012.

The competition will play host to several championship divisions. On June 8-10, riders will contest the National Pony Rider, National Junior, National Young Rider and National Grand Prix/Olympic Games Selection Trials Part I divisions. The National Young Adult “Brentina Cup”, National Intermediaire I and National Grand Prix/Olympic Games Selection Trials Part II divisions will take place June 13-17.

The 2012 USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage National Championship and Paralympic Selection Trial will also take place between the two competition weekends at the USEF Dressage Festival of Champions. The riders will jog on June 10 and compete June 11-13.

To obtain the necessary application form, please contact Kathleen Landwehr at klandwehr@usef.org with a brief explanation of your media assignment.

For more information about the event, please visit: http://www.usef.org/_iframes/breedsdisciplines/discipline/alldressage/dressagefestival.aspx

Shelly Moore on Max , Photo Copyright Alise LamoreauxKathy Flynn on Monday, photo copyright Alise Lamoreaux

 ODS would love to publish stories of our member’s participation in educational opportunities.  Submit your story and photos to: news@oregondressage.com.  Please enjoy the first in a series for 2012.

Kathy Flynn on Monday, photo copyright Alise Lamoreaux

This intensive workshop taught by Jane Guzman is the first in a series of four scheduled for 2012.  The workshop theme was Building A Strong Foundation.

We enjoyed lunch time lectures by Jane each day as well as the clinic rides through out the day.  Because this was a workshop format, each riding session was followed by a question & answer period relating specifically to the prior ride.  Jane’s daily lectures were Achieveable Goal Development for Horse and Rider, Conformation and Soundness for Longevity, and Plan For Progress followed by a clinic de-brief and a final question/answer period.  The participants and auditors enjoyed a great clinic with many types and varieties of horse and rider.  The participants represented many breeds, disciplines, and training levels.  We enjoyed watching western, dressage, young horses and a few school masters all improve in their training and become stronger and more flexible at the end of their sessions.  The riders came away with a new understanding of their specific horse’s strengths and weaknesses and how to help their horses develop and improve using the Training Scale and linking exercises for the individual horse.  There were many new faces at this workshop and we are looking forward to our next workshop May 18-20.

Jane Guzman (formerly Jane Armour) is a BHSI certified instructor in instruction and stable mangement from Moorpark, California.  She is also a certified examiner for the BHSI and a judge.  Jane is known as the “Horse-One-Ship” clinician.  She has several books and DVDs available from Amazon and an active Facebook Page.  Look her up!

Submitted by Shelly Moore, an ODS member since 1991