Connecticut Dressage Association

By Fern Feldman

Region 8 held its annual meeting along with NEDA’s on Saturday, November 4th during NEDA’s Dr. Knipp Symposium. First of all, NEDA did an excellent job organizing the clinic and it certainly seemed to be well attended and received. It was my first trip to the equestrian center at Johnson and Wales, and I certainly was impressed. The facility is lovely, the students involved couldn’t have been more helpful. From my short visit there, Beth Beukema certainly seems to have a wonderful program going.

I had asked the coordinators from the various councils to prepare reports and provide those there with copies; thus, circumventing simply reading reports aloud. (Feel free to contact me for copies of any of them.) We spent the time discussing the proposed AHSA freestyle rules, with Ann Guptill, the chair of that committee, leading the conversation. Those present fully supported the provision requiring a minimum

score at the highest test of the level before a freestyle can be ridden. This rule has yet to be discussed by the Freestyle Committee and the Board of Governors at the USDF convention in Cincinnati. Recommendations can be made from this group to AHSA, but it is the latter that decides on the rules that competitors have to follow. The vote will be at the AHSA convention in January 2001.

A question was raised about the dispute between AHSA and USET, and the role that USDF can play. The disagreement has to do with the roles that each of those organizations has pertaining to the selection and control of international competitors representing the United States. I did discuss this with Sam Barish, the president of USDF, and essentially he said that this issue is not really relevant to USDF. The 2 parties have formed a task force whose intention it is to make a recommendation to both groups. USDF is an educational organization that does not take part in international competitive issues. That certainly does not mean that we, either as a group or individually, should not be concerned with the balance of power between AHSA and USET. There is ample representation from USDF on the various AHSA committees. We should be an informed electorate and are free to express our opinions at any time.

I am happy to say that USDF and NEDA shared a booth at the recent Equine Affaire that was held, November 9-12 in Springfield, MA. This being the first year for both, we only had educational materials to distribute (and willing volunteers to answer questions), but I know that our intentions for 2001 are to do it again—and better. Hopefully, we would have merchandise to sell, etc. It certainly is THE PLACE TO BE, with thousands walking through, all disciplines, everything to buy, and plenty of excellent clinics and educational opportunities. I am already looking for helpers, so please call me. I’ll keep your name on file for the year, don’t worry!

The Advanced Young Rider Clinic with Mr. Conrad Schumacher was held October 31-November 2 at Gleneden Dressage, with 8 young riders participating. There were a good number of auditors and I know that they benefited from watching Mr. Schumacher work with the talented youngsters. He is dedicated, committed, talented, and thorough—even offering lectures to the kids during his lunch hour. Hopefully, he will return in the spring. USDF’s Connection always lists the dates and the locations.

Next report after the convention. As you might know, I am up for re-election. At the moment, I’m unopposed, although nominations are accepted from the floor. So, you’ll hear from your next elected representative or me soon!