Dressage Niagara's first show of the season was held May 20th at Effingham Stables on Effingham Street in Ridgeville.
Photo Credits: Donna Gee
Dressage Niagara has a new show venue and three EC Sanctioned Bronze & Silver Shows on the schedule for 2018. Our first show of the season was held May 20th at Effingham Stables on Effingham Street in Ridgeville. Dressage Niagara’s mission is to promote the sport of Dressage in the Niagara Region.
Although Mother Nature seemed determined to mess with our ring footing, eager riders, and a super show staff, ring crew, judge & steward prevailed, and the show proceeded with only some minor adjustments. Although thoroughbred race horses at the Preakness can race in the slop, dressage horses don’t!!
Dressage is compared to “figures” in the Skating world, with subjective judging, and marks out of 10 for each element performed on a set pattern, executed at letters spaced around the ring, in a 20x60m outdoor arena. Scores are based on accuracy & training; performing each element at the assigned letter, and demonstrating the basics of the elements progressing to execution at the highest level, with balance, and thoroughness, and consistency. Various figures are performed at walk, trot & canter, demonstrating flexibility, suppleness, balance, impulsion, submission, rider’s position and effectiveness, and the overall pleasing presentation of the horse & rider as one.
Riders from Juniors, Adult Amateurs and Open Divisions (riders/coaches receiving renumeration to ride, or those experienced beyond the levels they are currently competing) had practised their tests through the long winter months, and were ready to show outdoors early in the season. Difficulty of tests progressed from Walk/Trot to Fourth Level and were scored by Equestrian Canada certified Judge Vivian Hemsley & with EC rules compliance managed & verified by Steward Marilyn Elkin. Riders competed for ribbons and sponsor donated highpoint prizes, and members of Dressage Niagara accumulate tests scores for year end prizes at their individual level at the seasons completion banquet & Club’s Annual General Meeting.
Effingham Stables owners Kerry & Chris Maddocks & resident coach Jenny Jelen hosted with super efficiency and a delicious BBQ breakfast & lunch food booth, everyone from their ring crew and barn staff took part to make it an awesome day.
Highpoint Ribbons
(highest single score for their division) & prizes sponsored by Heath Equine
Therapies, Horse Journals Canada & Equine Guelph were presented to:
· Bronze level Jr. rider: Lauren Andrae riding Silver Crown
· Bronze level Sr. rider: Greta Haupt riding Violetta
· Silver level Sr. rider: Cheryl Semotok riding Let’s Be Frank
Also TIP Highpoint awards celebrating the thoroughbred race horse & its versatility and strengths in new careers after starting life at the track (Thoroughbred Incentive Program) were presented to:
· Bronze: Jenny Jelen & Big Nickel
· Silver: Victoria Johnson Dorricott & Walk the Line
Members of Dressage Niagara have also participated this Spring in an Introduction Evening to educate & acclimatise new riders and competitors to the “Do’s & Don’ts” of Dressage Showing and what to expect from our show series. Also DN Members & friends & family benefitted from sponsors Greenhawk Beamsville who opened their doors for a private hosted event, with shopping privileges, so competitors could be immaculately turned out, and equipped for their new show season.
Dressage Niagara’s next event is a clinic format “Through the Judge’s Eyes” June 24th, with Dressage & Eventing competitor, coach & Judge Jackie Bellamy-Zions, who will provide immediate feedback on the riders test, and help to improve the test elements for next show. Details are available on the DN Website www.dressageniagara.com
To join Dressage Niagara or to become involved in Dressage showing, volunteering, or for more information visit the website or Email info@dressageniagara.com
