In Motion Sport Horses, LLC

Tinkerbell debuted at Third Level at this show.  You’ll see some blunders, but even with those in the test, she scored a 65.455% and won the class.  Just think what her scores will be as the training continues and she becomes more solid.  Please disregard the added entertainment in the filming.  I was disappointed to see there wasn’t a professional videographer at the show.  So, a dear friend borrowed a tablet, which she didn’t know how to operate, in order to capture my rides.

Tinkerbell showing Second Level, Test 3, resulting in a second place with a score of 67%

This talented youngster is GREAT minded. Cisco can have a week off, saddle up and ride right off. He currently stands 14.1, but is still growing. Professionally started and has 60 days under saddle. He is 1/2 Arab and 1/2 Cob, registered and has lifetime nominations in the Arab registry.

Tinkerbell and I were among several pairs selected to be Demo riders for the fall symposium. What a privilege to ride with Janet Foy and Debbie McDonald! It was a wonderful learning opportunity. In addition to that, it was great to listen to their opinions on what a lovely dressage prospect Tinkerbell is. Enjoy the videos as you learn what to look for when you search for a dressage prospect.

September always brings the Oregon Dressage Society State Championships. This year I had the privilege to compete Tinkerbell, a 6 year old Oldenburg mare, belonging to Catherine Ulrey of Salem OR, at First Level.

A Grand Entrance

On Friday, we showed Second Level Test 2, Tinkerbell’s 3rd time of competing at Second Level.  The overall test went well, with us falling apart at one point, earning just a 4 when she lost her lead in the counter canter.  She still received a score of 68.077%.

Then the Championship Classes were on Saturday and Sunday.  We competed for a First Level Title in the Open Division.  Saturday we rode First Level Test 2 and scored 65.938%  Sunday we rode First Level Test 3 and scored a 69.118%.  For the championship is averaged between both tests.  We ended up 9th overall.

June 2015 brought yet another show for Tinkerbell.  This time we stepped up the expectations and debuted at Second Level.  Of course when one signs up for a show, you have no control of how the secretary will schedule the classes.  Guess what?  The first test of the show was a Second Level Test 1.  We pulled off a 65% and were second in the class!

Tinkerbell

The second test of the day was First 3.  Tinkerbell earned a 69% and first place.

On Sunday, we rode Second Level Test 1 again and earned a 67% and First 3, earning a 73%, winning both of the classes!  I was so proud of her!  She also earned the High Point Oldenburg award for both days of the show!

Tinkerbell Performing Medium Trot at Tulelake

Tinkerbell’s well earned awards

I ordered new business cards this year.  I was coaxed into changing up the design of my previous cards.  I think it was a good decision to make.

The Front of New Cards

The Back of the New Cards

Tinkerbell made her 2015 show debut at the Central Dressage Classic I & II in Powell Butte, OR on June 13th and 14th.

Tinkerbell on a walk with her owner, Catherine Ulrey of Salem, Oregon

She showed First Level Test Two and Three on both Saturday and Sunday.  Here are the scores:    Saturday First-2 62%, First-3 70% and Sunday First-2 64%, First-3 70%.  Notice a pattern?  Tinkerbell seemed to need the first test of the day as warmup and then she showed relaxed and lovely in the second test of the day!

Off Tinkerbell’s back in the warm-up

She came home with one First Place and Three Seconds!  Pretty proud of this young, green mare!

I’ve desired to ride like Stephen Peters or Edward Gal, but now my goal is ride and look like Charlotte Dujardin. What incredible harmony between she and her horse!

Charlotte hosted her first symposium in the US in March 2014. I didn’t get to attend, but the following bullet points were taken down by someone who did! I’m paying full attention, Susan Peacock!

• Dressage is about the development of the horse.
• The job of the rider is to get the horse equal in both reins.
• Bad transitions at home make for bad transitions at shows.
• Work without the whip, when you can.
• The first impression is the halt, so there is no excuse not to practice it.  Halt square for everything, even when you dismount at end of ride.
• Keep our leg on- it’s tough, but you need to get the control.
• Passage work done is rising trot helps the stuck horse go forward.
• In piaffe, always be in control of the steps-number and how forward your horse is going.
• Remember to have a forward-thinking hand.
• The discipline you have as a dressage rider is related to what scores you want to receive.
• Your horse has to be in front of your leg.

I recently read an article in which the author interviewed Robert Dover. Dover is a 1996 Bronze medal winner in Dressage. This statement stuck out to me: “art (of dressage) ends where violence begins”.

Horses are such incredible athletes and do amazing things for humans. If each discipline would embrace this statement, so many horses would be happier in their jobs.  Watching harmony between a horse and it’s rider is a beautiful picture, no matter what the discipline.