Eventing
Training Outside the Box
Eventer Anna Beeson riding My Guy in each of the 3 eventing phases of competition.
Training Outside the Box Austin Dressage Unlimited (ADU)
Dressage Test Riding Workshop Focused on Eventers
Bluebonnet Rescue
Horse Train-
Eventing is sometimes called the “eques- eventers, ex-eventers, and “straight” dres-
ing Challenge
trian triathlon.” It involves three phases: dres- sage riders converged on Brookstone Farm
sage, endurance (or cross country jumping), and in Georgetown, TX to learn more about the
Jennifer Williams of the
stadium jumping (show jumping). The sport intricacies of dressage. Even more impres-
Bluebonnet Equine Humane
originated as a test of cavalry horses. The dres- sive was that this ADU workshop was or-
Society has announced a
sage phase was meant to test the military ganized with a panel of four USDF “L
new and exciting program,
Contributed by Cean Embrey
horse’s obedience, suppleness, and discipline. Program” graduates who acted as modera-
the Bluebonnet Rescue
The jumping phases were to demonstrate his tors (the USDF Learner Judges Program is
Horse Training Challenge.
athletic strength, speed, and agility. the first very extensive USDF training pro-
The challenge is a competi-
With three separate and very different gram a rider must complete in order to start
tion in which volunteer fos-
phases, the eventing horse must be a “general- the process of becoming a dressage judge).
ter homes and professional
ist” and must be able to perform all three disci- The panel at this workshop worked to-
trainers work with a Bluebonnet Equine Humane Society
plines well. That is a large order to fill, since gether to advise and coach the riders, as
foster horse for three months and will compete in the Chal-
they cannot “specialize” in any one area, but well as answer questions and give expla-
lenge at the 2009 Bluebonnet Horse Expo on October 10.
need to train for all three. Obviously jumping nations to the auditors present. L Graduates
The goals of the Challenge are to: Introduce the pub-
constitutes 2/3 of this competition and is the serving on this panel were Barbie Piccinni,
As one participant, Rebecca, ex-
lic to talented rescue horses, showcase the training abilities
main area that most eventers train for. Dressage Carol Schmickrath, Grace Harris, and Lori
plained, “I love the learning aspect of these
of Bluebonnet foster homes, and produce horses who are
can often be the phase that they just want to “get Snider.
workshops. It was really nice to hear the
ready to go to work for their adopters.
through,” so that they can get on with the jump- The learning began with one of the
comments about all of the riders and see
The competition is open to any BEHS member who
ing phases. And often it is actually the most dif- main focuses of the workshop – the very
how the simplest little change of hands or
applies to foster and is approved, as well as professional
ficult phase for an eventer to perform well in. important “warm up” session before the
shift of weight had an immediate differ-
trainers whose property is inspected and approved. The
Eventers have come to realize that dressage rider goes into the competition arena to per-
ence. I am fired up!”
Challenge will include the following divisions: Profes-
is the phase they need to make sure and perform form their test. The panel of L Graduates
In between all of this learning, was the
sional trainer, experienced foster home, novice foster
well in at the start of the event in order to have had the riders perform various suppling ex-
necessary eating. Attendees were asked to
home, and youth. At the Challenge, all horses will compete
much hope of being in the top placings at the ercises, as well as practicing some of the
bring a dish for the crowd to “graze” on
over an obstacle course and will be allowed an additional
end of the event. movements specific to the upcoming test
during the hard work of learning. Not sur-
10 minutes for a freestyle presentation. This may include
Eventers have sometimes felt like the to be ridden. The rider, as well as auditors
prising the majority of the choices were for
tricks, presentation of “before and after” history, etc.
stepchildren of both the “pure” dressage world present, could clearly see the corrections
the sweet tooth, including cookies and
The contest will be judged by a panel of equine pro-
and the “pure” jumping world, since they are made and the improvement in the horse’s
chocolate dipped strawberries! That cer-
fessionals. Each horse/trainer combination will be scored
similar, but so different from both. It can be performance before and after coaching.
tainly kept the energy level of the crowd
on: improvement from initial assessment, condition of
hard to try and “fit in” in either of these worlds. Once the warm up instructional ses-
high. ”I don’t know that we could improve
horse, obstacle course, and presentation/freestyle. The
That is where Austin Dressage Unlimited sion was finished, the rider then performed
on the workshop’s format OR the food!”
highest two scoring horse/trainer combinations in each di-
(ADU) stepped in recently to offer help to their their actual test of choice. At the same time,
commented participant Anna.”
vision will be named Champion and Reserve. The divi-
eventing friends. ADU proved that they really all four of the USDF L Graduates judged
This workshop was a unique opportu-
sion Champions and Reserves will then do another 10
ARE “unlimited” by organizing a Dressage the tests, filling out separate detailed score
nity for a very enlightening educational
minute presentation, after which the Grand Champion and
Test Riding Workshop specifically focused on sheets with numbers and comments for
dressage session for both riders and audi-
Reserve Grand Champion will be chosen.
Eventers and their unique dressage tests. Dres- each movement performed in the test pat-
tors, in a relaxed friendly setting. “That
The horses who participate in the Challenge will not
sage is dressage, no matter what kind of horse tern. Auditors were also invited to act as
workshop was absolutely top rate,” as one
be available for adoption until the end of the Challenge. All
is performing it. The principles are the same, judges and try their hand. Once the test was
auditor, Candace, wrote later to the ADU
horses will go up for Adoption the day of the contest.
the training scale is the same, the movements completed, everyone present discussed
organizers. It was a wonderful social event
Horses that are not broke to ride will be offered for adop-
in the tests, although in different patterns, are what they thought of the performance, both
too as dressage enthusiasts met and got to
tion for $300. Horses that are broke to ride will be offered
judged to the same standards whether it is an good and not so good points. And, of
know each other. This was the first of what
for adoption for $750.
eventer or a regular dressage show competitor course, advice was given on how to im-
will be regularly scheduled Dressage
For additional rules, prizes and applications please
performing it. prove the performance and any problem
Workshops throughout the upcoming year
visit BEHS’s website at
www.bluebonnetequine.org. w
With this in mind, a good size crowd of area repeated. hosted by Austin Dressage Unlimited. w
20 SouthWest Horse Trader July 2009
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