JUNE 2017 THE RIDER /37


Horse Show success – more than luck?


tions fluctuate. Competi- tion venues vary. And even the required patterns, courses and tests differ. In the words of colum-


nist Regina Brett ,“Over- prepare… then go with the flow.” Here’s some tips I find


By Lindsay Grice, Equine Canada coach and judge.


“The meeting of preparation with opportunity generates the off- spring we call luck.” — Anthony Robbins As a rider, how do you pre-


pare for your success? There are few sports with more variables than riding. We have a 1000 lb, partner that doesn’t speak or think “human”. We have judges with preferences. Weather condi-


helpful to prepare horses and riders for their next horse show “exam”: 1. Read more. Glean in- sights from horsemen of varied disciplines. Rep- utable web sites reporting the latest research in equine health and training. I’m always asking Why?


The more I investigate the facts, the easier it is to question and re- ject traditions that might be hold- ing me back. And there are plenty of traditions in our horse indus- try! 2. Study those you respect and do your best to emulate the qualities you admire. 3. Practice the tough stuff. We all gravitate toward doing things that come easily and avoid the things we’re not particularly good at. Trotting around an oval in an in-


Audrey Kokesch Named


Dressage Volunteer of the Month for April


Ottawa, ON, May 3, 2017 - Equestrian Canada (EC)


is


pleased to announce that Audrey Kokesch of Rocky Mountain House, AB has been chosen as the April 2017 recipient of the Dres- sage Volunteer of the Month Award.


Audrey has been heav-


ily involved as a long-time volun- teer with the Alberta Dressage Association (ADA). She spent


many years as the show manager and secretary for the Chinook Country ADA. Since 2013, she has served as a scribe at most of the EC Gold and Platinum com- petitions in Alberta. Currently, she also volunteers her time to the ADA as a director at large, secre- tary, and casino manager. In addi- tion, she manages the collation of their annual awards program. Audrey is well-known,


recognized and appreciated for the energy and enthusi- asm she brings to volun- teering in the Alberta dressage community. The EC Dressage Committee thanks Audrey for her ef- forts as a dedicated volun- teer who helps to make dressage thrive in Canada. If you know of a volun-


pleased to recognize Audrey Kokesch of Rocky Mountain House, AB as the Dressage Volunteer of the Month for April 2017.


Photo By Courtesy of Lorraine Hill PHOTO – Equestrian Canada is


teer who deserves recogni- tion, nominations are quick and easy through the EC website. Nominations for the award are accepted until the 20th day of each month, making April 20, 2017 the next deadline to submit the name of a vol- unteer who has made a dif- ference to the sport of dressage. Questions and


comments on the Dressage Volunteer of the Month Award can be directed to Christine


Peters cpeters@equestrian.ca. For Advertising Rates and promotilnal


opportunities call (905) 387-1900 or visit www.therider.com


at


door arena will not yield the same dividends as asking my horse the tougher questions - spe- cific lines, tighter turns. Transi- tions and lateral movements at specific points (late transitions are costly mistakes on the judge’s score card!). 4. Analyse, watch, feel and study my horse. Reflect on the details of my riding. Am I communicat- ing my aids clearly? How’s my timing? We’re always training, never neutral. 5. Learn from the last show. Though it may make me wince to re-live it, every mistake is a learning opportunity! And what ingredients contributed to those successful moments – how can I


reproduce those? 6. Saying no to some good things in favour of the best things. So- cializing around the trailer til the wee hours the night before. Facebook, T.V., shopping, maga- zines – too much mental candy makes for mediocrity. 7. Take a break. Pushing our- selves causes stress. Stress can be a good thing -adrenaline levels rise to the challenge. A regular amount of stress stretches and pushes us out of our comfort bub- bles. It’s the adventure of life - as long as it’s balanced by rest. Liv- ing in a constant state of alarm in- creases cortisol


levels. The


result? Rider burnout. If you’re not enjoying your


hobby, it’s not a hobby. It’s a job. And for those of us for whom it is a job, let’s enjoy the process – not just the result!


Lindsay Grice Bio: Coach, judge, speaker and


equine behaviourist, Lindsay Grice has trained hundreds of horses and riders in her 25 years as a professional. “I love to help riders solve


their horse puzzles based on the science of how horses think and learn,” she says. “Is it me or my horse?” Lind-


say shares insights into how horses tick for equine associa- tions, riding clubs and at private farms, creating thinking horse-


men of her students by teaching the “hows” and “whys” of riding. Lindsay has taught Equine


Behaviour classes and seminars for provincial equine associations and courses offered by Univer- sity of Guelph. She teaches clinics on show-


ing, training and judging for horse clubs and private farms. She is an Equine Canada and


AQHA specialized judge and a Provincial Hunter/Jumper judge as well as a certified Equine Canada coach. She and her students have


won at major shows in the United States and Canada. For more information, visit


her site www.lgrice.com.


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