Dressage Letters March 2020

March 2020 ~ Dressage Letters ~ Page 4 by Michele Ng When I suggested a friendly contest  - the Chapter jog - at the annual gala, I underestimated the competitive nature of our members.  Some of our members do not compete at horse shows, but they can “clean up” well and there were many resplendent up-dos, hats, and gowns.  When the Emcee asked for the dress code, I told him “Think Golden Globe Awards” and he did not disappoint.  I’m glad we did not have a best dressed award because choosing a winner would have been impossible.   The Chapters who competed in “the jog” were Gavilan, Sonoma, Fresno, Foothills, Carmel Valley and Santa Cruz. The panel of judges awarded first place to Sonoma Chapter, represented by Erika Jansson - for her suppleness.  Her turnout was stunning, with more than a little help from Jessica Naten - a Foothills Chapter member who lent her a gown right before the gala because Erika had forgotten hers at home!  Foothills Chapter did the jog with a drill team and placed second for their alignment and synchrony. Santa Cruz Chapter placed third for the ‘animalism’ - even though some had not clipped their winter coats. Fourth and fifth place was a tie, probably because the Chapters continued to jog and dance when someone yelled “honor round” everyone joined in. I think the gauntlet has been thrown and that at the next gala, the Southern Region will be represented, and we can all see that gown that Erika forgot at home.   The annual symposium was well advertised with the help of USDF. We had people come from other states including Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Wisconsin, and Colorado.  The audience included Lgraduates, western dressage judges, r, R, S, and FEI judges, and international competitors.  The speakers, Janet Foy and Terry Gallo were known for giving an outstanding presentation.  Some of the officials were attending for a second time because there was so much information to absorb.    I hope the silent auditors found it educational and enlightening.  The methodology for judging freestyles differs from traditional dressage tests and even seasoned judges benefit from collaboration and discussion.  I know I will watch the World Cup and the Olympic Freestyles with greater appreciation.   Speaking of appreciation, the annual symposium would not have been a success without the demonstration riders.  We were fortunate to have experienced CDS members who  brought their freestyles from the 2019 Regional and National Championships.  In order for us to see and discuss a freestyle at each level, a few riders switched to a lower level.  The horses were not told and we had unintended examples of movements that were higher than the level being ridden; however, we were treated to delightful examples of tempi changes!  Now we know who to watch in future championships. I would like to ask the membership for suggestions for the 2021 meeting, and ask that you save the dates February 12-14.  We had suggestions for topics from the evaluation forms that were returned at the last symposium, and I would like to hear from all members.   CDS Annual Meeting and Some Fun LYNDA PALMER, KAREN NOCKET, JOANNE IRISH - PV - BEST CHAPTER NEWSLETTER JOAN WILLIAMS, JOHN REES - SLO CENTRAL RAAC ELLEN COROB, CAROL TICE SPECIAL PRESIDENTIAL AWARD JOAN WILLIAMS, SHIRLEY ROGOZIENSKI - SD BEST CHAPTER WEBSITE KAREN NOCKET, ANNETTE PRESSAS - SVC NORTH RAAC JOAN WILLIAMS, CRISSY TADLOCK - SPORTHORSE KAREN NOCKET, KATHLEEN RAMIREZ - SVC BEST CHAPTER EVENT KAREN NOCKET,CAROL TICE - TEV SOUTH RAAC JOAN WILLIAMS, ELLEN COROB - VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR JOAN WILLIAMS, JOAN CINQUINI - TOP TEN SCRIBE JOAN WILLIAMS,MARI NATEN - CHAPTER CHAIR VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR JOAN WILLIAMS,ELLEN COROB - SPORT HORSE ALL PHOTOS : POWER IN MOTION MEDIA