Val Metcalfe

Val Metcalfe and Sasha working with Debbie McDonald

Debbie could not have been nicer, and she quickly put everyone at ease so we could focus on the instruction. Her themes were establishing a good connection, and transitions between and within the gaits. She talked about her experiences in Europe and the US, and said she finds on both continents a lack of understanding of classical riding with the poll the highest point, so that is why she teaches the importance of proper connection. It is no coincidence her excellent book is called Riding Through. I learned a great deal in my lessons, as well as from watching the other rides. My horse, Sasha, can be wiggly and I learned how to better  keep her forward, straight and elastic. Debbie emphasized quality of gaits, and work, saying it was better to work diligently for a shorter period of time, than compromise with less good results. Recognize immediately when the horse does what you ask and reward. A common request throughout the clinic was “pat him”. Many of us worked on renvers to straighten wandering haunches, and I learned a better appreciation of having the horse truly on the outside rein.

NorCal AA clinic participants

I have attended previous AA Clinics as an auditor and think they are very valuable educational forums, so please keep up the tradition. Clinics of this quality are not often available for adult riders. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity. Thank you to CDS and the SFP Chapter.

Best,
Val Metcalfe and Sasha

On Saturday, March 20, at EquiSport Therapy & Rehabilitation Center in Woodside, Dr. Wayne Browning and Dr. Philip Bellamy hosted an informative equine health lecture and tour.

Dr. Browning gave chapter members a comprehensive tour of the facility, including a demonstration of the AquaPacer underwater treadmill, and covered advanced treatment techniques for common sport horse injuries.

Dr. Bellamy addressed the holistic therapies he practices, and demonstrated equine acupuncture methods.

Chapter members discovered the wealth of treatment, therapy, and rehabilitation options now available locally. Our sincere thanks to Dr. Browning and Dr. Bellamy for a thorough, educational, and enlightening tour.

For more information about the EquiSport Therapy & Rehabilitation Center, visit www.equisportrehab.com

Press Release
New York – March 18, 2010 – As Courtney King-Dye, a member of the 2008 U.S. Olympic Dressage Team, remains in a coma in a Florida hospital after suffering a serious head injury earlier this month, an award winning New York fashion designer and two California equine photographers hope that sales of a t-shirt honoring Courtney will help with the mounting expenses associated with her medical care.

The black-on-white silkscreened t-shirt for women and men, designed by indie designer and horse lover Elektra, features a photograph of Courtney by nationally recognized equine photographer Terri Miller and the words “ComeBackCourt,” a slogan created by Courtney’s husband, Jason Dye. It is available at http://www.etsy.com/shop/coup?section_id=6883992 for $30, and 100% of the profits will go to a fund organized to help pay Courtney’s medical expenses. Equine photographer and amateur dressage competitor Sheryl L. Ross originated the project and brought Elektra and Miller together for the effort.

For ongoing updates about Courtney’s condition from her husband, Jason Dye, visit her website at http://www.courtneykingdressage.com.

Many of you knew Bobby Keville as a longtime CDS State Board Member from the Sonoma Chapter, as well as the 2009 Volunteer of the Year, Technical Delegate at many shows, and dressage supporter who organized the Northern Adult Amateur Clinic, among many other activities. Bobby passed away February 27, 2010, leaving the world a better place for having had her generousity and kindness in it. The Keville Family ask that in lieu of flowers donations can either be sent to Bobby Keville Amateur Riding Scholarship Fund c/o any Exchange Bank or Hospice of Petaluma, 416 Payran St. Petaluma, CA 94952.

Val Metcalf is the lucky winner of the SFP chapter drawing to participate in the CDS Northern California Adult Amateur Clinic with Olympian Debbie McDonald. The clinic will be held May 6 – 9, 2010, at Santa Rosa Equestrian Center. Michele De Luna’s name was drawn as the backup rider. All chapter members are encouraged to attend as auditors – this is a great learning opportunity for everyone.

Thanks to Brooke Gibson of Equi-Fashion, who has sponsored our year-end gift certificate drawing for SFP members who volunteered throughout 2009. This year’s winner is Christina Gray! We will be sending Christina a $100 gift certificate from Equi-Fashion. Happy shopping to Christina!

Thank you again to all of our chapter volunteers, and a special thank you to Brooke and Equi-Fashion. You can see all the latest Equi-Fashion spring products at www.equi-fashion.com.

Leota Gonzalez

As a long-time member of CDS, and SFP board member who has served at numerous times as Chapter Chair, Vice-Chair, and Treasurer, Leota has said, “I believe that the SFP Board Member’s role is to give back to the sport of dressage what it has given to us. This position is one of service to the community where awardethics are extraordinarily important.”

Leota has been a rider, owner and breeder, and member of the American Trakehner Association and the American Hanoverian Society. She continues to give back to dressage and the SFP Chapter as Chapter Treasurer.

Congratulations to Leota!