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SFP Chapter 44th Annual Show – RESULTS!

admin — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 21:26:20 +0000

SFP 2010 Chapter Awards Party

admin — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 21:59:10 +0000

January 9th saw more than 50 chapter members, family and friends gathered upstairs at NCEFT to applaud the highest scoring chapter members at every level of CDS competition in 2010, as well as the top winners in the Coastside Schooling Show Series.

Akiko Yamazaki gave a special presentation about her superstar horse, Ravel, who brought home two bronze medals from the World Equestrian Games held last fall in Kentucky. In addition, she generously donated a Breyer model of Ravel for a silent auction fundraiser for the chapter.

Sandy Holmes won the bid, along with the chapter’s thanks for her generous donation, and Akiko later had Steffen Peters, Ravel’s revered rider, include his autograph for Sandy.

Rachel Williamson accepts her award from Nan Meek and Michele De Luna

Akiko Yamazaki presents Ravel to Sandy Holmes, with Nan Meek

SFP Annual Show – July 24 – 25

admin — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 03:23:01 +0000

Thanks to all who participated in our Annual Show! Ride times will be posted soon.

SFP photo gallery of images and impressions from the 2010 annual show.

[Show as slideshow]

Debbie McDonald AA Clinic – Read about Val Metcalfe’s experience

admin — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 00:56:22 +0000

Val Metcalfe and Sasha working with Debbie McDonald

I am home and it was fantastic! Thank you very much to CDS and the SFP Chapter for allowing me this great opportunity. Some years ago, I watched Debbie McDonald and Brentina give their exhibition freestyle at DG Bar. It was the most light, lovely and harmonious ride I had ever seen, and I have held that image in my mind as something to strive for with my horse partners (mares also). So I was completely excited to be told I had won the drawing for the Adult Amateur Clinic this year. Then followed panic – would I be up for the challenge?

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

The facility was also amazing! Santa Rosa Equestrian Center has a beautiful and spacious covered area, with the same footing used in Hong Kong. My horse had a stall overlooking the action, with an outside window to a large pond and green grass. She was extremely happy all weekend. Thanks to Tracy Underwood, the owner, for graciously opening her facility to this clinic. Sharon Marshall was the clinic organizer, having to take over from Bobbie Keville at the last moment. She rose to the occasion, and took care of the participants very well. The Hospitality was great and of a very high standard – we did not want for anything. We also enjoyed two group dinners, which was a fun way to get to know our fellow participants and to hear Debbie discuss different aspects of Dressage and horsemanship.

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

One-Star Show at Webb

admin — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 01:22:46 +0000

Oh, Deer!!!
With great weather, terrific turnout, and only a couple of unpredictable events, our one-star show last weekend was a great success! Kudos to the very brave Rose Gold and Bailey who waited patiently while the interlopers were excused from the ring.

Download show results here. Thanks to all who participated!

Click on the gallery below to view select images from the show, courtesy of Sam Kwong.

[Show as slideshow]

Informative Lecture and Tour at EquiSport Therapy & Rehabilitation Center

admin — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 20:36:32 +0000

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