Happy 40th anniversary, ODS!

This weekend the Oregon Dressage Society celebrated its 40th anniversary at its annual Fall Festival. I don't often go to the Fall Festival because of time, cost and/or distance. But this year, when my husband heard from someone else that Olympian Steffen Peters was going to the featured speaker at the Saturday night banquet and the featured instructor at the Sunday educational event, he asked me if I was going - and urged me to do so!

I needed no further encouragement. Saturday night was spent enjoying the company of my fellow Chehalem Mt. Chapter members, eating good food, shopping the benefit silent auction, applauding award winners, and listening to a charming and engaging Mr. Peters:

On Sunday, the time change assisted me in getting up early to do chores so I could head out to DevonWood for a day of education and inspiration. Steffen worked with seven rider/horse pairs ranging from Training Level to Grand Prix, and his message was consistent with each one. The basics must always be correct; if they are, the movements will be easy. We must train our horses to be honest - teaching them to respond promptly to subtle aids, keeping them in front of the leg and in a soft connection with the bit. These things can - and should! - be executed every single time we ride, from warm up to cool down, no matter what level a horse is at. In fact, it can all be done at the walk! He demonstrated this while working with every single pair, and in riding himself the first horse of the day, Barb Crabbe's Training Level warmblood mare:

and the last horse of the day, Jessica Wisdom's Grand Prix level Welsh Cob stallion:
(Sorry the last two photos are so dark - but you can still see Steffen's beaming smile in that last one; love it!)

As I listened and watched, my understanding of proper riding and properly ridden horses was confirmed. And I realized in the process that even though my horse is still in rehab mode, and may never be able to return to dressage competition except at the very lowest levels, I can still ride him properly and keep both our basics correct. Eager to solidify in my mind and muscles what I'd seen and heard, I drove home, changed clothes and tacked up my horse (all the while very thankful for cooperative weather). Surprise, surprise (not :-) - we had the best ride we've had in recent memory!

- Michelle

Picnic report; upcoming events

Photos by Michelle McMillen

We had a great turnout for the annual picnic and trail ride at Jo Ann’s on October 2. It was great to spend the afternoon with everyone who showed up, and it made me realize once again what a great group we have.

Reports from the riders were that the trail ride was wonderful with some beautiful trails and views. Special thanks to Jo Ann for hosting the event and opening up her property for the great trail ride. Also, a huge thank you to Kris and her dad for bringing and setting up the barbeque and all the tables. I know it was a huge task to shuttle all those things to the picnic, so thank you very much for taking the time to do this for us. Kris was a most excellent cook for the day and with all the goodies that everyone brought to share, we had a yummy meal…as usual. Thanks to everyone for a wonderful afternoon!

As part of our picnic we also nominated and elected our officers for 2012. The results are listed above under the 2011-2012 Officers tab.

It was decided that we would appoint people as needed to coordinate activities as they come up, so as not to put the burden on any one person. You may be called to help out with an activity, so start thinking of ideas!

We reviewed the calendar for the rest of this year, and tentatively started drafting our calendar and events for 2012.

Nov 5 and 6 - ODS 40th Anniversary Celebration weekend. Check out the ODS web site for information.

Nov 14 - Monthly meeting at Clover Valley Equestrian Center with guest speaker Audrey Staton discussing Acupuncture. (Please note: Because of the ODS Anniversary Celebration weekend, our monthly meeting has been moved to the second Monday of the month.)

Dec 4 - Annual Christmas Party hosted at Suzi and Jim Ronning's home, starting at 4 p.m. More information will be coming.

Jan 9 - Tack swap/sale for chapter members. The location and more information to follow, as the plans are being worked on for this event.

Feb 6 - Meeting at Suzi’s to discuss the Bears Show and a DVD night. I’m sure popcorn and treats will be included.

Mar 3 and 4 - Bears Above Ground Show at the Yamhill Co. Fairgrounds. Please plan to share at least two hours of your time that weekend to volunteer and support your chapter.

Mar 12 - Monthly meeting, location and topic TBD.

Other activities we’re trying to plan for 2012 include a Ride-a-Test weekend, a Beth Glotsen Pilates and riding clinic, a musical freestyle clinic, more video nights, and a chapter camping trip. The group has lots of great ideas, so watch your inbox for more information. I’m looking forward to another fun year!

- Sharon

Sylvia's new ride

He's tall-enough, dark and handsome, and his name is Cohort!

Sylvia wrote: "On September 26, 2011, I sent my beloved Thumper over the Rainbow Bridge. He reports that there are no flies in the pastures of heaven, there are carrots everywhere, and that he thinks he is 7 again like he was when I bought him.

"I had thought that Thumper was probably my final horse, as I had owned him (or vice-versa) for over 17 years. I would have been happy to have another 17 years with him, but he said he couldn't do it.

"So, believing my own adage, 'Don't be afraid to love another one, the magic can happen again,' I went shopping.

"The new boy is Cohort, age four and a half, a plain red bay with a glimmer of a star, standing about 15.2. He is very green. He had 5 weeks under saddle starting last March, then nothing all summer. However, his disposition and willingness to learn are outstanding, and he is sound (cross fingers and knock on wood for saying so) and a nice mover. His daddy is a dark bay Holsteiner who jumps in British Columbia. Mom is 'ISR' with the Oldenburg Society. From what I could find out, that means she was bay, had four legs and a uterus.

"Cohort joins the club at Janet Aungier Dressage, based at Sherwood Stables in Sherwood, OR, where he and I will train with Janet for dressage. I've figured out that Cohort and I can shoot for our Century ride in the 2027 show season, so we will start working toward that."

I think it would be most fitting if that happened at the show that Sylvia named - Bears Above the Ground!

Congratulations, Sylvia, and happy trails to both of you for a long, long time!

He's a real sweetie.