Team Strawson’s Excellent Winter Adventures

Is it Spring yet?  What another unbelievable winter…cold temps and some crazy storms.  Things have been running here at TPF despite the strange weather.  This farm is beautiful no matter what time of year.  Enjoy some of our winter pictures.  My favorite is of the early January morning!

In spite of the inclement weather, we have accomplished a lot this winter!  We made use of the cozy fireplace in the farmhouse to host EquiChord in the first of the freestyle clinic series.  Our first ‘brunchinar’ (brunch served by EquiChord followed by the seminar) by the warm fire focused on the basics of freestyle creation, the wonderful benefits of riding to music at all levels, as well as viewing the current top freestyles in the world.  Join us for the next in the series on March 26^th, where we actually start creating our freestyles.

The horses in training have made leaps and bounds in their training.  Danika and Brooke went on their first outing off the farm to school at a local jumping show.  Dani loved being out and behaved like a pro! At 24 years old, Morgan (owned by Janice Alperin) showed that 24 is the new 10!  He went along to provide moral support for Dani.

 

Several of our Team Strawson riders will be testing their new skills at a show at Morven Park in mid March, in preparation for our show season starting in April.   Check out our web calendar for our show dates.

While not on the farm teaching and training, I have been busy up in Pennsylvania, teaching for a day in February and then again in March at Sue Neilson’s Happily Ever After Farm.

Days on the farm (and off) have been mixed in with some nice warm nights by the fire (sometimes without power…).  It is the fireplace that makes the winter bearable!

This winter was also time to say goodbye to some old friends.  Degas, who has been a part of the family for the past 2-½ years, made the trip to Germany to be with his real parents – Marianne Campano and Clay Chilcoat.  While we are so sad to see Degas go and will miss him very much, it is wonderful to see their family back together again.   They are all loving Germany!  We will have to visit very soon.  I am so honored and feel very fortunate to have worked with Degas over the past couple of years, and look forward to see his continued success with Marianne and Clay.

On a sadder note, my sister and I had to say goodbye to Hawthorne, who was euthanized a couple of weeks ago.  Hawthorne was a Hilltop Farm Stallion by Cocktail, who I competed through Intermediare for Hilltop.  We were schooling Grand Prix when we went to Germany to train with Nicole.  When Hawthorne had to be retired from competition, my sister Joan became his new mother and gave him a wonderful home over the last several years.   He was a horse who gave his heart and soul, and he touched everybody who knew him.  We will all miss him.  Thank you Joan for all the wonderful care you have given ‘Herschel’.

At this reflective time, once again I think of how fortunate I am to have horses in my life.  They bring so much joy and, of course, there is sadness at times as well.  But these cycles only make me more appreciative of what I have.  I am reminded to be grateful for every moment with these beautiful animals. 

As spring approaches, I will gaze in gratitude for all my experiences and look forward to taking these into new beginnings.

We are looking to welcoming spring when Nicole Uphoff-Selke joins us April 22 – 24 and hopefully, by the time the Boot Camp arrives in May, we will have had lots of warm balmy days!!!

Happy Spring!

Barbara

Day 5 At The WEGs - Our Last Day

Last day in Kentucky for us!  Eagerly anticipating the freestyles.  We spent the afternoon at the WEG grounds checking out the vendors.  Especially popular was the EQ -Equisense Systems booth.  This new ‘equestrian training system’ has EQ enhanced tack that can be put on your horse (at the WEG there was a horse simulator) and can sense your movement - it feeds it wirelessly into a screen where the instructor can analyze your aides.  There is even an iPhone app for the system.  Another intriguing idea -  we wanted to put the EQ tack on Amerika and go for a ride.

We enjoyed visiting the USDF and USEF buildings.  It was wonderful to see the history of dressage in America at USDF building and especially the USDF Hall of Fame.

And finally the big event everyone was waiting for.  It was amazing to see the number of people attending the sold out freestyle event.  We couldn’t believe our good fortune that evening when trying to find a ticket for Susan - whose flight out of KY on Friday afternoon had been cancelled.  It would have been horrible to be stranded in Lexington and not be able to watch the freestyles!    Just as we were on the phone telling her the bad news that we could find NO ticket anywhere, a man passed us by and said “anybody need tickets for tonight?”  We couldn’t believe that this generous man wouldn’t even let us pay him for the tickets.

We weren’t disappointed with fabulous rides from Edward Gal, Lauren Bechtolsheimer and of course the USA’s  Steffen Peters…… go Steffen!!!!!  But I have to share that my secret favorite was Juan Manuel Muñoz Diaz.  He rode a mesmerizing freestyle …. He knows all about riding with precision, performance and passion to his music.  He and his horse were perfectly in time to the music,  his technical quality was wonderful, and he had fun – what a showman.  The crowd yelled so loudly at the end that he practically fell of his horse (not really, but his horse was pretty startled).  Ashley Holzer also put in a wonderful performance.  You could see how well she and her horse knew the music. What a great evening and a great way to end a wonderful week.  It really was an honor to watch such fabulous horses and riders and get to have so many goose bump moments!

In addition to the riding, the volunteers at the WEG were so friendly.   Having been Chair for the PVDA Ride for Life Dancing Horse Challenge, I have an inkling of understanding what a monumental task it can be to put together an event and gather volunteers.  Every day we attended I was amazed at the ‘troop’ of volunteers gathered at their stations.  Everywhere you looked, there was a volunteer - I can’t even imagine how many there were.  Many had taken vacation to come to the event and were from all over the country.  Every single one was so friendly. You will see a photo of a new friend we met during the week.

Our last adventure at the WEG was leaving on Friday night.  The cars were piled high.  It took us 1 ½ hours to get out of the parking lot.  We spent one full hour in a stationary spot.  But we finally made it out and made it back safely to get a couple of hours rest before our drive back home the next day.  It was worth every minute.

And now I am happy to be back home to see all the ‘ponies’  and continue my journey to ride in the WEG myself one day.

Day 4 At The WEGs - September 30th

We had a break from competition today so Brian, Dona and I thought we would check out the International Equestrian Festival.  This was held in the convention hall in downtown Lexington.  This was a huge trade fair of over 300 vendors.  We had a crazy and fun day checking out all of the newest horsey fads as well as the old tried and true horse products.  From insoles to wear while you are teaching to crazy hats…..we saw it all!   Brian was especially fascinated with ‘Amerika’  the riding simulator.  Check out the pictures; there is one of Brian practicing for Friday night’s freestyle……… 

The simulator is an interesting idea - riders can get a lesson on Amerika to learn how to give the proper aides and correct position.  Later, they are able to transfer what they felt on a real horse. 

The WEGs - Pictures at an Exhibition

Here are some pictures that we have taken so far while at the WEGs.  Stay tuned as we continue our visit!

Day One - Barb & Dona Ruth

Let the Games begin!

Some folks will go anywhere for a
good parking space

The art of the grandstands

Brian, Barb & Dona Ruth
at the WEGs

Competitive shopping
at the WEGs!

Even at the WEGs, it's a good idea to have
your ducks in a row.

Into every competition,
a little rain must fall...

Steffen Peters in action!

Juan Manuel Muñoz Diaz in action!

Day Three - Team Spirit

Barb & Dona Ruth display their
USA Team Spirit!

Another fantastic day at the WEGs, with fabulous weather to go with it.  With each ride better than the last, it was just amazing to see these fabulous horses again.  Riders were pushing the envelope…some with great success and for others, not.  Riders who were getting everything out of their horses the days before, were now asking for more.  Bringing the horses to the very edge worked for some, yet for others it brought them too far over the edge, causing them to make too many mistakes.   In the competition today, one could really understand what it meant to ride that line. 

We were all so proud of our American riders, and tried to show some team spirit.  Of course, we were all so proud to see Steffen win the bronze medal with his absolutely stunning ride, and it was exciting to be a part of it.  And again, Edward and Laura did not disappoint us with their rides.  These three horses are truly amazing to watch.  We are waiting in anticipation of the musical freestyles on Friday night.

Day Two - Desperate Dressage Enthusiasts Seeking Starbucks...

This spot reserved...

Brought to their knees due to the "Fisher-Price" sandwiches and lack of hot drinks, several dressage enthusiasts were found frequenting a local Starbucks prior to the second day of the Team Dressage competition at the WEG 2010.  When apprehended, suspects were found coveting Starbucks’ tea bags in their pockets for use later during the competition.  They will also be charged for parking in undesignated parking spots…. The competition officials are still trying to uncover the mystery of how they circumvented the parking officials, who are most cheerfully guiding spectators to their parking spaces with Luke Skywalker laser sticks…………

This way, people!

Day Two of the team competition held even more excitement than the first.  You could just feel the energy of the crowd anticipating the arrival of Totilas and then, of course, Steffen Peters as the final rider to go.  As I am sure everyone has, I heard that Totilas was even more impressive in person than on video.  So I had high expectations and did not want to be disappointed.  We had already been disappointed when two horses were excused from the competition; it was just heartbreaking.

So later in the afternoon we were all waiting like teenagers - waiting for a rock star to appear….and there are just no words to describe the privilege of watching Totilas.  When that horse entered the ring and halted, it was like magic.  While so many of the movements were spectacular, even the most basic movements took your breath away.  In the halt by C, the horse just landed into the halt with such elegant precision, that the whole crowd took a breath….the whole thing was so amazing.   

We were all feeling sorry for the rider to go after Totilas, but there was no need.  Juan Manuel Muñoz Diaz was up to the task.  He had a spectacular ride which said, ”Here I Am”, and that demeanor brought him into second place.  I would love to know how he prepared mentally for that ride.  And then we had Laura Bechtolsheimer from Great Britain who had a ride just as breathtaking as Edward Gal’s.  She rode with such beauty and precision that I had goose bumps the entire time.  And then, of course, there was the last rider to go that day, Steffen Peters, who was just so amazing that we were all practically in tears…what a rider!

It was such an emotional day, with such highs and lows.  It was such a privilege to watch all of these horses and riders, and to be reminded of how difficult and exhilarating that journey can be. 

Team Strawson at the WEGs - Day One!

Team Strawson’s Excellent Adventures continue at the WEG 2010…………

Life is what you make of it, and so far we have turned everything into a fun adventure!  It started on our trip down where each stop was an adventure….stopping in old fashioned grocery stores, laughing so hard telling stories, our trip from the hotel to the WEG grounds the first day where we took an unexpected detour through Indiana - so far it has been nonstop fun -  almost……………

As long as you forget sitting in the pouring rain, not being able to get a hot cup of chocolate or tea, the cold, cold breakfast sandwich on an untoasted English muffin (we expected a cozy kiosk with lots of hot drinks since the website told us to get there 2 ½ hours early---not), not being able to leave the stadium area in the morning to see the vendors or find something hot to drink…….if you laugh about these things and turn them into an adventure, then you can have a great time.

And what can be better than watching the top dressage equestrians in the world.  We had a full day of watching the riders complete the Grand Prix, the first half of the team competition.  The first two USA riders, Todd Flettrich and Katherine Bateson-Chandler did a super job.  Todd had one of the best piaffes we saw all day, scoring a 9 from one of the judges.  Katherine did a great job, finishing in 5^th place overall with a lovely, elegant ride.  There were a lot of nice horses and riders, but the two stand outs of the day were the two Dutch riders who were able to ride ‘a heck of a test’.  They rode with accuracy and purpose to get everything out of their horses.  My favorite was Imke Schellekens-Bartels who had the whole package – nice horse, beautiful rider, horse was good in all gaits - she rode with purpose and accuracy while looking elegant - putting everything together.  Of note were her extended canter and canter pirouettes; you just don’t see canter pirouettes like that too often. 

So, all in all it was a great day.  We will be getting an early start again tomorrow (5:30 am) and will make room for a stop at Starbucks this time!

A Special Day

With so many sad things happening this year – most recently the loss of Cabana Boy – it seems natural to evaluate where you are and where you are going.  I believe it is important to allow yourself to feel the sadness and know that it takes time for these feelings to dissipate.  I believe that it is also important to be grateful for each day and be mindful of your own role in the world.  I sometimes find this hard to remember when in the midst of day-to-day craziness, but then something happens to remind me of what life is truly all about.

This week provided me one of those days when ‘something happens’ that completely places life’s meaningful aspects into focus.  Actually, there were a couple of poignant moments that have caused me to think about it all through the evening.  

The first was this past Monday morning while riding in the outdoor arena.  A man who worked at picking up recycling materials for the county stopped by the road to watch me ride.  He watched for a while and, when I finished, got out of his truck to talk with me.  He told me that he had seen me riding before, and had been fortunate enough to visit a neighboring farm this past weekend with his family to meet the horses.  He told me how amazed and how comfortable he was when he actually got to meet them.  He realized what incredible animals they are – how loveable, sensitive, powerful and intelligent they are – in addition to being beautiful.   He said that when he watched me ride, he saw how proud and powerful my horse was, and realized what a special connection I must have with a horse to perform as we did.   He went on to tell me how thankful he was that he took his family out on Sunday afternoon, instead of staying at their house.  He said the journey to the farm, particularly connecting with the horses, brought his family closer together.  He then thanked me for doing what I do, and said that he is going to continue to take his family out in nature like this so that they can get closer together.  I could only reply that yes, horses do heal your heart.

I was just stunned – this man and his family ‘got it’ – this county worker who drives by the farm every week actually got the essence of horses simply by watching their beauty – and it made a positive impact on his family.  And for these moments, it is all worth it.

But not only did I have this one moment on Monday; I was fortunate enough to have yet another instance to appreciate the beauty of horses, nature, and music.   In the early evening hours, I was warming up to practice my freestyle.  The sun was starting to set, and it was a very quiet time of day.  While I was riding, the Maddlones put on a piece of music that I had never heard before; it was the most beautiful music I had heard in a long time.  As I was riding with the sun going down, hearing beautiful music, and sharing this idyllic moment with friends, I felt so fortunate and grateful to be doing what I do.

For the rest of the day and evening, I was in such a better place – thanks to those two, simple experiences.  They were moments that I wanted to share with you in the hopes that, as you ride on those special days, you will take a minute to realize the magic and blessings they contain on so many levels.

Transformations at the Boot Camp!

I can’t believe the Transformational Boot Camp has come and gone!  What an inspirational weekend it was.  Stay tuned for testimonials from the participants and videos of the workshops.  Personally, the boot camp far exceeded my expectations. I was so happy and privileged to work alongside the other practitioners in providing education and healing to both the riders and horses.  I learned so much from the other practitioners as well as the participants.  The camaraderie of the whole group was refreshing and inspiring.  Special thanks go out to Kim Lankford for her awesome Pilates sessions, Marjorie Lewis for her wonderful massages, and Norma Lynn Fox and Frank Maddlone for their invigorating hiking expertise.  And a big "thank you!" to each participant for being open and willing to learn and have fun!   Last but not least, special thanks go out to Equichord for capturing the weekend's events on video, and to Brian for helping all of us throughout the weekend.

The Dream of Champions

I just got back from the USET Headquarters in New Jersey, where I was privileged to take part in the USEF Dressage Rider Talent Search with Debbie McDonald.  Approximately 33 horse/rider combinations rode for Debbie in one day, and two were chosen to stay for the Developing Rider Clinic.  While Trust Me and I were not selected to stay, we both had a great experience.  Debbie gave us a great evaluation, and essentially told us we were on the right track with the training program.  Coming out of the session, I felt very positive and upbeat about our ride and our progress in general.  Debbie was very friendly and helpful. The day was filled with amazing combinations of horses and riders both professional and amateur.  It was an honor to be invited to attend this program (which is just getting started) and, as always, an honor to be at Gladstone and be a part of the team spirit and old time aura of the facility.  It is amazing to see the trophy room filled with photos and results of past Champions from all disciplines.  The ambience hasn’t changed since my first time riding there as a young rider, when I attended a week-long training session preparing for the Young Rider Championships.  More pictures from this wonderful adventure will follow soon!

Nicole Uphoff-Selke Clinic Coming in July!

That's right; Nicole Uphoff-Selke, the four-time German Olympic gold medal winner in team and individual dressage, is coming back to join us at Turning Point Farm for a three-day clinic!  We are so proud and happy to host Nicole each year; her clinics are a wonderful and unique opportunity to train with one of the most prolific and insightful dressage trainers of her generation.  She will be joining us for three days (July 23, 24 and 25), sharing her knowledge and experience in ways that are truly transformational. For more information and sign-up regarding this wonderful clinic, be sure to visit my website (http://barbarastrawson.com/pdf/nicole-uphoff-july2010.pdf).  Looking forward to seeing you there!

A Day in the World - World Dressage Masters in FL

I have to say that I feel pretty guilty being down here in Wellington when we are supposed to get the ‘snow storm of the century’ back in DC.   At first they were saying 12 inches, and I thought ‘piece of cake’  compared to our snowstorm back in December.  But now I think we are we expecting an accumulation of 24 inches and ‘white out’ conditions.

I have such a wonderful team back home who are ‘holding down the fort’ while I take time for my professional development.  Thank you Lauren, Judi, Brian, Frank, CeCe, Jennifer, Norma Lynn,  Janice, Nancy, Susan and Crispin.

In spite of the feelings of guilt, I can’t deny that sitting in that warm sun watching Steffen Peters ride in the World Dressage Masters was a welcome respite from the winter chill! 

I have never seen this pair in person.  I last saw Steffen ride at the WEGs in 2006.  I was disappointed when he and Florianus were just out of the medals; they were such a joy to watch.  Now, seeing Steffen on Ravel, I am impressed again with Steffen’s harmony and precision in the ring.  The pair were certainly a joy to watch, and what I saw today will certainly be a picture that comes to mind when I think of what ‘dressage’ should be.

Unfortunately, I didn’t get to see all of the pairs today.  Just a couple of days after I bought my plane ticket, the start time changed from 3 pm to 1 pm, so I missed half of the class.  Ashley Holzer and Pop Art have been a favorite pair of mine, so I was sorry to miss them. But I will look forward to seeing the freestyle on Saturday.   I was also sad to miss Isabell and Satchmo – seeing this pair at the 2006 WEGs in the GPS was the most amazing thing - I still remember grabbing Brian’s arm with my mouth dropped open as Satchmo half passed…..there was an ‘audible’ silence from the crowd as the horse lifted his shoulders and crossed over in the most incredible half pass I have ever seen.

So there will be a lot to look forward to in the next days!

I also have to admit I was feeling a bit of nostalgia – missing being here with Degas last year. 

But it was a beautiful day and I ran into several nice people, from the car rental guy (he says cool beans), to the girl who picked me up in her golf cart right outside my car at the equestrian center and dropped me at the ring - must have been 5 miles ;) , to the dinner delivery guy.  And, of course, it was wonderful to run into some old friends.

I will look forward to what tomorrow brings!

Words to Live By

“If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours.”  Henry David Thoreau

Now, there is a quote to live by!  I was very excited to learn over the weekend that I had received the USDF Region 1 award for the 2009 Outstanding Achievement at the FEI Levels!  It is an honor to be singled out for such an award, given all the talented riders in this category whom I admire and respect.  I want to thank the PVDA for their submission, and also thank everyone who has supported me throughout the year - I couldn’t have done it without my team!

But wait; there’s more!  That’s right - just after I heard about the FEI Achievement award, CeCe brought to my attention that Degas and I had placed 3rd in the country at the Intermediare 1 Freestyle (Open Division) level for the 2009 USDF All-Breeds Winners (Hanoverians)!  2009 was quite the musical success for us, having won the GAIGs and BLMs in the I-1 freestyle competition, so this award from the USDF was just a wonderful culmination to the year’s events.  I want to thank CeCe & Frank Maddlone from EquiChord for all the work they have done to help make these musical dreams come true!

We are all very excited about what is ahead for 2010 - stay tuned to Team Strawson as we continue our journey to excellence. To paraphrase Thoreau, our team will be marching “in the direction of our dreams”.

Tempus Fugit

Who says winter is a slow time of year??  Many businesses may have a slow period, but that just doesn’t seem to happen here.  Turning Point Farm is hopping this January!  We have planned a lot of activities for winter fun to break up the monotony of long, cold winter days and having to ride inside.   Last weekend we had group lessons and everyone switched horses.  It was a blast and very educational!  This weekend, each rider will come to their lesson with a very specific goal and, at the end of the lesson, we will video ‘the goal’.  Immediately following the lesson, we will evaluate each rider’s video for instant feedback.  Coming up will be freestyle riding, fix a test and more!!!  Also, stay tuned to the website for the 2010 schedule.

Christmas Ode to Dressage

On the first day of Christmas,

My trainer said to me:

"Remember to stabilize your core."

On the second day of Christmas,

My trainer said to me:

"Follow with your arms"
"And remember to stabilize your core."

On the third day of Christmas,

My trainer said to me:

"Keep your heels down"

"Follow with your arms"

"And remember to stabilize your core."

On the fourth day of Christmas,

My trainer said to me:

"Always ride the rhythm"

"Keep your heels down"

"Follow with your arms"

"And remember to stabilize your core."

On the fifth day of Christmas,

My trainer said to me:

"Inside leg to outside rein!"

"Always ride the rhythm"

"Keep your heels down"

"Follow with your arms"

"And remember to stabilize your core."

On the sixth day of Christmas,

My trainer said to me:

"Proper use of half halts"

"Inside leg to outside rein!"

"Always ride the rhythm"

"Keep your heels down"

"Follow with your arms"

"And remember to stabilize your core."

On the sixth day of Christmas,

My trainer said to me:

"Proper use of half halts"

"Inside leg to outside rein!"

"Always ride the rhythm"

"Keep your heels down"

"Follow with your arms"

"And Remember to stabilize your core."

On the seventh day of Christmas,

My trainer said to me:

"Keep your body straight"

"Proper use of half halts"

"Inside leg to outside rein!"

"Always ride the rhythm"

"Keep your heels down"

"Follow with your arms"

"And remember to stabilize your core."

On the eighth day of Christmas,

My trainer said to me:

"Ride all your corners"

"Keep your body straight"

"Proper use of half halts"

"Inside leg to outside rein!"

"Always ride the rhythm"

"Keep your heels down"

"Follow with your arms"

"And remember to stabilize your core."

On the ninth day of Christmas,

My trainer said to me:

"Outside rein is crucial"

"Ride all your corners"

"Keep your body straight"

"Proper use of half halts"

"Inside leg to outside rein!"

"Always ride the rhythm"

"Keep your heels down"

"Follow with your arms"

"And remember to stabilize your core.

On the tenth day of Christmas,

My trainer said to me:

"Keep your horse forward"

"Outside rein is crucial"

"Ride all your corners"

"Keep your body straight"

"Proper use of half halts"

"Inside leg to outside rein!"

"Always ride the rhythm"

"Keep your heels down"

"Follow with your arms"

"And remember to stabilize your core."

On the eleventh day of Christmas,

My trainer said to me:

"Always keep a smile"

"Keep your horse forward"

"Outside rein is crucial"

"Ride all your corners"

"Keep your body straight"

"Proper use of half halts"

"Inside leg to outside rein!"

"Always ride the rhythm"

"Keep your heels down"

"Follow with your arms"

"And remember to stabilize your core."

On the twelfth day of Christmas,

My trainer said to me:

"Straighten out your horse"

"Always keep a smile"

"Keep your horse forward"

"Outside rein is crucial"

"Ride all your corners"

"Keep your body straight"

"Proper use of half halts"

"Inside leg to outside rein!"

"Always ride the rhythm"

"Keep your heels down"

"Follow with your arms"

"And remember to stabilize your core."

©2009 EquiChord and the Elves at EquiChord