Saddlebreds A Hit At Horse-A-Rama
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
ASAW and DeEquus Stables participated at Horse-A-Rama the weekend of April 10-11, 2010, in Manitowoc County Expo Center, Manitowoc, Wis.
The focus of the presentation was equitation. It was explained that equitation is the art of controlling the horse, while maintaining the proper body position. Each equitation rider rode to wonderful music like Celebrate, Ride Like The Wind and God Bless America.
First to perform was the academy rider Jocelyn Weyer who rode on Saturday and Katie Teehan on Sunday, both rode Garth Brooks, a grand 26-year-old gelding that showed his love for his job and his love for the children. It was emphasized that the academy division creates an opportunity for the beginner riders to develop and fine tune their horsemanship skills as well as their sportsmanship. Both girls rode walk/trot only. It was also explained that often times the academy riders do not own their own horses, and typically compete on a school or lesson horse.
Next up was pleasure equitation. Emily Teehan showed Minner Driver, a 10-year-old mare owned by DeEquus Stables. Here it was explained that the horse and rider combination is essential. An overall picture of elegance and excitement is the goal. The rider needs to get the most out of their horse while still being able to perform patterns and workouts. Teehan performed a four loop serpentine, showing three changes in diagonals and returning down the rail at a show trot. Minner Driver wore a double bridle in the demonstration and a quick explanation of the bits was given to the audience.
Excitement could be felt in the audience as the next rider, Liz Wildenberg, entered the ring on Oak Groves M’Lady In Red, a five-year-old mare owned by Rick and Cindy Luft. This mare is powerful and this kind of horse and rider combination is not easy to find. During this demonstration the equitation suit was explained. How the suit should fit well but not tight. The color should compliment the horse and should not be distracting from the overall picture. A solid color is a requirement. Wildenberg performed a sandwich figure eight for the crowd. The audience learned how a rider handles a mistake will also affect their placing in a class. In equitation the judges not only look for perfection but also look at how the rider handled a situation that didn’t go as well as they expected.
After the demonstration everyone was invited back to the barn to meet the riders and horses. ASAW also had its booth set up offering ASAW and Saddlebred wears such as t-shirts, sweatshirts and jackets. Thanks to DeEquus Stablemates Youth Group under the direction of Tresa Teehan. They manned the booth throughout the weekend. A special thanks to Ginger Schinktgen of DeEquus Stables and her crew for demonstrating what a wonderful breed the American Saddlebred is.
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