Hunter Valley Dressage Association Inc.

COLLECTIONS NEWSLETTER NOVEMBER 2017

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

President’s Report………….....1

Member Profiles……………..2,3

Committee/Info………………...4

Sponsors…………………….....5

UPCOMING COMPETITIONS

12 May

21 July 22 September 3 November

DRESSAGE

Writing (CLICK HERE)

PRESIDENT’S REPORT Once again we were blessed with the weather for our first official competition of the year. Some rain on the two previous weekends looked somewhat threatening, but it held off to allow a lovely clear day without the blazing heat which had extended summer temperatures. The grounds had been mowed a little over a week ago, but the grass was a little long due to the great growing conditions at the beginning of autumn! No complaints about the footing though; no slippage reported in feedback!

As the deadline for entries approached it appeared that this would be a smallish competition, but at the last minute the entries flooded in and we needed 8 arenas to accommodate some very big fields.

Kudos to those riders who persevered to maintain their training around the vagaries of the weather and produced their horses in excellent order to compete on the day. Lots of comments on the day as spectators enjoyed a spectacle of beautiful partnerships warming up before their tests in a very harmonious fashion, thoughtful of allowing other riders space according to line and tempo and considerate of some with less experience.

This was our first competition with the new EA tests. Judges and riders alike commented that the tests flowed smoothly, more ‘symmetrical’ in general than previously, though there were a few steering issues put down to rider-error in adjusting from previous ‘ways of going’! In the office, Ruth Byrne and her team were keeping the scores ticking over smoothly…until the Elementary classes… where they hit a glitch in the system! A couple of errors in the EA scoring download necessitated a new import of tests and a re-start of the scoring. Thankfully Ruth, Chris Sullivan and Tony Taylor had the mental fortitude to adjust to the set-back and persevere to solve the problem, with Megan Taylor and Suzie Laidler keeping papers flowing through the system. Sorry to the competitors who were waiting on those last scores, but many thanks to Ruth who posted complete scores on-line by 7pm that night!!

At our post-competition committee meeting we considered the implementation of the EA ‘instant’ Scoreboard system, but we will wait until some glitches are ironed out. We will need to purchase some hardware…tablets and Wifi antenna… and get some training, to ensure such a change runs smoothly.

Congratulations to all riders who turned out so beautifully on the day. Just a reminder that you need to have two bridle/saddle-cloth numbers on your horse at all times on the ground. Some numbers are so small that you may need to present to the judges to ensure they can be read accurately.

Hope to see you again at our May 12 competition

Margaret Warwick PRESIDENT Hunter Valley Dressage Association Member contributions to the HVDA Newsletter welcome! Send info to Tammy Hodges at tammyleigh@live.com

Hunter Valley Dressage Association Inc.

COLLECTIONS NEWSLETTER MARCH 2019

INSTAGRAM

mallyonhillswarmbloodstud

member profile OLIVIA PALFREYMAN

Olivia Palfreyman & Hustler SP at AQHA Nationals 2018

Age: 20 Family: I’m at home with my parents and brother, as well as a menagerie of horses, dogs and cats Occupation: Studying a double degree of Law and Social Science and working as an Administration Manager Favourite Discipline: Dressage has my heart despite many years in the show ring! Horse(s): I am mainly riding Hustler SP, Prima Donna SP and Moonbah Majestic Moment this year. I also have a couple of youngsters and my beautiful retirees. How long have you been riding?: I rode before I could walk! What made you start riding? I was lucky to grow up with a horsey mother so it was always just a given. How often do you ride? 5-6 days a week What does your usual riding routine involve? I often start with ground work to ensure focus, before stretching for 5-10 minutes. I work through the basics and then establish movements at that horse’s level for 30-40 minutes. Cooling off is either a ride around the arena, through the back paddocks or just around the front of the property. They all choose their own cool off adventure – Hustler always goes for the hills! If I have time when unsaddling they all get an equissage while I get a second horse ready or pack gear away. I try to fit in a ‘mental health day’ for the horses once or twice a fortnight and take them out for a ride as well. Best Horse (ever) and why: I’m not one to pick favourites as they are all the best in some way. It is no secret however that Hustler is my special horse. Not only is he super talented and willing, he is absolutely hilarious! He is a bit like an oversized dog in that he must be by your side 24/7, you aren’t allowed to leave his paddock without scratching him and he loves to go on adventures! It is very special to have such a connection with a horse who I started with as a quite green 3 year old colt. He has been a delight to bring along and no doubt the future is bright for him. Greatest Achievement/Proudest Moment: The whole of 2018? Winning High Point English Horse with Hustler at AQHA Nationals, PHAA Nationals and NSWPHA State Championships in 2018 as well as being named the 2018 AQHA Dressage Horse of the Year was pretty cool. Horse related goals for 2019, and into the future: I am hoping to qualify Hustler for NSW Dressage Championships and PCA Nationals in 2019. Hopefully we will also have a successful and fun time at AQHA & PHAA Nationals in April. In terms of the future, moving up the levels with Hustler and other horses would high on the goals list. Do you work on your own fitness and do you keep fit any other way? I’m a bit slack with that! I have on occasion gone to the gym but I find looking after 6 horses and riding does the trick for me. Other Hobbies/Interests: No time for that! I just love all things animals and learning. Favourite Food/Restaurant: Caesar Salad Favourite Movie: The Greatest Showman Favourite Saying/Quote: Don’t be afraid to take chance. Most admired person/people: There are a lot of inspirational people close to me in my life and I’m very thankful for that. My mother (a very talented rider!) and my wonderful coach and friend Kristen would have to be top of my list. Something most people don’t know about you: I’m an open book… possibly that my favourite part of horses isn’t the competing; it is learning and helping a young horse develop its own unique personality and character.

member PROFILE

Tanase Peckham & Southern Gem

Age: 35 Family: Partner and son Occupation: Sports coach/university student Favourite Discipline: Dressage Horses: 10 horses ranging from babies to ridden and retired How long have you been riding? Since I was 12 What made you start riding? I was put on a pony as a baby and kept riding since because I loved it How often do you ride? 4-5 days a week What does your usual riding routine involve? Lunging if needed and usually start with stretching work and then move onto lateral work by stretching and a walk along the driveway Best horse (ever) and why: I have loved all of my horses. Current horse Southern Nyssa is hoping to be exciting with amazing movement and temperament Great Achievement/Proudest Moment: Winning the CDI-Y Freestyle as a young rider Horse related goals for 2019, and into the future: This year compete at state and nationals… never know what the future will bring, world equestrian games at some stage would be amazing Do you work on your own fitness and do you keep fit any other way? Yes, I train in the gym at least 4 days per week working on strength and flexibility Other hobbies/interests: Gym and movies Favourite food/restaurant: Criniti’s at Kotara Favourite Movie: I don’t really have one Favourite Saying/Quote: Reach for the moon, if you miss you will be amongst the stars Most admired person/people: Those who are close to me and support me Something most people don’t know about you: There isn’t really anything, what you see is what you get

member profile TANASE PECKHAM

PALFREYMA

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COMMITTEE 2019 HONORARY PATRON Lois Howe PRESIDENT Margaret Warwick VICE PRESIDENT Joyce Laidler

TREASURER / PUBLIC OFFICER Chris Sullivan GROUNDS COMMITTEE Chris Sullivan & Tony Taylor

SECRETARY Ruth Byrne

NEWSLETTER EDITOR Tammy Hodges

EVENT SECRETARY Joyce Laidler & Suzanne Laidler

PENCILLER COORDINATOR Di Stanley HVDA PHOTOGRPAHER Jody M Photography JUDGES SECRETARY / JUDGES FOLDER Kerry Sullivan / Krystal Taylor JUNIOR/YOUTH COORDINATORS Karen Graham, Krystal Taylor MINUTES SECRETARY Suzanne Laidler

MEMBERSHIP Joyce Laidler

PRIZES & TROPHIES / POINTSCORE Renee Neal FACEBOOK/PUBLICITY Jody Millward CHIEF STEWARD / SAFETY OFFICER Outsourced ARENA MAINTENANCE Vicki Ireland SPONSORSHIP Tony Taylor WEBSITE COORDINATORS Tammy Hodges, Joyce Laidler, Suzanne Laidler

GENERAL COMMITTEE Megan Taylor

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