TULSA, Okla. — If there is a place that tests hopes and dreams, it’s the U.S. National Arabian and Half-Arabian National Championship Show. Competition is keen, and it can separate owners and riders from best-laid expectations. It also can confirm hunches, like those of several California exhibitors who returned home from the Oct. 23-31 event at the Tulsa Expo Square with National Championships.

One of them was Shannon Chudzicki, an amateur from Norco who earned her first U.S. National title in a performance class, riding her Arsenal BV to the Purebred Hunter Pleasure AOTR Maturity Championship.

“It was a very exciting moment,” said Chudzicki, who has the 4-year-old gelding in training with Cynthia Burkman. “He’s turned out to be an amazing horse — he’s progressed a lot because of all the training that’s gone into him.”

TULSA, Okla. — Not all of the Arabian Horse Association’s top honors in Tulsa came with red roses.

TDNAHA President Theresa Oakley (left) and Treasurer Mimi Gaffey are presented a $500 award for the group’s first-place recognition for Club Excellence by AHA President Cynthia Richardson.

Howard Schlatzberg photo

After dust had settled from the 2015 U.S. Nationals a few weeks earlier, the AHA honored winners of its annual Club Excellence Award program on Nov. 21 during the President’s Banquet at the AHA Convention. Although the limelight may have been dimmer than the lights of the big show, the underlying importance wasn’t, as the nation’s most active local associations received praise for their innovations and energy in building momentum for the venerable breed.

That’s what dressage enthusiasts call the Spooktacular Halloween Dressage Show, which came to the Del Mar Horsepark Oct. 31-Nov. 1. Show founder Lisa Blaufess began the event in 2013, looking to start a competitive, triple-rated Dressage show that focused on tons of fun and also gave back to a breast cancer non-profit to help make a difference in women’s’ lives.

I’m not a veterinarian, but I have learned post-ride care over the years from some very experienced veterinarians and top endurance riders. I’ve carefully observed what long-term successful riders have done with their horses that enable those horses to compete year after year.
Keeping my horses sound and able to have long careers is more important to me than having one horse with a few brilliant performances but then is never seen again. Good post-ride care can nip a potential problem in the bud before it becomes a big deal.

A photo with Santa is something that’s treasured, and word has it that he’ll be trotting into Deer Springs Equestrian on Sunday, Dec. 13. Bring your horse, your family or your favorite pet from noon to 3 p.m., and Santa and the store staff will make your day bright. Deer Springs Feed and Supply is a full-service feed store that offers weekly sales and Christmas specials, so pick up some great gifts and supplies for the four-legged friends in your life.

Last issue, Les wrapped up lateral flexion with some details on steering. Now he takes us into vertical flexion—an important component of stops, circles…and much more.

Objective
To begin to get your horse to give at the poll as a result of soft pressure on his mouth with both reins

Skills You Will Develop
Timing: Timing is critical in this stage of the program. You want to make sure that you reward your horse instantly when you get the result you want so he learns to give and not pull.

HEY RAY!: I know you are very familiar with the Andalusian. I have an awesome Azteca gelding I am considering selling with incredible movement—great for dressage. When he moves, he has a “paddling” motion with his front feet. I believe the correct term is “Termino”. This is part of the Paso Fino movement, but is it acceptable in the Andalusian breed?
-Heidi Mahler