The past week was pretty busy. Ashley Duda and six hunter seat riders made the drive to Mary Washington University in Fredericksburg, VA. The Tournament of Champions is an invitational IHSA style show that pits the strongest teams in the nation against one another. Coach Duda had prepped her team well and improved their previous team placing to sixth. That is sixth in the nation! Not too shabby!
Meanwhile at home the Ride-Like-A-Knight program installed a new lift for mounting riders. This lift was funded by The Elizabeth Fund.
The Elizabeth Fund exists to enrich and enlarge the lives of youth and adults with physical, cognitive and emotional disabilities through the therapeutic horsemanship program at St. Andrews University.
Established in 2010 through the generous $25,000 gift by Joe Junod '69 and Marilyn Greene, it is named in honor of their mothers, Elizabeth Donaldson Junod and Dr. M. Elizabeth Peck.
“We are both committed to programs assisting people with disabilities,” said Greene. “Our mothers were both great humanitarians, and lovers of animals as well. Since I have a special love for horses, we decided to focus on giving to this program and dedicate these efforts to the memories of our mothers.”
The lift will be used to offer services to a wider range of riders in the Ride-Like-A-Knight program. Before that can happen, staff, students and especially the horses need to be trained in its use. This will be a great learning opportunity for the students in the RLAK program.
Looking ahead to next weekend, we are hosting our first IHSA hunter seat show of 2012 on Saturday and the western team travels to Martin Community College for a double header Saturday and Sunday. It is good to be busy!
Monday, January 30, 2012
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Busy Start to Spring Semester
Life throws you curves, last weekend I was in Florida with Peggy and Debbie Bell at the College Preparatory Invitational in Wellington FL, and this weekend I am bundled up at home with a cold and icing my back which decided that the misery of a cold needed company! Meanwhile while I am laying around (I am icing my back as I type) the equestrian program has been really busy.
- Lessons started early this semester so we can finish early and focus our energies on IHSA Nationals which we are hosting in Raleigh in May in 2012 – there will be lots more about that in the coming months.
- Riding Council organized a cleanup of Hasty Road this Saturday which was well attended and the road is now beautifully clean. (Why do people throw trash into nature, do they do that in their houses too? Yuk!)
- Scot Evans is teaching a clinic this Sunday/Monday for the hunter seat riders – always an interesting and inspiring opportunity.
- Riding Council is organizing horse cleanup for our first IHSA hunter seat show of the spring semester which is scheduled for Feb. 4th.
As for me, it’s back to the chiropractor and work tomorrow! Can’t wait to be busy again!
Monday, January 16, 2012
The History of the St. Andrews Equestrian Program
The book is here! The project completed by the History and Theory of Modern Riding class has been turned into a book discussing the history of the St. Andrews Equestrian Program starting in 1969! If you would like a copy of the book please send a check for $25 made out to St. Andrews University. Attn: Jackie Dwelle, 9167 Hasty Road, Laurinburg, NC 28396. Shipping is free. Below is the introduction to the book.
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Front Cover: Main photograph is the Lesson barn in 2007. Top left to right, Jon Conyers with his dog Kaleb; Kira Gainey showing Chessie; Peggy McElveen and Sami Cram class of 2012 Second row Oscar Allen who has been with the program since at least 1984, cleaning stalls, mowing, raking pine straw etc. Oscar turned 80 in 2011 and still works at the equestrain center; Kelsey Moody showing at IHSA Nationals 2010 in reining. Therapeutic riding photo Liz Harris Adams, Liz Capalbo and Katie Tieman holding Special; Shelby French with a team in the early 1980s; J.R. McCaulley jumping on campus, J.R. was a member of the team that competed in Panama in 1993, his team mates were Susan Yeaman Deal, Beth Anna Perry and Cathy Kassell Geitner; Sarah Rhymer mounted with Debbi White and Bob Cacchione at IHSA Nationals; Christine Eidson showing Max in an IDA show in 2005. |
Introduction
From the beginning St. Andrews’ core curriculum was considered to be the school’s greatest asset. The campus was built to accommodate students with disabilities which in 1961 was many years ahead of the 1990 American with Disabilities Act. The buildings and walkways were designed with ramps to create a modern and accessible facility 1.
Eight years later during the 1969 – 1970 academic year a small group of students with the support of the Dean of Students, Rodger Decker, formed a new club, The St. Andrews Hoofers 2. Marguerite “Bunky” Simpson the first president of the new riding club brought the first horse, Popsi, onto campus in 1969 and a new era for St. Andrews was born 3.
For the last 42 years, the equestrian program has consistently functioned as a student directed and driven program. From the very beginning students have organized the program demonstrating their interest in horses, developing the program into a varsity sport, supporting academic programs and throughout the history of the program sharing their enthusiasm with others in multiple roles including teaching, event management, and service projects.
The drive demonstrated by the students has been matched over the years by the staff and faculty. Many people have contributed to the program, sharing their knowledge, guiding students, creating opportunities and facilitating student driven ideas. You will meet some of these extraordinary people and learn about their accomplishments in the chapters of this book. Looking forward the equestrian program is always evolving; some of the current staff and faculty shared their dreams with the research team.
What Bunky Simpson and her peers started in 1969 has grown today into a nationally respected equestrian program that still embodies the motto adopted early in the program’s history Equitation Elicits Excellence.
This book was researched and developed by the Fall 2011 History and Theory of Modern Riding class. Many hours were spent in the college archives exploring the numerous publications and artifacts that have been collected over the years. Personal interviews with students, instructors, and faculty both past and present were conducted to pull together as much information as possible with the goal of developing a publication that reflects the beginning, development and growth of one of the leading collegiate equestrian programs in the United States.
References
1. The History of St. Andrews University retrieved Dec. 11, 2011 http://www.sapc.edu/aboutsa/history.php.
2. “Elise Eleazer, “The History of the St. Andrews Equestrian Program, Nov 28, 1993.
3. Interview Marguerite Simpson Garfield Nov. 2011.
4. Melton, George E. St. Andrews: A Brief History. 1981. Print.
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Wednesday, January 4, 2012
History of the St. Andrews Equestrian Program
I spent my entire Christmas break helping out at the barn, but mostly working on the History of the St. Andrews Equestrian Program project. It is now 50+ pages and will be printed in book form with lots of color pictures. The history starts in 1969 with the first horse on campus moves onto the Shelby French Era and ends with the Peggy McElveen era and looks at the development of the various programs. Lots of memories from students and staff and some thoughts looking forward. The History will be available for sale, $25 free shipping to U.S. addresses. Hope to send it to the printers today! Email dwellejm@sapc.edu if you are interested!
Thursday, December 22, 2011
A Christmas Story...
I entered this story in the Fayetteville Observer Children's Christmas Story contest. They published the winners today and this was not one of them! So the blog seems like the perfect place to put it. Enjoy!
Away in a Manger…
“T’was the night before Christmas and all about the house, nothing was stirring, except for a mouse.1”
“Wait, wait, wait, we live in a barn!” said Bailey interrupting Max’s musings, “and we spend most of our time in this huge pasture, plus the mice do clean up for us where you and I drop food while we eat due to our failing teeth at our advanced age.”
Max sighed, “I know, but Christmas time seems so special to our humans.”
“You are a horse! A retired one at that! What do you know about Christmas!” Bailey tossed his head and rolled his eyes.
“I know that our humans think that Christmas is a pretty special time of year. They are kind to one another and give gifts to the people that they hold dear.” Max dropped his head and licked his lips. “I also get extra treats at Christmas for no reason that I can tell other than they are feeling extra kind.”
“I know dude, they really seem to change at this time of year.” Bailey conceded as he ever so gently pushed Max’s nose aside from a particularly green patch of clover.
Just then Haflinger pony Toby wandered over, “Mind sharing the clover?” he asked.
“I mind,” said Bailey flatly, snarling the corner of his nostril nearest to Toby to emphasize the point. Toby looked hopefully at Max who backed up a step and lowered his head indicating that the clover was up for grabs as far as he was concerned. “Toby, do you think humans are kinder at Christmas time?” he asked.
Toby kept one eye on the clover and the other on Bailey as he thought about the question. “Well, maybe, they do seem to spend more time together, sharing food and giving one another gifts.”
“Why do they do that at this time of year?” asked Max.
“I think it has something to do with that display they put in the courtyard for everyone to see,” said Toby. “There is a family as well as sheep and other animals, shepherds and some dudes in fancy looking outfits that must be important in some way. The dressed up guys also look to be giving gifts to the baby.”
“Plus the scene is in a barn,” added Max. “I’ve heard the humans talking about how barns are great equalizers, something about all people being the same when they are at the barn. I’m not sure exactly what they were talking about but they all agreed that the barn is their favorite place to be.”
“I’ve heard comments like that too,” said Toby, “they were saying, when they are at the barn, they can just be themselves and don’t have to worry about what other people think. In fact now that you mention it I also heard the program director telling someone how important it is to her to have everyone feel welcome when they are at the barn. She also said that the barn is a place where everything is always the same and everyone respects each other’s point of view.”
“Well they are always happy to see us and they give us lots of hugs and praise no matter what time of year it is,” said Bailey. “But they don’t’ always treat each other that way all the time, I have heard them talking and saying some not very nice things to each other. Maybe they have to be reminded to be nice to one another and that is what Christmas is for.”
“So is that why there are people and animals in the display?” asked Max.
“I think it is one of those barn yard themed birthday parties,” chimed in Toby. “There are guests with gifts, all they need is a cake. Although I suppose the candles might be a bit hazardous in a barn particularly as the baby is sleeping in a feed tub bedded with straw”
“It looks like our therapeutic horsemanship program to me,” observed Bailey.
“How do you mean?” asked Max.
“Well everyday, families bring their children to see us horses. Some of them ride, some of them brush us and some of them just enjoy watching others ride. We also have the volunteers that take care of us, and help the children with their riding and other skills, sort of like the shepherds caring for the sheep.” Bailey lifted his head from the clover patch for a moment allowing Toby to grab a bite.
“What about the guys with gifts, they fit well with Toby’s birthday idea” said Max.
“Gifts are not just for birthdays although this could well be a birthday party. The humans who teach lessons and organize all our events wear matching shirts that make them stand out from the families and volunteers,” said Bailey “The gifts maybe birthday presents or perhaps they are symbols of appreciation or recognition from the guys in the fancy clothes.”
“Oh the gifts are the easy part!” exclaimed Toby. “Gifts come everyday in one form or another. Remember that little girl last month who has been coming to ride with us for two years? Well she never said a word and then suddenly she started saying “walk on” and “whoa” like she had been doing it all her life. I overheard her mother saying that since that day she has started to speak more at home. I was so excited to hear her speak for the first time that I almost trotted off – luckily I managed to stop myself just in time!
“That’s not all,” Bailey said “Last week we needed to raise money for new equipment for the program so the program director posted an appeal on her facebook page and someone was kind enough to donate all the funds needed, just like that! Did you not see the fancy new saddle that Marshmellow has been wearing? They bought that, as well as some other items that make riding more comfortable for the riders.”
Toby looked a little troubled, “So which is it?” he asked. “Does the display represent a birthday party or is it a reminder to humans to treat one another well or is it just a representation of our riding program?”
Bailey being the leader of the herd considered this for a minute while Max managed to grab the last few bites of clover. Finally, Bailey spoke, “I think it is all of them,” he stated. “It looks like it is the baby’s birthday which serves as a reminder to humans to be kind to one another and in our little bit of the world this just happens to occur at a therapeutic horsemanship center.”
“Well there is one thing about the display that you have not yet explained,” said Toby. “and that is the giant star hanging over the barn.”
“Oh I know what that is,” said Max through the last mouthful of clover, “it represents the head lights on the pick up truck that is coming up the lane right now with our warm mash and blankets to keep us comfortable on a cold winter night. Follow those lights to the barn, its time for dinner!”
1. Clement Clarke Moore (1779 - 1863)
Away in a Manger…
“T’was the night before Christmas and all about the house, nothing was stirring, except for a mouse.1”
“Wait, wait, wait, we live in a barn!” said Bailey interrupting Max’s musings, “and we spend most of our time in this huge pasture, plus the mice do clean up for us where you and I drop food while we eat due to our failing teeth at our advanced age.”
Max sighed, “I know, but Christmas time seems so special to our humans.”
“You are a horse! A retired one at that! What do you know about Christmas!” Bailey tossed his head and rolled his eyes.
“I know that our humans think that Christmas is a pretty special time of year. They are kind to one another and give gifts to the people that they hold dear.” Max dropped his head and licked his lips. “I also get extra treats at Christmas for no reason that I can tell other than they are feeling extra kind.”
“I know dude, they really seem to change at this time of year.” Bailey conceded as he ever so gently pushed Max’s nose aside from a particularly green patch of clover.
Just then Haflinger pony Toby wandered over, “Mind sharing the clover?” he asked.
“I mind,” said Bailey flatly, snarling the corner of his nostril nearest to Toby to emphasize the point. Toby looked hopefully at Max who backed up a step and lowered his head indicating that the clover was up for grabs as far as he was concerned. “Toby, do you think humans are kinder at Christmas time?” he asked.
Toby kept one eye on the clover and the other on Bailey as he thought about the question. “Well, maybe, they do seem to spend more time together, sharing food and giving one another gifts.”
“Why do they do that at this time of year?” asked Max.
“I think it has something to do with that display they put in the courtyard for everyone to see,” said Toby. “There is a family as well as sheep and other animals, shepherds and some dudes in fancy looking outfits that must be important in some way. The dressed up guys also look to be giving gifts to the baby.”
“Plus the scene is in a barn,” added Max. “I’ve heard the humans talking about how barns are great equalizers, something about all people being the same when they are at the barn. I’m not sure exactly what they were talking about but they all agreed that the barn is their favorite place to be.”
“I’ve heard comments like that too,” said Toby, “they were saying, when they are at the barn, they can just be themselves and don’t have to worry about what other people think. In fact now that you mention it I also heard the program director telling someone how important it is to her to have everyone feel welcome when they are at the barn. She also said that the barn is a place where everything is always the same and everyone respects each other’s point of view.”
“Well they are always happy to see us and they give us lots of hugs and praise no matter what time of year it is,” said Bailey. “But they don’t’ always treat each other that way all the time, I have heard them talking and saying some not very nice things to each other. Maybe they have to be reminded to be nice to one another and that is what Christmas is for.”
“So is that why there are people and animals in the display?” asked Max.
“I think it is one of those barn yard themed birthday parties,” chimed in Toby. “There are guests with gifts, all they need is a cake. Although I suppose the candles might be a bit hazardous in a barn particularly as the baby is sleeping in a feed tub bedded with straw”
“It looks like our therapeutic horsemanship program to me,” observed Bailey.
“How do you mean?” asked Max.
“Well everyday, families bring their children to see us horses. Some of them ride, some of them brush us and some of them just enjoy watching others ride. We also have the volunteers that take care of us, and help the children with their riding and other skills, sort of like the shepherds caring for the sheep.” Bailey lifted his head from the clover patch for a moment allowing Toby to grab a bite.
“What about the guys with gifts, they fit well with Toby’s birthday idea” said Max.
“Gifts are not just for birthdays although this could well be a birthday party. The humans who teach lessons and organize all our events wear matching shirts that make them stand out from the families and volunteers,” said Bailey “The gifts maybe birthday presents or perhaps they are symbols of appreciation or recognition from the guys in the fancy clothes.”
“Oh the gifts are the easy part!” exclaimed Toby. “Gifts come everyday in one form or another. Remember that little girl last month who has been coming to ride with us for two years? Well she never said a word and then suddenly she started saying “walk on” and “whoa” like she had been doing it all her life. I overheard her mother saying that since that day she has started to speak more at home. I was so excited to hear her speak for the first time that I almost trotted off – luckily I managed to stop myself just in time!
“That’s not all,” Bailey said “Last week we needed to raise money for new equipment for the program so the program director posted an appeal on her facebook page and someone was kind enough to donate all the funds needed, just like that! Did you not see the fancy new saddle that Marshmellow has been wearing? They bought that, as well as some other items that make riding more comfortable for the riders.”
Toby looked a little troubled, “So which is it?” he asked. “Does the display represent a birthday party or is it a reminder to humans to treat one another well or is it just a representation of our riding program?”
Bailey being the leader of the herd considered this for a minute while Max managed to grab the last few bites of clover. Finally, Bailey spoke, “I think it is all of them,” he stated. “It looks like it is the baby’s birthday which serves as a reminder to humans to be kind to one another and in our little bit of the world this just happens to occur at a therapeutic horsemanship center.”
“Well there is one thing about the display that you have not yet explained,” said Toby. “and that is the giant star hanging over the barn.”
“Oh I know what that is,” said Max through the last mouthful of clover, “it represents the head lights on the pick up truck that is coming up the lane right now with our warm mash and blankets to keep us comfortable on a cold winter night. Follow those lights to the barn, its time for dinner!”
1. Clement Clarke Moore (1779 - 1863)
Thursday, December 8, 2011
The semester is coming to an end...
The end of the semester comes so quickly! Last weekend Ashley and six members of the IHSA hunter seat team made the drive to Centenary College in New Jersey to compete in the invitational IHSA Tournament of Champions (TOC). Schools are invited to compete in TOC competitions based on their success so the competition is very tough as the best intercollegiate teams in the country are represented. St. Andrews ended up in 13th place out of 25 which is not too shabby considering the competition.
The team visited Washington DC, specifically the Lincoln Memorial, made a stop to take a lesson at Regina Barash’s barn in the Bronx and did a quick tour of the USEF team headquarters in Gladstone NJ. From all reports it was an amazing trip for all involved.
With finals starting tomorrow (today is study day on campus) equestrian activities are limited to stress reducing hacks and pleasure rides. Tonight the equestrian staff don their Chef hats for an Ugly Christmas Sweater Party in the Party Palace. The menu consists of warming dishes including soups, chilli, chicken and dumplings and of course Pebbles’ brownies. Finals start tomorrow, good luck to everyone!
The team visited Washington DC, specifically the Lincoln Memorial, made a stop to take a lesson at Regina Barash’s barn in the Bronx and did a quick tour of the USEF team headquarters in Gladstone NJ. From all reports it was an amazing trip for all involved.
With finals starting tomorrow (today is study day on campus) equestrian activities are limited to stress reducing hacks and pleasure rides. Tonight the equestrian staff don their Chef hats for an Ugly Christmas Sweater Party in the Party Palace. The menu consists of warming dishes including soups, chilli, chicken and dumplings and of course Pebbles’ brownies. Finals start tomorrow, good luck to everyone!
Monday, November 14, 2011
Intercollegiate Horse Show Scoring
The fall intercollegiate season comes to a close with St. Andrews teams having the following points.
Hunter Seat 200
Western 144
Dressage 16
This places the hunter seat and western teams in the lead in their respective regions by 32 and 20 points and the dressage team one point behind Averett University in their region. The point value differences come from the different approach taken by the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) and the Intercollegiate Dressage Association (IDA).
IHSA and IDA both use the same system when it comes to awarding points to individual riders.
1st – 7 points
2nd – 5 points
3rd – 4 points
4th – 3 points
5th – 2 points
6th – 1 point
Individual riders in both organizations accumulate points towards year end awards and for the opportunity to ride at Regionals for IHSA or Nationals for IDA. IHSA has more competitive layers at the end of the year than IDA.
In IHSA, point riders are designated by the coach at the coaches meeting prior to the start of the show. Schools may have more than one rider in each division but only one rider’s score counts for the team. In IDA usually 2 teams of 4 riders from each school compete for the day’s points. IHSA Hunter Seat has 8 designated point riders with one drop score. IHSA Western has 6 designated point riders with no drop score. IDA teams count the best 3 scores (by point value determined by their individual placing in their division) from each team of 4 riders. At the end of each show the most each team can score is as follows.
IHSA Hunter Seat – 49 points
IHSA Western – 42 points
IDA Dressage – 21 points
In IHSA the team’s points from each show are cumulative. For example three perfect shows in hunter seat would earn 147 points. In IDA the winning team earns 7 points, the second place team 5 points etc. So a perfect score for three shows for IDA would be 21 points. To further complicate things no matter how many shows are held in a region for IDA only a team’s top 4 shows count. If a school has a second team their points do not count towards qualifying. In IHSA each region must have a minimum of 5 shows to qualify for Regionals and therefore Zones and finally Nationals.
Very confusing and this does not address all the rules in both organizations that start with “In the event…".
I’ll discuss individual scoring and qualifying for Regionals and Nationals in a later post.
Currently, all St. Andrews Intercollegiate Equestrian Teams are strong contenders in their respective regions.
Regional Standing for All St. Andrews' Intercollegiate Teams
IHSA Hunter Seat - After 5 shows
St. Andrews University 200
UNC-Chapel Hill 168
North Carolina State University 161
Duke University 154
East Carolina University 154
Coastal Carolina University 116
UNC-Charlotte 89
UNC-Wilmington 89
Virginia Commonwealth University 84
Davidson College 37
Martin Community College 14
IHSA Western - After 4 shows
St. Andrews 144
NCSU 124
VA Tech 82
High Point University 59
Martin Community College 43
IDA – After 3 shows
Averett University 17
St. Andrews University 16
Furman University 10
North Carolina State University 11
Hunter Seat 200
Western 144
Dressage 16
This places the hunter seat and western teams in the lead in their respective regions by 32 and 20 points and the dressage team one point behind Averett University in their region. The point value differences come from the different approach taken by the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) and the Intercollegiate Dressage Association (IDA).
IHSA and IDA both use the same system when it comes to awarding points to individual riders.
1st – 7 points
2nd – 5 points
3rd – 4 points
4th – 3 points
5th – 2 points
6th – 1 point
Individual riders in both organizations accumulate points towards year end awards and for the opportunity to ride at Regionals for IHSA or Nationals for IDA. IHSA has more competitive layers at the end of the year than IDA.
In IHSA, point riders are designated by the coach at the coaches meeting prior to the start of the show. Schools may have more than one rider in each division but only one rider’s score counts for the team. In IDA usually 2 teams of 4 riders from each school compete for the day’s points. IHSA Hunter Seat has 8 designated point riders with one drop score. IHSA Western has 6 designated point riders with no drop score. IDA teams count the best 3 scores (by point value determined by their individual placing in their division) from each team of 4 riders. At the end of each show the most each team can score is as follows.
IHSA Hunter Seat – 49 points
IHSA Western – 42 points
IDA Dressage – 21 points
In IHSA the team’s points from each show are cumulative. For example three perfect shows in hunter seat would earn 147 points. In IDA the winning team earns 7 points, the second place team 5 points etc. So a perfect score for three shows for IDA would be 21 points. To further complicate things no matter how many shows are held in a region for IDA only a team’s top 4 shows count. If a school has a second team their points do not count towards qualifying. In IHSA each region must have a minimum of 5 shows to qualify for Regionals and therefore Zones and finally Nationals.
Very confusing and this does not address all the rules in both organizations that start with “In the event…".
I’ll discuss individual scoring and qualifying for Regionals and Nationals in a later post.
Currently, all St. Andrews Intercollegiate Equestrian Teams are strong contenders in their respective regions.
Regional Standing for All St. Andrews' Intercollegiate Teams
IHSA Hunter Seat - After 5 shows
St. Andrews University 200
UNC-Chapel Hill 168
North Carolina State University 161
Duke University 154
East Carolina University 154
Coastal Carolina University 116
UNC-Charlotte 89
UNC-Wilmington 89
Virginia Commonwealth University 84
Davidson College 37
Martin Community College 14
IHSA Western - After 4 shows
St. Andrews 144
NCSU 124
VA Tech 82
High Point University 59
Martin Community College 43
IDA – After 3 shows
Averett University 17
St. Andrews University 16
Furman University 10
North Carolina State University 11
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