Hunter Seat Review 2011 - 2012

The fall 2012 History & Theory of Modern Riding class were tasked with following up on last year's publication of The St. Andrews Equestrian Program History 1969 - 2011by documenting the events of 2011 - 2012. I am now in the process of editing and laying out these papers to be shared as PDF files both printed and electronically. The paper below written by Tori Burkey tells a lot about the hunter seat program. I will have to do some serious editing to fit it into the 2 page format for electronic publication but wanted to share the entire paper in this forum.

The Hunter Seat Team
Fall 2011

 I asked St. Andrews University’s IHSA Hunt Seat Coach, Ashley Duda, what her first thoughts were of the new team and she states “I knew that with the combination of returners and freshmen, we would have a strong team.” With this being said, Coach Duda was right. In fall 2011 the St. Andrews Hunter Seat Team won three out of five shows finishing the fall season with a total of 200 points! The next two shows to take on were the Tournament of Champions. To show how dedicated our riders, coaches, and staff members are to the team and program, we went from thirteenth place out of twenty five in the beginning of December to the second show at the end of January with sixth place. That is a huge difference in a month’s period. Rob Jacobs became an instructor in the spring and I asked him what his thoughts were on the team. “I thought we had a very strong team who understood the importance of hard work and dedication it takes to be successful.”

Spring 2012

The spring semester was just as much of a success as the fall. There were two shows held in February, both hosted at St. Andrews. In an interview with Kali and Sami Cram (class of 2013) I asked them what was a high for the year for them. “High of the year was definitely our perfect scores at our last few shows last year. Ashley was amazing! She knew we could do it, believed in us and was an amazing coach!!!!” At both shows in February, we won. This left us with 298 points and first in the team standings. To give an insight on how Coach Duda would train the riders for the shows, she not only had us doing a ton of lunge work, jumping exercises, and no-stirrup work, but also made sure we understood all the feelings of the horse and working with the horse instead of making the horse work for you. Another strategy she taught the riders is to think of the ride as a job, and to break it down step by step. “Thinking, "I must walk in, pick up a canter, go past my rhythm, then settle in the rhythm, count 1-2, and make sure my horse is straight to each fence" is easier than worrying about how you are going to find all 8 jumps” states Coach Duda. At the end of the interview, Sami Cram added a statement, “She [Coach Duda] always told me "Go in there and do your job" She was always so good at getting into our heads and knowing our weaknesses and strengths and knowing that if someone told me it was my JOB I would go in there with no emotions and just ride.” Obviously, Coach Duda’s mental preparation approach worked.

At Regionals, the St. Andrews Hunt Seat Team won and moved on to Zones. We also had four individual riders, Katie Hansen, Kim Graves, Kayla McBath, and Allie McGraw, make it and continued on to Zones. Since we hosted the last show, we held the Regionals Award dinner at our facility. At this dinner many awards were given out. Four St. Andrews University members won awards that day. Heather Wile was awarded the Event Manager Award. She was the back bone of all the events that went on at our barn. She worked day in and day out to make sure everyone was informed and everything went as smooth as possible. The next award went to horse of the year. This award is chosen by all the coaches in the region for who they thought was the best and most consistent horse of the year. The Horse of the Year Award went to our very own, Pepi la Pew, also known as, Skunk. Coach of the Year Award also went to our very own, Ashley Duda. And finally, a Horse Care Award was given out. This was decided on who dedicated the most time to the horses and it was Sami Cram (class of 2013).

The next show to tackle, was Zones. When I asked Coach Duda if she thought we would make it to Nationals as a team she replied, “I knew we had the talent to make it… However, Zones is the toughest test throughout the season… we would have to work non-stop to be mentally and physically prepared…” Zones were held at Goucher College this year. For Coach Duda, one high of the year, “Zones! Winning reserve champion at zones (we were second to the host school, Goucher College) and qualifying for nationals was one of the best moments of my life.” St. Andrews University placed second. Allie McGraw placed first in Novice Over Fences. And Kayla McBath placed second in Intermediate Flat. Kim Graves placed fourth in Open Over Fences along with Katie Hansen with sixth in Open Over Fences. Up next, Nationals!

 This year, nationals were going to be a little special, St. Andrews University was going to be hosting it in Raleigh, NC in May. Since we were hosting, we had to bring a lot of horses. Everyone, whether on the team or not, worked hard and helped St. Andrews Hunt Seat Team make it to Nationals. Those that were not on the team helped in more ways than most of them even know. Students are placed in lessons with other students that are close together in skill level. So every lesson, the other members of the group, provided competition for each other to be better. The entire equestrian student body also helped because they rode the horses. They helped keep the horses clean and in shape throughout the year. This was a big deal since we had to provide a lot of the horses at Nationals.

 I asked Coach Duda what her concerns were at Nationals, “I was not concerned about our physical preparedness because we worked non-stop the entire year. However, I always was concerned that we would be mentally relaxed when it came time to walk into the ring. And, as always, the draw is always a concern! I would make many wishes that the draw would be in our favor!”

St. Andrews University Hunt Seat Team placed eight in the Nation.

 

Team
Shiloh Kozlowski -- Walk- Trot Equitation—4th
Miranda Wright – Walk-Trot- Canter Equitation – 6th
Kali Cram – Novice Equitation on the Flat – Honorable Mention
Sami Cram – Novice Equitation Over Fences – 9th
Sami Cram – Intermediate Equitation on the Flat – Honorable Mention
Kali Cram—Intermediate Equitation Over Fences – 4th
Katie Hansen – Open Equitation on the Flat – Honorable Mention
Katie Hansen – Open Equitation Over Fences – Honorable Mention

Individual
Allie McGraw – Novice Equitation Over Fences – Honorable Mention
Kayla McBath – Intermediate Equitation on the Flat – Honorable Mention
Katie Hansen – Open Equitation on the Flat – 7th

Tori (in pink) with the IHSA Team winning at home on the way to Zones & Nationals

Coach Ashley Duda with the Regional Championship Awards

The team with the Regional Championship Awards

The Team at Nationals

Finals Week is Over!

Yesterday was the last day of finals. I have been so impressed with the students in my classes. Stable Mgt. class did great on their final written exam which really tests their knowledge base. Basic Riding Instruction students showed lots of improvement in their teaching skills. Students in Basic Riding Instruction Lab. developed and refined the skills learned in the class with a full semester of teaching. The reviews I received from the students they taught were very positive with comments such as, “I’d love to continue riding with __________ as my instructor.”


The last two exams for my classes were Stable Mgt. Lab and Introduction to the Management of Equine Operations. The Lab is required to present one of the horses they have been caring for all semester in hand; groomed including braids or banding and super clean. This final was on Wednesday which happened to be a cold and miserable day. The poor weather did not stop the students from turning out their horses immaculately. Students who have never braided before did beautiful hunter braids, the bridles were clean and shiny and the horses looked amazing. Some of the retirees that were presented (Peter, Nick and Romo) had a new spring in their step as they were jogged up as part of the evaluation.

My final exam was back in the classroom where the Introduction to the Management of Equine Operations were doing oral presentations to two horse people who are clueless about business. Liz Dulski and I role played and were impressed by the depth of knowledge that the Therapeutic Horsemanship majors showed having only taken this one business class. They were very thorough covering everything from how to set up a business and manage liability to marketing and creative promotional ideas. The students obviously spent a lot of time preparing for their final and their hard work certainly paid off!

Peter clearly enjoying having his hair done by Tabby Russell

Count looking amazing with Amber Nocilo

Will and Kristen Randall banded and ready to go!

Suggestions Needed As We Document Our History

The History and Theory of Modern Riding class has documented the equestrian activities for Fall 2011 - Spring 2012. We plan to produce several PDF files to be printed and for online distribution. Topics covered are Hunter Seat, Western, Dressage, TH, Staff Changes, Internships, ANRC, Alumni News, and IHSA Nationals. This will become a regular annual series. We need a name for these documents! They will join last year's book "The History of the St. Andrews Equestrian Program 1969 - 2011" as part of our written record. Any & all suggestions welcome! Here are a couple of snippets from this year's work. Send ideas to Jackie at dwellejm@sapc.edu.

Hannah Firth researched recent Alums here is a paragraph from her paper.

The graduates from St. Andrews who actively participated in the equestrian program have found themselves highly successful in continuing their equestrian careers beyond graduation. Several students who majored in Therapeutic Horsemanship have moved from Laurinburg to pursue careers as therapeutic riding instructors such as Corey Krutsch, a graduate from 2009, who continues her job as a therapeutic riding instructor at Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch. Kate Sorgenfri, class of 2011, is currently located in Pittsboro, North Carolina and serves as therapeutic riding instructor and general lessons instructor at Heads Up! Therapeutic Riding Center. Another graduate of 2011, Fi Delfino finds herself as Pony Pals and Instructor Coordinator for HOPE-HOrses Helping PEople, Inc Therapeutic riding program in Archer, Florida. Delfino has also found success as the owner of High Hopes Equestrian Center, a training business.

Rachel McGarvey covered the Ride-Like-A-Knight Therapeutic Horsemanship Program this is the opening paragraph of her report.

The Mechanical Lift

In January 2012, Ride Like A Knight had a lift installed. The lift was purchased and installed through The Elizabeth Fund, a fund that was created to aid in supplying educational benefits to students and riders. The lift was purchased for two reasons. The first being that it allows the instructors in training a chance to be exposed to a lift, be educated on the use of the lift and learn how to train a horse to accept the lift before the students graduate from St. Andrews. The second reason Ride Like A Knight purchased the lift was to open up our program to more riders. Physically lifting people onto a horse can be a lot of strain on the instructors body, where using the lift to place them onto the horse provides a safe and easy way of doing this. The lift has added to the Ride Like A Knight program in education and in expanding the program.

IDA Show - Saturday Dec. 1st 2012

The weather on Saturday Dec, 1st was more than perfect. Carolina blue skies, and temperatures in the 70s. We could not have asked for a better day for our late semester IDA home show. Having struggled for most of the week with putting the horse groups together as fairly as possible, I was very pleased that the groupings we finally selected created as level a playing field as possible (given the fact that horses, are living breathing individuals with opinions of their own.)

The show ran like clockwork thanks to the many hours spent by Dressage Show Chair Claire Pollard and Team Captain and Coach Lindsey Agaliotis in organizing volunteers, tack, horses, practicing the team and troubleshooting problems as they arose. Carla helped with coaching during the day even though she had no voice due to the bug that seems to be making the rounds this fall.

The day started with eight rides at first level. Lindsey drew Corky for her ride and laid down a solid test to finish in second place. Abigail Skillman drew Jake who is easily rattled and had had a rather rough first ride. Abi did a great job of calming the worried horse and helping to restore his confidence.

In the upper training division Brianna Carter and Hannah Firth drew Danny and Beckett respectively who we borrowed from hunter seat. Danny requires tact and confidence while Beckett draws out the rider’s determination and resolve to maintain a forward gait. Brianna placed 3rd and Hannah 5th.

After lunch during which the ring was changed to the small arena, Freshman Megan Pustarfi had a super ride on Chico to finish in second place and Sarah Jones rode another hunter seat horse “Scot” to finish in 4th place.

The final division saw freshman Kristen Parker earn her second win of the year riding Socke, while sophomore Claire Pollard took second place on Gordon followed closely Logan Teeter also riding Gordon. Logan and two other riders were tied with 66.25% and the tie was broken by the judge giving Logan 4th place.

St. Andrews team A came out as the winners for the day with 15 points followed by Averett’s two teams with 12 points each.

This semester has been a true example of team work for the dressage team. I have to thank Carla, Rob and Lindsey for stepping in when I was out at the beginning of the semester. They have taught lessons, run team practice and coached at shows. I was really pleased with the way the team has pulled together to support one another in their riding as well as being on top of organizing the show. Just shows you what can be done when good people come together with a common mission in mind.

First Level Test 1
2nd Lindsey Agaliotis 67.93%

Training Level Test 2
3rd Brianna Carter 65%
5th Hannah Firth 62.85%

Introductory Level Test C
2nd Megan Pustarfi 69.5%
4th Sarah Jones 67.5%

Introductory Level Test B
1st Kristen Parker 68.125%
2nd Claire Pollard 66.875%
4th Logan Teeter 66. 25%

Team Results
1. St. Andrews Team A
2. Averett Team A
3. Averett Team B
4. Elon Team A
5. NCSU Team Red
6. St. Andrews Team B

Points to Date.
Averett 12
SAU 11
NCSU 8
Elon 7

Most of the team, a couple of them were taking care of horses. Thanks to Mrs. Teeter for the photo.

Minutes of Riding Council Meeting 11/27/12

Riding Council met last night. Equestrian Director Peggy McElveen had fun with door prizes and the meeting was well attended. Brittany Powell sent out the following report.

Saturday is our IDA show. Horse holders will be there for the entire division and there are four divisions.
**Keep an eye out for the list coming out sometime this week.

BARN CLEAN-UP--> Come out at sometime on Thursday or Friday and see Lindsey or a Barn Manager and they will tell you what to do.
Make sure to sign off after you have completed something.

Sunday is a head to head between Freshmen and Sophomore riders. Matt will give out more details on that.

FUNDRAISING
Rent-A-Rider in groups of two or three.
Possibly will pair up and upperclassman and an underclassman to work together.
Silent Auction where professors and students can bid on you.

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE if you are a Freshman or Sophomore that wants to do fundraising in the future let Shiloh and Tara know they need your help!!!!

Good Luck Final Grams!
-50 Cents per gram.
-Selling on Wednesday and they start going out on Monday.

RANK TESTING
-Sign up on board for Hunter Seat Riders.
-Request your horse
-Written can be taken Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday of next week.
-Presentation due Friday.
If you have any questions refer to Moodle.
**Western talk with Carla, Dressage talk with Jackie.

Thursday at 7:30 of next week is the riding Holiday Party/ Ugly Sweater Party.

December 7th (Friday) is the Equestrian Stress Buster, like a Showing Under the Stars. An email will come out about it.

This is the last full week of lessons for everyone.

Winter Weather Will Not Stop Us!

The cold wet winter weather is not slowing us down! Kelsi left yesterday with seven horses and various students to head to Raleigh for the RMI Hunter Jumper Show. Students will be going to the show working around their class schedule as much as possible. This weekend Carla and the western IHSA team will be competing in Sanford Saturday and Sunday. They are helping out by bringing horses, so Matt will be going with Carla on Saturday and Pebbles on Sunday to drive the 15 passenger van and horse trailer. At home we have a general open  house which includes several families interested in the equestrian program. We are all busy and hoping the weather gives us a break over the weekend!

Oh yes! Last night our facebook page hit 5,000 “likes” quiet a milestone! We celebrated by awarding the 5,000 person with an SAU saddle pad. Next milestone is 10,000, help us out by spreading the word!

Great Weekend at Triangle Farms Horse Show

Report by Show Team Coach Kelsi Peterson.

The Triangle Farms 'C' show this weekend went really well! All the students rode very well against some of North Carolina's top horses and riders. I think it was a wonderful learning experience for all, and each student was rewarded for their efforts with great ribbons in competitive company. We took 6 horses to the show and 7 students: Kayla McBath, Catherine McDowell, Alexandra Fullerton, Keli Van Den Heuvel, Anastasia MacNaught, Kirsten Farley, and Rachaell Dockery.


Kirsten Farley was champion in two divisions, the Carolina Hunter and the Pre-child/adult Hunter, which had 25 competitors. She earned 3 first place ribbons, and many other top ribbons on St. Andrews' horse "Indigo Night".

Anastatsia MacNaught was reserve champion in the Carolina Hunter aboard St. Andrews' "Eastern Shore", and she and Rachaell (riding St. Andrews' "Dilkara") both earned top ribbons in the Pre-child/adult Hunter with 25-30 entries both days.

Keli aboard St. Andrews' "Onyx" and Kayla riding her own horse "Chancellor" both received excellent ribbons in the Adult Hunter with close to 30 competitors.

Catherine aboard her own "Ladies Man" received several ribbons in the Junior/Amateur Hunter in good company.

Alexandra rode St. Andrews' "Onyx" in the NCHJA Adult Medal Finals on Saturday night. She had one bobble in the course through a challenging rollback turn, but rode beautifully otherwise and came out of the ring with a big smile on her face, shining her consistently positive attitude. Qualifying for the Medal Finals takes a lot of work throughout the year, and Alexandra put a lot of effort into her riding to qualify and prepare for the class.

I look forward to continuing my work with the students in the equestrian program and helping them progress in their riding and overall horse knowledge, whether it's for pleasure or so they can be prepared when they graduate and go into the industry to find work.

A lot of horse shows!

This past weekend, was super busy. IHSA hunter seat show on Saturday at home, IDA show at Averett University on Sunday and Showing Under the Stars Sunday afternoon.

The IHSA team tied with UNC Chapel Hill for first place increasing their regional lead to 22 points. The IDA team placed third in Danville at the first show of their season. Full report and results from these two shows - click here.

Showing Under the Stars was small but lots of fun. The annual costume class caused creativity from participants and those that participated enjoyed a jumper division, trail classes and ride-a-buck.

Sami Cram on Archie in the jumper division

Heather, Simon & Katy McDavid

Manly and Sarah

Anastasia

We Are Busy!

Open House last weekend was amazing! The new format allowed us to chat with students and their families on Friday and then spend time with them on Saturday helping them with their riding. I think our visitors appreciated our time together based on the emails and phone calls we have received.

Sunday’s IHSA show at Duke went well. ECU bested SAU by 3 points, increasing SAU’s lead as ECU was in 4^th place prior to this show! For results and report click here.  Pumpkin carving with the TH club was a major hit on Sunday and Liz reports it will become an annual event.

This weekend we have an IHSA hunter seat show at home on Saturday and it is a huge show with 37 maybe 38 classes. Sunday the dressage team travels to Averett University for their first show of the academic year. Also on Sunday Showing Under the Stars Halloween Edition which includes the annual costume class – one of my favorite events of the entire year!

Its the Weekend, we are going to be busy!

Open House this weekend is continuing to grow! We currently have 32 riders for hunter seat, 7 for western and 5 for dressage and the numbers are growing hour by hour! Total number of equestrian interested families visiting is around 70. Tonight we are having barn clean up to have the equestrian center looking its best. The coaches and faculty are looking forward to the dinner and reception tomorrow evening when they will get to meet and chat with future St. Androids and their families.

 

Sunday, Matt and Rob take the IHSA hunter seat team to compete at Duke for the third show this year. St Andrews currently leads the region by 18 points after 2 shows.

 

Regional Standings

1. St. Andrews University 86 
2. UNC-Chapel Hill 68
3. North Carolina State 64 
4. East Carolina University 62
5.  UNC-Charlotte 54
6.  UNC-Wilmington 45
7. Virginia Commonwealth 43 
8. Duke University 42
9. Coastal Carolina University 32

Sunday afternoon Liz and the TH club are holding a pumpkin carving party at the TH Barn. Should be lots of fun, looking forward to the pictures.

IHSA Hunter Seat Doing Well!

For a full report and last weekend's IHSA hunter seat show and the current regional standings click here. Sunday the team travels to Duke. the following students will be representing St. Andrews.

Open Fences

Katie Hansen
Kim Graves

Open Flat
Katie Hansen
Kim Graves

Intermediate Fences
Sami Cram

Intermediate Flat
Kali Cram
Regi Barasch

Novice Fences
Alexandra Fullerton
Abi Skillman

Novice Flat
Cami Glaff
Park Hoey
Laura Allen

Advanced WTC
Jameson Crandall
Brandon Hill

Walk Trot
Rae Rucker

The winning team at UNC - Chapel Hill Oct. 13th

IHSA Western Starts Season Strong!

St. Andrews wins the first IHSA Western show of the season with 36 points beating NCSU by one point! Ella Brave from Sweden tied for reserve high point rider with Jasmine Fowler from Western Carolina.

At the second show of the double header, St. Andrews increased their lead to 9 points

Prior to the weekend Coach Carla Wennberg said, “We are ready, but we have some stiff competition and there are experienced riders on the visiting teams. Freshman Ella Brave is riding against Blaire Childress from NCSU who has been doing this for four years.”

With two wins under their belt and a lead of 9 points Wennberg reflected, “The first show is all about figuring out where we are, identifying the strong competitors, and seeing how everyone is riding. I was so pleased that everyone rallied on the second day in everything; precision, correctness, just more of everything which showed in their riding. It is great to see everyone out here having fun and enjoying being a part of the team.”

 

Individual Results – October 6th

Beginner Horsemanship - Vicky Wiese 2nd
Reining - Ella Brave 2nd
Novice Horsemanship - 1st Brittany Powell & 4th Erica Leseur
Open Horsemanship Section A – 2nd Ella Brave
Intermediate II Horsemanship A – 1st Erin Hudson
Open Horsemanship Section B – 1st Michelle Hustad
Intermediate II Horsemanship B – 1st Katie Mosca
Intermediate I Horsemanship - 1^st Tyler Gritzuk

October 7^th

Open Horsemanship A - 1st Michelle Hustad
Intermediate II A - 1st Erin Hudson
Open Horsemanship B - 3rd Ella Brave
Intermediate II B - 5th Logan Teeter
Novice Horsemanship A - 1st Sami Cram
Beginner Horsemanship A - 1st Vicky Wiese
Advanced Horsemanship - 1st Brittany Powell
Novice Horsemanship B - 1st Jake Nix
Reining - 2nd Ella Brave
Intermediate Horsemanship I - 1st Tyler Gritzuk

Points After 2 shows

SAU - 36+40=76
NCSU – 35+32=67
VT – 22+31=53
NC A&T- 21+17=38
WCU – 14+12=26

Ella Brave sliding to a stop on LJ

Katie Mosca receiving her ribbon

Tyler Gritzuk on Saturday riding to the win. Tyler worked all weekend organzing the show as well as riding.

Graduate Working for Donald Trump!

This post is from an email sent to the St. Andrews community by Director of Career Services, Renee Jones, who attended the IHSA Hunter Seat show Sept. 29th.

While enjoying the competition at our equestrian center this weekend, I had an opportunity to catch up with alumnae Audrey Bolte ’11. You may remember her as a student, an equestrian, a friend, or as the alum who holds the current title of Miss Ohio as well as Second Runner Up in the Miss USA pageant back in June.

Audrey is getting ready to start a new career track and put to use her BA in BusinessAdministration. In November, after she crowns the new Miss Ohio, she plans to move to New York City where she will be working for Donald Trump at International Boutique Real Estate Agency. She will also be doing some modeling for his agency and appearing on a TV show or two.

To St. Andrews she says, “This college is what made me! This includes the professors, coaches, and my friends.” In regard to being back at the SAU barn she said, “It feels a little weird. But this is what I eat, breath, and sleep every day. That will never change!”

She had a lot to say about networking and making connections and wanted to share her thoughts with current students. “It is not necessarily who you know. It is all about what you do with the people you are introduced to.”

The picture below was taken immediately after the crowning of Miss USA. Mr. Trump approached Audrey while she was still on stage and told her that he had a job for her. She was back in NYC a couple weeks ago for New York Fashion Week and met with him and his inner circle and “sealed the deal.”

Audrey is seen here with Coach Carla Wennberg and IHSA CEO Bob Cacchione at the Sept. 29th IHSA horse show

 

What do you do at St. Andrews?

I wrote this as a response to a question from a high school sophomore earlier in the week on our facebook page regarding our hunter seat program and the Biology with a Specialization in Equine Science major. As tomorrow is the first IHSA hunter seat show of the 2012-2013 season, this seems like a fitting introduction to one of the many things we do at St. Andrews.

Thank you for your interest in our program. We have had many several students graduate with a Biology major with a Specialization in Equine Science and most of them have gone to Vet school. The first graduates from the program are in their last years at Vet school, others are still studying. We currently have at least three students studying at Ross in the Caribbean and another who just graduated from Vet school in Missouri and has started practicing Veterinary Medicine. Students in this major have the option to do a year long internship with our resident Vet, which includes caring for the St. Andrews horses and being on call when something happens. With over 100 horses there is always something new to learn!

Although we offer western and dressage our hunter seat program is by far the largest program. We host Intercollegiate Horse Show Association shows (IHSA) regularly and compete against schools in North Carolina and Virginia. The shows are a great way to show case your riding and learn the art of catch riding. There is no warm up allowed; you mount the horse you drew at random, adjust your stirrups and go! Really tests your horsemanship. When we host, team members from all three disciplines work together to make the show happen, it is a lot of work but lots of fun too!

Dedication of the Suzanne Mott Dansby Arena

Sept 25, 2012 saw the dedication of the large covered arena at the lesson barn. This post is from the press release sent from the St. Andrews University Communications Office.

 

"We are dedicating the arena to express our appreciation to Stewart Dansby, an alumnus who has generously supported his alma mater for more than 35 years," said President Paul Baldasare, "and, at Stewart’s request, we are honoring his sister, Suzanne, an internationally known and highly competitive Grand Prix dressage rider and instructor."

 

Formerly competing as Suzanne Mott Dansby, the arena's namesake has been listed for the USET dressage team since 2000 and served as the 2006 USET team alternate in Germany for the World Equestrian Games. Owner of Dancing Horse Farm in Atlanta, Ga., she began riding dressage in 1984, when she returned to riding after several years away. She began a practice several years ago of donating all of her winnings to local charities while being generous in her support of the U.S. Dressage Federation Building Fund and the USEF National Grand Prix and Intermediate Championships.

 

"My mother's side of the family has always been philanthropic, involved in giving back to the community," she said. "I have served on foundation or non-profit boards all of my adult life, contributed either as a volunteer or monetarily." This generosity and commitment to service are shared by her brother.

 

"Throughout his adult life, Stewart has devoted much of his time to volunteer and charitable work," Baldasare said. "He has remained faithful to St. Andrews. He served on our board of trustees from 1982 to 1990 and then again from 2005 to 2007. He has contributed generously to everything from scholarship support to renovations to endowed funds to general operations. He always gives in honor of others and with great humility."

 

In addition to his charitable work, Dansby is the co-founder, owner and director of American Cadastre, Inc. He has also spent several years in his home town of Birmingham, Ala., promoting economic development and tourism for the Birmingham Chamber of Commerce.

 







Ella Brave on LJ





Lindsey Agaliotis riding Windsong

 

Pebbles Turbeville and Manly

Matt and Rob reveal the banner!

President Baldasare, Suzanne Dansby-Bollman, Stewart Dansby and Peggy McElveen

 

The Equestrian Program at St. Andrews

The St. Andrews equestrian program began in 1969 with the creation of the Hoofers as an officially recognized campus club. In the fall of 1982, St. Andrews became a member of the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA). One year later, the team became a recognized varsity sport. That same year, St. Andrews won the IHSA National Championship Stock Seat title and was the National Reserve Champion in the Hunter Seat Division.

 

Having utilized rental facilities at Singing Wood Farm and Annex since the early 1980s, the equestrian program moved to its current location on Hasty Road in stages, beginning with the Therapeutic Horsemanship in 2001 with the opening of the Singletary Therapeutic Riding Center. The Dressage program moved next with the Hunter Seat team completing the move in 2004. A Western program was added in 2005.

Team Tryouts This Weekend!

Written by Heather Wile for the SAPC Equestrian Alumni Facebook Page

We are getting ready for fall here at the equestrian center. Lessons are in full swing, horses are back to work, and before we know it we'll be hosting the first IHSA Hunter Seat show on September 29th. New head coach Matt Arrigon and assistant coach Rob Jacobs are holding tryouts this weekend for the Hunter Seat IHSA team. C Team coach Kelsi Peterson also holding her tryouts as well! Dressage and Western are both holding tryouts on Saturday as well! Good Luck to coaches and riders!!

Freshman Orientation Has Begun!

Today is the start of freshman orientation. Their first stop is at the barn to do their placement ride to determine where they need to be placed in the lesson program. Their next stop is check in on campus, finding their room and unpacking. This afternoon there are several orientation activities planned which culminate with the Opening Convocation and a picnic with President Baldasare by the lake.

Tomorrow the Drew Crew leads orientation, students have their IDs made, the honor students have their first official meeting with Dr. Neal Bushoven, and the day ends with karaoke and an ice-cream social. Saturday academic advising begins and is also a time for students to get to know their suite mates. Sunday there are a few fun events planned including barn orientation for all new equestrians. Monday is reserved for more advising and classes start Monday evening.

Welcome to the newest St. Androids!

Matt Arrigon Hired as IHSA Hunter Seat Coach

Welcome Matt Arrigon from Lynchburg, Virginia is our new head coach for the IHSA Hunter SeatTeam. Matt graduated from Miami of Ohio University with a degree in Management and Business. Matt grew up in his parents’ horse business at Beckett Run Farm in Hamilton, Ohio. After graduation he worked professionally in the horse industry in Ohio until accepting the Head Coach position at Lynchburg College in 2008. During his four years at Lynchburg he coached many riders to Zone IV championships and IHSA nationals individual reserve champions. Additionally he operated his own Ashmont Stables, LLC. with his partner Ashley Lovegrove and coached clients to numerous championships at USEF shows. Matt brings a tremendous amount of knowledge and experience to St. Andrews and is ready to help our riders advance and continue our winning way.

Kelsi Peterson Returns to SAU as Show Team Coach

Kelsi Peterson returns to SAU as Show Team Coach. She is a St. Andrews graduate who majored in Psychology with a minor in Equine Studies and competed on the IHSA Hunter Seat Team, the ANRC Team, and the Show Team and served as Riding Council President during her four years at St. Andrews. Since graduation, Kelsi has worked for Troy Hendricks at Kimber-View Farm in Pennsylvania as a manager, trainer, and instructor. In the fall of 2010 she had the opportunity to start her own business operating out of Black Gable Farm in Maryland. She has a broad and talented client base, training in both hunters and jumpers, and taking them to shows in Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania. Additionally she starts and brings along young horses and has recently been active in the Breeding Divisions at such major shows as Upperville and Devon. We are excited to have Kelsi back home with us and know that she will be a great addition to our equestrian family.

Kelsi can be reached at: petersonk@sapc.edu

Meet the Sansburys!

Meet Jennifer and Jeremy Sansbury from Taylors, SC. They are joining the equestrian staff beginning in the fall of 2012. Jennifer will be serving as the Associate Barn Manager working at the lesson and western barns and Jeremy will be serving as the Assistant Facility Manager working closely with Dale and Bobby.

Jennifer graduated from Lander University with a degree in Early Childhood Education and taught first grade before working as a barn manager and coaching the Coastal Carolina University Equestrian Team. She recently served as the volunteer barn coordinator at IHSA Nationals in Raleigh this May.

Jeremy graduated from Francis Marion University with a degree in Criminal Justice. He served in the United States Marine Corps and has worked as a Production Manager for Pro-Fab Inc. and as the Technical Manager for Anderson Farms. Jeremy brings a tremendous amount of mechanical and technical training as well as leadership skills to the equestrian program. We are excited to have both Jennifer and Jeremy as part of the equestrian family.

Marsha Retires

Marsha Toyne Retires After 10 Years of Service to the Equestrian Program

 Marsha has been the organizer who has kept the Equestrian Center running smoothly as well as the first St. Andrews “voice” many equestrians and their families have heard. Her ability to coordinate all aspects of the program and to always know where each person is and what they are doing has been astounding. She did the travel arrangements for all the team travel as well as recruiting and conference travel arrangements. Her spreadsheets of who was going where, how they were getting there, where they were staying and when they were leaving and returning was mind boggling. Handling all the bills and invoices for the entire equestrian program was a daunting job which she handled beautifully. Additionally, Marsha served as the IHSA Regional Points secretary for all the years that St. Andrews has been the President College for IHSA Zone 4—that in itself is several file cabinets full of paperwork! Marsha consistently went above and beyond expectations for the good of the program and the students. For years she was here for every event hosted at the Equestrian Center and she travelled with the teams to countless away events. She has been a friend of the students, the staff, and many parents who have had questions or concerns about their children as well as Peggy’s right hand and advisor. She will be greatly missed! Marsha is at home and would love to hear from you.

Her mailing address is Marsha Toyne, 12421 Richardson Road, Laurinburg, NC 28352 and her email is:

toynemar@sapc.edu

 Audrey Hayden from Montclair, Virginia will be taking over the reins as the Equestrian Program Operations Manager. Audrey is a St. Andrews graduate with a degree in Business Management. Since graduation she has been working for the EMO Agency, Inc. in Warrenton, Virginia as a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Agent. Audrey’s organization skills, attention to detail, knowledge of the equestrian program and IHSA, and excellent communication skills are attributes which make her a great fit for this position.

Audrey can be reached at her office email address: haydenac@sapc.edu.

The Pioneer Award - Peggy McElveen

Peggy was honored with the Pioneer Award at IHSA Nationals last week. This is the piece I wrote about Peggy and the award for the IHSA program.

The Pioneer Award is not awarded every year, it is only awarded when a deserving recipient rises above the hundreds of volunteers who make up the IHSA. This year the pioneer award winner has worked tirelessly for IHSA, locally, regionally and nationally. Peggy McElveen’s service to equestrians in college is outstanding. Beginning as the coach for the North Carolina State University and Peace College IHSA teams Peggy has been a leader for IHSA and its participants.

Peggy came to St. Andrews University (formerly St. Andrews Presbyterian College) in 2000 to serve as its Equestrian Program Director. Her first task was to move the equestrian center from the rented 17 acres into a brand new facility. Convincing local land owners to sell land that was not even on the market was the first of many challenges. To purchase the initial 100 acres she worked with several families including one who had owned their land for 100s of years. Next was the construction of a world class equestrian center including a covered arena which would withstand hurricane force winds – a first for Scotland County. The beautiful facility lacked vital items such as water buckets, office furniture and saddle racks. Peggy went undaunted out into the community to raise money and solicit donations. The friends she made along the way have loyally supported St. Andrews and the equestrian community. Within a couple of years Peggy added another 200 acres, additional stalls and arena space to an already impressive facility.

This facility has enabled St. Andrews to host numerous IHSA, American National Riding Commission (ANRC), Intercollegiate Dressage Association (IDA) events and international caliber clinicians including Lynn Palm, Dorothy Morkis, Jane Savoie, Laurie Renker and Bernie Trauig. Regular season shows, ANRC Equitrails, IHSA Regionals and Semi-Finals, invitational Tournament of Champions, Path International Regional Conferences and workshops, and ANRC and IDA National Championships have all found an excellent venue at St. Andrews. Through these events the equestrian facility has benefitted equestrians not just from St. Andrews but from across the United States and Canada.

Peggy is the organizer of these 2012 IHSA National Championships, an event that requires incredible event management, social and organizational skills. The planning started two years ago and has been an on-going process centered around IHSA ideals and Southern culture. Peggy has been the driving force behind this week’s events working tirelessly to lead the many volunteers to excel at their assigned duties.

2012 St. Andrews graduate, Rob Jacobs who is now a hunter seat instructor at St. Andrews has this to say about Peggy’s contribution. “Peggy enjoys investing in students and seeing them grow as riders and horsemen. Peggy has been a huge supporter and has played a large role in the IHSA's continued success.”

Peggy’s service is not limited to St. Andrews and the events it hosts. She is a dedicated member of several committees and boards serving the equestrian community including service for ANRC, IHSA, the United States Equestrian Federation, the United States Hunter Jumper Association, and the North Carolina Horse Council.

Peggy’s work has always involved the betterment of others, whether it be in the classroom, the competitive arena, event management, staff development, job placement for students and graduates or promoting the goals of a national organization. As one of her faculty colleagues said recently, “she holds herself, her staff, and students to the highest levels of excellence.” Excellence is a theme that resonates around Peggy and one that she expects from those that work with her in any capacity. Rob Jacobs again, “Peggy's passion for seeing the students succeed has rubbed off on me and I now have developed a passion for watching the students grow and learn some of the important lessons that were taught to me.“ Peggy was recognized in 2011 by the United States Hunter Jumper Association as Instructor of the Year.

Peggy McElveen is an individual who inspires, educates and serves as a role model for excellence. Her service to St. Andrews University, the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association and the greater equestrian community has impacted and changed numerous lives for the better.

Saturday Awards Update!

As busy as I was shipping horses yesterday, I overlooked the fact that Dugan McDermott won the National title for the AQHA (team) walk/jog class! Congratulations Dugan, what an amazing accomplishment! Dugan came to St. Andrews to play lacrosse; somehow we persuaded him to come out to the equestrian center and that was all it took to get him interested in the team! Prior to coming to St. Andrews, Dugan had ridden on a ranch in Hawaii but had no formal training. Dugan told Carla and I recently that lacrosse was his passion but the horses come a close second.

Congratulations also go to Carla for all her hard work; yesterday she was recognized with the IHSA Coach Sportsmanship Award. Senior Shannon Leggett was recognized for her team leadership and sportsmanship with the IHSA Rider Sportsmanship Award.

Social media intern Andrea Tito and Pebbles Turbeville have put together a great photographic record of the Championships on our facebook page.

My Saturday at IHSA Nationals

Kira was assigned to assist Sarah at the draw table for Saturday and Sunday and I realized that all but two of the St. Andrews hunter seat horses were finished. So around 8:30 we loaded 6 horses and as many buckets, fans, tack and extra feed that we could. I made great time back to Laurinburg and was met by Kelly Meehan, Rachel and Marianne to unload everything. I filled up on Diesel at Nic’s and drive back to Raleigh. As I arrived the first of several severe thunderstorms  hit which later in the day delayed the show making for another late night for everyone.

Saturday at IHSA Nationals is the day when the volunteers, officials and organizers are recognized. The competition continues, but around lunch time there is a break in the action for the Parade and Celebration of Teams and Horses, Presentation of the Collegiate Cup (for team hunter seat), Sportsmanship Awards and additional recognitions as decided by the IHSA Board of Directors.

The parade of teams is a wonderful spectacle with all 450 competitors, coaches and one horse from each school that provided horses, all marching around the arena. Each zone has its own banner and each team carries a banner. Kellie G. led Will to represent the St. Andrews western horses and Ozzie was the hunter seat representative. The parade is followed by the awards. St. Andrews hunter seat team was tied for 8^th place with five other schools. Coach Duda was please saying, "we earned more points than last year!"

The recognitions continued but it was time for me to load up six more horses and a bit more equipment to return to Laurinburg. I knew Peggy was going to be recognized with the IHSA Pioneer Award as I had written about it for the program. The Pioneer Award is only awarded when someone does something extraordinary for IHSA – such as organizing the National Championships!

I was sad to miss the presentation but needed to get the horses home. Turns out my timing was excellent as after I left Raleigh they experienced torrential rain that flooded the horse complex and put the show on hold. I had another easy trip back and the barn crew was quick to unload horses and equipment.

Today Dale takes the trailer back to Raleigh and once the show is over the rest of the horses and the remainder of the equipment will ship home. So I am missing the action today, but following it on the live streaming which you can find at ihsainc.com along with the results as they happen.

Friday at IHSA Nationals - One Perspective

My roommate last night was Kira Gainey, we caught up on one another’s families and animals before falling asleep. The SAU interns and barn staff were once again at the barn very early. Kira and I arrived around 7:00. I headed to the draw table and Kira joined Pebbles for runs to the store for water and food for the officials, interns and volunteers. The volunteers looked great today in their red shirts. Yesterday the shirts were yellow and I hear there are green and blue shirts for the remaining 2 days. The SAU interns are smartly dressed in khakis and dark blue polo shirts. For each prize ceremony one of the interns carries the prizes and ribbons. A line of 8+ St. Androids smartly dressed, carrying awards, is quite impressive!

The morning at the draw table was slow with the large Cacchione Cup over fences class with 36 riders taking up most of the time. St. Andrews rider Katie Hansen had an unfortunate stop in what was otherwise a very nice round, taking her out of the competition. IHSA recognized all Cacchione Cup qualifiers with an awards ceremony headed up by Bob Cacchione and a representative from the United States Pony Club one of the oldest equestrian, educational organizations in the country. Each rider received a saddle pad with the USEF logo. The top 24 riders returned to test on the flat in two sections, the ride off for the ultimate IHSA title in hunter seat will be tomorrow. Following the Cacchione Cup Kali Cram was 4^th in team intermediate over fences.

After lunch the classes alternated between western and hunter seat flat classes. Shannon Leggett earned 5^th place in the team reining. Shiloh Kozlowski was 4^th in Walk/Trot and Miranda Wright was 6^th in Walk, Trot, Canter both riding for the hunter seat team.  The only hunter seat team rider left to ride is Katie Hansen in the open over fences and on the flat. The students reported that the team is currently tied for 8^th with 3 other schools so if Katie does well tomorrow we could potentially move up. Ashley told me we already have one more point than last year!

With Shannon’s fifth place in the AQHA Cup reining we moved on with the western team competition. The last class of the day was the Western Novice Horsemanship. Brittany Powell drew St. Andrews horse Zoey and placed 3^rd. Shannon is currently in 6^th place for the high point class so the western team is off to a great start!

I left around 8:30 to get dinner, some of the western horses were going back to school, which would be followed by the jumps being set up for tomorrow. The St. Andrews staff and students are in for yet another late night followed by an early morning. (I think they are getting used to this schedule!) The first horse draw is at 7:30 and the day starts with the Collegiate (team) Open Fences.

Saturday has lots going on with classes, the majority of the awards and a competitor’s lunch hosted by NRHA, AQHA and USEF. My job is to help with the draw table and then ship home 6 hunter seat horses when they are done. I will rendezvous with Dale who will drive up early Sunday morning to pick up more horses, we then hand off the trailer one more time for me to return Sunday afternoon to bring home 6 more with Kellie in the other trailer with the remaining horses.

It is now 9:30 and my roommate, Kira is not home yet, as I suspect she is helping set jumps. She is just one of many who have come to donate their time and help St. Andrews host the biggest show in its history! Sarah Rhymer is taking vacation to be here to work the draw table, Audrey Hayden and her Mom are doing the same thing to organize the awards and prizes! There are many other alums, parents and friends of St. Andrews doing the exact same thing!

All I can say is, “Wow, awesome! What a privilege to be a part of the St. Andrews team!”

First Day of Competition at IHSA Nationals - One Perspective

Thursday: Former St. Andrews IHSA coach and SAU alum Sarah Rhymer and I are working the draw table or put another way managing the ducks in the duck pond! The draw table is always a good place to be as you meet everyone. In addition to the competitors, parents stop by as well as IHSA officials and stewards. Sarah has a 5 week old puppy that is looking for a home so we have an added attraction – as if the ducks weren’t cute enough! Bernie Trauig stopped by to video the ducks in action for an Equestrian Coach video on IHSA.

Meanwhile, the rest of the staff are busy with multiple responsibilities. Hunter seat starts the competition so Ashley of course is coaching. Rob is schooling and preparing horses all day which I believe started around 5:00 a.m. for the key hunter seat people. The barn staff also had early start having left close to midnight yesterday due to late arriving horses.

Heather is typing up announcements to recognize our sponsors, Pebbles has not been seen but food miraculously appears on a regular basis! Our own Debbie Bell arrived with a car load of goodies from the Admissions office – thank you Jeff Bennett!

Thursday Evening: With the draw table finished for the day, I relocated to the St. Andrews barn area, to help Carla and the western riders with their horse selection. All the horses had been ridden during the day, but each one had to be shown to the horse selection committee. The reiners started the selection process around 5:30 followed by the horsemanship horses.

The schooling was wrapping up when I left at around 8:30. Kellie and the barn staff had returned from dinner and were busy wrapping legs, packing feet, picking stalls and doing the late night hay and water. Pebbles was on another run to the airport to pick up a western judge and Peggy was going to the store for additional cases of water. With the heat the crew had gone through almost 50 cases in the first few days. Tomorrow schooling starts at 6:00 a.m. followed by the first horse draw at 7:30. Going to be another busy day!

IHSA Nationals – One Perspective

I picked up 5 western horses in Laurinburg this morning and with the help of Liz Dulski and Rachel Buckler, loaded quickly. Pebbles wanted some baskets from the TH classroom for hospitality and Kellie had requested more double ended snaps for the barn. We also packed feed tubs and a hose. The drive was thankfully uneventful and I arrived 30 minutes ahead of Peggy’s minute by minute schedule. As I turned into the Fairgrounds I was greeted by Alexandra Fullerton one of the SAU interns for the event. She directed me to the barn where an army descended on the trailer to unload the horses. Carla helped me park the trailer while Kellie settled the horses.

Thankfully, much of the set-up had been done over the last few days, so the afternoon was relaxed aside from the arrival of horses. Carla did an incredible job of persuading her friends to lend their horses for the show. During the afternoon several horses were delivered that Kellie dubbed “orphans” as they had no one staying to care for them. The SAU students become their foster parents for the duration of the show. Other horses arrived with their care providers from various schools and were helped by the overall stable manager, Jen, with their stall placement.

Orders for shavings and hay came in all afternoon. Tyler with the help of Jake and anyone else who was available took care of these. The SAU interns were everywhere taking care of everything! I wandered around and visited with parents, current students, alums and IHSA officials. I spent a few minutes with Heather who was numbering ducks for the draw table; briefly visited with Pebbles who seemed to be feeding everyone and taking care of the officials; and tried to help Kellie and Carla with their jobs.

As the day wound down, I checked in with Kellie and Carla and then headed to the hotel to check in. I was expecting to share a room maybe even a bed, but no, true to southern hospitality, I have my own room, at a very nice hotel, with complimentary water and chocolate chip cookies on the table. Thank you Peggy, I love southern hospitality!

As one person said, “it takes a village, no wait a minute, it takes a mid-size town!” I agree whole heartedly!

I will try to post each day for the next few days, time permitting. Good luck to all the Knights riding in the next few days!