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Hello, Friends!
For those of you who don't already know me, I'm a six-year-old part-Trakehener gelding owned by Beth High. We are competing at First Level and go to most of the area shows. Plus, at least one of us tries to show up at the educational dressage functions--we're trying really hard to get the hang of this sport! Anyway, after talking with some of my barn buddies, it seems like there are a lot of us who are new to dressage and are trying to figure it all out. When I have a question, I pretty much just stick my head over the stall door and ask Razzberry, he's older than me and knows a lot. Well, the other day I had a question about something that happened at Dressage University. Good old Razzberry couldn't really help me because he's been on stall rest lately and wasn't there to see what I was talking about. He had a great idea, though; he said, "Noah, dude, do the research." So I did! Then I got the idea that I could help all my horse pals out by finding out the answers to any questions you might have about showing, training, or anything related to the sport of dressage.
This is how it will work. Debbie, the Newsletter Editor, got me my own e-mail address, which is noahknowsall@yahoo.com If you have an issue you need researched, get your owner to get online and drop me a line. I'm thinking this could be big, maybe eventually I'll eventually have my own Website!! Just think, Noah on the Net!
For my first effort, I found out about things that can help a clinic or Dressage University proceed smoothly and be more enjoyable for
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all. Here goes:
NOAH'S COMMON
CLINIC COURTESIES
Arrive on time, if not early. Don't make the instructor wait. Late arrivals disturb a session that's already underway. Plan ahead for all those little delays, like difficult loading or getting lost.
Dogs should stay home or, if they must tag along, should remain on a leash at all times. This also applies to unruly small children.
Leave the facility in better condition than you found it. Police your trailer area for trash and by all means clean up any manure and either put it in the stable muckheap or take it home with you.
Remember you are a guest at someone else's barn. Treat their property with respect. Be gracious. Saying than-you goes a long way to ensure usage of their facility in the future.
Never smoke on anyone's horse property. EVER.
Use their water sparingly. Of course, fill drinking buckets as needed, but don't bathe unless it's absolutely necessary. Sponge off sweat and wait until you're home for a thorough rinsing.
Show respect for the instructor by arriving well groomed, both horse and rider, as well as tack. Appropriate attire is similar to
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that of schooling shows: Tall boots or half-chaps, breeches with belt, shirt (tucked in) with collar. Helmets are highly recommended.
Spectators should spectate. Talking on the sideline is rude as it disturbs the riders as well as prevents other spectators from hearing what's being said in the arena.
Don't allow horses to graze about or eat plants. You never know what may be expensive landscaping. Horses should remain tied at the trailer unless they are working or securely in-hand.
RSVP means call the contact person well in advance of the event to let them know if you are coming to the session or not. It's always good to RSVP even if it's not specifically requested.
Always be careful about what you say out loud, especially about other riders, horses, and trainers. It's one thing to comment on a particular performance if you are constructive or inquisitive. For example, "That canter depart could have been better--the horse came above the bit." As opposed to, "That rider isn't even capable of a simple training-level movement." Avoid making disparaging remarks about a facility; you never know the circumstances under which they operate.
Have a question for Noah or his other equine buddies?? You can email him at
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