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Young Riders, look here for all the news and happenings that concern you. We will be publishing news and E-vents information on this page, so bookmark this spot!

Young Riders Selected for Region 1 Young Rider Clinic with George Williams 
Young Riders Selection Process  by J Munson
Sponsor A Young Rider Championship Class   by Mary Hardester
High School Dressage Program  by H. Henley
George Williams to teach Young Riders Clinic  by Ross Creech
Young Rider Qualifying Criteria for 2005  by H Henley
Review Of Fun Show for Young Riders  by Max Despain
Young Riders Christmas Party 
MDA's Young Riders Show Successfully in Morven Park  by Rio Sites
MDA's Young Riders at 2004 Team Championship at Morven Park  by Mary Hardester
USDF Convention Scholarships for Youth Members  by H Henley
2004 NAYRC Dressage Teams are Selected  by H. Henley
Annual Youth Dressage Festivel will be August 27-29, 2004 
Art Contest for all Young Riders 
Young Rider Meetings  by Rio Sites
January 10th meeting at Jess Hardester's house 
Christmas Party 
Young Rider Championships at Morven Park  by Mary Hardester
Young Rider Fun Meeting  by Margaret Scarff

Young Riders Selected for Region 1 Young Rider Clinic with George Williams

2006 North American Junior Championship for Dressage Qualifying Criteria and Selection Procedures Now Available

The United States Dressage Federation (USDF) is pleased to announce that the 2006 FEI North American Junior Championship for Dressage (NAJC) Qualifying Criteria and Selection Procedures for dressage competitors are now available. All competitors interested in qualifying for the 2006 NAJC should obtain a copy of the 2006 NAJC Qualifying Criteria and Selection Procedures for dressage competitors, at www.usdf.org/Programs/FEINorthAmericanJuniorChampionships/ or by contacting Sheila Forbes, USDF Director of Programs, at (859) 271-7879 or sforbes@usdf.org. Included in the procedures is information on how to declare your intent to qualify for this event. A competitor’s declaration of intent must be postmarked and sent to USDF no later than April 15, 2006.

The 2006 NAJC will be held in conjunction with the North American Young Riders’ Championship, August 1-6, at the Virginia Horse Center, in Lexington, VA. Each of the nine USDF regions will have the opportunity to field a team of FEI-level Juniors and a team of FEI-level Young Riders to compete at these events. They will also feature competitors from Central America, the Caribbean Islands, and Bermuda, as well as each province of Canada. Dressage competitors from the United States must qualify for their respective regional teams by satisfying the requirements outlined in the USDF/USEF approved criteria and selection procedures. FEI Juniors must qualify by obtaining three scores in both the FEI Junior Team Test and the FEI Junior Individual Test. They are also required to compete in at least one FEI Junior Freestyle Test. Scores earned between August 1, 2005, and July 1, 2006, may be used to qualify.

Founded in 1973, the United States Dressage Federation is a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to education, the recognition of achievement, and the promotion of the sport of dressage. For more information about USDF membership or programs, visit www.usdf.org, e-mail usdressage@usdf.org, or call (859) 971-2277.

I have been in contact with Allison Head, who runs the Yr. Team Championships at Morven Park and she has asked if I knew anyone who would be interested in sponsoring a class or a team. I do not know the cost of sponsoring a class right now but will soon and will let everyone know. The class fees be paid by each parent with reimbursement sometime after the Dressage At Heavenly Waters Show in June.

If anyone is interested in sponsoring a class please contact Allison Head at lookingglassfarm@erols.com. If anyone is interested in sponsoring a child or a team the cost per child is $120.00 for example if you wanted to sponsor the younger TR1 and 2 team it would cost 360.00 and the team name would be whatever your business or name Beach Bums, instead of MDA Beach Bums. I know it is a lot of money and something to think about. If you want to sponsor a child or a whole team please contact me at Harmonyhills@aol.com or call me @ 410-457-0360 or 443-676-3853.

Please remember you can ask your local tack store or business in your area it is a tax write off and GREAT advertisement.

USDF Announces New High School Dressage Program

The United States Dressage Federation is pleased to announce the release of the new High School Dressage Program and the accompanying High School Dressage Club Guidelines. These guidelines will provide a structure for parents and groups seeking recognition for their high-school students' achievements in the sport of dressage. Integral to the success of this program is the support and sponsorship of local Group Member Organizations (GMO) of the United States Dressage Federation.

Just as with other sports recognized in high schools, athletic ability, dedication, and commitment are required of our young dressage riders. Dressage, however, is not usually recognized through high school athletic-achievement awards, pins, or letters. It is also difficult for the small numbers of dressage riders in each school to fulfill the requirements necessary to be a recognized high school club activity or high school athletic activity. There may also be a lack of understanding of and appreciation for students' achievements in dressage, and a myriad of local and state requirements that may need to be met in order for high school recognition.

To help fill this void, the USDF High School Dressage Club Guidelines provide information and tools for families who wish to request high school recognition for their students' achievements in dressage. The guidelines advise riders and parents on how to approach school administrators, provide examples of competition-approval forms that the high school can implement, and outline how best to implement a regional high school dressage program. The guidelines also suggest ways that parents can work with USDF Group Member Organizations (GMOs) to determine realistic program requirements within their region, and ways to pair a high school with a supporting GMO so that school administrators understand that their dressage competitors will have a support structure that includes the same type of monitoring, training, and coaching as other recognized team activities, such as basketball or soccer teams.

With this new program, riders may earn high-school athletic achievement awards through involvement and activities sponsored by their supporting GMO. Dressage lettering pins will be available through USDF for those students who qualify through their school for their athletic achievement.

Complimentary USDF High School Dressage Club Guidelines and Registration Forms are located at www.usdf.org/Programs/HighSchool/. Copies are also available by contacting Sheila Forbes, USDF director of programs, at (859) 271-7879 or sforbes@usdf.org.

George Williams to Conduct USDF/Region 1 FEI Junior/Young Rider Clinic

George Williams will be the featured clinician at the 2005 USDF Region 1 FEI Junior/Young Rider Clinic scheduled for April 16-17, 2005, at Evergreen Stables in Fulton, Maryland. This clinic is generously hosted by Evergreen Stables and being organized by Potomac Valley Dressage Association, a Group Member Organization of USDF.

George Williams, started riding dressage seriously in 1973 when, as an 18 year old, he traveled to Germany to study with Egon Von Neindorf. It was there, at the Reitinstitute von Neindorf, that he earned his German Bronze Rider Medal. After winning two national AHSA and USDF Championships in 1981, Williams followed his mentor, Karl Mikolka, to Tempel Farms, in Wadsworth, Illinois. His career there spanned 20-years. He has coached four NAYRC Individual Medal Winners and numerous NAYRC Team Medal winners. He has earned the USDF Bronze, Silver and Gold Medals. In 2000, Williams relocated to Joann and Chuck Smith's Gypsy Woods Farm situated outside Columbus, Ohio. Under the guidance of Klaus Balkenhol, he has successfully competed in Europe on the popular lop eared, black Westfalen mare, Rocher. Rocher a favorite with the German audience returned home to the US and in set record high scores in the Grand Prix and Grand Prix Freestyle at Dressage at Devon CDI *** in 2002 and returned in 2003 to win 3 of the 4 Grand Prix classes on both Rocher and Marnix.. In 2003 Williams and Rocher represented the United States placing 5th at the World Cup Freestyle Championships in Sweden. They continued a successful European tour which included CHIO Aachen and the European Championships, earning them a BCM World Ranking of 16th. This was followed by the Chronicle Dressage Horse of the Year Award, the USDF Grand Prix and Grand Prix Freestyle Horse of the Year. In 2004, Williams announced the withdrawal of Rocher from the Olympic Selection process due to injury. She is now fully recovered and is back working towards a return to the competition arena.

Rider applications are being accepted by USDF through March 16, 2005. Applicants must be current USDF Participating Members between the ages of 14-21 currently riding at Third Level or above. Auditors of all ages and levels are welcome and pre-registration as well as walk-in registration is available. Rider applications and auditor registration forms are available at http://www.usdf.org/Programs/AdvancedYoungRider/index.asp, or by contacting Sheila Forbes, Director of Programs, at (859) 271-7879 or sforbes@usdf.org.

2005 NAYRC Dressage Qualifying Criteria and Selection Procedures Now Available

The United States Dressage Federation (USDF) is pleased to announce that the 2005 North American Young Riders' Championships (NAYRC) Qualifying Criteria and Selection Procedures for dressage competitors are now available. All dressage riders wishing to qualify for the 2005 NAYRC should read these criteria and procedures. To obtain a copy, visit www.usdf.org/Programs/NorthAmericanYoungRider or contact Sheila Forbes, USDF director of programs, at (859) 271-7879 or sforbes@usdf.org. A rider's declaration of intent to qualify for the NAYRC must be postmarked by March 1, 2005.

The 2005 NAYRC will be held in Lexington, Virginia, July 26-31, at the Virginia Horse Center. The NAYRC is the premier competition for Young Riders, aged 16-21, in the three Olympic equestrian disciplines of eventing, dressage, and show jumping. Riders are invited to compete from each province of Canada, USEF Zone (for show jumping), USDF Region (for dressage), and United States Eventing Association Area (for eventing), as well as from Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean Islands, and Bermuda via each country's national equestrian federation. The broad range of competitors attending the championships produces an Olympics-like atmosphere.

Founded in 1973, the United States Dressage Federation is a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to education, the recognition of achievement, and the promotion of the sport of dressage. For more information about USDF membership or programs, visit www.usdf.org, e-mail usdressage@usdf.org, or call (859) 971-2277.

Nobody was crying over spilt eggs on November 14th at Kathy Plummer’s Dawn’s Jubilee Farm. After all, a fun show is fun! Five youth and one adult showed off their skills in everything from the egg and spoon competition to barrel racing. Some older ponies were pulled out of retirement while some full-size horses kept up with their pint-size competition. Organized by Jill Blackburn, her non-horse friend Cathy Sudduth helped out and Max Despain judged. Parents, aunts and friends pitched in and also brought the perfect potluck spread to end the day under the covered pavilion in the fading fall sun. The placings were as follows:

Costume class (older): The competition was so stiff, everyone got a blue ribbon.

• Lindsey Janowich and Pure Astonishment were raving Ravens fans with shirts, tickets, and streamers. They gave up watching the game to take part in the fun show.
• Lydia Siebert’s Albert Einstein was dressed up to match his name in a white lab coat. As his lab assistant, Lydia was carrying a special formula and Albert had an experiment go awry on the back end of his costume.

The annual Young Rider's Christmas Party will be held at Mary Hardester's house on December 11th at 7PM. All members not just young riders are invited. Young riders, please bring a gift exchange present costing no more that $10.00. All other members and young riders please bring a finger food. Hope to see everyone there.

Anyone with any questions, please contact Mary Hardester at 410-457-0360.

For a number of years MDA sends teams of three or four young riders to the Region 1 JR/YR Team Championships, held this year in Morven Park, Va. This year, one of our largest, we sent four teams composed of three Intro Level teams and one Training Level 3 & 4 team. Despite the rainy forcast the show ran smoothly especially for one young rider who represtented MDA. Jennifer Hardester and her pony Peanut Butter Crunch took reserve high score for the entire show as well as high score in her division with a 72.5%. The decorations were a hit; with clown painted ponies, dancing ponies, and a few horses out of the congo.,

Saturday night we had a small cookout before the Quadrille and Grand Prix Demo went off. A few young Riders also took part in the Dressage Seat Equitation Class, a new up and comming class in dressage based on equitation and requirements of the level. Jessica Hardester, Ellie Blakeslee-Drain, and Poe Koncoliks placed through sixth in this class.

The Dancing Ponies took Third Place in their Division~
Sara Knight riding Country Magic
Jessica Peacher riding Merry Legs
Ellenor Casslliy riding Odysseus

The Dancing Clowns took Fifth Place in their Division~
Shawna Seybold riding Magic Mirage
Emily Cline riding Zippo's Miss Pat
Jennifer Hardester riding Peanut Butter Crunch

The Harlequin Horses took Sixth place in their Division~
Catherine Brown riding Rusty
Bess Carlson riding Newton
Evelyn Kipp riding Jay Bee

The Congo Queens took Fourth Place in their Division~
Rio Sites riding Clue's Halo
Ellie Blakeslee-Drain riding Charlie
Poe KonKolics riding Somerset
Jess Hardester riding Summer Tyme

The MDA Young Riders would like to thank the MDA Board for sending us to this lovely show!

Once again Yr Team championships was a wonderful event. All the girls worked together, helped each other and got along beautifully. We should all be proud of the MDA Young Riders. Let's hear it for MDA'S own Jenny Hardester and her pony Peanut Butter Crunch. Jenny and Petey were overall Reserve Champion High Score of the whole show with a score of 72.5%. They were also High Score Champions of the Walk/Trot Division (72.5%) and they also won (1st place) the Walk/trot Division warm-up with a score of 70%. Jenny and Petey received lots of huge beautiful ribbons and also 2 lovely gifts of horse items, like brushes, treats, etc., and a very generous gift certificate to a Tack Shop. All the kids had great scores and the teams did very well. There were 200 riders at the show and the weekend was just so great I can't wait to go again next year.

I want to thank all the kids and parents for the lovely flowers and card for my birthday. We had a cook out Saturday night that was a blast and then we watched a Grand Prix demo and went back to the hotel for some late night swimming. A good time was had by all.

The Congo Queens 4th place
Rio Sites and Halo
Jess Hardester and Summer Tyme
Poe KonKolics and Somerset
Ellie Blakeslee-Drain and Charlie

The Dancing Ponies 3rd Place
Sara Knight and Country Magic
Ellie Casslliy and Odysseus
Jessica Peacher and Merry Legs

The Dancing Clowns 5th place
Jennifer Hardester and Peanut Butter Crunch
Emily Cline and Zippo's Miss Pat
Shawna Seybold and Magic Mirage

The Harlequin Horses 6th place
Evelyn Kipp and Jay Bee
Catherine Brown and Rusty
Bess Carlson and Newton

Dressage Seat Equitation Class
Jess Hardester 3rd Place
Ellie Blakeslee-Drain 5th Place

All the MDA Young Riders did a fantastic job, they all behaved themselves and treated each other with kindness, helpfulness, respect and good sportsmanship, they cheered each other along and really did a great job of representing the Maryland Dressage Association

USDF Convention Scholarships for Youth Members

The United States Dressage Federation (USDF) Youth Executive Board is pleased to announce the availability of the 2004 USDF Youth Convention Scholarships. Packed with educational programs, fun events, a great trade expo, and the USDF National Symposium, the USDF Annual Convention is a valuable event for anyone interested in dressage, including USDF's youth members, who are the future of the sport. The USDF Youth Convention Scholarship will award $750 to four youth members to help defray their costs of attending the convention.

Funds for the scholarships have been raised by the USDF Youth Executive Board through a silent auction held each year at the USDF National Convention & Symposium. The board hopes to be able to continue to increase the funds available for the scholarships and to support special youth-oriented educational programming at future conventions. The USDF Youth Executive Board requests the donation of new or gently used items for this year's silent auction, where convention attendees will be able to bid on such things as custom saddles and art. All auction proceeds will benefit the Youth Executive Board's Convention Scholarship Fund.

One featured item in the 2004 silent auction will be a bronze statue by artist Laran Ghiglieri, titled "Colt's Frolic." This beautiful statue is a limited edition bronze, appraised at more than $29,000.

To apply for the USDF Youth Convention Scholarship or to donate items for the silent auction, contact USDF Director of Programs Sheila Forbes at (859) 271-7879 or at sforbes@usdf.org. The scholarship application is also available at www.usdf.org.

Founded in 1973, the United States Dressage Federation is a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to education, the recognition of achievement, and the promotion of the sport of dressage. For more information about USDF membership or programs, visit www.usdf.org, e-mail usdressage@usdf.org, or call (859) 971-2277.

2004 NAYRC Dressage Teams Selected

The United States Dressage Federation (USDF) is pleased to announce the 29 advanced young riders who have been selected to represent the United States in dressage at the 2004 North American Young Riders' Championships (NAYRC), August 10-15, at Tempel Farms, in Wadsworth, Illinois. The NAYRC is the premier competition for young riders, age 16-21, in the three Olympic equestrian disciplines of eventing, dressage, and show jumping. Riders are invited to compete from each province of Canada, United States Equestrian Federation zone (for show jumping), USDF region (for dressage), and United States Eventing Association area (for eventing), as well as from Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean Islands, and Bermuda via each country's national equestrian federation. The broad range of competitors attending the championships produces an Olympics-like atmosphere.

To be selected to compete at the NAYRC, dressage riders must compete in a minimum of three official NAYRC qualifying competitions at the FEI Young Rider level during the August to July qualifying season and must obtain a minimum 60% average. The riders with the top four qualifying averages in each region are placed on an NAYRC team and selected to compete. More than 100 young riders have been vying for a spot on their regional team this year.

The following riders will be representing the United States in dressage at the North American Young Riders' Championships:

Region 1 (DE, DC, MD, NJ, NC, PA, VA)
Brittain Knight and Diodor; Greensboro, NC 65.958
Catherine Malone and Melvin; Coatesville, PA 65.745
Lauren Hopper and Mephisto; Greensboro, NC 63.973
Erin Mattingley and Katchatourian; Frederickstown, MD 62.667
Sarah Clark and Indrah; Ellicott City, MD 61.333 - Reserve Rider


Region 2 (IL, IN, KY, MI, OH, WV, WI)
Stacy Gormley and Fidelis 9; Grand Rapids, MI 65.557
Kaitlyn Hamilton and Noviembre; Oxford, MI 65.362
Lauren Sprieser and Bellinger; Oak Brook, IL 65.187

Alison Bush and Entheos; Elmhurst, IL 65.167
Jessica Kissel and Numerique; Sheboygan, WI 64.472 - Reserve Rider


Region 3 (AL, FL, GA, SC, TN)
Meghan McKoy and Volsung; Rembert, SC 68.230
Suzanne LaPorte and Wittus; Loxahatchee, FL 66.801
Jodie Kelly and Weltkaar; Destin, FL 66.157
Rebecca Spigel and Yver's Eager; Nashville, TN 66.080
Adrienne Rogers and Milky Way; Newnan, GA 66.056 - Reserve Rider


Region 4 (IA, KS, MN, MO, NE, ND, SD)
No qualified riders.


Region 5 (AZ, CO, MT, NM, TX, UT, WY)
Megan Gregg and Verden; Grand Junction, CO 61.711


Region 6 (AK, ID, MT, OR, WA)
Lindsay Anderson and Intrepid; Orting, WA 71.239
Adrienne Lyle and Miguel; Medina, WA 68.108
Amanda Bobbett and Blizzard; West Richland, WA 66.908
Lara Schleining and Luzelma Slottie; Ashland, OR 66.848
Lara Schleining and Odyssey; Ashland, OR 65.897 - Reserve Rider


Region 7(CA, NV)
Christina Beal and Ray Ace; Fallbrook, CA 67.889
Dani Judy and Antaeus; El Cajon, CA 66.098
Caitlin Masiel and Melvina; Danville, CA 63.914
Stephanie Hamar and Jasper; Visalia, CA 63.756
Nicole Allegretti and Leo; Pleasanton, CA 62.965 - Reserve Rider


Region 8 (CT, ME, MA, NH, NY, RI, VT)
Elisabeth Austin and Hierarch; Williston, VT 67.025
Jocelyn Wiese and Chopin; Keene, NH 62.857
Katie Cook and Leolita; Chicago, IL 62.444
Hayley Cullen and Grammatik; Hollis, NH 61.581
Christina Jahl and Mango; Phillipston, MA 60.517 - Reserve Rider


Region 9 (AR, LA, MS, OK, TX)
Chelsea Braman and Jelmer; Rockwall, TX 64.025
Sarah Christy and Rock Star DC; Montgomery, TX 63.839
Amanda Garrett and Great Experience; College Station, TX 62.014
Andreanna Stucker and Poetry in Motion; Rockwall, TX 63.100

Complete qualifying results can be found at www.usdf.org/Programs/NorthAmericanYoungRider/index.asp. Additional information concerning the North American Young Riders' Championships can also be found at www.youngriders.org. If you have any questions about the program, please contact Sheila Forbes, USDF director of programs, at (859) 271-7879 or sforbes@usdf.org.

Founded in 1973, the United States Dressage Federation is a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to education, the recognition of achievement, and the promotion of the sport of dressage. For more information about USDF membership or programs, visit www.usdf.org, e-mail usdressage@usdf.org, or call (859) 971-2277.

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Annual Youth Dressage Festivel will be August 27-29, 2004


Sixth Annual Youth Dressage Festival (formerly the Northeast Junior/Young Rider Dressage Championships). August 27-29, 2004 at the HITS on the Hudson show grounds in Saugerties, NY. Brainchild of two-time Olympian Lendon Gray, this is a three-phase competition, (written test, group equitation class and individual dressage tests) open to riders under 21 from all disciplines worldwide, in Training through Fourth Level, plus FEI Pony, Junior and Young Rider divisions. Musical Freestyle, Leadline and Prix Caprilli classes (Training and First level dressage tests with jumps) are also offered. Featured are unbeatable prizes, world-class riders and judges (such as Michael Poulin, Hilda Gurney, George Williams), exciting narrated rides and demonstrations, numerous equestrian vendors and an optional Pony Club turnout inspection. Entries open June 23, 2004 and close August 6, 2004. For details, visit www.dressage4kids.com.

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Art Contest for all Young Riders


Calling Young Artists for USDF's Art of Dressage Contest The 2004 USDF Junior/Young Rider Arts Contest rules and entry forms are now available at www.usdf.org. USDF members age 21 and under may enter this contest to show off their talent in writing, art, and photography divisions. USDF conducts this contest each year and typically receives an average of 100 very competitive entries. The contest is designed to highlight the creativity and beauty inherent in the sport of dressage and it allows juniors and young riders to express their interest in the sport outside the competition arena. The winners will receive trophies and other prizes, and their winning entries will be displayed at the 2004 USDF Annual Convention, November 30-December 5, in Lexington, Kentucky, and also published in the Yearbook issue of USDF Connection. All entries must be postmarked by June 1, 2004.

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Young Rider Meetings
By Rio Sites


Hey Young Riders, our next meeting will be April 5, 2004. This will be held at the Churchville,MD Mc.Donalds at 7 PM. This is an extremely important meeting!! We will be filling out entries for Morven Park! Please bring your parents, checks, and coggins (if you have them). If anyone can not attend or needs directions please contact me, Rio Sites at (717) 382-1301, or Cloverhillfarm07@msn.com. Hope to see everyone there! And any new young riders are welcome to attend.

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January 10th meeting at Jess Hardester's house


The next Young Rider's meeting will be on January 10, 2004 at Jess Hardester's house at 4PM. Please call Mary Hardester at 410-457-0360 if you need directions. The young riders will be putting together the posters for the Horse Expo. Please bring any photos of Morven Park and the Finals Banquet plus any other photos that you might want to have displayed. Remember that the young rider's meetings are open to all members. See you there.

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Christmas Party


The Young Riders will hold their Christmas party at Mary Hardester's house on December 20,2003 starting at 7:30PM. There will be a gift exchange of no more that $10.00 for the young riders only. Everyone is encouraged to bring a covered dish. Also, Lil Lack will be present to discuss what clinic the young riders might like to have. Hope to see you there as it will be a fun time. Don't forget that this party is open to all members not just young riders

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Young Rider Championships at Morven Park
By Mary Hardester


Well, another year has come and the MDA Young Riders went to Morven Park for The Junior/Young Rider Team Competition. We only took 8 girls this year, but boy did we make a SPLASH! Our Teams were:

• The MDA Sea Ponies,Laurel Ensor and her pony, My Boy Baylee, Jennifer Hardester and her pony, Peanut Butter Crunch, Miranda Wagg and her pony Jelly Bean, and Taylor Zimmerman and her pony Pufferbelly, The Sea Ponies were our Walk /Trot Team and everyone knew the MDA Sea Ponies by the end of the show; they were a real hit. Those girls and their ponies were so darn cute everyone was talking about the MDA Sea Ponies, and how well all the girls rode for being so young.
• The MDA Ladies of the Secret Garden The Ladies and their Horses were; Whitney Domenech and Bentley Jess Hardester and Philosopher Rio Sites and Copenhagen Lindsey Zimmerman and Grand Luck
The Ladies of the Secret Garden were our First Level Team. They were all so elegant and polished. The MDA should be very proud of these young women. They really represented the MDA nicely. They were kind and helpful to each other and everyone around them. Their barn was decorated in a garden theme, and it was gorgeous, with flowers everywhere.

We all arrived on Friday and started getting our stalls set up, and you could just feel the excitement building, especially in the Sea Ponies barn, as only Taylor had ever been to this competition before and the girls were really excited. We all got our stalls done and the girls were ready to ride, and then came the rain, not much just enough to get a little wet. The girls all tacked up their horses and ponies and went to school their tests while the parents finished up odds and ends in the barns. The girls got done schooling and started decorating their barns. I have to start by saying we have a budding artist in our club. Taylor Zimmerman is so talented I could not believe it. She made the most beautiful decorations that she painted herself. Way to go, Taylor! She made banners for each of the Sea Ponies' stall doors. Each banner had sea horses on it to match the color of the pony it was made for. They were just beautiful. The Sea Ponies had nets with sea shells hanging around their barn they had all kinds of beautiful decorations. Their decorations were so good that they won the award for barn decorating contest. The Ladies of the Secret Garden got an Honorable Mention, which was great considering all the teams that were there. The MDA Young Riders got 1st and 2nd place in decorating.

Saturday morning arrived and the weather was just great, and the day began with warm-up rides for those who signed up for them. Then came the team rides in the afternoon. Everyone did really well. Saturday night was the Competitors' party, which featured a muscial freestyle and a quadrille team, which was fun to watch. Then came time for the special awards to be handed out. The awards were given out for things like best braids and cleanest tack etc. Our little club won 6 out of about 10-12 special awards. We won:

• Best name pony or horse, Pufferbelly (Taylor Zimmerman)
• Smallest pony @ 10.2 hands, Jelly Bean (Miranda Wagg)
• Youngest Rider at the show, Jennifer Hardester, 8 yrs old
• Oldest pony Jelly Bean ( Miranda Wagg)
• Best decorated Barn, MDA Sea Ponies
• Tiarra decorating contest, MDA Sea Ponies
So a BIG CONGRATULATIONS to the MDA SEA PONIES for all the awards.

A big thank you to Lindsay and Whitney Domenech for bringing their trusted scooter along with them. It provided hours of entertainment for the girls, taking turns riding it around. Jess Hardester and Rio Sites also made a roving movie with Rio's handy cam while cruising around on the scooter. Hey Rio and Jess, can we see that movie? I know Donna and I were filmed while trying to slip in naps in the dressing room of our trailers Saturday afternoon. THANKS GIRLS, please edit that out of the movie!

Sunday morning came and the weather was once again just beautiful, and the day was busy. Everyone was bustling aroung getting ready for their rides, cleaning tack and bathing horses. Most of MDA'S rides were in the afternoon, so we all had plenty of time to get braiding done and relax as much as show nerves would allow.

All the girls had good rides, and it was time for the award ceremony to begin. No one knew what place their teams were in until they rode their horses up to the indoor for the ceremony.

First up were The Sea Ponies in Third Place. Way to go girls! I am so proud of these girls; they worked so hard and did such a great job. When they rode into the indoor and they were announced like they were at the World Cup, it was so great it gave me the chills. I, of course, teared up when my little girl (Jennifer) came riding in on Peanut Butter Crunch, just as I did a few years back when Jess and Digger were at their first award cermony. Those four girls looked so good in that big arena, I wish you all could have been there to see their little faces riding those ponies (I have plenty of photos).

Then came time for The Ladies of The Secret Garden. They came in 5th place so they did really well too. They looked so beautiful coming into the arena to get their ribbons.

I have to say the MDA should be so proud of all of these Young Riders, they really behaved like nice young ladies. They were responsible for their horses and ponies, and they also kept their barns very neat and tidy. And they had a great time! I really look forward to next year, and hopefully some other MDA members can come and support our young riders.

Thank you to Rio Sites for getting us all together for Morven Park, Thanks to all of the parents, and thanks to the MDA for supporting the girls. Next Year should be a blast.
Mary Hardester

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Young Rider Fun Meeting
By Margaret Scarff


There will be a Young Rider Meeting at the Bel Air Library Meeting Room 2 on January 14,2006 from 2PM to 4PM. The Bel Air Library is at 100 Pennsylvania Ave., Bel Air, MD. There will games and some great videos. All of the young riders, their parents, and anyone else who might just like to get together with other young people and just have fun are invited. Please contact Linda Seybold at LSeybold@aol.com or Jess Hardester at Bignrich@clearviewcatv.net for more information

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