Betsy Carter's Outdoors column

Date published: 1/26/2007

T HE FREDERICKSBURG chapter of the Virginia Dressage Association will start the new year with a new president and a new schedule of events.

The new president is Nikki Seitz, who succeeds Peggy Minnich after three years in office, with the support of Sue Rowdon and Barb Snapp as show managers.

Minnich, the show managers and the VADAF organized and hosted a breed show and a two-day recognized show--all at Rose Mount Farm in Spotsylvania in conjunction with the Charlottesville chapter.

This year there will be a local schooling show on Sept. 7, along with the breed show, followed by the joint two-day recognized show.

The addition of the local show will give more competitors the chance to show at Rose Mount's show grounds under the same conditions as the rated show. It also gives those planning to attend the rated show the opportunity to practice their skills prior to the twin recognized show Sept. 8-9.

The VADAF also has scheduled three other schooling shows--two at Touch Point Farm in Culpeper and one at Bayberry Riding Center, Spotsylvania. The club also will send young riders to the United States Dressage Federation Youth Team Competition in July and adult riders to the Region 1 Adult Team Championship in October.

An upcoming clinic with dressage judge and trainer Carter Bass will acquaint members and nonmembers with the new USDF tests, which change every three years.

The club meetings are held every other month on the third Tuesday in the meeting room by the Ukrop's pharmacy. For information on the club or clinic call Mary Radintz at 540/785-1341.

Introductory level champion--Hannah White/Maxicause, 72.407; reserve--Peyton Morris/Holly Four Barrel, 70.313.

Training level junior champion--Hannah Lucas/Argento, 72.982; reserve--Ashley White/Invincible Vinci, 67.529.

Training level senior champion--Peggy Minnich/Vinca, 72.200; reserve--Nikki Young/Lady Godiva, 63.505.

First level champion--Grace Hodges/Wylie Q, 69.697; reserve--A. White/Invincible Vinci, 64.098.

Grand Prix champion--Sallie Spenard/Chamberlain, 61.501.

The Kazun Challenge Trophy went to Hannah Lucas and Argento.

Gary Locke Junior/Young Rider Award winner--Jenny Carroll.

Equine Friends Senior Rider Award winner--Sallie Spenard.

Magic Jami Award--Samantha Seitz and Little Hawk.

Calendar

Feb. 3: TWA jumper show, Hazelwild

Feb. 4: TWA Hunter show, Hazelwild

Feb. 8-11: Stonewall Country, VHC

Feb. 16-18: The Barracks

BETSY CARTER can be reachedat The Free Lance-Star, 616 Amelia St., Fredericksburg, Va. 22401 or by fax at 540/373-8455.

Date published: 1/26/2007