2010 CHAIR MESSAGES

December Chair Message:

This has been a wonderful year for Inland Communities Chapter. We had four successful shows run by Meg Hammond and Nancy Franklin as well as other activities all dealing with the journey we call "dressage." I'm happy to say that the votes for our new board have been tallied. We have a happy mix of returning board members willing to serve again as well as some new faces for 2011.

Thanks to Ruth Corrao-Harris, our secretary for 2010 (and if I can talk her into it, secretary for 2011 as well ;o) for handling the ballot project and mailing them out and to ICC member Tresa Downey, who received and delivered them to us at the December meeting. Also thanks to Cindy Taylor for organizing the dinner and taking reservations. Your new board is composed of current members Ruth Corrao Harris, Kathy Pavlich, Meg Hammond, Nancy Franklin, Cindy Taylor, Sara Mosqueda, and yours truly. New members are Kimmee Nassar, Kim Killeen McGrath, and Susan Williams. Welcome all, and thank you for your willingness to serve.

We'll be saying farewell with many thanks to board members Lori Johnstone and Sheila McKee, and to our newsletter editor, Kelly McNamara, who is moving with husband Bill to the "right coast."

Kelly has done a fantastic job with Take Contact! this year--lots of news, pictures, a colorful record of ICC activities. Kelly Tellez has agreed to take over as editor, and we welcome her to the group, as well.

The ICC annual report to the CDS annual meeting next month will include a recap of our successful ventures for 2010 including the juniors judging/fundraiser event organized by Sara Mosqueda last month. Her husband Ralph handled the scoring duties for the day, and everything ran very smoothly. All of us who participated had a great time, and the teams of students were all fantastic.

The coming year promises to be exciting-- our rated and schooling shows using the new dressage tests, plans for a clinic or two, and some other activities. If you have ideas for chapter activities, please don't hesitate to get in touch with a board member. Let's talk!

I hope you enjoy lots of good rides this coming year and that we see you participating in at least one of our chapter events in 2011. Please come up and introduce yourself so we can get to know you, too.

Happy holidays, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year to everyone. Here's to a great 2011 for ourselves and our horses.

Kathy Young
(760) 953-8682 (cell)

November Chair Message:

Greetings, everyone ;o)

By now each of you should have received your official ICC ballot with those interested in serving on the 2011 board. Please vote for 10 and return the ballot by the date on the ballot itself (I mailed mine already, but I think it's November 10).

If you fold it "inside out," Tresa Downey's name and address are right there. All you need to do is tape the ballot closed and add a stamp.

Sara Mosqueda, board member and "Juniors Coordinator" has put together a juniors event on November 13 at Shadow Ridge, 7256 Weaver St., Highland. It's a junior judging contest with teams of students judging Dressage Suitability (horse), Dressage Equitation (rider), and several classes "in-hand." It starts with signups at 8 a.m. and should be over by 11:30 a.m., so it's a perfect way to watch young men and women, our future dressage and horse experts, apply their knowledge of horses, riders and movements to dressage. You're invited. No fee to audit.

Our December "board" meeting is tentatively set for MONDAY, DECEMBER 6, at the new Spaghetti Factory in Redlands, 1635 Industrial Park Avenue (Interstate 10 just off the Alabama exit--it's across from Marie Callender's) at 6:30 p.m. Our December meetings are always no-host dinner with a brief business meeting, mainly to discuss the election results, finish up any last-minute business, and do a bit of socializing.

I'd like to extend a cordial invitation to you to join us at the meeting. You can meet those of us who work hard for you throughout the year, get re-acquainted with old friends and meet some new ones--put faces to names. And what a fun way to kick off the holiday season. It's not a late night, either. Very "work-the-next-day" friendly. Please RSVP to me via email if you are planning on attending so that she may give Spaghetti Factory an accurate head count.

If you have any questions about anything, please don't hesitate to call or e-mail me. And if you know of a facility where we could hold shows or riding clinics, please let me know. We are always looking for places that are convenient for our members, and because our membership covers such a large area, you may know about places we've never heard of. Requirements for suitable show/clinic facilities include good footing (dressage court and warmup arena) and adequate parking.

Happy riding ... and clipping ... and brushing ... ;o) And Happy Thanksgiving, too.

Kathy Young
ICC Chair 2010
760-953-8682

September Chair Message:

As I write this, today is Labor Day. Hope you are all enjoying the end of summer. Now if the weather would just cool down a smidge ...

Along with this chair's message is the form for nominating or accepting someone else's nomination to serve on the 2011 Inland Communities Chapter board of directors. Being a board member involves willingness to attend board meetings and to serve as "the committee" for different chapter functions--shows, workshops and other chapter events. It sounds like a lot of work and "in the moment" it is a busy time, but for the most part, serving on the ICC Board takes very little effort and really is really a lot of fun.

Being a board member lets you work with, firsthand, the people who make up Inland Communities Chapter and, by extension, the California Dressage Society. Speaking personally, I've been a member of ICC for 10 years and have enjoyed my association with everyone. I think you will experience the same thing, should you submit your name to run for the board.

Nomination forms are due by October 15, 2010. If you have questions about being a board member, please give me a call--my cell phone number is below, and I'd be happy to talk with you and answer all your questions.

Once nominations are finalized, ballots will be sent by snail mail. Results of the voting will be announced at our December business-and-dinner meeting, which is usually held at a restaurant in the Redlands area. Everyone is welcome to attend that meeting, too, which will be either the first or second Wednesday of December.

Second bit of business: Get your costumes ready--they are optional all day--for the October Schooling Show at Sundance Ranch in Redlands October 24. Premiums will be available on the chapter website.

Finally, due to yet another scheduling conflict, our New Test Forum with Peggy Klump has been canceled. We are, however, holding a juniors fundraiser November 13 with Sara Mosqueda, juniors coordinator. More information on that event will be forthcoming.

Enjoy your riding. If you have any questions or comments, give me a call.

Kathy Young
ICC Chair
769-953-8682 *cell

August Chair Message:

Greetings!

First of all, our very best wishes to newlyweds Sara Beth (Diefenbach) and Ralph Mosqueda, married the last weekend in July. Sara is one of our board members and she is our Juniors Coordinator. Perhaps you've noticed the Juniors' page on our chapter website). Each junior member of Inland Communities Chapter is invited to submit a picture and brief biography so you can be featured.

Our July 25 rated show at Pepperglen in Norco was small but it was a great success. The weather was absolutely perfect, too--overcast, a bit of breeze, and lots of very happy (and talkative ;o) horses. Our judge, Cauleen Glass, had some good comments for each rider, and she said she really enjoyed herself.

We have one more show, our October Costumes Optional All Day schooling show, and it's another event that is a lot of fun. Meg Hammond and Nancy Franklin are the show committee, and they do a marvelous job of getting things organized, and Ruth Corrao Harris is volunteer coordinator and "times-caller extraordinaire."

This year is winding down, but ICC has a few more events on our calendar.

Nancy Franklin, Kelly McNamara, Lori Johnstone and Kathy Pavlich are the committee planning the New Test Forum and Rider Competition, the new name and focus of the rescheduled RAAC 'n Roll clinic with Peggy Klump. The format will be the same--an evening unmounted presentation with Peggy, and a mounted clinic with demo riders the following day. We're aiming toward November 6 and 7 at Shadow Ridge.

Everyone works at Peggy's clinic (auditors are now "unmounted participants"), and the idea is to learn the new tests while learning how to improve scores on various movements.

Those who signed up for the RAAC 'n Roll clinic will have first priority for the November event. More details will follow and our website and newsletter will have details as they unfold.

The following week, November 13, is a special Juniors event/fundraiser--dressage horse judging (both in hand and mounted) with various horse judging teams from the area schools competing for top judging honors. Sara is putting that together, too.

Hope you are all having a great summer-leading-to-fall, making progress in your riding, and looking forward to attending some of the ICC events. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to get in touch with me or any of the board members. We love to hear from you. If you have comments or suggestions for upcoming events, let us know.

Kathy Young

June Chair Message:

Greetings!

I hope you have the kind of schedule that permits riding early--the summer weather is upon us.

First of all, I need addresses for two ICC members who either are not members of CDS this year or did not join in time to be included in the 2010 roster. If you know the following members--Karen Echeverria and Marsha Goodwin--please ask them to get in touch with me, so I can get their 2009 CDS plates in the mail.

The June ICC show was June 6, and I do believe everyone had a good time. Shadow Ridge is a wonderful facility, and we were finished before it got very hot.

By the way, the chapter is still looking for additional show sites. Call us with any information if you know a place that could handle trailers, parking, warmup and dressage arena with good footing for a CDS-rated show.

Our judge, Brent Hicks, gave very helpful comments--I know because I was his scribe. One rider carried a whip in her second test because Brent suggested she do that after her first test. Amazing how the "Wand of Authority" becomes a real attention-getter/subject changer. Her horse was much more forward during her second ride.

Speaking of getting better test scores, ICC is hosting a RAAC n' Roll clinic with Peggy Klump July 23 and 24 at Shadow Ridge. Peggy's clinic is for mounted and unmounted participants. Everyone gets to work. We always hear about correct use of corners, good geometry, and straight entries down the center line--but many riders lose points because they aren't riding with attention paid to simple things like that--and Peggy's clinic will help us pay attention to those things and more.

An e-mail blast with an application attached will be sent from Paula in the Central Office to CDS members in the southern region, but if you don't have the means to print out your own application, you can contact me or any ICC board member and an application will be mailed to you. Whether you want to ride or be an unmounted participant, you need to fill out an application. Everyone receives a notebook, and we need to know how many people to plan for.

If you have any comments or questions, let me know. If I don't know the answer, I will certainly find someone who knows.

Remember to drink plenty of water in this heat, and make sure your horse has plenty of water, too. The keyword for successful summer riding and showing is hydration.

You probably didn't heard it here first.

Kathy

May Chair Message:

The CDS Southern Region Amateur Clinic with Debbie McDonald was very well attended with lots of auditors and many very happy participants. Debbie made some very definite improvements in every single rider. There was a nice mix of levels and the entire three days went quickly and were great fun.

The Saturday night party was great, too.

Our Awards Banquet was marked by plenty of great raffle prizes, terrific food and a wonderful program with Cindy Hancock, a massage therapist who discussed the benefits of massage for horses. She had handouts and answered questions.

Good weather is here and we've got our rated show May 9 (bring your moms!) at Pepper Glen and, of course, our second rated show in July.

Keep reading the newsletter and the website. Ssend your news to Kelly (brag on yourself ;o). We're always looking for news for the website, too.

See you soon!

Kathy

February Chair Message:

Hello, all--

Grab your pen and your 2010 calendar because you'll want to circle the important dates of upcoming Inland Communities Chapter and CDS events. You won't want to miss anything.

First is our March 7 schooling show. Our aim is to hold our shows at different facilities because our membership covers such a large geographical area. Finding a suitable show site that has adequate parking, warm-up, and footing--and is available on the show date--is not easy. However, ICC's intrepid show staff (Meg Hammond, manager, and Nancy Franklin, secretary) are finalizing details even as you read these words. Check the Web site frequently, www.icccds.org, for the premium. Our judge will be Tracy Young.

The 2010 CDS Amateur Clinic with Olympian and outstanding clinician Debbie McDonald is April 15-18 at Shadow Ridge. If you're an adult amateur member and have not submitted your name to Nancy Franklin, taneyeam@aol.com, do so instantly if not sooner. Deadline is March 1. We will draw names--a winner and alternates--at our Board Meeting March 3 at 6:30 p.m. at Shadow Ridge (and all members are welcome to attend ;o)

Also, per CDS Executive Board, each rider in the Amateur Clinic must present a current USEF Amateur Card. For more information, visit www.usef.org.

Auditors are invited to the Clinic April 16-18. There is a nominal auditing fee, also set by the Executive Board: CDS members, $15 a day or $40 for all three days; nonmembers, $20/$50.

Saturday night, April 17, is party night with dinner and dancing--including salsa lessons from experts to show us how to "get up to get down," ole! Information coming soon--be sure to circle the date.

April 10 is our annual ICC awards banquet, once again at Casa Trejo, 34636 County Line Road, Yucaipa, (909) 795-2880. Plan to enjoy delicious food, a fantastic raffle and silent auction, and presentations of CDS plates and certificates as well as our chapter awards. This year the featured speaker is Dr. Bari Boersma, noted equine chiropractor whom many of you already know. Details are being finalized, but Cindy Taylor is in charge of everything again this year. She does a TERRIFIC job. Circle THIS date, too.

We decided on the date for Peggy Klump's RAAC 'n Roll clinic--the weekend of July 24. This workshop is geared to ALL riders who want to improve their test scores. Even auditors have to "work"--Peggy asks questions of everybody. Details forthcoming, but circle THAT weekend as well.

That's it for this month. You have time to rush out and buy another pen--you ain't seen nuthin' yet.

Ride safely! Spring is on the way.

Kathy Young

January Chair Message:

Greetings ;o)

As the new chair of Inland Communities Chapter for 2010, I am looking forward to another terrific year of ICC activities and events involving good people, wonderful horses and the fantastic sport of dressage.

Congratulations on being a member of the best CDS chapter! You have a strong board of directors working for you—the board members and chapter volunteers are listed below this letter. We are already planning a full calendar for this year—our regular series of schooling and rated shows, a clinic or two, an awards banquet, and more. We want to give you every opportunity to join us, meet new people, and get as involved as you would like.

First, the CDS Amateur Clinic: This year’s Amateur Clinic features a very special clinician, Debbie McDonald. Don’t miss out on the chance to ride or audit with Debbie. She is wonderful. The Southern clinic will be April 15-18 at Shadow Ridge in Highland.

If you are an adult amateur member of ICC CDS and would like to be the Chapter representative, submit your name to Nancy Franklin by e-mail at taneyeam@aol.com or by snail mail, PO Box 1000, Highland 92346, by Monday, March 1. Put “CDS Amateur Clinic” in the e-mail subject line.

All names received will be placed in a hat, and the winner and alternates will be chosen by random drawing at our chapter meeting March 3.

Our Chapter representative will have the fee for his/her spot in the clinic as well as the board for his/her horse paid by ICC. Our representative is required to attend the evening introductory lecture April 15, the entire clinic each day, and discussion groups within the day.

Second: Mark your calendars. Our first schooling show is March 7, place and judge TBA. Show manager Meg Hammond and show secretary Nancy Franklin are putting everything together. The premium will soon be available on our website. Our May 9 rated show will be held at Pepper Glen in Norco, and our June 6 show will be held at Shadow Ridge in Highland.

ICC monthly meetings are open to all members. We meet the first Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m., usually at Shadow Ridge, but you can always call me, (760) 953-8682, or check the chapter website to verify.

I am looking forward to meeting you at an ICC or CDS event this year.

Kathy Young
2010 ICC chair

 

2010 ICC Board Members: Ruth Corrao-Harris, Secretary; Kathy Pavlich, Treasurer; Meg Hammond, Show Manager; Nancy Franklin, Show Secretary; Cindy Taylor, Web liaison; Sara Diefenbach, junior members coordinator; Sheila McKee and Lori Johnstone, members at large.

Chapter volunteers: Kelly McNamara, newsletter editor; Delaney Seeburger, junior liaison.