November 30, 2011
Black Shadow Trakehners

Announcement: Black Shadow Trakehners of Little Rock, owned by Judy Dent and her husband Joe Davidenas and her daughter Jessica Davidenas are pleased and proud to make the following announcement.

The 4 year old chestnut stallion Cassius Clay bred and owned by Black Shadow Trakehners of Little Rock, AR, was approved by the America Trakehner Association as a breeding stallion on Friday 11^th of November in Texas.  Only 2% of Trakehner colts in the USA and Canada are approved annually.  This stallion, by the black stallion Prince of Prussia of Black Shadow Trakehners, is out of the mare Cassiopia by Happy Hour. This young stallion has excellent temperament and elegant gaits. He was the A.T.A. H.O.Y. winner in 2008 and was in the top 20 USDF colts /geldings in the same year. At the ADS Country Classic rated show in 2008 he was reserve champion colt/gelding of the USDF breed show.  He showed at the ADS schooling show at Lucky Acres September 11^th, and for his first show under saddle, behaved in an exemplary manner.  2012 will see him out at more shows, in addition he will be working towards completing his first 3 day event.

Black shadow Trakehners has worked long and hard producing small numbers of excellent offspring that are carefully raised and handled.  Their stallion Prince of Prussia has seven Olympians in his background, three with gold medals. Until he was injured 6 years ago he was on a winning dressage track.  He has offspring in many areas of the US and Canada all of whom are excellent performance horses.
          To view video of Cassius Clay follow this link to YouTube.       http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i9tZ5dauXcY

 

Also please check our Facebook Page Blackshadow Trakehners.  A new web site to replace the current one is under construction and will be available in the near future.

 

“ For 280 years Trakehner Horses have been Engineered for Perfomance”

“Where do you want your next horse to take you?
Courtesy of the ATA

November 14, 2011
Thanks to everybody for sending in your scores for this year's awards. A big thanks to all who volunteered. It was another great show season. ADS had a rider who qualified and competed at the Region 9 championships.
Katie Thompson (JR rider) qualified her mare, Kia, in training level and put in a good 60% ride. She also got her qualified ride for next year's regionals with a score of 66%. Congratulations, Katie!
Congratulations also go out to ADS members Amanda Bailey (Jonesboro) in June and Jana Nelson (Vilonia) in October who earned their USDF SILVER MEDAL scores this year. This makes a total of 4 USDF silver medal medal holders in Arkansas: Judy Barrett (Fayetteville) and ADS member Patty Hale (Vilonia).

October 15, 2011
Sorry- The demos for the open house at Letitia MaMaster's barn had to be cancelled because of wet footing. We'll try for the grand opening of their indoor equestrian facility in Conwaynext spring.

October 4, 2011
Another beautiful day for a show this past Sunday @ Lucky Acres!! Many thanks to Sherry Guess for being our judge and to Melinda Curtis for the great BBQ at the concession stand. Now that all the shows are behind us, we need to send in our forms so we can get awards in February at the banquet. Dennis Akins was on hand again to take pictures. Check out the link below.

ATTENTION COMPETITORS: It is time to start getting your scores and volunteer hours together - tthe deadline is NOVEMBER 1 to send in your forms to Cindi Sammartano (address on the forms). Please note that volunteer hours are to be done in service to ADS - volunteering for other organizations (while admirable) does not count for ADS awards. ONLY 1 HOUR IS REQUIRED. You will find the Score and Volunteer forms on the SHOW INFO page along with other necessary info for showing and the ADS awards program.

September 30, 2011
It was a gorgeous clear cool day for our 9-11 Show.  We had delicious Barbeque at lunch provided by Melinda Curtis, who made it from scratch. She will be at the Oct show also.

Our photographer was Dennis Akins who did a great job for his first horse show. (He will also be at the Oct. Show)

Thanks to all who participated in the Sept ADS show with the Patriotic Theme.  Many thanks go to Wayne Krause for reading the Poem “American Steel” by Jim Barton who changed the wording somewhat for us.  The original was “Twisted Beam” which he read at a 9-11 commemoration in El Dorado, AR.  Thanks to Eileen who got the author's permission to use the Poem.

We had 2 winners for the best Patriotic costume: Natalie Dewitt on Gypsy and Alayna Tillman on Cookie.  We do appreciate all who took time to decorate the horses and themselves.

Hooray for Kay Gale who received her Dressage Foundation  Century Club Award on Clear Creek Slim!

We all celebrate your persistence and tenacity Kay.  Kay's daughter Kim, who had always been there to help Kay (when she wasn't in Vet School), was especially delighted that her Mom won this prestigious award :-)

Thank you scribes, runners, stewards and all who helped make the show a success.  Big hug to Dennis Sobba who took care of the arena prep and Pam MacLeod who helped me set up and decorate.

See you at the Awards Banquet. 

 Happy Riding,

~submitted by Nancy Sobba, Lucky Acres Stables

September 28, 2011 

Let's all support our local “L” graduate and  one of our schooling show judges, Carla Short, and join the fight against breast cancer on 22 Oct 11.  If you’ve never participated before, just imagine 40,000 women running and/or walking through the streets of downtown Little Rock and over 3,000 men lining the streets and cheering them on!  The race helps to raise millions of dollars that goes towards breast cancer research through the Susan G. Komen Foundation. 

If you'd like to Join "Carla's Commandos," click on the link below and go to "Join an Existing Team" on the left side of the screen and put in the team name.  There is no password required.  Registration fee is $26.  In order to get your shirt mailed to you, you must register NLT midnight on 9 Oct 11.

 

http://arkansas.info-komen.org/site/R?i=xvy5Yqe1vsTzABT2JotfCQ

Pictures shot @ Lucky Acres Sept 11 show by photographer Dennis Akins:
Below is the link to photos I took last Saturday. Please feel free to forward it to the contestants if you have their email addresses so they may look and or buy photos. 

http://pictage.com/1121751

They will have to log on which is really easy.

First name, last name, create a password, email address, agree to the terms of service( in short that the photos belong to the photographer and that pictage is just a third. Any disputes should be resolved with the photographer. All photographs are copyrighted.

Once they have logged in they can view the photos and purchase them if they want. 

If they want a cd, they will have to contact me directly as that is not offered on the website. The cost of a cd is $35 for ten files and $2.oo per file for each additional file over ten. All they do is shoot me an email with the file numbers they wish with where they would like it sent. and I will burn it and send it to them along with an invoice.

September 20, 2011
Next  - and last - ADS school show is at Lucky Acres, October 2. This will be a halloween themed costume show. What fun!!

September 6, 2011
Next school show is at Lucky Acres, this Sunday September 11. The theme is patriotic in support of troops and remembering 9/11. Hope to see you there - the weather will be wonderful.  THERE WILL  BE CONCESSIONS ON THE GROUNDS.

August 30, 2011
Show Notes
The "Dog Days of Summer" show at Diamond TR August 28 was a great show. It started at 7:30am and went til 4. I thought that was a good number of entries considering how hot it has been lately. The weather gave us a break and it was quite pleasant for most of the morning anyway. The Angus burgers they had for lunch were good, too. That's my favorite part. Carla Short was our judge and offered insight and encouragement to all. There were puppies galore decorating the arena, thanks to the DTR crew - what fun! RESULTS

NOTICE: ADS has purchased the new arena for shows!! This means we will be taking bids (auction-type) from anyone who wants to buy the old arena and letters. Minimum bid is $120. Please submit all bids by email to Rachelle Summers.The deadline to submit bids is noon September 1.

(Aug 19)                                (Aug 20)                      (Aug 22)
Judy Dent $120.00                DTR $135.00               Sandra Thompson $250.00
Anne Tursky $125.00                                              Sandra Thompson $350.00
Tiffany Schirmer $300.00

August 17, 2011
Details on the Bob Cooper saddle fitting at Vicki Meyers' barn:
Bob Cooper will be in Central Arkansas on Monday, September 5 (Labor Day). If anyone would like to participate in a saddle fitting – please have them contact me (Vicki)  479 981 0578. 


August 14, 2011             my boot towel
The GM meeting August 13th @ NLR City Hall building, 300 Main St., NLR 6:30PM was a good time. Seeing the WEG on two big screens was really cool. Fabulous doorprizes of ADS embroidered boot towels and bandana type neck cooler things were handed out to all attendees. There was food in abundance (one of my favorite aspects of meetings) and warm fellowship.
Several club business matters were discussed including possible activities, the auction of the old arena and horse related opportunities currently available.
Eileen talked about the dressage Simulator and the hard work it will take to get the tour put together in order for us to have it back again. There was interest expressed. No interest or ideas were forthcoming about having a "big" person come in for a USDF Symposium type of activity. Vicki Meyer stated that she would rather have something that impacted her riding directly rather than an audit situation. She pointed out the vast number of opportunities already available for watching clinics and symposiums online and on video.
Eileen also gave a report on the CDI at Houston TX and our 2 ADS volunteers, Donna Love and Janette Price that went and represented us there. She said she was told that they were the best volunteers they had ever had and worked their tails off. (And sure enough, I looked when they were at the VVF July show and they didn't have any tails!!)
Patty gave the details on the new trailer and arena. On auctioning the old arena: there has been a concern expressed to a board member about the fair handling of bids. It was given to the general membership to vote to keep the auction idea or scrap it in favor of putting a price on the arena and selling it. The GM voted to keep the auction, set the minimum sell price at $120 and post each bid on the ADS website as it comes in. That will be done. As of yet, Rachelle has received no bids.
May it be perfectly clear that the board tries to maintain transparency in all things at all times. Any member is welcome to audit board meetings and board minutes are kept posted on this website.
Jana explained the new awards to be be given out at ADS shows. There will be a Champion and Reserve Champion ribbon given to Intro through PSG levels according to regular show rules with all divisions being included. For example: in each level the award will be given to the horse/rider combo riding 2 tests (or 1 as per rules) in that level without regard as to amatuer, open or junior standing. This will have no impact on the year end awards - that scoring will remain exactly as stated in the Awards Criteria. This is just an added perk for our schooling shows.
Vicki Meyers let us know that she is having Bob Cooper (OK) come to the barn where she boards for saddle fitting. He is certified through Black Country saddles. More details will follow as to date and time if you wish to make use of the opportunity. We were unaware that Michelle Wadley sells Black Country saddles at her tack shop, Lead Changes, and is in the process of becoming certified, also. Well, now we all know.

July 14, 2011
Show Notes:
VVF July show - hot but fun. LeilaJoy Richardson on Dover (runner up) and Natalie DeWitt on Gypsy (winner- pic below) were the best costumes and won fabulous prizes. Results are now posted on the "Calendar" page.


July 1, 2011
Show Notes:
Several ADS members went to the recognized show in Claremore OK on June 19-20. Mimi Benton and her young horse, Lexington WF and Katie Thompson with Kia got some great scores (including 70s - you can see the results on showsecretary.com). Mimi and Leo pictured below:
Yours truly mananged to eke out her first Prix St Georges score and was also on the 3rd place team for the USDF Region 9 Adult Regional Team Compettion. Velvet was SO MAD when I dragged her out of her stall and tacked her up again Saturday night for the awards ceremony! She is a one-performance-a-day diva.
Amanda Bailey did a fantastic job with Faulkner at the show in St Louis that same weekend.
Congratulations to ADS on the purchase of a trailer to store and haul the arena around in!!!! Thanks, Liz for taking care of that for us.

June 14, 2011
Show Notes:
Many thanks to Lyn Francik for being a kind, encouraging "L" for us during a very long, hot day at the June show.
The next show is at Valley View Farm: July 10th. The opening date is June 16. The closing date is July 1st and here before you know it. Costumes are encouraged. There will be prizes.
Stalls are limited and available on a first come, first served basis according to the date entries are received. The entry form says "must be in our hands" by July 1st but postmarked by July !st is good.
Remember, it is a farm show and will use this entry form and be mailed to Patty Hale (not Susan Peacock):
VOLUNTEER ALERT: Call Patty Hale if you would like to get your volunteer hour at this show. There is lots to do before, during, or after the show. All positions will be scheduled BEFORE the show date.

June 9, 2011 
Board Notes:
An ADS membership list including names, phone numbers and email addresses will be available to ADS members soon. If you choose to OPT OUT of this, please respond to the secretary's email or just email Sarah and tell her you do not wish to be included.
MID YEAR GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING: Please mark Saturday, August 13th down for a fun time watching the WEG and visiting with friends. ADS will provide the snacks but feel free to bring your favorite pot-luck dish to share. Haul out your used tack to sell or bring pictures to share.Let's have a great time without the horse show stress.
VVF Show
I hope you are ready for the hot weather - it seems to have appeared rather suddenly. Our June show at Valley View Farm in Vilonia Sunday June 12, has 79 entries!! It will be a full day starting at 7:30 and going til 6:15 so bring lots of water. There will be the usual wonderful concession stand with cold drinks, chicken salad, fruit cups, etc.  The show schedule with ride times is now available on showsecretary.com. COSTUMES ENCOURAGED - our theme, as usual: tropical heat wave.

May 11, 2011
Sorry for the lack of updates. Due to the tornado which hit Vilonia where I live, I have been out of internet til today. We had no power for 6 days. I lost some trees (which also took out the fence) but there was only minor damage to the house and vehicles. The storage shed is demolished but I didn't like it anyway. The hound dog, Beth, has had to go back to live with Aunt Patty temporarily.
Please get your entries to Cindy for the Crestfield farm show (deadline Friday) and check out the picture of Anne Turskey's new baby foal.


April 14, 2011
Board Notes:
ADS member, Linda Bly, has generously offered her WEG DVDs for our August meeting. We have also decided to add more fabulous awards to our schooling shows - details to follow. Plan on attending as many as you can!

April 10, 2011
ADS School Show
Yay! We dodged the rain again and had a great show at Marty's (Crestfield Farm). The show ran from 8am til almost 6pm with a good turnout from Intro to 4th levels. As always, Vicki Sharp's eagle eye and constructive but kind comments were an encouragement to all. Marty also provided a good BBQ caterer for the show - yum. You can check out the results on showsecretary.com. Please send some pics to post!!!
 

March 10, 2011
Board Notes:
We have already started the planning for the mid year general membership meeting. We are having a VIDEO ON THE BIG SCREEN night at the conference center in NLR in August. Do you have a DVD of the WEG Dressage Freestyle finals? We would like to borow it for that night. More details to follow. Volunteer Alert: Food co-ordinator to work with Diane Whitbey so we will be sure to have good snacks in an organized and timely manner.

March 6, 2011
ADS School Show
Diamond TR gave us another good show to start the season - first of 8 schooling shows this year. The weather gave us a break, warming to almost warm by afternoon - ha. The turnout was 53 rides and our judge was Lori Hoos. She did a good job with helpful and encouraging comments. Thankfully, we were able to buy those fantastic Angus burgers for lunch, as well as some other homemade goodies. You definitely should check out the concessions at ADS schooling shows. The Diamond TR Drill Teams gave a good performance at the lunch break: even better than last year. Also, thanks to the 2 volunteers, Liz Davis and Diana Beaird, who showed up in answer to the call to get the arena cleaned before the show.


February 25, 2011
The Vogelpohls and the Barnards (Diamond TR Ranch) sustained some damage at their property due to the storms this week. If you have a chance, give them a call and see if you can help. They have some cleanup to do but they report that no one was hurt. Volunteer Alert: The arena for the show there March 6 is in need of cleaning. Report for work @ 1:00 this Sunday to lend a hand!! With the storm damage and show prep, they could use some help. This will get you credit for year-end awards.

ADS Awards banquet - February 5, 2011 at Cajun's Wharf

We had a great crowd, with 63 people in attendance. The highlight for me was awarding Nancy Sobba the Jim Bishop trophy as a lifetime service award for ADS, formerly Arkansas Dressage and Equestrian Events, formerly The English Riding Club.    

It was also our pleasure to give Diamond TR Ranch the Kari Barber-Arnold award for their wonderful volunteerism as demonstrated by their hard work in helping VP Eileen Krause and ADS get the Dressage Simulator last October.

The menu consisted of gumbo, fried catfish, shrimp, and grilled chicken along with sauteed veggies, hush puppies, and (the other great highlight for me) cheesy, garlicky mashed potatoes. Shannon Treece procured the room and Diane Whitbey, in recognition of Mardi Gras, provided beads, masks, and sparklies to carry that theme to the tables.
The silent auction, handled by Jim Pat and Diana Beaird, was a huge success and brought in some good money for the club. A BIG thanks to them and all who donated items. Bob Crane, generous as always, donated a beautiful painting that was bought by Sarah Branscum, who bought Bob's painting last year.

Purchases that need to be made this year are a laptop for shows and a utility trailer to store and transport your (rapidly aging) show arena.  

Cindi Sammartano gave ADS the VERY generous donation of a $750 grant that she received through Verizon. This donation was voted to be used to partially offset the cost of employing Susan Peacock as entries secretary and Judy Dent and her daughter Jessica as show coordinator and on-site show secretary. These secretary fees will run approximately $1500 this year for the 5 ADS schooling shows.
Be sure to notice on the new 2011 entry forms that the office fee has increased to $17 to help defray these costs.

The awards, thanks to Nicola Gagliardo, were awesome this year. The High Point winners received embroidered directors chairs, the Level and Freestyle champions received embroidered bridle bags and the Level reserve champs got embroidered saddle pads. The pictures of these are on the "News" page along with pictures of the 60% and 70% medal winners, Anne Tursky, the 2010 "Patty and Jana Dressage Princess", and other fun shots of ADS having a good ol' time at a par-ty!

Click here for the list of award winners.