Improving every day!
Brody and Mary working with Mike on 1/2 pass and flying changes this Spring. Brody still needs more strength and hop in the 1/2 pass but he is getting the idea. So proud of my young horse.
Student Susan Harrel comes in second, reserve champion in the amateur, beginner novice division at the Aspen Farms area 7 eventing championships. Congratulations Susan on an awesome show. You’ve developed so much over the last two years. You’ve worked so hard and deserve it.
Mary schooling Hollywood, a five-year-old Hanoverian on lengthening trot. As Hollywood gets stronger and more confident in self carriage, his extended trot will be brilliant.
Dressage Horse For Sale: This handsome 1/2 Andalusian - part Arabian/Percheron gelding has a lot of potential for a kind hearted strong intermediate rider. He is not being represented as a beginner riders horse or a horse that does well with an intermittent work schedule. If you are looking for something to work up the lower levels in dressage and enjoy the occasional trail ride this loving horse may be for you. Argo is 16.1 hands, 14 years old gelding, who was sired by VMF GITANO DE LA NOCHE and dam was by MOUNS JEDRAS. Argo had a late start to life. He was turned out for several years and trail ridden occasionally. In 2021 he was put into a formal dressage training program and flourished. He enjoys being worked 5 days per week and in 2022 he competed successfully in dressage at training level and first level recognized shows. At his first show, he obtained both his qualifying scores for the USDF Regional Dressage Championships at training level. He is currently working on his second level movements. This lovely horse is personable, sweet, smooth to ride, and loves to be groomed. Current owner is an airline pilot and does not have the time to ride him so regretfully must sell. He is currently in partial training at Burkeridge Farm in Ellensburg, WA. Price may increase with further training. $20,000.00 Contact Mary Burke for information. [email protected] or call 509-674-6462.
Abby and Zeus on course!!!
Mary and Valentino had a wonderful test putting them in the # 2 spot after dressage.
Mary Burke and Valentino on course at Aspen Farms 2023
Mary Burke and Valentino head out for their debut in the "Training Horse" division. Valentino was leading the division through the final phase but due to some time faults and great competion the top 4 riders were seperated by 1 point and Brody brought home a 4th place ribbon. Well done every one !
Thanks to Aspen Farms and the Elliott family for a wonderful venue and show experience.
From Mary on the Dressage Symposium:
I wanted to share some rider tips from my experience at the California Dressage Society 2023 “Let’s Ride Dressage!” symposium this January 14-15.
The caliber of instruction was amazing with USEF “S”, FEI 4* judge Mike Osinski and other highly regarded judges, Hilda Gurney, Melissa Creswick and Jane Curtis sharing information. The demonstration riders performing Training level through Grand Prix.were accomplished professionals that showed off their incredible horse for our learning benefit.
Valuable training points were demonstrated and explained but "the correct timing of the half halt” was frequently addressed when educating the audience. The judges reviewed half halt timing for transitions and half halt timing within the gait as it was being demonstrated by the riders. This is what I absorbed:
Half halt timing for canter to trot transition: use the outside rein at the exact moment the horses' main or neck is coming up in the canter stride. This is the moment when the horses' hind leg comes under the body so they can perform a balanced downward transition.
Half halt timing “with in the gait” for increased balance or cadence and to create more caring power in the horses hind end: Rider brushes or bring both legs back, rocks the upper body back in harmony with the horse movement (using your upper body to bring the horse up and back under its self) increase horses caring power for a few steps then relax and allow horse to move forward again. Half halt within the gait by activating the hind end with riders seat and legs then use your back and outside rein to collect the horse on to the hind end for a few steps to get increased cadence then relax.
By doing half halts within the gait you are incremental strengthening the horses' hind end so it can create a balanced uphill frame and a freer expressive shoulder. The half halt within the trot exercise should graduate into a longer suspension time with a lighter f
Susan & Rio
I am so happy for my student Susan. At the beginning of 2022, her riding goal was to compete at Rebecca farms with her 7 year old Irish sport horse “Rio”. We talked about the smaller elements she would need to work on to make this goal a confident and positive experience for both her and her horse. We agreed that she needed to develop her flying changes for show jump so she would have increase balance and rhythm.
In addition, improve their dressage connection in the hand and become more comfortable with the cross country speed at the Beginning novice level. Susan entered the Festival devision at the American Eventing Championships held at Rebecca Farms in Montana. Not only did she compete but she finished in a very respectable 5th place. Way to go Susan. Look forward to your goals for 2023!
Burkeridge Farm new TR3E in action !
Mary had the opportunity to ride with Boyd Martin, two time Olympian, at Aspen Farms. Producing young event horse, Valentino, working on cross country elements. So proud of his confidence and development this summer.
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