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And a Good Time was had by all! Friday, December 19, 2008
But beyond all of the fun donations was the fantastic experience all of the riders had. From Training Level to Fourth/Prix St. George, Jodie gave each rider tremendous energy and enthusiasm. She was able to articulate her lessons in such a way, that each horse and rider looked much better from start to finish, day to day. Jodie had high expectations of each horse and rider, yet through her positive and motivating teaching, each rider was able to meet those expectations successfully. When asked if the riders enjoyed their lessons, each gave a wholehearted “YES!” Jodie was so enjoyed by the riders, their parents, and the auditors, we are hoping to have her back again next year. (There were even requests from the adults to have a chance to ride with her!!) I was thrilled to see our younger membership have the opportunity to meet each other and network both at the Friday night pizza party, and the dinner with Jodie on Saturday night. I hope that this clinic is just the starting point for the development of a great Junior/Young Rider program, and I encourage our Junior/Young Riders to get involved at their chapter level and the state level to help develop further programs to support and help our young members achieve their dressage and eventing dreams! |
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| Related Links: [ Wisconsin Dressage and Combined Training Association Website ] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Baytown Finds New Home Friday, December 19, 2008
You see, Baytown was born on a large ranch in Canada that was in the business of collecting pregnant mares' urine (PMU) for use in the hormone replacement therapy drug Premarin. An estimated 17,500 mares and their foals were left homeless last year because of a decline in the demand for pregnant mare urine. Baytown is one of the lucky ones because she escaped the fate that thousands of other discarded mares and their foals would meet -- the slaughterhouse.
Nestled in Freeport, Florida on 10 acres of private property, the Alaqua Animal Refuge houses more than 200 assorted animals at any given time that are in need of permanent homes. Alaqua accepts animals of all ages and many types including dogs, cats, turtles, goats, birds, pigs and horses. “When I moved here, I realized that they had no animal shelters,” said Ms. Hood. A non-profit organization, Alaqua now serves as Walton County Florida’s no-kill animal shelter provider. If Alaqua can’t find them a home, they have one at the Refuge forever. The Refuge started taking horses about a year ago. “Our intention was to start with our County contract for dogs and cats and then eventually move into horses. But when we saw that there was no place for these horses to go we made the decision to start taking them,” said Ms. Hood. The need is tremendous. There is a long waiting list for local, abused horses to come into the Refuge or for the Refuge to place in foster care. “In Walton county, for example, the Sheriff's Department is over all large animals but they have no facility to take them." commented Ms. Hood. When asked how the local horse community could support the Refuge's rescue efforts Ms. Hood replied, “It is very hard, especially in these economic times, to find good foster and permanent homes for horses.” She continued, “We need financial support and donations of all kinds. We need volunteers to help us with fundraising projects and to work with some of the horses that need some work to get them adoptable and/or becoming a foster home and coming up with creative avenues to find these special animals homes. We need more people in the local horse community like Jodie.” Jodie took in Baytown and provided her with a foster home and training the last three months. Today, Baytown grazes in her new home in Dothan, AL, is fed and brushed several times a day by her new owner, Jennifer Heidrich. Jennifer has renamed Baytown, Do'lce. “Baytown was just not classy enough for her, no offense,” noted Jennifer. She continued, “I heard about Do'lce through a friend of mine who gave me some pictures and a short bio about her. I called Jodie and we spoke about Do'lce and also my needs in the temperment of a horse. We agreed Do'lce and I should meet.” Jennifer hit a major bump in the process - the adoption fees. “I knew I could afford all her needs, feed, and maintanence. I could give her everything she would need but just couldn't pay the extra money. That is when the tremendous generosity of Laurie Kelly kicked in and she made it possible for me to make Do'lce my four legged partner. I have always wanted to rescue/adopt a horse in need but the ones I found were too far away or I could not pay the adoption fee. I am so thankful to Jodie and Laurie for everything they did for Do'lce and myself,” said Jennifer. Since arriving at her new home Do'lce has done really well. She has adjusted nicely and has formed a nice bond with her new owner. She greets Jennifer every morning with a whinny from her pasture and she gladly waits for Jennifer to bring her into her stall for feeding. When asked what the future holds for Do'lce Jennifer replied, “I got Do'lce as a younger project horse in hopes of eventually showing her in small jumping or dressage shows. Do'lce has not yet been trained to be ridden. So for now I have been lunging her, brushing her and really just enjoying having her. When she is ready for further training we will spend the first year or so just pleasure riding and further gaining a friendship. When she is completely confident and ready I hope to take her to her first show. I really could not have asked for any better of a situation.” Jennifer also wanted to thank the Alaqua Animal Refuge staff for everything they do for the horses and other rescues in their care. “Without them there is no certainty as to what may have happened to Do'lce or the other rescues they come into contact with. To the guardian angels to all those who are furry, four legged, and cannot speak for themselves thank you for every effort you make when others turn their backs.” It has become acceptable in our society to throw away the old and broken and to replace it with the new and improved. So, do you have a farm and a big heart? There are many loving horses currently in need of a permanent home and family, and many more in imminent danger. Alaqua Animal Rescue would like to hear from you and would be happy to help you decide if adopting a horse is right for you and your family. |
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| Related Links: [ Alaqua Animal Refuge Website ] [ PMURescue.org Website ] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Kenn Acebal Clinic to be held at Southern Cross Equestrian Centre Sunday, November 16, 2008
If you don't know Kenn, he has had extensive experience training dressage horses to Grand Prix. A National and International award winning professional, Kenn Acebal is a dynamic and talented multi-discipline equestrian professional. Kenn has apprenticed with some of the top names in the business, top trainers such as six time Olympian Robert Dover for 12 years, and Anky Van Grunsven of Gemert, Netherlands.
In 1999, Kenn and Lennox spent the year in training with Olympic Gold Medalist Anky van Grunsven and trainer Sjef Jensen in The Netherlands. They then showed successfully throughout Europe and finished sixth in the Grand Prix in Rome, Italy. Returning to the United States in 2000, Kenn and Lennox captured the USDF Region 3 Grand Prix Championship. In 2001, the pair won the USET Grand Prix Freestyle at the Heidelberg Cup in Orlando, Florida with a score of 68.9%. That same year, Kenn and Lennox were invited to perform at the American Invitational in Tampa, Florida. Kenn was also instrumental in the early training of Peron, an equine member of the 1996 Olympic Bronze medal winning United States squad. Kenn trained Peron for six years up through Grand Prix level. He is great with all levels and a ton of fun as well, making a weekend with him at a clinic productive and enjoyable. We are trying to schedule his days right now. The rides will be approximately $125.00 per ride and stabling will be available if you are hauling in. We will take a limited number of auditors for a small fee and include lunch if you are interested. Please let Jodie or Laurie know ASAP if you are able to attend or ride so we can get a schedule together. We hope to see you this weekend. |
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The Comeback Kids Monday, November 10, 2008
Those are great, but we're talking about another kind of comeback - when an equine athlete comes back after everyone thought they were done. Finished. Over the hill. You have to love it when they surprise all of the nay sayers and get back in the race or into the show ring.
After being sidelined for two years to recover from a suspensory injury, Ellen Witterstaeter's 17-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding Jappy was poised to capture the 2008 USDF Region 3 Training Level Championship in the Adult Amateur Division only to be sidelined again by a case of cellulitus on the first day of competition. Fourteen days later, Jappy was once again on the comeback trail posting a 66.000% score on Saturday in Training Level Test 4. Jappy and Ellen tied for 1st place with Cindy Carpenter and her mount Raconteur who were awarded the identical score in the same class. Cindy Carpenter's Raconteur was also coming down centerline for the first time in two years. After finishing in the top 10 in the USDF Region 3 Training Level Championships in the Adult Amateur Division in 2006, Cindy's 9-year old Oldenburg gelding wasn't sure he wanted to move up the levels. Jodie and Cindy tried everything, but Raconteur just wasn't sure Dressage was his sport. So, Cindy decided to allow Raconteur to take a break from Dressage. Earlier this year, Cindy started thinking about another career for Raconteur. “He is just too nice a horse to just be a pasture ornament,” said Cindy. “I remembered a comment that the breeding manager made to me on a visit to Hilltop Farm to meet Raconteur's sire, Riverman. She said they sometimes include jumping in a young horse's training program when they seem to be distracted or unwilling to focus solely on Dressage. So I decided to see if Raconteur might want to be a hunter/jumper given the success his sire's offspring have had in that discipline.” Raconteur's new training program consists of a local eventing rider jumping him three days a week, Cindy working him on the flat in between his jumping days and a lesson with Jodie every Saturday. This new training program seems to be working. Judge Mary Fowler (R) awarded them with a score of 73.600% for their performance in Training Level Test 4 on Sunday. This score also captured the High Point award for the Training Level division and the High Point award for the show. “It's so easy to get discouraged when things aren't going your way, but if you push through the bad times, good things can happen,” Cindy noted. The next time you or your horse are stuck in a slump, on a losing streak or sidelined by injury, think about Raconteur or Jappy. Hang in there and maybe, just maybe, you will write your own comeback story. Jodie also brought home High Point awards for First, Second, Third and FEI Levels. Judges Mary Fowler (R) and Bill Solyntjes (S) awarded Jodie with a First Level score of 73.431% on Nereide, a Second Level score of 69.048% on Wencenza, a Third Level score of 64.419% on Venkenhove Nelson and a FEI High Point score of 63.750% on Manhattan for their performance in the Grand Prix test. With her first show behind them, Caroline Adams and Uniek made a strong showing with the second highest Training Level Division score of 69.286%. This score was also third overall in the competition for High Point for the show. Caroline was also awarded a USDF Shining Star Award. This award recognizes outstanding sportsmanship by USDF youth members. She was presented with a USDF Shining Star lapel pin by Ellen Witterstaeter, President of the Emerald Coast Chapter of the DSDCTA. Lily Hall and her pony, Heart of Gold, posted the second highest Jr/YR Training Level Division score of 63.929%. This pair took home two seconds, a third and one fourth place ribbon. The judges awarded Alexis Baker and her 17-year old Thoroughbred, Dreamboat Annie, with top score of 61.200% in the Open Training Level Division. The latest edition to the Jodie Kelly Dressage family, barn manager Jennifer Boblitt and her 5-year old Canadian Warmblood Aragon. The Blue Angel Dressage show was the first show for Aragon. The pair competed in the Open Divison at First Level. Aragon decided to make a grand exit in one of his classes and jumped out of the ring at 'A'. He then tried to make up for his faux pas by jumping into the ring in the next class. The judge was impressed with his entry and gave him an '8' for his entrance. "Aragon was really trying hard and was just a little off balance when he jumped out of the ring," noted Jenn. "It is his first show, so I will forgive him this one time, but only this one time." Aragon's high score for the show was 64.000%. Monica Colquett and Sourire du Soleil captured four blue ribbons over the two day show in both the Second and Third Level Divisions; Test 3 Dover Medal class with a score of 59.535%, Second Level Test 4 class with a score of 55.714% on Saturday, Second Level Test 4 on Sunday with a score of 60.476% and Third Level Test 2 with a score of 58.462%. This was the first time Monica showed Sourire du Soleil at Third Level. Lora Kay Witterstater and Peninna made their third level debuts at this show. While her rides weren't perfect, she had some nice moments. Jodie Kelly Dressage, Inc. was also recognized during the Team Awards for its support of the Blue Angel Dressage Show. Jodie and her clients brought 13 horses to the show. |
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Photo Galleries: [ Jodie Kelly ] [ Caroline Adams ] [ Alexis Baker ] [ Cindy Carpenter ] [ Ellen Witterstaeter ] [ Jennifer Boblitt ] [ Lily Hall ] [ Lora Kay Witterstaeter ] [ Monica Colquett ] |
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Team Pink Swims at USDF Region 3 Dressage Championships Sunday, October 25, 2008
The weather gradually improved as the weekend went on. The rain finally stopped early Saturday morning, but the new warm up and show rings were still a mess. The old warm up and show rings were holding up fairly well, but with six show rings all using the same warm up ring, it made for tight quarters. Saturday afternoon Jodie Kelly's Manhattan brought a little sunshine to what was a dreary day. Competing for the USDF Regional Championship in the Grand Prix Open Division, Jodie and Manhattan were Reserve Champions with a score of 62.083%. They were edged out of first place by Erin Brinkman and Bella Luna with a score of 62.292%. "Erin was one of my idols when I was a kid. I used to follow her around the barn," recalled Jodie. "We are still good friends but we are both very competitive." Jodie also competed for the 1st Level Championship in the Open Division on Sunday. Jodie and Wencenza finished in 5th place with a score of 68.026%. Wencenza is owned by Beth Godwin of Jolly Bay Farm in Freeport, FL. This was by far the most competitive class at the show. The top eight rides scored above 66% and the top five above 68%. Lily Hall, who recently turned 10 years old, was easily the youngest rider in the competition. This was Lily's first Regional Championships; qualifing for the Training Level Championship in the Jr/YR Division with her Palomino pony Heart of Gold, "Puck" to his friends. The pair finished in the top 15 in the Training Level Championship with a score of 59.2%. They also finished 5th in the Jr Dressage Seat Semi-Final for riders 13 and under with a score of 60.5%. Michelle Sheridan and Lora Kay Witterstaeter competed for the 2nd Level Championship in the Jr/YR division. Unfortunately both finished out of the ribbons. Michelle finished 11th in the Jr Seat Medal Semi-Final for riders 14-18 years of age with a score of 60.5%. Caroline Adams chose the Region 3 Dressage Championships to debut aboard her Dutch Gelding, Uniek. The pair finished 2nd in the Training Level Test 2 class for Jr/YR and 6th in the Training Level Test 4 class for Jr/YR on Saturday with scores of 57.143% and 62.40% respectively. The judge's awarded this pair their best marks on Sunday. In the Training Level Test 2 for Jr/YR, Caroline and Uniek were awarded a winning score of 68.214%. And finished off the show with a 62.8% in the Training Level Test 4 class for Jr/YR which earned them a 3rd place finish. Ellen Witterstaeter had high hopes going into these championships. Her 17-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding Jappy was on his way back from a suspensory injury that sidelined him for the last two years. Ellen had qualified with Jappy for the Training Level Championships in the Adult Amateur Division. When Ellen went to tack up Jappy on Friday she noticed one of his legs was quite swollen. The show veterinarian determined Jappy had developed a case of cellulitus and recommended Ellen withdraw him from the competition. Disappointed, but concerned for Jappy's future, Ellen followed the veterinarian's advice and sat on the sidelines to support and cheer on fellow Team Pink members. "Obviously, I'm so unbelievably happy to have my horse back and to be able to ride him at all. It's a miracle! For the first time in my life I actually qualified for a regional championship," said Ellen. She went on to say, "I couldn't believe it when I went to tack him up the first day of competition and his leg was the same size from the top down! Of course, I'm very disappointed that we did not get to participate in the Regional Championships as competitors, but once again, we were there as cheerleaders. All I can say is I would have won that class!" The USDF Region 3 Dressage Championships were a real roller coaster ride for Team Pink members. Undeterred by this year's results and setbacks, Team Pink members are confident they will be coming down centerline in Wellington, FL at next year's Championships. |
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Photo Galleries: [ Manhattan ] [ Wencenza ] [ Vinkenhove Nelson ] [ Lily Hall ] [ Michelle Sheridan ] |
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Courtney King-Dye Responds to FEI Tribunal Decision Monday, September 30, 2008
On August 19th, the final day of competition in Hong Kong, Courtney's mount Mythilus tested positive for the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug Felbinac, classified as a Medication A Prohibited Substance under the FEI Equine Prohibited List. A preliminary hearing was held on August 22nd in Hong Kong, wherein Courtney was placed on provisional suspension until the final decision. The case was heard before the FEI Tribunal on September 7 in Lausanne, Switzerland, with Courtney and her attorney in attendance. The Tribunal's decision was announced on September 22nd. The Tribunal disqualified Courtney from the Olympic Games and as a result, the US Dressage Team was also disqualified and lost its fourth place finish. Courtney also received a one-month ban already served since she was suspended during the Beijing Games. Courtney responded to the FEI Tribunal decision, saying, "Although I was very aware that the Zero Tolerance Rule would make it nearly impossible for the FEI to clear my name from this illegal medications use charge, I was still somehow extremely disappointed when I received their ruling this morning. In the FEI press release, the Tribunal clearly acknowledges my innocence and lack of negligence in their ruling. But the fact is that they have to punish me according to the FEI rulebook because I cannot prove where the drug came from. I can't prove it because I don't know." In the FEI press release issued on September 22nd announcing the decision, the FEI Tribunal stated: "...the Tribunal found the evidence of the PR [Person Responsible - Courtney King-Dye] and the US Dressage Team Vet to be credible and believed that neither the PR nor anyone on her behalf or related to the USEF had knowingly administered the medication to the horse. The Tribunal further accepted the PR's and USEF's arguments that they have done almost everything in their power to ensure that no rule violation shall occur." With the help of a bio-chemist, Courtney learned that the trace amount found in Myth's system could occur from something as distant and arbitrary as a person using Felbinac on their knee then using a broom, then someone else uses the broom and shakes her groom's hand, and then her groom touches her horse. In the sampling, 14 nanograms per milliliter were found. It takes 7,500 to 100,000 nanograms per milliliter to have an effect on a rat. Courtney was back in action at Dressage at Devon. She won Friday’s large FEI Prix St. Georges Open class with Jubilant, a nine-year-old Oldenburg stallion owned by Anne Wood. “It felt great to be back in competition and to feel so much support from being here. It was important to get back in the ring and carry on. The FEI Tribunal was very clear when I was there that they didn’t want to punish me any further, so I had a good idea that I would be able to compete at Devon. But the best thing about coming here was getting the support of people,” Courtney said. When asked about Mythilus Courtney said, "He just received another treatment Monday for the minor heart issue that arose in Hong Kong and is doing well, but needs a bit of recovery. Hence, he won’t be back in competition until the Florida season this winter." Commenting on the ordeal, Courtney remains positive about the sport and is looking forward to the future saying, "I want to extend my most sincere gratitude to all of you out there who have written me notes of support and good wishes. It has made this burden far easier to bear, and I am only very sorry that time is not allowing me to reach out to each of you personally. It has meant so much to me, and now it feels really good to just be getting on with life! For those of you out there who expressed concern about my continuing passion, don't worry! I am as inspired and dedicated as ever, even more so now because of the warmth and sincere caring you have all expressed. It feels like a wonderful, unified community, and I am so lucky to be part of it. Thank you!" Photo courtesy of SusanJStickle/PhelpsSports.com. |
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| Related Links: [ Courtney's Website ] [ Official FEI Press Release ] [ Phelps Media Group Press Release ] [ Dressage Daily Story on Courtney and Devon ] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Be So Good They Can't Ignore You Tuesday, September 16, 2008
At the end of the competition Jodie and Wencenza had finished in the top 10 in the 5-year-old Division. Nicole Bellah & Windsor, Joe Sandven & Ronella S. and Lientje Schueler & Lucky Girl GC were the top three rider and horse combinations in the 5-year-old Division with scores of 8.028, 7.844 and 7.844 respectively.
Thursday's jog was for all divisions. "Wencenza and I won it by far and away," laughed Jodie. "She was so funny. She has never done a jog before, so we did not know how she would be. We all expected the same quiet and composed Wencenza that we have always known. And that she was; she was sound asleep through the whole waiting period, the practice trots, everything." When she got in front of the ground jury, Wencenza decided to kick it up a notch! Her head went up so high that her nose was higher than Jodie's head. She jumped and bucked and cantered sideways with a few trots steps here and there. Jodie continued laughing saying, "It was hilarious because she was snorting the whole way, too." Friday was a qualifying day for the Young Horse championship which included the five and six-year-old preliminary test. The top 12 horse and rider combinations advance to the Final on Sunday. Jodie drew a really good ride time near the middle of the pack. Scott Hassler warmed her up. "Wencenza felt great and I was thrilled with her warmup," recalled Jodie. "Scott said she looked fantastic." Jodie and Wencenza were held up for a while after they entered the show ring while the ground crew searched for a shoe that was in the muddy footing by the horse that went just before Wencenza. After the shoe was found, Jodie and Wencenza got underway and Wencenza went right back to work. "I cruised through my test happily. When we finished, I was content but not thrilled. It was good, but not great. I was definitely satisfied with her, no mistakes and she moved well," stated Jodie. At these shows, the judges have a microphone and talk to the rider immediately following their ride, while the rider is still in the show ring on their horse. The judges had very positive things to say but said Wencenza was a bit tight in her back. But over all they really liked her. Her scores all hovered around 7.5 which was about her qualifying average. But the judges only gave her two 7.2 scores for Submission and General Impression. Her total score was only a 7.34 which put them in 13th place; one spot away from a ticket to the Finale on Sunday. The bottom five horse and rider combinations get a second chance to make it to the Finale via the Consolation Class on Saturday. Only the top two horse and rider combinations from the Consolation Class advance and round out the 14 horse and rider field in the Finale on Sunday. Jodie and Wencenza were the first to go in the Consolation round on Saturday. Jodie felt that they had performed a good test but was a little apprehensive as she waited for the judges' scores given the scores from the preliminary test on Friday. The first comment from the judge was a great relief. "First of all, we can't figure out why you are in this consolation class," stated the judge speaking for the three judge panel. The judges awarded Wencenza with scores of 7.8 for each category with the exception of a lone 7.6 for her trot. Jodie and Wencenza topped the other four horse and rider combinations with a total score of 7.76 to earn a spot in the Finale on Sunday. Jodie drew the number one spot for the Finale on Sunday. Looking for a little inspiration after the low scores in the Preliminary Test, Jodie drew on something her 8th grade English teacher had written in her yearbook, "Be so good they can't ignore you." And that she did. With a score of 7.62 Jodie and Wencenza climbed back into the top 10 besting all but four of thirteen horse and rider combinations that finished ahead of them in the preliminary round on the first day of the Championships. 60% of the score from the Finale (7.62) is added to 40% of the score from the Preliminary Test (7.34) to obtain the horse and rider combination's final score. At the end of the day Jodie finished in 9th place with an overall score of 7.508. Only three of the seventeen horses in the 5-year-old Division were bred in the USA but all three finished in the top 10. Topping the USA bred horses was Pikko Del Cerro HU, a dark brown Hanoverian stallion owned and bred by Horses Unlimited, Inc. He was ridden by Mikala Gundersen to a fourth place finish. Wisdom MVS, a chestut gelding owned, bred and ridden by Jackie Ahl-Eckhaus on Sanger, CA finished eighth. Our Wencenza was the third horse bred in the USA by Beth and Roy Godwin of Jolly Bay Farm in Freeport, FL. |
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Related Links: [ Dressage Daily Story About Jodie ]
[ National Young Horse Championships Results ] Photo Galleries: [ Day 1 ] [ Day 2 ] [ Day 3 ] [ Day 4 ] |
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Old Age is not a Disease Saturday, August 23, 2008
Cork is a 31-year-old Appaloosa. He came to us from Pat Roach. He was truly a gift! He took charge of our lesson kids when they outgrew Jodie’s pony, Chip. Cork always came to the gate to meet the kids in the afternoon. No one ever had to “catch” him. He trotted if they started to post, he walked when they stopped, he took them around the pond to “warm up and cool down” and he stayed under them, no matter what. Only once can I remember anyone “rolling” off of Cork. We used to say, “no one can fall off of Cork, because he manages to stay under you, wherever you are!”
He has since lived happily in our seniors pasture with my old Hanoverian, Aspen, and with Chip until Chip went to pony heaven in October. On June 30th of this year, Jodie’s birthday, Cork ate his lunch and by mid afternoon became noticeably uncomfortable. A first for him in 15 years. We took him to Auburn large animal clinic almost immediately, based on his age and our lack of proximity to a veterinary hospital. We “pre” discussed that he would certainly not be a candidate for surgery due to his age, but that if there was a twist and they felt nothing more invasive would be necessary, we would consider looking into an exploratory surgery option with great reservation and caution, but nothing further if it went past just repositioning everything. Long story short, it was a lipoma, did require surgery, did require removing some intestine, did go against everything we had said we were not going to do and we did go ahead and operate. The surgeon, whom we had fully expected to suggest euthanasia, shocked us by giving a step by step report on how strong his heart was, how great his attitude was, how good his blood work looked and during anesthesia, he was still handling everything perfectly and we just could not think of a good reason not to go on. As my good friend, also a veterinarian always says, “old age is not a disease.” Cork handled the surgery and recovery beautifully. No real bumps in the road! We kept him in ICU at Auburn ten days post surgery because of his age, but he really, really wanted to come home because his whole little face turned sparkly and happy when Kristine and Gaby arrived at AULAC to bring him home! While he was in the hospital, we sent out daily “Cork reports” to all of his friends. Now that he is home he is loving life and the fact that he is absolutely the center of the SCEC universe. He was wrapped and iced daily for three weeks so his legs didn't get tired and because he got a puffy knee during all of this. He was hand walked four times a day and taken for grass many more! His month of “confinement” is up and he cruises the courtyard all morning while the barn staff is cleaning up. They can all run faster than he can if he starts to wander, but mostly he just hangs around and enjoys life. Not sure how many more years he has, but seeing his face when he got home and watching him visit with Aspen and watching how much he loves the attention from the girls has made it all worthwhile. Click here for more information on Pedunculated Lipoma. |
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Wencenza Invited to National Young Horse Dressage Championships Friday, August 15, 2008
The Markel/USEF Young Horse Dressage Program promotes the importance of selective breeding and correct training of horses in the United States, and encourages participation of breeders, riders, and trainers of young horses in dressage competition. The purposes of this program are to encourage the properly structured development of young dressage prospects through the training scale; to identify and recognize outstanding talent and the training of international-caliber horses; and to prepare these horses for future careers at the FEI level and participation on U.S. High Performance teams. 
A series of competitions throughout the U.S. have been designated as Qualifying Competitions for USEF Developing Dressage
programs, which includes the Markel/USEF Young Horse Dressage Program. Each horse must earn scores in at least
two different Qualifying Competitions. The lowest score from all competitions is dropped and all remaining scores are used to calculate each horse's overall average.
A minimum overall average of 7.2 (72%) must be maintained for consideration to these Championships. The USEF
extends an invitation to the top twenty horse/rider combinations per age division. Wencenza goes into the competition ranked 12th
in 5-year-old division with an average of 7.69 (76.9%).Jodie remarked, "I was riding her the other night and it occurred to me, this will be the FIRST national championship I have ridden in as a professional; without being in an age bracket. I've ridden in national and international divisions for years, but first it was Juniors which is 14-18, then Young Riders which is 16-21, then the Brentina Cup, which is under 28. But, this is the first thing I have qualified for going head to head with anyone else." Also included in that elite top 20 is a good friend's beautiful young mare, Riverside Lady aka "Berry" owned by Robbie Rice. Riverside Lady is actually going into the competition ranked higher than Wencenza in the 5th position. Jodie pointed out, however, "when we get there, we all start with a clean slate." Click here for more information on the Markel/USEF Young Horse Dressage Program. |
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It Takes a Village Wednesday, August 12, 2008
For those of you who do not know, our beautiful Times Square was recently diagnosed with multicentric lymphoma. The cancer was diagnosed based on tests finding multiple cutaneous tumors, lymphoma in his testicles and lymphoma in some lymph nodes as well. His bone marrow appeared relatively clean and nothing was detected elsewhere by ultrasound. It doesn't mean it wasn't there, just that we did not want to do anything more invasive to find it elsewhere. The aforementioned locations proved plenty!! His medical team is assuming it is elsewhere based on these findings, but could not put a finger on it. His immune system is sadly lacking and has been since he was a baby they believe. His "B" cells are basically MIA and because of this, the Immunologist at Cornell University finds him to be a complete and total mystery. Cornell has remained involved and does their own blood work every three or so weeks to study his immune system and his progress.
Caring for him during his chemotherapy is time consuming, but always a pleasure. He is your classic example of the saying, "it takes a village......"!! He is monitored twice a day for temperature, medicated (not counting his chemo) four times a day, fed four small meals a day, and for 48 hours of each week (following his chemo), all contact with him must be done in protective clothing and a foot bath is used coming and going from his stall, his manure is bagged and disposed of in a dumpster, and his blood work is done at least weekly and many weeks more often if we are suspicious of anything. That said, our "village" of Times Square caregivers carry on with amazing love and affection and always have smiles on their faces for him, and he is sure to return the favor. He is incredibly cheerful considering his medical condition and diagnosis, appears to be pain free, AND is still working every day. His version of work...he is groomed and tacked up every day and at a minimum goes for a long, long walk through Kelly Plantation. If he is feeling good and that is most days, he does a little work in the ring. The goal is to keep him happy, strong, and busy without stressing him. He has had a few down days over the last ten weeks and they are recognizable and on those days he takes a break. These days normally follow the intra muscular chemo, which is every other week; the IV chemo (different drug as well as method of administration) does not get him down as much. He has only missed one week of chemo due to low neutraphils and we have only three more until his induction period is over and he is reassessed. Because of his immune deficiency and a few other facts of his case that are unprecedented as far as the oncologist and immunologist can find, the initial prognosis was extremely guarded and no one was really able to talk about the "future" with any optimism. We, on the other hand, have NEVER, EVER told Times Square that he was sick! We have supported him with love and an organic, sugar free diet of treats, but not with sympathy and sadness. He looks daily at his VISION BOARD full of pictures of himself happily playing in the water at Poplar or working in the arena. The VISION BOARD "instructs" his visitors (and he has plenty of visitors), that he needs to be loved and adored but not pitied or treated like a cancer victim!! JUST MAYBE it is working...(maybe the drugs are helping too!) because his cutaneous tumors have all but disappeared; they are probably 90% improved. His nasal discharge and runny eyes are significantly less or gone most of the time and he continues to have good weight and muscle and a good appetite. So, is he out of the woods? Not by a long shot. We are cautiously hopeful that he can pull this off. There are no statistics to bank on because there are no cases to base them on that match him even remotely. We are hoping for remission and know that a cure is not in the cards. Every day is a new day and as long as he appears happy and looks as healthy as he does at this time, we will all soldier on. So, thanks for checking on him and if you took the time to read this, thanks for thinking about him!! Send him positive thoughts and prayers if you will and he welcomes visitors at any time except Tuesday afternoon when he gets his chemo until his 48 hours are up on Thursday. Organic carrots and apples are his favorite!! Thanks a ton. - Laurie Kelly Related Links: [ Photo Gallery ] |
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Kalee Keener Headed to 2008 USEF Pony Finals National Championships Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Our own Kalee Keener will be competing in this year's Finals with both of her ponies, Flaschback and Ferazzi. Kalee and Flaschback are currently ranked 4th nationally by the USEF in the Green Pony Hunter-Small Division. Kalee will also be competing in the Pony Medal Final which tests young riders in a head-to-head competition, judging both their equitation and their ability to compete over a technical and demanding course of fences. Jodie and hunter/jumper trainer Christina Schlusemeyer from Quiet Hill Farm in Ocala, FL team up to provide Kalee with a unique combination of Dressage and Hunter training. The hunter pony competition will be judged in three phases with corresponding values: in-hand phase - 25%; under saddle phase - 25%; over fences phase - 50%. The highest-scoring pony overall will be declared grand champion. To learn more about the USEF Pony Finals, visit www.usef.org. Jodie Kelly Dressage proudly supports Kalee Keener and Flaschback in their quest for pony history. Good luck Kalee! |
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BIG NEWS!! - Courtney Qualifies for 2008 Olympics!! Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Steffen Peters & Ravel, Debbie McDonald & Brentina and Courtney King-Dye & Harmony's Mythilus were the top three rider and horse combinations and were nominated and approved by the USEF for the Dressage Team for the 2008 Olympic Games in Hong Kong. Final entries will be made to the USOC on July 15, 2008. In an effort to ensure that the U.S. is well set for the Olympic Games in Hong Kong, the USEF will have Steffen Peters and Courtney King-Dye take both of their leading horses. That means Lombardi II and Idocus will also be leaving on July 10 for Aachen, Germany where the horses will go into quarantine before heading to Hong Kong. Leslie Morse and Kingston have been named as the alternates and will travel with the team to Hong Kong. Courtney extended a special thanks to the many people that have helped her along the journey. Jodie Kelly Dressage, Inc. sponsored a fundraiser in January of this year to help Courtney in her quest to make the 2008 United States Olympic Team. There are certainly exciting times ahead for Courtney! Jodie Kelly Dressage, Inc. and its supporters wishes Courtney well in the pursuit of her dream. Photo courtesy of Sara Leiser, The Chronicle of the Horse - Harmony's Mythilus owned by Harmony Amateur Sports Foundation. |
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| Related Links: [ Courtney's Website ] [ Official USEF Press Release ] [ Dressage Daily Story on Trials Results ] [ Pre-Trials Dressage Daily Interview ] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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A Better Day Sunday, March 23, 2008
Jodie and Manhattan finally had their first official bad day at the Grand Prix on Thursday. Ten minutes before their scheduled ride time, the two were cruising around the warm up ring when a large storm rolled in threatening to dump a little liquid Florida sunshine on their parade. Just before the rider ahead of Jodie went in, show management put a twenty minute hold on the dressage to allow the storm to pass. The three other riders in the warm up ring at the time jammed their horses under a little pavillion that was next to the warm up ring. “Manhattan doesn't jam anywhere under those circumstances, so we hoofed it back to the barn,” recounted Jodie. The CDI horses were competing in the main stadium and was a short ten minute walk to get back to the secured stabling housing the CDI horses. Jodie decided it would be better for she and Manhattan, and for the other competitors, if they went back to the barn instead of chancing putting Manhattan in such a confined area.
“He was amazing after my test, I got after him with my whip a bit and sharpened him up and had some beautiful work. In the past, if I got him too jazzed in the warm up, then he was too tense in the ring. I think he has outgrown that and I can jazz him a little more in the warm up,” noted Jodie. So Jodie's plan going into Saturday's Grand Prix Special test was to get after Manhattan a little bit before her ride. After the ride Jodie recalled, “On my way to the warm up on the long walk, he was walking, not being reluctant, but just making his way there, with very little enthusiasm or expression. I was thinking, oh boy, here we go again. I started my warm up and again, he did his thing, but there was no excitement. He needed some inspiration and it was up to me to inspire him. I started talking to him, telling him how proud I was of him this season and that I know he has been working hard, but I really needed him to rally for this ONE ride. And after that I promised he could have some well deserved R&R.” Jodie continued, “All of this conversation happening while I'm warming up and low and behold his power started to build. I felt his excitement growing and before I knew it, he was power housing around the warm up and had spooked at something and bucked a little; all good signs. And not once did I use my whip. He was inspired! I'm not sure if it was the pep talk for him, or if I started riding differently by hearing the pep talk myself, but I had a fantastic warm up and knew we were ready.” The pep talk worked for both Jodie and Manhattan. The judges awarded them with a score of 62.880%. “It it was as good as he is right now,” Jodie proudly stated. “He tried his heart out. The Grand Prix Special is such a physically demanding test, he gets tired in it and I have to jazz him up a few times during it. Each time, he jazzed right up, unlike the other day. It was a great way to end the season.”
Just like in previous tests, the judges comments were all very positive and awarded her a 7.32% (73.20%). That placed her third behind the winner, Ilse Schwarz aboard Sauvignon with a score of 7.480%, and Silva Martin aboard FS Tiger Lily in second with a score of 7.460%. “She was really good and I am thrilled with her progress. I rode in the young horse training sessions with Scott (Hassler) earlier in the week and he was really, really happy with her,” Jodie recalled. “So, to me, that's almost more meaningful than the scores. He thinks she is going to be a fantastic FEI horse and will have a really great piaffe and passage. Let's hope he's right!” |
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| Related Links: [ MANHATTAN PHOTO GALLERY ] [ Video 1 ] [ Video 2 ] [ Video 3 ] [ Video 4 ] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Related Links: [ WENCENZA PHOTO GALLERY ] [ Video 1 ] [ Video 2 ] [ Video 3 ] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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KWPN-NA Annual Meeting Features Scott Hassler and Riding Demonstrations by Jodie Kelly Saturday, March 8, 2008
Coach Hassler offered advice on which performance track was appropriate for different types of horses - the national test track of the FEI Young Horse or the Developing Horse track. The goal for this day was to help breeders, riders and trainers evaluate the potential of their young dressage horses. Jodie was asked to bring Wencenza (Contango x Piacenza/Juventus) and Uniek Orame x Moraliene/) out as dressage demonstration horses for Scott Hassler. Wencenza is a five-year-old, 17.1-hand Dutch mare owned by Beth and Roy Godwin of Jolly Bay Farm in Freeport, Florida. Jodie is training and competing Wencenza in the Markel/USEF Young Horse Dressage Program. Her goal is to qualify Wencenza for the 2008 USEF/Markel Young Horse Dressage Championships in Lexington, Kentucky, this summer. Uniek is a six-year-old, 16.2-hand Dutch gelding owned by Caroline Adams. Caroline is the daughter of Ben and Dawn Adams of Lafayette, Louisiana. Caroline is currently training with Jodie in Loxahatachee while keeping up with her normal school workload. Jodie accompanied Caroline and her family on a trip to Holland this past September where she had arranged for Caroline and her parents to look at several horses through Toine Hoefs. Together they decided that Uniek was the horse for Caroline. Coach Hassler was impressed with both horses. He had seen Wencenza at the beginning of the season and was very enthusiastic about her progress. It was the first time he had seen Uniek and said "it's obvious this horse is an athlete." He also commented, "I would love to get on the back of this one myself." At the end of Uniek's ride, Coach Hassler complemented Jodie on her riding and training skills. He said that both horses were fantastic demonstration horses and that each was exactly where they needed to be given their ages. |
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| Related Links: [ WENCENZA PHOTO GALLERY ] [ UNIEK PHOTO GALLERY ] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Movin' on Up! Saturday, March 1, 2008
The Palm Beach Derby is a USEF High Performance qualifying competition for the 2008 FEI World Cup Dressage Final and the USEF National Grand Prix Championship/Olympic Games Selection Trials. Some of the best American riders have qualified at the Palm Beach Derby in the past to go on to compete and win at the Olympic Games, the World Cup, World Equestrian Games and the Pan American Games. “It was the best one we've done yet!” Jodie quipped. “Manhattan was such a good boy. The nice thing about it was that I felt like it was as good as we are, right now. The Grand Prix is a very physically demanding test. It's the first time I feel like I have ever challenged Manhattan's fitness.” The five judge panel awarded the pair's performance with a score of 65.2%. "It was a really tough panel of judges, too," noted Kelly. "Because this is another one of the Olympic Games Selection Trials a couple of today's judges will be judging the Olympics. So, I was really pleased to be in the mid-sixties with them." That score placed Jodie and Manhattan eleventh out of what started as forty-seven entries. After the jog and some show day scratches the actual number of competitors today was thirty-four. "We're movin' on up," mused Jodie. “There is lots of room for improvement and I really feel like we can make those improvements. Maybe not this season, but definitely in the future. It's just going to take time for me to understand it a little better and him to get stronger.” |
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Back to Livin' Floridays, Blue Skies and Ultra Violet Rays Saturday, March 1, 2008
Jodie's goal is to qualify Wencenza for the 2008 USEF/Markel Young Horse Dressage Championships in Lexington, KY, this summer. To do so, the pair must earn a minimum overall score of 7.2 for consideration to the Selection Trial. This was Jodie and Wencenza's second qualifying competition and Judges Evi Eisenhardt and Uwe Mechlem gave them their second qualifying score of 7.860 (78.60%). "Wencenza was a superstar again," Jodie proudly exclaimed. In two days of competition, Wencenza scored a 78.60 percent and a 77.20 percent in the Markel/USEF Young Horse competition. Going into yesterday's competition, Wencenza was ranked 4th in the Five-Year-Old Division of the 2008 USEF National Young Horse Rankings. Wencenza's owner was equally as excited. "I'll definitely hold on to her. I'm so happy and so proud of her," said the Freeport, Florida breeder. She's just an all-around great horse." Godwin said her long-term plan is for Jodie to take the horse all the way up the levels. "They're a great pair and Jodie loves her too." |
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| Related Links: [ DRESSAGE DAILY STORY ] [ 2008 USEF YOUNG HORSE DRESSAGE PROGRAM RANKINGS ] [ SHOW RESULTS ] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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A Mudder of a Horse Saturday, February 9, 2008
Throw in a sloppy venue and most would consider it a daunting task for even the most seasoned veterans. Surprisingly, eight months after giving birth and just four months after returning to the training ring, Wencenza, a five-year-old, 17.1-hand Dutch mare by Contango out of a Juventus mare owned by Beth and Roy Godwin of Jolly Bay Farm in Freeport, FL, turned out to be a mudder of a horse. In two days of competition in less than ideal conditions, Jodie Kelly, 24, of Destin, FL and Wencenza recorded back-to-back victories in their debut at the ESP Wellington Dressage show this weekend. Today, Jodie and Wencenza topped the field in the FEI Young Horse Test of Choice for Four, Five and Six Year Olds, a qualifying competition for the Markel/USEF Young Horse Dressage Program. Riding the test for Five-Year-Olds, the pair earned a 7.52 (75.20%) score from judges Gary Rockwell and Michael Poulin to claim the top spot.
“What wasn't underwater was very sticky, slippery mud. It was the most unsettled I have ever felt her in the warm up. I think it was just the combination of everything and the noise of all the horses splashing through the mud that made her nervous. She just hasn’t shown that much, so she was really very anxious and I was a little bit worried about her. We just took it easy and had a very quiet, calm warm-up. I actually ended up riding the test very conservatively, which I’m excited about because we won with that and I know there’s a lot more in her.” Judges Poulin and Rockwell were also impressed, stating that overall they were very encouraged and enthusiastic about Wencenza's training to date. They said she just needs a little bit more time and development. They commented they saw very, very nice steps in her mediums and a nice balance, particularly in her canter, but she lacked consistency. The impressive steps they saw “in between” need to be present on every step. Yesterday, Kelly and Wencenza competed in the USEF Test of Choice for Training, First, and Second Level, and topped the other 12 Open division entries with a score of 72.632% for their ride in First Level Test 4, claiming the win and setting the stage for their weekend outing. Jodie is very excited about the Young Horse Dressage Program. She recently rode Wencenza in a clinic with Scott Hassler, USEF Young Horse Dressage Coach, and hopes to participate in the sessions with him in Florida on March 17-19 at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center South Grounds in Wellington. “Scott was very encouraging about her and he was very, very happy with her training, so it was a really great all around experience,” Jodie recounted. Wencenza will also participate as a demonstration horse at the KWPN conference at the beginning of March, so both are getting a lot of Young Horse experience! Jodie's goal is to qualify Wencenza for the 2008 USEF/Markel Young Horse Dressage Championships in Lexington, KY, this summer. “We’re just going to see how it goes,” she said. “Then the FEI World Breeding Championships in Germany is coming up, but she’s a long way from there, so we’ll see. But it’s definitely something that we have in the back of our minds.” |
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Kelly and Manhattan in First Grand Prix Season Saturday, February 9, 2008
In two days of competition, Jodie and Manhattan, a 14-year-old grey KWPN gelding by Uniform, claimed a remarkable fifth in the Grand Prix and third in the Grand Prix Special competing against veteran riders currently listed in the top 10 of the USEF National Grand Prix rankings. These accomplishments are even more amazing given it was only the third show for this pair at the Grand Prix level. “I brought him along myself so it’s been very exciting,” Kelly related. “It’s my first year at Grand Prix and his also, so we’re growing up together.”
“So this year we’re playing with the big boys and it’s been good,” Jodie said. “We’ve held our own. We have a lot to work on, but I’ve been really, really happy with him.” Jodie is currently in Wellington for the season with seven horses, but that’s far fewer than her normal routine back home. “Down here with seven–I’m on vacation, let me tell ya!” she laughed. “At home, usually I have 14 to 16 every day, but I don’t ride them all. I teach lessons too.” Jodie has had training from internationally renowned riders including Toine Hoefs, Debbie McDonald, Steffen Peters, Klaus Balkenhol, Betsy Steiner, Susie Dutta and Anky van Grunsven, but for the most part she works on her own. “On a regular basis, I don’t have anybody at home with me, but Toine Hoefs from Holland has been a huge influence on me bringing Manhattan through the levels,” Jodie related. “He’s also the person that got me started with all the young horses. I used to ride his young ones in Holland every summer." “This season Manhattan and I are working with Courtney King on the Grand Prix. I’m on my own nine months out of the year, but Toine comes over from Holland for clinics. Hopefully I can get Courtney to come for a few clinics after the Olympics – I’m hoping she’ll be tied up (at the Olympics) for the summer!” Kelly added with a grin. Jodie acknowledged that Olympic team aspirations are also on her agenda, saying, “Oh, that’s a goal. Absolutely. I’m realistic about it and I know that it’s probably a long way down the road, but it’s certainly a goal.” Jodie was talking to Susie Dutta after her ride and Jodie said she put into words what Jodie was feeling so well. “Susie said it takes some time before the test stops riding you and you can start riding the test,” Jodie recounted, “That is so true and it is exactly that feeling that I used to have for the Prix St Georges. Right now the Grand Prix is riding me, but I'll beat it and be in charge soon.” |
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Kelly and Manhattan in First CDI Sunday, January 27, 2008
Kelly's Grand Prix mount was Manhattan, a 14-year-old grey KWPN gelding by Uniform that she has trained through the levels since he was two-and-a-half years old. Over the years, Toine Hoefs has been a major influence in Jodie's progess with Manhattan. “Unfortunately, Toine is very busy at home this year and unable to come over,” Jodie sadly reported. “So I asked Courtney King if she had any time that she might be able to give me some lessons this week. She arranged for me to come over Tuesday and Wednesday. We rode through the Grand Prix and then picked it apart. It was really a super lesson.” “This weekend was our first CDI and our first real Grand Prix,” noted Jodie. “Manhattan was such a super star. Thursday was the jog and he of course, passed with flying colors. I then schooled him on my own, since Courtney went home sick. I actually think it was good for Manhattan and me to have some 'together time' since we had had two intense lessons with Courtney. He schooled great.” There were more than thirty riders contending for top honors in the Grand Prix, including several that have represented the United States in various world competitions. Several of the horses were world ranked, but Jodie and Manhattan held their own! The judges award the pair a score of 64.167%. “I rode a very clean Grand Prix test. It wasn't special and there was tons of room for improvement, but it wasn't embarrassing at all.” Jodie and her grey gelding finished in the middle of the pack. “The people were so supportive. Most people that I know and have been showing with for years realized that I was in the Grand Prix and wished me luck on my way to the ring and then stopped me to either congratulate me if they saw it, or ask how it went if they didn't. It was just really neat.” Today, Jodie and Manhattan performed the Grand Prix Special test for the very first time and scored a respectible 63.520% and finished in the top ten. “I was very pleased,” Jodie said. “We certainly didn't win this weekend, but I definitely had my own personal victory.” |
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It's Time to Head South! Saturday, January 19, 2008
We ALWAYS love visitors down south. Wellington is like Disney world for horse people! If you have never been, I HIGHLY recommend it. It is a town that revolves 100% around horses for 3-4 months out of the year. You are a minority in the town if you are NOT wearing breeches and boots at lunch or are not driving a dually pick up truck. There is a tack shop on every corner and a horse being led down a "bridle trail" everywhere you drive. I will be competing in the Grand Prix with Manhattan!!! It is a leap to do the CDI's in Wellington on an Olympic year, but what have I got to lose. I will also be showing Beth Godwin's mare, Wencenza in the FEI 5-year-old tests. We would love to have anyone come visit any time... Jodie |
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Courtney King Fundraiser a Success! Saturday, January 12, 2008
The fundraiser was themed The Road to the Olympics, an Evening with Courtney King. It was an unforgettable evening with entertainment provided by Clark and Company, as well as viewing several of Courtney's memorable 2007 rides on the big screens in the Sports Bar at One Water Place at Kelly Plantation and a silent auction consisting of some truly amazing items. 
"I was extremely, extraordinarily impressed with the fundraiser. Jodie did an amazing job... far exceeding any expectations I came in with. The attention to detail, the fun atmosphere, the great food... if anyone ever wants to run for President, Jodie would be a great campaign organizer! I was floored by the generosity of the people in Destin... all of the food and catering donated, all of the drinks donated, the tables bought, my plane ticket donated. It was incredibly touching, and I hope that one day I can help Jodie when it is her time because it is clear to me that all of these people gathered at the fundraiser were there to support her as much if not more than to support me. I really enjoyed the whole group. Thank you, thank you to all those who put so much time and effort into making a great event!" - Courtney King-Dye |
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