 It has been a busy month with the show season coming to a close, preparations for Regional Championships and the presentation of the Olympics. Although I did not see all the equestrian events in the Olympic broadcasts what I did see I really enjoyed. We continue our series with Lynn Palm this month as well as take a look at Impulsion with Jenny Rolfe. I hope you enjoy the articles as much as I did. We conclude the newsletter with a special congratulations to one of our members, Kelly Casey of KC Dressage. Thanks also to Amy Riker for sending the article to us. As always, I hope the newsletter is helpful and everyone is having an enjoyable and successful show season.
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Developing the Young Horse
The Goal Riding Training Level, Test 1, Part 9  PALM PARTNERSHIP TRAINING™
By Lynn Palm
This is the final article in the series on preparing for riding Training Level, Test 1. This series is a compilation of material taken from my years of training and showing, my series of articles, "Respecting the Rider's Form," and my notes for a series of articles for Dressage Today with writer Patricia Lasko. In this article I want to discuss "the show."
Show Day
Once you are at the show, have checked in at the show office, and have set up, take your horse for a walk around the grounds to get him accustomed to the activity. I work from the ground so that I can observe how my horse reacts. It is much easier to read your horse from on the ground than in the saddle. I show my horse everything, including the arena he will show in if that is possible. Arriving the day before the show makes acclimatizing your horse to his surroundings much easier, but the same steps should be taken even if you arrive the day of the show.
To asses whether my horse is focusing on me, I ask him to do some in-hand movements such as turns on the forehand or halting square. If seems nervous or excitable, I lounge him in an area with good footing. If certain areas frighten him, I take him back to those areas after I have released some of his inner energy and let him just stand there and take it all in.
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"Breathe Life into Training"
 by: Jenny Rolfe, www.ridefromtheheart.co.uk
Thoughts on Impulsion
Have you ever taken timeless moments to look over the gate of the field watching your horse when he is relaxing and grazing in the field. Then maybe he sees something in the distance, which stimulates his interest. Suddenly he is alert, and moving, full of vitality and pride across the field. You admire his beauty and energy, as the saying goes, 'the outside of the horse is very good for the inside of 'man'.
During our training we are trying to emulate this pride within the horse to produce the gaits required for dressage. If we are aware of the true nature of the horse, we can encourage his spirit to shine through. Our desire for 'perfection' and correct work can sometimes make us blind to working with the character of the horse we are training.
To see a horse working with true impulsion is to observe him moving with joie de vivre and energy and not with fear.
The biggest challenge for the trainer is not only to work towards gaining high marks within competition, but to be working alongside a willing, athletic horse who is also feeling both focused and confident.
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 Kelly Casey & Luzifer Ride to a Reserve Championship at the 2008 Brentina Cup
Our very own CDS East Bay Chapter member, Kelly Casey, won Reserve Champion in the National Young Adult "Brentina Cup" Dressage Championship held June 27 - 29th at Oaks Blenheim, San Juan Capistrano. Kelly and Luzifer were the only pair representing California and one of the six horse-rider combinations to compete. Kelly's two-day score was an impressive 64.338%.
The purpose of the Brentina Cup program is to assist, as well as encourage, U.S. Young Riders in making the transition to Senior Grand Prix competitor. Riders between the ages of 20 and 25 are eligible to participate. Horses and riders compete in two tests: the USEF Young Adult "Brentina Cup" Test, and the FEI Young Rider Grand Prix Test, with each counting towards 50% of the overall results.
Kelly has been riding Luzifer for less than a year. In the summer of 2007, Kelly's long-time client, Carla Hayes, imported Luzifer, a 14-year old Austrian warmblood gelding. By early fall of the same year, Luzifer and Kelly were the 2007 CDS Intermediare II champions. Within 3 rides at Grand Prix on Luzifer, Kelly earned her Gold medal.
Kelly says of Luzifer, "Contrary to his name, he is as sweet as he is large, and the most willing and hard-working horse I have ever ridden."
Next up, look for Kelly in some large tour competitions at Grand Prix. Kelly also plans to build her business, KC Dressage, and hopes her success in the ring will get her more noticed in the Bay area.
To learn more about KC Dressage, visit her website at www.kellycasey.com.
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