The closing date for the Regional Championships has been changed to 9/1/24. We have also accepting qualifying rides from the WDAA Online International Challenge.
Click Here for more details.
Click Here to Enter
The Friesian Horse Association of North America Announces a NEW Awards Program.
In partnership with FHANA, Spotlight Horse Shows (SHS) announces twenty-one (21) end of year high point awards for 2024. These customized awards are sponsored by Gail Aumiller’s Dreams Come True Farm. The awards are based on the horse’s performance at Spotlight Horse Shows during the 2024 competition year (December 1, 2023 – November 30, 2024). Click here for full details. Or visit FHANA.com
AHA Announces Year-End High Point Trophies
Year-End High Point Trophies for AHA members.
The Arabian Horse Association, in partnership with Spotlight Horse Shows, will award four (4) year-end high point trophies for 2023. You must be a member to be eligible. Awards are for Arabian and Half-Arabian horses in Dressage and Western Dressage.
Mary Lu Norland Gets Show Ready with Online Driven Dressage
Mary Lu Norland shares here competition strategy.
”Covid pushed a lot of us to learn new things, two things come to mind--how to do Zoom meetings and Virtual Horse Shows. The ADS Triple Header Show was a bit of a stretch for us AARP members, but we figured it out. We chose our tests knowing full well which tests would be used later on in the year for a CDE live event.”
Mary Lu is pictured here with Connor McCloud, her Gypsy horse.
We used the ADS Triple Header Show as a “warm-up” to find what movements were “less than perfect.” We received comments from the three licensed judges in a timely manner so we could iron out our problem spots before our in-person competition. We had the comment sheets from the judges and took them to a clinic. The clinician knew where our tough spots were before we ever harnessed!" We were able to improve our scores at the CDE and definitely felt more ready.
Spotlight Horse Shows has now added a driven dressage division. Check out your next show opportunity by visiting Spotlight Horse Shows
Friesian Horse Association of N.A. partners with Spotlight Horse Shows on Performance Awards and Sport Predicates
The Friesian Horse Association of North America (FHANA) expands its Performance awards and Sport Predicate titles to now include online show performances. This change is effective January 1, 2022.
Gail Aumiller, FHANA Sports Committee Chair, spearheaded development of the program which now allows Friesian owners across North America to utilize up to 2 scores to earn their Performance awards and Sport Predicate titles. “FHANA worked with the Royal Friesian Studbook (KFPS) for approval of this change. And then we partnered with Spotlight Horse Shows to develop and implement the program. We now have a good balance between allowing videos, but still requiring in person tests as well.”
Performance Award Points can be earned in the following sports divisions.
Dressage, Western Dressage, and Driven Dressage.
Sport Predicates can be earned in both Dressage and Driven Dressage.
Learn more about FHANA Awards Program at: FHANA.com and online show options at SpotlightHorseShows.com
ABOUT FHANA
Mission Statement:
“To Protect and Promote the KFPS Friesian Horse in North America”
FHANA is the “go-to” organization for those wanting to know more about the versatile and athletic Friesian Horse. We promote public awareness of the diverse use of the Friesian breed. As a leader in genetic research and equine wellness, FHANA is also a valued association and respected by the main studbook, KFPS, in the Netherlands.
ABOUT SPOTLIGHT HORSE SHOWS
Spotlight Horse Shows is an online show management company who works with corporate clients to develop and implement programs specific to their needs. Clients include FHANA, The American Driving Society, Interscholastic Equestrian Association, Western Dressage Association of America affiliates, and US Dressage Federation group member organizations. The belief that education and opportunity for all riders and drivers is a core value. Spotlight Horse Shows is a corporate sustaining partner of The Dressage Federation..
ABOUT KFPS
The Koninklijke Vereniging "Het Friesch Paarden-Stamboek" is the oldest studbook in the Netherlands. Interest in the Friesian horse has exploded in recent decades. More and more horse lovers are impressed by their regal bearing, their suitability for both recreational and professional equestrian sports, and their friendly character.
Driven Dressage Now Added to Spotlight Horse Shows
Classes Offered
All of the American Driving Society tests will be offered, including the Arena Trial tests. Singles FEI classes are available as well.
All are breeds welcome!
US National Dressage Classic – Qualified Drivers advance directly to the National Finals
Earn a score of 60% or higher to advance to the National Finals of the US National Dressage Classic.
Driven Dressage qualifying period: January 1 – September 19, 2022
Videos due: November 11, 2022
Friesian Horse Association of N.A. (FHANA) Performance Award and Sport Predicates
You must be a FHANA member to be eligible for their awards. Only Spotlight Horse Show results may be submitted. If you are a FHANA member, Spotlight Horse Shows will provide a copy of your video link to FHANA. Videos may be utilize for educational and promotional purposes.
The Dressage Foundation
The Dressage Foundation (TDF) welcomes Spotlight Horse Shows as a new Corporate Sustaining Partner. As a Sustaining Partner, Spotlight Horse Shows will help strengthen U.S. dressage by providing monthly support of TDF’s grants and programs. TDF awards grants to dressage riders, judges, instructors, breeders, high performance teams, nonprofit equestrian organizations, and more.
For more information, please visit www.dressagefoundation.org.
“We are grateful for the support of Spotlight Horse Shows, which will further the educational opportunities for those in our sport,” said Jenny Johnson, TDF’s Executive Director. “We’re honored that they’ve chosen to support our work in this special way.”
Gail Matheus, owner of Spotlight Horse Shows, said, “I have always been so very impressed with the work that The Dressage Foundation does. They make a tangible difference in the lives of their grant recipients. It is a top-notch organization and one that we want to support.”
See the full press release here.
Turning Lemons to Lemonade!
Live Show, No Judge
Transportation Problems. Home Emergencies. Illness.
Real life happens and it happened to the dressage equestrian team at Grier School in Pennsylvania. The horses were groomed, tack cleaned, and the students had all their show clothes ready when the word came down that their clinician had tested positive for Covid 19. What a sinking feeling that had to have been! There was the obvious concern for the welfare of the clinician but also the kids faced a major disappointment.
But, not to worry. With some quick thinking, their team coach turned this negative into a positive. Chrystal Wood, the Director of Riding, spent the early hours of that morning changing the format to an On-Line Show! She saved the day. The kids were able to ride and leave home for the holidays knowing they accomplished a goal. Special thanks to Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) for having a show available and ready to go for Chrystal and her team!
If this should every happen to you, think of this option. We could set-up a mini-event just for you!
Sweet Carolyn!
Senior horse continues to rack up the awards!
Sheila Purdum (S&L Stables, Bennet, NE) had one goal in mind when it comes to Carolyn (aka Others Will Follow). That is to keep her fit, happy, and comfortable in her senior years and to use Western Dressage as the means to do it. We also know that Sheila has a competitive spirit. Not only does she host her own competitions, she regularly shows in others!
So, what about Carolyn? She earned her WDAA Register of Merit in 2018 and was so very close to gaining her Register of Achievement. But at 20, travelling long distances was becoming difficult for her. What’s a girl to do?
Sheila had the bright idea of showing her in WDAA approved virtual shows where she earn an additional 11 WDAA lifetime horse points in 2020. She then competed in the WDAA On-Line World Championship show and was reserve champion in Freestyle, Test of Choice, Intro Level. All this without leaving the comfort of her own farm! Carolyn earned her WDAA Register of Achievement, something she could not have done without on-line shows. She continues to love her work and adores Sheila.
Good job, Carolyn! I am sure Sheila has purchased your own personal bushel of carrots by now. You deserve it!
The Pandemic Pivot
Live or On-Line?
Faced with the possibility of cancelling the Western Dressage Association of America World Show, WDAA made the bold decision to host it on-line.
At 8 years old, WDAA is a young organization. But, it has already shown deep care and understanding for their membership base and their horses. Faced with the pandemic crisis, they chose to light their own path by making the bold decision to move this HUGE show on-line. They called it “The Pandemic Pivot.” The executive and show management team were faced with many questions and challenges. Would the membership accept this change? Would it work? What would the basic construct be?
Well, not only did the membership embrace the idea, a very large number of people who had never shown in a Western Dressage show decided to try it out. It gave the pros a way to show-off their skills and help show others what Western Dressage is all about. Newbies to the sport were also able to compete without the expense and pressure of a World Show venue. Anticipation among the membership was high and although there may have been a few hiccups along the way, they were minor and easily overcome.
So, what were the end results?
Increased member enrollment - growing the organization and the sport
Expanded geographic reach - with riders from Hawaii and at least 3 continents
Huge educational opportunity - top rides (with their scores and comments) will be posted in their learning management system
New friendships and fellowships - members shared their thoughts and encouragement on the WDAA Social Corral
Way to go WDAA! You truly did the Pandemic Pivot well. We can’t wait to see what 2021 brings!