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AHJA Newsletter - March/April
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Michael Henaghan Clinic Recap
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Seventeen riders from Arizona, Colorado and Nebraska participated in the Arizona Hunter Jumper Association’s (AHJA) 2017 clinic with well-known trainer Michael Henaghan on February 4 and 5. This is the second year that the clinic was held during week one of the Horse Shows in the Sun, Inc. (HITS) Arizona Winter Circuit in Tucson, AZ. HITS provided the ring, jumps, jump crew, and free stalls for clinic participants. The clinic was also supported by a grant from USHJA Zone 8, which was used to lower the cost for riders and provide for free auditing.
On Saturday, Mike started each group of riders with flat work designed to get horses rhythmic and coming forward from leg to hand, and bending around turns while maintaining that rhythm and impulsion. Riders then progressed to a series of gymnastics, the most interesting of which was a set of 3 raised cavaletti. Set on an arc and ridden at a trot, these proved to be a sometimes challenging test of pace and steering.
On Sunday, Mike again started each group of riders with flat work, much of it without stirrups. After some work on position (full seat vs. 3-point vs. 2-point), riders moved on to a course that included a challenging diagonal line of oxer, 3 strides to a bounce of verticals, 3 strides to another oxer. The cavaletti were back, this time a set of 2 to be cantered off a short turn. Riders tackled a variety of courses that were ridden better and better as each session continued.
Liz Adkins, trainer at Dreamtime Stables in Tucson, said “What a great clinic hosted by Zone 8 and AHJA. Mike Henaghan worked so well with all levels of horse and rider. He conveyed his philosophies so clearly and succinctly. His exercises were challenging to all levels and he was sure to make it fit each level. I hope that we can get him back to Arizona again. I know I would have more students participate.”
Clinic organizer Betsy Checchia, AHJA President, said “I was really impressed with Mike’s positive attitude with all the riders. When riders had trouble (and some had a lot of trouble), he was pleasant and encouraging, and I think that made riders relax and try harder. Mike has an obvious ability to quickly evaluate what each horse and rider needed to improve on, and a variety of exercises ready to go to work toward that improvement. I’m pretty sure every horse and rider learned something useful – I just wish I had been able to ride in the clinic myself.”
AHJA plans to continue hosting this annual clinic in Tucson, thanks to the support from HITS and USHJA Zone 8.
Article contributed by Betsy Checchia
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HISTORICAL RESULTS & STANDINGS NOW AVAILABLE ON AHJA WEBSITE
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Historical results and year-end points standings are now available on the AHJA website! You can view this information back to 2004! This is very helpful for our members as in the past, annual standings & results would be cleared from the website to make way for the new year's results.
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AHJA Rule Clarification & Update
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Members, please note the following rule clarification & update for rule 3.3 Category 1 Equitation Divisions:
Equitation 15-17 Fences: Fences 3' and 3'3" (3'6" optional)
This class is required to be offered at 2 (two) fence heights: 3'0" and 3'3" (in addition, a 3'6" section may be offered). Riders must stipulate prior to the beginning of the class which fence height they choose to jump. Distances are not required to be adjusted for each fence height. Fence heights will be judged as one class. No rider may compete in more than one (1) fence height in any single class. Riders may jump different fence heights in different classes. No rider showing in any 3'3" section in this division will be eligible for the AHJA Children's Medal or the AHJA Children's Medal Final.
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Elections for open board seats will soon be underway. In order to vote, you must be a current AHJA member in good standing. Watch out for your invitation to vote, which will be sent to the email address you registered with AHJA.
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HITS ARIZONA CIRCUIT CHAMPIONS
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Congratulations to all our AHJA members and their successes at the 2017 HITS Arizona circuit. To view a list of AHJA members who received Champion or Reserve awards for the overall circuit
CLICK HERE
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Did you know USHJA has an awards program for points accumulated at Regional I (B) and Regional II (C) rated competitions in many of the hunter, equitation, and jumper divisions? The Stirrup Cup program provides year-end awards and recognition to these show's participants who have competed in eligible divisions. Horse owners, riders, and trainers must be Active/Competing members of USHJA and USEF, in addition to the horse also being required to have a recording with USHJA/USEF.
Horses must compete in at least three (3) Regional I or II competitions during the current year to qualify. For more information on the Stirrup Cup program, CLICK HERE
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AHJA JUNIORS MAKE IT TO IEA NATIONALS!
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AHJA Riders are off to IEA National Finals in Lexington, Virginia in April!
The Interscholastic Equestrian Association boasts over 15000 riders in grades 8-12. There are about 750 High School Teams and 675 Middle School Teams from across the nation. In every individual class, only 22 riders qualify to compete at the National Finals! Our Arizona riders may hold their heads a bit higher as 6 AHJA members qualified as individuals:
- Mackenzie Carreras (RCR) in Future Intermediate over Fences
- Julia Werkhoven (RCR) in JV Novice over Fences
- Sam Sharp (Team Scottsdale) in JV Novice Flat- winning his class and making a clean sweep of every flat class this season
- Emma Schlaht (Crossroads) JV Novice Flat
- Helena Vescio (Team Scottsdale) Future Novice Flat
- Bella Gilley (Team Scottsdale) JV Beginner Flat
In the Team Competition, Scottsdale Equestrian Middle School has advanced to the National Finals. Team members are: Grace Gallagher, Izzi Placenti, Helena Vescio and Ella Burbach.
Good luck to our Arizona riders!
Article contributed by Kathy Johnson
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ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS HERE!!
We have options for 1 month or multi-months. Contact us at info@ahja.org for pricing.
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College Preparatory Invitational Horse Show
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The College Preparatory Invitational Horse Show in Tyler, Texas was a huge success for Arizona riders in attendance. The show followed the IHSA format and riders drew for horses. In the Advanced Division Fallon O'Connell was 1st and 3rd while Myka Seger was 5th and 6th.
In the Open Division, Emily Johnson and Kiley Mc Cullough were both 1st and 2nd and tied for high point rider. Emily won the tie breaker with questions from the judge. Eliane Haro came home with a pair of third place ribbons.
For the first time this year, 8th graders were invited to compete with their High School counterparts. Izzi Placenti was 1st and 4th and won a backpack courtesy of Randolph College, VA.
The mounted clinic was well done and lots of good feed back from the coach of Randolph College. Lectures about college recruiting and info on picking schools and financial aid was in abundance.
On the way back to Dallas airport, we stopped at beautiful Southern Methodist University and their stable.
Article contributed by Kathy Johnson
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Ribbons not picked up at the January banquet will be available at the March CEP Shows at Westworld both weeks. The show office will have the ribbons along with a list of those who did not take home their prizes. Thank you CEP Shows for helping AHJA with this.
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Madison Abercrombie Accepted to University of Findlay Doctor of Pharmacy Program
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The AHJA Bill Jorgensen Scholarship Award recipient, Madison Abercrombie just committed to the University of Findlay Ohio this past weekend. She was accepted into the Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm D) program as her 1st Major with a concentration of Forensic Science as a duel Major. The University of Findlay is one of the few pharmacy schools in the country to offer a direct-entry, 0+6 program. Students are accepted directly into the pharmacy program as freshmen and continue seamlessly into the professional level of the program, graduating at the end of six years with a doctor of pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree. Dr of Pharmacy website: https://www.findlay.edu/pharmacy/
The University also has a riding team where Madison is set to tryout this September. The team, lead by Coach Stephanie Leddy, has locked up their 17th consecutive Regional Championship, as Zone 6 Region 1 Highpoint Team with a total of 356 points. This makes the team one of the top equestrian teams in the country. They captured the 2001 IHSA National Championship and followed it up with the 2003, 2004, 2007, 2008 and 2010 Reserve National Championship titles. Equestrian Team website: https://www.findlay.edu/sciences/equestrian-studies/english-equestrian/IHSA-Hunt-Seat-Team
Article contibuted by Brenda Abercrombie
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Clinic with George Morris
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Smoke Tree Ranch will be hosting the George Morris clinic April 7th, 8th, and 9th. Auditors will be welcome with an auditor application for 1, 2, or 3 days. The fee to audit is $75 per day, and lunch is included. No dogs allowed and you will need to bring your own folding chair. For more information, please contact Betty Beran at 602-524-7627. Signed copies of George Morris' book, Unrelenting, will be available for purchase at the clinic. A portion of the proceeds will be donated back to AHJA.
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Crestline Farms had a great start to the 2017 season in Tucson! All riders had great ribbons in all three rings. In addition, many of our IEA riders qualified for Zone and Regional Finals. Also Crestline Farms will be hosting a schooling show April 29 - 30. It will include Category I Medal classes and Jumpers on Saturday and Hunter classes on Sunday. Crestline Farms shows are a great way to qualify for medals or gain valuable ring experience because the shows are so much fun! The H.E.A.R.T Center, a therapeutic riding program based at Crestline Farms, will be holding a fundraiser dinner Saturday night at the barn.
Around the barn, we have made many improvements. New wash racks, horse waterers, flower beds, paint and other maintenance projects. Plus with all the rain, our trails are beautiful with flowers and lush greenery! Hope everyone can come check it out at the schooling show!
We are looking forward to seeing everyone and competing at Westworld!
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Twisted Tree Farm has had a very successful 2017 so far! We spent a week at HITS Coachella, a week at the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show, and then spent 6 weeks at HITS Tucson. It would likely take us all day to recognize every single achievement that our riders and horses have made so far this year. However, we would like to take the time to to say how truly proud we are of every rider here at Twisted Tree. It is such an honor to be able to watch them grow everyday in their riding and understanding of horsemanship. Whether it be one of our first time riders learning how to brush and tack up their horse, or an advanced rider learning how to cut a few second off of their Grand Prix Jump Off, Team TTF gets so excited to watch the journey each rider takes. We love each and every one of our students and can’t wait to see what the future holds for them! We are looking forward to spending our summer horse showing in Canada, as well as hosting two weeks of summer camps here in Scottsdale!
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Smoke Tree Ranch is saddened to announce the passing Michelle Hale in early March. She received the AHJA lifetime achievement award in January and has been battling cancer for over 17 years She will be missed by so many.
Congratulations to all of our riders & horses on their great results at the recent shows!
Tucson Winter Classic:
Champion, Child Jumper High, Sophia Vaughan
Mo Jam 1.15M Jumper Classic, 2. Danine Summers, 8. Madeline James
Champion, A/O Hunter, Zion, Amy Gallagher
Champion, Child/ Ad Hunter, Con Tico, Grace Gallagher,
Champion, M/L Pony Hunter, Mr. Australia, Reagan Gallagher
Champion, Baby Green Hunter, Truman, Mary Allred, shown by Ariel Black
AHJA Adult Medal, 1. Jennifer Collins
AHJA Childrens Medal, 1. Grace Gallagher
M & S Childrens Medal, 2. Andie Hayden, 3. Grace Gallagher
Legis Child/Ad Medal, 2. Grace Gallagher, 4. Samantha Collins
CEP Eq. Classic 3", 1. Grace Gallagher, 3. Jen Collins
Pessoa/ USEF Medal, 2. Carly Sweeney
ASPCA, 2. Carly Sweeney
Devoucoux Hunter Prix, 1. Woodstock shown by Ariel Black, 4. Zion and Amy Gallagher.
HITS AZ Grand Champion 2017, Woodstock owned by Jill Howser
Sahuaro Classic:
Champion, Mo Jam 1,0 Jumper Classic, Danine Summers & Capriano
Res. Champion, Adult Jumper High 1.1M, Danine Summers & Geronimo
Res. Champion, Child Jumper High 1.1M, Sophia Vaughan & Joey
Res. Champion, Child Jumper Low 1.0M, Madysen Spenser & Zeppelin
M & S Child Adult Jumper Classic, 2. Sophia Vaughan, 5. Madeline James, 7. Danine Summers
Champion, Baby Green Hunter. Truman, owner Mary Allred, shown by Ariel Black
Champion, Children's Hunter 13 & U, Cinderella, owner Reagan Gallagher, shown by Grace Gallagher
Champion, Junior Hunter Low, Con Tico, Grace Gallagher
Res. Champion, A/O Hunter 3'3, Woodstock, jill Howser
M & S Child/Ad Hunter Classic, 1. Cinderella & Grace Gallagher, 5. Cancun & Mia Serro
ASPCA Horsemanship Medal, 1. Carly Sweeney, 3. Grace Gallagher
Pessoa/ USEF Medal, 1. Carly Sweeney, 3. Grace Gallagher
THIS Childrens Medal, 1. Grace Gallagher, 2. Andie Hayden
CEP 3' Eq Classic, 1.Grace Gallagher, 5. Jen Collins
Res. Champion, Eq. 18 & O, Madeline James
Devoucoux Hunter Prix, 3. Woodstock shown by Ariel Black
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To view our full 2017 calendar and for more information on these events,
CLICK HERE
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March
2-6 HITS Arizona Winter Festival, Tucson, AZ
4-5 Four Reel Farm LLC Show, Phoenix, AZ
8-12 HITS Arizona Desert Finals, Tucson, AZ
12 Copper State Horse Show, Gilbert, AZ
23-26 Scottsdale Spring Classic, Scottsdale, AZ
30-Apr 1 Scottsdale Spring Final, Scottsdale, AZ
April
1-2 Grand Canyon State Games, Scottsdale, AZ
7-9 George Morris Clinic, Smoke Tree Ranch, Scottsdale, AZ
8-9 Four Reel Farm LLC Show, Phoenix AZ
29-30 Crestline Farm Horse Show, Phoenix, AZ
May
6-7 Four Reel Farm LLC Show, Phoenix AZ
June
2-4 Copper State Horse Show, Flagstaff, AZ
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Membership Renewal Reminder
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Don't forget to renew your AHJA membership! The 2017 show year is in full swing! Renew your membership today before heading to the shows to save time and effort.
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