Play Day Championships April 2011

Jack explains the rules

For the past two years Jack has held a  series of  short clinics we call Play Days. They are from 1-4 pm every first Saturday of the month and start in the fall and end in the spring. The clinic is in two parts. The first half is a set of 4 or 5 ground games and the second half is a set of riding games. The participants divide into teams and play for points.

I am sure you have heard people say "My horse needs a job" and it is true they do! The games and tests give horse and rider a focus so they can learn  new riding skills and use them for some purpose whether out on the trail or in the show ring. It is a fun way to challenge yourself and get a little competition experience without the pressure of a big show.

Jack designs the games and tests.The riders are given a sheet of paper with a diagram of the games and their written explanation. He is there to help teach the new skills and guide everyone through them.

Last weekend was the Grand Championship Play Day at Watts Way Arena.
There were ground games, riding and a western dressage test which our friend Heidi Lowthorp  judged. She is working towards becoming a licensed dressage judge and is as excited as we are about the WDAA . Like us, she wants to  encourage people to become members and participate in Western Dressage.Everyone really appreciated her feedback and encouragement.
We had one grand champion and a  highpoint winner in  ground games, riding and western dressage.

The grand champion was Kathy Parker and her horse "Cigar." Cigar is cutting trained. He may have thought about jumping out of the dressage arena which was set up in the cow pasture to go cut a cow. If he did he did not show it and they rode their first test and won highpoint winner for western dressage as well.
Kathy is a dedicated horsewoman and it shows with the finesse she has with her horse.

Kathy Wins the Grand Prize Belt Buckle

Kathy and Cigar

Congratulations Kathy!

Gail and Remmy

The highpoint winner for the ground games was Gail Mcnabb and her horse Remmy.Gail is a regular student of Jack's and has done a great job starting her new little Quarter Horse gelding.

Gail and Remmy ride their first western dressage test

Congratulations to Gail!

Jade and Jewel

The first place winner in riding was Jade Watts Gonzales and her mare Jewel. Jade and Jewel are also active members in ACTHA. Jade also won third place in the ground games.
Way to go Jade!

Ground Games  Judy and Blue

 

Western Dressage Arena Texas Style

Thank you to everyone that came to the play days this year. We hope to see you back in the fall. If you are interested in having Jack do a play day at your barn or arena please contact me and we will set one up.