Paul Belasik clinic at U of M this weekend!

Paul Belasik is a well-known classical dressage rider, trainer, and instructor who has competed to the Grand Prix level internationally. He began his equestrian career as an eventer before focusing on dressage. He has learned from dressage masters such as Nuno Oliveira.  

Now he trains out of Pennsylvania Riding Academy at Lost Hollow Farm. His training encompasses the physical, scientific, artistic, and philosophical aspects of riding and he is well-known for centering in on rider position.

Paul Belasik is returning to the Twin Cities for a clinic Saturday and Sunday November 21-22 to be held at the Leatherdale Equine Center at the U of M. While rider spots are full, auditing is encouraged!

Auditing is $50 both days for CSDEA members and $60 for non-members.  Just Saturday or Sunday is $30 for CSDEA members, $35 for non-members. Look here for more details from the flyer and registration pages. Contact Sheri with questions.

Have you always wanted to keep your horses at home?  Check out www.donavin.com for horse properties for sale in the greater Twin Cities area.

It's Time for the CSDEA Tack Swap!

Looking for great deals in new and used tack, equipment, and all things horse-related? You're in luck because the Central States Dressage & Eventing Association (CSDEA) is holding their Annual Fall Tack Swap this Saturday, November 7th at the White Bear Lake Armory. The sale opens at 11 am and runs until 1:30 pm. Get there early as there is sure to be a long line!

Have items to sell at the sale? Consignment items can be dropped off the morning of the sale from 7:30 am to 9:45 am at the White Bear Lake Armory (2228 4th St.) OR early drop off is Friday November 6th from 12 noon to 6 pm at St. Croix Saddlery (5525 141st St. N. in Hugo just 5 minutes north).  

Have fun shopping and support local pony clubs! The 15% commission on sale items goes to Rising Sun & Croixside Pony Clubs & Rolling Hills Estate Pony Club Riding Center, as well as the CSDEA. 

Questions about the Tack Swap? Contact Kathy.

St. Croix Saddlery is also having the Horse Lover's Day sale on Saturday 10 am to 5 pm AND new this year, they're doing a pre-sale the day before during the early drop-off. Nearly everything in the store is on sale, plus fun prizes, and specials deals on certain items. Call the store with questions - 651-426-0831

Would you rather save up to own your dream farm? Look at horse properties and hobby farms for sale in the greater Twin Cities metro area at www.donavin.com 

Dressage & Eventing horse shows this weekend!

Otter Creek Farm's cross country course

Otter Creek Farm in Wheeler, WI, is hosting their annual Fall Horse Trials this weekend. Tomorrow, Saturday is the cross country day and Sunday will be stadium jumping. Here are the ride times listed by rider. If you live in the Twin Cities metro area and haven't been to Otter Creek Farm, you really must see it!  Nestled into the hills, the property is beautiful and secluded and meticulously maintained.  The weather is supposed to be lovely and sunny this weekend, so make plans to go and cheer on local eventing riders! Be sure to check out St. Croix Saddlery's trailer full of equipment, apparel, and everything horse-related for fun shopping while you're there!

Can't make it to Otter Creek or is dressage more your thing? The CSDEA (Central States Dressage & Eventing Association) is hosting the Dressage Festival and Championships this weekend at the Washington County Fairgrounds in Lake Elmo, MN.  Here is the list of classes and schedule for the weekend.  Saturday includes the Team Challenge where 3 horse/rider combinations tally their scores to compete. Saturday night will be the Festival Under the Stars with freestyle rides, quadrilles, vaulting demonstrations, and other fun performances.  Sunday will be the championships at each level from Training level to FEI.

The author and Elena de la Vega competing
at Northern Lights Dressage Show at Washington Co. Fairgrounds

Whatever you have planned this weekend, go to www.donavin.com to look at new horse properties and hobby farms for sale in the greater Twin Cities area.

CSDEA Cross-Country Schooling Show This Weekend!

Ashley Randel & WRF Come Along Pond

Pheasant View Farm in River Hills, WI is hosting a cross-country schooling show this Sunday July 19th! Here is the showbill and entry form.

The show offers classes at Starter (up to 2'3"), Beginner Novice (up to 2'7"), & Novice (up to 2'11") and classes are divided by rider age group (17 and under, and 18+).  This show is a great way to get some early experience for green riders or horses on a cross country course.

The show is a fundraiser for the Central States Dressage & Eventing Association (CSDEA) and all CSDEA members get a discount on entries ($35/class instead of $45/class for non-members).  The closing date has passed, but if you get your entry in overnight mail and they receive it by Wednesday or Thursday, you can still enter.

Contact Ginger with any questions about the show or late entries. Feel free to come out and cheer on the competitors!

Pheasant View Farm in River Hills, WI

Have you always wanted your own piece of horse heaven? Browse horse properties, hobby farms, and acreage for sale at www.donavin.com

USDF Dressage St. Croix Dressage Show This Weekend!

St. Croix Recognized Dressage Show is this weekend at the Washington County Fair Grounds in Lake Elmo, MN. The show is Level 2 and is recognized by USEF, USDF, AQHA, & CSDEA. Rides range from Intro Level to Intermediare I to FEI Paradressage.

The judges will be William Solyntjes S, of Brandywine Farm MN, Debbie Rodriguez S, of Virginia and Jodi Ely r, of Trista Farm. Free admission, so spend a day on this lovely weekend watching local riders compete and cheering them on!

Here is the complete schedule of rides. 

Check out horse properties and hobby farms for sale in the metro area of MN at www.donavin.com or www.mnhorseproperties.com

Jennifer Truett Clinic This Weekend!

Jennifer Truett is one of four Mary Wanless's Ride With Your Mind (RWYM) accredited dressage instructors in North America and she's coming back to Minnesota this weekend for a clinic at Leatherdale Equine Center at the University of Minnesota!

Mary Wanless, photo from http://www.mary-wanless.com/

As the owner and head trainer at Dancing Horse Farm, Jennifer Truett is an experienced FEI dressage rider, a USDF Bronze Medalist, a USDF "L" program graduate with distinction, and a USDF certified instructor through Second Level.  

The Ride With Your Mind (RWYM) program teaches riders the subtle art of riding in a way in an easy to understand. Riders will learn "feel" using their visual, auditory, and kinesthetic senses. RWYM Riders and auditors will learn correct biomechanics of horse and rider and helpful exercises and visualizations to improve their riding.

The clinic will have a full day of private lessons on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.  On Saturday, there will be an unmounted workshop over the lunch hour with Jennifer Truett.

Organized by the Central States Dressage and Eventing Association (CSDEA), there's a discount for CSDEA members for walk-in auditing. 

For more information about the clinic, go to the event page on the CSDEA website or contact Kelly Vallandingham, valla020@umn.edu, 612-309-5797.

To look at beautiful horse properties for sale in Minnesota, go to www.mnhorseproperties.com or www.donavin.com