Fresno CDS held its annual Toys for Tots Dressage Schooling Show at La Dolce Vita Equestrian Center in Clovis, California on Saturday, December 9th. The weather was beautiful for a full day of 71 rides that stretched from 7:40 am until 5:00 pm. Traditional dressage classes ranged from introductory level to Prix St. Georges. A strong contingent of western dressage riders also competed in the show.
Riders celebrated the holiday theme of the show by trimming their horses in festive attire. A special costume leadline class boosted the Christmas spirit with 3 very competitive entries that finished in a three-way tie for first place. The Fresno CDS Chapter was able to collect three huge boxes of toys to donate to the Toys for Tots Foundation. A tack sale was also held in conjunction with the show.
Betsy Shelton from Springville, California served as judge for the show. She had a very long day of judging in order to fit all the rides in during daylight hours. She went beyond the call of duty in order to accommodate so many rides, even agreeing to cut her lunch break in half. She judged from dawn to dusk and kept the show running on time all day.
High Percentage Awards were presented in three divisions. Caitlin Hamar earned the highest score in the Open division riding Ion SWF to a 76.618%. Amy Miller rode Encore to a 72.632% to earn the second highest score in the Open division. Adult Amateur high score awards were presented to Adrienne Gifford riding Kai to a 74.063% and Barbara Knox riding Heartstrings SVS to a 72.500%. Corin Lemont earned the two highest scores in the Junior division riding Sug to a 72.500% and a 70.000%.
Fresno CDS utilized their dressage courts, show office trailer, and judging stand trailer to create a professional show venue. The show arena and warm-up arena were arranged adjacent to each other to facilitate an efficient, safe, on time show. This new ergonomic design let horses become more familiar with the show venue and show ring while warming up and was easily accessed from the trailer parking area. Thank you to Art & Kathy Buller, Freya Mello, Clara Moehlman, Craig Stanley, and Marge Young for setting up the arenas and trailers.
Volunteers make shows possible. The work of the following people was extremely appreciated: Thank you to Craig Stanley- show manager, Debbie Cervanka- volunteer coordinator, Barbara Knox, Freya Mello & Deb Moerman- scoring, Katie Gray & Marge Young- scribes, Aniah Sweeny, Brenda Linman & Marge Young- ring stewards, and Mary Jane Minnie & Trish Sanchez- score runners. Thank you to Clara Moehlman, Miko Yamazaki & Cindi Mellor who ran the tack sale.
The Fresno CDS gives special thanks to Debbie Cervanka for bringing subway sandwiches for lunch and to Deb Moerman for bringing coffee and donuts. Fresno CDS recognizes Art Buller for serving as leadline judge. A huge thank you also goes to all those who stayed and packed up the trailers and arenas: Art Buller, Barb Knox, Freya Mello, Deb Moerman, Craig Stanley, Aniah Sweeny, and Marge Young.
Fresno CDS looks forward to hosting its next schooling show on February 10th!