Reining Seminar in Pitt Meadows

Reining Seminar-Pitt Meadows-June 11-9:30am til 3:30pm.
Lynda Smith lesson session along with West Coast Training and Horsemanship (Jim Greendyk). Cost $60 per horse & rider (extra horse + $20). Seminar includes a 3 hour mounted Reining lesson, lunch (BYOBeverages), Reining practice runs, critiqued by EC Reining Judge. Contact Lynda - msreining@shaw.ca or Jim - jim.greendyk@gmail.com

PGRHA Ride and Slide Entry Forms

Entry Forms are available on the PGRHA's website for "Ride N Slide 2011", taking place at the Prince George Fairgrounds, June 23rd to 26th. Entry deadline is Monday, June 6th, but I see that entries may also be emailed in the event of a postal strike.

Riverslide 2011 update

I am so sorry to report this but Riverslide 2011 has been canceled. At this point, this is all the information I have. If you have sent in entries, I am sure they will either destroyed or returned to you. If I get more details I will post asap. I am personally VERY disappointed as it had been my goal to make this the only other show I planned to get Twister to this year, as it coincided with her time at the trainers. :(

UPDATE, May 30th
Here is a message from the WCRA president in regards to the cancellation:

To: All members From: Kim Stordahl
Re: Riverslide
Unfortunately due to the current situation in the horse industry with the EVH1 virus, Riverslide has been canceled. This is very disappointing to the host chapter, Thompson River Reiners, and to all WCRA members and show competitors; however it was the best decision for the show. Riverslide will be back again in 2012 with some new changes you are all sure to like.
The WCRA executive committee is working towards having a third qualifying show for the WCRA/NRHA affiliate series and will have more information soon. As soon as we get more information, details will be posted online on the WCRA website and sent out by email to WCRA members – stay tuned for these updates!
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact the WCRA executive committee at wcrareining@gmail.com.
Thank you for your understanding.
Kim Stordahl WCRA President

Tom McCutcheon wins FEI Reining World Final

Picture: Tom McCutcheon riding Darlins Not Painted. Image taken from Tom McCutcheons website
The following article was taken form the Horse Channel

Set in a beautiful arena and in front of a capacity crowd, the 2011 FEI World Reining Final was an electric atmosphere at Bökebergs Gård, Sweden, just outside of Malmö. The best reining horses in the world contested the highly coveted title and Tom McCutcheon of the United States was flawless in his effort to the top of the podium.

Riding Darlins Not Painted to an extraordinary score of 229.5, McCutcheon - the double-Gold medalist at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games - added another Gold medal to his impressive resume and continues his dominance of international high-performance reining events. Darlins Not Painted is owned by Turnabout Farm.

In the Silver medal position, also from the U.S., Craig Schmersal aboard Miss Lil Addy Tude, owned by KC Performance Horses, gave the crowd a thrill with an incredible score of 227.5. Schmersal, showing on the mare at only the second FEI Reining event, had nothing but praise for his mount, and the attractive American Quarter Horse was one of the crowd favorites from the first horse inspection.

Rounding out the medals podium was the always-strong Bernard Fonck, representing Belgium and riding Great Sunburst. The pair earned a Bronze position for their effort and a score of 226.5. Great Sunburst is an American Quarter Horse and is owned by Manuel Bonzano of Italy.

In the restricted division, it was Rieky Young of The Netherlands in the Gold medal position riding Brady Chex, owned by Brady Bunch, with a score of 220. In Silver, Nico Hörmann of Germany aboard Custom Blackberry, owned by Riccardo Abati, turned in a solid score of 217.5. And in Bronze, Fenna Elzinga of Denmark rode her own Smoking Kills to a score of 216.5.

Long lines of excited fans queued up outside Bökeberg arena and the reining athletes did not disappoint. Spotless runs and precise maneuvers made the scores very high and the crowd rewarded each rider with jubilant praise. The event was declared a success by organizers and has received very positive feedback from attendees, athletes and sponsors. The people of Sweden made each and every visitor feel welcome, and the facilities, field of play and event planning were lauded by the top riders.

Reining is a sport born of the American West with maneuvers similar to those a working ranch horse might have been asked to perform on day-to-day tasks. Today, the sport has exploded around the world as the level of technical sophistication and horsemanship style has evolved into an intricate and beautiful display of power and finesse.

Now represented on six continents and in more than 40 nations, the sport of reining is an internationally approved event under the FEI, the international governing body for equestrian sport. The incredible success of the sport at the recent 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG) gave Reining significant momentum for continued growth worldwide.

For full results and links to videos of the top runs, visit www.Malmo2011.com. For more information on the 2011 FEI Reining World Final, please contact Brad Ettleman of HorsePower, Inc., the official Organizing Committee, at Brad@HPowerInc.com or 720.982.3574.

Here is the Youtube link to the gold medal run. WOW!

West Coast Classic Entry Forms now available

Entry forms are now available for the WCRA's premiere event, West Coast Classic. You can download the entry form from the WCRA's website. Entry Fees must be postmarked by June 15th.
Volunteers and Sponsors are needed in order to make this show a success. So even if you aren't planning to show, what a great opportunity to get involved and learn more about the sport of reining from the ground level.

DONATE to the West Coast Classic Wine Auction ~ be part of the fun and help raise funds for the show
* each bottle donated will be tagged with the donor's name or business card
* members, friends & businesses are all encouraged to donate

Call Sharon 604 202-9131 to arrange for drop off in person at the WCC or with a sealed bid by mail as an individual or form a bidding group


BID on the wine collections:
(All wines and donors will be listed on the West Coast Classic website)

AUCTION ITEMS:
1. WINE COLLECTION #1 all wines valued at $25 or over
2. WINE COLLECTION #2 all wines valued at under $25

A SUCCESSFUL BIDDING GROUP could:
Place all of the bottles on a table and let each person choose one bottle in rotation or Get together & divide the bottles by:
* wine varietals and have wine tastings
* price range and have wine tastings
* countries and have theme dinners for each country
the options are endless!
For full details please visit the West Coast Classic website at www.wcra.info
BIDDERS MUST BE 19 OR OLDER

So how about it, Sliders?? Should we donate as a club a few bottles? Would members be interested in getting together to put forward a bid for one of the collections??

Fraser Valley Reining Club Schooling Show

The Fraser Valley Reining Club is hosting a Reining Schooling Show on Sunday, June 6th. This is a great opportunity to practice a few patterns before the WCRA West Coast Classic. You can get more details reagrding the show at the Fraser Valley Reining Club's website.

Riverslide Update

The Riverslide organizing committee met last night to discuss the fate of Riverslide in light of the EVH outbreak (See blog post below). The following is an e mail I received from Kim Stordhal, WCRA president, and Riverslide member, as to the outcome of that meeting.

Hi Bella,

We did meet and we are still planning to go ahead with the show as planned right now. We have decided that we will not be charging any late entry fees though. Anyone who sends in their entries before May 28th will be in the regular draw and anything received after May 28th will go at the bottom of the order of go but NO late entry fee will be charged. If you are coming though we ask that you let us know so we can ensure we have proper number of stalls available.

We are having another meeting closer to the show to discuss any new information that becomes available and how things progress regarding the EHV-1 virus ....but as of the moment we are going ahead as planned.

Hope we can see you there!!
Kim

Prince George Spring Slide Follow Up

Pictures:
Top: Tiffany and Gypsy at Gus Evangelopoulos Clinic
Bottom: Casandra and Twister in the warm up pen

Unfortunately, I missed Tiffany and Mandy's classes, as they were done on Friday, and I started on Saturday, so I didn't get any pictures of them :( Sorry, ladies!
Once the professional proofs are up I will add a few shots to the blog.

Here is the press release for the Free Press and the Wolf Radio, re the Spring Slide.

Three members of the 100 Mile Sliders Reining Club traveled to Prince George this past weekend to participate in the Prince George Reining Associations, “Spring Slide 2011”. Competitors traveled from across British Columbia and Alberta to participate in the 4 day event that included classes in cutting, working cow horse and reining, for all levels of riders, from beginners to professionals.

The Sliders brought home some money and hardware, as Tiffany Vaughan won her Ranch Cutting class on her gelding Itty Bitty Gypsy, and Casandra Jakubiec placed third in the Beginner Horse Open Reining class, on her 4 year old mare, Gay Bars Major Twister. Although not in the money, Mandy Pincott, and her gelding, Rafter Dudes Chicado, had a respectable 7^th place finish in a tough class of 20 entries.

Next up for the Sliders is Riverslide, the first in the Western Canadian Reining Association’s high point series, to be held in Kamloops June 3^rd to 5^th.

The Sliders get together to ride at the Outriders grounds every Thursday, from 6:30 to 8:30. New members are always welcome.

Let the games begin...

The trailers are packed, the horses are bathed, the patterns are studied, the silver is polished...

This weekend kicks off the beginning of the show season. For us reiners, we are headed to Prince George for the Spring Slide. The high school rodeo is in Williams Lake, and for those of us in 100 Mile, our local spring Outriders show should be well attended.

GOOD LUCK to everyone this weekend. Believe in all the hard work that you have put in to this point, and HAVE FUN!

For everyone traveling down the road, SAFE TRAVELS! Give yourself lots of time, and remember the complete trust your horse (that survives on his flight instinct), has put in you, to allow himself to be put into a little tin can, and then stand quietly while he hurtles down the highway at 100 km/hr!

Entry Forms for WCRA's Riverslide are now available on the WCRA website.

This show will be held again at Circle Creek Equestrian Center in Kamloops, and is part of the WCRA high point series. It is also a WCRA/NRHA Affiliate series qualifier show. There is a full slate of beginner modified classes, as well as NRHA non pro and open level classes. Entry deadline is MAY 17!

A Message From our WCRA President

The following message is posted on the WCRA website, but due to the importance of it's contents,I thought I would share it here as well.
"April 21, 2011
Dear WCRA members,
I am writing this note to you, to bring to your attention the concern for reining shows in B.C. As you know Rockslide was cancelled this year due to another show being booked on the same weekend and the economy – the Rockslide show committee felt it was in their best interest to cancel. This is very unfortunate that we lost such a great show this year, but don’t worry....Rockslide will be back in 2012 with some changes that you are sure to like!
With all of this coming to light, it has come to our attention that West Coast Classic needs every members help and support to make it successful. The economy is taking a toll on sponsorship – sponsors are picking and choosing what they fund very wisely and unfortunately sponsorship is down this year. Without sponsors and volunteers this premier B.C. Reining event will not be able to continue on to be the show it has been and support itself....which could mean a much smaller West Coast Classic show, possibly no WCRA NRHA affiliate series, a smaller WCRA high point series and to attend a reining show of the same caliber you will have to travel out of province and that is something a lot of competitors just cannot or are not prepared to do. We hope that you feel the same way we do, and want to see this show continue for everyone to attend and enjoy.
In order to help West Coast Classic 2011 we are suggesting for every member to take the attached sponsorship package and if they can try and fundraise $100 for West Coast Classic. Do you have an accumulation of recyclable that you could return to the bottle depot, do you have an employer that would be interested in sponsoring and receiving advertising, or do you have some other fundraising ideas for this premier event? West Coast Classic is EVERY MEMBERS show, it is not a chapter show, it is not the executive’s show....it is WCRA’s show and that means we need everyone’s help to make this happen and to continue West Coast Classic the way it has been.
If you are able to help sponsor West Coast Classic or would like more information please do not hesitate to contact us.
Thank you,
Kim Stordahl WCRA President"

So how about it Sliders? Any suggestions on how we can sponsor or support our parent organization?? Please post your comments or suggestions in the comments section below.

Carmen Teixeria Reining/WP Clinic

(Click on poster for larger view)
Carmen Teixeria will be conducting a Reining/Western Pleasure Clinic, June 11-12 in Kelowna, BC. For more information, you can contact Amanda at 250-763-8253, or e mail dodgegirl97@hotmail.com
The following information on Carmen is taken from her website.
Carmen has successfully shown & trained horses for the public for over 13 years in Reining & Western Pleasure. Having ridden with the legendary Bob Grimshaw for over 10 years before spending 1 1/2 as an assistant trainer to 2 Time World Champion (AQHA, NRCHA) Jason Grimshaw in Texas, where she showed & trained both reiners & working cowhorses, Carmen has now established herself as an accomplished trainer & coach here in BC for riders & horses of all skill levels. Her training program is upfront & honest & the horses are provided with the best care possible.
You can read more about Carmen and her accomplishments at her website, Teixeria Performance Stables

Randy Ophus Reining Clinic

Pictures (All taken from Randy's web page)

Randy Ophus of Ophus Performance Horses in Vanderhoof, BC, will be coming to Williams Lake to do a reining clinic, June 11, 12th. Visit Randy's website for more information or to contact him about participating in this clinic.

Overcoming Obstacles

We had a very successful clinic this past weekend, and those of us that participated came away with new knowledge and renewed commitment to continue to work on becoming better horsemen/women, and developing a positive relationship with our horses. This is the fourth clinic in 3 years that we, as a club have offered in the 100 Mile area. When talking with people, there always seems to be a lot of initial interest in participating in horsemanship clinics, and a level of excitement about bring outside talent to our small town. But once the plans are in place, the enthusiasm seems to wane....and the excuses start to come....my horse is out of shape, I"M out of shape, my trailer isn't working, I'm not good enough, MY horse isn't good enough, I can't afford it...you get the picture...
I have been pondering this for a while. Why do we put road blocks n our own way, and look for reasons to NOT participate? Is it a lack of confidence? Is it apathy? Is it the fear of the unknown?

I was reading an article by world renowned personal performance coach, Barbra Schultz, and I really liked what she had to say on the topic. The following is an exerpt from her article entitled "Arguing For Your Limitations":

"...Without disciplining ourselves to replace negative thoughts about feared outcomes with their positive counterparts (from all the physical details to the feeling of it), we get random to poor results. Our natural tendencies can be: · To see things as they were today, or were yesterday. · To actually ARGUE for our weaknesses by giving a million reasons why things won't get better. · To feel safe talking about future events as not working out because there is no failure if we never expect to succeed. · To blind ourselves of our own gifts and gorgeous personal potential as if we are deeply asleep to all the good in ourselves (and sometimes in our horses) ... someone needs to tell us to "Wake Up"! · To feel badly or frustrated or angry and then perpetuate a cycle of negativity until it becomes the way we think. But here's the great news. If you can relate to any of the above points, you CAN break out of those patterns and visualize an outcome you desire by telling a powerful story of your greatness. I know that might sound corny, but it is absolutely true for you and everyone. It's right there inside of you. It's your choice. It's up to you. Have fun with it! Friends and family can be supportive, but ultimately it's the story you tell about yourself and your horse that determines your future success."

Now how many of us have felt like that??
I give HUGE kudos to the individuals that could have SO EASILY found a good reason to "Argue for their Limitations" and not taken part in Gus's clinic this past weekend. Consider the following participant(s) that TOOK PART and were:
a) 5 months pregnant
b) hard of hearing (how do you work with a clinician when you can't hear what he is saying?)
c) recovering physically and emotionally from a serious fall off her horse
d) suffering from severe rhumatoid arthritis
e) financially strapped
f) needing a horse to ride because hers was lame
g) worried because she had never done arena riding before

So, if you have ever Argued for YOUR limitations, try to consider the alternative. As Barbara says you can break that pattern and visualize an outcome that will tell a story of you and your greatness!

The Reininthesun committee is bringing Barbara to the Armstrong Fairgrounds, May 14th and 15th. There are 30 spots available to attend-15 for reiners and 15 for cutters. Check out the web page for more information if you are ready to move past your (self imposed) limitations and tell a story about your greatness!

100 Mile Slilders proudly present a Gus Evangelopoulos Reining Clinic/Schooling Show

There are still a few spots available for our upcoming Gus Evangelopoulos Reining/Horsemanship clinic, April 15/16 at Easy Go Ranch in Lac la Hache. Cost to Sliders members is 200.00 and 250.00 for non members. The clinic will be followed on Sunday with a beginner reining schooling show. No need for fancy gear, you can ride 2 handed in beginner reining patterns-no lead changes.
If you are unable to attend the clinic you can come out to participate in the schooling show, with 15.00 entry fee per class.
For more information or to book your spot in the clinic, please contact Mandy at 250-397-2960 or email at mpincott@live.com

Carl Woods Clinic Follow Up

The success of the Carl Woods Clinic at Easy Go is easily seen, when he is already almost fully booked to come back on June 11-12th! Carl's easy going manner, and ability to focus in on the individual needs of each rider, is proving to be a winning combination. Many thanks to Easy Go Ranch for bringing Carl to the Cariboo! And a special thanks from me (to Easy Go) for giving me a stand in horse to ride, as my mare Jewel, has come up lame :(

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BOOK A SPOT IN CARL'S NEXT CLINIC AT EASY GO, CONTACT ELLIE AT 250-396-7556

Photos- My Apologies for the poor quality...My camera doesn't like indoor arenas...

Amber Crutchley and her lovely gelding...

Ellie checking out the flag

Kim McDonald, riding a mare brought up by Carl

Tina Chestnut, and Roo? (by Genuine Jeepers) getting some pointers from Carl.

Laura Sperling and her new mare, Gypsy

Rockslide Entry Forms Now Posted

CANCELED...SEE BELOW...

Entry forms for ROCKSLIDE, the first in the WCRA's high point series shows are now available on the WCRA website. This show is always recognized for it's fun, relaxed and supportive atmosphere. There are new beginner classes slated for this year, a silent auction, and a full slate of NRHA classes. It's a long way for us folks upcountry to travel, so if anyone is planning to attend, why not get together and save on gas/ferry prices? Use the comment section below to connect with others...
ENTRY DEADLINE IS APRIL 27th

UPDATE...

We had our Peninsula Reining club Rockslide meeting.. and have decided to cancel Rockslide 2011.

We feel with the lack of riders coming this year, the Prince George show on the same weekend and the economy, it is in our best interest to do so.

We look forward to Rockslide 2012!

Thank you ,

Wilma Yule

Fraser Valley Reining Club Schooling Show

The Fraser Valley Reining Club (WCRA Chapter) are holding a Reining Schooling Show, SUNDAY, APRIL 17 (the same day as our Sliders Schooling Show). Here is another opportunity to get out and try a reining pattern on your horse in a low stress environment, and at a low cost. You can download the class list from their newly revamped website.

PGRHA "Spring Slide" Entry Forms Now Available!

Entry forms can now be downloaded for the Prince George Reining Horse Association's first of 3 shows. ENTRY DEADLINE IS APRIL 20th. SPRING SLIDE 2011 has a full slate of NRHA classes, as well as beginner classes, and COW HORSE classes on the Thursday. Not many shows hold cow horse classes any more due to the expense involved, so if you are wanting to watch or show in a cow horse class this is an excellent opportunity!!

100 Mile Slilders proudly present a Gus Evangelopoulos Reining Clinic/Schooling Show

CLICK ON THE PICTURE FOR A LARGER VIEW

100 Mile Sliders will be hosting a 2 day reining clinic followed by a schooling show. The clinic will be Friday and Saturday, April 15-16, followed by a schooling show Sunday April 17. The event will be held at the beautiful Easy Go Ranch in Lac La Hache.
Our clinician this year is reining trainer and open level NRHA competitor, Gus Evangelopoulos.
The clinic will consist of a 90 minute semi private session (2-3 people/group) on both Friday and Saturday. The Sunday schooling show is geared for beginners with most classes consisting of modified WCRA patterns. Cost for the 2 day clinic plus schooling show is 200.00 for members and 250.00 for non members. There will be a 10.00 audit fee for the clinic. Riders may also choose to just enter the schooling show. Individual class fees of 12.00 (members) or 15.00 (non members) or 50.00 for the day.
For more information, or for application forms, contact Mandy Pincott (mpincott@live.com 250-397-2960) or Isabella MacQuarrie (isabella.macquarrie@sd27.bc.ca 250-397-7770)