Check out the new video on my blog.... a tribute to my beloved horse, Pan Pan.

I have been falling down on my blog...for which I apologize. But sometimes life gets in the way for even an equestrians passion. This is the wonderful gelding I will be leasing... Habakatz. He is a 14year old TB and has done well in First Level competition. He is a good boy and loves his carrots. We are working on feeling the connection and the power of the outside rein.

Starting to research lodging in Kentucky for the WEG in October. Although not participating, it is a fantastic opportunity to meet and watch para riders from all over the world!

Local Physically Challenged Athlete Awarded Funding Grant to Make her Athletic Dreams Come True

Adria Di Maria embraces her dream to shine in the world of equestrians dressage despite her life long battle with Polio and its unfortunate affects. Her dream is to become a successful equestrian paralympian and to ultimately represent the United States internationally. Adria’s philosophy is “it is the ability that counts...not the disability”. Adria is passionate about this journey and will do everything possible to reach her goal. Her greatest challenge is not her disability, although it is very real, but the funds to make becoming a Paralympic equestrian happen.

It is the mission of the Challenged Athlete Foundation to provide opportunities and support to people with physical disabilities so they can pursue active lifestyles through competitive athletics. It is CAF’s vision to be recognized as a leader in the movement through which physical challenged athletes are accepted and respected at the same level as able body athletes.

If you would like to support this special woman in her quest to represent the United States at the state, national and international dressage competitions for people with disabilities, please join Challenged Athletes Foundation
and send your tax deductible donations to:
Scholarship fund for Adria Di Maria
REINS P.O. box 1283 Bonsall, CA 92003

World Games 2010

Para Dressage:If you want to watch history in the making, be sure to see the Para Dressage competition. Para Dressage is making its World Equestrian Games debut at the 2010 Games. The discipline showcases physically disabled riders performing at a World Championship level.
Riders are assessed by mobility, strength and coordination to establish their classification profile. Their classification profile divides them in Grades, ranging from Grade I (most impaired) to Grade IV (least impaired). Classification is necessary so the athletes are judged on their skills regardless of their disability.
Para-Dressage riders will compete in individual and team events, including the crowd pleasing Musical Freestyle.
For more information about Para Dressage and to purchase tickets, go to www.alltechfeigames.com/paradressage.

http://www.cnn.com/2010/HEALTH/03/16/paralympics.wheelchair.sports.disability/index.html?hpt=C2

Paralympics .. a vision of what is possible......

Clinic with Debbie McDonald

Had a wonderful opportunity to watch a professional dressage rider explain the subtleties of riding dressage. Also, meet some of the other para riders from around the country. Couldn't work the details of bring a horse but..... next time.

Attending a workshop tomorrow about the Balimo Method. This is a concept that improves balance, feeling and timing while riding a horse through unmounted exercises. I am determined!

2010 Del Mar Show
by Kathy Beal

Show manager Kim Keenan Stordahl proves her visionary capabilities once again as the sixth annual Dressage Affaire, CDI, opened Friday, March 12, with its traditional CDI3*YJ along with its first annual CPEDI3*(Para Equestrian CDI). This means that the 2010 show offers CDI classes for para-equestrians alongside those offered to able-bodied equestrians. Keenan was excited that nine para-equestrians had entered the show. The Para classes had international Para Judge Hanneke Gerritsen (NED) and th weekend also includead a para clinic with Debbie McDonald. Many of these para riders perform on borrowed horses, and many of their horses, as well as the other CDI riders’ horses must travel considerable distance to compete. Unfortunately, some horses did not pass the jog. This is a great disappointment to any competitor, but as Para Judge Hanneke Gerritsen stated “It is of the utmost importance that we compete on healthy horses. Unfortunately, some horses did not pass the jog. One of the para-competitor’s horses had traveled 36 hours to compete and was unsound when jogged out. This made the rider horseless, but because para-riders can qualify on various horses, one rider did borrow a horse. "I was so proud of Jonathan Wentz for going forward and borrowing a horse that he had never ridden and competing anyway." Hanneke who traveled from Holland to officiate for the CPEDI3 also judges Para Equestrian events worldwide. She will be president of the Para Equestrian Ground Jury at the Alltech/FEI World Equestrian Games in Kentucky this fall. “The para-riders must attain a 60% at a CPEDI3* in order to be eligible to compete at WEG. Then the national federation decides which riders will represent the country” Hanneke said. There has been considerable growth in the participation of para-equestrians in international events especially since they have come under the umbrella of the FEI.

DEL MAR, CA 2010. Can you find Steffen Peters?!

 
 
 
 

I have some sad news to share. My lovely partner, Pan Pan made his transition yesterday. His system just shut down completely and it was humane to put him down. I miss him terribly. He was such a wonderful part of my life and we shared a magical year together. Thank you, Pan.

Well, I must say my para- equestrian journey has taken a temporary detour. My boy, Pan Pan, is out enjoying the good life in the pasture at Reins...leaving me without my riding partner. I am still riding the lovely TB, Havakatz, 2x times per week. Sarah, my trainer and I agreed, however, I need more time in the saddle so I will taken on Rio, a Paint, who is currently a lesson horse. He will be a project. Lots of "forward" with definite opinions about what he wants to do! I look forward to the challenge and welcome the opportunity. Will keep you posted.

Pan's Sweet Spot ....

Pan Pan enjoying the good life of a retired grand old gentleman at Reins!

Had the Vet out to look at my sweet boy, Pan. His ringbone has progressed, and now he has earned the status of pasture power puff. He had a magnificent career and help many riders with disabilites live their dream. What a great horse with a big heart. I am so grateful to have had him as my partner for this past year. Thank you Pan Pan.

Had a very productive lesson on Habakatz today. Rode the canter in a controlled, collected manor. Habakatz was not so sure about this at first and bolted to the left making a run for it out of are semi round 20 meter circle. After some convincing, he soon accepted the bit and we were right on track. Tried the Velcro thigh strap Missy suggested and Sarah felt it did provide some stability at the canter. Every little bit helps.
Made a connection with the Pentathlon Olympic Coach , Michael Cintas...a very nice guy. He operates a stable in Palm Springs, and...as it turns out, used to own Legacy Farms, in San Marcos. His sister, Debbie, now owns it. What a small world. I am hoping to enter a show there in March.

Happy to say Pan Pan is feeling better, although he is not big on the new molasses flavored butte. Go figure.

Happy New Year!

It has been a while since I last posted.... my excuse..... The Holiday craziness and unfortunately my little doxie, Charlies needed emergency back surgery for a herniated disc. But now I am looking forward to returning to a routine.

I have not been regularly riding Pan Pan; but I have been fortunate to have the opportunity to ride Habakatz during this time. Pan Pan's right front leg is still bothering him. The colder weather has made his ring bone flare up. His mind and spirit are just as sharp as ever. He knows he is one good looking dude...

Check out my good friend, Angel taking Pan for a ride..... (He is a big boy...but she is little!)

REINS Therapeutic Horsemanship Program hosted a Para-Equestrian RIDE-A-TEST on Sunday, November 8. Para-equestrian dressage enables riders with physical disabilities to compete in the art of horseback riding at the highest level, the Olympics.

Olympic Silver Medalist Lynn Seidemann and Dressage Judge David Schmutz presented and eight riders participated. Among those were three REINS students, including Adria Di Maria, who hopes to compete in the 2012 Para Olympics in London. Advertisement
Riders from around California attended as well.

The clinic was open to both riders and coaches. Everyone who attended enjoyed the chance to network and learn about this exciting form of competition. The clinic was a huge success and organizers anticipate future clinics in 2010.

For information on REINS, and ways to participate or support the program, go to www.reinsprogram.org or call (760) 731-9168.

Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving.
The weather has turn a bit cool here..which is a welcome relief. And all the horses love it. You can see them mightily charging around the pasture, manes and tails flying in the wind. It is a exhilarating sight.

The other side of the picture, a bit of rain...which the horses love too...... to merrily roll in! Grooming a horse encrusted with a thick layer of mud is like cleaning a muddy Volkswagen. But it is all part of the wonders of horse ownership.

Havakatz and I had a good ride today . The brisk weather touched his Thoroughbred heart and he was ready to run. We used his energy to practice transitions into the canter. We both had a great workout.

Tomorrow, I take on Pan Pan, and his self indulgent mud bath! What fun..

My second greatest passion... painting. I just completed this series inspired by attending the auction of wild mustangs in Romona. It was a beautiful herd, overflowing with power and spirit. View more of my work at www.adriadimaria.com

Attended another Paralympic Clinic today... with the Paralympic coach , but this time it was about hour and fifteen minutes away. Habakatz was right on and we had one of the best rides ever. However, as with every adventure we had one "interesting " moment. He tripped at the trot ,scarred himself ( the train whistle blowing in back ground didn't help) and went in a full canter. After quickly re-collecting my reins in one hand and grabbing the saddle with the other, we did several very small circle at the canter. I guess watching all those rodeo spins kicked in and I was able to bring him back. Thanks to Sarah, my instructor, for being there for me as groom , trainer, horse transporter and whatever else is needed., and to Kim for allowing me to ride her incredible horse. It was a lovely day....and Harbakatz passed our "dry run" away from home with flying colors. Next stop.... the show circuit!