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2021-10 RCBH Newsletter
What is Working Equitation?
By Mary Beth Holsteen
On Saturday, September 18 th , The Riding Club hosted a Working Equitation clinic. The instructors were Karen & Mike Boso of KarMik Acres in Woodstock (Karen is a licensed judge and technical delegate for WE). Jane Clement, with help from Drew McMahon, worked diligently on assembling obstacles for the clinic. You may have noticed some outside the huntsman’s house. We had 10 participants, and all had a great time and it was a fantastic learning experience for both horse & rider.
A bit of history- Working Equitation originated in in Italy, Portugal, Spain, and France to demonstrate the performance of a horse & rider in the field, accomplishing movements required for ranch work, and to showcase that partnership. The sport is divided into 4 parts, or trials: Dressage, Ease of Handling, Speed & Cow (a team trial and not commonly offered in most competitions in the U.S). There are 7 levels of competition: Introductory (1) Novice A&B (2& 3), Intermediate A&B (4&5), Advanced (6) and Masters (7). Schooling level shows may also be offered to those wanting to try the sport at a totally noncompetitive level and for additional learning. You may ride in any traditional tack & attire, so you often see both English & Western disciplines represented in the same competition.
The dressage trail starts off with very basic requirements at the introductory level (walk/trot) and progresses from there, building on the movements from the previous level. The Ease of handling (obstacles) trial starts with 10 or 11 obstacles at a walk/trot between obstacles and becomes moredifficult in terms of execution and speed as the levels progress. Judges are not only looking for successful completion of the obstacle, but also smooth symmetry and quality of geometry within the obstacle patterns. The obstacles must also be completed in proper order, without crossing over the lines of an obstacle that has not been completed. The speed trial judges the horse & riders’ ability to navigate the obstacles as quickly as possible. There is no speed trial at the introductory level
The attraction of Working Equitation is that it can be fun and challenging at any level. There are nuances to each trial that offer opportunity for improvement and growth. Dressage is scored separately, but then added to ease of handling and speed trails for overall scores, so if dressage is not your strong point, there is an opportunity to gain ground with the obstacles. You don’t need a certain type of horse, to change discipline, or even compete for that matter! Especially at the introductory levels, the emphasis is on growth and learning… and fun! The Riding Club plans to offer more clinics and some schooling shows in the upcoming season, as well as building more obstacles. We encourage all to give it a try! For more information on Working Equitation, visit
https://www.karmikacres.com/working-equitation/
or
We hope to see you in upcoming clinics!
RCBH Sunny Sundays
It’s always sad when a good thing ends but, in this case the ending season to Sunny Sunday’s was spectacular! With over 50 people enjoying brunch which consisted of smoked salmon and brisket eggs benedict, waffles and chicken and waffles, the menus went on and on. The morning had such a warmth to it provided by weather and the guests.
This is a weekly event on Sunday mornings with all donations supporting the costs entailed with hosting such a great social setting.
All are welcomed whether you are a member of the Riding Club or just interested in meeting up with local residents.
Be watching for our opening season next year!
RCBH Events
Trick or Treat Deepwood Trail Ride
Evite Link for the Riding Club of Barrington Hills 2021 Horsey Halloween Community Celebration http://evite.me/AqtrxzxkQT
Join The Riding Club of Barrington Hills 2021 Horsey Halloween Community Celebration!
Members of the RCBH Welcome Members and Guests of the Fox River Valley Hounds and the Fox River Valley Pony Club for an
All-Ages Horsey Halloween Celebration October 31 2021
Oct. 31 Day’s Itinerary:
12:30-2pm Kids and Adult Chaperones Trick or Treat Trial Ride Through Deep Wood. Ride begins at Huntsman House
(Liability Waivers & adult supervision for minors required)
11-1:30pm Fox River Valley Hounds – Halloween Hound Exercises at Barrington Hills Farm
2pm Members of the Riding Club of Barrington Hills will host Members & Guests of the Fox River Valley Hounds and Fox River Valley Pony Club for an
All Ages Fall Chili Meal on the Lawn of the Huntsman’s House.
Members of the RCBH will graciously supply the chili and fixings.
Please bring your own preferred drink and a side or treat to share.
RSVPs via Evite with guest counts a must!
Waivers available to complete online at https://www.ridingclubofbarringtonhills.org/online-waiver/
Barrington Hills Equestrian Commission
No changes from previously reported activity.
Barrington Hills Park Board
PARK DISTRICT
Round Pen
As requested by the RCBH, An additional round pen will be purchased (not to exceed $3000) to enhance the area designated as a trail ride obstacle course. The round pen will be placed between the Huntsman’s house and the Kennels.
Outdoor Arenas
During
the 10/13 Park Board Meeting, The Park Board agree to add two
additional outdoor
arenas to the
facility. An area different than that previously approved
by RCBH, FRVPC and the Advisory Committee was identified by
Commissioner Jessica Underwood and Commissioner Steve Allen, for
the location of the first new outdoor arena; the location
for the first new arena is where the unfenced sand practice arena
currently exists. The bids have been obtained and construction
of Phase I, excavation and grading, is scheduled to begin this fall;
Phase II (the addition of footing materials and final grading) is
expected to be completed in Spring, 2022. A
third outdoor arena, in the area of the existing paddocks/roundpen
previously recommended for an outdoor arena by by the
Advisory Committee, RCBH and FRVPC, will be added in
2022/2023 after Commissioner Underwood and Commissioner Allen’s
arena has been completed.
Tree Planting at riding center.
Purpose: Plants native to our area, control storm and rainwater, eliminate the need for herbicides and pesticides, improve habitat for birds and pollinators, sequester carbon in the soil, clean our air and water, and provide significant social and health benefits.
Tree Planting Plan: Plant trees located: • along existing mature tree lines • along the swale • in areas where shade and screening is needed
Trees/Shrubs Purchased May-2019 2 Blue Beech, 1 Hackberry , 1 TulipTree,4 White Oak,4 Bur Oak,3 Pussy Willow Shrubs.
Total Cost $1,197.00
Trees Purchased September 1, 2019 3 River Birch,3 Serviceberry, 7 Red Bud, 5 Wild Plum,1 Sycamore
Total Cost $625.50
Trees Purchased August-18-2021 2 red maple, 3 Yellow Birch
Total Cost $274.50
Lean-to
The Park board is obtaining costs to construct a lean-to/roof overhang on the Kennels, so that work such as painting jumps etc. can be done under roof.
Jane Clement
If anyone has any equestrian news for these newsletters please submit to newsletter@ridingclubofbarringtonhills.org