As we are about to leave for the championships, I am reflecting on years past.
Many of you don't know how SWDC began and also how lucky we are to have our regional championships right here in Houston EVERY YEAR!
I attended my first Regional Championship in St Louis, MO.  That was in the 80's and we only had four regions in the US.  It was a long  haul and meant taking  off several work  days and spending a lot of money!
So, SWDC was formed so that we could compete in a champs and stay closer to home with friendlier rules.
Then USDF divided the country into more regions, 9 now, so that no one would have to travel far.  Houston just happens to have the largest venue, Great Southwest EC so we usually get the bid.  However, our region covers five staes and many of the competitors have to make quite a trip to be here.
When you meet someone this weekend from out of town, appreciate their efforts. 
And know that this show is a culmination of efforts from years past.
But mostly, have fun and enjoy the efforts of those past volunteers who brought the show and sport to this moment in time.

If you were a horse your happiest moments would be secure, unchanging and in a herd. 
They are prey animals, as oposed to predators like us (even vegetarians!).  Their survival depends on following the herd leader with unquestioning obedience.  In nature, if the herd leader says, "Run!" they must do so immediately or the consequence might be death.
Our domesticated horses are not evolutionarily far from this sentiment.  That's what makes them trainable.  The desire to obey and be "with us".  When we ride, we are a herd of two and it is imperative that the rider is the herd leader.  Otherwise, our mount loses confidence which can produce undesirable behavior in many forms.
Think like a horse and take charge (with kindness of course!)

While I was in Verden, Germany for the World Champion Young Horse competition, I saw the Hanoverian year old stallions compete as well.  The classes were run like the US Materiale with three horses going at once.  My very favorite, and the winner by the way, was the young stallion, Lemony's Nicket.  He's a beautiful bay by Londonderry out of a Weltmeyer mare.
Well . . . I must have great taste because I've just read that he sold for 900,000 Euro at the Verden auction to none other than Harmony Sport Horses of the US.
He will apparently stay in Germany for now.  Look for great things from this handsome young man!  I have a special feeling about him.

1.  No mosquitoes (or at least very few)
2.  Haven't cleaned my horse's feet in three months.
3.  No mowing.
4.  Clean horses.
5.  No muddy paw prints on the kitchen floor.
6.  Fire ants are suffering
7.  I now sit outside at night for dinner
8.  Haven't had sauna in the arena (much)
9.  Have put off replacing gutters to the tune of 5K
10.  And the number one reason I like the drought . . . no rain rot/scratches/dew poisoning on the horses!

This august I traveled to the Netherlands, Germany and Finland for the most wonderful "horsey" vacation .  Well, actually I was teaching in Finland but got in lots of sightseeing as well.
The first event was the world championship of young horses in Verden.  This was my third year to attend and the horses and riding were the best.  In the past, the judges seemed to reward tension and "passagy" trots if they produced brilliance.  That has thankfully changed. In most cases, the warm-ups and the rides presented very good basics with incredible impulsion and confidence.  Of course these were young horses with rowdy crowds, so some tension is inevitable.
In the end, the fabulous mare, Woodlander Farouch from Great Britain won the 5 yr. champs, while Astrix from the Netherlands repeated his win from the previous year and took home the 6 yr old title.
You can watch both on youtube!
More later including pics!

When it's 100 degrees outside, a cool breeze would be a nice thing, right?
Here's an idea:  When you ride, lift your chin high.  Open your throatlatch, just like we want our horses to do when they stretch.  If you do this, you'll feel and air move over your neck and throat and it really will make  a difference.  The good news is that it will also improve your riding posture and your horse's impulsion and throughness,  It sounds like such a small thing but the result can be powerful.
Give it a try and let me know how it goes.
Marie Morgan
http://solstice-farms.com/

You can see the finished product on the website:  http://solstice-farms.com/
It really looks great but it has been a journey!
The quadrille lessons were different for everyone but we all ended up with better horses and better riding skills.  Loverboy had to learn to play well with others, he had a tendency to pin his ears when Furiant came close.  After the third or fourth week of practice however, Mary and I were "Clinking stirrups" regularly.  As his rider, I had to learn to stop worrying that he might kick another horse.  They all seemed to get into the herd thing and got along.
Many horses had to learn to speed up or lengthen their stride on command.  Others needed to collect.
We all learned the meaning of "dress right and left"
Mostly we learned to ride as a team.  In this highly individual sport, it was perhaps the best lesson yet.
Thanks to Emee for inspiring us!

Whew!  The last two weeks have been a whirlwind. 
Following the HDS spring classic and CDI, we hosted our annual charity event, "Solstice Farms Mother's Day Out Dressage" show.
The show was great fun with a huge silent auction, an entertaining Pas de Deux, and the first public performance by the Solsisters Quadrille.
Thanks to all our volunteers we put on a very competitor friendly show with wonderful concessions, organic carrots with tops for all first place winners, open arena for schooling, complimentary test calling with our great sound system and music to help everyone relax.
The "Mother Ride" participants were treated to wine coolers made with our home grown fresh mint.
Our donors were so generous for the silent auction (and so were the bidders!)
Familytime Crisis and Conseling Center, our charity helped out with the concessions and auction.  It looks  like they will make even more money than last year to support their shelter. 
Thanks to all who made this possible!

Happy Easter!
There's so much to look forward to this spring and so many changes.
We are attending and sponsoring the HDS Spring show and CDI* next weekend.  Watch the CDI* and have a complementary glass of Solstice Farms CDI Cabernet.
Then, "Mother's Day Out" follows closely on May 8.  This is our dressage show and silent auction to benefit "Familytime Crisis and Counseling Center".  Check the website, http://solstice-farms.com for prize list and links.
Congratulations to Emee Ermel on the purchase of Sir Walkabout, a very exciting young horse from Walkabout Farms in Willis.
Watch for more updates and news including upcoming regular clinics with Debbie Bowman.

Our next HDS schooling show will be the annual charity event on Mothers Day, May 8.
Solstice Farms "Mothers Day Out" will benefit "Familytime Crisis and Counseling Center", a shelter for women and children who are victims of abuse.  What a wonderful way to celebrate all mothers and women!
We will also host a silent auction during the show to raise funds for the shelter.
Please consider donating an item to the auction if you can.
Pass the word on to anyone you think might be interested in the show or the auction. 
We had lots of fun last year and gave the shelter a check for $1000.  I hope to double that this year with all your help.