Ashley Russell and Golly Tabatabaie of BABS Eventing co-wrote this report from the Maryland Adult Eventing Camp, held May 23-26 at Loch Moy Farm in Adamstown, Md. Riders of all different levels had a chance to train for a week with top riders, course designers and judges before competing in the Spring Starter Trials at Loch Moy. For more information on MAEC, contact Linda Dreyer at [email protected]. Thanks for writing, Ashley and Golly. Go eventing!
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Ashley Russell and Golly Tabatabaie
When Ashley Russell and Golly Tabatabaie formed the BABS Eventing Team, their intention was to expand their knowledge and experience in the sport and compete at small local events. BABS Eventing is now known more for their fun-loving attitude, team spirit and coordinated outfits. Last month, the BABS girls took their irresistible charm and energetic personalities on the road to the Maryland Adult Eventing Camp at Loch Moy Farm in Adamstown, Md. The MAEC is organized by the fabulous Linda Dreher of Southern Pines, N.C. Linda has run this camp in Southern Pines for many years, but this is just the second year having it in Maryland.
Ashley, a legally blind rider, brought Philharmonic (“Nic”), her reschooled 10-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding. Before Ashley and Nic became partners, Nic had a traumatic injury, breaking his withers, pelvis and tail. The accident shattered his confidence, especially in stadium, so Ashley hoped participating in the camp would help him gain confidence to compete at The Maryland Horse Trials, being held at Loch Moy that weekend. Golly brought Rebel Yell (“Vinnie”), a 7-year-old OTTB, who had little formal training after a failed racetrack career. Golly hoped the camp would give Vinnie the exposure he needed to compete in his first event, beginning his second career as a successful eventer.
The team pulled up to Carolyn Mackintosh’s gorgeous Loch Moy Farm property, settled the horses into their large, airy stalls, and enjoyed greeting fellow campers as they arrived throughout the day. Attendees ranged from first timers hoping to complete the 18” Introductory level to accomplished eventers competing at Training level. They were a myriad of ages, and came from near and far, with one thing in common — the desire to learn and have fun doing it! That night, everyone feasted on pulled pork BBQ while listening to Glenda Player of Playland Farm in Frederick, Md., and her skeleton friend “Dude” explain the importance of rider biomechanics.
Golly and Vinnie
The next day started with plenty of energy, as the BABS girls met Yvonne Lucas, of Red Moon Farm in Berryville, Va., and former CCI*** competitor, on the cross-country course. Yvonne helped the girls practice their position and rhythm, while schooling basic elements such as ditches, water and banks. After lunch, Golly and Vinnie had a dressage lesson with Glenda Player, which proved to be much harder on rider than on horse! Ashley and Nic rode their dressage test for Peggy Pariso, level “r” judge, and then worked on improving specific movements. In the evening, the campers relaxed with delicious food and wine, while listening to Pat Mansfield, MDHT TD, give an informative lecture on safety. The girls got to try on a variety of safety vests, including all the newest air jackets, and ask Pat their questions.
After a good night’s sleep, the team was looking forward to riding the competition course under the guidance of WEG Canadian Team Silver Medalist Stephanie Rhodes-Bosch. Once the BABS girls and their horses had successfully schooled the beginner novice cross-country jumps, Stephanie gave them the confidence to try a few Novice questions as well! Experienced with green and future event horses, Stephanie really helped Golly and Vinnie hit their stride.
In the afternoon, the girls made their way to the stadium arena to work with ICP3 Instructor Melissa Hunsberger from Dickerson, Md. She took them back to basics, working on the fundamentals of rhythm, speed and riding a straight line — which we all know is easier said than done — before applying these concepts to riding a successful course. Melissa’s experience with warmbloods translated well to Ashley, enabling her to relieve Nic’s anxiety in the stadium ring (and Ashley hasn’t stopped smiling since!). The campers finished the day with Steuart Pittman of the Retired Racehorse Training Project, who shared his expertise on the second careers where many retired racehorses can excel.
Ashley and Nic. Photo by Kim White.
On the final morning of camp, the girls dragged themselves out of bed, starting to feel the effects of the intense week, but ready for more. They met ICP3 Instructor and XC Course Designer Mogie Beardon-Muller of Centerville, Md., for their last stadium lesson before the show. Mogie assisted the girls in polishing their stadium rounds, fine tuning their accuracy and striding. Later that day, Ashley worked with Kim Murphy, FEI competitor and trainer based in Beallsville, Md., on dressage. Kim applied her knowledge of rehabbing horses and shared helpful exercises to help Nic learn to use his new body and unlock his potential.
Golly and Vinnie had an immensely successful lesson with Regi Lorenz, European classical dressage trainer from Middleburg, Vaki. Regi helped the pair achieve round, forward movement, a concept that had eluded them previously. At the end of the day, Mogie Beardon-Muller took the campers for their course walks, pointing out particularly challenging elements and offering advice. Ashley, who must ride to landmarks, such as breaks in the tree line due to her vision, found this particularly helpful. Then, thinking ahead to the next day, the girls shined up their boots, kissed their horses goodnight and turned in early.
The Maryland Adult Eventing Camp group
All of the skills the BABS girls learned during camp translated beautifully to the show, and the team finished their first Beginner Novice event successfully. Many of the instructors were on hand for coaching and emotional support throughout the day. Ashley and Nic had a clear, confident stadium round, with no signs of Nic’s past anxieties, and Golly and Vinnie showed off their new found rhythm on the cross-country course. All of the campers had a great time cheering each other on throughout the competition, and the sense of camaraderie at the stable was obviously sky high.
The Maryland Adult Eventing Camp proved to be an invaluable learning experience for the BABS Eventing Team. There are so few opportunities for adults to be involved in a “camp” atmosphere like the MAEC provides, and we would like to thank Linda Dreher for organizing this fantastic week of friendship, food and fun! We would also like to thank Carolyn Mackintosh for hosting us at the magnificent Loch Moy Farm, and for the beautiful accommodations for horse and rider alike. Also, a special thank you to Carolyn’s lovely daughters, Alex and Kristin Arzt, whose culinary expertise kept the campers well fed all week. Team BABS has already marked their calendars for next year’s camp — being held the week leading up to Memorial Day 2014 — we hope to see you all there!
