My Report as a Recipient of a Lendon Gray Education Scholarship for the year 2000.
by Amanda Gerdts

My name is Amanda Gerdts and I was one of the two recipients of a Lendon Gray education scholarship at the 2000 Northeast Junior/Young Riders Championship Show. My award was for lessons to further my dressage training and I would like to explain what I have learned from my dressage training.

First, a little background. I don't know if Lendon Gray recalls how she introduced the award of the scholarships that Saturday night last August but I sure do. I felt as though she was speaking directly to me when she said the awards were not based on performance and perhaps the individual had finished last in their division. That was exactly where I stood that evening. I had an awful equitation class that day and faced Sunday's dressage test with dread.

I had brought my trainer's large pony, Playtime, to the show. We had started some dressage work over the winter after my trainer had purchased her. I was so proud of her! She had no dressage background but was so enthusiastic about the work. We went to one dressage show together in the spring of 2000 and posted the two highest scores of the show - a 77.5 and a 79 and won a Ballywhim pony award. I was so excited about showing her off at the NEJYR show. I have attached a picture of Playtime and me. She is really a fancy-looking pony mare.

The Friday we were leaving for the show, Playtime caught a bar in her stall and pulled a flap of skin from the bridge of her nose. I couldn't believe it happened. Although it was only a flesh wound; it was right at the spot where the nose band of her bridle sits. As soon as we arrived at the showgrounds a vet from Fairfield applied a surgical staple to fuse the skin flap.

From that point on, nothing felt right. Playtime was miserable and felt so strange. Normally, she is very forward but she simply refused. She would cooperate at the trot but then throw her head at every canter transition. I was afraid that it was more than just her nose. It was so frustrating -  I had wanted everyone to see this incredibly talented mare and now I didn't even want to enter the ring.

To make a long story short, Playtime recovered and so did I. That weekend reminded me of a very important lesson I have learned from dressage - it's a team effort. You and your horse both have to be willing, relaxed and eager to work. When either one of you aren't trying your best it feels awful and is such hard work. But, when you work together, it feels great.

Another important lesson I have learned from my trainer is to study your dressage tests. They are a great learning tool. I have kept every test I've ever ridden. When I returned from last year's NEJYR show feeling so low, my trainer did something I really appreciated. She shared with me a file that contained all the tests she had ever ridden. I realized that everyone receives low scores at some time and the smart rider uses those tests as a learning tool.

I started training in dressage when I was fourteen after many years of training in hunt seat. That first year my trainer had room on the trailer and gave me the opportunity to go to Saratoga to ride in the Dressage Festival. She cautioned me that it was a learning experience and that I shouldn't expect ribbons. I was working with my favorite pony "Maybe Later" and we had both started dressage together. My classes were huge - some had 35 riders and my scores were low. But, we were there for 3 days and each day my pony and I continued to improve. On Sunday, the judge gave me a very how score but explained many points in great detail on the test. I studied the test with my trainer and that night in my motel. room I went over it again and again. The following day I had my final test to ride. I was really disappointed that I would have to ride in front of the same judge. But, I remembered what she had said and really worked on those points. I was so thrilled to receive a sixth place ribbon in the class and I remember crying so hard when I picked up my test that the steward told me not to be sad because it had been a very large class. I had to tell her I was crying because I was so happy. That ribbon remains very special to me. I always remember how hard "Maybe Later" and I worked to earn it. But, the very best part was the test itself. On the bottom the judge had written; "Much better than yesterday!" The lesson learned was - study your tests - they are more important than the ribbons.

A lesson I continue to learn is that dressage is beneficial for every horse and pony. It doesn't matter if you have an experienced warmblood. It is wonderful exercise for them. They learn to love using their hindquarters and stretching their back muscles. "Maybe Later" and I do a lot of jumping. I've attached a picture of us at the Hampton Classic. He loves it and has such great natural jumping ability. He never been lame and never has a sore back. I think it's because we do so much dressage with our flatwork. He's such asuper little athlete and I am so proud that he is fit and strong. If you love your horse or pony including dressage work in your routine is a great way to keep them healthy.

Speaking of experienced warmbloods, I have been very fortunate to use some of my scholarship money to have dressage lessons with my trainer's Hanoverian "Wichita". The ponies I ride are learning dressage with me but "Wichita" has a dressage background and he really helps me experience the theories my trainer teaches me. I also had the chance to have a dressage lesson on a horse purchased by one of my trainer's students. He was imported from Canada to be an equitation horse but has a strong dressage background. He knew so much and inspired me to think of progressing beyond training level.

The final lesson that I have learned is dressage is hard work but it certainly makes you a stronger and more polished rider. I'm very grateful to my trainer, Darlene Wilcox Raynor, for providing me with horses and ponies to ride and show. As my riding improves, I have found that more of my trainer's clients offer me their horses and ponies to school or show. I love it! Also, you'll find in your hunt seat flat classes that when a judge asks for the sitting trot you will be the one that thinks "yes!" rather than "oh no!"

In summary, I believe that both my understanding and appreciation of dressage have grown over this past year. I am grateful to my parents for their support, and to my trainer, Darlene, for always being positive and encouraging. I thank Lendon Gray not only for my education scholarship but also for sponsoring the NEJYR Championship Show. It is a great motivator to be surrounded by juniors excelling at every level of dressage. Good luck to all the riders at the 2001 NEJYR Championship Show!