Y Ride – Shallowbrook partners with YMCA of Greater Springfield

November 29, 2009

The Y Ride program incorporates the YMCA’s core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility into the equine experience. The purpose of the Y Ride program, created by Julie Costello, Executive Director of the YMCA of Greater Springfield, is to provide underserved youth and teens with the opportunity to develop personal growth of spirit, mind and body through exposure to the structure of horseback riding and equine care.

“I designed the Y Ride program to give kids, who may not have had the opportunity, a chance to experience all the benefits riding can bring to ones life. The bond that you make with a horse is invigorating and empowering.” – Julie Costello, Executive Director of the YMCA of Greater Springfield and competitive hunt seat rider.

Shallowbrook designed an equine program that includes a riding goals, horse care seminars, homework assignments and journal entries. Other activities include playing with Shallowbrook’s nationally ranked Interscholastic Polo Team and a demonstration at Shallowbrook’s student horse show. Each session includes ten weekly and one hour lessons.

“I am impressed by Shallowbrook’s professionalism and extremely excited to be collaborating with Shallowbrook on our Y Ride program. I think bringing the Y Ride program to Shallowbrook will enable us to offer our children an enhanced equestrian experience. The benefits of the program to these underserved children far exceed just learning to ride. It’s not just about the riding, but about developing self confidence, pride, patience, trust and more. This new partnership will allow us to take our program to the next level and I think the benefits to our kids are limitless.” – Julie Costello, Executive Director of the YMCA of Greater Springfield.

The Y Ride program kicked off its first lesson on Wednesday, November 18th and is funded through a combination of private donations and state funds. The YMCA of Greater Springfield is now looking for tax-deductible donations for the 2010 Y Ride program. For more information, please contact Julie Costello, Executive Director of the Greater Springfield YMCA at 413/739-6951, extension 181.

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Class Descriptions

November 11, 2009

2010 SHALLOWBROOK EQUESTRIAN CENTER HORSE SHOWS

CLASS DESCRIPTIONS

All classes are run according to USEF Zone 1 Specifications and where applicable are run according to the rules and specifications of the CHJA, CHSA and NEHC

PLEASURE CLASSES (CHSA/NEHC)

WALK-TROT PLEASURE DIVISION
Open to riders 10 years and younger and who have not competed in classes requiring them to canter or jump. Horses/Ponies to Walk and Trot both directions of the ring. Judged on Manners, Performance, And Suitability.

HUNTER PLEASURE
Open to all horses of a hunter type ordinarily used for pleasure purposes, with no limitations as to status of rider. Walk, Trot, Canter both ways. Light contact required. Judged on manners, performance, quality, presence substance and soundness.

ADULT ENGLISH PLEASURE
To be shown at Walk, Trot, Canter. Entries may be asked to back and Halt. To be judged on manners performance and suitability. Martingales prohibited. To be ridden on a reasonably loose rein on command.

JUNIOR EXHIBITOR PLEASURE HORSE/PONY
To be shown at Walk, Trot, Canter. Entries may be asked to back and Halt. To be judged on manners performance and suitability. Martingales prohibited. To be ridden on a reasonably loose rein on command.

PONY PLEASURE
Open to ponies only. To be judged Walk, Trot, Canter both ways of the ring. Open to Juniors of any age. Judged on manners, suitability and performance.

QUARTER HORSE HUNTER PLEASURE
Must be registered w/AQHA. Papers upon request.

CHSA ENGLISH PLEASURE Open To CHSA Members and Non-Members. Open to horses and ponies, Juniors and Adults. To Walk, Trot, Canter. May be asked to back. Extended gaits may be requested. To be ridden on a reasonably loose rein on command. To be judged on manners, performance, and suitability.

NEHC OPEN ENGLISH PLEASURE (NEHC)
Open to members and Non-members. Open to all horses ordinarily used for pleasure purposes with no limitations as to the status of rider or place of residence. To be shown at walk, trot or jog, canter or lope. Loose rein on command of judge only, but without loss of contact. Will be required to back. Shall be judged on manners, performance and quality, in that order. All horses shall be judged on their respective merits regardless of type.

HUNTER SEAT EQUITATION (CHJA/CHSA)
HUNT SEAT LEAD LINE-Open to riders who have not reached their 7th birthday and have not competed in any classes in any recognized show other than leadline. Entries may be asked to trot. Riders to be judged on elementary fundamentals of horsemanship. An adult is required to lead each entry.

WALK-TROT EQUITATION DIVISION (CHSA/CHJA/NEHC)
Open to riders 10 years and younger who have not competed in classes requiring them to canter or Jump at a recognized show. Riders may not show in short stirrup.

BEGINNER 11 & OVER WALK-TROT EQUITATION DIVISION (CHSA)
Open to riders 11 years and older who have not competed in classes requiring them to canter or Jump at a recognized show. Riders may not show in short stirrup.

SHORT STIRRUP EQUITATION DIVISION (CHJA/CHSA/NEHC)
Open to riders 12 years and under who have never competed over fences exceeding 18” in a recognized show. Riders showing in this division may not compete in any other recognized division or recognized class in a show with fences exceeding 18” with the exception of pleasure and pet-type pony class

LONG STIRRUP EQUITATION DIVISION (CHSA)
Open to riders 18 years and over in their first years of showing. Riders showing in this division may not compete in any other recognized division or recognized class in a show with fences exceeding 2’ with the exception of pleasure Classes.

PRE CHILDREN’S EQUITATION DIVISION (CHJA, CHSA)
Open to junior riders who are eligible for Limit Equitation over fences as of December 1 of the current show year and have never shown over fences exceeding 2′6″ at a recognized horse show. Riders may show horses or ponies. Fence height 2′0″. At the same show, riders may not cross enter into Children’s Equitation, Children’s Pony Hunter, Pony Hunters, any Medal class over 2” or any class where fences exceed 2′6″. No combinations permitted.

(Note: This differs from Pre-Children’s Hunters in that riders may not cross enter other divisions, whereas in Pre-Children’s Hunters, it is rider/horse and rider/pony combinations.)

OPEN EQUITATION DIVISION

OPEN EQUITATION UNDER 12 FLAT
OPEN EQUITATION UNDER 12 FENCES: 2′3″
OPEN EQUITATION 12-14 FLAT
OPEN EQUITATION 12-14 FENCES: Not to exceed 3′

CHILDREN’S EQUITATION DIVISION (CHJA, CHSA, NEHC)
Open to riders who are eligible for Children’s Hunter, have not shown over a course where fences exceeded 3′ at a Recognized show, and have never shown in the CHJA Junior Medal Finals. No combinations. Fences for horses and large ponies 2′6″, for small/medium ponies 2′0.

MODIFIED ADULT EQUITATION DIVISION
Open to adult amateur riders who, as of Dec. 1 of the current show year, have not won six blue ribbons at USEF or CHJA/CHSA recognized shows in Adult Equitation classes, including CHJA Adult Medal classes, but excluding Modified Adult Classes. For amateurs who have won six blue ribbons, they are eligible for Modified Adult if, as of Dec. 1 of the current show year, they have not shown in classes with fences 3′ or higher at more than three USEF or CHJA/CHSA recognized horse shows within the past two show years.

Fences not to exceed 2′6″. Riders in this division cannot show in any other recognized classes at the same show where fences exceed 2′6″. Judge may request US EQUESTRIAN Tests 1-7.

CHSA SHORT STIRRUP EQUITATION MEDAL:
Open to riders 12 years and under as of December 1, 2007; at least one rider must be a current member of CHSA and all riders must be eligible for Short Stirrup Equitation. The class will be held over a course of not less than eight x-rails or vertical fences at 18″ in height, which must contain two tests from the current USEF Tests 1-8.

CHSA PRE-CHILDREN’S EQUITATION MEDAL:
Open to Junior Riders who have not reached his/her 18th birthday; at least one rider must be a current member of CHSA and all riders must be eligible for Pre-Children’s Equitation. The class will be held over a course of not less than eight vertical fences at 2’ in height, which must contain two tests from the current USEF Tests 1-8.

CHSA CHILDREN’S EQUITATION MEDAL:
Open to Junior Riders who have not reached his/her 18th birthday; at least one rider must be a current member of CHSA and all riders must be eligible for Children’s Equitation. The class will be held over a course of not less than eight vertical fences at 2’6” in height, which must contain two tests from the current USEF Tests 1-8.

CHJA CHILDREN’S MEDAL
Open to Junior members of the CHJA who are eligible for Children’s Hunter, have not shown over a course where fences exceeded 3′ at a Recognized show. If you have ever qualified or shown in a 3′ Equitation Finals including CHJA, you are not eligible for the Children’s Medal. The class consists of two phases. The first phase is over a course of not less than eight obstacles at 2′6″ in height, which must contain two changes of direction after the first fence with no combinations permitted. Judges will select at least six contestants (if available) to show at a walk, trot, and canter. The second (flat) phase is mandatory and will count 50%. The same horse to be shown by the same rider in both phases. To fill the class at least four competitors must complete both phases of the class. Judges may require additional testing, using current USEF Tests 1-8.

CHJA PONY MEDAL
Rider to be a Junior Member of CHJA who has not reached his/her 18th birthday. The class consists of two phases. The first phase is shown over a course of not less than six obstacles. Small ponies to jump obstacles 2′0″ in height, Medium ponies to jump obstacles 2′3″ in height, and Large ponies to jump obstacles 2′9″ in height. If a combination is used, suggested distances for in and outs are 20′ for small, 22′ for medium, and 24′ for large ponies. If the distance between obstacles is less than 72′ then the distance must be adjusted for each height section. Judges will select at least six contestants (if available) to show at a walk, trot, and canter. The second (flat) phase is mandatory and will count 50%. The same pony to be shown by the same rider in both phases. To fill the class at least four competitors must complete both phases of the class. Judges may require additional testing, using current USEF Tests 1-8.

MARSHALL & STERLING CHILDREN’S MEDAL HORSE
Open to Junior Riders on horses who are not competing at the same show in any hunter or equitation class in which the fences exceed 3’3”. To be shown over a minimum of 8 fences the required height including a combination and at least two changes of direction after the first fence. Two or more tests of the top four competitors are required. The same horse must be used in all phases. Only one rider per horse. Three riders must complete the course in order for points to count. The rider must be a member in order for points to count toward qualifying for the Finals. No cross entry of rider into the M&S Children’s Pony Medal at the same show. Fence height 3’

SHORT STIRRUP HUNTER DIVISION (CHJA, CHSA, NEHC )
Open to riders 12 years of age and under who have never competed over fences exceeding 18″ in a USEF or CHJA Recognized show. Riders competing in this division may not compete in any other Recognized Division or Recognized Class in a show where obstacles exceed 18″ in height. Course not to exceed eight fences, not to exceed 18″.

LONG STIRRUP HUNTER DIVISION (CHSA)
Open to riders 18 years and over in their first years of showing. Riders showing in this division may not compete in any other recognized division or recognized class in a show with fences exceeding 2’ with the exception of pleasure Classes.

PRE CHILDREN’S HUNTER DIVISION (CHJA, CHSA, NEHC )
Open to junior riders who are eligible for Limit equitation over fences as of December 1 of the current show year. Riders may show horses or ponies. Fence height 2’. At the same show, horse/rider and pony/rider combinations may not cross enter into Children’s Hunter Horse/Pony, Pony Hunters or any class where fences exceed 2’6”. No combinations permitted

CHILDREN’S HUNTER DIVISION (CHJA, CHSA, NEHC)
Open to Junior Exhibitors who are eligible for Intermediate Equitation Over Fences as of December 1 of the current show year. Height of fences 3′ for horses, small & medium ponies 2′; large ponies 2′6″; spreads not to exceed fence height. The division may be split at the discretion of show management. Same horse/pony rider combination cannot show in any other rated division except Equitation. Horses may be shown by another rider in any other division or section at the same show except Jr. Hunter. Ponies may not cross enter into the regular pony hunter division. Riders may not show in any class where the fence heights exceed 3’6” at the same show. Jogging for soundness at the discretion of the judge.

PONY HUNTER (Small, Medium, Large, Green)
Pony Hunter sections are limited to ponies 14.2 hands and under and riders who have not yet reached their 18th birthday.

Small Pony Hunters can not exceed 12.2 hands, must be ridden by a junior 12 years of age or younger, and will jump 2′3″.

Medium Pony Hunters range in height from over 12.2 to 13.2 hands, must be ridden by a junior 14 years of age or younger, and will jump 2′6″.

Large Pony Hunters must be over 13.2 but not more than 14.2 hands. Riders must be under 18 and will jump 3′.

Green Pony Hunter is open to ponies of any age not exceeding 14.2 hands, which have not been shown over fences in regulation height or higher for their respective section at a Regular Member Show of USEF. The riders must have not yet reached their 18th birthday. Once a pony has broken its green status in one section, it shall not regain its status by moving into another pony height section. Remaining specifications are the same as the Pony Hunter Section.

No rider may show more than three ponies in any one height section.

Suitability of pony for a rider shall be determined by the height and weight of the rider in relation to the size of the pony as well as the compatibility of the rider and pony.

MODIFIED ADULT HUNTER DIVISION
Open to adult amateur riders who, as of Dec. 1 of the current show year, have not won six blue ribbons at USEF or CHJA/CHSA recognized shows in Adult Equitation classes, including CHJA Adult Medal classes, but excluding Modified Adult Classes. For amateurs who have won six blue ribbons, they are eligible for Modified Adult if, as of Dec. 1 of the current show year, they have not shown in classes with fences 3′ or higher at more than three USEF or CHJA/CHSA recognized horse shows within the past two show years.??Fences not to exceed 2′6″. Riders in this division cannot show in any other recognized classes at the same show where fences exceed 2′6″.

MARSHALL & STERLING CHILDREN’S HUNTER CLASSICS
Marshall & Sterling Children’s Hunter Classics are open to junior riders. Only M&S members will receive points. To be eligible for points, a horse/pony must complete the course in at least two classes over fences in the Children’s Hunter section at the same show.

To be judged on performance and soundness with manners emphasized. To be scored under the open numerical judging system. The top 12 horses/ponies from the first round will return to jump a second round in reverse order of their scores in the first round; lowest score going first and highest score going last. In case of ties, order of those tied to be drawn. Scores will be averaged from both rounds to determine winners. In case of tie for first place only, the tied horses/ponies will jump a third round over a shortened course to break the tie.

The second class of each section of Children’s Hunter will count as the rider’s first round of the M&S Children’s Hunter Classic. The third class will count as the rider’s second round. Riders must enter the M&S Hunter Classic prior to competing in the first Children’s Hunter class. Each rider that chooses to have the classes count as a M&S Children’s Hunter Classic will pay an additional $30 per class.

Classics will not count toward a show champion or circuit champion award.

58. BIT O’ STRAW HUNTER CLASSIC
Open to Junior or Amateur riders. No cross entry of horse/pony or rider into the M&S Children’s or Adult Hunter Classic. No cross entry of rider into any rated hunter division. Fences 2’6”

JUMPERS

LOW TRAINING JUMPER DIVISION

Open to all horses and riders. Horse and rider combinations are not eligible to compete in any other jumper classes at the same show where heights exceed 3′6″. Fence height not to exceed 3′0″.

CHILDREN/ADULT JUMPER

CHILDREN’S JUMPER:
To be ridden by Exhibitors who have not reached their 18th birthday by December 1 of the current competition year. Fences not to exceed Level 4. Cash winnings do not influence this classification. Horse/rider combination showing in jumper classes where fences are over 3′9″ are not eligible for Children’s Jumpers. Sections may be divided by age of rider or by horse/pony and may also be combined with Adult Amateur if so stated in the prize list.

ADULT AMATEUR JUMPER:
To be ridden by Exhibitors who are no longer eligible to compete as Junior Exhibitors. All exhibitors must be amateurs in accordance with GR808 and must show USEF Amateur Certification. Fences not to exceed Level 4. Cash winnings do not influence this classification. Horse/rider combinations showing in Jumper classes where fences are over 3′9″ are not eligible for Adult Jumpers. Sections may be divided by age of rider or by horse/pony and may also be combined with Children’s Jumper if so stated in the prize list.

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