YVEC Reiners participate in Willowbrook Show

Cindy Lapp and Debbi Sullivan rode in the reining class at Willowbrook Riding Club's Western Show on October 14th, 2007. Cindy rode Good For Plenty ("Midge") in NRHA pattern 1, and achieved a stellar performance including some of Midge's best slide stops yet.

Debbi Sullivan rode her 3 year old horse G.S. Sundown Slim ("Slim") in this, his very first show, for the experience - and ended up winning the class. Slim continues to improve on his reining moves every day.

Although it became too dark for photos of the actual reining runs, there are a couple of our reining participants in the gallery.

YVEC Dressage Riders make strong marks at the Gold Rush Farm Dressage Show in Phelan, CA

Maureen Hartness marked a 56 percent on her adopted mustang, Lord Shelby Fettiplace, on Saturday, July 16th at the High Desert Chapter CDS show in Phelan, CA. This was Shelby's second show, and Maureen's first, and the pair turned in a lovely performance on their Training Level Test 1 in the Adult Amateur Division. Shelby also completed two Training Level Tests in the Open Division, with Cindy aboard, and earned a first place ribbon!

Mr. Gee's Ric a Tic entered two Training Level tests, ridden this time by Katie Tate in her first Dressage Competition. Katie earned a first and second place for her tests.

A large group from YVEC turned out to support Katie and Maureen in their first show, and we are very proud of our riders! We look forward to their next competition.

Photos are in the Gallery.

"Shelby" makes his debut at ECI Rancho Mirage

On May 19th, 2007, YVEC resident and BLM adopted mustang Lord Shelby Fettiplace made his debut in the dressage ring at ECI Rancho Mirage, earing scores in the 60s for his two Training Level tests - high enough to place him first for both tests! "Shelby" was adopted and received his early training from owner Maureen Hartness, and he is now in full dressage training with Cindy at YVEC.

Cindy rode him in this, his first competetion; as well as competing in fourth level classes with her own horse, Mr. Gees Rick a Tic.

Pictures of both horses are in the Gallery.

YVEC Riders compete at Chino Hills Equestrian Park

May 6th, 2007, was a day of very rewarding 'firsts' for Yucca Valley Equestrian Center students. Megan Lay took two first place ribbons at the Hunt Cup Series Show in Chino Hills - not only was this Megan's first time competing in jumper-level classes, it was also the first time she has ever ridden a timed jump-off event. Under her guidance, her mount Spring Fling made all the tight turns necessary to win the classes.

For Caitlin Hendrick's young horse Dan Delany, this was his first show over fences. Dan took ribbons in both hunter and jumper classes, with the highlights being a second place ribbon in a flat class with over 15 participants, and a third in an over-fences class with over 15 participants.

Both riders are looking forward to their next competetions. Pictures in the Gallery.

Cindy and Mr. Gees Rick A Tick compete at ECI Rancho Mirage

Cindy and Rick rode two Fourth-Level Dressage tests at the Dressage Show at ECI Rancho Mirage on March 17th, 2007 (St. Patrick's Day!) . Despite high temperatures the pair did very well, garnering not only good scores but a comment from the judge of "Nice ride!" after the first test!

Cindy participates in George Morris Clinic

On December 19th and 20th, 2006, Cindy was invited to participate in a jumping clinic with reknowned hunter/jumper judge and Olympic Equestrian Team Chef D'Equip George Morris. The Clinic took place at E.C.I. Rancho Mirage, and Cindy rode the YVEC-bred Quarter Horse mare, Summer. Cindy participated in the clinic to gain new insights into teaching and training techniques for her hunter/jumper students, as well as to improve on Summer's performance over fences.

The clinic covered everything from appropriate tack and show-ring dress, to complicated series of gymnastic jumps designed to test and refine even the most advanced horses and riders. It was a fun and educational two days for both spectators and participants, and a high point for Cindy was hearing George Morris comment that Summer, who has just begun her jumping career, was a lovely horse!