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Article from www.aiecworld.com!
News from the AIEC-SRNC Canada 2010
For most European riders a transatlantic AIEC Nations Cup is only a dream or at least a once in a lifetime opportunity. In June 2010 the Canadian student riders hosted this event. Unfortunately only 6 European countries accepted this offer, creating (together with the USA) a total of 12 competing teams. Upon arrival most teams were immediately overwhelmed by the greatness and beauty of the equestrian centre and the sleeping accommodation. As always the first day ended with a fancy dress party, this time the Canadian student riders decided to ignore all taboo’s (if there are any in AIEC) and go for an ‘anything but clothes party’. Some people took this message literally while others kept it more civilized and decided to use some Canadian maps, a carpet and even saddle pads to cover their body. The biggest surprise of that evening, and maybe of the whole competition, was the presence of our experienced TD, Kristof, who was able to join us after a short visit to the hospital earlier that week. After a great night of seeing old friends and meeting new ones it was Thursday and time for dressage. All of the riders were up, had breakfast and were ready to start by 9.00 am. The teams had the opportunity to ride the team test on some magnificent horses that were at least fit for a second or even third round dressage. We really enjoyed watching the tests and the morning brought some synchronized and some less synchronized tests. During lunch the riders who proceeded into the second round were announced and it was time for the second round to start. Here we saw riders battle it out to reach the semi finals. The dressage was followed on Friday night by an eighties themed party but this time in a different location. A party bus, that surprisingly looked like a fancy party limousine brought us to one of London’s fancy clubs. Show Jumping was next, and everyone was up early and ready for the first round. We saw a few little falls which were slightly entertaining but thankfully the riders whose names I dare not mention were not injured. After lunch the riders of the second round showjumping battled for their place in the semi-finals of the next day. Mainly American and Canadian riders were present in that round, but all riders who were no longer riding enthusiastically supported them. The next morning some riders prepared for the semi-finals of the dressage and the showjumping. Surprise, surprise even our Irish survival cup winner, Bierlanda Lord Gary Flynn made it to the semi-finals in showjumping. Unfortunatly the story ended there for this lad. After a battle between mainly Canadian, American, Irish and Swiss riders the names of the finalists were announced during the Gala event. We were invited to the local golfclub were the ‘beerskie’ made its first entrance in our Canadian experience. During the gala even Paul Hayman joined us for a party and some ‘beerskie’. The night was finished with the knowledge that Canadian female student riders can drink faster than the Irish ‘lads’. Next day everybody was up early to witness the final round of showjumping. Canadian rider Brittany Descotte and American rider Alix Walker contended for the first place. After the second round, Canadian Descotte clearly showed her competence over that of her American colleague, winning the showjumping. After lunch the dressage event took place and a large crowd of non-AIEC people witnessed the dressage finals. Irish rider Sara Doran Glyn was first to start. After Sarah’s nice dressage test Canadian Becky Steer had to start her freestyle. In the end it was Canadian Becky Steer who won the dressage competition. Overall combined victory was for the Canadian Brittany Descotte, followed by Swiss Tanja Moos. As everybody knows there are also all the fun prizes: Baggers, anti-baggers and survivors. But this time the anti-baggers was not needed. Baggers award was for the American rider Ben. Survivors went to… surprise, surprise… Ireland, who obtained this for the third time this year. After the event everybody was pleased, and some even joined the Hayman family to their lake cottage for some more relaxing days. In general the first transatlantic AIEC competition after some years |
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In December of 2009, Con Brio Farm was delighted to host a series of schooling days with all proceeds going to the Blue House Effect of Canada. The Blue House Effect is a local charity which focuses its efforts on helping children and women at risk in the La Urena area of the Dominican Republic. As a completely volunteer driven organization, virtually 100% of funds earned go directly to on the ground services in the DR. What was originally anticipated as being a one day event, quickly grew to three days as a number of stables and individuals in the area signed up to participate. In addition, a fourth "snow" day was added in January as the weather played a roll in determining who could or could not get to us at their chosen time. Over the course of the event, close to $1000.00 was raised. Con Brio and the Blue House would like to express our sincerest appreciation to all those who braved the cold weather and joined us in supporting this great cause (and those scheduled to roll in January 17th). Our thanks go to Sunset Stables from St. Thomas, Shadowvale Stable from Putnam, Desiree Schwarzentrube from the New Hamburg area, Jackie Walker out of Williams Ontario as well as our more immediate neighbours, Rosewood, Shadowlane, and Country Road Stables. To learn more about the Blue House, you are invited to go to http://www.bhecanada.ca |
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Jean Marie Dunford Clinic:
On November 21 and 22 of this year, Con Brio Farm and the U.W.O. Equestrian Team was delighted to host a clinic by Jean Marie Dunford. Jean Marie is 30 year veteran of the American Grand Prix Circuit who in addition to her own riding experience, has over 10 years of holding “R” judges cards. Jean Marie has judged at many major shows --including WEF as well as Canadian A shows such as Palgrave --and in addition has coached numerous riders to medal finals/indoors and has moreover trained a USEF Horse of the Year! Friday and Saturdays activities were structured such that a considerable contingent of UWO team members as well as a good number of community riders were able to take advantage of Jean Marie's experience, technical expertise and positive, enthusiastic manner. Much of Jean Marie's work on Friday focused on a return to technical basics and in particular, a balanced, well-managed stride length. Saturday's work built on this with the fences going up. On Sunday, Jean Marie accompanied the UWO team to a competition in Guelph before departing home for Virginia. Andrea Young, a community participant, kindly provided us with a review of the clinic: " On November 20/21/2009, I attended the Jean Marie Dunford Clinic at Con Brio with my young horse. I found Jean Marie to be a wonderful instructor. She was knowledgeable, patient and fun, yet tough when she needed to be. There was not much, as an instructor, that she missed, and Jean Marie was very willing to answer any questions. I found the clinic informative as both a rider and an instructor.The Haymans and Allana Featherstone were really welcoming, and we were encouraged to make use of the facility. The footing in the arena was wonderful. All in all, it was a fun weekend at a fabulous facility. I would go back for Jean Marie anytime, and look forward to attending more events at Con Brio." More clinic photos can be found in our photo album. |
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IHSA Comes North: |
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Open House and Grand Opening:
October 3, 2009 was a day of considerable celebration for the Hayman family, coach and friend, Allana Featherstone, Dutch Masters, Frey Brothers, and all the other tradespeople that brought the vision of Con Brio forward into reality. The official celebrations began at noon with a steak barbeque to thank all the trades for their exceptional skill and dedication to the task at hand. Those who saw the shape of the arena late December 2008, after high winds destroyed the work that had been done by a different contractor, can truly appreciate what emerged from the rubble. The trades lunch was followed by a community open house, then another barbeque and dance with our favorite DJ pounding out the latin tunes. The day was, by all accounts, an unqualified success and some 400-500 people passed through the doors to join us in celebrating. |
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