Educational Sunday 2005 Was a Big Success!
Submitted by: Patricia Bevan
Phone: 540-552-8681
Email Address: pbevan(at)vt.edu
Date Added: 3/21/2005
The Southwest Virginia Dressage Association's (SWVADA) 10th annual Educational Sunday was its biggest and best yet as it made its premier in the new Alphin-Stuart Livestock Arena at Virginia Tech on February 27th. Over 200 attendees, some from over 100 miles away, participated in a variety of programs focused on horse related activities, and they obviously enjoyed the spacious facility's modern classrooms and large indoor arena. Morning sessions included an overview of new developments in veterinary medicine by VA Tech's Dr. Anthony Gray, and a demonstration of massage and body work techniques by Certified Equine Massage Therapist Laura Bullard.
After a lunch provided by the VA Tech Equestrian Club, a large crowd gathered to watch riders and horses perform musical freestyles they have prepared for competition this season. Grace Fowler and "Two for One" presented their lovely First Level freestyle with commentary by trainer Susan MacIsaac. Then FEI competitor Lynn Jendrowski and "Shapiro" wowed spectators with their Grand Prix freestyle. Certified Dressage Trainer Bruno Greber explained the development of the horse and the purpose of the movements as Lynn warmed up.
Following these performances, Dr. John Dascanio of VA Tech discussed issues related to medical emergencies, including what the horse owner should/should not do until the vet comes.
Next, dressage trainer and competitor Susan Cooper conducted a group session with a variety of horses and riders, offering training tips and exercises useful for horses of different temperaments, breeds, and backgrounds. The day ended with a relaxing session presented by Certified Yoga instructor Marie Klimchuk who discussed and led a group of eager participants in exercises particularly useful for equestrians.
Other events included the tack sale featuring a wide variety of used items, and large crowds gathered as people looked for bargains between sessions. SWVADA board members were on hand at an information table where they distributed educational materials and promoted the non-profit group's programs and events. They were joined by several other horse related organizations that also had set up informational displays.
The event seemed to offer something for everyone, not the least of which was the camaraderie among people with a common love of horses. As one attendee summed it up, "I've talked to people here that I haven't seen in 20 years, and that's great. It's one of the reasons I come every year.
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