The Gifted Fund

Lee Ann Alf

My original plan on the application for the Gifted Grant was to polish and confirm my FEI horse, Guinness, and make our Grand Prix debut this year. But, as many things are, it was rather ambitious (it doesn't hurt to dream) and not to be. Guinness retired from dressage this spring. He is still relatively sound but his "spring" is gone and daily dressage is too difficult for him to maintain. Occasional trail riding is his forte now. Oh well, on to Plan B. I have a four year old coming up who has been pressed into the "first string" and he fulfilled our second plan for the Gifted Grant.

My final plan was to spend a week with my trainer, Lurena Bell-Stanley of Willis, Texas, and concentrate on improving suppleness and quality of gaits, and possibly starting flying changes-again, a rather ambitious plan (but it still doesn't hurt to dream). My young horse, Scotch, made the 8 hour trip in fine shape and we had our first lesson later that day. He settled in very well and went to work. We worked on elasticity in transitions between gaits and within gaits. We really worked on the stiffness in my arms and hips. I found that if I didn't "set" myself and kept swinging, Scotch didn't stiffen and also kept swinging. What a concept!! However, it is very hard to condition a 50 year old body into new habits but I'm working in it. We tried flying changes on the fourth day. We got several that day but fell apart on the last day. Scotch was more prepared for that "thing" and stiffened and propped rather than just do it. I think that, perhaps, I tried harder instead of just letting it come and got stiffer when I should have stayed supple. Anyway, it was a great week and gave us much to work on at home. Speaking of home, Lurena came up to Oklahoma City, about 3 weeks later for a clinic. It was a great follow-up for the training week. I have had time to school a little. Scotch was very good for the clinic, staying supple and relaxed most of the time. The flying changes are coming through more and more. The training trip was a great confidence and skill builder. I am very grateful to the Dressage Foundation for making it possible for a common rider with a full time job and responsibilities. It is a wonderful opportunity for adult amateurs who have to fit in their riding and training around everyday lives.

On a final note, I made the 4 hour drive and attended the Dressage Foundation's reception at the USDF Convention in Dallas. They made me feel like a "queen" and it was very inspiring hearing of all the generous gifts and grants awarded by the Foundation to all types of Dressage activities (individual and group). I appreciate Carol Lavell for suggesting that the Gifted donations be designated to adult amateur riders and the Foundation for allowing me to benefit from it.