(NEDA by Angela Prenosil) – The 2013 Spring Symposium, “The Inside Scoop – New Rider Tests & Freestyle”, was held on May 4th-5th at the Three County Fairgrounds in Northampton, MA.

On Saturday, ‘R’ judge Alison Head (who also was on sub-committee that created these tests), took us through the training through second level rider tests. These new tests are designed to evaluate the proficiency of the rider relative to the requirements of the given level, without extra credit for the horse’s gaits. We had a nice assortment of horses to really show how interesting, difficult, and different these tests are compared to the standard tests we know.

On Sunday, Ms. Whitaker really educated and entertained us with freestyles! With her impressive Powerpoint presentation, music selections, and fabulous handout, we couldn’t help but get excited about the possibility of riding our own freestyle! Everyone had a ball, even the horses!

We would like to thank our dedicated demo riders and lovely horses:
Laura Jones Kobrin & Lionheart’s Macbeth
Patrice Estess & Mick
Daniela Valentgas & Preferred Seating
Anne Diettriech & Lancelott
Lisa Cross & Dragon
Elizabeth Preston & Encore! Encore!
Debi Barka & Bantry Bay’s Lily
Meghan Hamilton-Yallen & Farrah
Lisa Hellmer & Galvani
Katya Planson & Annika
Mary Stadelmann and Garmt B

We would also like to thank all of the volunteers who helped make this symposium possible.

Photos Courtesy of NEDA by Carole MacDonald – Arne Waltz on Nandalino (top photo) and Katya Planson on Annika (bay horse)