Heels Down Equestrian Team

The HEELS DOWN EQUESTRIAN TEAM is group of riders, ages 3 - 48, who compete on the hunter and dressage circuits! These riders enjoy the fun, yet hard work, of showing, and support one another as a team at all the competitions! The Heels Down Team learn the correct turn-out for both horse and rider for shows, give countless baths to horses and ponies, and practice many hours at home in preparation for their divisions. As their show coach, I stress good manners and sportsmanship, respect for one's mount and others, a good understanding of all the rules, and assimilating the judge's feedback into future riding....and of course, I encourage the riders to have fun and not concentrate on the ribbons!

From the first division that a child can enter... to the most difficult division for under 18 year olds, our team has done well! One team member, age 5, was the Warrenton Pony Show Leadline Champion last year out of 12, and another rider, age 13, is currently 6th out of 60, in the USEF Pony Medals! All riders have earned championships, reserves, and high ribbons in lead line, pre-short, short stirrup, pony hunter, pleasure, equitation, and medals; however, most importantly, all have sought to improve their riding and their relationship with their horse and/or pony. Our team has also done well in the dressage venue, receiving the top end-of-year awards in the local dressage shows and in the 60s in recognized shows, in intro through 1st level. For more information on how I combine hunt seat and dressage in instruction, training and shows, please read my article which was recently published, on the News page.

Accolades aside, showing teaches one how to present oneself professionally to the judge and the onlookers, how to support others' aspirations and successes, and how to deal with the ups and downs that are inevitable in life!

Please see THE HEELS DOWN EQUESTRIAN SHOW CALENDAR 2009 to check out our schedule of competitions in the VHSA Regulars, Associate, VPBA, and Dressage Shows. Enjoy the pictures of some of the team members and their beloved ponies and horses on this page also.