With a focus on the American Association for the Progression of Horsemanship Categories of  Progression, the day began with a demonstration of the Groundwork I Category by Lorna Palmer and her 16 year old Andalusian mare Niña Viernes.  This gave the day’s evaluators, participants and spectators a review of the requirements for the category that is still new to many.  Once the review was complete, the morning schedule got underway.  Participating teams worked through the category in groups of three.  The teams started with the orientation phase, then moved to the leading and yielding portion of this first category of progression, finishing with the round pen work at liberty. 

As is typical in this new style of competition, there were multiple evaluators sharing their perspective with each horse/handler team.  The three evaluators at this AAPH-NE meet in June were Nancy Adams, Danielle Rigby and Wendy Warner, assisted by their scribes Mary Creasia, Karen Laude and Reva Seybolt.  Meet organizers were grateful for these horsewomen who graciously shared their views and appreciate their assistance in forging a new path.  The meet format itself encourages evaluators to recognize each team’s achievement independent of horsemanship method or training discipline.

This is called a “meet” rather than a show or competition because the hopes of the organizers are that this new format will become a meeting ground, welcoming and encouraging all natural horsemanship enthusiasts regardless of whose methodology they follow and independent of training discipline.  The evaluating teams in June showed great enthusiasm for all horse/handler teams which came from a number of farms, representing a variety of natural horsemanship methods.

During the lunch break, everyone was invited to participate and choose from a number of subjects for a roundtable discussion.  The use of voice cues as an aid became the topic of the day and a vibrant discussion followed (for further details about the viewpoints expressed during the roundtable, visit the Resources page on this site).  In a continuing commitment to include all viewpoints, this sort of conversational dialogue is an important part of the meet format.

The afternoon sessions saw a conclusion of the Groundwork I category, the second category of progression Prepare to Ride I and the Freestyle class Obstacles in Hand.  Upon completion, each horse/handler team in the categories of progression receives comprehensive evaluation sheets from all evaluators, resulting in a percentage score.  If a team achieves a qualifying score, a certificate and patch are awarded in recognition of the team’s achievement.  Freestyle class participants are awarded ribbons.  At the June meet, the Obstacles in Hand ribbons were awarded as follows -- first place:  Kelley Marathas and Soars Like Jet; second place:  Madeline MacPhee and Just a Little Smidge; third place:  Samantha Palmer and Fancy That; fourth place:  Nikki Adams and Tonka; fifth place:  Pamela Swanson and Xander. 

Before the day ended, there were several raffle items drawn, generously donated by a number of sponsors (please visit the website for a full sponsor listing).  The meet finished out with a barbecue dinner and more conversation with new friends. 

The next AAPH event will be a general meeting/barbecue and pool party at 76 Orchard St., Upton, MA on Friday, August 26 at 6:00.  Check here for directions or call 508 789-8129.  Among other topics, the agenda will include a review of the June meet and plans for future events.

Pictures of the day - warm sunshine and terrific participants, volunteers, and sponsors!