Steel Prize Stables for Dressage

Saturday, November 14, 2009

Sad Day at SPS

We are sorry to report that we lost one of our school horses - Dundee
- yesterday at the age of 29. He was a TB gelding and had been in
our school program for 19 years. Dundee was a good natured horse who
taught many students, both child and adult, to ride. We will miss
him greatly.

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Debbie Rodriguez Clinic

There was some great fall weather when I arrived in Huntsville for a dressage clinic at Steel Prize Stables. Temperatures were in the low 70's and the sun was shining. It doesn't get much better than that in November. Recently at home one of my students was cleaning out the tack room and came across a Unisit, a strap that helps position you into a more correct seat, hip and back position. I asked if I could borrow it and brought it along to let some of the riders at Steel Prize play with. Everyone that was willing to give it a try felt a longer leg position with most everybody comfortably lengthening their stirrups. Some of the riders had a light bulb moment feeling the security that correct posture brings. In the lessons each person warmed up at the walk, trot and canter before trying the Unisit. Then after some work with the Unisit they tried to get that same feel without the device. While experimenting with that was fun and useful it was nice to see riders keep that longer leg position through their regular work and add an exercise or two that was new to them. For some of the training level riders it may have just been adding some smaller circles and figures into their work while some of the more advanced riders concentrated on staying centered while alternating leg-yield and half-pass across the diagonal. At first the leg-yield to halfpass was a challenge for riders to keep both themselves centered and their horse aligned to the long sides of the arena. However after a few attempts the horses alignment stayed steady through the change of flexions. With no shows in the immediate future it was nice to address some of the basics and keep things simple. When I return in January it will be good for the riders to have an idea of their show season goals to see if we can put some of this week-end's learning toward those goals.

Until then, Debbie

Sara practices her position on Freeda.

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Christmas Party

Steel Prize Stables will host its 26th annual Christmas and open house party on 19 December at 11:30.

Saturday, September 19, 2009

September Show at Poplar Place

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Ride to Win

Have you ever wanted to learn how to do much more than just ride a horse? Have you ever wanted to challenge yourself and develop into a true horseman? If so, Steel Prize Stables is the place you need to be. It is here that you will learn the discipline and skills needed to not only ride, but to participate at the highest level of dressage competition. Both you and your horse will learn valuable lessons from Judith Fiorentino, a bronze, silver and gold medal winner for achievement as recognized by the United States Dressage Federation.

Judith's many years of experience will guide you on your path to excellence in riding either for your own pleasure or in pursuit of your own collection of medals and ribbons. Client activities include group or individual lessons, regularly scheduled clinics presented by recognized judges and accredited instructors and on-site schooling shows.

About the Barn

Steel Prize Stables is a full service boarding and training facility. Its 28 stalls are home to horses whose riders are in an ongoing training program in the fine art of dressage. Amenities inside the barn include ample size stalls, a wash rack, boarder tack room, school tack room, feed room, office, restroom and hay and equipment storage.

Horses are fed and turned out daily. Each animal receives regularly scheduled visits from a licensed veterinarian, an equine dentist, massage an chiropractic personnel, as well as a farrier.

In the Ring

When you are ready to ride, you have the choice of either a lighted indoor arena that is the standard training level dimension of 20 meters wide by 40 meters long with full length mirrors on one long side and one short side, or, if the weather is right, you are invited to ride outside in the full regulation size outdoor arena which is 20 meters wide by 60 meters long with full length mirrors on one short side.

The large upper ring, once used for jumping is now primarily used for shows and clinics and is approximately 38 by 90 meters.

Tacking Up

We are barn casual most of the time, however, when it comes time to ride you will need the following: a properly fitting English dressage or all-purpose saddle, saddle pad and English bridle with snaffle bit. Some school saddles are available for beginning riders.

Riders will wear English breeches, riding boots (paddock boots with half-chaps are acceptable) and seasonal style shirts tucked into breeches. USDF approved helmets are a requirement and will be worn at all times when you are engaged in training with your horse.

Optional training equipment may include gloves, spurs and whips for riders and polo wraps for horses. Judith is available for consultation for show apparel and equipment, and precision riding groups such as the Steel Magnolias will dress in matching ensembles during exhibitions.

Contact Us

Judith Fiorentino, Owner and Instructor

125 Christopher Drive
Madison, AL 35757

256-682-1200 (cell)
256-837-5474 (residence)
email: steelprize@knology.net

Hours: Monday through Sunday 8:00am - 7:00 pm
Lessons: 1 Hour/By Appointment Only
Clinic/Shows: Quarterly/By Announcement

Affiliation:
United States Dressage Federation (USDF)
United States Equestrian Federation (USEF)

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Tuesday, August 4, 2009

August 8, 2009 Schooling Show Ride Times

Rider Name

Horse Number

Class Entered

Division

Ride Time

Schmidt, Merry

First 3