MVRU Riders earn top spots at Appleatchee

Twelve riders and eight horses representing Methow Valley Riding Unlimited’s equestrian team traveled to Wenatchee last weekend to compete in the Appleatchee Riders Dressage Show. The show has been an annual tradition for the team since 2001, offering an opportunity for young and new riders to experience their first show.

“It was a tremendous learning experience. We had riders ranging in age from 4 to 68," said head coach Annie Budiselich. "Four of those riders were doing their first dressage show. It was hard work in the intense heat but it built camaraderie.”

Highlights from the weekend included many first and second place ribbons, including three riders receiving high score awards:

·       Sydney Schuler, 13 of Winthrop riding Buttons, a Percheron  cross owned by Methow Valley Riding Unlimited;

·       Tulie Budiselich 20, of Twisp, riding Willy, a Haflinger owned by Cindy Mackie, and

·        Alexis Larson, 12, of Kirkland, riding Sparks Fly, a Welsh/Welsh Cob also owned by Methow Valley Riding Unlimited.

Hana and her proud mama Jasmine

Hana Werntz, age 4 of Twisp, competed in her first horse show, trotting with Sparks Fly to Katy Perry’s “Firework” while dressed in a blue tutu.

Three other team members also experienced their first dressage show: Kierra Reichert, 12, of Winthrop, Kristy Vieth, 14 of Twisp, and Pippa Smith, 9, of Riverside, WA, all earning ribbons for their performances at the introductory level. Reichert placed first in her equitation class on MV Finesse, a Morgan-quarter horse cross owned by Methow Valley Riding Unlimited.

Riders await results of equitation class.

Adult riders competing included Bob Levy, 63, of Winthrop on his Irish Sporthorse Paddy, Jasmine Minbashian, 45, of Twisp, riding thoroughbred Wyatt Russian owned by Annie Budiselich and Bob Levy, Cathy Upper, 63, of Winthrop, riding Forest, a thoroughbred owned by Tulie Budiselich, and Cindy Mackie, 68, of Winthrop riding her Haflinger, Willy. Team coaches Annie and Tulie Budiselich also competed at first and second levels respectively.

Mackie and Tulie Budiselich also rode a Western dressage test, which is similar to English dressage but the test is ridden in Western tack with a “soft feel.”

Tulie got high point doing western dressage on Willy

Dressage is a term that comes from the French word meaning "training" and its purpose is to develop the horse’s natural athletic ability and willingness to work, making him calm, supple and attentive to his rider. When the series of movements are performed well, there is an impression of the horse 'dancing' with their rider.

In dressage competitions, horse and rider perform a “test” comprised of a series of movements appropriate for their level of training while being scored by a judge.  Scores are given as a percentage and scores above 60% show proficiency at that level. 

MVRU wants to extend a HUGE thank you to the parents who helped make this trip possible. We couldn't do it without your support! A very special thanks to Deb Schuler and Nancy Juergens for being our most excellent camp hosts. And last but not least to Eli Smith for taking such great photos and sharing them with us.

 More of Eli's photos:
 

Jasmine and Wyatt Russian

Kierra and Finesse won their equitation class

Pippa on Sparks

Cathy and Forest rode a very relaxed test

Lexi showing off Sparks' free walk.

Spotlight: Cindy Mackie

By Jasmine Minbashian, MVRU Associate Director

Cindy Mackie is as dedicated as they come. She diligently comes to the ranch every day to care for and train her horse, Willy, a six year old Haflinger gelding. Cindy and Willy are on a journey to connect her two legs and two hands to his mind and four legs - which doesn’t always prove to be an easy task. But with the help of some capable MVRU staff, Cindy and Willy have made great strides in the last three years of their partnership together. This year, they have even set their sights on participating in the Ride to Rendezvous, a four day trail adventure across the Methow.

Cindy credits Willy’s early training by Allison Wolfe and his current training with McKenna Barnes for his transformation into a skilled riding and trail horse. She also appreciates Annie’s patient observations and gentle suggestions when new tactics are needed. Cindy is such a positive presence at the ranch, that we thought she deserved a “Friend Spotlight.”

Cindy and Willy

 I had a chance to chat with both Program Director Annie B. and Cindy M. about their experience so far:

MVRU: What is a fun or poignant memory you have of her? 

AB: Three years ago she showed up to ride and I didn’t know her at all. All I knew is that she wanted to get back in good health. So I went through the beginner lesson approach with her but quickly could see she wasn’t a beginner! It was so incredibly humbling…she acted like she didn’t know anything, but she actually had been an accomplished horsewoman for a long time!

MVRU: In what ways has she helped MVRU?  

AB: She “adopted” Ginger early on, making sure her needs are met and that she gets the exercise she needs. She always leads by example, always offering help and thinking of what she can do. She does just about everything: cleaning manure, cleaning tack, helping with classes, caring for horses. Cindy and her husband Sandy have also been big supporters of Let ‘Em Ride, helping us get financial support for the program through the Winthrop Kiwanis.

MVRU: What are her best character traits?  

AB: Cindy is such an incredible person for everyone here to look up to. She treats everyone in the kindest way. She is one of the most positive and appreciative people I have ever had the opportunity to meet.  She is a good example for all of us!

And here's what Cindy had to say:

MVRU: What is your earliest memory of your time at the ranch?
CM: I became involved in MVRU because I wanted to ride after many lost years doing other things. In the '90's I needed to work and was involved in sports as an Athletic Trainer Certified for Pacific Lutheran University and Evergreen State College. It kept me charged with the love of sport. It was in 2013 I gave in to my urge to ride again. Annie showed the movie Buck at the Twisp Pub's First Tuesday and I was hooked. I started riding at MVRU the summer of 2013 leasing Ginger and taking lessons with Annie.

MVRU: What is the most important thing you have learned from your time spent at the ranch?
CM: The most important thing I learned was that I would have to study and work hard to learn as quickly as possible all the new things I never knew about this creature: horse. I had some good instructors in my past whose methods hinted at what we call "natural horsemanship". From Annie's instruction and example doors began to open. I purchased the DVDs 7 Clinics with Buck Brannaman. Both Annie and Buck brought me deeper wonder and respect for the horse. I just had to buy a horse and experience this philosophy and its methods for myself. I figured at this stage of life, I'd need help and MVRU has been the perfect atmosphere for new learning.

MVRU: Who is your favorite MVRU horse and why?
CM: Ginger the Great is my favorite horse. I love to take her out in spring. She's well educated, willing and patient. She's worth her weight in $100 bills!!

MVRU: What advice would you give to others who are just starting on their path with horses?
CM: While you are here riding and learning at MVRU, work at it. Ask questions of yourself, set goals, try hard to achieve them. This is a very good incubator for developing horsemen and horsewomen of all ages and stages. What you learn here will be with you for the rest of your life. You'll think back and say "Oh, it's easy I can do this. I jumped Buttons over that impossible training level course. This challenge in my life is nothing compared to that."

Spotlight: Janie McMillan

By Jasmine Minbashian, MVRU Associate Director

Last winter, we were approached by one of the teachers at the Independent Learning Center (ILC), Sara Mounsey, who told us of one of her students who wanted to become a therapeutic horsemanship instructor. The ILC, an innovative school in Twisp, encourages their students to take on internships with community organizations to gain real world experiences.


And so began our time with Janie McMillan, who came to us as a shy teenage intern who hated speaking in public and today is growing into her confident self. She is proving to be a wonderful addition to our team. For the last year, Janie has been a steady hand at the ranch, helping us with many aspects of running a horsemanship program for people of all abilities. Janie comes from a large Methow horse family, so her comfort in working with both horses and kids gives her a great start to her journey of becoming a certified therapeutic horsemanship instructor.

Janie leading Marley and a Let 'Ride student last fall

I had a chance to chat with both Program Director Annie B. and Janie about their experience so far:


MVRU: What is a fun or poignant memory you have of her? 

AB: I remember when we first met, she was giving a presentation for school (ILC) and was beside herself even though the ‘audience’ was only her teacher, her parents, a brother and myself. She was so full of self-consciousness and self-doubt.  Now, one and half years later, she is working on being an instructor which is major ‘public speaking’!  She is much more confident and willing to just out herself out there!

MVRU: In what ways has she helped MVRU?  

AB: She has helped with a lot! Chores, horse care, and more recently lesson planning and developing resources for our Cub Horse Club.

MVRU: What are her best character traits as an intern?  

AB: She is cheerful, always showing up with a sunny attitude. She is resourceful and a hard worker.

Janie helping a Let 'Em Ride student groom Ginger

And here's what Janie had to say:

MVRU: What is your earliest memory of your time at the ranch?

JM: I started at MVRU in March of 2015. I wanted to see how the riding program was run. I have known since I was a child that I wanted to work with horses and children. In January of 2015, my teacher (Sara Mounsey) really started to encourage me to look into the program at the ranch. I met with Annie in February and started in March. Since my first day scooping poo, I have known that it was the right place for me to start my journey of working with horses and kids.

MVRU: What is the most important thing you have learned from your time spent at the ranch?

JM: The most important thing I have learned is how much hard work is put into teaching people how to ride properly. It takes hard work, dedication, patience, and perseverance. But you will never regret doing it. The skills you learn aid you in your everyday life.

MVRU: Who is your favorite horse and why?

JM: My favorite horse is Whatnot. He is the first horse I rode at the ranch. He is so patient with me and has helped me learn so much. When I was learning halter work, he was very patient. If was doing something wrong he would help me out by doing what he knew was the right answer. He is so sweet and gentle.

MVRU: What advice would you give to others who are just starting on their path with horses?

JM: Learn wherever you can and try new things. Ride a variety of horses and see what you like. Listen to what people have to say, even if you don't take their advice. It never hurts to here what others have to say.

Spotlight: Allison Wolfe

by Annie B.

Allison Wolfe has been a steady presence at MVRU since I first met her over ten years ago. She came to us as a shy and quiet teenager, but she held a secret: what I would come to know and appreciate as her ‘determined way’. Her determination helped her pursue her desire to spend time with and around horses. She volunteered by care-taking horses, tack and equipment for a long time, observing, soaking it all up from the background, before I could convince her to actually have a lesson.

Alex Clayton, Allison, Kelly Schuh, Tulie Budiselich and Erin Schuh in 2009

To begin with, each and every lesson took lots of encouragement and she earned them through her volunteer time. Ever so slowly and gradually she became slightly more comfortable, less shy, and more accomplished at handling the horses, always preferring to have time alone with them to a lesson. As her skills and confidence built, she began to volunteer, ride more and quietly assist around the ranch in useful and knowledgeable ways.

Her confidence grew to the point that in the summer of 2007, she finally joined the staff. Her dedication to good horse care, attention to detail, and reliability make her invaluable as a horse care and stable manager. Over the years, she has become skilled at dressage, jumping, Natural Horsemanship, and working cattle, learning from a variety of sources: MVRU instructors, Jimmy Wofford and Buck Brannaman.

Allison honing her skills as an instructor

Even after graduating from high school and going off to college, she always came back to the ranch to be with her horses and people, in most cases working as much as possible. After college, Allison came back to work with us full-time and blossomed into a fantastic, thoughtful and skilled instructor not to mention honing her skills as one of the ranch's best cowhands. Today, she is continuing to challenge herself by pursuing her passion of becoming a Physical Therapist.

We recently had a chance to catch up with Allison and ask her about her experience at MVRU.

MVRU: What is your earliest memory of your time at the ranch?

AW: I started at MVRU volunteering just to get some horsey time. I remember sitting in the breeze way cleaning tack watching Annie teaching a lesson and watching to see what I could learn. I was incredibly quiet and shy when I started at MVRU. I loved the opportunity to just watch and pick up all the little details but I still got pushed to keep progressing.

MVRU: What is the most important thing you have learned from your time spent at the ranch?

AW: The most important thing I learned is that it takes hard work, perseverance and consistency to make improvement in your skills, in horse training and teaching. Skills I learned at the ranch have aided me in all other aspects of my life: from school to relationships.

Whatnot and Allison on a recent visit to the ranch

MVRU: Who is your favorite horse and why?

AW: Of course Whatnot is my favorite horse. He and I have gone through a development process together. He is a quirky character and came with quite a bit of baggage. He needed someone who would get through that wall he had built up. He and I have been through some scary situations together and we trust each other completely. He has become such a bombproof guy and is willing to try anything I ask of him. He is so much fun for cattle work and he becomes so aggressive and just loves his job, plus he has saved my bacon several times in the chute! I have to add that my favorites horses to teach with are Ginger and Buttons, those mares and I really work together to teach and they give my riders the amount of challenge they need while keeping everyone safe.

MVRU: What advice would you give to others who are just starting on their path with horses?

AW: My advice to riders starting out is to take any opportunity that comes your way. Ride different horses. Try jumping, dressage, cattle work, driving, groom at a school, audit a clinic, etc. You never know what you are going to learn. And take the time to develop your own methods. Don’t just jump on someone else's bandwagon. Take what you like from people and let the other stuff go.

We dream about the day when she may come back to us again, possibly as MVRU’s first in-house PT! We are so proud of you Allison. Your determined way will carry you far in life, hopefully on horseback.