Welcome to Kelli Mason's Home Page

This page last changed on: Friday, November 27, 1998 08:59 AM -0500

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Hi there, welcome to my little corner of the 'Net. My hobby and my work revolve around Dressage which is an equestrian sport. Here on my pages, you'll find some information about me, my work and my hobby as well as other things that have interested me. I dont have an e-mail address yet, but you can send e-mail to me through my husband by clicking here: e-mail to Kelli

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I hope you enjoy your visit here.

Kelli and her Horse Jedlin Wildfire have competed successfully through Prix St. Georges and are schooling Grand Prix.

Well, I finally did it, I broke down and bought a more "conventional" dressage horse. I love my Arab Jedlin, but he's getting on in the years now and i'm tired of being penalized for riding an Arab. People competing on Arabs in dressage should be awarded more points instead of less!

Anyway, I bought Novelty from my friends at Flying Change Farm in NJ. Novelty 1995 colt by "Fair Play" (Dutch Warmblood) out of Flying Change Farm's Grand Prix dressage mare "Limerick" (TB-Trak). He is "Correct with lots of suspension and a wonderful temperament." He was 3rd Dressage at Devon Colts of '95, and 3rd at Royal Dressage Festival Yearling Colts. I'm very excited about starting the training process again with a horse with so much innate talent.

Novelty

My new "pony"

Novelty

If only he knew whats coming...

Kelli and her Prix St. Georges Arabian, Jedlin Wildfire.

DRESSAGE INSTRUCTION FOR ALL LEVELS FROM KELLI MASON

 

Kelli moved into the Massachusetts area in 1995 and has been accepting new students. She offers a kind, correct and positive approach to dressage training for all levels of horses and riders. Kelli has degrees in Equine Science and Elementary Education so she is great with children and people of all ages as well as all types of horses. She believes that the harmony between horse and rider created by dressage training is beneficial to all horses and riders, and can be fun too.

FOR DRESSAGE INSTRUCTION AND TRAINING AT IT'S VERY BEST PLEASE CALL KELLI MASON AT 508-478-6425

Kelli's Horse Experience

1976-1985
Worked on my uncle, J. David Tobin's farm in Western Pa. I mostly trail rode.
1982
broke and trained own horse to trail.
1987
Broke three year old Arabian Stallion, that I had bought in '86. Took weekly lessons with Cindy Heinle, who graduated from Meredith Manner with a B.S. in Equine Science.
1988-90
Attended Centenary College and obtained degrees in Equine Science, English, and Elementary Education. During this period I worked for the equestrian center owned by the college. I also had private instruction from Sharon Weidman, an instructor at the college, as well as an F.E.I. dressage rider, USDF "L" judge, and coach of the Dressage and Combined Training Team at Centenary.
1991
Worked at Autumn Woods Farm, managed by Jane Richards. I was responsible for the care of 18 horses. In the summer of 91, I gave ridding lessons at Kel-Are Farm, took care of the farm while owner was on vacation, and trained Quarter horses for Mrs. Hunter, a resident of Pa.
1991-93
Began apprenticeship with Grand Prix rider, USDF gold medalist, and USDF "r" judge, Heather Mason, at Flying Change Farm in Lebanon, N.J. For three years I was in charge of all barn duties and the care of 22 horses. I was given lessons by Heather daily on my horse and was also able to ride some of her FEI horses as well as train some of her young horses. I also had clinics with Olympian, Lendon Gray and FEI judge, Edgar Hotz. In less than I year, my horse and I gained the knowledge and skill to advance from Training Level to Prix St. George.
1991
I competed in over 10 shows and won the 1st Level Championship at the NWPA-Arabian Show, and qualified to compete in the ESDCTA championships where I won the 1st level and 1st level Freestyle championships. I was awarded year-end championship by the ESDCTA in Training level Jr./Young Rider and 1St level Jr./ Young Rider.
1992
My horse and I competed in over 20 shows, and earned a spot on the ESDCTA third level dressage team, qualified for the BLM finals where we placed third in the championship 3rd level freestyle class, was third level champion at the NWPA-Arabian Show, and was awarded year end championship awards at third and fourth level, and musical freestyle, by ESDCTA, and placed second at third level in the USDF/IAHA All-Breeds awards. Also in 92, I entered the USDF "L" judging program and became a licensed "L" judge. I began to give individual lessons at FCF.
1993
We competed in over 10 shows and earned our USDF bronze medal, and won the 4th level championships at the NWPA-Arabian Show. In the summer gave lessons and judged at some local shows. We earned two scores towards our USDF bronze medal.
1994
Competed in over 10 shows, winning the 4th level championships at the NWPA-Arabian Show, were given year-end awards by ESDCTA in PSG, and earned our USDF bronze medal. Judged at local shows and gave riding lessons. Owned and managed Fat Dog Farm, with my husband Robert Mason, in Tabernacle NJ.
1995
Competed at FEI levels, and judged horse shows in NY,PA, and NJ.
Managed of Spring Ridge Farm and trained horses at Harts Run Farm, both in Sherborn Ma. Member of the AHSA(American Horse Show Assoc), USDf(United Stated Dressage Federation),NEAHA(New England Arabian Horse Assoc.), NEDA(New England Dressage Assoc.), ASHA(Arabian Sport Horse Assoc.), and the IAHA(International Arabian Horse Assoc).
USDF All Breeds Awards - Prix St. Georges - Champion, 4th Level Freestyle - Champion, 4th at USDF Horse of the Year, 4th Level MFS.
 
1996
In 1996 I spent a lot of time showing horses I had trained for others.
Year End Awards - NEDA Training Level - Champion, NEDA 1st Level - Reserve Champion, USDF Training Level - Champion All-breeds, USDF 1st level - Champion all-breeds, NEDA Freestyle Cup Champion.
Earned Top 1st level score for NEDA at the team competition.
NEDA 1st Level Team was 2nd place (See A Team To Remember below)
4th at Training Level ABIG Regional Competition.

 

A Team to Remember

As I pulled up to the massive main building at the USET in Gladstone, New Jersey, relief overwhelmed me. I had finally made it there. What a drive! I hurried inside the building to find the stabling chart and to see where me and the rest of NEDA’s team would be stabled. The rotunda was just as I remembered it, and its’ beauty never had ceased to fill me with excitement. I could see the main arena through the big archway. It was set up with two rings and it looked great. The site thrilled me. I was going to be competing where legends have ridden and to my surprise our team was stabled at the main barn. I was fortunate enough to have been stabled there before, so I knew it was the best place to be. The stabling area was incredible with its’ brick floors and huge stalls with brass bars. If you haven’t seen it, it’s a must!

I quickly found a spot close to the barn to park and unload. It was getting dark, and my mare wanted OFF! Our team was supposed to have a meeting at 5-o’clock, and I did not want to be late. One of our third level team members helped me bed my stall and unload my horse. Just hearing the echo of her hooves on the brick floor as she walked, gave me goose bumps. When I realized I was one of the last members of the team to arrive, I got nervous. This was my sixteenth show of the season so I shouldn’t have been nervous, but being a part of a team that had worked so hard to get there was a little intimidating. Being new to Region 8, I only knew one other team member who graciously introduced me to some of my other teammates. It was great to finally get to meet more members of the team.

It was after 5:00pm and we were supposed to have a meeting. I was looking forward to meeting the rest of my teammates then. The clock ticked on and no one knew where our Chef de Quippe was. The team was tired and growing restless. I couldn’t blame them, the drive was long. I talked with a few of the team members and we decided to run the meeting ourselves so that we could disperse. Using the very informative and organized packets we received in the mail from the Chef de Quippe we handed out the saddle pads, and assigned volunteers to their stations. It took teamwork, but we got it done (thanks to all that gave up their time to help!) This gave me an opportunity to meet the rest of the first level team and their trusty steeds. As quickly as we assembled, we dispersed with weary good-byes and "good lucks," for the following day of competition.

Five AM comes quickly the first weekend in November – it’s still dark out when you open your eyes which is not very encouraging. But I jumped out of bed and got dressed, mentally checking off items on "the show list." I didn’t compete until 11:28am, but I volunteered to score and I had to be at the USET early to feed my mare and then walk her around the rings. My volunteer work started at 7:30am in the scoring room, which is in the trophy room of the USET. Its a great room. In the middle of it, the floor, is made of glass so you can see the main area below you. It has a railing around it so you can’t walk on it, but we made faces at the people walking below. It was a show day, how serious could you expect us to be?

Helping to score was a team member from Mid-Hudson. We had great fun talking about regionals and the upcoming USDF meeting, and we occasionally scored a test or two. Finally, after punching buttons on a calculator for what seemed to be days, it was time to go ride. I tacked up my mare and ventured to the warm up. My first test was not in the main ring, but up on the hill. The time had come to do our best.

When I was finished putting my mare away I quickly found my way back to the main area where the scores were being posted. I was stopped by a fellow teammate who had ridden both of her tests and was excited about how well they went. I congratulated her, and at that moment the team spirit overcame me. I was proud to be there, and was going to do my best. My second ride wasn’t until 3:30 so I had enough time to go to lunch and catch a few of my team members’ rides as well. Finally, it was time to ride my second test. It went well and being the last ride of my level, all I had to do was relax and wait.

After all the scores were totaled and tabulated all of our teams’ hard work paid off. The first level team took second place out of eight teams. The second level team pulled out all the stops and brought home the blue. The third level team with tough competition from the ESDCTA took third and our fourth level team rode well to finish in second place. A job well done by all so it was time to celebrate, and enjoy the competitors party that was being held that evening.

The party was great fun, with lots of hoots and hollers from everyone. NEDA’s team members received wicked cool team shirts, which were donated by our official sponsors Tally Oats and Gwen Davis of Hamilton Horse Cookie Co.

This years NEDA team gave their all, and despite some disappointing scores from the judges, they did our region proud. My hat goes off to my teammates for a job well done and good times had by all. Next year will be even more fun, so get out there, ride your best and send your applications in to be on the team. You don’t want to miss out on all the fun!!!

 

Kelli J. Mason

 

All of the team members would like to take time to give thanks to all of our sponsors without whom we could not have sent a team to Gladstone.

 

In order to raise funds, NEDA held a raffle. Its’ donators were;

 

Relax- It’s Show Time

Spring is here again, and you know what that means. It’s show time! It’s time to pull off those winter blankets and groom those horse until they shine(or roll in the mud). Show season has arrived but don’t panic. I know that showing can be very stressful, but with the right tools and know how it doesn’t have to be. Remember it’s suppose to be fun! Fun? What’s that right? How can you have fun when you have a gazillion things to remember? Well, here are a few things you can do to cut down the stress of showing so that you can have fun.

  1. Be prepared for anything and everything. Always try to bring two of all the important items if you can, like an extra girth, saddle pad, whip, bridle etc. You never know what can happen, but if you’re prepared you don’t have to worry.
  2. Make a show list. This list should include all the things that are necessary to bring to the show. As you are packing for the show you can check each item off the list. This way, you don’t have to worry weather you’ve forgotten something or not. If your list is checked off, you can relax. Extra tip- if it’s the first show of the season make your list early and check it off early so you have time to get the things you need with plenty of time before your show.
  3. If you can, pack for the show the day before the show. This allows you time to get things that are on your list, but don’t have. For your first show, pack as early as you can. Why add more stress to your first show.
  4. Check out your towing rig and trailer. If someone else is bringing you to the show confirm the times you need them to pick you up and bring you home. Before your first show your truck and trailer should be checked over thoroughly. The day before the show, if you can, hook it up and be ready to roll. Check the lights, brakes and tires. Always carry a tire jack, extra coolant, and jumper cables. Remember, knowing that you are prepared for anything is less stressful.
  5. Know where you are going. Even if you’ve been there before, take a map. You never know if there will be a detour from road construction. If you’re prepared, you don’t have to worry.
  6. Leave early enough to give you and your horse time to stretch out and relax. Walk the grounds and get your bearings. Locate the warm-up and the rings which you will be riding in that day. Make a list of your times, and which ring you’ll be in. That way in one glance you’ll know where to go.
  7. Know your tests. Even if you plan on having a reader, things happen and sometimes you can’t hear them. It’s also a good idea to bring extra copies of the tests with you, just in case.
  8. Eat a good breakfast and if you can bring something to drink with you. Most shows have food on the grounds but you never know so plan ahead.
  9. Bring extra clothes for all weather occasions. The weather can change in minutes, and who can really trust their weathermen anyway.
  10. Last but not least, take a big breath and relax. You’re having fun and it’s easy because you are prepared for anything.