Building a Solid Foundation at Welcome Back to White Fences I Dressage Show Feb 22 – 24, 2013

Training a dressage horse up the levels takes an enormous amount of time, work, and confidence building. Adam Pollak at White Fences Equestrian Center knows how help riders in their quest to build a solid foundation for their horses. Not only does he create a quiet atmosphere for the horse, but he organizes an ambiance for the riders like no other dressage show in the country. Pollak formulates a friendly component with a country home-style meal area with food complimentary for all. He opens the door for everyone to get to know each other at the show.

“White Fences is by far my favorite show,” said Silva Martin. Martin who is training and competing in Florida from Pennsylvania continued, “The place looks amazing, it’s run really well. Everyone is so friendly and nice.” With three competition arenas, two warm up arenas all with top of the line GGT footing as well as 30 acres to prepare a horse, the White Fences dressage shows for many riders are on the list of must dos to build their horse's training and showing foundation early in the year.    

The 4 year old, 5 year old, and 6 year old tests or Markel Young Horse Program works for many riders, giving riders a structure to the training the young horses up the levels. Not all riders can master it well, but there are riders who do it with such ease. Martin said, “The progression for the horse is important. There can be no rush, it has to be right. If it’s not right, then a rider has to take a step back and make sure the horse is confident with what is being asked.” The Welcome Back White Fences shows let the rider test out the training, to set the horse up for a successful day. Martin continued, “It’s not about over-facing the horse, but by giving the horse a way to feel successful in the work. We as people like to have work where we feel successful with the work, the horse feels that same pride.” Tall, athletic and elegant in the saddle, Silva may be a tough competitor but she is also easygoing and approachable. Martin competed three horses in the Saturday’s Five year Old Test with amazing success.  

The three horses Martin competed:

Benefactor RRS (Bon Air x Heidekind by Rubinstein) A Hanoverian owned by Melinda Walton and Larry Smith receiving a score of 8.28 or 82.8% 

Fortissimo B (Fabuleux  x Roma I by Rubinstein) A Hanoverian owned by Camilla VanLiew receiving a score of 8.06 or 80.6% - A horse Silva has for sale

Di Solitaire (by Trento B ) Dutch Warmblood owned by Anne and Mike Laver  scoring 7.62 or  76.2%

Silva has plenty of high scores prepared for the year. With only six horses in the class, Martin could be seen leaping from one horse to the next, not missing a beat with her focused riding on one of the three 5 year olds in the arena. She succeeded with a wonderful sense of harmony.