Carousel Dressage Off and Running in Ashby, MA Location…

Trainer and Judge Bill McMullin on the runway. Photo by Dunn Photography

2014 continues strong for Nancy Later Lavoie, and Matt Lavoie of Carousel Dressage. Nancy opened her season here in MA with the annual adult camp held the weekend of April 5 and 6 . Again all campers, both new and repeat, opened themselves up to Nancy’s training techniques, benefiting both horse and rider . The success of the Adult Camp has prompted an additional date to be added August 23-24, 2014. The weekend of May 3, began with a clinic featuring renowned trainer, Conrad Schumacher, from Neu Isenberg, Germany. The arena was filled with auditors, absorbing Mr. Schumacher’s dynamic instruction to a group of well qualified horse and rider combinations. After the clinic ended on Saturday the arena was transformed into a, smashing, runway for the gala event “From the Stable to Stepping Out”, a fashion show held to help benefit USDF, Region 8 juniors and young riders. Lavoie quotes “many wonderful people stepped up to help make the night a fantastic success. We are very grateful to our sponsors Elite Equine Imports, Teresa Davidson, Mark Shonberg, Ruth Poulson and Bear Spot Farm, as well as our retailers and designers, Dover Saddlery, Stone Pony Tack Shop, Black Horse Creations, DSB Boots, Custom Saddlery, Nati Celebrity Boutique and Eleni’s Fashion and Tailoring.”

The evening began with a demonstration on horseback featuring riding wear. Horses and riders were “dressed to the nines” and performed to music provided by the announcer Paul Eason. The riding portion was followed by the red carpet presentations. As the title states From the Stable to Stepping Out” beautiful designs, many one of a kind were modeled by riders of all ages.

Linda Powers, one of the organizers quotes” it truly was a delightful evening from start to finish. Nancy and Matt, converted the fantastic indoor lunging arena into a stunning dining hall. After the show we all enjoyed the dinner as well as the surprise $800 worth of raffle items donated by Dover Saddlery”

Special thanks were noted to models, Emily Smith, Jane Hannigan, Bill McMullin, Rachel Littauer, Ariella Espana Gross, Maggie Mann, Claire Murphy, Marissa Pelligrino, Mary Louisa Jones, Callie O’Connell, Eliza Gardner, Allison Redston, Kristin Schwaegerle, Kate Schwaegerle, Gayle Paquin, and Gail Price as well as organizers Linda Powers, Karin Swanfelt, Paul Eason and Michael Lavoie of Powerhouse Sound and Lighting. Hair and Makeup by Melanie and Marlene of Chateau Cheveux, and Devin Whitney Brine.

Trainer Gayle Paquin dressed and ready for the runway

Sunday morning it was back to work for Mr. Schumacher and clinic participants Kristin Schwaegerle, Susan Mercer, Christine and Larry Poulin, Doris Carlson, Ariella Espana Gross, Maggie Mann, Alison Redston, Bonnie Padwa, Claire Murphy, Eliza Gardner, Meghan Drysdale, Hope Cooper, Gayle Paquin, Emily Smith, Brian Russell, Susan Rainville, Angela Rice and Linda Parmeter.

The weekend concluded with Monday’s Trainers Workshop. All agreed it was a weekend packed with knowledge, information and fun!

For upcoming events at Carousel Dressage includeing a response training clinic with Tristan Tucker, view nancylaterdressagehorses.com