UPDATE: WAHSET 2009-2010 - Hunt Seat
WAHSET stands for Washington State High
School Equestrian Team which is a great program for equine-loving
high school students. It is considered an actual high school
sport and students can earn a sports letter. It takes many
volunteers, parents and others, to make this happen for local
equine youth enthusiasts. This past school year 2009-2010,
brought on some new ideas as well as new issues. This year Cassie
and I did not help the H. S. Hunt Seat Team we had planned to
support, as the parent who was the Adviser for their Team and her
daughter a rider/student who would have participated also elected
not to participate for various reasons.
Some of which I will go through here.
My belief is that all true professionals in this industry want to
see growth especially when safety is such a huge concern and
should be, want to support their discipline and the industry with
as much integrity and passion and good sense as one can have.
Along with their own arena miles, experiences, knowledge, talent
and conviction, with realization of the importance of role and
respect needed. Especially if you are not just a good horse
trainer, but choose to be a coach as well. An instructor has a
duty and an obligation to meet as high of standards as they can.
Most likely and hopefully, if one chooses to become an instructor
they have really looked in the mirror and have made this decision
as wisely as possible. An re-look at their track record further
down the line a few years later to re-evaluate their appitude for
lessons, coaching, etc. With that said, and my attempt to be
fairly brief here which will not happen, lol - ha ha, here goes.
This year we were approached with questions and concerns as we
had been H. S. coaches the past 2 years previously (and we coach
privatetly at our place.) What has been shared with us, what we
have been told outright, now viewed too so far has been fairly
disappointing in the Hunt Seat venue - which is the only
discipline I intend to remark on presently now. First discussed,
(again) was there were behavior issues and not just from students
as expected and can happen, but again there were issues on fair-mindedness,
quality, expertise, and control from the Advisors/Head Coaches,
etc. Which now once again has been directed back to School
District officials. (Maybe even back to WAHSET by now.) This does
not weigh lightly in the hands of School District officials, as
previous years have shown, nor should it, and does nothing for
protecting this program for the students with the School District,
which should be foremost in the minds of those that wear the hats.
The past few years, our District has really taken the entire
program into consideration, not on just one occassion either, and
has even contemplated cancelling it. I can see their point of
view totally. Knowing it is a volunteer situation first hand,
even the costs involved, there is still an amount of expertise in
several areas, not just equine needed in these roles, including
teaching skills, followed with fair-mindedness with all students
treated equally, that has to be present or ... step down - this
is suppose to be in the bests' interests of the kids ? I have to
question if this has happened...
Now secondly,... understanding that locale plays a role here and
this is not Southern California, currently we are at a disbelief
that the Hunt Seat part of WAHSET went backwards, if there is an
easy way to put it. I have to say that I am very proud of the
students that rode the two years past, as the courses and
jumps presented as a good solid Equitation over Fences class was
as it should be, those kids rode it and tried, practiced hard,
even with winter and weather at their disadvantage. This year,
the course was just about County Fair quality - a figure 8 hunter
type course, and jumps not much more than post n' rail fences,
barely at height, a few panels, and lucky that there were even a
few oxers. Frankly, besides disappointment, it pretty much makes
me a bit annoyed and sad. Sad for the students mostly, as with
this discipline it is about forward, learning - gaining more
knowledge and hours in the arena, "miles" and is a
forever discipline of learning. The possibilities with this
program are huge and that's annoying in itself as I for one am
all about the kidsand their horses and my chosen discipline. The
students I've seen adore the WAHSET program, they share
themselves with fellow students, horses and even the adults as
parents interact with all the kids as it should be. They want to
learn, be safe and have FUN, and it is up to the adults, the
officiating powers, Advisors' and Coaches alike to do everything
in their power to make this about the students and their mounts,
including continue learning and seeking the best reasources
possible. I think the desire is there, but the follow through is
a must and in the WAHSET Hunt Seat Equitation Over Fence class,
that did not happen this year. For whatever reason. Again, this
is the only issue I am addressing here now.
I admire the kids and their perseverance. I adore this program
for them and it is a shame that those that are involved, did not
step up here. Sadly, some students (and parents) that are very
into the Hunt Seat discipline pulled out, or never bothered to
even join, and like mentioned, for various reasons. They were
actually the students and parents that "did" need to be
there. We see way to much of this "hiding heads in the sand"
from those(of us) that can not be a part of it any longer,and
"pull" themselves away or those that just decide not to
partake. If there are no role-models to follow, the people who
have had the training, experience - it does not allow growth then
either. Students learn from other students as well! or are at
least suppose to be taught and encouraged to do so?
It is surprising the Advisors and Head Coaches did not address
the course at least? A question or some questions should have
been asked prior? We have been all lead to believe the people in
these positions know enough H/J & Hunt Seat Equitation, then
they should have spoken up? Exactly what is expected in their
role then? When we first came on board a few years ago as Hunt
Seat Coaches we were nicely surprised to see a really decent set
of fences and... a decent Eq. over Fences course. What a nice
change we thought. To see this decline this year is really
disappointing, and I am surprised it was not called on the carpet
or at least discussed by those that have Advisor and/or Head
Coach status. Or even the Hunt Seat Coaches themselves. Maybe it
was a relief to them that it was in fact so basic and not
challenging. ??? After speaking with our Advisor here, she said
that the course for State was different and actually tested the
rider more. This still does not set well with me. The course that
was ridden throughout the three Meets and should have been
practiced, was just as I mentioned above, a figure 8 hunter type
course, and with no broken lines, not even a single long ride to
one, no nice turns, or even a trot fence. No testing here, no
prep for the State course? This in no way could really have
readied riders (especially those with less miles) for the State
course which she said did have a few of the standard type rides/tests
one may expect doing an Eq. over Fences course. Only the riders
that are "discipline specific" are really going to have
a decent trip? ugh... Regardless, we hope that someone steps up
here and brings life back into this for the over fence students.
What is very sad to see also is the decline in the riding skills
of students and horses/ponies in our Districts. As much as we
know the students want to progress with their riding too. What
happened here... When the riding declines as such, safety then
too also becomes an issue. Horses entering the arena in an Eq.
over Fences class looking like they are gaming horses, can not
even enter quietly, walk nor stand upon entering, crossing
sideways, tossing heads, counter-flexed and galloping throughout
the course and/or not getting the distances, where is the
training here? There was one mother that remarked that at WAHSET
State, the judges only pinned the Thoroughbreds ? hmm... it was
nice she said that at least her kid got some changes. We've shown
every type of horse and pony in some very nice Hunter Jumper
shows at some very nice facilities in our past and have never had
an issue with the fact it had "spots", a dish-faced
head and pointy ears at a real show. If the ride was a good ride,
they got pinned or won! As a matter of fact, our Appaloosa’s
along with many other trainers and friends Appy's did quite well
against TB's most often if not became Champions. {IF this is the
case, then WAHSET has a whole lot bigger issues to fry than they
think! It means their judges are bias and unfair.} But how about
this,...in an Equitation Class, the horse is not the issue anyway
- unless it enters the arena like a barrel horse! So this mother,
has no clue yet has been in WAHSET for more than just one year
and took lessons(?) for years herself. : ( A
rider that is "discipline specific" is of huge value to
this program as they can often offer really good rides, and be
super role models for riders that are interested in that
particular discipline. Again, where are the lessons needing to be
learned here, growth, education, but I still ask, where are the
Advisors and Coaches? That extra step should come into play then,
explain "why" that rider won, teach why that rider/horse
combo won or did very well. What was the difference in one ride
as another from the moment that horse/rider combo set it's first
hoof in the arena? Use that experienced rider/horse combo as a
tool. The coaches should also disclose that this is an Eq. over
Fence class and what is desired by the judge - at the very least
in basic terms to the parent as they also can highly influence
the students as well. Not just send them home with a oh well, ho-hum
attitude. TEACH! Personally - I am very happy to hear that the
right rider/horse combo rated the highest scores if this be the
case which means the caliber of judging has been stepped up which
is great news! That's growth and that is reasonable and what is
in the bests' interests of the students and the program.
WAHSET like any other equestrian program or group has its' issues,
but the I think there should be some extra focus on growth and
gaining knowledge, it "can" be a part of fun too.
Continual learning is always good and promotes safely. I know
there are those on the inside trying desperately - working hard
for the students and this program. We wish them the best but
sadly it seems they are the minority not the majority. The
internal concerns need to be addressed and should not even be an
issue. I've seen some pretty lackadaisical attitudes coming from
coaches in this program. I've also seen favoritism played out by
coaches which were followed by bad decisions and unfairness
toward certain students. This too is unacceptable and not okay
for students to experience or go through. Sorry to say this but,
until some of the adults holding important positions in their
respective roles, make better choices and decisions on behalf of
the students and this program and put their egos (saying this
lightly) in the rubbish where they belong, we will continue to
see parents and students that "should be" very much in
the WAHSET program - walk. What a shame. This is unnecessary and
undesirable and has happened.
This is a great program, still in it's youth, yet some
unnecessary issues that have not been resolved even internally,
on this side of the fence are still present. It would be superb
if the folks who are officiating WAHSET would address these
things right up and on it this next year. The School Districts
too. The complaints need to be taken seriously from parents and
students alike and hopefully remedied reasonably.
I am happy to report that almost all of the students had a good
time with fellow students this year and had fun with their mounts.
As it should be.
The camaraderie, support, and sportsmanship was superb!!! That's
what I want to hear !!! ; ) We are very proud of
them all....
I hope everyone came out of this year with higher expectations, a
heighten passion and drive and a huge desire to continue to gain
miles in the arena, seek good coaching, learn, have fun and be
safe and love your horses/ponies! Parents included... : )
More updates pending when possible....
Previously:
WAHSET is fairly new compared to the many other equine
organizations and groups throughout the U. S. DPHS and other
schools in our area are part of WA State District One (1) out of
the three districts in the entire State. There is a large variety
of disciplines offered from Hunt Seat to Dressage to Reining,
Driving, Trail, Showmanship, Gaming and more. Most all the
disciplines are based on the students performance, I. E.
equitation. Even in Dressage as this is a fairly newly introduced
concept.
Cassie and myself were volunteer Hunt Seat coaches for Deer Park
High School. 2008 was our first year. It was pulled together by
local parents and school officials working hard together to
accomplish this. There were 11 students that joined the fist year
in many different disciplines. School year 09/09 brought 28
students and the Deer Park High School co-op team now formed with
a few other High Schools; Mount Spokane H. S., N. W. Christian,
Mead H. S., Oaksdale H. S. and Riverside H. S. All of which has
been more than a welcomed and wonderful treat to have a such a
nice big team and all the support.
The leadership and officiating throughout WAHSET and especially
in our District 1, has been marvelous and a tremendous effort,
foremost and always wholeheartedly trying to do what is in the
best interests of the students and their mounts and safety, which
is huge for me. The facilities chosen for the Meets have been
more than satisfactory, just a bit far to travel for us in the
Spokane area, and can be pricey, not just for the students and
their family, but also for the coach volunteers as well...but so
well worth it for the students. All students and parents must
read and sign different paperwork including mandatory Rules and
Regulations and Team Expectations forms. An athlete representing
a school must always be a cut above and remember they are a role
model. The expectations are high as they should be. Rules and
Regulations are set forth as to be expected, again foremost with
safety and integrity as well being some of the guidelines desired.
In the course of two years and taking a back-seat position of
watching and gaining knowledge, and also working with the hunt
seat students, there are a few issues that are of concern. As
much as this program is and has the potential that I believe all
are striving for, coming right down to the actual event in each
discipline, there are still details that need to be worked-out
and addressed. As each discipline has its own style, training,
technique, etc., it seems to be lacking in the judging part of it
and even possibly the way the program is at this time. As a
Hunter/Jumper trainer and coach myself, I have concerns with a
few details that surely could be worked out, especially with the
program scenario that is created presently. Horses/ponies and
students not in training with a professional barn, latitude and
longitude, as there are not a lot of H/J events here of any kind,
or H/J support, weather, economics, feed quality, and more. There
is much to take into logical consideration at this point. Which
in my world all eventually leads to safety factors. Which leads
me to believe that the effort so given by the heads of this
program already, may gladly embrace concerns and comments or
guidance and help with open arms. (hopefully) As it is right now,
WAHSET is not much more than a glorified 4-H program by standards.
This type of program frankly has never worked for me, my horses
or my students, so we tend to stay away from these types of
programs. Judging often times too is different as well. What may
be or is to be expected most often is not to be. Most often as
well, it resembles a breed show by standards there too. Which is
not the open show atmosphere.
In many of the performance classes you have mounts and riders
that literally just change saddles and dress. The Quarter horse
breed types especially. The same head carriage and frame,
presented consistantly, but in a dressage saddle or hunt saddle
and they are just pattern horses. The horses and riders that show
in the Hunt Seat pattern classes were also shown in the Western
pattern and Dressage classes as well. Not one of those type of
horses attempted the over-fence class which is probably a
blessing. . It is not hard to sit the trot when it is a jog. Many
(almost all) of them exhibited what we call a “pony-gait”
or 4 beat canter also, counterflexed on circling, and on the
forehand. Which makes for a long-slow pattern that is easily
rideable in a propped-up poised position from the rider. Not much
horsemanship involved there as one who would really ride a
Dressage test, even a lower level test would already know. Just
working on a trot circle and executing it as properly as possible
takes horsemanship skills. A 4-beat canter should be highly
remarked upon and scored down accordingly, as well and a jog that
is supposed to be a working trot should be a "working trot",
not a jog with no forward momentum, etc. A hand-gallop should be
in two-point position by the rider and an actual controlled hand
gallop. These are considered prominent faults in an Equitation
class according to the USEF, USHJA, and PCHA and the "Get
Connected" DVD (mentioned later here with a link.) The
pattern horses (as I refer to them) are presented on the fore-hand
and in a western pleasure frame, therefore you will not see them
in an over-fence class, especially at any height (over crossrails
or 18" if that), which is probably a good thing before and
will continue to point out! Safety first.: this type of training
is not correct, suitable or safe for jumping.
WAHSET is a newer organization especially for our area as I
previously stated. The few issues that need to be addressed and
remedied could really be done fairly easily. The one distinct
concern I have is finding judges that will work for a more proper,
corrected program? The 4-H judges, as wonderful as they are, and
do not get me wrong, I appreciate them so much for what they do
with the program and for kids, do not and are not use to judging
a real Dressage or open Hunter Jumper competition where a western
pleasure quarter horse and its cute propped up rider would
‘never’ get good marks or be in the ribbons exhibiting
a “pony-gait” 4-beat canter, counter-flexed circles,
being on the forehand, backing like a stock horse, instead of a
nice rein-back or even riding a jog that is suppose to be a
working trot, etc. There is a difference and it is a clear
difference. 4-H judges and the like, are use to seeing what they
normally see. There is no fault here, it just needs to be
corrected for us, especially so WAHSET can continue to grow in
the right direction. Also, sadly enough... students will think
that they do well here at our WAHSET meets (much like their 4-H
or breed shows) will certainly find out that when they go out
into the open world of showing where it is “discipline
specific”, they will not get the same response and will be
penalized and not know why. This bothers me and Cassie. Past
experience and history shows it does not promote a healthy or
proper riding standard. It would set up any rider/student for
eventual failure promoting this, and like I said, this concerns
and bothers us. We’ve seen it too often already. Riding and
horsemanship is a forever learning process.
So, currently the question is, can WAHSET find judges or clinic/train
and encourage the judges to clearly understand this? Secondly,
should there be a change some of the rules/policies? If you do
not ride in the Equitation over Fence class, you do not ride in
the Hunt Seat Equitation class? Would that solve anything? Is
that fair, or is it unfair to the kids who “have” a
main discipline and work super hard at that one discipline?
I believe a suggestion to WAHSET is that during their judges
clinics they show the DVD, “Get Connected” or promote
the judge to purchase it. The DVD is fabulous, a tremendous
learning, teaching, and judging aide and is endorsed by the USEF.
It shows Hunt Seat Equitation as well as all the Tests 1-19, plus
Dressage video and information on how it has defined and very
much so influenced our Hunt Seat - Forward Seat riding presently,
especially with Equitation riders and their mounts. This DVD may
help, but only if the judges understand and comprehend what it is
they are viewing and the techniques, etc. As with our discipline,
which is a forever discipline in the gaining of knowledge, I am
hoping it is so true with WAHSET.
It is a great program with some really GREAT people and it is so
encouraging and fun to be with this group at the Meets. I do hope
some of these things can be introduced and presented, promoted,
debated and worked out. Thus, I think it would become a more fair
program for all riders/students.
Also, we are understanding that there are concerns with some of
the other local coaches and students from other disciplines, such
as reining, etc.? Also there have been shared concerns about
behavior issues with students, but unfortunately, also with
adults. Sadly, as currently seen in sports nowadays in general,
often competition, egos, added with a bit of stress, etc.,
present themselves badly, even in the adults. It's not a stranger
here and must be taken into consideration by parents when
thinking about participating. More may be posted in the future on
this topic. Thinking out loud, maybe a meeting about shared
concerns with promoting the healthy growth and further education
and standards of this great program would be a welcomed idea? We
look forward to hearing from anyone that could lend a hand, share
a thought, share some insight and/or ideas, share their concerns,
etc. and thank those who have already contacted us with shared
concerns. Please feel free to contact us. stardusting@hunterjumpers.com
or better yet... Facebook: Pamela Swiderski
For more information on the District #1 WAHSET program contact:
Linda Simon District #1 Chair
Nomiscl@aol.com
WAHSET website: www.wahset.org
USHJA - “Get Connected” DVD: http://www.ushja.org/programs/get-connected_dvd.shtml