Gifted Memorial Fund for Adult Amateurs Recipient: Marikay Asberry (Region 4)

A Huge Thank You to The Dressage Foundation 

I am deeply grateful to The Dressage Foundation for the grant that allowed me to train with Amanda Bailey at Oakfield Dressage. This experience enabled me to hone my Fourth Level skills and begin working towards Prix St. Georges (PSG). 

During my time at Oakfield, I had the opportunity to take mounted lessons on my horse, FaceTime. Our first focus was on improving his balance and refining my position to establish a solid foundation for further training. One of my biggest challenges has been counting tempi changes. Amanda tailored her teaching methods to help me overcome this hurdle, enhancing the mind-body communication pathway. We practiced counting through ground galloping exercises and used nursery rhymes like "Baa Baa Blacksheep" and "Lions and Tigers" in a melodic rhythm. This approach engaged the right side of my brain, bypassing the logical left side that was obstructing my ability to count and aid effectively. 

In addition to the mounted lessons, I observed Amanda riding her own horses and teaching other clients. Watching her ride and teach helped me develop my eye as a rider, enabling me to make corrections to my own riding by reviewing videos at home. 

Before this training, I had shown at Fourth Level Test 1, scoring in the 60s. Since my time at Oakfield, I have successfully competed at Fourth Level Test 3, scoring over 65% and winning the high point adult amateur award. My goals now include qualifying for regionals at Fourth Level and competing at PSG later this fall, with the ultimate aim of earning my USDF silver medal. 

Thank you again, TDF, for enabling this opportunity. The intense training has significantly advanced my progress, setting me on an upward trajectory in my dressage journey.