Whit Returns to Germany
From November 8, 2010 through February 2, 2011, Anna Whitfield Watkins, or “Whit” as many of us Region 9 members know her, had the opportunity to train with Hubertus Schmidt. Now, after coming home and enjoying success at the Palm Beach Dressage Derby in Wellington, FL, Whit is returning to Germany. Whit plans to focus on training through the rest of the spring, and then enter the show circuit in the summer. Her sights are set on representing the USA at the 2012 Olympics in London. Before Whit and her horses caught their cargo plane to Germany, she shared pictures of her and Obi at the Derby in FL, some of her personal background, a little about her FEI mounts, and some tidbits of advice for riders who are new to the CDI competition scene, as well as for riders everywhere.
A Bit about Whit
Whit began her riding career at the age of 3. Although she started with Western and mostly just played with horses, she became active in the Hunter/Jumper world from junior high through college. She was an Eventer through the 80’s, and enjoyed foxhunting as well. Whit became hooked on Dressage after college, which was when she saw her first Dressage show. Whit began her Dressage career in Colorado. After moving to Texas, Whit has continued to push herself by showing in both California and Florida. She currently trains with Shelly Francis and Hubertus Schmidt.
When not riding, Whit enjoys reading. Her favorite genres are historical novels, sci-fi, and biographies. Whit also enjoys photography, but often finds herself without a camera when she wishes she had one.
Whit’s FEI Mounts
Cipriani:
- 9 year-old Westfalen, purchased by Whit as a 3 year-old, shortly after he was imported to the USA
- Favorite treat: Aside from the beet-based treats he is allowed to have, he enjoys a few grapes a day.
- Favorite movement together: Extended Trot
- “He floats, powers off, and takes you with him.”
Obulette (aka “Obi”):
- 15 year-old KWPN Grand Prix mount bought to help Whit tune-up for serious FEI competition (she raised & trained a horse to Grand Prix in the 90’s).
- Favorite treat: Bananas
- “Obi will literally turn himself inside-out for a banana.”
- Favorite movement together: Half pass.
Whit’s Advice for 1st Time CDI Competitors
- Ride the horse you have that day, not the horse you had 3 days ago. LOVE your horse and reward him/her for every effort.
- Know the rules! Especially those concerning whips/spurs and helmets/top hats. (Leave your whip with your friend/helper at the warm-up arena.)
- For the Jog Out be neat/tidy and in safe shoes. Plan ahead and have a practical and attractive outfit. Braid your horse. Remember this is your 1st impression for the ground jury. There is a sign up for the jog… be on time and keep the jog moving along promptly.
- Practice jogging at home. Make sure your horse will jog with you. You do not want to fall on your face as your horse runs off or to have your horse try to stay behind as you jog out.
If you have questions, ask a TD or the show management.
ENJOY the show.
Overall, Whit encourages all riders to seek out opportunities to “get off your property and see what others are doing.” In other words, take advantage of opportunities to go to training seminars, the L program, shows that attract top riders… anything to further your education, even if it means getting a group together and taking an equestrian focused vacation. In addition, continually take steps to input your brain with images of positive, harmonious, and effective riding examples. “You will internalize what you visualize and then create it in your own riding.” Therefore, when you are at shows (schooling or recognized) make an effort to watch riders you know and admire. Likewise, avoid watching examples of bad riding. Remember: “Bad riding is not an auto wreck. You will eventually emulate what see, whether you intend to or not, so don’t bother watching it.”
To keep up with Whit, check out her website, www.whitwatkins.com. There, you will find show results, as well as the opportunity to commit to support her as she strives to reach her goal of the 2012 Olympics in London.