Connecticut Dressage & Combined Training Association

Have you met Ernie?  Do you know who he is?

For those CDCTA members who may not have been aware, the Club owns a horse. 
 
Ernie is a spectacular horse who was "donated" to the Club by member, CDCTA Board Member,
and ex-Treasurer, Mary Schmitt upon her death from cancer.  Mary wanted Ernie to share his talents with deserving CDCTA young riders to further their abilities and give them a chance to compete at a level they may never have achieved otherwise.  She also wished to ensure a peaceful retirement for him that the Club has ensured for him.  The CDCTA has established a retirement fund to ensure that his future is secure.
 
So CDCTA members, be sure to go up and introduce yourself if you see Ernie out and about. Be sure to give him an extra pat (and a treat if it is okay with his rider!) and tell him what
an awesome boy he is, and say 'hi' to the rider who is learning so much from such a great guy.
 
Oct 15, 2011
Hi Everyone - First thing on the agenda- I want to give a HUGE thanks to the Ernie Committee for picking me to be Ernie's partner!!  I am so excited about the next year of things to come and can’t wait to share with all of you our accomplishments. So lets get started!!! Next a little about myself.  My name is Kym Mayo.  As a child I rode from from the age of 6 til about 14. Mostly trail riding and putting around in the fields. Due to circumstances beyond my control, I was forced to give up riding. Then came marriage, a child and the military and no time to get back into riding. Three years ago a friend asked me to volunteer at a horse rescue and needless to say I fell in love all over again... And got "the" itch...I started taking lessons and had the opportunity to lease, then buy my first horse as an adult. Butch (my percheron) and I had a great 1 1/2 years together, before he suddenly passed away last September.  He taught me a lot and now I get to learn and grow more with I think the 2nd most amazing horse in the world, Ernie!!!

It has already been, in this short amount of time we've been together, Amazing. I can't begin to describe how wonderful it is to ride such an experienced, knowledgeable horse. And personality.... he is such a clown one second and the next  he's like a puppy in your lap.... Now to the work.... For the last few weeks Ernie and I have been working together building a relationship and taking lessons with Ann Bowie. Thanks Ann- your Awesome too!!!! Our immediate plan is to work on my seat and balance. You know heels down, sit back and hands up!!!! LOL that's all I hear in my mind day and night:) In this short amount of time, Ernie has already taught me a lot and has given me back some confidence that I had lost. I also wanted to try a couple of hunter paces.  So Ernie and I went to the Pomfret Hunter Pace on Sunday Oct 9th and boy did we have a blast!!!! It was a beautiful day and we were with some great friends and although we didn't place, it was very muddy and we took our time, we had a lot of fun!!!!  Just getting the experience with such a great man (Ernie) was more than anyone could ask for. He took really good care of me!!  I am soooo looking forward to the next one, which will be Oct 23rd at Tara Farm.  We have a lot of trail riding and lessons to get in before winter comes!!!!  So until then I just want to thank you again for the most amazing opportunity to be with the most amazing horse!!!
 Kym & Ernie