Friday, December 11, 2009

End of the Semester

Its exam week and things are winding down at the Equestrian Center. Monday evening several of us joined Carla’s Form to Function class for a presentation by Rob Jacobs. Rob recently did an internship with the Washington International Horse Show. He had a busy week in Washington updating the show’s webpage, facebook and twitter pages, taking video footage of the first horse arriving in the city, assisting with the organization of hospitality for sponsors, and even appearing on ABC News Channel 8 – live!

Tuesday evening a group spent a couple of hours packing about 200 boxes to be shipped overseas to soldiers. This tradition started 4 years ago and has become a highlight of the Christmas season. Carla’s Mom sponsors the project and collects tons of boxes. SAPC equestrians purchase useful items for the boxes – things like toiletries, snacks, cards and games. This year we ran out of stuff before we ran out of boxes. Peggy came to the rescue making two trips into town to purchase more stuff. Everything was loaded into Carla’s horse trailer to be delivered to the VFW Post in Southern Pines. Thursday lunchtime Jake Nix, Shannon Leggett, Rachel Buckler & Anne Neal Thompson accompanied Carla to drop off the stuff. Thank you to Nancy Wennberg, Peggy, Carla and everyone who helped with this project. As Carla says, “This is Christmas!”

Wednesday evening Riding Council hosted their annual Christmas party at the farm house. The barn staff decorated the farm house (including inflatables on the front lawn). Rank testing certificates were handed out and Lindsay, Heather and Ashley cooked for the hordes.

Next week things will be quieter as students finish up exams and head home for Christmas break. Those of us with academic classes will be scrambling to get grades turned in and all equestrian staff members will be pitching in with horse care.

Monday, December 7, 2009

IDA Update

IDA has had a slow start in Region I this semester with several shows being cancelled for one reason or another. Saturday Dec 5th was wet and cold but that did not dampen the enthusiasm of the teams that gathered at Buckhorn Farm in Apex, NC. Bridget and the Wolf Pack Dressage team put an a first rate show with a tent for the horses to stand in between rides and horse trailers for coaches and riders to shelter in. I personally want to thank all the owners (and there were many) who so kindly allowed their horses to be used for the show. Your generosity made the show possible.

Competition was intense in every division with Virginia Tech winning 3 or the 4 divisions and ending up with 21 points (the max. possible at a show). St. Andrews riders had a good showing with Greta Friesen placing 2nd at first level and Jessica Cusaac placing 3rd in the intro division. For Lenior Rhyne and East Carolina University this was their first IDA show. Beth Bengala the coach for ECU summed up the atmosphere that we all enjoy at IDA shows, “I personally enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere and look forward to upcoming shows!”

The IDA team is preparing for dressage month (Feb) when we have 4 shows!

IHSA Hunter Seat Update

From Ashley Duda IHSA Coach.

On November 16th, members of the IHSA Hunter Seat Team traveled north to compete at Virginia Intermont. Heading into this competition, the team was tied for the lead in the region with Virginia Intermont and was one point in front of Virginia Tech. Competing against Virginia Intermont at home is always difficult because the school has a very talented team. However, the Knights were ready to compete when they traveled to the farm in Bristol, Virginia on November 17th.

Usually the weather is cold, icy, and windy when St. Andrews travels to VI. Fortunately, the weather for this IHSA show was warm and delightful. Even the riders from Laurinburg stayed warm throughout the day! The morning started off with strong performances over fences. Audrey Hayden debuted in Open Equitation Over Fences and placed third. Rob Jacobs and Alie McGraw had strong performances and both earned second place ribbons in Intermediate Equitation Over Fences and Novice Equitation Over Fences, respectively.

As the flat classes began, the riding stayed strong. Katie Hansen, Rob Jacobs, Brittany Calderwood, and Blake Liljestrand all won flat classes. Rob and Blake remained undefeated on the flat for the 2009-2010 season. One highlight of the day was Brittany’s ride. VI was Brittany’s first riding competition. She drew Prima, one of Ashley’s favorite IHSA horses, and rode her beautifully! The entire team was very proud of Brittany’s great ride.

The team rode very well against tough competition and ended up Reserve Champion for the day. The team did lose a little of their lead to VI. The IHSA Hunter Seat Team now is ten points behind VI but three points ahead of Virginia Tech. Peggy and Ashley are making plans to help riders prepare for an intense IHSA spring show schedule. The next show IHSA Hunter Seat Show will be held on February 6th at St. Andrews. Go KNIGHTS!