The first week of classes has been very busy for everyone. Those of us that teach in the classroom are meeting and getting to know the freshmen, the barn staff are scrambling to find enough work study to take care of the horses (mornings are not popular work times!), and the instructors are busy trying to get the horses hacked and ready for lessons to which start Monday. Phew! Having said all that, it is wonderful to have the students back at school.
Rider placement went pretty well last Thursday. Quincy was so excited to be jumping again that he unloaded his rider on the back side of a jump with a huge buck. Luckily, she landed on her feet and got right back on. All the other horses were perfect and treated the new class kindly.
The equestrian freshmen class is large and very excited for riding lessons to start. We have students from all over the U.S. as well as from Northern Ireland and Papua, New Guinea! Tonight we have Equestrian Fair where everyone comes out to the barn to sign up for team tryouts, work study, volunteering for therapeutic riding, ordering clothes etc. and generally having our first meeting of all equestrians - oh yes, and we serve pizza too.
Looking forward to Sept. Therapeutic Riding starts on Sept 7th and Liz has a full schedule with returning riders and some new recruits. Team tryouts are scheduled for Sept. 11th & 12th followed shortly by the start of IHSA and IDA shows. That reminds me I need to find a judge for our Nov. IDA show, time to get back to work!
Friday, August 28, 2009
Monday, August 3, 2009
Getting ready for School
All the new folks started on Saturday. Four new staff members with Peggy, the student workers and me to get them oriented. Stephanie Davis (stable manager)and Torrey Edgerly (assistant stable manager) are finding their way around the barn and beginning to learn the horses. Why do we have so many bays with white stars? At least there are only 40 to learn right now. The camp horses do not return for another couple of weeks. We are working out of the lesson barn while the TH and boarders barns are pressured washed and fixed up for the start of the school year.
Ashley Foster (Instructor/Coach) and Heather Wile (Instructor/ Event Manager) have taken over the reins from Elissa and Sam and are riding as many horses as possible a day. (Poor Lindsay is still grounded with her shoulder injury.) We start planning the lesson schedule this week which is always an entertaining exercise. I will no doubt be in the registrars office for a couple of hours pulling academic schedules then we all sit around and try to put the pieces together to fit everyone’s schedule and then comes add/drop… oh well!
This weekend the NCDCTA has leased the western barn and the covered arena for a three day dressage clinic. Harriet Peterson and a Dawn Jensen bio mechanics expert are two of the clinicians. After that it will be time to start picking up the horses from camp and getting ready for rider placement on the 20th. We are getting busy again!
Ashley Foster (Instructor/Coach) and Heather Wile (Instructor/ Event Manager) have taken over the reins from Elissa and Sam and are riding as many horses as possible a day. (Poor Lindsay is still grounded with her shoulder injury.) We start planning the lesson schedule this week which is always an entertaining exercise. I will no doubt be in the registrars office for a couple of hours pulling academic schedules then we all sit around and try to put the pieces together to fit everyone’s schedule and then comes add/drop… oh well!
This weekend the NCDCTA has leased the western barn and the covered arena for a three day dressage clinic. Harriet Peterson and a Dawn Jensen bio mechanics expert are two of the clinicians. After that it will be time to start picking up the horses from camp and getting ready for rider placement on the 20th. We are getting busy again!
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Summer is slow
Summer is a quiet time at the Equestrian Center. The maintenance crew are cleaning the barns, fixing machinery, and building new paddocks at the lesson barn. A lot of the staff who are on 10 month contracts are travelling, resting and spending time with family. I’m riding every day which is great. Lexus, one of our fairly recent donations, is coming along really well. Schooling first level dressage with moments of brilliance! Its fun to have a project horse for a few weeks.
Peggy is working hard to hire new staff to fill the positions that opened up at the end of last year. She has one more person to hire to complete the team.
I have almost finished preparing The History & Theory of Modern Riding for online delivery. One more lecture to finish and a mid term to write. The class starts Aug. 25th. I am also working on our second Riding Instructor’s Retreat & Spa which is scheduled for Labor Day weekend.
A little beach and mountain time and I should be ready for school to start!
Peggy is working hard to hire new staff to fill the positions that opened up at the end of last year. She has one more person to hire to complete the team.
I have almost finished preparing The History & Theory of Modern Riding for online delivery. One more lecture to finish and a mid term to write. The class starts Aug. 25th. I am also working on our second Riding Instructor’s Retreat & Spa which is scheduled for Labor Day weekend.
A little beach and mountain time and I should be ready for school to start!
Monday, June 15, 2009
Staff Changes
We are sad to say goodbye to Kira, Sarah, Elissa and Sam. Kira, Brad and Graham have moved to Baltimore, Sarah is currently working at Camp Seafarer and Elissa and Sam will be with us until the end of July.
They have all been wonderful colleagues and I wish them all the best with the next phase of their life’s journey.
I am happy to welcome two new employees to our team. You can read about them in this announcement sent by Peggy to Equestrian Students.
Ashley Foster will be joining us as a hunter seat instructor and the coach of the IHSA Hunter Seat Team. Ashley will be assisting with the "C" Show Team as well. Ashley has served as the Head Coach for the Kansas State NCAA Equestrian Team for the past 4 years. She is a graduate of Virginia Tech and competed in IHSA Nationals in Open Flat and Fences as an undergraduate student. Ashley and her husband and their two dogs and one cat will be living in Southern Pines.
Stephanie Davis will be joining us as our Barn Manager. Stephanie graduated from St. Andrews with a degree in Equine Business Management several years ago and has worked as a barn manager in Southern Pines and Lexington, KY and as a veterinary technician for the last few years with a large equine veterinary practice in Lexington, KY. Stephanie and her dog and two cats will be living in Laurinburg.
Ashley and Stephanie will start work with us August 1. I know that you will welcome both of them to our St. Andrews family.
They have all been wonderful colleagues and I wish them all the best with the next phase of their life’s journey.
I am happy to welcome two new employees to our team. You can read about them in this announcement sent by Peggy to Equestrian Students.
Ashley Foster will be joining us as a hunter seat instructor and the coach of the IHSA Hunter Seat Team. Ashley will be assisting with the "C" Show Team as well. Ashley has served as the Head Coach for the Kansas State NCAA Equestrian Team for the past 4 years. She is a graduate of Virginia Tech and competed in IHSA Nationals in Open Flat and Fences as an undergraduate student. Ashley and her husband and their two dogs and one cat will be living in Southern Pines.
Stephanie Davis will be joining us as our Barn Manager. Stephanie graduated from St. Andrews with a degree in Equine Business Management several years ago and has worked as a barn manager in Southern Pines and Lexington, KY and as a veterinary technician for the last few years with a large equine veterinary practice in Lexington, KY. Stephanie and her dog and two cats will be living in Laurinburg.
Ashley and Stephanie will start work with us August 1. I know that you will welcome both of them to our St. Andrews family.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
The Horses go to Camp!
The horses are headed to their various camps. Last Saturday 8 made the trip to Roaring Gap country club in the NC mountains close to Mt. Airy. Heather Jackson and Gabby Gubric are up there running the riding program. Heather’s horse and Bilbo were already happily enjoying the beautiful setting when Dale and I dropped off the other horses.
Jessica Rhymer bought Onyx back and picked up three horses for Camp Keystone.
This week we made 2 trips to Camp Seafarer in Arapahoe NC and delivered 24 horses to Sarah Rhymer who is in charge of the equestrian program at that camp. Sarah will be a little busy for a few days until her staff arrives on Monday.
The last group of horses are shipping out commercially to Rockbrook to spend the summer in Brevard with Cara Thompson and Bridget Hutchins and their staff at that camp. That leaves somewhere between 30 and 40 horses at the equestrian center for the summer.
Jessica Rhymer bought Onyx back and picked up three horses for Camp Keystone.
This week we made 2 trips to Camp Seafarer in Arapahoe NC and delivered 24 horses to Sarah Rhymer who is in charge of the equestrian program at that camp. Sarah will be a little busy for a few days until her staff arrives on Monday.
The last group of horses are shipping out commercially to Rockbrook to spend the summer in Brevard with Cara Thompson and Bridget Hutchins and their staff at that camp. That leaves somewhere between 30 and 40 horses at the equestrian center for the summer.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Focus Fund
From a recently circulated email
Focus, a 6 year old Thoroughbred, who was rescued in Indiana three years ago from a failed racing career, was severely injured during a storm May 11th while at a foster farm in Laurinburg, NC. The storm produced straight line winds gusting in excess of 125 miles an hour that ripped the roof off the barn, damaged the house and fencing of the foster, flipped the horse trailer and ripped out trees.
Focus, a 6 year old Thoroughbred, who was rescued in Indiana three years ago from a failed racing career, was severely injured during a storm May 11th while at a foster farm in Laurinburg, NC. The storm produced straight line winds gusting in excess of 125 miles an hour that ripped the roof off the barn, damaged the house and fencing of the foster, flipped the horse trailer and ripped out trees.
The foster family, thankfully, survived without physical harm, but the same can not be said for Focus, who sustained a large open wound that stretched from his sternum almost to his back leg. It took the veterinarian almost 9 hours to clean and stitch the wound back together. While it is unknown what caused the injury, the possibilities are endless as Focus was found two paddocks over from where he was at the start of the storm.
Focus now has a very long road to recovery ahead of him and he needs your help! His medical bills will continue to mount and any donation towards his care is greatly appreciated. Please help this former racehorse to win the race of his life – that to survive!
Donations for Focus's recovery can be mailed to:
USERL
9660 Falls of Neuse RoadSuite 138 Box 300
Raleigh, NC 27615
Checks should be made to USERL, and noted to be allocated to the "Focus Fund".
A donation link for online donations on our store page will be up soon and posted here when available.
USERL wishes to extend sympathy to the foster family, and others in the area, that were struck by this storm. Many prayers are with the family.
USERL also wishes to thank Dr. Kellam of St. Andrews Presbyterian College for her quick response and wonderful care of Focus!
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Wilson Farm and Stanton's Badly Hit.
They called is a “microburst” Those that lived through it disagree. They heard the “freight train” coming.
From an email sent by Peggy to our Equestrian Student’s List, Pictures: Pebbles Turbeville
“This morning Laurinburg had a "suspected" tornado. The campus and the equestrian center are fine. However, Wilson Farm and Nancy Staunton's farm on McLeod Road took a direct hit. Everyone and all animals survived! Two of Nancy's horses were injured and Dr. Laura spent all day caring for them - and will be spending a lot more time with them until they are healed. One is a precious mini named Toby and the other is a TB gelding named Focus. They are now living with us at the Boarder Barn. The nine horses at Wilson Farm are now safely living at our Annex Barn on Barnes Bridge Road - thanks to tremendous effort from all of the St. Andrews Equestrian Staff. Natalie and Bridget have moved into the farm house at the Equestrian Center.
Ashley Colvin's horse trailer was flipped over - as were all the horse trailers at Wilson Farm including Natalie's and Erin Cooper Baldouf's. Ashley had been planning to leave today with her three horses for her new job in Wilmington. She had moved everything out of her house and into her horse trailer yesterday. Her truck and trailer were hooked up and somehow during the tornado the trailer was ripped off the truck. The truck was still upright and had minimal damage and started right up. We won't know all the damage to the trailers until they can be righted.
The power companies worked all day getting downed power lines up. McLeod Road really looks like a war zone. If you want to see a few pictures, go to https://navajo.sapc.edu/owa/redir.aspx?C=426db07c4b554ab6b592266a2dfd7513&URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.laurinburgexchange.com. Three of the barns at Wilson were totally destroyed and the main barn is badly damaged. The houses are in a little better condition but not much.
We just wanted you to know what had happened in case you heard about it on the news or on a website. We feel so blessed that we were spared so that we are able to help others.”
From an email sent by Peggy to our Equestrian Student’s List, Pictures: Pebbles Turbeville
“This morning Laurinburg had a "suspected" tornado. The campus and the equestrian center are fine. However, Wilson Farm and Nancy Staunton's farm on McLeod Road took a direct hit. Everyone and all animals survived! Two of Nancy's horses were injured and Dr. Laura spent all day caring for them - and will be spending a lot more time with them until they are healed. One is a precious mini named Toby and the other is a TB gelding named Focus. They are now living with us at the Boarder Barn. The nine horses at Wilson Farm are now safely living at our Annex Barn on Barnes Bridge Road - thanks to tremendous effort from all of the St. Andrews Equestrian Staff. Natalie and Bridget have moved into the farm house at the Equestrian Center.
Ashley Colvin's horse trailer was flipped over - as were all the horse trailers at Wilson Farm including Natalie's and Erin Cooper Baldouf's. Ashley had been planning to leave today with her three horses for her new job in Wilmington. She had moved everything out of her house and into her horse trailer yesterday. Her truck and trailer were hooked up and somehow during the tornado the trailer was ripped off the truck. The truck was still upright and had minimal damage and started right up. We won't know all the damage to the trailers until they can be righted.
The power companies worked all day getting downed power lines up. McLeod Road really looks like a war zone. If you want to see a few pictures, go to https://navajo.sapc.edu/owa/redir.aspx?C=426db07c4b554ab6b592266a2dfd7513&URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.laurinburgexchange.com. Three of the barns at Wilson were totally destroyed and the main barn is badly damaged. The houses are in a little better condition but not much.
We just wanted you to know what had happened in case you heard about it on the news or on a website. We feel so blessed that we were spared so that we are able to help others.”
Friday, May 8, 2009
End of the Semester
Time flies when you are busy! Rob Jacobs won the Novice over fences at IHSA Nationals. Congratulations Rob! The western team was fourth at IHSA Nationals and all the western riders placed in their divisions.
The horses that we took to Tennessee were superstars and are glad to be back after a very busy semester. The ride home for both groups of horses was eventful. The truck with the English horses broke down in Bennetsville and Elissa had to go rescue them. Then the rig bringing the western horses home broke down in the mountains. Fortunately Jessica Rhymer was able to pick them up and take them to her barn in Brevard where they stayed for a couple of days. All are home safely now.
Last weekend we hosted the first Instructor’s Retreat and Spa. The two days of brain-storming, demos, teaching and idea exchange were awesome. We had 6 visiting instructor’s from NC & SC and several of our students that are headed to summer camps this year. The equestrian staff presented sessions, cooked and offered advice. The weekend was beneficial not only to the participants but to the staff as well. Saturday evening we watched the KY Derby before dinner and enjoyed chair massages after dinner! My slave (otherwise knows as my intern – Jenna Branson) was awesome producing a fabulous notebook of SAPC exercises, organizing lunch, snacks and logistics as well as helping out with some of the teaching sessions. Pebbles and Liz cooked for us Saturday evening, yummy salads and chicken on the grill. The desserts were great too! Planning another “Spa” for labor day weekend.
Exams were this week so all our schedules are weird right now, graduation is this Saturday. After that we will be in to our May routine (which is tough as all the horses are here with just our summer workers and staff to care for them.) At the end of the month 60 some horses ship off to camp for the summer and we’ll be down to a manageable 30 or so.
The horses that we took to Tennessee were superstars and are glad to be back after a very busy semester. The ride home for both groups of horses was eventful. The truck with the English horses broke down in Bennetsville and Elissa had to go rescue them. Then the rig bringing the western horses home broke down in the mountains. Fortunately Jessica Rhymer was able to pick them up and take them to her barn in Brevard where they stayed for a couple of days. All are home safely now.
Last weekend we hosted the first Instructor’s Retreat and Spa. The two days of brain-storming, demos, teaching and idea exchange were awesome. We had 6 visiting instructor’s from NC & SC and several of our students that are headed to summer camps this year. The equestrian staff presented sessions, cooked and offered advice. The weekend was beneficial not only to the participants but to the staff as well. Saturday evening we watched the KY Derby before dinner and enjoyed chair massages after dinner! My slave (otherwise knows as my intern – Jenna Branson) was awesome producing a fabulous notebook of SAPC exercises, organizing lunch, snacks and logistics as well as helping out with some of the teaching sessions. Pebbles and Liz cooked for us Saturday evening, yummy salads and chicken on the grill. The desserts were great too! Planning another “Spa” for labor day weekend.
Exams were this week so all our schedules are weird right now, graduation is this Saturday. After that we will be in to our May routine (which is tough as all the horses are here with just our summer workers and staff to care for them.) At the end of the month 60 some horses ship off to camp for the summer and we’ll be down to a manageable 30 or so.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Nationals!
ANRC
Kira Gainey said it better than I could in an email to the equestrian program;
“ANRC Nationals was a great success this weekend!! I heard endless praise this weekend from all our visitors about the property, the barn, the jumps and you!!! The Equestrian Center looked amazing and the show ran as smoothly as we could have hoped (even with our very newly created scoring program-thanks to Marsha and Sam Black!)
I'd like to thank everyone who helped out and supported our program and our ANRC 2009 team in any way...those who helped with the Easter weekend paint party, pulling tags off of flowers, setting the course, handing out ribbons, brushing jumps, building islands, scribing for the judges, demo riding for the judges (and ALL the spectators...talk about stress :), handling the in gates, raking the rings, wiping off boots, juggling horses/stalls, cheering for the home team, just coping with all the excitement, etc, etc.
And I would like to especially thank the 2009 ANRC team...Kelsi, Rob, Alexis, Caroline, Audrey, Lindsay, Morgan, Alex - you all were amazing in ALL your efforts this weekend and the time leading up to it. Thank you for the hard work both on and off the horses. We are so proud of you and could not have done it without you!!!!
Thank you all for, as always, being a gracious and wonderful host college!!!”
IDA
I spent my weekend in Findlay, Ohio at an equally amazing event - IDA Nationals. St Andrews students Greta Friesen and Lauren Parker competed in the First level and Introductory divisions respectively. Greta placed 12th nationally while Lauren placed 10th nationally.
Donna Fowble accompanied us to Ohio and served as chef d’equipe. Lauren’s Dad made the drive with the girls and wrote a long “to do” list of things that will be needed next year when we host. I am very grateful to him for being the chauffeur and documenting the competition from an outsider’s perspective.
Findlay went above and beyond in their organization of the event. A Hawaiian theme for the weekend was reflected everywhere from the welcome Luau to the ring decorations. Betsey Steiner gave a very inspiring motivational speech Friday evening and was available all weekend to talk to students and riders. What a great opportunity for everyone!
Results Summary
Team Competition - Saturday
1. University of New Hampshire
2. Virginia Intermont College
3. Delaware Valley College
Individual Competition - Sunday
First Level Test 4 - Greg Schmid of Otterbein College 72.105%
Training level Test 4 Jessica Forend of Johnson & Wales University 70.800%.
(This division was so close that the judges were asked to break the tie between Jessica and Ashley Parsons from the University of Findlay. )
Training Level Test 2 - Laura Thompson of Averett University, 68.214%
Introductory Level Test B – Colleen Grant of Otterbein College, 67.500%
Complete results: http://www.findlay.edu/ida2009championship/
Next week IHSA Nationals!
Kira Gainey said it better than I could in an email to the equestrian program;
“ANRC Nationals was a great success this weekend!! I heard endless praise this weekend from all our visitors about the property, the barn, the jumps and you!!! The Equestrian Center looked amazing and the show ran as smoothly as we could have hoped (even with our very newly created scoring program-thanks to Marsha and Sam Black!)
I'd like to thank everyone who helped out and supported our program and our ANRC 2009 team in any way...those who helped with the Easter weekend paint party, pulling tags off of flowers, setting the course, handing out ribbons, brushing jumps, building islands, scribing for the judges, demo riding for the judges (and ALL the spectators...talk about stress :), handling the in gates, raking the rings, wiping off boots, juggling horses/stalls, cheering for the home team, just coping with all the excitement, etc, etc.
And I would like to especially thank the 2009 ANRC team...Kelsi, Rob, Alexis, Caroline, Audrey, Lindsay, Morgan, Alex - you all were amazing in ALL your efforts this weekend and the time leading up to it. Thank you for the hard work both on and off the horses. We are so proud of you and could not have done it without you!!!!
Thank you all for, as always, being a gracious and wonderful host college!!!”
IDA
I spent my weekend in Findlay, Ohio at an equally amazing event - IDA Nationals. St Andrews students Greta Friesen and Lauren Parker competed in the First level and Introductory divisions respectively. Greta placed 12th nationally while Lauren placed 10th nationally.
Donna Fowble accompanied us to Ohio and served as chef d’equipe. Lauren’s Dad made the drive with the girls and wrote a long “to do” list of things that will be needed next year when we host. I am very grateful to him for being the chauffeur and documenting the competition from an outsider’s perspective.
Findlay went above and beyond in their organization of the event. A Hawaiian theme for the weekend was reflected everywhere from the welcome Luau to the ring decorations. Betsey Steiner gave a very inspiring motivational speech Friday evening and was available all weekend to talk to students and riders. What a great opportunity for everyone!
Results Summary
Team Competition - Saturday
1. University of New Hampshire
2. Virginia Intermont College
3. Delaware Valley College
Individual Competition - Sunday
First Level Test 4 - Greg Schmid of Otterbein College 72.105%
Training level Test 4 Jessica Forend of Johnson & Wales University 70.800%.
(This division was so close that the judges were asked to break the tie between Jessica and Ashley Parsons from the University of Findlay. )
Training Level Test 2 - Laura Thompson of Averett University, 68.214%
Introductory Level Test B – Colleen Grant of Otterbein College, 67.500%
Complete results: http://www.findlay.edu/ida2009championship/
Next week IHSA Nationals!
Sunday, April 12, 2009
We Love April at SAPC!
April is always a crazy month and this year particularly so with SAPC hosting ANRC Nationals next week, IDA Nationals in Ohio the same weekend and IHSA Nationals in Murfreesboro TN the following weekend.
Our eight ANRC riders, their coaches Kira and Lindsay, Peggy and a few students that stayed on campus for Easter have been hard at work painting jumps, washing fences, fixing the ring footing, and generally tidying up the facility for the competition next week. The temporary stabling is being assembled down by the farm house and the maintenance crews have been going full force, putting the finishing touches on the outside course, dragging paddocks and rings and mowing like crazy. Not forgetting the horses, they are schooling great, looking fabulous and only giving their riders an occasional heart attack with pulled shoes! My contribution? Making points for shad bellies for the girls and a tie for Rob.
Wednesday I head up the road for Findlay Ohio. I am meeting T (Teresa McDonald from VA Tech.) in Wytheville VA. We have meetings is Thursday and Friday and then the fun begins. Findlay has gone all out with their plans for Nationals including a golf cart decorating contest and dog agility. Greta & Lauren are driving over night (with chef d’equipe Donna )Thursday to be there for the golf cart contest, and the Friday dinner with speaker Betsy Steiner. They don’t show until Sunday but will have a chance to see the horses go and soak up the excitement of a National competition.
As if that was not enough as soon as this weekend is over we are shipping horses to Murfreesboro early Monday for IHSA Nationals. Kira, Sarah & Lindsay are travelling with them. In hunt seat we have one rider - Rob Jacobs in Novice fences (we live in the most competitive region in the country for IHSA). The western team and individuals will be driving out there with Carla later in the week.
Phew! Finals are right around the corner and then graduation. (The eq. staff plan to fit a riding instructor retreat and spa May 2 & 3 to keep ourselves from getting bored!)
Our eight ANRC riders, their coaches Kira and Lindsay, Peggy and a few students that stayed on campus for Easter have been hard at work painting jumps, washing fences, fixing the ring footing, and generally tidying up the facility for the competition next week. The temporary stabling is being assembled down by the farm house and the maintenance crews have been going full force, putting the finishing touches on the outside course, dragging paddocks and rings and mowing like crazy. Not forgetting the horses, they are schooling great, looking fabulous and only giving their riders an occasional heart attack with pulled shoes! My contribution? Making points for shad bellies for the girls and a tie for Rob.
Wednesday I head up the road for Findlay Ohio. I am meeting T (Teresa McDonald from VA Tech.) in Wytheville VA. We have meetings is Thursday and Friday and then the fun begins. Findlay has gone all out with their plans for Nationals including a golf cart decorating contest and dog agility. Greta & Lauren are driving over night (with chef d’equipe Donna )Thursday to be there for the golf cart contest, and the Friday dinner with speaker Betsy Steiner. They don’t show until Sunday but will have a chance to see the horses go and soak up the excitement of a National competition.
As if that was not enough as soon as this weekend is over we are shipping horses to Murfreesboro early Monday for IHSA Nationals. Kira, Sarah & Lindsay are travelling with them. In hunt seat we have one rider - Rob Jacobs in Novice fences (we live in the most competitive region in the country for IHSA). The western team and individuals will be driving out there with Carla later in the week.
Phew! Finals are right around the corner and then graduation. (The eq. staff plan to fit a riding instructor retreat and spa May 2 & 3 to keep ourselves from getting bored!)
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Zone Qualifiers & Clinics
IHSA Hunt Seat Regionals was a great success for SAPC. The following students qualified for zones which will be hosted by Mary Washington this Saturday April 4th.
Walk Trot - Jessica Gesel
Novice Flat - Rob Jacobs
Audrey Bolte - alternate
Novice Fences - Rob Jacobs
Intermediate Flat - Audrey Hayden
Jaci Ayers
Intermediate Fences - Alexis Stevenson - alternate
Open Flat - Kelsi Peterson
The Scott Evans clinic last Saturday and Sunday was fabulous. Scott is able to give his students just what they need emotionally as well as physically. His brand of sports psychology offered confidence to students who doubted themselves and a wake up call to those that need to work a little harder on fitness and technique. I picked up some great pointers for motivating my students.
The Dottie Morkis was clinic on Thursday was another great learning opportunity for riders and auditors alike. Dottie’s teaching talent is the ability to hone in on a horse and rider partnership and diagnose exactly what they need to work on. Her lessons demand 100% concentration from the riders. Each horse/rider combination came away with one or more things to work on. I enjoyed a great afternoon and picked up a lot of new ideas for improving my students in dressage. All the horses were excellent and huge improvements were seen during the sessions with Dottie.
The Riding Council “Slave for a Day” Silent Auction last week was a great success with some money being raised for the program. (Can’t wait to get the dressage tack room cleaned & organized)
This weekend at SAPC we have our final Open House for the academic year. I know all the teams will be practicing with IHSA Zones, IDA Nationals, and ANRC right around the corner. Good luck to all SAPC Equestrians in the next couple of weeks.
Walk Trot - Jessica Gesel
Novice Flat - Rob Jacobs
Audrey Bolte - alternate
Novice Fences - Rob Jacobs
Intermediate Flat - Audrey Hayden
Jaci Ayers
Intermediate Fences - Alexis Stevenson - alternate
Open Flat - Kelsi Peterson
The Scott Evans clinic last Saturday and Sunday was fabulous. Scott is able to give his students just what they need emotionally as well as physically. His brand of sports psychology offered confidence to students who doubted themselves and a wake up call to those that need to work a little harder on fitness and technique. I picked up some great pointers for motivating my students.
The Dottie Morkis was clinic on Thursday was another great learning opportunity for riders and auditors alike. Dottie’s teaching talent is the ability to hone in on a horse and rider partnership and diagnose exactly what they need to work on. Her lessons demand 100% concentration from the riders. Each horse/rider combination came away with one or more things to work on. I enjoyed a great afternoon and picked up a lot of new ideas for improving my students in dressage. All the horses were excellent and huge improvements were seen during the sessions with Dottie.
The Riding Council “Slave for a Day” Silent Auction last week was a great success with some money being raised for the program. (Can’t wait to get the dressage tack room cleaned & organized)
This weekend at SAPC we have our final Open House for the academic year. I know all the teams will be practicing with IHSA Zones, IDA Nationals, and ANRC right around the corner. Good luck to all SAPC Equestrians in the next couple of weeks.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
IHSA Western Team going to Nationals & Equestrian Celebrities
The IHSA Western Team qualifies for National Championship in April at Middle Tennessee State University, in Murfreesboro, TN.
In the team event St. Andrews (currently 4th in the nation) was Reserve Champion Team with 25 points. Three St. Andrews team riders won their classes at Semi-Finals. Megan Stiles, Kimmy Simonsen, and Kayla Hay. The other team riders contributing points were Kelsey Moody and Shannon Leggett.
In the individual event the riders below earned a spot at National Championship by placing in the top four of their class.
Kayla Hay - 1st - Novice Horsemanship
Kelsey Moody - 3rd - Reining
Jessica Gesel - 3rd - Beginner Walk Jog
Kody Zaagman - 4th - Open Horsemanship
Kayla Hay won 1st place in both team and individual events.
Congratulations to Coach Carla Wennberg and all members of the SAPC Western Team
This week at SAPC we have Dottie Morkis coming for a clinic on Thursday afternoon (I am so grateful that she can fit us into her busy schedule)
Friday we are hosting IHSA Hunt Seat Regionals. Bob Cacchione will be here to cheer on riders from all the schools in our region.
Scott Evans is judging Regionals and then will stay for the weekend to clinic with our hunt seat riders.
Three Equestrian celebrities on one week WOW!
In the team event St. Andrews (currently 4th in the nation) was Reserve Champion Team with 25 points. Three St. Andrews team riders won their classes at Semi-Finals. Megan Stiles, Kimmy Simonsen, and Kayla Hay. The other team riders contributing points were Kelsey Moody and Shannon Leggett.
In the individual event the riders below earned a spot at National Championship by placing in the top four of their class.
Kayla Hay - 1st - Novice Horsemanship
Kelsey Moody - 3rd - Reining
Jessica Gesel - 3rd - Beginner Walk Jog
Kody Zaagman - 4th - Open Horsemanship
Kayla Hay won 1st place in both team and individual events.
Congratulations to Coach Carla Wennberg and all members of the SAPC Western Team
This week at SAPC we have Dottie Morkis coming for a clinic on Thursday afternoon (I am so grateful that she can fit us into her busy schedule)
Friday we are hosting IHSA Hunt Seat Regionals. Bob Cacchione will be here to cheer on riders from all the schools in our region.
Scott Evans is judging Regionals and then will stay for the weekend to clinic with our hunt seat riders.
Three Equestrian celebrities on one week WOW!
Saturday, March 14, 2009
We are still keeping busy!
Last weekend Liz, & Pebbles attended the NARHA Region 3 conference in VA Beach. Liz presented on Friday and Pebbles did a joint presentation with Lorrie Renker on Thursday & Friday. Ida Stavenger from the Dean’s office drove Phil Ratchford, Whitney Powell, Courtney Bertram and Gabby Grubic up to the conference. Everyone visited with a Kim Butterbaugh and Huxley & Boo Boo. (Kim left as SAPC’s stable manager last summer after 4 years with us)
Lindsay and Kira had a group of students at the horse show in Raleigh. Chesnee Faulkner and her new partner Rhett had a great weekend with Rhett overcoming his aversion to big groups and placing in the hack!
This weekend is parents weekend, open house, and, Showing Under the Stars. There will be lots of activity on campus and at the equestrian center with all the visitors. Unfortunately, the 80 degree weather that we have been enjoying is giving way to rain and mid 40s. Hey its March… its sure to change again soon!
Lindsay and Kira had a group of students at the horse show in Raleigh. Chesnee Faulkner and her new partner Rhett had a great weekend with Rhett overcoming his aversion to big groups and placing in the hack!
This weekend is parents weekend, open house, and, Showing Under the Stars. There will be lots of activity on campus and at the equestrian center with all the visitors. Unfortunately, the 80 degree weather that we have been enjoying is giving way to rain and mid 40s. Hey its March… its sure to change again soon!
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Carla wins prestigious award!
Last weekend at the American Quarter Horse Association Convention in San Antonio, Texas, SAPC Western coach Carla Wennberg received the Professional Horsewoman of the Year award. This is a most prestigious award and the highest honor the AQHA can bestow upon someone in the equine industry. Carla serves the AQHA and the equine industry as one of its top rated judges and as a member of the AQHA Judges Committee. For someone as young as Carla to receive this award is most unusual and speaks highly of her reputation, her abilities, and her contributions to our sport.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
What are you doing now? (Spring 09 Grads - What are your plans?)
Trying to find out what anyone who ever had any involvement with the Equestrian program is doing now. Not just majors but anyone who ever took a lesson, volunteered for TR or just hung out with the equestrians.
Why do I care? The program has grown since you left (even if you graduated in the fall of 08!) it keeps growing, we need to direct that growth and it seems logical to find out what folks are doing now.
Please answer these four simple questions:
How involved were you with the equestrian program?
When did you graduate?
What did you do straight out of school ?
What are you doing now?
Thanks!
Why do I care? The program has grown since you left (even if you graduated in the fall of 08!) it keeps growing, we need to direct that growth and it seems logical to find out what folks are doing now.
Please answer these four simple questions:
How involved were you with the equestrian program?
When did you graduate?
What did you do straight out of school ?
What are you doing now?
Thanks!
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Two IDA Team Members Qualify for Nationals!
Lauren Parker was reserve champion in the Intro division for our IDA Region. Greta held onto her lead and took the champion ribbon at first level. So there will be at least three of us heading to Findlay in April. (I hear rumor that several team members will be following us up there to cheer on their team mates.)
Spring break is next week and it seems that everyone is ready for it! I have certainly noticed a drop in the number of assignments that are turned in on time!
Some of our students along with Liz and Pebbles will be attending the NARHA Region 3 conference in Virginia Beach at the end of spring break. Another group will be taking horses to Raleigh to show at the “C” rated hunter/jumper show.
Spring break is next week and it seems that everyone is ready for it! I have certainly noticed a drop in the number of assignments that are turned in on time!
Some of our students along with Liz and Pebbles will be attending the NARHA Region 3 conference in Virginia Beach at the end of spring break. Another group will be taking horses to Raleigh to show at the “C” rated hunter/jumper show.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Qualifying for Regionals, Semi-Finals and Nationals
Greta Friesen qualified for IDA Nationals at the Virginia Intermont show this weekend. The IDA team had its best placing this year with a third behind Virginia Intermont in first and NCSU in second place. Lauren Parker placed third in the Intro division which keeps her in second place regionally with a couple of riders able to overtake her if things don’t work out at Averett this Saturday.
The western team had an exceptional weekend qualifying their team for Western Semi-Finals in Kentucky, March 20 – 22 as well as the following individuals.
Class 11 - Beginning Horsemanship
Jessica Gesel & John Coppollo
Class 12 - Intermediate Horsemanship
Chella Glennon
Class 13 - Novice Horsemanship
Kayla Hay & Tony Fernandez
Class 14 - Advanced Horsemanship
Erica Hill
Class 15 - Open Horsemanship
Kody Zaagman & Kelsey Moody
Class 16 - Reining
Kelsey Moody
The IHSA hunt seat team was reserve champion behind Virginia Intermont last Thursday at VI with Karen Gruninger and Rob Jacobs qualifying for regionals in Walk, Trot, Canter and Novice Flat respectively, This team heads to Wake Forest this Sunday for their last show before regionals.
Lynn Palm judged the western IHSA show this weekend and then stayed and did a clinic for the western team on Monday. I had a chance to chat with her on Monday. It is so refreshing to have your beliefs in the importance of strong basics for horses and riders confirmed by someone that is so successful in the horse industry. Lynn is both down to earth and practical and oozes a deep respect for the horse.
This week we have Showing Under the Stars on Friday evening, the Averett IDA show on Saturday, the Wake Forest IHSA show on Sunday and then it is smooth run to Spring break 2/28 – 3/8. Time for me to catch up on some projects and maybe ride a bit!
The western team had an exceptional weekend qualifying their team for Western Semi-Finals in Kentucky, March 20 – 22 as well as the following individuals.
Class 11 - Beginning Horsemanship
Jessica Gesel & John Coppollo
Class 12 - Intermediate Horsemanship
Chella Glennon
Class 13 - Novice Horsemanship
Kayla Hay & Tony Fernandez
Class 14 - Advanced Horsemanship
Erica Hill
Class 15 - Open Horsemanship
Kody Zaagman & Kelsey Moody
Class 16 - Reining
Kelsey Moody
The IHSA hunt seat team was reserve champion behind Virginia Intermont last Thursday at VI with Karen Gruninger and Rob Jacobs qualifying for regionals in Walk, Trot, Canter and Novice Flat respectively, This team heads to Wake Forest this Sunday for their last show before regionals.
Lynn Palm judged the western IHSA show this weekend and then stayed and did a clinic for the western team on Monday. I had a chance to chat with her on Monday. It is so refreshing to have your beliefs in the importance of strong basics for horses and riders confirmed by someone that is so successful in the horse industry. Lynn is both down to earth and practical and oozes a deep respect for the horse.
This week we have Showing Under the Stars on Friday evening, the Averett IDA show on Saturday, the Wake Forest IHSA show on Sunday and then it is smooth run to Spring break 2/28 – 3/8. Time for me to catch up on some projects and maybe ride a bit!
Friday, February 13, 2009
February is Crazy!
February is always crazy with IHSA & IDA shows every weekend. Last Friday (Feb 6th) we hosted a hunt seat show with 14 schools competing. Gilmore who returned to us from his retirement home about a year ago and who must be close to 30 was wild and had to be pulled from the walk, trot canter classes. (He is great in my beginner dressage lessons, but must have had flash backs to his younger days!) The cold weather created a lot of frisky horses which is never good for an intercollegiate show. SAPC ended up in 5th place, Virginia Intermont was the champion team.
Carla, Peggy & Dale headed up to Martin Community College for two weekend shows (Feb 7th & 8th). The judges were very thorough causing the Saturday show to go until 9:00 pm!
This weekend (Feb 14th & 15th) we are hosting a western show on Saturday and western regionals on Sunday. Lynn Palm is judging Sunday and them staying on to do a clinic that afternoon and Monday for SAPC riders.
I will be headed to Bristol, VA Saturday afternoon for an IDA show on Sunday. Then next week we have Showing Under the Stars on Friday and the IDA team travels to Averett on Saturday for our last regular show of the season.
Like I said Feb. is a crazy month. Happy Valentine’s Day!
Carla, Peggy & Dale headed up to Martin Community College for two weekend shows (Feb 7th & 8th). The judges were very thorough causing the Saturday show to go until 9:00 pm!
This weekend (Feb 14th & 15th) we are hosting a western show on Saturday and western regionals on Sunday. Lynn Palm is judging Sunday and them staying on to do a clinic that afternoon and Monday for SAPC riders.
I will be headed to Bristol, VA Saturday afternoon for an IDA show on Sunday. Then next week we have Showing Under the Stars on Friday and the IDA team travels to Averett on Saturday for our last regular show of the season.
Like I said Feb. is a crazy month. Happy Valentine’s Day!
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Getting Busy
This week end the Ride-Like-A-Knight therapeutic riding program is hosting an instructor certification. Starting around lunch time today, Pebbles and the site visitor will be testing and evaluating candidates for the NARHA registered instructor certification. The TH students will be busy assisting with this event.
We have our first IHSA hunt seat show this week (Friday the 6th). As always there will be lots of schools competing in all divisions. We are having a work day today to get the facility looking its best. Katie Lavery is heading up the organization of horse preparation and Rachel Buckler and Megan Stiles are assisting her as part of their Equine Event Management Internship. The course will be set on Wednesday of this week with Thursday set aside for schooling of the participating horses.
The ANRC team was announced last week:
Kelsi Peterson - TeddyCaroline Taylor - FriscoLindsey Gates - PanchoAudrey Hayden - RomarioAlex Sonnenberg - PedroAlexis Stevenson - YorkRob Jacobs – Luke
These students will be working hard this semester to prepare for the competition to be held April 17 – 18 at SAPC.
Next weekend looks busy too! Sarah is holding an information session for students interested in working at summer camps this summer on Saturday evening & the IHSA western team head to Martin Community College for a show on Sunday.
We have our first IHSA hunt seat show this week (Friday the 6th). As always there will be lots of schools competing in all divisions. We are having a work day today to get the facility looking its best. Katie Lavery is heading up the organization of horse preparation and Rachel Buckler and Megan Stiles are assisting her as part of their Equine Event Management Internship. The course will be set on Wednesday of this week with Thursday set aside for schooling of the participating horses.
The ANRC team was announced last week:
Kelsi Peterson - TeddyCaroline Taylor - FriscoLindsey Gates - PanchoAudrey Hayden - RomarioAlex Sonnenberg - PedroAlexis Stevenson - YorkRob Jacobs – Luke
These students will be working hard this semester to prepare for the competition to be held April 17 – 18 at SAPC.
Next weekend looks busy too! Sarah is holding an information session for students interested in working at summer camps this summer on Saturday evening & the IHSA western team head to Martin Community College for a show on Sunday.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
SNOW!!!
Snow does not come to Laurinburg too often. We have about 2" here in Deercroft. School is closed for the day so we can all watch the ceremonies in Washington DC.
Leggs came home from NC State yesterday. He looks great but of course he has a long way to go following his colic surgery.
Leggs came home from NC State yesterday. He looks great but of course he has a long way to go following his colic surgery.
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