IHSA Nationals:
On the web:
DIRECTORY:
Collective EQUESTRIAN
How the South came to rule collegiate riding
The equestrian business migrates to the Internet
Here’s what equestrians are doing in business throughout Georgia and beyond
The
Color
SPRING 2016
The equine enthusiast’s chance to get creative The Collective Equestrian Winter 2015
the horse world
SPRING 2016
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Contents
Reaching Out
Voices
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The Artists Tamer and Cindy Elsharouni have begun delivering their art to the horsey crowd with equestrian coloring books.
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The sales expert The Pony Habit owner Kimberly Rupp brings together artisans and customers in one online space.
Summer in the South Georgia farriers weigh in on what makes for smooth-running appointments during their busiest time of the year.
Directory 19
Get to know your fellow professional horsemen, local equine organizations and Services.
IHSA Nationals 6
How the South came to dominate collegiate riding Three Southern schools - Berry College, St. Andrews University and Savannah College of Art and Design - proved their might this season with IHSA team championship wins.
On the cover:
Photo: Contributed
Message from the editor
Business on the Web 14
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A page from “The Amazing World of Horses� colored by Helen Duran.
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From the editor ... SOMETHING DIFFERENT
I found myself a little outside my comfort zone recently. I was staring down a deserted two-lane highway trying my best to keep 4,000 pounds of Belgian mare traveling in a straight line. The mares, Ava and Glory, were presumably bored out of their minds, having taught beginner drivers all morning, but I was well aware that my complete attention was required to pilot them safely. “Keep ‘em straight!” Dris Abraham’s voice sounded from directly behind me. I hastily adjusted my lines the way we had been taught during the previous day’s ground driving session. I had accompanied my husband on a long-overdue weekend getaway to the beginners’ driving clinic at RX Acres Belgians in Roosevelt, Okla. It was a nice chance for us to relax together and also to begin fulfilling his lifelong dream of learning to farm with heavy horses. The experience was just a bit nerve wracking in that it put us both out of our respective depths. As my readers know, I’m a diehard dressage enthusiast; my husband, Chip, is a journeyman farrier. We both have a lot of experience - but it’s with light horses. Belgians that weigh as much as some mid-size cars are a whole new ballgame. I was a tad apprehensive going in; I half expected to be put through a battery of pushups and ruck marches - or worse yet - to find ourselves shepherded into the grasslands by a denture-wearing, gold crazy cowboy, a la “City Slickers II.” As luck would have it, Dris and his business partner, Melissa Brown, seemed to have no such designs on us and turned out to be welcoming, funny and professional. Dris (often animatedly) held forth on the minute details of ideal working horse conformation, over dinner several evenings - I found the subject fascinating because of the similarities to a nicely formed dressage horse. We also got rundowns in the equipment shed on the physics behind asking a horse to pull things like manure spreaders and square balers. I was pit-in-the-stomach convinced I’d be left in the dust by the others due to my novice status with heavy horses, but to my disbelief, I was able to identify most parts of a work harness by the end of the weekend and even to harness the slightly put-upon, but saintly, Ava and Glory. I’ll admit my hands were shaking just a little when I first took the reins to drive the four-wheeled wagon. Despite Dris and Melissa’s careful ministrations and much prep behind the practice sled, it was a sobering experience to know I was in charge of those mares. Many thanks go to Dris and Melissa for their sharing of knowledge and comprehensive teaching and to Ava and Glory for their patience and obedience. (The latter two, I’m sure, gratefully hightailed it into their pasture the minute they realized they were free from our bumbling, beginner mistakes). If I had been presented with the opportunity to participate in a weekend dressage clinic for our getaway (this would have required my husband to spontaneously develop an affinity for riding), I probably would have taken it. Driving was exciting but uncomfortable its newness, but that kind of growth is always good, don’t you think? In this edition, you’ll find business professionals and riders trying a plethora of new things. From the riders braving the draw table at IHSA Nationals to the artists churning out stunning equine coloring books to the new business owner shipping tack over the Internet, these innovators are adding value to others’ lives. Enjoy! Sincerely,
Liz Crumbly Editor
Liz The Collective Equestrian Spring 2016
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Summer in the South:
Seven things Georgia farriers want you to know
Photo; World Championship Blacksmiths
Hot weather in the Southeast means more frequent hoof care appointments. We asked farriers on the Georgia Professional Farriers Association Facebook page what they’d like their clients to know about making appointments run more smoothly. This is what they said.
Here’s what they don’t like: “Giving your horse treats and repeating ‘Shhhhh or whoa, whoa, whoa,’ thinking it's doing something” - Nick Starr, Powder Springs, Ga. “Asking me to turn your horse out in the pasture a half mile from the barn after I'm done is not OK. (If my apprentice is with me, then of course it is OK. Would you like him fed, groomed and blanketed, too?)” - Chip Crumbly, Calhoun, Ga.
Shoe by Craig Trnka, Edgewood, New Mexico.
“Please don't text at midnight that your horse lost a shoe … No I don't run a 24 -hour 7-day-a-week emergency service.” - Andy Jones, Athens, Ga.
Clients should also take these things into consideration: “When your farrier asks, ‘How are you today?’ Bursting out in tears is not OK.” - Chip Crumbly
“If the horse's head is moving, assume the hooves are moving, making our job more difficult. That involves eating or getting away from a person rubbing the horse that doesn't want to be rubbed. Sometimes it's better to stand back if the horse ties.” - Lucas Gilleland, Snellville, Ga. “If you have a 9 a.m. appointment, please have your horse in and ready … my day consists of several stops, and if I get behind waiting on you, then I'm late to the next stop.” - Caleb Ruiz, Ballground, Ga.
“Under no circumstances is it OK to bring me a wet horse you just finished bathing ...” - Caleb Ruiz The Collective Equestrian Spring 2016
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COACH!
I forgot my ...
You name it. Things get forgotten at every event. Put a stop to your team’s delayed departures and emergency equipment purchases with The Collective Equestrian’s customizable, dry erase horse show packing list. See collectiveequestrian.com/special-offer/
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Collective EQUESTRIAN The
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Photo: Giana Terranova Photography
The Savannah College of Art and Design Equestrian Team celebrates their huntseat team win at IHSA Nationals, which took place in Lexington Kentucky in early May.
Riding high:
How the South came to rule collegiate horse showing By LIZ CRUMBLY Editor Three Southern schools brought home team championship titles this year when the dust settled on the Alltech Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park after Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association (IHSA) Nationals May 5-8.
The Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) emerged victorious for the second consecutive year with the huntseat team win, and Berry College also turned in a repeat performance for the Western team win. Joining the champion lineup were the first-time winning riders for St. Andrews University,
who tied with Berry. Southern riders also turned in brilliant individual performances in the prestigious Cacchione Cup, proving that the South is truly a force to be reckoned with in collegiate riding. See full coverage beginning on page 8. The Collective Equestrian Spring 2016
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Photos: SCAD - Giana Terranova Photography; Berry - contributed
Meredith Denny representing SCAD in intermediate over fences in which she placed second.
IHSA: a short primer: Competitors are assigned mounts via a draw that takes place at each regular season and post-season show. Riders are given no warm-up and must “catch-ride” the horses they draw. At regular season shows, each school chooses a rider in each class to compete on behalf of the college; the points that rider earns are credited toward the school’s cumulative season score. Riders not designated as “point riders” earn individual points, which are also cumulative. (Points earned by “point riders” also count as those riders’ individual points.) Points carry over between school years, and riders who earn the 36 points required to move up a
Berry College’s Annalee Cooley (left) with Assistant Coach Debra Wright. Cooley won the advanced western horsemanship class for her team.
division qualify for regional finals. Open division riders must earn 28 points to qualify for regionals.
Zone Finals: top huntseat teams/ top two Western teams (numbers vary according to area) advance to Nationals National Finals: top huntseat The march to Nationals: teams/ top Western teams in Individual riders: the nation compete for Regional Finals: top two huntseat and Western champihuntseat riders/ top two West- onships ern riders advance to Zone Classes are also held at postcompetition season shows for individually Zone Finals: top two huntseat qualifying riders. The placing riders/ top two Western riders requirements for individual ridadvance to Nationals ers to advance to Nationals are National Finals: top 16 the same as the team requirehuntseat riders/ top 16 West- ments (Regionals - top three; ern riders in the nation comZones - top two). pete for huntseat and Western championships Teams: The above rules are available Regional Finals: champion on the IHSA website, huntseat team/ champion ihsainc.com. See the site for Western team advance to Zone more information. competition The Collective Equestrian Spring 2016
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Berry College St. Andrews The fact that Berry College was even present at this year’s IHSA Nationals was “a pleasant surprise,” according to Head Coach Margaret Knight, and it was all because of one blue ribbon. Berry had tied for fourth place at Semifinals at Black Hawk College in March. Only the top three teams from this competition advance to National finals. Knight learned that another team had been disqualified from Nationals contention - given the fourth-place Semifinals tie, only one of those teams could fill the empty slot, she explained. Berry’s Annalee Cooley had earned a first place at Semifinals, while the other team had no blues, Knight said, making Berry the pick for Nationals contention. “You have to just think of all those things that had to fall together for us to actually go,” Knight said. “It was just kind of surreal.” The Western team lead bounced around throughout the weekend; by Sunday, Berry was in fourth place “kind of the middle of the pack,” as Knight put it. The team’s linchpin, open rider Elizabeth Poczobut, still had to perform her horsemanship pattern. “She is best under pressure, and she’s so experienced,” Knight said. “This is her third year at Nationals … she knows it’s kind of up to her.” Poczobut pushed the team to the championship with her second-place horsemanship finish. Assistant Coach Debra Wright said Berry’s surprise appearance at Nationals had a significant effect on the riders. “The theme of the rest of the season was ‘everything happens for a reason,’” she explained. Wright taught the Berry Western riders every week this season, and she said she witnessed a special bond among them. The most impressive things were “the spiritual connection and the friendship and the kindness,” she explained. “Hats off to parents,” she said. “Last year’s group and this year’s must have A-plus parents.”
See BERRY page 19
This year marked the first IHSA Western team championship for St. Andrews University, located in Laurinburg, N.C. Western Coach Carla Wennberg said she’d flirted with the win several times during her 10-year tenure with the university. Her team placed second in 2013. “I kind of got a little taste,” she said. The team had historically performed well at Semifinals and then run into challenges at Nationals. This was the year when it all came together. Wennberg said the team had to rally from a rough start in which their open reiner - one of the team’s leaders who had won her event at Semifinals was unable to correct her horse fast enough when it spun the wrong way during her pattern. Another rider who was also used to winning events came in fourth in another class soon after. Wennberg reminded her riders to keep their heads in the game and not to watch the scoreboard. In fact, she said, neither she nor her students got into the adding and subtracting frenzy that usually sweeps Nationals contenders looking to push their teams to the forefront. She simply advised her riders to do their best, and the points began accumulating. “You ride every class for your personal best,” she told them. “You ride every horse as your partner.” This frame of mind is especially important for her kids, she said, as many of them don’t come from horse show backgrounds. The glitz of IHSA Nationals can throw some riders off their game. “It’s a bit intimidating,” Wennberg said. This show “was a headgame.” Wennberg had a relatively young team this year; she’s only losing two riders to graduation. She plans on St. Andrews continuing to be a force to be reckoned with. “Next year, they’re going to be more comfortable and confident,” she said.
SCAD The Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) Equestrian Team garnered its second consecutive huntseat win at IHSA Nationals this year with a whopping 16 point lead on secondplace Mount Holyoke College. Head Coach Ashley Henry said defending last year’s championship was a priority for the Bees. “It was really the first thing on my mind,” she said. Henry stuck to her usual routine of keeping her eyes off the scoreboard early in the weekend. She realized her team was in contention for the win three or four classes in. The team had an early setback when novice over fences rider, Tess Mroczka, who won the event last year, placed ninth. The next over fences rider, Meredith Denny, was reserve champion in the intermediate division, however, and SCAD got another boost with a win from Quinn Lowsky in the novice flat. This win was particularly sweet, Henry said, because Lowsky earned only an honorable mention last year in the same event, despite a solid ride. She and Lowsky worked on making him more visible to the judges this year, and the strategy worked. “They definitely saw him this year,” Henry said. The win came down to senior Ryan Genn’s performances in open flat and fences for the team Saturday, May 7. Genn had a strenuous day of classes, as he was also representing SCAD as an individual in the Cacchione Cup. Despite his packed schedule, Genn persevered, earning SCAD a tricolor on the flat and a fourth place over fences. Henry said she doesn’t hesitate to remind Genn that the rest of the team is leaning on him. “I have to say, ‘I need you to at least get third,’” she said. “He deals with pressure well.” Henry describes her team as “very competitive” internally, and she said it’s this quality that helps drive them forward. She encourages riders of all levels to watch each other and learn.
See SCAD page 19 The Collective Equestrian Spring 2016
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‘Get over your bad self’ Winning Western coaches lent each other moral support during grueling contest for IHSA team championship
Contributed photos
BY LIZ CRUMBLY Editor
Berry College Assistant Coach Debra Wright (third from left) with the team at IHSA Nationals. Berry Head Coach Margaret Knight is on the far right.
St. Andrews University Western Coach Carla Wennberg with Mark Mowbray, the team’s open Western horsemanship rider
The Western team competition at this year’s Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association Nationals ended in a tie, allowing a long-term friendship between two coaches to shine. Coach Carla Wennberg, of St. Andrews Universtiy, and Assistant Coach Debra Wright, of Berry College, have a relationship that stretches back to Wright’s days as a college student. When she realized their teams had tied for the Western team championship at the Kentucky Horse Park in early May, Wright said she was overjoyed. “I couldn’t imagine it turning out any better,” she said. “It was a win-win situation any way you look at it.” Wennberg echoed the sentiment, saying of her longtime friend, “We
See COACHES page 19
Wennberg embraces IHSA Executive Director Bob Cacchione after being named Western Coach of the year at IHSA Nationals. The Collective Equestrian Spring 2016
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Photos: Ryan Genn - Giana Terranova Photography; Berry and St. Andrews - contributed
Elizabeth Poczobut pushed Berry College to the Western team win with her second-place horsemanship ride.
SCAD’s Ryan Genn with IHSA Executive Director Bob Cacchione.
The St. Andrews riders held a special ceremony for their graduating seniors in the arena at the Kentucky Horse Park where this year’s IHSA Nationals took place. Also “graduating” was an equine member of the team, a horse the Western team leased, who returned home after Nationals. The Collective Equestrian Spring 2016
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Photos: contributed
The St. Andrews University Western team members, holding their first-place ribbons and belt buckles, display the scoreboard that saw multiple leaders throughout the weekend-long battle for the Western team championship.
Berry College set up a makeshift display for its hardware - last year’s Western team championship trophy accompanied by its newest acquisition.
The Collective Equestrian Winter 2015
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Photo: Erin O’Neill
The Savannah College of Art and Design’s Ryan Genn took the flying change route in the Cacchione Cup work-off at IHSA Nationals in Lexington Kentucky May 5-8. Genn placed third overall in the battle for the Cup.
To simple or to flying change? Southern riders answered skillfully in Cacchione Cup work-off FROM IHSA
The 2016 USEF Cacchione Cup at the Kentucky Horse Park at the Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association National Championships May 5-8 ended with a work-off Shakespearean in its proportion. Riders representing two Southern schools made the callback in which “to simple, or to flying change” was the question posed by judges Carole O’Brien and Julie Winkel.
The work-off was a contest between eventual winner, Tufts University senior Chase Boggio; Victoria ‘Tori’ Bauer, of the College of Charleston; and Ryan Genn of The Savannah College of Art & Design. Bauer was named reserve champion, and Genn took third place after the work-off, which required the riders to canter a serpentine the length of the Alltech Arena while demonstrating flying or simple changes.
The fences portion of the Cacchione Cup featured courses by USEF R designer and Johnson & Wales University graduate Tom Hern, Jr., who said his intent was to offer “interesting options based on the horses,” like his IHSA Fence into a rollback over a straight line. Bauer accepted the EquestrianCoach.com Achievement of Excellence Award for a $500 stipend and internship with Stacia Madden in ad-
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dition to her reserve title. Bauer’s coach, Bob Story, also coached last year’s Cacchione champion, Elizabeth Hayes. “This week was about riding my personal best. I’m grateful to my friends and family and most importantly to Coach Story for his hard work helping me get ready for Nationals,” said Bauer, who had three generations of matriarchs cheering her on, including her 97 year-old grandmother, Yvonne, who never doubted her granddaughter would not live up to her “victorious” name. “I’m proud of her,” said Story. “Of course I wanted back-to-back wins because it hasn’t been done in so long (1982-1983, CeCe Williamson, University of Virginia) but she was wonderfully consistent. Weak points? Tori doesn’t have any weak points.” It seems all good things eventually come South. Even though Boggio’s graduating from a Massachusetts school, where he served for two years as captain of the Tufts University Equestrian Team, he’ll soon call the state of Georgia home. He will graduate with a degree in economics and international relations, and he’s has accepted a position with an Atlanta management firm where he will begin work in July.
Other Southern highlights from Nationals
over as long as there’s still classes. This has been an amazing team that has worked endlessly. All we’ve tried to do is stay humble,” said coach Henry, whose next “trip” after Kentucky is a baby boy expected in mid-June. “We planned it out, after Nationals,” she blushed. And over baby’s crib… that Collegiate Cup? Hunt seat horses honored at Nationals included University of Kentucky’s “Red Alert” (TJC “Mac Goo”) for the Jockey Club Thoroughbred Incentive Program (TIP) Award; Cazenovia College’s “Collins” and Morrisville State’s “Rex” tied for Triple Crown Nutrition Inc. High Point Hunt Seat Horse; Skidmore College “oneeyed wonder,” “Amitelli,” (who took Ryan Genn to third in the Cacchione Cup) was named the SmartPak Most Popular Hunt Seat Horse. The South also shone in the chase for the Western team title with Berry College in Rome, Ga. and St. Andrews University in Laurinburg, N.C., tying for the championship with 19 points apiece. St. Andrews Western Coach Carla Wennberg was recognized with the 2016 IHSA Western Coach Sportsmanship Award for her work as “a teacher who positively reinforces her riders, makes sure her team is prepared, and is always ready to help others.” Also honored was another St. Andrews team member – “Vinnie,” who was named SmartPak Most Popular Western Horse. For the top four finalists in the NRHA Open Reining national championship at IHSA Nationals, there will be no time to slide back on their laurels, having qualified for the June 30 NRHA Collegiate Reining Championships in Oklahoma. Among those earning this honor was Leah Piper of Middle Tennessee State University.
Ashley Henry, coach of The Savannah College of Art & Design 2015 national champion team had to confess that OK, maybe plans to start a family were built (just a little) around defending their high point team Collegiate Cup title in 2016 and, like a good over fences rider, she hit all her marks. The SCAD Bees came to Kentucky having won eight out of nine IHSA shows and were anchored in their focus by senior captains Ryan Genn and Devon Walther. “Devon and Ryan have been upper Find complete results on level, educated riders that stay fowww.IHSAinc.com. cused and never forget that it’s not
Are you hooked yet? Don’t miss our online archive! See collectivequestrian.com for all our past stories.
The Collective Equestrian Spring 2016
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BUSINESS ON THE WEB
s t is
e h T
t r A
Pulling the consumer into the creative process By LIZ CRUMBLY Editor
It can inspire creativity or simply distract from the stresses of everyday life; many adults haven’t done it since they were small, but coloring is making a comeback with the grown-up set. Given their potential to be relaxing and fun, coloring books have found a toehold with many artists looking to reach a broader audience, and the grown-up version of this childhood favorite tends to be sophisticated and beautiful - like art. Pulling the consumer into the creative process is exactly what Lakeland, Fla. artist Cindy Elsharouni loves about publishing coloring books. Two of her most recent creations, “The Amazing World of Horses” and its sequel, “The Magical World of Horses,” allow the viewer to step into a world where
Above: Artists Tamar and Cindy Elsharouni. Left: one of the Elsharouni’s coloring book images, colored by Mel Schulmeyer. Photos: contributed
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equines are covered in swirling patterns and sometimes even sport wings. Coloring books are a way for adults to create their own art, Elsharouni explained. They give people with no time or confidence to learn to draw the ability to put their imaginations to work, she said. “So many people want to be creative, and they label themselves as not creative,” she said. With coloring books, “they’re putting the colors together. There’s that sense of satisfaction.” Elsharouni shares her byline with her husband, Tamar, who is originally from Egypt - the two met there, in fact. They both have an appreciation for the Arabian horse Cindy rode them when she was a teenager, and Tamar has had several art exhibitions in Egypt that revolved around the breed. The two artists usually work in oil and acrylic; some of their greeting cards and graphics are watercolor, Cindy explained. The process of creating fanciful equine likenesses for a coloring book is often an organic one. The images are imbued with the artists’ feelings at the time of rendering. “(The final product) depends on the day and my mood,” Cindy explained. The whirling pattern always follow the horse’s flowing lines though - “I like it to kind of warp around the horse,” she said. “(The pattern) depends on the position of the horse.” The artists began rendering the horses in pencil, but now they use a digital drawing pad that hooks to their computer. “I’m more free to try patterns and erase easily,” Cindy said. “Technology really helps me.” There’s seems to be something magnetic about the horse’s form that makes humans want to render it visually (think ancient drawings found in caves). Cindy said she’s been making attempts to draw equines since she was three years old. Now, she’s not only found success in this quest, but she’s made a way for others to satisfy their innate creative urges, as well.
Images from “The Amazing World of Horses” by Tamar and Cindy Elsharouni. The Collective Equestrian Spring 2016
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BUSINESS ON THE WEB:
s e l a s t e r Th xpe e
Feeding the equestrian habit: Kimberly Rupp has found a willing social media audience By LIZ CRUMBLY Editor
ONLINE: www.theponyhabit.com facebook.com/theponyhabit/ facebook.com/The-Western-Habit
Photos: Contributed
Kimberly Rupp posted an addition to her online store last year - pony rolling pins - before leaving town with her family for the weekend. She figured the baking accessories, indented with pony silhouettes, wouldn’t garner a whole lot of attention while she vacationed, but she returned home to a flood of orders. That’s pretty much how business has been for Rupp’s store, The Pony Habit, which she launched in early 2014. The website offers a staggering variety of horsey merchandise from art to clothing to tack. “We didn’t really plan on it being successful as it was,” Rupp recalls with a touch of incredulity. Surprised or not, she’s taken the boon and run with it. Her profits doubled in 2015. She opened another storefront, The Western Habit, to cater to a wider clientele, and she’s now looking at opening a brick-and-mortar
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installation of the Pony Habit in her hometown of Ashland, Va., near I95, next year. Rupp says she owes her success to several factors: A unique relationship with her 126 vendors. Most are female and many offer handmade or customizable products. Rupp markets their wares to the general public and drop ships the items from vendor to customer. A strong knowledge of the sales game. She previously worked in ad sales for several equestrian magazines, so she knows how to reach the public. Facebook has been an indispensible resource for her marketing efforts. She posts new products and special deals there frequently. A love of networking. Rupp has a large pool of friends in the equestrian industry, and she doesn’t hesitate to share ideas with them. She’s done things like supply jewelry makers with handmade pieces from other artists to incorporate into their work. Social media has proven a reliable vehicle for making meaningful contact with the public - her Po-
Many of The Pony Habit’s 126 vendors sell customizable items. Opposite page, counterclockwise from top: horse silhouette button art, customillustrated brush set, custom saddle pads, helmet initial decal. This page, clockwise from top: ladies driving or race day hat, dressage-themed bedding, custom children’s bows and the pony rolling pins that brought in a flood of orders during a vacation weekend for The Pony Habit owner Kimberly Rupp.
See HABIT page 19
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Win this! Photos: Courtesy of horsehubby.com
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Collective EQUESTRIAN The
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HABIT
COACHES
From Page 17
From Page 8
ny Habit Facebook page currently has more than 30,000 likes, and the Western Habit has racked up 13,000. In two years. Perhaps the most shocking thing is that, according to Rupp, all these likes are organic. She’s the first to admit she works for the attention. She posts to various horse-related Facebook groups daily with little teasers to both her business pages, but she says the constant peddling seems more like fun than work. “You have to really like doing this,” she says. “Facebook is an addiction.” Rupp’s career has run the gamut in terms of variety. She has an educational background in biology and spent 15 years as a Naval officer before making the jump to ad sales and eventually retail. She jokes that she can’t decide what she wants to do permanently, but it looks like she’ll be catering to equestrians through The Pony Habit for some time. “I guess you find your talent in life, and this is just mine,” she says.
share a lot of the same passions. We always try to help each other. That’s what IHSA is all about … encouraging everyone to be better.”
BERRY From Page 8 Despite Berry’s first-place finish at Nationals in 2015, this year was somewhat of a building year, Wright said. Given the delayed notice of their Nationals qualification, the riders lacked a little confidence going in, she said, but she watched them “prove to each other that they did deserve to be there” as the weekend progressed. Knight said the fact that Berry tied for first place with St. Andrews University was “almost even better” than winning solo. She had high praise for St. Andrews Coach Carla Wennberg. “To tie with Carla’s team is just such an honor because she's so good at that she does,” Knight said.
Going way back The two met at the University of Georgia in the early 1980s where Wright was a student and Wennberg had recently graduated and was working as a barn manager. Their careers took similar trajectories with both women earning multiple judging cards to preside over performance horse events. Wennberg has judged American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) shows for about 30 years now, and Wright has a 22-year tenure with that association. They’ve both judged IHSA western events extensively, and they tend to bring the judging perspective to their leadership styles. “I feel that (judging) has probably given Debra and I a lot different insight into coaching,” Wennberg explained. She said seeing the rules and format of an association from a judge's standpoint helps to drive the scoring details home to riders. Wennberg and Wright both brought teams with strong riders who needed a shot in the arm in terms of confidence at one point or another
during the competition. Wright’s Berry College riders barely missed qualifying for Nationals, placing fourth at their semifinal competition; they proceeded to Nationals on emergency notice after another team was disqualified. Because of this whirlwind turn of events, Wright said, she had to dig deep into her mental reserves to keep the students’ confidence up. Wennberg said her riders suffered a blow after their reining competitor didn’t place as high as expected early in the competition. Her rider patted the horse after completing the pattern and “had the right attitude,” Wennberg said, but the coach herself had begun to sweat the situation. Wright apparently realized her friend was a little worried. Wennberg said Wright encouraged her and reminded her that Berry didn’t garner reining points in their successful bid for the team championship in 2015. “‘Get over your bad self,’” was the basic message Wennberg said she got from Wright, who encouraged her to stay positive and keep her eyes on the championship. This type of relationship makes the coaching gig that much richer, Wennberg said. “I don’t care how good a coach or a trainer you are,” she said. “You need to reach out.”
SCAD From Page 8
tors. Henry watched her students support each other by working out together in the Although three seniors will graduate evenings, making food runs and rolling from the team at the end of May, Henry polo wraps for each other. said next year’s team still has a lot of It seems the Bees’ coach has a clout. healthy dose of competitiveness too. “The team’s got a lot of strength to “They did a phenomenal job,” Henry it, a lot of depth,” Henry said. said of her riders. “I’m happy we won … Despite the rivalry, the riders are ex- but I almost have the same feelings as tremely supportive of each other, accord- last year … I think we can do better.” ing to their coach. The team took eight That kind of statement makes IHSA horses and nine volunteer riders to Nafans wonder if a perfect Nationals score tionals this year, along with the competi- could be on the horizon. The Collective Equestrian Spring 2016
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DIRECTORY JOIN US! Submit a listing for your equine-based business or organization by emailing a three-to-four-sentence summary, along with your contact information or website, to editor@collectiveequestrian.com.
Boarding, lessons and training: Rebel Woods Boarding Stables, Marietta, Ga. Unique trail riding opportunities. Facility borders nearly 3,000 acres of trails at Kennesaw Mountain Battlefield National Park. See Rebelwoods.com for facility details. Phoebe Loughrey Stables in Milton, Ga., offers students an intimate teaching and showing experience. Students show at AA rated and local shows; riders of all ages accepted. See www.plstables.com for more information about sale horses and other services. Paradise Ranch, Locust Grove, Ga., trainer Gudrun Dees specializes in safe horsemanship for adult riders new to horses or starting over with a riding career. Competitive trail instruction and clinics. Call 770-634-5812 or visit Facebook.com/deeshorsemanship for more information. Victory’s Gait at Sweet Dreams Farm, in Ball Ground, Ga., offers a faith-based learning experience through natural horsemanship. Serving mainly youth, this is a home-school friendly atmosphere. Giddy-Up classes, promoting foundational horsemanship learning, are offered throughout the year. For more information, see victorysgait.weebly.com. Ashley Crooms Equine Development offering boarding, lessons and full training packages at In Your Dreams Farm in Alpharetta, Ga. Farm amenities include covered arena, jumping arena, ample turnout. Ashley has experience with a wide variety of breeds and disciplines that ranges from showing AQHA/APHA to AHA and hunter/jumpers. For more information, see ashleycrooms.com. Canter Ridge Equestrian, Canton, Ga., offers a variety of services, including boarding and hunter/ jumper lessons.
State-of-the-art, 16-stall facility on 40 rolling acres. See canterridgeequestrian.com for a complete list of services. Breakaway Farm in Braselton, Ga., offers boarding, training and sales. Lessons and an IEA team under the leadership of trainer Sarah Dubois make for a youth-friendly environment. Visit breakawayfarm.net for more information. IRIDE (Indian River Institute for Dressage and Equestrians) in Mentone, Ala., offers instruction for all riders with an emphasis on dressage. Trainer Mary McGuire Smith has 30 years of riding experience and has trained extensively in Europe. She is available to travel to teach in the tri-state area. See www.iride.at for more information. Fairhaven Farm in Coosa, Ga., offers a range of boarding, training and lesson options. Trainer Kimberly Wallace has more than 30 years of riding experience that has included training in Europe. She offers lessons with an emphasis on classical principals. See www.fairhavenfarm.info. Rolling Ridge Farm in Tunnel Hill, Ga., is located conveniently to U.S. 41 and I75, just 30 minutes south of Chattanooga. Services include lessons and boarding in two facilities, which include a 100×170 indoor. Students have the opportunity to show in GHJA shows as well as on an IEA team. See www.rollingridgefarm.com. Equestrian Training Center in Canton, Ga., offering lessons for riders of all ages and levels of experience in English and western disciplines. Trainer Jeannette McDonald has 32 years of experience with judging and teaching. See Equestriantrainingcenter.org for a complete list of services available. Silver Lining Stables, located in West Cobb County near Powder Springs, offers a range of services including full
board, pony parties, custom leather working and lessons with various professionals in hunters, jumping and dressage. See www.silverliningstables.com for more information. Rising Star Farm in Silver Creek, Ga., provides a complete range of breeding services. Standing approved and licensed warmblood hunter, jumper and dressage stallions; offering professional mare and foal care, as well as limited boarding and training. See www.risingstarfarm.net. Cedar Lane Farm in Chickamauga, Ga., offers American Warmblood horses for sale, many with the champagne color from their sire, Magon. Owner/ trainer Amy Humble Lanier, a USDF “L” graduate, offers lessons and training in dressage, eventing and IEA equitation. See Cedar Lane Farm on Facebook or email champagnesporthorse@gmail.com. Foxberry Farm, in Dallas, Ga., offers quality instruction for riders of all levels in primarily English disciplines with emphasis on the 3-phases of eventing: dressage, show jumping, and crosscountry. Boarding, lessons, and events. Details on the website: www.foxberryequestrianfarm.com. Shelby Oaks Farm in Wilsonville, Ala., serves hunter/ jumpers. Facilities include a 15-stall barn and two riding arenas. Christie Saunders, trainer, can be reached at 205-529-7162. See facebook.com/Shelbyoaksfarm for more information. In Unison Farm in Adairsville, Ga., offers full, partial and pasture board - 12x12 stalls with runs, lighted outdoor arena, cross country jumps, trails. Family atmosphere managed by trainer Lee Ann Gilson, an A-rated Pony Clubber, who lives on-site. Lee Ann also owns Optimum Eventing and offers dressage and jumping lessons and also training for
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young horses and older horses who need tune-ups. See www.inunisonfarm.com and optimumeventing.com. HorseSense Riding Academy in Ellijay, Ga., offers eventing and mounted games instruction for children and adults with its exclusive Learning Levels education program. Day camps, showing opportunities, full and partial lease programs available. Head trainer Nikki Surrusco holds an H Pony Club rating. See www.horsesenseridingacademy.com. Triple S Eventing in Woodstock, Ga., offers lessons and boarding at Lakeview Farm. Emphasis on serving adult amateurs starting out in or returning to eventing. Barn amenities: lit dressage and jumping arena, trails on property, hot/cold wash rack, boarder lounge, tack room, matted stalls and custom feed program. See www.tripleseventing.com. All Purpose Horsemanship, owned by trainer and clinician Josh Peebles, is located in Young Harris, Ga. Josh serves the public training horses, starting colts and conducting clinics in the natural horsemanship style. Call 706-8973244. Pegasus Riding School in Milner, Ga., offers boarding, lessons, training and show prep in the disciplines of hunter/ jumper and dressage under the guidance of owners Linda and Warren Abrams. See www.pegride2000.com. A+ Performance Horses, in Apison, Tenn., caters to sporthorses and their people. Hands-on care makes boarding, lessons, training and sales a specialized experience here. Contact owner/ trainer Amy Bennett at 423-596-8286 or see A Plus Performance Horses on Facebook. Revelation Farm in Alpharetta, Ga., offers a full range of services for the serious dressage rider. Owner/ trainer Danielle Perry is available to help riders improve competition scores and earn USDF medals through classical dressage instruction. Revelation Farm also conducts shows, sales and clinics and offers boarding. See Revelationfarm.weebly.com.
H and H Equestrian, Ringgold, Ga., offers a safe and effective lesson program for riders of all ages. Come polish your skills and get show ready in Western, barrels or hunter/ jumpers. Boarding and training services also available. See handhequestrian.weebly.com or call Lizzy Hood at 423-308-9375. Iron Horse Stables, Milton, Ga., offers a diverse range of services for riders looking to show nationally or to ride for recreation. A variety of therapeutic riding opportunities are also available. Owner/ trainer Christine Johnson is a certified PATH instructor and USEF AHA licensed judge. See www.cjironhorse.com. JB Equestrian, in Dacula, Ga., specializes in hunters, jumpers, equitation and ponies. Lessons, showing opportunities, sales and training offered for beginner through advanced-level riders and horses with trainer Jamie Bertone. See www.jb-equestrian.com. KS Equestrian, in Canton, Ga., offers boarding, lessons and training in several disciples with a specialization in Western dressage. Full time trainer Kristin Delibero, is a Train the Trainer graduate with the WDAA and has 25plus years experience. We offer three to four clinics per year in Western dressage and welcome haul-in clients for mini clinics and lessons. Email ksequestrian29@gmail.com or call 770655-1734. Heavenly Hooves in Ooltewah, Tennessee, offers quality instruction, training and barefoot trimming. Contact owner Christina Mendoza Green at 423-3104282 or see facebook.com/ heavenlyhooves. River Valley Stables is family environment equestrian facility in Braselton, Ga., featuring a nine-stall barn, 25 acres, arena, round pen and wash bay. Full board only to keep herd size under eight. Pony parties offered and trainer available for lessons. Call 770533-3553 or email Rivervalleystablesbraselton@gm ail.com. Pascova Farm, in Athens, Ga., offers full board, luxury pasture board on 80 acres and lessons. Cross country
course, dressage arena and stadium jumps available for your schooling or lesson needs. See www.pascovafarm.com or call 404-3860545. Sun Valley Arabians in Lizella, Ga., offers full and pasture boarding on 86 beautiful acres, as well as a variety of breeding services including mare care. The farm stands several Arabian stallions and has quality Straight Egyptian and crossbred foals for sale. See www.sunvalleyarabians.com. Dustin’s Place, in Cumming, Ga., provides therapeutic riding services for children and adults who have special needs. Instructor Lynn Brecht is certified through the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association and has a certificate in horsework from Strides to Success. See www.brechtstables.org for more information. Flatwood Farm Performance Horses in Conyers, Ga., provides lessons, as well as kid-safe horses for lease. Training available for starting horses, show tuneups and behavior problems. See www.facebook.com/Flatwood-FarmPerformance-Horses or call 678-4139373. Boarding services in Talking Rock, Ga.: pasture and stall options, as well as trails and an arena by appointment. See https://www.facebook.com/ groups/286533571412874/ permalink/1067377443328479/ North Atlanta Equestrian, located at Old Mill Farm in Cartersville, Ga., offers boarding and lessons for all ages, as well as competition opportunities including obstacle challenges, showing and an IEA team. See northatlantaequestrian.com. Five 2 Five Performance Horses strives to provide a pleasant buying/ selling experience from beginning to completion of a sale. Consignment and advertising options offered to best fit your individual needs. Find us on Facebook or email 525performancehorses@gmail.com. Sawtooth Ranch, in Covington, Ga., offers riding lessons and horse training, as well as desensitization, ground work,
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saddle breaking, and more. Call 678588-0150 for more information, or email sawtoothranchga@gmail.com. Willing Partners Horsemanship - striving to create horses that are willing and trusting partners for their owners and handlers. Everything good must start from the ground and build into something greater. Mutual trust is an essential part of our teaching; we also teach horses to look to their handlers for support and guidance. See facebook.com/ willingpartnershorsemanship/. The Stables at Towne Lake in Woodstock offers a range of boarding options. Full course jumping arena, separate flatwork arena, barrel arena and two lighted round pens. Trainers on site or bring your own with approval. Custom care for your horse in a relaxed atmosphere. See www.thestablesattownelake.com. Four Rivers Sporthorse Complex in Paducah, Ky., offers training, lessons, sales and boarding in a state-of-the-art facility. The farm is home to event and dressage champions and also hosts United States Pony Club events. Youth and adult riding programs serve as entryways to competition throughout the region. See fourriverssporthorse.com for more information.
Services: gahorsefarms.com: your source for equestrian real estate in North Georgia. Suburban and rural properties, horse farms, estate homes, recreational and mountain properties and more. Broker Teresa Anderson and Horse Pro Sales Agents assist you in finding just the right property. If you have a farm to sell, they can help with the marketing and sales process with competitive listing packages. Lisa Turner - professional horse clipping: work guaranteed to produce show ring-ready results! Also, farm labor, farm sitting, pet sitting. Proceeds benefit several animal rescues. References available. Woodstock. Call 404-6633267. AAA Paints - Kingston, Ga., standing “Brooks Brothers,” the 2011 Pinto Horse Association of America Halter Stallion of the Year. Standing to the
public for the first time this year. See aaa.paints.weebly.com for more information. Mitchells Equine Services, based in Social Circle, Ga., offers horse training and exercising, lessons, hauling, purchasing, sales and more. Owner Jordan Mitchell offers rehabilitation for injured horses with a specialty in securing laser therapy services in conjunction with veterinarians. See Facebook.com/ mitchellsequineservices. Harris Leather in State Road, N.C., provides quality leather and silverworks for both English and Western riders. Endless options in the way of show and work tack, with quite a few offerings for the show wardrobe, as well. Many items are completely customizeable. See harrisleather.com. Signature Spurs in Pompano Beach, Fla., offers a complete line of customizable spurs and whips for the English rider. Spurs come in a wide variety of shapes and range from child to adult sizes. Whips run the gamut from short jumping bats to long Dressage whips. Most items can be monogrammed with initials or names. See www.signaturespurs.com. Deceased Pet Care Funeral Homes and Crematories: serving four Georgia locations. Providing for all aspects of equine cremation including planning, equine urns, burial lots, granite markers. Call 770-457-7659 or visit www.deceasedpetcare.com/ equinecremationservices. County Saddles still represent a tradition of handmade quality! Make your appointment for a fitting for a customizable County today with Georgia representative Cindy Adcock. Cindy can be reached by e-mail at cindy@countysaddlery.com or by phone at 404-285-0063. Georgia-based artist Robert Cederstrand offers finely-wrought paintings of equines and the natural world. Working mostly in oil, he produces unique works appropriate for home or the workplace and available through his Cederstrand Studio. See cederstrand.homestead.com. Express Trailer Solutions - mobile trailer
services. We come to you! For appointments - 770-757-7288 / chris@expresstrailersolutions.com. Like our Facebook page. We offer these services and more: interior/exterior, pressure washing, aluminum brightening, waxing, polishing, basic repairs, general maintenance. Zaudke Sculpture - R. Zaudke Wilkins, artist. See a gallery of works on the website www.zaudkesculpture.com and Like the Facebook page. Wilkins says about her works, "Nature is my muse. Opposing textures, the tilt of a head, or simply the way a jaw and neck join. These captured moments of nature and everyday life is what I strive to create. Different aspects of each animal enchant me. Most often I find it is texture, mass and the relationship of environment and animal which triggers the creative impulse. I am constantly striving to capture the essence of what enchants me most about horses." Susan Travis - Intuitive Guidance: “Susan Travis is joyfully in the employ of the Universe, represented by her Spirit Guides.” Some humans have greater access to these guides, making it possible to communicate with you to help you and your animals. Readings: 585335-3998 / whitecrest@juno.com. See Susan Travis Intuitive Guidance on Facebook. Hay Burners Equine offers slow-feed hay nets in a variety of sizes and materials. Made to be tougher than the average slow-feed hay net, “Quality materials are carefully chosen to withstand the abuse that our equine partners dish out.” Sizes range from mini/ snack portion capacity to extra long hay bale; hay roll nets also available. See www.hayburnersequine.com. Ride horses and have beautiful nails, too, with Jamberry nail wraps. Learn more about this unique manicure solution and place your order today with Lead Consultant GiGi Thompson at gigithompson.jamberrynails.net. Whinny's Equine Sitting in Rome, Ga., provides pet-sitting services for large and small animals. Owner Wendy Nichols has been managing and working at barns for 24 years. Whinny’s is regularly
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locally recommended by veterinarians and farriers. For more information, call 706-409-3835. Countryside Veterinary Services in Covington, Ga., offers a complete range of services for both small and large animals. A diverse veterinary staff with specialties in areas like large animal surgery and equine hoof care ensures your animal receives innovative and caring service. See www.countrysidevets.com. JRyan Studio in Cumming, Ga., offers quality custom art, including pet portraits and paintings, by way of artist Jessie Pagenkopf. Immortalize your horse or pet with custom, quality, unique art. See JRyannStudio.com for a full portfolio of work. C & K Livestock Services offers assistance with a wide variety of livestockrelated tasks, including but not limited to: catching and hauling, marketing and vaccinations. Horses hauled, as well. Call Cody Peeler at 770-608-1025 or Kyle Waters at 770-710-1692. Time To Reflect Equine Soft Tissue Therapy offers a range of treatment options with Wendy Jo Jordan, who is certified in equine sports massage therapy and equine electro-acupressure. Call 772-341-4543 for more information. Happy Hoofs Hauling, out of Alpharetta, Ga., is owned and operated by Donna Jackson, who brings to the job extensive training as a veterinary nurse and a focus on safety and well-being of the horse. For your next short-distance haul, contact Donna at toyhorse22@hotmail.com or 770-5402784. The Rhinestone Cowgirl makes customordered Swarovski crystal pieces. They also sell anything that blings to help cowgirls stand out in the arena and are able to offer products at a huge discount. Their motto: "If you can dream, I can bling it!" Place orders can be place via the Facebook page or directly at 678-357-9473. Down South Carriage Services is your source for a horse-drawn carriage for any occasion: birthday parties, weddings, and other special events. Call
423-255-3267 or email downsouthcarriage@gmail.com to speak with Brittany or Richard Edgerton. Jessica Ann Designs specializes in equine photography, as well as design in a variety of areas, including business cards, logos, apparel and product catalogs. A wide range of social media and marketing services are also available. See http://www.jessicaann.design Oxford Equine Transportation, based in Durango, Colo., is run by experienced horse haulers who provide safe, highquality transport for their equine charges and love hearing their customers’ horse stories. DOT compliant, licensed and insured and serving the lower 48 states. See www.oxfordequinetransportation.com Bar 17 Horses, located in Stephens, Ga., specializes in matching familyfriendly equines with new owners across the Southeast and beyond. Horses range from beginner-safe trail mounts to finished working ranch horses. See the Facebook group Bar17 Horses for Sale. The FoxAtlanta Hunter/ Jumper Show Series, hosted by North Atlanta Equestrian and Foxberry Farm, takes place at the Bartow County Saddle Club in Cartersville. See northatlantaequestrian.com for entry forms and schedule. Horse trailers available for rent. Fleet includes bumper pulls, flatbeds and a gooseneck. Located close to Kennesaw. Call 678-934-2730 or visit triplehperformancehorses for more information. Heartfelt Healing Arts is a mobile animal massage and chiropractic unit providing service across the Southeast. Dr. Gaile Daley is certified to serve canines and equines and also provides informational courses for owners. See www.heartfelthealingarts.com. Looking to sell your horse? Glen Gieschen serves clients from all over. Proven track record - 53 show horses sold in 2014 and 2015.Only sound sane show horses represented. PM through Facebook to find your next winner. Call 856-405-5260 or email glenngieschen@gmail.com. The Balanced Horse Project, Dothan,
Ala. provides workshops and mobile services for equine body balancing, riding support, photo analysis. “An intelligent way to solve problems, prevent injuries and influence behavior. Learn the science behind our techniques and listen to our podcast at www.thebalancedhorseproject.net.” Horse Trailer Supply provides onsite trailer maintenance and repair. Traveling within 100-mile radius of metro Atlanta. Team handles lights, brakes, minor body repair and much more. See www.horsetrailersupply.com. Tilted Tripod Studios in Hartwell, Ga., provides quality photos of you and your horse with an experienced equine photographer. Photo sessions start at $75 and include 5-10 edited images on disk, along with a digital gallery. See facebook.com/tiltedtripodstudios. Springbrook Bed and Barn in Niota, Tenn., offers overnight accommodations for traveling horses and their owners. Three miles from exit 56 on I-75. Water and electric hookups at barn, or sleeping arrangements in house, concrete block barn, 12 x 12 matted stalls. See springbrookbedandbarn.com or call 423-368-4690. Oakwood Stables at Harlech Farm in Rome, Ga., offers special events hosting in a beautiful and rustic setting. See facebook.com/oakwoodstablesevents, email oakwoodstablesevents@gmail.com or call 404392-1103. Giana Terranova Photography located in Savannah, Ga., offers quality equine portraiture and show photography. See gianaterranovaphotography.com for portfolio and contact info. EHB Equine: moving your horse toward a solid foundation with a unique, hands -on approach to equine bodywork. Located in Cincinnati, Ohio. Call Elise at 513-500-8035, or visit www.ehbequine.com Smith Equine Media specializes in graphic design and website building “for equestrians by an equestrian.” See https://smithequinemedia.com/ for more portfolio and information. Tired of breaking out after a day of riding? Chelsea Smith is ready to help as
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your equestrian Rodan and Fields representative. See http:// chelsealsmith.myrandf.com for more information. Blue Ribbon Braiding offers professional clipping and braiding services for eventing, jumper and dressage riders in USDF Region 2 and USEA Area 8. See Blue Ribbon Braiding on Facebook, or call owner Alyssa Milano at 781-4392056 for more information.
Farriery: Bent Tree Forge, serves Athens, Conyers, Covington, Atlanta, Alpharetta and surrounding areas with a team of qualified, professional farriers led by Eric Gilliland, CJF. Shoeing for eventing, dressage, hunter-jumper and pleasure horses. Emphasis on continued farrier education and positive experience for the horse. See benttreeforge.com. Andrew Wells, CJF, offers shoeing and trimming services within a 150-mile radius of Auburn, Ala. Equines of any discipline served. Call 970-445-8937. Nick Starr, CJF, serves Powder Springs and surrounding areas with professional farrier work. Shoeing for horses in all disciplines by a seasoned WCB and AFA competitor. Call 307-250-1030 for more info and pricing. Dogwood Forge - serving geographical area above Atlanta, north to Calhoun. Owner Chip Crumbly, CJF, is Ga’s only AWCF - certified with London-based Worshipful Company of Farriers. All disciplines; emphasis on owner education and horse anatomy knowledge. Call 706-346-8706. Dirt Road Forge, owned by Andy Jones, CF, offers farriery services for all breeds in Athens and surrounding areas. Call 706-255-0775 or e-mail dirtroadforge@gmail.com. Heartland Horseshoeing School, in Lamar, MO, provides beginner through advanced curricula for those looking to enter the farrier industry or improve their existing skills. Housing, working facilities and equipment provided. See heartlandhorseshoeing.com for pricing and course details. Tom's Horseshoeing in Wilsonville, Ala., serves all breeds. Owned/ operated by Tom Saunders, CJF. Call 205-500-
4033. Eric Joy’s Professional Horseshoeing, located in Milledgeville, Ga., provides a quality shoeing and a positive experience for horses and owners. Continued education is made a priority, and vet and client references are available. Call or text 724-256-3792 for appointments. Due 4 Shoes Farrier Services in Athens, Tenn., offers hot, cold and corrective shoeing. Farrier George Bercaw has 20 years of experience. Call 423-3369988 or 423-314-0470 or email due4shoes@yahoo.com.
Organizations: The Union County Saddle Club, in Blairsville, Ga., offers a wide range of equine recreation opportunities at its new lit and covered show arena. See www.unioncountysaddleclub for a full calendar of activities from May - October. TAG DEA (Tennessee/ Alabama/ Georgia Dressage and Eventing Association) works to provide competition and educational resources for eventing and dressage riders in the tri-state area. Local and recognized shows offered, as well as clinics. See tagdea.org. Western Dressage Association of Georgia: wdageorgia.org. This association is hosting shows and clinics for the developing discipline of western dressage. Classical dressage meets the Western horse! The Ride to the Olympics Foundation exists to support show jumper Miguel Wilson as he works toward representing the U.S. in the 2024 summer Olympics. Wilson hosts outreach events to introduce underprivileged children to the sport through the Foundation. See ridetotheolympics.com. The World Championship Blacksmiths Association offers an exciting competition opportunity for farriers at all levels of aptitude. Emphasis on horse owner education - competitions take place at a variety of locations around the U.S. in conjunction with large equine events. See worldchampionshipblacksmiths.com. Georgia Dressage and Combined Training Association - promoting the art and
sports of dressage and eventing in Georgia with members from throughout the Southeast. If you are interested in becoming involved in the exciting world of dressage and eventing look for more information on the website www.gdcta.org and like our Facebook page. Blue Skies Riding Academy, Emerson, Ga., is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing quality horsemanship instruction at a reasonable cost. Huntseat equitation lessons offered in private or group format. Other opportunities include summer camps, volunteer opportunities and community outreach. See www.blueskiesridingacademy.com. Cowgirl Circus & Co., in Royston, Ga., puts on a variety of horse shows and events from pleasure, trail obstacles, fun and games classes, barrel races and onfoot classes at Harmony Hill Arena. Awards given away at each show; year-end awards also. Call 706-4983271 or 770-861-8810 or see Cowgirl circus & Co. on Facebook. Copper Basin Riding Club, Copperhill, Tenn. - family-friendly environment for showing without stress. Six-show regular season series includes halter, western, racking, trail, fun and speed events. Also several added money jackpot barrel racing events. Please see Facebook or www.copperbasinridingclub.org. The Murray County Saddle Club, Chatsworth, Ga., offers a variety of horse events, including a fun and open show series, parade participation and wagon train. Covered facility; club meets the first Monday of every month, except July. See www.murraycountysaddleclub.com for a complete list of upcoming events. The Western Saddle Club in Rome, Ga., offers many fun activities for local equestrians: buckle series, camping (with hookups), trail riding. See facebook.com/westernsaddleclub for buckle series, trail ride and meeting schedules. The T.C. Wranglers (Bradley County, Tenn.) 4H Club is open to all youth ages 9-19 and meets the second Tuesday of
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each month. See 4-H Bradley County on Facebook. The Chattahoochee Horse Archers is a National Horse Archery Association member club based in Cartersville, Ga. The CHA is dedicated to growing the sport of horseback archery throughout the Southeast through educational events. See Facebook or call 678-7677809. The Mustang and Wild Horse Rescue of Georgia is a nonprofit organization that exists to provide a safe haven for wild horses who were previously adopted and were abused, neglected or no longer have a home. The MWHR’s goal is to successfully rehome these horses. See mustangandwildhorserescue. wordpress.com for more information. The Aragon, Ga., chapter of The 40 Something Cowgirls is always looking for new members who want to have fun on horseback. The chapter is part of a national organization dedicated to facilitating equine-centered fun among mature female riders. Activities include trail rides, camping and drill teams. For more information about the Aragon chapter, search for 40 Something Cowgirls Aragon Ga on Facebook. See 40somethingcowgirls.com to find your nearest chapter. The Ironhorse Equestrian Club in Resaca, Ga., meets once monthly and encourages youth ages five to 18 to become involved with horses. Activities include crafts, team building activities and horse-related learning. Contact Sara Urban at saraurban92@gmail.com or 716345-7870 for more information.
Products/ Retailers: Tacks Fifth Avenue, on Ballground Road in Cumming, Ga., offers quality new and used tack and riding apparel, as well as grooming supplies and everyday barn items. Owner Debbie Shima Stover also offers natural horsemanship instruction. See Tacks Fifth Avenue on Facebook for more information or call 770844-8225. J Lazy F Custom Leather specializes in
custom creations designed to your exact specifications. Leather is cut from the hide, hand tooled, hand dyed, and hand sewn - there is never a machine involved in the creation of your handtooled leather items. Owner Russell Fairbairn makes saddles and a wide array of tack, belts, wallets and more. See www.jlazyfleather.com. The Plaid Paddock provides printing, embroidery, monograms and promotional items for equestrians. Contact owner Jenny Smith or see theplaidpaddock.com. Mags Mobile Tack - “where the store comes to you!” Owner Mags Lindsay stocks a variety of popular apparel and equipment brands for the English rider. Call 770-719-9522 to book a visit to your farm or see facebook.com/ magsmobiletack. The Shop at Wit’s End is a dressage and combined training tack shop located in upstate South Carolina with a mobile unit serving shows across the Southeast. Contact owner Jan Arnold at 864-247-2903 or see www.shopatwitsend.com. ER (Equine Remedy) Antiseptics and Lotions are a line of multipurpose allnatural products designed to treat a wide variety of equine maladies: wound care, sunburn, rain rot, sweet itch, thrush and much more. See www.equineremedy.com for more information on this Cleveland, Ga.-based company. Dykes Creek Farm Supply, in Kingson, Ga., is your family-owned source for everything farm-related: power equipment, lawn mowers, horse and livestock feed, fencing, hardware, hay and much more! Call 706-237-7362 or see www.dykescreekfarmsupply.com. Patriot Jumps of Georgia is a small business producing top quality jumps at affordable prices in Hogansville, Ga. Jumps are made to order; custom tack trunks and bridle racks also available. Pickup or reasonably priced local delivery. See http:// patriotjumpsofgeorgia.weebly.com. Lagano Galleries specializes in custom artistic likenesses of animals. Artis Cheryl Lagano is a works in pencil,
prismacolor pencils, acrylics and watercolors. See facebook.com/LaganoGalleries or email Bikergal0514@gmail.com. Tastefully Tack-E, based in Milton, Ga., offers custom embellished accessories, including saddle pads, belts and polo wraps. Virtually endless variety of colors and designs. See facebook.com/ TastefullyTackE or etsy.com/shop/ TastefullyTackE for unique designs you’ve never even imagined. Zoom Tack specializes in barrel racing tack and equipment. Everything is handmade from start to finish. We take pride in offering quality custom tack sets at affordable prices. Tons of sparkle to make you stand out! See www.zoomtack.com or facebook.com/ zoomtack. Holy Halters is a small Christian-based company selling handmade rope halters in a variety of colors and configurations from standard to specialty halters. Every order is custom made and we strive to treat our customers as our Lord would treat us. Facebook.com/ holyhalters or text 423-331-8055. The Pony Habit is an equestrian tack boutique specializing in custom and unique and fashion-forward products for riders competing in hunter/ jumpers, dressage and eventing. Call 540656-8728 or email theponyhabit@gmail.com or see www.facebook.com/theponyhabit. The Western Habit is an equestrian boutique for the discerning Western rider. Unusual and custom products that take you from farm to show and home to barn. Clothing and product sizes for adults and children and horses and ponies. Call 540-656-8728 or see facebook.com/The-Western-Habit. Yardbird Forge offers quality handforged items for sale. Bowls, bottle openers, knives and more imbued with unique twists and designs. Strictly forging; no farrier work. See facebook.com/ YardbirdForge or Yardbird Forge on Etsy. Quality handmade horseshoe crafts: crosses, hearts, clovers, boot racks, three and five-bottle racks. Prices range from $20 to $45. Call 404-819-6331
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for orders in the McDonough, Stockbridge, Conyers, Locust Grove areas or see www.facebook.com/ heather.stoppelbein. Iron Heart Studio, in Acworth, Ga., offers stunning and unique horseshoethemed creations. Nail heart pendants and crosses, horseshoe wall art and more. See facebook.com/Iron-HeartStudio. Top-quality 21 percent protein alfalfa available in Jefferson, Ga. 65-pound bales are $15 apiece. Supplier plans on keeping inventory year round. See facebook.com/janna.kimmons or call 770595-2869. The Peddling Pony Equestrian Consignment offers a huge array of quality used tack and clothing for both English and Western riders. Items shipped domestically and internationally. New consignors considered. See facebook.com/ ThePeddlingPonyEquestrianConsignment for up-to-date inventory. K Marie Equestrian specializes in “unique, handmade accessories for the everyday life of an equestrian.” Selection includes apparel, jewelry, bags. See kmarieequestrian.com. Blair's Bits and Pieces is a great place to find new and used tack for all disciplines. Based out of Shelbyville, Ky, but shipping is available across the U.S. If we don't have an item you're looking for, Blair can find it for you! Check out the sales page at www.Facebook.com/ BlairsBitsAndPieces email eblair.cecil@gmail.com 4x5 Bermuda Alicia round bales for sale - Waynesboro, Ga. (Burke County). End of 2015 cut, net wrapped and stored on pallets. Contact via call/text Sarah Hilton 252-308-3371. KM’s Custom Hats - endless options for colorfully hand-painted Western hats and English helmets. Custom hat bands also available. See facebook.com/ kmscustomhats. True Colors Products offers a line of innovative canine and equine safety and protection products. Offerings include Bossy’s Bibs, mane guards, Bossy Rugs and Equivisors for horses and Novaguards, Optivisors and heating and cooling vests for dogs. See www.truecoloursproducts.com/ for the
full range of products. Browbands With Style offers individually designed and crafted beaded browbands made of supple bridle leather with crystal, gemstone and metal beads. Great for everyday wear, as well as for special occasions. Available in black or havana brown; 13 to 17 inches. Custom orders welcomed. Huge inventory on eBay; friend us on Facebook under Browbands With Style or email us at kkwildhorse2010@hotmail.com. Custom Bling Horse Tack specializes in quality Western tack to express “individual style at affordable prices.” Wide variety of tack in all colors - have made tack for carriage horses, polo ponies, AQHA show horses. See customblingtack.com. C4 belts are the only belts made of 100 percent recycled material. Cut to fit max length is 42 inches without the buckle. For each belt sold, $1 is donated to charity of your choice. Many colors and patterns available to mix and match for every outfit. Starting at $8 for buckles and $22 for belts. Go to c4belts.com and use code MR3839 for 10 percent off your entire order. Personalize your breeches, helmets, gloves and much more! Decals by Danielle offers beautifully detailed equestrian-themed vinyl decals. Large design selection, as well as custom creations available. See facebook.com/decalsbydanielle15 or Instagram at @decalsbydanielle. The Tack Shack at Diamond Appaloosa Ranch has a huge variety of horsewear and Western tack viewable online at facebook.com/ DiamondAppaloosaRanchTheTackShack. The ranch is located in Gilbertsville, Penn. - multi-use facility including tack shop, boarding stables, rehab/layups center, lessons, leasing, hauling, tack fitting and clinics. Call 267 -615-6459. Keep your saddle safe and clean with custom saddle covers from Zig Zag Chics. Endless variety of colorful designs and patterns. See etsy.com/ shop/ZigZagChics. Eric’s Custom Stall Signs - beautiful, custom-painted stall signs for easy
identification of your horse. Starting at $10 plus shipping. See facebook.com/ ericascustomstallsigns/. Erica’s Paracord Tack - beautiful, durable, multi-colored paracord tack and dog collars/ leashes. Tack includes covered halters, rope halters, breast collars and more. See facebook.com/ ericasparacordtack/. Amy’s Crazy Horse designs, in Jasper, Tenn., offers apparel and gifts for every occasion: horse-themed items, jewelry, horseshoe creations, feather earrings, wildlife art and rustic and Western items. See the store on Facebook and Etsy. Spurs and Sparkle, in Crossville, Tenn., offers stunning and unique creations handpainted saddles and shirts, wreaths, horse-themed chalkboard trays and much more! See www.facebook.com/spursandsparkle or see the store on Etsy. Georgia Girls Unlimited offers a huge selection of gifts and Western tack. Choose from blinged-out purses, spur straps and Western pads and unique copper jewelry. Find the store on Facebook or email gagirlsunlimeted@yahoo.com. Piney Knob Creations in Cleveland, Tenn., offers equine and canine-themed tote bags, tissue and eyeglass holders and cross stitch creations. Cross stitch works can be customized from a photo of your horse. See the store on Facebook. Call 423-618-4620 or email pineyknob@aol.com Chrystie’s Custom Polos offers polo wraps in a huge array of designs and colors. Also available: bit guards, saddle pads, saddle covers, boot covers, regular and braid-in tail bags, fly masks and fly boots. Many products are customizable. See Chyristie’s Custom Polo Wraps on Facebook. Do you need a specialty stable product, or do you simply have to have the newest trend in the show ring? Look no further than Paradise Farm and Tack’s online storefront, offering a plethora of the newest styles in English riding clothing and tack from major brands. Visit paradisefarmandtack.com for a full selection of clothing, grooming supplies, supplements and accessories.
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