APPOINTMENTS January 2012 APPOINTMENTS 1
Volume 6 Issue 1 January 2012
Tryon Juniors
Powers of
therapeutic riding
IN THE STABLES
Table of Contents
12 Pony Club
HB Ratings
13 In the Saddle
Event Results
14 Then and Now 15 Powers of Theapeutic Riding Norm Powers
See pg. 8 for more pictures from the Harmon Classics Holiday Show. (photo by Erik Olsen)
19 Thoughts of Heaven
3 Calendar
23 Tryon Juniors
4 At a Canter
26 Equine Health
10 Steeplechase
28 Country Living
11 Bibi Freer
30 Dudley
Vet Award
OUT & ABOUT December
12/28 Tryon Hounds Fixture Card-Hunts. Three Springs Farm. 10 a.m. 12/31 Tryon Hounds Fixture Card-Hunts. Jackson Grove. 10 a.m. 12/30-31 Jen Baumert Dressage Clinic at Cross Creek Farm, Columbus. Contact: jen@cloverleadressage.com. 12/30-31 Greenville Foothills Pony Club Rating Prep. Contact: chculbertson@earthlink.net
January
1/1 Tryon Hounds Fixture Card-Hunts. Wingo Bottoms. 10 a.m.
Calendar of Events
1/4 Tryon Hounds Fixture Card-Hunts. Maple Lane Farm. 1/7 Tryon Hounds Fixture Card-Hunts. Gowensville-Pleasant Hill. 1/7 River Valley Pony Club with Holli Adams at Still Creek Aquatread. Contact: tmdoubek@yahoo.com 1/8 Tryon Hounds Fixture Card-Hunts. Joint meet with Green Creek Hounds at Green Creek. 1/8 Winter Rope Series at Hillside Farms. Contact: www.hillsidefarmsandarena.com. 1/11 Tryon Hounds Fixture Card-Hunts. Collinsville Meadow.
1/14 Tryon Hounds Fixture Card-Hunts. Long Shadow Farm. 1/14 River Valley Pony Club with Eric Dierks. Contact: tmdoubek@yahoo.com 1/14 Greenville Foothills Pony Club Quiz/Rating Prep. Contact: chculbertson@earthlink.net 1/15 Renovatio Farms Open House Training Session 2 p.m. Renovatio Farms is located at 1820 John Shehan Rd., Tryon. Free event. RSVP to Doubek or Dierks. Info: Trayce Doubek 864-3255684 or Eric Dierks 703-2972329. 1/18 Tryon Hounds Fixture Card-Hunts. Gowensville-Meadows at Campbell Creek.
January 2012 APPOINTMENTS 3
1/21 Tryon Hounds Fixture Card-Hunts. Great Oaks/New Subscribers Day. 1/21 Greenville Foothills Pony Club Monthly meeting. Contact: chculbertson@earthlink.net. 1/22 Winter Rope Series at Hillside Farms. Contact: www.hillsidefarmsandarena.com. 1/28 Tryon Hounds Fixture Card-Hunts. Still Creek.
February
2/10-12 Harmon Classics Winter Challenge at Harmon Field. Info: harmonclassics@aol.com.
AT A CANTER TROT Holiday Show
Riders from Class 1 show off their ribbons. Emorie Whitman, rode Allen; Courtney Wilson, rode Gemma and Lily Schactman, rode Star; show off their ribbons. (photo submitted) Chris Laughridge rode Wizard in Trail and Equitation Class 3. His sidewalkers were Ouida Spalding and Sheriff Donald Hill. (photo submitted)
Austin Jackson riding Jesse participated in the Trail Class 6 and Equitation Class 6 events. (photo submitted)
Riders Jason Morrow, Jonah Sabo and Brian Cabral hang out between classes at the TROT holiday show Dec. 3. (photo submitted)
Lily Schactman proudly displays her second and third place ribbons after her riding class at the TROT holiday show. (photo submitted)
AT A CANTER TROT Holiday Show
Courtney Wilson on Gemma. (photo submitted)
January 2012 APPOINTMENTS 5
Joe Kurtz shows off his ribbon atop Sonny, as sidewalkers Betsy Hastings and Sandy DeReemer follow along beside him. (photo submitted)
FENCE Hunter Pace & Trail Ride
Trail rider Henry Williams. (photo submitted)
Trail riders Mary Britt and Ivey Sumrell enjoy the water feature at FENCE Nov. 13. (photos by Lou Smith)
6
APPOINTMENTS January 2012
AT A CANTER Landrum Christmas Parade
The 2011 Landrum Christmas Parade
AT A CANTER Tryon Hounds Thanksgiving Day Blessing
January 2012 APPOINTMENTS 7
The Reverend Michael Doty blesses the hounds at the opening meet for the Tryon Hounds on Thanksgiving morning. (photo by Don West)
Tryon Hound Masters, left to right, Dean McKinney, Louise Hughston, Bonnie Lingerfelt and Kerry Holmberg at the opening meet and Blessing of the Hounds Thursday, Nov. 24. The Blessing of the Hounds has been a Tryon tradition on Thanksgiving Day since 1926. (photo by Don West)
Tryon Hounds Huntsman Jordan Hicks at the Blessing of the Hounds on Thanksgiving Day. (photo by Don West)
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APPOINTMENTS January 2012
AT A CANTER Harmon Classics Holiday Show
Left to right: David White, Lisa Otto and Lewis Pack (photo by Erik Olsen)
Nancy Wilson riding Best All ‘Round. (photo by Erik Olsen)
Nikki Guerrazzi on Bud’s Clear Finish with Lisa Otto and Lewis Pack. (photo by Erik Olsen)
January 2012 APPOINTMENTS 9
Learn more about why our area is a place to come and heal.
If these hills could talk.
PROGRESS Find out the story in our 2012 PROGRESS edition. Coming in February 2012. Tryon Daily Bulletin 16 N. Trade St. Tryon, N.C. • 828-859-9151 www.tryondailybulletin.com
Steeplechase replaces amateur race with pony race
For the first time, the 2012 Block House Steeplechase will host a pony race in place of the amateur race. The River Valley Pony Club will provide gifts for winners. Interested riders are welcome to attend an informational session on Sunday, Jan. 29 at 3 p.m. held at a location to be announced. Annie Maunder, renowned trainer and coach, will speak about the proper conditioning of ponies participating in the event. Kelly Murphy, thoroughbred breeder and race official, will be on hand to discuss the rules and regulations of racing. There will be two divisions; one for 13 -18 and a second for 18 and over. Riders under 18 must have an official trainer/coach. Entries are limited to eight riders in each division. Ponies must be 14.2 hands or under. Attendance at two mandatory meetings is required. One will be mounted. Race/safety committee will have final determination of suitability of potential racing pairs. For more information, call 828-859-6109 or visit www.trhcevents.org. (submitted by Laura Weicker)
HAPPY HOLIDAYS! from The Tryon Daily Bulletin Staff
January 2012 APPOINTMENTS 11
Freer top five finalists for national vet award by Robin A. Edgar Local veterinarian Bibi Freer says she has been a “horse-crazy girl from day one.” It’s no wonder she was named one of the top finalists for the Bayer Animal Health Legend of the Year Award, which recognizes veterinary professionals who provide equitarian aid or exceptional care for horses in need. In addition to establishing a unique mobile veterinary service in the area, she also helped to initiate farrier “jam sessions” to strengthen the community of farriers and veterinarians in the area, as well as better care and quality of life for horses. Encouraged by Libby Johnson’s weekly email newsletter, “This Week in Tryon Horse Country,” local equestrians nominated Freer as their favorite veterinary professional. “I am proud of this honor, mostly because the company chooses the finalists and the winner based upon what is writ-
Libbie Johnson, right, helps veterinarian Bibi Freer display her plaque as a top five finalist in the national Baer Legend of the Year award. Freer started monthly farrier jam sessions in the area. (photo submitted)
ten about the veterinary professional by the people who nominate them,” said Freer. Growing up in Rocky Mount, N.C., Freer declined her mother’s suggestion to become a veterinarian because she hated the sight of blood and didn’t want to go to school that long. Graduating from Warren Wilson College with an environmental science degree, she worked various jobs before she decided to follow her heart and go to veterinary school after all. After graduating in 1988, Freer worked for a large surgical referral practice in Apex, N.C. before moving to Tryon in 1990 to start a mobile veterinary business as an equine ambulatory practitioner. “My service is unique because my patients and my clients are also my extended family and my friends. When people ask me how many horses I have, I reply ‘a few hundred’ because I care about every patient like they are my own companion,” said Freer. In April 2010, Freer was asked by several farriers to attend an
event hosted monthly by Dr. Jim Meeker in Mocksville, N.C. They wanted to start similar gatherings here in Polk County and decided to present the idea to local farriers and veterinarians. It was well received and there are currently 44 members, including eight veterinarians, some from as far away as Asheville and Boone. “These gatherings are good for the farrier and veterinary community, as well as for the horses and the horse owners, because we are all improving our skills and the way we communicate and work together,” said Freer. Local farrier Todd Danielson agrees. “The Farrier Jam Sessions are a great educational opportunity,” he said. The group meets at 6 p.m. on the first Monday of every month. During each meeting, the group shoes two horses. They jog them to evaluate their movement, block them, if necessary (foot only), radiograph them and then
discuss the requirements to help the horse. After deciding on how best to shoe the horses, they shoe them and radiograph them again. The service is available to all horses and horse owners but should be referred by their farrier. The owners only pay $200 (a similar vet/ farrier consultation would typically cost more than $500). Part of the fee reimburses the materials and the rest goes into a fund to hold horseshoeing clinics once or twice a year. The first clinic will be held in April 2012, with an internationally known clinician and six-time world champion blacksmith Grant Moon from Wales. In spite of the long and unpredictable hours that sometimes take her away from her family, Freer said she loves her work and truly loves her clients. Her advice to aspiring veterinarians is to be absolutely sure that nothing else will make them happy because this career is a lifestyle choice, not just a job.
Greeville Foothills Pony Club members earn HB ratings
Thursday, November 17, 2011
TryoN daily bulleTiN /
The World’s smallesT daily NeWspaper
page
5
City of Landrum to help business owner expand parking by Samantha Hurst
Cities with downtown areas like Landrum constantly battle lack of parking for visitors looking to shop or dine in businesses. Because of this, Landrum City Council members approved business owner Matt Troyer’s request for assistance in creating additional parking behind and to the side of his business, Foothills Amish Furniture. “What we had discussed… was that we’d pay for the materials if you can get the labor to build the wall,” Mayor Robert Briggs said to Troyer during the Nov. 8 council meeting. “Then after that is completed we’d have that area paved and striped for parking.” City Administrator Steve Wolochowicz said the project has since expanded to include paving of a grassy area near Prince Oil
that the public already uses for parking. The two areas combined should create room for 10-12 additional spaces. “Troyer’s going to take care of the construction of the retaining wall himself and the city will pay for the actually paving of the parking spaces,” Wolochowicz said. “This will be paid for using hospitality tax dollars because the spaces will provide additional room for visitors to park.” The total cost will be around $6,000. Some changes to note for those visiting Landrum include that Rose Lane, the alley running behind Foothills Amish Furniture and adjoining businesses, will be changed to allow only oneway traffic. Visitors would turn onto Rose Lane from Shamrock Avenue and exit back onto Rutherford Street beside Dutch Foods.
Shady Sayers & Carly Messamer
Shady Sayers and Carly Messamer, both members of Greenville Foothills Pony Club, earned their HB ratings this fall. The nationally facilitated HB rating is offered as a part of the standards of the United States Pony Clubs and covers horse management knowledge that demonstrates competence in the care and handling of horses. Greenville Foothills Pony Club, currently the largest club in the Carolina Region, serves the equestrian youth of the foothills of both North and South Carolina. For more information, see www.gfponyclub.org, or like Greenville Foothills Pony Club (SC/NC) on Facebook. (submitted by Carolyn Culbertson)
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January 2012 APPOINTMENTS 13
IN THE SADDLE Event results
Chateau Elan IEA Show by Crystal Bohnen The Motlow Creek IEA team was named Team Reserve Champion in both the upper and lower school divisions at the IEA Show at Chateau Elan outside of Atlanta Saturday, Dec. 3. In the upper school division, Motlow Creek team members placed as follows: Blythe Daniel, fifth in the Varsity Open Equitation o/f 2’6; Hannah Stephens, first Varsity Intermediate Equitation o/f 2’ and second on the flat; Liza Goodlett, second Varsity Intermediate Equitation o/f 2’ and second on the flat; and Kathryn Hellyer, first Junior Varsity Novice Equitation o/f and first on the flat. In the lower school division, Claire Kaplan first Future Intermediate Equitation o’f 2’; Curry Sherard, fifth Future Novice Equitation on the flat; McKenzie Shearon, second Future Beginner Equitation on the flat.
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When the train came through town Then and Now by Gerald Pack While viewing the documentary “Tales and Legends of Tryon Horse Country” at the local theater recently, which was a very fitting place to have it shown, I found myself thinking—when is the train coming? It has to be arriving soon. When we were growing up, everyone went to the movies on Saturday night. Invariably, right in the best part of things, the train would come chugging through town, rocking the theater in the process, drowning out the sound, leaving you to lip read or just guess what was being said. However, when the train passed on through, the sound returned and all was well, and the popcorn and Coke were great. Someone asked me after the documentary what I thought of it. My answer was that if you tried to tell people about the lifestyle that once existed here, nobody would believe you. But seeing it up there on the big screen, it becomes a reality. Those people came here with the right ideals. They didn’t come here to invest in land, houses and horses. They came down here with their horses to enjoy what was here, to become part of the existing community, and they bought large tracts of land in the process. There were no trail systems—everyone shared. The Tryon Riding & Hunt Club was the keeper of the trails, which started in and around the town of Tryon, extending from the Mill Spring area to Columbus, Little Mountain, to Stott’s Corner, through Fairview Farms, the Grouch Marks Farm, to Campobello and
Landrum—only big farms, no little horsettes to go around. As a result, we had one of the best hunting countries in the world, not to mention some highly distinguished individuals who called this area home. Then, in the mid to late 60s, it began to change. I-26 came into being and that was truly the beginning of the death trail. Eventually, this extraordinary group of people began to die off. Their absence left us floundering and little by little, it just keeps sliding away. Arthur Reynolds told me in 1962 that it was coming, Irene Tripp told me in 1971 again, that what I had grown up with here was not going to exist in the future. I have certainly lived to see it happen, right in front of my eyes. Today, we are left to try to keep our heads above water and try to find a way of keeping things intact while developers slaughter it all like sheep. I was truly proud to have been a part of that wonderful community of people who lived during a pivotal time in my own life, and to be able to share the memory with those near and dear to me and my family. It was a great era that will forever remain part of this area’s history. One whose legacy I hope will be kept alive across the changing times. We must remember, people come and people go, but this area will be here forever. To all of our readers and to those who saw the movie, a Merry Christmas and a great and prosperous New Year.
Thann R. Boyum, D.V.M.
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January 2012 APPOINTMENTS 15
Powers of
therapeutic riding
As Norm Powers glanced across a show ring at FENCE eight years ago he envisioned riders with a variety of abilities sitting proudly in the saddle and grasping the reigns as their horses trotted along. Powers watched this happen for the last time under his direction Saturday, Dec. 3 at the annual TROT Holiday Show. “I always say that our riders teach me more about bravery and meeting challenges than I can ever teach them,” Powers said. Powers truly believes in the benefits TROT, the therapeutic riding program he helped create in 2004, offers its riders and volunteers.
He said he had volunteered at a large program in Westchester County, New York, before moving to the Tryon area in the early 1990s and was already familiar with the benefits enjoyed by special needs riders. Starting with four riders and five other volunteers, TROT has grown tremendously as a program of FENCE to involve 218 volunteers and 47 students over the years. Longtime TROT participant Jason Morrow leaned down his horse’s steady stance to lay a medal of appreciation on Power’s neck during the (Continued on page 17)
January 2012 APPOINTMENTS 17
• Powers
(continued from page 16)
holiday show. Morrow, 24, began as a student when he was about 15. “He’s [Powers] a really good man,” Morrow said of Powers before he went on to explain his love of the program. “I’ve made a lot of good friends here … I love the horses.” Morrow is just one of almost 50 riders of varying abilities who participate in regular riding classes through TROT. The idea is to “teach horsemanship skills to adults and children with physical and developmental difficulties in a safe, friendly and supportive environment,” Powers said. Participants come from Polk, Henderson and Rutherford Counties in North Carolina, and Spartanburg and Greenville Counties in South Carolina. TROT classes are planned and taught by PATH-certified instructors and are built around the individual requirements of each student, Powers said. Typically, three volunteers-one to lead the horse, and two to serve as sidewalkers-assist each student to carry out the teacher’s instructions. Depending on the needs of each student, classes include exercises and games designed to strengthen muscles, aid eye/hand coordination, help distinguish right and left, focus attention and so on. Many lessons take place only at the walk; more advanced students may work for brief periods at the trot, (Continued on page 18)
• Powers
(continued from page 17)
Powers said. “I will miss working with such a great group of dedicated (and fun-to-be-around) volunteers,” Powers said of leaving his work with TROT. “But I will miss teaching the most.” Powers has ridden horses for more than 30 years himself and became a PATH-certified instructor six years ago so he could teach lessons. Being connected with PATH is one of his proudest accomplishments for TROT, he said. “It’s the highest level of recognition from the national organization and means that the program was subjected to a site visit by PATH representatives, who determined that TROT adheres to more than 90 percent of PATH’s standards covering the physical plant, administrative procedures, and teaching standards. We actually scored at 98 percent,” Powers said. This is why Powers left the arena Dec. 3 standing tall, smile still wide. He said he believes without a doubt that the program he helped build will
remain in good hands in his absence. “I feel that because of our wonderful TROT volunteers and the dedication of the advisory committee that guides the program (also volunteers), TROT has matured and stabilized administratively and operationally and will continue in good hands,” Powers said. “We worked hard to establish a set of policies and operational standards that can now be handed on from year to year to assure program consistency.” He said he hopes to watch the program grow at a steady, careful pace to maintain the family feeling so many people comment on. “I want to see our riders grow and prosper and find out how much more they can do with the help of a horse,” Powers said. Powers plans in retirement to remain actively involved in one or two other non-profits in the community. He is also a writer with one published novel, and is close to finishing a second one. He also hopes to enjoy traveling parts of the world that require a bit more time to fully appreciate.
January 2012 APPOINTMENTS 19
Thoughts of heaven
submitted by Sue Ring
We had a wake in Mill Spring the other day. Not many people attended. It wasn’t for another human, it was for a horse. Heaven was old, nearly 30 years old. I felt I owed her the honor of bringing the other horses by her, one last time, to pay their respects. Dr. Woodaman came to the farm at the appointed time and she and my daughter, Gwen, and I walked slowly through the back pasture with Heaven, stopping every so often to let her graze and gather her strength to move on. It was one of those late summer days that you wished would never end. The long shadows from the old oak trees gave us shade all the way to the back pasture gate, which we would walk through with her for the very last time. Mr. Gibbs, Mr. Arledge and my husband, Bob, were in the back pasture, with the heavy equipment needed to prepare the site, and thank God for that. When a horse takes her final rest, one of the logistical questions you have to ask is where and how will she be placed? Mr. Alredge has handled horse burials for many, many owners. I was glad that he was able to
answer his good friend Mr. Gibbs’ call and be there for us. I didn’t have the pleasure of knowing Heaven for all her 30 years on this earth. Four years ago, she had been owned by a “friend of a friend,” and that woman, unfortunately, passed away. But before she passed, I was able to assure Lynn, the owner, that I would give Heaven a loving home and a place to live out the rest of her days. Heaven became the “mother” that my boarded gelding “JJ” never had and the “girlfriend” that my handsome Thoroughbred “Shifty” never had the pleasure of courting. Heaven was also the wizened, kindred spirit to friend Lydia’s gentle horse, “Glow,” and she spent the past few months with him in the pastures on Dalton Rd. Lydia kept a watchful eye on Heaven and it was Lydia who called that fateful Sunday evening with the news that “something is just not right with Heaven.” The following day, Mr. Woodaman confirmed the diagnosis and we decided that Tuesday, we would bid Heaven a peaceful farewell. Heaven came from a Thoroughbred farm in Virginia and because she had a quarter crack in her left front hoof, she never made the racing cut. The quarter crack healed nicely and she was sold to her owner, healthy and unraced, to be ridden, loved and spoiled. I came to understand why her first owner, Lynn, chose her. She was a “girl’s” horse, with large liquid eyes, delicate features, refined movement and an attitude that told you, if she had been human, she would have been the most popular girl in your school. Her personality was warm, fun and loving when she wanted to be and naughty when she had to be. She always kept the geldings in line. She loved to be groomed and bathed. She and I spent our last afternoon together in the wash stall, soaping, sudsing and grooming until she was as relaxed as a bowl of Jello. It was heaven for Heaven, on Earth. Heaven was small, just 14 hands, (Continued on page 20)
Heaven. Enjoying what she loved most, grazing. (photo submitted by Sue Ring)
• Heaven
(continued from page 19)
but she was a wonderful jumper in her younger days and in her later years, she became quite a reliable trail mount. Dr. Zimmerman always remarked at her “wonderful dentition.” John Banks kept her bare feet trimmed nicely and Dr. Woodaman proclaimed that on the eve of Heaven’s “departure” her beautiful eyes were clear, bright and remarkable for one of her age. As we made that last, slow trek through the grass, I could sense that she would, from time to time, lose her place and direction and depend on us to reassure her with pats, hugs and loving words that we were there to guide her. Heaven understood that she was well loved and we knew that our hard decision was the right decision for her. In death, she lay just as lovely as she had been in life, her dainty back legs crossed in a final side pass and I kissed her fragrant coat and told her she was free as the day she was born. It was at that moment that I decided that the other horses, her pasture mates, should be able to say their goodbyes to her as well. They had been placed in their stalls, away from the digging and commotion, but it was quiet now and I’m certain they were curious about the walk we took with their friend. I took my horse, Shifty, out first. As soon as he saw her small form in the grass, his eyes never left her. He was both tentative and intense as we walked through the back gate to where Heaven was laying. His head was up and down as he assessed the situation. He was mindful of my commands, carefully balancing his instincts with his need for my guidance. As we stepped up carefully, his nostrils flared and filled with the scent that identified Heaven. Keeping his head
low, he approached her muzzle and placed his own muzzle close, nuzzling her with his prehensile upper lip. Maybe that was his way of determining her fate or saying goodbye, maybe it was a bit of both. I brought JJ down next and he reacted much the same way, carefully stepping around her until he was satisfied that she wouldn’t be walking off with him to graze. They both seemed subdued and bewildered. I wondered what their actions would be the next day. I let them each linger over her until their attention turned to other things, then I returned each one to the barn. For the next several mornings upon turnout, the horses ran to that back pasture gate and hung their heads over it, seemingly waiting for her to appear and looking toward the huge red clay triangle in the lush green grass. They grazed and gazed along the fence line there, stopping to look over, as if to be sure that their friend wasn’t grazing out there, too, just hidden from their view. Heaven’s stall has been swept clean now, her buckets have been washed and stacked in the tack room. Her blanket, with the pink trim, has been folded and stored. I find myself looking toward that back pasture each day when I clean stalls, just as the horses do when I turn them out. Eventually, the grass will cover the red dirt and the horses will stop taking glances over the gate. But I’ll always be happy that I took time with each horse, paying our last respects to dear, sweet Heaven. R.I.P., little one, your life was well lived and your friends, all of them, loved you well.
January 2012 APPOINTMENTS 21
Renovatio
Doubek & Diercks revive farm by Barbara Childs
Trayce Doubek looks out over the 53 acres she and partner Eric Dierks transformed early this year and marvels at finally obtaining a place of her own. “God gave me a big cookie when Eric and I finally opened this gorgeous place,” said Doubek of the farm she and partner Dierks operate and direct in the Tryon horse country. On the 53 acres of pastures there are two large arenas, a 12-stall custom barn with a climate controlled tack room, laundry room, full bath and heated wash stall, as well as other amenities. Trayce and Eric recently joined their forces and energy into putting the heartbeat back into the farm, formerly called Triple Creek Farm. They renamed the farm “Renovatio,” which in Latin means rebirth or new beginnings. Doubek and Dierks agreed this was the perfect place and location upon which the two of them could build a foundation for the equestrian disciplines they both have a passion for: eventing, hunter/jumper and dressage. Pony club meets for mounted and unmounted clinics will also be given here. There is a regulation size dressage arena and a huge show jumping arena, and both have excellent footing. Dierks and Doubek are clearing the land to start the construction of a cross country course in the future.
“God gave me a big cookie when Eric and I finally opened this gorgeous place.” - Trayce Doubek There are also miles of trails off the farm which makes it a preferred place for conditioning and cross training of horses. There is a spacious twobedroom apartment above the barn. Dierks anticipates using that space to have working students stay there in the near future as he trains and teaches and directs his clinics at home and in the Midwest. Doubek and Dierks grew up
together in the Midwest and they met through Pony Club. Doubek was involved with the Wayne-DuPage Pony Club and graduated with her A rating. Dierks rode with the Fox River Valley Pony Club and also graduated with his A rating. In the 20 years that have passed they have been reunited while putting their talents and abilities together in an effort to produce one of the top training and riding
facilities in the area. Renovatio Farms will serve as a housing facility for the training of students where Spiegel Farms is now hosting educational seminars and courses. “We are excited to be involved in this unique opportunity, and we are so blessed to have all the amazing resources in close proximity,” said Doubek. (Continued on page 22)
22
APPOINTMENTS January 2012
• Renovatio
(continued from page 21)
Dierks has just been elected to the board of governors in Pony Club and he is promoting the message to regional and national pony clubs, which concerns the new ratings. Included in the graded ratings will be the word “certification,” which means that the A certified pony club graduate is qualified to teach riding and has earned that credibility for teaching instruction. “Pony club has promoted young students interested in horses and horsemanship and not just the ratings,” said Dierks. Dierks said he strongly believes in the standards of good horsemanship remaining the same for all equine disciplines—western, eventing, hunter/jumper and dressage/ trail riding. “Sportsmanship, stewardship, leadership through horsemanship is the motto that the pony club supports, and I stand with those principles entirely,” said Dierks. “There is also a Horsemaster’s Division in Pony Club for adults over 25 years of age.” When it comes to the farm, Doubek and Dierks said they both want to make Renovatio Farms a premier training center. Dierks works hard to choose the right horse for the right person to match in ability and personality and level of training. He is always looking at the care of the horse first, and also the care of the rider whose riding needs must be met through patience, solid foundations in the basics and careful consistency in daily riding they, he said. The two they said are elated that they can officially call Tryon their home base. “This is a place where excellence, safety and fun are not just priorities, but a way of life,” said Doubek.
Trayce Doubek and Eric Dierks, new owners of Renovatio Farm. (photo submitted)
January 2012 APPOINTMENTS 23
Kasey Minnick and Casey Morris with Huntsman Jordan Hicks at the Carolinas Hound Show 2011. (photo by Don West)
Tryon Juniors Carrying on traditions of Tryon Hounds from generation to generation.
by Robin Edgar Tryon Hounds, a local fox hunting club organized in 1926, has had junior members since its inception. Several years ago, some of the dedicated juniors (under 21) decided to formally organize Tryon Hounds Juniors. Even though some of the original members have gone off to college, there is still a youthful presence on the hunt field with about five to six paying members. “The youth are the future of the sport and the Tryon Hounds strongly supports the interest of young foxhunters,” said Tryon Hounds Vice President, Rebecca Hill Barnes. “We mentor all junior riders that are interested in foxhunting—not just our junior members. We are also active with the local pony (Continued on page 24)
Above: Tryon Hounds Juniors - Kasey Minnick (left) and Casey Morris (right) volunteer with the Annual Tryon Hounds Puppy Auction fund raiser. (photo by Don West) Left: Kasey Minnick, Tryon Hounds Junior. Minnick is also a member of the riding staff. Pictured here whipping in on her horse Griffin. (photo by Don West)
• Juniors
“The youth are the future of the sport and the Tryon Hounds strongly supports the interest of young foxhunters.”
- Rebecca Hill Barnes
(continued from page 23)
clubs.” The juniors are all active participants in hunting and huntrelated activities, including walking the hounds; helping with social functions and special events; competing in horse shows and field hunter trials and showing hounds at the Carolinas Hound Show. Several have also started the process of learning the staff jobs, gaining valuable experience in the kennel and in the hunt field. The group also maintains a Facebook page, which posts updates on the hunts and activities and is managed by Kasey Minnick and Casey Morris. “If you’ve never been fox hunting, I would strongly encourage you to try it at least once. It can be tiring at times but it’s a great experience,” said Morris. Juniors and members of the U.S. Pony Club may ride with no capping fee, but they need to pay subscribers in order to earn their colors. A new Young Adult Subscriber category was also introduced last year, which offers a reduced subscription rate to prospective members aged 21-40. Jen Hicks, Tryon Hounds whipper-in, said the juniors volunteer in (Continued on page 25)
January 2012 APPOINTMENTS 25
• Juniors
Q & A Tryon Juniors
(continued from page 24)
many ways to earn their colors. “They help to clear trials, make cookies to sell at fundraisers, walk the hounds, decorate the club house for events, serve on the jump crew at the benefit horse show and donate time and services for our silent auction at our hunt ball,” Hicks said. The club maintains all the traditions associated with mounted foxhunting and provides a seven-month season of riding to hounds in Polk County and upper Spartanburg County, South Carolina. In addition to supporting Tryon Hunt Juniors, the club offers Pony Club Day, where all pony clubbers are invited to hunt free of charge. The club also hosts a special junior hunt each year, where all of the juniors (members and non-members) have the chance to ride with a member of the staff or the huntsman. They also hold a special pony club hunt each year, prior to the start of hunt season. At the most recent event, junior member Casey Morris joined Hicks to present an overview of foxhunting to the group, which included a large turnout from Greenville Foothills Pony Club. “We also have held junior clinics in the past to introduce our youth to the sport and a mentor program where we match up a junior rider to a one of the more seasoned riders,” said Barnes. To learn more about Tryon Hounds juniors, visit their Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Tryon-HoundsJuniors/115649478455907. For additional information regarding capping with or joining the Tryon Hounds visit www.tryonhounds.com or contact honorary secretary Mrs. Roberta McKinney at robertamckinney10@gmail. com.
Q & A Tryon Juniors Kasey Walker Minnick
19 years old
Q: What’s your favorite part of the hunt? A; My favorite part of the hunt is when the hounds first strike. One hound will strike first and the rest rush off to check it out. If it’s good, the sound grows and off we go! It’s exhilarating! Q: How many years has your family been involved in Tryon Hounds? A: I started hunting with the Yadkin Valley Hounds in 1999 and then my family moved to Hendersonville in 2002 and my mom and I began hunting with Tryon. After a few years we finally got my dad out and he got hooked as well. Q: What is your favorite hound? A: I love so many of them for different reasons. Dinah is just a rock star and has a really distinctive voice. I love Omelet because he is a goofball and always looks so happy to be out. Bluebell is a sweetheart and was one of the first hounds I learned to pick out of the pack. Storm is special to me because I got to name her. Really, I love them all. We have a great pack that works really well together. Q: Do you have aspirations to be a master or other key member of hunt when you grow up? A: I am training to be whipper-in this season. It’s kind of difficult but so much fun! It’s awesome to be involved in what’s happening and be up close and personal with the action. I think it would be amazing to be a huntsman some day. It’s a tough job but I think it’s worth it.
Casey Lynn Morris
15 years old
Q: What’s your favorite part of the hunt? A: My favorite part of the hunt would have to be just going out and seeing all the hunting country and being able to watch and listen for the hounds, especially when they are in full cry. Q: How many years has your family been involved in Tryon Hounds? A: My family isn’t really involved but I’ve been hunting since I was 12 years old. Q: What is your favorite hound? A: We have a great pack so it’s hard to narrow it down to just one hound. Even though I haven’t had a horse this season I’ve been more active in the kennels, getting to know them better and seeing them from a different point of view. Q: Do you have aspirations to be a master or other key member of hunt when you grow up? A: Yes, I do. I think it’s one of our responsibilities as the juniors to keep the hunt going for as long as possible.
EQUINE HEALTH
Tryon Equine Hospital
MRI technology coming to Tryon Equine Hospital by Bill Hay, DVM, Diplomate, ACVS & Tryon Equine Hospital, PLLC Tryon Equine Hospital recently announced its partnership with MREquine, MRI Systems. On a monthly basis, in coordination with the services and equipment provided by MREquine, Tryon Equine has the ability to provide MRIs. M R E q u i n e ’s e q u i p m e n t i s t h e l a t est in MRI technology and is already in use in several universities across the countr y. MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is a technique that uses a powerful magnetic field and radio waves to act on the atoms in the tissues. A computer then processes the signals to create an image of the designated body part. It provides high levels of visual detail that can be viewed in thin slices and gives a more complete picture of bone, joint and soft tissue. MRI is non-invasive, non-painful and does not involve exposure to ionizing radiation. MREquine has a state of the art mobile unit that will be positioned at the hospital. The high-resolution images from this system provide detailed information about soft tissue injuries, joint surfaces and joint cartilage. The doctors and staff of Tryon Equine have established the anesthetic protocols and provide the anesthetic monitoring for each patient. Every patient receiving general anesthesia is then supervised and hand recovered in a specially designed recovery stall. One of the greatest concerns in obtaining MRI images in horses with soft tissue injury is the risk of additional injury recovering from anesthesia. Tryon Equine has found that hand recovery by doctors and staff greatly decreases the risk of injury. Once the images are obtained Tryon Equine vet-
Photos from MREquine website: www.mrequine.com
erinarians and the boarded radiologists of MREquine, review them and provide a written report. This level of detail surpasses digital ultrasound and radiographs, Tryon Equine vets said. They are able to image the foot, fetlock, cannon bone, carpus and hock, including the difficult to diagnose soft tissue injuries in the hoof.
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Asheville, NC
28
APPOINTMENTS January 2012
In with the new
out with the old
Country Living by Gillian Drummond Christmas will soon be over and a new year is about to begin. Shortly, it will be time to take down all the festive decorations and go back to normal living. I always find that as I look around my house when the decorations are down that all the flaws that I conveniently overlooked in my busy life now stand up and shout. So, I use January for “spring cleaning” instead of waiting for the good weather, which is when I want to be outside. In a recent conversation with a client, the subject of spring cleaning came up. The client mentioned that her parents would go throughout the house every five to seven years to decide what needed to be redone. They looked at everything – walls, floors, windows, furniture and upholstery. My “spring cleaning” not only looks at what needs to be fixed or cleaned but also at what design elements I am no longer happy with in my home. This principle could work as well for your stables and barns as it could for your home. If we live with animals, either in the house or in the barn it is especially true. Yet we are all so pressed for time these days that the process of evaluating and improving can easily fall by the wayside. Don’t let it happen; it can make an enormous difference in appearance and comfort. What’s more, if you do this regularly, things don’t pile up and make you feel overwhelmed. I recommend that several areas be checked on an annual basis and others be done every three years. To get you started I have prepared a checklist that you could scan into your computer and store for use each year. If you have a laptop you can carry it around and note which items need work and which pass inspection. Or if paper and pencil is your preference, that works too. The main point: do your evaluation and keep things up-to-date. I suggest that you not see this as a chore. Life is about change, and change is healthy. What needs to be perked up? What needs to be redone because it is shabby, or you are tired of it? Is it time to change the function of a space or are you thoroughly bored with the current look? If you feel daunted by what you find, there are many services these days that have experts who will organize your spaces, get rid of old stuff, handle the cleaning of various items, or do the whole project for you. An interior designer or decorator can steer you to many of these experts and also refresh a tired space or give you a whole new look. You will find that once you begin to use the checklist and schedule regular reviews it will be a lot easier as time goes on. Make a point of going through your home or barn every year to not only rid yourself of (Continued on page 29) junk but to also evaluate what needs updating or even mending. (file photo).
January 2012 APPOINTMENTS 29
• Country Living
(continued from page 28)
Yearly Checklist Wash all windows. Clean window blinds and shades. Clean light colored carpets. Clean upholstery that gets frequent use. Wash or dry clean blankets, comforters and bedspreads. Clean stove and refrigerator thoroughly. Clean out freezer and throw out any items more than six
Twin Oaks Veterinary Clinic
" # # !
Sean Eastman, DVM Sarah Silver, DVM, CVA * Special interest in small animal dentistry and equine lameness * Practicing high quality small animal and equine medicine
months old. Clean or replace any filters on equipment. Replace batteries in smoke alarms, etc. Organize closets and throw out or donate clothes you don’t wear; check coat closets and remove old coats.
Every Three Years Checklist Walls: repaint or refresh wallpaper as needed. Carpets and rugs: clean, mend or replace dark colored, or oriental rugs. Curtain and bed hangings: clean or replace. Wood furniture: use specialty polish or refinish. Window blinds: replace if necessary. Lamps: check for working order, replace frayed cords. Lampshades: replace those that are ripped or discolored or worn out. Fireplaces: check and/or clean your chimney. Wood floors: re-polyurethane if worn. Front doors: repaint if dull or worn and replace mat.
Room by Room Living room: condition and comfort of upholstered furniture – do springs need tightening or new seat cushions, should fabric be cleaned or replaced, or does it need replacing? Kitchen: evaluate countertops, cabinets and appliances; clean repair or replace as needed; remove grease and dirt from ceiling and walls and repaint if necessary. Bathrooms: evaluate tile, countertops and presence of peeling paint from steam; determine if there are enough towel bars and robe hooks; replace threadbare or stained towels; check shower curtain and replace if needed. Bedrooms: replace threadbare sheets, torn or discolored blankets; evaluate condition of mattress and boxspring; check to see if lighting is sufficient for reading in bed. Guest rooms: check bedding and towels; check the following and add or replace if necessary: lamp, clock, radio or CD player, reading material, tissues, extra pillow and blankets.
B O N N I E L I N G E R F E LT Country Homes & Fine Equestrian Properties
Tw
30
APPOINTMENTS January 2012
Fast Friends Dudley and his new friend Madeline in the pasture at their owner Dr. Joy Baker’s farm. (photo submitted by Barbara Childs) Editor’s note: Writer Barbara Childs tells of local events throughout our horse country through the eyes, and very long ears, of Dudley the miniature donkey. The Advent moon and the glistening stars above all make me recall my mother’s story of the beautiful lady, Mary; Joseph, her husband; and the birth of their holy boy child in the manger where my ancestor traveled to the city of David in Bethlehem. My ancestor carried the lady, and he was not sure what he was carrying on his back, but all turned out with joy at the birth of the lady’s child. Music rang through the night skies like church-bells. Shepherds and wise men came and brought great gifts besides gold, incense and myrrh that the men of the East offered the lady and her child, shepherds brought figs, oranges, dates, a basket of eggs and bread and cheese. I lovingly remember all of the story that my mother told me as she licked my head and ears and sniffed me with care. The silent night and full moon and stars have brought a great secret to me this season of expectation and waiting. My barn mother has told me that I will soon have a new friend, and she will be living here at the barn with me. She is 3 months old, black, sweet, gentle and so loving. I am full of wonder and happiness and await her coming. It will be wonderful and so good to share my life and territory with her. Her name is Mad Die, short for Madeline. I think she is beautiful. I can’t wait to model my new green winter blanket for her. I’m told it looks stunning on me. I hope we can share hay and munch and dream together. Her eyes will be level with mine and her ears are long, soft and suit her face perfectly. Well, besides all this news, here are some noteworthy things you may want to know. Trayce Doubek has officially accepted her title as district commissioner for the River Valley Pony Club, and she will be installed as of January 2012. The River Valley Pony Club is part of the Carolina Foothills local chapter. The mission of the RVPC is to provide a program for youth that teaches good riding skills, mounted and unmounted sports, care of horses and ponies, thereby developing responsibility, moral judgment, leadership and self confidence. Helen Firby is the Co-DC. If you would like to schedule a mounted or unmounted clinic, contact her or Trayce Doubek. Suzanne and Lincoln Russell would like to congratulate Percy
Macmillan on her purchase of Ariodante, who will be showing in the Pre-Green Hunter Division. Members of the Motlow IEA Team will be competing at the College Preparatory Invitational Horse Show in Palm Beach this January. In November the Motlow Equestrian Center Team went to Aiken, S.C. for the Progressive Show Jumping Medal and Finals. Hannah Stephens was fifth in the Jr. Medal Finals. Claire Kaplan and Fox were reserve champions in the Medium Pony Hunters. Allison Richmond and Vanilla Sky were reserve champions in the Adult Equitation Division. Sara McIntosh brought home two third place ribbons in the Novice Division of the Berry College Competition. Kathleen Coker was third and Mattie Martin was second in the Novice Flat at Berry College. Coaches Katie Barnette-Whisenant and Crystal Bohnen have begun training and coaching the Interscholastic Equestrian Association team. Their first competition was St. Francis IEA. Blythe Daniel was first over fences and second on the flat in the Varsity Open Division. Ashley Conkle, who is a working student at Motlow Equestrian Center, had a great summer showing in the Tryon area, and she and her horse were in the High Jr./ Amateur Jumper Divisions multiple times. I am planning to share my recipe box and special gourmet foods for humans with Mad Die. This wild rice casserole recipe is sure to win hearts this season. It was often served at the governor’s mansion in Minnesota. Luxurious wild rice was the staple food of the Indians of Northern Minnesota in the lake country there, and Canada, too. An ounce of dry wild rice will add that aristocratic touch to any meal. I am feeling a bit aristocratic myself. A happy and blessed New Year to all and peace to all men of good will as we begin a new year of good health and many blessings. I will continue to keep you informed about my newfound friend and her presence in my life.
PARTING GLANCE
Don Principe
Stallion Don Principe, owned by Maryanna Haymon, was recently named Reserve Champion Sire of the Year. This makes Haymon and Marydell Farms the 2011 USEF Champion Breeder and Champion Owner for Dressage Breeding. (photo submitted)
Dudley’s Wild Rice Casserole Ingredients:
1 cup of wild rice 1/2 cup of slivered almonds 1 8 ounces can of sliced mushrooms 1/2 cup butter 3 cups of chicken broth Chives
Directions:
Rinse wild rice 4 or 5 times and then saute wild rice, almonds, mushrooms, and chives in butter until golden. Pour into a greased casserole. Stir in the broth. Bake tightly covered at 325 degrees for 1 hour. Yield: 6 servings