Appointments The Hoofbeats of the Carolina Foothills
Volume 5 Issue 8
F R E E May 2011
Jockey Brian Crowley races to the finish on Northern Bay after passing Lead Us Not and Fantastic Foe. (photo by Erik Olsen)
Northern Bay reigns at Steeplechase by Kelly Murphy
The weather was picture perfect, the track condition was good, and, as sometimes happens in horse racing, the results of the featured Block house Steeplechase hinged on an unexpected turn of
events. In spite of an awkward first jump, Lead Us Not, running for owner William Pape, whose horses have won the last two renewals of this race, set off in the lead and remained there for the first
Spotlight on local equestrians: Lauren Allen, Mike Scott and Randi Thompson
'Where are we going,' by Gerald Pack
two circuits of the course. However, apparently thinking that he had completed the final lap, jockey Brian Crowley steered his highly regarded mount around the next jump, and was off course with one lap to go. Northern
'A croak to spring' by Catherine Macaulay
Bay then passed Fantastic Foe, who had inherited the lead, and was able to hold off his remaining three rivals in spite of a late rally by Canardly. The winner was trained by
Continued on p. 3
View results from recent Western Hunter Pace rides and catch a glimpse of Steeplechase
A monthly publication of The Tryon Daily Bulletin
May-June 2011 5/7: Foothills Riding Club Horse Trials at FENCE. Info: Margo Savage, 828-863-4924 or www. foothillsridingclub.com. 5/7: Fourth-annual Big Brothers Big Sisters Hunter Pace at Caroland Farms For more information, contact Karen Darcey at polk@bbbswnc.org. 5/14-15: Foothills Equestrian Events Dressage Show at FENCE. Info: Alicia Henderson 828-6741885.
218-0613 or sandydonovan@gmail.com. 6/2: The Foothills Riding Club continues its support for TROT by offering a demonstration of natural horsemanship techniques by Lynn Brown. The event will be held at Red Gate Farm’s in Green Creek June 2 at 7 p.m. A minimum donation will benefit TROT. Info: 828-863-4924. 6/2-5: Tryon Summer Classic at FENCE. Info: JP Godard, 803-6435698 or www.equusevents.com.
5/14: FRC Cross Country Schooling at FENCE. Info: Margo Savage, 828-863-4924 or www. foothillsridingclub.com.
6/2-5: Tryon Ridging and Hunt Club $5,000 Charity Jumper. Info: Laura Weicker 828-859-6109 or visit www.trhcevents.com.
5/18-19: Henk van Bergen clinic at Cross Creek Farm May18-19. A successful trainer in Holland, van Bergen has coached of the Dutch National Team. He has twice presented at the USDF National Symposium.
6/7-10: Robert Zanvoort clinic June 7-10. Info: Dr. Joy Baker at 828-817-0315.
5/20-22: Progressive Show Jumping at FENCE. Info: Rick Cram, 803-649-3505 or psjshows.com. 5/26-29: Tryon Summer Premier Horse Show, A rated, at Harmon Field. Info: Laura Weicker 828-8596109 or www.trhcevents.com. 5/28-29: Carriage Club Show at FENCE. Info: Sandy Donovan, 901-
6/8-12: Tryon Riding & Hunt Club Charity Horse Show, A rated, at FENCE. Info: Laura Weicker 828859-6109 or www.trhcevents.com.
Samantha Hurst, editor 828-859-2737 x 110 Nick Holmberg, marketing consultant 828-859-2737 x 114
7/6-10: Tryon Riding & Hunt Club Charity Horse Show II, A rated, at FENCE. Info: 828-859-6109 or www.trhcevents.com. 7/14-17: Tryon Riding & Hunt Club Charity Horse Show III, A rated, at FENCE. Info: 828-859-6109 or visit www.trhcevents.com. 7/17: FENCE Cross Country Schooling at FENCE. Info: FENCE 828-8599021 or HorseShow@FENCE.org. 7/23-24: FRC Schooling Dressage & Stadium at FENCE. Info: Margo Savage, 828-863-4924. 7/23-24: Tryon Riding and Hunt Club Junior Amateur Horse Show, A rated, at Harmon Field. Info: 828859-6109 or www.trhcevents.com.
6/9: FETA new member welcome picnic June 9 at FENCE at 6:30 p.m. This will be a potluck dinner. Info:
7/29 – 8/1: Rick Quinn Horsemanship Clinic at FENCE. Info: Dottie Davis, 828-891-4372 or email Larryanddottie1@bellsouth.net.
6/17-19: FENCE Schooling Horse Trials at FENCE. Info: FENCE 828859-9021 or email horseshow@ FENCE.org.
8/5-8/7: Progressive Show Jumping at FENCE. Info: Rick Cram, 803-649-3505 or www.psjshows. com.
Make your “Appointments!”
Appointments
6/25-26: NCDCTA Dressage Show at FENCE. Info: Sandy Donovan, 901-218-0613 or email sandydonovan@gmail.com.
To reach us regarding: • News items, contact Samantha Hurst, (828) 859-2737 ext. 110, e-mail samantha. hurst@tryondailybulletin.com; or Barbara Childs, barbarachilds01@gmail. com; FAX to (828) 859-5575. • Advertising, billing or distribution inquiries, please call Nick Holmberg at the Tryon Daily Bulletin, (828) 859-
Appointments • May 2011 • p. 2
9151. Appointments is distributed on the fourth Thursday of every month (subject to change) in every homedelivered and newsstand copy of The Tryon Daily Bulletin. You can also find them for free each month, as long as they last, in tourism and equestrian businesses throughout the area. Appointments is a monthly publication of The Tryon Daily Bulletin Inc., 16 N. Trade Street, Tryon, N.C. 28782.
65th Block House Steeplechase finishes Race 1 1. Last Man Standing 2. Inti 3. Class Launch 4. Queen Maddie
Race 4 1. Northern Bay 2. Canardly 3. Spy In The Sky 4. Fantastic Foe
Race 2 1. Flying Friskie 2. Bag Of Hammers 3. Hot Rize 4. Sergeant Karakorum
Race 5: Thoroughbred 1. Rush To Market 2. My Pick
Race 3 1. Class Tie 2. Better Be Ready 3. Silence 4. Reveillon
Non-thoroughbred 1. Betsy’s Special Lace 2. Maniac 3. Shorty’s Sugar Baby 4. Roudy Outrageous Above: Carolina first winning jockey Brian Crowley after the race. (photos by Erik Olsen)
STEEPLECHASE Continued from page 1 Todd J. Wyatt for the Estate of Cary W. Jackson, and was ridden to victory by Roddy MacKensie. In the first race, run over two and three-eighth miles, for maidens (horses who have not won a race), Class Launch set off in the lead, pressed by Solar Panel. In the final turn the Uruguayan-bred Inti, who had been stalking the pace, gained the lead, only to be overhauled in the stretch by Last Man Standing. Inti’s rider claimed a foul against the winner for bumping at the last fence, but it was disallowed by the stewards. The winner was ridden by Continued on p. 4
Above: Foxhunter's Cup winner Libbie Arnold (Center) receives her award. (photo by Erik Olsen)
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STEEPLECHASE Continued from page 3 Brian Crowley and is trained by Hall of Fame trainer Jonathan Sheppard for The Elkstone Group LLC. The second race was also a maiden race over the same distance. Flying Friskie led for the first two circuits of the course but was overtaken by Bag of Hammers, who looked like a winner until he made an awkward jump at the last obstacle, allowing Flying Friskie to resume command and win easily. The winner is trained by Lilith Boucher for owner Marilyn S. Ketts, and was ridden to victory by her husband, Richard Boucher. The third race, for horses who have not won two races, was contested over the same distance as the first two. At the start the Irish horse So Amazing swept away to a commanding lead, but tired by the halfway point, relinquishing the lead to Reveillon. However, Better Be Ready took over going down the backstretch on the final circuit, pressed by Class Tie. These two battled to the wire with the latter prevailing narrowly. The combination of trainer Lilith and rider Richard Boucher was again victorious, winning this time for owner Mede Cahaba Stable. The final race of the day was about three quarters of a mile on the flat for amateur riders who have not ridden in a sanctioned race. It was divided into thoroughbred and non-thoroughbred divisions, but run as one race. At the start the quarter horse Betsy’s Special lace, ridden by Robert Arnold of Union, SC, set off at a blistering pace. H o w e v e r, r e a c h i n g t h e final turn, he was overtaken by his wife Libby, riding the
Hundreds of spectators look on as jockeys and horses complete the first lap during the first race of the day Saturday, April 23. (photos by Samantha Hurst)
As the day went on races continued to keep crowds on their feet. (photos by Samantha Hurst)
thoroughbred Rush To Market, who went on to win. Entering the home stretch the thoroughbred My Pick, ridden by Susie Kocher, also o v e r t o o k B e t s y ’s S p e c i a l Lace, which prevailed in the
non-thoroughbred division. Lee Ann Harmon of Ellenboro, N.C., riding the quarter horse Maniac, was second among the non-thoroughbreds, followed by Kathy Bragg of Moore, S.C., on
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S h o r t y ’s S u g a r B a b y a n d Jordan Hicks of Tryon on A m a n d a B i l h a r z ’s R o u d y Outrageous. See pages 30 and 31 for more photos from the 65th Block House Steeplechase.
Q&A with Clear View Farm's Rachael Tessmer by Barbara Childs
1. What is the Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) that Clear View Farm is offering? The IEA program is an opportunity for students ages 11-19 to ride, show and travel with other team members to both local and national shows. Students will participate in weekly group lessons as a team and will then begin showing in the fall of 2011. The IEA program focuses on horsemanship skills as well as sportsmanship and having fun riding and showing. It is not necessary for
Continued on p. 6
Students from the IEA program at Clear View Farm. (photo submitted)
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IEA Continued from page 5 students to own or show their own horses. Horses as well as equipment are provided for both at practice and at the shows. It offers students unable to own their horses the opportunity to ride and show and participate in an exciting equine sport with other riders and team members their own age. 2. What students can qualify for this program with their levels of experience and training?
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APPOINTMENTS ADS 123010 - page 31
Students in both middle and high school can qualify for the IEA program. Riding experience can vary from beginner level to experienced in the show ring. The IEA offers the opportunity for all skill levels with horses for the students. 3. What are the benefits of this program for students - do they get school credit for participation in this equine sport? Students have the opportunity to earn scholarships toward their college educa-
“The IEA program focuses on horsemanship skills as well as sportsmanship and having fun riding and showing.” -- Rachael Tessmer
tions. 4. What kind of horses are used for the students in riding lessons and at shows?
effectively the rider can communicate with the horse, and how the rider handles his or her mount in the show ring.
The horses provided for lessons at Clear View Farm are safe and reliable horses and ponies suitable for all skill levels and ages. Horses used at the shows are provided by the host team arranging the show. The horses come from local horse farms and training centers as well as the equipment. Riders have a short period of time to get to know the horses they will be riding before competing. This affords the student rider to learn a variety of different kinds of rides on their horse.
6. What training divisions are available to students for equitation, jumping, cross country, eventing and stable management?
5. What is the key to being a success with riding - is it horses or horsemanship -what counts the most? Horsemanship is the big key in the IEA program. All classes are judged on horsemanship and how the rider connects with the horse he or she is riding. The horse is not judged in this sense, but rather how
Classes consist of jumps and fences no higher than 3 feet. Numerous flat classes are also offered throughout the program. Classes for stable management and riding cross country are also held. 7. What shows do you attend in preparation for these students to compete and learn the showing process? Weekly lessons as well as group lessons for practice at Clear View Farm are given on the farm’s school horses. This helps the students to understand the techniques and skills necessary for showing in the IEA program. If students are interested in participating at local shows in the Landrum/Tryon area, they are welcome to do so on weekends at Harmon Field and at FENCE.
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First aid and emergency care for equine friends by Dr. Rich Metcalf of Tryon Equine Hospital If you own horses, you are likely to be faced with a medical emergency - lacerations, swollen legs, eye injuries, colic, etc… You must know how to recognize serious problems and respond promptly. Most importantly – stay calm! Prepare for an emergency: • Post your vet’s phone number and how to reach them after hours in your barn and trailer. • Keep your insurance information readily available, especially when traveling with your horse away from your farm. • Know in advance the most direct route to an equine surgery center, especially when traveling away from home. • If you do not own a trailer, have contacts that can be easily reached in case your horse requires transporting. • Keep a first aid kit in your barn and trailer at all times. • If your horse is boarded at a farm or you have other people watch your horses while you are out of town, make sure they have all the information required to admit your horse to the hospital - including but not limited to: extent of treatment (financially and medically- i.e. is colic surgery an option), contact information for you or other party authorized to make decisions and financial information In order to recognize signs of distress you first need to be a good observer. Know your horse’s normal vital signs as well as normal behavior patterns. Also, know the normal color, consistency and volume of feces and urine. Normal vital sign ranges: Appointments • May 2011 • p. 8
Temperature: 99.0 – 100.5 degrees F; pulse: 28 – 44 beats per minute; respiratory rate: 10 – 20 breaths per minute. Fevers Temperatures that stay above 101.5 can cause depression, anorexia, decreased gastrointestinal motility, elevated heart rate and respiratory rate, and sometimes ataxia. It is critical to determine the source of the fever and then determine the best ways to treat the fever. Wounds and lacerations: Catch and calm your horse to prevent further injury. Get help before attempting to treat or evaluate a wound. Evaluate the location, depth and severity of the wound. Colic – abdominal pain Horses display many different distress signs during colic – anorexia, stretching out, lying down, decreased manure output, rolling, pawing, kicking at the belly, looking at their flanks, etc. Remove all feed, but provide access to water. Walk your horse to keep it from injuring itself and from rolling. Eyes If the eye is injured, do not attempt to treat it yourself. Eye problems and injuries need to be evaluated and treated immediately. Signs of eye pain include squinting, tearing and holding the eye closed. Until a veterinarian arrives, try to keep your horse from rubbing the affected eye. Choke – esophageal obstruction Chokes can occur when a horse eats too fast and a large portion of feed becomes lodged in the esophagus. Clinical signs include green frothy (or feed)
First aid kit supplies *Information to have
• Bandage scissors
*Bandage materials • Sterile gauze • Cast padding • Sheet cotton and rolled cotton • Vet wrap • Elastikon • Standing leg wraps • Duct tape
*Wound care and medical supplies • Betadine solution or betadine scrub • Alcohol • Clippers • Hemostats • Latex gloves • Thermometer • It is also a good idea to have an extra lead rope and halter available in case of an emergency • Flashlight and extra batteries • Hoof pick • Shoe puller • Stethoscope
on hand at all times. • Insurance information including emergency/ after hours contact. • Veterinary office phone number and emergency/after hours number • Directions to clinic.
nasal discharge, coughing or gagging. If you suspect a choke, immediately take all food and water away and contact a vet immediately. After the choke is resolved, possible aspiration pneumonia can be addressed. Acute non-weight-bearing lameness Most common cause of sudden severe lameness is a foot abscess. Other possible causes include a fracture, infection of the joint or tendon sheath, and severe soft tissue injury. Laminitis (Founder) can also cause severe lameness, but usually affects more than one foot. We recommend having your horse evaluated to determine the cause of the lameness with appropriate diagnostics prior to treatment. If your horse steps on a nail or other sharp object and it remains embedded in the hoof, call im-
TM
®
mediately prior to removing the nail. Radiographs, on the farm, are needed to determine depth, direction and structures penetrated by the nail. Regardless of the situation, remembering the following points is critical: Keep the horse as calm as possible. Move your horse to a safe area where it is unlikely to be injured should it go down. Get someone to help you and delegate responsibilities – like calling your vet, retrieving the first aid kit, holding the horse, hooking up the trailer, etc. Many accidents can be prevented by taking the time to evaluate your horse’s environment and removing potential hazards. Developing an emergency plan ahead of time makes the situation easier on you, your horse, and your helpers. Appointments • May 2011 • p. 9
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Appointments • May 2011 • p. 10
Blue Moon Farm owner Sophie Pirie Clifton Editor's note: This article is being run a second time because in its original publishing several errors were inserted in the proofing process. The Appointment's staff is working diligently to ensure this does not happen again. Thank you. Locals assume Sophie Pirie Clifton left beautiful Montana in late 2007 to escape the weather. Rather, her business had grown. She needed her own training center, but good bottomland near Bozeman, Mont. was too expensive. She sought out Tryon, because the Equestrian Land Conservation Resource had identified it as one of few communities in this country to have preserved the horse at the center of its culture, economy, land use planning and conservation efforts. She values the area’s trail network, diversity of equestrian disciplines and presence of two live fox hunts. Sophie intentionally chose a small farm to develop into a training center focused on classical dressage but also offering event training, gymnastic jumping and rehab. “The goal at Blue Moon Farm is to give each horse and student highly individualized attention and training,” she said. Functional anatomy is a particular focus of Sophie’s teaching at home and in the clinics she gives in the United States and internationally. She has been certified to teach Gyrotonic™ and Gyrokinesis™, a yogabased body work system. She has also studied for more than a decade with Clete Linebarger, “the chiropractor who won’t give you a fix.” Dr. Linebarger and Sophie use functionality based training to enhance performance and reduce pain and risk of injury. Sophie’s “How to Teach” instructor workshops also focus on biomechanics and the psychology of learning.
Sophie Pirie Clifton with Ruby Del Sol in April 2010. (Photo by David Mullinex.)
Another hallmark of Sophie’s is her respect for horses as our primary teachers. “Every horse that comes into our lives is there for a reason,” she said. So it is with her own horses: “My beloved Paint Quarter
Horse, Canto Gitano, who was my event horse and is now training all of the grand prix dressage movements, came to me as a stallion living with a harem. I had to learn to work with a will even stronger than my own!” Gitano’s uncle, Spiritoso,
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the nephew of a Quarter Horse Sophie rehabbed and won a three-day team gold medal on at Young Riders, is a schoolmaster at Blue Moon Farm. “Someone may want to learn
Continued on p. 16
CLIFTON Continued from page 11 how to ride a half pass, which he does beautifully, but Spirit has an uncanny way of knowing exactly what each person needs to learn and a way of insisting that that is what they do learn,” she said. Among the other Blue Moon Farm horses are lovely Warmbloods. The past two years Sophie has competed Wolkenkarat (now for sale) to top national rankings in every category of eligibility. “It is a privilege to train such a talented horse, but to compete her is something else. Every judge gave Kara 'wow' remarks,” she said. Sophie has a reputation for success with non-traditional horses. One of these is Ruby Del Sol, a half Lusitano, half Arab bred locally by Erin Ray. She is Sophie’s sportscar: full
of personality, fabulous mover, hard worker and incredibly precocious. Although a diminutive 14.3hh, Della routinely beats the fancy Warmbloods at big shows and expects to debut at Prix St. Georges this year. Because of Della’s superstar qualities, Sophie leased her dam. The year 2010 saw the arrival of Blue Moon Zambra (by Paul Belasik’s Grand Prix Andalusian, Excelso). Sophie seeks to breed one or two smaller horses each year with excellent movement and conformation, a superior work ethic and talent for real collection. “But if they are all as lovely as Zambra, I don’t know how I will bear to sell any of them,” she said. Blue Moon Farm also takes in horses for rehabilitation and conditioning. Sophie’s experience with classic format threeday eventing, conditioning thoroughbred race horses, World
Equestrian Games level Combined Driving horses and fox hunters taught her how to get horses fit and keep them sound. “Rehab is not just rebuilding lost muscle,” she said. “You have to re-toughen bones, tendons and ligaments. Often critical to avoiding re-injury are correcting alignment and developing self-carriage, key concerns of dressage.” Sophie’s success rests on the team that supports Blue Moon Farm. “I could not do this without the assistance, knowledge and guidance of Dr. Bibi Freer, Dr. Joy Baker and farrier Bill McDaniel, or the patience and support of my husband, Roger,” she said. “Morton Building’s Doug Harmon, builder Bruce Fisher, excavator Jerry Christopher and fencer Robert Robinson helped develop the farm. Jimmy Jones takes care of the land – and keeps our old tractor
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running. Amy Goode grooms for me on the road: My horses all come out of the ring looking for her to get a peppermint! The MVP, though, is my wonderful assistant, Jayne Stewart: Only because of her skill and dedication can I travel to compete and teach.” When asked who has most influenced her training, Sophie first credits the horses she has ridden. The breeding farm she grew up on had more than 100 head at one point. Aquila Farm raised and trained Welsh show ponies, her parents having imported the original breeding stock from Wales. The farm also raised and raced Thoroughbreds. After her mother introduced Combined Driving to the United States, there were ever more Warmbloods. Her mother, she says, was one of the finest horsemen she has ever encountered and a tough taskmaster: “She had
zero tolerance for excuses or wimpiness.” Another influence was starting to teach at a young age. “I started off charging $12 per hour, because that’s how old I was. It amazes me now that mothers would schlep their children and ponies over to me three times a week for lessons in each of the eventing disciplines! I still learn something from every lesson I teach and from every horse I ride.” The influence of the military was pervasive when Sophie was growing up. “I had no idea then how lucky I was that my Pony Club instructor was Maj. Gen. Jack Burton. Another instructor we had for many years was Col. Lewicki from Poland. Those guys all taught position. They emphasized 'independence of the aids,' a term I rarely hear
Continued on p. 14
Sophie Pirie Clifton with Wolkenkarat in April 2010. (Photo by David Mullinex.)
Make Your Farm
More Energy Efficient!
Appointments • May 2011 • p. 13
CLIFTON Continued from page 13 anymore." The USET 3-Day Team, then coached by Jack LeGoff, was Sophie’s next door neighbor. “Every day the team riders rode by our kitchen window. Horses and tack gleamed. Riders never slouched. The horses marched. I would spy on their workouts and then go practice the same movements and set the same jump combinations. I did everything I could to emulate their positions and make my horses go like theirs. Later I sought out team members Denny Emerson and Tad Coffin to work for and train with.” Since then Sophie has studied with a series of dedicated teachers who have each shared their knowledge and mentored her. Meg Douglas-Hamilton (former USET three-day team rider
and developer of the Equitainer) introduced Sophie to “real dressage.” She also insisted that Sophie go to college, although it meant almost two decades out of the saddle, while she pursued degrees at Harvard, Stanford and in Germany and then worked in Europe before coming home to teach at Stanford Law School and at Stellenbosch University in South Africa. When Sophie came back to training and teaching full time, Jill Hassler-Scoop (a founder of Hilltop Farm and talented educator) became a close friend and important mentor until she died a few years ago. Consistent with Sophie’s belief that the world will provide you with what you need if you just let it, a woman named Carol called about her arena footing soon after Sophie moved here. On a hunch, she asked, “Are you THE Carol Lavell?”
And so began a relationship with the Olympic bronze medalist in dressage that Sophie values highly. “Not only is Carol incredibly encouraging, she has so much hard earned wisdom and an amazing eye,” she said. For more than 10 years, Sophie has studied primarily with Paul Belasik, one of the world’s leading truly classical dressage instructors. Among the many things she values in Belasik’s teaching are his systematic approach, his insistence on the primacy of rider position and his commitment to the art of balancing the horse upon the hindquarters. Belasik comes to Blue Moon Farm five times a year. Many organizations seek Sophie’s counsel, among them Hilltop Farm’s Integrated Approach to Teaching & Learning, Jill Hassler’s Equestrian Education Studies, Eckart Meyners’
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Seat Symposia and the International Academy of Equestrian Studies in Warendorf, Germany. Sophie has served as a governor of the U.S. Pony Clubs and now sits on the group's advisory committee. She is a USPC graduate A and inaugural inductee of its Academy of Achievement and remains indebted to Pony Club: “They were the first to send me out around the world, giving clinics and judging in Asia and Australia,” she said. Her most intensive non-profit involvement has been with the Equestrian Land Conservation Resource. ELCR sought her out at its founding, partly because of her familiarity with the varied ways horses are managed throughout the world. In high school in France, she remembers jumping lessons at 9 p.m., 18-20 riders in a 20x40m indoor ring. “We Americans are so spoiled
A
Air Time: Canto Gitano X-C schooling with Cap't Mark Phillips in Montana. (photo submitted)
ROLI
NA
C
with all of our private lessons and personal space,” she said. In Thailand, she learned about working with Buddhist vets and training in the Bangkok heat. Seeing the transformation of the Massachusetts town she grew up in awakened Sophie to the importance of land conservation. During the 1970s, Hamilton was the epicenter of 3-day eventing and home to quality polo, hunting, and horse showing. “You could ride all day across private land and not think twice about it. But by the 1980s, most of the large farms had become housing developments. If that could happen there and that fast, even before the recent real estate booms, then Polk County too is at risk – for loss of land and access for horses, and also for loss of agriculture as a viable way of earning a living,” she said.
FRESH FARMS
GRASSES
• Bermuda • Fescue • Centipede • Zoysia
Appointments • May 2011 • p. 15
Treading water good for horses, Allen by Barbara Childs Lauren Grant Allen’s career with horses at Still Creek Farm began after the recommendations of several friends and other professionals in the area including Drs. Bill Hay and Anne Baskett. Hay and Baskett were instrumental in the creation of the Aquatred at Still Creek Farm. Allen became acquainted with Dr. Bill Hay after he performed stem cell therapy on her gelding. Kem and Linda Ketcham, who own the farm, were looking for an individual who could fill the role both as barn manager and also develop the rehabilitaA horse is led into the aquatred tion side of the business. begin therapy. (photos by Mark “I had been teaching high to Lehner.) school science for nearly four years, and there is a strong sense as a pair tremendously under of stability that comes with a Holli’s tutelage,” she said. job like that. However, at the “Kepler makes me feel safe and end of the day, I just wasn’t happy no matter what. He is the happy where I was and what absolute most fun to ride, and I I was doing,” Allen said. “On am so lucky to have him.” the advice of several friends, Allen said she’s learned a treincluding Bill and mendous amount Anne, and Karol since starting at Spotlight Aschaffenburg, I Still Creek. was ready to leave “I hope I have on Local my teaching for been able to help my dream job. Equestrians a lot of frustrated And I’ve never horse owners. Relooked back! I am hab is never an one of the few people I know easy process, and anything I who wakes up each day com- can do to help it go faster or pletely happy with what they smoother, I am eager to do,” she do.” said. “Originally I was skeptical Lessons began at 9 years old about the full benefits of the for Allen on her pony, LeRoy Aquatred, but after having put Brown. more than 200 horses in the pool Lauren Allen and assistant work to guide a horse in need of rehabilitation All her riding then was at the and swimming between 20-30 a into the long pool of water. Aquatred is located at Still Creek Farm. The low-level hunter divisions and day, I can say without hesitation system works to help horses with injuries to relieve stress, improve she loved it. More riding and that the Aquatred is a miracle balance and rebuild muscle. (photos by Mark Lehner) training came into Allen’s life tool like no other. with Jeanne Smith. Her mare, "I call it pilates and yoga horses that were one sided even and western pleasure horses. Dirty Little Secret, is still at for horses. It’s a fabulous way out, and the owners report how “I dare owners all the time Clear View Farm with Smith to lengthen, release stress, their horses just seem to be and to walk down the aisles at Still Creek and try to guess and is used for riding instruc- improve balance and muscles feel better. The center treats hunt- which horses are show horses tions. Presently Allen rides and throughout the body.” shows her Dutch Warmblood, Allen said horses that go ers, jumpers, eventers, driv- and which ones are on stall How B’Czar. She rides and through the therapy become ing horses, reiners, dressage rest - because you can’t,” she trains with Holli Adams. more balanced, their lead horses, trail horses, retired said. “They are all beautifully “Kepler and I have grown changes become more even, horses, saddlebreds, Morgans muscled, fit, shiny, happy and Appointments • May 2011 • p. 16
AQUATRED Continued from page 16 calm. You won’t find one pacing or worrying because all of my horses are in work, all of them have a job. Some just do it in a non-concussive, buoyant environment.” Allen’s most probable claim to fame, however, is not her job description but perhaps being the rescuer of Woofus. Woofus came from the Foothills Humane Society and easily situated himself as a cornerstone of Still Creek. “When you stop by, don’t worry, he’ll find you, and love you,” Allen said. Allen also owns a Brittany rescue named Yarbi. Besides her furry loves, Allen said she feels blessed in many ways. “I’m lucky to have the support of my family and friends and the many wonderful people of the area that make living my dream possible,” she said.
Water flow strengthens as a patient at Aquatred begins therapy. (photo by Mark Lehner)
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9
Massage therapist discovers just the right fit by Barbara Childs
Mike Scott travels to the Landrum, Columbus and Tryon area once to twice a month for saddle fittings. Scott has been a human massage therapist since 1985. He enjoyed working as a team therapist for the Boston Marathon, USA Track and Field, Boston Bruins and at big national events. Meeting Jack Meagher, the legendary founder of equine massage therapy, made a deep impression on Scott, and he had the opportunity to study with him for equine massage as Meagher integrated his therapy into working exclusively with horses. At this time Scott already worked with clients that were riders, who on occasion would ask him to massage their horses. “I would massage a horse and make him feel better for the time being, but when I’d return in a couple of weeks they would be sore again in the same Mike Scott. (photo submitted) areas,” said Scott. It didn’t take too long for Mike to realize saddle fitting portance of watching the rider was an essential piece of the in the saddle (dynamic) and puzzle. When Scott decided to evaluating the horse’s moverelocate to South Carolina in ment by observation and by 2000, he felt he needed some palpitation for soreness. formal training in saddle fitA thorough understandting. ing of anatomy He apprenticed and kinesiology is Spotlight with several sadessential for this on Local dle fitters in the procedure. New England area Equestrians Scott was before coming to born and raised Camden, S.C. in Massachusetts, Shortly after he completed and being the eldest of eight the MSA (the Society of Mas- siblings he found there wasn’t ter Saddlers UK) Foundation a lot of extra time to spend on Course. horseback. He also completed courses Even at an early age, Scott in bridle repair and making at was an entrepreneur. He found the Cumbria School of Sad- ways to get to the stables on his dlery in the UK. Scott ap- own four miles away, to muck prenticed with master saddler stalls and ride the old mare David Young, County Saddles, Montana. He thought he was Amerigo Saddles and Custom getting a great deal to give the Saddlery. Scott stresses the im- owner $2, muck three stalls and
get to ride the horse. “She was a blast,” Scott said. “Montana was a plug trying to get her out in the field away from the barn, but once they hit the half way point and started to head back to the barn, it was hang on time.” Scott would be whooping and taking the reins side to side as he saw in the movies, galloping along in freedom, more than likely what he now realizes as being out of control. As Scott got older he had a couple of girlfriends that owned horses and allowed him to ride. He started taking some lessons and after having his own family, he put all the riding aside until he was 40. For many years in between, Scott was a competitive triathlete until a knee injury forced him into surgery. He took all
Appointments • May 2011 • p. 18
“I would massage a horse and make him feel better for the time being, but when I’d return in a couple of weeks they would be sore again in the same areas.” -- Mike Scott
that energy and training knowledge to his riding again and enjoyed eventing. He still takes a lesson when he can, but enjoys his daily rides in hunt country in his hometown. Scott enjoys photography and he and his wife Terry recently purchased a frame shop and gallery where he displays his work. You can find out more about Scott on his website www.saddleguy.com.
Carolina region Pony Club dressage rally held by Boots Plyler
There were some new faces among the young ones running around in numbered pinnies at the Carolina Region Pony Club Dressage Rally at FENCE March 25-27. The Foothills Foxes Horsemasters Group, for one, had a team in attendance. Horsemasters is a program developed by the United States Pony Club in 2001. The pony club website, w w w. p o n y c l u b . o r g , d e scribes it as a, “program for adult volunteers developed to meet the needs of Pony Club parents and other adults to learn more about horses, to feel comfortable around the animals and secure in their knowledge about horsemanship and riding skills.”
Horsemasters Groups may be affiliated with a Pony Club, a riding center or a region, and are open to anyone who is not currently in Pony Club and is 18 years of age or older. Why should kids have all the fun? The Foothills Foxes Team consisted of Denise Ritacco and her daughter, Casey Delap, from Greer; Erin Gambrell of Campobello; Boots Plyler from Travelers Rest and two scramble members from other clubs Bette Sumrell from Charlotte, whose parents live in Columbus; and Tami Lynch from the Fort Bragg area. The team had two graduate “B” Pony Clubbers and three parents of former or current Pony Clubbers and ranged in age from 26-57.
Their mounts were of varying degrees of training and size from an old campaigner to a young 5-year-old pony with an Irish Draught topping the size scale at over 17 hands. These older PCers have to go through all of the tests that the youngsters do including getting their tack checked before they ride and receiving penalty points if any required equipment is missing, dirty or not in good repair. They are judged on their horse management skills in the barn, and their dressage tests are scored as they would be in a show. There is even a written test on the Pony Club rules. It was a close and supportive group with all of the team joining in picking out the
stalls and keeping the aisles clean. The officials were careful to treat them as adults but offered to help when needed and explained the reasons behind many of the rules. At the end of the weekend the Horsemasters came away with a second place ribbon and the best dressage score of the rally: Bette Sumrell on her half Connemara gelding, Prairie Augustus, with a score of 82 percent on the Musical Freestyle. All of the members of the Foothills Foxes qualified to attend the national Pony Club Rally this summer. It just goes to show you are never too old to learn something new or to have a blast while doing it.
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Twin Oaks Veterinary Clinic
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Dudley's scoop on the Twin Oaks Veterinary
local equestrian world by Barbara Childs
Sean Eastman, DVM Sarah Silver, DVM, CVA * Special interest in small animal dentistry and equine lameness * Practicing high quality small animal and equine medicine
The horse shows at Harmon Field have started, and from my favorite tree I can hear it all. It’s so exciting with all the flowers and plants around the jumps. I wonder if they taste as good as they look. The horses and riders jump over these obstacles and it looks so easy. I especially like it when the announcer blasts out the winners. I sometimes dream of hearing my name called out, Dudley the Great... Now here are some news flashes I thought you might like to read about. *** The Gulfport winter series of hunter/jumper shows in Mississippi have ended. From our local area riders and horses have earned many awards. Holli Adams rode Lisa Otto’s horse, The Duke (a Don Principe horse), and received the PreGreen Reserve Champion Award. Not bad for a five year old and his first trip away from home. *** The talks given on March 28, hosted by the Blue Ridge Equestrian School of the Arts at Chateau du Cheval, were on grasses, hays, laminitis and diet. Dr. Joy Baker gave a clear and definitive presentation on laminitis; what signs to look for, possible causes and treatment. Laura Backus, owner of Little Mountain Feed, gave a presentation on the
HOSPICE THRIFT BARN
Appointments • May 2011 • p. 20
APPOINTMENTS ADS 123010 - page 3
best feeds for horses and what is a suitable diet for the younger horses and older seniors. Kendra Bissette, an extension agent, gave a presentation on pasture management and the types of grasses and hays that have the most and least carbs. Did you know you can have your pastures and feeds analyzed by taking samples to her at the Polk County Extension Office in Columbus? *** Ashley Parsons of Cross Creek Farm showed Maryanna Haymon’s horse Dune MF (out of Don Principe and Rising Star). Her Spycoast placings were a 70 percent in training 4 with judge Hilda Gurney. In February, Ashley showed Dune MF with Jane Ayres judging and placed second in training 4 with a 71.4 percent. At White Fences Ashley and Dune MF did training 3 with 65 percent and won the training 2 with 77.4 percent. Ashley is breaking Doc (a Don Prinicipe horse) at Cross Creek Farm and he is gorgeous. *** Jen Baumert and Don Principe showed Grand Prix for the first time together and took a fifth in the Grand Prix class of choice with 63 percent. In the White Fences GP Jen and Prince took a fourth and had scores in the 70s. *** The River Valley Pony Club was at the beautiful Art Lazarus
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Dudley the miniature donkey belongs to Joy Baker. (Photo by Erik Olsen.)
farm, Born Free, on April 10 for a big rally and schooling. Greenville Pony Club was also represented. A beautiful sunny day for all to enjoy the event and have loads of fun learning and schooling. The cross country was at FENCE and show jumping was at Born Free. *** Jacquelyn Marston has a black shiny marathon carriage, and it is so gorgeous. She is teaching Sue Spiegel how to drive her carriage - it has red wheels and looks like it comes from a fairy tale story! *** I have added gardening skills to my place of honor in the barn. My mother left a big tray of new lettuce plants out, and as a prime mover and root stimulator, I lavished nibbling all the tops of the young lettuce plants. I have no idea why she was semi-hysterical. There was also a blackberry plant that I felt needed some root stimulation, so I fixed that with
some good chomps. Yum! Be sure and contact my editor, Barbara Childs, if you have news you’d like to report. Thank you!
Dudley’s Baked Onion Dip: Ingredients:
1 cup Hellman’s Mayonnaise 1 very large sweet onion, chopped (1 1/2 - 2 cups) 1 1/2 cups shredded Parmesan cheese 2 cups of hot water
Directions: Mix all ingredients together and bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes or until the top is turning brown. Appointments • May 2011 • p. 21
APPOINTMENTS ADS 1
A croak to spring by Catherine Macaulay
Of all the seasons in nature’s grab bag, spring alone is its masterpiece of possibilities, bringing as it does, an invasion of life so exquisite, so unfathomable as to make paltry all human thought of its intention. And yet, in this work of art we call life, amid all the spawning, germinating, birthing, budding and metamorphosing, there seems to be no shortage of struggles, many of which stem from nature’s fundamental law—eat or be eaten—an axiom that my husband has been defending lately, with a pitchfork. At the moment, he is lying in wait for a snake to poke his scaly head through the surface
summer life. His love of their throaty, baritone voices pre-dates his grammar-school days when mother and father piled their of our pond. two children into the family Presumably, the slinky of- station wagon and headed fender is on the hunt for some north to a small lake carpeted tadpoles who call our small in ferns some ninety miles aquatic garden home this time away. of year. All street life promptly I t ’s n o t t h a t B a r r y h a s vanished amid the lake of the anything agains t pines, replaced by snakes. Quite the the hum of insects contrary. and bellowing They polish off bullfrogs competany number of ing for mates. unwanted critters To B a r r y ’s around the house. city born mother, by But according it was seasonal Catherine to his yardstick of hell made all the Macaulay justice, anything worse by those that eats frogs and unsettled, croakdeprives the world of their ing concerts performed nightheavenly croak doesn’t have ly outside the bedroom wina chance. dow—motive enough to order B u l l f r o g s h a v e a l w a y s “off with their heads!” b e e n t h e s t a r s o f B a r r y ’s But fragile, beautiful Joan
The Carousel Horse
Appointments • May 2011 • p. 22
was never one to demand. Assuming a nymph-like posture, she would endure the full-croak chorus with a stoic ennui, suffering under life in the woods—always so “insectuous,” forever too hot or too damp, their baritone bellowing far too deafening for sleep. Barry’s father, a kindly bear of a man, would smile understandingly at her distress. Then, in some unspoken language, he and Barry, himself a spindly young tadpole, would rise and exit through the screen door. In single file, they’d descend the narrow, flagstone steps to the banks of the lake and climb into the waiting boat, prepared to carry out an evensong ritual. With nets in hand, two shadowy figures would begin casting their way across
the rushes, gathering all the pretty voices until at last, the offenders quarried, father and son would row a course toward the far end of the lake, leaving the missus to her stillness and they to their moonlight adventures. The lively croakers always came back. This was, after all, their neighborhood. But in their brief absence, Joan was content. Their tidy cottage had been returned to its study in order, freed from all nature’s uneven distributions and disruptions. Earlier, she’d been a bookk e e p e r i n a s m a l l o ff i c e , and having married, thrown herself into conducting her family affairs with the same precision as she’d wielded her books. She had already estimated that in this perilous community of existence, life and death were directly linked to the
old predator/prey thing and protecting one’s family from becoming the latter demanded a person’s due diligence. And so each spring, in highly predictable installments, Barry and his father would take to the shoals, and, amid whippoorwills calling, glide into an evening’s magic spawned by an intolerable vocabulary of libidos. For this reason, I know my husband will continue to champion those amphibians emerging in our little pond, for though his father has passed, his mother now living far away, those frogs are his conduit to liquid nights when tiny stars rippled beneath the oars and the air was scented in pine. When for one enchanted moment, to a child in the company of spring, anything seemed possible, in a croaked sort of way.
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Appointments • May 2011 • p. 23
Great teachers determine where we are going Recently, Paul Schocke- no denying that the young man mohle shelled out something was a great rider, a student of like eight million dollars for Nelson Pessoa, one of the great a champion, dressage stallion, teachers of our time. Nelson taught the basics, which he shipped back to Germany and promptly put to stud. which comes out in some of In today’s neighborhood of his students. The same is true high-priced sport horses, it is of George Morris, Gordon not uncommon for hunters to Wright and Bert de Nemethy, some of the greatest teachers sell for upwards of $4,000. There’s no denying that in the world. today’s competitors must be They were the ones who prepared to pay top dollar for could break down the basics for the top-of-thetheir students liners. and bring them Then b a c k u p t h e But remember one thing as need & Now ladder about our horsbe so that they by Gerald Pack es. As big as could progress. they are and as Many top ridpowerful as they are, they are ers cannot teach. very fragile. They are truly great at what They are truly perishable they do, but teaching is an art. items. They can be worth hun- Teaching the basics in a sequendreds, thousands, and maybe tial order, is even more so. millions, but they can get hurt. These men were all artists. Overnight, your horse can They and others updated a become suddenly worthless, a method of teaching that had pasture ornament for 30 years, been established by the cavor just die. Then you have noth- alry and applied it brilliantly ing at all, or you have to start to a new audience. In so doing, the process all over again. they left the legacy in all of us Today, it takes more than lucky enough to have known money to compete in the sport them back in the l950s when it of kings. It takes an education. all began—right here in Tryon. The Arab prince who was on In talking with George Mortop of the heap at the World ris, Mike Henaghan and many Cup here in Lexington, Ky. of the top-of-the-line profesthis past year might have paid sionals we know today, we four million for a horse for the always end up in the same Olympic games, but there was conversation—can we band
together and make a difference? I think so, but we must teach our people how to walk, talk, act and learn to speak the language of horses correctly so that those aids become invisible and we can make them work. To ride effectively, we must learn how to speak the correct language, not slang. A talented rider will rise to a certain point, but without the basics correctly in place, he or she will remain at a standstill. Learning a new language takes time. It also takes money, which is why we must work to keep things affordable. Out of the masses and the poor people will come the top riders and teachers of tomorrow. History has proven that time and again. Without the lower end of the riding world to feed the business, there will perhaps, be no more of the top. Reaching those great heights requires perseverance, determination and desire. Out of every hundred people who start riding, only ten percent make it through the first year. But, for those few willing to work consistently toward honing their skills and learning the correct basics from those who know and can teach, the sky is the limit. In this area, we are truly blessed to have the facilities that give riders the mileage they
Appointments • May 2011 • p. 24
“Today, it takes
more than money to compete in the sport of kings. It takes an education .”
-- Gerald Pack
need to compete. The Blue Ridge Hunter and Jumper Classic has truly set a precedent for our area. We need to count our blessings and be thankful for the opportunity to have people who have worked so hard to keep these facilities up to par. The USEF and the ASPCA are cracking down on drug use, the USDF and the FEI are all in step. Over longing at competitions — all this reflects a lack of the basics. The younger professionals must heed the warnings. There are no short cuts in this business. When George Morris landed his first teaching job at Rock Ridge in Atlanta and wrote his first book, he said that there is a system to teaching. At the time, no one wanted to hear it. But George was correct. George is going to retire in two more years. Are we listening to what he is saying? I hope so. Stay tuned.
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Randi Thompson on Sancho, the world champion trophy steer in 2007. (photo submitted)
Social media maiden promotes equine industry by Barbara Childs
Randi Thompson never thought her marketing horse business would take her to the high places of social equine media awards. In the international category,
How to Market Your Horse Business, came in second for the best use of Facebook. Horse and Rider Awareness was also second in most informative. Both Horse and Rider Awareness and How to Market Your
Horse Business came in third place for Best You Tube. Soon after the announcement that both programs made it to the finals, Thompson was featured in February’s Stablewoman’s Gazette Spotlight,
Appointments • May 2011 • p. 26
where she was inducted as the first woman to their Hall of Fame. This award was designed to spotlight women in the equestrian world that have made a significant contribution to the
sport and the horse industry. Thompson said. “I had heard Thompson is currently creat- about a full-time horse college ing information products in the and moved to the Meredith form of webinars, teleseminars Manor School of International and step-by-step guides. Horsemanship.” She recently stepped outside Thompson returned several of the horse world and presented years later when Bodo Hangen a seminar on Social Media for was teaching dressage proYour Horse Business at the grams. During that time she creGuardian Building Spring Show ated and trademarked the Horse in Las Vegas. and Rider Awareness Programs. Horses have always been Tired of the cold weather, she in Thompson’s life. She was moved to the Wellington area of the typical horse crazy girl. Florida. There she began spendWhen other girls became in- ing time at the Winter Equesterested in boys, trian Festival and she stayed with focused on judgSpotlight the horses. Her ing and coaching first horse, Sunfor both dressage on Local dance, carried her and the hunter/ through her teen- Equestrians jumper world. age years. While in FlorOne of the most profound ida, the Horsemanship Safety moments in Thompson’s life Association contacted Thompcame when she was about son to become a master clinician 20. She realized the only way and director of the advanced she could make a living in the instructor programs they were horse industry was if she could offering. learn to communicate with “It was not long before I behumans. This choice led her gan building on those programs to deep personal growth as she and taking instructors and trainlearned more about herself and ers to the next level by creating how to communicate more ef- the Horsemaster’s Advanced fectively with people. Programs. I have trained and Thompson started her formal certified more than 150 clinieducation at the University of cians and instructors from all Minnesota in the horse manage- over the world.” ment program. Thompson has received recFrom there she apprenticed ognition and presentations at the with a position at a horse ranch Word Equestrian Games, Equine in Rapid City, S.D. Affaire, the United States Pony “I was up and feeding horses Club National Convention and by 5 a.m. in the morning, seven the Florida Horse and Pet Expo. days a week and 14 hours a day,” She was a featured guest on the
Randi Thompson. (photo submitted)
nationally syndicated talk show “The Horse Show” with Rick Lamb. It was then she learned about Internet marketing. “The fact is that to succeed in the horse business, you must know a little bit about marketing and PR, or hire someone who does. I first learned how to market by reading everything I could from the libraries,” she said. “I created Horse and Ride Awareness and in 1979 I trademarked it. This led me to finding myself on the road most of the year traveling from clinics to trade shows. After seven years of this I realized I was tired of
Appointments • May 2011 • p. 27
all the traveling and no longer wanted to deal with the heat and hurricanes of South Florida. It was time to start a new chapter in my life. That is when I moved to this area to be centrally located and in a better climate.” Thompson values her freedom in life and that is why she is such an entrepreneur. “To have the freedom to create my life has been an extraordinary adventure. This freedom makes it possible for me to do what I want, be who I want to be and live my dreams. For me this has been a very good thing,” she said.
Western Carolina Hunter Pace & Trail Ride Series by Jan Smith
After 12 of the 15 scheduled competitions of the 2010-11 Western Carolina Hunter Pace & Trail Ride Series, the standings are as follows: Total number riders: 687 Field hunters: 259 Thomas Pluemper retains his hold on the lead with a current count of 37 series points. Rhonda Lewis and Peter Shanahan are still in second place at this writing with an accumulation of 33 series points. Baiba Bourbeau and Beatrice Lamb are close behind in third place with 32 series points to date. Rodney Hawk and Eileen Taylor are close in fourth place with 30 points at this time. Janice Cyrill is in fifth place with 21 points to date. Beth Goldizen is in sixth with a current accumulation of 19 series points. Rachel Butterworth-Tice, Patti Lovelace, Lindsey Newsom and Susan Wallahora are currently tied in seventh place with 18 points apiece. Megan and Jerry Alexander and Mekenzie Reynolds are in eighth place with 16 series points each to date. Sarah Hendricks and Brittany Whitmire are currently tied in ninth place with 15 series points at this writing. Sinclair Berdan, Bill and
First Place Trail Riders, Peggy McMakin and Chris Britton coming into the finish line at the Tryon Hounds Hunter Pace held April 3. (photo by Jan Smith)
Terry Boger, Jillian and Travis Mangum, April McCormack, Gail Patton, Debbie Thrasher and Sherry Wyatt are all tied in 10th place with 14 points accumulated to date. Sharon Cardon, Lisa Moore and TJ Vore have each accumulated 13 points apiece. Harlene Harm, Debra Lusk, Anne McIver and Jeannie O’Connor-Queen each have
a current accumulation of 12 series points. Chrystal Crispin, Duane Harm, Mary Jane Rice, Donna Schwind, Stephanie Wanicka and Elizabeth Watson have 11 points each at this writing. Michael and Roberta Axelrod, Eden Isbell and Jordan McCormack, have a current accumulation of 10 series points apiece.
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Appointments • May 2011 • p. 28
Susannah Francis, Kasey and Pamela Minnick and Shanna Moore and Faith Wanicka have each earned nine series points at this writing. Dianne Joyce, Jillian Pavese, Anne Pierce, Diane Roemer and Linda Yopp each have a current accumulation of eight Series points. Seven points apiece have been earned to date by Danielle
Susie Justus-Hill, Christina Capps & Darlene Pavlas emerging from the woods. (photo by Jan Smith)
Davis, Mary Dukes, Patricia Harris, Lydia Kellett, Carolyn & Brian MacCormack and Kimberley Olson. Bill Anderson, Cammy Clifton, Jan Ellis, Susan Jackson, Freda Jessen, Emily Millsaps, Sarah Mittmann, Katie Ostrom and Cristina Stitt have each earned six Series Points to date. Jennifer Bannister, Kelsey Dickman, Kim and Lindsey Falemyer, Johanna Harris, Kathryn Hodge, Daphne Hoffen, Rebekah Koutsos, Anna LaVigne, Kathy and Ric Rondell and Erica Yopp have each earned five points at this count. Trail riders: 428 Chris Britton and Peggy McMakin have increased their tight
hold on the lead with a current count of 55 series points. Boots Plyler is currently alone in second with 42 points to date Kelly Cannon and Linda Farris are tied in third place with 36 series points to date. Victoria Bailey is close behind in fourth place with 34 points. Pat Parrish is in fifth place at this writing with 27 series points. Wayne Farris has sixth place with 23 points at this time. Steph Culbertson is currently in seventh place with 22 points. Nancy Finkell, Sally and Russ Rock and Bobby Turner are currently tied in eighth place with 20 series points.
Morgan Smith is in ninth at this time with an accumulation of 19 points. Stephanie Schulte is currently in 10th place with 18 series Points. Erin Plyler Furr has 17 points to date. Deanna Baldwin, Madison Harris and Janet Leatherwood have an accumulation of 14 points apiece. Lacey Hein and Bill Rucker have each earned 13 series points. Kathy Bethka, Rick and Tara Herrero have 12 points apiece at this writing. Ginny Chibbaro, Susie Justus-Hill and Jason Tharp have a current accumulation of 11 point each. Shae Black, Carol and Caroline Bridges, Ruth Ann DeHollander, Barbara Ketcham, Megan Lapkoff and Katie Tighe have each earned 10 series points at this time. Sarah Bailey, Christina Capps, Teresa Doda, Cynthia Gaier, Kailey Holden, Glyn Sandzen Jimenez, Holly Lewis, Abby McCraw, Susan Melvin, Darlene Pavlas and Gale Thomas-Goodman have accumulated nine points each to date. James Black, Amy Cooke, Abigail Day, Kristen Pearce, Brittany Prechtl, Caitlyn Ridgeway, Jennifer Spratt and Carley White have each earned eight Series point to date. Wendy Campbell, Todd Clayton, Michael Cooper, Kylie
Appointments • May 2011 • p. 29
and Russell Hunsinger, Jessica Kicklighter, Linda Lambert, Carol Anna McCarter, Emma Nance, Lisa Tilley, Teresa Wilbanks and Renee and William Wormell have each earned seven series points to date. Six series points have been earned to date by Teresa and Shalyn Dennison, Heidi Mendez, Ellen Mercer, Ali Merritt, Carole Milne, Allison Neely, Morgan Palmer, Kayla Parrish, Larry Wassong and Ralph Zimmerman. Becky Bockoven, Beth Durocher, Jan Ellis, Kelley Featheringill, Susan Filmore, Susan Haslam, Lillian Jayne, Linda King, Michelle Klopp, Danielle Lamb, Connie Moore, Gwenlain Phifer-Cook, Jamie Robertson, Beth and Layne Sanders, Marcia Stacey and Anita Williamson have each earned five points to date. Mark your calendars and ride with us as we move on into spring on Saturday, May 7 for the fourth-annual Big Brothers Big Sisters Hunter Pace Benefit, Sunday, May 15 for Steps to HOPE and Sunday, May 19 for the River Valley Pony Club. Then, of course, the year end awards gathering up on the Biltmore’s West Range on June 19. Visit www.wchpace.org for information or contact Series Coordinator Jan Smith at Jan@ WCHPace.org or 828-8948760.
Appointments The Hoofbeats of the Carolina Foothills
Showcasing Local Horsepeople
65th Block House Steeplechase
Left: Green Creek Hounds make their way around the track in an opening parade for the 65th Block House Steeplechase. (photo by Samantha Hurst) Above: Hats of all styles showed off their wearers' personalities.
Left and top middle: Families brought their children out to enjoy a day of horses and picnics. Some kids even went after their own wins in the hat and stick horse race. Top right: Members of the Carolina Carriage Club introduced themselves to the crowd. Bottom right: The Hendersonville Mounted Patrol Unit presented colors for the national anthem, sung by amateur racer Susie Kocher. (photos by Samantha Hurst and Erik Olsen)
Appointments • May 2011 • p. 30
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Sara Ketcham in Gulfport, Miss., on her horse Vodka Bay. Ketcham and Vodka Bay won the $10,000 Gulfport Winter Series pre-green championship. Ketcham is 16 and from Columbus. Ketcham also went to Conyers, Ga. and placed sixth in the Grand Prix. She is currently working to qualify for the young riders team. (photos submitted)
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If a horse is stiff or has trouble bending, putting pressure on hip and shoulder gives a nice warm-up stretch and can be soothing, Woody said. (photo submitted)
KATHY WOODY Continued from page 9
and treat the epicenter. As I finished rubbing her she stood quietly and relaxed and no longer wanted to bite. Her pain was gone and she headed for home two days later." According to Woody, not all massages are that painful but treating some injuries and strains may cause discomfort until tension and stress is reduced. Some problems may take several massages and then maintenance and certain exercises from the ground and while riding are required. If there is a chronic problem chiropractic or veterinary care may be recommended in conjunction with massage. The type of massage Woody gives depends on the animal's needs. It tends to be very spiritual, she said, because the animal communicates to her through touch and she needs to hear what they are saying to help alleviate the pain and problem. Woody believes that her massages not only convey compassion but also include the firmer manipu-
lations of treating stress, tension, anxiety, injury, and other ailments. She uses friction, kneading, percussion, vibration, and visualization techniques. Her goal is treating athletes, whether for Grand Prix, trail or retired horses, and to improve their flexibility, motion, movement, circulation, relaxation, and overall disposition. "Anybody – horse, dog, cat or human – can benefit from massage," she said. Since Woody is living her hobby she guesses that her most enjoyable Above:ofTryon’s Hunter time outside work right now is M enew t c adog, l f r iLewis. des at a with her recent cross-countr Lewis came to Woody yas a clinic sponsored by lost puppy last summer River late Valley Pony Club. and is super smart, Woody said. She's (photos submitted) entertaining and beautiful and has an endless vocabulary and a great The cover art was desire Left: to please. done by Terry Kirkland Woody also Feather enjoys being of Found Farmwith the three catsSpring. that have in Mill Shefound is thetheir way tobreeder her door of andthe heart. Gypsy Vanner horse. The most foal in What Woody values cover is Isaac. life is on thethe environment here – all (photo submitted) of nature, wildlife and her friends, animals and humans alike.
Experience the beauty of the Pisgah National Forest on your horse
Let owners Dale and Jan Sorrells guide you on the best horse trails in Western N.C. Feel saFe and comFortable on Guided day trips, campinG, FishinG
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Appointments • May 2011 • p. 32