| MSH BARN NEWS LAST UPDATED 02 APRIL 2007 |
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Great Falls, MT
406.453.4057
mtsporthorses@3riversdbs.net
406.453.4057
mtsporthorses@3riversdbs.net
| SUMMER/FALL 2007 |
Seems like so much has happened, I'm sure I won't remember it all and for sure will get
it out of order! Lets start with shows and events....
After taking last year off from dressage competitions, Ann took Sila to Dressage for
the Park at Rebecca Farms in June and was so encouraged by Sila's steady
performances that she thought maybe they'd have a few more tries at it this year :-)
With MANY thanks to Cale Bjornstad and Dan Wirth Sila is now literally back on her
feet & feeling wonderful & seems to have gotten over most of her "performance
anxiety." She turned in some great tests in Kalispell, Missoula and Great Falls. Fingers
crossed maybe we'll think about 4th level next season...
Shari Rogler's lovely little Peanut or Lasrachi's Blue Quintain as he is more formally
known, also went to DftP and was sold there to a lovely family from Idaho and will be
ridden by a twelve year old girl who "only wants to ride dressage" - I didn't think such a
child existed!!!
Beth, Katy & Alison went back to R-Farms for a hunter/jumper show in June & while
they all did pretty well, Beth caused a little excitement by falling off of Savvy & had to be
hauled to the hospital to check for concussion. I tried to phone the doctor to let him
know that was her normal state but they wouldn't take my call.....
Back to Rebecca Farms with Beth and Savvy, Cat Mercer and DeeDee & Elaine
Coller with THREE HORSES for the BIG EVENT in July, They all did well in their
respective divisions, Cat making top ten in Jr Novice & Elaine placing with all of hers.
This was a first real event for Cat and the first event EVER for Elaine so what a way to
make a debut!! Beth and Savvy had spent the previous week at the Event Camp at
Herron Park & gained a lot of skill and confidence this year. Woody (the Wonder Pony)
also went to R-Farms but just to school this year. He loved it & reckons the place is
amazing but was a little miffed that I wouldn't let him at those jumps this year....
EVERYONE went to the All Breeds in Great Falls where I must say I was so proud of all
the horses & riders and honored to be their coach. Woody was his usual wonderful self
both in dressage and in the jumpers, Pipsy was a rock star and Deirdre rode her
beautifully, Katie & Titan (I really think we should change that horse's name to Pretty
Boy Floyd!) looked beautiful together and gained confidence in leaps and bounds.
Katie also rode Dulce & what can you say? Dulce, always the professional, you just
don't want her around before she's had her coffee in the morning... and I totally
understand that :-) Fran & Elvin made huge strides, literally & figuratively! Cat &
DeeDee took everything in their considerable stride as well. Sila put out two 3rd level
tests that made me so happy I was in tears, so proud of her! I will admit I thought the
judging was a bit on the generous side but come on, any time someone wants to give
you a 79.4% in a 3rd level test you just smile & say thank you!! Jaqueline Davis is
riding her mom's horse Chip this year & she did a wonderful job for her first show with
her & younger sister Elizabeth had Dandy going right down the middle, her geometry
was excellent - good job!
Also in August, I took Sila to the MDS Championship show in Missoula & met up there
with Elaine Coller and another of her good horses. It was a totally messed up show with
judges not arriving therefore big delays in ride times & then the show was almost shut
down because the EMT didn't have the proper credentials but Elaine & I were both
satified with our horses & had a good time.
The next weekend I took Sila to a clinic with Jane Frizzell of Ocala, FL. It was hosted
wonderfully by Wendy Cochrane who lives in truly, the Last Best Place, in Bridger
Canyon. What a fabulous setting & Wendy has a gorgeous facility so the fact that the
clinic was terrific just made for a perfect weekend. Jane thought Sila was a great
"blonde broad" who just needed to remember she had a brain in her hind end & boy
did she ever get her to remember! I SO wish I had video as I know I have never felt Sila
like that before, powered up but light as a feather, and I would love to see it. I always
enjoy being the student and I really appreciated Jane as a teacher. I plan to go to her
place in January for a three day "intensive" on her horses so I am really looking forward
to that. I have also been talking to Carolyn Long who arranged this clinic about
alternating locations when Jane comes to Montana in the future - I'll keep you posted.
September took us to Herron Park again for the mini event which we always enjoy. A
huge THANK YOU to the very hardworking folks up there who do such a great job
providing us with a great place to school and compete. We had quite a few from here
again. Beth & myself with Savvy, Woody & Sila. Katy & Titan and Heather brought
Stormy for his first outing all from the barn and then Fran met us there with Elvin, All the
Davis family, Jaqueline with Chip & Elizabeth now riding Pipsy (the other wonder pony
) and Shari Rogler with her new (another wonder Connemara), Baxter. We had a
fabulous time and I just learned from Shari that some of us had a more fabulous time
than others.... ALL the horses outdid themselves, ALL the riders stepped up many
notches. I truly think some of them learned more in those two days than they could have
in several months at home - well done all of you.
AND NOW FOR OTHER NEWS
Steph Oblander had two LOVELY Pivot babies this year, a filly out of her Redding who
is by Graditz and a colt out of Heritance who is by another legendary stallion, Habicht. If
anyone is looking for a dressage prospect they better get over to see Steph right away.
The boy's parents are 171 and 17.3 so he is going to be a very big lad. They both have
lovely movement and the girl is very fancy.
Tammy Spencer came here in July from Texas to purchase three Trakehner mares
from Harrison O'Connor, Tuva, Bagheera and Pella. Tammy had previously purchased
Tuva's full brother on the east coast & loved him so much she went internet shopping
for relatives. All the mares are now settled in Texas & Tammy is having a great time
getting to know them & shopping for stallions.
While we were on our way out to Harrison's I got a very excited phone call from
Catherine Sweeney to say her mare had foaled but sadly a few hours later I received
another call that her mare had died from a ruptured uterus. A devastating bit of news &
Catherine put in some horrendous first days and then weeks in a huge effort to raise
her orphan baby. Well, it certainly paid off, he is a stunning colt!!
CONGRATULATIONS to Katie Bjorsness who now officially owns Titan (aka Pretty
Boy Floyd :-) Cudos to Katy for not opting for the 'easy' horse. Titan is a talented guy
but perhaps a little complicated & Katy has already made huge progress with him, had
amazing success for their first season and as their partnership forms, I'm sure they will
be a very successful pair.
CONGRATS also to Elizabeth Ayers who is riding a different horse. Not a new one
because Ranger has always been in the family but one who looks like this eventing
game might be more fun than good old Burl seemed to think it was :-)
Hope you read all the way to the end of this because:
NOW FOR THE REALLY BIG NEWS!!!!!
Two things really, first, Pivot is now at his new home in Liberty, MO. I won't write it all
twice so please go to Pivot's Page for that news. Suffice to say here that it was one of
the hardest, best decisions I've had to make
Secondly, we'll all be saying Bon Voyage to Beth in a little less than a month. You all
know she has had some pretty life altering changes this summer and a week or so ago
she was able to go home & visit her family and friends in Greenville, NC. A long time
friend has offered Beth a position as barn manager at her facility there. It's a great
opportunity for Beth and together with being able to be back close to her family makes
it too good to refuse. I'm sure you will all join me in wishing her the very best for
happiness and success. Beth has become part of our family here & we love her and
will miss her. MSH will NOT be the same without you Bethy....
it out of order! Lets start with shows and events....
After taking last year off from dressage competitions, Ann took Sila to Dressage for
the Park at Rebecca Farms in June and was so encouraged by Sila's steady
performances that she thought maybe they'd have a few more tries at it this year :-)
With MANY thanks to Cale Bjornstad and Dan Wirth Sila is now literally back on her
feet & feeling wonderful & seems to have gotten over most of her "performance
anxiety." She turned in some great tests in Kalispell, Missoula and Great Falls. Fingers
crossed maybe we'll think about 4th level next season...
Shari Rogler's lovely little Peanut or Lasrachi's Blue Quintain as he is more formally
known, also went to DftP and was sold there to a lovely family from Idaho and will be
ridden by a twelve year old girl who "only wants to ride dressage" - I didn't think such a
child existed!!!
Beth, Katy & Alison went back to R-Farms for a hunter/jumper show in June & while
they all did pretty well, Beth caused a little excitement by falling off of Savvy & had to be
hauled to the hospital to check for concussion. I tried to phone the doctor to let him
know that was her normal state but they wouldn't take my call.....
Back to Rebecca Farms with Beth and Savvy, Cat Mercer and DeeDee & Elaine
Coller with THREE HORSES for the BIG EVENT in July, They all did well in their
respective divisions, Cat making top ten in Jr Novice & Elaine placing with all of hers.
This was a first real event for Cat and the first event EVER for Elaine so what a way to
make a debut!! Beth and Savvy had spent the previous week at the Event Camp at
Herron Park & gained a lot of skill and confidence this year. Woody (the Wonder Pony)
also went to R-Farms but just to school this year. He loved it & reckons the place is
amazing but was a little miffed that I wouldn't let him at those jumps this year....
EVERYONE went to the All Breeds in Great Falls where I must say I was so proud of all
the horses & riders and honored to be their coach. Woody was his usual wonderful self
both in dressage and in the jumpers, Pipsy was a rock star and Deirdre rode her
beautifully, Katie & Titan (I really think we should change that horse's name to Pretty
Boy Floyd!) looked beautiful together and gained confidence in leaps and bounds.
Katie also rode Dulce & what can you say? Dulce, always the professional, you just
don't want her around before she's had her coffee in the morning... and I totally
understand that :-) Fran & Elvin made huge strides, literally & figuratively! Cat &
DeeDee took everything in their considerable stride as well. Sila put out two 3rd level
tests that made me so happy I was in tears, so proud of her! I will admit I thought the
judging was a bit on the generous side but come on, any time someone wants to give
you a 79.4% in a 3rd level test you just smile & say thank you!! Jaqueline Davis is
riding her mom's horse Chip this year & she did a wonderful job for her first show with
her & younger sister Elizabeth had Dandy going right down the middle, her geometry
was excellent - good job!
Also in August, I took Sila to the MDS Championship show in Missoula & met up there
with Elaine Coller and another of her good horses. It was a totally messed up show with
judges not arriving therefore big delays in ride times & then the show was almost shut
down because the EMT didn't have the proper credentials but Elaine & I were both
satified with our horses & had a good time.
The next weekend I took Sila to a clinic with Jane Frizzell of Ocala, FL. It was hosted
wonderfully by Wendy Cochrane who lives in truly, the Last Best Place, in Bridger
Canyon. What a fabulous setting & Wendy has a gorgeous facility so the fact that the
clinic was terrific just made for a perfect weekend. Jane thought Sila was a great
"blonde broad" who just needed to remember she had a brain in her hind end & boy
did she ever get her to remember! I SO wish I had video as I know I have never felt Sila
like that before, powered up but light as a feather, and I would love to see it. I always
enjoy being the student and I really appreciated Jane as a teacher. I plan to go to her
place in January for a three day "intensive" on her horses so I am really looking forward
to that. I have also been talking to Carolyn Long who arranged this clinic about
alternating locations when Jane comes to Montana in the future - I'll keep you posted.
September took us to Herron Park again for the mini event which we always enjoy. A
huge THANK YOU to the very hardworking folks up there who do such a great job
providing us with a great place to school and compete. We had quite a few from here
again. Beth & myself with Savvy, Woody & Sila. Katy & Titan and Heather brought
Stormy for his first outing all from the barn and then Fran met us there with Elvin, All the
Davis family, Jaqueline with Chip & Elizabeth now riding Pipsy (the other wonder pony
) and Shari Rogler with her new (another wonder Connemara), Baxter. We had a
fabulous time and I just learned from Shari that some of us had a more fabulous time
than others.... ALL the horses outdid themselves, ALL the riders stepped up many
notches. I truly think some of them learned more in those two days than they could have
in several months at home - well done all of you.
AND NOW FOR OTHER NEWS
Steph Oblander had two LOVELY Pivot babies this year, a filly out of her Redding who
is by Graditz and a colt out of Heritance who is by another legendary stallion, Habicht. If
anyone is looking for a dressage prospect they better get over to see Steph right away.
The boy's parents are 171 and 17.3 so he is going to be a very big lad. They both have
lovely movement and the girl is very fancy.
Tammy Spencer came here in July from Texas to purchase three Trakehner mares
from Harrison O'Connor, Tuva, Bagheera and Pella. Tammy had previously purchased
Tuva's full brother on the east coast & loved him so much she went internet shopping
for relatives. All the mares are now settled in Texas & Tammy is having a great time
getting to know them & shopping for stallions.
While we were on our way out to Harrison's I got a very excited phone call from
Catherine Sweeney to say her mare had foaled but sadly a few hours later I received
another call that her mare had died from a ruptured uterus. A devastating bit of news &
Catherine put in some horrendous first days and then weeks in a huge effort to raise
her orphan baby. Well, it certainly paid off, he is a stunning colt!!
CONGRATULATIONS to Katie Bjorsness who now officially owns Titan (aka Pretty
Boy Floyd :-) Cudos to Katy for not opting for the 'easy' horse. Titan is a talented guy
but perhaps a little complicated & Katy has already made huge progress with him, had
amazing success for their first season and as their partnership forms, I'm sure they will
be a very successful pair.
CONGRATS also to Elizabeth Ayers who is riding a different horse. Not a new one
because Ranger has always been in the family but one who looks like this eventing
game might be more fun than good old Burl seemed to think it was :-)
Hope you read all the way to the end of this because:
NOW FOR THE REALLY BIG NEWS!!!!!
Two things really, first, Pivot is now at his new home in Liberty, MO. I won't write it all
twice so please go to Pivot's Page for that news. Suffice to say here that it was one of
the hardest, best decisions I've had to make
Secondly, we'll all be saying Bon Voyage to Beth in a little less than a month. You all
know she has had some pretty life altering changes this summer and a week or so ago
she was able to go home & visit her family and friends in Greenville, NC. A long time
friend has offered Beth a position as barn manager at her facility there. It's a great
opportunity for Beth and together with being able to be back close to her family makes
it too good to refuse. I'm sure you will all join me in wishing her the very best for
happiness and success. Beth has become part of our family here & we love her and
will miss her. MSH will NOT be the same without you Bethy....
| Catherine's Miracle Baby |
| Katie & Titan |
| Joe, Eliz and Burl Ayers |
| Katie & Titan at Herron Park |
| Woody & Beth at GFAB |
| Pipsy & Deirdre at GFAB |
| DeeDee & Cat M. at R-Farms |
| Savvy & Beth at R-Farms H/J |
| Peanut |
| Sila & Ann at Dressage for the Park |
| Elaine & Beau, R-Farms |
| Elaine & Luke, R-Farms |