Al Prewitt Memorial

The show bill for the Al Prewitt Memorial in Asheville, NC is on the home page of the UMH web site (http://www.unitedmountainhorse.net/). It does not state it on the show bill but Friday is one show and Saturday is a totally separate show. For example, if you win the Open Western Class on Friday, you will receive 15 points toward your year-end high point award. If you get a second on Saturday, you will receive 13 points for that accomplishment and have 28 points total toward the high point award after this show.

There will be one adult and one juvenile Versatility Award that will be spread across both days. In the Open Western class example above, only one of those scores for that class will count toward the Versatility Award. As you are making plans, I just wanted everyone to know how that show will work this year.

The Holiday Inn Airport, 550 Airport Rd., Fletcher, NC 828,684.1213 is the host hotel. I booked 4 rooms before the group rate was established. When I called tonight to check to see if I could get a better rate, they were most cooperative. So . . . don't forget to tell the registration clerk about the show. It will make a huge difference in your rate (about $25 per room per day). We're looking forward to our first show. Hope everyone can make it!

Show Season

I am getting excited as we begin the process of getting ready for show season. The vet has been here to do spring vaccinations. We're getting ready to blanket the horses so that they can start shedding their winter coats. The show committee has determined the date for most shows and we've been emailing show bills around to make sure we have included everything for the upcoming shows. At SRF we've been looking at our calendar to see which shows we'll participate in. We are planning to compete UMH and some KMSHA and RMH as the schedule permits. I've made reservations for Asheville, NC and Prestonsburg. I will be glad to include a reservation for our clients if you'll let me know which shows you will be able to attend with us. It is so much more fun when we are able to be together. Be sure to check the SRF web site and the web sites of the various associations for show dates and show bills. It's gonna be great!

Gaited Horse Clinic March 7

Stoner Ridge Farm will be the location of a Gaited Horse Clinic on March 7th starting at 9:oo. The event is being sponsored by the UMH Youth under the direction of Terry Kleier. Several different 'mini-clinics' will be presented. Certified UMH Judge, Kelley France, will be making a presentation "From the Judge's Point of View." Participants will be given information that will help them hone their showing skills in order to make a favorable impression in the show ring. World Champion Equitation rider, Natalie Wright, will be presenting the fine art of Equitation riding. Robert Lawson will be teaching trail obstical techniques from his Foundation First Mountain Horse Training TM principles. Participants will learn how to get horses to move away from pressure, side pass, turn their horse on the haunches, turn on the forehand, etc. - all critical attributes for competing successfully in trail obstacle competitions. We currently have already selected demo horses for this clinic. Call Terry if you need additional information at 859.991.0876/ The charge for the day is only $10.

It's Show Time (Well, Almost)

I made our reservations today at the Holiday Inn (Airport ), Asheville, NC for the first show. It is the Al Prewitt Memorial sponsored by the UMH Southeast Mountain Horse Club. The show is actually two shows - one will be on Friday with one judge and the other show will be on Saturday with a different judge (don't know who though). Each day will count for AAA points. The show bill has probably been sent to April for inclusion in the rule book, but I haven't seen a final draft. I emailed Martiza back and forth with suggestions, and I think they have some great ideas. Thanks to our clients, we have sponsors for the the versatility award and some other important classes. I think it will be a great show. We have had the Al Prewitt in March for the last couple of years and it has been soooo cold. The club acted quickly last year to move it to April so the horses (and the people) would be more ready. I know the show is actually about 6 weeks away on April 3rd and 4th, but that isn't really that long. We have some horses looking really good. The show promises to be a great exhibiton venue. Come join us for the good time if you can!

Back in the Saddle

I didn't realize how much I had missed riding this winter until I started riding again yesterday. It seems like there are always so many things that prevent me from doing what I really WANT to do. It is easy to get into the daily routine that doesn't allow time for the fun part - riding. Time is precious for us all. That is why we need to make time for having fun in our daily routine. I really, really enjoyed my ride yesterday (and today!). I didn't ride long but it felt sooooo good just to be on horseback again. It was a blast. The horses, SRF's Silver Sundown and RRF Gold Nugget, both behaved just like they did the last time I rode back in the fall - maybe even a little better. I'm fortunate to have Robert, Charlie, and Mike to work the horses here and keep everyone in such good shape. I don't really have to worry much about the training aspect for my horses, they're ready and I just ride. I get some coaching so I know what I need to do but the real training has already been done. As I ride, any problems or school concerns I have just seem to melt away as the wind blows my hair, and my horse gaits beneath me.

World Grand Champion Merry Go Blue Now Registered Mountain Pleasure

When we received Merry Go Blue's American Gaited Mountain Horse registration papers, we noticed that both his sire and dam were registered Mountain Pleasure. Last April, that association held a registration day for horses who were qualified to be registered but had not been. So, we signed him up. Unfortunately, there was a delay due to the misspelling of his dam's name. Finally, we have that cleared up and his papers are in the mail. For those folks out there who have been looking for a great breeding stallion for your Mountain Pleasure mares, Merry Go Blue is ready and willing. He is such a well built horse with a great gait and a disposition that can't be beat. Let us know if you need more information. Check him out on the web site on our Stallions page. World Grand Champion Merry Go Blue is also registered Rocky Mountain, Kentucky Mountain, and American Gaited Mountain Horse.

C.D.'s Girl's Got Rhythm

It is the time of the year that folks are starting to look for a show champion or a trail riding companion. Stoner Ridge Farm and many of their clients have some outstanding horses for sale. If you are looking for a great show (or trail) horse, C.D.'s Girl's Got Rhythm is an outstanding prospect. She's a beautiful three year old triple registered filly that is currently working at the classic level. We have also worked her at the canter and she's doing a great job. Not only is she easy on the eyes, she has a great temperament to go along with it. "Charity" is unique. She's been donated by Don & Nancy Copland in order to raise funds for the UMH show program. Robert has donated her training; Park Equine has donated the vaccinations etc.; Phil Flynn has donated her shoeing and dental work. She is outstanding in every way . . . see our web site for additional information about this Choco Dock filly and other great horses.

Dressage for the Gaited Horse

We just received our Rocky Mountain magazine yesterday. As I was looking through it, I saw the article Dressage for the Gaited Horse written by Laurie L. Wolf and Diane J. Sept. It does a good job of defining and describing classical dressage. Wolf and Sept emphasize that dressage is for every breed. Rocky Mountain horses are a natural for this venue because of thier wonderful nature. "Classical dressage . . . addresses the individual needs of horse and rider as they form a union allowing each to enhance the other's strengths and make up for the other's weaknesses." It goes on to explain the necessity for good training - "The training foundation of dressage is the ability to recognize the need and understand the use of the aids. Ascertaining why a horse won't bend, hurries, is dull or inconsistent, rebels, gaits unevenly or carries his or her head wrong is a must . . ." Sound familiar? It should . . . good horsemanship is good horsemanship whether you are training for dressage or a trail ride. For those of you who would like to try your hand at something new, Stoner Ridge Farm offers dressage training for the gaited horse as well as lessons for their riders. Two years ago, we became involved in dressage through the Three Phase Event, a unique opportunity for gaited horses. The organizers have divisions for both gaited and non-gaited horses. The competition includes dressage, cross country, and stadium obstacle. Our first year we did well but the second year was outstanding for SRF. Robert received the highest dressage scores on Gaitway's Jasmine Joy of any of the riders who competed. Charlie received the highest score in the event over all with SRF's Silver Sundown, a five year old breeding stallion. Our Rockies are wonderful. If you'd like to learn more about the event or see the actual dressage tests go to http://www.threephaseevent.org/. If we can be of any assistance let us know. This year's event is April 18-19. Preregistration is required.

Clark County 4 H

Stoner Ridge Farm was glad to welcome a great group of young people from the Clark County 4 H Club on Saturday. Julie Tucker made arrangements for them to tour the farm and talk to Robert about our facility. The group of young people ride both gaited and non-gaited breeds. Many of them trail ride and some of them show. Robert did a great job of telling them about the equine indudustry from a training standpoint. He emphasized how important it is to educate yourself and to always keep learning. We had a great time!.

Suddenly, It's Spring (or it feels like it!)

Today was an absolutely beautiful day in central Kentucky. The temperature was in the low 50's. It is hard to believe we awoke to zero degree temperatures just yesterday. Most of the snow has melted but there is still a little ice in the shady spots. Everyone's power should be restored by tonight. I got home in time to see some of the horses being worked. It felt soooo good just to be outside.

KY Weather

The weather here continues to be a challenge for many all over the state. We had another 3 inches of snow today and school was dismissed early and there will not be school tomorrow. We are now up to June 9th. Mid-week KY was declared a disaster area and the National Guard was sent to help clear roads in order for the electric companies to restore power. Over 250,000 homes continue to be without electricity. With wind chills below zero tonight, many families will have to stay in shelters or with relatives. Robert and I are very fortunate to have had power during the entire winter storm. The horses continue to do well. Charlie, Mike, and Robert rode about 23 head today and from all reports they did well even with a few days off due to the bad weather.

Condolences

Our heart goes out to Steve Heuslein at the loss of his Paso Fino gelding Flying M Libertador ("Lib"), who died due to colic over the weekend. He was 13 years old. Steve had owned him since he was 6. Lib was one of Steve's favorite trail horses because he was "like a little steam engine" and had a lot of heart. It is difficult to loose a horse that we've developed such a great relationship with. Steve will remain in our thoughts and prayers . . .

Super Bowl - Super Training Tip

With temperatures nearing 50 degrees here in Paris, KY, it feels like spring is just around the corner. Many folks will be ready to ride before long. After horses are laid up for the winter months, it is important to go back and practice our foundation exercises and ground work. Reintroduce your horse to giving to the bit - flexing left, right, and vertically. Have your horse move his hind quarters, head & neck, shoulders & front feet. These exercises are good for your horse even if the weather won't allow you to leave the barn.

When you do decide that it's safe to ride, begin with the foundation exercises. Once the horse is mounted, it is important to practice these same exercises from the saddle. Do a lot of lateral moves. Move your horse's hind quarters then move his front end. When you ride off, do some small circles and some large circles to the right and then to then to the left. That should be enough exercise for the first ride back.

The teams playing in the Super Bowl today - the Cardinals and the Steelers - weren't ready to play at this level of competition at the beginning of spring training. Likewise, horses need conditioning and training in order to be in top physical shape. If you start reconditioning slowly by building on a strong foundation, you'll avoid injuries and help develop a strong atlhete.

Updated Web Site

Everyone needs to check out our updated web site: http://www.stonerridgefarm.com/! Our previous web mistress, Susan Blake, retired. She did a great job for us over the last five years so we hated to see her go. It has been a challenge to find someone new but we are very pleased to introduce Sherry Mays from right here in Kentucky. We've been working with her for the last couple of weeks to make changes and updates. The site is up and looks great! Sherry has done a wonderful job. With Sherry's help we've added the blog (Robert's training tips coming soon) and have devised a way to post the newsletters like they are originally designed. The current newsletter is also on the home page for everyone's convenience. We've updated the Home page. It now includes information about upcoming clinics and the dates for many events for RMH, KMSHA, and UMH. You'll also see new information on the Sales page, Champions page, and we've added Mountain Vista Thunder to the Stallions page. We're excited about our changes! If we can add anything that would be helpful to you as an owner or exhibitor, let us know. Robert is also willing to answer training questions on the Blog. Thanks Sherry for doing such a great job!