February 8, 2014
Welcome to February. January ended well and February is starting off good. After the last update the biggest news was the weather. One day was near 60 degrees followed by a snow storm the next day. The temps have been up & down ever since, rainy or dry. We have managed to ride some but not nearly as much as I like.
We also had our annual Christmas in January party and all the students made it this year. What an awesome team we have! Yesterday our horses had their over-due dental appointments so now their mouths should be perfect!
Welcome to February. January ended well and February is starting off good. After the last update the biggest news was the weather. One day was near 60 degrees followed by a snow storm the next day. The temps have been up & down ever since, rainy or dry. We have managed to ride some but not nearly as much as I like.
We also had our annual Christmas in January party and all the students made it this year. What an awesome team we have! Yesterday our horses had their over-due dental appointments so now their mouths should be perfect!
January 20, 2014
These last few weeks have been crazy weather wise. One morning it even felt like NEGATIVE degrees! And this is Athens, Georgia. We're not used to crazy cold around here. If it wasn't cold, then we were getting massive amounts of rain. The easy answer was to give the horses a much needed break. I decided they could have their own holidays and take some time off. :-)
We are back to riding now and the horses are as wonderful as ever. We have a full day planned for them today, since most everyone has a holiday from school/ work today.
Before their cold weather break, this picture shows Copper & I attending a novice fox hunt. He was a total star! I am very, very, very proud of this horse and everything that he excels at.
This past Saturday night was our annual AAHJA awards banquet. Our team was represented well by bringing home the following year end awards: In the pre-beginner division: Heather received 3rd, Winnie received 4th, and Aubrey received 9th. In the Jr. Beginner division (9 & under): Heather received 7th. In the Green Rider Equitation Division: Rebecca received 8th, and in the Green Hunter division, Rebecca's horse, Ready Teddy received 7th. Congratulations to our team!
These last few weeks have been crazy weather wise. One morning it even felt like NEGATIVE degrees! And this is Athens, Georgia. We're not used to crazy cold around here. If it wasn't cold, then we were getting massive amounts of rain. The easy answer was to give the horses a much needed break. I decided they could have their own holidays and take some time off. :-)
We are back to riding now and the horses are as wonderful as ever. We have a full day planned for them today, since most everyone has a holiday from school/ work today.
Before their cold weather break, this picture shows Copper & I attending a novice fox hunt. He was a total star! I am very, very, very proud of this horse and everything that he excels at.
This past Saturday night was our annual AAHJA awards banquet. Our team was represented well by bringing home the following year end awards: In the pre-beginner division: Heather received 3rd, Winnie received 4th, and Aubrey received 9th. In the Jr. Beginner division (9 & under): Heather received 7th. In the Green Rider Equitation Division: Rebecca received 8th, and in the Green Hunter division, Rebecca's horse, Ready Teddy received 7th. Congratulations to our team!
JANUARY 2, 2014
Wow, we are in January. WOW!! I hope that 2014 is wonderful for each and every one of you.
Wow, we are in January. WOW!! I hope that 2014 is wonderful for each and every one of you.
December 27, 2013
I guess we got carried away celebrating Christmas and enjoying Family time because I forgot to wish everyone MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY HOLIDAYS! I hope everyone is having a wonderful holiday season.
I guess we got carried away celebrating Christmas and enjoying Family time because I forgot to wish everyone MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY HOLIDAYS! I hope everyone is having a wonderful holiday season.
December 14, 2013
I just couldn't stay away. :-) Since the website felt neglected I decided to update a few spots. check out the new photos under 2013 students!
I just couldn't stay away. :-) Since the website felt neglected I decided to update a few spots. check out the new photos under 2013 students!
December 13, 2013
How is it possible that's it's been almost a month since a news update? I'm surprised that nobody reminded me. Poor website! You've been neglected!
I guess that just means that we've been spending most of our time at the barn, rather than playing on the computer. :-) Looks like Thanksgiving has come & gone since the last update, I hope everyone had a great day. I know we have had a ton of rain since the last update, but these last 2 days have been beautiful. We were in short sleeves today! And yesterday morning was 27 degrees. CRAZY! Our horses all received fall vaccinations and the farrier just visited too. We did do a Saturday surprise lesson and another Sunday surprise lesson since the last update. All in all, things have been great.
How is it possible that's it's been almost a month since a news update? I'm surprised that nobody reminded me. Poor website! You've been neglected!
I guess that just means that we've been spending most of our time at the barn, rather than playing on the computer. :-) Looks like Thanksgiving has come & gone since the last update, I hope everyone had a great day. I know we have had a ton of rain since the last update, but these last 2 days have been beautiful. We were in short sleeves today! And yesterday morning was 27 degrees. CRAZY! Our horses all received fall vaccinations and the farrier just visited too. We did do a Saturday surprise lesson and another Sunday surprise lesson since the last update. All in all, things have been great.
November 17, 2013
It has been another couple of fantastic weeks here at Making Strides Equestrian. After the hunter pace that was mentioned in the lasted update we headed to Watson Mill State Park for trail riding and camping in a log cabin. We rode the trails twice on Wed and twice on Thurs, and we cooked out/ camped both Wed & Thurs nights. It was really great! Our friends were staying there as well so it was really neat. We took Spencer, Copper, Fly, & Bradley with us. Julianne, Kristina, Olivia, Corey, Winnie & I all took at least 1 trail ride, if not 2-3 ! Tommy took care of the campfire and grill duties. Since hanging out all together is so much fun, we are hoping to do the trail ride camp out more often. This also gave me the idea of doing a group 'Surprise Sunday' lesson each week. The first week the students were surprised with : weaving in & out of cones, doing a backing up pattern, and making up your own routine on a circle. Today's 'Surprise Sunday' was rained out. :-( But we'll do a 'Surprise Saturday' to make it up! Also, I celebrated my 41st birthday on Thursday. A really great couple of weeks for all of us!
It has been another couple of fantastic weeks here at Making Strides Equestrian. After the hunter pace that was mentioned in the lasted update we headed to Watson Mill State Park for trail riding and camping in a log cabin. We rode the trails twice on Wed and twice on Thurs, and we cooked out/ camped both Wed & Thurs nights. It was really great! Our friends were staying there as well so it was really neat. We took Spencer, Copper, Fly, & Bradley with us. Julianne, Kristina, Olivia, Corey, Winnie & I all took at least 1 trail ride, if not 2-3 ! Tommy took care of the campfire and grill duties. Since hanging out all together is so much fun, we are hoping to do the trail ride camp out more often. This also gave me the idea of doing a group 'Surprise Sunday' lesson each week. The first week the students were surprised with : weaving in & out of cones, doing a backing up pattern, and making up your own routine on a circle. Today's 'Surprise Sunday' was rained out. :-( But we'll do a 'Surprise Saturday' to make it up! Also, I celebrated my 41st birthday on Thursday. A really great couple of weeks for all of us!
November 3, 2013
Wow, look at how time flew again. It's November!
October was a great month with our Athens Area local finals and the Hunter pace at Shakerag and Halloween. The weather has been really nice and the horses have been wonderful. November has started off well too. Yesterday, Jenna, Kristina, & I competed at the Ashland Farm Hunter Pace. Our team came in 5th and I rode Copper, Kristina rode Spencer, and Jenna rode Tigger. Tigger & Spencer tried out a few cross country log jumps along the way and did great! Copper was the star crossing the water while Tigger & Spencer still think you must JUMP the water. This upcoming week we're doing some trail riding and camping out with various students. it's going to be great!
Wow, look at how time flew again. It's November!
October was a great month with our Athens Area local finals and the Hunter pace at Shakerag and Halloween. The weather has been really nice and the horses have been wonderful. November has started off well too. Yesterday, Jenna, Kristina, & I competed at the Ashland Farm Hunter Pace. Our team came in 5th and I rode Copper, Kristina rode Spencer, and Jenna rode Tigger. Tigger & Spencer tried out a few cross country log jumps along the way and did great! Copper was the star crossing the water while Tigger & Spencer still think you must JUMP the water. This upcoming week we're doing some trail riding and camping out with various students. it's going to be great!
October 14, 2013
I can't believe we snuck into October without an update. OOPS! I guess it just means that we have been busy.
Since our last update we traveled to another regular horse show. Aubrey competed on Fly and Winnie competed on Immy. Both pairs were stars and Aubrey rode a little buck & canter by accident during her trot time in her class. Fly just likes to go above & beyond sometimes! Winnie & Immy proudly picked up a championship for the division.
The next weekend, Jenna took Tigger along with me & Copper, to a Hunter Pace. We had a 6.1 mile loop to ride and it was awesome! We crossed roads, water, open fields, steep hills, and had great weather along with beautiful scenery.
This past Thursday, Heather flew in from California to come compete at our finals show. Heather took Immy and had great rides and ribbons throughout the weekend. She won a blue ribbon plus a reserve Championship on Saturday. Rebecca joined us for the show and competed on Copper while her horse is resting an injury. Since Copper was only her substitute horse, she did limited showing on him but won a 3rd & 5th in her two equitation classes. It was Copper's first time competing over fences at a show and his first time spending the night at a show. To top it off, Aubrey competed on him as well in her pre-beginner division. Winnie showed Fly for the weekend. On Sunday, all 3 horses looked like rock stars in their fancy braids! it's been a wonderful few weeks for the Making Strides Equestrian Team!
I can't believe we snuck into October without an update. OOPS! I guess it just means that we have been busy.
Since our last update we traveled to another regular horse show. Aubrey competed on Fly and Winnie competed on Immy. Both pairs were stars and Aubrey rode a little buck & canter by accident during her trot time in her class. Fly just likes to go above & beyond sometimes! Winnie & Immy proudly picked up a championship for the division.
The next weekend, Jenna took Tigger along with me & Copper, to a Hunter Pace. We had a 6.1 mile loop to ride and it was awesome! We crossed roads, water, open fields, steep hills, and had great weather along with beautiful scenery.
This past Thursday, Heather flew in from California to come compete at our finals show. Heather took Immy and had great rides and ribbons throughout the weekend. She won a blue ribbon plus a reserve Championship on Saturday. Rebecca joined us for the show and competed on Copper while her horse is resting an injury. Since Copper was only her substitute horse, she did limited showing on him but won a 3rd & 5th in her two equitation classes. It was Copper's first time competing over fences at a show and his first time spending the night at a show. To top it off, Aubrey competed on him as well in her pre-beginner division. Winnie showed Fly for the weekend. On Sunday, all 3 horses looked like rock stars in their fancy braids! it's been a wonderful few weeks for the Making Strides Equestrian Team!
September 21, 2013
It is raining right now! First time in a week or more so I'm quite happy to get a good watering throughout our pastures.
Earlier this morning Winnie competed on Fly at the horse show and brought home the Reserve Champion by winning a 1st, 2nd, & 4th. Fly thought she was wanting to canter in the trot class though, so after 5 beautiful strides, Winnie had a tiny fall. OOPS! Her first one ever.
Our new friend, Bella, joined us this week for lessons; Spencer received the OK from the vet to go back into work after his injury; and we have a new grounds keeper helping us out named Brian. It's been a great week!
Earlier this morning Winnie competed on Fly at the horse show and brought home the Reserve Champion by winning a 1st, 2nd, & 4th. Fly thought she was wanting to canter in the trot class though, so after 5 beautiful strides, Winnie had a tiny fall. OOPS! Her first one ever.
Our new friend, Bella, joined us this week for lessons; Spencer received the OK from the vet to go back into work after his injury; and we have a new grounds keeper helping us out named Brian. It's been a great week!
September 16, 2013
How did we get halfway thru September with no updates?? Where did the time go? Regardless, September has been fantastic. Earlier in the month, both Winnie & Aubrey competed in a horse show. Winnie showed Fly this time and brought home nice ribbons in all of her classes. Fly cooperated quite well in his trot classes. Aubrey rode Immy for the first time in a show and had a great day. The pair won their second trot class which was equitation. Aubrey kept Immy trotting the whole distance and Aubrey had her diagonal. Great job Girls!
Thanks to Jenna & Kristina we did introduce the 2 new horses into our lesson program. I rode them both bareback as well, and really liked both of them. Julianne, Olivia, & Andrea have tried them out so far.
Rebecca has been joining us a lot more regularly this past month for lessons; Corey's summertime travel has ended and we've seen him more regularly now; Jenny's been riding weekly and learned how to canter on Copper! 2 new students might try us out this week and Winnie has a horse show this Saturday. Today, Nancy stopped in for a visit since she moved to Utah a year ago. She even took a bareback ride on Ben.
Tommy & I escaped for a vacation to Vegas last week to celebrate our 9th anniversary.
Everything is going spectacular around here!
Thanks to Jenna & Kristina we did introduce the 2 new horses into our lesson program. I rode them both bareback as well, and really liked both of them. Julianne, Olivia, & Andrea have tried them out so far.
Rebecca has been joining us a lot more regularly this past month for lessons; Corey's summertime travel has ended and we've seen him more regularly now; Jenny's been riding weekly and learned how to canter on Copper! 2 new students might try us out this week and Winnie has a horse show this Saturday. Today, Nancy stopped in for a visit since she moved to Utah a year ago. She even took a bareback ride on Ben.
Tommy & I escaped for a vacation to Vegas last week to celebrate our 9th anniversary.
Everything is going spectacular around here!
August 30, 2013
The rain mentioned in the previous news below, ended up cooperating quite well. Aubrey was able to horse show on Fly, and Winnie horse showed on Immy. Fly thought his trot one at a time class was supposed to be the canter one at a time class, but Aubrey rode it like a champ. She rode his fast canter for a few strides and was able to bring him back to the trot. In the next class they held their trot without any canter steps. :-) Winnie rode great and her & Immy picked up a 2nd place in their equitation trot class.
Lessons have been fantastic the last 2 weeks. Michelle at Cherokee has been letting us use 2 of her horses in lessons a little bit so we used them 3 times already. Julianne, Rebecca, & Alex had great lessons on them. Michelle is letting us try out 2 more, so they will hopefully be introduced into some lessons soon. Since we were changing horses around a little bit, Jenna let Kristina take a jumping lesson on her boy, Tigger. Jenna & Andrea also took jumping lessons this week.
Have a great weekend and a great Labor day!
Lessons have been fantastic the last 2 weeks. Michelle at Cherokee has been letting us use 2 of her horses in lessons a little bit so we used them 3 times already. Julianne, Rebecca, & Alex had great lessons on them. Michelle is letting us try out 2 more, so they will hopefully be introduced into some lessons soon. Since we were changing horses around a little bit, Jenna let Kristina take a jumping lesson on her boy, Tigger. Jenna & Andrea also took jumping lessons this week.
Have a great weekend and a great Labor day!
August 18, 2013
Hello! I have just returned from an educational vacation with Tommy, where we traveled to Lexington, KY to watch the USHJA International Hunter Derby Championships. We were able to watch lots of qualified competitors compete in a classic round followed by a handy round. It was lots of fun to return to the KY Horse Park and the area, I have not been there in years. Last time I was there was when Nancy was competing in Pony Finals on her pony, Spider. It was nice to return and watch everyone.
Our KY weather was more my style being 80 degrees and sunny, while the farm here had 60 degree rain. Brrr! Even Immy started shivering in the cool temps. Looks like more rain is planned for the week but I have scheduled lessons anyway. Maybe, just maybe, the majority of lessons won't be rained out. Winnie & Aubrey are wanting to show this weekend so we are crossing our fingers!
Our KY weather was more my style being 80 degrees and sunny, while the farm here had 60 degree rain. Brrr! Even Immy started shivering in the cool temps. Looks like more rain is planned for the week but I have scheduled lessons anyway. Maybe, just maybe, the majority of lessons won't be rained out. Winnie & Aubrey are wanting to show this weekend so we are crossing our fingers!
August 4, 2013
As I promised, I DID get some photos uploaded. YAY!
We have been quite busy since the last update. First, we had a really successful horse show in late June. It was Aubrey's birthday and it was her first time in a hunter/ jumper show. She competed on Copper complete with Happy Birthday ribbons in her hair and won first place in her first class! It was also Copper's first show of the 2013 season. Winnie competed on Fly and won a first place in her last class. This earned her enough points to win her first Champion ribbon! Heather competed on Immy and also won a first and a champion ribbon. Their pictures are the first ones below.
Following their show pictures are pictures from a barn fun day over the summer. The girls practiced with the eggs & spoons, they had walk races, they all rode Big Ben for their first time ever, they all rode Spencer bareback for their first time ever on him; and they rode Copper in the western tack. Inbetween rides you'll see the photo of all the blackberries they picked.
After those pictures I have posted some lesson pictures. Rebecca has been back for lessons and I have started teaching her on her own horse now too. Olivia has joined our team and has started lessons on Copper. Jenny is back to lessons after her busy month and Corey should be back this week. The Epps' family took a much needed vacation for a full week to the beach at Okaloosa Island in Florida, Jenna took a beach vacation, and Julianne took a beach vacation. Kristina has started back to riding her own horse, Julianne has started riding a friend's horse, and Kristina & Jenna have started riding these other 2 horses. Sadly, Heather will be leaving us soon and moving to California and sadly, school is about to start for everyone. I love the summer and seeing the kids for hours and hours each day!
We have been quite busy since the last update. First, we had a really successful horse show in late June. It was Aubrey's birthday and it was her first time in a hunter/ jumper show. She competed on Copper complete with Happy Birthday ribbons in her hair and won first place in her first class! It was also Copper's first show of the 2013 season. Winnie competed on Fly and won a first place in her last class. This earned her enough points to win her first Champion ribbon! Heather competed on Immy and also won a first and a champion ribbon. Their pictures are the first ones below.
Following their show pictures are pictures from a barn fun day over the summer. The girls practiced with the eggs & spoons, they had walk races, they all rode Big Ben for their first time ever, they all rode Spencer bareback for their first time ever on him; and they rode Copper in the western tack. Inbetween rides you'll see the photo of all the blackberries they picked.
After those pictures I have posted some lesson pictures. Rebecca has been back for lessons and I have started teaching her on her own horse now too. Olivia has joined our team and has started lessons on Copper. Jenny is back to lessons after her busy month and Corey should be back this week. The Epps' family took a much needed vacation for a full week to the beach at Okaloosa Island in Florida, Jenna took a beach vacation, and Julianne took a beach vacation. Kristina has started back to riding her own horse, Julianne has started riding a friend's horse, and Kristina & Jenna have started riding these other 2 horses. Sadly, Heather will be leaving us soon and moving to California and sadly, school is about to start for everyone. I love the summer and seeing the kids for hours and hours each day!
July 30, 2013
I am amazed to see that I have not posted ANYTHING for over a month. So sorry to all of you! I believe the last few times that I tried, the server was as busy as I was and therefore we weren't communicating too swiftly. I had tried to post photos and such, but I guess they never went through. I will try to find some extra time and update everything that has been going on in the past month. Maybe I'll come across those photos again too. Hmmmm. I'll be back soon!
June 12, 2013
Can't believe almost 2 weeks have flown by since the last update. WOW! Guess we have been busy, enjoying our summer! The photos below show Winnie/ Immy and Heather/ Fly competing at the June horse show. Once again, they were great and brought home ribbons!
Then there is a beautiful picture of Magnum & Winnie, followed by more superstars, Kristina & Spencer jumping brideless! She took him over 3'2" that day! Check him out over the swedish oxer as well as a 6' skinny jump. Making Strides Equestrian is so proud of both of them! The last picture is a cute one of Winnie & Fly. Have a great day!
Then there is a beautiful picture of Magnum & Winnie, followed by more superstars, Kristina & Spencer jumping brideless! She took him over 3'2" that day! Check him out over the swedish oxer as well as a 6' skinny jump. Making Strides Equestrian is so proud of both of them! The last picture is a cute one of Winnie & Fly. Have a great day!
May 29, 2013
The horseshow was great on Saturday. The weather was perfect! Heather & Fly moved up into 2 more classes which are a step above pre-beginner. Fly was excellent and Heather rode wonderfully, bringing home ribbons in every class. Winnie rode really well and tried hard, but Immy was a bit stubborn when it was time to halt. She ribboned in every class too, but we were hoping for better. Both girls compete again this Saturday.
Kristina is going to show off again tomorrow (Thursday) afternoon by jumping Spencer brideless through a creative course that she designed. Kristina went through our extra pile of jumps, cleaned it out, and organized it. THANK YOU!
Julianne has had 2 fantastic brideless rides on Spencer! Rebecca comes back for a lesson tomorrow, we are getting lucky and are getting to see her once a month these days. Jenna has been in South Africa on a mission trip but she returns next week. Aubrey has returned from her week in Disney World and comes for a lesson Friday, and Addie will lesson on Friday too. Heather spent the week in Chattanooga and then Helen. She'll be back on Friday too! Jennifer had a month or two away, but now she is back to regular lessons; and Corey lessons when he is not off traveling. Our students seem to stay busy with so many fun events, but they still know to fit our wonderful horses into the mix. It's going to be a splendid summer!
Come watch Kristina & Spencer tomorrow, or come by the horse show Saturday. E-mail or text me for details!
Kristina is going to show off again tomorrow (Thursday) afternoon by jumping Spencer brideless through a creative course that she designed. Kristina went through our extra pile of jumps, cleaned it out, and organized it. THANK YOU!
Julianne has had 2 fantastic brideless rides on Spencer! Rebecca comes back for a lesson tomorrow, we are getting lucky and are getting to see her once a month these days. Jenna has been in South Africa on a mission trip but she returns next week. Aubrey has returned from her week in Disney World and comes for a lesson Friday, and Addie will lesson on Friday too. Heather spent the week in Chattanooga and then Helen. She'll be back on Friday too! Jennifer had a month or two away, but now she is back to regular lessons; and Corey lessons when he is not off traveling. Our students seem to stay busy with so many fun events, but they still know to fit our wonderful horses into the mix. It's going to be a splendid summer!
Come watch Kristina & Spencer tomorrow, or come by the horse show Saturday. E-mail or text me for details!
May 24, 2013
We are all wonderful here at the farm. The weather has been fantastic complete with pop up rain showers in the evening. We've had a lot of birthdays this month. Immy, Fly, Copper, & Wendy all had their special day. Andrea, Maija, & Julianne all celebrated birthdays this week. Lessons are going well, students are out of school, and we horse show tomorrow. Summer is here!
May 12, 2013
We hope everyone had a fullfilling Mother's Day!
May 9, 2013
We've had a busy couple of weeks since the last update. All of our horses received their spring vaccinations and had good reports from our vet. Tons of rain came and went, and we rode in the freshly drug arena today. Jose' has joined our farm team and has been doing a ton of weed eating and bucket cleaning for us. Thank you Tommy, for making this happen! Heather went for a haircut and donated 10 inches to locks for love, and she looks beautiful ! (We'll miss her pigtails in the show arena though.) Alex joined our team for a month before heading to Oxford for the summer; and had great jumping lessons on Spencer, Ben, & Tigger. Kristina jumped Spencer 2'11" without a bridle, the highest we have ever jumped him! Tomorrow, Kristina, Jenna, and I all head to my previous student's, Victoria, trainer for a cutting lesson. I'll be riding Trouble. Wish us luck!
April 20, 2013
We are having a GREAT month with all this warm weather! The photo shows how happy Winnie & Lucky are just relaxing in the arena. Winnie & Heather both competed again since our last update. Heather won her first Reserve Champion by winning a 1st & two 2nds. She competed on Fly while Winnie & Immy picked up a 3rd place and two 4ths. Kristina is going to show off her & Spencer's skills of jumping without a bridle, tomorrow afternoon. Hopefully Monday we'll venture out for a trail ride at Watson Mill.It's going to be a great spring and a fantastic week!
April 1, 2013
Happy April Fool's Day. We aren't playing any jokes around here, we are truely having a great time. Heather & Immy were Champion this past Saturday at the Bulldog AAHJA show by winning two 1sts and a 3rd in the pre-beginner division. Heather's second show and already Champion and already blue ribbons! Winnie competed on Fly in the same division and brought home a 2nd and two 3rds. Spencer went along with Kristina to get some more show experience and he was a star. Kristina also had another brideless jumping lesson on Spencer. They were fantastic again, but they were really amazing when they had to solve a problem! Everyone is shedding and starting to get slick for the spring.
March 23, 2013
Today started with a TON of rain but the sun has been out for the afternoon. This made our ponies a tad bit happier, not to just stand in the pouring rain. We've been having great weeks this March. Andrea took her own spring break off work, and managed to fit in 3 jumping lessons on Ben. Kristina had a fabulous jumping lesson on Spencer, and it was bridleless! Winnie rode bareback in just a halter and Jenna & Tigger had a great lesson in the crazy cold wind. Julianne has been doing poles & small jumps on Spencer while Corey has been developing a feel for his leads without looking. Westley turned 16 on Thursday and a student from years ago stopped in to say Hello. Great March!
March 13, 2013
Kristina & I took Spencer & Copper for a trail ride today at Watson Mill State Park. We did a 5 mile loop and the boys were super stars! It was their first outing since the hunter pace in October.
Saturday was our first show for the 2013 season. Winnie competed on Candlelight's FireFly in the pre-beginner division. She rode much stronger than last season and brought home a 3rd, 6th, & 6th. Heather competed in her first horse show ever on Golden Image. She competed in the pre-beginner division and brought home a 4th, 4th, & 5th. A big thank you goes to Jenna for helping too!
On Sunday, Winnie celebrated her 6th birthday. She was blessed with 70 degree weather.
It's been a fabulous month so far!
Saturday was our first show for the 2013 season. Winnie competed on Candlelight's FireFly in the pre-beginner division. She rode much stronger than last season and brought home a 3rd, 6th, & 6th. Heather competed in her first horse show ever on Golden Image. She competed in the pre-beginner division and brought home a 4th, 4th, & 5th. A big thank you goes to Jenna for helping too!
On Sunday, Winnie celebrated her 6th birthday. She was blessed with 70 degree weather.
It's been a fabulous month so far!
March 8, 2013
Magnum had a wonderful birthday yesterday, filled with carrots and a photo session and warm weather. All the other horses celebrated by being great in their lessons. A fantastic day!
March 4, 2013
I love the month of March. As the home page states, we celebrate a lot of birthdays this month. Thursday, Magnum turns 34!!! Sunday, Winnie turns 6 !! And Friday & Saturday will reach 70 degrees!! And Saturday is an AAHJA Show, where Heather & Winnie will compete. This is going to be a GREAT week!
February 15, 2013
Where has the time gone??? It's been almost a month since I've posted an update. This means we are now in February!
My last update mentioned that we were going to the awards banquet. Winnie brought home 5th place in Pre-Beginner, Elizabeth brought home 4th place in the younger Beginner I, and Katie brought home 4th place in older Beginner I. Way to go girls!
We've had crazy weather since the last update. Hot then cold, rain and rain and rain, etc. But the horses and riders have been great and the sunny warm days are fantastic! We reach sunny 60 degrees today!
Kristina rode Spencer bridle-LESS in the w/t/c yesterday. (I think she'll try it over jumps soon!) Both of them looked great and I think Spencer really enjoyed it. Jenna took a jumping lesson in January and jumped without reins for her very first time. She was very amazed at how much she had been using her hands on the landing side of jumps. Both Aubrey & Heather are toying with the idea of horse showing this season, which means their lessons are getting harder and harder!
Tommy & I took a trip to Aiken to watch and learn at the "A" show as well as see some side saddle riders compete.
As you can tell, we've been busy and we've been enjoying every minute of it!
My last update mentioned that we were going to the awards banquet. Winnie brought home 5th place in Pre-Beginner, Elizabeth brought home 4th place in the younger Beginner I, and Katie brought home 4th place in older Beginner I. Way to go girls!
We've had crazy weather since the last update. Hot then cold, rain and rain and rain, etc. But the horses and riders have been great and the sunny warm days are fantastic! We reach sunny 60 degrees today!
Kristina rode Spencer bridle-LESS in the w/t/c yesterday. (I think she'll try it over jumps soon!) Both of them looked great and I think Spencer really enjoyed it. Jenna took a jumping lesson in January and jumped without reins for her very first time. She was very amazed at how much she had been using her hands on the landing side of jumps. Both Aubrey & Heather are toying with the idea of horse showing this season, which means their lessons are getting harder and harder!
Tommy & I took a trip to Aiken to watch and learn at the "A" show as well as see some side saddle riders compete.
As you can tell, we've been busy and we've been enjoying every minute of it!
January 19, 2013
We survived the days and days of rain. The horses have been happily enjoying sunshine for the last 2 days. Our arena was dry enough to drag today so it's time for lessons!
Tonight we head to our Athens Area Hunter Jumper Association awards banquet. I really enjoy giving out the Sportsmanship award each year. It shows what a great group of members we have!
Also, I want to shout out a nice Hello Greeting to the newsest member of our team, Carly. Thank you for joining us and feeding the horses tonight!
Tonight we head to our Athens Area Hunter Jumper Association awards banquet. I really enjoy giving out the Sportsmanship award each year. It shows what a great group of members we have!
Also, I want to shout out a nice Hello Greeting to the newsest member of our team, Carly. Thank you for joining us and feeding the horses tonight!
January 12, 2013
We had our annual Christmas in January party today. THANKS to all who attended. We had a group of 25!!! It was fun seeing everyone in casual attire rather than helmets. I think we are off to a fantastic start for 2013!
January 6, 2013
Happy January & Happy New year!
We enjoyed our holidays at the farm. Besides the yucky weather days, the holidays were perfect. We had 2 Barn fun days complete with these happy looking elves. Hope everyone else had as much fun as we did!
We enjoyed our holidays at the farm. Besides the yucky weather days, the holidays were perfect. We had 2 Barn fun days complete with these happy looking elves. Hope everyone else had as much fun as we did!
December 25, 2012
Happy Birthday Jesus and Merry Christmas to all!
December 17, 2012
We have had RAIN, rain, and even more RAIN! There was no riding Sunday, no riding today, and probably not tomorrow either. Hopefully we will be dry by Wednesday!
December 14, 2012
Hope everyone is enjoying their holidays!
December 4, 2012
December snuck up on me! I was thinking it was Thanksgiving, and boom, it's December. Our December here has been 70 plus degrees, which is my kind of weather!
November 25, 2012
We had a great holiday week! We hope that each of you did as well.
It was nice having kids out of school during the holidays, it helped us get many lessons in while it was daylight and good weather. Friday was 70 degrees and we celebrated by having a barn fun day. Thank you to Winnie, Addie, Lorelei, Aubrey, Heather, & Elizabeth for making it so fun! We had a group lesson, we jumped little jumps on foot in the field, we jumped bigger jumps on foot in the arena, we played a horseback version of the egg & spoon race, we did some crafts and cleaned some saddles. It was a great day! Congrats to Elizabeth for being able to walk/ trot/ canter with the egg & spoon. Congrats to Heather, Aubrey, & Winnie for trotting with the egg & spoon.
Earlier in the week Patty had a jumping lesson on Spencer, Andrea had a jumping lesson on Ben, and Nancy had a jumping lesson on Ben.
Making Strides Equestrian also wants to wish Nancy 'safe travels' and a fantastic winter as she heads to Utah to teach children how to snow ski. Have a wonderful 5 months. We'll miss you!
It was nice having kids out of school during the holidays, it helped us get many lessons in while it was daylight and good weather. Friday was 70 degrees and we celebrated by having a barn fun day. Thank you to Winnie, Addie, Lorelei, Aubrey, Heather, & Elizabeth for making it so fun! We had a group lesson, we jumped little jumps on foot in the field, we jumped bigger jumps on foot in the arena, we played a horseback version of the egg & spoon race, we did some crafts and cleaned some saddles. It was a great day! Congrats to Elizabeth for being able to walk/ trot/ canter with the egg & spoon. Congrats to Heather, Aubrey, & Winnie for trotting with the egg & spoon.
Earlier in the week Patty had a jumping lesson on Spencer, Andrea had a jumping lesson on Ben, and Nancy had a jumping lesson on Ben.
Making Strides Equestrian also wants to wish Nancy 'safe travels' and a fantastic winter as she heads to Utah to teach children how to snow ski. Have a wonderful 5 months. We'll miss you!
November 12, 2012
Last week I took an early birthday trip to Hilton Head Island to celebrate turning 40. As the pictures show, I could not stay away from the horses! I even managed to get Tommy on a horse. Thank you to Lawton Stables for taking us on a trail ride. Thank you to Lexi at Moss Creek Equestrian, as well as BlackJack, for a perfect lesson. It was great to tune up my equitation.
After we returned home, it was right back out to the farm. Westley & Winnie both had to take advantage of the beautiful weather and get out there and ride! And the next day it was beautiful again, so I had to teach some lessons. I love teaching and riding when the weather cooperates!
*** Sorry that the silly pictures are sideways!!!
After we returned home, it was right back out to the farm. Westley & Winnie both had to take advantage of the beautiful weather and get out there and ride! And the next day it was beautiful again, so I had to teach some lessons. I love teaching and riding when the weather cooperates!
*** Sorry that the silly pictures are sideways!!!
November 5, 2012
The Hunter Pace at Ashland Farm was very exciting! Our new adventure could not have been better. The 3 horses were on their best behaviour, the weather was perfect, and the farm was beautiful. We are ready to do more hunter paces. It was super enjoyable!
Wendy still needs a new, loving home. Pass the word around!
And a HELLO goes out to our newest student, Jennifer. And a welcome back goes out to Julianne.
Wendy still needs a new, loving home. Pass the word around!
And a HELLO goes out to our newest student, Jennifer. And a welcome back goes out to Julianne.
October 22, 2012
We are wonderful here at the farm. This month has been great. Great riding weather!
This Saturday, Tonia, Elizabeth, & Kristina will compete for the first time in a hunter pace. We are very excited about this new adventure!
This Saturday, Tonia, Elizabeth, & Kristina will compete for the first time in a hunter pace. We are very excited about this new adventure!
October 10, 2012
Hi everyone! Hope you are enjoying October as much as we are!
October 1, 2012
It's been a great few weeks again. We started off October with a visit from the equine dentist today. All the horses and ponies now have great mouths!
This past Saturday we competed in another AAHJA Show. Elizabeth & Candlelight's FireFly brought home Reserve Champion in the beginner division by winning a 1,2,3. Winnie & Easy High Stride brought home a 2,2,3 in their division. Simply Spencer went along with Kristina to just ride around at the horse show and understand horse show life.
The previous Saturday, Winnie & Easy Hi Stride competed and brought home a 4,4,5 in their pre-beginner division. Simply Spencer once again went along for the ride.
The end of September brought some new faces out to the barn. A big HELLO goes out to Heather, Patricia, & Dancer.
This past Saturday we competed in another AAHJA Show. Elizabeth & Candlelight's FireFly brought home Reserve Champion in the beginner division by winning a 1,2,3. Winnie & Easy High Stride brought home a 2,2,3 in their division. Simply Spencer went along with Kristina to just ride around at the horse show and understand horse show life.
The previous Saturday, Winnie & Easy Hi Stride competed and brought home a 4,4,5 in their pre-beginner division. Simply Spencer once again went along for the ride.
The end of September brought some new faces out to the barn. A big HELLO goes out to Heather, Patricia, & Dancer.
September 9, 2012
Lets see......... a few weeks have passed since last time. On Aug 24th we competed in an AAHJA show. Winnie & Golden Image won 4th, 4th, 6th. Elizabeth & Candlelight's FireFly won Champion along with 1st, 2nd, 3rd. Katie & Simply Spencer won Champion with 1st, 2nd, 3rd. After that show, Tommy & I traveled to Las Vegas to celebrate our 8th wedding anniversary. Yesterday we competed in another AAHJA show and Winnie & Golden Image were Reserve Champion with 1st, 2nd, 2nd. Elizabeth & Candlelight's FireFly placed 2nd, 5th, 6th. Lessons have been great, weather has been wonderful, all is excellent at Making Strides Equestrian!
August 22, 2012
Sorry it's been a few weeks since the previous update. My old computer was 11 years old and it was finally time to purchase the new one. Which kept me away from updating the site until the new one arrived. It's here now, and all is good!
And the farm is perfect!
And the farm is perfect!
August 7, 2012
The last few weeks have been fabulous at the barn. We had another "barn fun day" complete with a craft project this time. We again enjoyed our picnic lunch at Sonic, followed by swimming for the afternoon. We also held "Friends & Family day" where friends & siblings were able to ride a few laps around the arena. Thanks to all of you who helped, as well as those of you who joined us.
Lessons have been wonderful, weather has been great, everything is going well. We've been having a great time!
Lessons have been wonderful, weather has been great, everything is going well. We've been having a great time!
July 25, 2012
The horse show was FANTASTIC!!!! Two of our three teams were CHAMPIONS in their divisions. Elizabeth/ Fly were Champions in the younger beginners, and Katie/ Spencer were champions in the older beginners. The team of Winnie/ Fly in pre-beginners won many ribbons as well. The show day was different from most too, and our two horses were total champs. I am so proud of both them and their riders. They were all blue ribbon winners to me!
July 19, 2012
Barn fun day was great this week! We did lots of things for a short time each. We groomed horses, pulled manes, show clipped, cleaned tack, washed fly sheets, etc. We had a yummy lunch on the picnic tables at Sonic followed by swimming at the pool. Can't wait for the next one!
Saturday, Winnie, Katie, and Elizabeth are headed to the horse show. Updates will follow soon!
Saturday, Winnie, Katie, and Elizabeth are headed to the horse show. Updates will follow soon!
July 15, 2012
The week started out with great rides/ lessons on Monday. Monday night brought RAIN, Tuesday night brought RAIN, Wednesday night brought RAIN, and Thursday night brought even more RAIN. My pastures said a huge Thank You for all the rain. And the horses did too because they had 4 vacation days! Saturday morning Tommy drug the arena and once again we were back to awesome lessons and rides and great footing. Have a good week!
July 8, 2012
Check out Wendy on the for sale page. Her price has been reduced. This sweet girl needs a new home!
July 4, 2012
Happy 4th of July!! Making Strides Equestrian hopes everyone has an enjoyable holiday. The Epps' family will be enjoying their day by spending it at the pool.
I've added subpages to the news page. And now the news page is titled "current news". Hope this helps!
I've added subpages to the news page. And now the news page is titled "current news". Hope this helps!