Games remembered...

Almost forgot Miss Phanny's ribbon!

Pretty ribbon pics.

Our year is coming to a close. I thought it was a good time to re-post some of our ribbon pictures. If you dont see one on here that you would like included just package it up in an e-mail and I will include it.

Congratulations to Vanessa and Absolute!!

First place winners in the BN division at Rocking Horse schooling show. We are so proud of you!

Welcome to Sam and Zena

Samantha (a.k.a Sam) and Zena (a.k.a Beanie, Beanie Bop, Beanstinator)

My horses name is Redwood Danger Mouse, but we call her Zena. She is a 12 year old, Clydesdale/ThoroughbredX mare, all the way from New Zealand! I've had her for the last 4 years. I don't really know much about her past but I think the lady we bought her off named her after Xena the warrior princess but didn't know how to spell it!!
The thing my horse likes about me most would probably be the fact that I give her lots of cuddles (and food!). If my horse was in a band, it would be a Punk Rock band because her mane stands on end like a mohawk. My first memory of Zena was seeing her in the yard and thinking she was really ugly!
My horse is happiest when she's eating lots and not in work! The coolest thing we have done together would be getting on the Pony Club Champs Team back in New Zealand. If my horse were a Disney character she would be a cross between Eeyore and Grumpy! The last time I fell off was, I would love to say never but it was actually last year when I was trialing for Showjumping Champs, Mum and Dad have it on tape so I can't lie, they have proof!

The trip to the USA from New Zealand was an experience for both me and my horse. My family and I actually brought over our dog, Tess and our two horses, Zena (mine) and Shoney (mums). They got put in a three horse container, which was then put on the 747 cargo plane. It was a 12 hour flight and their first time on a plane!!! They handled it very well. There was only a 48 hour quarantine for the horses because we have hardly any diseases in New Zealand. So when they arrived they were horse pin cushions because they got ennoculated for everything. Also you guys might be interested to know we don't have any snakes or poisonous spiders (except for one!) in New Zealand. So it is definitely a learning experience. But we absolutely love it over here! We have just bought a property in Groveland and are really busy setting up a new Riding School. But I am looking forward to being able to get out and join in the pony club activities.

Christmas party!!!

Cool Slideshows

USEA Outreach Clinic

Sara Kozumplik-Dierks and Eric Dierks were at Rocking Horse Stables this weekend helping pony clubbers with cross country training and informing them of the opportunities they have with Young Riders and the USEA instructor certification program (ICP). Both instructors are ICP level 3, A graduate pony clubbers and 4 star eventers. Ashley and Vanessa rode with Sara and have these great tips to share:


Because of the way your horses eyes are placed on his head it is very important to give them a straight approach and a good look at the jump. Look at the middle of the jump where you intend to go until you lose sight of that spot between their ears. Don't look down, just make it clear exactly where you would like them to go.

There is a cruising position which allows you and your horse to stay balanced but also indicates to your horse that he is not jumping. He can relax and not be concerned that something is coming up and your not telling him what it is. (I don't have a photo of that position but ask Ash or Vanessa to show you what they learned.) Then as you approach the jump and need to adjust your stride you get in the presentation position which is what Ashley is doing below. You raise up "like a sail' weight in your heels, hands on neck not pulling against the horse. Sara said to watch videos of William Fox-Pitt to see incredible presentation. When going down a bank let your hands slide to the knot that you have made at the buckle. Remember that your heels need to be pressed down and your hips pressed forward (not shoulders back.)
Learn to ride with steady rhythm, balance and confidence so your horse learns to trust you.Nice job girls...hey where did you get those nerd ropes!?
Oh I cant leave out the part about the great "follow the leader" game.

I couldn't tell who was having more fun- the girls or the ponies.

Looking Back...

These photos just came in. Obviously there are two from the Halloween party. The ribbon phot0 is from dressage rally.

A day for cross-country.

To these three, a day off school translates to a day on the cross country course.
This was Magic's first look at XC fences and I think he loved it! Big difference from a race track. This guy is proving to be a very versatile athlete.
Absolute was absolutely perfect. After coming back from a lameness he was sound and forward. (I think he was just avoiding the whole rating thing...can't blame a guy for that. We have all been there.)
Phanny was happy to be back in the action. She was flying high and on her best behavior. I think she worked her way out of retirement. I am pretty sure that wasn't her original plan.

Working on PERFECTION

Amber and Whisper practicing their jumping. Looking good Amber!

Ocala Horse Trials

There were alot of familiar faces this weekend at the Florida Horse Park. Many frisky ponies as well when the a.m. temperatures dipped down to about 34 degrees. I have included photos of Ralph Hill, Karen O'Conner, Kyle Carter and Darren Chiacchia just because it's fun to see them.


These three were spotted causing trouble at the local Cracker Barrel. Luckily I was able to get them out of town before too much damage was done.
Congratulations to our own Ashley Mancuso and Retto for winning the training division. She finished on her dressage score of 32.

A good video to watch!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9n9wd7P5Apw

Copy and paste this link. I couldnt load the video as it is protected.

Comment contest!

Who can tell me what Absolute is saying in this picture? Submit your entries via email or comment directly to the blog.

Alice in Wonderland

Remember when she ate the cookie that made her too big for the house? This is Jen and Ash playing Alice at the log cabin jump at Poplar Place.
Ok club: send me some pics!

A Sara Sighting!

Sara was home for the weekend. She was spotted working with Alex and Magic. When asked about Auburn she said she "loves it". It's good to see our older girls coming back around to help the younger ones. Thanks Sara!

Thank You to our Esteemed Examiner

What do all of these girls have in common?

That's right! They are C2's!!!!!!!!!

Scenes From Weekend

Rocking Horse Fall Horse Trials were held last weekend. The courses were decorated with spider webs and pumpkins. The weather was beautiful with a crisp feel to the morning air. Our pony clubbers were there "with bells on." Noel and Longleaf shined in their first event. They jumped clear in XC and stadium and ended up with a flashy seventh place ribbon in Beginner Novice division. Ashley and Retto in the Training division had their all time best dressage score and clear XC but then Retto saw the boogieman in the liverpool and stopped to check it out. All in all a great show for both girls. Thanks to everyone that came out to support them!