Tour Beautiful Virginia Farms!

The VHCF and the Equestriennes are pleased to announce the second annual Barn Tour to be held Saturday, October 5 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Enjoy autumn in the Shenandoah Valley while touring Middlebrook and Staunton's most beautiful stables.

Tour each destination at your leisure with a detailed map, including riding schedule, beekeeping demonstration, descriptions of the farms, and other points of interest.  Boxed lunches are available at the Middlebrook General Store and several farms will provide picnic areas.

Tickets are available at the Virginia Horse Center, the Middlebrook General Store, Hamilton-Robbins in Lexington, The Emporium in Staunton, or by calling 540-464-2950. Tickets can also be purchased online through a secure payment process at www.HorseCenter.org/Events/October-2012/2013-Barn-Tour. 

Tickets are $25 for adults until Oct 4 and $10 for children 15 & under. Tickets are $30 the day of the Barn Tour. The Tour will go on, rain or shine!

Trimble's Mill Farm

Trimble’s Mill Farm is the first suggested stop on the tour. Built in 1885, it is the subject of the book, See You in a Hundred Years, written by Logan Ward, the former owner of Trimble’s Mill. The 1910 bank barn houses rescued race horses and Connemara ponies. Participants can also visit North Mountain Outfitters, which rekindles the cowboy way of life by offering day or overnight trail rides in the Blue Ridge Mountains. This offers a firsthand look at horses and the chance to book your own unique wilderness adventure.

Grey Gable's Farm

Grey Gables Farm, the next stop on the tour, spreads across 227 conserved acres and is the home of Polyface Farm cattle, the Mary Baldwin College Riding Club and Team, and a personalized riding instruction program. From there, the tour continues north to Cedar Creek Stables, a large riding facility that houses the therapeutic riding program, Ride with Pride, and unique Knabstrupper horses.

Coming down the home stretch, participants will stop by Meadow Walk Bees. Meadow Walk features a substantial bee yard, forest walk, Cabernet Franc trail vineyard, dog paddock and breathtaking pastures. As an added bonus, participants can also visit Bill Heizer Stables to watch demonstrations by a nationally recognized Saddlebred rider and trainer.

All funds raised will benefit the Virginia Horse Center’s Turn up the Lights campaign to upgrade the lighting in the Anderson Coliseum. By replacing the lighting fixtures with more energy-efficient options, the Virginia Horse Center can save over $30,000 annually in electricity costs. The Equestriennes, a dedicated group that supports the Virginia Horse Center, raised more than $4,000 from last year’s Barn Tour for the Lighting Campaign. 

Baroque Games Review. The Journey Has Begun!

The first official Baroque Equestrian Games & Gala were held at the Horse Center on August 30 - 31. It was a magical gathering, where all embraced a passion for the artistry and elegance of historic Classical horsemanship, and gained deeper appreciation for the Classical horses that make it all possible.

More than two dozen horses and riders entered the Games and participated in the Gala, traveling from Florida to Vermont, and even from Ontario, Canada.  The East Complex arena was decorated with lavish artwork and inspiring quotes from the old Masters.  Winners of the competition received product awards along with cash prizes.

Jos Sevriens, originally from the Netherlands and a graduate of the French School of Equitation at Saumur, served as judge for the inaugural Games, and his wisdom and insights were treasured. He offered open remarks after each rider completed a pattern to give encouragement and critique and to educate spectators.

Bruno Gonzales and Tina Cristiani Veder, co-founders of the Games, along with Jos Sevriens and Patricia Norcia gave lectures and demonstrations over the two day show, helping to bring greater understanding about the Classical principles, and the conformation and balance that allows horses to excel at higher collection.

On Friday night, the Grand Gala, an equestrian theatrical production, traced the history of man’s unique union with the horse.  About 400 spectators attended and were enthralled by the star-studded performance featuring horses and well-known professional riders from the US, Canada, and Europe, decked out in lavish costumes and elaborate tack. The Gala was created to help benefit and bring awareness to HoofBeats Therapeutic Riding Center.

Great appreciation goes out to everyone who volunteered, attended, competed or participated – this triumph belongs to all of us!

If you are interested in learning more about this exciting new journey back to the historical foundations of Classical horsemanship, join the Baroque Games for upcoming clinics, seminars, schooling shows and competitions. Visit www.BaroqueGames.com for information. We hope to see you soon!

4-H State Championships join us this week!

Please join us for the 4-H State Championship Show this week, September 12-15. More than 450 youth from across Virginia will compete in many disciplines, including reining, driving, pleasure, dressage, hunter, saddle seat, and showmanship.

4-H strives to teach leadership, citizenship, and a vast array of life skills. “We use horses as a tool to learn life skills, such as teamwork, decision-making, and leadership skills,” says Celeste Crisman, Extension Equine Specialist and manager of the Championships.

In addition to riding divisions, 4-H students may enter art, photography, horse judging and hippology contests. The Championships also offers fun activities for the 4-H youth with clinics, a stall decorating contest, ice cream social, and freestyle drill team performances.

Youth riders began preparing for the Championships in May, when they had to declare a project animal and begin keeping careful records of their training progress and financials, such as all expenses and depreciation costs. Competitors must also pass a horsemanship skills test to enter the Championships.

For more information, please visit the 4-H website.

Standing for head, heart, hands, and health, 4-H uses more than a century of experience in youth development programming to build strong, confident leaders.    Through school-based, after-school, and community clubs as well as camp settings, 4-H members pledge to build a better community, country, and world.    

Virginia Color Classic Futurity

We're pleased to welcome the Virginia Color Classic Futurity hosted by the Paint Horse Club this weekend, Sept 7-8. The show offers a benefit silent auction, high point awards, and a variety of classes, including green, amateur, and the exciting Bridleless Western Pleasure Calcutta.

The Bridleless Caluctta class offers spectators the chance to bid on their favorite horse to win the class. Bids are taken in a live auction, with one bidder winning the bid for each horse. Horses and riders compete in a pleasure class without a bridle. The winner of the class and the winning bidder split the total prize.

The show offers 48 futurity classes and up to $25,000 in prize money. Riders compete in four divisions of futurity classes: Open, Non-Professional, Breeders, and Virginia-bred. Due to a very successful Stallion Service Auction, foals from 32 participating stallions are eligible for Breeders’ Futurity Purse of more than $15,000.

The Paint Horse Club would like to thank the Virginia Horse Industry Board for their support of our Virginia Bred Program.  VHIB provided $5,000 to reward owners and breeders of American Paint Horse Association registered horsed foaled in Virginia. The purpose of our Virginia Bred Program is to promote the Virginia horse industry by recognizing and rewarding quality paint horse breeding in the Commonwealth.

The Virginia Paint Horse Club, Inc. (VPHC) received its charter from the American Paint Horse Association (APHA) in 2001 and represents the Commonwealth of Virginia as a regional club of APHA.  VPHC represents show, performance, and recreational horses; breeders; trainers; novice, youth and amateur competitors; and recreational riders.

Dressage with a View RIDE TIMES

Hello Dressage riders, 

We look forward to seeing you this weekend! Ride times are listed below. Contact manager Sally Moore with any questions at addieeight@aol.com.

EA
7:54 Abby Hickman Sabrina

8:00 Alicia Danton Penny Ante

8:06 Sarah Livesay Hermes

8:12 Olivia Hickman Sabrina

EB

8:18 Nancy Stout Reverend Harry

8:24 Alicia Danton Penny Ante

8:30 Victoria Fleming Bolodato

8:36 Abby Hickman Sabrina

Intro A

8:42 Elizabeth Schooley Pearl

8:48 Victoria Fleming Bolodato

8:54 Diane Bird High Fly

9:00 Jenna Campbell Provenance

9:06

Intro B

9:12 Diane Bird High Fly

9:18 Elizabeth Schooley Pearl

9:24 Jenna Campbell Provenance

9:30  SCRATCH

9:36 Trish O’Keefe Equinox Petite Courage

9:42

Large Arena

Intro C

10:00 SCRATCH

10:08

Training 1

10:16 Trish O’Keefe Equinox Petite Courage

10:24 Kim Smith Candy’s Painted Storm

10:32 Calah Puryear Friendly

10:40 Jenna Campbell Prominent

10:48

Training 2

10:56 Kim Smith Candy’s Painted Storm

11:04 Calah Puryear Friendly

11:12 Jenna Campbell Prominent

11:20 Susan Funk Exclamation

11:28 Sarah Kern Enkeur NPF

11:36 Judy Bonin Jacob’s Ladder

11:44

Lunch Break

Training 3

12:30 Jenna Campbell Prominent

12:38 Susan Funk Exclamation

12:46 Sarah Kern Enkeur NPF

12:54 Judy Bonin Jacob’s Ladder

1:02 SCRATCH

1:10 Rebecca Jaronski Tserafina

1:18 Jean Krason A Timeless Rendition

1:26 Donna Reynolds Irish Blessing

1:34 Natalie Cockran Shadows Basia

1:42

Training Level Rider’s Test

1:48 Jean Krason A Timeless Rendition

First 1

2:00 Rebecca Jaronski Tserafina

2:08 Donna Reynolds Irish Blessing

2:16 Natalie Cockran Shadows Basia

2:24 SCRATCH

2:32 Marissa Bolin Mr Twizzler’s Icy Spots

2:40 Jess Longhi Magic

2:48 Libby Arnold Misty Morning Promise

2:54

First 2

3:02 Marissa Bolin Mr Twizzler’s Icy Spots

3:10 Jess Longhi Magic

3:18 Libby Aronold Misty Morning Promise

3:26

First 3

3:34 Trish O’Keefe RJay

3:42 Marissa Bolin Mr Twizzler’s Icy Spots

3:50 Ann Wallace Martin American Elegance

Second 1

3:58 Trish O’Keefe RJay

Third 1

4:06 April Shultz CCS Tinuvel

Second 2

4:14 Ann Wallace Martin American Elegance

Andalusian and Lusitano Show

We are proud to welcome the Virginia Classic Regional Championship Andalusian and Lusitano Show this weekend, Aug 30 - Sept 1.  These unique breeds compete in In-hand, Dressage, Equitation, Western, and Driving classes.

On Saturday, Costume, Heritage, and Native Tack & Attire classes begin at 7:30 p.m with a parade of Traditional and Native Tack and Attire.

The Andalusian horse, also known as the Pure Spanish Horse, has a long history as a war horse, the preferred riding horse among European royalty and nobility, and in mounted Spanish bullfighting. Due to this breed’s iconic stature, they are often used in art and films, including Gladiator, Braveheart, and The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Despite their powerful build, Andalusians are usually docile and sensitive. This breed is intelligent and responsive, and therefore is popular in classic dressage, trick riding, and driving.

The show begins on Friday morning at 8:30 with In-hand and Breeding classes. Dressage, Equitation, and Pleasure classes begin on Friday afternoon, and again on Saturday and Sunday morning at 8:30 a.m.

The ERAHC promotes harmony and goodwill among the community of Iberian horse owners by organizing annual shows, clinics, educational and social events. Iberian horses, named for the Iberian Penninsula in western Europe, were identified as early as 450 BCE. After several centuries of breeding lighter Oriental horses with heavy European breeds, kept in careful records by Carthusian monks, the Andalusian became a distinct breed in the 15^th century.

The Lusitano shares much of the same history as the Andalusian breed. In 1966, the Portuguese and Spanish stud books split, and the Lusitano was given its name after the ancient Roman name for Portugal. 

Grab Your Sword!

Baroque Equestrian Games held at the Horse Center this weekend!

The highlight of the Baroque Equestrian Games is the Grand Gala, an educational theatrical production to benefit Hoofbeats Therapeutic Riding Center. The Gala features a cavalcade of performing stallions and costumed riders tell the story of man’s 2,000 year history with the horse. 

The show begins at 6:30 p.m. on Friday evening in the East Complex with a demonstration performed by Hoofbeats. Grand Gala begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are available at the door, on BaroqueGames.net (click Store and then Gala), or by calling Carol, 540-461-1512. A $10 donation per ticket is suggested.

During the Baroque Equestrian Games, horses and riders work with swords to hit hinged and ring targets and perform other "real-life" tasks. This section, called Mounted Maneuvers, is based upon Classical Schools of Horsemanship. Mounted Maneuvers begin at 9 a.m. on Saturday followed by Musical Presentations.

Musical Presentations, reminiscent of the Royal Courts of Europe, are freestyle artistic celebrations combining music and costumes in a dance between horse and rider.

Ground Work, an exercise of balance and responsiveness, begins on Friday at 9 a.m. followed by Classical Schooling, a test performed by riding patterns.

Visit the Baroque Equestrian Games website for more information.

Connemara Pony Society Show RESULTS

COMBINED TEST:
USDF 2011 Intro Level Test  B (2')
Dressage: 1. Oakfields Kieran, o/Suzanne Phelps, r/Caroline Phelps; 2. Ridgetop Columbine, o/Ridgetop Connemaras, r/Maya Goldfarb; 3. Thurman Peche Melba, o/Barbara Byrd, r/Mary McMillen; 4. Castlebar Bridget McGrael, o/r Kim Harrison; 5.  Hillside Emily, o/Donna Duckworth, r/Ashley Loving; 6. S.R. Perseus’ Pleasure, o/Marilyn Cheek, r/Anna Sortore
Combined Test: 1. Thurman Peche Melba; 2. Castlebar Bridget McGrael; 3. Hillside Emily; 4. Ridgetop Columbine; 5. Biscayne Bay; 6. S.R. Perseus’ Pleasure

USEF 2010 Beg. Novice Eventing Test B (2’7”)
Dressage: 1. Blue Ridge Penelope, o/r Hanna Rinehart; 2.  S.R. Easter Lily, o/Petrina Thomas, r/Hope Johnson; 3. (tie broken on collective marks) S.R. Irish Lace, o/Marilyn Cheek, r/Caroline Shipe; Tupelo Honey, o/Stanley Bright, r/Margo Goldfarb; 5. Glendale’s Brooks and Dun, o/Glendale Farm, r/Sally Eyles Goldfarb
Combined Test: 1. S.R. Easter Lily; 2. S.R. Irish Lace; 3. Tupelo Honey; 4. Blue Ridge Penelope; 5. Glendale’s Brooks and Dun

USEF 2010 Novice Eventing Test B — 2’11”
Dressage: 1. (tie) Wicked Willoughbie, o/r Shannen Sullivan; 2. Tre Awain Irish Punch, o/r Amy W. Miller; 3. Ridgetop Robin Goodfellow, o/r Katie Pinner
Combined Test: 1. Wicked Willoughbie; 2. Tre Awain Irish Punch

DRESSAGE:
USDF 2011 Intro Level Test  A: 1. Oakfields Kieran, o/Suzanne Phelps, r/Caroline Phelps; 2. Glendale’s Brooks and Dun, o/Glendale Farm, r/Sally Eyles Goldfarb; 3.  Tullymor’s Evening Star, o/Ridgetop Connemaras, r/Hannah Short; 4.  Chesapeake Bay, o/Alexandra Duckworth, r/Lulu Malinowski; 5. *Belle Dawn, o/r Donna Duckworth; 6.  Biscayne Bay, o/Donna Duckworth, r/Zeta Bogan

USDF 2011 Intro Level Test B: 1. *Valencia Dralium, o/r Stacia Drape; 2.  Balmullo’s Katydid, o/Donna Duckworth, r/Summer Fraughnaugh; 3. Tullymor’s Evening Star, o/Ridgetop Connemaras,  r/Hannah Short; 4.  Ridgetop Columbine, o/Ridgetop Connemaras, r/Maya Goldfarb; 5. Circle H MacKenzie, o/r Judy Brescia; 6. *Belle Dawn, o/Donna Duckworth, r/Zeta Bogan

USDF 2011 Intro Level Test C: 1. Guthrie’s Bonnie Mojo McDuff, o/Suzanne Phelps, r/Caroline Phelps; 2. Balmullo’s Katydid, o/Donna Duckworth, r/Taylor Loving; 3. Hillside Emily, o/Donna Duckworth, r/Ashley Loving; 4. S.R. Perseus’ Pleasure, o/Marilyn Cheek, r/Anna Sortore; 5. Circle H MacKenzie, o/r Judy Brescia; 6. Balmullo’s Uproar, o/Donna Duckworth, r/Sophie Belcher

USEF 2010 Beg. Novice Eventing Test A: 
1. S.R. Irish Lace, o/Marilyn Cheek, r/Caroline Shipe; 2. S.R. Easter Lily, o/Petrina Thomas, r/Hope Johnson; 3. (unbreakable tie)  Balmullo’s Katydid, o/Donna Duckworth, r/Taylor Loving; Tupelo Honey, o/Stanley Bright, r/Margo Goldfarb; 5. (unbreakable tie) Hillside Emily, o/Donna Duckworth, r/Ashley Loving; Blue Ridge Penelope, o/r Hanna Rinehart

USEF 2010 Novice Eventing Test A: 1. Tre Awain Irish Punch, o/r Amy W. Milkler; 2. Ridgetop Robin Goodfellow, o/r Katie Pinner; 3. Balmullo’s Katydid, o/Donna Duckworth, r/Taylor Loving

USEF 2010 Training Eventing Test A: 1. Chesapeake Bay, o/r Alexandra Duckworth; 2. Ridgetop Robin Goodfellow, o/r Katie Pinner

USEF Test of Choice (small arena): 1. Woodchuck Ridge’s Kellan Hit, o/r Dawn Weniger (Tr 2); 2. Woodchuck Ridge’s Kellan Hit, o/r Dawn Weniger (Tr 3); 3. Guthrie’s Bonnie Mojo McDuff, o/Suzanne Phelps, r/Caroline Phelps (Tr 2); 4. Thurman Siena, o/r Christine Chatham (Tr 1); (standard arena): 1. Big Bear’s Royal Finnegan, o/r    Dawn Weniger (2nd 3); 2. Big Bear’s Royal Finnegan, o/r Dawn Weniger (2nd 2); 3. Wicked Willoughbie, o/r Shannen Sullivan (1st 1); 4. Sparrow’s Owen, o/r Megan Harris (Int. A-Event); 5. Sparrow’s Owen, o/r Megan Harris (Int. B-Event)

Self-Expression Test:  Pas de Deux, Musical Freestyle, or Quadrille: 1.Balmullo Farm, USDF 2011 Quadrille Basic; 2. Caroline Shipe and Hope Johnson, Musical Pas de Deux

High Score Senior: Tre Awain Irish Punch, Amy W. Miller (68.696)
High Score Junior: Glendale Brooks and Dun, Margo Goldfarb (65.000)

IN-HAND BREEDING CLASSES
Purebred Connemara Yearling Futurity – Fillies, Colts and Geldings
1. *Ruby King Sparrow, o/Nancy Buchanan, h/Megan Harris; 2. *TBS Declan Pondi, o/Nancy Buchanan, h/Megan Harris; 3. Balmullo’s Summer Solstice, o/Donna Duckworth, h/Ashley Loving

Best PB Connemara Yearling: *Ruby King Sparrow, Reserve: *TBS Declan Pondi

Purebred Connemara Geldings, ages 2 and over: 1. Guthrie’s Bonnie Mojo McDuff,  o/Suzanne Phelps, h/Caroline Phelps; 2. Big Bear’s Royal Finnegan, o/Dawn Weniger, h/Andrew Weniger

Purebred Connemara Mares Ages 2 to 7: 1. Thurman Peche Melba, o/Barbara Byrd, h/Mary McMillen; 2. Thurman Siena, o/h Christine Chatham; 3. Windy Isles Folly, o/h Janet Aldridge, 4. Glenmeadow Golden Wish, o/h  Kim Harrison; 5. *Valencia Dralium,o/Stacia Drape, h/Chloe Drape;  6. Balmullo’s Uproar, o/Donna Duckworth, h/Sophie Belcher

Purebred Connemara Mares, Ages 8 and over: 1. Dark Horse Leap of Faith, o/h Melissa Mayo; 2. Ridgetop Cady O’Daly, o/h Emily Daily; 3. Blue Ridge Penelope, o/h Hanna Rinehart; 4. Glendale’s Brooks & Dun, o/Glendale Farm, h/Sally Eyles Goldfarb; 5. Balmullo’s Katydid, o/Donna Duckworth, h/Summer Fraughnaugh; 6. Thurman Kerry Pippin, o/h Stacia Drape

Best Connemara Purebred of the Day: Dark Horse Leap of Faith, o/h Melissa Mayo

Halfbred Connemara Mares and Geldings, Ages 2 to 7: 1. Gallo’s Heavenly Breeze, o/h Katie Pinner; 2. Irish Twist, o/h Melissa Mayo; 3. Cady O’Daly Class Pet, o/h Alicia Daily; 4. Woodchuck Ridge’s Kellan Hit, o/h Dawn Weniger; 5. ArtCeltic Tiara, o/h Janet Gunn; 6. Cinnamon Twist, o/h Melissa Mayo

Halfbred Connemara Mares and Geldings, Ages 8 and over: 1. Sparrow’s Owen, o/h Megan Harris; 2. Tre Awain Irish Punch, o/h Amy W. Miller; 3. Ridgetop Blue Willow, o/h Ella Eavers; 4. Morning Glory’s Belle Fille, o/h Janet Gunn; 5. Biscayne Bay, o/Donna Duckworth, h/Zeta Bogan; 6. Chesapeake Bay, o/Donna Duckworth, h/Lulu Malinowski

Best Halfbred Connemara of the Day: Sparrow’s Owen, Megan Harris

Connemara Get of Sire:  1. Get of Concord River Roaringwater Bay I; 2. Get of Aladdin’s Denver; 3. Get of Concord River Roaringwater Bay II.

Junior Showmanship: 1. Biscayne Bay,  o/Donna Duckworth, h/Zeta Bogan; 2. Balmullo’s Uproar, o/Donna Duckworth, h/Sophie Belcher; 3. Chesapeake Bay, o/Alexandra Duckworth, h/Lulu Malinowski

PERFORMANCE CLASSES:
Shamrock Green Connemara Hack: 1. Castlebar Bridget McGrael, o/r Kim Harrison; 2. Stonewall, o/Victoria Bauer, r/Nora Goldfarb

Halfbred Green Connemara Under Saddle: 1. Woodchuck Ridge’s Kellan Hit, o/r Dawn Weniger; 2.  S.R. Perseus’ Pleasure, o/Marilyn Cheek, r/Anna Sortore; 3. Stonewall, o/Victoria Bauer, r/Nora Goldfarb, 4. Biscayne Bay, o/Donna Duckworth, r/Zeta Bogan

Halfbred Green Connemara Over Fences: 1. S.R. Perseus’ Pleasure, o/Marilyn Cheek, r/Anna Sortore; 2. Stonewall, o/Victoria Bauer, r/Nora Goldfarb; 3. Biscayne Bay, o/Donna Duckworth, r/Zeta Bogan

Purebred Green Connemaras Under Saddle: 1. Thurman Siena, o/r Christine Chatham; 2. Castlebar Bridget McGrael, Kim Harrison o/r; 3. Hillside Emily, o/Donna Duckworth, r/Ashley Loving; 4. Glendale’s Brooks & Dun, o/Glendale Farm, r/Sally Eyles Goldfarb; 5. 3. Balmullo’s Uproar, o/Donna Duckworth, r/Sophie Belcher;

Purebred Green Connemaras Over Fences: 1. Glendale’s Brooks & Dun, o/Glendale Farm, r/Sally Eyles Goldfarb; 2. Thurman Siena, o/r Christine Chatham; 3. Castlebar Bridget McGrael, o/r Kim Harrison; 4. Hillside Emily, o/Donna Duckworth, r/Ashley Loving

OPEN HALFBRED DIVISION:
Halfbred Connemara Under Saddle: 1. S.R. Easter Lily, o/Petrina Thomas, r/Hope Johnson; 2. Ridgetop Blue Willow, o/r Ella Eavers; 3. Ridgetop Columbine o/Ridgetop Connemaras, r/Maya Goldfarb; 4. Tupelo Honey, o/Stanley Bright, r/Margo Goldfarb; 5. Chesapeake Bay, o/r Alexandra Duckworth; 6. S.R. Irish Lace, o/Marilyn Cheek, r/Caroline  Shipe

Halfbred Connemara Over Fences I: 1. S.R. Irish Lace, o/Marilyn Cheek, r/Caroline Shipe; 2. S.R. Easter Lily, o/Petrina Thomas, r/Hope Johnson; 3. Ridgetop Blue Willow, o/r Ella Eavers; 4. Chesapeake Bay, o/r Alexandra Duckworth; 5. Tupelo Honey, o/Stanley Bright, r/Margo Goldfarb; 6. Ridgetop Columbine, o/Ridgetop Connemaras, r/Maya Goldfarb

Halfbred Connemara Over Fences II: 1. Tupelo Honey, o/Stanley Bright, r/Margo Goldfarb; 2. S.R. Irish Lace, o/Marilyn Cheek, r/Caroline Shipe; 3. S.R. Easter Lily, o/Petrina Thomas, r/Hope Johnson; 4. Ridgetop Blue Willow, o/r Ella Eavers; 5. Chesapeake Bay, o/r Alexandra Duckworth, 6. Ridgetop Columbine, o/Ridgetop Connemaras, r/Maya Goldfarb

Champion: S.R. Easter Lily, o/Petrina Thomas, r/Hope Johnson
Reserve: S.R. Irish Lace, o/Marilyn Cheek, r/Caroline Shipe

OPEN PUREBRED DIVISION:
Purebred Connemara Under Saddle: 1. Thurman Peche Melba, o/Barbara Byrd, r/Mary McMillen; 2. Guthrie’s Bonnie Mojo McDuff, o/Suzanne Phelps, r/Caroline Phelps; 3. Ridgetop Robin Goodfellow, o/r Katie Pinner; 4. Balmullo’s Katydid, o/Donna Duckworth, h/Summer Fraughnaugh; 5. Blue Ridge Penelope, o/r Hanna Rinehart’ 6. *Belle Dawn,  o/Donna Duckworth, r/Zeta Bogan

Purebred Connemara Over Fences I: 1. Blue Ridge Penelope, o/r Hanna Rinehart; 2. Thurman Peche Melba, o/Barbara Byrd, r/Mary McMillen; 3. Glendale’s Brooks and Dun, o/Glendale Farm, r/Sally Eyles Goldfarb; 4. Ridgetop Robin Goodfellow, o/r Katie Pinner

Purebred Connemara Over Fences II: 1. Blue Ridge Penelope, o/r Hanna Rinehart; 2. Thurman Peche Melba, o/Barbara Byrd, r/Mary McMillen; 3. Ridgetop Robin Goodfellow, o/r Katie Pinner; 4. Glendale’s Brooks and Dun, o/Glendale Farm, r/Sally Eyles Goldfarb

Champion: Thurman Peche Melba, o/Barbara Byrd, r/Mary McMillen
Reserve: Blue Ridge Penelope, o/r Hanna Rinehart

MOUNTAIN AND MOORLAND DIVISION
Purebred Mountain & Moorland Mares, 8 years and under: 1. Bayshore Extravagance (Dartmoor), o/h Megan Fullgraf, 2. Bayshore Pastime (Dartmoor), o/h Libby Whitley Fulton

Purebred Mountain & Moorland Mares over 8 years: 1. Tuscani Myfanwy (Welsh cob), o/h Lee Stevenson

Purebred Mountain & Moorland Colts & Geldings, 8 years and under: 1. Buffalo Lilly Hopper (Dartmoor), o/h Anne-Louise Bonda; 2. Wicked Willoughbie (New Forest), o/h Shannen Sullivan

Purebred Mountain & Moorland Geldings over 8 years: 1. Circle H MacKenzie (Highland), o/h Judy Brescia

In-Hand Champion: Bayshore Extravagance (Dartmoor), o/h Megan Fullgraf
Reserve: Tuscani Myfanwy, Lee Stevenson

Mountain and Moorland Under Saddle: 1. Wicked Willoughbie, o/r Shannen Sullivan; 2. Tuscani Myfanwy, o/r Lee Stevenson; 3. Circle H MacKenzie, o/r Judy Brescia

Mountain and Moorland Under Saddle: 1. Tuscani Myfanwy, o/r Lee Stevenson; 2. Wicked Willoughbie, o/r Shannen Sullivan; 3. Circle H MacKenzie, o/r Judy Brescia


MISCELLANEOUS CLASSES
Fancy Dress (All Winners): Kim and Lydia Harrison with Glenmeadow Golden Wish and Castlebar Bridget McGrael, “Pirates of the Connemara!”; Judy Brescia and Circle H. MacKenzie, “The Biggest Pinata in the World”; Ella Eavers and Ridgetop Blue Willow, “Victorian Garden”; Petrina Thomas, Joseph Ferguson, and S.R. Perseus’ Pleasure, “Spiderman”; and Dawn, Anna, and Andrew Weniger with `Woodchuck Ridge’s Kellan Hit and Big Bear’s Royal Finnegan, “Devils, Angels, and Attendant Imp”

Future Olympians – Leadline: 1. Joseph Ferguson on S.R. Perseus’ Pleasure

Families: 1. Eyles and Goldfarb / Aladdin’s Denver Family; 2. Loving Family; 3. C.R. Roaringwater Bay Family; 4. Balmullo Farm Family

The Great Egg and Spoon Challenge: 1. Ashley Loving on Hillside Emily; 2. Maya Goldfarb on Ridgetop Columbine; 3. Sally Eyles Goldfarb on Glendale’s Brooks and  Dun; 4. Margo Goldfarb on Tupelo Honey; 5. Kim Harrison on Glenmeadow Golden Wish, 6. Caroline Shipe on S.R. Irish Lace

Half Century LTD (Vintage Class): 1. Ridgetop Columbine, o/Ridgetop Connemaras, r/Marynell Eyles; 2. Tupelo Honey, o/Ridgetop Connemaras, r/Wendy Higginson; 3. *Belle Dawn, o/r Donna Duckworth; 4. Hillside Emily, o/Donna Duckworth, r/Kristin Caskey; 5. Circle H MacKenzie, o/r Judy Brescia

Oldest Rider: Donna Duckworth; Oldest Pony: Hillside Emily; Oldest Combo: Donna Duckworth and *Belle Dawn

TRAIL CLASS
SENIOR (14 and over): 1. Big Bear’s Royal Finnegan, o/Dawn Weniger, r/Anna Weniger; 2. Chesapeake Bay, o/r Alexandra Duckworth; 3. Thurman Siena, o/r Christine Chatham; 4. Ridgetop Robin Goodfellow, o/r Katie Pinner; 5. Ridgetop Blue Willow, o/r Ella Eavers; 6. *Belle Dawn, o/Donna Duckworth, r/Taylor Loving

JUNIOR: 1. Glenmeadow Golden Wish, o/Kim Harrison, r/Lulu Malinowski; 2. Castlebar Bridget McGrael, o/Kim Harrison, r/Zeta Bogan; 3. Balmullo’s Uproar, o/Donna Duckworth, r/Sophie Belcher; 4. Biscayne Bay, o/Donna Duckworth, r/Zeta Bogan; 5. Chesapeake Bay, o/Alexandra Duckworth, r/Summer Fraughnaugh

YOUNG PONY ON LINE: 1. Gallo’s Heavenly Breeze, o/h Katie Pinner o/h; 2. Balmullo’s Summer Solstice, o/Donna Duckworth, h/Ashley Loving

Test Your Connemara Knowledge - Take Our Quiz!

To celebrate the American Connemara Pony Society's 27th Annual Region III Show, we put together a few fun facts about the Connemara breed. Test yourself!
 

 How did Connemaras get their name?
a) Epona, the Celtic horse goddess, named the Connemara breed after her daughter.
b) From an area in Western Ireland with rocky terrain and craggy shores.
c) Citizens named the breed after an Irish beer, delivered to pubs by carriage ponies.


According to local legend, how did Connemaras arrive in Ireland?
 a) The Irish Hobby, an extinct breed established in the 13th century, developed in the rough Irish countryside.
 b) The Vikings brought Scandinavian ponies to Ireland for use in battle.
 c) When galleons from the Spanish Armada sank off Ireland's coast in the 16th century, Andalusians swam to shore and bred with native Irish ponies. 

  

How did the breed develop their gentle disposition and stamina?

a) A careful breeding program and performance ratings preserved the breed in the 19th century. 

b) Since Irish farmers could only afford one horse, the family pony adapted to clear land, carry bogs for cooking, and cart the family to Sunday Mass.

c)  The Gaelic sun god Lugh gave Connemara ponies their unique and helpful characteristics. 










Scroll for answers.....















ANSWERS:
1) B
2) A, B, and C!
3) B

Over the Rail....with Joe Fargis

Joe Fargis, a Show Jumping legend, was part of three Olympic teams, and earned a gold medal in the 1984 Olympic Games aboard his famous bay mare, Touch of Class. He competed for the US in the FEI World Equestrian Games, Pan American Games, and more than 30 FEI Nations Cups. We caught up with Joe between riding and training during the Lexington National Horse Show at the Virginia Horse Center.

VHC:  Which of your achievements is most important to you?

      Joe: The last one, an EAP Clinic. For me, it’s always the last one.

      VHC: What is the best part about being a clinician?

Joe: I LOVE to teach. I love to pass on what I know to younger people.

VHC:     Do you have any advice for up and coming young riders in the industry?

Joe: Never give up! The horse business is a hard business, you’re overworked and underpaid. You must love it.

      VHC:  What is your best tip on finding a distance?

      Joe: Repetition. It’s best to set up a small line and go through it repetitively and don’t take the same horse through it every time. Ride as many horses as possible. 

    VHC:  How has horsemanship changed from when you began riding to today?   

    Joe: When I began riding in the 50’s we were taught to enjoy riding. Winning wasn't the goal, learning was the goal. Horses have become expendable and it is now more of a function of money. Then, you had one horse and worked on how to better it.  

    VHC: What is the best way to overcome a temperament problem with your horse?  

     Joe: The best way to overcome a temperament problem with your horse would be to work with him not against him, and learn to read your horse. It’s much better to move slowly rather than quickly.

    VHC:  What is the most challenging aspect of a round?

    Joe:  Control between the fences; the approach is the problem, not the jump.

     VHC:    What satisfaction do you get from riding?

    Joe: Any good response from the horse is satisfaction. I love animals and being outside vs. inside, that helps too. 

Connemara Pony Society Show

We are proud to welcome the American Connemara Pony Society's 27^th Annual Region III Show for the first time this weekend, August 24 and 25. The Society seeks to assist and promote the breeding, registration, training, exhibition and general use of the Connemara pony.

The Region III Show brings this special breed to the Horse Center to compete in Dressage, Combined Test, and Breeding classes. Breeding classes, judged on breed type, conformation, disposition and true movement, begin on Saturday at 1 p.m.in the Northern Arena. Dressage begins on Saturday morning at 8 a.m., and Show Jumping begins on Sunday at 8 a.m.. Fun classes, including Fancy Dress, Leadline, Family Class, and The Great Egg and Spoon Challenge take place on Sunday afternoon.

Visit the American Connemara Pony Society website for more information. Click here for the complete Horse Show prizelist.