March Newsletter

Butch's Paddock

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March Newsletter

Crossrails and Insects

I was over at the jumper ring when I heard Shannon announce the start of crossrails. Hearing a commotion, I walked around to see just what was going on. It appeared two ladies were chasing a dog around the course. To get a better look, I went ringside and realized that Caroline and Dorian were actually racing around the course. Seems Yvonne and Ashley had dared Caroline to run the course with a ten dollar bribe. Dorian raised it to $20 and Caroline agreed only if Dorian would do it also- so off they went. ONLY AT HIP!! The Hunting Horn group has convinced me that we should do this as an open class at the Challenge show in June and I agreed. I haven’t figured out the plan yet except there will be a $10 entry fee and all monies will be used to fund our annual exhibitor’s party. Just as things settled down and horse showing resumed, I received a phone call (actually about 20) saying “There is a huge swarm of bee’s around the speaker at the in gate, WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO??” Well, my role of Show Manager does not include beekeeper, but in the golf cart I go wondering just what I was going to do. By the time I reached the scene, the huge swarm had descended from the speaker down to ground level and panic had ensued. Fortunately, I was able to convince them to retreat to a nearby tree until Critter Control arrived (Thank you Jenn Dachton and your mom). Finally, it was time to have a horse show and a very nice show it was. Our hunter ring was the best yet at PEC with nice classes and beautiful weather. Congratulations to all our champions and every rider. Great job! Over in Jumperland, things were normal. Lauren presented a very challenging course and Shawn ran the show like a master. The horses and riders were ready to meet the challenge with lots of very nice rounds. LOOK OUT MOONIES! There’s a new gun in town and she is quick and clean. Congratulations to Kalie Butcher and Do the Dew from Boca Raton. They won the training classic and the low schooling classic with Camille Romeu on Peacemaker and Sahara right behind in both. Champion of the hopeful classic was Erica Flood and Slinky with Jennifer Dachton and Becks claiming the reserve spot. Everyone seemed to enjoy Sunday’s gambler’s choice so we will make it a regular for a few shows. A big welcome to “Our Party” to Kalie, Linda Petz of Stuart, and Samantha Carter from Indiantown. Spread the word! And of course - thanks to all our regulars.

The Clinic

On April 4,5 & 6 we will be holding our second event of our clinic series. This month’s clinicians are Ann Thal from Aiken, SC and Robert Robold from Merrit Island, FL. Both are known as great clinicians. This is an excellent opportunity to learn and get tips from other professionals with the blessing of your trainer. We have sessions available for every rider and horse. I have included information and schedules in this package. If you are reading this on the website, click on “clinics” at the homepage navigation bar. Unlike the horse show, you can’t wait until you get there to register. Sessions fill up quickly and require a lot of planning by management. At our January clinic we filled 92 of 96 slots and it required quite a bit of shuffling around. These clinics are very expensive and risky productions and we really need your support. Please call me or email me with your reservation ASAP.

A message from Bonnie

“Dear Exhibitors:

You can't imagine the time and energy it takes to go and meet/interview potential clinicians, work on scheduling, and research from others if they are good teachers despite the fact they may be famous. We must ensure that we find energetic, qualified individuals that can participate at a reasonable cost. We are cognizant that the economy is tough right now. That is what we bring to the table. Now it is up to the exhibitors to register early and confirm to us that they like these clinics and want to participate on a regular basis. These clinics are not making money. We simply take the costs associated and split by the amount of open slots and come up with the fee. As such, when spots are not filled the clinics become an added expense. So each successful clinic brings bigger and better names to the table. We have scheduled clinics with some surprise trainers and we will be offering those clinics by invitation first to those people who have attended previous clinics as these named people will fill overnight. So register early, participate in the clinic, and be ready for the invitation only clinics that are coming in October and November.......and someone real special in January 2009!”

Jump the Moon

Our April 5-6 show looks to be big one. Circuit will be winding down and we expect all our missing regulars to be back. In addition, we are offering $3000 in prize money including a $500 beginning jumper classic. Once again our Sunday addback will be a Gambler’s Choice. I am building at least 2 maybe 3 awesome jumps. Clinic sessions will be available Friday night and Sunday. Because this is a clinic weekend you will need to make your stall reservations early.

Horses In The Park

Things will be happening April 12-13 at Tropical Park. All our barns should be at full strength and we have new exhibitors from Winter’s End and Gold Stirrup is back. Most point races are still wide open and this year’s banquet should be a good one. Remember you must show on at least 7 show days to be eligible for year end awards. That shouldn’t be too hard since we have 22 with 6 remaining.

Plan for May

May 10-11 is our annual team challenge. Start getting you teams of 3 together. You may show on as many teams as you like and we encourage you to team up with others as well as your own barn.