To Clinic? Or Not?

Ok, requests are coming in for us to host more clinics this winter! That is awesome! We'd love to open our doors and have several great days of learning for our students and clients!!

The only snag is the weather that we've been having! The cycle of weekend storms has us a bit backed off - we do not want to risk anyone or their horses on roads that are not clear and safe to travel.

So if we were to offer a Training Day would that work?

We can arrange a schedule with demo riders and lessons. Handouts, a small lecture in the house...it's possible! But if the weather is not fit for travel - we do not want anyone to feel pressured to attend.


And thus the debate continues...please let us know what you think about Saturday January 18th as a possible date. info@watermark-farm.net

If you would rather just dive in and schedule a lesson - that would be fine, too! We have openings in the afternoons and weekends at the moment! Give us a shout with a day and time that would work for you!

Feeling the Post Holiday Blues?

Are you feeling the Post Holiday Blues? Has the chilly weather got you down? Is your ring/riding area frozen and bumpy?

That's ok!

We've got a way to help you shake off the winter doldrums! It's time to get into a program and get cracking on improving your riding! That is a definite pick me up and will help to make the days brighter!


From now until the end of January, we are lowering our Lesson Fees -
Ellie's Private Lesson Fee is reduced to $60.
           Semi-Private is $45 per horse/rider.
           Group Lessons are $25 per horse.

Anne's Private Lesson Fee is $90.
            Semi-Private is $50 per horse/rider.
            Group Lessons are $25 per horse/rider.
            Private Lesson on an FEI Schoolmaster is $100.

A Lunge Lesson is reduced to $60.  (WF horse)

Our Club Membership is lowered as well!
$150 gets you unlimited scheduled use of the Arenas* as a Single Membership!
Family Membership is $200!

If that Club Membership is feeling like too much of a commitment - our Ring Use Fee is now just $20!

This was the indoor temperature on a 40* day!

So it's time to pack up your riding gear, grab your helmet and get to working on your seat and overall fitness! Please be sure to call ahead to use the arena - our place is hopping and we don't want you to feel crowded!


These prices are only applicable through the end of January 2014!



* - Outdoor availability will vary depending on the weather.

Tis the Night Before Christmas (Watermark Style)

I'll freely admit - I changed some of the names to make it more personal with the horses that "talk" to me each evening. Original can be found @Horse Listening. NO copywrite infringement intended!!!
http://horselistening.com/2012/12/24/the-night-before-christmas/





Night Before Christmas (Watermark Style)

It’s the night before Christmas and I’m out in the barn
Blanketing my horses to keep them all warm.
They’re eating their dinners, tucked cozy in stalls,
Not aware that it’s Christmas, or any day special at all.
They dream of spring pastures from their pine-scented beds.
No visions of sugarplums dance in their heads.
But we people are thinking of merry parties and such
Quickly doing our tasks so we don’t miss too much.
This season is special, but the horses don’t know.
They munch on their hay safe out of the snow.
I finish my chores and head on inside
To get ready for dinner and my family’s yuletide.
It’s nearly midnight, the carols are sung.
I remember a story told when I was young
How at midnight on each Christmas Eve
The barnyard creatures can speak to us with ease.
I am called to the barn.
I slosh through the snow.
can’t really explain;
I know I must go.
I slide open the door, and stand there and smile
Then slowly walk down the dimly lit aisle.
A nicker from Dolce, a soft snort from Lacey,
Sweet, gentle Liam gives me a wink
Daisy rustles her bedding, Oz comes into sight
Even Dillon gives a greeting as I walk through the night.
I thought about parties bright lit and warm,
The ones we don’t go to cause we have the barn
And vacations and holidays that we usually don’t get
Cause we have the animals and chores to be met.
Walking all the way to the end of the aisle
I stop to stroke McDreamy and linger awhile
He snuffles my face, hot breath on my skin
And I look around at the others, my horses, my friends.
I could be at parties with laughter and mirth
But where I am right now is the best place on Earth.

From Our Barn to Yours…….Merry Christmas….

Copied from http://horselistening.com/2012/12/24/the-night-before-christmas/ Original written By Doris Elradi

Unsure of what to get your dressage enthusiast this Holiday Season? How about...

If you are in a panic as to what to get your heart's darling for this season of giving - have you considered...

A) Riding Lessons

From lunge lessons to FEI Schoolmasters - we're here to help make your riding goals come true!

We offer lunge lessons, instruction on the double lunge system, Group Lessons, Private and Semi-Private Lessons and the have a few FEI Schoolmasters available for Private Sessions.

B) A Custom Foal

Pick any of our Broodmares and breed your own Champion!

C) A Young Horse

Your very own 'clean slate' to bring along as you choose!

 D) A nice Third or Fourth Level Horse

 We have several horses that are working solidly at Third and Fourth Level! They're ready to go out and compete in the New Year! How fun to begin 2014 with a ready made equine with a bunch of training and mileage!

Give us a call or pop an email to info@watermark-farm.net to discuss what is of interest and we'll do what we can to ensure happiness is part of your Holiday Season!

A change in the wind...

I'm not sure that I believe in reincarnation or past lives, but I do recognize my flaws and try to keep a handle on how to improve on a personal level. Throughout my life I have had a great deal of trouble practicing this skill known as "patience". I am a go-getter by nature and it is torture to have to sit still while doing nothing. Seriously. Repetitive tasks set my teeth on edge unless there is dramatic improvement/productivity/something fantastic to show for the effort. Cleaning stalls - no problem - they look great when they're done! Ditto cleaning tack! Cleaning the house - not so much! Taking a day off and lounging around - OMG get me a spoon! I want to pull my eyeballs out after a half an hour of practicing this "Doing Nothing" stuff. Sheer torture... It is becoming somewhat easier to smile, breathe deeply and relax into the idea that an hour from now/this afternoon/tomorrow/next week is not far away and time marching forward is inevitable. Totally a "Patience Grasshopper" state of reality...thank goodness mom (Anne Rawle) is like Mr. Miyagi and coaxes it out of me!

So you may be curious what has brought on this rambling discussion of doing nothing and practicing that pesky patience skill...

Well, I am currently practicing patience containing some very big news that I would love to share with all my friends! Soon, soon...I am hoping to share with you all. Very soon. But not yet. Soon. *deep breath* It has quite a bit to do with the horses (of course)! The only teaser I can offer up is a bit of video from a light school the other day but it's not the real meat of why waiting is important...but it is a glimmer of hope that practicing patience has its rewards!



The strength Wyatt needs to have a show quality passage and someday a piaffe to match is still developing. Slowly - which is where the patience is so rewarding. I can feel him relaxing into the effort and mentally he is 110% with me and focused on working so hard to please me. Such a good, good horse!! And there are quite a few others who are making the same effort now! Good horses make everything better! :) Even waiting for things to do what they need to do and then tell the world what's going on! :)  (can you guys tell it is soooooo hard to not say anything????)

In the meantime, Happy Riding!

Just a reminder to those with offspring by any of our stallions (past or present) - we'd love to know what they've been doing this year! Any show results, photographs, bragging - we're all ears and would really appreciate hearing what you all have been doing!

Wyncote WF in VA

Welliengton in KY

Wrosey in VA (for sale btw)

And for our students - we would love to share your successes with the world! Any photographs, show results and scores - let's do some year end bragging! :) 

Email photos and results to info@watermark-farm.net

The 50% off sale has started! Buy now and save BIG!!!

Black Friday is HERE! So let the savings begin...

There are 5 stallions with 5 50% Off Breedings! 

Avebury, Showtime, Dressage Royal, Wizard and Waldaire!

Adamant and Again & Again have 2 LFG breedings available at 50%!






The way it works - email info@watermark-farm.net with your local time. We'll get back to you with your "rank" on the stallion's list and any applicable contracts. Once payment clears and contracts are received, the doses will be transferred into your name at SBS!

So the nitty gritty of who can ship where -

Black Friday 50% Super Sale Black Friday 50% Super Sale

Five 50% Off LFG Breedings available from the following stallions:
Avebury WF (USA, Canada, EU) - sale price $600

Showtime WF (USA) - sale price $400
Dressage Royal (USA, Canada) - sale price $1900

Wizard WF (USA, Canada by request) - sale price $400

Waldaire (USA, Canada, EU) - sale price $450

Two 50% Off LFG Breedings available from Adamant and Again and Again. (USA only) - sale price $800

Black Friday Deals!!

We have some Black Friday Deals that need to get some attention!

First up is the 15% Discount on our entire stock of In-Stock Frozen Semen. Any Order placed between 8AM November 27th and 5PM December 1st is eligible for a 15% discount on the order total. Shipping and handling charges are billed separately by SBS.

Contact info@watermark-farm.net for more information and forms. 

Also, as the Holiday Season approaches - here is a great gift idea for the dedicated rider on your list! You can purchase your loved one some riding lessons! 

For every 4 lessons purchased, get a 5th FREE!!

 Email Anne@watermark-farm.net or Ellie@watermark-farm.net to make the certificate personalized! 

And don't forget - there are still a few Club Memberships available so as to keep trucking along in the training process this winter! Good footing, friendly faces and, most important - you are out of the weather! Normal ring fees are $25 per horse per ride, so this would be a super way to get lots of riding in for not as much $$$.  

If you purchase a WF Membership on Black Friday, save 10% on the total!! 

So to recap - we're offering 

A Black Friday 15% Discount on all Frozen Semen Orders (11/27-12/1/13)

Gift Certificates for Lessons and Lesson Packages (Buy 4 get 1 FREE)

WF Membership is 10% off on Black Friday (ends 11/30/13)

More Holiday Specials and Events will be added! Check back!!

Putting together a list for our friends!

Ok, we are big fans of the Stubben saddles, specifically the Genesis Special D. Over the past few weeks, we have had a few friends and acquaintances contact us about helping to re-home their saddles that aren't a necessity in their world (sold the horse, horse outgrew it, etc.)

So here goes - (list will be updated as photos and real email addresses come in)

1. 17.5" black with black panels Genesis Special D with a custom pencil knee roll. 29cm tree, BioMex, long billets, extremely good condition.

Contact marty3day@aol.com for details and price. 


2. 18" black with black panels Genesis Special NT with detachable knee rolls (3 sizes). 32cm tree, long
 billets, barely broken in, BioMex. 

Contact info will be added ASAP.

Some training news, some editorial opinion...Yup, it's a Tuesday!

Wilona & Sara G. 

Yesterday we had a lovely affirmation for an upstanding professional in the world of top ranked show hunters! Our Wilona (Waldaire x As You Wish) was participating in a clinic with Sue Sisco and Sue requested that the horse come to her for both training and competition. Not just to be ridden in her show stable, but to come as a horse for her to show personally!! What a compliment!! We'll keep you posted on what the owner decides, but either way - it's very, very exciting to have a nice opinion of a youngster coming in from such a good rider/trainer/coach!!! YAY Wilona!!

Now onto the editorial part...

Andis 2 speed clippers

Last year I got a big education from Wilona's owner on how to do a better job clipping the horses. She came over and generously helped me clip 2 of the horses that were in heavy work and gave me a big education on what kind of blades to use, her preferred clipper brand and WHY! Now with many years in the hunter world - she knew what she was talking about!!! So, I practiced on a few horses to help speed the removal of winter hair and called it 'good enough'. 

That brings me to Fall 2013 and the onslaught of the hairy beast parade. Our horses seem to think we have a rough winter ahead and have been packing on the dense coats like you wouldn't believe. With so many in full training, I have given my beloved Andis clippers a real workout! But the coats look fantastic and they are a joy to introduce to the first timers. I've done full body clips on 12 and trace clips on 5 so far and have a handful left to go. Only 2 of the horses needed some light sedation to finish their legs and up around their ears - which if you have worked around horses with clippers means a lot!! The Andis are quiet and very easy to operate - I'm a big fan!! 

Some examples of the aftermath!  

Oh and one other bit of training news - our Dolce Elise (Dressage Royal x Savannah) has begun the starting process! For those that remember Able Spirit - she is a true testament to her granddam! We'll keep you updated on how she does! 

More loot for Sara & Kitty! :)

Kitty rockin' her Level 3 Clean Sweep Champion ribbon!

That's right! Kitty and Sara were 3 for 3 double clear rounds today in the Level 3 Jumpers! 

Every so often...

Every so often the light is just right and there is a great photo op to start the day!

My inner artist (the one with the fancy education and degree to back up any grand thoughts) thought this was a better than average shot -

"Crepuscular" 

In a gallery setting, I would call it Crepuscular to draw attention to the light. Here at home, it's Avebury is Ready for the Day! Not nearly as hoity-toity and identifies the horse in the image...but the light was awesome yesterday!!! :) 

Thanks to all our clinic attendees and participants! It was a pleasure to work with you all! 

Are you feeling the Winter training blues?

Are you not looking forward to training your horse(s) this winter? Is your footing going to freeze and become unsafe with rain/snow/sleet? Why not consider our WF Club Membership? It will allow you access to our insulated indoor ring with improved footing and new lights so that you and your horse are toasty warm and able to make progress all through the winter season!

- Unlimited Arena use by appointment between 11AM-7PM (so as to avoid lesson conflicts)

- Indoor arena has new improved footing and lights and receives daily maintenance

- Club members save $10 per lesson with WF instructors

- Waiver and Coggins must be on file

- $300 per month for Family Membership

- $250 per month for Single Rider Membership

Contact info@watermark-farm.net for more information

Big Thanks going out for an awesome clinic!

Beautiful Hilltop Farm

I'll just start with a big shout out of THANK YOU to Hilltop Farm and their staff for allowing Catherine to have a(nother) clinic at their fabulous facility! It's such a privilege to work with a trainer/rider/coach of her caliber and to have the opportunity to do so in such a fabulous environment is priceless!!

The Big Boss aka CHS arrives in style!

Catherine arrived in her wonderful Theault Morpheus horse box! It's just a wonderful vehicle - handy, compact and so safe for the horses! What a sweet ride!

I can't be the only one who's excited to see Catherine's Horse Box!

A day of wonderful lessons started not long after! Most of the riders did a fair amount of canter work - pirouettes, changes and becoming better at setting the horses up for success in the learning process. Everyone left the arena more confident and happy with their path towards future success. I, for one, am ecstatic as several horses presented some of the training conundrums I've encountered and there are now new tools for the toolbox of helping them to understand what is being asked of them more clearly.

Wyatt being fabulous!

 So that's my clinic report! I'll fill my students in on some of the more technical aspects when you all are here for lessons! :) Thank you Hilltop! Thank you Catherine!

Working on a better connection in the canter

Setting up another pirouette under Catherine's watchful eyes

Big Congratulations are in order!

Let's give a big "YAY!!" for Sara G.'s success at Plantation Field yesterday! Sara was one of our dedicated working students several years ago and has gone one to become a teacher. She still rides quite and wanted to squeeze in an event before the season wrapped up here in PA for the winter. Since Kitty loves to event, it seemed like a grand idea to let them go have some fun together!

They knocked out a 35 in Dressage (with a rider error), had a single rail in Show Jumping (small rub at the last fence) and then rocked around the stiff Cross Country course. Sara said the first few fences might have been at Advanced speed but then Kitty settled beautifully and was just a blast to ride - banks, ditches, water - no problem!!

So if you see Sara out and about foxhunting with River Hills or at any of the local shows, please give her a big Congratulations as this was her second cross country outing, first dressage test and second show jumping adventure with Kitty! It was a real treat to have such an experienced rider take our girl out and about!!

Thanks for the great riding Sara!!

A Little Bit Sideways...

I'll be honest - the website is getting away from me. It is an ever starving beast that needs to be fed - every - single - day. So with that in mind, it is getting some much needed attention and each sales horse's page is being updated and changed. Dramatically. I am waffling a bit on a few last details of the layout but as soon as I can firm up concept to reality, it is a done deal. No more scrolling. No more endless pages of images. No more 50,000 images per horse. So perhaps this paragraph is an apology for the changes that are going on...

Speaking of changes - we will be offering a Training Day on Saturday November 16th from 9AM-3PM. We will be going over our training system for young horses through Grand Prix. I promise there will be a ton of flying changes shown throughout the day - how to teach singles, simple, counting...you name it, we will be happy share our knowledge with the public. Limited stabling available by request for the day. Lessons will be $75 for a 45 minute session. Auditors $20, please bring a chair and dress for the weather.

And now for the "fun" part of the blog I was looking forward to typing...
You all know that I will rave about how awesome life has been to me - I grew up on a farm, have really supportive family and nice horses to ride...well, my appreciation for all of that has been intensified in the past few years as another generation is coming on line as riding horses. I've grown up riding sons and daughters and brothers and sisters of previous horses, so there is a strong element of "family" in my background as a rider, not just as a lucky person living on the farm. (in a nutshell)

For example, I had an awesome ride on Daisy (aka Dream Girl) yesterday. She's a full sister to Liam
(Don William) and out of the same mare as Wyatt. Wyatt is out of Savannah who is a daughter to Prissy (aka Able Spirit). Daisy is a livelier, more elastic version of Prissy with a better engine and not so broad in the saddle position! There are some other conformation improvements but the same feeling is there from the rider's perspective. There has always been an element of "star quality" with this family...they are special and they know it! That high regard of "Self" has been one of the best qualities to come down from Prissy and Daisy has it in spades!



There's a bit of what made us love the big bay mare so much...she was a really strong competition horse with an extremely prolific show career and fabulous mental focus. Her descendants are giving us every indication of being as good, if not better, than she was. The bigger the audience, the better she would perform!

But that's just one of the superstars that we're working with at the moment - there are many, many more that are intriguing as there are some that are more like Again and Again, Abundance, Adamant, Dekor, Atreo, Waldaire, Alacazam...which is a very good reason to scoot away from the computer and get to the barn to RIDE! So bear with me while the website gets the revisions finished. It should be done as soon as I finish clipping the riding horses! Hopefully!

~Happy Riding!~