Watermark Farm Happenings

Milestones!

2012-02-10T06:07:00.001-05:00

We're about to hit 500 posts here on the blog! It is a bit frightening to think that I have had so much to yammer about...then I remember, out of all the posts, there have been about 5 that dealt with my own personal opinions, so that makes it easier to swallow the big 5-0-0.

Ah, well. In any case, there is a bit of news - the Farm Page just rolled past 5700 Fans last night. So a very big milestone is fast approaching...6000. With the current pace, that should happen over the weekend. Six thousand people makes me pause for a minute. I know there are billions of people on the planet but still...six thousand is a big number for a small breeding farm. :)

I must say we love technology! Facebook, the internet, Photoshop, Dreamweaver, Canon, Apple, DSL, Select Breeders, MVE, Equitainers, all the little things that go into assembling the products of our labors! Pretty cool stuff! Please take a moment and scroll down our Links Page as we have some updates that have gone up there.

Speaking of technology, I shot a few clips of Hansel (aka Wall Street WF) a few days ago from atop Wyatt WF! (Kids - don't try this at home!) Just a bit of fun, of course, and Wyatt is a settled kind of a guy, so he was thoroughly unimpressed by Hansel toiling away with his buddy Francisco...

So I think that's a recap of what's gone on for the past few days. We're about to have a bit of more seasonal weather with cold temperatures and perhaps some accumulating snow. If all of that happens, there is a chance my house will be cleaned and organized for spring or I might just find myself outside with the big camera for a change! Who knows, right?

Happy riding!

Dressage Royal news from Europe!

2012-02-08T06:32:00.002-05:00

Thank goodness for Eurodressage! That website keeps us abreast of some of the latest news of what's happening across the pond! This post is going to be a bit of read, hunt down the story and then come back to read what else I have to say...sorry! :)

On the tragic news front - Dressage Royal's grandson ERA Dancing Hit (by UNO Don Diego) broke his pastern during a lounging session on Monday. The full story can be found HERE. If you are having trouble remembering who he is, here's the skinny - a 2008 stallion who won the Danish Licensing by a landslide margin. Apparently, the veterinarians were able to put some pins in, so we wish Dancing Hit and all of his connections the very best during his recovery. This is a LINK to the post surgical radiograph...how tragic!

The finalized schedule for the Nurnberger Burgpokal Qualifying series is published! Last years winner Desperado OLD (by Dressage Royal) is the featured photo if you click HERE. And if you are up for a bit more scouting around the internet, the Oldenburg Verband Homepage has a lovely slideshow running as the intro. The first horse is none other than Desperado OLD and Carola Koppelmann winning the NBFinals a few weeks ago!!

And last but not least is a photo album on Facebook. I know, I know, some people are not going to join as there are invasive qualities to the website but...if you would like to see a few new photos of Damsey (by Dresage Royal), please click HERE. These photos were shot at the Privately Owned Stallion Show for the Hanoverian Verband.

So I think that is all of the most recent news from Europe that involves Dressage Royal. We still have high quality frozen in storage at Select Breeders. He is offered with a limited LFG (6 dose maximum). We have had very good success breeding to him here on our farm over the years and are enjoying his youngsters as the develop into excellent riding horses -

A fun day with good friends!

2012-02-05T06:22:00.001-05:00

Mom and I took Atreo and Wyatt to SFM's second schooling show Combined Test yesterday for an off the farm school. Before anyone gets super excited - we never had any intentions of jumping! We wanted to take advantage of their spacious indoor facility that is still unknown territory for our horses. Karin graciously allowed me to show her lovely Adelaide WF in First Level 1, so Addie can benefit from my show mileage and gain some confidence in the arena. It was really fun to show Addie as Karin has worked consistently to improve her fitness since the last competition in January and the test improved greatly with more swing out of her back, power and a better connection from back to front. Wyatt's Second Level test 2 had moments of brilliance with some extra flying changes thrown into the canter work. He was intimidated by the acoustics but the trot work earned high marks and his walk work was outstanding...so definite progress with things to improve upon for the next outing!

The ever so awesome Bill Alphin of A & A Photography was on hand to shoot photographs with his fantabulous cameras, so we shall have lots of photos to share with everyone in a few days! Bill is one of the kindest souls we have ever dealt with and I can only say the best things about his work. He was a very good sport to give up the majority of his Saturday to wait for our rides. I will post photos soon so everyone can see the horses!

There was one more show listed on the Entry Form - March 10th, in case anyone is interested. I can forward a copy along or you can check out the DVCTA website/calendar for more information. The dressage ring is a small, the jumping course looked challenging, the facility is BIG!

There is also a dressage schooling show on April 21st down at Blue Waters Farm in Chesapeake City. Full size arena, great footing, lovely people - and it is one of the most friendly places to show that we've ever been to! I really can't say enough good things about them! Just an all around great experience down there each and every time!

Last year it was Don William's first show and they do everything possible to make it a safe and fun experience for both horse and rider. The judge is Grand Prix rider and trainer Timothy Mellot, so we look forward to hearing his thoughts and comments in a few weeks!

5500 Fans! New video! New photos!

2012-02-03T15:15:00.004-05:00

Goodness, this week is flying by! Especially when we consider it's only February and the 'slow' time of year!

Our Fan Page on FB is up to 5500 Fans! Amazing. Simply amazing to think that 5500 people all over the world know the name "Watermark Farm"! :) We thank you all for the support, the likes, the comments and feedback about our horses. Sincerely. You are all amazing people and we appreciate the time you take to include us in your day.

Here is a video of Wall Street WF from yesterday -

And then some photos from today's ride -

There is extensive video footage from today -

I left it in its unedited state for one reason. Any misbehaving is in reality quite minor. If I had cut out the bits of cross cantering or the scoot and flying changes as he started to canter the first time, it might appear as though there was some genuine BAD behavior going on. So whatever your opinion might be of leaving it intact - good, bad, indifferent - there is the rationale.

And as always, Oreo eventually got up from his restful state and came out to ask why we went in for lunch at 2:30PM...silly cat!

Holy Smokes! Who needs to go south for the winter????

2012-02-02T05:47:00.001-05:00

So yesterday was the 1st of February. It was quite warm out, the footing was perfect in the outdoor, Wyatt and Oz got a bath, some manes got pulled...all in all it was like Spring! Hopefully Mother Nature will give us a break and we can make some serious training progress with the horses in the next 60 days!

But I'll need to rewind a tad - we're putting some of the growthy young horses back to work. Their knees are no longer scary looking with a lack of muscle everywhere. And as a bonus, a few are starting to build a topline! The Neck Fairy is due to swing through any day now and leave some of her finest work for the 2008 and 2009 youngsters. :)

And Wizard WF enjoyed some serious camera time!

Wyatt WF wrapped up the day's shooting with a bit of fun in the bright sunshine!

Hopefully we can have some moderate weather until April. That would be lovely and very beneficial to all the horses here on the farm! More time outside, more serious training rides, happier people...it would all just be fantastic!

Happy Riding!!

Wall Street WF Undersaddle Video Added!

2012-01-30T15:51:00.000-05:00

A snippet of this morning's work! More to follow later this week and some undersaddle photos too!

Hansel is by Waldaire out of Wallstreet Rose (Wallstreet Kid - Flaming Rock xx - Sunny North xx) and for sale to an approved home. Please contact Anne@watermark-farm.net for more information and pricing.

And for the record - iPhone photos and videos do not compare to what good cameras produce...just sayin'! :)

5400 Fans for the Farm Page!

2012-01-30T08:27:00.001-05:00

Wow! It is a bit mind boggling when you think about how many supporters we have all over the globe. Five thousand, four hundred different people LIKE our page, our program and our horses! Just WOW. Facebook is an amazing community and we appreciate having people know the name Watermark Farm all around the world!

Thank you to all our fans for the support, LIKES, comments and feedback. We appreciate all of you taking the time to click a button when you are pleased by an image or comment - it means a lot to us all.

We are working on a prize for our 5500th fan and are very open to suggestions. So if you have an idea of a cool prize - please share it!!

New videos will be coming soon!

2012-01-28T18:29:00.001-05:00

I promise to put up some new video of Wyatt WF this week.

He is going very, very well undersaddle and becoming even more impressive with every ride - all good things when he was well above average to start with, right?

But as a teaser - settle your mind back for a second, picture a very peachy orange chestnut and then a very impressive collected trot in the exact same rhythm as chorus in this song

Who would have thought that the ever so impressive genetics of Weltmeyer would be a match for Toby Keith???? Ah well, live, learn and laugh! :)

So as promised, new video will be up for all to see in a few days...

Attention Mare Owners with mares due in 2012!!!

2012-01-27T06:18:00.000-05:00

This is a big shout out to all our mare owners with foals due by our stallions in the coming months! :)

As we have no foals of our own coming this year, we would love to brag about the girls that are in foal and then share them with the world! We will be adding them to the Blog, Farm Page on Facebook and then the respective stallion's Offspring Page on our website. So what we would ask of you is the following:

Please send us a copy (or the link) of her pedigree.
A photograph and the appropriate photo credit.
And her due date.

If you would like the foal to be listed as being for sale, we will happily place a Contact Owner button nearby, so that interested parties can deal directly with you!

And if you have not already done so, please send your farm website link to Ellie@watermark-farm.net and she will update our Links Page over the weekend.

5300 Fans for the Farm Page!

2012-01-24T07:41:00.001-05:00

Our Fan base is very much international and that is a really cool thing to think about! Having people know the name 'Watermark Farm' all over the world...just awesome! :)

Someday perhaps we will be able to be proud of our horses in their new homes in all parts of the world! We love having them here in the US and Canada to check on their show success and see them from time to time, but it would be pretty neat to have them off on adventures in far flung locations!

But in the meantime, we will keep training the ones that are here on the farm, reporting back to our followers and fans while keeping things informative and interesting for one and all!

Sincere thank you's go out to all of those who comment, LIKE and add our Page. We truly appreciate the support and feedback - where ever it may come from!

Best wishes to all and THANK YOU!!

Featured Horse Wilona WF

2012-01-23T08:21:00.002-05:00

From the beginning Wilona has delighted us with sensible nature and free shoulder. She is a barn favorite to work around and ride each day. While she is not the tallest of our riding horses, she covers plenty of ground and is an efficient in her way of going. She is the best of her dam As You Wish WF combined with all the great qualities that make Waldaire's offspring so special.

We see quite a bit of Wilona's TB ancestors in her - Neckar (who she is linebred to), Waidmannsdank, Volkorn and his son Volturno (Wilona's great grandsire).

This video is of Wilona as a coming three year old.
And this is from June 2011 with Ryan Wood riding -

And this is a hunter round with a petite young woman riding from September 2011 -

and then a bit of loose schooling from last week -

As you all can see, Lona has a very fancy way of going and is careful over fences. She is extremely grounded and calm to work around...just a sensible and very sweet girl.

She is for sale to an approved home. Please contact Anne@watermark-farm.net for more information.

Happy Customer Feedback!

2012-01-22T06:55:00.001-05:00

Just what every business likes - Happy Customers!

"Recently, I had the opportunity to send my beautiful horse to Anne, Bill and Ellie Rawle at Watermark Farm for winter camp. Adelaide WF, my gorgeous 7 year old AWR mare, is out of one of their flagship breeding stallions Adamant. Bought as a 4 year old, she is a joy to work with every day. Her level head, excellent ground manners, self assured work ethic and eye catching looks make her a barn favorite wherever we go. This year, my busy holiday schedule gave Addie an inconsistent work schedule and sporatic days off. We lost our training groove and seemed to become stagnant with our workload.

In steps Watermark Farm. Since purchasing Adelaide in 2008, Anne, Bill and Ellie have been a huge support resource. Addie and I are treated as family. Anne, Ellie and Bill are always a phone call, text or FaceBook chat away. Anne, Bill and Ellie know their Adamant offspring like the back of their hand. No question is too big or too small. They celebrate our accomplishments and walk me through our frustrations. Addie and I trailer in for occasional lessons to keep up our training program. Therefore, when I considered sending Addie to a winter camp to kickstart our show season, there was no other logical choice but Watermark Farm.

The next 10 days were as follows: Addie was assessed of her condition (healthy, happy, exuberant and underworked). I was kept in the loop via daily phone calls and texts (while I was vacationing in Florida’s West Coast). Our favorite hands on therapist Hoppy Stearns was called out for some chiropractic adjustments. After that, Addie was worked according to what Addie NEEDED. I mention this because some riders want a horse to do what the rider thinks they need to do based on what level they are currently working on. This is not always what is best for the horse. Addie was given a workload based on what was in her best interest. For her, it was going forward, going straight, open her shoulder and back exercises to keep her back up and engaged so her hind end moves freely. Each day, I got a phone call or text along with pictures of her progress. Lunging, side reins, riding, cavalettis and riding aid techniques were employed each day. At the end of the camp, Anne and Ellie trailered her to my barn where they were having a schooling show. Ellie rode a beautiful First Level Test 1 that showed off Addie’s wonderful progress and attributes.

For my first ride since Addie’s winter camp, I hopped on and had a most amazing ride. Everything that I was struggling to accomplish on my own magically happened. She was soft, forward, comfortable and we were able to pick up where we left off before the crazy holiday season. We had a blast!!! We have exercises and suggestions to follow to continue on this successful path. Addie and I are looking forward to 2012!!!! Bring on the shows!

In summary, the Rawles love their horses. They are knowledgable, helpful, kind and encouraging. Adelaide and I are proud to be part of the Watermark Farm family. Thank you Anne, Bill and Ellie for taking care of my girl!!! xxoo ~KSR"

It goes without saying that we are always thrilled to have happy customers. Beyond that, we particularly enjoy having a customer who enjoys having success with their horse! The shared happiness brightens everyone's day and puts a smile on our faces.

If you have a horse from our program, we'd love to hear what you are up to and your plans for 2012!

Happy riding!

Some changes for the website are finally up!

2012-01-20T08:17:00.000-05:00

I know, I know. I've been promising to get these pages up and going for ages. So without further ado, check out an option for performance breeders!

In a nutshell, these opportunities will allow other breeders to gain access to our carefully selected genetics without having to take on the full possession of the mare! Equine Reproductive Services has long since handled the breeding of our mares with great success! Embryo transfers are becoming more and more commonplace these days and we rely on the experienced team of professionals at Select Breeders Service to facilitate the egg retrieval. After the successful recovery of an embryo, there are several options for breeders - cryopreservation and shipment to the recipient herd of your choice or implanting in your own host mare! Technology is amazing!

So if you are considering breeding your future champion, please peruse your donor mare options!

Supporters are what make it all worthwhile!

2012-01-16T06:51:00.002-05:00

So our fan count on the Farm Page on FB is up to 5200!!

Thank you all so much for all the 'Likes' and comments about our horses! It has been very fun to share them with our new friends from all over the globe!

On a slightly different note, we had a bit of fun on Saturday and took Wyatt and Atreo over to Springdale Farm in Chadds Ford for their schooling show! Thank you to all the folks at SMF for allowing us to invade your lovely facility!!! And if you are looking for a super nice indoor with great footing and friendly faces - this is the place to go! They are having another combined test on the 4th of February, so hopefully we shall see more of our friends there! And as a side note - Wyatt doesn't mind tinsel! :) He did a somewhat expressive 2nd 2 in the small arena (it fits just fine BTW) and schooled some of the 4th level movements both before and after. Mom and Atreo did just fine in their first 'show' environment! I showed Karin's lovely Adelaide (by Adamant) in the 1st 1 and she was a very good girl! She reminds me of her sire so strongly - always aiming to please her rider and checking in to see if she did the right thing 'good enough'? Love the user friendly types! And if anyone is thinking that they don't want to jump - join me on the 'Dressage Only' side! :-D

So I think that's everything for this bright and chilly Monday morning! Stay warm, stay focused and enjoy your horses! Happy riding!

Congratulations Avebury WF!!!!

2012-01-14T07:27:00.000-05:00

First, we will start with the ones who make it all possible! Heartfelt thank you's go out to the team at Phillip Dutton's farms who spent their time and energy preparing (cleaning) our stallion Avebury WF! Susanna, Kelly, Emma and all the others - we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your efforts!!! Thank you Ryan Wood for all the great rides!

Avebury WF was Preliminary Horse of the Year!!!

Thank you to the American Warmblood Registry for his new saddle pad!

Videos! Videos! Lots and lots of videos!

2012-01-11T08:27:00.000-05:00

It was video day in the indoor! The jumps are not massive. The lighting is iffy. The quality of the video (on YouTube) is a bit dodgy. Hopefully everyone has an extra helping of patience and can make themselves sit through the footage! :)

I'll share what we watch for -
Does the horse make the necessary adjustments in the approach to the fences, so as to have a good take off spot?
Does the horse use its neck and back so that it can maintain a smooth arc over the fences?
Is the horse relaxed between the fences and on the 'open' side of the ring?
How is the rhythm?
Does the horse bring its knees up and high in front of their elbow (the first time through the grid)?

So with all that in mind - Enjoy!

Wallace WF http://youtu.be/2d8hi3MBm9M

Daylily WF http://youtu.be/HpVnN1sb82c

Wylie WF http://youtu.be/pmnWSvytiI0

Wilona WF http://youtu.be/6he0laf6eYk

Wakanda WF http://youtu.be/xxbFvsZ8Or0

Wizard WF http://youtu.be/b8QOeOcVPBU

Avebury WF http://youtu.be/BQNctXvh4-s

Don William WF http://youtu.be/_pwleMpBGL8

Whodini WF http://youtu.be/NmLuh9bITY0

Wall Street WF http://youtu.be/T33nbbqdfSU

And at the end of the day, we had an impromptu photo shoot for a possible client of Wall Street -

So while his front legs could be less underneath his body (he is leaning forward a bit) - it gives everyone an idea of how he looks! :)

Happy riding!

Wall Street WF Video Added!

2012-01-09T17:31:00.000-05:00

A request came in for some new footage of Wall Street WF (aka Hansel), so we brought him up to the indoor this afternoon and did a short video session. Supposedly there was going to be bright sunshine and temperatures near 48*...sadly, it was overcast, raw and about 35*!

In any case, enjoy watching Hansel toy with the small jumps. We will shoot additional footage tomorrow and add that in the evening.

He is for sale to an approved home. Currently he is barefoot, up to date on shots and deworming and a real good citizen to work with. He stands about 16.2 at the moment and is looking like he'll add a few more inches in the coming months. :)

Enjoy!

Foxhunting and more farm news!

2012-01-09T07:39:00.001-05:00

So our working student Melissa has left our area for a semester of study abroad!! She was kind enough to give me a lift to go foxhunting on her last full day her in the States! We had a marvelous time and enjoyed ourselves thoroughly scampering up and down the hills in Nottingham.

I hunted our As You Wish WF again and have nothing but the highest praise for this fine mare. She is bold and careful on the dodgy footing - extremely surefooted and self sufficient in maintaining her balance. Over the icy, slippery, mucky, pock marked bits - she finds her own way! At a check, she stands on the buckle and watches the hounds do their work. The hounds can run up the trail behind her or under her nose and she does not mind. Kitty has also learned to pull to the side to allow any and all Staff to pass her. :) So I am confident in saying she is a top notch hunt horse! And it is a matter of pride for us all - she has never received any sort of tranquilizer or Ace to go hunting. She does not need drugs to be a sensible and safe ride.

So good luck Melissa! Have fun! Enjoy Italy! Learn lots!!!

And on to other farm stuff -

We've had some unbelievably gorgeous sunrise and sunsets in the past few days. Not much more needs to be said beyond that!

Enjoy!

Select Breeders Service has a wonderful article up about our breeding program!

2011-12-29T08:21:00.002-05:00

Our thanks go out to SBS for a lovely article about our breeding program! Please consider using their 'gold standard' services when it comes to breeding your next equine partner! They are top notch in every aspect and we highly recommend them!

Happy Boxing Day! Happy Saint Stevens Day!

2011-12-27T08:56:00.000-05:00

Our As You Wish WF had a marvelous time out with River Hills Foxhounds for Boxing Day!! Enjoy the photos - 2 foxes went to ground and it was a fantastic day out with lovely people! Many thanks to James Paxson, Melissa Gartland, Hoppy Stearns, Priscilla Godsoe, Wilson King and the Kennedy family for arranging hot drinks and festive food at the end of the day!

Merry Christmas!!

2011-12-23T20:13:00.002-05:00

Or if Festivus is more your style...you can watch the whole episode sans commercials HERE.

:)

Ok, ok, I had promised...

2011-12-22T05:32:00.001-05:00

I had made a promise a few days ago that I wouldn't blog with my personal opinions leading the way...so I'll just lead with this awesome article from Maren Engelhardt.

Take a few minutes, read through it, have a good think on all that it has to say. :)

Oh and think back to the l-o-n-g post about breeding for profit and why our program has operated the way that it has.

Very, very important ideas in that article of Maren's backed up with the cold, hard numbers of performance realities. Quite a wake up call, no?

And it is followed up by a super article from The Chronicle of the Horse on importing stock (primarily for Show Jumping, but applies equally to Dressage).

As promised...a write up!

2011-12-21T07:04:00.001-05:00

Like I said earlier in the week - a write up of the NB Finals has been done! Check it out HERE!

So Eurodressage has a review of the Nurnberger Burgpokal Finals! With photos from Barbara Schnell! Go check it out!!!!

CONGRATULATIONS TO DRESSAGE ROYAL'S SON DESPERADO OLD!!!!

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF HIS CONNECTIONS!!! CONGRATULATIONS CAROLA! CONGRATULATIONS MR. HARTMANN!!!!

A very, very important win that needs sharing!

2011-12-18T07:28:00.003-05:00

The dressage world has gotten to be such a close community. We can watch the competition live on the internet from the top shows in Europe, or at the very least enjoy live scoring results come through in real time. No longer is there a week long (or longer) wait for the placings and scores to be churned through the rumor mill...nope, they are accessible and easy to verify! Thank goodness! And with this instant feedback comes a closer gathering of people who are linked through horse's bloodlines and this is the really fun part to me - we have friends all over the globe who are very excited about the success of Dressage Royal's get. For example, Doringcourt lives in New Zealand but was born in Germany. He just won the Medium Advanced Championships for Andrea and shows great promise for the upper levels. Desperado OLD was the World Champion 5 Year Old in 2008 under Nadine Plaster, Damsey was bred by Dorit & Hermann (who own DR) - it's like a huge extended family all over the globe! :)

2008 WCYH

And yesterday morning, Desperado OLD and Carola Koppelmann won the Nurnberger Burg-Pokal Final (7-9 Year old PSG for the top 12 qualified horses in all of Germany) by a 38 point margin over Olympic Champion Isabell Werth! Desperado's final score was 75.45% and he is just 8 years old! Congratulations to all of his connections - his breeders, his owner Ralf Hartmann, the folks at Pferde 24 (who bought him at the Oldenburg Elite Auction in 2007), and of course to Carola for all her hard work!

Now, some folks have not joined Facebook. I respect that, I really do. BUT...there are a few albums of photographs already online from the competition, so if you would like a peak at the lovely mature horse Desperado OLD has become...it's time to sign up!

Photo Album #1 has images of the entire class. Desperado OLD is in the first 2 and then has the blue cooler and ribbon on part way through.

Album #2 does not have any images of Desperado OLD but a few of the other horses that show the quality of the riding, training of his competitors!

And it is also worth mentioning Dressage Royal had another son in this class - the 9 year old licensed stallion Damsey! Damsey was 6th in the Warm Up Test and 11th in the Final. Like Desperado OLD, Damsey participated in the WCYH with fair results, but without the overall victories.

Some of you might be wondering why all the fuss about a stallion having 2 sons in this prestigious competition...and I am happy to explain! :) (there's a surprise, right?) So Dressage Royal is a privately owned stallion in Germany. He does not stand at a large stallion station with a book of several hundred domestic mares and large export business - and the advertising budget to match! So in other words, he get a good number of mares (by American standards) each year and has semen here in the US for distribution but is not producing 100's of foals...given that information - WOW! This is a very, very big deal to have so much success from smaller foal crops!!!

If any of the larger media outlets - Eurodressage, Dressage Daily or Dressage News have any reports or photos - I will publish the links so we can all enjoy seeing and reading about the competition and the commentary on the rides themselves! So check back in a few days!

Bottom line - CONGRATULATIONS DRESSAGE ROYAL!
CONGRATULATIONS DESPERADO OLD!!!!!

Congratulations to Desperado OLD!!!!

2011-12-16T07:56:00.001-05:00

Back to the regularly scheduled bragging updates, news tidbits and sale horse updates!!!

(or in other words - no more editorializing from the seat of the saddle)

Results from the warm up test -

Nurnberger Burgpokal - Warm Up Test - Prix St Georges Special
1. Desperado OLD - Koppelmann, Carola - 72.650 %
2. Flatley - Werth, Isabell - 71.700 %
3. Dancing Elvis - Rath, Matthias Alexander - 71.050 %
4. Diamond Girl - Capellmann, Nadine - 70.900 %
5. Damsey - Frahm, Steffen - 70.050 %
6. Rock Forever NRW - Oelrich, Oliver - 69.500 %
7. Amoricello - Wagner, Thomas - 69.100 %
7. Dave FBW - Casper, Nicole - 69.100 %
9. U.S. Latina - Lochthowe, Hendrik - 69.000 %
10. Hofgraf - Finken, Holga - 68.800 %
11. Danone II - Wahler, Theresa - 63.450 %

THAT's right! Desperado OLD & Carrola rocked the test!!!!! Back to his winning ways with a 72%!!! With Damsey (who's a year older) not far behind in 5th place!

Congratulations Dressage Royal!!!!!!! Congratulations to Desperado's Team!!!!! Good luck in the rest of the competition!!!

FULL SCORES

PART 3: The land of gossip & scandal, breeding for profit, Carnegie Hall...it all makes sense...

2011-12-15T20:09:00.001-05:00

PART 3: The land of gossip & scandal, breeding for profit, Carnegie Hall...it all makes sense...

So I am hoping to wrap up this ‘housecleaning’ project that has gone on in my mind for the past few days. Not that I mind sharing my thoughts but I would rather put more energy into training horses and working on my riding skills (such as they are) than wandering through my work with a lack of focus. Plus this post is an elephant in comparison to the other 2! (enough already...right?)

So here are some basics -
Is there no room in my heart for a rescued OTTB?
Quite the opposite, actually. I would love to rescue many horses and provide them with a better future. However, my current plate of responsibility is full and I can not commit to more than I have. You might ask, does this mean that I think there is no hope for an OTTB in competitive sport? This is not the case and I will fall back on what Mr. Schultheis said - "good breeding means less training." A horse bred to do the job you will ask of it is less likely to need as much training, effort, time and therefore money(!!!) from you. A racehorse has been genetically selected for about 150 years to go fast. No emphasis on temperament, rideability, responsibility towards their rider - merely go fastest and get their nose out in front. So would I pay hard earned money for an OTTB as an upper level dressage prospect? No. Would I adopt one to provide it with a safe future? Yes. See the difference?

Rumors and gossip...the stuff that makes the horse world go 'round, right?
As my riding life has been surrounded by horses that have specifically bred and selected for their particular qualities I find myself thinking 'well, of COURSE that makes sense! “Good breeding means less training!” Why would anyone do it differently than Mr. Schultheis said?' At this moment, I will go ahead and say what many folks have muttered to me (resentfully) over the years - I AM lucky. I have been given very talented horses to ride over the years. My parents did not make me ride horses no one else wanted or that would damage my riding skills or hurt me. They specifically bred, raised and trained horses that we could not afford to buy. I am spoiled. And at 35, I have no regrets and only the deepest thanks that my parents raised me in this manner and made the sacrifices that they did to provide the best horses that they could for me to learn on. Champagne tastes and beer budget definitely played a part in how I was raised - but there is a level of comfort in training third, fourth and fifth generation stock. It is a form of deja vu in many ways - no surprises, very familiar territory and that makes for a level of comfort and security.

So in case anyone is curious why they/we have done things the way that we have - here’s the lowdown -
Way back in the 70’s there was this awesome imported stallion (came over on a ship) who crossed really well with long distance bred TB mares. His offspring were showing exceptional promise in different disciplines, so my parents began the effort of breeding fine horses to raise, train and sell. And so it goes for over 40 years. We breed to stallions who are proven in our chosen area of sport with mares who are similar in type to the most successful crosses and viola - our multi-generational breeding program is unveiled!

Now, if it puzzles you dear reader - why do we get excited over things like fox hunting, eventing, hunters or jumpers and not just strictly dressage offspring - it is because we prefer the youngsters to have sufficient talent to enjoy good success in their new (hopefully) owner’s discipline of choice! If the horse does not have an inclination to be solely a dressage horse (lots of flat work with minimal jumping and cross country galloping), it had best have enough talent and scope to jump around a 3’6” course...otherwise it is an utterly failed breeding endeavor and a very, very tough animal to rehome, let alone make any sort of a profit.

Oh and for the masses that ‘feel sorry for me’ having to ride rambunctious young horses at the odd schooling show - whyever would you say that to me? Pity? Really? Just because I am on a big moving baby that acts up? It’s a schooling show - not the Olympics! The young horse is there to LEARN what showing is about! Of course it will be exciting to them - new place, lots to see, commotion! I lap that stuff up like a kitten with a saucer of milk! The horse and I are there to test the waters, assess where there needs to be some polish and then move along with the training process. Next time keep a good eye on the width of my smile - I enjoy finding the ‘limits’ of where they are and it will be a dead give away to the level of upset that I am experiencing. There is no need for pity to even come into your mind unless I have an arterial bleed and can not catch the bugger. Quiet is wonderful but an expressive, explosive horse that does not try to unload me at every opportunity is just fine, too.

How do I get to Carnegie Hall?
Practice Man. Practice. This is the punch line to an old joke about a first time visitor to NYC who pulls over to ask the Hippie panhandling on a corner - How do I get to Carnegie Hall?
So expand that a step - how do I make progress with my riding? Practice!

Plain and simple! Get the best quality instruction so that you understand the timing of the aids, the correct ‘feel’ and then apply those repeatedly to the horse(s) that you ride until they are second nature. And while it is very much easier said than done - practice is the only way to improve your riding skills. Oh and practice is not easy, painless or without struggle. For anyone. Ever. We all have to work hard to make progress.

And if you are working with an instructor that has not trained a few horses or competed to the level that you would like to ride some day - reevaluate why you are there paying them. Lots of people hang a shingle and get business with absolutely no real life experience or qualifications. Much like I say about breeding - do your homework, go watch them teach or coach. If you would like to learn to canter some day - go work with a trainer that teaches horses regularly to do flying changes (they are really just another canter stride, honest). Do not settle for the Queen of Intro Level C or the rider who is Training Level Champion year after year. There is so much more to correct riding beyond the basic levels - and that includes everything below Prix St. Georges. Do not listen to gossip or ask for how-to advice over the internet. Get the best instruction that you can afford so as to make the most progress in the least amount of time. If you are strapped for cash - ask about working off lessons, barter...make it happen if you want to learn.

Bloodlines and performance vs. fashion
So now that I tackled that sticky mess...on to fashionable breedings and expectations, hopes and dreams! (what can I say - this stuff has been bugging me for ages!) I am a fuddy duddy. There I said it. No, wait. Let me expand on that - I am a fuddy duddy who has lived the life of the privileged rider with good horses that stay sound, are forgiving and have upper level talent. They were not by parents who won the latest stallion licensing, testing or were the hottest new kid on the block in Germany or Holland. Nor were they owned by big name, big budgeted, high cost advertisers in all the glossy magazines. They were from sires that worked hard, stayed sound and produced performers. A PSG horse does not a Grand Prix horse make - remember I said it is only 1/2 way to GP? Really. I’m not making that up. A fancy trotting triangle winner does not an FEI horse make. A low level (less than FEI) horse does not make anything beyond a low level horse with rare exceptions - of course. There are always exceptions and everyone is always hoping to be the rarest of exceptions. It is an exception because it is rare. Do not bank on being an exception. It takes too long and will cost too much money in the end -- just like a rescue horse. A talented horse will present its own set of challenges but far lesser physical difficulties moving up the levels. And if it is bred from ancestors that worked hard for years at a high level - you up the odds of getting there yourself. Stack the deck in your favor and leave experimental crosses to those who have the financial, emotional and mental resources to take such risks.

But with the self-awareness of being a fuddy duddy in regards to bloodlines and ‘old’ names - these are horses that need to work. They need a routine - a dedicated training program with a schedule that is sequential and has definite goals. These bloodlines have been bred for generations to maximize efficient feed consumption, have durable joints, sound bodies and the mindset that repetition is a good thing. They are not dumb bloods or stupid - these are horses that relax into their work and improve dramatically with consistent effort. They learn quite quickly and do not have a level of impatience with repetition. Remember Hanoverians were the horses for the calvary - not the fancy officer’s mounts or the ones to pull the canons or beer wagons. Quadrilles, set patterns, repeated school figures - it makes sense to them. Really.

Breeding for profit
This is something that I thought was a great idea once upon a time! Of course it would be possible to breed good horses, raise them properly and sell them for a vast profit. Is it possible? Yes. Is it something the average breeder with an average mare can count on? No. Is it a bankable scenario for a mare owner with a really good mare? Possibly.

That might sound completely preposterous but here's the honest truth - buyers have many options at the moment due to the economy which has taken a global hit. The market for young, attractive horses for sport is flooded. Buyers can shop by color, markings, gender (much like buying a car) without ever leaving the comfort of their home. There is a a level of expectation that is rampant in the buying public - the full pre-vetting of a sales horse is now the normal with full digital radiographs and a starting price of less than 10K for a green 3 year old. That is a very tough number to swallow for a well bred, high potential, talented youngster that has received regular farrier care, vaccinations and is sound. But there you have it. Less than 3 thousand dollars per year in full costs from the time the mare was bred to the third birthday. Ouch. Undersaddle horses with fancy pedigrees are selling for those sort of prices, too. So if you are considering a breeding venture - do the math. Do the hard math of monthly costs, unexpected stitches, colic, loss of the mare/foal at birth, projected board rates - all of it. Then figure out if you are making money.

Breeders must take the long and pessimistic view and ask themselves the very tough questions that are easy to shrug off as 'not in my case, my mare is special! I'm breeding to a famous stallion!' So ask yourselves - What happens if Baby does not sell? Can I afford the board for mare and foal? Do I have a facility to raise Baby and do the weaning process on site? Do I have the resources (background, experience, finances, professional services) to fall back on to raise Baby to 2-4 years to begin the undersaddle experience? What will encourage a buyer to purchase my Baby over one from a Big Name Stud Farm? Can I get Baby going undersaddle with enough confidence to sell to an amateur rider? Your Baby will eventually be a full grown horse and in need of an education - it is up to you to be fully prepared to provide all the care, training and preventative care for an indefinite amount of time. There are all logical and realistic questions for every potential breeder to take into sober consideration before getting misty eyed at the idea of breeding their precious mare.

And I will share a small story which may partially explain why I am so opinionated about this whole concept of clearing my mind’s accumulation of thoughts. Several years ago, I traveled to Wellington, FL to look at a stallion. I liked him on paper, his performance record was impeccable and was considering a purchase or at least pitching my case for breeding to him. On a hot sultry February afternoon, I met him and rode him with his owner and trainer coaching. About 2 minutes into the ride decided I had to have this horse. Had to. Not wanted. Had to. And breeding just 1 or 2 mares would not be enough. I wanted him to brighten my days and teach me what he knew and to make me miniature versions of himself to bring along for my riding future. Every rider has a horse that fits their style, speaks their language and just 'fits'. Waldaire was that for me. From the first stride in the canter I was sold. Uphill, plenty of power from behind with a super jump and a crystal clear 3 beat rhythm. He has continually produced that same quality for us in his offspring. A few strides into each ride on each and every one of them, I am vividly reminded how much easier it is for some horses to perform at a level that is just harder for other bloodlines. Training them is easier as they are so similar to their sire. Blood will tell. They are smart, talented and sensible. But not fashionable or with big names in the pedigree.

To shift slightly towards the subject of breeding for profit - I have one offspring in the current riding list by a much more well regarded and world famous stallion. I love this horse. I really truly do for all that makes him unique and special. He, too, has talent but we labor together to achieve that level of harmony that is already a given with the Waldaire youngsters. It is the best example of one of my pet peeves of horse breeding - A famous pedigree does not an easy riding horse make. He is extremely talented, beautiful and not 'easy' to ride. Most people would have been intimidated by his antics long ago...I look back at the foolishness he used to act on with fondness at this point. He is unique in our barn and I am grateful to have only 1 like him each day! :) Several people have asked me about breeding to his sire over the years and I repeatedly have offered them a ride on this horse. Very few are willing to accept the offer vs. the multitudes of amateurs and professionals who keep asking when they can take the ride on Wizard from me. (and here is a public statement to that often asked question - some one else can have the ride on Wizard over my dead body) But I will point out - we have had a number of horses in our care and program from other 'famous' stallions and breeding operations and the same general opinion remains - the horses might have fancy pedigrees with lots of well known, big name stallions but they are not necessarily easy to work with. If you are interested in breeding to a famous stallion - seek out his offspring and make arrangements to ride them. If you are not a rider, find a rider who you respect and ask their opinion (candid, unadulterated, honest, no hard feelings for good or bad words) of the stallion and his get. If you get guarded or lukewarm answers - you might want to rethink your breeding choice unless you are currently up to the task at hand as a rider yourself.

A number of young people have approached me with stars in their eyes about the whole breeding experience. For the record, it is like everything else - highs, lows, tragedy and joys with a lot of monotony mixed in each day. Lots of lost sleep and wakeful nights, sore muscles, anxiety and constant stress. But the joy is wonderfully addictive! A part of me feels like a Grinch at this time of the year for being so negative. Then my common sense reasserts itself, and I am forced to tell them that the only reason to breed a horse is that you can't afford to buy what you want and you can not find a breeder who will work with you financially. Breeders are far more flexible than you might think dear reader! The only way to discover such a thing is to ask!

So what is the point of this one sided conversation...
Well, perhaps this blog is my way of warning those who will come after me in the horse business. All the glitz and glamour will not change the fact that horses are an expensive addiction with a high physical toll that goes into their daily care and training. It is a form of factory work to train a horse. Repetition, perseverance and determination with a whole lot of sweat thrown in from both horse and rider pave the way to success. There are no short cuts unless you have unlimited funds and can pay for someone else to have done the grunt work. It is incredibly fun and has moments of joy and feelings of accomplishment like nothing else on earth!

Maybe it is my chance to remind folks that we all have something to say. I recently took one of our horses (As You Wish - my eventing buddy) out fox hunting for the first time. 90% of those who have spoken with me are shocked and amazed that I did not give her any sedatives or chemical calming agents. Really? Why would I give her drugs to dull her reaction time? That is insane! Drugs are not a solution!! Her dam was a super hunt horse - other than being 17.2 and you cleared the uppermost cobwebs as she was the tallest horse in the woods. AYW’s sire Adamant was the best hunt horse in the barn and he threw great hunt horses! His sire Abundance hunted for years...she is an example of a horse that has been bred to do a specific task. Now - both her sire and dam evented and competed at the FEI Levels in dressage...but there are very few surprises in the training of this horse! I am proud that she took to it like a duck to water and hope to go out again for my own mental health.

So to tie this all back to the original quote from Willi Schultheis - “Good breeding means less training.” We need to take a step back as riders and caregivers to reevaluate our level of commitment, goals, current mount(s) and the emotional, personal financial investment that we are willing to make. Each answer is highly personal! And that's the way it should be!

So I think that is everything. Somehow I doubt that I will sleep better tonight - probably will find a way to fret that the burning torches and pitchforks will be rallying at dawn at my front door! ;) Ah well, if you all aren't there...I will read the Dressage Curmudgeon's latest blog and shake my head at how ridiculous people can be.

Happy riding!

Part 2: Factory work, vetting a horse, pricing a horse...it's all coming out now!

2011-12-15T08:54:00.002-05:00

So this Part 2.
I will undoubtedly be crossing lines and annoying folks with this explanation of why things are the way they are.

Purchasing a horse
I mentioned buying a horse with training rather than a young horse. Breeding, raising, training and observing sales have been a part of my life since I was tiny. This farm is after all, a business. But there has been a dramatic shift in the mentality of folks who come in the driveway over the past 20 years. And for the record - I own 1 horse. Just 1 retired horse who is not for sale. So I have no dog in this fight beyond giving up training time on the other horses to show a buyer the horse(s) they have picked out from an internet ad. That means several hours of grooming, training and handling have been set aside from the day’s schedule to focus on the buyer and presenting our sale horse(s) in the best possible way on this particular day. I enjoy showing our horses that are for sale! I am proud of the 40+ years of hard work, the agonizing decisions of who to breed to whom, the training, the feeding, the farrier, the veterinary care...it is like going to a competition and showing off your training methods but at home.

Numerous times I have heard A) “I spent a ton of $$ buying a youngster from Mr. Fancypants Studfarm and now only have $x,xxx to spend since I spent $xxx,xxx trying to train it/it went lame and the vet bills destroyed my savings. You need to convince your mother to cut me a deal.”
Wow. Just wow. Let me refer you to the above paragraph in which I hope it clearly states the fact that I own 1 horse. How precisely should I approach the owner, breeder, trainer of the horses and work a magical spell that will cloud her mind for weeks/months/years over the amount she is willing to accept for an equine into which she has invested a serious chunk of change? ‘Cause maybe I can convince her to put in some other luxury features in my life without sacrificing anything else...hmmm, what will I go out an buy first - a fancy boat? A Ferrari? Think she’d notice? You never know, right? Perhaps I’ll find this magic memory dust in the yard near my hedge or out by the garden’s edge! Time to go out and check!!! NOW!
I’ll let folks in on a secret and my tact is non-existent on this topic. My mother is a human being. Grow a set, talk to her yourself and explain your situation like an adult. Leave me out of it. Do NOT drag me into a situation that does not concern me. It’s is none of my business.

Or B) “I want a horse with FEI training and the ability to progress to Grand Prix, child safe so my cousin (who’s never ridden before) can work it after school for me, sound, a perfect vetting, less than 10 years old for under $20K and it needs to go cross country alone, hack on the buckle, live out 24/7, still have the ability to knock out a 75%+ at PSG/I1 and be a black/dark bay gelding with lotsa white.”
Ok! Sign me up! I want a few of these too! Cha-ching! Money in the bank!!! I can sell 100 of them for a small profit and retire!

C) This is the real kicker of watching sales and something I struggle constantly with to understand - “I (the buyer) will not look at chestnut horses.”
I’m really going out on a ledge with this one but will say it any way - A good horse has no color. This is an old horseman’s saying which really means that if you are looking for a horse to ride - the color should not matter. Now I know that in this day and age, people are presented with all sorts of options of what color would they like the color of their laptop cover, car interior, rugs, coffee cups, plates, wall coverings, curtains...it’s all able to be customized to meet precisely what the consumer wants. Horses are not cars. They do not have a key that can be turned and they are not born with gears that anyone can learn to operate. They have opinions, personalities and can frequently act out in an unpredictable manner.
A breeder does not have a button that they can push at conception to select markings, color and gender. It just doesn’t work that way. In a sense it would be fun to have the ability to generate a custom colored, gendered foal and hand pick which characteristics of a particular ancestor will come through - but it doesn’t work that way. Chestnut is recessive. Our breeding program has a lot of Absatz blood in it. Absatz was chestnut and an extremely important sire in Hannover. We will always have chestnut horses. It is the way it is. There are sires out there that repress chestnut but we have not seen enough of their produce in the competition ring at a level high enough to sacrifice the talent that is coming from our chestnut gene carrying stallions. It would downgrade our stock to breed only for dark coats. A good horse is a good horse and all that.

Bottom line to all the buyers out there -
Expand your horizons and look at horses based on their abilities. Negotiate prices with the owner of the horse. Leave the rider/holder of the lead rope out of the financial matters.

Commitment is a dirty word. Apparently.
A young horse will require a certain level of commitment from their new owner. Not just financially but in the amount of time it takes to teach them new skills. Mom and I will joke about our jobs being similar to working on an assembly line - 2000 repetitions to ‘set’ a new skill. You want nice canter to trot transitions - Ok! That’s 25 downward transitions per day for 80 days. A nice half pass - well, stretch that out to 150 days as it is both a stretching and compression and power movement, so not necessarily something to do each and every day with a green horse. Horse training requires a mindset of “time to make the doughnuts.” It really does. It is an exercise program where you get to build fitness, strength, power and flexibility. Monotony is the name of the game and to keep your horse balanced, there is cross training involved and a team effort of modalities.

So this is the perfect moment to explain pricing a horse. In B) above, I listed what would be many people’s dream equine with an out of this world reasonable price. In the paragraph above, you got to read the secret of how to get nice downward transitions - 25 per day for 80 days. No shortcuts, no gimmicks - just hard work for the horse and the rider developing the dialogue of how-to. An average, run of the mill, no frills car costs around 15K. A slightly nicer car with more features (i.e. horse with more training), say 25K. A really fancy car with loads of features (leather, power everything, heated seats) - say 80-100K. Apply that methodology/mindset to pricing a horse with undersaddle training. Instead of leather seats and a walnut dash, you get flying changes and pirouettes. Power windows are replaced by expressive lateral work with loads of power and crossing. The no frills horse will have the ability to advance beyond their current level but will require the commitment of time, energy and effort from their owner. Does this make sense?

The Vetting
A horse is an animal. It is not a machine. There is no crystal ball to their future. There are no absolute guarantees. The buyer will be getting a snapshot of where the horse is at that moment. What they have lived with thus far in their lives. Nothing more, nothing less. Radiographs are going to show many details that might frighten you with their clarity and detail but a clean set of x-rays does not guarantee future soundness.

Mom has a wonderful story (see, this is where folks should approach her and talk to her) of a famous veterinarian who was a teaching professor in regards to x-rays from back in the early 80’s.
-Good cartilage is the be all and end all of a horse’s career. A tough, sound horse will be able to overcome/ignore many bony defects and still compete, work, train at a high level. Dr. Whomever would hold up some frighteningly horrific films of a three year old for a group of new students. They would pontificate on all of the findings, OCD’s, chips, arthritic changes, and the massive amounts of degenerative joint disease at great length. At the end of the class, he would then produce photos of the horse’s 2 Olympic medals. In three day eventing.

I am not saying that spending a serious chunk of change is a small matter. Quite the opposite, actually. Nor am I saying that a vetting is useless. I tend to think of a vetting as a snapshot and a quick glimpse into what luggage a horse can carry with them and still perform. A prospect is a gamble - no way around it. A horse with proper training, a good feeding program and history of working hard for a living will have wear and tear just like a human’s knees and ankles do if they are a distance runner. The manner in which the horse copes with their personal jewelry is the important factor. If their sire and dam worked for 15+ years and stayed sound, that is a positive sign. If the horse has siblings that have stayed sound in training for several years - that is an even better sign! In other words, look beyond the horse directly in front of you! Do your homework and research what other direct relatives have done in sport (and not just the oolala fancy big name sire)! And do not expect perfection - it isn’t out there! All mammals are handed (left or right) and there will be asymmetries and imperfections in their bodies.

Life is short. Find the best, most suitable horse for your current situation, skill set, ambition and schedule! Revel in all that makes a youngster adorable if that is your chosen path! Enjoy learning what a trained horse has to teach you and do not look to the veterinary community for absolutes. That is not fair to them, the horse or to yourself. Buying a new horse is a balancing act - weighing pros and cons just like everything else in life. Keep the car analogy in mind when it comes to prices. If you want an ATV, a commuting vehicle or a luxury sedan - adjust your budget accordingly. If you want a young horse with the the movement for the international competition arena - be prepared to pay for it.

So I’ll take a breath, organize my clothes and go out and work some horses with full awareness I have torpedoed a few more sales, offended some veterinarians, horse trainers, undoubtedly a few big name breeders, sales agents...you name it!

There are still more rambling musings and thoughts bubbling away in my minds cauldron. I’ll get them out eventually! The ever exciting topic of ‘Breeding for Profit’ still needs attention!

Time to make the doughnuts!

PART 1: From the riding master and some other thoughts that have percolating for a while (Part I)

2011-12-14T21:31:00.001-05:00

For a definite change in how the blog has been written, this is going to be a bit of a glimpse into some of my own personal thoughts on a few horse related topics. I have decided to break it into a few different posts due to my tendency to ramble. It is a fault and needs to be worked on. Several things have been keeping my mind churning when I try to go to sleep, so it is probably best to clear the air and hope for restful nights!

The local gossip has long since declared me to be opinionated with no justifiable reason for having an opinion. My years of riding successes (and failures) and patient coaching from my mother are apparently immaterial. Perhaps this will change some of the public perception of who I am. Perhaps not. If you have very thin skin and are offended by the verbalization of my thoughts or think that I am a complete nutter by the end, so be it. Everyone is definitely entitled to their opinion(s) and these are a few of mine. But like I heard recently in regards to politicians - "If you want someone who agrees with you 100%, look in the mirror."

Oh, and for the record, I am not getting out of horses. Gotta squash that rumor right now!

Such a simple concept! Why do people insist on making it so complex?
According to German Master Rider, Training and instructor Willi Schultheis, "good breeding means less training." Let us break this down to the most simple meaning - a horse that is bred to do the job (discipline) that is your desired area of excellence will require less work from the rider and trainers. That is not to say that will be an easy process - merely easier than a horse that was not bred for the purpose at hand.

So let's take a step back for a second, what does this really mean? In my opinion, a horse that comes from 2 parents that have performed at a high level in the same discipline in which you want to gain knowledge, experience and have success will be easier to train up the levels than one who comes from parents who have not. A simple example - a prospect for dressage will be less likely to come from 2 successful(or not) race horses. Or 2 parents that were show hunters, eventers or competitive high level jumpers will not produce upper level dressage offspring. There will always be exceptions and any horse can be trained to be proficient at a lower level in dressage but the effort, time (and in the end that means $$$$$) spent will be far lesser if dressage riders start with a horse specifically bred to be a dressage horse with the conformation to grease the wheels so to speak.

Ahhhh, there were some key words that you might (or might not have) missed! I'll rewind for a second as I want to emphasize them. Parents (sire and dam) that performed at a high level - this is a key piece of information and can not be stressed enough. A high level is definitely relative concept but if you are an aspiring FEI rider, it will be a rare diamond in the rough that can be found from a mare that never set foot in the competition ring from an obscure damline that has not produced performers beyond in hand or elementary level competitions and by a stallion that did not show above Prix St. Georges (which incidentally is less than halfway to Grand Prix). Likewise, the stallion has to provide his burden of proof - he needs to have produced offspring out of similar mares to the one that produced this 'diamond' that are out competing at a level you are looking to in your own future. If you would like to have an all around horse to trail ride, fox hunt or event with some dressage for training purposes only, do not look to a sire who has only produced show horses that only see the 20x60m arena as 'home'. Same for the mother of the all around horse...she should have the same background, success, level of achievement (or her older foals should) as you are looking towards. And for conformation education - you had best speak to my mother who is not only a licensed S judge but also a trained breed inspector who knows exactly what to look for in a prospect. She knows her stuff and what it takes to get a horse from baby all the way to Grand Prix and the pitfalls in between. There are obvious flaws that make the process more difficult and she will articulate what they are far better than I can.

If you have lower level dressage goals - do NOT settle for a stallion that showed at the most basic levels - his odds of producing exactly what you want are not that high and a youngster that comes from highly talented, successful parents has a greater chance of rising to your goals than not. Seek out a professional opinion and do your research - this is like a homework assignment - go RIDE siblings, relatives, distant cousins of the horse you are considering. If you don't like anything about them - reconsider your purchase as you are buying a RIDING horse. If it doesn't feel 'right' or as good as you had hoped - keep looking! Your special riding partner is out there! In a nutshell - aim for the stars, for they sparkle brightly and it is fun to shine!

And here is a kicker - if you are not currently up to riding a young, green horse which will be unpredictable at times and educating it - gather your financial resources and seek out a horse with more undersaddle education. Do not buy or breed a young horse. It is not a means to save money. Honestly. I swear I am not making this up! Killing some sales, possibly. Annoying folks who operate on the greater fool theory, absolutely! But fabricating a twisted version of the truth? Nope.

And I brought up the ever present topic of money! (how rude!!!!) There are a few ground rules when it comes to selecting and owning a horse. 1) It will cost you a basic amount each month to provide your new horse with food, shelter and care. 2) Your horse will require veterinary care, a farrier and inevitably cost more than you expected in regards to training and education. 3) No horse is free or a gift. You get what you pay for in most instances. Your time is valuable and finite on horseback. Injuries will happen to both you and the horse over time, so better to maximize your chances of success, attaining your goals and stacking the deck in your favor from the beginning with a horse that is up to the challenges before you both from the moment you set a foot in the irons. Time is money in many ways! And that reveals 4) Green on green is a mistake and will result in injury and/or frustration. Old horses get young riders so as to teach them how to ride properly. Young horses need an experienced team (rider and trainer) to advance their education. There can be exceptions but it is a long road to travel without a proper support group, trainer and financial backing to make it all happen.
~~~~~

So I've decided to break this into different segments for clarity. There have been a great number of things that have been weighing on my mind for a while and it is best to get them out of storage. However, there is no sense in dumping it all out at once! That would cheapen what I am trying to say. And your eyes are probably glazing over already with boredom...

But I will repeat what I said at the beginning of this post - I am not getting out of horses. I am merely reassessing where and what my goals are, my physical abilities, the financial realities that go into having a business and the current state of the marketplace. And I will re-read Mr. Schultheis' statement "good breeding means less training" and think of how far ahead we are with so many well bred, talented and promising young horses coming along in their training. From where I sit (on horseback most days) - I like the commitment of years of hard work, sweat and will continue grit my teeth with determination to better myself and the horses we have bred. Laughing and enjoying my work are part of each day, so why on earth would I ever change my career? Shift my focus? Certainly! Quit? Not on my life!

So take all that I have said with a grain of salt. It is worth precisely what you have paid for it...nothing more than the time it has taken to read this post.

Coming up next -
(I know everyone is on the edge of their seats with anticipation...) *roll eyes*
Rumors and gossip...the stuff that makes the horse world go 'round, right?

Is there no room in my heart for a rescued OTTB?

Bloodlines and performance vs. fashionable pedigrees

Breeding for profit

and probably a few other stray thoughts...I'll try to get them all organized tomorrow while I'm working horses, but no promises.

Happy riding!

Big congratulations to Dressage Royal!!!

2011-12-11T08:41:00.003-05:00

Dressage Royal continues to impress breeders and international judges with his successful offspring! Sons Desperado OLD and Damsey have qualified for the prestigious Nurnberger Burgpokal Finals!!!

Some of you might remember Desperado OLD as the price highlight of the Vechta Auction (210.000 Euros) in 2007 and then the World Champion of the Five Year Olds at Verden the following summer! Congratulations to Carola Koppelmann for all of their success at such a young age!!!! THIS is a super article about Desperado OLD's journey to the finals!

Damsey

Congratulations to all these promising youngsters, their riders and trainers as well as the owners!! Best of luck in the competition!!!!

And as a quick reminder - Watermark Farm is the exclusive agent for Frozen Semen distribution here in North America. We offer Dressage Royal by the dose (no LFG) and with a limited Live Foal Guarantee for 2012 with proven conception rates!

Don William WF, Daylily WF, Drummond WF, Dreamcatcher WF, Dream Girl WF and Dolce Elise WF are just a few examples of his outstanding offspring!

A bit of farm news to brighten a dreary morning

2011-12-07T08:07:00.004-05:00

So it is raining here on the farm this morning. Again. We are using our indoor with great regularity and it is somewhat amusing - we are in light jackets and quite warm in December but most definitely inside to enjoy to better footing! :)

Dreamcatcher and Wolfgang (aka McDreamy & Puck) are progressing quickly up the beginnings of the training scale - wearing tack, loose schooling - all the things that make a good riding horse in the future! It is quite amusing to go into their pasture to catch some of the geldings as it is a bit of a struggle to get just 1 nose into a halter. They all seem to be saying 'Catch ME!' We sure love these youngsters that want to have a working lifestyle!

But the boys are doing what young horses must do - growing and eating!

From the competition side of things - here is a photo of our Artesian WF (Again and Again x Aly Alice xx) with his junior rider at WIHS -

and then I can only provide a LINK to this image of Wayfarer (Waldaire x Calida by Calido I), a 2007 AWR gelding who is shining brightly in the hunter ring! This is from Hunt Night at Harrisburg a few weeks ago.

With the lovely warmer weather we have finished up the clipping for all of the riding horses! Only Wyatt was a tad unhappy with the noisy Oster clippers (circa 1960something and almost as loud as a weed whacker) and needed a bit of 'sleepy' time. So that's a whole bunch of first timers by Waldaire and Dressage Royal youngsters who accept a somewhat scary experience without any fuss! Such good horses!

While working away on one of the chestnuts who was a first timer, it occurred to me how nice it is to have young horses that are so relaxed and calm about life. I am somewhat saddened to think that we might not breed any mares in the coming year and then think of the time that is freed up by not breeding. I will take comfort in having so many nice horses to ride in the present and think about the future later...

Speaking of the future with an eye towards competition - Wizard is confidently doing his single flying changes and we're beginning to work on counting tempi changes. If my timing wasn't a tad rusty, his 4's would be more solid and we would be working on the 3's and 2's. He is a joy to ride each day and truly relishes the new work. His half passes are also coming along and the 1/4 pirouettes in the canter. Not too shabby for a 2006! :) He is scheduled for a video session in a few days, so I look forward to sharing his progress with everyone! A number of clients and students have enjoyed some saddle time with Wizard and I will pressure a few of them to comment or share their impressions of riding this stallion.

So I think that is the wrap of the past few days...here is a parting image of Oreo the Assistant Trainer in his preferred winter observation spot -

Happy riding!!

Featured Horse Wall Street WF

2011-12-01T09:00:00.000-05:00

Our Wall Street WF is a character - sweet, affectionate and just stunning to look at from the tips of his long eyelashes to the end of his super thick, glossy tail! Around the barn he is best known as Hansel (his mother's barn name is Gretta) and he is a sweetie.

Hansel craves a one on one relationship with a steady routine of work and reward. He's always been a horse that seeks calm leadership and enjoys getting out of the arena to see the world. His form over fences is quite good and he has a large ground covering stride.

Because he is a tall youngster with powerful movement, we prefer him to go into professional training with an experienced rider of athletic young horses. So with that being said - he is for sale to an approved home only.

4900 Fans!!! Wow!!

2011-11-28T07:45:00.000-05:00

Our Facebook Page just topped 4900 Fans over the weekend!!! Thank you so much for all the support, kind words, comments and interest! You guys are the best!!!

Farm photos, musings, a bit of this and that...

2011-11-27T08:27:00.000-05:00

I'll start with a few images of the Master of All He Surveys - Oreo

Then we'll move on to the silly riding mares that thought nothing of a chilly afternoon and had a bit of a swim -

We have had quite a bit of rain over the past few weeks, so they had been restricted to small(er) paddocks and on the worst of days - just some time in the indoor arena...so perhaps that explains the gusto they put into getting wet? Silly girls!

Stubben N.A. was also kind enough to send the ever-so-awesome certified saddle fitter Keith Brooks to the farm for a few hours this week! Keith did a number of fittings - both dressage and jumping saddles for clients and everyone was quite pleased with how the time was spent, the knowledge they gained and how the horses improved!

Lastly, please enjoy some images of the paper mill ruins on the east of our property (hence the watermark in Watermark Farm) -

Featured Horse Wolfgang WF

2011-11-25T19:52:00.000-05:00

"Puck" is for sale to an approved home. Contact Anne@watermark-farm.net for pricing and terms.

Puck's album on Facebook has a lot more images and links to his videos!

Alrighty history buffs - sit back and enjoy!

2011-11-17T08:14:00.001-05:00

Everyone knows that I am a huge fan (cough understatement of the century cough) of Waldaire!

Well, one of the reasons is because of his stellar mother line! His maternal lines are a consolidation of some of the best performance blood in Germany with the results to back up the bragging rights! His grandmother

Daktary was a very successful Grand Prix horse here on the East Coast from the late 80's through the 90's.

Her full brother was Cindy Ishoy's Olympic mount Dynasty!

So you can all imagine how happy I was to find a video on the Willi Schulteis (Reitmeister) page on Facebook! I'm not sure the video will link directly but if you have time, take the 15 minutes out of your day, go to the Farm Page and enjoy the master riding a bit of our equine 'family'!

And now people can understand why I love riding with my mom and Catherine on our horses. It all flows seamlessly from generation to generation of horses to riders! :) The training system from Mr. Schultheis worked on the ancestors, so of course it works on the current horses! They are relatives and very similar in their minds...it a wonderful example of the full circle of training techniques! :)

Happy riding!

Some farm photos, a sad loss and some reminders...

2011-11-14T07:56:00.002-05:00

So those are some snapshots from around the farm over the weekend! We're blessed to have so many lovely horses to interact with each day! And then to add in some of Mother Nature's gorgeous colors...it's just a WOW kind of a life!

We have several saddles that have gone to a local consignment shop so if you are in the market for a wonderful saddle that fits a variety of horses with little to no adjusting, please get in touch with Crossroads Tack Shop in Lebanon, PA. Steph and her mom run a great business and we are quite excited to see the saddles go into 'good homes' where they will get more use!

Our sincere condolences go out to the entire International Dressage Team on the loss of Catherine Haddad Staller's Cadillac 35. He was a brilliant star that has left far too soon. There are really no words that can explain the devastating loss of a equine partner, so I will just leave the topic with I am so sorry for your loss.

Speaking of Catherine - Stubben N.A. will be on site on the 22nd, so if you would like to schedule a fitting or test ride, please contact Ellie@watermark-farm.net

Stubben Saddle Fitting 11/22/11 at 10AM!

2011-11-11T16:19:00.000-05:00

That's right! Our Certified Saddle Fitter will be here from 10 AM - 2:30 on Tuesday November 22nd! He is bringing a variety of saddles, models and sizes here to the farm so that people can see the latest innovations for the master saddlemakers of Stubben! We are offering several of our horses up as "test rides" but if you would like to bring your own horse, have it and yourself fitted for a new saddle, please contact me directly to set up a time***.

Keith is being quite generous - as we are all going to be in one location, he is reducing the standard $125 fitting fee to $75 - and this can be applied to the saddle price if you order within 7 days! He is working on assembling a wide selection of saddles for all heights, sizes and disciplines! If there is a particular model you are interested in trying, please email me - Ellie@watermark-farm.net and I will be sure to let him know exactly what you are interested in having a sit in! I was lucky the last time he was here and had a brief ride in the Zaria (and while jumping isn't in my future...ooooooh, it was fantastic!) and another saddle that I'm having a Rick Perry moment - can't remember the name!

I am happy to give feedback on what the Genesis Special D has done for my own riding, the horses and their training progress. My sincere gratitude goes out to Stubben, Catherine Haddad Staller and my mother Anne Rawle for all their hard work in improving my riding! Hopefully things will continue in a positive direction and in early 2012 we will venture southward and knock out some big scores in the FEI levels! Oh and mom gets an extra boost of thanks - she has bred my super fantabulous horses that are shining as bright stars for the future!

So if you are interested in learning more about what Stubben has to offer, please be here bright and early on the 22nd. We will have some breakfast type of snacks and coffee available on site as well as the sanctuary of the little house and bathroom facilities.

Hope to see everyone there!

****Helmets are required when mounted!****

Some schooling photos and a couple of reminders

2011-11-10T07:19:00.004-05:00

I'll start with the boring stuff - reminding people of things to put on the 'To Do List'!

First, as competitors, it is our job to know the rules of the Governing Body (USEF) and to make sure that our horses comply with them as well. There are changes in the Drugs and Medications Rules for 2012 and the new competition year begins in just a few weeks! So read up on a few of them HERE and go to the USEF for the entire rule book.

Second, the election may have come and gone but as citizens it is our responsibility to hold those elected officials accountable for their promises, pledges and commitments. Keep the pressure on with letters, emails and phone calls if you have time...there is no better way to get things done than to make sure your voice is heard!! If they are drawing a salary from the government - they owe us some fiscal responsibility and accountability!

As for the $12,000,000 Elephant on the Coffee Table at the bottom of our road - well, as far as I know - the project is still a go. So with that in mind, I'll shift over to the equine side of my brain...we have to prepare to lose the training facility and raising pastures here on the farm as it is all in close proximity to the bridge. With that in mind, we have numerous riding horses for sale, the prices are negotiable to competition homes and the broodmares and young horses will have to be either sold or relocated. We will be reduced to 1 large pasture (currently the retirees field), 1 stallion paddock, 2 small paddocks and a 3 acre pasture - essentially a third of the turnout space we have currently and a complete loss of the outdoor arena. All training will be done in the indoor arena year round (and you all can see me just smiling away at THAT idea on a hot airless August day), so we will have quite a shift in how business is conducted here on a daily basis. With the typical high humidity and temperatures, it is possible I will shift into night mode and do my training after dark when the construction workers are gone...but even the thought of that makes my mind rebel - nighttime is for sleeping! I'm no vampire!! I would love to say that the project is a non-issue and the business will be fine, but the liability of large construction, noise pollution, environmental damage and unpredictable nature of equines leaves us with no option at this time. So if you are considering an equine purchase - a riding horse, a youngster to bring along...please consider coming to the farm to see them in the flesh. The project is supposed to being in 2013, so we do have a bit of time but I would rather see the horses go into good situations and make people happy in their show homes. Some of the horses are very amateur suitable with their movement (very good), their minds (calm and reliable) and talent (well above average) and the workable mindset that if the rider is talented and dedicated - the upper levels are well within reach while some of the others are more suited to riders who lean more towards professional status (ride more than 2 horses per day 5 days each week and have experience bringing babies along). The horses that fall into either category are all very enjoyable to work with and have great potential...but as it says on the Sales Page we try to place our horses into appropriate situations that match their rider's skill level and ambition rather than just making a sale and pocketing the money. Ethics I suppose...

Speaking of horses - check out the photos of Wyatt (by Weltmeyer) and Wizard (by Waldaire). Also take note of the T-shirt from yesterday!!! It was gorgeous outside and an amazing day for November!

Wizard is coming along like gangbusters! I can't articulate how awesome this young stallion really is...but here's a quick attempt - flying changes are sooooo easy and just another gait in his mind. His half pass is coming along nicely. The trot is getting a lot more swing and suspension and his medium trot is starting to sparkle. Oh and he's only 5! Each ride he reminds me more of Waldaire - only better!! (ssssssh, don't tell Wally!!!) :)

So I think that's everything...weather, the elections, the rules changes for 2012, horses for sale, where some of the riding horses are in their training...

Happy riding!!

Snapshots from around the farm!

2011-11-08T20:49:00.000-05:00

We've had some spectacular weather for a few days and been back out in the outdoor arena soaking up the sunlight!

Enjoy the photos -

The mornings are still cool but the spiders have made a few webs to capture the last of the flies and other insects.

The young mares have been getting a bit more attention and loving it -

And last but not least - OREO!

Election Day Approacheth!

2011-11-07T19:20:00.000-05:00

Just a reminder that tomorrow (November 8th) is ELECTION DAY!

So get out the vote!!! Support your politician of choice! Support those who want to improve the local economy and spend our tax dollars wisely!

Oh and does anyone else think this looks like a waste of $12 million? I sure do!

Featured Horse As You Wish WF

2011-11-04T07:14:00.001-04:00

As You Wish WF, or Kitty as she is known around the barn, is a highly entertaining mare with loads of personality! She is a reserved and dignified mare who shows her sweet and demonstrative side after a nice cross country run.

Kitty was born here on a cool March day and was the only foal we ever had from our Volturno daughter Volante. Volante was rescued from an unfortunate situation - sadly her older full brother and dam were unable to be saved. In spite of her rough beginning, Volante was a fun horse and went on to have a super riding career. Emily competed her through Prix St. Georges and both Emily and I evented her through Preliminary. Volante's dam was owned by a customer of Denny Emerson and competed through Intermediate and with her illustrious sire, it was not a surprise that she had a super gallop, huge stride and loved to event. She was also a great horse to foxhunt with one exception - she was a lanky 17.2 and many of the forrest trails are trimmed to a height appropriate for a 15 hand horse - so those rides involved a lot of ducking and cobwebs!

In any case, we opted to breed Volante to Adamant late in life and that breeding produced Kitty!

Kitty was a vast improvement on her dam, mentally, conformationally and correctness of movement. We opted to breed her as a 4 year old in order to secure her genetics for another generation of horses to enjoy either here on the farm or in sport. Her filly by Waldaire was a bit of surprise when she arrived - she was black! Needless to say, it was a delight to have such a nice foal and Kitty began her undersaddle career after weaning.

Kitty was easy to start, fun to ride but didn't seem to relish life in the dressage arena. We sent her to Sally Cousins in Aiken in the winter of 2008. While there, Kitty learned all about eventing, scooters, dogs, ATV's, and all the other bits of excitement that are 'normal' to an event horse. She was reported as being steady in the open and blossomed into a cross country lovin' horse!

In the late summer, I began competing Kitty at Novice level and moved up to Training in the spring of 2010 after a 12 year hiatus from eventing. For a rusty Dressage Queen, she was (and still is) the ideal horse. She is bold and careful out cross country with a natural uphill gallop, quick reaction time and sensible good nature. Also from the DQ perspective, she is the ideal dressage horse - a bit of an internalizer who needs the rider's confidence and reassurance that it will be ok in the flat, fenced box. :)

For part of the winter of 2010, Kitty spent time at Phillip and Evie Dutton's barn in Aiken with Ryan Wood taking over the ride. That went well, I enjoyed getting a super tuned up Kitty back in April and we competed through June of that year at Training and were preparing to move up to Preliminary. Then the pesky Mid-Atlantic weather pattern kicked in - our cool temperatures disappeared, the good footing turned to concrete, so galloping long distance and jumping several days each week got shelved - with the idea of competing lightly in the fall season and then another winter down in Aiken for both Kitty and me! Sounds super exciting, right? Unfortunately, a car wreck totally changed that plan and Kitty has shifted to more of a school mistress roll here on the farm with my hope that someday I will be able to jump again.

Here are some shots of Kitty with our 2011 working students -

There is a mix of video footage of Kitty and her daughter Wilona HERE. She is fun to ride - like all the horses I've been lucky to ride for several years, our relationship has evolved into a well rehearsed bit of conversation. I have complete faith in her to take care of me in the area where I lack confidence (cross country where those jumps do not come down!) and we work together in show jumping and dressage! She has throughly enjoyed having younger riders as she is a bit of an Alpha...her cheeky side peeks out at me and I laugh at her for getting up to her old tricks. That being said, she was a marvelous tool for less experienced riders - if they were told to change their way of riding, Kitty would respond instantly to the correction. A true gift to a rider who is learning 'feel'. :)

So hopefully that gives everyone a bit of insight of what makes our Kitty tick. :)

Voting is just around the corner!!!

2011-11-02T09:35:00.001-04:00

So it is almost time to hold our politicians accountable! Mark your calendars - either the hard copy ones or on your Smart Phones! Get out the VOTE!!

Let's get a hold of the wasteful spending and those who are rubber stamping projects like this one!!!!! After all, what is another $12,000,000??? Who cares what the water supply is like for the City of Chester?

Come on Upper Oxford Township - we need to support Joe Sexton (a write in candidate) for Township Supervisor. He is opposed to wasteful projects like this one! The recent purchase of a backhoe by the current township officials is inexcusable. The one that was owned & paid for the township residents was in need of a NEW BATTERY. There was nothing else wrong with it. But NO!!! Our Supervisors purchased a BRAND NEW $58,000.00 Backhoe instead of simply replacing an inexpensive part. THIS IS INEXCUSABLE!!!! And as a write in - you need to not vote a straight party ticket - fill in your circles, write in his name...let's put a stop to irresponsible government - local, regional and national!!!

Deep Frozen Discount Ends November 7th at Midnight! Plus a really cool article link!

2011-11-01T07:42:00.001-04:00

That's right all you bargain hunters! Our 50% Off Sale on in stock Frozen Semen ends at Midnight EST November 7th!

We extended the sale for 1 week due to the catastrophic weather that hit New England over the weekend. On CNN this morning the powers that be are reporting 'hopefully Friday' when asked when the electricity will be restored. Our thoughts and prayers go out to those who are trying to care for their livestock in these conditions.

So now on to some cheerier news!

CHECK OUT Catherine's blog entry for The Chronicle of the Horse!!! Master Horseman George Morris has a ride on her Winyamaro!!!! Enjoy the video and her thoughts - such a treat to have insight into the mind of a top rider & trainer!

(and as an aside - Catherine is the coolest lady out there! She wiling shares her own saddles with students, teaches the most fantastic lessons, is a superstar of a competitor and is flat out GENEROUS in every way! What a class act!)

Happy Halloween!!!

2011-10-31T09:26:00.000-04:00

Happy Halloween from all of us here at Watermark Farm!! Hopefully everyone has gotten their treats and not had to trick anyone this year!!

Here is a fun shot of our Artesian WF (Again and Again x Aly Alice xx) down at Madeira's Fun Show with his junior rider!

They have had a wonderful year so far in the VHSA shows and enjoyed the victory lap over the weekend in full costume! Who's afraid of the Big Bad Wolf??

The changes in our 2012 Stallion Line Up are published! If you have any questions about the LFG policy or options, please send Ellie@watermark-farm.net a note.

With those new fees being 'official' - our Deep Discount 50% Off Sale will be ending in one week - November 7th at midnight EST.

Speaking of changes, this is still a work in progress but check out our new Working Student page!! There are lots of biographies to go up and accomplishments to add but it is a starting point for those who are interested in learning what our breeding, riding and training program entails!

So I think that is it for now. Not too shabby for 9:30 on a Monday morning! :)

Happy riding!

Reminder - our Deep Frozen Discount (50% off sale) is still going strong!

2011-10-28T13:59:00.001-04:00

Just a shout out reminder that our deep frozen discount is still going on!

But it might end sooner than later due to dwindling supplies, so get your order in ASAP!!

Here's a small refresher as to who's in the line up of available stallions:

Again and Again

A direct son of Abundance (Absatz/Dominus/Goldfisch II) out of the spectacular producing TB mare Nobody Much (Our Tops/Goya II/Jacopo). He is one of the earliest US Bred Grand Prix horses. Even rarer still - he produced GP horses! His full brother is none other than the Hunter Hall of Fame inductee - Ruxton. Their full brother Rushton was also very successful in the Working Hunters, while still yet another full brother competed in the LA Olympics in Show Jumping and was well known as a 'packer-type' of jumper.

Again and Again has been a reliable producer of upper level horses for dressage. He also had several well respected show hunter offspring and event horses. His get tend to be forward thinking horses with big gaits, light mouths and excellent jumping technique.

Adamant is another Abundance son.

He was out of a lovely, kind TB mare Villa May (In Spite Of/Villon/Pillory). Adamant was a successful as an FEI horse, mid level jumper and hunter, event horse and superlative fox hunting mount. He consistently produced multi-discipline offspring with oodles of talent and the mind suited for the amateur rider. His offspring tend to have an elegant appearance with long legs, good sense of rhythm and a sense of responsibility towards their rider.

Avebury WF is a son of Adamant out of one of our Dekor (Durchlaucht/Radetzky/Femor I) daughters - Dynasty WF. Dynasty was one of the 'keeper' mares for us out of a superlative damline with multiple licensed stallions, FEI horses, champion show hunters and open Jumpers to it's credit. Avebury does not disappoint his ancestors in any way - he moved from Beginner Novice to Open Preliminary in less than 8 months of training and has the talent to move beyond as an eventing stallion. That being said, he is spending the winter here at the farm preparing to show as an FEI dressage horse in 2012.

He has a few foals on the ground currently and they have the following qualities in common - leggy appearance, good temperament, kind expression, refined heads, excellent engagement and power from the hindquarter and good use of the shoulder. Our Aloysius WF will be lightly started this winter, so check back for video footage.

Dressage Royal is the international superstar that we represent here in the United States. He is by the legendary Donnerhall out of a super producing Rubinstein/Futuro/Magister mare. He has consistently produced super elastic offspring with good minds, international quality movement and a steady temperament.

The licensed stallions Damsey, Doringcourt, UNO Don Diego are just a few of the stars he has produced thus far. Desperado OLD continues to shine as the upcoming international star - he was World Champion as a 5 Year Old in Verden and is now beating top combinations in the Small Tour in Europe. Our own Dressage Royal offspring are daily delights - very attractive, powerful movers with excellent conformation and type.

Showtime WF is an interesting stallion for those who are interested in producing show hunters. He has been campaigning for several years as an A Show Horse down in VA.

He is one of the lovely performers from our super mare line (Today I'm Trying - Viking Spirit/Royal Coinage/Alycidon) and had the perfect hack winning gaits. His jumping form was definitely what the hunter folks are looking for, so if that is your avenue of competitive interest - consider Showtime!

Waldaire is our senior stallion and the grand master of Watermark Farm. He is another domestically bred Grand Prix stallion with ample reason to be proud of his accomplishments both in the show ring and breeding shed. His lifetime average score is over 65% (earned between 1994-2006) and that does not include freestyle scores! His canter is divine (and he passes that along), with a great sense of power, suspension and 'lift'. His walk is rhythmic, pure and undulates through his entire body.

His offspring are powerful movers, very grounded and show high intelligence. They are fun to start and even better to ride. Several are out competing in the hunters with good success. A number have gone on with their AA riders as dressage horses. We have had rave reviews from event riders as they are bold over new material and very careful over fences. He reliably adds bone, so Waldaire is an excellent choice for TB mares.

Wizard WF is the youngest stallion on our list of available stallions. He is continuing to develop as a top FEI prospect with a larger foal crop due in 2012. A number of professional riders have been kind enough to ride him for me during the last year and all of them ask if there is a chance that I would send him with them to FL, or SC as a competition stallion. He is a blast to ride, powerful moving, very obedient and attentive to the rider and even more fun to compete. Over fences he has good bascule, use of the shoulder and easy changes. Actually his changes have been easy from the beginning. :)

His first foal arrived in 2011 and is a stunning black filly with some hind socks and lovely blaze. She is out of a Wallstreet Kid (Warkant/Eiger/Perfekt I) daughter.

Featured horse Westerleigh WF

2011-10-24T11:21:00.002-04:00

Just click on her pedigree to learn more about her ancestors (who's who) and we'll let the photos of "Joy" speak for her quality!

She is a full sister to Wyncote WF (down in VA in a A show barn with his awesome owners, Waverleigh WF (still here on the farm and also for sale) and a half sister to Woodruff WF (2004 gelding who is owned by a GP dressage rider in our area!

Her maternal Uncle (dam's full brother) - Smart WF

Her 2007 full brother Wyncote WF as a foal. He's now well over 17 hands and loving life in his A show hunter home with Nardeen and Ryann! <3

Her maternal granddam - Aurora

Maternal great grandsire - Abundance (imported from Germany)

Her sire Waldaire

For more information on Joy, her training schedule, pricing- please email Anne@watermark-farm.net Her 2010 full sister (Waverleigh WF) is also for sale at this time. Both fillies are UTD on shots, worming and trimming. Joy should mature to over 16.1 hands and is quite sturdy in her build (robust, shall we say?). Affectionate, sweet, grounded and people oriented best describe her - she would like to move into the house with her human if she could.

2 AWESOME lessons with Catherine Haddad Staller!

2011-10-20T07:33:00.001-04:00

I am all pumped up this morning waiting for the sun to creep over the horizon enough to go out and start working with the horses! Nothing like having super lessons with a top professional rider and trainer to get your competitive side amped up! :)

First and foremost, sincere thanks go out to Randy at Hawk Hollow Ranch for allowing us to come to her lovely facility and learn from Catherine. Again. To have access to such well maintained footing is a real treat and all the friendly faces are just icing on the cake!

Here are some photos (shot by Anne) of Wyatt and me on the first day at Hawk Hollow Ranch in NJ with Catherine. I was trying a different saddle, so their are some moments that were a bit of a struggle for me as a rider, but overall Wyatt's performance more than made up for my lack of finesse and timing. As we are dishing out the 'thank you's' - a big shout of out Thank You goes to my mom for breeding such a wonderful horse in Wyatt. He's a real peach to work with and sensitized to my every move, which makes changes instantaneous, and therefore more rewarding!

I will be chanting 'swing and tap' in the canter for quite some time I fear but the soft, clean changes that Wyatt gave me more than made up for all the struggles of the summer. It was quite fun to be able to go over some of the rudimentary things that were quite difficult back in June, check the exercises from August and move on to new exercises with Wyatt. Nothing like a clear signal of progress in the training program! And one of the best facets of the program is that everything that we worked on with Wyatt will be applied to all of the horses that are in training here on the farm. Immediately. For anyone who has concerns that dressage is harsh or unpleasant to the horse, Wyatt relaxed and got softer and steadier in all of his work - no gnashing of teeth or fighting with the rider. All of the exercises are based in helping the horse to be more ambidextrous and supple - so from a rider's standpoint - I couldn't be happier! :)

Stubben was very nice and had a saddle fitter and numerous saddles on site for rider's to try. Enjoy the photos of the display that was set up outside the arena.

As always, it is a pleasure to watch Catherine teach other riders. Hopefully, we will be able to entice her out to our part of PA in the future!

Dressage and controversy! Something new!

2011-10-15T09:24:00.000-04:00

The editor of Eurodressage.com has always been very upfront in expressing her opinions over the years and this topic is a red hot flaming one -

http://www.eurodressage.com/equestrian/2009/10/13/dressage-become-blood-sport

The FEI has a proposed rule change coming up for vote on allowing blood to be on the lips of the dressage horse. It may even extend to the sides of the horse as well.

So if you care about equine welfare, please consider signing the online petition against allowing blood to flow during training or competition!

http://www.eurodressage.com/equestrian/2011/10/15/sign-petition-against-proposed-blood-rule

It takes only a few seconds (literally less than a minute) and your identity can be kept confidential. Please consider signing the petition in the hope of keeping dressage bloodless.

Reminder 50% OFF FROZEN SALE Starts Tomorrow (10/15/11)

2011-10-14T15:06:00.001-04:00

Just a reminder -

Adamant's frozen is available at $250 per dose.

Again and Again - $250 per dose.

Avebury WF - $175

Dressage Royal - $750

Showtime WF - $150

Waldaire - $225

Wizard WF - $175

We will honor those prices for a limited time! Take advantage and buy now!!!

All semen is stored at Select Breeders Services and will be distributed by SBS. Avebury WF & Waldaire have been frozen for the EU as well.
---no additional discounts can be combined with this sale---

Our 50% Off Frozen Semen Sale starts tomorrow!!! Doses will be sold on a first payment received basis and quantities of Showtime, Again and Again, Adamant, Waldaire and Dressage Royal are limited!!! Buy now and save $$$$$!!

Featured horse WALLACE WF

2011-10-11T20:36:00.000-04:00

From the time she was a wee baby, Lacey has enchanted us all with her pretty face, kind expression and forward thinking mind. She is a blast to ride each day - very responsive and attentive to the rider, very brave over fences and happy to do as little or as much as the rider wishes. She is a bit of an overachiever in some ways but likes nothing more than to be told she is The Most Important Horse and that will do nicely, thank you! :)

Lacey is for sale and/or lease at this time as we have so many to ride each day. She is not complicated or difficult - just takes a rider with some sensitivity/tact - as she is of a Queenly demeanor - one is advised to ask Lacey, not tell her! ;)

All joking aside, she is fun, sound and ready to go compete a bit with a person who can lavish the appropriate amount of attention on her! For more information, please contact Anne@watermark-farm.net with any questions or requests.

There are many, many videos of Lacey with different riders on the Farm You Tube channel. Please just search Wallace WF and you should find them all there. Or check out her page on the website as direct links are listed there!

Want to see the new Stubben Saddles? Have you heard of BioMex?

2011-10-07T09:00:00.000-04:00

That's right - BioMex! Pretty cool concept and it rides even better than they can say on a website!

If you are free on the morning of 10/13, please feel free to drop Ellie@watermark-farm.net a note and hopefully we can get you set up with a test ride in one of the new Stubben saddles. Appointments start at 9 AM and run until noon.

There is no pressure to buy - just an opportunity to try the saddles and expand your knowledge of saddling options that are out there. If you are looking for endorsements - Catherine Haddad Staller, Silva Martin, Will Coleman...they are the pros who are riding in Stubbens! ;)

Happy riding!!

Deep Frozen Semen Discount Sale!!

2011-10-06T18:57:00.002-04:00

Are you thinking of Breeding Season 2012? It is never too early to plan ahead!!

Starting October 15 we are offering all our stock of Frozen Semen at 50% off per dose!

That's RIGHT! I said at least 50% off original prices!

So...

Adamant's frozen is available at $250 per dose.

Again and Again - $250 per dose.

Avebury WF - $175

Dressage Royal - $750

Showtime WF - $150

Waldaire - $225

Wizard WF - $175

We will honor those prices for a limited time! Take advantage and buy now!!!

All semen is stored at Select Breeders Services. Avebury WF & Waldaire have been frozen for the EU as well. Any questions - please see our website - www.watermark-farm.net

---no additional discounts can be combined with this sale---

Some more photos from DAD and a video link!

2011-10-04T07:06:00.000-04:00

I'll start with the bright spot from DAD from my viewpoint as a rider - Catherine's awesome one and two tempi changes in her Freestyle on Winyamaro Saturday night! She did them with just one hand on the reins and they were perfect!!! For those of you who don't ride - that is so very, very difficult - the only comparison I can think of is off roading on a bicycle with just one hand!

So if you liked that, check out Catherine's Facebook Page! And if by chance you happen to want to sponsor such an amazing horse and rider for the London Olympics - that will give you a contact point! :)

Here are some photos from the DVCTA's tribute to those who serve and 9/11 -

So that wraps up Dressage at Devon 2011 for us. I am holding back a big announcement until later in the week, so check back on Thursday! There are some changes coming to the Farm and there are some opportunities that might be of interest to you!

Happy riding!

DAD photos!

2011-10-02T07:07:00.000-04:00

I'll start with the hot topic from Dressage At Devon --- The FOOTING!!! It is divine! Now granted, I didn't blog back in 2006 but I was lucky enough to be the first rider to venture out onto the brand new surface at the new Florida Horse Park in Ocala, FL, so my opinion is somewhat jaded. But technology has come a long way in 5 years, the materials are more readily available and OMG it is just lovely!! Congratulations and many heartfelt thanks go out the organizing committees and staff of Devon Show Grounds who went the extra mile for the competitors!

So the planning has begun here on the farm to get horses into tip top shape for the competition season 2012 and go have a brilliant show in the big rings! :)

Speaking of tip top shape, I was not overly social on Friday night - I was busy doing some mild stalking of Catherine Haddad Staller and her outstanding horse Winyamaro. I will not drone on and on about why I enjoy her work and riding style - dressage is an opinion sport, so your opinion might be different! Here are a few photos from their GP ride - enjoy!

There is an album that I am adding to from the DVCTA Quadrille going up on Facebook. I will add more photos to the blog, but please understand that the uploading process for blogger is tedious. I tried to get individual images of each and every rider but have to say how nice it was to see a tribute to those who protect and help all of us each day. Here are the teaser images. The rest will go up tonight and tomorrow morning, so please check back.

So I hope that keeps everyone happy on this rainy Sunday morning. CNN said earlier that there is a chance of snow?!?!?!? Stay warm, have good rides and enjoy!

Videos are up!

2011-09-23T14:58:00.000-04:00

Enjoy!

Congratulations to Dressage Royal!

2011-09-20T08:49:00.000-04:00

Another champion to his credit!!

Here is a lovely article about the Swiss Young Horse Championships and for the second year in a row, son Dandy de la Roche was Champion!

Wendolyn has been neglected!

2011-09-20T08:46:00.000-04:00

Or at least in terms of photos and video!

She was a bomber yesterday zipping around me in the smaller paddock but settled when the video camera came out.

Enoy!

Schooling photos!

2011-09-19T14:25:00.000-04:00

So in the photos we've got Wallace WF (2005 Dark bay mare), Wylie WF (2006 Chestnut mare), As You Wish (2001 Dark Bay mare), Wilona WF (2006 Black mare), Smart WF (1995 Chestnut gelding), Wizard WF (2006 Dark Chestnut stallion), Wyatt WF (2004 Chestnut gelding) and Don William WF (2007 Chestnut gelding). :) More to follow of some of the other horses! :)

Featured horse DREAMCATCHER WF

2011-09-16T08:37:00.000-04:00

Ahhh, 2008 was a great year for our breeding program! It was our second year of having Dressage Royal foals arriving and we had a dream of a colt arrive out of our reliable producer Abracadabra (by Again and Again). Abracadabra's offspring have always had a name that reflects a "theme" - hers being of a magical tilt, so "Dreamcatcher" seemed appropriate! Grey's Anatomy was very big on TV at the time and this colt was especially cute and confident, so he was christened McDreamy around the barn. :) For serious purposes we do call him Derek - like when there are outsiders here...wouldn't want them to think we were silly about naming the foals!

All joking aside, McDreamy is a very lightfooted and uphill moving fellow. At his foal inspection he was Site Champion and a Premier with a score of 8.5. The judges were thrilled that 'even when he is trotting DOWN the hill, he is moving UPHILL!'

So now we can fast forward a bit in time -

Foal Inspection Video

October 2010 Video

June 2011 Video

In terms of personality, McDreamy is very sweet to handle. His has been growing quite a bit this year but is totally ready (physically developed enough) to start undersaddle! We can't wait as the Dressage Royal youngsters have been so much fun to bring along. Just purely FUN to work with! McDreamy is something to be very excited about...and if you aren't sure about why - just check out these photos---

And he knows how special he is -

Yikes! I have been neglecting the blog! Apologies...

2011-09-15T08:57:00.001-04:00

I am so sorry to have been doing other projects!! But we had another big flood come through with the remnants of TS Lee and had fence to repair and then horses to work...it is never ending!

In any case, here is a lovely write up of a three generation family of riders in Europe. They have Dandy de la Roche who was the champion 5 year old of Switzerland in 2010 and have great hopes for him in the future upper levels of competition. Dandy is by Dressage Royal and THIS is a video that you can watch.

On the horse training front, we have been enjoying the horses immensely! Every one is making lots of progress and moving along in their training with their riders getting itchy feet to find some competitions in the near future.

Here are some snap shots of our 2004 Weltmeyer son Wyatt WF -

He is gaining strength and power and I am quite excited to polish things a bit more. Then the hunt will be on for a show!! :)

Speaking of shows, here are some snaps of Wizard WF (by Waldaire). He is schooling all the counter canter and single flying changes are easy peasy...time to start working on the stuff for Third Level and beyond! :)

And then there is this lovely update from a client in NJ with her 2006 Waldaire gelding showing in the hunters -

Thought Id give you a qucik update on Warrick. Hes fantastic:) Went to his first away horse show - Monmouth, and walked of the trailer with no prep and no schooling the jumps and marched right around like a little pro. He couldnt have been any better. He showed in a 2'6" hunter division and out of 12 horses he did pretty well for his first time out. He never looked at a fence and was great about all his lead changes. His highest ribbon was a 3rd, but i cant tell you how proud we all were of him, especialy with alot of seasoned horses in this particualr division. Attached is a picture of him, not the best but a great start for sure. You will find all his rounds at Monmouth on my youtube page as well.
Hopefully this update gets to some customers interested in breeding to Waldaire - I wouldnt do it any other way!

Trish

So much fun today!

2011-09-04T20:57:00.000-04:00

So our good friend (and graduated former working student) is prepping her Advanced mare to go to the AEC's later this week! Sara & Lady came over to school their dressage test today and it was a treat to see how far they have come together! Lovely flying changes, easy lateral work and solid extensions - What a harmonious picture!!!

Speaking of pictures - check this out -

I was flipping through the Eventing USA mag (finally) and found a super photo of Sara & Lady at Plantation Field from last fall!!!

If you'd like to follow Sara on the road to the AEC's - check out her blog!

Social media. How much (more/less) would people like to see?

2011-09-02T09:41:00.001-04:00

It is a bit of a conundrum. I would like to keep everyone well informed about what is going on here at Watermark Farm without feeling that I am 'forcing' information down your gullet. But invites/requests to join Google+, LinkedI and start a Twitter account keep pouring in.

So dear readers, please let me know by comments or email Ellie@watermark-farm.net - would you like more exposure/access through social media?

For reference purposes - Our Facebook Page

the Website

You Tube Channel

and you all obviously know where the Blog is.

Your opinions count and it is important that you all feel that you are being kept abreast of the current events, news and developments here on the farm. But at the same time, I do not want to bore everyone and make you numb to an announcement or change...

Featured Horse WHODINI WF

2011-09-01T06:33:00.001-04:00

Whodini is a personable and very entertaining member of our 2007 foal crop. From the beginning he has always made us smile with his cheerful face and antics.

Whodini is a the youngest of the 3 full siblings that we have from our spicy "little" Again and Again daughter - Abracadabra WF! Wakanda (2005 mare) is very much like their mother, Wizard (2006 licensed stallion) is the most like Waldaire of all of his children and Whodini is a chestnut version of Again and Again with hint of Waldaire. :) We are very pleased with his development as a riding horse over the past few months.

Whodini was started undersaddle in the spring of 2011 by Sport Horse Training, Inc. and then went to True Prospect Farm with Ryan Wood for a month. He was in the midst of another growth spurt, so we brought him home for the summer and have been enjoying his smiling face every day since.

Who is quiet and steady for a junior rider, much like the rest of his family! His movement is well above our farm 'average' and he does enjoy his jumping quite a bit! While we would love to keep all of our homebreds, Who is for sale at this time as we have so many undersaddle at this time.

Cool Article! Schooling photos!

2011-08-30T19:27:00.002-04:00

US Eventing just published their new magazine and it has a super article about bringing Young Event Horses along written by Ryan Wood. It is just awesome to read a well articulated horse persons view from having brought along tons of youngsters! Just so refreshing!

We had a bit of a surprise though as we though the magazine was going to use of photograph of Whodini WF (Wizard's younger brother) jumping the ditch at True Prospect but alas...

From a dressage perspective, it is fun to see this! Especially since they ran a photo of Wizard! :) He does love to jump too! :)

Thanks to Brandon Hill for the super riding today! The horses were super and we're all loving the weather!!!

New videos!

2011-08-25T07:44:00.000-04:00

Thanks to Brandon & Briana for the super rides!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zs5du4vK9Rc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w1Pvo3UMHW0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UN14HL1L7YA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7voOakHMi0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MAHJBjVcaXg

Website updates, a happy Waldaire youngster's owner checks in!

2011-08-22T07:40:00.001-04:00

Now in the hectic pace of everyone's life, I know you are just setting aside the time to browse through the farm website and check for grammatical errors and broken links! Lot of updates to the sales pages (2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, Undersaddle, Dressage Royal Offspring), Waldaire has a new page - 2nd Generation (for his grand get), Dressage Royal has another photo gallery added, all the new videos are uploaded to Wylie, Wilona, Whodini, Wallace, Wizard, Wakanda, Sabrina, Savannah, Amelia, Waterlily, Daylily, Wall Street, Alexis, As You Wish's pages and I feel like I have forgotten a page or two. Hmmmm. Well, have a look when you have time! If you catch any errors, please pop an email my way - Ellie@watermark-farm.net Thanks in advance!

And here is the second bit of super news -
Hello!
This is a video of my favorie 2006 Waldaire Gelding, my horse Warrick, at his first horse show off the property. We went to Monmouth and he walked off the truck and acted like he had been doing this showing thing all his life. Couldnt have been any better! Thought youd enjoy seeing some of his recent video clips. Take Care!!!
Trish

with the accompanying video of Warrick.

Featured horse of the week Daylily WF

2011-08-21T08:08:00.002-04:00

Several years ago Anne decided to give up her riding mare Lily (by Again and Again) and bred her to Dressage Royal. Lily had always been the 'steady Eddie' horse to ride - super soft gaits, kind nature and willing to go the extra mile for her rider in an effort to please. Having been trained up through the FEI levels very quickly was also part of the package that made Lily such a good horse. :) If you were to use the judging scale - Lily was an 9 with her sweetness pushing her very close to a 10! Lily's dam, Teasing Shadow xx, had been bred by a local (and very famous) Thoroughbred family. Shadow was the daughter of a mare that had great sentimental meaning to them and was a sweet mare who traces back to Somethingroyal (Secretariat's dam) on her damline. So in breeding Shadow to Anne's favorite stallion Again and Again in 1990, she had stacked the deck to produce an outstanding individual! When it came time to breed Lily, Anne had chosen Waldaire for her first foal - which resulted in Waterlily WF (2006). So in the spring of 2007 it was time to see what the 'new' stallion would give us.

Dressage Royal needs no introduction. Donnerhall. Rubinstein. Enough said!

The following spring, Lily presented us with her filly. We had decided that all of her fillies would be named with a "lily" as part of their name and we needed a D to start. So Daylily was the easy choice but we needed a nickname for around the barn. One of Anne's students, Karyn, suggested "Stella" as it is the common name for a daylily! And so we had a name for our little bundle of joy!

When little Stella arrived, we were thrilled! A black filly! Hind socks! A snip! A very pretty face! Curly ears! She was gorgeous and just a really funny baby. 99% of the time she was very laid back and the other 1% of the time, you could (and still can) see her decide to be a little naughty - and then she does something a bit silly. As always, if you scold Stella, she is mortified that you caught her being anything less than a perfect lady and reverts back to her 'good' self. Honestly, she just makes us all laugh as you can see her thinking through the process...horses are nothing but pure entertainment sometimes and Stella is a hoot!

At her foal inspection, Stella received huge praise for her conformation, TYPE (very, very feminine) and movement. All of the good marks resulted in a Premier score and we earmarked her as a "keeper" for both the riding and breeding program in the future. After the Inspection Tour came to a close, we were very proud to have our Daylily named Top Foal in North America!

Foal Video

As with all young horses, you watch the special ones grow up and cross your fingers, pray to the god of your choosing that they emerge from their youthful exploits unscathed and then send them off to be started with mixed emotions. Well, Stella had a lovely time at 'Camp Roddy' and returned home in the winter of 2010 a pleasant and easy going undersaddle horse - just like her momma, Lily.

Two year old video

Stella in the fall of 2010.

Stella 30 days undersaddle

So it's late in the summer of 2011, Stella is a fun and easy horse to ride. We will continue to advance her training over the winter and then look for some shows to bring her out in the FEI Young Horse Tests in the spring. You can see a bit of video of her HERE.

Second round of videos!

2011-08-20T07:46:00.000-04:00

Huge shout out of thanks to the group from Maryland who are so positive and kind with the horses! You guys are fantastic! Thank you!

Wednesday's videos!

2011-08-19T13:47:00.000-04:00

Some are longer, some are shorter! Let this post serve as a reminder to everyone to check how full the memory card is on your video device BEFORE arranging to have all the horses cleaned up and worked in less than 5 hours!!! :-D

Wilona WF 17th -

Wakanda WF 17th jump -

Whodini WF 17th flat-

Wakanda WF & Wylie WF 17th flat -

Wylie WF jumping 17th -

Alexis 17th -

Photos! Videos! Well eventually there will be videos added!

2011-08-18T18:29:00.024-04:00

We've been really lucky this week! We have had several junior riders coming up from Maryland to ride our horses and help out around the farm! Copious amounts of gratitude go out to Brandon Hill, Michaela May and Briana Kenerson for all the great riding they have done for us as well as their patience when there is a technical snafu which results in a delay of filming or shooting photos. Their cheerful faces and positive attitudes radiate out to the horses and all of them are just enjoying every minute of each ride! So with another shout out of THANK YOU guys SO much here are the photos -

All riding is (as always) supervised under the alert visage of the Assistant Trainer aka Oreo the barn cat.

Brandon with As You Wish WF aka Kitty.

Brandon riding Wallace WF aka Lacey.

Alexis WF with Brandon up.

And then a gorgeous moment of Michaela jumping Alexis today!

Briana had super rides on Daylily WF aka Stella!

Brandon and Wakanda WF aka Wendy.

Briana rode our Whodini WF so beautifully! Just wait until you see the videos of today's rounds...simply breath taking! He's a top notch A prospect with a HUGE step & super jump!

Wilona had beautiful rides & rounds with Briana as well. She, too, is a top notch talent for the A hunters. Easy changes, laid back attitude...couldn't ask for a nicer horse to work with each day!

Briana has a real knack for soothing the horses she rides - and she and Wylie WF have really hit it off! Just wait till you see their videos!

Waterlily WF and Briana did a short lunging session and there will be some video added!

The young mares got trims today, so we took a few moments and shot some photos of them. This is Westerleigh WF a 2008 filly by Waldaire out of Southern Leigh WF. She is about 16.0 hands at the moment and still growing. Her barn name is Joy and that is the best way to describe her - she is a Joy to be around!

This is Dream Girl WF by Dressage Royal x Savannah WF. She is a bit taller than Joy but will probably not mature to quite the height of her full brother Don William WF. She is known as Daisy around the barn and was born in 2008 as well.

Next up is our Dolce Elise WF. Dolce is a very special girl to me as we have bonded a bit more than some of the others and recognize each other as equals on every level. She is also a full sister to Don William and Dream Girl but the 2009 model. Dolce is already close to 17 hands and certainly not done growing.

Last up of the photo shoot is Wichita Rose WF. Rosie is by Waldaire out of Amelia WF and a full sister to Wylie WF (above in the undersaddle photos). Rosie is already very close to, if not over, 17 hands, so we have allowed her an extra year to grow into herself. She is a 2007 model and will begin her undersaddle training in 2 weeks.

If any of the horses above interest you - please contact Anne for more information & pricing.