Ark Equestrian

So,  I thought maybe I would blog a bit about starting the young horses.   I can not promise to keep up do date totally, but I will do my best.   Now that the weather is  getting rather crappy,  and I am destined to work in the dome,  it actually provides the perfect atmosphere for starting the young guys. 

Nikki - reining bred bay QH filly

Joe - appendix QH gelding

Bentley - palomino CSH colt

We begin this week by getting the three used to coming in,  standing quietly tied and grooming.   They are all pretty used to this already,  but it is good to start a nice working routine.    The boys are so used to being together, that it was good to see them spend some time individually.   Bentley was a little insecure without Joe,  but Joe didn't care at all. 

Once in the dome,  the boys worked nicely.   They each have some strong points.   Bentley is great with his leads,  and canters around so sweetly.   His overstride at the walk is great,  but he does forge quite a bit at the trot.   I will have to talk to the farrier about that.   Joe works so well,  and is keen and paying attention all the time.  He does, however,  not care so much about leads or cross cantering.   Joe is quick as a cat,  and does a turn on the haunches in hand with ease,  that should make him a great reining prospect for Caleb !

Nikki was a little less secure all alone in the dome.   She has spent much of the first week hollering for her friends.   In the barn,  and crossties she is happy to be groomed alone,  but at the end of the lunge line she is a bit more insecure.  

Next week  we will start with the bridle and bit. 

Local coach and trainer Barbara Rice of Cameo Equestrian is looking for interested riders to participate in two quadrille teams.  These teams will compete at local events as well as preform in demonstrations around the area.   It will be very exciting and a great way to build your skills and meet some new people !

Barbara is looking to hear from you now... so she can get things organized.  It is sounding like a committment in the spring for practices is needed,  varying between monthly to weekly with practice time on your own in between.

If you are game to  try,   email Barbara.   If you don't have a suitable horse,  I am sure you can borrow one of my schoolies !

Barbara       langston@xcelco.on.ca

Recent events in Canadian Dressage are SO exciting !   In a terriffic move from Dressage Canada,  we now have Robert Dover, six time OIympian as our team coach !  Now is the time to buckle down and make the best of our talents.    Robert has been and will continue to travel across Canada looking for our top talent and future superstars.   Robert is dedicated to building a world class Dressage system in Canada,  and this is something we should all be behind,  from the grass roots on up.   Please check out Roberts blog,  expecially the portion dedicated to his work in Canada,  and post your comments.  He likes to hear both your ideas and supports,  even your critisism if you have any !   Go to www.doversworld.com  to follow what he is up to.

The baby finially arrived on March 19th after weeks of waiting !   Her registered name will be Arctic Pine and she will be dual registered AHQA and APHA.    Aurora, or Rory is her barrn name.   She is just as sweet as can be,  and sadly for sale.... so if you know of anyone...lol  $3000.

Hello gang! 

I hope everyone has had a great winter, and is ready for spring! Evironment Canada officially announced today that winter 2008/2009 was snowy-er, blowy-er, and freezing-er than any winter we've had in the last 30 years. So we have definitely earned spring this year!

It's time to get ready for the Ark Equestrian show season to begin. The first show is Saturday, April 25, 2009 at the Lambton County Saddle Club on Telfer Rd. The deadline for entries is April 17th, so be sure to sign up. The complete list of show dates is available here.

Marci is now teaching lessons at Rokeby Stables, on Rokeby Line. The owners Sue and Kirk have a nice, big indoor arena at their place, so if you need some tune-ups before the first show, be sure to give Marci a call to book a lesson time. 

See you all at the first show! If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask either Marci or I, we'll be happy to help you out - I actually just ask Marci your question, then get back to you with what she has said. The shows are always in need of volunteers to help keep things running smoothly, and to keep the cost as low as it is, so please stop by the entry booth and let us know how you want to help out.

Megan

P.S. - if you have any exciting news you'd like to add to the newsletter, please email me at meganoneil at execulink.com