December 2007

On July 22, we left at 4:00 am for Montreal and our usual stopover with Shirley Klassen on our way to London, Ontario and the Region 18 show.  As always, Shirley and Robert were gracious, welcoming hosts.  The horses had two days to rest, recuperate and rehydrate before the run to London.  This year, while the Maritimes baked and steamed in the heat and humidity, we had overcast skies and cool temperatures for our entire trip.  Even London was pleasant with temperatures dipping to the low twenties in the evenings.

This year we were stabled in the main arena and really appreciated the convenience and the opportunity to watch some of the top Arabian trainers in the industry work horses.  We were stabled with Cookie Coleman and her clients.  They exemplified the friendly and welcoming attitudes we used to see when we first started showing in the AHA shows.

As sometimes happens, this year we struck out in our classes.  Hunter Pleasure was a huge class with outstanding horses.  Ladyhawke, our Western horse, discovered that freight trains pass by the arena within a 50 yard distance from the back door.  It unsettled her enough to spoil her first pass in the ring.  As Shirley Klassen said ruefully to Terri, we have chosen to compete in the most hotly contested divisions.  As always, we continue to come away with new insights and a fresh resolve.

Perhaps the greatest observation we made at this year’s Regionals was of the commitment, determination and hard work of the youth teams that show with some of the trainers.  These youths who range in age from 7 to 17, without exception, understand the demands and sacrifices necessary to show and compete at this level.  It was impressive to watch the pleasure they took in challenging themselves to be the best they could be.  There was no sign of the “it’s good enough” mentality here.  It was gratifying to see that these youngsters understand the vital role of “sweat equity” in achieving their goals.  They understand the virtue in working hard to get where they want to go.

As usual, our trip home was filled with plans for the future.  The most important step was to initiate a search for a full-time barn manager with a true work ethic.  After a few false starts, we found the person we were looking for.  So it is with pleasure that we introduce Ashley LeLacheur as our barn manager. Originally from Cape Breton, she has now returned to her home province.  Ashley has extensive experience in the care and feeding of horses and, as a bonus, is a rider with quiet confidence.  She will be sharing in the work involved with training our young equine prospects.

clipart from http://www.horse-races.net/clip/clip-xmas.htm

As Christmas approaches, we take this time to wish all of our clients and boarders a very Merry Christmas and a most Happy and Prosperous New Year.

Very Special Mention to:

Alexei Turner - for his unfailing support and encouragement,  his hard work ploughing snow, moving haylage, providing firewood and all the myriad other things both small and large that he does to help make life easier.

My Parents - who have always “had my back” and are my biggest fans.

My Long-time Boarders and Students - for your faith in me and your encouragement and support.

Most Especial Mention to:

Marilyn Mann - who is our computer wizard and friend extraordinaire.

And finally, to the clients, new friends and boarders who have joined our barn and our lessons this year – much thanks.  We look forward to an exciting 2008.

 Terri

Heart
by
Monte Baker

I talked to a friend just the other day
who’s got lots of opinions and plenty to say.
We discussed what we both like to see in a horse.
His requirements and mine were different of course…
He likes a clean throatlatch and a long skinny neck,
And prefers that their hocks are set close to the deck.
Short backs and hard feet and clean slopin’ shoulder,
And a gaskin that looks like it swallered a boulder.
He likes a short face and a big soft eye,
And says these are the horses he’s likely to buy.
And when he completed his lengthy discourse
On all of the attributes of the quality horse,
He asked my opinion, and where do I start?
And I said that I ….Just want horses with heart.
I said I want heart above all the other.
I don’t care if he’s Smart Little Lena’s full brother.
Or just how much money that his grandmother won,
Or whether he’s roan, palomino or dun.
But give me a horse with some grit and some try,
And some heart and some guts and that’s the one that I’ll buy.
And I’ve found it’s the same with a woman or man….

The good ones won’t quit you when “it” hits the fan.

From  2007 Horse Savvy Planner
published by Horse Savvy Publications
http://www.iamhorsesavvy.com