12/31/11 Hannah Yosts horse Picassos Encore left Autumn Charm today. Many students learned on him.............so it was a sad day. Hannah is in college and so he is chilling out untill she is out of school.
I had a SUPER lesson with JJ today down in the " cathedral " at Hassler Dressage ! WHAT FUN ! The facilities are incredible and Pippen truly belongs there. We worked on improving his canter and then tempi changes . I got the 2's ! yahoo ! Pippen of course already knows them....
Student Dee Epstein had a remarkable lesson this week ! She achieved working pirouette on her horse Max - a quarter horse. Max struggles with so many issues - more than we can list - including stifles that catch something terrible - but he battles through it - and dressage heals him............A lesson I wont soon forget !
12/2011 Dennis and i had our annual 24 hrs off - and went down to DC to a Washington Capitals Hockey game. We picked up my cousin Sammie - who was having an 18th bday - and took the subway in ( weird for a country girl like me !) What fun ! and the Caps won for us too. We screamed our lungs out and watched this crazy kid in front of us dance to every song - what a ham . THANKS to all my clients who pitched in and Courtney who held down the fort - so we could get away .
11/11/11 Disaster strikes. I was riding when i heard a horse in the barn was cast. Going to investigate - it was my fabulous filly RIsen For Me ( Lilly ) . She was colicing. I knew it was bad and we euthanized her not long after........she had twisted her intestines. I was relieved she didnt suffer long, but it was oh so heart breaking. We had just euthanized my dog not long before - Harrington - my special long haired corgi - had degenerative mylopothy and Dennis and I decided it was time.
10 / 11/ 2011 - Ashley Perkins came up twice to give lessons to Autumn Charmers. Ashley is JJ Tates assistant trainer. We had a wonderful time with her............and hope she can return monthly in 2012 !
8/ thru 10 / 2011 - My student and friend Jen Smith was in need of a horse since her lovely Oldenburg Premium gelding Dewey had an untimely accident back in May. By chance i ran into my old friend Liz - manager of Mr. Kinsleys horses - and whalaa- Jen has a new 4 yr old Thoroughbred mare named Rockslide Jingles. She is a huge 16.2 chestnut tb mare - and is SOOOOOOO quiet with a to die for canter. Jingles has an incredible mind - hacks out fine and is so willing. Best of luck to both of you !
My working student Courtney showed my Oldenburg Premium filly Risen For Me at Devon. She showed respectfully but didnt show her trot - she was a bit overwelmed and didnt go forward.......but she recieved inredible scores otherwise including and 8.2 on general impression. Courtney also showed her 4 yr old Dutch in the material class.......They had a stellar warmup but the class was split in 3 and took much longer to get going than expected - so she had been on Dutch over an hr when she showed - so of course - he was done - not much forward energy and didnt show off his gaits . I was SO proud of Courtney though - she was a horsewoman and took it all in stride.
Lydia showed Cachow at the State 4-H horse show in harrisburg again - to win the stock type championship. Cachow ( aka Gift Rapped ) is a 2 yr old and he was oh so quiet - could we even say bombproof ?! He didnt even lift his head when a horse was loose in the arena !
Lydia and Courtney are both presidents of their 4-H horse clubs.................They both bring knowledge, commitment and passion to their clubs.
6/2011 and 7/2011 Its summer time - hmmmm. Toyah rode in a Sandy Ferrel clinic at south branch farm and was one of the few that understands the use of outside rein. Sandy told her that her basics are solid. She rode her own Cal in the 3 ft section.
MJ Gibbs euthanized her oldenburg gelding Brigadoon. He was retired in Hellam and had some complications of old age. Big was a huge black gelding with chrome. MJ said he was her favorite horse to ride in all her years of riding................he was a grand prix horse and his training was superb. I was lucky enough to ride him a few times and he showed me many things - which i am eternally grateful for.
We havent been showing a lot this summer - seems like everyone lives are hectic at the moment. Lydia qualified for State 4-H horse show with Cachow . Toyah had some good placings at swan lake. My students had a blast doing the jumper shows at swan lake. I have been hauling some young horses out to shows.........keeping busy as usual. Risen For Me was named Premium filly at Good Ness RIdge.
5/18/11 Joy and Sorrow on the same day. Sorrow first..............a terrible accident...which we all know happens everywhere and is just part of the roller coaster ride of owning horses...Cing My Song aka Dewey - a yearling by Coromino suffered a broken hind leg. He was owned by my good friend Jen and ..............was probably the hardest call i have ever had to make. you know when a horse colics you at least have a few hrs for your mind to accept it..........this was like WHAM - i am not sure i can go through it again. I cannot imagine how Chris Hickey felt finding Cabana Boy. I am a pretty tough horse person and i was holding back from hurling. I was at the farm and he didnt suffer long... thank God for that. and JOY JOY JOY - yes the SAME DAY by nephew Grayson was born !! Andy and Jill are proud parents and i cannot wait to meet the little dude ! Let the spoiling begin !
4/25/11- Can you believe it ?! Como foaled the next night - 2 in a row - well - at least i am done for the year but exausted. 9 pm - i had a feeling, walked down from still working in the barn ( yes we horse people are still working at that hour ) and her water broke as i walked in ! Courtney my working student saw her first equine birth. Como Chameleon is the fillys name - i thought of it as a play on the Boy George song from the 80s - too hysterical not to use..............barnname is Flipflop as her ears were smashed at birth - she wasnt quite a " dummy " foal ( deprived oxygen at birth ) but slightly - she couldnt figure out how to use her hind legs at all - so i helped her get up every hr all night long to nurse - my back feels like it will never be straight again ! Flipflop has the biggest bone - even vet Dr Grove said " draft horse sized " legs. She is a sweet in your pocket kind of filly.
4/24/11 Oh yes - Easter Day - i have a thing with Easter - things happen in my horse world on Easter over the years..........so why not have a foal at 2 am ?!! Risen For Me was born - the most gigantic foal i have had ! Chestnut with a blaze, hind socks and yes a belly spot ! She is a spitfire red head personality ! Barnname could be none other than Lilly. Dam is Look At Me of course !
4/16/11 On to happier thoughts ! Rooster was born ! After all the agony of waiting for a maiden mare and my own special Wapsicle who is 15 yrs old ( owned since 6 months ) to foal...............it all went well. Rooster did have a shoulder stuck but then came out talking up a storm - and loud too - hence the name. Rooster is by Routinier and is bay ( my fav !! ) and has a gigantic white blaze and front pastern. He has Roos white eye and is the spitting image of him.
12/10/10 Sadness again - Kim Turner had to euthanize her tb gelding Teddy - he had a tumor in his head that was putting pressure on his eye. Kim was so strong and decided to send Teddy to join pasturemate Clockwork before much suffering - this is such a hard decision but a good one . Teddy wasnt a terribly athletic horse but he sure had a lot of try in him. He was the horse that opened up the wonderful world of dressage to Kim. Teddy was at his best on the trail.......always out in front marching ahead. RIP -Teddy aged tb gelding.
11/30/10 Clockwork - the very special tb gelding owned by Jen Kuhn had to be euthanized from a mysterious leg infection that went systemic. Clock was loved by so many students but especially by Jen and her daughter Abby. Jen had a true connection with Clocky. We will always remember his wiggling nose... RIP Clockwork - bay gelding in his mid 20s bloodlines unknown.
6/15/10 - If you didnt know already - many of us here are Hockey fans - and last night the Hershey Bears won the Calder Cup - Dennis and I watched them win it . They had gone down 2 games and came back and won 4 straight - never lose hope or motivation - this is an inspiration to any athletic minded/ goal oriented person. Dennis parents have been season ticket holders for----ever... and student Toyah and her hubby are fans as well as Ryans parents and my farrier Brian of course ( whos baby son already has Washington Capitals gear ) and boarder Jen Ks family are fans as well as Rachel Ks family ( Rachel was a lucky kid and was there at the game and i know she was chanting BEARS BEARS BEARS WHOOOOOOO ) ......... OH and before I forget - KITTENS - we have LOTS of kittens - so if you want one we have every color but orange........come take a few ! and finally Clockwork - who I purchased about 10 or 11 yrs ago and at some point sold to Jen and Abby K - has been retired. Clock was still being used for a few beginner lessons and is one of those " sainted " horses who has taught many riders the basics of riding with patience, consistancy, tolerance and the sweetest personality on top of all that. Clock is gonna live out his years here - fat and happy with his shiny red coat and wiggling nose ( he must have been the cadbury bunny in a previous life ! ) Jen said it perfect that she is " selfishly sad " for not being able to ride him any more. I feel the same about my Poppy and Como - selfishly sad. There is something about riding them and feeling that " oneness " that is such a special bond. Jen definently had that with Clock - her seat did just the right thing for his back and getting him on the bit.....and her love for him went right down her arms into the reins - you could see it in his eyes when she rode him. This is one of those special bonds...sometimes you can find it again with another horse and sometimes not...........but it stays with you forever. I miss my Autumn Charm ( Charmer ) just thinking about it.
6/14/10- Dressage At Fair Hil went super well. I showed MJs horse Radiance on saturday in the heat. It was my first show with him and we tackled 3rd level test 1. Rady has been struggling a bit lately as he changes to a more uphill frame - but he was a trooper and really cooperated scoring a 60 % for 5th place even with a few mistakes - his back got really tight just before our first walk pirouette and he did a coke bottle turn , but i quickly put him in shoulder fore before the next one and scored an 8 ! He sometimes get stuck when you ask for canter - so he wouldnt take the last canter depart on time - i had to get him unstuck first.......so that detracted from an otherwise very consistant test ! Sunday I showed Pittsburgh ( Pippen ) 4th level test 1 at 8 am ( thank goodness because it was super hot ) and Pip tends to get pretty tense at the shows - and considering he hadnt been out since sept.........i got there early and handwalked the firebreathing dragon around for a while and he chilled out......and was VERY relaxed for the show - yahoo ! That alone is a triumph. We had 1 mistake in our otherwise solid test and scored a 63.2 % for second place and I now have my 4th level scores towards my Silver Medal.
6/12/10-Congrats to my 2 SENIOR students Hannah ( Eastern ) and Ryan ( West York ) on graduating from High School. Both are excellent students and heading to college and both are going to continue riding in college as well. Dennis and I had a great time at Ryans grad party - hanging with the " cool " people - his parents and their friend Tina. It was a wonderful relaxing night that both Dennis and I needed AND we found out that Ryans dad Chris has a new talent - he is great at making the water flow off of their porch awning ! Poor Chris - he takes a lot of harrassment. On to other news. Teddys tongue is fine ! Poor guy must have some sort of allergy. JJ came up for lessons again 6/9. Dee had a super lesson on her Max and has him much more uphill and engaged. His neck has changed dramaticly in the past month or so as his topline develops. Great job. Patti and Bug worked on submission and engaging the hind quarters. I rode Pippen and worked on show prep for my upcoming dressage show. We reviewed all those little details that help gain good scores. JJ as always is very positive and inspirational and becoming a wonderful friend as well. If you didnt realize - JJ and Faberge just kicked butt at Morven Park first weekend of June winning the Developing horse class and I think high score upper level as well. Go TEAM TATE.
5/29/10- So - i have to share this - all of us horse people know how horses manage to do these insane/ crazy things that no one can explain..... well - i went to turn out boarder Kims horse Teddy ( 18 yr old tb gelding ) this morning and his tongue was so swollen that it was sticking out of his mouth several inches ! it actually filled his whole mouth up and he had his mouth open - was swollen from tip to throat latch - well - i shouldnt say was - still is ! we medicated the poor thing - Dr Grove came in the afternoon - was slightly better - but he cant eat or drink - so she tubed him - but under his tongue is a huge blister/ ulcer / edema .......ewwww. about a 1/2 inch deep and went the entire underside of his tongue - OW ! poor thing - we discussed all possible causes - but in retrospect - he was drooling earlier this week and then flinched on thursday to the cavesson being tightened - so may have been happening all week and then got super bad friday over night - no explanation seems to fit ........so we are treating him and ........keeping him comfortable. obviously an allergic reaction - but one of those " strange things horses do " .................
5/28/10 - Congrats to Lisa S. and her mom Connie - their mare Dutchess ( huge grey tb mare ) foaled a fab bay filly ( about time - tired of those chestnuts ! ) with 4 whites and a blaze . She is supposedly very very friendly - even whinnys at you - she is by Routinier ( or as my farriers assistant calls him Kanga Roo ) . Those Roo foals seem to have that friendly sweet temperment right from day one - its really cool !
5/26/10 - WHEW this has been a crazy week. Jen S. mare Even Song ( holsteiner ) foaled this evening - i was running to get colostrum replacement because hers didnt look good - and Dennis saw her foal. 9 45 pm - dk bay colt with hind socks - by Coromino. Jens first foal - so she is super excited. He is a friendly little dude - named Dewey since he was born on his due date. Congrats.
5/25/10- JJ came for 4 lessons this evening ( yes a tuesday - perfect and quiet - though super hot ! ) i rode Radiance - MJs Danish gelding. We worked on the connection - which was very good this day - and i was having trouble with his left pirouettes in canter - right is pretty good - left he tends to spin.......well - typical of JJ - she exclaims " i have an excersize for that ! " and so we did the " star " excersize - and WHA - LA - he does a left canter pirouette ! SWEET . we are looking forward to riding a couple 3rd level tests at Fair Hill in a few weeks. Radys whole topline has changed - his neck is huge now and he is moving uphill . I also rode JJs old horse PIppen - he was super ! we worked on the connection also - and sitting deeper - and got some super duper canter - worked on the halfpasses to prepare for 4th level tests at Fair Hill - then to move up to PSG this year yet. FUN STUFF. Patti H. had another good ride on Bug and Chris C. rode her morgan mare and worked on the connection and softness as well. JJ returns JUNE 9th for a few lessons - i believe its a wed. 2 spots left if you want in.
5/19/10 - Had to write this NON horsey news - went to see Bon Jovi tonight with Hannah and her mom and aunt - WHAT A BLAST. sometimes us horse carreer people forget to have fun - i know most of us are bad about " me time" . This night did me a world of good - my pal Alyson came and foal watched.....and i went to the concert - was exausted from not much sleep - but totally worth it ! what a great show ! turned out my client Cheryl T. was there as well - we were all rockin ! whoo hoo .
5/16/10 - York Country Day School Benefit Show was a successful day for a couple Autumn Charmers........ Ryan R. rode Bumperelli ( school horse Bump ) in the 2 ft Field Hunter division coming up with a 2nd and 3rd in the courses of 12. Super Job ! Hannah Y. rode Caught In A Thought ( owned by ACSH ) also known around the farm as Cate - in the same division - it was her FIRST horse show - but she is so confident over natural fences we just went for it - she schooled beautifully - you walk her up to the jump - let her see it - pick up a canter and jump it - first time over coops, stone walls, pickets etc....no problem. she is only 15 hands - dapple grey too - but her canter is huge and balanced - she wasnt fazed by horses galloping by her etc - but the show was a little overwelming - waiting for her classes - she got a bit upset - but settled by show time - had a little trouble leaving all her pals and doing the course alone - so the first time had a few refusals - then got into it on the 2nd course and recieved a 6th place ........then the 2 had a blast in the pairs and Cate got her lead changes and all ! FUN DAY - then i had to rush home because my YEARLING by Coromino out of Cates mother Amari - we call her Legs ( Calamari ) JUMPED the 5 ft roundpen ! yes she did ! and its only a 30 ft roundpen - Dennis saw her turn - take 2 strides and leap - WOW ! he wasnt so successful catching her - but as soon as i got home and she heard my voice - she walked right up to me ! i have seen her jump a 3 ft log in her field uphill several times and she jumped 4 trot cavelletti in 1 leap - she can jump ! there is a bit of You Tube video of her - look up Coromino and Calamari - she is in yucky weanling stage - but she has a fab trot. totally gorgeous too .
5/14/10 - Looking forward to a quick stop by JJ Tate later this month - she is coming for an afternoon of lessons. We love having her ! My mare Poppy is pregnant - i am busy thinking of a name - i like unique names that no one else has.........so people will never mistake one of my horses for another.....Wapsicle and Routinier - will be tough and has to start with an R...hmmmmmm . I am going to take the foal to RPSI for inspection. Welcome to new student Caitlin.... glad to have you ! ( and any others i might have missed ) . Congrats to Barbara Bonk on the birth of her Routinier foal out of her super nice Rotspon mare. Barbara just sent some photos of Rave About Me ( Routinier / Look At Me / Le Santo ) and he looks fabulous. She has his full brother Rout For Me as well - and they are mirror images of each other - chestnut with 4 white legs and big strange shaped blazes. A big THANK YOU to all the teens who help me each week - Rachael, Aly, Alannah, Nikki N ( aka Little Nikki ) and Rachel K., Kayla - you all are lifesavers and good hard workers - anyone would be happy to have them in their barn or place of work. Congrats to past Autumn Charmer Patti H. and Bug - her Dutch gelding on completing the Hunt Cap Paper Chase SOLO ( this is the horse who used to refuse to move ! ) and on scoring a 68 % in a prix caprilli - WHOOHOO ! She is a students of JJs as well. You GO girl ! Best wishes to everyone on many more successes this show season.
5/12/10 Well lets see - lots of news. Students Lydia , Kayla and Rachel showed Bump at a 4-H Benefit show at the 4-H Show Grounds May 1st - one of the biggest open shows I have seen in probably 10 years. English classes that were SMALL had 12 in them and the largest had 20 ! The 3 rode superior and placed well - Lydia was 5th of 16 in Hunter Under Saddle and had a stellar ride, Rachel was 3rd in the cross rails against the adults ( she is 13 ) and Kayla placed 2nd in a pleasure class - they had several other placings as well. Honestly though - the best part of the day was Rachel saying " I felt like I really improved and accomplished something today " and this after several disappointing classes where the girls consistant elegant rides were not rewarded. I could not have been prouder of their super sportsmanship. Congrats to Autumn Charmer Gretta and her new Appaloosa mare who completed their very first show and lived through a class with 20 in it ! Super job. Then May 2nd Autumn Charmers headed to the Hunt Cap Paper Chase - a real rite of passage at our farm.......Paper Chase veterans Kim / Teddy and Ryan / Bump lead the way with greener rider Shannon / Pic and then newbies Penny / Dollar ( yes Penny owns a horse named Dollar..... ) and our very own gutsy teenager Hannah on the 5 yr old Cate ( Autumn Charms Caught In A Thought ) . All had a super duper time and completed it in 1 hr 50 min. Penny and Hannah took a few jumps and all had a blast splashing in deep water - up over the horses bellies - Cate enjoys dunking her head. Autumn Charm came away with the Reserve tailgate award thanks to Kim - we went goofy and all had hawaiian lays around our necks. WHAT FUN ! Several ACers came out to hang out on a warm weekend. Great food, great friends fun times !
4/27/10 - Roo has settled in now and boy - there is quite a rivalry b/w Roo and Cory - 2 big men on campus ! I have now bred my favorite horse - my appaloosa mare Poppy to Roo as well - i am excited to see that cross - collection will not be a problem ! If you are on the fence about breeding this year - talk to Amy - i guarantee she will make you an offer you cannot refuse ! In other news - Pittsburgh has been cleared for full work - whew - suspensory injuries are such a long battle - but thanks to Dr Jim Juzwiak and his crew for watching over my special horse. I am looking forward to showing him and Radiance ( MJ Gibbs Danish gelding ) this summer. Cate ( Caught In A Thought ) just did her first trail ride at Spring Valley Park. 10 minutes in she chilled out and lead the majority of it - i was impressed and proud of my first foal - its amazing watching them grow up into what you envisioned them to be. Hannah even took her over a few cross country jumps - some of the 2 ft 3 inch ones - and she took them no problem - she is eager ! she gets her lead changes pretty well too ! They are going on the Hunt Cap Paper Chase this coming weekend - should be an adventure . Spring is in the air and we are all itching to get out and show off what we worked all winter on - looking to see you at the shows ! oh - and lastly -2 things - keep saying your prayers for Courtney King -Dye - still in a como - send her emails and good thoughts and of course - send those same good thoughts to my good ol dad - Gary - who fell off a scaffolding and shattered his heal - he has surgery thursday to put it back together - 2 months off........always something !
4/13/10 - well - i have been so busy - neglecting my news page. Hmmm Biggest news is ROUTINIER is finally here ! Barnname is Roo - Amy ( his owner ) is loving having him home - she has been up every day to see him, groom him etc. He is a wonderful horse with such presence and a certain majestical quality. i have had 3 foals by him and all have been wonderful. I just bred my mare Look At Me to him again and of course to be fair - Como Park was bred to Coromino ....who we can not forget and will not be forgotten - he puts his head over the door to make sure you KNOW he is there to be loved as well - and accept any treats you may have to offer. These 2 stallions offer superior athletic ability , temperment ( which all my clients can attest to ) and good quality semen - for those hard to catch mares. Come check them out ! My young horses are coming along great. Student Hannah LOVES riding the feisty Caught In A Thought ( Cate ) my 15 hand grey filly - 3/4 tb and 1/4 welsh - she has her lead changes coming along and LOVES / is a real spitfire over the jumps in the field - lots of jumping ability and a super canter - much bigger than you would imagine from her 15 hand size ! Fein By Me ( Hoot ) has been started under saddle as well and on her 8th ride was doing all 3 gaits in the outside ring. My friend / student Nikki is helping me out with her - and its working out great - looking forward to tag teaming Consider Me ( CJ ) in the fall. Hoot has such a personality and confidence and incredibly balanced canter. Welcome to all my new students / clients. A quick story - my friend / student / vet Penny walked up to the outdoor ring a few weeks ago and said - you know my goal is to be able to just jump those little cross country jumps with my own horse. Later that lesson she did just that with her own buckskin gelding Dollar Bill. Her husband came up and was talking and i said " you know - she doesnt hear anything you are saying - she is thinking about how she just acheived her goal and how fabulous that was ( glassy eyed dreamy look i see so often ) ......and on her very own horse that she raised from a yearling - she is going to be high all week from this " and isnt that what riding is all about ??!!! Best wishes to our dear friend Molly Kuhn and her horse Bobby McGee - we wish him a swift recovery to full health again after a strange accident - somehow an animal bone went up into his foot and caused a nasty infection - the weird things horses do....... Well - i guess that is it for now. More SOON i promise !
Oh - and if you didnt know - Dennis and i are big hockey fans - so GO HERSHEY BEARS ( we saw them break the record for most wins ) and Go Washington Capitals in the playoffs. Rock the Red !
2/17/10 My friend Dr John Hurtgen passed away today at 2 am unexpectedly. He was helping a mare to foal and had a heart attack. He was only 62. He was my veterinarian since i was 10 yrs old ( and i am 34 ) and i worked for him for 3 and a half years at his Nandi Farm. I showed many horses for him including NF Theodore - appaloosa gelding by Wap Spotted - who won the Appaloosa Sport Horse Breed Class at Dressage At Devon . I also showed many others for him - both warmbloods and appaloosas. My memories of Dr H are so many - how dedicated he was to horse breeding - he would stay up half the night or more every night reading, breeding, doing embryo transfer - he was like an excited kid who never left college - always wanting to learn more. He was so calm around both people and horses and rarely had a bad word to say about anyone. He was rarely mad or upset. He used to smoke, chew and drink black coffee all at once and would joke about his ice cream being in the freezer next to mares milk and other organic things. He absolutly loved foaling mares - and when i foal watched for him i woke him up ( which wasnt easy ! ) for each foaling - he just loved it.
Till we meet again my friend - over the rainbow bridge. Your memories live on and ill think of you often.
1/26/10- The JJ clinic went great. The riders all left with " light bulb " moments. From Jenn / Reno finally getting over some raised cavelletti without launching both ( this is to help him loosen his back ) , Dee finally feeling that magical connection in a 2nd level frame and sitting deeper, Hannah working on her " piaffe for today " ( JJ talked about how we really start training piaffe at the lower levels - see how small we can make the trot each day - the horse gaining strength slowly over the years of training ) with her gelding Pic, Courtney getting her QH mare Cassie ( who has a very difficult canter ) to canter with balance and consistancy, Patti earning more and more roundness from her Bug, new clinic rider Lisa achieving the same with her Conway - who started out moving flat and against the aides and ended forward and reaching for the bit, Sarah and Scout achieving that " bouncy " trot in school trot and the same feeling in canter - putting the arab cross a bit deeper to gain a truer connection, Kim working on calming her tense horses canter, and Jenn and the Danish gelding Radiance- working on transitions in trot ending in piaffe steps. It was a ton of fun and JJ as always is so positive and inspiring. She answered auditors questions from the uses of specific exersizes to the aides she uses for piaffe / passage - often demonstrating with her own body. She did not ride any of the horses - all moments were achieved by the riders themselves - though she is always dressed to ride just in case. JJ has the gift of teaching as well as making you believe in yourself and being able to get the relationship / connection with your horse. One auditor wrote me " I love JJ - i had heard so much about her and now i know why . I want to ride in the next clinic. " ACSH plans to get JJ back every 2 months. With over 20 auditors - bring your pen and paper to take notes - youll come away with exercises that fit you and your horse too !
1/23/10- JJ Tate Clinic at Autumn Charm Sport Horses. All 10 rides have been filled and we have a TON of auditors coming - which is just super ! We all can learn so much and be inspired by JJ. Auditors welcome at $25 includes a finger food lunch. Please email Jenn if you would like to come ! We are glad to have you .
1/19/10- In 2010 we continue to offer the 2 stallions on farm - the OLDENBURG Coromino ( Corofino / Romino ) and the AQHA Champion Palomino stallion Commander Rap ( Reynolds Rap ) . Coromino stands for $950 - please contact Amy at Heritage Manor Farm. We have 2 offspring of Corys on site - Consider Me - the premium GOV 2 yr old gelding and also Calamari - 2009 filly o/o TB mare Amari. We also have the 2009 gelding Gift Rapped by Commander Rap on site. This will be Commander Raps last year offered at stud.
1/19/10-oh - and most importantly - i need to add a HUGE thank you to all my helpers. Nikki W., Toyah ,Hannah and MJ for helping out with feeding now that things are so so busy. Also working students Nicole ( aka Little Nikki ), Aly, Alannah and Rachel - all from Central High School students - all looking to up their riding and horsemanship skills - you guys are great . and Rachel K and Kayla - 2 motivated kids who work for extra rides - and let me tell ya - they WORK ! and of course my Dennis who is a regular at stalls. Couldnt live without you ! Thanks also for my very good friend and our veterinarian Dr Penny Grove and my Farrier Brian King and his assistant Dan - dont know what we would do without you !
1/18/10- WOW - i had written out all this stuff for my news page and i guess i never saved it ! now i am REALLY behind ! hmmmmmm . well - the news i can think of at the moment is : CONGRATS go to Tinah H. on her purchase of Groovin To The Blues , barnname Harley - a 10 yr old Appendix QH by Sky Blue Walker. After looking at 45 plus horses - Tinah finally found the ONE - Harley is 17 hands and grey, such a nice guy - needs some groceries, TLC and some training - but he is gonna be a great horse for her. ..... hmmm what else. Pittsburgh aka Pippen - is back to work - he had a suspensory injury and after 4 months i can do some light jogging - i just LOVE riding him even if it is a jog !.......Welcome to training horse Going To Be Something , barnname Sedona ( but i call him affectionately Donut ) and his owner Dotti D. Sedona is a young Appaloosa gelding that needed some training - he is doing super !......and of course WELCOME BACK to Ezekiel ( Zeke ) MJs Clydesdale gelding - who had been boarded with me for oh - 8 plus years and she had put him out to pasture for a while since she bought her new geldings Reno and Rady and welcome to Pennys BS Paint gelding Dollar who is in for training ..... Our SYMPATHY to MJ as well - on humanely euthanizing her 26 yr old Hannoverian gelding Merit. He has been barried at G.Mills farm in Hallam in his pasture. MJ had trained him thru 4th level / schooled PSG on him. He was a good old dude - he also helped school some of my students in dressage. RIP........hmmmm GOSH - i am sure that there is more - but mostly i am GLAD that 2009 is over - between all the troubles i had with my own horses and so on - i am happy its 2010 !! The Barn is full and we are ready to keep accelling in our riding and head to some horse shows ! HOPE TO SEE YA THERE !
10/31/09 - I have to share my own excitement - I was riding MJ Gibbs horse Radiance ( Rady ) this morning - 14 yr old Dutch gelding. We have been schooling collection / extension for some time - building Radys ability to change his balance- and schooling the half steps of piaffe. Today he did a true and super high quality piaffe- wonderful rhythm, sit and self carriage. A student who was watching got teary eyed over it ! What a wonderful moment - and a real breakthru for Rady.
10/23 and 24/09- State 4-H Horse Show - Farm Show Arena Harrisburg Pa. ( For those not familiar with 4-H in PA - kids have to go to a county show - place first thru 3rd, which qualifies them for Districts - usually about 7 counties compete - place 1st thru 3rd to qualify for states - so it is a big honor to compete there ) . Friday - Courtney Mohler competed her large QH pony Cassie in the VERY competitive Equitation Over Fences class - placing 6th - she took both inside lines in the roll backs beautifully - unfortunently Cassie wasnt on top of her game and had two hard rubs - shows you how good her course was - still pulling off 6th place in very tough company. Courtney does all her own training. Saturday - Erin showed her Starstruck ( Max ) in Hunter Hack Pony and placed 4th of 24 - this is especially exciting b/c Max can be a booger to get over the fences - he knows all the tricks ! They also placed 4th of 24 in a very tough Hunter Under Saddle Ponies - showed off Max fancy trot. Super job girls - we are so proud of you !
10/3/09- Dutch Knob Paper Chase - Lancaster Co. Park. Shannon on Pic and Ryan on Bump placed 9th in the Optimum Time division. They had a blast dispite Pics joyful bucks !
9/27/09 Hunt Cap Fall Show - Super Job Autumn Charmers ! Rachel completed the 2 ft Field Hunters ( first time ! ) with a 2nd , 3rd and 3rd to end up RESERVE CHAMPION FOR THE YEAR in SHORT STIRRUP HUNTER. She recieved a lovely leather lead with a plate . Ryan had to move divisions due to low entries - he ended up riding Bump in the 2 ft 6. - his first time over 2 ft ! It was a bit overwelming but he put in some super courses - with minor mistakes taking home a couple of 5th. Way to step up ! Kayla has been steadily improving all year - and today was her day - taking home 4th , 3rd, 2nd and 1st in Long Stirrup Equitation - winning the crossrail class for the second consecutive show. She was RESERVE CHAMPION FOR THE DAY in LS EQ - and absolutly on CLOUD NINE ( her first championship ! ) Great job- great kids and lots of fun.
9/20/09 IEO Dressage Show at Spring Valley Park - student Kim Turners FIRST Dressage show and her 17 yr old horse Teddys first show ! Great outing - They won their first class - Intro A with a 68 % and were second in the Intro B with a 66 % . Kim is stoked !
9/19/09 - Stonewood Farm - Beaufort Hunter Trials. Hannah showed her leased mare "Third Times A Charm " aka Lilah ( for sale ! ) in the 2 ft field course - placing 4th in her first course - super job ! Lilah was a bit green on the second course. Ryan showed Bumperelli - lesson horse - also in the 2 ft FH and was 5th over fences and then 2nd out of 11 ! Go RYAN - and his first time doing a bank jump. They placed 3rd in Hunter Pairs. Ryan was such a good sport after fallling off ( he got a little ambitious going up to a jump a bit fast ! ) - hopped back on and finished with style. They had a super time.
9/12 and 13 / 09 - Morven Park Vada Nova Autumn 1 show. Jenn showed Pittsburg 4th level test 1 - great in warmup but again tense as we entered ring - trot had a lot of tension. Not a good test........but ended up 5th of 9. Sunday - even though Pippen was a bit tired from saturday - showed well in 4th level test 3 ( constant turning ! ) and scored a 60.8 % for 3rd place ! and the best achievement - he was finally relaxed !
9/10/ 09Turning Point Farm Inspection for German Oldenburg Verband. Broodmare Amari was approved ( registered Thoroughbred ) at 23 yrs old ! She recieved an 8 for her head ! Calamari recieved papers as did Rave About Me - my star foal - who jjust would not trot for the inspectors - however they commented about his wonderful canter and that he was the " only balanced foal " at the inspection . They said he must have done 50 flying changes. Bummer he wouldnt trot - so couldnt recieve premium.
8/15 and 8/16/ 09 - Fair Hill Dressage Sport Horse Breed Show - FEIN BY ME showed in the 3 yr old fillies and was 4th and then came back for a 2nd in the GOV class with a 75.3 % earning a 7.8 on her trot. Sunday she won the GOV class with a 71.3 %
8/15/09 - Autumn Charmers KICK BUTT at 4-H District Horse Show - Courtney Mohler WON the Equitation Over Fences and the Trail class on Cassie. Erin Himes WON the Hunter Hack ( huge accomplishment since Max aka Starstruck is a bit tough to get over the first jump ! ) and was 3rd in Hunter Under Saddle Ponies. First time District Horse Shower Lydia Paulos was 2nd on Bumperelli ( AC School Horse ) with her pal Hannah in Pleasure Pairs and 3rd in County Teams. The show was held at the Harrisburg Farm Show Complex. Great Job ! These 3 girls are very hard workers and truly earn their placings.
8/15/09 2 Boarding / Training Horse slots have opened up ! Autumn Charm would be HAPPY to have you join our team of riders. Short and long term training slots, boarding for the winter or permanantly open. Our fall Lesson schedule starts up sept 1 - so get on the schedule now . Possibly could take on a boarder that could work off part of his / her board.........
8/12/09 Hunt Cap Horse Show - Rachels short stirrup hunter was combined with Pre Childrens - Rachel cantered the entire course on Bumperelli - earning 2nd and 4th places over fences out of 8 or 9 ! Toyahs horse Cal is looking a bit bored with the 2 ft - so we schooled him over the outdoor course and popped a few 3 ft field jumps and he was very game ! Kayla came home with a BLUE in long stirrup eq crossrails class after a few mistakes in her flat classes - she really put in a stellar ride to beat older more experienced riders in the crossrails - the comeback kid !
8/1/09 Autumn Charmers do well at County 4-H Horse Show - weekly student Lydia Paulos rode Bump to a 3rd in hunter hack horses, 1st in pleasure pairs with pal Hannah, and first in county team. Working Student Courtney Mohler rode Cassie in only 3 classes earning first in showmanship, 2nd in equitation over fences, and 1st in trail. Erin Himes rode Starstruck to 2nd in showmanship, 1st in hunter under saddle ponies, 2nd in hunter hack ponies, 3rd in equitation on the flat. All are headed to District Show in mid august. Congrats ! All 3 girls are hard workers and earn their ribbons.
7/22/09 Hunt Cap Horse Show ( results to come )
7/5/09 Bucks County Dressage Show - Jenn rode Pittsburgh in 4th level test one - he was very obedient but scared to death - so not forward enough. Poor guy was thinking he was retired ! Working Student Courtney Mohler completed her first Recognized Dressage show in style - being one of the few non traditional breeds at the show - riding her palomino quarter horse Cassie - she earned a 62 % in training level and a 2nd place. This left her ready for the next show !
6/21/09 JJ TATE CLINIC AT AUTUMN CHARM - wow - what a SUPER time for all - JJ was supposed to teach from 8 30 to 4 - well - the clinic ended close to 7 30 pm ! What a super time we all had - most achieving AHAH moments. Auditors raved about her too . A light lunch was provided and gifts for auditors and riders. We cant wait to have her back . JJ taught all riders from grass roots dressage to the upper levels. ACSH owner Jenn Hoffman rode Pittsburgh ( owned by JJ ) and also MJ Gibbs 2 horses Sandrino and Radiance.
6/17/09 Hunt Cap Schooling Show. Ryan rode Bumperelli ( school horse ) in his first full courses - completing the Pre Childrens division with a few ribbons - 4th of 11 over fences in his very first class ! Rachel rode Pic in short stirrup eq to several ribbons. Toyah used the show to truly school Cal - who has lost some confidence - but is on the rebound !
6/09 MJ buys her new horse Radiance ( Rady ) - a lovely 14 yr old Danish gelding shown through Prix St Georges. Rady is by Rambo and has a fantastic temperment - very trainable. MJ is on cloud nine !
5/23/09 Autumn Charms in house show for students / boarders. Fun group turned out for a variety of classes. Our neighbors from World Wyn Farm showed up to have a blast too. Thanks to Lisa Swalinski for judging and my mom and dad for grilling !
5/17 and 5/20 - after foal watching for a month ( i get up every 2 hrs all night long ) they both arrived close together - Rave About Me ( barnname Hook - so named b/c his blaze has a hook on it ) and Calamari ( Legs ) both came easily and in good health. Both are German Oldenburgs.
5/10/09 Hunt Cap Paper Chase went SUPER ! took 2 pairs - Shannon rode Pic/ Kim Rode Teddy and the 2nd pair was Molly on Bobby and Ryan on Bump. They had a blast ! Ryan and Molly confessed that they did race a few times however BOTH seemed to recall winning !
4/16/09 Breeding Demo for Central High Schools Equestrian Club given by Amy Stika. There are so many carreer opportunities in the horse world - and Amy showed students one of them. Coromino gladly helped as the demo stallion !
4/6/09 Gift Rapped foaled - barnname is Cachow ( yes - it was lightning out when he was born - and since Lightning McQueens fav saying is CaChow - he had to be named that ! Colt by Commander Rap o/o Missed The Boat - chesnut 4 white sox, blaze.
2/23/09- Jenn took Pippen and Dee's horse Max to lessons with JJ at Pleasant Ridge Farm in Md. As always - JJ is a great teacher and has vast horse training knowledge. She is so patient with the training and we love her never give up attitude. Both horses schooled pirouettes ( although Pippen already knows them )and we worked on changes and adjusting the trot. Of course always starting with throughness . Watch for JJs article in Dressage Today in a few months.
2/22/09 - Toyah took Cal ( Exchange Offer ) to the Caves Farm Schooling Show in Md. It was a great schooling experience for the youngster . They competed in the " easy does it classes and Cal showed his greenness but ended up 5th in the one over fences ( large class ) .
2/09- Getting ready for show season 2009 - check out our upcoming events page for shows / clinics we plan to attend in 2009. It is goal setting time - so think about what you want to achieve with your equine partner this year. Many of my students have expressed their goals to me already. I know i have my goals set for this year - aim big - GO FOR IT ! ( Jenns goals - to show Poppy, Pippen and Como at recognized dressage shows this year, to sell 1 young horse, to show CJ ( Consider Me ) in hand at hunter and dressage shows and to show Look At Me and foal at D.A.D. and for my students to have a happy, fun show season, reaching for new goals, challenge themselves and maybe winning a ribbon or 2 in the process - and for all of them to become better horsemen )
1/09 - Welcome new boarder Tinah and her horse Jet. Also welcome Patty Js 2nd horse "Indy " - a young tb gelding. Glad to have you. Also WELCOME new students Holly, Erin and Danielle. Glad to have you as part of our Team !
12/18/09 - Lesson horses Firefly and Ditto - my 2 old girls - laid to rest after years of dedicated service. 28 and 27 years old - i wanted to end your years before old age took any more hold on you - it was my job to take care of you and let you go when the time came - and i did. My business wouldnt be here if it wasnt for the both of you . You touched the hearts of many young people and adults alike - many of whom said their goodbyes. Now youll be able to watch over my farm and students for eternity on. We all miss you.
12/08 - Heritage Manors Oldenburg stallion Routinier stayed here for a short time on his way to Canada. Jenn was able to ride him a few times while he was here - WOW what an amazing canter - so uphill - you just hang in the air ! Rudys trot is powerful and collected - a bouncing ball. He has an incredible temperment also - a strange rider in a strange place hops on him and he does everything she asks - what more could you want in a horse !??!!
11/2008 Prepare now for the 2009 BREEDING season. Come visit Farm stallions Coromino ( oldenburg ) and ACSH QH Stallion Commander Rap this winter ! Commander Rap will be standing in 2009 for the economical bargain of $500 ( includes a $300 booking fee ) . Coromino is already a steal at $950 !! You wont find better deals on the market today!
11/2008 THANKS to JJ Tate for sharing her treasure of a horse Pittsburg ( barnname Pippen ) with me. I am so honored and look forward to improving my dressage and moving up the levels with this fantastic horse. Pippen is a welcome addition to ACSH and fits in to Jenns string - and we love his flapping lips !
11/2008 ACSH welcomes on Student turned part time working student Courtney Mohler
11/30/08 - Linden Hall/ Crossroads Tack Schooling Dressage Show. Student Ryan Rafferty competed in his first show on ACSH Schoolhorse Bump ( Dawn O Slew ) . They scored a 62 % at Intro B. Well Ridden. Toyah Nastanovich competed her OTTB gelding Exchange Offer at training - a good schooling experience. Cal was a bit overwelmed by the people on bleechers !
11/22 and 11/23 - Jenn and Wapsicle compete at the Autumn II Dressage Show at Morven Park on an aweful weekend of unseasonably cold weather , which Poppy was NOT happy about. They were 2nd place in 2nd level test 4, 5th in 2nd test 1, 4th in 2nd 4 and completed an obedient 3rd test 1.
11/2008 Autumn Charmers kick butt at the IEO Dressage Clubs Awards Banquet. Jenn and Como Park were reserve Champions for the year in First Level. Student Dee Epstein was 4th at First Level on Max and Patti Hancock was 5th on Vagabond at Training Level. Dee also recieved the impressive honor of Volunteer of the Year award ! congrats
11/2008 Jenn and Toyah attend the Sandy Ferrel clinic at Swan Lake and the Frank Madden clinic at Outlaw Stables. Both were great learning experiences.
10 / 2008 - Courtney Mohler and Cassie kick butt at the State 4-H Horse Show. Courtney placed 3rd in Equitation Over Fences and 3rd in Trail Ponies and had a nice showing in English Showmanship. Courtney does a super job - doing her own training and grooming / braiding. Way to go Courtney ! We are very proud of you.
10/2008 Autumn Charmers Dee Epstein, MJ Gibbs, Patti Hancock and Jenn auditied the Charles de Kunffy Clinic at Good Ness Ridge Farm in Sykesville ,Md. What an inspiration he is - teaching us that a horse must go round to carry a rider pain free and that we must ride as if we are the doctor and the horse is the patient - that we must ride therapeuticly - helping the horse.
10/2008 Autumn Charmers place at Dutch Knob Paper Chase. Students Kim Turner and Teddy, Patricia ( patty ) Jackson and Bump, and Toyah Nastanovich and Cal had a grand time. Read about their adventure on the Upcoming Events page in a poem written by Patty Jackson ( Central H.S. English teacher )
9/2008 Autumn Charmers Ryan Rafferty and Kim Turner along with longtime friend Kathy Sargen competed in the Hunt Cap Fall Paper Chase and had a complete blast ! Kathy says Ryan needs to event !
9/2008 a HUGE THANK YOU to all the kids who helped out at the barn over the summer. Since we had no working student to help - so many kids pitched in and were real lifesavers. Students Lydia Paulos, Rachel Krohn, Abby Kuhn, Molly Kuhn, Ryan Rafferty, Kara Fauth, Kylie, Kayla Groft and anyone else i missed - and of course our beloved Mr Paul Kuhn - a real lifesaver ! you guys are awesome !
9/2008 Thanks to all those who bred to Heritage Manor Farms stallion Coromino who stands at ACSH. Cory is a super horse with a fantastic temperment which we are now enjoying in his colt Consider Me - who is the spitting image of Cory in both looks and temperment. 2009 brings a new breeding year and we hope youll take advantage of Coromino - one of the best breeding deals on the market today! We collect 7 days a week and bend over backwards for breeding clients. ACSH is expecting another Cory offspring out of the TB mare Amari in April 2009.
