News Around the Barn (2002)
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News Flash
We are pleased to announce
the engagement of our daughter, Nicole Lynn to Mark Gordon Stevens.
Wedding to take place at Mountain View United Church, January 10th,
2003.
Jim and Roberta Landry
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December 2002
• This past Sunday was Niki's housewarming
party, and all the boarders were invited. It started at 1:00 in the afternoon
and there was plenty of food and apple cider to go around. Like most parties,
the majority of the crowd gathered in the kitchen, except for those who were
on tour of Niki's new abode. Eventually the crowd migrated to the sitting
room were the gifts were held, just waiting to be opened. Everyone, but most
importantly Niki, loved each and every gift as they were passed around once
opened. After the last gift was opened, more food was consumed, people talked
some more, and little by little the numbers slowly dwindle down as everyone
said their good byes. Both Mark and Niki would like to extend a very warm
and sincere thank- you to everyone who came and made this housewarming a smashing
success.
• Merry
Christmas from Ashton Ridge Equestrian
Centre. I would like to thank all my boarders, lesson students and instructors
for a fantastic year. Thanks to Larry Donovan, Sheila Pickrell, Ann Murray,
and Debbie Wilson for providing excellent and informative lessons to the boarders
and lesson students. I would also like to thank my right-hand men and women
who make the farm run smoothly; my husband Jim , son Rob, daughter Nicole
and soon to be son-in-law Mark Stevens. I would also like to thank Jodi Fawcett
, Julie Williams, and Chantalle Twohig for all their hard work. MERRY CHRISTMAS
and HAPPY NEW YEAR to all.
• I would like to thank all who voted
for me for the 'Ed and Lois Hoar' award. I was honored to have been nominated
and chosen for this award. A special thanks goes out to my boarders and especially
Jodi Fawcett who gave me a special tribute and presented the award at the
GMEC Awards night. I would also like to thank Stan and Donna Barnett who did
the barn chores that night while we were all away from the farm. I have counted
on Stan a few times to help out and he always comes through for us. Thanks
to all my friends in the horse community and I hope to have many more fantastic
years here at Ashton Ridge.
November 2002
• Fall is finally here and with it
comes a bite in the air and a burst of colour everywhere you look. The boarders
celebrated fall last year by taking a trail ride in the woods by the farm.
After a brief stop at Tim Horton's, they made their way back to the farm and
warmed up with some hot food up at the house. Keeping with this newly made
tradition, there will be another trail ride on Sunday November the 3rd at
11:00am, with a pot luck up at the house afterwards. Everyone is looking forward
to this gathering of people and horses. This is definitely a great way to
spend a lazy Sunday afternoon.
• Everyone who is a Greater Moncton
Equestrian Club member are all looking forward to November 16th . It is on
that Saturday at 7:00pm that the Awards Banquet is held. It is here where
all the work done in the Spring and Summer show season come to fruition. Each
rider who received a set amount of points are awarded wonderful prizes and
recognition for a job well done. A wonderful turkey diner is also served,
and once the prizes and supper are all done, the rest of the night is reserved
for dancing. All are welcome. The tickets are $15 each and you can contact
Roberta if you need any. Hope to see you all there!
• There is seldom a time when the
boarders are not willing to improve their riding skills, and this time is
no exception as everyone is anxiously awaiting another visit from Linda Clark.
She will be holding a clinic here at the farm on Sunday November 24th . We
hope to start a trend with her coming once a month, so it would almost be
like a continuous lesson, with her getting to know the horses and riders and
vice versa. This just makes it easier for both Linda and the riders. Everyone
is happy and excited to have her back and we hope everyone has a good time
in the clinic.
• On Saturday November 16 the Greater
Moncton Equestrian Club's annual banquet was held. The evening started off
at 7:30 at the Lion's Club on St George St. A turkey dinner with all the trimmings
was served quickly and efficiently by the folks of the Lion's Club, followed
by tea or coffee with a delicious desert of cherry cheesecake. Once the food
was eaten the minutes of the last meeting were read and the new members of
the board were introduced. Finally, the moment every rider had been waiting
for; the announcement of who placed Champion and Reserve in the English and
Western divisions. As the new President of the Club, this honour went to Karen
McFarlane as she went down the substantial list, reading out the rider's names,
what they placed and the prizes they won. As always, the committee members
did a wonderful job of picking out the products to go as prizes. GMEC members
who didn't accumulate enough show points during the season to qualify for
any divisions were still recognised by the Club with certificates, stating
that they participated in the shows. There was a surprise in store for Roberta
in the form of Jodi going up and giving a speech. Every year the members of
the Club nominate people for various awards and this year Roberta won the
Ed and Lois Hoar award. Before announcing to the crowd who the award winner
was, Karen asked Jodi to come up and say a few words and boy did she ever!
Jodi went up and gave an emotional speech on how Roberta deserved to win and,
with the help of Julie Williams, helped present the award and an immense bouquet
of red roses to Roberta.
Following is a list of year-end placings
for the GMEC show circuit:
September 2002
• Well it was another hectic day
here Friday Sept 27, as many of the boarders prepared themselves and their
horses for the last show of the season. This show was held at Spruce Hollow
Corral up on Lutes Mnt. This is the last show that's part of the GMEC circut
and everyone wanted to finish the year off in good style. Unfortunately the
weather decided not to cooperate as it rained all Friday night and early Saturday
morning, turning the footing into a slippery mess in the outside ring at Spruce
Hollow Corral. The weather or the terrain didn't dampen any spirits here at
Ashton Ridge as everyone packed up their gear and their horses and made the
short trip to the showgrounds. Fortunately the rain decided to stop just before
the flat classes began in the morning.
Vanessa Gallant decided to give her pony
Mr. Sandman a rest and showed Niki's horse, Just Impressive Jack, in her Junior
flat classes. Jillian Maynard figured she'd go out with a bang and entered
her horse Magic not only in the English classes but the Western ones as well.
There was a surprize waiting for Kara and Lindsay Greenwood, in the form of
an announced speach given at the show on behalf of their horse Hooker. Shandi's
show marked the end of a 21 year showing carreer and Hooker is now retired
from the show ring. Kara's day was quite full and just a little hectic as
she also brought out her new horse, Kola in a few classes (Halter Geldings
and Walk, Trot in which she placed 2nd in both). Kara is very pleased in her
new mount. Diane Thompson also did very well as she showed her mare Cassy
in both English and Western. Linda Hooper entertained the crowd when she entered
the musical sacks on Shandi's small pony Jasper. Seeing both of them galloping
along with the big horses kept the crowd in stitches. All in all everyone
had a great time in the last show of the year. Both horses and riders can
now have a well deserved rest. Until next year. . .
August 2002
• There is now another new face around
the barn with the arrival of "Maplehurst Drifter". Drifter is an 18yr old
sorrel Quarter Horse gelding that will be used as a new lesson horse and is
now owned by the farm. He came to our attention by Holly Steeves, who was
looking to place him in a good home where she knew he'd be well cared for.
The Landry's had been quietly contemplating acquiring a new lesson horse when
Drifter came into the picture, and he was precisely what they were looking
for. Despite being in a strange new setting, Drifter settled in quickly and
is now slowly being integrated as part of the lesson horse crew. Many thanks
to Holly Steeves for this great little gaffer.
• The barn here at Ashton Ridge was
once again in an uproar as some boarders prepared both themselves and their
horses for Spring Brook Stable's show. This is another show that's part of
the GMEC circuit and every member (or non-member) tries to make it out to
this show. It's over a two day period with the English on Saturday and the
Western on Sunday. Vanessa with Sandman, Jodi with Willie, Lindsay with Classic,
Catherine with Jack and both Jillian and Chantalle with Magic are all anxious
with nerves and excitement for their showing on Saturday. The farm's Western
riders, Linda with Classic, Kara with Hooker and Katie with Sully will be
taking it easy on Saturday because all too soon, Sunday will roll around and
it'll be their turn to scramble and get things ready as well as coping with
the show jitters. Everyone is excited for the show and hopes for a good time
and good results are high. We wish them all the best here at Ashton Ridge.
• Vanessa and Shelby attended riding
camp this summer at Horizon Farm, in Norton, NB. Under the guidance of Linda
Clark, they had a great time and also came home with a wealth of knowledge.
Thanks Linda for the invitations!
• We would especially like to thank
Linda Clark for making Vanessa's first jumping experience in a show ring a
pleasant one. Vanessa has worked very hard with Mr. Sandman since purchasing
him in January. Linda coached her in the warm-up ring at the Springbrook Stables
horse show, and prepared her for her first set of crossrails. After a week
of camp and a full day of showing, both Vanessa and Sandman were tired but,
for Vanessa, it was a very good feeling.
• Congratulations goes out to the
Laffoley family on the arrival of a grey Quarter Horse gelding from Montreal.
"Quincy" will be arriving here at the farm on the 30th of Aug. Both
Emma and Rebecca, not to mention their mother Cathy, are counting the days
until his arrival. Just like Christmas.....counting the sleeps.
July 2002
• The Bits 'n Spurs 4H Club, as well
as many borders, pitched in and had a pasture cleanup this weekend (July 6th).
After a week of stifling hot, muggy weather, the sun decided to hide behind
the clouds and gave us cooler weather and everyone trucked up to the pastures
to pick rocks. Always the overachievers, many felt that it wasn't enough to
just pick up the visible rocks from the ground, soon almost everyone started
to pry loose any rock that dared to peak through the earth. The resulting
holes were, of course, covered up so that no beasties could get hurt. After
many tractor loads, the mission was a success as all the pastures were done
and everyone was rewarded with pizza, pop and Tim Hortons. Many thanks goes
to all who participated.
• Everyone at the farm welcomed Linda
Clark on Sunday as she gave a riding clinic for the boarders. The day started
at 9:00am and finished around 5:00pm, with almost everyone riding in two lessons.
It was a learning experience for all, especially for those who had never ridden
in two lessons in a Linda Clark clinic, as Chantalle Twohig, Vanessa Gallant
and Laura Horseman soon found out. The first lesson was more about the rider's
position and working in a rectangular pattern and, though it was an for an
hour, it was more of a warm up in preparations of things to come after lunch.
The second lesson was more high paced as both horse and rider worked up a
sweat as Linda really worked on correcting bad riding habits that people invariably
pick up along the way. Despite some sore muscles at the end of the day, and
a brain filled to bursting with things to remember while riding, everyone
learn a lot and had a good time. A big Thank You goes out to Linda Clark with
the hopes of her coming out again soon.
June 2002
• Jim and Rob recently purchased
a second tractor, a John Deere backhoe. This new toy...err tool, should help
make their lives a little easier. While the machine is in good shape, their
'Tim the toolman' mentality will probably have it back in showroom condition
before long. Knowing them, it'll probably even have a secret weapon or two.
• It was another hectic weekend on
June 1st as many boarders from the farm got their stuff ready and trucked
out again to the Albert fairgrounds for the Spring Fun Show hosted by the
Paint Club. The day began beautifully at the barn but once at the fairgrounds,
the temperature was decidedly cooler, but that didn't seem to fase anyone
(except perhaps for the spectators). The horses, as well as the riders were
fairly busy as Senior riders lent their horses to Junior riders, and vice
versa. This was the first show that Chantalle Twohig attended with Touch The
Illusion, owned by Jillian and Karlene Maynard, and though she was a bundle
of nerves, Chantalle is thrilled with her and Magic's performance and has
now been bitten by the show bug and can't wait to show again. Jodi Fawcett,
Jillian Maynard and Lyndsay Greenwood were the heroes of the day for Sydney
Wilson and the Laffoley sisters, Rebecca and Emma. They entered the girls
in the lead line class on their horses, dressed them with some borrowed show
clothes, and gave them all a day to remember. All placed very well. Despite
the long day of showing both English and Western, everyone at the farm had
a great time and came away happy with their performances. [Show
Results]
• We would like to thank Raymond,
Shirley and Katie Bourque, Kara and Lyndsay Greenwood, and Linda Hooper for
the use of their horses: Sully, Hooker and Classic every Tuesday for the Cavalier
Riding Club, therapeutic riding for the disabled. Also, a special thanks to
Raymond Bourque and Jillian Maynard who offer their time as volunteers.
• The Greater Moncton Equestrian
Club's Spring Into Summer show went off with a bang this weekend. The three
day event started on Friday night and went straight through until Sunday evening.
Many of the boarders again loaded up their horses for one of the biggest shows
of the season. As usual, there was plenty to do and see as the English flat
and jumping classes, the Western flat and pattern classes and Gaming classes
went under way and everyone was kept pleasantly entertained. The Showcase
on Saturday night packed the bleachers as the demonstrations of various breeds
paraded through the arena. There was a dressage presentation from Michelle
Hodgins and the Icelandic Horses made another appearance, much to the crowd's
delight. Also we mustn't forget about the musical ride, which was wonderfully
executed by a group of riders and horses varying in age and size, all coached
by Shandi Mitton. Everyone who witnessed the horse and dog relay race last
year was ecstatic to see that the little Jack Russell Terrier was back again.
This little fellow won the hearts of all who saw him last year as he ran around
jumping up to see the crowd in between obstacles, and everyone was pleased
to see that he hadn't changed a bit. All in all, it can be said that, as always,
everyone enjoyed the weekend. A thanks goes out to Kim Smith for entertaining
us and keeping us in stitches, as she and her trusty guitar serenaded everyone
sitting outside her camper, as well as any and all passer-by's.
May 2002
• There is now a bit more color in
the barn, first with the arrival of Mr. Sandman and now with the arrival of
"Starpiens Chief" a 15hh, 3 year old sorel overo gelding previously
owned by Sue Jack. Kara Greenwood is the proud new owner of this colorful
little fellow. Though a paint was probably not her first choice, the minute
she got on "Kola" it was love at first trot. Kara, who had been
quietly looking for another horse, caught wind of him from Linda Clark. Congratulations
to Kara and a special thanks to Linda Clark for all her help.
• Both Shelby Wilson and Lyndsay
Greenwood started off their show season on new mounts; Shelby on Tip The Bar
and Lyndsay on Swift Classic Pine. They each started off their show season
at Spring Rally, hosted by their 4H club "Bits 'n Spurs". Despite
some nervousness and on a cold windy day, both did very well and are pleased
with the outcome. Special thanks to Jillian Maynard who gave her entire day
in helping the Club put on a great show. [Show
Results]
• Vanessa Gallant and her new pony,
Mr. Sandman, attended their very first show May 19th at the Albert Early Spring
show. Both did very well, and Vanessa is thrilled with her pony and their
placings. Congratulations Vanessa. [Show
Results]
• Lyndsay also showed Classic at
the Albert show in the junior division while Linda Hooper, who hadn't shown
English for a few years, decided to enter in the senior division. There was
a bit of scrambling to be done for as soon as the junior class was finished,
the senior class would start. The same could be said with Kara, who had never
shown English before, and Shelby as they both shared Hooker as well. Keeping
up with the oddities of the day, Lyndsay decided to try her hand in the western
division with Classic. Despite the confusion, everyone had a great time. [Show
Results]
• Achievement day went off with a
bang here at the farm. The Bits 'n Spurs Club members showed up with their
horses and tack brushed and cleaned, jackets and blouses washed and pressed,
boots polished and shined and their breeches spotless all to finish off their
year in the club. It was a beautiful day at the farm with a lovely breeze
to keep the heat down as the riders strutted their stuff and knowledge to
both the judge and the spectators. There was a bar-b-q for lunch and everyone
had a great time. Jillian Maynard won High Point Senior, Shelby Wilson won
High Point Junior and the Sportsmanship award went to Jillian Maynard. A special
thanks goes out to Julie Williams who, every Sunday throughout the year, has
donated her time in coaching Shelby with Tip. It just goes to show how hard
work pays off.
• Cavalier Riding Club-Therapeutic
Riding for the Disabled, went off without a hitch this month for the Spring
session. We were happy to see many familiar faces, as well as some new ones
as the riders all waited anxiously for the moment to mount up. Ann Murray,
our instructor, sure had her hands full, coaching 3 classes, and overseeing
1, with a total of 12 riders on her first night. Mark Stevens and Cassie Laroche,
our residential Assistant Instructors in training, decided to get their feet
wet in teaching as they took over the last class of the night. We would like
to thank Ann and all the volunteers who attended and we would like to extend
an invitation to all who is interested in coming out to see what we're all
about. Volunteers are always needed and definitely welcome!