News Around the Barn (2003) [2002 News Archive]

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December 2003

• This past Sunday was the farm's annual Christmas party and everyone who could make it did. The festivities began at 6:00 pm with plenty of tasty treats to tempt any person. Chocolates, gumdrops, coffee cakes, nacho dips and salsa were just the appetizers; homemade pizza and garlic fingers from Greco were the main course. As soon as everyone was done eating his or her fill, the traditional Yankee Swap began. All the presents were original and delightful and two seemed to catch the crowd's attention. One was a snowman on ski's and the other were beautiful handmade cards that Kathy Thompson makes in her spare time. Because school was the next day, after coffee was served, the crowd slowly said their goodbyes and thank you before leaving. Some scrambling had to be done as one of the barn cats, Mulder, kept running in as soon as the door was opened and he had to be caught and put out again. In all everyone had a very pleasant evening.

• Maureen Mungall, one of the regular lesson kids, has just started to lease Niki's horse, Just Impressive Jack. Maureen has been looking for a calm horse that she would be able to come out and ride with her friends Emma and Rebecca and Shelby and Jack fit the bill. She is looking forward to riding Jack as often as possible and to perhaps use him in her lessons.

• I would like to sincerely thank the barn gang for all of your donations of goods and Christmas gifts to a family in the area that has recently fallen on hard times. These gifts truly made their Christmas extra special in more ways than one. The mother was extremely grateful and through her tears, she stated that one day she would definitely return the favor to another.
Job well done guys.

Nicole Stevens

• We would like to take this opportunity to wish all of our boarders, and lesson students and their families a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
When we take the time from our hectic schedules to sit quietly and reflect on 2003, we realize how truly fortunate we are. Our family has diminished over the years, for many reasons, but our friends have made up for this. We would like to especially thank our children Nicole and Mark, Rob and Chantalle for making the farm an important part of their lives. It truly is a family affair.

Thanks to my right hand man (woman) Debbie Wilson whom I have grown to rely on greatly. I would not have survived 5 years without her expertise with the lesson students. She truly is a dear friend.

Thanks to Ann Murray and Linda Vogels from Cavalier Riding Club who volunteer their time every week.
Thanks to Linda Clark and Sheila Pickrell who come in on a regular basis over the winter to get everyone ready for the show season.

Thanks to my co-op student Patricia Melanson who's semester will be done soon on the 1st of January. She will be greatly missed, though she will continue to ride in her lessons here. Through her time here I think that she has come to love the horses as much as I do.

Merry Christmas to Robb Connors and family and our vet Randy Hayward of Prairie Schooner Equine Services.
It has been 5 years since we purchased the farm and time has passed quickly. We have had some sorrow but more joy than we could ever have imagined. Hopefully we are not too old to last another 5 years (especially considering Rob and Niki hi-tailed it out of here for addresses in Hillsborough!)

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year
Jim and Roberta

P.S. Jim is especially happy that Shelby purchased Jackson and he is still here with us!
P.P.S. Congratulations to Chantalle and Rob on the purchase of their new house, another place to have parties and eat!

 

November 2003

• Four riders took their Level 1 tests this Saturday and we are pleased to anounce that all passed with flying colors! A big Congratulations goes out to Emma Laffoley, Shelby Wilson, Jennifer Melanson and Chantalle Twohig. All four wrote their writen tests on Friday and then went down to the barn to get their horses ready for the stable management and riding that would take place on Saturday morning. Since we do things in style here at Ashton Ridge, all four riders had their horses manes braided and tack spit polished and on Saturday they all showed up wearing their show jackets. All and all they were very well presented, to the great delight of Sheila Pickrell. Despite a few having some bad case of nerves, the actual testing was relatively painless, with many thanks to the great teachings of Debbie and Niki.

Emma, Shelby, Jennifer and Chantalle would like to extend their deepest thanks to Debbie Wilson who took the time to go over the basics of the test to make sure they were ready and, of course, to Sheila Pickrell for coming out on that cold Saturday for the actual testing. As always, Roberta is included in the thank you as she was the one to get the ball rolling. Now for Level 2!

• Congratulations goes out to Cathy Kaye and her family on the purchase of Swift Classic Pine, previously owned by one of our boarders, Linda Hooper. The Kaye family picked Classic up on Friday November 07 and brought her to their barn in Havelock to be with the rest of their horses. We wish them both well in their new partnership.

• The annual banquet for the GMEC went off without a hitch last night. It was held at the Moncton Lions Senior's Club on St- George St. and there was a very good turnout. A delicious supper was served by the Senior's Club before the awards ceremony and after a few words from the past president, the winners were soon being announced. After all the prizes were called out the lights dimmed and everyone rocked to the tunes of the DJ 'till the wee hours of the morning. Everyone had a great time and we hope to see them again next year.

Lyndsay Greenwood on Swift Classic Pine won Reserve Champion in the following catagories: Junior English Equitation, Jr English Pleasure, Jr Road Hack, Jr Western Pleasure, Open Trail, Jr Command and High Point English Junior as well as High Point Western Junior.

Vanessa Gallant on Mr. Sandman won Grand Champion in the following catagorie: English Pony Pleasure

Jill Maynard on Touch the Illusion won Reserve Champion in the following catagories: Senior English Equitation and Sr Road Hack.

The following riders received certificates for participating in the 2003 GMEC show circuit:

Congratulations to everyone!

October 2003

• Fall is upon us again and although the nice weather we've been having is more like July, the burst of color and the cool nights bring forth memories of trail rides and the first snowfall. Speaking of trail rides, the boarders met up again this year to take advantage of the beautiful weather before the rain and snow closed the trails for another year. The mercury was in the twenties, the sun was shining with a little breeze, and everyone was anxious to go. The trail was dry and the horses were stepping lightly. Niki tried out her new horse, Silken, and was the trail-blazer for most of the way while the rest fell into step behind her. Two hours later they returned, hot but happy with their horses. After a quick hose-down, no one was the worst for wear.

• We also look forward to having Sheila Pickrell back teaching for the winter months. Niki, Susanne and Jillian will be busy brushing up their skills before popping over fences in their lessons.

• Debbie Wilson will be holding a small clinic for 4 riders to go over their Level 1 this Sunday. Emma Laffoley, Jennifer Melanson, Shelby Wilson and Chantalle Twohig will have a quick brush up before having Sheila Pickrell come out to actually test them. Patricia Melanson will also be joining in hopes of also getting her Rider Level 1. We wish them good luck on their test.

• The Greater Moncton Equestrian Club is hosting a Linda Clark clinic this weekend, October 18th and 19th, at Horsefeather's Equestrian Centre. Kara and Diane will be hauling out their horses to participate in this 2 day event.

September 2003

• Congratulations to 13 year old Shelby Wilson on her purchase of "Full Of Poise", a five year old chestnut Quarter Horse gelding from Ashton Ridge. Jackson and Shelby first came together when she started leasing him from the farm early in August and it's been love at first ride. He came as a surprise to her, stemming from the secret dealings between Shelby's mom and Roberta, and we can only imagine her delight once told! Jackson will be staying on at Ashton Ridge as he and Shelby begin their new partnership in earnest. We hope to see them in the show ring in the not too distant future.

• We once again have the pleasure of having Linda Clark come out and teach, this time in the form of lessons every Tuesday for a few boarders, in the form of Niki, Shelby, Kara and Diane.

August 2003

• It is so funny how things work out. Going through the past 6 months I never would have thought another horse could compare to Cameron and although different in many ways, I have been blessed with another amazing companion. When I heard that a friend of ours was going through the agonizing decision of selling her horse after 8 years, I immediatley knew he would be the perfect horse for me. Now after two weeks of having him here in Cameron's old stall, I couldn't be more convinced. Silken is so similar to Cameron it is truly scary at times. Not only is he big, grey and a cribber, he is so patient, kind and full of heart. Although I feel sad that his previous owners, Peggy and Meaghan Balser, had to go through this heartwrenching decision, I am truly greateful they gave me the opportunity to own such a wonderful animal.

Nicole Stevens

• The clown of the barn, Jackson (whom everyone loves actually) now has a new rider with Shelby Wilson. He started his training with Niki and Larry, continued by both Julie Williams and Melissa Sleeper (one in Western and the other in English/Hunter) he was then consistently ridden by both Niki and Jodi Fawcett. Shelby has now taken over the reins of this charismatic young horse. They are proving to be a good match so far and Shelby is excited about learning all she can from Jackson. They have both come a long way and hope to go even further together.

July 2003

• A few shows have passed starting with the Northumberland County Horse Show - Mirimichi: July 6, 2003. The regulars of the barn once again prepared for the long haul up to the show grounds. The day dawned sunny and warm, and it almost turned out to be a scorcher but a strong breeze kept the temperature manageable, for the most part anyway. Everyone who competed did very well and were very pleased with their results. The judge was very good in explaining exactly what she was looking for and gave tips to the riders after they've shown, giving them something to possibly work on so as to do better for the next time. It was a long drive back and everyone arrived home tired but happy.

• The next show that passed by was the Springwater Stables Show - July 19, 2003. There were four boarders who attended the show. On the morning of the show, rain poured down from the skies, somewhat dampening everyone's spirits. Thankfully the rain stopped once the show got going and the day ended beautifully, both in the weather and the riders results.

• Shelby has gone to a week long camp with Linda Clark up at her stables Horizon Farms, in Norton NB. She left Monday and is only coming back on Friday after their little show. At the end of the camp, the kids host a small show to parents to show them how much they've learned. Shelby is excited to attend camp once again and hopes to find familiar faces once she's up there. Have fun Shelby and learn lots to use with Jackson once you get back!

• The next show on our list is Springbrook Stables Show - August9 & 10, 2003. There's going to be a new face in the show ring in the form of Astra and the Lafolley sisters Emma and Rebecca. After buying and riding Astra for the past few months, they have decided it's time to take her to a show. The girls are equal parts excited and nervous and can't wait for Saturday to come rolling along. Good luck to all who will be showing.

• The last show on the circuit is Spuce Hollow Fall Roundup Show - September 27, 2003. All of the regular show riders at the barn will be attending (baring any complications) and hopefully it will prove to be an interesting day. With this being the end of the show season, the atmosphere tends to be more relaxed, though still very competitive. Generally people go out with a bang, like Linda Hooper did when she rode Shandi's Jasper in the sac race. Maybe we'll see a repeat of such entertaining endeavors. We'll just have to wait and see.

June 2003

There's a new face around the barn with the arrival of Indraffa. "Indy" is a 19 year old grey Arabian mare that is being leased out by Chantalle Twohig. The big day came on Monday when Jim and Rob hooked up the trailer and they all went down to Tannic Farm to pick Indy up. Once on the trailer, the short trip back to the farm passed without incident. Despite some early jitters, Indy for being in a new place and for Chantalle for being with a new horse, everything worked out great. Chantalle rode her for the first time after her lesson on Monday and is looking forward to many more rides.

• For those who remember the Landry's B.C. (before Cameron) the name "Indraffa" might sound familiar. This feisty little Arab was Niki's first horse as a young girl. The current owner, Melissa Pert is going away to university soon and she and her father wanted to make sure that their horse was cared for. They'll be happy to hear that Indy has settled in nicely in her new home and will be cared for by many. Good luck in your studies Melissa.

• I would like to take this time to personally thank Roberta. Roberta first brought Indy to my attention and was the first point of contact between Wayne and I. She has always looked out for me and found horses for me to either lease or to ride. She is always giving me advice and is always willing to help guide me towards the right choices. Thank you for all you have done for me. A big thank you also goes out to Wayne Pert. I know how hard it can be to move and lease out a beloved horse, and even harder still when you don't know the person. I thank you for your trust. Indy will be well taken care of.

Sincerely, Chantalle Twohig

• There's a new face around the barn with the arrival of a 6 year old sorrel Quarter Horse mare named Astra that will be the new mount for the Laffoley sisters, Emma and Rebecca. Astra arrived on Wednesday June 04 and was a bit of a surprise for the girls (they were expecting her later in the week). She's settled in nicely and the girls are enjoying riding her around the farm in lessons and hope to show her in the not-too-distant future.

• This past weekend, June 07, Sunny Corner Farm owned by Sue Jack hosted a show and the regulars of the barn attended. It was a busy day with every event, from jumping to reining all done in one day. The jumping started first, allowing a rare break for our boarders. Not having to be there when the show first started, they could sleep in a bit and leave at 8:00am instead of 6:30am. The jumping took up most of the morning and there was a quick lunch break before the flat classes were to begin. Chantalle took this time to watch Stacey Maxwell of Rosewood Arabians, braid her Arabian's mane so that she could learn how to do it herself in Indraffa's mane. A thank you goes out to Stacey from Chantalle for her time.

May 2003

• Another clinic came and went this past weekend (May 3rd). Shandi hosted the clinic up at Spruce Hollow Corral and the clinician was John Perkins. Niki who was riding Shandi's horse Hot 'n Rosie accompanied Kara as they once again loaded up for the short trek up to Lutz Mountain. A big Thank you goes out to Shandi on letting Niki use Indy in the clinic.

• Everyone at the farm was sad to see Century Star King, or "Quincy" leave the farm. Quincy is going back to his original owner who rides up in Nova Scotia. Undaunted by the loss of their horse, the Laffoley girls are looking for a new mount. Good luck goes out to them and we hope to see a new face in the barn soon.

• A group of the boarders will be taking a road trip up to Fredericton on May 10th for the 2003 Horse Fair at Horse World. It's held on a Saturday with many demonstrations, from dressage to western. It promises to be an eventful day and everyone is looking forward to the trip. Hope the skies stay blue on that day!

• Well it's that time of the year again and all the boarders start polishing up their riding skills and hauling out the show gear because the first show is just around the corner. The Albert Early Spring Horse Show is the first show of the year and it's held on May 17th and 18th and it will still be at the Albert Exhibition Grounds. This is a two day event with the western classes on Saturday and the English classed on Sunday. This is a great first show to kick off the show season as it is a close knit show that allows riders and their horses to shake off the last of the winter cobwebs while still having a good time and place in the classes. It's a great place to see old friends and make new ones. Good luck to all of the boarders showing, and to Jillian who will be showing for the first time this year as a Senior.

• This summer's show season commenced on the weekend of May 17th and 18th. It was a GMEC held at the Albert County fairgrounds and many of our boarders attended. The show was over a 2 day period with the western classes on one day and the English on the other. Saturday dawned bright and sunny as all the riders prepared themselves for the Western classes.

• Kara was somewhat nervous as this would be Kola's first "real" show since his debut at Shandi's show last year. She rode and trained him all winter for this summer's show season and couldn't wait to see how he would be. It is with great pleasure to announce that Kola did very well and Kara couldn't be happier with his performance (both in the ring and out around the other horses). Lindsay rode Classic in her Junior Western classes and this normally English rider had a fun time of it. Great job you guys.

• A few more horses hauled out of the barn on Sunday as our English riders made their way to the show grounds.
Jillian rode in her first class as a Senior and did well in her new division with Magic. Jodi, as always, won the Road Hack stakes class with her big App Willie as they strutted their stuff around the ring. Vanessa brought out her little pony Sandman and also showed in Albert.

• Jennifer Melanson who is leasing Magic rode in her first show with the mare and did well in her 3 classes, including a 1st in her Equitation class. She hopes to show Magic again in the near future at another show. Congratulations Jennifer.

• Diane and Cassy were the pleasant surprise of the day. Diane had taken her mare to a few shows last year but hadn't showed consistently. She brought Cassy down on Friday and decided to show her on Sunday. Both performed beautifully. Cassy went around the ring like she'd been doing it for years and Diane did very well in her classes (except for the command class). Congratulations to the both of you.

• Catherine Smith showed Shandi Mitton's mare "Hot 'n Rosie" in Halter and Showmanship classes and did very well.

• A big thank-you goes out to Peggy Davis who once again put on a fantastic show at Albert. Great job from all at Ashton Ridge and the GMEC.

• The second show was also hosted in Albert and this time by the Paint club. Kara, Lyndsay, Jillian and Diane once again loaded up their horses for the short trip down for this one day event. Jillian decided to show Magic in both English and Western and despite a little scurrying around because of the tack change, they made it to all of their classes. Kara and Kola again did well and Kara was even more pleased with her mount, especially after his reaction to being boxed in in one of her classes. Kola took it like a gentleman. Diane and Cassy again went well in the classes (except for the command class, again) and Diane couldn't be happier with her mare.

April 2003

• Two of the boarders, Kara and Diane, went out to a clinic with Linda Clark hosted by the Greater Moncton Equestrian Club this past weekend (April 26th and 27th). The clinic was held out a Horsefeathers Equestrian Center and it was a success. Saturday was a beautiful day and all the riders (and horses) worked up a sweat as Linda put them through their paces. Sunday dawned cold and wet but Linda still managed to get her riders to shed their coats or sweaters while the spectator huddled under coolers. Despite the rain everyone came away from the clinic sore but pleased with their horses' performance and Linda's teachings.

• Congratulations goes out to Julie Williams on the purchase of her new horse Cashs Super Slick. "Slick" is a 6-year-old sorrel Quarter Horse gelding that Julie fell in love with at first sight. She anxiously awaited his arrival here at the farm but he's now settled in nicely and Julie is thoroughly enjoying herself with her new "baby". She plans on showing him (in the not-too-distant future if we have anything to do with it!) western but for now she's enjoying the getting-to-know you part of owning a new horse.

March 2003

• The month of March has passed by without any incidents here at Ashton Ridge (if you discount the occasional floods caused by all the melting ice and snow) and all the boarders are starting to get cabin fever, chomping at the bit to get into the outdoor ring. Once all the snow clears and the ground dries, it won't be long until the trailers are dusted off and checked before that first haul out to the show ring.

• Linda Clark's clinic went off without a hitch on March 02 after it had been rescheduled twice because of bad weather. The wind was a little brisk and snow occasionally fell off the roof but that didn't faze anyone (except perhaps the spectators who huddled under various horse coolers as they watched the riders). Linda, always up to date on various new methods, gave all who participated some new and interesting tips on riding, helping to cater those tips and individualize them for each and every rider and horse. As always, all the boarders who participated were filled to bursting with information as they trudged, some stiffly and others wearily, up to the house for a pot luck for lunch and then coffee and desert up at the house. Despite some stiff muscles the next morning, everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves and can't wait for Linda to come back. Big, warm Thank You goes out to Linda for coming out to teach us.

• Kara Greenwood gave a small clinic to a few of the younger boarders/leasers here at the farm. Emma with her horse Quincy, Vanessa with her pony Sandman, Jennifer who is leasing Magic and Shelby who is leasing Tip all participated. Kara, who both watches and participates in various clinics with various instructors, took a little of everything and got the kids to do some hands-on methods with their horses. They all had lunging lessons, ground work and finally mounted work. The clinic was held on a Wednesday during March break and it took most of the day. By the end, the children were tired but satisfied with their and their horses performance. A big Thank You goes out to Kara for taking the time to give the clinic.

• The lessons continue on at the farm with Sheila Pickrell. Diane has temporarily put up her western saddle as both her and Cassy are getting some experience going over a few rails. Suzanne continues on with her mare Honey, as well as Jackson who is currently being ridden by both Melissa Sleeper and Niki. Melissa mostly rides him in the lesson as she puts some experience on this young gelding who, only 2 months previously, had never gone over a jump before.

• There will be a clinic held by the GMEC here at the farm. It's an informative clinic (meaning no riding) that will encompass everything from proper show attire to what a judge is looking for in a show ring (both for English and Western). It will be held on Sunday April 13th, 2003.

• The Cavalier Riding Club will also be having an informative orientation for their volunteers. It will be held Sunday May 4th. All are welcome. More information to follow. For more details, please contact Roberta at 386-2596.

• There's a new face in the barn with the arrival of Fynnian's Gold Rush (Fynn to all). He's a 18 year old Canadian/Morgan cross palomino gelding that will be used as a lesson horse. He's a little furry at the moment but with some grooming and some work, he'll soon be taking his place alongside Captain, Sunny, Hooker and Wiggie teaching kids to ride.

• Niki and Kara are heading up on May 3rd to Spruce Hollow Corral for a clinic with John Perkins. It was set up by Shandi Mitton, the owner, and all three riders are looking forward to this clinic.

• A special thanks goes out to Shandi Mitton, owner of Spruce Hollow Corral on lending her Quarter Horse mare, Hot And Rosie to Niki upon learning of Cameron's passing. Indy was delivered in person by both Shandi and Jeremy and the horse has settled right in. Niki is ridding the mare in lessons with Larry and both are enjoying themselves playing and training (for both Indy and Niki).

• I wanted to say a special thank you to both Julie Williams and Melissa Sleeper for spending countless hours with Jackson. Julie has spent many hours working on his showmanship, manners and overcome obstacles that most young horses encounter. Melissa took this one step further and introduced him to his first jump and subsequently many more. Without her steady
guidance he would never have seen his first vertical; I surely wasn't gonna do it. Once again thanks girls for all you have done.

February 2003

• This last week has been an eventful one to say the least. It all started on Sunday with the freezing rain. That in itself was bad enough but to make matters worse, the power also went out here at the farm. Not to worry, a nice, big wood stove insured that the Landry family wouldn't freeze during this little crisis. The horses were nice and cozy in their stalls as well. The only dark cloud with the power outage was in how to get water to the horses. Without power, the water pump couldn't come on and that left the horses without a drink. Everyone was contemplating melting snow and hauling water when Rob remembered about a small generator in the garage. He filled up the gas tank, crossed his fingers and started it up. It worked! They attached the generator to the backhoe and drove it down to the barn, plugged in the water pump and presto! The horses now had water. It's a good thing too because the power didn't come back on until Wednesday afternoon. Lessons were canceled for those first few days as everyone coped with the power outage and ice on the ground. We are now pleased to announce that everything is back to normal (as normal as can be).

January 2003

• Well winter is in full swing, yet again but that doesn't dampen anyone's spirits. . .well not too much anyway. Winter blankets are hauled out, as well as any and all winter riding gear, to get set for that first deep freeze. It's really amazing to see those same, sleek show horses who were once groomed and gleaming to perfection start to look a little rough around the edges. Winter is usually the time where things slow down, and that usually happens somewhat, but all the boarders are out here at least twice a week (baring any snowstorm, ice-storm, rain or high wind-chill), riding and training their mounts, getting ready for the next show season

• Congratulations to Shanice Salby of Galbraith Stables, Brown's Flats N.B. on the purchase of Maplehurst Drifter from Ashton Ridge Equestrian Centre. Drifter is an 18 year registered Quarterhorse gelding who was Shanice's Christmas present.

• After a busy holiday season, followed by the wedding of our daughter Nicole, the farm is returning to a somewhat normal routine. Lessons are back in full swing and the boarders are busily preparing for the 2003 show season.

Our condolences go out to Sheila Pickrell and Eva Lutes on the sudden and tragic loss of their horse, "Who Me". He was very well respected in the CEF show circuit. He will also be greatly missed by Brittany Balser who was leasing "Who".

 

We would like to announce the marriage of our daughter Nicole Lynn to Mark Gordon Stevens on January 10th, 2003. Wedding was held at Mountain View United Church with Rev. Paul Cumming officiating. Reception followed with family and many close friends at Centennial Park Rotary Lodge. We would like to thank all who attended; you made Mark and Niki's night very special.