News Around the Barn (2010)
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Things have been fairly quiet at the barn this winter, though lessons with Linda Clark and the occasional one with Erin MacQuarrie are still going on.
Congratulations to Kara Greenwood and family on the birth of their first grandchild! Kenneth Greenwood came into the world on February 19 weighing in at 7 lbs and 4oz.
The Cavalier Riding Club has once again begun a new riding session. We're glad to once again welcome back Madame Okie Leo to the barn, as well as welcoming 12 new riders this year!
Cavalier also had a recent fundraising by bagging groceries at the Sobey's in Dieppe. Due to all the hard work, and the public's generous donations to this wonderful cause, Cavalier raised a little over $3,200 over the course of a weekend. A big Thank You goes out to Margie and the people from Sobey's who helped make this happen, as well as a thank you to all the parents and volunteers who donated their time over the weekend taking turns bagging.
Dr. Randy Hayward is once again making his rounds with his students here at the barn. Not only is he bringing his 1st year students out but he's also bringing his 2nd year students out to use some of the horses as guinea pigs for various procedures; heart rate, respiration, temperature, wrapping etc. The horses seem to be happy to be of use and enjoy the attention.
Things have been picking up a little at the barn with the appearance of the nice Spring weather. The horses are all shedding their winter coats and are happy to see the grass pop up in the pastures. We're glad to have the full use of the pastures once again without having to slog through snowdrifts. They're drying up nicely and with the nice weather, the automatic water bowls have all been hooked up. No more lugging water!
Lessons are still going strong with Linda Clark and the Drill Team is once again getting geared up for another year.
We would like to welcome a new boarder at the barn in the form of an Appaloosa gelding named Marvin who is owned by one of Shani Murray's friends; Laura Batten. Marvin is a colourful little guy who seems to have settled in very quickly. Both he and Laura will soon begin taking lessons with Linda Clark.
Roberta is looking forward to the 2010 horse show season so she can take her new show buddy out; granddaughter McLaren!
We'll be short one face at the barn for the months of June and July as Shani Murray will be making her way to Africa where she'll be helping in an orphanage. Have fun Shani and we'll miss you!
Despite some very hot and humid weather the riding lessons, Cavalier lessons and drill team practices were in full swing this summer. Add a couple of weeks of haying and it was a bustling time.
Shani came back from her month long stay in Africa and had plenty of pictures and stories to tell of her great experience.
We're proud to announce that once again the Rockin' Riders came home with the victory at their annual Drill Team Competition up at the Princess Louise Show Center in Sussex! There was a good crowd out, and with the introductions of pas de deux and quadrilles, additional drill entries. The music was pumping and the costumes were flowing and everyone had a good time both as competitors and spectators.
With the purchase of their trailer, the Battens along with Laura's fellow barn friend Shani, took both Marvin and Austin to the beach at the Battens' cottage! The beasties weren't sure at first of the surf, but once they got their hooves wet, they quickly settled in and everyone had a great time.
Cavalier is on it's last session of lessons and will soon cease for the winter months, but not before having its annual banquet! Further details of that to follow.
Speaking of Cavalier, we'd like to extend our thanks once again to Spruce Hollow Corral for once again sponsoring the Club at its show. Also, a big and heartfelt Thank You goes out to the judge who donated his day's wages to the Club!
Shani and Laura also once again loaded up the boys and made their way to Spruce Hollow Corral's horse show. Despite some ups and downs (or would that be ups and offs? *grin*) a good day was had by all.
There's been a few rearrangements of horses and pastures as the pony Cowboy's been making friends with Josie in preparation for the winter. Cowboy will be keeping Josie company at her new home at Linda Hooper's place. Never fear, he'll be back next Spring once Cavalier starts up again.
This past weekend held the second annual Ashton Ridge Scavenger Hunt here at the farm. A couple of new participants were on site in the form of Linda Hooper, Laura Batten, Susanne Breau and spectator Debbie Himpe. The six riders were broken down into three groups of two's and headed off with a list of items to retrieve. Linda, Susanne, Kara and Chantalle ended up all together; mostly to help Lexus, Bennett and Emmy Lou (who was having her first ride off the property) navigate the water obstacles while Lyndsay and Laura headed off in another direction. They all met up at one point but the separated once again. Despite having all their items, Linda, Susanne, Kara and Chantalle ended up off the beaten path not part of the scavenger hunt to check out a suitable trail to use for going out on a regular trail ride. This means that Laura and Lyndsay made it back before everyone else, and even had time to antic their horses before the rest made their way back! Once the beasties were untacked and given some hay, everyone headed up to the house for the second part of the scavenger hunt; THE POTLUCK! Plenty of yummy food was up waiting for the riders and was a great way to end a great day. Many thanks once again goes out to Ann Murray and Shani Murray in planing the event.