Friday, November 25, 2011

Nancy and Alyssa Klavens


We hear of many selfless people in this world. Those who are always pushing others to succeed, donating funds when they can, and boosting you up when you are down.

These people are called: owners.

The life of a professional horse-back-rider is not parallel to that of a professional football player. There isn't the glitz and the glamour, or parties and bling. More like mud and sweat, blood and tears - and we just keep coming back for more.

You fall off, you get back on - doesn't matter that you just fell into a ditch at the last show, there is the next one to prepare for - you have a sponsorship to uphold, and people to impress, but you are working with a variable object: a horse. A live animal.

So Molly is fortunate to have wonderful owners. Ones who understand horses, and understand that she, and they, are not always going to be perfect.

The Klavens are some of those amazing owners.

Nancy Klavens grew up obsessed with horses. As a child, she got her hands on every horse novel she could find from National Velvet to the Black Stallion. It is no wonder that her daughter, Alyssa, caught the bug.

The family has had horses for over 15 years. Alyssa says they started with a horse for her sister, then one for her, and then one for her mom.

While Alyssa's sister found joy outside of the horse world, Alyssa knew it was where she wanted to be. Soon after she started taking lessons, Alyssa became enthralled with the sport of eventing.

She bought Puttin' on the Ritz "Benny" in 2007 when he was just over a year old. Whereas her first horses were school-masters, her last three have been under the age of two as she has always enjoyed working with younger horses and watching them learn and grow.

Alyssa fell in love with Benny because he has a certain personality. She never wanted a boring horse and she definitely didn't get one. She describes him as a horse you have to develop a bond and relationship with if you want to be successful. He can be the sweetest horse in the world but he also keeps you on your toes. When everything clicks, she says it is the most wonderful feeling in the world, especially because he doesn't click with everyone.

Both Nancy and Alyssa always wanted to see Benny succeed, and recognized his true potential. Alyssa never saw him as a buy and re-sell project, she wanted to watch him grow and reach the top. However, being in college she realized she didn't have as much time as it would require to train him.

She wound up leasing him for a while with the intention of selling him - hoping someone would bond with him and find the same potential that she always saw and believed in. However, many tried, and unfortunately failed.

A good neighbor of ours, Roddy Strang, recommended Alyssa bring Benny to Molly. Initially, Benny came to Havarah to sell - but it became very apparent to all of us that there was something in this horse. I don't know what it was, he was just intriguing.

We were fortunate enough to have Benny come down to Aiken, SC with us, and it was there our thoughts were confirmed this horse proved to be a natural confident event horse.

So I guess the question still stands... why do owners front the bill and allow professional riders to ride their horses without much financial gain in return?

"Its been amazing to watch him compete!" Alyssa said. "I always felt like Benny's abilities were limitless if you were willing to work with him, and its so wonderful to see him start reaching toward his potential. Every time I get to see him, whether at a lesson, hacking, or a competition, I can see how much he's learned since the previous time. Even though I'm not the one riding him, I am so proud of what Molly has been able to accomplish with him."

This is why horse people are a certain "breed". Whether we are gutless, nuts, or just like to spend money - our horses are our children, our best friends, our partners in life, and to see them flourish is like a proud mother watching her child graduate kindergarten, enter middle school, graduate high school, and then enter the real world after college.

Most importantly, I think it's really important to find the right owner-rider combination. Alyssa recognized early on that Molly and Benny established a great relationship, and this was important to her.

"Molly has a way of understanding the individual horse's need and adjusting her riding style as needed. She has a rare combination of ability, patience, and the humility to understand that she never stops learning from others," Alyssa said. I think one of the most important qualities in a trainer is the understanding that horses learn at their own pace. Molly never tries to push a horse past its ability just for the sake of a competition or a sale. I have never heard her label a horse as "bad", rather she looks for the root of problems, whether its mental or physical. She is all about the horse's needs. In addition, she is an integral part of these horses lives. Horses are not solely her "business". Molly's dedication goes past just riding each horse, she makes an effort to bond with each of them on the ground. In that way, she understands more about their individual personalities."



Sorry for the long quote but I really couldn't have said it better myself. Alyssa, Nancy, Molly and of course Mr. Benny, vibe well together, and this is what makes this relationship so much fun.

Alyssa and Nancy's plans for Benny are really flexible at this point. Alyssa wouldn't dream of changing anything as long as Benny is still happy with Molly and after years of trying to figure out what he wants to do in life, she's just amazed to see him succeed.

Alyssa says that for so many years, people just labeled Benny as bad, and she would defend how sweet he could be. She is so happy to have found a place who recognizes and realizes not only his potential, but his potential sweetness. After all, he's her 1,200 pound baby (aren't they all!).

We love Benny for who he his and are excited for his international level debut which we are sure he has the potential for!

We appreciate you not only as owners, but as people, and we are always thankful for the wonderful people horses bring into our lives.

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Havarah's Blue Light Special!


I can almost smell the turkey roasting in the oven, taste the tangy gravy and am continuously dreaming about the fluffy mashed potatoes.

Then, it won't be long until the snow falls and we are hearing the ringing bells of Christmas and lighting the candles of the Menorah.

So, with this holiday season upon us, you know what that means.....

$1,000 off horses. Wait, WHAT?

Yup. Molly is calling it her "Blue Light Special". She's offering a $1,000 discount on every sale horse we at Havarah have offered for sale.

We have a few new Kynymont Connemara's who are fresh off the trailer. Pictures and information coming soon! So stay tuned or just come see them!

Our horses range from green to a Young Rider 2* ready horse. So yeah, you can say we have quite the range available. Here they are!


Zia - 2007 Thoroughbred
Qualities

15.1 Bay Mare
Zia has a lovely natural suspension to her step and is very well balanced over fences at an early age. With her eager to please behavior combined with her outstanding work ethic she's shown real promise as either an event horse or a jumper!


Zhen - 2004 Dutch Oldenburg Pinto
Out of Chasing Rainbows by Rainbow
By Sarpedon by Olympic Ferro
Qualities

16.2 h Black and White Pinto Mare
Zhen is super sweet. Easy to handle on the ground and under saddle. Showing great promise as future packer for just about anyone. She's simple, honest, brave and not to mention beautiful to look at. If you looking for these qualities in your new event horse, this is the one for you!

Alpine- 2007 Dutch Oldenburg Pinto
Out of Chasing Rainbows by Rainbow
By Sarpedon by Olympic Ferro
Qualities

16h black and white pinto mare
Piney shows tremendous athletic ability as a future sport horse. She was bred to jump and she's certainly shown us that she is very capable of that. Nice movement on the flat as well. Her athletic size will suit her well as a serious upper level prospect.

Kynymont Indelibly Irish- 2001 Connemara/Cross
By Kynynmont Dublin(sire)
by Greystone Ian McVai (grandsire)
Out of Greystone Irish Rose(dam)
Qualities

16h bay gelding
Indy is half Connemara and half TB/Selle Francais/Canadian Hunter. This horse started his eventing career in Aiken 2011. By summer he was in the ribbons at the training level. Easy to work with on the ground and under saddle. This horse could fox-hunt, event, or even do straight dressage. Lovely movement and a very kind personality.


Kynymont Grady- 2004 Connemara
Qualities






14.2h Dun gelding
Grady has all the makings of a super fancy event pony. He is a lovely mover, has great form over fences and is starting his eventing career as we speak. Keep your eye out for this one at the shows!






Kynymont Cody- 2002 Connemara
Qualities

14.1h grey gelding
Cody has started his eventing career and seems perfectly suitable for a junior to clean up in eventing, dressage, or jumpers. Ideal mount for your junior rider.



Sabrina
9 year old Selle Francais cross bay mare - 16 H. Supermodel, enough said! Sabrina has all the pieces to be a NAYRC Gold medal winner, nothing would make Molly happier than to see her new rider on the podium. This mare just began Intermediate late in 2011, in 2012 I think all the pieces are going to come together. She has fabulous movement for dressage and is a super honest jumper.

Not Pictured:

Rio
6 year old Kynymont Connemara/Clydesdale/TB cross. He is a 16h bay gelding. Molly emphasizes he is "so so so cool". Fairly green still but he shows tremendous movement and the wonderful, honest and easy Connemara jumping ability. This one will start eventing in 2012 in Aiken... and his price WILL go up!

Tipper
7 Year old Connemara/Selle Francais/TB cross. He is the full brother to Archie and Indie. Tipper has just started in training and is a sweet heart just like his brothers. This one is gentle enough to be brought along by a Junior or Adult Amateur, otherwise Molly will be enjoying starting him out in Aiken!

See... all types! For more information on these fabulous horses please email molly@mollyrosin.com for more information or to set up an appointment!

~Molly Gasiewicz

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

To Come...

Hello all!

I'm in between spoiling the beans and getting you all stoked! But... I'm too excited about this one.

In the coming weeks we are going to take a break from the horses... well kinda... and talk about their OWNERS.

We have some wonderful owners here at Havarah and Molly wouldn't be on such wonderful mounts with out their dedication and support of her and their horses.

We have enjoyed so many laughs and memorable moments with all of them and we are going to share a little about them and less about their lovely animals.

So get excited and stay tuned!

~Molly Gasiewicz

Tuesday, November 08, 2011

Havarah Updates

Ankhe Pass has sold! He went to a wonderful new home here in Kirkwood, PA (so he's still a local!).

Besty and Steve Harris are the lucky new owners- Ankhe and the Harris's will spend their days enjoying the countryside out FOX HUNTING! You may know them as the family who raises all of Andrews Bridge's awesome hounds AND super cute Border Terriers.

Ankhe will now get to live out his life long dream: running and jumping!

John Nunn's daughter's horse, Maiden, has also sold and will now spend her time being a teacher to Kristin Scali. Kristin rode as a teenager but now spends most of her time being mother to her young child. But Kristin is getting back in the tack! Maiden will be teaching Kristin some more dressage and will enjoy a luxurious life of trail-riding... until that is Maiden convinces her that jumping is oh so much fun! Maiden will be in good hands as Kristin rides with Molly's good friend and fellow CWD rider, Erin Sylvester.

These two horses are wonderful citizens and will be greatly missed from the Havarah team but we are confident they have lovely new homes and will be oh so happy there!

This past weekend the Havarah crew hopped on over to Unicorn Farm for a starter trial put on by St. Augustine Pony Club. Molly loves taking the horses here because it is not only beautiful, but the footing is phenominal. Hannah and Bryce rocked it at their first novice, Kim successfully completed her first training, and Zia and Zhen entered the eventing world at beginner novice.

Our newest working student, Robyn, competed beginner novice as well, and Adrianne competed Doctor for the very first time! Molly says it was the perfect way to end the 2011 season!

Unfortunately, I must report that Miss Maddie had a fall at her house today and broke her collar bone. She should be just fine with some surgery and rest, however!

Also, check out this photo of Tux in CA! What a good boy! ~ Molly Gasiewicz

Wednesday, November 02, 2011

Paints on Parade!

We have two wonderful sisters for sale here at Havarah: Zhen and Alpine a.k.a. Piney!



Piney is a 4 year old warmblood/pinto mare from Rainbow and Olypmic Ferro breeding. In case you may not be familiar with these names this means SUPER jumping and dressage bloodlines. Perfect event horse poss??

This young mare is very inquisitive and brave. She has not said one "no" to Molly out schooling cross country and she was tied for first at Loch Moy at beginner novice. Her ambitions are novice in 2012 with potential for much, much more!



Besides just her potential... Piney is a super sweet horse and gets along with others (she's bff's with my mare so I'm partial to this one!). If you're looking for a young prospect, this is your girl!



Zhen is a 7 year old warmblood/pinto out of the same breeding as Piney (Rainbow and Olympic Ferro). Yup, they are full sisters!

Though, 100% related, these two only look alike in their coloring. Zhen is much thicker than Piney who has more of a slender physique.

Zhen has some experience in the hunter/jumper world but would be the perfect match for a lower level eventer or hunter rider.

This mare's sweet disposition is hard to beat as she just wants to be your best friend. The more you pet her, the happier she is!



If you are interested in either (or both!) of these pretty girls, email molly@mollyrosin.com for more info and to set up an appointment!

Happy shopping!

~Molly Gasiewicz