VA CCI * -- its' really happening!

This is the weekend we have all been waiting for; the Virginia Horse Trials and CCI.  I'm super excited about this event for many many reasons- you'll see from the pictures below how far our horses and my riders have come and I am so excited to ride The Klavan's Puttin on the Ritz and thrilled to coach Maddie and Hannah in their first CCI- it's a big deal!  Sabrina will be joined this weekend by her new rider, Jenny and Robyn and the Hulmes Annabelle will be enjoying their first away event together.  This weekend we are joined by some very supportive parents and my good friend Alyssa.  

As horse things go you end up with some hard luck surrounding some hopeful good luck.  We endured some scary hard luck on our trip down but I feel that we were in the end extremely lucky.  Traveling down the freeway in the right lane we were rear ended by a man who fell asleep at the wheel.  The horses seem to be doing just fine and I am so happy that they were in a really well built sturdy trailer. Tomorrow is a new day and I hope the horses are still feeling as well, at the end of the day their health is more important than any event.  Fingers crossed for relaxed happy horses tomorrow, brave horses Saturday and careful horses Sunday and SAFE drivers Sunday afternoon on our way home!

Enjoy the pic's-- thanks Alyssa for sharing!

MK Equestrian has a new WS and a new partnership!

There's been a whirlwind of excitement going on around Kirkwood, PA and luckily we've had the addition of Jenny Salinger here to help us get through it all!  Jenny and her horse Leo came to do a little eventing with us in Area II after spending the winter months training in the Lendon Gray Junior program in Florida.

Jenny came here and got right with the program; feeding, tacking, grooming and a good bit of riding.  However, after a majorly intense winter her boy Leo was in need of a little Kirkwood hospitality and relaxation... while Leo gets back to his old dapper self Jenny was catch riding anything and everything she could.  It became clear with in a short time that she was the match Wonder Woman has been looking for (aka Sabrina).

I'm proud to say that Jenny and Sabrina completed their first horse trial together today at the Plantation Horse Trial in Unionville, PA.  It was great to sit back as trainer and watch Sabrina show Jenny what cross country is all about!

I'm absolutely thrilled about this new partnership - Jenny and Sabrina both have quite a bit to offer each other, its a beautiful thing :)


As all of this is going on my other riders have been hard at work with their spring goals.  Quinn Anderson and the amazing Sprite completed their first Preliminary today... with a 0/0 show jumping round I might add!  Robyn Weaver was there as well winning her division of Training level with Sophie Hulmes "Annabelle".

My rides had a rough day in their learning curve, but I guess if you choose to do this as a living these are the days I have to get through to enjoy all the good ones!  Besides with horses that look this good jumping it's tough to be too upset!

Photos from Plantation Field - May 11, 2013 courtesy of Steve Berkowitz

Tomorrow we've got a whole lot of novice with our sales horses so I'm off to get some power sleep!
`Molly Kinnamon

MK Equestrian... the horses that make us smile :)

After a wonderful weekend enjoy some great weather and coaching my students at Plantation Field Horse Trials I thought I would catch up on some internet work :)

They say pictures are worth a thousand words... so I'll stop writing and give you guys a glimpse of what MK Equestrian has been up to!  Many of these horses are for sale, so if you see something that catches your fancy let me know!
molly@mollyrosin.com
www.mkequestrian.com

Home sweet home...

Sometimes as much as we LOVE Aiken... there's nothing like the feeling of coming home.  You don't realize how good you have it until you miss it :)  Puttin on the Ritz is a testimate of that, he has been such a happy guy since coming back to PA.

We came home slightly earlier this year as many of my students stayed back to keep up with school and work.  My business and goals for myself are as much about my students as they are about the competition horses and sales horses.  Many people focus their careers around one of those 3- but I haven't been willing to settle to do just one, I get such enjoyment out of each of them and I feel each of the pieces makes me better at the others!

The horses that were in Aiken will resume competition at the Fair Hill event and MCTA.  I've given them a month of time to settle in and get some good hill work under their belt before we get back to the show ring.  My students that stayed home will start back up this weekend at the Plantation event.  (except for the few that swept the classes at Morven!)

I've taken my 1 spring vacation day and got some good relaxation at my father in law's house- pretty soon I'll get to go visit my mother and my father in law both.  That's the biggest news I have- momma Rosin is relocating from Madera, Ca to somewhere near the beach out here on the east coast.  I cant wait :) Many of you know momma Rosin; those of you out here on the east that haven't you'll need to go visit and enjoy some of the best home cooking you'll ever get!

Here at Principia Stables we have major spring fever.  Cross country field got a make-over, the show jump field is ready to go and we all can't get enough of our weekly canter hacks!

So much spring fever, I'm off to a well needed shower and bed... till next time!
Molly

Competition season in full swing...

Life in Aiken has been a whirlwind.  This is the first time I can remember sitting down mid day and able to up-date all of our loyal followers, better now than never, right???

We just finished a roller coaster of a weekend at Full Gallop Farm.  Today was one of those days that will keep me in this sport for many years to come.  I'm overwhelmed with joy and just so proud of my long time working student Hannah Metz- a double clear in her 2nd ever Preliminary xc on a horse that she has trained ALL herself.  This was no easy course, in fact many top fabulous riders decided to withdraw for various reasons.  Not Hannah.  She never once gave sign of any concern with the challenges this course provided, it just made her that much more focused and on her game.  What a star :)

Hannah wasnt the only star.  Wonder Woman aka Sabrina has gotten a late start to the season as I've really wanted to address some fitness and SJ work.  She is truly back on her game and gave me just the best feeling out there on XC- I told the girls I feel bad for anyone that doesnt get to ride this horse xc, she's incredible out there.  Sabrina was winning after dressage but I strayed from the straight, calm and focused riding I've learned to do with her in the SJ and pulled two rails. My fault not hers, I'm so thrilled of how well she jumps now and am determined to not let myself ride for anything but that.

Movin on up...
The Diesel Boy has had a tough Aiken.  Not sure what all was the cause but I think I'm on the right track.  Leto went from being the perfect young horse to an absolute terror.  I've changed some feed around and also started treating him as if he might have some belly problems.  He did ship over in a commercial hauler and perhaps that was enough to stress him out.  With just a few days of this change he is back on track, it is so lovely riding my good boy again!  Today's course was more challenging than I'd ideally have put in front of him for his begging prelim courses.  There was a real optical illusion and braveness question in the beggining that he just didnt get.  He had a few honest stops there and then put all his trust in me and got over the "bush" and through the small hole on the other side.  He just grew with confidence the whole rest of the course and got better and better.  I love this horse and feel wonderful about his future.

Puttin on the Ritz is looking to be moving on up - so he did the IP class.  Benny is really growing into a fine looking young man.  He made the Intermediate show jumping feel easy- what a joy to ride a horse with such good rhythm and balance over jumps.  Last year Benny was un-sure about this whole jumping into water idea and I'm thrilled to publicly announce that he seems to really like water now!  Phew :)  The jumps and questions feel easy on Benny this year- he has so much ability.  I'm on the fence about when he'll move up to be an Intermediate horse.  The ability is there but I want him to not loose any of this great confidence he has- I feel like this is the toughest part of my job,  moving the horses up at the right time.

Toulouse also was entered this weekend but had a tough luck weekend.  Somehow he ended up with a cut on the inside and outside of his lip.  The guy looks like he was in a bar fight and lost.  For anyone that knows Tman you would know that he would never lose a fight, I'm just saying that he LOOKS like he did.  Toulouse raced for a long time and we are still working on developing a better connection and softer smoother rounds.  I had a bit and noseband that seemed to work really really well on him.  But with the cut on his lip I couldnt use that set up.  I show jumped him in a bit that I thought would work but I was wrong.  He is absolutely green at this level and over jumped the first fence so much that he got me way off balance and I admittedly really caught him in the mouth.  This lead to a lot of bad and we didnt finish the course.  This horse will jump ANYTHING in front of him, prepared or not.  He tried so hard but I just felt it was just not doing him any favors to keep making him go on.  At the end I found out that he had badly sprung his shoe and I'm sure that wasnt making him feel any better.  In the end its just one weekend and now is time for me to ride him in a hackamore until his mouth heals and get some miles at some easier rounds until all feels ready to tackle another Preliminary round.  Again this is another very scopey horse, he just needs some more good miles.

All the others...
I talked so much about this weekend at Full Gallop I'm going to summarize the rest.  As much as I love seeing students move up to Preliminary and as much I enjoy feeling horses develop into upper level eventers- I really take pride in bringing horses into this sport and preparing them to be wonderful mounts for their new owners.  We just sold "Rosario" to a really lovely lady way up north in the snow. White ground and all Ro looks so pleased to be at Katherine Coopers farm.  I think Ro landed the best life she could have found.  I'm not about selling I'm about creating partnerships.  I think it only works out if the horse and the rider match.  I have a feeling this is going to be a great match :)

We are doing our best to get all the others as much experience and exposure as possible so they'll be ready to go when they find their "dream come true mom or dad".  Last weekend we competed lots of youngsters at Sporting Days and had a super successful weekend.  Kynymonts Cassidy finished in 1st and Kynynmont's Emily in 2nd - Ellie finished in 4th and Azrael just missed the win by a few bummer of rails in the SJ.  Sebastian finished his first ever event - a rising star!

I'm in the midst of filling our last few weeks up here with schoolings, outings and shows... Then we will be back in Kirkwood, PA by the beginning of April.

Bye for now,
Molly

MK Equestrian is in AIKEN !!!

MK Equestrian has arrived!  Aiken 2013 is in full swing :)

ok, actually we are in full un-packing mode!!  

A few small details couldn't keep us from getting out of PA before this last winter mix rolled in on Monday.  After 13+ years of fabulous travels with my Exiss 4 horse slant load I decided it was time to acquire a trailer that would allow us some different options and be a little more user friendly for the east coast events.  So after searching for what seems like a decade I found a used 5 horse head to head in really good shape.  Of course by the time everything worked out it only left us one day to pack for 14 horses... yikes is right.

The crew took this challenge on with big smiles, nothing would hold us back!  Then of course the morning of leave, one of the trucks was a little un-happy with the cold; minor details still not keeping us  in PA a storm was coming and we needed to LEAVE!!!

Caravan one hit the road around 6am after fixing the no start cold truck issue.  Then we had a wonderful group of friends help load up the second set.  These lucky horses traveled is super style and comfort on Keith Coopers new rig "TRIXIE".  Keith is a great horseman - this guy is a professional hauler and I feel very lucky that we were able to fit in on his schedule.  All the horses were kept in just the right temperature and watched diligently on the trip- I've never had them arrive in such great shape when hauled by a company.  Check out and friend Keith!
https://www.facebook.com/menehume?ref=ts&fref=ts


Husband of the year drove with me so we could hit this adventure head on together.  For awhile I thought maybe I could make this a yearly companion trip, then after 11 hours of driving I sort of went off course and added another half hour to the trip.  Hopefully Bryce will have amnesia of this trip when I ask him to come next year!

Today was a 90% successful first day.  TONS of un-packing was achieved- horses had their first romp out in the sun and all came in with the same number of shoes they left with - and husband of the year was loaded onto his plane home (I only say this was successful because last year I managed to help him miss his flight!)  Bummer of the day is the new trailer seems to be stuck on the truck.  After many lost hours of frustration we gave up and decided that it may need it's first and hopefully last trip to the Aiken trailer doctor.

If that's the only doctor visited by anyone of MK Equestrian this year in Aiken then I'll say we had a pretty great 2013 Aiken season!

Finally, yes, you've read right... "MK Equestrian" it is :)  I will always want my business to be composed of my "Havariem" but as a Kinnamon now I decided it was time to show off the name a bit. www.mkequestrian.com

Check out the site, we have our current sales list of horses up-dated and will be doing more web up-dates soon!

Eventing.... a lifestyle of change

Winter has been nothing close to dull for myself and the Havarah crew.  I've decided that if you're going to be a professional eventer you better get used to a lot of change all the time!

Getting married a few months ago was a big adventure and one that I gladly accepted with open arms... but I'll tell you the amount of paperwork that has needed to get done afterwards (for the girl that is, Bryce has not needed any of this I'm pretty sure!) has kept me quite occupied.  Then there's the Bubba saga- this is nothing to complain about but for those that really know me will understand when I say letting go of my big white Ford Powerstroke was a challenge.  "Bubba" has been with me since my super fun trip to NAYRC summer of '98 with big time Heather Morris and her Rebel Express and my Sweet William.  Bubba endured a lot of white hair from my beloved Quigley and then helped raise Baby Clyde. Horse after horse he hauled north and south up and down California and then trucked out east so Havarah's Charly and I could try out all that the east coast has to offer.  13+ years old and 240,000 miles later, I decided it was time to not move up but yet move over to "Bessie, the bad ass Dodge".  This new Havarah team member is pretty slick and I just hope that someone buys a horse soon!  Technology has definitely advanced in the last decade and it's pretty exciting to press that Jake brake as I set off down the road with the horse trailer.

Along with all of this "fun stuff", we've been dealing with a little change in the barn.  As many of you have heard Miss Maddie, our Prelim 14 year old, has decided to be a school kid again and go get educated.  Just after that we sent out beloved wobbly wobbin (Robyn) off back to college so she can also get educated.  Many event trainers out there try to encourage good riders to only focus on riding.  I understand that to be the best you need complete dedication; however, I think that nothing is more important than an education and try hard to remind that girls of that.  Having said that, these two young ladies were a big part of our daily process and we miss them very much!  Luckily Hannah has finished her high school education through home school and has kindly stood by our side and keeps guiding new peeps into the hows, whys, do's and dont's of Havarah.  Lindsay Kohl and Melissa Haines have stepped up to the plate in a big way and I'd like to say that we are rolling right along in a pretty smooth fashion :)

Just as we start to get in a sync.... its time for some more change!  Aiken here we come January 27th.  I've decided to try out a new facility this year that will hopefully help streamline our program and give us more time for horse training and xc schooling!  We will be closer to Gibbes Farm which is definitely the best xc schooling around, I really cant wait!  So this means its time for some hauling organization, hay transportation or ????, packing, lists, packing, more lists, and yes..... competition planning for 2013!

OF course that brings about more change.  We have a few horses in the line up that have never competed and will be looking to try it out this winter and a few others that are hoping for some successful move ups.  Havarah is growing and moving and ever changing... my new years resolution is to get you guys more info of all types- better website material and more sales information, pictures, video's etc... Phew, I'm tired just thinking of all of that :)

I hope you are all getting some winter fun in- as we speak Bryce and I just finished our 3rd day snowboarding in Vermont.  This is the 3rd year we've come up this way and so far we are 3 for 3 for getting fresh snow to board on!!!  Who said east coast was only ice (west coast friends I'm happy to take a year off of Vermont and head out west to check this rumor out next year!)

Lucky Me :)

Today I adventured away from the frosty farm for a visit to my students school.  Quinn Anderson has been a student of mine for quite some time now and has grown in many ways.  As what often happens here at Havarah she has become a member of my "Havareim" her and her mother are dear friends of mine and very important members of my life.

Quinn talked in front of her entire school- as a young teenager I think this is a feat in itself!  She was on a microphone and ran a power point of pictures that reflected her discussion of how she has developed since joining along with Havarah.  In this talk she explained how she developed patience, determination and work ethic along the years with us.  I couldnt be more proud to have been along for the ride! 

Through the years I've watched Quinn grow into a confident and beautiful person inside and out.  Her character will get her far and Im excited to continue the ride with her and the rest of Havareim for years to come!

I'm Thankful for ....

I'm thankful for the life I lead, which is why I'm thankful for all of the following.

The fact that I have landed in beautiful Kirkwood, PA- a place where I know my neighbors, I feel safe and have an amazing scenery to take in every day.  It's a place I can go walk my dog through nature, I can ride my horses through REAL "cross country" and I can run my lively hood out of my back door.  To be in this place I continually thank the generosity and support of my landlords- the Hulmes.  An amazing family that understands the true beauty of Kirkwood, PA.  To make this place work I thank all my clients- you guys make this place what it is, Disneyland of equine activities!  The horses bring me delight on a daily basis, I'm thankful for their soft noses that I get to kiss everyday.

I'm thankful for the crew that makes this place shiny and happy.  Good times or bad times, good ponies or bad ponies, good weather and plenty of bad weather these people are here.

The owners, the sponsors, the TEAM that makes me a rider- you guys get thanked beyond words, very special and giving people.

To have gotten to this place took on-going support, kindness and love from all of my friends and family.  You guys are the best.

I'm thankful for the family I've become part of this year. As one big family everyone gathered together to give me and my husband a week to remember.  That week to remember wouldnt have been without the generous support given to us my my family- I'm thankful for such a loving mom and brother.  This event wouldnt have been necessary without me meeting that man of my dreams- and for that I'm thankful for being invited along to the family xmas party years ago- again, the kindness that makes up Kirkwood, PA.  I'm thankful for Bryce.  For sticking by my side in the crazy life I live and being my best buddy- I add to that my smaller buddy, Clyde, my dog, he's there every day putting a smile on my face, that means a whole lot!  I'm thankful for the time I've had and hopeful I can say the same next year!

Wishing you all the best of times and best of food and most importantly the best of company ...today is a day to spend with family and friends, enjoy every minute.

Positions Available

We have just heard notice that our great Maddie has decided to head back to school.  Maddie has been with us nearly two years and has achieved some great goals. She just completed a CIC * with her self trained horse Carson- very impressive!  We will be so sad to not have this happy smiling face on a day to day basis but I'm so excited for her and the opportunities she has ahead of her with her peers back at school.

There are a few other changes and openings here so if you know of anyone looking for a working student position or a salary horse job please send them our way.  Benefits could include housing, horse board and/or lessons.  I feel like everyone's needs are different and therefore I try to accommodate each individual's needs for their position.

We train out of Principia Stables in Kirkwood, Pa 10 months out of the year and in Aiken, SC for 2 months.

If you or anyone you know would like more information please contact us at,

molly@mollyrosin.com
559-287-7285

OBX to Malvern to Elkton all in a few weeks time :)

Well where do I start, life is pretty good right now, however I knock on wood as I say that because ... FAIR HILL INTERNATIONAL is this week.  Yup, Sabrina and I will tackle the CCI ** course, the same place that Havarah's Charly had near domination at a few years back.  Sabrina has big shoes to fill!  The two horses are very very different, but one thing they have in common is a huge heart and enough ability that anything is possible.  I'm thrilled to be taking this mare around her fist real international course. Stay tuned for up-dates on Facebook and Twitter.

The Diesel Boy will also be attending the grand event- he is entered in the East Coast 5 year old championship class.  "Leto" has a class full of really really nice horses to compete against, but I feel he's as nice as any so we'll see what the judges have to say (mother may be slight prejudice!).

Last weekend Havarah had a chilly wonderful day at Radnor Horse Trials.  The Diesel Boy was totally awesome, winning his class with a 22.8 and winning the OT title and prize.  Bryce Kinnamon's Toulousse proved that he's truely a training level horse now as he had a super smooth xc course- looking forward to Prelim on him in 2013!  Steve Berkowitz and Robyn Weaver both cruised around the novice course- both having slight errors to take away there chances at a stellar ribbon... next time.  Quinn Anderson and Hannah Metz both did the same in training level, wonderful jumping rounds by both which should have them well prepped for their first ever full three day event that they'll be attending at Waredaca in another week's time.  These girls are growing into lovely ladies, they make me proud on a daily basis.  Now for them to just remember a dressage test!

Last but not least I'm proud to announce that Bryce and I have tied the knot.  It was as lovely as I could have ever dreamed up.  We took a week vacation with both sides of the family to the Outer Banks in North Carolina.  This is a heavenly place.  Under the Chuppa with my father's tullit on top, Bryce and I exchanged vows on a deck just next to the ocean.  It's a wonderful feeling to be a married woman, now I just have to learn to sign the name Kinnamon and I'll be all set :) 

A few photos of the last couple of weeks attached, enjoy!

Days like today is why I LOVE my job.

Lately there's been quite a few blog posts about how people are gearing up for the next Olympic games and how they have to get more and better and more horses so USA can be on top.  I dont disagree with any of them that we have to keep our chins up and and find positive ways to be the best that we can be.  In all honesty that's what being an equestrian was all about, at least that how we feel here within the Havarah team!

One day I as well hope to syndicate another horse and continue to work towards my goals of representing the USA.

However, days like today remind me that if I get there or if I don't, I just love the journey.  I had quite a few hours of dressage training to do today for most of the horses "day 1" of the week-- very humid conditions and plenty of work to be done.  The horses all gave me their best and it made each sweat drop worth while.  Then we loaded up a caravan of trailers and headed out to Fair Hill for xc schooling.  The ground was great, we didn't get stormed on, the ponies/horses were good and the students even better.  Damn good time was had by all!

To top it all off I received a message on facebook from one of my students from years back in California that was about the sweetest thing anyone could have sent to me. (not to age myself but my first group of "kids" have now finished college and are all off making great strides in the world, definitely doing me proud!)

I believe this message was just meant for me to read, so I apologize in advance for sharing- the message speaks very clearly as to why I love my job. Thank you Christina for taking the time out of your day to make me smile :)
Thank you all for reading!
Molly Rosin


"I just wanted to tell you- today I am at Leadership training with Apple and they asked us to write about the most influential leader in our life. I wrote about you and everything you taught us girls about being respectful, goal driven, consistent, ambitious, selfless, and good negotiators. It took up a full page! Thought you would like to know : )

Love you!

Christina"

Coming into Fall of 2012 and I'm loving it!

Hands down the best thing about fall is the pre- three day gallop sets.  Ok this is awesome because of a number of things- great grass gallops in our lovely Andrews Bridge location, awesome horses to ride, the weather is BETTER than summer, the tree leaves change and you get to partake in all of this as wind blows on your face while you sprint at fast paces for miles... or atleast go faster than in the arena for a little bit :) More than that is the feeling of how happy the horses are to stretch their legs and do what they most naturally do, it's cool, no other way to describe it.  I'm thrilled that I spent a few years training with the race horse industry to learn proper ways of fitting up a horse and how to use the land to help you.

Sabrina didn't sell this summer, still not sure why, but I have to say I'm pretty happy I still have her.  She had her first Intermediate run back at Fair Hill and will go to Plantation Field next.  IF that goes well and if she feels fit enough I'll be entering Fair Hill CCI ** and I can't tell you how excited I am to be saying that! Getting a horse trained up to that level takes a whole lot of luck and good team-work.  Sabrina is a fully Havarah trained horse so I'll be very proud to be taking her around her first 2 star.

Puttin on the Ritz is getting ritzy, better every day.  I'm anxious for 2013 as I think I'll have another Intermediate horse and perhaps another Havarah trained horse for Fair Hill next fall :)  For now we'll focus on the CIC * at Plantation Fields in a few weeks! The Klavans own this horse and Plantation will be "near" to home for them, which is exciting because they travel far and wide to support their boy (and myself!).

Right now we have probably the best looking ponies of any event barn... and when I say that I mean horses that are just adorable and PONIES that are stinking cute! Definitely give us a call if you need a mount for any one from 4' on up!  Kynymont Connemarra's and crosses are doing as well as ever check out the picture of Gabriella at her first BN event.

This next weekend I'll be taking Alpine to her first training level- "Piney" came here last summer just after getting backed. It's amazing to see how well she has developed mentally and physically.  She's a character and tells you all of her thoughts through her lips!

Thanks for reading, enjoy the photos of Sabrina, Benny and Gabriella!
Molly Rosin

POSITION AVAILABLE

Havarah Equestrian is excited to offer a rare opening on our team.  Come enjoy the gorgeous scenery that Kirkwood, PA and Andrews Bridge Hunt land has to offer.

 

The position could be tailored to suit the needs of the individual. Could include full training/board and housing or housing and salary.

We are looking for a motivated individual who thrives on seeing the development of event horses of all ages and training levels up to International caliber.

If this sounds like a position you would like to look into, give me a call to discuss further details!

Contact information:
molly@mollyrosin.com
559-287-7285
www.mollyrosin.com

Fun At Millbrook HT



Style...

Helloooo followers of Havarah Equestrian. I'm Quinn, and I will be an guest blogger for Molly from time to time. I've been Molly's student for several years, and last year Molly rode my horse Sprite (The Wonderpony) Prelim.

This weekend Team Havarah traveled 6 hours to New York to the Millbrook Horse Trials.We brought along The Diesel Boy (aka Leto), Puttin' on the Ritz (aka Benny), Sprite, Quinn's horse, and Desert Pepper, Robyn's horse.

One of the awesome parts of this event was that you really had to do well in all 3 phases to place. It was a good weekend for the horses, and very educational.



"Go McCauley's" says Molly



Leto, who competed Training Level, started off our fantastic weekend with a 30 in Dressage. He then went on to roar around the cross-country double clear. Leto, however, had some learning to do in stadium. There



Robyn and Pepper



were a few very spooky jumps, but Molly was able to teach him some good things.



Benny, at Preliminary Level, tried very hard in dressage, but unfortuanately didn't score very well. However, his cross country was awesome, and Molly was thrilled with his improvement. He finished strong with a double clear round over a very difficult stadium course. Even better, his mom, Alyssa Klavan, was there to see him! We are looking forward to a very bright and fun 2013 season with him.

Sprite and Quinn went Training Level and had  a slightly dissapointing dressage, but after that, it was on to the fun stuff! She was a Tiger on cross-country, easily making time and never faltering over the hilly course. She also jumped double clear for a great end to the weekend.

Desert Pepper did very well at his first Novice, and came away a much better horse.

He did a very strong dressage test and was double clean cross-country. His stadium was very educational and I know Robyn and him learned a lot and had a blast.

 John Nunn was also present with his horseSmileLikeYouMeanIt. They had a good weekend and it was fun to see him ride and cheer them on! Nothing like bringing

your sponsor along to a show, right?

In addition to all of our horses, we also had a lot of fun this weekend socially. We made a new friend in Lauren Hoffman and her horse Beckham, who competed Intermediate. We were also lucky to be stabled with some of our Canadian friends, who were very fun. It was great to be able to have Benny's owners there

Alyssa and Benny

to cheer us on. Another very cool part of the weekend was the Young Rider Team Challenge that Quinn and Sprite were able to participate in. Their team finished third and they were able to meet several other very cool Young Riders.

Many thanks to all of our owners, sponsors, students, and general support team!

We couldn't do this without you.
~Quinn

 

And, as always, a little Team Havarah mischief. :)

Horses always come first

Well this seems like it's going to be a summer that just doesn't give in. Heat, sun and no rain in sight...uggh.  At least in California we were prepared for droughts every summer and had sprinkler systems! Not here...just waiting and waiting for rain!

Last weekend we were lucky enough to compete at a facility that adheres to my theory of horses come first (and riders a close second!). Loch Moy at MD made every attempt to help us endure the extreme heat index that the weekend provided.  Tents, fans and water tubs were available at all riding locations--- this was a huge help, the only way to survive was to drench and squeegy at every opportunity.  I've never had horses drag me to water buckets, perhaps that was the power of the electrolyte paste they received in the morning thanks to my super smart vet! Dr. Kathy rules.  Luckily our good friend Rusty dug into his friends of friends stuff and found us a super duty generator--- this supplied us with completely life saving essential fans at our base station- of which was in the only shady spot in all of Loch Moy.

Besides the water soaking, electrolyte pre-gaming, fan in the shade invigorating it was necessary to RIDE SMART.  Once again, the horse comes first.  This wasn't the normal competition, my warm-up's were as absolutely as short as possible, and my rides were more conservative than they would have been that weekend without the heat.  It wasn't about winning, it was about my horses getting a solid experience and keeping them healthy for next time.  It's easy for me to say that as I've competed for many many years at this point and I know that it isn't about today, its about the future.  For most junior riders and even some adult amateurs all they see is that score board, points and the cool prize they see is getting handed out to first place.

Since us professionals shape the way juniors and adult amateurs ride, compete and care for their horses I fully believe that we need to be responsible for educating them.  It's hard to not be proud and supportive of a go-getter, a real competitor, an excited rider.  I never ever would want to lessen anyone's love and thrive for the sport- BUT - I always want to keep the horse and rider as healthy and happy as I can.  Things happen. Life happens.  If I can prevent one horse from passing out, or one horse from getting a tendon from being ridden too fast on too hard of ground... then I'll consider this a useful post.  The best piece of advice I can give and hopefully utilize myself for many years to come- LISTEN TO YOUR HORSE.  If you are out on course and your horse feels tired, not quite himself.... ride accordingly.  Don't ask for big long spots, don't try to sprint to the last jump to save time, DO what needs to be done. This could be slowing down or just being more supportive in your riding OR if it's really not your horse and you're worried it could mean pulling up and realizing there will be another day.

I love my horses and I love my riders and my TEAM.  I stress the last part because without a good team; trainer, rider, HORSE, owners, parents, significant others, friends, vets, farriers and colleagues we couldn't get through this sport.  Riders can be easily persuaded by all parts of the team- I try to surround myself with up-beat positive team members that all have the same common goal as myself- making the most out of these special horses.  Right now I'd like to thank the TEAM for helping the Havarah horses and riders safely, successfully and positively make it through Loch Moy I. Onwards and upwards hopefully with rain and cooler temperatures!!!