Time flies in Aiken!

There has been so much going on here and every night as I crawl into bed I feel bad about not having up-dated my blogsite!

The Havarah crew has recently grown here in AIken- we have been having a great time with Barb Strang and John Nunn here getting in some spring training AND yesterday Quinn Anderson (owner of Sprite- the Palomino wonder pony) arrived to spend her spring break in sunny Aiken with us and her mount. MJ, Hannah and Maddie have survived the whole trip with me- and I have to say their riding is looking way way better. MJ heads out for her first east coast Preliminary this weekend- fingers crossed for her! Hannah and her mare will be starting their competitions together at home, but are doing great and Maddie will be rockin the Jr training division in Area II.

So if you haven't already seen our crew of horses- check us out at Pine Top this coming weekend and Southern Pines the following.

The three Conemarra/selle Francais/tb/Canadaian Hunter horses I have in to sell are doing great and will be at their first novice this weekend.

Today we took 12 horses over to Highfields to do some show jump course practice. This is the 2nd trip we've made and I can't believe the confidence it has given me, my horses and my students. I've realized that I don't ride enought show jump courses and am therefore too anxious in the show ring. By practicing with courses I've figured out some really good personal strategies and methods that I hope will help my competition riding.

Tomorrow we'll do flat work at the farm, Friday xc schooling at Full Gallop, Saturday and Sunday will be Pine Top. THEN Monday we pack up 11 horses to head back to PA while I keep 4 here for one more week!

As much fun as we're all having here I'm excited to see the rest of my students back in MD and PA and ALSO California!!

Til next time...
Molly

Pine Top

Thomson, Georgia holds a fabulous event that I was lucky enough to compete three very nice horses at this last weekend.

Sabrina, a warm-blood mare I've been training for the last year has officially moved up to Preliminary and become a very solid event horse. I'm so proud of her and the progress that she has made. This mare loves this sport.

Spite, a Connemara/TB cross owned by Quinn Anderson, is quickly becoming well known on the east coast for her crazy amazing jumping ability and her some-times equally wild antics. She's all that and then some :) Sprite jumped around the training level with ease and if the next two weeks go well, we will be trying out the Pine Top Preliminary course!!!

Rivan, a Contango son owned by Pamela Benfield, is new to eventing and has quickly moved onto training level. He is still learning the ways of the world for jumping but its seems very easy for him and his absolutely enjoys it. This training level had plenty of questions and he seemed to really take to the challege!

Competition in Aiken has started for Havarah!

The week isn't over yet and I've already been in 3 competitions on 11 horses and 4 rides by students. Oh yes, and a wonderful full day at GIBBES farm cross country schooling.

The first competition was at Sporting Days on Sunday- a schooling combined test. The second event was a recognized at Full Gallop and the third a schooling combined test again at Sporting Days. Saturday and Sunday we'll be at Pine Top in Georgia.

We have almost all the horses competing now- only Havarah's Charly and The Diesel Boy have been left at home, they will both compete within a few months, but right now they are enjoying living the life at Pine Ridge Stables!

Many of my horses are for sale, so if you see something at one of the events that you like let me know! :)

Here are some highlights so far;
Spritely 1st training level SD
Rivan 2nd novice Full Gallop
Archie 2nd SD
Ankhe Pass 3rd Full Gallop
Tux 3rd Full Gallop
Puttin on the Ritz 3rd SD
Sabrina 4th Training Full Gallop

.... more to come!

Wonderful start of our 2nd week in Aiken

To catch all of you up-to-date- week one in Aiken was slightly painful for me and lots of work for my three great helpers. I had a very blonde/clutsy moment walking down some too well cleaned wooden stairs at 3am in PA (getting ready to take the last set of horses to Aiken). My little feet were too excited to get on the road and I slipped and fell. Not wanting to stay for another storm I sucked it up and got on the road- all was good until I couldn't get out of bed the next day. Then the panic came that perhaps I broke something (it definitely hurt that bad). Long story short- I didn't. However, apparently bone bruising and muscle straining in your back and hip can really take an active girl out of duty for awhile.

I didn't stay off of the horses for long, but I do have to say I'm enjoying riding a lot more this second week!

In fact, I felt good enough today to pull out the BIG horse- Havarah's Charly. Chuckles was full of smiles as I showed him the sights around the farm and the great riding trails and track that we have. I don't know if his smile was the biggest or that of his helper, Hannah. (my smile was waiting until I knew I was safe back at the barn!) Chunky Monkey gave me a nice ride, enough pep to let me know he's feeling great but no overly bad behavior.

I've been getting some training help from the master himself, Phillip Dutton, on the younger horses and sales horses. Soon Charly and I will go together and get a proper good kick in the *** to get us back into proper winning form.

In 3 days we'll be in our first event of 2011!!!

Make sure to check out the up-dated sales section on my website.
www.mollyrosin.com

Some pics from Pine Ridge Stables in Aiken...week 1

In the land of SUNSHINE

After 3 days of driving and a bad slip down some slippery stairs- all 13 horses and all 4 of us girls have enjoyed a wonderful week of pleasant and sometimes sunny weather. Today is supposed to rain, but considering the amount of snow we're missing, I'm ok with a few showers!

I don't think I've yet given a full list of the Havarah team members that are here in Aiken, so I'll give a brief description of our Aiken crew.

Hannah- (long time working student and Havarah's Charly's personal assistant) Hannah is 15 and was granted permission for a full winter trip to Aiken. She is homeschooling so after the grueling hours working and riding during the day she comes home and opens the books. Hannah keeps us organized and together in the barn and at shows, we love Hannah!

Molly JR- MJ as she's known around the barn, is a college graduate and a new-comer to the east coast. This is her first season in Aiken and her first year as a Havarah team member. MJ has quickly jumped up the ranks and has fulfilled the position of Barn Manager as we had to leave Kara back in PA to take care of Principia Stables. MJ is doing a great job. Besides making sure the Havarah horses are fed on time MJ has a fancy little sportscar of a horse that she will be aiming at the Virginia CCI * in May.

Maddie- The newest and youngest Aiken Havarah girl is Maddie. At 12 years old she is taking on her first winter of home schooling and a full time position with us here in Aiken. She is a wonderful addition to our team, eager to learn and adoring of the horses. Maddies horse will come south for a few weeks and they'll start their competitive season at Plantation horse trials in PA.

THANK YOU Hannah, MJ and Maddie!!!

AIKEN or bust!!

The last two years I've found myself incredibly lucky with very few winter "disruptions" en route to Aiken... our winter oasis.

This year was seeming no different, even easier... I have a lovely barn with an indoor and the horses have all gotten almost all of their normal turnout, riding and such. I learned that I could plug my truck in, which has made winter trips so far a cinch. I knew it was all too good to be true!

Today encountered some winter truck issues (solved now.. but frustrating and disruptive to the days plan) AND the house endured difficulty... water difficulty... water flooding difficulty. That too was handled and will NOT keep the voyage from beginning! Everyone's still in great spirits, just ready to begin driving!

The next was news that this week could have 2 feet of snow. Hmmmm that could make the trips on Tuesday and Wednesday difficult.. .but NOT impossible!

Aiken here we come :)

A day in the life of Principia Stables

The Diesel Boy

AKA Leto is enjoying the winter of "focus on babies". He seems to be ahead of his game at his young age and because of this will stay home while we head out to Aiken. Leto has been a pleasure in every way and I'm so excited to get him out in the eventing world in 2011!

For more horses like Leto check out www.mousehousefarm.com where Bonnie LaMonte has a breeding program specifically designed to produce sport horses and race horses.

Happy Holiday season at Principia Stables

A few friendly faces you may encounter upon visiting our stable.

Quigley - Quiggles - Wiggly - Wiggles
Will respond to any of the above, working on title for BEST barn dog EVER. Quigley is getting up there in age, and please forgive him if he barks a bit... He feels very strongly about his duty as barn alert dog and does his best to keep us all informed.

Bobbi the cat- wonderful un-less you're a bird or mouse-

Clyde The Glyde Drexler- the newest mascot, and with Alex Robertson in Florida for the winter, Clyde has taken on the role of vocal entertainer. Luke and Sarah Allen of Waterford Farm, raise the best puppies I've ever seen, I'm a proud owner of a border terrier now :)

Barn staff-
Kara manages all the daily hap's of the ponies and keeps everything running smoothly.
Hannah and Molly Jr - wonderful working students with too many duties to post
and myself :)

All of us doing our best to bundle effectively!

CONNEMARA's - New to Havarah Equestrian

I'd like to introduce two new exciting horses. Both of well breed Connemarra's and both athletic and handsome. These two horses have solidified my love for this breed.

Tux - 7 year old Connemara - the most natural jumper I've ever taken on and perfectly mannered and suited to become an adult amateur or junior champion. I think he could dominate in jumpers- but I hope to find him a home in the eventing community. i for see a training 3 day in his future ... very soon...

Archie- 7 year old Connemara- this horse is a solid 16 hands and you wouldn't think pony in any way when you see his natural suspension and incredible bascule over a jump. I believe Archie has the talent of a great eventer, he is fairly green at the moment but I believe in him and think he'll be 2011's rising star.

Both of these Connemara's are for sale and will be starting their competitive careers in Aiken.

Pictures curtousy of Liz Bracken taken of Archie in December 2010

Dr. Liz visits Principia Farm!!!

I love the east coast- but I will always miss the many wonderful people that have touched my life out on the west. Luckily, slowly but surely, I'm getting visits from many of my dearest friends and mentors.

Recently I've taken on the challenge and excitement of running a top class training facility in Kirkwood, Pa- www.principiastables.com - and so it was perfect timing to have my dearest friend Liz come out (she's a spectacular photographer for those of you that don't already know this).

Dr. Liz has always been there for me- she was my vet for many many years in California (still there just at the other end of a phone or keyboard) as well as one of my first equitation and life instructors.

Dr. Liz now spends a great deal of her time running www.eltiburoncasitas.com BUT still manages to make a huge difference in the life of less than fortunate horses. For this Liz was recognized and awarded a very prestigous award at the AAEP in Baltimore- this was donated to equine charities that she cherishes and helps regularly.

I can't wait for my next visit from Dr. Liz!! Please enjoy her photgraphy- I'll be posting more blogs with pictures she's taken and she has a great assortment of ocean pics on her ElTiburon website.

Molly Jr. -goodbye Colorado hello Pennsylvania

The fall of 2010 has brought a lot of great things to Havarah Equestrian and one is the addition of Molly Jr.

As you can see by her photo, she has the number one most important attribute of a working student- enthusiasm. Jr. recently graduated from college where she spent her spare time enjoying life to its fullest and once that stint of her life was over she went in search a good hard work- thus she moved out to Kirkwood, Pa :) Jr. had to take an equine break during her stint in college and from that realized that there's nothing she wants more than a life filled with our furry equine friends.

Jr. will stay in full training with Havarah Equestrian at least through the winter months in Aiken, Sc and upon her return back to PA will probably be searching out how to dwelve into the world of Equine Marketing.

Her and her beautiful mare, Ohlala, are learning swiftly and looking to move towards some exciting goals for 2011 and beyond.

Please look for Molly Jr at the events and help us welcome her to the east coast!

Farm Website

Brrrrrr its cold out there- but I have to say that Principia Stables has done as much as possible to make riding on the east coast bearable during these cold spurts.


Check out the new farm website:
www.principiastables.com

Principia Stables has a few stalls still available for winter boarding and the Havarah Equestrian horses leave January 24th for Aiken, Sc.

What makes you buy a farm across the country?

Young Sophie got hooked onto riding at a very early age. Watch out parents all over the world, one cute pony leads to a lifetime of equestrian lifestyle!

Sophie has grown up quite a bit and most recently gave "Georgina" a great confidence building weekend at Ram Tap in Fresno, Ca.

Andrew, Allison and Sophie Hulme own Principia Stables in Kirkwood, Pa but currently work and reside in California. The Hulme's have a great vision for Principia Stables and I hope to help make that dream come true for them.

Plantation Field Starter Trial

CONGRATS goes out to Jennifer Nunn on not only starting and finishing her first Beginner Novice but RECIEVING a lovely red ribbon!!! This pair has worked very hard over the summer to develop a strong bond and Miss Jennifer worked pretty hard at getting stronger legs! Pony Club camp and some working student days at Principia Stables must've paid off :)

We had a really great day overall-
Lynn Fern had a reunion with eventing, first time out in 10 or so years (not an exact count, but it's been awhile!). The Red Baron remembered all about the sport and the two of them looked pretty polished. I'm very proud of "Rudy" as he started the sport with me and I told him that it's now his responsibility to make sure his mother has "FUN". I think he came through.
Bryce Kinnamon has been doing the weekend warrior eventing training to the max (he cheats a bit and comes out on Wednesday's as well). He took a very green BIG TB from spooky to bold in just a couple of months. The last cross country schooling we did before Plantation nearly brought tears to my eyes wathcing this team crusie around like an Intermediate combo, impressive is all I have to say. On the day of the event, dressage still matters, and that is still a work in progress... but if it was a show about jumping, they'd have won!
Last but not least my colorful ride was a blast. Kristine Strecker's "Harmony" came out for a tune-up before Kristine takes over the competition reins next season. Harmony is a colorful Irish Paint mare and is a saintly soul at a young age. However, she hasn't done much competing and did get a bit tense before the dressage as a herd of bright green bikers came flying by. She pulled herself together for a decent test and was a gem over the jumps, one rail down...oops.

Pictures to come.

PONY FOR IMMEDIATE FIRE SALE

GOOGLE is proudly owned by a VERY tall dressage rider who leaves for Florida in a few days. Google had a quick introduction back into work with me and we produced a very short video of the little champ. This pony is sturdy and adorable, the true look of a great child's eventer. I say that because I like him and I like eventing, but I'm sure he'd be good at hunting and all sorts of other sports.
Check out his youtube video and call me to try him out SOON. Florida van leaves on the 10th of November.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5LZD_gsDWo

Waredaca- BIG week :)

Marissa Hughes and ODIE took my advice of "eye of the tiger" and got passed an unfortunate and scary slip in the warm up to hold onto their lead in their first Preliminary to WIN the division!!

Sabrina also had her first Preliminary outing and I couldn't be a more proud rider/trainer. Sabrina had WAY too much energy and was not her usual graceful self for dressage but after that she was all buisiness and we had a slow but perfect SJ and xc round.

Rivan, competed in his second novice and was second!

Sprite and Beau competed in the Training 3 day - Sprite's one more year of "life" proved important, as the T3D with the classical format was a bit too much for young Beau. I'm not too concerned, that Pony is going to be somebody someday, he just needs some time. Sprite at 6 years old came in 3rd place and established to me that she is ready to tackle some preliminary in 2011!

Dissapointment at Fair Hill....

At this year's Fair Hill event we had spectacular weather and for me, nothing too grand about my finish.

I am proud and lucky to have qualified for and entered such a spectacular event, I realize that this in itself is a great accomplishment. I went there feeling like I had the skills and the mount for the task at hand. Fair Hill is a championship level 3 star course, if you complete there, Rolex 4 star is within grasp. Hind sight is 20/20 and I wish that I had done a lot of things different in 2010. Charly had half of 2009 off for an injury- obtained from stepping in a big hole en-route to the Bromont 3 star June of '09. I don't believe I gave him enough lower level events to prepare him back for the challenges of a 3 star. If I could re-do it, we would not have tried to get back in the game so quickly. There are a few wise people that I should've headed their advice, such is growing up I guess... I've learned from this mistake!

At present Charly is sound, fit and very healthy- but in need of a change. Un-fortunately for me his contract is up for renewal and I'm not sure where things will go. Charly could still be a champion eventer- he just needs a better path in 2011. I would love to be the jockey to do this, but don't know if I'll have the financial backing to still do so. If he does end up with a new owner and/or rider I hope they realize what a magnificent athlete he is. Charly is a horse of a lifetime and no matter what discipline he does in 2011, he'll be great at it. I hope to be astride- dressage, eventing or jumpers. But I am starting to face reality and almost willing to see what options are out there for him. I have always thought I'd have a way to see him grow old in a beautiful grass pasture- and maybe I will. Maybe I'll help find him a home that can afford to give him what he deserves and take him to his next set of achievements.

Even writing this out is painful for me. I ride, teach, train and sell for a living. Charly is my friend and partner- it's not the same.

Hellllllooo FAIR HILL !!

Charly and I are proud to announce that we have started our CCI *** at Fair Hill International. This is a dream come true for me.

The first veterinary examination was on Wednesday afternoon - this went very smoothly, Charly was well behaved and passed on his first jog down the lane. That day I took my initial walk around the 3 star course- my first impression is that I "love it". Beyond that I'd be silly not to tell you that it's VERY long with a long hill climb the first half of the course and the jumps are HUGE with a lot of very accurate riding being not only asked but mandatory if you and your horse want to finish. The jumps are solid and ask for bold riding. There's a lot for spectators to see and I hope that Charly and I have a big cheering section to keep us going for 10+ minutes!

I will be doing dressage close to 3pm on Friday. I was quite lucky to not be competing on Thursday during the solid rain- however, Thursday is supposed to be pretty windy....so hopefully Charly can keep his concentration while the tents are blowing over into the dressage courts!!

I wish I had each one of the Minyan Syndicate owners here watching first hand this weekend. There are quite a few that live in California and haven't gotten to visit Charly in quite sometime. I'd like to persoanally thank each one for the years of support and guidance they have given us.

The Minyan Syndicate is made up of the following people and their families-

Betsy McCarly
John Marshall
Ann Nunn
Judith Rosin
Bryce Kinnamon
Molly Rosin
Riverland Farms split share- Cleery Clinger, Aaron Rosin, Judith Rosin, John Marshall
Carla Hays
Midtown Sports/Charles Steinman

Currently there are 2 open shares that are available for purchase- email molly@mollyrosin.com for information

Without the Minyan Syndicate I wouldn't be at this event. They took a chance in Charly and myself. THANK YOU!!!!


I hope to make you all proud this weekend :)