Summer, '09 -- Hollywood had a growing cyst in his throatlatch which had to be surgically removed in early July. Thanks to Dr. Ryan for doing such a great job! "Scout" seemed unphased about starting his show season later. He was quite competitive in August at Woodbine Farm (MI), garnering a 64% his first time out at Training level 3 and 4. What a good boy! All of our boys are such "triers," and what a pleasure to work with such willing, eager mounts. They have enjoyed a milder, drier summer. It was the second coolest on record, with most evenings requiring a light overshirt for us. What glorious days we've had!
Spring, '09 --We finally saw our last frost May 17th (THIRD revision on the date!) Trees are leafing out now in the third week of May. It is a lovely time for our area. Scout is learning more about adjustability within the gaits. Mona is working hard to improve her position and fluidity in the saddle so as to better support Scout's efforts. He officially turned 6 this month and continues to amaze us with this talent! Mona is bringing along one a four year old Sales Prospect at home, as well -- thanks to Ty for doing your usual beautiful job starting this one! Dane is now with Ty for additional schooling and is quickly coming in to his own. This is a good time for Dane - who was briefly started (somewhat late), then had over a year off due to a hoof problem. Under saddle with Ty once again, he enjoys the work and is visibly proud of his accomplishments as a "greenie." He is coming along at an extremely accelerated pace, and should be home before we know it!
Winter '08/09 -December, January and all of February have proven a test of stamina and perserverance: this has been one of the 2 most severe winters for our area in recorded history. January saw 32" of snow and a seemingly infinite bout of bitterly cold temperatures - wind chills were commonly 25 below, and day time temp's. seldom above 10 degrees F. Mona continued with her training of the "now jolly" boys .... they LOVE cold and are happiest when in work. They only let loose with some occasional and mild silliness "during class," despite 90+ days of ice and knee deep snow! They do work hard when asked - what truly good lads! A special thanks to the farm's support team: Husband Greg for his endless dedication to keep us mobile, warm ... and functional (... power outages) ... and to Ty for "doing it right" with starting the youngsters! What great gentlemen you both are!
Fall, 2008 - Congratulations to Morgan and Chavez for an outstanding effort at her first dressage show on October 11th at Rosetown Stables (Toledo, Ohio)! Morgan kept her cool and nailed her tests, showing lovely energy, relaxation and harmony! She handily won both of her classes with a 69% and a 74%! As if that's not enough, this talented young rider also showed excellent horsemanship skills by working cheerfully to plait her first mane for an early ride ... Morgan, those braids were good enough for USDF Regionals! Well done and a huge congratulations to Morgan and Ellen (Morgan's mentor)! Thanks to Mom and Dad for making it all possible! Meet Morgan and Chavez (owned by Ellen)!
Late Summer, 2008 - Blueberries are picked, washed and frozen for winter. We are in to much drier weather and back into about 12 hours of light per day rather than 16! These shorter days offer better balance to our daily lives. Mona continues to work with the boys and enjoys showing, although pulling out of the driveway for the first show without Ahz on board was especially difficult. Hollywood ("Scout"), however, isn't one to dwell on the past. He managed to lighten Mona's mood with his infectious sense of humor and easy going ways. Like Ahz, Scout never seems to meet a stranger ... here he is in Michigan with some girls that he charmed upon meeting them at a show..... Heather and Riley became good friends in a short time. We are grateful for their help (and their hugs, kisses & carrots)! For more on the Pot of Gold Dressage Series, see this site:
July, 2008 -- We are sad to report that Ahz tragically lost his battle with multiple metabolic disorders on July 15. He was 10 years old. Since we bought the farm in 1999 and he came along shortly after, it was basically "his" farm. We are sad to awaken and look out the window to see his empty paddock ... Mona misses tousling his wild forelock, receiving his generous hugs, and being watched over ... he was very certain of his ownership of Mona after 8 years together. He gave her daily reports and viewpoints as only Ahz could. But, all is quiet now. The other boys are visibly saddened. They, too, just lost their confirmed herd leader. There is peace in knowing that Ahz is now with his old friend Fred once again ...
Fred and Ahz, 2005
Mid-Summer 2008 -- Mona and Hollywood made their show debut this year. Hollywood is proving to be the quintessential professional at shows. Bold, happy go lucky and only a pleasure to be around. We have enjoyed the feedback from the judges, who are rather taken with this big, flashy youngster! He is a born competitor ... and is absolutely confident that the crowds are only there to see him! His breeder, Krysta Lutz, couldn't have picked a better name: Hollywood Sunset!
Mona and Scout - Photo by Greg Andrews
Spring/ Early Summer 2008 -- Winter FINALLY let go and we are very content to be in the best season of the year - "show season!" Mona plans to show both Ahz and Scout this year.
Winter 2007/2008 -- Brrrr! Time to move indoors to continue winter training!
In regional news, the locks at Sault St. Marie have closed for the season as of January 17th with plans to reopen on March 25. The huge storm that came through the night of Jan. 29th caused the water levels on Lake Erie near Toledo to drop 8 feet. Meanwhile, Buffalo, New York, saw an 8 foot rise in 2 hours. The lake should have righted itself before the extreme cold (with -26F wind chills) started the deep freeze the next morning. Back on the farm, we celebrate nicer days with a walk in the blue early morning light:
August 2007 -- This year, we welcomed a special teen from the Ohio Family Teaching program to spend weekend time on the farm. She has proven to be a quick learner, keenly observant of every detail about each horse. Here she is with her buddy, Ahz.
Summer, 2007 -- It's been a typical summer with lots of riding, clinics, some showing and farm work .... Hollywood (a.k.a.: "Scout") did just AWESOME this year as he spent some time on the grounds at a few local shows on a "field trip" basis. Mona believes in giving the youngsters lots of "exposure" and Scout seems to enjoy expanding his horizons, as well.
Husband Greg puts in fantastic efforts towards grounds care. Thank you, honey for a job ALWAYS well done. There would be no farm without you! This year also marked some "fruits" of our labor with a bumper crop of organic blueberries. Friends enjoyed the "U-Pick" as the vines bowed under the weight of abundant fruit! If this keeps up, we might have to open this up to the public!
Keersten, Mona, Lisa and Lynda at Red Rock Canyon outside of Vegas
Fall, 2006 -- We acquired 2 new horses, brothers out of the Oldenburg approved TB dam Heidi Joanne. This lovely mare is out of the Native Dancer/Secretariat line. Heidi has stamped her boys with a wonderful work ethic and a sense of humor! A very special thanks to breeder Krysta Lutz for letting us assume stewardship over her LOVELY hand raised children!!