Catie and Jonson take a break at the show in Williamston.

Congratulations to Catherine (Catie) Wiener for earning her U.S.D.F. Bronze medal in 2008 while riding her horse “Jonson,” as well as getting their feet wet in the F.E.I. Jr. division. Additionally, Catherine managed to earn some prize money in the Children’s Jumper division at a Greensboro Hunter/Jumper show last summer. Well done, Catie!

Jenna and Sullivan

Congratulations to Jenna Isley on the purchase of “Vantage Point” aka Sullivan. Jenna is a working student for Elizabeth at the farm who plans to event at the Beginner Novice level as well as compete in the Low/schooling hunters and schooling dressage shows.

Alison and Bariton

Congratulations to Alison Coyle on the purchase of “Bariton” from Leslie Lammers of Ann Arbor, Michigan. He is a 12 yr. old Canadian Sporthorse gelding that Alison plans to compete in the F.E.I. Jr. division and 4th level in 2009, and then progress to the F.E.I. young rider’s division and Prix St. George level after that. She is working hard and getting used to having a “full-sized fuzzy” to ride now!

Teri and Stormy

Congratulations to Teri Toelcke of Fort Morgan, Utah on the purchase of super pony “Stormy Weather” from Alison Coyle. Good luck in Region 8, Teri!

Together, Stormy and Alison won Reserve Champion NCDCTA HOY Award Jr. 3rd level 2007 / 4th place Region 1 Jr. 2nd level 2007 / Champion NCDCTA HOY Award 2006 Jr. 2nd level / High Score F.E.I. Pony Award “Seldom Scene trophy” Lendon Gray’s dressage festival 2006 / Champion NCDCTA HOY Award 2005 Jr. 1st level / 6th place BLM finals Jr. 1st level 2005

Stephanie and Dalton

Best wishes for future success and congratulations go to Stephanie Bristol, who recently purchased a new horse named “Dalton” from Karen Mahaffee of Sanford, N.C.. Dalton is a 7 year old chestnut Belgian/T.B. cross with chrome, 16.2 hd. gelding. He had previously been competed through the Novice level of eventing, and has a big “puppy dog” personality to go with his love for jumping. Look for Stephanie and Dalton at the upcoming spring events and dressage shows this season.

Chablis Blanc and Elizabeth

On a sadder note: Elizabeth lost her longtime spotted friend “Chablis Blanc” in the fall of 2007, due to the infirmaries of old age. Chablis was “a good fuzzy” and had also earned the nickname of “one tough old broad” due to her traveling across the country at age 26 non-stop, and arriving in good shape with a whinny of greeting for her owner. She was 31 this year and had competed through Preliminary level eventing, Training level jumpers, and 2nd level dressage.

After her retirement she taught countless kids as well as Elizabeth’s husband, John to ride. Elizabeth had owned her since Chablis was 3 years old. Margaret Rogersand Stephanie Coyle donated a red maple tree, which was planted in her honor on the hill overlooking the dressage arena. She will be remembered fondly by many.

Chablis and Elizabeth

Congratulations to Alison Coyle for recently earning her United States Dressage Federation Bronze medal. This is a big accomplishment for someone who is only now just 15 years old, and was produced while riding a pony and competing against some pretty nice horses and riders. For most people this achievement takes many more seasons of competitive struggle.

Alison and her pony also finished in 4th place at the Region 1 finals held in Lexington, VA. this year in the Jr. 2nd level division. Well done Alison!

Margaret and Ruby

Congratulations to Margaret Rogers who, in her first season of participating in USEF and USDF recognized competitions, both qualified and competed with “Rubianna” at the Training level of competition at the Region 1 finals.

Elizabeth furthered her educational opportunities by getting additional expert instruction during the entire 2007 year, and is participating in the current U.S.D.F. “Learner” judging program in 2008. The program entails lots of practice, updated reccommended reading, scribing, and sitting hours with “R” judges, as well as a general enthusiasm for evaluating lots of horses and riders!

Two of her favorite recommended reading books so far have been “The Simplicity of Dressage” by Johann Hinneman and Coby Van Baalen for its clear, easy to understand explanations and pictures illustrating the concepts of the training scale, and Ingrid and Reiner Klimke’s “The New Basic Training of The Young Horse,” as it confirms many things she had been taught in the past, but also gives fresh examples of beautifully trained, happy horses executing the exercises throughout.

Some of the excellent horsemen and women that Elizabeth got a chance to receive instruction and help from in 2007 include: Conrad Schumacher, Linda Zang, Steffan Peters, Gretchen Verbonic, Lilo Fore, and Jessica Ransehousen. She looks forward to getting lots more help from her friends and fellow instructors in 2008.