March 2020 Newsletter

Show News

 

ASAC thoughts

 

We are so proud of our barn family at the Clemson show. I’m proud to be a part of a small group of people and horses that believe in the bigger picture and the bigger process of this sport.

 

We won a lot and we were at the bottom a few times as well and everywhere in the middle. I love a victory pass as much as my horses that march with pride down victory lane; and my clients that smile ear to ear so you can barely see their eyes. BUT this note is about the PROCESS that I saw my group embrace, live, exhibit and rejoice in.

 

I want to first address the volunteers and board that makeup ASAC (American Saddlebred Association of the Carolinas). I want to thank them and commend them on an amazing job at our banquet and the horse show. To say that I have not been an avid supporter of this association is an understatement. For years, my barn stepped out of the Carolinas to show (with an appearance 1-2 times a season the past 5 years). We have not been active members for an equal amount of time until last year (2019). I was still skeptical and did not want to be an active presence. Julie Lodics advocated that we join and she would record points and make sure our performance riders/drivers were members as well. ASAC banquets recap: Drew Lodics and Sharon Wilson both won high point awards in their respective divisions (equitation/fine harness/ WT Country Pleasure) at the 2020 banquet in February. Both families, I and Matt attended the festivities and had a blast. The meetings were productive, parties extremely social, the banquet had great food and awards.

 

The board at ASAC are some of the most transparent and hard-working volunteers I have ever seen. (Y’all know those words would never be stated by me unless I meant it because I have been an avid critic of ASAC). I have never felt ASAC understood a smaller/growing barn. I never thought the rules or procedures thought of that demographic. However, this past year was a lot different. At this year's convention, the instructors' meeting was at least 2 hours at the convention. We addressed issues that are “touchy” in this region. (I say this region because from my home in KY they are not as rule-based as the Carolinas). Tons of rules drive me crazy (especially rules that are printed just to say something). This past meeting was the first time I thought rules with positive/proactive intention were considered, voted on and passed. Rules to make performance and academy grow; moreover, promote/protect the smaller barn and their business model. Kudos to from the President to the board members for listening to the trainers and instructors and giving change a chance.

 

Fast forward to the “pre” show where our clients sponsored $700 in classes for the ASAC (Clemson Show). I am so proud that my crew wanted to be a major part of this show’s success. The presented halters and stood for pics in the ribbon presentations.

 

Our barn brought 10 horses/ponies to the show and participated in 29 classes. We placed in every class. We took 8 victory passes and reserve (2nd) in 6 classes.

 

Rachel showed in her first performance show. She showed academy one season in Walk and Trot and decided to lease a horse and go against tougher competition in performance and move into cantering. Many mistakes in her first three classes (including losing a stirrup) rattle her a little. She regathered her drive and focus and grabbed a fantastic Reserve (2nd) in her Alpha Championship. Rachel stated that she knew what she was doing was hard (riding performance). That the easy decision would have been staying in academy and showing walk and trot again or even cantering. Rachel “gets it.” She would rather compete at a higher level and try to beat her best against tougher competition. She doesn’t want to win because she is more experienced against greener riders. She doesn’t want to repeat and compete in the same division to get more victory passes. She lives to feel improvement and loves to be challenged. Rachel is such an amazing example of “the process” and that more programs should encourage this path to move more riders out of academy into performance.

 

Ella showed academy as a 7 and 8-year-old in Walk and trot. Ella moved into performance on her 9-year-old year because she did not want to ride against newer riders at LF in academy. She knew that she did not have a horse; furthermore, consistency of the same horse in performance is very important to be successful. She decided to show and school horse in performance that was available and would wear a full bridle. After one year in Walk/Trot, Ella was moved into a cantering division as a 10-year-old. Most classes she competes in can have 17 years old to adults in them. In Clemson, she was the youngest rider in her class that was open in and breed, age, amateurs to professionals. Ella couldn’t imagine still riding in academy Walk and Trot as an 11-year-old (which would have been 4 years in academy). She placed 5th and 6th this weekend out of 9!!!! She also won the pleasure pony championship (but was the only one in the class). Trust me when I tell you that she is super proud of the 5th and 6th on a horse that she only practiced on a handful of times. Ella showed a new horse named Chickie that joined our farm a few weeks before the show.

 

Drew won the pleasure equitation championship on a school horse (an amazing school horse) named Perry. Drew only rides Perry a handful of times per year because Perry prefers to be more leisurely than Drew prefers. Of course, Drew loves the victory passes (I did too). Drew did not take a victory pass on Trooper (had AMAZING rides though). He felt the small improvements and changes we made this weekend. Drew and I left the show giving each other a “high-five”, smiling, and pumped for the next show. Drew is embracing “The Process” better than most because he had always tried to push himself and his horse to compete against the steeper competition.

 

Julie (Drew’s Mom) decided she wanted her horse when she turned 50. The mare she bought was “A Nutter Fabulous Day” aka Sunny. Julie showed one season in academy and moved into performance in all ages Walk/Trot class. She has not shown in performance in about 3 years. She showed her young mare at Clemson and quickly proved she was our hidden ninja. Julie and Sunny have a special bond and their growth during the show was very tangible. I’m proud of Julie for moving out of academy so quickly and wanting to canter in performance.

 

Sharon never showed in academy (riding or driving). She competed in a couple of tournaments and decided that she wanted to be involved in the “bigger leagues.” She drives/rides saddlebreds in several divisions; also, she drives her welsh pony and miniature horses. Sharon is the barn momma/friend/ mentor to all of our riders and their families. She is always sharing her journey (good/bad and the in-between) with all of our riders. She is everyone’s friend (2 and 4 legged) and we are so blessed to have her take everyone under her wing.

 

Ashleigh started riding with my barn about 4 years ago. I did not teach her fundamentals (stop/tart/trot/post). After my assistant moved on to her new venture, I started to teach Ash. She is a quiet individual. She’s always listening but doesn’t comment (most of the time). She wanted to get good and fast track herself in the academy division and later the performance division. Her mother has leased horses and bought her the clothes necessary for a variety of divisions. For several years, Ash is at the barn every moment she isn't at school. She wants to be involved from the ground up in the development of horses. She doesn’t just want to ride and go home. She teaches adults and children how to interact with horses in a safe atmosphere. She is a barn leader in every sense and is kind to everyone regardless of their age or experience level. After 2 seasons in walk and trot academy, Ashleigh decided to ride in performance and canter. Ashleigh will show any horse/pony at any level show. She loves to be in the barn. She wants a challenge. She is always asking and craving a new challenge. She does not care if she is last place if she improves on her personal best. Furthermore, she thrives on taking a project horse and watching them win in their division. I’m so thankful that early on she saw that Academy was a stepping stone and wanted to LEAP to the next level! Her work ethic is contagious.

 

This is Brennan’s first true year in academy. Prior he rode in two official academy shows in 2019 and a few fun/open shows. Learning the details of this sport has not been easy for Brennan. He has participated in several shows and not placed in the competition. He rides in 3 lessons a week and his hard work is paying off. This weekend, Brennan took two victory passes and placed 3rd in his first class! Brennan could have chosen to show on a “fun show/open show” level for a longer period to receive higher ribbons. Instead, he kept his eye on a tougher academy division in the Carolinas.

 

My riders/drivers are a reflection of my vision. I thrive on competition and being pushed to improve. Getting beat by a better team just motivated me to learn more. I don’t want to water down the shows to succeed.

 

To expand on my teaching/trading theory, I want to commend ASAC again on their forward-thinking and rules implementation for academy. Classes were split by experience level. Riders that have shown for 6 or more years were made to battle against themselves. My riders will never be in academy for even a fraction of those 6 years allowed (which is INSANE to ME) because I will find a way to move them out and compete at a higher level. I will continue to think outside of the box to allow academy at LF to be the DEVELOPMENTAL part of our industry. Academy is a stepping stone and my program will continue to educate my riders (and their families) to keep our industry growing and evolving.

 

Onward and upward. Taking our victories and defeats like a champ!

Horse Show CHANGES!

 

We are NOT going to attend Chattanooga/Cleveland in June. (Remember that was a 2 show series over two weekends).

 

Instead, we will be attending either Brown County Ohio or Northeast Georgia.

 

Dates for Ohio June 11-13 (performance and academy)

Or

June 26-28 (performance and academy) in Gainesville, GA

 

Both shows are Monarch qualifiers and ASAC/ETSA/ ASHA star series affiliated.

 

In October we will be attending Alabama Charity and look forward to attending the Ocala, FL show in 2021 but for this current year, we will be attending the Monarch Championship in Springfield, Illinois. Thursday, October 1st- Sunday, October 4th.

 

Also, we will do an open show or local saddleseat show at the end of October in NC/SC area.

 

PLEASE give me your input on the Ohio vs Gainesville option. I LOVE Ohio but I have heard amazing things about GA and it’s under 5 hours away. Also, it should be held when school is out (since school will probably be extended with the Cronovirus situation.

 

April shows :

 

These shows are NOT canceled and we will be attending.... please email and let me know which show you want to attend. There must be 3 riders sign up for a show to attend. At this time I have riders for KVHA and Lexington.

 

 

April 3-4 KVHA in Winfield, WV

April 17-18 UPHA in Lexington, VA

April 25- show in Bland, VA for academy or performance

 

Barn Happenings

Out of School FUN...

 

School has been canceled but we have opportunities for kids to spend time at the barn.

 

Current LF clients can come from 9 am-2 pm and have a riding lesson in addition to hands-on horsey fun for $35 a day.

 

New riders/visitors (not full-time LF clients) can enjoy horsey fun and a riding lesson for $50 from 9-2 pm.

 

All fees must be paid via PayPal/Venmo - IN FULL prior to the full day of fun. This CANNOT be used to substitute your existing lessons. This is a special offer to assist families with the cancellation and of school. There are NO REFUNDS.

 

To enroll: email the barn and let Kelly know which days your rider(s) will attend. Barn Days that are offered:

 

Tuesday, March 17

Wednesday, March 18

Thursday, March 19

Friday, March 20

Monday, March 23

Tuesday, March 24

Wednesday, March 25

Thursday, March 26

 

A signed release must be completed so all parents/guardians understand LF will not be held responsible for accidents/illnesses during the barn days. You can complete your wavier online at: https://waiver.smartwaiver.com/w/5e16789bcda5f/web/

 

 

General Coronavirus info

 

Lessons and training are still a GO. 

 

WASH your hands BEFORE entering the barn (or go to the little house and wash your hands). When you are leaving the barn, please wash your hands again. There will also be hand sanitizer.

 

Please help us wipe down the “public areas” (such as people room/doorknobs at the little house, the peppermint container, etc) with wipes we provide. Thanks!

 

Cancelations: I ask if you/your rider/your family is sick to cancel your lesson and stay home. I am asking for a 24-hour notice but will be more flexible for the next two weeks. I ask that you give me as much notice as possible so I can keep things organized on my end. Please do NOT come to the barn if you are coughing/sneezing/fever or any other related symptoms. RESCHEDULE!

 

Sibling discount rate for lessons!

 

Do you have multiple kids with the horse bug? We want your children to be at the barn and not on the soccer field or basketball court. Nothing is better than an entire family that loves and lives the “horsey” lifestyle.

 

Rules for discount:

 

  1. Riders must be in group lessons. This does NOT apply to private or semi-private lessons.
  2. Siblings (both) MUST be in unlimited lessons OR rode twice a week (both siblings). This offer is NOT available for riders that pay and increased rate for one lesson a week
  3. This does not apply to extended family (cousins/aunt/uncle/etc). This does not apply to moth/fathers. This is a SIBLING discount.
  4. Riders must take a GROUP lesson at the SAME time. They cannot rode in different groups.
  5. Riders must prepay first ALL lessons by the 5th of the month and agree to the 24 hour cancellation policy.

 

THE DISCOUNT is 10% off the total cost.

 

If siblings (2 kids) ride twice a week each (and prepay), you will save $64 total.

 

If you have siblings and you purchase 2 “unlimited packages”, you will save $76 total.

 

Unlimited Packages for Lessons at LF:

 

This means your rider can join any group that has availability. You should have these scheduled as regular weekly times and you can add or cancel (24 hours in advance). You cannot just “show up”. It will be very easy to get in 3-4 groups a week.

 

If you sign up for unlimited you will need to give a 2 month (60 day) notice to go back to a regular lesson package of 2 lessons a week. This is to ensure riders have a consistent training schedule. There will be a contract to sign that states the rules above.

 

The cost is $380 PER RIDER per unlimited package

 

 

BARN HELPER/VOLUNTEER

 

This is our second write up about barn helpers. I want to give a special

Shout out to our two newest members, Blaire and Julia. They have gone above and beyond to prove their dedication and dependability. Wayyyyy to Go Ladies (and props to their parents for understanding why instilling work ethic is paramount). They join an amazing group of individuals that love our horses and barn family as much as I do and prove it with their help daily. (Michelle, Ash, Sadie, Ella, Madison, Steven, Brennan, Mary, Kelly).

 

Just a reminder that we love to get the kids more involved at the barn. Being a barn helper or volunteer is a great way to learn responsibility, work ethic and teamwork.

 

DO NOT EXPECT to receive credit towards lessons for your rider’s “help”. Your rider is not that helpful when they are learning chores and responsibilities at the farm. They will take 10 times longer to do one chore. They will cut corners and I will have to go in behind them to make sure the task was actually completed. When your rider has PROVEN that their help is actually makes our barn operate more efficiently, I will reward them with barn credit. Until then.... BE THANKFUL THAT I AM TEACHING THEM LESSONS THAT WILL HELP THEM GROW INTO PRODUCTIVE TEENS AND ADULTS. The barn IS NOT ABOUT “what do I get in return.....”. The barn IS ABOUT TEACHING THAT LIFE AND SUCCESS IS A PROCESS....ENJOY THE RIDE!!

 

Being a barn helper/volunteer is not for the weak of heart. This is not a glorified babysitting service. This is not about playing with ponies and horses. It’s about being a part of the everyday operation of a farm.

 

A helper/volunteer must be ready to commit to the following rules:

 

-Must come every week at the same time unless a different arrangement has been made

 

-can not walk around with cell phones in hand. Put in little house or tack room

 

-must be willing to complete any job asked of them. This includes, sweeping, dusting, raking, cleaning tack. Every job is important when running a farm.

 

-must be respectful of senior helpers (Michelle, Rachel, Ashleigh, Mary)

 

-great attitude is a must. No complaining, pouting, or sassiness.

 

-must wear appropriate clothes :

muck boots, coveralls, winter gloves and lots of layers.

 

STILL INTERESTED??? That’s awesome and email the barn to set up a schedule!

 

 

Communicating with the barn

 

Emergency: If you have an emergency, please text Kelly or Kathryn on their cell phone. An emergency would involve the health of the rider or horse during the hours of 8 am-8 pm. Emergencies would include cancellations with 24 hours or less notice. Please remember that Kathryn works from 6:30 am (earlier at a show) until 8:30 pm (later at a show). She wants to answer all texts but her schedule often doesn’t allow for it. Please use the cell phone to text for emergencies.

 

Email:

 

Best way to communicate all non-emergencies Landonfarm@yahoo.com

 

When you email the barn, Kelly will intercept the email. She will then answer the email or forward it to Kathryn if necessary.

 

Just a reminder that you should communicate all rescheduling and cancellations by EMAIL to the barn

 

 

Horses for Sale or Lease

There are some very very cool and special horses for lease or sale. Just a few to consider (and many more are not listed). Schedule a meeting with Kathryn!

Chickie
Cinder
Dorinda
Karmen
Bruno
Perry

Remembering OG

Saying Goodbye

 

Saying goodbye is never easy to say goodbye to our four-legged friends. OG (Old Guy) had a large group of people that lived and visited him daily. Tears were shed as we said farewell to our old friend last week.

 

He was about 33 years old and a quarter horse. He taught lessons to our smallest riders up until his passing. Our advanced riders enjoyed riding him bareback. He did not have a lot of teeth so he loved soggy alfalfa cubes and bananas.

 

Remembering OG:

 

He was super demanding every day. He wanted to be turned out with Baby James but if the weather was too hot/cold/rainy )he wanted back in his stall immediately. He pushed so hard against his stall guard that he stretched it out and could reach halfway into the hallway with his head.

 

He looked forward to being groomed or lead around the farm. He would or pretend to eat grass and close his eyes with content. At the end of his life, Michele, Eve, Carrie, Sharon, Kelly, Mary, Reagan, Josh, Ashleigh, and Steven gave him extra TLC and made his act even more privileged :)

 

It’s way quieter and I have less “tending” to do daily since his passing. If I had my wish, he would still be with me making me work in between my work.... he will always be missed and remembered.

 

 

  Landon Farm   |   6103 N Church St, Greensboro 27488   |   http://landonfarmllc.com  
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