Thursday, October 25, 2012

Fall on the Moon!

Hi All,

Lots of activity on the Moon.  Fall is in the air!  We are decorated up for fall and Halloween.  Big Halloween party on the way with lots of fun for young and old.   We have also had lots of  movement on the moon.  Some horses going to new homes out of state.  Some horses being sold and some going to winter pastures and will return in the spring.  We have also had some employee changes.  Our Trainer, Bree is now working as an independent trainer giving lessons and taking some time off.  Our barn hands have also changed.  Kim and Dale are still around.  Let us know if you know of any trainers looking for a position.  We would love to talk with them.   We have lots of big cleaning plans going on for the cooler weather so that everything will be spic and span come spring for all the new horses that will be coming and for all of our current boarders.  Hope to see you soon on the Moon!!!!

Sunday, June 17, 2012

Riding UP to the Occasion

Wow! Things have been so busy at Blue Moon! I've got a lot to get you caught up on..but first I want to start with something that has been consistently brought to my attention over the past few months. It is the phrase "Ride UP to the Occasion." So often, our emotions and attitudes can get the best of us - and I have found that reminding myself of this simple phrase really helps to put my thoughts and goals into perspective. We must stay tactful, methodical, and keep our emotions down. It is our job to bring out the best in our horses - to set them up for success, and to help make them a little better with each ride.
As riders (pertaining to all types of riding), our foremost goals should be to maintain the purity within the horse's natural gaits, and to promote soundness and well-being of the horse (Dr. Thomas Ritter). I hate witnessing segregation and disrespect between all the disciplines. Whether you run barrels or jump fences - the foundation is the same. Correct riding is correct riding. Sure, every horse is different, and you have to take into account the horse's individual conformation, gaits, temperament, and strengths and weaknesses - but a good rider should be able to make the necessary adjustments to bring out the best in every horse.

                           Hannah and Coco schooling cross country at Denton Creek Farm


And now back to Blue Moon. On April 13-15, we had a dressage clinic with Heidi Williams - what an incredible teacher she is! Everyone noticed results right away under Heidi's instruction, and the improvements were huge. We had such an awesome time, and we cant wait until she comes back! I will keep you posted on the dates :)
Heidi helps Kira understand contact

On May 6th, Blue Moon hosted the Forth Worth Dressage Club's schooling show. They were such a pleasure to work with and the turn-out was awesome! It was a very well-run show and everyone had a great time. We can't wait until next time!!

Blue Moon has several new horses offered for sale.

"Seeking the Wild" aka "Anthem" is a 9 year old Thoroughbred gelding. He has been in training for only 3 weeks and shows incredible talent and intelligence. When he first arrived, he was clueless to leg and rein aids, and is now schooling walk to canter transitions and beginning leg yield. Anthem will definitely excel in the Hunter/Jumper ring. He has a beautiful flat knee and big, lofty movement. He is extremely brave to the fences and has been cantering 2 ft courses - even with the kids!
Anthem won reserve champion at Hidden Lakes at his first show on June 8th!
 
Cassie is a 12 year old welsh cross mare offered for sale. She is wonderful with children and has super cute movement. Last week, Cassie competed at Hidden Lakes with my 11 year old student and won champion in the 18" division! She is incredibly brave to the fences and finds her own distances. She has been schooling 2'3" - 2'6" courses and has potential to go higher. This talented pony has the ability to go any direction - hunter/jumper, eventing, or dressage. Cassie is a level headed and patient girl - and such a doll to work with.
                            Kira and Cassie won Champion in their division at Hidden Lakes!!
 
Blue Moon is taking several horses and students to the Fairfield Dressage show on Saturday, June 23rd. Come show your support.. we'd love to see you!