Letter From The President – March, 2011

The year 2010 is now in the history books and I hope everyone is looking forward to the year 2011. The Board has worked very hard on this year’s convention, and my hope is that each of you will plan to attend and join in the fun.  It is important that everyone try and attend the General Membership meeting Saturday afternoon. This is a time when you can voice your concerns, ideas and the direction in which you would like to see the organization to go, as well as election of your Officers and Zone Directors.

I want to again thank you for giving me the opportunity to have served as your President this past year, and Thank each of you for your help this past year and let you also know that the 2010 ASHAV Horse Show received the title of  UPHA Chapter 18 Honor Show. Each of you had a part in this and should be Proud!

Sincerely,
Carol S. Reedy
President

Junior Exhibitor Spotlight – Karly Morgan

Junior Exhibitor Spotlight:  Karly Morgan

Name: Karly Morgan
Age: 16
Birthday: October 17th

Favorite…
Book: Sarah’s Key
Color: Blue
Food: the surprise cakes and pastries my wonderful friends bring to the barn!
Movie: anything Harry Potter
Vacation Spot: Kiawah Island

Current Horses: CH Yes Its True (Ty), Walterway’s Pardon Me (Jake) and my sister’s road pony, Perfect Offering (Max)

Divisions: Junior Exhibitor Three-Gaited, Junior Exhibitor Five-Gaited

Where you ride: Mercer Springs Farm

How long you’ve ridden: about 10 years

School: Graham High School

How you got started riding: I took a pony ride when I was 2, and begged for lessons until I got them years later.

Favorite thing about showing/riding: those “right there!” moments when everything is perfectly in balance. It’s almost like everything goes quiet, and the only things that matter are you and your horse.

Favorite horse show: the Junior League, because riding there is the most challenging. the weather is always either 100 degrees or pouring rain, and the track is beautiful, but difficult to navigate. I think that’s why it always draws the best of the best from the Saddlebred world, because everyone wants the challenge of riding against the best horses, on a beautiful and complex track, with the whole world watching and Saddlebred history everywhere. It really is amazing.

The best thing I’ve learned from riding/showing: Hard work will eventually pay off if you have patience. When you’re doing pass after pass without stirrups, without reins, with your arms up in the air, with your eyes closed, etc., you may wonder, why do I do this? Well, when you lose a stirrup during a show, or get dirt in your eye so you can’t see, or even let a rein slip out of your fingers, you’ll know exactly why you practice that. (Thanks Alexandra!)

Trainers Favorite Expression: If I had a penny for every time Smith had to say “KARLY, pay attention!” I’d be set for life!

Most memorable show: For sure my first show at Louisville. I met so many new friends and saw some incredibly talented horses. Showing at Louisville is unlike any experience I’ve ever had. The best part is that it feels like a new experience every time you show there. To be with the best horses, the most talented riders and trainers (and the best butter pecan ice cream) in the whole world makes for one incredible week.

Hobbies/Sports outside the show ring: Basketball, Soccer, and Art

Career Goals: to be a vet specializing 100% on horses

Junior Exhibitor Spotlight – Maddie Morgan

Junior Exhibitor Spotlight – Maddie Morgan

Name: Maddie Morgan

Maddie and Perfect Offering ("Max")

Age: 12

Birthday: August 20th, 1998

Favorite-:
Book: Confetti Girl
Color: lime green
Food: Janet Sterba’s cookies
Movie: Marley and Me
Vacation Spot: Kiawah Island

Current Horse: Perfect Offering (Max), my road pony

Division: Road Pony Under Saddle

Where You Ride: Mercer Springs Farm

How Long You Have Ridden: 7 years

School: Graham Middle School

How You Got Started Riding: I watched my sister, and started taking lessons when I was old enough

Favorite Thing About Riding and Showing: GOING FAST!

Favorite Show: Louisville, because it is the world’s championships, it doesn’t get any bigger than that. also, all my horse show friends from far away come, and we all get to hang out for the whole week. the junior exhibitor party at the end is always a blast!

Best Thing You’ve Learned From Riding/Showing: to learn from your mistakes. if something goes wrong, you should learn from it so that you can either prevent it or fix it next time. but the number 1 thing is to always have fun! sandy, max, and i always have a great time on Saturday mornings!

Trainer’s Favorite Expression: Way to ride, kid!

Most Memorable Horse Show: ASHAV, because my sister and I got to go to our best friends’ (Catherine and Sallie Mason Wheeler) farm for the first time, we all had great rides with lots of wins and reserves, and I won best in show at the dog show with Matt Lightener’s dog, Kringle!

Your Equestrain Goal: to win the world’s championship with my pony, max

Hobbies/Sports Outside of Riding: soccer, basketball, volleyball, and hang out with my friends.

Ride For The Cure Shirts To Be Offered At ASHAV Convention

Think Pink!!

Ride for the Cure shirts will be available for pre-sale at the ASHAV Convention.  A variety of styles will be available, each sporting the Ride for the Cure logo.  We will have both adult and children’s sizes.  We have added the option of a pink fleece vest for purchase, in adult sizes only.

Please stop by our table at convention to place your order.  Shirts will be ready by Bonnie Blue and will be delivered there.  Remember a portion of the proceeds from the sale of these items goes directly to Ride for the Cure!!

Equine Rabies Warning – Confirmed Case

 

A Shenandoah Valley veterinarian from another practice had a confirmed rabies diagnosis in a horse last week.  According to him, there has been a spike in rabies along the I-81 corridor.  Please be sure to keep your animals’ rabies vaccinations current.

If you need more information or we can be of help in any way, please call Blue Ridge Equine Clinic in Earlysville at (434)973-7947 or Blue Ridge Equine Clinic – Valley Division in Staunton at (540)460-5702.