I wish everyone a happy Holiday!

 I love horses the way they look , the way they smell, the way they make me
feel inside when I am around them. That is why I started taking riding lessons
when I was 3yrs old. The freedom of riding a horse in unsurpassed by any other
feeling to me. I have raced motor cycles at 163 mph , I have raced cars at
200mph , I have sky dived , snowboarded, driven a race boat and nothing can make
me feel the same as riding a horse !

October, 2011


I’m sorry I have not posted for so long. I have spent the last
several months breaking and schooling our 3 and 4 yr. olds, with the help of my
summer working students, and Trish and Leslie we have a really nice group for
sale this year.


King has stamped each horse with a gorgeous head and great
conformation; my mare line has given them wonderful temperaments suitable for
armature riders, with professional gaits! Check our sale page for updated
pictures and video, several of these young horse are owned by investors who
purchased them as weanlings!


We have finally recovered from all the rain and now our driveway
is level again. The fall lesson season has started. And we will be attending
Outfoxed farm dressage show on the 23 rd
.


Becky Langwost will be here the first weekend in December to do a
clinic. All levels are welcome to audit and
attend.


Happy riding this is the best time of year No more
flies!

I am looking forward to a new year and start , I wish all my dressage friends a safe and winning New Year!
I have decided that this poem is the way to start the new year again. I had so many wonderful comments about it last year.

From time to time, people tell me,


“lighten up, it’s just a horse,”
or,”that’s a lot of money for just a horse”

.
   They don’t understand the distance traveled,
the time spent, or the costs involved for “just a horse.”

   Some of my proudest moments have come about with “just a horse.”
Many hours have passed and my only company was “just a horse,”
but I did not once feel slighted.

   Some of my saddest moments have been brought about by “just a horse,” and in those days of darkness,
the gentle touch of “just a horse” gave me comfort
and reason to overcome the day.

   If you, too, think it’s “just a horse,”
then you will probably understand phrases like “just a friend,”
“just a sunrise,” or “just a promise.”

   Just a horse” brings into my life the very essence of friendship,
trust, and pure unbridled joy.
“Just a horse” brings out the compassion and patience
that make me a better person.

   Because of “just a horse” I will rise early,
take long walks and look longingly to the future.

   So for me and folks like me, it’s not “just a horse”
but an embodiment of all the hopes and dreams of the future,
the fond memories of the past, and the pure joy of the moment.

   "Just a horse” brings out what’s good in me
and diverts my thoughts away from myself and the worries of the day.

   I hope that someday they can understand that it’s not “just a horse”
but the thing that gives me humanity and keeps me from being
“just a woman.”

So the next time you hear the phrase
“just a horse” just smile, because they “just” don’t understand.

Happy Holidays!

Sorry this Blog has taken so long ,
This economy is really taking its toll on the horse people in all disciplines so we take jobs in other fields, let our help go and take on most of the care  for our horses. In some ways spending more time with our horses and reconnecting with them.

At least once a day I get a call about a free horse that needs a home right away I have helped several people place their horses. I am adding a new section called " free horses" on the site it will be a direct contact from owner to adopter.

The attached video is very inspiring please enjoy watching it !

World's most uncomfortable saddle Date: 2010-01-01, 11:41PM PST



 

Like a ghastly specter from your darkest nightmare, this saddle has returned from the grave seeking vengeance. Its previous master thought it had banished it to the blackness of the abyss for good, but nay, it was only for an epoch.

Features:
*Steel rails forged by LUCIFER himself
*Genuine Auroch hide seat provides maximum chafing

I am reaching the end of my strength, as the madness contained within this dark artifact threatens to consume me. I cannot merely throw this adamantine saddle on the rubbish heap, lest some unwary passerby become transfixed by its lightless glow. No, I must only give this to one with the courage to look into the bloodshot eyes of insanity, and the strength to master it. A wizard with the cunning to master this beast gains an ally of unspeakable power: the ultimate theft deterrent. At the moment the thief straddles your steed, his fate is sealed. Eager for revenge upon mortals, the saddle will visit his arse with blisters that rival the torment of fire and brimstone... a dire lesson he will not soon forget. This same fate will befall any unworthy mortal who in his arrogance, attempts to mount the saddle of doom. Are you worthy?

• Location: Green Lake

2010 FEI HORSE AND RIDER REGISTRATION

The FEI has implemented a new procedure for FEI Registration that states any horse or rider that is not registered before they compete will be disqualified. FEI Article 113 will be strictly applied and all Athletes/Horses must be registered prior to taking part in an FEI event. FEI organizers should be checking the FEI registration for horses and riders and should not allow anyone to compete without them. If such registration is not completed, the Athlete/Horse will be disqualified in accordance with the applicable article. If you are renewing an FEI registration you can complete it online at USEF www.usef.org by signing into your USEF Login. NOTE: The FEI considers the Riders/Drivers/Vaulters as the Person Responsible for ensuring that their registration and the registration of their horse is complete prior to competing. The processing of FEI registration can take up to 4 weeks so if you need your number right away there is a RUSH service that you can request for an additional $30.00. If you have any questions or concerns regarding FEI Registration please contact Ashley Sabo at 859-225-6989 or via e-mail at asabo@usef.org.

ATHLETES' AND HORSES' REGISTRATIONS FOR 2010
AND THE VALIDATION OF RESULTS

Referring to the General Regulations Art 113, as per below:

Article 113 - Registration of Athletes and Horses

1. All Athletes and Horses must be registered with the FEI, unless otherwise specified by the Sport Rules and with their own or, where appropriate, their host NF before they can be permitted to take part in an International Event. (See also Article 119 - Sport Nationality Status of Athletes and Chapter V Horses).
2. NFs are responsible for registering all Athletes and Horses and shall ensure that such Athletes have the appropriate corresponding sport nationality.
3. Any Athlete and/or any Horse who is not registered with the FEI shall be automatically disqualified.

The registration system is linked to the results publications.



United States Equestrian Federation, Inc. 4047 Iron Works Pkwy, Lexington, KY 40515 859-258-2472 webmaster@usef.org



 

    I love horses the way they look , the way they smell, the way they make me feel inside when I am around them. That is why I started taking riding lessons when I was 3yrs old. The freedom of riding a horse in unsurpassed by any other feeling to me. I have raced motor cycles at 163 mph , I have raced cars at 200mph , I have sky dived , snowboarded, driven a race boat and nothing can make me feel the same as riding a horse.

   That is why so many of my friends started . But as time goes by we all forget about why we all are in our perspective barns with our horses, we find fault in silly things and judge others and their farms and horses. What effect does anyone else have on your ride on your horse? By criticizing them is your ride any better? They may have a quarter horse or a grand prix warmblood but they all started out loving horses. 

   In this year 2010 we all need to work together and love our horses, ride and take a breath and say thank you for everyday you have with your horse on this earth.


From time to time, people tell me,


“lighten up, it’s just a horse,”
or,”that’s a lot of money for just a horse”

.
   They don’t understand the distance traveled,
the time spent, or the costs involved for “just a horse.”

   Some of my proudest moments have come about with “just a horse.”
Many hours have passed and my only company was “just a horse,”
but I did not once feel slighted.

   Some of my saddest moments have been brought about by “just a horse,” and in those days of darkness,
the gentle touch of “just a horse” gave me comfort
and reason to overcome the day.

   If you, too, think it’s “just a horse,”
then you will probably understand phrases like “just a friend,”
“just a sunrise,” or “just a promise.”

   Just a horse” brings into my life the very essence of friendship,
trust, and pure unbridled joy.
“Just a horse” brings out the compassion and patience
that make me a better person.

   Because of “just a horse” I will rise early,
take long walks and look longingly to the future.

   So for me and folks like me, it’s not “just a horse”
but an embodiment of all the hopes and dreams of the future,
the fond memories of the past, and the pure joy of the moment.

   "Just a horse” brings out what’s good in me
and diverts my thoughts away from myself and the worries of the day.

   I hope that someday they can understand that it’s not “just a horse”
but the thing that gives me humanity and keeps me from being
“just a woman.”

So the next time you hear the phrase
“just a horse” just smile, because they “just” don’t understand.






 

















.





I

Princess Haya Calls For "Time Out:" Progressive List Rediscussed at 2010 General Assembly

December 8, 2009

Dear Member National Federations of the FEI,

In the context of the dispute that has erupted within our family over the best way to achieve our shared goals of eradicating doping and protecting the welfare of horses, I write to ask for your support.

Specifically, I am asking you to give your written consent to allow the implementation of the “20 October List” with the new rules in April 2010 and place the issue of NSAID policy on the agenda for the 2010 General Assembly. I give you my word that this issue will be tabled in the form of a policy choice for the GA in 2010 and that, in the meantime, HQ will make it a priority to provide you with the necessary scientific thought and research for you to make an informed decision. I ask that you please indicate your support, or lack thereof, by replying to this email.

As you know, the FEI General Assembly approved the new Equine Anti-Doping and Controlled Medication Regulations and the recommendations of Commissioners Professor Arne Ljungqvist and Lord Stevens by a resounding 95-5 vote on 19 November. With that vote, our entire community indicated its clear and unwavering commitment to the ethos of Clean Sport. This momentous decision came after a series of deeply troubling incidents that indicated a clear need to move swiftly and efficiently to clean up our sport, or face the possibility of admitting that the problem of doping was endemic in our community.

Our commitment against doping is clear and unequivocal. Unfortunately, our unity on that issue is being tested by an increasingly bitter dispute over non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). This is not a new disagreement. The FEI ban on phenybutazone was approved by a narrow margin 16 years ago. The debate as to whether NSAIDs should be prohibited in horse sport has been a burning question that has divided our community ever since.

Within the process chosen to adopt all the new measures for Clean Sport, the FEI re-examined the Equine Prohibited Substances List. An initial list was released to the National Federations on 20 October for review and comment. The response reflected a deep divide as to what exactly constitutes “doping” in equestrian sport. A majority of your ranks in the National Federations indicated a desire to move toward a policy that allows limited therapeutic use of NSAIDs. The FEI responded to that input by offering the General Assembly a policy choice.

The General Assembly considered two options: the “20 October List” and the “Progressive List.” The Progressive List classified specified NSAIDs up to certain levels as permitted medications and removed them from the Prohibited Substances category of the 20 October List.

The General Assembly approved the “Progressive List” by a narrow majority of 53-48.

The policy shift and the vociferous debate that has followed touches every sector of the equine landscape, be it the FEI disciplines, racing, polo, or any other of our fraternity. We should not shrink from this debate because these issues are vitally important to the integrity of equestrian sport. The time has come to allow all voices to be heard without prejudice, and without discrimination of any kind. If horses teach us anything, it is understanding and tolerance, and that example must remain paramount to us all.

In order to facilitate this debate, the Bureau passed a resolution this week delaying implementation of the Progressive List and accompanying Equine Anti-Doping and Controlled Medication Regulations (EADCMRs) until 5 April 2010. However, several National Federations have already voiced the opinion that three months is not enough time to fully debate such a contentious issue. There are also real logistical issues that HQ needs to address, including allowing time for the laboratories to harmonise and examining the legal concerns surrounding globalization.

In light of all these issues, I once again will have to table a policy choice for you to prevent our Federation being split by welfare and legal concerns and I therefore ask for your support to give the Bureau your written consent to allow the implementation of the “20 October List” with the new rules in April 2010 and place the issue of NSAID policy on the agenda for the 2010 General Assembly. I give you my word that this issue will be tabled in the form of a policy choice (as the majority of NFs have once again requested) for the GA in 2010 and that, in the meantime, HQ will make it a priority to provide you with the necessary scientific thought and research for you to make an informed decision.

We all agree on the important things. Everyone involved in this debate wants to eradicate doping. Everyone involved in this debate wants to protect the welfare of horses. We all favour “zero tolerance.” The General Assembly approved an outright and unequivocal ban on substances that are intended solely to enhance performance. There will be no retreat from that. But the term “zero tolerance” is easy to use – and easy to abuse. In human sport, “zero tolerance” is actually the same policy as the Progressive List. Acceptance of the Progressive List for equestrian sport does not mean acceptance of doping.

This is not a debate driven by geography or cultural differences. It is not a split between developed and under-developed; and rich from poor; or East and West. Many of the most developed nations among our NF body have voted for the Progressive List, and feel passionately that this is the way that the sport must go. I would equally highlight that many of the smallest and most under-developed nations in our sport have vocalized clearly to me their overwhelming concern that this policy change will not allow them as National Federations to fulfill their duty to protect their equine communities. Some have also expressed fear that passage of the Progressive List presented them with the problem that they would be unable to institute the necessary educational tools fast enough to protect their equine communities from those with a lack of knowledge who would unwittingly abuse the rules.

To be sure, there will always be unscrupulous people who seek unfair advantage in competition, and there will always be callous people who put winning ahead of animal welfare. Those people are not represented in this debate. No one is advocating a policy deliberately intended to serve those despicable ends. Rather, this is a debate about how to deal with substances that can be used properly or improperly. If used properly, they are of benefit to horses. If used improperly, they can threaten animal welfare.

There are good arguments on both sides of the issue, and we should listen to each other with consideration and respect. Our equine partners in sport will be the losers should we not agree to debate this in a calm and rational fashion.

As your President, I promised never to prejudge anybody, or any situation, and to always try to hear everyone’s point of view. I promised to listen to you all and work to find solutions with the Bureau and Headquarters. I also swore that I would back tough decisions taken by the General Assembly, and stand up for the FEI and the National Federations.

I believe totally in our General Assembly and your authority to guide this International Federation. I respect totally your individual right to vote, and the knowledge and experiences, both personal and professional, that each and every one of you brings to our family. Together you are undeniably the FEI, and no President, no individual is, or ever should be, capable of overturning a decision that was democratically voted for.

The vote in Copenhagen established a policy, but the developments since then have raised legitimate questions about its implementation. The laboratories need time to adapt in order to apply the new requirements in harmonized fashion. The policy change affects National Federations and organizers who must comply with state laws as well as international competition rules. It has implications for the breeding industry and the selection of horses. It impacts all those concerned with animal welfare, be they for or against the Progressive List.

We must be conscious also of all of the concerns that have been raised by our sister organisations, be they the Racing Industry, or a myriad of Veterinary Groups, or a variety of Welfare Organisations, or simply but most importantly our public, for they are the individuals who collectively give our sport life and a soul. That accounts for all of those factions who are not voting members of our IF. Yet, equally inside our community of 134 National Federations, we are divided, and both sides are of strong opinion.

On the other side of the divide, there lies a majority, albeit a more silent one. After much consultation, I understand the trepidation of those NFs who have voted for the Progressive List, but who are not willing to stand up and make themselves heard. They primarily feel that they have a right to treat their horses, and to make them comfortable within the boundaries of restorative medication and with no wish to pursue performance enhancement.

Many of the NFs who voted for the “Progressive List”, have categorically stated that their athletes feel passionately that this is truly the right path for anyone who wants to claim that they care about the welfare of horses, and that to withhold treatment from horses in competition is indeed more cruel than to administer.

All these views are legitimate and clearly need an opportunity for broader debate and consultation. Unfortunately, the division of opinion is so deep and so passionate, that it threatens to divide our Federation. That is not an outcome that any of us can accept. Whatever your individual beliefs, we are collectively bound by the duty to serve our sport, and our FEI family.

Let us put this “time out” to good use so that we can engage in a calm, rational debate over the best way forward and then vote on this policy issue at the 2010 GA. In the meantime (as of 1 January 2010), the FEI will apply the clean sport recommendations not related to the new regulations, which have you have already approved and which will allow for considerable progress on the FEI’s clean sport initiative.

We will probably never have unanimity, but working together, we can agree on an approach that serves the interests of equestrian sport and the athletes — both human and equine — who practice it. That, after all, is what we all desire.

Once again, I ask for your support in approving the implementation of the “20 October List” with the new rules in April 2010 and place the issue of NSAID policy on the agenda for the 2010 General Assembly. I ask that you please indicate your support, or lack thereof, by replying to this email.

Yours respectfully,
Haya Al Hussein

FEI Extraordinary General Assembly Votes Against New Statutes

November 17, 2009

Today 17 November, the FEI Extraordinary General Assembly, held in Copenhagen (DEN), voted against the adoption of new Statutes for the restructuring of the FEI Bureau, the current governing body. A hundred and two (102) National Federations were represented, 85 in person and 17 by proxy. Out of 98 valid votes cast, there were 49 against, 48 in favour and one abstention. Consequently, the FEI will continue to be governed by a 19-member Bureau rather than the proposed seven-member Board.

The FEI modernisation process, championed by former FEI President HRH Doña Pilar de Borbón, began 12 years ago and was accepted in principle by the FEI General Assembly in 2005 in London. The main objective of the proposed reform is to achieve a smaller and dynamic Board, which is both competency based and regionally balanced.

Today’s vote was preceded by extensive consultation which took place throughout the summer ensuring National Federations were listened to and that their feedback was integrated as much as possible. In order to ensure regional representation, the original proposal was to have no more than two members per continent.

On the basis of additional feedback from National Federations in South and Central America, it was modified not to allow more than one member per Regional Group. To guarantee the respect of democratic principles also called upon by European National Federations, the proposed election process provided for all candidates to be put to the vote of the General Assembly.

The modernisation process will not be on the agenda of the 2010 General Assembly, given the FEI’s need to focus on a number of priorities in the areas of development, horse welfare and commercial initiatives, among others. An additional factor is that 2010 is an election year in the FEI.

Photo copyrighted: Astrid Appels/Eurodressage

2009 Global Dressage Forum

Totilas Too Close to the Heart

October 31, 2009 The 2009 Global Dressage Forum came to a very unexpected and abrupt point of explosion in its final five minutes. Moderator Richard Davison stepped up to an unprepared Artus Kottas-Heldenberg and asked him about Totilas. Kottas-Heldenberg said he had just picked up a magazine at the Forum with Totilas on the cover in an awkward trot position. "It reminds me of a Tennessee Walking Horse," he said.

During his session Ton De Ridder had questioned the concept of a "collected trot" which nowadays in the show ring looks more like a sped-up passage or a slow-motion trot and is scored amply by the judges. But Ton had not expected the discussion to move into the Totilas' direction. So in reaction to Kottas' statement De Ridder clammed up and made the very surprising statement that Totilas cannot be discussed at the Forum. Total silence was achieved.

De Ridder then continued that "he's a crowd pleaser. He fills the stands and we should be thankful for that." A very puzzling reaction from a renowned dressage trainer who certainly would have an opinion about the most exciting horse of the year 2009.

German journalist Birgit Popp launched herself figuratively from her seat and exclaimed it is “hypocritical that we can’t discuss this horse in public, while in the background everybody says something different about him.” She continued that Totilas’ extended trot is not according the FEI Handbook and “that’s what needs to be discussed.”

Davison tried to turn things around by asking Birgit if she would choose that exact same image to grace the cover. She replied she probably would have picked a better photo of the piaffe. A shock wave had just been sent through the forum during its close and the crowds left their seats stunned.

Popp did make a valid point that a horse like Totilas, which is redefining modern dressage, is held under embargo at the Forum. Maybe this horse is too close to the heart of many and the time is not right for publicly debating his achievements, his potential and especially how judges score him at a Global Dressage Forum. The 2009 Forum was very much on topic about training and judging, but the most talked about horse in the world, Totilas, was definitely a “non-topic.” 

Upon leaving the Forum more questions could be raised about what "not" happened at the Forum. Where were the Germans? The editor of one of Germany's largest equestrian magazines slept through Peters' and Sluyters' session and left early on Tuesday missing De Ridder's entire lecture. This experienced editor may not be the youngest of all attendants but coffee or Red Bull does wonders. Furthermore with the exception of Heike Kemmer, there was not a single high profile German trainer or rider present at the forum. A few years ago Global Dressage Forum organizer Joep Bartels suggested to host the forum in Aachen, Germany, for a change but the idea was boycotted by the German Equestrian Federation. Why does all this look like a clear testimony to their unwillingness to open up, cross boarders and show active engagement in the development and shape-shifting of dressage?

Text and photos copyrighted Astrid Appels/Eurodressage.com
No Reproduction allowed without explicit permission

Want to go places with your horse? Start by coming here.


Please join us for the That’s a Promise Tour when it comes to Gladstone October 7th. As our guest, you’ll have the opportunity to win a private lesson with one of our guests of honor, and bid on one-of-a-kind items in a silent auction to benefit the USEF Young Riders Program. And perhaps best of all, learn how to get the most out of your horses with a presentation and discussion led by world-renowned nutritionist Dr. Joe Pagan, President of Kentucky Equine Research. Don’t miss it!





Pennfield Promise Partner confirmed guests of honor include:


David and Karen O'Connor, Georgina Bloomberg, Phillip Dutton, John Williams,


Michael Barisone, Bruce and Buck Davidson, and (potentially) Chester


Weber.


And the evening will be emceed by international equestrian announcer Nicho Meredith!


Check back as we'll be adding new guests as the date gets closer.





Gladstone Valley Silent Auction


Our Silent Auctions have lots of fabulous items... check back soon to see what we've gathered so far for the Gladstone tour stop. And if you'd like to make a tax-deductible donation (benefitting the 501c3 USEF Young Riders Program), please email thatsapromise@pennfield.com or call Beth Ann at 717-295-8735.

What a joy this is: In December 2007 we sold our Lusitano stallion Tonico to the US. At that time he took Giovana  to the surf after work. Now he is the August 2009 cover page of "Dressage Today" with Felicitas. Congratulations.

Imagine  panoramic views of the ocean  Everyone has there own waterfall ? tempertures range from 70-85%  all year round . If you are a resident of the Big Island your family can have 1 stall for a 150.00 per year, you do all your own work or you work together with freinds and rotate schudules, am or pm feeding ect. the Hilo equestrain center is located next to the Zoo, yes I said Zoo! No animals have ever gotten loose from the zoo I'm told .
Most people have quarter horses and throughbred quarter crosses there are a few warmblood but mostly doing hunters.

Horse enthuasist on the island are eagar to learn dressage , on the other islands they have teams that travel from island to Island and rent horses for the show at the grounds, kind of like the intercollegete teams do. They also travel to the mainland thats us,  if your not from the island your from the main land.

The level of dressage is limited to the training of the horses at the equestrain centers so mostly Intro thru 2 nd level.

Hay is 20.00 a bale there is really good pasture on the Hilo side of the Island But on the Kona side it is arid and volcanos still erupt. While we were there , they had a sulfur warning for people with breathing problems not to go close to the vocano site.

Grain is about the same but the horse people in the big Island think its high, Shavings are 12.50 per bag, most people keep horses out in covered stalls with tiny turnouts and vocano dust for bedding , I will say the drainage is good but not very fluffy if you are a spoiled warmblood.

All the horse people I worked with were wonderful , freindly and happy to anser all my questions. Its an even smaller community of horse people there and they all seemed to get along and encourage each other.

Check out the pics!