We've been busy!!!!

MAY 12TH

May 12th, we attended the RGR Jumper Derby at Pine Hill!
The jumper derby is an event which combines stadium fences with cross country fences in the same course.

   Kaylee rode Hot Wheels and was a little nervous going out on her first round, on the way to fence three just sort of slid off...but she got right back on and went onto fence #3. She had to come off course after that, but once the nerves settled and she went out on her second round and went clear!! Not only did she go clear, she chose not to do the options and she and Hot Wheels had no problems and looked like pros coming across the finish line. Way to go you two!! They went home with 4th place!
   Next up was Gigi and Hot Wheels in the Blue Ribbon round! Kudos to Gigi for remembering such a long course. She stuck it out and Hot Wheels took such good care of her. What a pony to adjust to each kiddo! Gigi finished with no jump faults! Very exciting!
   Last but not least it was Adriana on Hot Wheels. They did the entire GAG division. She and Hot Wheels had two nice clean rounds and brought home two 3rds! Pretty exciting!
   Sarah brought her young horse out for the first time and they took everything in stride. Tublu was a good boy, and handled the first time out in the field and warm up ring pretty well. A little more time and they'll be ready to show!
I'm very proud of all you girls!!

HUGE THANKS also to:
Stephanie for volunteering ALL day!
Danielle for volunteering and helping me with the girls!
Eddie and Luke for being awesome show Dads!

Gigi and Dragonwyck Hot Wheels

Gigi and Dragonwyck Hot Wheels

Adriana and Dragonwyck Hot Wheels

Adriana and Dragonwyck Hot Wheels

Adriana and Dragonwyck Hot Wheels

Kaylee, Adriana and Dragonwyck Hot Wheels

APRIL 29TH

On April 29th, Double Eagle Farm was gracious enough to allow us to use their facility for three of our pony clubbers certificate testing. Kimberly McDonnel was the examiner that came all the way from Houston to test our girls. Huge thanks to Double Eagle and Kimberly!! Thank you to Jenene and Cloie for providing lunch for us all!

I am pleased to announce that the following Fiesta Pony Club Members passed and are now certified with the following certificates:
Kaylee- D1 and D2 Classic
Adriana- D1 and D2 Classic
Kayleigh Ann- D1 and D2 Classic
CONGRATS GIRLS!!! WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU!!!

Kayleigh, Adriana and Kaylee 

Adriana, Kayleigh, Kaylee with Kimberly

Kayleigh and Sirrak

Kaylee and Tootsie

Kayleigh on Sirrak, Adriana on Dragonwyck Hot Wheels and Kaylee on Tootsie

Kimberly (examiner), Kayleigh, Kaylee and Adriana!

THEY PASSED!!!!!!!! HOORAY!!!!!

APRIL 7TH

April 7th, our girls volunteered at the 1st Annual Coyote Springs CT Show!
It was a fun day, and volunteering is always a great way to learn!
Adriana, Gigi and Eddie helped with concessions.
Jenene and Julie did the detailed task of scoring!
Cloie, Kayleigh Ann and Sarah helped with Stadium, and were Dressage runners.

The girls earned volunteer credits (USEA and Coyote Springs) for working so hard that day, and we can't wait to go back to Coyote Springs!
Thank you Barb!!
http://coyotespringstx.com/index.html

Fiesta PC members Adriana and Gigi

Cloie (PC member) Cheyenne (volunteer) Julie (Jt. DC)

Julie, Gigi, Cloie and Cheyenne. Trash pick up!

Spring Schedule is here!!!!

Fiesta PC "Spring" Senior Schedule

MARCH 2012

Saturday March 10^th – D3 Rating (Lauren & Emily) with “B” Graduate Amy Etheridge @ Double Eagle Farm.  10a (tentative start time, $20 rating fee)

*Mounted Meeting at TC as follows:*CANCELLED*
4-5p Cloie and Grace
5:15p-6:15p Adrianna, Kaylee & Kayleigh and new Fiesta PC member Sarah R

Monday March 12^th- Study Night @ Julie’s from 6:30-8p-*CANCELLED*

March 23^rd-25^th- RGR Show Jumping & Tet Rally @ Pine Hill

April 2012

Saturday April 7^th – Meeting @ Coyote Springs HT- Volunteer/Work Day

Saturday April 14^th- USEA HT @ Pine Hill - I’d love to take girls to volunteer and help at the show! Let me know who's interested! Just a day trip, no horses =)

Monday April 16^th- Study Night @ Julie’s from 6:30-8p

Sunday April 29th - *Tentative Regional Rating Day @ Pine Hill ( Grace, Cloie, Adrianna, and Kayleigh)

May 2012

Saturday May 12^th- Rio Grande Region Jumper Derby @ Pine Hill

Monday May 21^st – Study Night @ Julie’s from 6:30-8p

Saturday May 26^th – Fun Day @ Boerne Lake with our horses!

Success At Quiz!!!

CONGRATULATIONS to our girls that participated in the Region's Quiz Rally this weekend! It was every members first time to participate at Quiz and all they're hard work and studying really paid off!!

Our Jr. D Team came in 2nd place! Way to go Adrianna, Kaylee and Kayleigh Anne!!

We had two Senior D's that scrambled on two separate teams!
Lauren and her scramble team came in 1st place!!
Cloie and her scramble team came in 2nd place!!
Way to go girls!!

Saturday during the day was Barn Fair where everyone was able to visit different interactive stations on all kinds of USPC topics. It was a great review for Quiz! All the girls received $10 in Region Bucks which can be used towards any Regional activity so that is great! Adrianna won the door prize at Barn Fair, a Rally Entry worth up to $150!! Awesome!

Saturday night was the Awards Banquet! It was a fun chance to dress up, enjoy a nice dinner, let loose and dance with other members and friends in the Region! Several of our Pony Clubbers were recognized on Saturday night for participating in one or more Regional event in 2011. They were Grace, Lauren, Cloie, Kaylee, and former Fiesta PC member Haileigh R. Congrats!  

I hope we all stay excited about Quiz Rally and the Awards Banquet for many years to come!

News From the Region

Rio Grande Region Newsletter

Spring is just around the corner and we have lots of fun activities planned for you this year! We recognize how busy Pony Club parents and members are with horse shows, school and other extracurricular activities that compete for your time and resources. So, to promote participation and reduce travel expense for our families, the Regional Council voted to combine Pony Club activities where possible. As a result,

there have been changes in the activity schedule. Some activities have been combined – a D rally is being added to Show Jumping and Tetrathlon Rally; Eventing rally is being moved to the fall and combined with Dressage rally; and we’ve added teaching days with our regions’ National Examiners. Read below for further details.

Bethel

Barn Fair, Region Awards Banquet and Quiz Rally Feb. 25-26!

Barn Fair

--- Rachelle is working with many of our clubs to prepare wonderful teaching topics for the Barn Fair. There will be games, a lunch discussion with an equine vet, jog out demonstrations, interactive teaching stations, and we’ll end the day with a discussion by Claire Harmon on changes to the Standards of Proficiency, the new Hunt Seat Equitation track and Western pilot program. Participants will have the opportunity to earn "Region Bucks" worth $10 to be redeemed at a future region activity. One lucky member will win a Rally Entry fee as a door prize. Barn fair is open to everyone, so bring a friend and introduce them to Pony Club! Advance registration is encouraged, and we gladly accept the $5 admission at the door.

Region Awards Banquet

--- follows Barn Fair from 6:30 to 11:00 pm at the Brazos Center. We are continuing the participation award program for members that we began last year. We will also recognize outstanding Region volunteers. Tom Byer and the Jammers are returning as our DJ, so get ready for the return of the Pony Club Scavenger Hunt!

Quiz Rally

--- has three Jr. D, three Sr. D and one C team competing this year, so it should be a fun and competitive Quiz rally! Good Luck to everyone and thank you to all our volunteers.

Accommodations for the weekend are available at the Best Western Premier at Old Town Center in Bryan, TX 979/731-5300. Reservations must be made by Thursday, Feb 24. Be sure to ask for the Rio Grande Region rate of $89.99.

Standard and Certifications Clinic

Mar 31 at Snowdonia Farm, 21605 Mueschke Road, Tomball, TX.

USPC introduced the Hunt Seat Equitation track, the Western pilot program at the Annual Meeting in New Orleans in January. Formerly known as ratings, the Standards of Proficiency for all certifications have received a extensive revision. Members, parents, DC’s, Jt DC’s and club instructors will benefit from attending this clinic.

Regional Teaching Days

Apr 1, Jul 14, Sep 29 and Dec 9, 2012

Smaller region clubs having challenges hosting clinics or mounted meetings now have a unique opportunity to receive instruction from a National Examiner. The Region has planned "Teaching Days" with National Examiners Claire Harmon, Vicki Taylor and Kimberly McDonnell, who have generously offered to teach. The lessons are open to members, prospective members, Horsemasters and friends. Each participant will receive one mounted and one unmounted lesson appropriate to their level. The cost is $50 per person, including grounds fee. The April 1 Teaching Day will be held at New Horizon Stable, 25498 Macedonia, Hockley TX 77447.

Our plan is to hold a teaching day at locations around the region. If you have, or know of, a facility with three teaching areas, please contact me. We’d like to offer teaching days in the Austin, San Antonio and southwest geographic areas of the region.

Recent Events

The Rio Grande Region was well represented at the recent USPC Annual Meeting in New Orleans. Liz S, Tejas Pony Club, represented the region as our National Youth Congress delegate. Emily M, Red Rock, and Becky B, San Jacinto, participated on the National Youth Board. Thanks to everyone who attended. The Annual Meeting is a wonderful benefit to our region as the workshops increase attendee knowledge and our participation in meetings furthers our understanding of how Pony Clubs operate around the country… and from reports a good time was had by all.

Dressage Rally was held Nov 18-20 at Pine Hill. Congratulations to our six qualifiers for 2012 Dressage Championships; Vickie B and Jessica F, San Jacinto; Elizabeth M, Brazos; Erin P, Windy Riders; Caitlyn S, Gulf Coast; and Dani T, Hill Top.

Thank You!

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who turned out on Nov 6 for the Pine Hill Work Day.

Emily Mixon, Becky Brake, Aly Mulconnery, Caitlyn Seabolt, Gigi Ristaino, Kaylee Guidroz, Brittney and Nicole Munro, Bryn Stryk, Meagan McGourty, Katherine and Mark Burns came and made the Pine Hill work day a success! Thank you also to the adult volunteers: Erin Wright, Candy Brake, Glenda Seabolt and Nolan LaTourelle, Andy Mulconnery, Carolyn and Eddie Mixon, Julie Ristaino, Julie Wray Herman, Julie and Tom Burns, Darlene Stryk, Shannon Mercer, Sharon Munro, Bethel Hart, Sharon Shull, Stephanie Tassos, Kirsten Lotter, Homer Milliken, Toni Stevens, and I know I've forgotten someone. We managed to get the entire list of tasks accomplished -- PLUS a few extras! Rio Grande Region Volunteers and Pine Hill volunteers are The Best!

We will continue to schedule volunteer days at Pine Hill, giving back to the facility in return for Phil and Ruth’s support of Pony Club for many years.

Recognition Corner

Area 9 Dressage Championships were held November 3-6, 2011 at the Great Southwest Equestrian Center in Katy. Three Rio Grande Members competed and placed in the Junior classes. Congratulations to Jessica F, San Jacinto; Houston J, Hill Top; and Elizabeth McIntush, Brazos. Great job ladies!

USPC 2012 Research Fair – Danielle Kubala 2nd place ribbon for her division!

Regional Certification Day

Sunday, Apr 29 at Pine Hill

Ratings offered will be D1 through C2. This certification is being organized by Kimberly McDonnell, RIC. Additional information is forthcoming.

Third Annual Jumper Derby

Saturday, May 12 at Pine Hill

A wonderful event which has become a local favorite at Pine Hill and a major fundraiser for our Region. Last year, over $2,700 was raised and we used the funds for camp instruction. I hope you will be able to participate this year.

Eventing Rally

Eventing Rally is moving to the fall and is being combined with Dressage Rally. Both will serve as qualifying rallies for 2013 USPC Championships.

To qualify for 2012 USPC Eventing Championships can choose to compete at the Apr 14 USEA show at Pine Hill or at the Red River Region’s qualifying rally Jun 15-17 at Meadow Creek Park. Please contact Bethel Hart if you intend to qualify with either of these options.Area 9 Dressage Championships were held November 3-6, 2011 at the Great Southwest Equestrian Center in Katy. Three Rio Grande Members competed and placed in the Junior classes. Congratulations to Jessica F, San Jacinto; Houston J, Hill Top; and Elizabeth McIntush, Brazos. Great job ladies! USPC 2012 Research Fair – Danielle Kubala 2nd place ribbon for her division!

Welcome Sterling Hunter Jumpers Pony Club Riding Center

January 1st Rio Grande welcomed it’s first Riding Center into the Region. Located in Buda, TX and administrated by Erin Givens. We are excited to have this center up and running in the Region. They jumped right in and are hosting a table at Barn Fair and competing at Quiz Rally. We’re glad to have you!

A Horse Is More Than A Tool To Win Ribbons

I came across this article and wanted to share. -Julie

It’s Even Better with Love – A Horse Is More Than A Tool To Win Ribbons
February 14, 2012

photo by Cheryl

 

When I was a mere child, I received my first horse as a gift. I loved and cared and loved and provided, coddled, doted, attended to his every need. We talked for hours each and every day. I shared hopes, dreams and fears with him and no one else.

He was my greatest treasure. No one ever told me this was right, wrong or even expected. He was my best friend. When I went away to college, he went with me. When he was too old to come along any longer, I made sure he had the best care in my absence.

He had a soul, a heart of gold.

I knew nothing of his past, races or ribbons he might have won or other children he might have raised. All I knew was he was mine and I was his.

I did not compare him to my friend’s horses. He was not bigger, better, brighter or prettier than theirs. He was mine and I was his.

The love was simple and mutual. I gave him food, brushing and lots of my time. In return, he carried me safely over fences, across fields. But more importantly, he stood by me in happiness and was there in heartbreak. I felt his joy and he eased my pain. I’m proud to say I never outgrew him. He passed in my sleep only hours after a ride.

When my son was a child, I gave him a horse. I never had to tell him how to love that horse. He just knew how.

I could not have been a prouder mother. Not for the titles or ribbons they won, but that I watched as my son love so strongly and unconditionally, a mere little horse.

My son and I have both lost horses and learned to love again. I never had to teach my son that a horse was more than a tool to win titles and ribbons with, but should always be first a companion, a treasure with a heart and soul. My son just knew.

We are picky when we choose new partners. The choice is never made on record, title, breeding or training. We have learned if the heart is in the right place for both rider and horse, both will go through fire for each other. Winning is not everything. Riding is even better with love.

My heart broke a little the other day as I sat cleaning tack. I overheard a conversation between a mother and one of the trainers. The mother spoke of how they had to find a new horse. It had to be a horse with a certain record and breeding, precise training, the ability to show NOW at a certain level, with the expectation to always win. There was no mention of the need for companionship, compatibility or love. This horse just needs to be a tool to win ribbons.

I felt so sad for the horse they’d acquire, and even sadder for the rider who will never learn everything is better with love.

Cheryl

http://www.horsejunkiesunited.com/2012/02/14/love/

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Tags: horse shopping, horses, Riding

MARCH 2012

March Schedule

Saturday March 10th

*Rating Day @ Double Eagle Farm 10a (tentative start time)

Emily and Lauren will be rating. ($20 rating fee)

Members are encouraged to come, watch and volunteer!

*Mounted Meeting @ TC

Cloie and Grace 4p-5p

Adrianna, Kaylee and Kayleigh 5:15p-6:15p

Study Night:

Monday March 12th 6:30-8p

March 23rd- 25th @ Pine Hill

Rio Grande PC Show Jumping/ Tet Rally

D Level PC knowledge!!

Here are some helpful (and fun) websites to help!

Pony Parts:
http://www.ca.uky.edu/agripedia/AGMANIA/Interactive/horse.htm

Grooming Knowledge:
http://www.i-uspc.org/games/groombox.htm

Parts of A Snaffle Bridle:
http://www.i-uspc.org/games/bridle.htm

Parts of the Saddle:
http://www.i-uspc.org/games/saddle.htm

Pony Colors and Markings:
http://www.i-uspc.org/games/colors.htm

A Guide to filling out your HM Record Book:
https://ponyclub.site-ym.com/resource/resmgr/instruction/health_record_book_guide.pdf

February!!!!

February Senior Schedule: 










Study Session Nights:
Monday February 13th - 6:30-8p
Monday February 20th - 6:30-8p (Last prep for Quiz Rally!)

Mounted Meeting: Saturday February 11, 2012 at TC:

2:30p-3:30p Emily and Lauren

3:45p-4:45p Cloie and Grace

5p-6p Adriana, Kaylee G and Kayleigh H

*Quiz Rally/ Barn Fair/ Banquet:
Saturday and Sunday February 25th-26th at Still Creek Ranch
Bryan, Texas
*more info to follow