March  2008

Stoner Ridge Farm News Robert & Lyngle Lawson 2469 Clintonville Rd., Paris, KY40361 859.988.9092 or 859.749.3008 Happy St. Patrick’s Day

SRF Conducts Clinic in SC

February 18-21 found Robert at beautiful Brays Island Plantation Colony in Sheldon, South Carolina. It was his second time to have a clinic for them. While we were enduring an ice storm, Robert was enjoying weather in the 60’s. What do you think of a man who calls home to tell you how warm it is at the resort when your wind chill is in the single digits? Not a good idea <G>.

Brays Island is a 7,600 acre resort community that provides hunting, fishing, golfing, swimming, equestrian and other activities for outdoor sportsmen and women. Beside the facility’s roads are Live Oak trees draped with Spanish moss creating the feel of pre-Civil War times. The Inn has 13 rooms that provide accommodations for the guests of Brays Island’s owners. The entire island has a wonderful, relaxing atmosphere. Robert said it was like going back in time. He even got to escape the intensity of the political debates because he didn’t have a TV in his room.

Becky Beyea, Equestrian manager, operates the facility. She coordinates rides and lessons. Becky is in charge of managing all the horses at the center. There are about 80 head of horses stabled there - some of which belong to the owners and some that belong to Brays Island itself. Folks can ride their own horses on the trails or one of the Plantation’s horses. There are miles and miles of trails to enjoy. It truly is a horse lovers paradise. 
Robert gave clinics and lessons every day for the owners at Brays. Sometimes owners would ride during the lesson and sometimes they did ground work or they would go out on the trails to help school their horses. One lady even told him he needed to come back at least once a month she enjoyed the clinic so much. With SC so far away, I think Robert may consider going back twice a year. He had a great time and folks learned a lot from his instruction.
Robert had a call from some folks at Brays for a really gentle, older trail horse. He took Cassie Thompson’s 10 year old gelding, Frankie. It looks like Frankie will be staying in sunny SC. There is a vet check scheduled to make sure all is well but it is pretty much a done deal.

On Thursday morning, Gren Schooch (C.J.’s owner) made arrangements for them to go bird hunting. Again, Robert called home to tell us how he’d gone out hunting in his shirt sleeves, no less He’d had a great time and shot some birds even though he hadn’t had a chance to hunt for years. While I don’t begrudge anyone having a good time, I sure plan to tag along next year. After all, good times are meant to be shared! <G> 

UMH Judge’s Clinic

The Judge’s Clinic was Feb. 23rd. Robert didn’t have any trouble reaching Murfreesboro since he was south of the ice storm in NC. Charlie left early Thursday, but the farther he traveled the slicker it got. He called and we talked about what he should do and decided for him to come back home if he could stay ahead of the ice. We were glad he finally made it back safely.
On Friday, the clinic went on as scheduled. There were 10 or 12 horses and about 16 judges. According to Robert, Dr. Wayne Hipsley did a great job teaching the judges the importance of taking their job seriously. In the classroom, Wayne took time to break down photographs of horses he incorporated into a Power Point presentation. He removed the riders and didn’t identify the horses but pointed out their areas of strength and weakness in conformation and under saddle. After lunch, the classroom discussion was supported by live demonstration. Robert said Wayne required the prospective judges to justify their reasons for placing horses where they did. The clinic was a success and should provide UMH with well-trained judges for our upcoming show season. 

This and That

The beginning of show season is not far away, and we’ll be ready with bells on: Vaccinations/Coggins/Health Certrtificates, and Certifications are complete and the new rules have been reviewed. Here is also some information that you may need to know from the various associations. Most of the web sites are in the process of being updated but here are some highlights: UMH: (New) Exhibitor cards are required. Some awards require AGMH registration. New Non-Pro Division has been implemented. Since there are fewer shows this year, only 8 shows will count toward High Points. Joining the Versatility High Point Award is a new Trail Obstacle High Point Award this year. No two year olds may be shown until after May 1. RMH: The RMHA has prohibited the use of any twisted wire bits (single or double twisted wire bits are quite popular). They have several shows on the web site. Also check out candidates. KMSHA: The assoc. will not be having their Spring Premier. Check the web site for the schedule.

Reservations have been made
with wilderness resorts
for the UMH trail ride on Derby weekend.  We have rented the Holly Patch cabin.  Robert & crew will go down on Thursday, May 1st (I’ll follow on Friday after school).  We’re planning on having a great time. 

Sponsors Needed

Sponsors are needed for the Triple Crown shows. Sponsorships range from $900 to $150 for the three shows. Your ad will go in our special program that will be distributed at the Carson Masters Spring Premier, Summer Celebration, and the Kentucky State Championship. E-mail us at sales@stonerridgefarm.com  or call 859.988.9092 if you need additional information on these opportunities.

Foundation First Mountain Horse Training ^TM Clinic to be Held in NJ

Robert, Kevin, and I will leave for Pennsylvania on March 14th where we will be staying with Gayle and Harold Brown in anticipation of the clinic that will be at the Alexandria Equestrian Assoc. in Milford, NJ.  It is the second year that Robert has been invited.  The clinic is hosted by the UMH Regional Northeast club.  Robert will be working horses provided by the club to show the basic principles of versatility training.  We appreciate the opportunity for Robert to share his Foundation First Mountain Horse Training  ^TM methods.

Come Join US

The first show of the season next weekend!  We are all excited.  Robert & crew will head to North Carolina Thursday.  I will join everyone on Friday.  Come if you can!

Welcome

We’d like to welcome a very special horse all the way from Highland Farms in Fort Collins, CO. She is owned by Myra Montfort whose farm is managed by John Iozzia. She’s a beautiful chocolate three year old filly who is showing lots of talent.

We are also expecting a couple of horses to come from MI as soon as the weather permits. One is Gaitor who belongs to Letha Wood. He has already been ridden a great deal. He also competed in the Three Phase Event last year. We are looking forward to helping him get into shape for the competition this season. 

Our Destiny

A thought reaps an action.

An action reaps a habit.

A habit reaps our character.

Our character reaps our destiny.

                                      Dr. Charles Stanley

Erin Update

     Erin is about 22 weeks along now.  She and the baby are doing just great.  She went for her second ultra-sound this week and all is well. The baby weighs about 1.1 pounds.  She and Charlie have decided to wait until the little one is born to see whether it is a girl or a boy.   We are all getting excited thinking of the fun we will have with a new little baby in the family.  Aren’t grandchildren great?

Congratulations

     We’d like to congratulate Judy and Michael Brummer on their new granddaughter, Addison Renee Bunton.  She was born January 29th.  Addisonweighed 7 lb. 13 oz. and was 21.5 inches long.

Equine Affaire

     The Equine Affaire, Columbus, OHwill be held this year from April 10-13.  We have made application for Charlie to enter the Extreme Cowboy Race.  Only 40 applicants will be accepted based on the information and video to be judged by Craig Cameron.  The competition is Saturday night and Sunday.  We are planning to be there regardless.  We are staying at the Red Roof Inn in Columbus 614.267.9941.  Come join us if you can.  There will be clinics and shopping galore.  It is a great way to lift your spirits and get fired up about your horses all over again.

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Stoner Ridge Farm
2469 Clintonville Rd.
Paris, KY 40361
859-988-9092 cell 859-749-3008

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