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Stoner Ridge Farm News
Robert & Lyngle Lawson
2469 Clintonville Rd.
Paris, KY
40361859.988.9092 or 749.3008
April 2006
United Mountain Horse Equestrian Center
Hosts Spring Fling: Extreme Make-Over (Horse Edition) and Trainers’ Challenge
The UMH Equestrian Center was host to the Spring Fling on March 24th and 25th. In spite of the cold weather, Mountain Horse enthusiasts gathered for a unique educational experience. UMH and the Mountain Rhythm Riders Drill Team co-sponsored the event. On Friday, Mountain Horse owners were invited to come learn more about how to handle, train, and ride their gaited horses. The service included training for both horse and rider to help improve communication between the two and to assist riders with their horsemanship goals. Individuals gathered from several states including Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana, Virginia, New York, and Illinois.
Four clinicians presented a wealth of valuable information. Stan Trimble, farrier; Robert Lawson, trainer; Vanessa Crowe, expert in halter; and H.T. Derickson, trainer. H.T.’s role in the clinic was to discuss gait and to assist owners who brought horses for the Extreme Make-Over (Horse Edition). He assigned horses to both Derick Tipton and Charlie DeAtley who showed owners how to ride in a manner that would compliment their horses’ strengths and improve their weaknesses. By taking time to explain strategies and techniques, the young trainers helped owners reach many of their goals.
Lunch was prepared by the Goff Corner First Church of God. Plate lunches were served to ward off the chill of the day with the proceeds going to the church to build new Sunday school rooms. P articipants had nothing but positive comments about the day. “I just wanted to let you know how much we enjoyed the weekend, despite the awful weather! Friday was wonderful. . . we learned so much. I wish we could have more of those opportunities!! Most people are so new to the breed and need all the help they can get. Both of my friends are new and thought it was great.” -Kim Adleta, Lesourdsville, OH.
The Trainers’ Challenge was held on Saturday, the second day of the event. Five Mountain Horse trainers demonstrated skill that one would expect to see only among the ranks of the world’s most celebrated professional horse trainers. We saw theory put into action as four men and one woman worked with their two year-old horses to reduce their fear and help them learn to accept being touched, saddled, and ridden all in the short time span of three hours. All five trainers accomplished the task at hand and successfully completed the obstacle course that was the ultimate challenge in the contest. They made us proud to be part of the Mountain Horse community.
The judge, Richie Wingfield, uses a conditioned response method of training with horses at his own facility, combining knowledge and understanding to produce cooperation and control. He is a certified John Lyons trainer and was very excited to be chosen to judge the Challenge this year. Even through over-cast skies and blowing snow, trainers and judge hung in there and did a great job. Our trainer participants were Brian Crowe (Summer Shade Stables), Charlie DeAtley (Stoner Ridge Farm), Chris Tipton (VanBert Farms), S.T. Tipton (VanBert Farms), and Carol Camp (trainer & UMH Judge). Five virtually untrained two year-old fillies of similar breeding were chosen from the same farm and each was unloaded into a round pen. Participants had a total of three hours (divided into two sessions) in which to help their horse learn the ropes. Criteria had been established prior to the competition so that each trainer knew how to earn the most points toward winning the competition. For the Free Style portion of the competition, the trainer could choose to have his horse perform in a unique way or show off a skill that had been taught during the afternoon. It could be creative and/or entertaining but was supposed to demonstrate the trainer’s skill and ability to help the horse learn. At the close of the round pen sessions participants were each given 25 minutes to re-orient their horse, complete the trail obstacle course, and demonstrate a free-style maneuver. An intent audience watched as Brian rubbed his horse from head to toe with a blue tarp. Carol had played the Parelli games in the round pen with her horse and had it calm and gentle. She was able to demonstrate desensitization with the clapping of the audience. It didn’t worry her little horse at all. S.T. had one of the most difficult horses. He took his horse through the course on foot because he realized he’d need a little more time to get her to the point where she was ready for that particular challenge. Chris had his horse doing the right thing. He completed the course and was able to crawl under his horse’s belly, and she just stood there. At the end of the competition, Charlie had his horse right where he wanted her. He was able to stand on her back with no reins and shoot pistols off her back.
At the end of the day, Richie Wingfield totaled his judges’ score card. The scores were very close, but Charlie DeAtley was eventually crowned the winner and recipient of $750 and a championship belt buckle. Brian Crowe received second place and $250. Chris Tipton was awarded third place and received $100. All prize money was donated by sponsors. Organizers really appreciate your support!
I just wanted to thank you guys again for inviting me to be part of your Spring Fling. I truly appreciate the honest, integrity, and hard work of all the trainers involved. You guys are truly an asset to the equine industry. I appreciate all the knowledge that everyone shared with me. The clinicians were wonderful, knowledgeable and well spoken – absolutely a classy event. I was proud to be a part of such an event and group of people. Thanks.” -Richie Wingfield.
Make plans now. You won’t want to miss out next year!
Madison County Highlights
Everyone was so thankful that the weather was more cooperative this year than last. This year, there was sunshine, a little breeze, and a great turn out for the first UMH show of the season.
We always look forward to that first show. Who is showing what and who is new? Who’s returning from last year? It was great to see everyone out.
SRF has several horses that are new to showing. They did a great job. In the Trail Pleasure mares division we showed My Best Friend Gail owned by Scott and Barrie Hughes, CO; Gaitway’s Jasamine Joy owned by Steve Heuslin, MN; and Pepper’s Just Plain Pretty owned by Don and Nancy Copland, IN. They will be joined by Graceful Storm owned by Paul and Caroline Green, United Kingdom, later in the season. New to the circuit was SRF’s Silver Sundown in the 3 year old Classic Stallions/Geldings class, and Miller’s Scout owned by Pam and Mike Miller, MI, who was shown in the Spotted Trail class. Returning to the show ring is Sandman, Merry Go Blue, Fairwinds TNT, Legendary Lady, and Storm Warning’s Thunder (who won SRF’s first blue of the season). We’re looking forward to a great year. Thanks everyone!
California Bound
Robert and Erin are on their way to sunny Arryo Grande, CA to teach versatility lessons to a RMH regional group there. They will be giving private lessons as well as making two presentations. They’ll be back just in time for the Spring Premier on 4/14 and 4/15.
Merry Go Blue
(barn name: Max)
Written By: Don Copland
If your mare is worth a hoot,
Don’t send her to a horse of ill-repute.
Breed her right, it’s worth the dollars
Take her to Max’s dressage Parlor.
He’ll wine her and dine her and treat her just right.
He’s never been known to kick or to bite.
Eleven months later, you’ll likely be served
With a horse that’s a champion . . .
And not a reserve.
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