Stoner Ridge Farm News

February 1, 2006

High Point Awards — Congratulations!

    The UMH Banquet was held January 14th and what a great celebration it was!  We all had a great time receiving awards and visiting with friends.

    The hard work and many miles of traveling have paid off in a lot of ways.  Everyone’s horses are better (more athletic, more responsive, and more talented) by the end of show season, and the fellowship has been fantastic.  That is part of what makes showing so much fun—the people we have grown to know over the years. Our clients are absolutely the best.  We appreciate all you’ve done to help make 2005 such a successful year.

     On Saturday, the 15th, committee meetings were held to bring everyone up to date on the decisions made by the UMH Board (see the UMH site).  In the afternoon, the Ladies’ Auxiliary met and discussed the upcoming clinic at FairWinds on Feb, 18th that is designed to assist novice, amateur, and juvenile riders.  Finally, in the evening we all had a great time playing casino games.

UMH  High Point

2005 Awards

CTP Stallions/ Geld.

1st Jax Magic Colors

 Country Tr. Champ.

2nd Jax Magic Colors

3rd Legendary Lady

 Geld. Trail Pleasure

1st Barb’s Stormy Knight

 Geld. Classic Pleasure

2nd FairWinds TNT

 Open Amateur Trail

Nancy Copland

 Open Novice Trail

3rd Nancy Copland

 Open Western

2nd Barb’s Stormy Knight

 Trail Pleasure Champ.

2nd Barb’s Stormy Knight

Open Weanlings

2nd Silver’s Blue Plate

Special

 Mares CTP

2nd Legendary Lady

Stallions Park

2nd Dock’s Mr. Sandman

 Park Championship

3rd Dock’s Mr. Sandman

 Men’s Open Trail

3rd Charlie DeAtley

     The SRF crew will be traveling to Murfreesboro, TN Feb. 23 & 24th for the 2006 UMH Judges’ Clinic.  A classroom session is planned along with live judging demonstrations that will assist judges with placing horses correctly in the shows.  The different way of going divisions that are characteristic of UMH shows will be emphasized along with discussions of the rulebook, ethics, and ring protocol.  We’ll be taking horses.  Everyone is welcome to attend.  Auditing is available for a fee of $50.

     During the UMH awards Banquet, H.T. Derickson auctioned off the most desirable pages in the 2006 Rulebook as he has in past years.  Everyone was surprised, however, when he explained that he would also be auctioning off the first ten numbers in the new AGMH registry.  Many of us had never heard of this idea before but we soon became excited over the prospect.  Beginning with number one the bidding rose quickly into the thousands.  It wasn’t long until only two people were battling for that number one spot—Paula Morgan and Bruce Addington.  We just couldn’t believe it.  When the gavel finally fell, Paula was triumphant purchasing #1 for over $17,000! Many of SFR’s clients got into the act, purchasing one of the top ten numbers.  Judy Brummer purchased #5, Nancy purchased #6, Robert got #8 (for Sandman), and Robert & Nancy got #9 for Merry Go Blue.  It was exciting to be able to get the introductory numbers.  UMH programs will benefit greatly from everyone’s participation.   

     Many hard workers received a “pat on the back” for their contributions during 2005,  Cyndee Breslin was Volunteer of the Year.  Debbie Maxim was recognized for her outreach work in Texas.  Julie Clark is always helping with shows and at the office and received a heart-felt thank you.  The Sportsperson of year award went to Tracy Burchell.  A new award this year was given to an individual who has donated many hours of effort to development of the Rocky Mountain Stallion Tree and for obtaining a $25,000 sponsor for the Summer Celebration.  The Visionary Award recipient was Randall Stutman from Torrey, UT.  Congratulations to everyone!

     Welcome to new Stoner Ridge Farm Clients!  Gren Schooch from Newmarket, Ontario brought his strawberry roan gelding C.J.  Jill and Doug Drenik have also brought Storm Warning’s Thunder who will be joining Toco’s Double T.  From Michigan, John and Debbie Gose sent their 2 year old spotted stallion, Mardi Gras.  You may remember Josette Knowles showing him at the World Show for Glynn and Val Johnson.  We’ll be starting him under saddle soon.  Welcome everyone.  We’re looking forward to getting to know you and your horses even better.

     Robert, Charlie, and our farrier, Phil Flynn all ran away from home last week to go wild pig hunting with Ken Hiler, a good friend and client of ours.  They have almost convinced me that wild pig hunting is one of the most fantastic experiences that they have ever had.   Of course, they assured me that I would never have survived the boat ride to get to the swamp let alone dealing with the mud, the dogs, and  . . . the wild pigs of Georgetown, SC.  Yes, these fellas have all been kicking up their heels having the time of their lives on a little well earned vacation.  They had a great time and came back with some fantastic tales. 

     Early this week, Brook Tipton lost control of her vehicle while on her way to work.  The good news is that she is going to be ok.  Unfortunately, she did suffer a broken femur that required surgery.  She is home.  We all are hoping Brook will have a speedy recovery and that she will be back in the saddle real soon.

     Josette Knowles is completing an Internship at SRF this winter in conjunction with her equine studies program at Midway.  She is refining her round pen technique and helping young horses develop a solid foundation.  Josette would like to acquire skills that would help her operate a training barn of her own some day.  She’s doing a great job!

          The UMH Youth participated in a program to reward their efforts this year. Names were put in a drawing for a variety of activities.  Victor’s provided a custom tailored show coat.  We’d like to congratulate Mary Kelley Tucker!  We can’t wait to see you in your new coat!