Farewell 2008 - Welcome 2009!

Gracie Snedegar on Horses and Riding...

"To me, horses and riding is just something that is fun and it is a thing that I would like to do my whole life, because I've grown up around horses and my sister, Francie has been riding since she was five, and now she is 21. I would like to become as good as my sister or even better!!!"

January Worming Clinic...

The next worming clinic will take place Tuesday, January 6th. The barn will be closed Monday through Wednesday, with lessons resuming on Thursday, January 8th.

Another Amateur "Heard" From...

Though she's definitely not old enough for the 40 and over show photo challenge, the Reporter is pleased to post this photo of Kathryn jumping her first fence at age 8. Thanks to her mom, Elena, for sharing this picture!

And Even More New Faces!

It's time for another ESI cyber-welcome! Aislyn and Gabrielle Xanthos and that adorable pony of theirs, Majesty, have joined the ESI family and we couldn't be any happier!

New Year's Day Countdown...

New Year's is only six days away and the Reporter has received only ONE response to the New Year's Resolution Challenge! In case you've forgotten, the challenge is open to all ESI riders to submit their Number 1 riding related resolution (or goal) for 2009. This can be done by email to maggiejazz@earthlink.net or as a "comment" to this post. A list of all shared resolutions will appear on the blog soon after January 1. Let your fellow riders know what you want to fix in the year ahead - we can all support each other in that quest!

And, a P.S. to our 15 and Under Riders... With another full week of vacation stretching ahead of you, wouldn't this be a perfect opportunity to submit your "What Horses and Riding Mean to Me" reports??? Our readers have loved the ones we've received so far, and can't wait to hear from the rest of you.

Don't let those snacks "go to waist"...

If your counters are covered with boxes of chocolate, tins of cookies, gift bags of candied nuts, and Rubbermaid bowls of Party Mix (you know the stuff we are talking about!) the Reporter recommends this trick to save yourself more guilt-ridden holiday pounds:

Take those things to the barn!

Our junior riders, with their hummingbird-like metabolisms, will inhale all food donations and then burn off the calories in less time than it takes to write "Lose a few ..." on your New Year's Resolution list!

(This message was brought to you by the perpetually hungry young riders of ESI.)

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM THE ESI REPORTER!

From a loyal reader...

This was received in today's email...

"Margaret,

I am sending you a picture of John in those rust breeches, which should not go unrecognized! It shows his goofy personality, and also his "new" physique quite admirably - no longer the chubby John.

Janet McCusker"

The Reporter aims to please. Here's the picture entitled Retro John. Enjoy!

Megan Mixer on Horses and Riding...

"Horses and riding are a part of my every day life. Horses have influenced me in so many ways: they are my reason for being a good student, rider and overall a good person. Riding doesn't just give you skills to use at the barn, but it also teaches you life lessons; like how to be patient, never talk back and obey orders even if you don't want to do them. If I am having a bad day all I have to do is go down to the stables and ride Timmy and suddenly all my troubles are forgotten. My horse is my hero because I know that no matter what I do he will always love me. I have also gained many friends while riding, friends that will be with me until the very end. Riding is so much more than just a sport to me; it's a way of life."

Candy is getting married...

... and Katie and John are going to the wedding! They will be leaving the barn at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 20. Lessons will be at 8, 9 and 10 a.m. only. Please be on time! They will also be gone all day on Sunday, December 21. The barn will be open, so feel free to come ride your horses.
Remember - be safe!

Keep watching the Reporter for information on the ESI Holiday Party...

More new faces...

A belated cyber-welcome to new ESI riders Nina Thornton and Isabelle Jagerman. Nina is an "owner in waiting". You'll see her riding a lot of different horses these days, waiting for the right one to come along. Isabelle, who is Jamie J.'s cousin, is spending her riding time with Texi. Let's all be sure we make both girls feel very welcome!

The New Year's Resolution Challenge...

OPEN TO ALL RIDERS!

The New Year is less than three weeks away! The ESI Reporter is asking all our riders to email their #1 horse and riding related resolution to Margaret between now and New Year's Day. She will post all she receives at one time. Don't get left out!

Kendall Cain on Horses and Riding...

"To me riding is everything. It is my burning passion inside and out. Riding isn't just a sport; its a life long journey with a friend, a partner, and a companion. It is a story I want to be able to tell the world! I started fantasizing about having my own farm with twenty horses when I was only four! Obviously I never gave up then and I won't now. Horses are such powerful and magnificent animals! They can teach us so much in just a lifetime. We have to trust our partners so they will come through for us. I do that with my horse Cruising and she is my best friend! When I am out on course all I can hear is Cruising's hooves keep their steady beat underneath and this is all I need to hear.

I want to take my riding one step at a time and see where it leads me. Just like when Cruising helps lead me to the perfect distance at a fence. Hopefully in the future, riding will lead me on to grand prix's and I will do anything to get myself there!"

Jamie Jagerman on Horses and Riding...

"Being an "equestrian", which is one who rides horses, means lots of things besides being someone who rides. It means early mornings to drive down to the show grounds and walk your first course, ditching your high school football games to ride your horse, partying in a barn with your best friends, missing homecoming for a show, having more friends at the barn than at school, staying at your trainers house over night and TPing your friends cars while they sleep, "human hunters", the road trips, the tears, the sweat, the dirt, the grime, the push-ups, the sit-ups, the sand everywhere when you fall off, the feeling of defeat, the thrill of winning and the moments you realize what your really made of. Yes, it means a lot, but to me, it means having fun. So we aren't exactly normal. We roll down hills in trash cans, TP each others houses, and have way more fun than any barn I know. We are a family and we always will be. I love everyone down there, my trainers, John and Katie Berney, and all of my best friends who ride there. The list goes on forever, but all I can say is they have all changed me for the better and I know that. I mean, if not for Katie I certainly wouldn't have done half the stuff I can do now. And who else could get away with tickling a child off of their pony but John? And Margret, really, where would any of us be without her intense flat lessons? I know I wouldn't be the rider I am now without her. I love them to death and wouldn't trade my barn for the world. I love you guys."

Sagitarians and Capricorns have birthdays, too!

Don't forget to wish them well on their special days!

Elena Pulford - December 10
Margaret McKay - December 20
Dori Beattie - December 22
Wes Rusher - December 26

Mary shares Thursday's sunset...

Mary Edwards doesn't just take great action photos! In case you weren't able to enjoy Thursdays night's spectacular sunset over the ocean, here's what she saw.

Allie Abney on Horses and Riding...

"Riding horses is the most amazing sport. I first starting coming to the barn when I was about two years old. While my older sister, Megan was riding my mom would lead me around on the best pony ever, Magic. When I got a little older I learned to canter on Rosie who was for everyone who knew her, an awesome pony. Magic and Rosie taught me to love riding. As riders, we have to trust a powerful animal to take care of us. Not only do horses help us out on the jumping course, but a horse is also a trustworthy friend. Having a strong bond with my horse is important, this way I feel as though I can communicate with him while I am riding. When I am riding a course, I know that I can trust that Midnight will be there for me. As I feel the consistent beat of his hooves beneath me, I know that I can be myself while riding him. I can not imagine what life would be like without seeing Midnight's soulful eyes to greet me when I arrive at his stall. I am so thankful that I am blessed with an amazing horse."

Shea Metz on Horses and Riding...

"Riding is my life. I don't think I could go for a long period of time without horses. They mean so much to me, and so does riding! Riding is a sport, not a game. That is why it is so special to me. And having the incredible opportunity to train with John and Katie Berney makes it so much better! And riding wouldn't be as fun if I didn't have all the fabulous friends at the barn. I am so thankful to be able to ride Lady everyday!"

Guess that one was too easy!

Janet sent a follow up picture just in case...

If any of our readers have their own fun pictures taken around the barn that they would like to share, please email them to Margaret!

And, all you 15 and under junior riders... We're all waiting to hear what horses and riding mean to you!!!

Another "Can You Guess Who?"

Janet sent this photo which she entitled "3 Bottoms Up". Can you identify three of our juniors from the backsides? Let the Reporter know!

Wishes for the Happiest Thanksgiving...

"Crafty Lady"

To any of our readers who are into crafts and have leftover materials such as fabrics, yarns and threads, acrylic paints, etc. - you might want to consider passing those things on to our resident artist, Vicki Mixer. Not only is Vicki an art teacher who can share these items with her own students, she is also active with the Boys and Girls Club, and donates art materials there. Clean out that cupboard or drawer full of half finished projects or supplies you'll never use again and let Vicki and her kids put them to good use!

Congratulations Audra and Fire!

Our pal Audra is making news again. Congratulations to her on her recent purchase of On Fire. With Noah starting his dressage career with a new "mom" in Brent's barn, Audra can now put her full attention on Fire and their equitation class challenges ahead. We're so happy for both of them!

Pictures Circa 1986 - Can You Guess Who???

Look Who's Getting Big!

Received from the Snedegars - pictures of Tommy's baby boy, Pinot Noir, at around six months. Isn't he beautiful???

We're expanding the challenge!

It seems that our 12 and Under group are being a little shy about sending their reports on what horses and riding mean to them. (Thanks so much, MaKenna, for going first!) So... the Reporter is extending the challenge to our 13-15 year old riders, as well, in hopes that many more of you will contribute your thoughts, and that you'll encourage the little ones to write, too!

One of younger riders has shared that she has written a poem about her horse. That would be a marvelous contribution to the Reporter and we hope she sends that very, very soon.

It has been suggested by a couple of our older group that the piece could be expanded to include where riders see horses taking them in the future. ("How far do you want to go with your riding?") Any of you that want to add a few words about that, we would love to read them.

Remember riders - this is not a "test" and there are no wrong answers. The Reporter believes that every person who spends time with these incredible creatures has deeply felt reasons for doing it. We would all love you to share those thoughts with us.

Let's try to get these emailed to Margaret no later than the end of Thanksgiving week, okay? Our readers really can't wait to hear from all of you!

We are all so glad to hear after the weekend...

...that the Beattie house was virtually untouched by last week's fires in Yorba Linda and the surrounding area. We know it was a terrifying time for Brandee and her family, and we all share in the relief and joy at their good-fortune.
Let us also take time to remember the hundreds of families that weren't so lucky and lets try to all find our own ways to give back to those with such challenges facing them.

Can You Guess Who?

Another amateur has shared photos of herself, these taken somewhere back East. Can you guess who she is? (Hint - the gray horse looks a lot like one she owns now!) The Reporter will try to get more information, especially the year(s) these photos were taken.

MaKenna Grierson on Horses and Riding...

"What riding means to me.... riding is a sport, but it is more than that to me. It is a lifestyle, also a fun game. (Nobody rides at my school except 2 people - that's lame!) Riding means a lot to me. Horses mean even more. Any horse or pony I will love, even if they buck me off. Most of all I love bratty ponies!"

The first picture is of MaKenna on her grandpa's horse in Arizona. Bet we all know who the bratty pony is, don't we???

Another Brave Amateur Steps Up!

With regards to the terms of the challenge, these pictures of Jeff are hardly representative of his "much younger self". But, he was in the "infancy" of his riding career when these were taken less than three years ago. We're glad he stepped up to the challenge, and even more glad that he's riding a whole lot better now!

More Trips Down Memory Lane...

Gwen was just a kid when these pics were taken, but she sure looked great, especially on another old horse buddy below, Ben. (And it's good to see that plaid hunt coats never did go completely out of style!)

The Short Stirrup Rider Challenge

As we await more pictures from our Over 40 group, the Reporter is now sending out a new challenge.

TO ALL ESI 12 AND UNDER RIDERS

The challenge is to submit a short (one or two paragraph) report on what horses and riding mean to you. Email your words to Margaret and the Reporter will post them, with a photo, very soon.
We all can't wait to hear from you!

Another "Oldie But Goodie" Post

Found in today's mail, two pictures from Janet. The first was taken in South Africa in 1981 on her horse, Park Royal. The second is on a horse a few of us old-timers remember well, Solitaire. It was taken in 1988 at Rancho Sierra Vista. Thanks for sharing, Janet!

A FEW BRAVE SOULS...

... have already taken up the "Over 40 Photo Challenge". (See below.) We thank them for their generosity at sharing pieces of their pasts. And, we hope that these examples encourage other ESI "older" riders to submit their own historical photographs. Remember, you can email photos already scanned and stored on your computer to Margaret directly, or you can leave them in John's office, where Margaret will pick them up, scan them and return them to you. Don't be left out!

John is our first male victim, err, we mean participant. He reached clear back to his childhood for this photo of him and his first pony, Peppermint (or is it Peppo-Mint) Patty. The picture of he and his wonderful jumper mare, Elvira (mother to Rip-Tide, aka BeBe), has been turned black and white to spare our readers the clashing colors of his shirt and breeches!

Margaret sent pictures from the days when horse show photos were ALL in black and white! The first is on her horse Timmy, at Coto de Caza, in 1975. The second was taken in Battle Creek, Michigan, in 1969, on a wonderful old leased horse named Highlander. (Dig that crazy madras plaid jacket - all the rage in hunter classes circa late 60's!)

Mary Edwards sent this photo of her and her horse, Milton, taken at Sycamore in 1993.

Audra was another who supplied us with two past photos... The first is on a horse named Blackie. Let's see if anyone out there can guess who the second horse is!

Be A Follower!

We've included a blog follower list to the ESI Reporter. Let us know you are following the goings-on at ESI by adding your user name and photo. We'd love to know who is out there!

5 Bar Pics Posted

Jim Cain, from Notable Equine, has sent the Reporter photos of our six riders who competed in the 5 Bar Class at the Championship Show. They have been posted in the right column of this site. Riders interested in purchasing pictures should visit his website to see all photos from the class. Thanks, Jim, for sending us these great reminders of the show!

Sign Up Now For Santa Barbara!

If you are planning to show at the 48th Annual Santa Barbara National Junior/Amateur Horse Show, the time to sign up is now! The "Turkey Show" takes place from Wednesday, November 26 through Sunday, November 30. (Horses will be leaving for Santa Barbara on Monday, November 24.)

November Birthdays...

Let's not forgot to celebrate!

Dan Daniels - November 3
Danielle Moorehouse - November 17
Chase Church - November 17 (Celebrating his 21st Birthday!!!)
Jim Cain - November 20
Kassidy King - November 20
Lauren Winklepleck - November 21
Makenna Grierson -November 24
Allie Abney - November 28

Another photo from "Mama" Metz...

More show photos...

Mary Edwards sends a few more pictures from the Year-End show to share.