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!"