Buddy and Vanessa would like to thank all the 2008 show season clients for another wonderful year.This winter has been a great opportunity to work on new skills with our veteran horse and rider teams, and welcome new clients to our training system.
New to our 2009 showing roster is Sara Spencer who is working on her partnership with new mount Fortunata and looking forward to a long junior career with this wonderful mare. We are very happy to have Jane Swigart in our program and are currently looking for a new mount for her. Most recently, we are very happy to welcome Colleen Cassidy and her daughter, Sarah Lofstrom, to the barn, with their adorable young mare, Pampa. We are thrilled at the opportunity to have Korbel back in our program, and look forward to his partnership in the Children’s Hunter and 3’ equitation divisions with Annie Bennett.
The addition of assistant trainer Nicole Redman to the Derby Hill staff has created a lot of excitement in the barn.Nicole is a recent graduate of the Lake Erie College Equine Studies program and brings great knowledge and enthusiasm to all aspects of the program. We are thrilled to have Nicole home to take over teaching duties when we are on the road, as well as heading up our flourishing lesson program for those riders who are just getting started.
The legendary Music Maker, who has his name engraved on one of the Washington International Horse Show Large Pony Hunter trophies, is the newest addition to the lesson program.Alex Caulfield and Sarah Lofstrom share piloting duties on this wonderful pony.Sarah is also keeping Lully, our schoolmaster small pony, tuned for the next set of up and coming pony riders.
In preparation for the 2009 show season, show circuit clients Kenton & Lauren Taylor, Cindy McCarthy, Barb Ellison, Kelly Johnson and Sherry Kozloff came to Derby Hill to join in-barn clients for a private clinic with Buddy.The weather cooperated and every session was able to be held in our grand-prix outdoor arena. Clinic participants worked on balance, adjustability and exercises that emphasize supple horses and riders. Local photographer Philip Doyle came to document the clinic and we truly appreciate his efforts! A great time was had by all, which continued into the evening for our 2009 kick-off celebration.