|
I am proud to announce that our newest Jr. Team Member & Instructor relocated all the way from Wisconsin to join The Oaks Equestrian Center. We feel very lucky to get such a genuine and accomplished person to be part of our team. Lindsay Brown is a Junior Team Member and Instructor at the Oaks Equestrian Center. Lindsay began riding at the age of 10, and was actively involved in 4-H as a competitor and coach for many years, winning at open and 4-H shows at the local and state level. She is also an active C-2 member of The United States Pony Club, and plans on continuing to pursue the upper level ratings. Lindsay is a recent graduate of Canyonview Equestrian College, where she received instruction in equine science, facility management, combined training, dressage, hunt seat, and reining. She is a Level III CHA certified instructor in English with jumping and in Western riding. Lindsay has a passion for teaching, and has instructed riders of various ages and abilities in both the English and Western riding disciplines.
“Lindsay will assist in the day to day organization and horse care around the stables and will be a huge asset to our teaching staff. I am looking forward to her to assisting me in the development of the Pony Club Riding Center and she is wonderful with kids.” said Rhonda Gailey, General Manager.
Training Tips:
“Match your mount!”
by Kitty Ferguson, MD, FAAP, (reprinted From Summer 1998 USPC News)
Right! Buying a horse is one of the more stressful things Pony Club parents are asked to do. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we only had to do it once? Unfortunately, trying to avoid repeating this chore is one of the most serious mistakes parents can make. Trying to make one horse meet the changing needs of the child can mean compromising safety. The unflappable 14 hand solid citizen who gives a D-2 confidence to trot over an ‘X’ may not be safe if asked to fly a prelim fence on cross-country! Conversely, the talented upper level horse could seriously injure or frighten our D-2. So, what do we look for? First is a realistic assessment of the child. A young child, or a novice rider of any age, needs a mount that is friendly, quiet and unflappable. Far too many accidents occur when handling unruly ponies on the ground. Training should not be expected to correct bad habits or a skittish temperament, both of which are unacceptable in a mount for a beginner. The child and pony need to fit each other physically, too. A horse that is either too large or too small can make the rider less secure. Unfortunately, a pony can be outgrown in a very short period of time. (See the D Manual, pp. 14-20).
Experience is another issue affecting safety. ‘Learning together’ is not a good idea with a sport as potentially dangerous as riding. Well-schooled ponies are often expensive, but are probably worth it! Looking to other disciplines for well-broke horses with good temperaments can be a good compromise when looking for Pony Club mounts. (One great D level pony we owned came off a pack string!) Older horses can be excellent teachers. This raises the question of soundness. (After a lifetime of horses, I don’t believe there is such a thing as a perfectly sound horse, but perhaps I’ve just paid too many vet bills.) The horse must be sound enough to safely perform the tasks required. A retired hunter may be a little short behind, but can he safely carry a child to the C-1 level? Having a realistic discussion with the vet, including the type of work likely to be expected of the horse, will help you decide. Judgment is required to determine if a particular horse or horse/rider combination is unsafe. Pony Club members DO show up on unsuitable mounts! It is the responsibility of leadership to obtain input from knowledgeable horsemen and act on it. No one wants to be the ‘bad guy,’ but if an unsafe situation exists, it must not be allowed to continue. We had a horse come to our club that habitually reared. If that rearing horse had flipped over and injured the child, I (then the DC) would have felt responsible. As it was, I was just unpopular. Oh, well! Horses are large, unpredictable animals and riding is a high-risk sport. Pony Club is all about participating in this wonderful sport as safely as possible. Buying the safest, most appropriate horse you can afford is one way to reduce the risks. A cheap horse is not always a bargain. Anyone who has owned horses knows the purchase price is a small part of the total investment. A sane, safe beginner mount will always be in demand when you need to move up to a bigger or more athletic animal for your advancing Pony Club member.
SAFETY MATTERS!
Manager’s Corner:
Managing Personalities
As the Platinum rule by Dr. Tony Alessandra states, “Do unto others the way they want to be done unto.” Managing personalities can be challenging. Some even say that it is the single most challenging aspect of management. What we have to understand is that approximately 40 to 70 percent or more of the people that you come in contact with will not communicate or react exactly like you do. As managers or salespeople we must make it a point to identify and master the personality profiles. We have to connect with our staff & clients not them connect with us. They don’t want to or have to have the “skills”. First, you must “know thyself.” –Socrates. Then “Seek first to understand then, to be understood.” As customer service specialists and master communicators, some often make the mistake of talking too much during communication or presentations and negotiations. Don’t you ever wonder why we were made with only one mouth and two ears? We must listen to the needs and wants first before we can satisfy. Once we understand the behavioral style of ourselves, then we can recognize who we are dealing with and what makes them “tick”. Last, we must adapt our communication or presentation style to match theirs. Being a great communicator is essential, but connecting with customers is critical. It’s also important to note that is not always about the words but also can be about body language, physical touch or lack thereof and speed and pitch of our voices. And when managing personalities, we must always be flexible with our time and understand that some people need more from us. In the end, we are destined to learn a little something from everyone. We are either green and growing or ripe and rotting.
Rhonda Gailey,
General Manager/Riding Director & Instructor
Equestrian Services:
Equestrian Services, LLC Partners With Frédéric Pignon and Magali Delgado
Equestrian Spectacle Stars to Launch Equestrian Services' Entertainment Division.
Equestrian Services, LLC recently announced an exclusive strategic alliance with Frédéric Pignon and Magali Delgado to provide equestrian entertainment to resorts and casinos worldwide.
With the addition of an entertainment division, Equestrian Services enhances their equestrian program offerings, providing high-quality equestrian entertainment to clients through the new partnership. Equestrian Services will provide feasibility, planning, and design interface with project architects, while Frédéric and Magali will create the spectacles.
"Partnering with Equestrian Services was a natural fit for us, as we came quickly to understand that we share a common philosophy about honoring and respecting the horse first and foremost, while creating magic through performance that can touch the human heart," said Frédéric Pignon. The European “horse whisperer”, Pignon’s work with stallions at liberty (completely loose) is unique in the world. The spectacular performances that he and his wife Magali achieve spring from a training philosophy based on patience, love, and total respect for the horse.
“We’re thrilled to announce this exciting partnership with two of the world’s most highly-respected figures in equestrian entertainment. Every resort property worldwide is looking for a unique edge, a differentiator in the market... The magic created through a custom-designed equestrian spectacle production will draw people looking for something new and inspiring,” said Jennifer Donovan, principal of Equestrian Services, LLC.
“Currently Frédéric and Magali are busy creating a new production that will tour in Europe initially and then be ready for a permanent home at one very lucky resort destination,” said Donovan.
Fun tidbit:
- The Oaks Equestrian Pony club Riding Center library has arrived. We have new books, manuals and great DVD’s.
Book of the Month:
- “The Principles of Riding” The German National Equestrian Federation, translated by Christina Belton.
New Lesson Horses:
- The Oaks Equestrian Center has several new safe and well trained lesson horses and ponies for the lesson and PC program. For more details in scheduling a lesson, visit our website @ www.oconnoroec.com and click on “services” or call 386-755-1488.
Dicks Realty: "Life as it should be!"
It's "Signature Days" at The Oaks! - Up To $40,000 in SAVINGS!
The Oaks is offering a launch into the New Year for this growing lifestyle community.
The following discounts are available for home sites that are purchased and closed between now and March 31, 2010.
$10,000 off price of any 1-3 acre Village Home Site
$20,000 off price of any 3+ acre Estate Home Site
Additional Incentives:
During Signature Days, The Oaks of Lake City will also invest an additional $20,000.00 towards the construction of your new home when you enter into a build agreement with one of our Signature Builders. Please contact us for full details.*
Now is the time to buy and start living your dream.”Life as it should be!”
Home sites from $54,900.00, Homes from $275,000.00
- The Oaks of Lake City-New website design…Coming Soon!
- Dicks Realty and The Oaks of Lake city will be attending the Columbia county Fair from October 30-November 8th.
- Dicks Realty and The Oaks of Lake city will be also attending the Equine Affaire held in West Springfield, Massachusetts November 12th-15th.
Arthur Rutenberg Homes:
Construction began on the new Arthur Rutenberg model home-farmette on Estate homesite # 54 during the first part of July. The Arthur Rutenberg Savannah plan @ The Oaks of Lake City will be approx 3,000 heated square feet with 4 bedrooms, 3 baths and a 2 car garage. There will be an optional outdoor living package and a farmette 4 stall barn package available. Estimated time of completion is for Late Fall 2009. For more information, contact Missy Zecher @
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
or call (386) 623-0237.
David & Karen O’Connor:
The Oaks Equestrian Center presents:
Karen O’Connor 2-Day Eventing Clinic-NEW YEARS WEEKEND!
Saturday & Sunday Jan. 2nd & 3rd, 2010
 Ride times will be posted on the website by Thursday evening.
Schedule: Saturday- Dressage/Stadium
Sunday- XC
Entry Fees: $400 per horse/rider Groups offered from BN-Intermediate - Limited to 20 riders.
(some groups may be combined and will be determined after close date)
Trailer in fee of $15.00 per horse or limited # of overnight stalls available @ $30 per night.
For more on David & Karen O’Connor visit their website @ www.oconnoreventteam.com
Kids Connection: What is Pony Club?
The Oaks Pony club Riding Center Fall Session has officially begun. We are so excited about this new amenity to The Oaks of Lake City, states Rhonda Gailey, General Manager and Riding Director for the Equestrian Center. Our very own, David & Karen O’Connor are U. S. Pony club “A” & “B” graduates and great supporters of the program.
See below for the OEPC Fall/Winter Pony club Calendar of events:
The Oaks Equestrian Pony Club Riding Center
2009-2010 Proposed Calendar
October- Fall Session
13th- Parent Orientation new member meeting 5-7 p.m.
18th- Member trail ride.
Thursdays- Un-mounted lessons 5-6 p.m. (Starting Oct. 15th)
Saturdays- Mounted riding sessions 10:30 a.m. -12:00. (Starting Oct. 17th)
November- Fall Session
14th-15th- Karen O’Connor 2-Day clinic (PC discount offered)
17th- Parent/Member meeting- Open House 6-8 p.m.
22nd- Member trail ride.
Thursdays- Un-mounted lessons 5-6 p.m.
Saturdays- Mounted riding sessions 10:30 a.m. -12:00.
December- Fall Session
8th- Parent/Member Rating Prep meeting
12th- OEPC D-Rating
12th- OEC Christmas Party
19th Last mounted meeting -Fall Session ends
Thursdays- Un-mounted lessons 5-6 p.m.
Saturdays- Mounted riding sessions 10:30 a.m. -12:00.
January- Winter Session
19th- Parent/Member meeting 6-8 p.m.
23rd- D-Day/HM Seminar @ Canterbury
24th Quiz Rally @ Canterbury
27th-31st USPC Annual Meeting –Houston Texas
Thursdays- Un-mounted 5-6 p.m. (Starting Jan. 7th)
Saturdays- Mounted riding sessions 10:30 a.m. -12:00. (Starting Jan. 9th)
February- Winter Session
Thursdays- Un-mounted lesson 5-6 p.m.
Saturdays- Mounted riding sessions 10:30 a.m. -12:00.
23rd- Parent/Member meeting 6-8 p.m.
March- Winter Session
6th Regional Instructor’s clinic (Teaching and Testing) @ Fannin Hill Farm
12-14th Qualifying Eventing Rally in conjunction w/recognized event. Rally packet due Jan 19th.
Thursdays- Un-mounted lesson 5-6 p.m.
Saturdays- Mounted riding sessions 10:30 a.m.- 12:00
23rd- Parent/Member meeting 6-8 p.m.
April- Winter-(Spring Session April- June)
3rd- Last mounted session for winter.
9th-11th Show jumping Rally @ Canterbury. Rally packet due Feb 15th.
17th -1st day for mounted session of Spring
Thursdays- Un-mounted 5-6 p.m.
Saturdays- Mounted riding sessions 10:30 a.m. -12:00.
20th- Parent/Member meeting 6-8 p.m. |
