Armed Robbery
Monday, April 23 2012
Armadillo at my window So I realize that this is my first blog and I am supposed to be writing on polo related topics and/or introducing myself by being all, “I am a member of Team USPA and I was the 2009 National Women’s Intercollegiate Polo Champion.” But first, I have to tell you about what just happened to me. If I was doubting whether or not to take this blogging job. I think fate is giving me a definitive YES by throwing this ridiculous/traumatizing story right in my lap! Ok. So here’s the deal. I live on a farm in Aiken, South Carolina. Which is by no means the middle of nowhere, but let’s just say there are more than a handful of sketchy characters in “these here parts.”And this week I am alone, since my mom is in Wellington (Yes, I am currently living with my mom, I’m 24, and it’s only seasonally…free rent! Do. Not.
- Published in General, The Offside, Z-Blogs
ROLEX KENTUCKY – OMG – ALREADY!!!!
Sunday, April 22 2012
Never let it be said that we sat around, twiddling our thumbs, bored as all get-out with nothing to do – OMG, this April has been one loco, uber-crazy month! We just ran to the main house and put a huge load of laundry in the front-loader, but we need some of the items so we don’t freeze during the Fairfax Races at Morven Park – the last ever races at that wonderful course… We have one story to finalize, but its subject, Kelse Bonham and the SCAD Equestrian Team are in the last day of the ANRC Finals, so we’re waiting to see if Savannah College of Art & Design picks up their 8th team title. Our pony is confirmed to have “something” in his hock, some heat, some arthritis, whatever – he isn’t happy so we’ve taken the advice of vet Todd Ruddick to put him on a three-week series of IV Polyglycan. Peter will have had his second injection and a couple of days to absorb the benefits before I get back from Rolex.
- Published in Lauren Gallops, Z-Blogs
And the Beat Goes on For the Planning of the So8ths/Nikon Three-Day Event May 3-6
Saturday, April 21 2012
When an event ends you think you have so much time before the next year, but for some reason time seems to speed on by. Now we are just weeks away from the 2012 So8ths/Nikon Three Day Event in the “Heart of the Carolinas” to take place at Southern 8ths Farm in Chesterfield, SC, May 3-6 . Just today I was in touch with the title sponsor, Nikon, to get the latest on the prizes the riders will be vying for. I was thrilled when they told me that the Beginner Novice, Novice and Training Three-Day division riders each have a chance to win a Nikon D3100 Outfit with an 18-55 MM VR lens . Nikon will also be giving 2 nd and 3 rd place finishers Nikon Laptop bags. I have one of those and love it
- Published in What's Happenin', Z-Blogs
Caroline Roffman Ties Up Season with a Gold Medal at the CDI Nations Cup
Wednesday, April 18 2012
Caroline Roffman and Pie during the victory gallop during the Global Dressage Festival Nations Cup CDI. Photo by by Al Guden Wellington, FL (April 18, 2012) – Caroline Roffman has a stellar beginning to 2012, with wins across the small tour and developing horse divisions at prestigious shows on the Florida dressage circuit and most recently a gold medal at the Nations Cup CDI. At the Global Dressage Festival Nations Cup, TeamUSA took the gold, and Roffman’s score of 70.050% on her own Pie put her in second and was a strong contribution towards the medal. Team Europe took the silver, while TeamUSA 2 took the bronze. Pie and Roffman also swept the Prix St Georges classes at the Global Dressage Festival Nations Cup. Roffman recently opened her own training and sales center, Lionshare Dressage, and has partnered with 2012 Pan Am Games alternate Endel Ots to bring the best dressage prospects and training to Wellington. In the second half of 2012, Roffman has her sights set on multiple championships, including Gladstone and Lamplight, as she looks to the future with her competition horses. Roffman kicked off her 2012 success in the small tour with Pie, a Hanoverian by Worldly, sweeping the small tour classes at the $50,000 Florida Dressage Classic CDI-W at the Global Dressage Festival. Roffman also debuted a new mare, Her Highness, during the circuit to great success. Her Highness, a 9 year old by Hohenstein out of a Weltmeyer mare, is owned collectively by Roffman and Wolkentanzer Farm out ofCalifornia. The stunning mare with floating gaits easily took top placings at the Palm Beach Dressage Derby, winning the FEI Test of Choice with a 68.421% and the USEF Developing Horse Prix St Georges with a 67.868%. Her Highness was also in the top placings during the GDF Nations Cup National Show, where they scored a 70% and 69% in the Prix St Georges. Roffman is aiming Her Highness for the Developing Horse Championships, where Roffman and Pie were Reserve Champion in 2011. Roffman has plans to compete at 2012 National Young Horse Championships with her own Bon Chance, the 2010 Five-Year-Old Champion and 2011 Six-Year-Old Reserve Champion, who will be headed for the Developing Horse divisions as well. Caroline is also sure to be defending her title as 2011 Brentina Cup Champion
- Published in What's Happenin', Z-Blogs
The Devon Black Tie and Boots Ball
Wednesday, April 18 2012
DEVON, Pa.— The Black Tie and Boots Ball, featuring cocktails, dinner, dancing and a live auction, will be held Saturday, May 5 at Bryn Clovis, Brushwood Farm in Malvern. The Ball benefits the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair Foundation, and limited tickets are available. The evening will begin with cocktails and appetizers, including a specialty cocktail to toast Cinco de Mayo, which can be enjoyed on the lawn under centuries old oak trees, overlooking the rolling hills and paddocks filled with thoroughbreds owned by Betty Moran’s Brushwood Stable. Guests can then move into the tent for dinner and dancing, during which the live auction will be called by Samuel T. Freeman & Co.
- Published in What's Happenin', Z-Blogs
In Search of Higher Education
Wednesday, April 18 2012
Hi! I’m so excited to be the newest blogger to join Sidelines. I can’t wait to fill these entries with stories, questions, and other musings, and mostly, look forward to hearing from you all! I wanted to begin this first blog with a quote, and there’s one in particular that always sticks out in my head. “There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man.” ~Winston Churchill This quote more or less sums up how I feel about riding, and horses in general. I figure, seeing as you’re here reading this blog, you probably agree with me. I’ve been fortunate enough to have had the opportunity to ride some wonderful horses throughout my lifetime – from my very first pony, Texas, to Lando, my favorite Stanford University team horse, to Palermo, my partner of three years who successfully showed me the ropes in the Young Rider arena, they’ve all taught me something
- Published in General, Higher Education, Z-Blogs
Atlanta Summer Classics- Something for Every Rider Nearly $300,000 in Prize Money Up for Grabs
Tuesday, April 17 2012
Pony Power ©Flashpoint Photography April 15, 2012-St Johns Island, SC - Still undecided on summer plans? Bob Bell, President of Classic Company, would like to tempt you, “Our summer events are bursting at the seams with great offerings! We’ve taken exhibitors’ horse show wish list and made them a reality!” The Atlanta Summer Classics, held at the Georgia International Horse Park in Conyers, GA, is a USEF AA rated two week event beginning June 13 through June 24. This year’s event will play host to the inaugural $25,000 Pony Hunter Derby Classic. “This will be the first of two $25,000 Pony events for the summer. We have some of the country’s best talent in our pony sections and I think it’s time they get rewarded for their efforts.”Bell said
- Published in What's Happenin', Z-Blogs
English Riding Supply To Sponsor Ovation Leading Rider Awards at Horse Shows by the Bay
Tuesday, April 17 2012
Horse Sports by the Bay Inc., is pleased to announce that English Riding Supply is returning this year as a Horse Shows by the Bay Equestrian Festival Platinum Sponsor and as the sponsor of the Ovation Leading Rider Awards. The Ovation Leading Rider Awards Program has been part of the Hunter/Jumper awards program at Horse Shows by the Bay since 2007. The circuit awards are given to the top winning rider in each of the 12 categories recognized – from Pony Hunter to Open Jumper. Riders who accumulate the most points at the end of the four week circuit win a $500 gift certificate to redeem from the comprehensive English Riding Supply catalog. Winners will receive their awards during Horse Shows by the Bay Series IV. Says Alex Rheinheimer, Horse Sports by the Bay Inc., owner and show manager, “The Ovation Leading Rider Awards are among the highlights for our participants each year. For them, choosing from such noted brands like Ovation, Pessoa, Centaur, and Veredus guarantees that they’ll find something of value and that is useful. For me, I especially like this type of award as it rewards consistency. I can’t thank English Riding Supply enough for their continued support of our horse show and of this wonderful awards program”. English Riding Supply’s Centaur is also the show’s Official Horse Clothier and will dress the show’s Grand Hunter Champions in style with Centaur Wool Coolers plus provide beautiful Turbo Dry Show Sheets for the Hunter and Jumper Classic winners. Series II and Series IV Champions will also receive an embroidered Centaur Dress Scrim Sheet for their accomplishments. English Riding Supply’s Peggy Murray will be onsite during Horse Shows by the Bay and will be providing additional prizes and gift certificates.
- Published in What's Happenin', Z-Blogs
NCEA Championship
Monday, April 16 2012
AMPING UP FOR NATIONALS At the close of the Mustangs’ regular season, we ranked 5 th in the nation and had amply qualified for National Collegiate Equestrian Association (NCEA) Championship. With a potential roster in place, the show girls’ practices intensified to meet the demands of the impending competition. We scrimmaged the weekend before Nationals on our own horses so coaches could make one last assessment and finalize the roster. On Monday afternoon we packed up the trailer and on Tuesday morning we shipped out to Waco with four horses and eleven teammates. DAY 1 Obviously I’d gotten way too accustomed to my classes starting at 10AM because my 6:45AM wake-up seemed preposterously too early. In retrospect of the week, or even an average horse show, 6:45 is sleeping-in. Too tired to remember breakfast, I lugged my duffel, backpack, boot and helmet bags across campus to meet my teammates at the van that would take us to Waco
Rolex Kentucky Sets Impressive Stage
Sunday, April 15 2012
Rolex Kentucky, presented by Bridgestone, takes center stage April 25-29 at the Kentucky Horse Park when North America’s premier international four-star event showcases an international roster of horses and riders. The stakes are high with $250,000 in prize money, plus … [Read more]
- Published in Weekly Feature