Summer circuit Kick-off

The Archway team recently attended the Early Summer Classic Horse Show held in Wilsonville, OR which marked the kick-off for our summer circuit.  Spirits run high at this show since it represents the end of the school year for our Junior riders and the start to our horse show travels out of our local area.  Hunter Creek Farm, where the horse show is held, is set in the picturesque Willamette Valley surrounded by it's landscaped rolling hills.  It's always wonderful to meet up with friends and faces we haven't seen for awhile and go against some good competition. With the exception of Janet, who came down early with Corey, our rider's arrived on Thursday evening ready to begin their weekend of showing on Friday.  The weather was fair most of the week with off and on rain showers intermittent with beautiful sunny skies.  The progressive aisle party on Saturday came with warm sunny weather and an abundance of food and drinks offered by the barns.

Our rider's represented the team well with many accomplishments:

Golden Cadillac and Tiffany Odgers: Junior Hunters 1st 4th 7th 8th, Equitation 16-17 3rd 4th 4th, USEF Pessoa 7th

Golden Cadillac and Corene Smith Reserve Champion Performance Hunters 3'6

Broderick and Anne Hill: Champion Adult Equitation

Broderick and Corene Smith: 4th USHJA International Derby

Simplicity and Leslie Thornton: Adult Hunter Reserve Champion,Adult Equitation 3rd 6th, Schooling Hunter 1st 2nd

Simplicity and Corene Smith: Champion Large Hunter, 4th USHJA National Derby

Moonlight Sonata and Janet Weaver: Long Stirrup Hunter 4th 5th

Moonlight Sonata and Corene Smith: 1st USHJA National Derby, Reserve Champion Performance Hunter 3'3

Valente and Natalie Medved: Reserve Champion Equitation 13 and under, Children's Hunter 3rd 8th 8th 6th 4th, Schooling Hunter 2nd 3rd, Taylor Harris 7th.

Valente and Corene Smith: Large Hunter 4th 6th 2nd 3rd

Skyline and Payton Smith: Reserve Champion High Children's Jumper, 2nd Children's/Adult Jumper Classic, 5th ASPCA Maclay.

Skyline and Corene Smith: 1st 1.10m Jumper.

Summer circuit Kick-off

The Archway team recently attended the Early Summer Classic Horse Show held in Wilsonville, OR which marked the kick-off for our summer circuit.  Spirits run high at this show since it represents the end of the school year for our Junior riders and the start to our horse show travels out of our local area.  Hunter Creek Farm, where the horse show is held, is set in the picturesque Willamette Valley surrounded by it's landscaped rolling hills.  It's always wonderful to meet up with friends and faces we haven't seen for awhile and go against some good competition. With the exception of Janet, who came down early with Corey, our rider's arrived on Thursday evening ready to begin their weekend of showing on Friday.  The weather was fair most of the week with off and on rain showers intermittent with beautiful sunny skies.  The progressive aisle party on Saturday came with warm sunny weather and an abundance of food and drinks offered by the barns.

Our rider's represented the team well with many accomplishments:

Golden Cadillac and Tiffany Odgers: Junior Hunters 1st 4th 7th 8th, Equitation 16-17 3rd 4th 4th, USEF Pessoa 7th

Golden Cadillac and Corene Smith Reserve Champion Performance Hunters 3'6

Broderick and Anne Hill: Champion Adult Equitation

Broderick and Corene Smith: 4th USHJA International Derby

Simplicity and Leslie Thornton: Adult Hunter Reserve Champion,Adult Equitation 3rd 6th, Schooling Hunter 1st 2nd

Simplicity and Corene Smith: Champion Large Hunter, 4th USHJA National Derby

Moonlight Sonata and Janet Weaver: Long Stirrup Hunter 4th 5th

Moonlight Sonata and Corene Smith: 1st USHJA National Derby, Reserve Champion Performance Hunter 3'3

Valente and Natalie Medved: Reserve Champion Equitation 13 and under, Children's Hunter 3rd 8th 8th 6th 4th, Schooling Hunter 2nd 3rd, Taylor Harris 7th.

Valente and Corene Smith: Large Hunter 4th 6th 2nd 3rd

Skyline and Payton Smith: Reserve Champion High Children's Jumper, 2nd Children's/Adult Jumper Classic, 5th ASPCA Maclay.

Skyline and Corene Smith: 1st 1.10m Jumper.

Summer 2011

Autumn has arrived and with it shortened days, cool air and beautiful hues.  With the show season coming to a close, we finally find time to reflect on the Summer of 2011. This past season was jam-packed full of challenges and changes. It has been a summer of hope, dreams, old friends, new friends,  health, passing, twins, ownership, broken arm, graduations, reunions, great company, lots of laughs, honor, great food, travel, decisions and hard work . All of these things have brought an array of emotions and have inspired growth, we would not have traded any of it. It has been one of those times when you need to believe that a higher order will light your way and bring you home. And so it has. We will keep you posted on all the new changes coming our way. Meanwhile.....we cannot begin to list all the accomplishments our team has experienced this season. All of our riders have done their best to push themselves to new levels. We are continuously in awe of how determined they are to transform themselves into better riders, horseman and as a result incredible people. Our lives are enriched by the people that surround us and we appreciate each and every one of them. Thank you all for being "YOU".

Enjoy the slide show.......

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An Equestrian's Story

Last week we attended the Pacific Northwest Horse Show in Monroe and had a very successful show. Once again our ribbon display was impressive showing that our horses and riders performed exceptionally well. Saturday we took  our turn at  the  Welcome Center, thank you to the parents for making our lunch a great success.

Before I begin the overview of accolades from the week, I would like to share a story about a rider and her journey as she reaches for her star. Eleven years ago the Hill family brought their two young aspiring equestrians to our barn for "riding lessons" their names were Lauren and Natalie, for the purposes of my story we are going to focus on Natalie. I have a clear memory of  a tiny 5 year old learning to post on the lesson ponies, each week she came and worked on her skills. She progressed through the lesson levels and leased a pony to take to the shows, her quiet determination never seemed to waiver and she always  progressed at her own steady pace. She moved onto her sister's horse Jake and rode  in the Childrens 12 and under, she loved Jake and had a wonderful empathy for him, during a summer show we realized that Jake was letting us know it was time for him to step down. In the middle of the season, she leased Troubador and lit up the circuit with their partnership. After another leased green horse and a great experience to add to her resume, let's fast forward to 2010. It was time for Natalie  to have her own horse, we found a handsome dark bay gelding she named Brody and the "love affair" began. In 2010,  Natalie and Brody competed at the 3', 3'3" and at the end of the season moved into the 3'6". As we stepped into 2011 Natalie and Brody  bonded and have become a "dynamic duo". Last week they excelled in the Equitation and Medals, what an accomplishment for this young rider! In addition to this, every available Saturday, Natalie works at the barn. She arrives early Saturday morning designs and builds a full course for the Saturday Rotation , rides her horse, scrubs feed buckets/brushes and in the afternoon can be seen assisting the lesson riders in the barn.

Natalie's success is not by chance, it is through hard work and determination that she has been transformed into a Horsewoman in every sense of the word. She is a living testament to the Archway philosophy and a wonderful role model for her peers and our younger riders! Keep up the good work Natalie, there is more to come!!

Here are the Award Highlights for the week:

Champions:

Equitation 16 - 17 - Natalie Hill

Pony Hunters -Platinum-Payton Smith

Pony Equitation - Payton Smith

Equitation 13 and under - Jenna Barker

Reserve Champions:

Adult Amateur Hunter - Sir William - Patty Osberg

Equitation 16 -17 - Hannah Thornton

Performance Hunter 3'3- Black Tie Affair- Corene Smith

Medals:

Natalie Hill: 1st WSHJA 3'6", 1st USEF Pessoa, 1st ASPCA Horsemanship

Hannah Thornton: 3rd USEF Pessoa

Mali Kerslake: 4th - WSHJA 3'

Jenna Barker: 4th - Taylor Harris

USHJA National Hunter Classic:

4th - Broderick - Natalie Hill

7th - Black Tie Affair - Corey Smith

I would like to acknowledge Madeleine Strain and Alexa Driscoll both of these riders moved into new divisions for the first time and did a great job!

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The First Satruday in May

On the first Saturday in May, the famed Kentucky Derby runs and I always make it a point to stop what I am doing to watch the "Run for the Roses". This was also the Saturday Corey chose to hold our Spring Flower Drive so we invited the "Archway Family" to join in with the spring planting and watch the Derby. Flowers started to arrive Friday afternoon and as we finished the last lesson of the evening we had accumulated quite an assortment. Of course, it was raining and we were a little worried about weather conditions for Saturday but when you live in the Pacific Northwest.... As I headed to the barn on Saturday morning blue sky was fighting to break through, by 1:00 as planting began the sun had come through and it stayed until we finished. I love seeing everyone sharing ideas and enjoying each others company, the younger girls were in the yard "jumping" and  even the dogs enjoyed the afternoon festivities. With the last flower planted and the clean- up complete, we headed into the lobby  to enjoy refreshments and gather around the TV to watch the race.

It was a very good day! We are  grateful to everyone who donated flowers and bags of soil. A very heartfelt "Thank you" goes out to those who took time out of their Saturday afternoon to help us design and plant the beds and planters, it was a lot of fun and we feel truly blessed.

Each time visitors enjoy the beautiful display of color I know you will all take pride in your part of making Archway beautiful.

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Spring National Jumper Show

The Jumper week completed our three week run in Monroe and as we concluded our week we were excited about how our horses and riders performed.It was a small group this week with Broderick, HH Campino and Opus One joining us for the finale.

Natalie and Broderick were taking advantage of practicing Equitation classes over jumper fences, they were double clear in the jumper classes with beautiful Equitation rides. This show  marked Amanda's return to the show ring after a year off due to an injury, Campino is still green and learning the ropes. Vanessa Howard Anderson was unable to ride due to an injury, she asked  Corey to ride Opus and we schooled Elyssa over the weekend.

We are very excited to report that Natalie Hill has qualified for the Maclay Regional Finals, this will be  Natalie's first full season competing at the 3'6" level and she is off to a powerful start. She laid down great rounds and was consistantly in the ride offs. Great Job Natalie, you and Brody are a great Team!

Amanda and Campino were feeling their way around the jumper ring and showed improvement as the week progressed. It was really great to have Amanda back at the shows!

Corey and Opus took a fall in the mud the second day but all ended well with a Championship in the .95 Jumpers. Thank you Vanessa for entrusting Opus and Elyssa to us, it was a privilege working with you guys.

As we packed up, loaded horses and drove home to our Sunday dinner we reflected on how far all our horses and riders have come. It took hard work, dedication and many "cold" hours to get here, let's keep it up.

Great job Team Archway!

WSJHA Spring National

As we headed into week two of our season opener the weather was cold and rainy; this remained the weather pattern until Sunday when the sun finally appeared. You will see in the photos our long down coats  and scarves used to fend off the penetrating damp cold air. On Saturday and Sunday clients provided us with warm soup and hot sandwiches at a time when comfort food hit the spot, there was a rumor that an adult afternoon wine tasting and good conversation took place in a warm, cozy RV(of course the professionals had work to do). We would like to thank: the Kerslake family, the Porter family and the Thornton-Rumpeltes family for caring enough to provide us with warm, nutritious foods. We appreciate our clients every day! Our wall of ribbons became a display of the talent that runs deep at Archway. We had five of our seven students stepping  into a higher division and they worked diligently to improve their skills. We will have many things to work on at home but for now they will bask in pride of their accomplishments. We had three of our younger riders manage (with the help of their Moms) to handle their own grooming for both weeks, Kudos to you, your display of horsemanship was commendable:)

Special thanks goes out to our grooms Victor Gandara and Rafael Ramierez and to Gay Sheridan who has been our braider from the beginning. ".....it takes a Village...."

CHAMPIONS:

Performance Hunters 3'3"- Black Tie Affair - Corene Smith

11 and under Equitation- Jenna Barker

Pony Equitation- Payton Smith

RESERVE CHAMPIONS:

Large Hunters- Black Tie Affair- Corene Smith

Performance 3'3"- Simplicity- Corene Smith

Adult Amateur- Sir William- Patty Osberg

Small/Medium Pony - Platinum- Payton Smith

MEDAL WINS:

WIHS Hunter phase- Hannah Thornton

WIHS Jumper Phase - Hannah Thornton

WIHS Overall- Hannah Thornton

WSHJA Good Seat & Hands 3'6

CONGRATULATIONS TEAM ARCHWAY!!

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Spring Inaugural Show

Our last post gave an overview of the weather we had during the Kick-Off to our local show season so I will move right into the highlights. The first day our horses were very cold and displayed some of their enthusiasm in the ring, so we  started out a little rough. Thursday things began to look up as our horses settled into the rythmn of the show. Clients arrived on Friday and things really started to roll, our wins were impressive Friday/Saturday and by Sunday the  many Championships were a tribute to all the hard work and dedication of the Archway Team. Following is the list of our major wins and this is all with only nine horses at the show:

Championships:

Working hunters 2'6"-Silhouette - Corene Smith

Children's Hunter 12 and under - Priceless- Jenna Barker

Medium Pony - Platinum - Payton Smith

Pony Equitation- Payton Smith

Equitation 11 and under - Jenna Barker

Reserve Champions:

Performance Hunter 3'6" - Broderick - Corene Smith

Equitation 16-17- Natalie Hill/Hannah Thornton(tied)

Medal Wins:

USEF Talent Search -Hannah Thornton

USEF/Pessoa Medal - Hannah Thornton

WIHS Hunter Phase - Hannah Thornton

Special Classes:

Hillcrest Equitation Challenge: Pony section -Payton Smith; 14 and under - Mali Kerslake; 15-17- Hannah Thornton;

Overall- Hannah Thornton

$2500 USHJA NAtional Hunter Classic - winner -Black Tie Affair - Corene Smith

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Snow, Seriously!!

The first day of the Spring Inaugural brought us a variety of weather to say the least.  Ana, Natalie and I arrived at 6:30am to hack horses in the ring.  The temperature was 36 degrees and a rain/snow mix.  As we started our morning the cold persisted until about midday when the sun showed itself for a couple of hours.  Towards the end of the day we had hail and then on my way home it was full on snowing and 33 degrees.  We were all freezing by the end of our show day and looked forward to a nice warm bath at home.  The horses all schooled well but the freshness was evident in the show ring.  They all jumped around the spooky jumps like pros but were a little strong and on edge.  By their second rounds they started to settle in.  Hoping the weather cooperates just a bit more in our favor tomorrow and horses are a little quieter.

Here are some of the results:

Brody: Performance Hunter 3'6 3rd and 3rd

Casabella: Performance Hunter 3'6 4th and 5th

Emmie: Large Hunter 6th

William: Pre green 2nd 3rd and 8th (Under saddle)

Rosita: Just a working Hunter 2'6 1st 1st and 5th (Under Saddle)

Oliver: Performance Hunter 3'3 4th and 6th

Kira: Performance Hunter 3'3 4th 3rd and 3rd (Under Saddle)

Gunnar: Performance Hunter 3'3 5th 6th and 8th (Under Saddle)

Time to rest up for tomorrow!!

Jeff Cook Interview

On March 19 and 20th we were fortunate to host one of the nation's most noted clinicians Jeff Cook. His teaching style has a wonderful rythmn and style that brings the most out of each horse/rider that participates. This marks the third time we have had Jeff here and he always brings new insights and stories to share. Special thanks goes out to Anne Hill for operating the Archway Cafe, to Lauren and Ana for  assisting in the ring all day, we appreciate the help. We decided to try a new format this time and we interviewed Jeff on the way to the airport, so here it goes.

Q:What do you feel is the NW biggest strentgh?

JC: Legs; The West Coast, Northwest and BC riders here have a good foundation in the leg.

Q:What would you consider the NW weakness?

JC: Hands, although they have improved over the years.

Q:In your opinion what is the biggest challenge for the industry in this economy?

JC: Cost of overhead as a Professional and the overall expense of the Sport.

Q:What is the most important thing you look for in a horse?

JC:  TEMPERAMENT.

Q: What is your biggest training pet-peeve?

JC: I am not a fan of gadgets, I like to keep it simple. Also over lunging and ear plugs.

Q: What is your biggest pet-peeve in riders?

JC: Turnout, I like to see horse and rider properly turned out and still prefer to see Hunt Coats in the Jumper Ring regardless of level.

Q: Which is your favorite Horse Show?

JC: Monterey, Mexico

Q: What was your most recent read?

JC: "Heads up Baseball"

Q: How does what you teach transfer to life skills?

JC:  I teach the importance of following a system, being consistent and believing that you can always improve.  These skills motivate you in life to do better and be better people.

Q:What experiences have helped you grow as a horseman?

JC: Watching and Observing.

Q:What things are important for you to be successful while doing a clinic at a faclility?

JC: Footing. By the way Archway's footing is great!

That concludes our interview,  here are some wonderful Jeff Cook quotes from the weekend:

"Sometimes prevention is better than correction" ..................... "in a perfect world" .................. "a nickels worth"

"there was a nice moment" .................. "you're not going to get perfect today"

"if you need the indirect inside rein you've already failed" ...............  "when you get fatique (from the horse), you need to stop and rest"

Thank you Jeff for making us better riders and teahers!

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Archway Schooling Show IV

Wow, what a weekend here at Archway! It has been raining for 3 days straight and there is no break in sight. We are so grateful each and every day to work from a facility that is prepared for the NW RAIN. As we were setting up on Saturday for our show, listening to the constant drum of rain on the roof, what came to mind was how lucky we are that we can organize an event and know that our guests will be able to participate while staying dry and comfortable. Our  ring is large enough to set up  the show ring and the schooling/holding area under one roof. With  the guest barn just 10 steps away, horses and riders can easily access the arena. Add to that a furnished lobby, heated viewing area and a cafe filled with warm comfort food; we were ready to tackle the miserable weekend weather.

This month's show catered to our entry level competitors, we had a Crossbar division, Walk Trot classes,  2' and 2'3" sections. We hosted 17 entries representing Red Gate Farm, Twin Maples Farm, Spirit Meadow Farm and of course the Archway Team.

For many competitors this was their first show experience, resulting in a mixture of focused concentration, nerves and lots of big smiles.

Gay Sheridan was our judge for the day and once again she demonstrated what a wonderful asset she is to our industry and a good "Friend of Archway".

Kevin  was emailing final updates to our show Software from the airport waiting for his flight to Hawaii.

Julie  ran an efficient office as only she can.

Ana helped her students navigate through their first show experience.

Corey (with Payton's help) was course designer, jump crew, announcer and back gate supervisor! How does she do it all!!!

Krista operated the Archway Cafe keeping everyone warm and fed.

Jenna was my assistant Show photographer and we captured some great moments.

Enjoy the Slideshow!

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Look Out! Swimming Pools Below

I still remember my first experience  flying into Palm Springs. I must of been around 17yrs old and although that wasn't the first time attending the Hits Desert Circuit it was the first time flying down. The first time I went to Indio, California to show was in 1993 or 1994. I drove with my Mom and sister pulling a 3 horse trailer with 3 ponies in the back. That was the first time I had ever been to California and was so excited to see Palm Trees. That was a start of our yearly ritual (with the  exception of the last two years)  of traveling  to the desert, to show at the Winter Circuit. Since that first year I have been able fly down to meet my horses. The first time flying in I found myself in awe of all the swimming pools you could see from the plane window. They are literally everywhere! As a trainer it is a great inspiration to show amongst incredible competition and see many of our peers. As a competitor the best thing you can do to improve your game is compete against the riders who set the bar very high. Feels good to be back!

Over the years we have had our fair share of accolades and they are always a boost for our riders and horses, who then return home with a head start on our season in the Northwest.

With the exception of Payton, who has been attending the Winter Circuits since she was 1 month old, we are excited to have Hannah Thornton and Patty Osberg join us for the first time as Archway Clients. There will be lots of laughs, good times and hopefully many triumphs.

I flew in this morning to Palm Springs and headed out to the show. The horses arrived early so they were all settled in by the time I arrived. I met our groom Francisco and helped organized the configuration of stalls and our trunks. I then had to take Carl (our driver for the semi) to his hotel in Palm Springs.  I stopped at Trader Joes's (this is our trademark "go to" grocery store down here) to get some groceries and then went in search of the house that we have rented for the 2 1/2 weeks. At this point I had been driving a long time and was ready to finally see where we were staying. I followed directions from my phone. Now, I will say that my Iphone, which I love, was absolutely 100% correct in it's directions.... I mean how could it know that the gate it directed me to was the exit gate and not the entrance gate. It was just trying to get me there by the fastest route it could find, right? So there I am at a security gate, let it be known that I did not know at this time that it was only an exit, wondering where the heck the security key pad was to enter the code. I mean it's got to be here somewhere, there is a gate, I have a code right here ready to type in. What the heck? Then a car comes from inside the neighborhood right in front of the gate and the gate starts to open.... now I'm in the way of this car..... so I go in reverse to get out of the way and the car comes through..... maybe I should go through before the gate closes and deal with the key pad later (or lack of).... Nope, the gate is closing and I have a big ass mini van to get through, not happening. So now what! Well, if this is the exit, the entrance has got to be somewhere. So back out to the main road I go. Yep, I'm in luck this is the same white brick wall and there is another gate and yes, is it true, could that be a key pad I see. All is good now. I have a place to stay, food to eat, wifi to work on the computer and books to read.

Here are a few photos of the "Casa de Archway" Thanks to Patty for finding it and  Patty I will see you on Monday!

Schooling Show Series III

Sunday we held the third Schooling Show in the winter series. It was a little more intimate than our last show which created a whole new feel and experience.  As horses arrived on Saturday the weather was not promising, the wind was blowing and the rain fell in buckets from the sky. I was grateful that we are able to contain the entire show inside safe from the elements. After a  long and tiring day of set up, add to that a winter sinus cold, I was glad to be able to move the start time a little later in the day to get a few extra ZZZZ. Sunday arrived with very promising BLUE SKIES! I headed down for my walk around the property with my dogs and was greeted by a Coyote. Jada chased it and he began to lure her towards the woods. So under the fence and into the field I went in pursuit of my Parson Russell. I had my "professional clothes" on and found it an interesting feat to get under the fence on my hands and knees without getting muddy and dirty.   Luckily, all ended well and back under the fence we went. OK, not a great start to the morning:(

The show began on time and ran like clockwork, we are starting to fall into a rhythm that allows the show to flow nicely. Sally Collins was our Judge,  she  did a wonderful job and graciously allowed the riders to discuss her Judge's cards with her after the classes. Judy Hedreen of Sylvan Farm called me early in the week and volunteered to come and announce for the morning, this was a very pleasant surprise and we are very grateful for her help. Ricky Todd organized the gate, Anne was on hospitality,  Ana once again helped with everything and Julie ran the show office using the new program Kevin Goyena made for us, even Little Megan Porter gave out ribbons. I sometimes wonder what we may have done right to have these wonderful, generous people surrounding us. Thank you everyone for helping us we appreciate all you do :)

This show we were joined by  Krisiti Gates, Erenom Farm and Twin Maples Farm. It was a nice group of exhibitors and some stayed to watch the last classes of the day. Good competition and productive practice was happening!

As we wrapped up the day we had an unfortunate thing happen. As Sally went out to her car she was horrified to see that someone had smashed her window and stolen her brief case and a down jacket from the back seat. Poor Sally, I can only imagine how that must have made her feel. There are some sorry people out there. If anyone happened to notice anything please let us know. We will definitely be raising our guard during our next event that's for sure. OK, not a great ending to our day:(

On a much happier note, here are  some of the good parts of the day that I captured, please enjoy the slide show and Happy Valentines Day!!

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Archway Schooling Show II

Early  Sunday morning, January 30th we opened the barn doors, turned on the arena lights and took our posts  as we prepared to begin our largest show to date. We were ready to spend the day competing under the watchful eye of  judge Debbie Mars. Kevin Goyena was our announcer, Ricky Todd managed the backgate, Julie Sanborn acted as Show Secretary and Ana assisted with Coaching. This allowed Corey, Krista and I to  make sure everything ran well. The temperature was a little chilly as the day began, but there were heaters and warm places for spectators to enjoy  a cup of coffee while watching the competition and by late morning the sun had arrived. Some riders spent their down time playing Foos Ball in the lobby and Dads enjoyed reading the Sunday papers while lounging on the couch.

The local support was very much appreciated as 37 horses  from Thumbs Up Farm, Potcreek Meadow Farm, Farpoint Farm, Redgate Farm, Sabrina Hirsch Training, Twin Maples Farm , Magnolia Ridge Training and Archway particiapted  in classes throughout the day.

Everyone had ample opportunity to school their horses prior to each height section which allowed a nice flow to the day. Some attended the morning session and others joined us in the afternoon. As the day came to a close and the horses were loaded into trailers each barn travelled home with the their share of wins. We headed home feeling good that we had done our best to make the day a success.

Here are a couple of comments from the attending barns:

"We had a great time and appreciated how well run everything was!" Sabrina Hirsch

"The footing is great and the horses love the size of the ring." Denise Youell

"I am looking forward to attending again." Suzy Huizenga

"These shows offer a great service to the area." Jeff Anthony

We look forward to hosting the Hunter/Equitation Show III on February 13th and  our Long/Short Stirrup Show on March 13th.

Corey and I enjoy being able to share our facility and host these events to enrich our NW area. We are dedicated to providing an opportunity to prepare horses and riders for the NW show season and our success is determined by your continued support.  We hope to see YOU at the next Show!

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2010 WSHJA Awards Banquet

I am up very early this morning and I chose to brew a cup of Zen Tea, I feel a wave of inspiration taking place so get ready for a little dose of my sappy insight.  I recall the first Awards Banquet we attended like it was yesterday. Our family owned a Palomino welsh gelding named Zippety doo Dah, we carted him around in our little red trailer to all the local shows and Corey began her career riding in the 10 and under Equitation. Ricardo and I scraped up the money to take Corey and Krista to our first Awards Banquet. As they announced the awards to Corey's surprise she won 8th Place! I will never forget how excited she was to receive that award and I remember the light in Krista's eye as she dreamed of the day she would be standing proudly with her future awards. This was the beginning of a yearly ritual that we have done since 1987.

We had a wonderful celebration of accomplishments last night while attending the WSHJA Annual Awards Banquet. Each year we look forward to removing our helmets, boots and spurs and putting on our dresses, makeup and heels to spend quality time with our extended family to celebrate the year. Sitting at our table each year watching our students walk on stage to accept their awards, I am amazed at how quickly they grow and mature into these magnificent people and feel proud that we, in a small way, are allowed to be part of  their journey. This is a wonderful time to reflect and guage where we have come and what we have learned. It is also a time to begin to set new goals and plot a course to the next phase of who we are to become. At the close of the evening we displayed all our winnings out  for a group photo, Corey just sat herself down in the middle of  all the awards our team had won and enjoyed the moment. In the midst of all the glitter and lights there is always one common bound we share and that my friends is a deep rooted, timeless love for a horse. I for one, am looking forward to what life lessons our horses and  2011 have  to offer.

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Wishing the Best of Luck!!

We at Archway, would like to Congratulate the following horses and ponies on their new homes and hope their new rider's enjoy them as much as we have.

We wish you continued success in the 2011 show season!

Other quality horses still available for Sale and Lease.

The Games We Play

During family gatherings, as we sit down to dinner we each give our low and high of the day. We do our low first and then our high because this always leaves us focusing on what is good in our lives. This is a wonderful technique to really look back and see how everyday, every week, every month, every year has many wonderful moments. Maybe it is just that instant, with family, at dinner; maybe you had a great lesson or show day; maybe someone showed you kindness or gave you a compliment. Whatever it may be, it always rises above the low and somehow puts us back on track. 2010 was a year for many changes here at Archway. It is what we tag as a transitional year. You know what I am talking about, one of those years you must travel through to get to a better place. A time where at every turn there seemed to appear a new challenge to test our strength, devotion, integrity and faith, asking the question "are you on the right path?"  and allowing us to realize that we can survive through it all. A year where long time friends (Human and Equine) moved on and we are finding it has made room for new and exciting friendships.

I have a saying that these times build character and humility but don't you think we have enough character already!!

We would like to invite you to respond to this blog and share your Low/High for the year, we would love to hear from you. In the meantime, allow me to share a few of my favorite moments from 2010.

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May your 2011 be so filled with  so many Highs that it is like a balloon filled with helium lifting you high in the sky.

Merry Christmas from all of us at Archway:-)

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Holiday Gathering

During our Saturday Rotation Archway Elves (Moms and Dads) set up for our Holiday Gathering. As our extended family arrived, the lobby and viewing area filled with the warmth of holiday cheer. There was a peaceful flow of  bright smiling faces carrying wonderful treats to taste and  fancy carrots lovingly bunched for the horses.

We watched as horses and riders tested their skills on course and  the audience enjoyed casual conversations. It was a wonderful change of pace from our normal extravaganza and allowed us to reflect on the things that make Archway such a special place to be....the Horses!

Reflections of an Archway Thanksgiving

It all began with a drastic drop in temperature, the sky turned a funny color, sounds seemed muffled and the flakes began their journey to the earth. It is hard to describe the beauty and serenity as the snow begins to stick and the earth is transformed. Once the snow had laid down its white blanket we are offered one of two options; stress about how it will be an inconvenience in our regimented lives or embrace its beauty along with its unique challenges. We eventually decided to choose the latter.

We tried to pretend the snow would not affect our activities here at the barn and although we fought it as best we could by Tuesday morning the storm had won us over. The temperature had dropped to 17 degrees and we knew we had our chores cut out for us as we began our day. Julie and Ana decided not to test the icy roads, so the residents would have to get to work. There were pipes to protect, horses to ride, paths to clear, horses to groom, warm water to be carried, horses to turnout.....ok you get the picture. As Corey, Payton, Natalie, Jenna and Krista bundled up in their cold weather gear, out they bravely went to exercise as many horses as possible before the sun and temperatures began to drop. Our arena is partially open and although we enjoy a beautiful view, the air was icy  against their faces which added  one more element in the battle to stay warm. As I managed the office I heard a lot of giggling and chatting, this seems to be part of the camaraderie that comes from a group working together in tough conditions. They went through their share of hand and toe warmers because, as you riders out there know, your feet and fingers take a beating in the boots and gloves  worn while riding!

Once the riding was done,  extra blankets were added  and we fed a sloppy, warm, salty mash; we left the barn with a cozy feeling that our horses were comfortable and grateful for our efforts that day.

Wednesday was a repeat of Tuesday, we had more help and were able to get all the horses exercised. We really appreciate how everyone pitched in and got the job done. As the day came to an end we were ready for a day of celebration, food and giving thanks!

This year Corey and I decided to have  our loyal barn staff take Thanksgiving afternoon off to spend an evening relaxing and enjoying themselves. As the three o'clock feeding time arrived Corey, Payton and I, along with two Jack Russels and a Cavalier bundled up to head down to the barn, horses were very quiet and happy as we opened the barn door.  We fed them hay, our salty mash and added warm water to their buckets, as the doors closed we  told them we would be back at 6:00 and headed to the house to add the finishing touches to our Thanksgiving meal. After Dinner it was back down to the barn for the final feed, it was a wonderful way to finish our day of Thanks and express our gratitude to these wonderful creatures who are part of our lives.

I hope that your Thanksgiving was as filling in the heart and tummy as ours was here at Archway!!

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