For all those joining in on our Thriller routine at the party...

GET READY FOR THE HOLIDAY PARTY LIP SYNC  FINALE!First rehearsal December 6th at noon in the arena.

Here is a link to an abbreviated version that fellow equestrian Kevin Goyena participated in.   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GyVMnzSdh3U

There are many other YouTube videos that have the basic steps down.  We will be doing an abbreviated version (the entire song is 5:12) so if you get familierized with the basic moves you should have a lot of fun.  Remember THIS IS A FUN FINALE so if you just want to dress up and jump around that's fine.  There will be a few core dancers so don't be SHY!

We will be having a rehearsal this Saturday, December 6th at the barn.  Noon - 1:00pm.  Come dressed warm and casual and be ready to rock!

Go check out your closet - any old ripped jeans?   have fun with your costume!

Holiday news

Well, the holidays are upon us.  We're working on our holiday decorations and of course,  our PARTY! Invitations went out, beautifully and creatively designed by Julie Sanborn. Watch your mailbox!  This year the festivities begin at 2:0pm Sunday, December 13th.  Have you got your lip sync choreographed yet?

We will also hold our famous Silent Auction, sure to be full of exciting pre-Christmas gift giving ideas.

As a finale to our Lip Sync extravaganza,  we invite everyone to join in for a group performance of Michael Jackson's Thriller!

More information to come.  There will be a group rehearsal for the Thriller finale sometime the week before.  For information or if you would like to help party-plan contact Robin at the office.

Get your party clothes ready!

Almost home

We heard about the weather over the past week there at home. Sounds like typical Washington wind and rain.  We have been assured all the horses are fine under the wonderful guidance of Krista, Corey, Robin, Valeri and Julie.  Of course we knew the horses would be in great hands as we travelled to Akumal, Mexico for a much-anticipated vacation.  We spent days walking the beach and exploring Chichen Itza and the Mayan Ruins. Alas, our respite is now over and we should be heading back as you read this.  We are rested and can't wait to get back and jump into the holiday season!

Clare & Ricardo

Corey's post // musings on the Maclay class

After our 2:30am school in the show ring we went back to the hotel to retire to bed at around 4am.  Then back up at 5am to get to the show for a 6am course walk.  Hannah and Leslie arrived early as well so Hannah could walk the course with us.  The back gate was a mob of riders all looking for their copy of the course.  After the walk we retired to the stands to watch the first horse go at 6:30am.  Dave was kind enough to make our Starbucks round for us.  Thank goodness for Starbucks!! We needed the caffeine after practically pulling an all nighter. After the first 15 horses went I headed to the barn to get on Parker for a hack.  When I felt confident that he was quiet enough for his class we headed back to wash legs and clean him up.  Coach/rider/professional groom all in one. :)  I got the call from Clare giving me an update where they were in the order and that it was time for Amanda to get on.  Amanda and I got Parker ready and walked down the parking garage ramps to the 1st floor.  (We were on the 3rd).  Out to the sidewalk in the stormy weather and into the warm-up ring.

After a very good school we headed over to the next building where the show ring is.  At the backgate we patiently await for the blue curtains to open before entering the ring.  Amanda was very calm and cool, if she was nervous you could not tell.  I think being on Parker, her reliable mount for 3 years, gave her the confidence she needed to go in and get the job done the best she could.  Parker went into the ring impressed and ears perked but went right to work.  He was late to get his eye on jump 3 and a little rough at the oxer in front of the judge but was solid every where else.  He boldly jumped the big ASPCA wall jump away from the gate.  Amanda was very pleased coming out of the ring and proud of her horse for doing the job she needed him to do.

We finished watching the rest of the class and then stayed to watch the World Cup Qualifier Grand Prix.  That didn't start till 7pm and eventhough we were all exhausted we were very excited to watch this class.  After watching the the Grand Prix we went back to the hotel at around 9:30pm.  A little late night room service and packing our suitcases we retired to bed at around 11pm.  Back up at 3:30am to get to the airport for a 5:30am flight.  Parker got on the van to head to the airport at 4am and he arrived in Seattle on his flight at 6pm.  We arrived in Seattle at 10:30 am and looked forward to a little R & R.

As always a crazy schedule and not much sleep but an adventure that is well worth it.  So the question is "who is going next year?"

Zazou Hoffman wins the 2009 ASPCA Maclay National Championships

Syracuse, NY - October 31, 2009 - The 2009 ASPCA Maclay National Championships have come to a close, and it was 17-year-old Zazou Hoffman of Santa Monica, CA, who prevailed through three rounds to win this year's coveted equitation final. The ASPCA Maclay National Championships are the highlight event of the 126th National Horse Show. The 126th National Horse Show is featured at the Syracuse Invitational Sporthorse Tournament, which holds jumpers classes through Sunday, November 1 in the War Memorial at the Oncenter Complex in Syracuse, NY. In the first round of competition, 150 riders were tested on a course designed by the judges, Bill Moroney of Middleburg, VA, and Jack Towell of Camden, SC, in cooperation with course designer Richard Jeffery of Dorset, England. The course featured an option two-stride and multiple opportunities to make inside turns. The riders who rode the course smoothly, out-of-stride, and with style were the ones called back in the top 30 to test on the flat. Three groups of 10 were tested, and from there the judges called back the top 24 riders for a second round over fences.

The top 24 returned in the following order, with Samantha Harrison of La Canada, CA, called back on top.

1. 18 Hayley Barnhill 2. 83 Michael Hughes 3. 53 Laura King 4. 29 Tina DiLandri 5. 40 Hasbrouck Donovan 6. 106 Victoria Birdsall 7. 95 Lillie Keenan 8. 57 Samantha Schaefer 9. 90 Molly Braswell 10. 136 Julianna Richardson 11. 47 Quincy Hayes 12. 139 Lucy Davis 13. 1 Amber Henter 14. 99 Christy DeStefano 15. 129 Chase Boggio 16. 76 Christina Lin 17. 132 Sara Green 18. 142 Morgan Hale 19. 147 Alexandra Arute 20. 21 Jennifer Waxman 21. 77 Laura Pfeiffer 22. 145 Catherine Pasmore 23. 131 Zazou Hoffman 24. 69 Samantha Harrison

The course for the second round was a unique design, with 12 jumps available for riders to make their own nine-fence course. The trot jump was required, as was a hand gallop to a fence of their choice. Judge Jack Towell explained, "Years ago Ronnie Mutch had done that, so I give him credit for that. We didn't have a course made up ourselves. I thought everybody did a fantastic job." Moroney added, "That was the beauty of the second round. Every rider could create a course that best showed off their strengths and their horses and hid their weaknesses, hopefully. They're learning to be horsemen."

Hoffman chose to take turns off the left lead, which is Ivy's strength, and to keep everything moving forward and fluid.

Hoffman explained, "I tried to do as much as I could off the left. It's my better lead on Ivy. I kept it open and flowing and did things that would make sense. I didn't take too many ridiculous risks. I hand galloped the brush jump because I was less likely to have a rail there. The rest just worked out."

Third place finisher Morgan Hale explained her decisions on course, including why she did the trot jump first. "My horse jumps really well off the right lead, so we did a lot of right leads and kept it more flowing. We wanted to get the trot jump over with and out of the way!"

The judges made the decision to call back four riders for a test after the second round. The test included a broken line, two rollbacks to oxers, and a bending line down the long side of the ring to finish. While the test looked relatively simple, the catch was that the riders had to do this without stirrups.

The first rider called back was Samantha Harrison on Triple Lutz. Harrison had a smooth round, but had several rubs at the jumps.

Following her was Hale of Odessa, FL, on Urco. Hale had a very solid test and performed a nice slice across the third jump after the first rollback. "We definitely do a lot without stirrups, and I'm really tight, so I felt like this was an advantage for me," Hale admitted. "I felt like I rode really well."

Hale's trainer, Don Stewart, noted, "I really felt like she was knocking at the door. She had two solid rounds last week (in Washington). She was called back tenth in the Medal Finals, and she ribboned in our (ASPCA Maclay) Regionals. She's been very consistent, and I thought it was all going to happen for her today, which it did."

Fifteen-year-old Chase Boggio of Canton, GA, was next in on Golou II. While he had some slight rubs, his body stayed quiet, his leg was solid, and his pace never wavered.

In addition to today's second place finish, Boggio won the North American Equitation Championship at the Capital Challenge Horse Show, was seventh in the USEF Medal Finals, and placed second in the WIHS Equitation Classic Finals. However, those ribbons were on his usual horse Graphiq. Today, he rode Golou II, owned by Horizon Hill Farm.

He spoke of his decision to ride a new horse and said, "The Lubranos lent me their really great horse, so I took that opportunity. It was the first time I've ever shown him. Today was only the third day I've jumped him around a course. It just felt great to keep putting in consistent round after consistent round."

The last to test was Hoffman, who had to feel the pressure of being on top. Hoffman placed third in the National Championships last year, and this was her last competition as a junior rider. She and Ivy, the horse she rode last year, performed a smooth test and made the work without stirrups look very easy. The crowd erupted after she jumped the final fence, but she would have to wait for the awards presentation, and the countdown of the top ten riders, before she knew the outcome.

On riding without stirrups, Hoffman said, "I wasn't too concerned. We do enough of that at home, but Ivy does have a big enough jump that it could have been bad!"

Hoffman and Ivy showed sparingly together this year while Hoffman qualified for the most part on other horses like Catwoman, who Laura Pfeiffer showed tonight to fifth place. Hoffman feels that she and Ivy have a special relationship. "Ivy is just amazing. He's the coolest horse I've ever ridden. Missy owns him and he's a little older, but he still feels amazing and perfect. He has such a great canter and the best rhythm. I get along with him great. He's a little bit more sensitive, and he doesn't need much leg. He's really soft and has a great jump," she described.

The judges rewarded Hoffman's style and consistency with the honor of winning the longest-running and most historical of the equitation finals. She said through tears, "It's unreal. It's nice to see that I've improved that much over last year. I was just so excited that it finally happened and that I finally did it."

Hoffman trains with Missy Clark, John Brennan, and Kristy McCormack at North Run and spends much of her time on the East Coast as a working student. The North Run team was in tears when Hoffman was announced as the winner. Clark said, "I'm so thrilled for Zazou. She's worked so hard. She's such a great worker and really devoted to the whole part of horsemanship. It isn't just about riding for her. It's the whole picture, which is really refreshing and unusual. She's in the barn working all day. She really deserves it, and I'm very proud of her."

Judge Bill Moroney pointed out that Hoffman made smart decisions that eventually put her to the top of their list. He commented, "She was consistent. In the second round, she created a course that suited her horse. They had a shot to show off, and it did change the order a bit. That's what we liked about her. She continued to ride forward. She didn't get overly conservative and try to play it safe." ~reprinted from the Phelps Media Group Press release.

Syracuse // getting ready for the Maclay

We had an action packed day. Headed out at 7:30am to watch the Juniors, had a good time, met up with Dave and he began documenting the trip. (follows us around with the video camera).  We had to wait for the hunters to finish before Parker could move in. So there we were running around bugging the stall attendants until,  just to get us out of their hair,  they let the truck pull up on the street and unload Parker. Oh did I mention that we are The Grooms! Amanda was able to ride and bathe before heading to the 4:00pm Riders Meeting. Luck was with us and we were not in the dreaded top ten, we drew 97 out of 151. Back up to finish  taking care of Parker and then to the hotel for a relaxing dinner. In bed by 8:30 because we leave the hotel at 1.30am for a 2:30am practice ride in the ring. We hope to get back for a nap at 3:30am and back to the show for a 6:00am walk. We are tired but excited for tomorrow. We anticipate Amanda will go around 7am Seattle time. Send us positive energy and watch live on the internet at  http://www.equestriansport.tv/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1

[Photo here and above] Our insistant questions for the ever-patient Kevin, stall assignment employee.

Dave, the videographer

Hotel view of the horse crossing.

Walk from the parking garage 'barn' to the arena.

One end of the arena. The fact this arena is small, increases the difficulty of the course.

The arena.

Central Valley New York-day two

I've heard news from the East that the outlet mall is now a bit richer, thanks to a shopping spree by three unknown Westerners! Day two at the farm in upstate New York started with an early morning lesson by Amanda on Parker.  After that the three drove to upstate New York to the Vanderbilt Mansion for a tour of opulence and history.  As you can see in the photo sent for this blog,  it's raining much harder than here.  Clare said that if the rain would stop the colors would be stunning.  Let's hope for better weather in Syracuse,  their destination after a short plane ride in the morning.

Arrival in Newark, N.J.//first leg of Maclay finals journey

Clare, Amanda and I flew into Newark, NJ on Monday and drove to Central Valley, NY.  The drive was beautiful with all the trees showing their fall colors. Vibrant reds, yellows and greens along with all the shades in between. Their fall is definitely further along then ours at home. After a couple of Toll Highways and an hours drive we made it to the hotel. Tuesday morning we woke up with our first goal being to find a Starbucks. Glanced out the window and saw it was raining. Found out I was the only one to pack a raincoat. Hmm, how can that be?  Once we had our coffee and breakfast we were on our way to the farm where Parker is staying which was only a few miles from our hotel.  We arrived at a picturesque farm and found Parker in the first stall when we walked into the barn aisle.

Amanda got tacked up and on for a hack.  Parker was ready to get to work and start preparing for his big day on Saturday. Back tomorrow for a jumping lesson.  We will keep you all posted!!

Corey :)

Stunning entrance to the farm where Parker is staying.

Inside of the barn

Parker's home away from home.

Outside the barns

Congratulations Payton!!!!!

~BREAKING NEWS~  Payton finished 10th in the National Standings for the WCHR year end results (Pony Rider). WAY TO GO PAYTON and Serendipity!

Competition team Group photo // October 25, 2009

Thanks to all who came out for our very first  group Competition Team photo.  All 2009 competiton riders were invited.  My vision was to have all the riders, in full show attire, pose somewhere, with Autumn colors as a backdrop.   We will be using this photo for several advertisement campaigns in the upcoming months.  A big thank you to Jacquie also, for getting this shot in her Aspen Grove on her property.  I love the background it made! ~posted by Clare Warren ~

Archway Competition Team (riders competing in 2009)

Our horses have come into the country! // October 16, 2009

Our clients horses have come off the plane in great shape!  Arriving from Germany early today into the Los Angeles quarantine facilities, the four horses were happy and healthy!  Congratulations Melani, Hannah, Kelsey and Amanda!

This shows the 'pallet' or box that the horses travel in.  A pallet can fit 2 horses or 3 young ponies.  They fly on a cargo plane, i.e. Jet Pets and arrive at a facility specifically equipped to quarantine them. They travel in the plane with a groom and a veterinarian and usually take the flight in stride.

The geldings will travel by ground (professional hauler)  to the barn soon.  Hannah's horse,  since it is a mare over 2 years old,  will need to stay in quarantine for a few days until she is cleared for ground transport.

Thank you!!

I want to send out a special thanks to Julie, Ana and Josh Sanborn for decorating the lobby in it's festive fall theme! posted by Corey Smith

Archway client profile No. 1 // The Kerslake family

Welcome to our newest feature for our riders and their families.  Each month we will feature a family from one of our programs and allow you to get to know them better. The Kerslake (pronounced Kurrs / lake) family has been with Archway  for some time.  It began with Mali (pronounced Molly) when she attended pony camp almost 3 years ago.

Photo: Mom Lisa, dad Bob, Mali and Melani in Germany "horse hunting".

Mali was hooked on the ponies and Melani was already riding at another local barn.  While attending a local show they noticed Clare coaching her riders and immediately liked her professionalism sprinkled with the close "family" atmosphere of the barn.  As Bob explains "we are very social and we not only enjoy the social fabric of the barn, but also the strength of the programs and the trainers."

Mali has been riding in the Children's Pony division and hopes to move up to the Children's division with her sister's horse "Tilly"  this coming show season.  I'm guessing Melani has no problem sharing because they just got back from Germany with Clare & Cory and purchased a new horse for Melani there.

Melani's eyes light up as she offers "we haven't decided on a show name yet,  but his barn name will be Gunnar. We'll wait until he gets here to think of a show name."

A beautiful Hannovarian, bay gelding,  Gunnar will be Melani's equitation horse.  She has her sights set on qualifying for the Maclay Finals, as well as the other equitation finals in 2010.

The Kerslake's do many things as a family.  They even purchased a motorhome to travel to the shows in so that the entire family can stay on the showgrounds.  Bob drives the coach to the show and sets up and is at almost all the shows to cheer his girls on. Lisa comments "I love the convenience, and can't think of a single negative to having the motorhome, except that there's no maid or room service."

The family was not involved in horses before the girls began riding.  Lisa is the family CEO,  but was a hair stylist before that.  "She did everyone's hair in the family, my cousins and everyone"  Mali explains.

Bob owns an Insurance Claims Investigation Company and has helped the Archway team out with his expertise on all stuff insurance. (especially when the offices were damaged by the snow load this past winter).

The Kerslakes attend most of the local and away shows.  Their hospitality is geniune and never failing.  If you go past their motorhome the BBQ and tables are always out.  We can count on Lisa to donate lunches that are delicious and healthy and their dog Tobi is always ready and willing to play.

Tobi (he's bigger now)

Book selection // our own Dr. Salewski, DVM authors

Our dedicated Vet Dr Mike Salewski has written a Novel "Barn Politics"  under the pen name of Philip Marshall. I started reading it last weekend and I am hooked!! It is a great mystery set around the horse industry. Who would have guessed we had such a talented storyteller in our midst!! I am anxious for the time this weekend to finish the book and encourage everyone to run out and buy, I know it can be purchased on Amazon , Olson's and  the Gift Horse have some in stock, I believe he has scheduled some signings at the stores; enjoy reading now that the days are shorter and Fall has arrived. You can even write  a review on Amazon so get on out there and pick up your copy.Congratulations Mike and I will be waiting for the next one!!!

Clare

Holiday party

Hey riders....the holidays are right around the corner.  Have you started thinking/pondering your lip sync routine??  I am going to throw out an idea.  It sounds like there is quite a bit of interest, begging the circumstances of this year's untimely death of Michael Jackson,  to do Thriller. Would there be enough interest to possibly try and pull off an all-barn routine?  It could be the finale.  All would be invited.  The choroegraphy is easy to find on Youtube and participants could practice at home,  or in groups before?

Comments?  ideas?   post here on our blog.

posted by jmoore

Video link // USEF Hunt Seat Medal Finals

Here is the link to watch Amanda's rounds at the L.A. Invitational this past weekend.  Thanks Amanda for allowing us to post this on our blog.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6z1VxJXSfgU]

Amanda finishes top 10 in the USEF Pessoa Regional Finals

Corey and I woke up at 5:00am this morning and I felt pretty ready for the Finals class after winning the Equitation class yesterday. That made me happy because the weather was really really HOT!.  We got to the show(after Starbucks of course) at 6:30 to school in one of the rings. Parker was lazy on the flat but good over the jumps. We walked the course at 7:20 which consisted of a skinny verticle, natural airy jumps, and a very bending three stride.A lot of riders had difficulties in the course. In my first round, we had a couple minor off-distances and I received a score of 73.  Nothing major though. In our second round, our jumps were much better. We just had a hard rub at one of the fences and got a 74.5, with an overall average score of 73.75.  I was really happy when I found out the judge was Sue Ashe.  She's really tough! I felt a lot better after my second round. I was able to relax and watch the ride-off.  They brought the top 10 back to ride for ribbons, and I received 10th in my first ever USEF Pessoa Regional Finals! Out of 31 people!

I 'm so proud of Parker and so thankful for all the help and support from Clare, Corey, and Krista and my parents. I love you guys. Thanks everyone!!

Me and Corey!

post by Amanda M.

What is the ASPCA Maclay?

What is the Maclay National Championship?The ASPCA Maclay National Championship, will be held on October 31-November 4, 2009, at the Syracuse Invitational Sporthorse Tournament in Syracuse, NY.

The ASPCA Maclay, a championship class at the National Horse Show, was initiated in 1933 by Alfred B. Maclay, an ASPCA board member, accomplished horseman and president of the National Horse Show. Maclay conceived of a trophy that would inspire young riders to develop the best horsemanship skills and instill in them respect and compassion for their equine partners.

This hunt seat equitation class requires that all contestants jump a minimum of eight fences of at least 3'6 feet in height. In between, the horse must walk, trot and canter with style and poise. The ASPCA Maclay class is an equitation class open to any rider who has not reached their 18th birthday.  The rider and their trainer must be members of the ASPCA  and NHSAA.

How does a rider qualify for the National Maclay Finals:

ASPCA Maclay classes are held nationwide at the larger hunter/jumper shows and count as qualifiers for the ASPCA Maclay Regionals and the ASPCA Maclay National Championship. Riders enter and compete at these single qualifying classes throughout the show year  to earn enough points to  qualify to ride in their respective Region's Finals.

Each region has a specified number of points a rider must accumulate in order to qualify for their Regional Finals.  A rider from our Region needs 13 points.  Points are awarded for 1st through 4th placings only.  Depending on the number of entries,  the point system varies for each class.  The more riders,  the more points.

Their are eight Regions in the United States.  We fall into Region 7, or the Northwest Region.  This region includes AK, ID, MT, OR, WA, WY.  Riders who qualify (earn enough points) by placing in this class throughout the show year can declare that they will be riding in the Regional Finals, held at the Northwest Autumn Finals in Monroe Washington the 2nd week of September.  This class consists of a jumping course and a flat phase.  Sometimes the judges will bring in the top 4 to test a final time.

The NHS then accepts the top finishers from each Region's Finals to compete in the National Maclay Finals, held in Syracuse New York.  Again, each Region will differ slightly in the number of riders who become eligible from their Region's Finals.  Sometimes it is the top 3 riders who are invited,  sometimes it is more, depending on the percentage across the U.S. who accepts.

The National Horse Show invites 150 riders to enter the Maclay Finals. This class is  incredably difficult, both in the technical aspects of the course, as well as the emotional/physical aspects of how the class is held.

The riders are not allowed to ride in the arena until the night before the class.  Riders are assigned a time slot when they are allowed to school (no course is set at this time - just three plain warm-up fences).  The times range from 8pm through 1am the night/morning before the class.

For example, last year Amanda was assigned the 1am schooling time slot.  She napped in the hotel room before the schooling,  then rode for her 1/2 hour, went back to the room for a few hours of sleep and arrived at the show at 5am to walk the course.   The class began at 6:30am and went all day.  Whew!

For more information on the National Horse Show and the Maclay Finals go to www.nhs.org

For a bit of insight on last years course,  I have attached a picture of it and a link to an article that was written about it. (Jessica Springsteen won in 2008).

The Syracuse Sporthorse Invitationalhttp://www.hunterjumpernews.com/?p=5979

Northwest Autumn Finals // September 14, 2009

Happy Monday!

What a fabulous horse show! Everyone did a fabulous job/ horses were great! we love our horses! Send Jacquie your results/photos so she can place them on the website, we want to recognize all of you for your great accomplishments!!  Her email is jmoore@hollyhill.com

Clare

NW Autumn Classic // September 12, 2009

Boy...when Ana goes to get ice,  she GETS ICE!