Brian Hafner Dressage Clinic This Sunday!

Brian Hafner

Brian Hafner is an international FEI dressage competitor who is an Elite "A" list rider.  He is a USDF Bronze, Silver, & Gold medalist and a US team member in the 2014 and 2015 Nation's Cups. Originally from Minnesota, Brian now trains out of Golden Oak Farm in Sonoma County, California.

Brian is known for his effective and calm manner with horses and riders. He is coming to Trinity Creek Farm in Greenfield, MN this Sunday December 27th.  Auditing is FREE!  Questions?  Contact Paula.

Brian Hafner & Lombardo

Have you been looking for your dream farm?  Browse www.donavin.com for listings of horse properties and hobby farms for sale in the greater Twin Cities metro area.

Lastly, Happy Holidays everyone!  - Ingrid :)

Groundwork Workshop with Michael Sparling this Saturday!

Have you been struggling with your horse's ground manners? Whatever your challenges, Michael Sparling can help you develop a more harmonious relationship with your horse.  

He is offering a 2-hour workshop at Dakota Stables in Northfield, MN this Saturday November 21. The workshop will be from 9 am to 11 am and will focus on groundwork preparing a horse for riding with confidence and lightness. 

The cost to participate $70. Auditing is also welcome - only $10!

Looking for your dream farm?  Browse horse properties and hobby farms for sale in the greater Twin Cities metro area at www.donavin.com.

Paul Belasik clinic at U of M this weekend!

Paul Belasik is a well-known classical dressage rider, trainer, and instructor who has competed to the Grand Prix level internationally. He began his equestrian career as an eventer before focusing on dressage. He has learned from dressage masters such as Nuno Oliveira.  

Now he trains out of Pennsylvania Riding Academy at Lost Hollow Farm. His training encompasses the physical, scientific, artistic, and philosophical aspects of riding and he is well-known for centering in on rider position.

Paul Belasik is returning to the Twin Cities for a clinic Saturday and Sunday November 21-22 to be held at the Leatherdale Equine Center at the U of M. While rider spots are full, auditing is encouraged!

Auditing is $50 both days for CSDEA members and $60 for non-members.  Just Saturday or Sunday is $30 for CSDEA members, $35 for non-members. Look here for more details from the flyer and registration pages. Contact Sheri with questions.

Have you always wanted to keep your horses at home?  Check out www.donavin.com for horse properties for sale in the greater Twin Cities area.

It's Time for the CSDEA Tack Swap!

Looking for great deals in new and used tack, equipment, and all things horse-related? You're in luck because the Central States Dressage & Eventing Association (CSDEA) is holding their Annual Fall Tack Swap this Saturday, November 7th at the White Bear Lake Armory. The sale opens at 11 am and runs until 1:30 pm. Get there early as there is sure to be a long line!

Have items to sell at the sale? Consignment items can be dropped off the morning of the sale from 7:30 am to 9:45 am at the White Bear Lake Armory (2228 4th St.) OR early drop off is Friday November 6th from 12 noon to 6 pm at St. Croix Saddlery (5525 141st St. N. in Hugo just 5 minutes north).  

Have fun shopping and support local pony clubs! The 15% commission on sale items goes to Rising Sun & Croixside Pony Clubs & Rolling Hills Estate Pony Club Riding Center, as well as the CSDEA. 

Questions about the Tack Swap? Contact Kathy.

St. Croix Saddlery is also having the Horse Lover's Day sale on Saturday 10 am to 5 pm AND new this year, they're doing a pre-sale the day before during the early drop-off. Nearly everything in the store is on sale, plus fun prizes, and specials deals on certain items. Call the store with questions - 651-426-0831

Would you rather save up to own your dream farm? Look at horse properties and hobby farms for sale in the greater Twin Cities metro area at www.donavin.com 

Lee Tubman clinic at Pegasus Circle Farm this weekend!

Lee Tubman is teaching a clinic at Pegasus Circle Farm in Mankato this weekend, November 6-8. 

Lee Tubman is an international dressage Grand Prix competitor and trainer.  He is currently long-listed for the Canadian Olympic team and trains out of Wellington, FL. He competes Delight, his 11-year-old Hanoverian by De Niro in Grand Prix.

Lee Tubman riding with Robert Dover

Pegasus Circle Farm offers a sand 60' x 200' outdoor dressage arena, a 60' x 120' sand/rubber footing indoor arena with mirrors, a grass jump field, and a grass track for conditioning.

Dressage outdoor arena at Pegasus Circle Farm

Here is the schedule for the clinic, which runs Friday evening through Sunday early afternoon. Auditing is free! Questions? Contact KT.

Have you always wanted to own your own farm? Check out hobby farms and horse properties for sale in the Twin Cities metro area at www.donavin.com

Karen Lee Clinic at Apple Treat Stables this weekend!

Apple Treat Stables, minutes west of I-35 at Hwy 19 in Northfield, MN

Karen Lee, a USDF Bronze and Silver medalist dressage trainer, is coming to Apple Treat Stables in Northfield, MN, this weekend for a dressage clinic. As of yesterday, there was even an open riding spot both days!  Rides are $80 each or $140 for both days. Contact Mary to sign up. Auditors also welcome!

Karen Lee

Karen Lee trains out of Hay River Equestrian in west central Wisconsin. She is an L level dressage judge as well.  Her teaching style is practical and systematic and focused on both horse and rider being relaxed. 

Apple Treat Stables' indoor arena which is fully insulated and heated

Looking for your own stable or hobby farm?  Check out www.donavin.com

Ivory Hills is Hosting a Dressage & Jumping Schooling Show!

Dressage in the outdoor at Ivory Hills Stable

If you're looking for a local schooling show to watch this weekend, be sure to check out the annual Ivory Hills Stable Schooling Show this Saturday October 17.

Jim Hatch will be the judge at this show taking place in Wilson, Wisconsin at the lovely Ivory Hills Stable. Classes include dressage through Second Level, western dressage, equitation, and jumping through 3'6".  Go here to look at the prize list.

Western Dressage rider at Ivory Hills Stable

The classes will be held outdoors weather-permitting and the current forecast is for sunny with a high of 48. There will even be a lunch stand on the grounds!

You might even catch a glimpse at this adorable foal!

Have you always wanted to have your horses at home?  Browse www.donavin.com to see horse properties and hobby farms for sale in the Twin Cities metro area.

MN Harvest Horse Show This Weekend!

Minnesota Harvest Grand Prix

The Minnesota Harvest Horse Show is longest-running indoor exclusively hunter/jumper show in the country. With classes ranging from leadline to Grand Prix jumpers, the show is the place to be this week!  The week-long show culminates in the $25,000 Grand Prix in the Coliseum Saturday night at 7:30 pm which draws up to 6,000 spectators. Did you know that the winningest rider won $115,000 over the years winning the Grand Prix? And that one horse (Tretorn) won 3 times? For more fun facts, take a look at this blog post.

A Grand Prix competitor

Admission to the Grand Prix is $14 at the door, $12 if purchased online before noon on Saturday October 10. Admission to the show for the rest of the week is free.  

A lead-line competitor

For a description of the differences between the various types of classes (working hunter, hunt seat equitation, and jumper), go here.  For a complete schedule of the entire show, go here.  

George, a former eventer now at This Old Horse

This Old Horse, an organization which provides forever homes for older horses, will be doing an exhibition at 5:30 pm on Friday October 9th. In the exhibition 3 senior horses will show that they've still got it!

There are also many vendors to enjoy equestrian shopping, including St. Croix Saddlery. Stop by the show to cheer on local hunter/jumper riders, to check out what's new in the vendor booths, and to spend time outside this glorious fall!

Go to www.donavin.com to browse horse properties and hobby farms for sale in the greater Twin Cities metro area.

Rocking R Schooling Show tomorrow

If you're more in the mood to watch a show with cross country as well as dressage, jumping and western dressage classes, Rocking R Farm is also hosting a schooling show tomorrow Sunday October 4th. Here is the showbill for a complete list of classes and here is the schedule.

Rocking R Farm's 70 x 150 indoor arena

Classes will be held in their fully insulated indoor arena with mirrors and dust-free footing as well as their outdoor arena and their cross country course.

Rocking R Farm's 70 x 200 outdoor arena

Have you always wanted to own your own horse property? Browse www.donavin.com to look at acreage, hobby farms, and equestrian facilities for sale in the Twin Cities greater metro area.

Fun Schooling Show at Wrisky Ranch tomorrow!

Wrisky Ranch in Prescott, WI, is hosting a fun schooling show tomorrow Sunday October 4th. Classes include dressage through training level or by request, rail classes, jumping classes, western classes and fun classes like bareback riding, egg & spoon, and bobbing for apples.  Registration opens at 7 am, with classes beginning at 9 am.

There will also be a tack swap and consignment sale the same day, running from 9 am to 4 pm. Items can be dropped off from 7-9 am or the day before.

Have you always wanted to look out your window to see your horses grazing?  Check out hobby farms and horse properties for sale at www.donavin.com

Lisa Fergguson clinic this weekend!

Lisa Fergusson

There may still be openings for the Lisa Fergusson clinic this weekend. Saturday will be dressage and stadium at Farm du Cheval in Scandia, Minnesota. Sunday will be dressage and cross country at Carriage House Farm in Hugo, Minnesota. 

Yesterday, there was an open spot for Beginner Novice/Novice for stadium and cross country only (dressage lessons are full).  The cost is $180. 

Contact Jean to for forms to register or with any questions.

Check out www.donavin.com for listings of hobby farms and equestrian facilities for sale.

Clinic & Show at Focused Riding this weekend!

Cross-country schooling at Focused Riding Center

Focused Riding Center in Hager City, Wisconsin, is hosting a Saturday clinic and Sunday schooling show this weekend. Saturday will be jumping in groups of 2-3 for 60-90 minutes. Dressage ride-a-test also available by request. Clinic participation is $50/ride.  

Here is the entry form for the clinic. Questions? Contact Jane Braddock.

Although entries have closed for the schooling show on Sunday, visitors are welcome. Classes include over fences, rail classes, and derby classes, ranging from 18" to 3'3".  Here is the list of classes for the schooling show.

Focused Riding stadium jumping

Are you looking for your dream farm?  Browse www.donavin.com to look at hobby farms and horse properties for sale in the greater Twin Cities metro area.

9731 230th St., Lakeville, MN 55044

Check out this updated farmhouse on 15+ acres in Lakeville! The 3-bedroom, 3-bath farmhouse was originally built in 1935 and has its own pond, gorgeous mature trees, a 2-stall barn, and a carriage house with upstairs apartment. There are a total of 2,069 sq. ft. and 6 garage spaces!

There's a lovely 4-season porch overlooking the backyard and pond.

33' x 66' barn has 2 box stalls, an enclosed tackroom/office (currently set up as a bunkhouse), and plenty of storage for hay, shavings, & equipment.

Acres of fields could be home to your horses and you could grow your own hay too!

Backyard pond invites wildlife and is surrounded by evergreens and deciduous trees.

The backyard is well-shaded by these stunning trees which are perfect for climbing!

For more photos of the interior of the house and the barn, go to the virtual tour.

Aerial shot of the property, go here for an aerial video

Not quite what you're looking for?  Go to www.donavin.com to search other hobby farms and horse properties for sale in the greater Twin Cities metro area.

Allison Springer at North Brook tomorrow for a clinic!

Allison Springer, photo by Sherry Steward

North Brook Eventing Center in Stillwater, MN is hosting Allison Springer for a one-day clinic tomorrow September 27th. Allison Springer is a 4* international eventing competitor and level 4 United States Eventing Association (USEA) certified instructor. She excels at improving the rider-horse partnership and providing training tools for success. Riders will be grouped according to level: Beginner Novice-Intermediate.  

Questions? Email Jan.

North Brook Eventing Center

Are you waiting for your dream farm to come on the market? Maybe it's here! Check out www.donavin.com to look at hobby farms and horse properties for sale in the greater metro area of the Twin Cities.

Hunter Schooling Show this Saturday!

Carriage House Farm in Hugo, MN is hosting a hunter schooling show this Saturday September 26, 2015. The show is the last in the Red Pine Horse Show Association 2015 series.  Classes range from walk-trot equitation to poles to 2'9". They are divided by divisions including rookie, beginner rider, green as grass, and open. Here is the entry form with a list of classes and rules.

Come on out and cheer on local riders!  Food will be available on-site.  

Looking for your own horse property?  Check out www.donavin.com to browse hobby farms for sale in the greater Twin Cities metro area.

Dressage & Eventing horse shows this weekend!

Otter Creek Farm's cross country course

Otter Creek Farm in Wheeler, WI, is hosting their annual Fall Horse Trials this weekend. Tomorrow, Saturday is the cross country day and Sunday will be stadium jumping. Here are the ride times listed by rider. If you live in the Twin Cities metro area and haven't been to Otter Creek Farm, you really must see it!  Nestled into the hills, the property is beautiful and secluded and meticulously maintained.  The weather is supposed to be lovely and sunny this weekend, so make plans to go and cheer on local eventing riders! Be sure to check out St. Croix Saddlery's trailer full of equipment, apparel, and everything horse-related for fun shopping while you're there!

Can't make it to Otter Creek or is dressage more your thing? The CSDEA (Central States Dressage & Eventing Association) is hosting the Dressage Festival and Championships this weekend at the Washington County Fairgrounds in Lake Elmo, MN.  Here is the list of classes and schedule for the weekend.  Saturday includes the Team Challenge where 3 horse/rider combinations tally their scores to compete. Saturday night will be the Festival Under the Stars with freestyle rides, quadrilles, vaulting demonstrations, and other fun performances.  Sunday will be the championships at each level from Training level to FEI.

The author and Elena de la Vega competing
at Northern Lights Dressage Show at Washington Co. Fairgrounds

Whatever you have planned this weekend, go to www.donavin.com to look at new horse properties and hobby farms for sale in the greater Twin Cities area.

8th Annual Trainer's Challenge this Saturday!

MHARF Nike, 2010 Mustang gelding

The MN Hooved Animal Rescue Foundation is putting on their 8th Annual Trainer's Challenge of the Unwanted Horse this Saturday at the Leatherdale Equine Center at the U of M, St. Paul campus.  17 horses are students of this year's trainers and they will be competing for grand champion of the event.  The trainers demonstrate all they have trained their horses to do. Some of the classes which will be judged include halter, pleasure, obstacle/trail, vet & farrier behavior, & a freestyle class! There are even awards for the best groomed horse, the best blog showcasing the course of training, and a people's choice award.

MHARF Blackberry, 2005 stock-type mare

The ultimate goal is that all of these horses, having received a solid training foundation, will find their forever homes at the event. The photos in this blog are just a few of the horses competing for the trainer's challenge this year. Read all about them here. You can find information on all of the horses available for adoption through MHARF here. If you're interested in adopting a horse, go here to read more about the process.

MHARF Bug, 2010 creme red dun mare

Doors open at 8:30 am on Saturday morning Sept. 19th with the festivities to begin approximately at 9:30 am. Admission is only $5/person or bring in canned goods to donate to a local food shelf.


Support a great cause and local trainers and come out to watch this fun event!  It's amazing what time and training can bring out in these diamond in the rough horses!

MHARF Esme, 2009 stock type mare

Already have the horse of your dreams but still need the dream barn?  Go to www.donavin.com to browse horse properties and hobby farms for sale in the greater Twin Cities metro area.

19195 30th St., Winsted, MN 55396

Aerial view of the property

This stunning custom-built ranch house is located on 10+ acres in Winsted, MN.  With 4,346 sq. ft. full of features like cherry wood detailing, stone fireplaces, and 16' vaulted ceilings, this beauty won't last long on the market!  The 4 bedroom, 3 bath home also boasts 4 box stalls, a 4-stall garage/shop, and an attached heated garage.

The barn has an attached paddock complete with a shelter and hay feeders along the fence. The stalls have automatic waterers and honeycomb matting allowing for draining.  There's extra room for hay or equipment storage or additional stalls.

Across the driveway is the extra large garage for storage of trailers, tractors, and farm equipment.

The patio boasts a brick inlaid fire pit for enjoying bonfires on cool autumn evenings.

Imagine enjoying this view relaxing in the hammock overlooking the fire pit.

The ranch-style home front, showing the meticulous landscaping and overhanging roof.

More landscaping and tiling around the home.

View from the gourmet kitchen into the great room with vaulted ceilings and huge windows and stone fireplace.

Even the mud room/laundry room has gorgeous tiling and cherry wood detailing!

Work out in this exercise room with rubber mats

For more views of the property including the outdoor riding arena, the walk-in stone shower with horse shoe hangers, and the master bedroom with its own stone fireplace, check out the YouTube video, the virtual tour, and the website.

Not quite what you're looking for? Browse www.donavin.com to check out other hobby farms and horse properties for sale in the greater Twin Cities metro area.