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 

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.

Eventing Schooling Show at Roebke's Run on Saturday!

One of the many jumps at Roebke's Run -
photo from http://www.schweissstables.com/gallery.php

The schooling show this weekend at Roebke's Run is a fantastic way for eventers to get some additional practice for the official USEA Horse Trials like Otter Creek's next one Sept. 18-20. The schooling show will take place this Saturday, September 5th. Ride times are posted by level here with Training beginning at 8 am and Starter ending the day around 3 pm.

Come on out and cheer on local eventers as they tackle the challenging and beautiful course at Schweiss' Magister Equitum Stables!

The water complex - photo from http://www.schweissstables.com/gallery.php

Are you looking for your own piece of horse heaven? Take a look at the many horse properties and hobby farms for sale in the Twin Cities metro area at www.donavin.com

Eventing at Otter Creek this Weekend!

Otter Creek Farm is hosting their Summer Horse Trials this weekend, August 7-9. Levels include Starter, Beginner Novice, Novice, Training, and Preliminary. 

Here are the ride times for dressage and cross-country. Except for beginner novice and starter divisions which have cross country on Friday afternoon after dressage, cross country takes place on Saturday. Stadium jumping ride times (Sunday) will be dependent on who makes it through the first two rounds. For more information, see the USEA (United States Eventing Association) listing.

Otter Creek is a beautiful facility with a hilly and wooden cross country course, much of which is visible from a central location under the pavilion. The dressage arenas and stadium arena have all-weather footing. Located outside Wheeler, Wisconsin, the farm is secluded and peaceful. Come out for a day or two and watch some of the best event horse and riders in the area!

Have you always wanted to own your own horse property with a cross country course? Sunborn Stables is for sale with this lovely water complex! Or build your own at a hobby farm of your choosing for sale at www.donavin.com

Ride with Ralph Hill this weekend!

There are a couple of clinic openings to ride with Ralph Hill in the clinic this weekend at Focused Riding Center in Hager City, WI! Ralph Hill is respected and well-known in Minnesota and eventers vie for the opportunity to ride with him. There have been a few late cancellations otherwise there wouldn't still be open riding slots. Riders get a 1-1.5 hour time slot with 1-2 other riders, so you'd be sure to get as much focused attention as you'd want! Ralph Hill has a reputation for seeing straight through to the issue and fearlessly tackling it.  

100 x 200 outdoor jump arena at Focused Riding Center
(photo from  http://www.focusedriding.com/my-blog/facility.html)

Saturday will be gymnastics stadium jumping and Sunday will be cross-country schooling, including solid fences, water jumps, banks, & ditches.  

Cross country schooling
(photo from http://www.focusedriding.com/my-blog/facility.html)

Here is the entry form.  Negative Coggins also required.

Questions? Contact Jane.

Want to school cross country without having to trailer?  Sunborn Stables is for sale and they have a water jump and a small cross country course. OR, build your own at one of these hobby farms or horse properties for sale at www.donavin.com

Roebke's Run Horse Trials this weekend!

Ashley Randel & WRF Come Along Pond

In the mood to watch some daring eventing?  You're in luck!  Roebke's Run at Schweiss Stables in Hector, MN, is hosting their second CIC*/CIC** horse trials this Saturday and Sunday.  Not familiar with eventing divisions and the heights of the jumps at each level? Go here for more information.

Ride times for dressage (Saturday morning) and cross country (Saturday late-morning to afternoon) are posted here.  Stadium times (on Sunday) will be determined once cross-country is completed.

This horse trials will also feature the Adult Rider Team Challenge. Teams of 4 riders all at the same level (Beginner Novice, Novice, Training, Intermediate/Preliminary) will compete with other teams for ribbons and cash back.  The top teams gets 60% of the money pooled! Cheer on your favorite horse & rider teams.

Ronald Zabala-Goetschel on Master Boy

Last month's horse trials at Roebke's Run has 155 participants, including Ronald Zabala-Goetschel from Ecuador, who competed in the 2012 London Olympics and qualified for the upcoming Pan American Games. For more on the esteemed riders who participated in last month's horse trials, go here.

Nick Staples on Bound by Blood

Here are a few more photos of the nationally known Roebke's Run cross-country course. For more photos of Roebke's Run jumps, check out this gallery.

Have you always wanted your own cross country course?  Sunborn Stables in Chisago City is for sale and features a water complex as well as other jumps. Or, you could add in your own to any of the other hobby farms and equestrian facilities available at www.donavin.com.

Leslie Law clinic Tomorrow!

Leslie Law is a British rider and trainer who is the reigning Olympic individual gold medalist in eventing (Athens 2014). He is teaching a clinic at our very own Roebke's Run today and tomorrow!  

Tomorrow, Wednesday June 23rd, is the cross country part of the clinic. The weather forecast looks perfect (upper 70's and sunny), so check it out!

Roebke's Run at Schweiss Stables is a simply stunning cross country course.  Designed by Captain Mark Phillips, the course is one the midwest's finest courses.  For more photos of the jumps, see my previous blog or go here.

Questions about the clinic?  Contact Brook.

Want your own cross country course? Check out Sunborn Stables which is for sale.  

Lucinda Green Clinic Tuesday & Wednesday

Got time off during the week?  Check out the Lucinda Green clinic at Roebke's Run tomorrow and Wednesday. 

Lucinda Green is originally from England and is a champion eventer.  She's won the Badminton Horse Trials a record-breaking 6 times as well as competed in the Olympics for Great Britain.  She is well-regarded as a clinician with an eye for adapting her style to the needs of horse and rider and teaching riders to deal with adversity.

Photo of Lucinda Green by Henry Bucklow/Lazy Photography 

Auditing is free and lunch included for a $10 contribution. 

Tuesday schedule - Stadium jumping
8:30-10:30 - Preliminary/Intermediate
10:30-12:30 - Training 
lunch
1:30-3:30 - Novice
3:30-5:30 - Beginner Novice

Wednesday schedule - Stadium jumping
8-10 - Preliminary/Intermediate
10-12 - Training 
lunch
12:30-2:30 - Novice
2:30-4:30 - Beginner Novice

Questions?  Contact Sue at susan.slocum@childrensmn.org

Lucinda Green with rider at a previous clinic

Have to work?  You can look at photos of hobby farms and horse properties for sale in Minnesota at www.mnhorseproperties.com or www.donavin.com

Eventing at Roebke's Run This Weekend!

If eventing is more your thing, you'll be happy to know that Schweiss Stables is hosting their Roebke's Run Horse Trials CIC/CCI*/** this weekend! Divisions range from Starter level to CCI**. For more information on the heights of the jumps at each level and distinctions, go here. Though the trials start on Friday, much of the dressage and cross country will be Saturday, with show jumping on Sunday.  Here is the full schedule of ride times (by rider).

Take a look at this beautiful cross-country course offering Midwest-themed professional caliber obstacles! For more information about the course, see my previous post.

Nothing says the Midwest like corn jumps!

Ever wanted to jump a tree?!

The dressage rings at Roebke's Run

Photos from http://schweissstables.com/gallery.php

Getting inspired to build your own cross country course?  Look at horse properties and hobby farms for sale in the Twin Cities metro area at www.donavin.com or www.mnhorseproperties.com

Bernie Traurig Clinic This Weekend!

Bernie Traurig, a renowned international competitor in dressage, showing jumping, and eventing, is offering a clinic at The Stables EquestrianCenter in Rochester, MN on May 23-26.  He was the associate Chef d’ Equip to George H. Morris of the United States Equestrian team and has been inducted into the National Show Hunter Hall of Fame.  He has trained with and learned from the best in the country and he is one of the most sought after clinicians. 

Bernie jumping as a kid and competing in dressage

The clinic format will be 2-hour group lessons Saturday through Monday with a one-hour break for lunch.  The clinic runs from 8-5 Saturday and Sunday, 8-4 on Monday Memorial Day with the final hour being a dressage/flat lesson.  Tuesday there will be two dressage/flat lessons from 8-10 am.  Additionally Saturday will have a pot-luck at 6:30 pm following by a video presentation and Q & A session at 7 pm.

Auditing is $25/day.  All riders and auditors will receive a 50% discount on an annual membership to his coaching website: www.EquestrianCoach.com

Questions?  Contact thestables@att.net

Located on 65 acres, The Stables Equestrian Center, is a lovely facility.  It boasts a 150' x 75' indoor arena with rubber/sand footing and ceiling fans as well as two outdoor arenas with washed sand footing (230' x 120' and 200' x 80').  There's a fully-equipped lounge for the Q & A and a wireless PA system in the indoor arena.

Want your own equestrian facility?  Browse horse properties and hobby farms for sale at www.donavin.com or www.mnhorseproperties.com

Ralph Hill at Hollow Creek This Weekend!

If you missed Otter Creek's Spring Horse Trials, there's another chance this weekend to catch some eventing fun at a Ralph Hill clinic at Hollow Creek Farm in Menomonie, WI. 

Ralph Hill is a very highly respected 4 star veteran and eventing instructor. In fact, he has the distinction of being the only rider to compete in every Rolex from its inception in 1978 to 2007.  A fall sidelined him from competition but has nothing to dampen his dedication to the sport.  He is busy coaching and teaching clinics across the country.

Hollow Creek Farm has a 72' x 144' indoor arena, a 155' x 165' outdoor stadium arena, and a full cross country course with jumps for starter through training level. The clinic runs Friday-Sunday with dressage private lessons and groups of 2-4 for stadium and cross country. Auditing is FREE, and water bottles provided for all.

Questions?  Contact Lucy Lammer, 715-235-0593 LucyL@wwt.net

Build your own cross country course on your own hobby farm! Browse horse properties for sale at www.donavin.com or www.mnhorseproperties.com

Otter Creek Spring Horse Trial this weekend!

The gorgeous Otter Creek Farm in Wisconsin is hosting their Spring Horse Trial this weekend. Attending this event as a spectator is a wonderful introduction to the equestrian sport of eventing which includes dressage (on Friday), cross-country jumping (on Saturday), and stadium jumping (on Sunday).

If you've never been there, you should take the time to check it out!  Otter Creek Farm is secluded and peaceful, a true gem! There are several dressage arenas with excellent footing that drains well in the rain.  The cross-country course is on a hillside which is breathtakingly beautiful and makes it easy for spectators to view most of the course from one central location. The farm has many evergreen trees, abundant green grass, and immaculate jumps, pavilion, and stabling.

Here are the ride times for dressage (on Friday) and cross-country (on Saturday). Stadium will be on Sunday and times will be set once it is determined who goes clear in the first two rounds.

Prefer to ride your own horses at home?  Check out this home & stable (Sunborn Stables) for sale in Chisago City which has their own cross-country water complex:

http://www.donavin.com/morgan.html

Browse other horse properties & hobby farms for sale in the Twin Cities metro area at www.mnhorseproperties.com or www.donavin.com

Allison Springer clinic

As a **** international eventing competitor and a Level 4 USEA certified instructor, Allison Springer is one of the best American clinicians.  She’s returning to North Brook Eventing Center in Stillwater this weekend for a clinic for riders from Beginner Novice through Preliminary levels.  Saturday will focus on stadium jumping and Sunday on Cross Country.

Saturday’s Schedule

9-10:30 am Beginner Novice

10:30am-12 pm Novice

LUNCH – 12-12:30

12:30-2 Novice/Training

2-3:30 pm Training

3:30-5 pm Preliminary

Sunday’s Schedule

7:30-9 am Beginner Novice

9-10:30am Novice

10:30-12 Novice/Training

LUNCH – 12-12:30

12:30-2 pm Training

2:15-3:45 pm Preliminary

Riders from Allison’s March clinic rave about her coaching and ability to provide the right tools for the best improvements in your equine partnership.  Here’s some quotes:

“Allison gave me a lot to work on for my position and breaking bad habits.  I can’t wait to ride with her again!”

“I absolutely adore Allison…she’s sincere and demanding but doesn’t forget to compliment!”

Auditing is free, so come out and enjoy the lovely warm weather and this beautiful facility!

Check out horse facilities for sale in MN at www.mnhorseproperties.com or www.donavin.com

Clinic this weekend with Lisa Fergusson at Roebke’s Run

Eventers, take notice! There’s FREE auditing at the Lisa Fergusson clinic May 2-3 at Magister Equitum Stables (Roebke’s Run).  All 3 phases (dressage, stadium, and cross-country) will be covered. For the jumping classes, there will be 3-4 riders in each group which are separated by level (Beginner Novice, Novice, Training/Preliminary).  There will also be a potluck dinner Saturday night. 

Lisa Fergusson is Canadian and has competed and trained through the Advanced level and brought young horses up through the levels.  She’s skilled at working on rider position. 

Roebke’s Run is a fabulous facility with one of the upper midwest’s finest cross country courses.  Their course was crafted by Eric Bull, Dan Stark, and Tyson Remener. It features starter, beginner novice, novice, training, preliminary, intermediate, CIC* and CIC** jumps, such as the ones below. 

 

Always wanted to have your own cross country course at home?  Look at hobby farms and horse properties for sale in the Twin Cities metro area at www.donavin.com and www.mnhorseproperties.com