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 As excited as I get about horse movies, it gives the impression that I go to a lot of movies. I don't. But, nonetheless, I love horse movies. The past two weeks have been the Sundance Film Festival and among the new indie offerings is a documentary about horseman Buck Branneman. It must have made quite an impression because of all the movies screened there, it captured the attention of the LA Times film critic as well as a segment this week on NPR. Also this week I finally saw the promotional video done by Advantage West about Polk County's entrepreneurial community. "Don't forget the horse businesses", the videographers were told. And lo and behold, they included Ray and Sue Gasperson's Flight Quest Farm in Green Creek.
Finally, someone let the dove out of the ark, and it didn't come back--a few glorious days after a month of wretched weather. Hope you were able to get out and ride.
Libbie Johnson |
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This Week
January 31 - Feb 6, 2011
4 RVPC Unmounted mtg. Contact: info@rivervalleypc.org
5 FRC XC Schooling @ FENCE Contact: Margo Savage 828-863-4924
5 SC Horsemen's Council 2011 Expo @SC Equine Park, Camden Contact: Terry Boger 864-430-7109 schorsecouncil@charter.net
6 FENCE Hunter Pace Contact: Jan Smith www.wchpace.org Contact: FENCE 828-859-9021
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USEF Rules:
Helmets Required
The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) issued a notice to equestrian competitors in Dressage and Eventing for the 2011 horse show season and beyond. Approved equestrian safety helmets will be required in considerably more horseback riding competitions, even at the top levels. Tighter restrictions on the use of equestrian safety helmets were passed by the USEF board of directors during the USEF's 2011 Annual Meeting, held in Lexington, Kentucky, January 19-23.
Commented David O'Connor, USEF president, "I am very proud of our organization for taking this very important step. It is a huge direction of change."
Basically, the new USEF rulings are twofold:
- The first new rule, effective immediately, insists that all horseback riders wear ASTM/SEI-approved safety helmets while mounted on competition grounds at nationally rated equestrian Eventing competitions in the United States.
- The second new USEF rule, effective March 1, 2011, applies to horseback riders under age 18, who participate in upper-level Dressage (pertaining to the FEI levels - from Prix St. George through Grand Prix). These younger equestrians will now be required to wear ASTM/SEI-approved safety helmets for competition.
Hallelujah!
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Advantage West Showcases
Entrepreneurial Equine Community
Watch the Video
In 2010, Polk County was designated a Certified Entrepreneurial Community by western NC's economic development agency, AdVantage West. A video was created to showcase our entrepreneurial talents, including those in the equine community. Flight Quest Farm in Green Creek was chosen to be the subject of that segment of the film. Flight Quest Farm is owned by Ray and Sue Gasperson. Their son Corey is also in the equine business as a farrier.
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 Camp Ton-A-Wandah
Is Looking for You
Barn Staff Internships: Are you studying to manage and operate horse stables or barns? Our barn staff position is an ideal opportunity for those interested in interning for a barn manager or program coordinator position. Barn staff are responsible for total care of camp horses. Interns will get a sense of how a barn is run, organized/managed. Interns are in residence to the program through the summer months which include room/board and scheduled time off. 
Barn Manager: Oversees the mgmt & care for the barn & horses and serves as a supervisor for staff. Manager must be at least 21 and possess a desire and ability to manage a staff team and equestrian care. Riding Program Coordinator: Assists Riding Director in coordinating staff and camper schedules as well as aid in the orientation and training of riding instructors before and throughout the camping season. Program Coordinator will assist in the planning of special events and programs as well. More info |
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"Buck" Touches the Toughest Critics at Sundance Film Festival
 From film critic Betsy Sharkey (LA Times):
Reporting from Park City, Utah -- Sometimes a film comes along that answers a question that you didn't realize you had. At the Sundance Film Festival this year, that movie is "Buck," an exceptional slice of Americana about the charismatic real-life horse whisperer, an earthy, soft-spoken philosopher who can tame troubled souls, be they man or beast.
READ THE WHOLE ARTICLE WATCH THE MOVIE TRAILER |
Biltmore Hosts
Centered Riding Clinic
with Susan Harris
OPEN CENTERED RIDING CLINIC Biltmore Equestrian Center - APEX March 12-13, 2011 Contact: Anne Ayala 828 508-1450 cell
Read more about Susan Harris and Centered Riding.
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In the News
Sara Lyter of HulinnDalur Farm in Tryon got a nice mention in the INGATE section of this month's issue of Sidelines magazine (page 30). HulinnDalur was one of the farm participants in December's FENCE Barn Tour. Sara's farm is home to 12 Icelandic horses.She is pictured above on her sweetheart mare Vordis.
photo credit: Karen Smith Reynolds
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Congratulations are in order
 Congratulations are in order for Jodi Jones Lees who has been granted the R dressage judge license from USEF. This means she can officiate/judge through 4th level at recognized dressage shows and through advanced level at horse trials. Next up for Jodi? Why working on her S license, of course. She joins recent L judge additions KC Betzel and Carolyn West. Kudos to all for a job well done. See you in the judge's booth.
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Eric Dierks
Veteran eventer Eric Dierks is in the Foothills through April for the winter eventing season and is working out of the Lohec/Rolling HIlls barn in Green Creek. Eric has competed up to the four-star level in eventing and is also active in the Show Jumping and Dressage ring. Eric was also long listed for both the 2002 World Equestrian Games in Jerez de la Fontera, Spain on Eveready and the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece on Stonehedge Heritage. A level III certified instructor, he was one of the first wave of graduates from the USEA Instructor Certification Program and divides his time between teaching and training. He gives clinics throughout the U.S and also donates his time to the USEA outreach program, and the Young Rider Program. He served as team coach for the Area IV young riders team from 1997-1998, and 2002. He currently serves as their team selector.
Eventers can take advantage of lessons and training while he is here - his # is703-297-2329 for questions. |
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A Word of Caution
In the barn, its easy to be in a hurry and leave something out. Dogs are very suseptable to getting into bute and banamine that is left out, especially with those with added flavoring. Collie breeds are also very sensitive to Ivermectin. Don't put your smaller animals at risk-lock up your equine meds.  While we're talking about caution, be aware that western North Carolina and the upstate of SC have quite a list of toxic plants to horses. Polk County's agriculture extension service has a web page with these poisonous plants. Check it out.
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The S.C. Horsemen's Council exposition on Feb. 5 will have a full schedule of demonstrations, seminars, speakers, vendors, and the always popular parade of breeds.
The expo will run from 10 a.m.--5 p.m. Feb. 5 at the S.C. Equine Park in Camden, which is located at Exit 101 off I-20. Admission is $5. For more information contact Kaye Watkins at 843-339-2903 or schorsecouncil1@aol.com.
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 Jim Maxwell, Sr. on Jumping Jack clearing a 61/2 foot fence. |
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On the Horizon
February
4 RVPC Unmounted mtg.
Contact: info@rivervalleypc.org
5 FRC XC Schooling @ FENCE
Contact: Margo Savage 828-863-4924
5 SC Horsemen's Council 2011 Expo
@SC Equine Park, Camden
Contact: Terry Boger 864-430-7109
schorsecouncil@charter.net
6 FENCE Hunter Pace
Contact: Jan Smith www.wchpace.org
Contact: FENCE 828-859-9021
8 Pisgah Trailblazers Monthly Meeting
@ Binions Restaurant, Hendersonville
6:30 eat, 7:30 meet
Contact: info@pisgahtrailblazers.com
10 Speed Series Cancer Benefit
@ Stillwater Farm, Greer, SC
Contact: Christi Poole 864-230-0652
10 RVPC Mounted Mtg.
Contact: info@rivervalleypc.org
11-1 Harmon Classics@Harmon Field
Contact: Lewis Pack 828-894-2721
19 Harmon Hopefuls @ Harmon Field
Contact: Noreen Cothran 864-457-3557
19 BRSEA Lecture at Lunch Series
@ Chateau de Cheval, Landrum
Contact: Lydia Junger 828-817-0732
20 Grnville Foothills Pony Club Hunter Pace
Contact: Carolyn Culbertson 803-413-0079
20 RVPC Mounted Mtg.
Contact: info@rivervalleypc.org
21-23 Robert Zandvoort Clinic
@ Suncatcher Farm, Green Creek
Contact: Trayce Doubek 864-325-5684
24 RVPC Unmounted mtg.
Contact: info@rivervalleypc.org
26-27 Paul Belasic Clinic @ Blue Moon Farm
Contact: Sophie@montana.net
See the extended Calendar
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Visiting horse country? Our hospitality shines.
Visit the Foothills
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 Why? Because sometimes we get information (news, invites, special deals etc.) that is timely but is happening sooner than the next TWITHC edition. We will not clutter your inbox with junk, we will not send out anything unverified. We reserve the right to determine what is appropriate.
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Superb Boarding at
Long Shadows Farm
 12 x 12 Matted Stalls
Automatic Waters in Stalls
Pasture and Paddock
Owners on Site
Arena & Round Pen
Full Board $450
864-809-3431
500 Blackwell Rd
Campobello
Click for Website |
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From reader Martha Woodham:
Was talking to a trainer, Scott Armour, for my Saddle Up column: He remembered the time he was teaching a 4 1/2 year old a proper emergency dismount. "This is what we call an emergency dismount."
And the kid said, "You mean, like if the saddle catches on fire?"
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Don't Get Caught Short Order
Your Hay NowBeautiful 1st & 2nd cutting timothy mix hay from upstate NY available.50 pound +/- bales @ $8.50/bale.
300+ at $8/bale. Delivery available with fee based on load and location Tractor trailer loads of 650+/- also available.Please call:828-289-4230
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Horse Blanket Cleaning
Horse Blanket Repair
Custom Sweing Projects
Retrofit and Design Horsewear
Shuana Williams / Owner
864-895-6367
equidress@aol.com www.Equidress.com
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Boarding, Training, Lessons Rehab Services.
Excellent trainer/instructor available.
12X12 matted stalls,
20X40 dressage ring,
Large all-weather jump ring, Indoor w/ Excellent Lighting, XC Jump Field and Trails.
Experienced, Reliable, Knowledgeable Care.
Located 1 mile off Hwy 74
Large Facility Amenities with Small Facility Care.
WEBSITE EMAIL Deana Gilliam 828-429-0688.
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EQ Marketing 102
Isothermal Community College, Columbus campus, will offer a 4 week course in marketing your equine-related business Mar 3, 10, 17,24 from 6-8 pm. Call 828-894-3092 to register. Learn More |
Think Perfect-
Great Location
Great New Price $795K
4 Bedrooms / 3 Baths
Tryon Hounds Hunt Cntry On CETA Trails 18 Ac. w/ 2 barns
ReMax Advantage Realty
Bonnie Lingerfelt
www.TryonProperties.com
828-817-0166
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Tim Dover, Farrier
Graduate of South Dakota Farrier Program
10 YR Prof Experience
Hot Corrective and Therapeutic Shoeing
www.carolinafarrier.com
info@carolinafarrier.com
Carolina Equine Services
PO Box 1127
Travelers Rest, SC 29690
864-246-6646
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For Everyone That Has A Dream...
There's a Horse Waiting for You
Harrison Shiflet Stable
American Saddlebreds
Training Lessons Sales
Indoor / Outdoor Arenas
Private/Group Lessons
828-245-0600 336-953-2053
Email
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Green River BuildersQuality & ValueBrights Creek Approved
www.greenriverbuilders.net
828-287-0066
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Humane Society of
the Foothills
828-863-4444
 An unwritten law of the universe is that Horse People also tend to be Dog People. So it goes with Bill & Judith Kerns, owner of Green Gait Farm in Tryon and adoptive parents of Abby, a black, tail-wagging bundle of joy. "Abby became the caretaker of our other canines. She's family and a terrific companion," adds Judith.  |
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Who Is It?
Here's Jim Maxwell of Green Creek in 1961. His school class took a trip to Jim's family farm in Minnesota to see the animals and Jim gave them a riding demonstration. Jim's father, also named Jim Maxwell, was an avid equestrian and shared his love of horses and sport with his son - who also became involved with horses for a lifetime. Today, Jim and his wife Pam have a small farm with a string of hunters. He is an instructor and shares his love of horses with his students. Scroll down and see a photo of Jim's father in 1961 jumping his hunter Jumping Jack over a 6'6" jump.
We're looking for vintage photos. Please send us a photo of you as a child/teen on a horse or pony pre-1970.
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