This Week in Tryon Horse Country

Okay, I've run out of vintage photos. I have begged, pleaded, offered to cut your grass. But this week, I couldn't find a photo to feature, and that's too bad because it's a part of this weekly rag that the readers seem to like. The above artwork is from Wallis of Austin, Tx, age 8. In looking for children's artwork, I discovered that Navajo children in the 9-10 year range, draw horses almost exclusively - anthropologists and child psychologists are still working on that one. I've also included in this week's edition a collection of children's drawings from around the world, exhibited at the Canadian Museum of Civilization. Take a minute and check it out.

So.....what to do now? I am asking the readers to (1) still send me the photos of you as a child or teen on a horse or pony, or (2) a photo of a horse that tells a story--funny or sad, or (3) you tell me what you'd like to see. Professionals are welcome to send some of their shots, and I hope they will. The editor reserves the right to pick and choose.

Speaking of art, this coming weekend is the Gallery Trot in downtown Tryon. Come and experience some of the area's finest equestrian art. Please support our artistic community.

Libbie Johnson

Inveigh@aol.com

www.TryonHorseCountry.org

www.OurHorsesMeanBusiness.org

This Week
April 11-17, 2011

12 Pisgah Trailblazers Monthly Meeting

@ Binions Restaurant, Hendersonville

6:30 eat, 7:30 meet

Contact: info@pisgahtrailblazers.com

12 BRSEA Steeplechase Lecture

Chateau du Cheval at Spiegel Farm

Contact: Lydia Juenger 828-817-0732

16 FRC XC Schooling @ FENCE

Contact: Margo Savage 828-863-4924

17 Paint Show @ WNC Ag Center

Contact: 704-545-2241

Throw out the Welcome Mat

For Olympian Jim Graham

Jim Graham, esteemed eventer and 1994 Olympian and partner David Adamo are in town. Following a mishap at The Fork this weekend, Mr. Graham's horse, Prince Noah, is being treated at Tryon Equine for a broken jaw. Although an unlucky event for the Graham team, it's an unplanned

opportunity for our local

eventers, who will possibly be able to benefit from this layover.

Clinic/Lessons are being scheduled while they are here to help defray the cost of Prince Noah's medical bills. Want to help with this impromptu fundraiser AND have a once-in-a-lifetime chance to train with Jim Graham and David Adamo? Call Lisa Bezzeg (864-457-3883) to schedule a session.

Feel better, Noah.

Gallery Trot Kicks Off April 16th Equestrian Art Show

In honor of Tryon's own 65th Blockhouse Steeplechase race, Tryon's newest gallery-Skyuka Fine Art is proud to present its first annual Equestrian Show. The show will open Saturday, April 16th and run until the end of May. There will be an opening reception from 5-8 pm. Ten artists will be featuring their equine art. Seven of the artists; Joan MacIntryre, Jill Silver, Charles Harpt, Rick Conn, Sarah Holmberg, Eric Olsen and Richard Christian Nelson are local. Two are from Greensboro; Jan Lukens and Tucker Bailey, and one is from Canada; Valerie Hinz.

This not-to-be-missed Equestrian Show featuring exceptional and professional artists in the equine art world will open the weekend before the 65th Blockhouse Steeplechase. The opening reception will coincide with three other galleries in downtown Tryon prompting its first 'Gallery Crawl' in years that the TDDA has decided to implement in a new marketing campaign entitled "Tryon's Gallery Trot". This will be the kick off event and future "Trots" will occur on First Fridays in downtown Tryon throughout the spring, summer and fall. Participating galleries are: Upstairs Artspace, Kathleen's, Richard Baker Studio, and Skyuka Fine Art. Visit Skyukafineart.com or email info@skyukafineart.com for more information. Business hours for the gallery are Tuesday-Saturday 10-5pm, or call Kim Nelson at 828-817-3783.

Ted Turner Joins Advisory Board of Saving America's Wild Mustangs

"The Turner Foundation looks at the earth as a precious asset that has been lent to us. As a family, we believe it is our job to do whatever we can to leave it better than we found it." R.E. Turner, Chairman

From Madeleine Pickens:

"Turner is a true champion of animals and the environment. We are so honored to have his support with our wild horse eco-preserve project."

Foothills Equestrian Center

Taylorsville, NC

May 7th Hunter Schooling Show at F.E.C. - Judge Ann Moore

May 21- 24 Centered Riding Open and Instructor Update Clinic with Robin Brueckmann at F.E.C.

Foothills Equestrian Center

531 Starnes Lane

Taylorsville, NC 28681

828-495-3022

foothillsequestrian@hotmail.com

www.foothillsweb.com

Cleaverlea Dressage Hosts World Class Clinics

April 18-19 Scott Hassler Clinic

Scott Hassler

Cloverlea is very excited to welcome Scott Hassler. As many of you know, Scott operates Riveredge Farm in Md. with his wife Suzanne. He is currently the US National Young Horse Trainer. As well as being super involved witht he training of most of our country's best dressage prospects, Scott has trained many horses to Grand Prix himself. Scott has an amazing eye and is an incredibly insightful and encouraging Clinician. This will be Sott's first clinic in the Tryon area. Photo credit: Mary Phelps

May 18-19 Henk van Bergen Clinic

Henk van Bergen

Henk van Bergen is one of the most successful trainers in Holland. He has been the coach of the Dutch National team and has coached many individuals to international success. Henk has twice been the presenter of the USDF National Symposium. Henk has a clever and precise ability to convey his knowledge to riders and auditors.

There are still some riding slots available and auditing is welcome for $40 per day.

Contact: Jen Baumert cloverleajen@yahoo.com

stick horse race

Saddle Up Your (Stick) Horse and Get Ready to Run

Greenville Foothills Pony Club will be hosting the 1st Annual Stick Horse Races at the Block House Steeplechase at FENCE on Saturday, April 23rd. Registration begins at 10am at the Tower, with races beginning at 11am. Entry fee per human per race is $5, with all proceeds benefitting the education program of Greenville Foothills Pony Club. Stick horses will be available to "jockeys" for sale or lease. Prizes will be awarded.

Greenville Foothills Pony Club, comprised currently of 35 members from the SC/NC counties of Polk, Greenville, Spartanburg, Pickens, Anderson, Laurens and Oconee, is a chapter of the United States Pony Clubs.

The mission of the United States Pony Clubs is to develop character, leadership, confidence, and a sense of community in youth through a program that teaches the care of horses and ponies, riding, and mounted sports. GFPC members strive to develop the USPC motto attributes of Sportsmanship, Stewardship, and Leadership through Horsemanship.

For more information on Greenville Foothills Pony Club, please contact Carolyn Culbertson at chculbertson@earthlink.net or Stephanie Wood at stephaniewood1969@gmail.com

The Entries Are In

The Rolex list of entries was released this week and it looks like a great lineup of talent. Forty- six riders will compete, several riding multiple horses - William Fox-Pitt will be riding four. The Brits are bringing their best riders - Ollie Townend, Polly Stockton, Mary King, William Fox-Pitt and James Allston. New Zealand and Australia are sending several, including Mark Todd.

The Carolinas are well represented too. Even though Rebecca Howard rides for the Canadian team, she trains in Norwood, NC at The Fork so we can count her as one of our own. Susan Beebee, from Vass, NC will be at Rolex for the first time and Michael Pollard used to live here, so we can claim him too.

Check out the list

Children's Horse Exhibit at the

Canadian Museum of Civilization

Look at the Exhibit

Part of the greater exhibit, The Horse. This is really cool.

Blue Ribbon Rewards

at Stone Soup

During the spring horse show season, Stone Soup in Landrum will reward your hard work with scrumptious eats. Bring in your blue ribbon from one of the following upcoming shows:

Apr 23-24 FEE USEA Horse Trial

Apr 30 Dressage @ FENCE

May 6-8 BRHJA Mother's Day Show

May 7 FRC Schooling Horse Trials

May 14 FEE Dressage & CT

May 15 FEE Driven Dressage

And receive a free dessert or glass of wine or appetizer with the purchase of an entree. Bon Appetit!

USEF Honors Two WNC
Ag Center Horse Shows

Two horse shows held at the Western N.C. Agricultural Center were honored recently by the United States Equestrian Foundation as "Favorite USEF Breeds Competition" winners. The 2010 Blue Ridge Classic won favorite Saddlebred Horse Show, and the 2010 Piedmont Classic won favorite Paso Fino Show. The winners were selected by the USEF membership.

You've probably seen the new Barn Book around. The cover art was supplied by our own Terry Kirkland-Cook of Found Feather Farm in Mill Spring. Terry is an equine artist and a breeder of Gypsy Vanner horses. The cute foal on the cover is Isaac. He is out of FFF's Gypsy Vanner Talia and the amazing Lenny Horse. He sold almost days after being born in 2008. Issac is now living in coastal Maine with his new owners and will be standing at stud for them this year.

Cowboy Up!

Spring is here and its time for all you Cowboys and Cowgirls to get ready for special events...just for you.

April 9-10 Hosremanship Clinic - Building confidence and respect with your equine partner, at White Dogwood Farm. Stabling and Overnight camping available. Contact: Safe Horse Training's Joyce Lewis 704-836-6201

April 13, 14, 15 Craig Cameron Clinic in Monroe, NC at Why Not An American Ark

Limited number of spots available, plus spectators are welcome. Contact: Joyce Lewis, 704-836-8201

April 15th--An evening of honoring our men and women of our armed forces. Live Music, demonstrations by Palmetto Posse Mounted Drill Team and Precision Riders and the Carolina Outlaws Mounted Shooting Club and Charlotte Cannon's Kids. Reining demo by Craig Cameron. $5.00 admission with kids free. Concessions available.

April 16th - Extreme Cowoby Race, Series opener. Craig Cameron on course narrating.

Yee-Haw!

Time for the 'Chase

If you haven't gotten your tickets yet, now's the time. Its spring and that means the Block House Steeplechase.

The 65th running will feature five races, including the local favorite, The Fox Hunters Cup with local amateur riders Double-Dog-Daring each other to see whose horse is fastest.

Learn all about the 65th Block House.

The Art

of

Steeplechase

One doesn't just go to the Steeplechase. It's far more important than that. For many new residents, it's a bonafide rite of passage.

In the Foothills, it means spring is here. In planning your Steeplechase Saturday, remember it's an Event.

So girls, grab your fabulous wide-brimmed hats and Lilly dresses and guys, put on those madras shorts and pastel Polos. Plan your tailgating food, your theme (you know...your par-tay theme), study up on Steeplechasing the sport and get ready to pick your favorite horse.

Need a little help getting started with all this fabulous-ness? You're in luck.

April 12th at Chateau du Cheval (Speigel Farm in Landrum) there will be a fun evening of Steeplechase 101 with instruction on tailgating done right, as well as fabulous hat making and a Steeplechase primer, so you'll look pretty, watch the races like a pro and have the party that strangers want to crash. Call 828-817-0732 for details.

April

18 BRSEA Art Lecture Bas Relief Sculpture

Chateau du Cheval at Spiegel Farm

Contact: Marie-Christine de Tarragon

864-457-2478

19-20 Scott Hassler Clinic @ Cross Creek Farm

Contact: Jen Baumert

cloverleajen@yahoo.com

23 65^th Block House Steeplechase

Contact: Laura Weicker 828-8596109

www.trhcevents.net

30-May 1 Paul Belasic Clinic @ Blue Moon Farm

Contact: Sophie@montana.net

May

1 4-H Fun Show @ Etowah Riding Club

Wendy Cantrell(828)-891-2750

1 Greenv Foothills Pony Club monthly mtg.

@ Long Shadows Farm, Campobello

Contact: chculbertson@earthlink.net

6-8 BRHJA Mother's Day Show

@ Harmon Field

Contact: Lewis Pack 828-894-2721

7 FRC Horse Trials @ FENCE

Contact: Margo Savage 828-863-4924

7 Biltmore Challenge Endurance Ride

@Biltmore Equestrian Center

Contact: ebush@biltmore.com

7 Big Brothers/Sisters Hunter Pace

Contact: www.wchpace.org

10 Pisgah Trailblazers Monthly Meeting

@ Binions Restaurant, Hendersonville

6:30 eat, 7:30 meet

Contact: info@pisgahtrailblazers.com

13 Asheville Spring Classic Horse Show

@ WNC Ag Center

Contact: Ray Cloninger 704-483-5000

14 FRC XC Schooling @ FENCE

Contact: Margo Savage 828-863-4924

14 Harmon Hopefuls @ Harmon Field

Contact: Noreen Cothran 864-457-3557

14 FEE Dressage/ CT @ Windridge Farm

Rutherfordton, NC

Alicia Henderson 828-674-1885

14-15 Biltmore Ride N Tie

@ Biltlmore Eq Center

Contact: Sara Boelt

mailto:lightermount1986@gmail.com

14-15 Masterson Method Intro Clinic

@Wood Henge Farm, Columbus

Contact: Ivey Sumrell 704-516-6518

15 FEE Driven Dressage Show

@ Windridge Farm, Rutherford, NC

Alicia Henderson 828-674-1885

15 Steps to Hope Hunter Pace

Contact: Jan Smith www.wchpace.org

16-20 Masterson Method Phase 1 workshop

@ Wood Henge Farm, Columbus, NC

Contact: Ivey Sumrell 704-516-6518

18-19 Henk van Bergen Clinic @ Cross Creek Farm

Contact:

21 Parasite Education w/ Dr Ray Kaplan

@ Mill Spring Ag Center, Mill Spring, NC

Contact: Bibi Freer, DVM 828-894-2627

21 FRC Dressage Schooling Show

@ Harmon Field

Contact: Margo Savage 828-863-4924

21-22 Working Eq Clinic w/Kimberly Garvis

@ Biltmore Eq Ctr

Contact: lcanter@biltmore.com

21-22 Progressive Show Jumping @ FENCE

Contact: psjshows@aol.com 803-649-3505

26-29 TRHC Summer Premier Horse Show

@ Harmon Field

Contact: Laura Weicker 828-8596109

www.trhcevents.net

28 Greenville Foothills PC Mounted Mtg.

@ Gallagher Farm, Columbus

Contact: chculbertson@earthlink.net

28-29 CCC Driving Trial @ FENCE

Contact: Price Story 828-891-7571

29 RVPC Hunter Pace

Contact: Jan Smith www.wchpace.org

See the extended Calendar

In This Issue

This Week

Welcome Jim Graham

Gallery Trot

Ted Turner

FEC Events

Cloverlea Dressage Clinics

Saddle Up Your Stick Horse

The Entries are in

Children's Horse Art

Blue Ribbon Rewards

USEF Honors WNC Shows

Barn Book Art

Cowboy Up!

Time for the 'Chase

The Art of Steeplechase

Follow us

Series Schedule

Ad Gone Bad

The Resource

Wanna Read Past Issues?

Visiting Horse Country?

Who Is It?

Think Serious Riding

Cozy 3/2 Timber Frame Cottage

Morton Barn & Covered Arena

10 Private Ac. FETA Trail Access

Ride in any kind of weather!

$574,900.

Priced UNDER APPRAISAL

ReMax Advantage Realty

Bonnie Lingerfelt

www.TryonProperties.com

828-817-0166

Friday Specials

The Hay Rack

Now's the time to refurbish your stalls.

rubber stall mats

Stall Mats for $32 ea.

April Fridays only

You have to ask for the deal to get the deal.

Available at

The Hay Rack

Landrum & Green Crk

864-457-2155/828-863-0536

Click Here to Learn More

freer horse logo

Freer Equine Mobile Veterinary Service

is committed to providing the latest in your horses' health management. Contact us about parasite control, vaccination requirements, general health, breeding and foaling information.

Bibi Freer, DVM

828-894-2627

www.freerequine.com

Join Our Mailing List

baling hay

Beautiful 1st cutting timothy mix hay, with & without alfalfa available from upstate NY

Timothy w alfalfa $8.50/ bale

Timothy w/o alfalfa $8.00/ bale

Pick up or delivery available with fee based on location.

Tractor trailer loads of 650+/- also available.

Please call:

828-289-4230

Clear View Farm

Riding School

Clear View farm

It's Spring!

Time for Riding Lessons

Beginners, Intermediates

Safe, Reliable

School Horses

Experienced Instruction

New Interscholastic Equestrian Assoc. program for high school riding team

Learn to Ride from the Best

Clear View Farm

105 Smith Road

Landrum, SC

Jeanne Smith, Owner

864-895-7845

Safe Horse Training with

Joyce Lewis

Private Lessons

Horsemanship Clinics

Safe Horse Training

Cowboy Clinics

Ride Safe!

Joyce Lewis

704-836-6201

Email Joyce

www.safehorsetraining.com

Foothills

Humane Society

828-863-4444

FHS Chuck and Andy Here's Andy, dressed up with his best pal Chuck Trevathan, ready to cheer on NCSU Wolfpack football. Chuck and wife Helen picked out Andy at the shelter and spent 13 wonderful years with the little fella. Andy passed away a year ago and Chuck and Helen still miss him.