|
Heads Up!
November 2010
5 - 7...Raleigh "C"
9 - 14...Duke "AA"
13...Cloverbuds
13...4-H Fun Day 12:30-3:30
lease ride 3:30-5
15 - 17...Track Out Camp
17 - 21...RMI "AA"
20...Saddle Up 3-5
20...4-H Clinic 12:30-5
21...NCDCTA at MCA
24 - 27...no Riding School classes
24, 26, 27...Holiday Horse Lease/Trail Ride
25...Thanksgiving Day
|
|
the Word from the Herd
You may have noticed that, being horses, we have no hands. This presents a challenge when we have an itch. When you are standing right there, well, you make a pretty tempting rubbing post. However, it's probably not a good idea to let us use you to scratch our heads. The buckles on our bridles or the bit could get caught on your clothes. So hold the reins right next to the bit and keep your elbow straight & stiff - that way we can't reach you. Once we are untacked though, would you mind brushing that spot...right there...AHHHHH.
|
|
Getting to Know Us
this month...
J.B.
BREED: Thoroughbred
AGE: 23
PAST LIFE: JB was a racehorse and came to MacNair's as a boarder horse. When his owner lost interest Catherine and Caroline MacNair saw a lot of potential in this big black horse. They took two years to turn him into the wonderful horse we know today.
WHY WE LOVE HIM: He is known as the "boyfriend" horse because is so kind to people who have never ridden before.
ADVICE HE WOULD GIVE HIS RIDERS: "Stop pulling on my mouth. And also, groom me gently, as I'm quite ticklish. Move slowly around my head so as not to startle me."
While grooming JB, look for the brand on his left side.
|
|
Quote of the Month
George H. Morris:
"It is the obsessive attention to details that separates the great from the very good."
|
|
Dear Friends of MacNair's,
We were busy and successful at October Shows, both here and away.
We have a session of Track Out Camp this month, Cloverbuds, a 4-H Fun Day and also a 4-H Clinic. If you have friends who think they might like to try riding, Saddle Up is the third Saturday of every month. Check the Heads Up calendar for dates and links.
Please come and enjoy the NCDCTA Show here on the 21st and if you are not riding at the Raleigh "C" Show, Duke or RMI Shows, please come out to the Hunt Center and cheer for those who are. Duke is the biggest hunter/jumper show in North Carolina and it's right here.
Remember, there are no group classes Nov 24 - 27 but if you are interested in a lease ride or trail ride during that time, please see below.
We have a Riding School Show Dec 5 so mark your calendar. More information on that to follow.
All of us who get to be around horses are so grateful for that opportunity. They enrich our lives in so many ways and we're happy that we get to share those experiences with you. Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!
Nancy
|
|
Holiday Horse Leases or Trail Rides
11/24, 26 & 27
We will be offering supervised lease rides and trail rides over the Thanksgiving holiday.
Lease rides are from 10 AM to 12 PM, Wed, Fri, and Sat. Lease riders must be able to independently groom and tack their horse.
Trail rides are available for Elementary I and Pony School riders from 2 PM to 4 PM on Wed and Fri.
Talk to your instructor and if s/he thinks you are ready to participate , please call the office to get on the schedule.
919-851-1118
|
EHA in Williamston
October 15 - 17
 Eight riders and their horses and ponies trekked to Williamston in October for the EHA Show. Sarah, Charlotte, Ruth, Haley, Mary Copeland, Laura, Emma and Sam went with Nancy and Martina. results from the show |
NCHJA "C" and Open Schooling Shows
Thank you, everyone!
 On Oct 24 we held two shows concurrently. The weather cooperated magnificently and the farm and rings were decorated in the spirit of fall & Halloween.
Special thanks to our wonderful judges Lesley Jenks and Beth Kaplan, steward Susan Gaines, and to show secretary, Nancy Demus.  It was a wonderful day to be at a beautiful farm riding around a beautiful course on a beautiful fall day. look for more pictures of the show on our
photo site
|
A Couple Reminders...
for November
 New Facebook Page for MacNair's: MacNair's has a new Facebook page up. The Group page will stay up only a short while longer so please bookmark the new one. facebook.com/MacNairsCountryAcres We hope you enjoy it and feel free to participate. We love having your comments and photos, too!
Dress for the weather! While riding, as well as before and after, you need to be comfortable. The weather is turning cooler and riders need to dress accordingly. Think: fabrics advertised as "wicking" & "thermal" - they're perfect for riding; and also think: layers and zippers (so you don't have to take off your helmet to remove a jacket.) And don't be resigned to having your ears go numb while riding in the cold - there are several types of ear-coverings designed to fit under a riding helmet. Also, when riding in gloves, remember they need to be snug so you can feel the reins. Advance tip for all you Santas out there: a nice pair of winter riding gloves and a helmet friendly ear-band would be welcome stocking-stuffers for your rider. Helmet fit: Your riding helmet protects something very important - get a good one (ASTM/SEI approved) and make sure it fits and that you wear it correctly. The brim of a riding helmet should sit just above the eyebrows. It should be snug enough not to fall off if you tip forward with the chin strap unbuckled and not jiggle when you shake your head from side to side. It's tempting to get your old riding helmet out of the attic once the riding bug hits (or re-hits) your family, but the technology has grown tremendously since the days of plastic covered with velvet. Riding School Classes: There will be no classes Nov 24 - 27. But you can schedule a Holiday Horse Lease/Trail Ride Nov 24, 26 or 27. Talk to your instructor if you are interested. Video Clinic Dec 11: If you want to ride in the Video Evaluation Clinic but haven't gotten around to signing up yet, please call the office to register.
919-851-1118
|
4-H Corner 
This year MacNair's 4-H Club has 44 members. All, regardless of whether they are trying out for the show team, are eligible to participate in the riding clinics and other activities.
4-H has a Fun Day beginning at 12:30 on Nov 13. Fun Day is an afternoon for 4-H'ers to hang out at the barn with their friends, do some horse-related chores and have the opportunity for a lease ride beginning at 3:30.
The 4-H Clinic on Nov 20 from 12:30 - 5 is open to all 4-H members, whether interested in Show Team or not. Take advantage of this opportunity for some extra saddle-time.
Please let the Office know if you plan to participate.
919-851-1118
|
NCSU IHSA
What an October for the Team!
 The Wolfpack Hunt Seat Team came in third at St. Andrews on Oct 2 & Alli Duffy was Reserve Champion High Point rider.
Then, on Oct 16 at UNC-CH the Team was Reserve Champion. And Lindsay Ann Skully pointed out of her division, meaning she is already qualified for year-end Regionals.
On Oct 24, the Wolfpack riders were Champion High Point Team at Duke. Alex Vernon was Reserve Champion High Point Rider. Yes, you read that right - Champion High Point Team.
Oct 30, back at St Andrews, the Team missed being High Point Team by only two points. We were this close! Marion Price was Reserve High Point Rider, winning two classes along the way.
Thom is so proud of the consistency shown by by the Team and is delighted, not so much by the accolades, but with the progress made from show to show. Ok, we admit, he's delighted with the accolades, too.
This talented team is really turning some heads on the IHSA circuit. We are so proud of you! Keep posting on the correct diagonals, everyone!
|
Peter Nordlander
Thursday lessons
 The '06 bronze medalist at the Central American Games will be available to teach lessons at MacNair's on Thursdays, beginning in November. We hope you will be able to schedule some time with this patient, knowledgeable teacher. Get in touch with Caroline to set up a time to ride with Peter Nordlander.
MORE INFORMATION... |
|
|
|
|
As always, we love hearing from you. If you have a suggestion, an idea, or something we should be aware of, please let us know. If you have an item (or picture) that should be in the newsletter, don't hesitate to get in touch.
Sincerely,
the Staff at MacNair's Country Acres
|
|
|
