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Heads Up!
January 2011
3...Riding School classes resume
8...4-H Clinic 12:30-5
13...Saddle Up 3-5
18-20...Track Out Camp
22...4-H Fun Day 12:30-5
22...Cloverbuds 2-4
29...4-H Clinic/ Practice 12:30-5
30...4-H Show Team try-outs
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Word from the Herd
Be a Softie
If we could, what would we, as horses,
change about the way people ride? To sum up - we would ask our riders to be softer; after all, we are sensitive enough to feel flies land on our skin. "Well then," you may ask, "why won't you instantly do what I say?" It's because we have learned to listen selectively. Those of us who teach beginners know that if we listened instantly, our riders would fall off, instantly. Those of us with more advanced riders still sometimes wonder..."was that rider's movement on purpose or inadvertent?" And many of our riders (while not meaning to) still give us conflicting signals. Has your instructor ever used the term "clashing aids"? That means the rider is telling us to do two things at once...stop AND go, for instance. A rider actively using her legs to say "Go forward!" may not realize that at the same time, she has a tight grip on her horse's reins, thus saying "Do not go forward!"
If you are riding & feel your frustration level rise, please remember that ours is going up as well. We (usually) want to do the right thing but you don't always make it clear. So don't get mad - be more specific.
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Getting to Know Us
this month...
VOGUE
 Show name: Strike a Pose Age/breed: 21 year old Welsh / Thoroughbred cross Past Life: Vogue came to MacNair's as a boarder - a fancy show pony whose owner liked to teach her tricks (none of which she remembers.) An injury to her splint bone curtailed her show career although after it healed she had great success at 4-H shows with many riders. Favorite Things: Vogue loves to jump and her riders have probably noticed that she loves the word "Whoa". And that she adores being groomed. Advice Vogue would give her riders: "Learn to use your voice and legs and please leave my mouth alone."  | Vogue & some pasture friends
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Quote of the Month
Caroline MacNair Carl:
"That was the most beautiful snow we've ever had and I cannot wait until spring."
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Dear Friends of MacNair's,
We hope your holidays were wonderful - just the right amount of family, friends, festivities and food. Riding School classes resume Jan 3. You'll get a chance to use the wonderful horse-related gifts you undoubtedly received. Try-outs for the 4-H Show Team will be at the end of this month with a clinic/practice the day before. If you think you're not ready now but may want to try out next year, come and see what it's all about. I know your New Year's Resolution for 2011 is: heels down & eyes up!Pony riders - don't forget about Cloverbuds this month. Also, we have three surprises at the School Barn. see below...Nancy
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Riding School Show
Dec 5
 What a fun show! Who knew you were all so competitive? We had a dusting of snow (enough to compliment the Christmas decorations) but not enough to keep our riders from demonstrating their outstanding equestrian skills to family and friends. Showing is similar to taking a test. It tells you what homework you need to do before the spring Riding School Show. Great thanks to riders, spectators and to our wonderful staff and horses. photos from the Riding School Show
Photos are (mostly) in the same order as the classes. You can download and print pictures by signing in (easy & free.)
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A Couple Reminders...
for January
 It's winter: we really can't stress enough that riders must dress appropriately for cold weather - for an outdoor athletic endeavor - not for standing at the bus stop. What's the difference? When riding, physical exertion produces a fair amount of body heat and sweat too, even though it's cold out. Once your clothes are damp, your body cannot keep you warm. Wear a wicking layer next to your skin (this includes long johns under your breeches), then insulating layers and something to block the wind. Look for ear bands specially designed to fit under riding helmets. Consider those little disposable packs for inside gloves and boots ("Hot Hands 2" or "Toasty Toes" or a larger "Thermacare" to lay across your shoulders.) Don't just wear riding gloves, wear WINTER riding gloves that wind-block. A scarf or neck gaiter will help, too. As far as jackets and vests go, think zippers or snaps so if you need to shed a layer (don't overheat - that makes you sweaty!) you won't have to take off your helmet. Dressing to fit the temperature will make a huge difference to the riders' comfort level.
Show riders: we are encouraging everyone to get together in January to talk about shows for the coming season. Bryan Rosenberg is attempting to find a date when all interested parties can attend. If you haven't already done so, please email him with your availability.
Please slow down: you never know who will be standing in the road around the next bend. The farm is full of wildlife, kids of all sizes, hikers, dogs, bikers, birdwatchers, cats (same thing) and the occasional loose pony running around. Please drive like you might need to brake at any moment.
 | camouflaged White Tailed Deer
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 | camouflaged Great Blue Heron
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Dec Video Evaluation Clinic
...how nine riders learned to ignore the weather
The weather could have been worse for our Dec Video Clinic but cold rain wasn't what we ordered, either. Thank goodness for the covered ring! (Nice course, Jen - thank you!) Everyone did a good job of dressing themselves and their horses appropriately (see above); the weather was quickly dismissed - the focus was on riding and learning how to be more effective. Everyone came away with an insight or two, not only from watching themselves on tape but also watching the other riders. Lots of good questions generated lots of discussions about riding styles, training and showing techniques. And the cookies, hot cider and cocoa didn't hurt. (Thank you, Dena!) Thanks also to Martina & Thom for coaching, judging and interpreting the rides on tape and to Julia for making sure our Group C horses were taken care of.  Special thanks to Samantha F and Lara for trailering in their horses and to Emily, Courtney, Samantha W, Miranda, Kara, Cheri and Laura for making this clinic so much fun. Taylor, sorry you got sick at the last minute & couldn't make it but many of the participants want to do it again so you will undoubtedly have another chance. |
4-H Corner 
January
This is a busy month for our 4-H-ers. We have a Clinic on Jan 8 and a Fun Day Jan 22. These 4-H activities are open to all members so please come and join the fun even if you don't want to show. If you do want to show, the last Clinic/Practice before Try-outs will be held Jan 29. Show Team Try-outs are on Jan 30. You will ride at an assigned time. Although we do our best to accommodate your preference, please give us three horse choices. The times will be announced when we see how many riders are trying out.  | 2010 Try-outs
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New Faces at the School Barn
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Dec Open House
 Boarders and staff had a nice get together in the lounge at Country Acres just before Christmas to share some food, stories and laughter. Thanks for stopping by! It was a pretty sunset that night, too... photos from the Open House |
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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
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