Mandatory Safety Meeting this Sat., Feb. 12 at Noon

Help us Deliver Our Beautiful Valentines! 

Cashlyn and I talk about freedom, and what it means, a lot. And right now, something historic in Egypt is happening that I want our riders, from the biggest to the babies to understand. Through peaceful protests, courage and sheer grit of tens of thousands of regular, every day Egyptian people, an unjust leader is being forced out -- after 30 oppressive years. A real Egyptian democracy could spark changes throughout the Middle East.

As we were watching the news from Egypt on television last night, Cashlyn said, "What can we do to help these people, Mommy?"
 
I said the only thing I know to do is pray. Pray for the protestors' strength and resolve for peaceful revolution. Pray for wisdom for the world leaders involved. And send prayers of thanks to the wonderful souls of our ancestors who fought and died so that we may live self-determined lives in a free land.
 
And there is more more thing we can do. We can teach our children what real heros look like. Real heroes look like you and me, people who are willing to stand up for what is right.  If I know anything, I'd say horses can raise real heros.   

Parker

Lots happening this week at CLS:  Mandatory Safety meeting for all barn helpers on Saturday, Feb. 12 (Lunch will be served)

On Sunday, February 13 - meet at Independence Village at 2:00 pm to help deliver Valentine's to the elderly. We'll have a Valentine's Box for all the instructors if your rider would like to leave a Valentine!   

Lauren Riggins Wins Statewide Youth Award at the ASAC Convention   

The American Saddlebred Horse Association of the Carolinas recently honored Lauren Riggins, our longtime Lovell's Little Bit member. Lauren was awarded the Martina Roseberry Youth Sportsmanship Award for 2010.

This honor is given to one junior exhibitor show rider each year from across North and South Carolina who exemplifies the character and sportsmanship that our sport teaches.

Lauren also recently was honored by the United States Equestrian Federation as one of the top junior exhibitor competitors in the nation.

From Parker: And that baby started it all right here at CLS more than a decade ago. She's one of our favorite people of all time, and a role model for us all. We love you Lauren!

Renowned Trainer and Equitation Instructor Cindy Mugnier to Teach a One Day Clinic at CLS

Saturday, March 

Show Riders and Academy Show Riders, mark your calendars for Saturday, March 5. Cindy Mugnier, who most recently judged the Equitation Finals at The American Royal, will be at CLS for one day preparing our riders for the first shows of the year.  As many of you know, Cindy, Cash and Parker are longtime friends. Her talent is legendary. And getting a day on her international travel schedule is nearly impossible.  We are always so thankful to Cindy for making time for our riders. Please email Ms. Parker today if you're interested in riding with Ms. Cindy. The spots will be fill overnight.  Fee: $55 per lesson.   

Note: The CLS Team will determine if you'll ride in a semi-private 30-minute lesson or in a 45-minute small group depending on your skill level and preparations needed to prepare for the first shows. Show Horse Riders: Ms. Cindy will teach the show rider preparedness group from noon to 1 pm. Please sign up with Ms. Parker. 

Join the Little Bits this Sunday, February 13 at 2:30 pm at Independence Village as we complete our Valentine's Project! Kim Stewart will be coordinating everyone so we can deliver our homemade Valentine's (from Fun Friday) to senior citizens at Independence Village. Kim has prepared 60 candy bags and has the Valentine's ready to go (and they are SO CUTE!). If you'd like to help deliver the Valentines, please e-mail Kim by clicking here. We're planning to meet at 2:30 at Independence Village - thanks! Independence Village is located at 2945 Reynolda Road (336) 723-2006.

Safety is always our #1 priority and we need all barn helpers to join us for our 2011 Safety meeting.
This is a mandatory meeting for all of barn helpers including Academy Team members and Show Riders. We'll discuss proper and safe care of the horses, barn and pasture safety, expectations of barn helpers, required hours and work for earning lessons, appearance of barn helpers and neatness of barn. This is an important meeting and all barn helpers must attend. Yes Show riders -- this means YOU too!  A sign up sheet is posted in the barn. Be sure to put your name on the list. You can also register by e-mailing Parker. Pizza will be provided!  Look forward to seeing you there! 

The ASAC Winter Tournament is coming up fast! This will be the first show for some of our Academy Team Members. To register, sign up at the barn or click here. 

CLS Signs on for the Festival of Trees 2011!  
We know, we know ... it's a little early to start thinking about Christmas!  But we have a little news -- CLS has signed on to create a large Christmas tree and a wreath for the festival of trees this year. Last year was such a blast and the tree was gorgeous! Thank you to Barn Moms Kim Stewart and Emily Semans for helping coordinate the effort this year.

And thank you to Lovell's Little Bit Lydia Tyrell's grandparents for purchasing our 2010 tree! 

Several CLS Academy Riders Working Towards Master Medalist Status This Season!

 Four CLS Academy Team members will be working on achieving the rank of "Master Medalist" this season, sponsored by the American Saddlebred Horse Association.

Margaret Bassett, Gracyn Mansfield, Felicia Elliott and Emily Stokes will be working towards the Master Bronze level this show season. So....that means they will need to accumulate 20 riding/show points and 15 activity points.
 
Here's a little bit about the ASHA Master Medalist Program:
 
ASHA is offering this special award -- which goes beyond the ASHA Academy Awards program. Riding points are earned according to the regular rules of the Academy Awards Program. (1 point for participation in an academy show, 1 point for placing 2nd-8th in an academy show, and 2 points for placing 1st in an academy show)
 
FYI:  Going to 4-5 regular academy shows and participating in CLS's Spring and Fall Fun Shows will most likely bring your child's point value up to 20 -- depending on their placings. 
 
The Master Medals are also earned as follows:  Master Bronze (1st year), Master Silver (2nd year) and Master Gold (3rd year)
 
Activity Points
Activity points can be accumulated from the following list, but at least 3 different categories must be used: 

• Participate in Junior Judging or Showmanship at Halter (5 points)
• Enter the ASHA Youth Photo Contest (5 points) (Riders -- make sure you take photos of only registered Saddlebreds for this -- sounds funny, but those are their rules!)
• Give a speech to a Youth Club, organization or class (5 points)
• Volunteer at a horse show (pass out ribbons, help barn, concessions) (5 points)
• Participate in an  ASHA Youth Club Activity (5 points) (Fun Friday)
• Be a member of an ASHA Youth Club (5 points) (All of our riders are already members.)
• Volunteer at an equine therapy riding program (5 points)