Four Star Farm - Fall 2014 
Starting Young Horses
A recent example of our great success at getting the youngsters started, is Connor or "Conman" as he's fondly referred to around the barn. See his video.

 
When starting young horses, I develop a plan according to their individual needs, taking into account temperament, personality and physical development. The program we have developed for our clients is designed to make it much easier and more affordable for a breeder to get their horses going early on. 

Our youngster plan is based on two months of "full" training that is financed and scheduled out over a five-month period. This gives us five months with the horse at a fraction of the cost to the owner. We might do two weeks on and two weeks off. Some of the horses do best with three days a week for a month and then a week off and back to it. Others we do 10 to 15 minutes every day  and then take a month off. Usually after maybe two periods of this, the horse is ready physically and mentally to be in a regular program. If the plan was to sell them I usually have them ready for that too! 

A recent example of our great success at getting the youngsters started, is Connor or "Conman" as he's fondly referred to around the barn. One of our sale horses, Connor is a three-year-old, 15.1 hand, purebred Connemara gelding, owned by Susan Mahoney, and I've been working with him from birth.

To begin with, I immediately imprint a foal within a few hours of birth: touching all over, including patting hooves, rubbing on the belly, scratching ears, moving the tail around and gently lifting up the foal. This process helps to establish humans as leaders and helps get foals used to being handled from the get-go.

We'll sit on young horses that are really big a bit earlier. I have found that starting horses when they're older makes the process much more difficult. By the time he was ridden for the first time, Connor h

ad been ground driven, done some round pen exercises and quite a bit of desensitizing work. Although Connor has an amazing temperament anyway, the initial work resulted in smooth sailing into the riding phase. After just three months he seemed more broke than a lot of 10-year-olds.

I also took him to Connemara shows and other events. From the beginning he was expected to behave respectfully.

To get him going under saddle with a rider, Connor was lunged with a saddle. Within three days of being ridden for the first time, he was walking, trotting and cantering in the round pen. Within one ride he was responding to leg aids. 

 

I attribute his relaxed, positive response to each new thing to the thorough and consistent handling he received.

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I don't overtax youngsters, and Connor's sessions are about 20 minutes, including a few fences every week plus trail rides.

 

Packed with personality and a complete delight to work with, Connor is a great example of how I work to produce horses that are enjoyable to be around and ride, whether owners are recreational riders or interested in competing.

 


Rooney's Reflections - The Magic of Piaffe
Welcome to Natalie's blog!

I have learned so much from Alfredo Hernandez. He has certainly given me a precious gift as he has taught me and my Four Star Farm crew the understanding and patience necessary to teach the piaffe.It takes a bit, but the beginnings can be taught when the horses are first started as a young four-year-old and then throughout their training developed in a very systematic way.

The rules and the process I have learned:

Groundwork
  • Initially done in a rope halter
  • Pressure is added slowly and patiently
  • Moving back, coming forward, and moving around their center of gravity
  • The horse must move away from pressure
  • Relaxation must be a priority
  • The horse must stay over his feet
  • Straightness is key
  • Reward must be instantaneous
  • Ask the horse to lift each leg...eventually holding it and then putting it down
  • Don't ask for too much (SOOOOO IMPORTANT!!!!!)
  • Keep every session short
  • Be aware and foster confidence and willingness
  • Often the best steps come after the horse has bucked and released the tension in the back
  • Respect and ground manners must be maintained (don't let the horse pass you)
  • Teach the horse to offer the steps of piaffe
  • Reward! Reward! Reward!
Sunny Delight learning to piaffe
Sunny Delight learning to piaffe.



The Event at Woodland Stallion Station


We had a total of 109 starters for our first recognized event Aug. 30-31. Natalie's dream is to host events that are working-person friendly, inviting for riders new to the sport and gaining experience. Courses at WSS are designed to help competitors to learn and enjoy themselves. (Course builder Zane Webb was overheard proclaiming, "That Intro course is mine," meaning he's excited about making a nice course for that level.)

The event staff learned a lot about managing a competition. As one organizing member put it, we were like ducks: above the water we were unruffled and calm. Below the surface we were paddling like crazy!

Our first-timer award, which included a pony hand-knitted by Four Star Farm assistant trainer Jenn Dinner, went to Miranda Olagaray, who wrote us a lovely thank you note. We hope to see you competing again, Miranda!

Thank you to Crossfit Ironmile!
The beautiful bodies from Crossfit Ironmile, Woodland, lent their time, stamina and muscles to The Event at Woodland Stallion Station. We're especially proud to have a Four Star Farm Crossfit contingent dedicated to "walking in strong, crawling out stronger."

2015 Recognized Events
We're now looking ahead to our next recognized event, a one-day horse trials, Sun., May 17, Intro-Preliminary. In keeping with our philosophy of hosting events that are working-person friendly and affordable, the one-day format makes it possible to trailer in the day before or day of, complete your event and head home. Saving the competitor on hotel costs and reducing time off from school or work. Mark your calendar!


Brenda's Tack Warehouse Barn Party!
Whether you're a friend, fan, client of Four Star Farm or have competed at one of our events, you're invited to Brenda's Tack Warehouse, Woodland, on November 7, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m., for an evening of shopping. Brenda is giving us an exclusive 20 percent discount! And of course light refreshments will keep us shoppers energized!


Baby Pictures
Leap of Faith
Leap of Faith, by Trakehner stallion Virginian Sky, owned by Natalie and the Fontana Syndikat out of Trakehner mare La Coura. Born August 5.

Rising Star, another of Virginian Sky's 2014 foals, out of Trakehner mare Regaliae, likes to show off her aka "fancy pants" movements.

 

Mr. B, out of Barina, is six months old and already shows stallion quality. His incredible Mother is back to work until breeding season ;)



Four Star Farm Winter Horse Camp  
Give the horse-crazy kids in your life some barn time at the Four Star Farm winter break camp, Dec. 29-31. The camp will feature learning how to groom, tacking up, horsemanship, as well as vaulting and riding lessons. Camp fee is $285. 9-4pm
 
Natalie's daughter, Sydney, vaulting on Kimi, a Connemara pony.


Clinics at Four Star Farm 
Alfredo Hernandez
Alfredo Hernandez specializes in piaffe and passage, and he works with many top U.S. dressage riders, including Hilda Gurney, Heather Blitz and Steffen Peters. He joins us again at Four Star Farm Nov. 11-12 and welcomes horses at all stages of training. Email Natalie or call 707-312-1119 to reserve your ride time or come audit!

Axel Steiner
Photo: Terri MIller
The newest dressage clinician on the Four Star Farm calendar, Axel Steiner is an "O" judge known around for the world for his calm and encouraging demeanor. December 10-12, Axel welcomes riders of all levels. $190/day. A $100 deposit is required to reserve a place. Auditors welcome, $25. Email or call Natalie, 707-312-1119, to sign up. 

Virginian Sky  
Virginian Sky has attained the American Trakehner Association's Performance Bronze (*Pb*) designation. He is schooling all the Grand Prix movements and Natalie is planning to compete around his busy breeding schedule at the FEI levels.
"The Sky Is the Limit" breeding, consignment and training package
A unique and novel opportunity, when you decide to breed to ATA-approved Trakehner Virginian Sky. Breed to Virginian Sky, and Natalie will actively help you to sell your foal. However, if you choose to raise and develop your own future riding horse, or you want to take advantage of a bigger and more profitable market at a later stage in your foal's life, you can bring your three-year-old Virginian Sky offspring to Natalie and get a reduced rate for training. Natalie has an outstanding track record of starting young Trakehner horses, and her success as both a gifted rider as well as a well-connected horse broker give you a head start with your Virginian Sky offspring. Natalie also has an obvious vested interest in seeing all of Virginian Sky's offspring become hugely successful competition horses! Email Natalie for terms and conditions of this unique opportunity.

Fifth Star Award
Mandy Izzo with Norm in a Greg Best clinic.
This issue's Fifth Star Award goes to Mandy Izzo, whose derpy smile and infectious laugh lit up the barn aisle. Mandy was also the superstar volunteer coordinator for the cross-country phase of our schooling and recognized horse trials. If she was ever stressed, she didn't show it! We are giving her this award despite her having packed up husband, home and horse and moving to Bloomington. (OK, her husband, Bobby, got a faculty position with the University of Indiana.) She is a shining Fifth Star! We miss her!


For Sale: Fonteyn

Natalie Rooney and Fonteyn at the Christiane Noelting Dressage Derby April 19, 2014.

Fonteyn is a talented 2008, 16.1-hands mare by the Premium Westphalen stallion Freestyle out of a show mare by a son of the great Trakehner stallion Enrico Caruso. Freestyle has a German dressage Index of 151 points, the highest in North America, and in the TOP 1 percent of all German dressage stallions. Fonteyn's dam is a direct descendant of the great thoroughbred "Blue Hen" mare "La Troienne." Nearly black and destined for greatness, this young, fancy mare is beautiful and feels like an upper-level dressage horse with FEI quality gaits. Fonteyn has been in professional training for the last two years. Fonteyn is showing at second level with scores in the 70's and schooling all third level movements. She has attended numerous clinics and is well started on half steps. Shows great aptitude for piaffe/passage.She has been introduced to the double bridle and goes just as well in it as in the snaffle. Fonteyn is very sensitive and forward with an excellent work ethic. She prefers a partner who is light in the aids. USEF and USDF lifetime registration. By private treaty. Video

For sale: Bellespoir

Natalie Rooney and Bellespoir: Training level show jumping at Twin Rivers.
An elegant and incredibly athletic jumper, Belle is ready to find a show home. She has the scope and the technique to be either a children's jumper, a hunter or an upper level event horse. She is a 2009 Holsteiner chestnut mare with lots of chrome, standing 15.2 hands. She is by the stallion Chaka Khan (by Cor De La Bryere). Belle is quiet, easy and uncomplicated to ride with an excellent work ethic. She is currently competing at Training level eventing and schooling Prelim So as soon as she turns 6 she is ready for her Prelim debut. $35,000.

For sale: Whisper

Whisper is a lovely 16.1-hand, 2001 registered Oldenburg (Trakehner x Oldenburg) mare. She is a sweet, elegant mare with upper-level potential. A fantastic uphill mover, light in the bridle and has excellent form over fences. She's very brave cross-country and has competed successfully in the jumper ring. She has had four exceptional foals, all f whom have successful show careers in botht he dressage and jumper rings. In her first-ever horse trials, Whisper won the Open Novice division at the August 2014 Event at Woodland Stallion Station, ending on her dressage score of 23.6 penalties. $16,000.

For sale: Art's Celtic Connor

Connor has been a favorite since the day he was born. He has a fabulous personality and the talent to be great at anything. He is a 15.1-hand full Connemara. His lovely dam, *Cashelbay Kim, was imported from Ireland and his sire was the great *ArdCeltic Art, who successfully competed at the CCI 2* level and was several times Connemara horse of the year. Connor was Connemara Region 10 foal of the year in 2011 and he won the USEA Future Event Horse in 2012 as a yearling. Connor loves to trail ride, is built to be on the bit and will jump anything in front of him! He is a very correct and fancy mover who will catch everyone's eye! He has been easy to start and is ready to go to a show home. He will win in the hunter ring, dressage court, or as an event horse! $18,000. As soon as this spectacular oversized pony is 4 and allowed to attend his first recognized show his price will definitely climb.......exponentially:)  Video: Connor's first course.

 


For sale: Little Lion Man.......oops, too late, SOLD!!!!!

Little Lion Man, "Mumford," is a 15.2 hand, 2009 Irish Sport Horse gelding. Great packer with lots of scope! Mumford has an exceptional temperament and personality. Anyone can ride him; he is uncomplicated, safe, and calm. Mumford loves to jump and will happily jump anything you point him at. Very easy, just point and shoot! Mumford is like a sports car: the perfect combination of responsive and sensible with great brakes. Competed through Novice eventing, and is ready to go Training tomorrow. No stop, spook, or buck. Plenty of scope to go further! Solid lateral work and soft in the bridle. He is also very easy to ride on the trail. Mumford is super sound and an easy keeper. Clips, ties, loads, and stands well for the farrier. Mumford is bred to be a sport horse. His Sire is ISH stallion Formula One and his dam competed through Preliminary eventing. Mumford has always been in professional training and ridden by his amateur owner. His fantastic temperament makes him a great horse for an amateur or child for eventing, pony club, or hunter-jumper. Sadly offered for sale because owner is in medical school and doesn't have time to give Mumford the attention he deserves. $18,000.

For Sale: Sunny Delight

A 2003 model 17.1-hand Trakehner gelding by the Grand Prix show jumper Stiletto, Sunny Delight is competing Training Level eventing and schooling Preliminary. He shows his sire's aptitude over fences and in dressage has never scored less than an 8 on gaits. Brave and reliable cross-country, rideable enough for an amateur, Sunny shows great potential for upper levels and is developing into a competitive, well-rounded show horse. $25,000. Contact Taylor Lindsten, 480-993-7408 to schedule an introduction.

For a special home: Patton

Patton is a sweet 16.2 hands, 13-year-old Oldenburg gelding. In fact, there isn't a sweeter horse in the barn. He truly wants to be in your pocket! He's serviceably sound at the walk, trot and canter, and capable of lower-level dressage work. We'd love to see him partnered with a loving adult amateur. He's for sale or available for a cost-lease. Contact Natalie, or call 707-312-1119, to schedule a visit with Patton.

The Out Gate 



FSF Calendar
2014
Have questions about an event on the calendar? Want to sign up? Email Natalie or text 707-312-1119.

Nov. 7
Barn party at Brenda's Tack Warehouse, 6:30 - 8 p.m., 917 Main St., Woodland. 20 percent discount!

Nov. 17
Dr. Marc Chauvet, equine dentist. You won't want to have anyone else do your horse's teeth once Dr. Chauvet has worked on them. A few appointments left. $260.

  

Nov. 11-12.
Alfredo Hernandez piaffe and passage clinic

Nov. 13-15
Fresno County Horse Park Horse Trials

Dec. 11-12
Axel Steiner dressage clinic. $190/day. $100 deposit to reserve. Auditors $25.

Dec. 20

Four Star Farm holiday barn party, 6-8 p.m.


Dec. 29-31

Four Star Farm winter horse camp, $285.


 

Jan. 8-9
Alfredo Hernandez piaffe and passage clinic


 

Galway Downs Trifecta Event 
 
Jan. 24-25
Fresno County Horse Park Combined Test

Feb. 13-15
Fresno County Horse Park Horse Trials




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Natalie Rooney
707-312-1119