Cross Country School!!!!

Hey Guys! Are you itching to go Eventing again???? We sure are! So, we have a school set up at Twin Rivers on January 16th, and will then be there to compete at their Combined Test on the 17th. This will be a great opportunity to get rid of your cabin fever and practice those new Dressage Tests that they've thrown at us.

If you are interested in going to the CT, the entries are due now. If you just want to school on Saturday, just let us know so we can get a head count. Of course, we'd love for you to do both!

The Windy Day Couldn't Discourage Dragonfire Riders!

The competitors were out in force at the Academy @ Dragonfire Schooling Show last Saturday, and all were ready for some great comeraderie and good times. Judged by Jennifer Rond and announced by Katie Harris, the show was an impressive display of how hard Melissa's students have been working.

Taking top honors in the Advanced Rail class, and also the Advanced Pattern class, was Barbara Fleming aboard her own Alias. This seasoned pair was looking quite professional and were unmatched in their polish for these wins. Leida Mangang partnered with Aida to take the victory pass in the Walk/Trot A Rail class. This was a wonderful continuation from the Rancho Murieta Show in Leida's already illustrious career. Alyssa Hansen was a commanding presence in both the Walk/Trot B Rail class and the Walk/Trot Advanced Pattern. She left no room for the judge to question as she piloted Khan to a dual victory. In her first performance ever, Isabel Salas stole the show aboard Aida in the Walk/Trot Beginner Pattern. This girl is definitely a super-star in the making!

At the end of the day, we were proud of all of the riders' performances. Everyone competed to the best of their ability with grace, sportsmanship and style. Way to go guys!!!

PARTY TIME!!!!!!

Hey party goers... time to put up the tinsel, grab some eggnog, and celebrate the Holidays! Dragonfire's Holiday Party is on Saturday, December 19th at 4:30 P.M. Bring the whole family and enjoy potluck snacks, treats for the kids, and spirits for the adults. Weather permitting, we will have a bounce house and Santa will be giving sleigh rides! Hope to see you there!

A Fourth Year of Victory in Oklahoma for Movado

The Western Pleasure sensation, Movado, has done it again by winning at the Grand National for the fourth year in a row! His prowess in the ring is well known, as he is practically undefeated in the Ladies division, starting in 2006 with his first Ladies World Championship. His soft gaits and rock-solid head set have also made him a force in the Amateur and now Open divisions. In 2008 and now 2009, Movado won the highly competitive and HUGE Grand National Western Pleasure Geldings class with Jennifer McFall. Paul and Danica Brisco of Milrose Morgans proudly own this living legend.

Academy Riders: Get Ready To Test!!!

Level 2- Red Requirements 5 basic kinds of Nurition Horse Colors and Markings getting horse ready for lesson (minus bridle) The test will be true or false for nutrition and a matching worksheet for Colors and Markings. Testing date TBA for next month. Level 3- Blue Health and Vet Handout Farrier and Hoof Care Handout Tack (should be able to identify parts of the saddle, parts of the bridle) Mounted Evaluation- Position evaluation. Must be approved to gain Level 3 color felt.

Merriewold Galaxie garners Grand Nation Title!

At just five years old, Merriewold Galaxie has accomplished what most horses take years to do by becoming a National Champion in Dressage. Although this is most impressive, it is not necessarily a surprise since this consistent performer has won at every show she has gone to. And with her Grand Prix Dressage bloodlines, she seems to be filling her sire's shoes with grace and success. All this, and she is easy enough for an amateur or kid to ride!! Breeder/Owner, Diana Wold of Merriewold Morgans, has certainly hit the mark with this mare. Aptly named, this young star's future will be as bright as an entire galaxy!

Attention Mature Ladies:

The Mature Ladies Group has been a huge success! Ladies are enjoying learning to ride in both the Beginner's A Group, and the finer points of Dressage in the Intermediate B Group. They also have been treated to new friendships over a great cup of coffee and delicious baked goods in our lounge. Field Trips to see "Horsey-Acts" are already being planned! Of course, you don't need a horse to join, since we have several lesson horses to choose from... and all of this for just $30*!

Cheron will be out of town the next two Saturdays, so no Ladies' Group for the rest of November *Boo-Hoo*. But, they will start up again the first Saturday of December. Call or email Jenny to sign up. See you there!

(*The lesson is $30 when there are 3 or more in the group, otherwise it is $40)