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)

Rau remains cool for a top finish

Devyn Rau made her debut performance at the Preliminary Level a statement with her mount, Mushu the Dragon. At the Twin Rivers Ranch International Three Day and Horse Tirals in Paso Robles, CA, Devyn showed that she had the nerves to put in solid performances in all three phases to take a strong second place her first time out. The real clincher was a very accurate stadium ride that required wits and strength combined. Way to go, Devyn!!!

Huge score for Rouge et Blanc DF!

Rouge et Blanc DF (Dragonfire Kirin x A Buccaneer's Life) scored an impressive 81.0%, as a yearling, at the USEA Future Event Horse testing in Paso Robles, CA. This youngster is definitely a star for the future, with the judge commenting on his elegant frame and fantastic shoulder movement. Earl expertly showed "Roger" to this great score. And I didn't envy him, trying to keep up with Roger's huge trot!

Mature Ladies Group Riding Lessons

Cheron Laboissonniere, World Champion Dressage rider, is heading up a Mature Ladies Riding Group Saturday mornings. Don't miss out on your chance to get back in the saddle with women of a similar age and spend some quality social time as well! Our lounge will be open for morning coffee or tea and bakery goodies at 8:30 A.M.... come and enjoy!!! The Beginner group starts at 9:00 A.M. and the Intermediate group is at 10:00 A.M. Email Jenny at info@dragonfiremorgans.com to join.

High Times leads Training Horse division at Galway through all three phases!

In his debut performance at Training level at the Galway Downs Three Day Event in Temecula, CA, Billy took the first position after Dressage and kept the lead throughout the competition. He was focused and clean in his show jumping, but where he really shined was in the cross country phase. He handled the challenging Galway course with cool confidence and efficient speed. It was a thrilling round...I can honestly say it was a blast to ride!

Here's a link to his pictures from the show: http://www.mccoolphotos.com/_appFile.cfm?pg=riderGallery&riderId=9970

Dragonfire Kublakhan is on the mend!!!

For all of you concerned about Khan...thanks for the love and prayers. He has the beginnings of Cushing's Disease, but we have caught it early and he is on the proper medication. He is already feeling much better and is ready to give walk/trot lessons. Taylor test rode him yesterday and he was very perky!!! He would love for you to come by and give him some brushing and love. But, please, NO SUGAR OR TREATS! He is on a strict diet! Also, a big thanks to Jesse Vaughn for coming to Khan's rescue so quickly.

Academy Show @ Dragonfire

All Dragonfire students are invited to participate in our Academy Schooling Show Saturday, November 28th. Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced classes available. Don't miss out on all of our fun-filled, friendly competition geared towards helping you become a better rider!

Schedule of Classes (Beginning at 1 pm)

1. Walk/Trot Rail Class - Beginner Advanced

2. Adult Pattern

3. Advanced Pattern

4. Intermediate/Advanced Pattern

5. Intermediate Pattern

6. Walk/Trot Beginner Advanced Pattern

7. Walk/Trot Beginner Pattern

8. ***Around the World***

Dress For Success Seminar

Don't miss our Dress for Success seminar Saturday, October 24, 2009! We will be discussing appropriate attire for our upcoming Academy Show, and also how to dress for A Shows. We will be doing hair and makeup demos, a "hair bling" craft and sharing snacks.