Ride Times For Hawley Bennett Jan. 11-12, 2014

Yes Please...

Time to kick it into gear for 2014, and Dragonfire is ready to help get you going by bringing you Canadian Super Star Eventer, Hawley Bennett.

Please be warmed up and ready before your ride time starts so that you can get the full benefit of your time with Hawley. No need to bring a sack lunch as the Deer Creek Pony Club will be on hand with a snack bar including lunch items, so you will be able to stay the day and watch the rest of the lessons without starving to death.  Also, we are inviting our riders to a potluck dinner up at the house on Saturday night so that everyone can spend some quality time with Hawley and ask her all kinds of questions about what it feels like to represent her country in International Three Day Eventing. Please email Jenny at dragonfirefarm@frontiernet.net to let us know how many in your party are planning on coming to dinner ASAP so that we can be prepared.


Saturday 1/11                                                      Sunday 1/12
7:30 Sabrina Santos (dressage)                           7:30 Sabrina Santos (dressage)
8:00: Makena G/Taylor M (dressage)                 8:00: Group 1
8:30: Group 1                                                     8:30: Group 2
9:00: Group 2                                                     9:45: Group 3
10:15: Group 3                                                   11:00: Group 4
Lunch                                                                 Lunch
12:00: Group 4                                                   12:45: Group 5
1:15: Group 5                                                     200: Group 6
2:30: Group 5                                                     3:15: Group 7
3:45: Group 7                                              
6:30: DINNER

Group 1: Jen McFall (Billy), Caroline Dein
Group 2: Jordan McNabb, Jen McFall (Tim), Hailey Sullivan, Sarah Bundgard
Group 3: Amanda Blake, Jessie Deeter, Ari Kann, Dana Todd
Group 4: Lauren LoPiccolo, Val Ashker, Morgan Wenell, Adison LoPiccolo
Group 5: Hailey Popham, Makena Graber, Jen McFall (Jake), Michelle Wenell
Group 6: Erin Critz, Taylor McFall, Stephanie Nicoria, Earl McFall (Jade)
Group 7: Sarah Saldo, Lea Vickery, Earl McFall (Kitty)

Let's learn and grow! Onward and upward!!

Video Update: 2013 Academy@Dragonfire Jingle Bell Show

Our annual Holiday Show for the Academy was a great success with our riders showing off to their families all of the things they have been learning. Whether they were riding their own mounts or an Academy horse/pony, they were all impressive in their sportsmanship, as well as their riding and horsey-decorating skills! Spectators enjoyed a free lunch provided by Dragonfire while they saw great performances in Dressage, Jumping, on the flat, and Games. The weather was splendid, and certainly all went home with the satisfaction of a job well done and a day spent amongst friends and fellow horse enthusiasts.

We would like to thank Sheldon Feed for being so generous in their sponsorship of our Academy Shows. The fabulous prizes are much appreciated by our riders!

Lesson Special!

Happy Holidays from Dragonfire! All of the instructors here are in a particularly great holiday mood, and are ready to give you a great lesson at a discount! That's right, this Saturday, December 21, all lessons will be 20% with your favorite instructor. So give Cheron a call, and get scheduled today!

Happy Holidays from Dragonfire!

Christmas Shopping At It's Finest

Get ready to save some money!!!! Everyone that takes lessons with Dragonfire is invited to Brenda's Tack Warehouse in Woodland December !8th at 7:00 PM for an exclusive sale of 20% off all items in the store!!! (except for saddles and helmets) And, if they have to order what you need, you will still get the discount that night! WOW!!! Start making a list for everything you might need for the year and take advantage of this great opportunity!

Let's Make A Difference!

If there is one thing I know about Team DF, it is that it is a big group of GREAT PEOPLE! And, we have the power to make a difference this holiday season for those in a little need of a helping hand. We will have a collection box at our Christmas Party on the 15th, where we invite you to bring something off of the Loaves And Fishes of Sacramento Wish List.

Let's reach out to our community and lend a hand while celebrating our team's wonderful accomplishments and friendships. Here is the list of items you can choose from. We will bring in the donations on Monday for you.

General Needs
Toilet Paper
Sleeping Bags & Blankets (new and gently used)
Back Packs
Regional Transit Passes
Band Aids, Combs and Brushes
Fast Food Restaurant Coupons
Small Toiletries: Soap, Shampoo, Conditioner, Lotion, Vaseline, Chapstick, Cough Drops
ToothPaste & Toothbrushes
Deodorant
Gift Certificates - Target/Walmart/Safeway/Raleys
Bicycle Tire Repair/Patch Kits
Tarps
Coffee - Large Cans

Adults
Coats, Jackets & Gloves
Sweatshirts (Large - X-Large)
Tube Socks
Reading Glasses (No RX)
New Underwear (All Sizes)
Sweat Suits (Large - 3X-Large)

Children
Gloves
Baby Bottles
Diapers (All sizes)
Non Soy Baby Formula w/iron
Jars of Baby Food
Sweat Suits (All Sizes)

Please no used clothing, household items, or toys other than the specific items listed above.

Paper Goods What about a paper drive? (We are unable to use most canned foods.)
Toilet paper
Paper napkins
Paper towels
Paper cups
Small Dixie cups

Dining Room & Food Supplies
Coffee mugs
Metal forks
Large zip lock bags
Fast food coupons
Sugar
Coffee
Tea
Salt & Pepper (Large)

Hygiene Items
Razors and after shave
Q Tips
Tampons/Pads
Depends (adult diapers)
Tooth paste and brushes
Shampoos (Large & Small)
Conditioners (Small)
Lotions (Small)
Deodorants
Brushes/Combs
Small sewing kits
Small first aid kits

Baby Items
Diapers (large & toddler sizes)
Baby wipes
Baby juices
Powdered formula
Baby bottles (plastic)
Baby food

Pets
Canned food
Large dry food
Pet Carriers
Leashes
Collars

Guest's Gear
Sleeping bags
Blankets
Small plastic tarps
Backpacks
Towels & Washcloths
Small can openers
Bike tire patch kits
Bike lights
Large candles
AA batteries
Reading glasses
RT bus passes

Special Clothing
Because we do not have a clothing closet we can onlyaccept these items:
Rain ponchos
New socks
New underwear (Men & Women)
New bras
Stretch gloves
Knit hats
Jackets
Tennis Shoes (Men & Women)

Party Time!!!

YOUR PRESENCE IS REQUESTED

Come one, come all!!! Come celebrate a wonderful year together filled with lessons, competition, and camaraderie. We can't wait to see you here!!

Dragonfire To Host Hawley Bennett January 11-12, 2014

Experience one of the best clinics available and ride with Hawley Bennett at Dragonfire Farm! With her extraordinary accomplishments on all of the Canadian Teams including the Pam Ams, WEG's and the Olympics, this elite equestrienne hardly needs an introduction! Her drive and her youthful energy is not only unsurpassed in the industry it is also infectious as she has had a hand in several top young rider's careers.

With her keen eye and direct teaching style, Hawley will undoubtably give you a clinic to remember.

The clinic fee is $215 for two days of intimate sized groups that will guarantee that Hawley will be able to give you the attention you need to improve. The Dragonfire facility also boasts a fantastically large ring with several types of stadium and cross country type obstacles that will give you the challenge you desire. Auditors will be just as pleased with the large seating area on the raised berm and a sound system to hear all of Hawley's instruction. The auditing fee is $10 per person for both days.

Be a part of this sensational rider's team as she continues to set the international scene on fire and learn from her vast experience. Make checks out to Dragonfire and send to 13247 Orange Rd. Wilton, CA 95693 to reserve your spot now, along with your experience level. VERY limited stabling is available for those traveling over distance for $40/day.

There will be no refunds on clinic fees unless your spot can be filled from a wait list. Late entries will only be accepted if space warrants, and will be on a CASH basis only.

Cori Davis Named To USEF 2014 Eventing 25 Squad

The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) and its Eventing High Performance Department recently announced the list for the Developing Riders/Eventing 25 Program for 2014. Selected by application, 20 riders, under the age of 25, from across the country will benefit from regular access, coaching, and guidance from U.S. Team Coach, David O’Connor. The year will begin with intensive USEF Developing Riders/Eventing 25 Program Training Sessions in January and February in California and Florida, respectively. The sessions will consist of both mounted lessons as well as lectures covering riding theory and technique, stable management, and course design.

Dragonfire is thrilled to announce that our own Cori Davis has been named to list after a stellar year with her partner, A Golden Effort. They finished their whirlwind season with a clear round at their first CCI** at the Galway Downs International Three Day Event in Temecula, California.

Cori Davis and A Golden Effort at Galway Downs

Congratulations, Cori! We know that this will be an experience of a lifetime, while you work towards competing at the 2014 FEI North American Young Rider Championships.

Save The Dates!

With the close of the 2013 show season, we have already booked some exciting clinics here at Dragonfire for 2014. For those who would like to jump like an Olympian, Hawley Bennett will be here January 11-12, 2014. For those with the Dressage bug, we are having Bea DiGrazia February 8th, 2014. Keep an eye on our website for more information on these great learning opportunities!

Frilly Fillies Featured On Eventing Nation

We are thrilled that Eventing Nation has recognized Frilly Fillies as the BEST equine ear bonnet available. They recently featured Nancy Dein's company as a top pick for holiday gift giving, and we couldn't agree more! Not only can you fully customize the colors and add bling if you so desire, your bonnet will be perfectly sized to your horse's forehead and ear length. Check out the Frilly Fillies website and order today! 

High Times loves his Frilly Fillies!

Earl McFall Accepts DC Position With Deer Creek Pony Club

Deer Creek Pony Club will have a new leader in Earl McFall in 2014. With the help of Janet Rau as Co-DC, the club will no doubt have an exciting year both in horse management and mounted meetings.  The focus will be on moving up the ladder in ratings for club members as well as exploring all of the fun Rallies and other opportunities Pony Club has to offer today's youth throughout the year.

Two For Two: Rouge Et Blanc DF Wins Again

Dragonfire Farm is extremely proud of our alumni, Rouge Et Blanc DF and his young rider, Madison Langerak. "Roger" was bred, born and trained here at Dragonfire through Training Level, before being sold to Madison this year as a five year old. Within just a few short months, this fledgling pair has amassed two first place victories in Junior Novice together at the premier venues, Twin Rivers Ranch and Galway Downs, respectively. With the help of Mittleider Eventing, their goal of standing on the Young Rider podium will indeed not be too far into the future! Dragonfire Farm prides itself on breeding and producing top class prospects for the public just like Rouge Et Blanc DF, and we encourage you to take a look at what we have to offer.

Roger and Madison school at home before their competition.

Video Update: Classic Twain DF Wins Young Event Horse Championship

Classic Twain DF put in a lovely performance with Jennifer McFall to win the 2013 West Coast Four Year Old Young Event Horse Championship at The Galway Downs International Three Day Event. A full Thoroughbred, Classic Twain is by Dragonfire Farm's stallion, The Twain, and out of Sapphire Magic. He blew the judges away with his quiet demeanor and his explosive jump, along with his uphill gallop. He bested a very deep field of challengers, including the Reserve Champion, a full sibling to the dynamic 4**** mare, R-Star.

High Times Scratched From Galway CCI***

High Times and Jennifer McFall

High Times has sustained a minor sprain and the decision has been made to not push him to compete at the Galway Downs CCI*** at the end of October. At only nine years of age, this young horse has an extremely bright and exciting future ahead of him that his rider, Jennifer McFall, can't be more thrilled about. With a top ten finish already at the CCI*** level, the pair has accomplished so much in a short time, and they look forward to some very big goals next season!

Congratulations Madi!

The beautiful Dragonfire Wasabi moves to The Sooner State

Congratulations to The Fitzgerald Family on their purchase of Dragonfire Wasabi for their daughter, Madi! Madi will be moving into the highly competitive Western Pleasure Amateur ranks, and has really beefed up her arsenal with this young gun. But before he and Madi join forces, "Pepper" will be expertly piloted by Madi's trainer, Kelly Kraegel, of Cottonwood Creek Ranch in the Three Year Old World Futurity Western Pleasure as well as the Three Year Old Western Pleasure for Stallions and Geldings. We here at Dragonfire are absolutely thrilled that Pepper will be trained and managed by one of the top western riders in the country, and simply cannot wait to see him develop under her watchful eye!

Pepper in his recent saddle debut

Axiom DF Dazzles At The Twin Rivers Future Event Horse

Axiom DF with Earl McFall

In his first outing off of the farm, Axiom DF absolutely shined at the Future Event Horse competition at Twin Rivers Ranch. Handily winning the Three Year Old FEH with a score of 85.9, Axiom wowed the judge and spectators alike with his movement and quiet demeanor, not to mention his super-model good looks.

He gained very high marks for his loose, over-striding walk, as well as his trot for being, "Very uphill and balanced" and having, "Lots of suspension and engagement". His general impression marks were also very high, with the remark of, "Very well balanced. Lovely head and eye and neck. Nice disposition, should go far!".

We agree! This horse is certainly going places!

Praise For The Academy @ Dragonfire

These Kind words were sent in to me from a parent of one of our students and I had to share!

"When it became clear to me that my 4.5 year old daughter not only wanted to but was ready to learn to ride I set about finding a suitable program.  My idea of suitable is based on my 30 years of horse experience some of which includes being the leader of an equine youth organization.  In my mind a good lesson program has the following attributes;
• Provides appropriate horses and ponies that are safe, the right size for you and that have the right level of training for your current ability.
• Will provide an instructor who understands your capabilities who knows when to push you and when to back off and who has a large enough toolkit to deal with issues as they arise.
• Keeps riding groups small so that you receive enough individual instruction to progress.
• Will value and teach the care and upkeep of horses so you become a good horse person not just a good rider.
• Will be safe but fun.
You would think that finding such a program in an area like Sacramento would be easy but it is not.  Luckily I remembered Dragonfire and their Academy. Not only would they take my daughter (not many places allow kids to start at 4.5) but they met all my above criteria and more.  My daughter and I now happily spend our Sunday mornings at Dragonfire and in 6 months she has gone from complete beginner to trotting and cantering independently on a pony who will surely become a saint. While I watch my daughters lessons I get to watch friendships being made between horse crazy 10 year olds hanging out at the barn, adult ladies taking lessons in order to achieve various non-competitive goals as well as ambitious teens hoping to give the professionals a run for their money in the competition arena.   There really is something for everyone here!
Horse barns that offer competitive options are not always the friendliest places to hang out, however everyone I have met at Dragonfire instructors, owners, boarders, kids and other parents are friendly and supportive. Dragonfire’s Academy really is a great place to learn to ride whatever your age, ability, and competitive aspirations. I think I look forward to my Sunday mornings at Dragonfire as much as my daughter and that’s saying something." ~Clair T.

Family Fun And Competition At The Motherlode

Dragonfire always enjoys the Motherlode Morgan Show in Rancho Murieta, CA. Not because the weather is perfect (because it usually feels like you are trying to show in a sauna), but because they have classes for everyone and they also have the most accommodating show staff around. They are always thinking of better things for the next year, and really want everyone to go away with a positive experience. It is no wonder that this show continues to grow and grow!

Daniela Zarate was an absolute joy to watch in her first rated show as she rode Felicity around the cross bar classes. If her first efforts at showing are any indication of her future, I think she will be doing a lot of winning!

Earl guides the riders and their fans around the course walk.

Taylor McFall and Mighty Maybelline won the Low Open Hunters Championship.

Earl McFall piloted three year old Dragonfire Wasabi to back to back wins in his first appearance under saddle. First in the Junior Western Pleasure, and then in the Junior Western Pleasure Championship.

Video Update: Dragonfire Wasabi

Dragonfire Wasabi at two years of age.

Dragonfire Wasabi, or "Pepper", is proving to be exactly what we imagined he could be when we crossed his parents. Pepper is by the Multi-titled World Champion Western horse, Grand Cru Beaujolais, and his dam, Dragonfire Nova, brings the 9 time World Champion, Dragonfire Kirin, into the mix. Nova herself has produced such Champions as Dragonfire Neferiti and Dragonfire Shaolin.

Pepper's three year old saddle debut has not fallen short of our expectations, and he has come home with a Junior Horse Championship.

Pepper at three.

Wasabi's looks and talent will take him far in the show ring for many years to come, as well as make him a relevant sire within the Morgan breed. We feel that he is one of the finest Morgan horses Dragonfire has offered for sale to date, and is a beautiful representative of over thirty years of our breeding program.

The Twain Has A 100% Conception Rate For 2013

In his first season standing at Dragonfire, our Thoroughbred stallion, The Twain, has a perfect record in the breeding shed. We are very anxiously waiting now for the arrival of these 2014 foals:

Quite Fetching, Holsteiner Mare, owned by Bunnie Sexton
Paul's Accolades, Thoroughbred Mare, owned by Crow's Ear Farm
Bundurria Garota, Argentine Sport Horse, owned by Arion Equestrian
Stella Artios, Thoroughbred Mare (by Comet Shine), owned by Dragonfire
Lady's Comet, Thoroughbred Mare (by Comet Shine), owned by Dragonfire
Warbird Commander, Thoroughbred Mare (by Birdstone), owned by Dragonfire

Congratulations to everyone and we can't wait for all of those baby pictures!

Video Update: Let's Go DF

Dragonfire is extremely proud of the quality of horses our breeding program is producing, and Let's Go DF is a shining example of what we have been up to here in Wilton. By Linaro and out of Rani D, "Scotty" is a 2011 Holsteiner gelding with a 1/4 TB blood. Scotty's movement and jump are nothing less than amazing, leaving you to wonder if he is really made out of rubber. His temperament is equally impressive, easily backed this Summer and happily going along with a rider in good form and balance. I know we are all eager to see what this great talent will do in the future!

Let's Go DF

Scotty shows he has a bit of jump in him.

My first ride on Scotty

Congratulations Madison!

Rouge Et Blanc DF in his Training level move up at August Woodside

Congratulations to the Langerak Family on their purchase of Rouge Et Blanc DF for their daughter, Madison. By Dragonfire Kirin and out of the race-bred mare, A Buccaneer's Life, "Roger" is an A+ performer with a heart the size of Texas. We are just thrilled that he has chosen such a sweet and motivated girl in Madison, and are eager to see her reach her goals of riding on the ChampionshipYoung Rider Team for Area 9. Certainly, under the direction of Mittleider Eventing, we will see Madison and Roger standing on a podium soon!

Madison and Roger begin their partnership. 

Rebecca Farms Remains The Number #1 Destination Show For Eventers

Rebecca Farm in Kalispell, MT, will surely continue to enjoy the title of largest event in the US for years to come. It would earn this feather in its cap on its own merit, but to make it even more enticing it is surrounded by the beauty of Glacier National Park, Flathead Lake and Whitefish. This world class venue offers divisions Novice through CIC***, as well as the classic format for Novice and Training level, which makes it possible for amateurs and top professionals alike to perform on the same stage. Management brings everyone even closer together with fantastic hospitality that ranges from scones brought to riders and grooms in the morning to a great exhibitors dinner and party Saturday night.

Not only did I get to enjoy riding their outstanding Novice, Preliminary, and CIC*** tracks designed by Ian Stark, I was also deeply honored to interview for the "Big Becky" International Travel Grant. The Broussard Family's generosity toward the sport knows no bounds, and their dedication to see the United States improve its horsemanship is apparent not just through their grants but also in the love they give to making this show one of the best in the world.

Needless to say, we can't wait until The Event at Rebecca Farm 2014!

High Times and Jennifer McFall perform the dreaded CIC*** halt to rein back to canter movement.

High Times continues to show that he loves the big tracks.

High Times cools out after cross country with the expert help of Dougie Hannum and Team DF.

High Times found the show jumping a little overwhelming. The nine year old gelding finished the weekend in 14th place. 

Cori Davis and A Golden Effort continue their upward climb towards the Young Rider team next year. They gained valuable experience in the Open Intermediate division at Rebecca.

Caroline Dein had an unfortunate bout of cellulitis with her mare, Lucid Opposition, preventing her from jumping. But, Caroline, kept her chin up and gave Lucy great care to bring her back for the next show.

Tim Terrific, ever stylish, through his Dressage paces with Jennifer McFall  in the Open Preliminary.

Jennifer gave Tim a calculated ride over the championship course, adding a good education to the six year old's resume and a clear round, but adding time to his score. 

Tim Terrific had an incredibly stylish clear round stadium, again adding time to his score putting him in 11th place. 

Global Children and Sophia Zeier were all guts in the Training Three Day. With a fast and clear round cross country and Sophie's elbow grease, this team was polished and looking fabulous for a 12th place finish.

Earl McFall expertly piloted Daisy around the Novice Three Day. The expressive mare was impressed with the atmosphere and had a bit of a rough dressage. But their jumping brought them back to 12th in the end.

Amateur rider, Natalie Jensen, did a beautiful job riding five year old, Merriewold Kasey, for Merriewold Morgans. He too was a little overwhelmed in the big ring for Dressage, but jumped like a champ and ended in 9th in the Novice Three Day. 

Rouge Et Blanc DF is always foot perfect. He was great in all three phases and went double clear in both of his jumping efforts with Jennifer McFall aboard for 6th in Open Novice. 

DF Sponsor, Frilly Fillies, made this fantastic "Halt Cancer @ X" custom bonnet for the show.

Team DF in Montana 2013.