Video Update On Axiom DF

Axiom DF is another shining example of the exciting string of young event horse prospects available at Dragonfire.  "Max" is a coming three year old gelding that is very quiet, very kind, and very BIG!  He is by the Holsteiner stallion, Ariadus who is from Accord II, a 100 Day Test champion. He received a "9" on type and "8's" on both front and hind legs; a score seldom seen. Ariadus' granddam is the dam of CAPITOL, legendary sire from Holstein. Ariadus was 4th at the 1995 stallion approvals in Neumunster. He is a Premium rated stallion with 54 bonits. Ariadus is the most beautiful stallion we have seen. He is now ranked THIRD in USEF jumper sires!

Max's dam, Lucid Opposition is just a 7 year old mare, currently going Preliminary with a Young Rider, and is sired by the outstanding Trakehner stallion FLEETWATER OPPOSITION. She is a paternal sibling to  Opposition Buzz, Gold Medalist from the 2012 British Olympic squad.

Axiom DF has balanced gaits, a strong frame, and a wonderfully quiet attitude. He has a rhythm that can't be rushed and is a horse that will make any rider shine!

Video Update On Wilton Rain DF

Wilton Rain DF pictured as a two year old

We are just thrilled with the progress that Wilton Rain DF is making in his training. As just barely a three year old, "Charlie" is already moving easily through his gaits softly and with smooth transitions. We just know that he is bound for greatness, as he is a paternal brother to YEH winner Rouge et Blanc DF and out of the fantastic jumping Holsteiner mare, Rani D. Charlie's easy going attitude will take him far in this world, and his smooth top line and floating gaits will assure that he will be competitive in any discipline.

Here is a recent training video of Wilton Rain DF.

Introducing Stilwell Beauty Queen

Stilwell Beauty Queen

Beauty is as darling as they come! This 2009 Morgan mare is ready to take on the show ring and the trails with you! Lightly started in Kansas at her breeders and then turned out to pasture to mature, Beauty came to us late last Fall and has been a pleasure every day. She is eager to please and as sweet as pie, making her an excellent candidate for an Amateur or Junior rider looking to finish their own horse. Plus her low price tag of only $8500 will save you plenty of money to buy extra show outfits! Show her this season as a junior horse and then enjoy years of competition and trails together.

sweet...

and easy.

Dragonfire Welcomes Thoroughbred Stallion "The Twain" To It's Sport Horse Breeding Program

The Twain's Pedigree

Dragonfire is extremely proud to announce the addition of the The Twain to our roster of stallions. The Twain boasts the bluest of blood from across North America, Europe, New Zealand and Ireland, and now this grand stallion is available to you! If you want to breed an International Eventing Star, look no further than Wilton, California. The Twain is the perfect choice for Warmblood or Irish mare owners looking for more blood, as well as a smart cross for Thoroughbred mares that need more substance and style. The Twain will be standing the 2013 season at Dragonfire, and will be covering Lady's Comet (sister to Courageous Comet) by Comet Shine, as well as Highland Empress (sister to Olympic Eventing mounts Ringwood Magister, Mandiba, High Kingdom) by Master Imp for 2014 foals.

Green Dancer

The Twain's sire, Green Dancer, was a stakes winner in France, winning the French Classic before retiring to stud. He went on to Kentucky for breeding, where he sired many million dollars winners, as well as steeplechase stars. Green Dancer was named the French Leading Sire in 1991.

Nijinsky

Nijinsky in retirement

The Twain brings the blood of NIJINSKY to the front of his papers as his grandsire. During Nijinsky's brilliant career, he became an English Triple Crown Winner, set a European earnings record, was Europe's Horse of the Year in 1970, and was syndicated for a world-record price. He was historically important for establishing the international reputation of his sire, Northern Dancer. Retired to stud at Claiborne Farm in Kentucky, Nijinsky was the Leading Sire in Great Britain, Ireland and eventually the Leading Broodmare Sire in North America.

Sir Tristram

The Twain's damsire, Sir Tristram, was the greatest thoroughbred stud in New Zealand racing history. He was Irish-bred, and raced in Ireland, England, France and also the US in the Kentucky Derby. He was then bought and retired to stud in New Zealand where he sired over one hundred and forty stakes winners, and an extraordinary forty five group one winners, including three Melbourne Cup Winners. One of the most sought after performance sire lines of modern day breeding, Sir Tristram's influence has been incredibly widespread particularly in International Show Jumping and Eventing.

Proof is in the pudding, so check out the names of these recent CCI****, Olympic, and WEG TOP TEN FINISHERS that are directly related to Twain through Nijinsky's sire line as well as Sir Tristram's sire line.

1. The Foreman
2. Gin & Juice
3. All Luck
4. Toy Town
5. Critical Decision
6. Casoar des Touches
7. Nullabor
8. Mayhem III
9. Primmore's Pride
10. Bonza Puzzle
11. Poilu
12. Brandenberg's Joshua
13. Connigar Bay
14. Hide And Seek II
15. Over To You
16. Moon Fleet
17. Hyppolyte
18. Upstage
19. Orient Express
20. Carousel Quest
21. Two Thyme
22. Call Again Cavalier
23. Lamicell Charizard
24. Woodburn
25. Balmoral K.S. Roscoe
26. Kirby Park Allofasudden
27. Yeoman's Point
28. Lenamore
29. Shaabrak
30. Snip
31. Silence
32. La Biosthetique Sam
33. Lead The Way
34. Theodore O'Connor
35. Courageous Comet
36. Tipperary Liadnan
37. Neville Bardos

And... ADD 2013 Rolex Top Ten finishers Calico Joe and Donner to the list!

THAT IS A SERIOUS LIST OF RELATIONS!

We currently have three of Twain's offspring here at Dragonfire. The oldest, "Classic Twain" is four this season and will be beginning his Eventing career. His look is very "Classic", something that The Twain stamps onto all of his get. Furthermore, they are kind, easy going and all athletes. What more can you ask for?!

Classic Twain

Dragonfire To Host Hawley Bennett March 23-24

Did you miss out on the last SENSATIONAL Hawley Bennett Clinic at Dragonfire? Well, don't make that mistake again and sign up for our Mach 23-24 clinic to redeem yourself. 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.

Available For Purchase: Dragonfire Hopeful

Have you been looking for that perfect blend of sensible and trustworthy combined with ability and willingness? That kind of horse is truly hard to find, especially if you are looking for one appropriate for a child. Well, look no further because Dragonfire Hopeful is all of those things, and at a price that won't break the bank!

 Just getting started under saddle now, Hope is a 2010 Morgan mare and is the better moving version of her full sister, Dragonfire Lotus. And like Lotus, Hope is a natural jumper and loves to work! Lotus has been a consistent winner in Sport for adults and teens alike and is the future partner for our daughter, Taylor.  So if you are an adult, a child, or anything in between, looking for a horse that will mature to 15.1hh, you won't find an easier ride than Hope!

Dragonfire Hopeful free jumping as a two year old.

Dragonfire Lotus and Jennifer McFall competing at Woodside.

Taylor McFall piloting a five year old Dragonfire Lotus.

Taylor and Lotus jumping in grand style.

To check out Hope's recent training video, click here! 

The Galway Downs Winter Horse Trials: Sunny Skies And Great Rides

A fun time was had by all in our first Southerly migration of the year to Galway Downs for their Winter Horse Trials. The group was eager to get out and show, and the weather was so grand, we got to sport our Team DF short sleeves the whole time! A big thanks to Gamal and Hawley for putting us up in their home, and to Meghan for making it possible for Earl and I to make it to everyone's round!

High Times and Jennifer McFall dominated Open Intermediate B with a tie for first after Dressage and staying fault free in both jumping phases.

Danny California and Merissa Underwood tackled the Open Intermediate for their first time. Both horse and rider rose to the occasion and came away a stronger pair.

Wrigley and Natalie Jensen were having a good looking cross country in the Open Intermediate until a corner coming out of the second water was their undoing. 

Caroline Dein and Lucid Opposition had their best Dressage score to date in YR Preliminary. They finished the weekend with an epic cross country round that was foot perfect.

Cori Davis and her Golden Effort just oozed confidence and style in both Stadium and Cross Country jumping in the YR Preliminary. 

Art In Motion was well guided by Natalie Jensen through his first Training Level weekend.  With a double clear in stadium and only a little look at a bank cross country, this pair promises to have a fun season.

Tim Terrific and Earl McFall seem to be right on track for a move up to Preliminary soon. Tim  showed that his confidence is high at the Galway Training Level.

Young Merriewold Kasey had a very stylish cross country round with Earl McFall over the Novice course. His enthusiasm for his job is apparent over every fence.

A personal Thank You goes out to the Sponsors of High Times and Jennifer McFall: CWD Saddles, NupaFeed USA, Frilly Fillies Custom Bonnets, The Soaker, The Saddle Network, KEP Helmets, Euro Star breeches, Heritage Gloves and Kentucky Boots.

Heritage Gloves Sponsors Jennifer McFall

Team DF is proud to announce the addition of Heritage Gloves to our elite group of sponsors. You will not find a more comfortable yet durable pair of gloves out there, and reasonably priced too! If you are looking for a high performance show glove try the Pro-Comp Series, for sweaty hands, they have a great Pro-Flow Summer Show Glove, and for everyday work, try the Power Grip Gloves.  There are also a variety of Winter riding gloves, and fun printed gloves to satisfy your wild side. And, did I mention they are TOUCHSCREEN FRIENDLY?? No more taking off your gloves to Facebook after a great round!  Look for Jenny and High Times to be sporting these great gloves next in the Advanced Division at Twin Rivers. Check them out and order today at www.heritagegloves.com! 

My Ride With Pippa Funnell

Pippa watching Billy and I through the water complex

It seems that Earl and I are making the Annual Fundraiser Clinic at Galway Downs our official destination to celebrate our anniversary. I can think of no better place to bask in our marital bliss than down in Temecula riding with none other than THE Pippa Funnell! Never mind that we have to turn around and make the ten hour journey again in a week and a half for the first show of the season, we love intimate sessions on I5 in a Ford truck together. It makes us giddy with romance, especially when Earl gets a good price on diesel at the truck stop.

Billy was over-the-top THRILLED to be at Galway showing off for Pippa. His enthusiasm to leap over the walk poles for her impressed her so much that she asked us to do it again...and again... and again. Her technical style and detail oriented teaching was just what I needed to help "contain his exuberance", as she put it. Although Billy could have been called wild in some circles, she couldn't help but admire him and told me he had a serious future. Coming from an English lady, I consider that a real nod in our favor.

The second day was cross country, and I wondered if my lion would shrink down to more of a mouse-sized mount on his first school of the year. Thankfully he was simply business-like, but very eager to do his job with all the confidence in the world. He was a dream to ride, and gained more praise from Pippa.

Billy negotiates the keyhole

I hear that the plan is to bring her back again next year. You better believe I will be there...with Billy AND Roger!

Hawley Gives 2013 A Real Jump Start

Sophia Zier, Jennifer McFall, Hawley Bennett, Caroline Dein and Cori Davis

Dragonfire's first clinic of the year was a roaring success with Canadian Olympian, Hawley Bennett, giving us a real "jump" on 2013. All of the clinic goers saw vast improvement while working through Hawley's imaginative exercises, whether they were green or accomplished. The first day involved some serious footwork, getting the horses keen but with impulsion. The second day gave the riders the opportunity to guide their sharper horses through a series of courses. Our Potluck Dinner on Saturday night was a blast and a showcase for some pretty tasty cooking! As always, DF turned out some impressive students who were eager to learn and improve. Well done!

We'd like to thank Deer Creek Pony Club for tending a well stocked snack bar, and of course Hawley, for a fantastic clinic enjoyed by all. Dates for the next clinic with Hawley are set for March 23-24 and spots are already filling up so email Jenny at dragonfirefarm@frontiernet.net to participate.

Rouge et Blanc DF on the second day

For your viewing pleasure, Taylor McFall guides Mighty Maybelline through both days of the clinic.

DF affiliates on display