2006 ARCHIVED news & activities

 

Year-end Movement among Connemaras(12/06)

Kim Leitch of Clover, SC, is the new owner of Piedmont Harmony. Kim was introduced to Connemaras as a young rider. Among many other Connemara ponies, she rode "Top Notch", 1988 ACPS Camlin Trophy winner, and was featured on the cover of "The Connemara Story", a booklet published by the ACPS around the early mid-60's. I first met Kim several years ago when I lived in NC. She had a cute little gray mare that she brought to breed to one of our stallions. Unfortunately, the breeding was not successful and Kim never got the Connemara she was hoping for. Now, all these years later, Kim has purchased a Connemara for herself; Harmony is a 3 yr old Connemara-TB, by Balmullo's Beacon , who is related to the ponies she rode during her childhood. I am so very happy that Kim has found her new partner in Harmony and that Harmony has her new home with a fantastic lady and experienced horsewoman. It has been wonderful becoming reaquainted with Kim after all this time; I am so glad that she came back to see us, and is back to Connemaras!

Foothills Juniper got a new little girl for Christmas and lots of red gear! She is being leased Annie West (below), who is 10 years old.

Beacon's Taioseach (a.k.a. "T", pictured below) has arrived at his new home with Cheryl Thorp in SC. Between "T" and her other Connemara, Abhlinn, Cherly is looking forward to enjoying riding and hopefully attending a show or two.

New Connemara owner (11/06)
 Congratulations to Jane Burns of Alachua, FL, on her purchase of Foothills August!

Riley takes Teasel Training(10/06)
 Riley Raubacher from Delaware, who has been a working student with Danny Warrington since June, found herself without a mount for the Seneca Valley
event, and mom Becky said, “Oh, take Teasel [ Kent’s Teasel] and kick back and relax. Teasel will love going cross country (training) and you know how
easy she is. Have some fun.” At that time, Teasel hadn't been worked for three weeks so everyone chipped in with trot work during the weeks leading up to the event. Becky even drove the hour and twenty minutes each way to North East, Maryland to help trot Teasel. Conditioning was consistent, just different riders, which was fine with Teasel.
Off Riley and Teasel went. Dressage was, ah, well, not something they had worked on so Riley was satisfied with the results. Danny took Riley to school for stadium, every jump was eaten up like candy. Riley hadn't jumped Teasel more than a few times in the past year and rarely more than 2' 6". In she goes to
training level stadium, they pulled their first rail, then Teasel stepped up and flew high over everything. Cross country was the big delight. We were able to stand in the observation tower and see almost everything. The ride looked like so much fun. There was a slight pause at the water, it did not count as a refusal, and Teasel climbed over the roll top and down the drop and immediately back in rythmn through the water and jump out. The ride continued up banks, down banks, always Riley and Teasel looking for the next fence.
When they finished Riley had a huge grin on her face. “Did you see that? Did you see that? A fat snaffle, loopy reins and double clear. That was so
much fun.”

What are we going to do?!(10/06)

As many of you know, last year I decided to retired Balmullo's Beacon from breeding, primarily because of the time and work it requires. I have really enjoyed riding andcompeting him this year, and I really like that he is available for me whenever I have get the urge to mount up and take him for a ride. However, even after announcing his retirement, I have had numerous inquiries for breeding to him and have turned several people away, which I really hated to do because he produces such wonderful babies. A light bulb has finally gone off in my head and I now realized that I can make him available for breeding with minimal demands on my time (or his) by offering frozen semen! Nowdays, there are numerous veterinary clinics that have the skills necessary for insemination with frozen semen, so it is an option worth considering for the modern horse breeder. A hugh advantage to the mare owner is that, if you order the semen in advance, you can store it with your veterinarian until your mare is ready to be bred. The whole worry of placing your collection order for cooled, shipped semen at exactly the right time goes away. So, this spring he will be collected and frozen by Amethyst Acres, who we have worked with the last few years. They provide excellent quality of services for both the stallion and the mare owners.

ACPS Anniversary Gala - Old Friends and New (8/06)

Last weekend I traveled with my good friend (and Region IV Chair), Carole Moss, to Morven Park in Leesburg, VA, to attend the annual ACPS Membership Meeting and 50th Anniversary Celebration.
Here are some of my photos.
As, always, it was great to see my friends in the ACPS from across the country (and a few from overseas) whom I have known for years. Additionally, I was so happy to meet a couple wonderful ladies that I previously knew only via email. I so enjoyed meeting Dana Norquist and watching her in a dressage clinic on Foothills Waterman. I also met Kathy Nebel, owner of Dundee, who is one of Waterman's three offspring. It was really great to finally make their aquaintance and to share our love of Connemaras:-) There were so many things going on at the Gala that it was hard to see everything and talk to everyone. The whole event went very well. I certainly appreciate all the hard work that went into making this celebration possible and for the wonderful job they did. It turned out wonderfully and, though I'm sure there were occasional fires to put out here and there (as any event will have), I have heard only but praises and gratitude for the folks who planned and implemented the Gala.

Travel Perks (7/06)

While on business in San Leandro, I was very fortunate to visit two of my homebreds with their new owners in California.

First I traveled to Wilton to meet Kathy Mrowka, owner of Piedmont Powers (photo right). Kathy is really enjoying taking her time with Powers' training. I watched Kathy ride and I was so pleased with their lovely, relaxed walk and trot. Kathy is going slowly with Powers and is steadily progressing and getting very solid basics in his training. Kathy is a very sweet lady and she is giving Powers lots of TLC.

Kathy boards with Paula Robertson, who also breeds Connemaras. I had a wonderful visit with Paula and her daughter, Kathryn, who impressed me with her knowledge and enthusiasm. It was a very enjoyable afternoon.

The next afternoon, I travelled north of San Francisco to visit Darian Hall, owner of Foothills Foggy Morning. FM has matured into a lovely mare and Darian was preparing her for breeding to MGRM Brigadoon. Darian has a variety of horses and is a very interesting and talented lady. It was another wonderful visit.

I was so happy to finally meet these new owners and, not only was I pleased to find the ponies well cared for and loved, but I also made some new friends:-)

Foaling season comes to a close (7/06)
 

We are thrilled and relieved at the early arrival of the last 2 foals of 2006. They were both due in July, but came 2-3 weeks early.

 

 

The first to arrive was Marion Caldwell's new dun filly out of Foothills MayBee by *Gun Smoke.

Next to arrive was our Percheron cross colt by Balmullo's Beacon, out of Ruby.

 

This was a first foal for both mares and we are so please to report that they are all healthy, active and perfect!

  

More Connemaras for Lake Oconee Equestrian Center (7/06)

Fiddler's Gremlin MacDaire and Foothills Ladybug have (temporarily) joined the program at Lake Oconee Equestrian Center in Eatonton, GA. Foothills Hopefilly has been there since January.
Shortly after the two new arrivals, Rai writes, "Gremlin and Ladybug are superstars! The girls adore them. Both have settled in nicely to their surroundings and seem very content...Gremlin was ridden in our show this morning in the pre beginner division winning 2 blues and a red... Ladybug was also in the show in the short stirrup division (which is as advanced as we get right now). She did very well-was a bit go-y in the first class-but settled nicely in the next 2 classes winning 1 blue and 2 yellows. Hope was in the pre-beginner division and did well winning 1 blue and 2 reds. She has worked down nicely. Thanks!!!!"

Haley Ruhl on Gremlin:

Maddie McMillan on Ladybug:

Jenny Chandler on Hope:




*Gun Smoke update (7/06)

While at Amethyst Acres for the breeding season, I was fortunate to schedule a photo shoot with Victor Steel, who took several fabulous photos of *Gun Smoke. Below is a sample; there are several more on *Gun Smoke's webpages.

Other very exciting news is that we are now offering frozen semen to Canada and the US, as well as cooled, shipped semen!
This means that you do not have to wait until next spring for *Gun Smoke to return to Amethyst Acres to breed, if you want to get your mare bred outside of his normal May - July breeding schedule. You can now breed to him year-round!

Early next year we will be authorized for shipping frozen semen to Europe, as well!  So, if you are one of those from Ireland or England who has previously contacted us about frozen semen from *Gun Smoke, please contact us again.

To order semen or inquire about breeding to *Gun Smoke, please contact Mark & Debbie Burke (Amethyst Acres Equine Center, LLC) in Virginia at (540) 254-1017 or email deb@amethystacres.com

*Gun Smoke will be at the ACPS 50th Anniversary Gala for the stallion parade on Sunday, August 6, 2006, at Morven Park in Leesburg, VA.
I hope you will attend and come say "Hello":-)

Travel Perks (7/06)

While on business in San Leandro, I was very fortunate to visit two of my homebreds with their new owners in California.

First I traveled to Wilton to meet Kathy Mrowka, owner of Piedmont Powers (photo right). Kathy is really enjoying taking her time with Powers' training. I watched Kathy ride and I was so pleased with their lovely, relaxed walk and trot. Kathy is going slowly with Powers and is steadily progressing and getting very solid basics in his training. Kathy is a very sweet lady and she is giving Powers lots of TLC.

Kathy boards with Paula Robertson, who also breeds Connemaras. I had a wonderful visit with Paula and her daughter, Kathryn, who impressed me with her knowledge and enthusiasm. It was a very enjoyable afternoon.

The next afternoon, I travelled north of San Francisco to visit Darian Hall, owner of Foothills Foggy Morning. FM has matured into a lovely mare and Darian was preparing her for breeding to MGRM Brigadoon. Darian has a variety of horses and is a very interesting and talented lady. It was another wonderful visit.

I was so happy to finally meet these new owners and, not only was I pleased to find the ponies well cared for and loved, but I also made some new friends:-)

Foaling season comes to a close (7/06)
 

We are thrilled and relieved at the early arrival of the last 2 foals of 2006. They were both due in July, but came 2-3 weeks early.

 

 

The first to arrive was Marion Caldwell's new dun filly out of Foothills MayBee by *Gun Smoke.

Next to arrive was our Percheron cross colt by Balmullo's Beacon, out of Ruby.

 

This was a first foal for both mares and we are so please to report that they are all healthy, active and perfect!

  

More Connemaras for Lake Oconee Equestrian Center (7/06)

Fiddler's Gremlin MacDaire and Foothills Ladybug have (temporarily) joined the program at Lake Oconee Equestrian Center in Eatonton, GA. Foothills Hopefilly has been there since January.
Shortly after the two new arrivals, Rai writes, "Gremlin and Ladybug are superstars! The girls adore them. Both have settled in nicely to their surroundings and seem very content...Gremlin was ridden in our show this morning in the pre beginner division winning 2 blues and a red... Ladybug was also in the show in the short stirrup division (which is as advanced as we get right now). She did very well-was a bit go-y in the first class-but settled nicely in the next 2 classes winning 1 blue and 2 yellows. Hope was in the pre-beginner division and did well winning 1 blue and 2 reds. She has worked down nicely. Thanks!!!!"

Haley Ruhl on Gremlin:

Maddie McMillan on Ladybug:

Jenny Chandler on Hope:




*Gun Smoke update (7/06)

While at Amethyst Acres for the breeding season, I was fortunate to schedule a photo shoot with Victor Steel, who took several fabulous photos of *Gun Smoke. Below is a sample; there are several more on *Gun Smoke's webpages.

Other very exciting news is that we are now offering frozen semen to Canada and the US, as well as cooled, shipped semen!
This means that you do not have to wait until next spring for *Gun Smoke to return to Amethyst Acres to breed, if you want to get your mare bred outside of his normal May - July breeding schedule. You can now breed to him year-round!

Early next year we will be authorized for shipping frozen semen to Europe, as well!  So, if you are one of those from Ireland or England who has previously contacted us about frozen semen from *Gun Smoke, please contact us again.

To order semen or inquire about breeding to *Gun Smoke, please contact Mark & Debbie Burke (Amethyst Acres Equine Center, LLC) in Virginia at (540) 254-1017 or email deb@amethystacres.com

Beacon's sport foal (6/06)

Angel Barber, Tender Mercy Farm (NC), is thrilled with her new foal by Balmullo's Beacon. On June 12, her Oldenburg mare, Walkabout (by Walldorf), delivered a gray filly, which is exactly what Angel ordered!

Midwest updates (6/06)

Faith (Foothills Faithfilly) is in foal to Kilfenora Windy Isles for 2007. This is her at age 3.

Vanessa, Just wanted to give you an update on Sam (Foothills Houston). Brenda Kiniyalocts owns him and I ( and my 22 yo old daughter) have been riding him since he came here from Pat Cunningham's last year. What a gem! After being with my daughter (she was finishing her last quarter at Ohio State) for a couple of months this spring where he got alot of basic ground work, balancing etc, he came back here and we started jumping. Has he ever taken to it, kind of a given with these guys but you never know. After less than 2 weeks jumping, we went to a little hunter show near by and he was a little champ, no one could believe he is not quite 4! I'm sure you get these testimonials all the time but I wanted to chime in also... Looking forward to discovering more talents in your boy, he's a great trail horse also. Hope to get him out fox hunting in the fall if he doesn't sell before then! Take care, Martha Slamer

Year of the dun? (6/06)

Kathy Sparks contacted me this morning (6/11) announcing the arrival of her dun colt, also by *GUN SMOKE, out of her mare, Ridgetop Thule Mist (by Aladdin's Denver). "Early, early this morning, she delivered a VERY handsome dun colt :):):):):):):) He is doing fine, the vet has checked him and all is well. He was up in way less than an hour and talking to her before he was all the way out...he is very quiet and sweet right now."

Bette Frederickson (Warner, NH) is the proud owner of Sutton Spring, an adorable filly (below) by *GUN SMOKE, born 6/5 out of Caraway Piper (by Irish Parks Caraway Finn)

Alice Kraebber writes, "We have a beautiful dun filly born 3am Monday, May 22. She is the absolute spitting image of her brother Cosmo right down to the crescent star on his forehead. She will be Old Carolina's Black Eyed Pea... she has two distinct black bars over her eyes" Alice's filly is also by *GUN SMOKE, out of her mare Oakfield's Garnet Finch (by Grange Finch).

First stork report of the year (5/06)

Congratulations goes out to Sandra Gaylinn of Trevilians, VA, on the birth of a very handsome dun colt by *GUN SMOKE, out of her Thoroughbred mare, Tomorrow's Memories!

FFC welcomes a new bride for *GUN SMOKE (4/06)

We are happy to announce the arrival of Sleighton, a beautiful TB mare, who we will be breeding to GUN SMOKE this year.

ACPS releases plans for it's 50th Anniversary Celebration this August (4/06)

Attached you will find information about the ACPS 50th Anniversary Celebration, August 4-6 at Morven Park Equestrian Center, in Leesburg, VA which is approx. 18 miles from Washington Dulles Airport ( click here ). Thanks to exceptional volunteers, the ACPS 50th Anniversary Celebration should be an extraordinary event - one that will not happen for another 50 years!! Hopefully, all Connemara enthusiasts will be able to attend!! Don't miss this celebration!! Please forward this information to anyone you know who might enjoy knowing about this upcoming ACPS Celebration. Kindest regards, Susan Rinehart, 1085 Wood Lane, Charlottesville, VA 22901-5038 Home: 434-295-7777, Cell: 434-242-7778

New Connemaras for Rai and Ness (3/06)

I am thrilled to announce the newest addition to FFC - a fabulously cute, correct and very well bred purebred mare, Ephin Chickadee. We got Chick from Rai Pullin, who purchased her from her breeder, Heather Sherratt in Ontario, Canada. Chickadee will be bred to *GUN SMOKE on her next cycle. They are sure to produce an absolutely awesome pony!
Rai Pullin is the proud new owner of Piedmont Nell. Rai has aquired Nell as her personal perfomance prospect. Nell is a gorgeous mare with lots of potential. Under Rai's care and training, I am certain they will be successful in whatever she chooses to pursue.

Keogh update (3/06)
I've been meaning to send you an update on Keogh for about six months and today I finally got some pics of him to send. Anyway, he's doing great. He'll be two in April and is currently just over 15 hands. I have no idea where his height is coming from but I'm not complaining. As for training he's doing wonderfully. He has learned to long line and also to be ponied with his mother. I have also sat on him three times and so far he's been more interested in the person leading him than me being on his back. He is very laid back but also very smart and appears to enjoy training. Or rather I think he enjoys being the center of attention. I'm really looking forward to getting down to serious work with him in the next few years! Hope things are well with you. Tollie

Florida ponies complete their journey northward (2/06)

The two Florida ponies that arrived here together in November, left together for their new homes further north. Paulette Moak purchased Ivydell Prudence, a rising 3 yr old gray halfbred filly by Balius Turlough out of an Arabian mare. Chris Thompson purchased Bugsy Malone, a rising 4 yr old bay purebred gelding by C.R. Roaringwater Bay out of Tullymor's Lady, bred by Donna Duckworth. Prudy and Bugsy left on the same carrier destined for New York and Vermont, respectively. Both Paulette and Chris report that their new Connemaras have settled in and adjusted nicely and they are both very, very happy with their new ponies. (photos from their arrival in Tennessee)

Connemara relocations (1/06)

Recently, Carole Moss and I took a 10 hour road trip (down and back) to Eatonton, GA, with Piedmont Nell and Foothills Hopefilly aboard. Nell with be staying with Rai Pullin for a while and Hope is at the Lake Oconee Equestrian Center with Rai and Peggy Allen; the pictures of them below (Nell left and Hope right) were taken the week after their arrival:

Carla Jimmerson and Jeri Geary were also at the stable when Carole and I arrived, having brought Foothills August (aka Gus) to accompany Elphin Chickadee on our ride home to Tennessee. Gus is for sale as an event prospect, having been started under saddle by Carla this summer. Chickadee is my new project for this spring, with the goal of showing her in a couple Intro dressage tests, possibly in March.

 

 

 

Piedmont Harmony (photo left) is also on the move. She was purchased last year by Linda Pierce and Linda picked her up this week to take her home to GA to be near her... very fun and exciting times for Linda:-)