BEACON-LEWIS
TEAM
Read about the wonderful team of Balmullo's Beacon and
Avery Lewis, below.
Avery rides
with the Hilltop Pony Club.
Click here to see their complete
competition results.
2012
Feb 11, 2012:
Avery took the blue
ribbon in her first
Novice CT, on her dressage score of 22!
2011
Congratulations
to Avery Lewis who recieved the 3rd place Year-End award at the
GDCTA banquet for the 2011 BN Division.
Avery
and Beacon will resume competion in the spring of 2012.
In the meanwhile, they will remain busy with foxhunting, dressage
lessons and trail rides.
12/3/11
Malone Farms Combined Test - 2nd place Novice Division. This was Avery's first
go at the Novice level. They earned the second-best dressage score
(30.8) of the entire show. Nice start!
Hi
Vanessa, I thought I would give you a longer version of this weekend’s
fun (Pine Top HT on 11/26-26). Beacon was his usual business like
self. Throughout the weekend he was calm and focused. He and Avery
have a routine that seems to work for both of the...her class
had 12 (entries) because they had only two juniors and so combined
them with the adults. Dressage was fine, (31.5). Stadium was flawless.
They really burned it on the cross country, which was good, as
the time was tight for all. Second place was nice. The lady that won was
a fifty something that told us that she usually rode Novice but
decided to have some fun riding Beginner Novice with no stress
over Thanksgiving. In eight shows we have four 2nds, a third,
a fifth, a seventh and an eighth. If my math is right, they are
ranked 11th in the nation right now (USEA).
The two horses next to us were owned by young ladies in their
20’s in Avery’s class. Their Mom came up to us halfway
through the competition and asked if Jill Mooney had ridden Beacon.
We told her the story of Bubba’s history, and she said 'Oh
great! Ten years ago that horse always beat me, and now he is
beating my daughters! What luck!'
All in all, a great weekend. Beacon was truly great, as usual.
He really is unflappable. Jeff (Nov 2011)
...you
would be so proud of your little guy this weekend (11/12-11/13/11
at Poplar Place). He just went about his business. Their dressage
was very nice, a 30.0, and everyone was complaining that the judge
was too tough! Stadium jumping and cross country went off without
even the slightest problem. Second place overall. Beacon never blinked,
just did his thing. They were a bit fast on cross country, but
Avery said they were both having so much fun that they didn’t
care. Still under the time limit, but only 15 sec under. We sure
do love that pony!!!
Avery
received her USEA Gold Medal yesterday. That is for three shows
with dressage below 35 and all clear cross country. She can wear
the medal pin on her jacket when she competes. Beacon seemed to
prefer carrots, which he got a lot of.
11/5/11:
Hunted with the Shakerag Hounds.
Avery
Lewis had another fabulous weekend eventing on Balmullo's Beacon at the Pine Top
Horse Trials (10/8-10/9/11). She rode two double clear jumping
rounds, finishing on her dressage score of 30.0, earning her the
2nd
place prize.
We
could not be more proud of your guy this weekend! They took 3rd
at the Poplar HT (9/24-9/25/11). They did their best dressage
ever, 30.5...Both Cross country and stadium were perfect. I can’t
say enough about Beacon! He was just perfect. He was in a spunky
mood this weekend (good spunky) and was obviously enjoying himself.
He really loves cross country! On both jumping phases they made
it look very easy. We love your guy!!!
You
can access the Poplar show pics as follows:
Go to www.poplarplacefarm.com
Click on Horse Trials on the left
Click Show Photographer under the show Sept 23-25
Click on Poplar Place HT Sept 23-25
Click on #295 Balmullo’s Beacon
Avery
and Beacon had an active weekend. Saturday they had a local dressage
show and did OK. They
won all three classes (Training 1,2&3). Sunday was a Pony Club meeting
featuring show jumping. They did very well there. Next weekend
we have a Pony Club clinic at Chattahoochee Hills on Saturday,
and then a C1 Pony Club prep on Sunday, taught by national examiners.
Both should be good. We have one dressage lesson with Adam on
Wednesday, and Avery and Beacon are schooling cross country at
Ashland farm on Tuesday. Focus is on the HT at Poplar on the 24th.
We continue to hack often, which Beacon seems to like the best.
He is happy and healthy. (9/12/11)
9/3-9/4/11
Labor's Reward Highfields USEF/USDF Dressage Show, Aiken, SC:
We
had a very interesting weekend in Aiken at the Dressage Show.
This was really the big time! (USEF/USDF) Over 100 competitors,
many in the very high levels. Avery was the only one under the
age of 16. I think they did quite well, much better than when
you saw them in Florida, much more on the bit. Everyone that saw
them raved about Beacon. He really won the hearts at the show.
1st
place USDF Intro C
1st place Training Level Test 1
1st place USDF Intro C
1st place Training Level Test 1
You
would have been quite proud of Beacon. He really was a trooper!
What a wonderful guy! Everyone commented about him.
6/25-6/25/11
ACPS Region IV Connemara Show at Canterbury Showplace in Newberry,
FL
Avery
and Beacon won two Championship Awards at the 2011 ACPS Region
IV Connemara Show at Canterbury Showplace in Newberry, FL in June
2011: They were both the Connemara Jumper Champion and the Combined Training Champion
Pictures of
Avery Lewis on Balmullo's Beacon at the May 2011 Chattahoochee
Hills May 2011 Horse Trials. You can view and order them here:
http://www.hoofclix.com/Chattahoochee/2011-05-22-USEA-HTCIC/AveryLewisonBalmullos/17137050_tDxdtb#1302927222_9mHG9FQ
I thought
I would piggyback the attached message with a pick of Avery and
Beacon from this weekend.
They finished seventh, which was somewhat of a disappointment.
We had hoped for a fifth or higher to qualify them for the AEC's
in September, but it was not to be. They did what I thought was
a very nice dressage, but the judge did not agree. The other 13
competitors were all ladies in their 20's riding 16 hand thoroughbreds,
and we feel that the judge did not think Avery and Beacon fit
in. Our trainer was there, and she felt the same way.
They got a 41, which was their worst score ever, putting them
in 12th. To Avery's credit, she took it as a challenge, and went
double clear on cross country and clear on show jumping, with
a few time faults (the course was really convoluted, and everyone
had time faults). In the end, they worked their way up to 7th,
only half a point out of 6th. There were no juniors competing
this weekend, which might have been part of the problem. Since
this was a high end CCI show, there were a lot of top riders there
eying Rolex, etc. The ladies in Avery's class all had fancy trainers
that had numerous riders competing, and big fancy setups. Little
team Lewis had three folding chairs and a cooler.
Beacon was his usual perfect self. If it is possible, he was better
than usual. Just casual about the whole thing, doing his job.
He is such a wonderful pony!!!
I was
standing near the show jumping arena just before Avery's time
to go, and a lady came up and asked me who was jumping. I showed
her the schedule, and she got all excited when she saw Balmullo's
Beacon on the list. I told her that he was yours, and that my
daughter was riding him. I thought she was going to have a coronary,
she was so excited. Her granddaughter had 'Beacon's Little Tike',
a Bubba Baby. She called her son (owner of little Tike)in Florida
to tell him about Beacon being there, and then took lots of pictures.
She was so pleased to see Beacon competing again. She knew all
about him, and assumed he was past his competition
days. It was fun to see her reaction. As a matter of fact, a number
of
people came up to us at the show recognizing Beacon from his former
life.
It is a bit like traveling with a rock star.
We are debating taking one more crack at qualifying for the AEC's
at the July HT at Chattahoochee Hills. It will be very hot, but
it was in the 90's this past weekend and we survived. Our big
concern is for Beacon, who doesn't seem to mind the heat. Walking
the Cross Country course four times nearly killed us in that heat!!
We are thinking about moving to a higher end trainer for dressage.
It is our major missing link. Avery and Beacon rule on the cross
country course, as well in show jumping.
We were
down at Poplar Place all weekend at the Pony Club Show Jumping
Rally. I don’t know how much you know about Pony Club, but
Rallies are a unique thing. There were 14 four person teams from
all over the Southeast Region. The parents drop off the kids and
the horses at the barn, and are not allowed to speak with them
or interact with them or the horses during the day for Saturday
and Sunday. This is hard for Helen and me, as we are used to being
very much involved. I was the announcer, so for both days I was
in the tower announcing. Helen did the refreshments for the Judges
and officials, so she baked for days prior to the meeting.
Avery
and Beacon went clear on all three jump rides, jumping 2’9”
on some pretty complicated courses. Avery also won the jump off
after her final ride. Beacon was so perfect that you would have
thought he was mechanical. He really is a dream horse! It was
a bit boring for him, but Avery grazed him on a lead line a lot
of the time, which he likes a lot. Although these Rallies are
exhausting, we think they are good for Avery, teaching her to
be more self reliant, and to be very much responsible for Beacon,
all of the time.
Next weekend
we are going to the HT at Chattahoochee. Has Beacon ever competed
there? We feel pretty confident on the show jumping and the cross
country, but really need to concentrate on the Dressage. That
will make or break us. If we can get another top five finish,
we are qualified for the AEC (American Eventing Champs) being
held at Chattahoochee this September. It may seem like a stretch,
but the fact that it is being held in Georgia seems like a once
in a lifetime chance. Next year will probably be in California
or New York, which are both out of the question. We’ll see.
Avery is so new at this that mistakes are quite possible, which
will squash our chances. Of course, Beacon could win with his
eyes closed, but must depend on Avery to do her part.
Well, we have
come down from our high from the Poplar HT and are focusing on
the next few weeks. This coming weekend we are going back to Poplar
for a Pony Club Show Jumping Rally. Avery is on a good team, and
should do well. They ride three jumping rounds, which should be
good practice for both Avery and Beacon (highest jumps 2’9”).
The next weekend we are going to an HT at Chattahoochee Hills
here in Atlanta. Avery enjoyed Poplar so much that we decided
to try another HT before it got too hot.
5/6-5/8/11
Poplar Place USEA Horse Trials at BN - 2nd/14 w/35.0 ppts
Poplar
Place USEA Recognized Horse Trails - 2nd place
Avery Lewis
rode Balmullo’s Beacon to a 2nd place finish at the Poplar
Place Horse Trails the weekend of May 7-8. This is 9 yr old Avery’s
2nd event. She competed with 14 other entries in the BN division
and finished on her dressage score with double-clear cross-country/stadium
jumping rounds.
http://www.photoreflect.com/store/ThumbPage.aspx?e=8019823&g=0BEF00BW5V
The following
weekend they returned to Poplar Place, this time for the Pony
Club Show Jumping Rally. Father and groom, Jeff Lewis, writes
“I don’t know how much you know about Pony Club, but
Rallies are a unique thing. There were 14 four person teams from
all over the Southeast Region. The parents drop off the kids and
the horses at the barn, and are not allowed to speak with them
or interact with them or the horses during the day for Saturday
and Sunday. This is hard for Helen and me, as we are used to being
very much involved. I was the announcer, so for both days I was
in the tower announcing. Helen did the refreshments for the Judges
and officials, so she baked for days prior to the meeting.
Avery and Beacon
went clear on all three jump rides, jumping 2’9” on
some pretty complicated courses. Avery also won the jump off after
her final ride. Beacon was so perfect that you would have thought
he was mechanical. He really is a dream horse! It was a bit boring
for him, but Avery grazed him on a lead line a lot of the time,
which he likes a lot. Although these Rallies are exhausting, we
think they are good for Avery, teaching her to be more self reliant,
and to be very much responsible for Beacon, all of the time. “
Beacon’s
owner, Vanessa Morgan, is very proud of Avery and feels extremely
blessed that the Lewis family is enjoying and caring for Beacon.
She had a feeling that Beacon and Avery would be a perfect fit
for each other. So far, “Team Lewis” is proving that
gut feeling to be spot on! Next on the Team Lewis agenda was the
Chattahoochee Hills Horse Trials. Avery was the only Junior rider
and put in a very good run with another double-clear ride.
Vanessa writes,
“ I am so looking forward to seeing Avery and Beacon together
at the Region 4 Connemara Show next month at Canterberry Show
Place in FL!!”
Hilltoppers
Pony Club's album "Cross Country Meeting 4.17.11".
4/16/11
Newton County Horse Show
Low Hunter (2') - 5th/16
Equitation OF (2') - 1st/14
Hunter Hack - 4/20
Newton County
Horse Show was a mob scene. Their classes ranged from 17 to 24
riders. A big storm came through Friday night, so the arena was
a swamp, and the wind was blowing a lot. Riders were coming off
and horses were refusing right and left.
Avery and Beaky
(mostly Avery) were tentative in their first class, Low Hinter
(2’), and took 5th of 17.
The second
class, Equitation over fences (2’), they got after it and
won, out of sixteen riders. ( By the way, all riders were in their
mid teens except Avery. Most had many shows at these heights under
their belts.)
In the Hunter
hack, with a huge field of 24, they placed fourth. We were thrilled
with that one.
Yesterday the
pony club had a cross country meeting. Not many in the pony club
had seen Avery and Beacon doing cross country, so many were blown
away. As a finale, Avery chose a 10 jump course and they jumped
it flawlessly. She has so much confidence in him, that they are
joyful as they go around the course.
3/19-3/20/11
Pine Top USEA Spring Horse Trials at BN - 8th/15 w/ 40.5 ppts
Pine Top USEA Recognized Horse Trails - Avery's first ever event!
Avery
Lewis recently
competed in her first EVER horse trials at Pine Top Farm on March
19-20, 2011, on Balmullo's Beacon.
Watch this
video and turn the volume up; what fun she's having!:-)
http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DYRB6mhU5QsU&h=7555c
I think she is now hooked on eventing:-)
Read about
it in Eventing USA - April
2011 issue
2010:
In
2010, under Avery Lewis, Beacon earned a Certificate of Achievement
in Hunters and a Certificate of Achievement in Pony Club from
the ACPS.
Avery rode
int the HJ Fox Hunter Classic in late October at The Georgia International
Horse Park, and won 4th, 5th or 6th in the six Short Stirrup classes
she entered.
Also, in late
November she entered the HTPC Combined Training Show in Conyers,
GA, and took 2nd in the Tadpole class and 1st in the Beginner Novice class.
Avery
Lewis (9) from Oxford, Georgia leased Balmullo’s Beacon (Bubba)
from Vanessa Morgan in August of this year (2010). Since then,
the pair have done quite well in the show arena. In September
and October they entered two local dressage shows and entered
4 classes at the Intro Level and one at Training Level (dressage
score 67%) and won all five, winning overall champion honors for
the two combined shows. They also entered the HJ Fox Hunter Classic
in late October at The Georgia International Horse Park, and won
4th, 5th or 6th in the six Short Stirrup classes that they entered.
Lastly, in late November they entered the HTPC Combined Training
Show in Conyers, GA, and took 2nd in the Tadpole class and 1st
in the Beginner Novice class. In late November Avery progressed
to her D3 Pony Club rating, and is working toward her C1 rating
in 2011.
Avery
has come, in the short time that she has ridden Beacon (Bubba),
to develop a great deal of trust and confidence in her Connemara
friend. Beacon has become a favorite on our family farm, moving
to the top of the horse hierarchy. He truly is a wonderhorse,
and we look for many more great performances from the pair in
the coming year.
I can't
get over how well Avery is doing with Bubba (or Beacon as they
call him). I was blown away when they won the BN CT at our Pony Club's fundraiser - she was
riding against kids twice her age. Bubba is a true gentleman,
and has done wonders for Avery's confidence. (December 2010 -
Jennifer)
Click here for current competition
results
Beacon
and Avery are now D3’s in Pony Club. Saturday went flawlessly. There were three
girls being tested, and Avery and Beacon were the only ones that
passed. The cross country part was really fun to watch. They negotiated
a 2’ 6’ course as if it were cross rails. Avery was
thrilled!!
Sunday’s
Mock Hunt was great... They had a blast, and as usual, Beacon
was a perfect gentleman. Jeff Nov-10
below: Avery
Lewis on Beacon (October 2010)
Our Pony Club
held its annual mock hunt last weekend and Bubba was a star. He
is so good for Avery and exactly what she needed to boost her
confidence and help her enjoy riding again. So you've made two
riders in Georgia very happy! Jennifer
After each
nightly ride at our farm, Avery takes him for a ½ hour
cool down walk along the trails where we live. Inevitably deer
pop out of the woods in a frenzy to get away. Every other pony
that she has ridden freaks each time it happens. Bubba/Beacon
just looks calmly. He is the greatest!!! Jeff 9/10
On Sept 25,
Beacon and Avery competed in their first 2 dressage classes together
and earned two
blue ribbons with
scores in the high 60's; they moved up to Training Test 1 at a
GDCTA recognized show and earned at 67.0 and won Champion of the 2-show series in her walk/trot
classes.
Balmullo's
Beacon is the new pony club mount for 9 yr old Avery Lewis in
Georgia. (August 2010)
HOME