Summer 2011

Autumn has arrived and with it shortened days, cool air and beautiful hues.  With the show season coming to a close, we finally find time to reflect on the Summer of 2011. This past season was jam-packed full of challenges and changes. It has been a summer of hope, dreams, old friends, new friends,  health, passing, twins, ownership, broken arm, graduations, reunions, great company, lots of laughs, honor, great food, travel, decisions and hard work . All of these things have brought an array of emotions and have inspired growth, we would not have traded any of it. It has been one of those times when you need to believe that a higher order will light your way and bring you home. And so it has. We will keep you posted on all the new changes coming our way.

Meanwhile…..we cannot begin to list all the accomplishments our team has experienced this season. All of our riders have done their best to push themselves to new levels. We are continuously in awe of how determined they are to transform themselves into better riders, horseman and as a result incredible people. Our lives are enriched by the people that surround us and we appreciate each and every one of them. Thank you all for being “YOU“.

Enjoy the slide show…….

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An Equestrian’s Story

Last week we attended the Pacific Northwest Horse Show in Monroe and had a very successful show. Once again our ribbon display was impressive showing that our horses and riders performed exceptionally well. Saturday we took  our turn at  the  Welcome Center, thank you to the parents for making our lunch a great success.

Western Shot Photography

Before I begin the overview of accolades from the week, I would like to share a story about a rider and her journey as she reaches for her star. Eleven years ago the Hill family brought their two young aspiring equestrians to our barn for “riding lessons” their names were Lauren and Natalie, for the purposes of my story we are going to focus on Natalie. I have a clear memory of  a tiny 5 year old learning to post on the lesson ponies, each week she came and worked on her skills. She progressed through the lesson levels and leased a pony to take to the shows, her quiet determination never seemed to waiver and she always  progressed at her own steady pace. She moved onto her sister’s horse Jake and rode  in the Childrens 12 and under, she loved Jake and had a wonderful empathy for him, during a summer show we realized that Jake was letting us know it was time for him to step down. In the middle of the season, she leased Troubador and lit up the circuit with their partnership. After another leased green horse and a great experience to add to her resume, let’s fast forward to 2010. It was time for Natalie  to have her own horse, we found a handsome dark bay gelding she named Brody and the “love affair” began. In 2010,  Natalie and Brody competed at the 3′, 3’3″ and at the end of the season moved into the 3’6″. As we stepped into 2011 Natalie and Brody  bonded and have become a “dynamic duo”. Last week they excelled in the Equitation and Medals, what an accomplishment for this young rider! In addition to this, every available Saturday, Natalie works at the barn. She arrives early Saturday morning designs and builds a full course for the Saturday Rotation , rides her horse, scrubs feed buckets/brushes and in the afternoon can be seen assisting the lesson riders in the barn.

Natalie’s success is not by chance, it is through hard work and determination that she has been transformed into a Horsewoman in every sense of the word. She is a living testament to the Archway philosophy and a wonderful role model for her peers and our younger riders! Keep up the good work Natalie, there is more to come!!

Here are the Award Highlights for the week:

Champions:

Equitation 16 – 17 – Natalie Hill

Pony Hunters -Platinum-Payton Smith

Pony Equitation – Payton Smith

Equitation 13 and under – Jenna Barker

Reserve Champions:

Adult Amateur Hunter – Sir William – Patty Osberg

Equitation 16 -17 – Hannah Thornton

Performance Hunter 3’3- Black Tie Affair- Corene Smith

Medals:

Natalie Hill: 1st WSHJA 3’6″, 1st USEF Pessoa, 1st ASPCA Horsemanship

Hannah Thornton: 3rd USEF Pessoa

Mali Kerslake: 4th – WSHJA 3′

Jenna Barker: 4th – Taylor Harris

USHJA National Hunter Classic:

4th – Broderick – Natalie Hill

7th – Black Tie Affair – Corey Smith

I would like to acknowledge Madeleine Strain and Alexa Driscoll both of these riders moved into new divisions for the first time and did a great job!

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The First Satruday in May

On the first Saturday in May, the famed Kentucky Derby runs and I always make it a point to stop what I am doing to watch the “Run for the Roses”.

This was also the Saturday Corey chose to hold our Spring Flower Drive so we invited the “Archway Family” to join in with the spring planting and watch the Derby.
Flowers started to arrive Friday afternoon and as we finished the last lesson of the evening we had accumulated quite an assortment. Of course, it was raining and we were a little worried about weather conditions for Saturday but when you live in the Pacific Northwest….
As I headed to the barn on Saturday morning blue sky was fighting to break through, by 1:00 as planting began the sun had come through and it stayed until we finished. I love seeing everyone sharing ideas and enjoying each others company, the younger girls were in the yard “jumping” and  even the dogs enjoyed the afternoon festivities. With the last flower planted and the clean- up complete, we headed into the lobby  to enjoy refreshments and gather around the TV to watch the race.

It was a very good day! We are  grateful to everyone who donated flowers and bags of soil. A very heartfelt “Thank you” goes out to those who took time out of their Saturday afternoon to help us design and plant the beds and planters, it was a lot of fun and we feel truly blessed.

Each time visitors enjoy the beautiful display of color I know you will all take pride in your part of making Archway beautiful.

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Spring National Jumper Show

The Jumper week completed our three week run in Monroe and as we concluded our week we were excited about how our horses and riders performed.
It was a small group this week with Broderick, HH Campino and Opus One joining us for the finale.

Natalie and Broderick were taking advantage of practicing Equitation classes over jumper fences, they were double clear in the jumper classes with beautiful Equitation rides. This show  marked Amanda’s return to the show ring after a year off due to an injury, Campino is still green and learning the ropes. Vanessa Howard Anderson was unable to ride due to an injury, she asked  Corey to ride Opus and we schooled Elyssa over the weekend.

We are very excited to report that Natalie Hill has qualified for the Maclay Regional Finals, this will be  Natalie’s first full season competing at the 3’6″ level and she is off to a powerful start. She laid down great rounds and was consistantly in the ride offs. Great Job Natalie, you and Brody are a great Team!

Amanda and Campino were feeling their way around the jumper ring and showed improvement as the week progressed. It was really great to have Amanda back at the shows!

Corey and Opus took a fall in the mud the second day but all ended well with a Championship in the .95 Jumpers. Thank you Vanessa for entrusting Opus and Elyssa to us, it was a privilege working with you guys.

As we packed up, loaded horses and drove home to our Sunday dinner we reflected on how far all our horses and riders have come. It took hard work, dedication and many “cold” hours to get here, let’s keep it up.

Great job Team Archway!

Corey and Amanda Enjoying a "Moment" of Sunshine!

Corey, Amanda and I went to see the baby Chicks at the feed store.

Studying the Course!

On Deck

Good friends

WSJHA Spring National

As we headed into week two of our season opener the weather was cold and rainy; this remained the weather pattern until Sunday when the sun finally appeared. You will see in the photos our long down coats  and scarves used to fend off the penetrating damp cold air. On Saturday and Sunday clients provided us with warm soup and hot sandwiches at a time when comfort food hit the spot, there was a rumor that an adult afternoon wine tasting and good conversation took place in a warm, cozy RV(of course the professionals had work to do). We would like to thank: the Kerslake family, the Porter family and the Thornton-Rumpeltes family for caring enough to provide us with warm, nutritious foods. We appreciate our clients every day!

Our wall of ribbons became a display of the talent that runs deep at Archway. We had five of our seven students stepping  into a higher division and they worked diligently to improve their skills. We will have many things to work on at home but for now they will bask in pride of their accomplishments. We had three of our younger riders manage (with the help of their Moms) to handle their own grooming for both weeks, Kudos to you, your display of horsemanship was commendable:)

Special thanks goes out to our grooms Victor Gandara and Rafael Ramierez and to Gay Sheridan who has been our braider from the beginning. “…..it takes a Village….”

CHAMPIONS:

Performance Hunters 3’3″- Black Tie Affair – Corene Smith

11 and under Equitation- Jenna Barker

Pony Equitation- Payton Smith

RESERVE CHAMPIONS:

Large Hunters- Black Tie Affair- Corene Smith

Performance 3’3″- Simplicity- Corene Smith

Adult Amateur- Sir William- Patty Osberg

Small/Medium Pony – Platinum- Payton Smith

MEDAL WINS:

WIHS Hunter phase- Hannah Thornton

WIHS Jumper Phase – Hannah Thornton

WIHS Overall- Hannah Thornton

WSHJA Good Seat & Hands 3’6

CONGRATULATIONS TEAM ARCHWAY!!

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Spring Inaugural Show

Our last post gave an overview of the weather we had during the Kick-Off to our local show season so I will move right into the highlights.

The first day our horses were very cold and displayed some of their enthusiasm in the ring, so we  started out a little rough. Thursday things began to look up as our horses settled into the rythmn of the show. Clients arrived on Friday and things really started to roll, our wins were impressive Friday/Saturday and by Sunday the  many Championships were a tribute to all the hard work and dedication of the Archway Team. Following is the list of our major wins and this is all with only nine horses at the show:

Championships:

Working hunters 2’6″-Silhouette – Corene Smith

Children’s Hunter 12 and under – Priceless- Jenna Barker

Medium Pony – Platinum – Payton Smith

Pony Equitation- Payton Smith

Equitation 11 and under – Jenna Barker

Reserve Champions:

Performance Hunter 3’6″ – Broderick – Corene Smith

Equitation 16-17- Natalie Hill/Hannah Thornton(tied)

Medal Wins:

USEF Talent Search -Hannah Thornton

USEF/Pessoa Medal – Hannah Thornton

WIHS Hunter Phase – Hannah Thornton

Special Classes:

Hillcrest Equitation Challenge: Pony section -Payton Smith; 14 and under – Mali Kerslake; 15-17- Hannah Thornton;

Overall- Hannah Thornton

$2500 USHJA NAtional Hunter Classic – winner -Black Tie Affair – Corene Smith

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Snow, Seriously!!

The first day of the Spring Inaugural brought us a variety of weather to say the least.  Ana, Natalie and I arrived at 6:30am to hack horses in the ring.  The temperature was 36 degrees and a rain/snow mix.  As we started our morning the cold persisted until about midday when the sun showed itself for a couple of hours.  Towards the end of the day we had hail and then on my way home it was full on snowing and 33 degrees.  We were all freezing by the end of our show day and looked forward to a nice warm bath at home.  The horses all schooled well but the freshness was evident in the show ring.  They all jumped around the spooky jumps like pros but were a little strong and on edge.  By their second rounds they started to settle in.  Hoping the weather cooperates just a bit more in our favor tomorrow and horses are a little quieter.

Here are some of the results:

Brody: Performance Hunter 3’6 3rd and 3rd

Casabella: Performance Hunter 3’6 4th and 5th

Emmie: Large Hunter 6th

William: Pre green 2nd 3rd and 8th (Under saddle)

Rosita: Just a working Hunter 2’6 1st 1st and 5th (Under Saddle)

Oliver: Performance Hunter 3’3 4th and 6th

Kira: Performance Hunter 3’3 4th 3rd and 3rd (Under Saddle)

Gunnar: Performance Hunter 3’3 5th 6th and 8th (Under Saddle)

Time to rest up for tomorrow!!

Jeff Cook Interview

On March 19 and 20th we were fortunate to host one of the nation’s most noted clinicians Jeff Cook. His teaching style has a wonderful rythmn and style that brings the most out of each horse/rider that participates. This marks the third time we have had Jeff here and he always brings new insights and stories to share. Special thanks goes out to Anne Hill for operating the Archway Cafe, to Lauren and Ana for  assisting in the ring all day, we appreciate the help. We decided to try a new format this time and we interviewed Jeff on the way to the airport, so here it goes.

Q:What do you feel is the NW biggest strentgh?

JC: Legs; The West Coast, Northwest and BC riders here have a good foundation in the leg.

Q:What would you consider the NW weakness?

JC: Hands, although they have improved over the years.

Q:In your opinion what is the biggest challenge for the industry in this economy?

JC: Cost of overhead as a Professional and the overall expense of the Sport.

Q:What is the most important thing you look for in a horse?

JC:  TEMPERAMENT.

Q: What is your biggest training pet-peeve?

JC: I am not a fan of gadgets, I like to keep it simple. Also over lunging and ear plugs.

Q: What is your biggest pet-peeve in riders?

JC: Turnout, I like to see horse and rider properly turned out and still prefer to see Hunt Coats in the Jumper Ring regardless of level.

Q: Which is your favorite Horse Show?

JC: Monterey, Mexico

Q: What was your most recent read?

JC: “Heads up Baseball”

Q: How does what you teach transfer to life skills?

JC:  I teach the importance of following a system, being consistent and believing that you can always improve.  These skills motivate you in life to do better and be better people.

Q:What experiences have helped you grow as a horseman?

JC: Watching and Observing.

Q:What things are important for you to be successful while doing a clinic at a faclility?

JC: Footing. By the way Archway’s footing is great!

That concludes our interview,  here are some wonderful Jeff Cook quotes from the weekend:

“Sometimes prevention is better than correction” ………………… ”in a perfect world” ……………… ”a nickels worth”

“there was a nice moment” ……………… “you’re not going to get perfect today”

“if you need the indirect inside rein you’ve already failed” …….……..  ”when you get fatique (from the horse), you need to stop and rest”

Thank you Jeff for making us better riders and teahers!

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Archway Schooling Show IV

Wow, what a weekend here at Archway! It has been raining for 3 days straight and there is no break in sight. We are so grateful each and every day to work from a facility that is prepared for the NW RAIN.

As we were setting up on Saturday for our show, listening to the constant drum of rain on the roof, what came to mind was how lucky we are that we can organize an event and know that our guests will be able to participate while staying dry and comfortable. Our  ring is large enough to set up  the show ring and the schooling/holding area under one roof. With  the guest barn just 10 steps away, horses and riders can easily access the arena. Add to that a furnished lobby, heated viewing area and a cafe filled with warm comfort food; we were ready to tackle the miserable weekend weather.

This month’s show catered to our entry level competitors, we had a Crossbar division, Walk Trot classes,  2′ and 2’3″ sections. We hosted 17 entries representing Red Gate Farm, Twin Maples Farm, Spirit Meadow Farm and of course the Archway Team.

For many competitors this was their first show experience, resulting in a mixture of focused concentration, nerves and lots of big smiles.

Gay Sheridan was our judge for the day and once again she demonstrated what a wonderful asset she is to our industry and a good “Friend of Archway”.

Kevin  was emailing final updates to our show Software from the airport waiting for his flight to Hawaii.

Julie  ran an efficient office as only she can.

Ana helped her students navigate through their first show experience.

Corey (with Payton’s help) was course designer, jump crew, announcer and back gate supervisor! How does she do it all!!!

Krista operated the Archway Cafe keeping everyone warm and fed.

Jenna was my assistant Show photographer and we captured some great moments.

Enjoy the Slideshow!

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Look Out! Swimming Pools Below

I still remember my first experience  flying into Palm Springs. I must of been around 17yrs old and although that wasn’t the first time attending the Hits Desert Circuit it was the first time flying down. The first time I went to Indio, California to show was in 1993 or 1994. I drove with my Mom and sister pulling a 3 horse trailer with 3 ponies in the back. That was the first time I had ever been to California and was so excited to see Palm Trees. That was a start of our yearly ritual (with the  exception of the last two years)  of traveling  to the desert, to show at the Winter Circuit. Since that first year I have been able fly down to meet my horses. The first time flying in I found myself in awe of all the swimming pools you could see from the plane window. They are literally everywhere!

As a trainer it is a great inspiration to show amongst incredible competition and see many of our peers. As a competitor the best thing you can do to improve your game is compete against the riders who set the bar very high. Feels good to be back!

Over the years we have had our fair share of accolades and they are always a boost for our riders and horses, who then return home with a head start on our season in the Northwest.

With the exception of Payton, who has been attending the Winter Circuits since she was 1 month old, we are excited to have Hannah Thornton and Patty Osberg join us for the first time as Archway Clients. There will be lots of laughs, good times and hopefully many triumphs.

I flew in this morning to Palm Springs and headed out to the show. The horses arrived early so they were all settled in by the time I arrived. I met our groom Francisco and helped organized the configuration of stalls and our trunks. I then had to take Carl (our driver for the semi) to his hotel in Palm Springs.  I stopped at Trader Joes’s (this is our trademark “go to” grocery store down here) to get some groceries and then went in search of the house that we have rented for the 2 1/2 weeks. At this point I had been driving a long time and was ready to finally see where we were staying. I followed directions from my phone. Now, I will say that my Iphone, which I love, was absolutely 100% correct in it’s directions…. I mean how could it know that the gate it directed me to was the exit gate and not the entrance gate. It was just trying to get me there by the fastest route it could find, right? So there I am at a security gate, let it be known that I did not know at this time that it was only an exit, wondering where the heck the security key pad was to enter the code. I mean it’s got to be here somewhere, there is a gate, I have a code right here ready to type in. What the heck? Then a car comes from inside the neighborhood right in front of the gate and the gate starts to open…. now I’m in the way of this car….. so I go in reverse to get out of the way and the car comes through….. maybe I should go through before the gate closes and deal with the key pad later (or lack of)…. Nope, the gate is closing and I have a big ass mini van to get through, not happening. So now what! Well, if this is the exit, the entrance has got to be somewhere. So back out to the main road I go. Yep, I’m in luck this is the same white brick wall and there is another gate and yes, is it true, could that be a key pad I see. All is good now. I have a place to stay, food to eat, wifi to work on the computer and books to read.

Here are a few photos of the “Casa de Archway” Thanks to Patty for finding it and  Patty I will see you on Monday!