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!

Schooling Show Series III

Sunday we held the third Schooling Show in the winter series. It was a little more intimate than our last show which created a whole new feel and experience.  As horses arrived on Saturday the weather was not promising, the wind was blowing and the rain fell in buckets from the sky. I was grateful that we are able to contain the entire show inside safe from the elements. After a  long and tiring day of set up, add to that a winter sinus cold, I was glad to be able to move the start time a little later in the day to get a few extra ZZZZ.

Sunday arrived with very promising BLUE SKIES! I headed down for my walk around the property with my dogs and was greeted by a Coyote. Jada chased it and he began to lure her towards the woods. So under the fence and into the field I went in pursuit of my Parson Russell. I had my “professional clothes” on and found it an interesting feat to get under the fence on my hands and knees without getting muddy and dirty.   Luckily, all ended well and back under the fence we went. OK, not a great start to the morning:(

The show began on time and ran like clockwork, we are starting to fall into a rhythm that allows the show to flow nicely. Sally Collins was our Judge,  she  did a wonderful job and graciously allowed the riders to discuss her Judge’s cards with her after the classes. Judy Hedreen of Sylvan Farm called me early in the week and volunteered to come and announce for the morning, this was a very pleasant surprise and we are very grateful for her help. Ricky Todd organized the gate, Anne was on hospitality,  Ana once again helped with everything and Julie ran the show office using the new program Kevin Goyena made for us, even Little Megan Porter gave out ribbons. I sometimes wonder what we may have done right to have these wonderful, generous people surrounding us. Thank you everyone for helping us we appreciate all you do

This show we were joined by  Krisiti Gates, Erenom Farm and Twin Maples Farm. It was a nice group of exhibitors and some stayed to watch the last classes of the day. Good competition and productive practice was happening!

As we wrapped up the day we had an unfortunate thing happen. As Sally went out to her car she was horrified to see that someone had smashed her window and stolen her brief case and a down jacket from the back seat. Poor Sally, I can only imagine how that must have made her feel. There are some sorry people out there. If anyone happened to notice anything please let us know. We will definitely be raising our guard during our next event that’s for sure. OK, not a great ending to our day:(

On a much happier note, here are  some of the good parts of the day that I captured, please enjoy the slide show and Happy Valentines Day!!

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Archway Schooling Show II

Early  Sunday morning, January 30th we opened the barn doors, turned on the arena lights and took our posts  as we prepared to begin our largest show to date. We were ready to spend the day competing under the watchful eye of  judge Debbie Mars. Kevin Goyena was our announcer, Ricky Todd managed the backgate, Julie Sanborn acted as Show Secretary and Ana assisted with Coaching. This allowed Corey, Krista and I to  make sure everything ran well. The temperature was a little chilly as the day began, but there were heaters and warm places for spectators to enjoy  a cup of coffee while watching the competition and by late morning the sun had arrived. Some riders spent their down time playing Foos Ball in the lobby and Dads enjoyed reading the Sunday papers while lounging on the couch.

The local support was very much appreciated as 37 horses  from Thumbs Up Farm, Potcreek Meadow Farm, Farpoint Farm, Redgate Farm, Sabrina Hirsch Training, Twin Maples Farm , Magnolia Ridge Training and Archway particiapted  in classes throughout the day.

Everyone had ample opportunity to school their horses prior to each height section which allowed a nice flow to the day. Some attended the morning session and others joined us in the afternoon. As the day came to a close and the horses were loaded into trailers each barn travelled home with the their share of wins. We headed home feeling good that we had done our best to make the day a success.

Here are a couple of comments from the attending barns:

“We had a great time and appreciated how well run everything was!” Sabrina Hirsch

“The footing is great and the horses love the size of the ring.” Denise Youell

“I am looking forward to attending again.” Suzy Huizenga

“These shows offer a great service to the area.” Jeff Anthony

We look forward to hosting the Hunter/Equitation Show III on February 13th and  our Long/Short Stirrup Show on March 13th.

Corey and I enjoy being able to share our facility and host these events to enrich our NW area. We are dedicated to providing an opportunity to prepare horses and riders for the NW show season and our success is determined by your continued support.  We hope to see YOU at the next Show!

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2010 WSHJA Awards Banquet

I am up very early this morning and I chose to brew a cup of Zen Tea, I feel a wave of inspiration taking place so get ready for a little dose of my sappy insight.  I recall the first Awards Banquet we attended like it was yesterday. Our family owned a Palomino welsh gelding named Zippety doo Dah, we carted him around in our little red trailer to all the local shows and Corey began her career riding in the 10 and under Equitation. Ricardo and I scraped up the money to take Corey and Krista to our first Awards Banquet. As they announced the awards to Corey’s surprise she won 8th Place! I will never forget how excited she was to receive that award and I remember the light in Krista’s eye as she dreamed of the day she would be standing proudly with her future awards. This was the beginning of a yearly ritual that we have done since 1987.

We had a wonderful celebration of accomplishments last night while attending the WSHJA Annual Awards Banquet. Each year we look forward to removing our helmets, boots and spurs and putting on our dresses, makeup and heels to spend quality time with our extended family to celebrate the year. Sitting at our table each year watching our students walk on stage to accept their awards, I am amazed at how quickly they grow and mature into these magnificent people and feel proud that we, in a small way, are allowed to be part of  their journey. This is a wonderful time to reflect and guage where we have come and what we have learned. It is also a time to begin to set new goals and plot a course to the next phase of who we are to become. At the close of the evening we displayed all our winnings out  for a group photo, Corey just sat herself down in the middle of  all the awards our team had won and enjoyed the moment. In the midst of all the glitter and lights there is always one common bound we share and that my friends is a deep rooted, timeless love for a horse. I for one, am looking forward to what life lessons our horses and  2011 have  to offer.

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Wishing the Best of Luck!!

We at Archway, would like to Congratulate the following horses and ponies on their new homes and hope their new rider’s enjoy them as much as we have.

Congratulations to The Wells Family on the purchase of Gilli

Congratulations to The Stevenson Family on the purchase of Beau

Congratulations to The Shapiro Family on the lease of Maggie

Congratulations to Kate Considine of Willowbrook Stables on the purchase of Gummi

We wish you continued success in the 2011 show season!

Other quality horses still available for Sale and Lease.