This page is dedicated to highlighting the "Student / Rider / Boarder of the Month!"
February 2012
~ Oy Vasharasuksilpa ~
Hello, my name is Oy. I will soon be turning 36. My husband and I have just moved from Los Angeles, California last August.We have 2 dogs, a Flat-coat retriever, Kanu and an Irish setter, Whisky.Since they are part of our family, they both accompanied us, and seen to like Pittsburgh as much as we do.Now we all live in Moon Township, and so far, a bit cold, but overall things are good.
February is a month of love. Beside love for my husband (got to mention it :P).He has been generous enough to let me also share my love with dogs and horses.I don’t really remember how long I have been in love with horses. I only know that whenever I see them it just puts a big smile on my face.
In LA, I used to go for a ride after work. Some of my friends thought that I am crazy.Because of traffic, it would sometimes take me more than an hour to get to the barn.Though sometimes I had a long tough day, as soon as I would get to the barn and saw horses, I would just forget about all my troubles and the horses.It’s is good therapy for me.
I will never forget the first time I learned jumping. I rode a little pony named Zak.He loved jumping so much.He taught me how to jump.We had a lot of fun together.It was a good connection between him and I, and that felt great.This is the main reason why I love jumping so much.
I’ve been riding about 10 years and had fallen many times and gone to emergency a few times too many, but somehow, I just keep coming back.I have realized that this is because riding is a part of my life.Though I currently don’t own a horse, I dream to be a good rider. I want to be able to understand them so we both can enjoy the ride together.My passion extends beyond riding; I just love all horses.In fact, I love all horses that I’ve ridden and love them like my own.I am not sure which part I love more, the riding, the petting, the grooming, the bonding or etc. I just love to be with them. To me, there is something new to learn about horses everyday.With horses we learn and grow together. I respect them just as much as I respect my teacher.
Coming to Blue Ribbon Farms, I started taking lesson with Julie then moving on to a half-lease on Harley, a very sweet and forgiving horse. I love him. And now I’m leasing Brick, whom I think is a challenge to me. He is very sweet and fun to ride too.Julie has been key in helping me regain my confidence and become a better rider.I am also very thankful to Dan and Blue Ribbon Farms crews for the warm welcome.
PREVIOUS HIGHLIGHTS
January 2012
~ LeighAnn Fisher ~
Hello, my name is LeighAnn Fisher. I am 12 years old & in 7th grade at South Side Middle School. I live with my Dad- Brendan, Mom- Kim & my little sister- Sarah in Hookstown, PA.
Our family loves animals! We have 5 horses at home-Lacie& Kandy(my moms), Chico& Annie(mine) & Charm(my sisters pet mini), and I lease my Pleasure Horse Maddie at Blue Ribbon Farms. We also have 3 dogs- Roxanne our Australian Shepherd, & Bailey & Fairy our Papillons.We have 2 cats, Roscoe & Max, and I have a Dwarf Hamster named Tiny.
Besides riding & showing Horses (of course), I love to read, target shoot with my Dad, hunt (I got an 8 point buck this year) & raise Market Lambs. I am a member of Silver Spurs 4-H Club (my Moms a Leader), and The Beaver County 4-H Stockman's Club.We are a busy family with a lot of interests.
I guess I was just born into horses. My Mom has owned horses all her life, and I have been on a horse since I was born. I learned how to ride on my Moms old pony Missi. I started showing her when I was 2 in leadline classes. When I was 4, I got my own Miniature Horse, Misty, that my Mom & I trained to ride. I took her to the Fair, & we got our picture in the Newspaper. Next, I got Chico for my 6th Birthday. He is a very cute pinto pony, but he is ornery,and he sure had a lot to learn when I got him. I rode Chico in contest classes, and also English. My sister Sarah rides Chico now, and they are a great team in gaming events(thanks to me training him). Chico will always be very important to me. These are the horses that started my love of riding.
I started taking English riding lessons from Dan when I was 6. I really enjoy riding Pleasure, but I do also like to ride Contest as well. I love to show in any classes from Showmanship to Barrel Racing, & In 2008, my first year in 4-H, I made it to the PA State 4-H Horse Show in Harrisburg in Small Pony English Pleasure with Chico. Exactly one year ago I started riding Impulsive Miss Pine "Maddie" at BRF, and we have bonded and have become a great team. She is an amazing horse, and I love her so much. She has taught me,( yes, a horse teaching a person,) to be a more steady, patient rider. This past May at the All American Youth Horse Show in Columbus, Ohio, Maddie & I won our English Pleasure Class, and was 3rd in our Western Pleasure class. That was by far the highlight of everything so far. We also qualified and showed at the State 4-H show in October.We had a great ride, but came home without a ribbon.
My goals for the future are to continue to ride Maddie for years to come, and place in even more events at the AAYHS. I want to do better in pattern classes, and I want to get my own barrel horse that I can compete & have fun on.
I would like to Thank my Mom & Dad, Dan & Chris,& Connie for giving me the chance to accomplish everything I have so far & helping me with anything I need.
Thanks for reading this & learning about me.
November 2011
~ Laura Vogel ~
My name is Laura Vogel and I am 14 years old and a freshman at Hopewell Senior High School. I am an only child in my family and I love my parents, my mom Mary Theresa and my dad Michael. We have two cats and my two horses Kat and Tex. My horse Kat is an off the track thoroughbred but is just a trail horse and used for lessons. My other horse is Tex and I race him in both barrels and poles.I love both of my horses.My interests are riding and volleyball. I am a gymnast for the Hopewell High School team and Monaca Turners team. My horse accomplishments have to be making it to districts and hoping to get to go to states one day.
One of my memorable horse moments were when I thought my horse Tex was in the field and I walked all the way out to the other side of the field and it turned out he was in, and this happened to me 3 times! The most important horses in my life are: Misty, who taught me to hold on tight and Bricky, another of my past horses. Bricky taught me how to be patient and not get irritated when things didn’t go right.My current horse Tex taught me that you must listen to him and realize that he knows what to do.It is a teamwork effort and he can teach me more than I could teach him and he will always be at my side on our journey we have to come. I want to thank Dan McLaughlin for helping me be a better rider and for all of his advice that he gives me. Also, I would like to thank my parents for buying me things for my horses and paying for them and for taking me to the barn to ride and for letting me go to shows.
You must always motivate yourself to succeed and you have to think to yourself that you can grow up and achieve anything you want to if you just work hard enough for it and put your mind to it.
October 2011
~ Veronica Martin ~
My name is Veronica and I am 7 years old.I have been riding for two years and enjoy my lessons at Blue Ribbon.Julie is my trainer and has taught me a lot about horses and riding.Thank you, Julie.
My mom started me with lessons and I am so thankful.When I first started lessons I rode Quinn and she was a great horse.I learned how to trot and step over a pole with her.She helped me gain confidence.
As I progressed I rode Clue who loves to canter and so do I.Clue was my boy; I used to refer to him as my boyfriend…lol.Then one day there was this mysterious horse at the barn that I began to ride and fell in love with, his name is Bubba.He is the only horse that bows his head when I enter his stall to get him ready for our lesson.After riding him for a while there was another horse that came to the barn.We thought we would give it a try and sure enough I love him too.His name is Truffles but my mom calls him T-Man instead.He is a Pony that is such a smooth ride.I am working real hard on getting to a canter with him.He is a bit more challenging to ride than Clue or Bubba but I am having fun getting there.
My goals with horseback riding are to learn how to jump and maybe show but that is not a priority of mine.I just really enjoy spending time at the barn and with my boys Bubba and Truffles.Don’t tell my mom but someday I want to teach others to ride horses and own my own horse farm..shhh.
At home I enjoy my mom, dad and younger sister.Also, there are my wonderful pets we have a Saint Bernard named LuLu, a Bunny
named Snow Flake and three fish (George, Mr. Goldberg and Al-zee2).I wish we could keep a horse as a pet in our house but I don’t think my mom would be happy about that.
Thank you for having me be the rider of the month.It means so much to me that I was recognized as working so hard at my lessons.
I never rode at another barn but could not imagine being anywhere else.Everyone is so nice and helpful I truly love BRF.
August 2011
~ Dillon Swogger ~
HELLO I AM DILLON SWOGGER AND WELCOME TO THE WEBSITE. LET'S START ABOUT ME. I AM 12 YEARS OLD. I GO TO SOUTHSIDE BEAVER AND I AM IN 6TH GRADE. I LIKE TO PLAY FOOTBALL, BASKETBALL, STREET HOCKEY AND RIDE HORSES. MY SIBLINGS ARE COLTON MY BROTHER AND MELAINA MY SISTER. I ALSO HAVE JESS MY MOM AND GREG MY DAD. WE HAVE 6 DOGS, TEDDY, COWBOY, FROSTY, POOCHIE,BELLA AND MAIZEY. 2 CATS AMBER AND EMMIE,1 CHICKEN NAMED MILLIE.WE HAVE 3 HORSES BUSTER, DAN AND SKIPPY.
MY MOST MERORABLE MOMENT IS WHEN I WENT TO THE STATE SHOW WITH MY HORSE SKIPPY. WE WERE IN THE HUNTER UNDER SADDLE CLASS AND PLACED 10TH. I WAS VERY NERVIOUS. I AM RIDING A HORSE BUSTER AND WE HAVE BECOME A TEAM. WE COMPETE IN CONTEST CLASSES AND HAVE BEEN CONSISTENT. MY FUTURE GOALS I AM INTERESTED IN IS JUMPING. I REALLY WANT TO DO IT BUT I AM AFRAID OF FALLING OFF AND I DON'T HAVE A HORSE THAT JUMPS.THINGS THAT I LEARNED FROM HORSES AND DAN IS THAT IF YOUR TIRED THE HORSE IS TIRED IF YOUR MAD THE HORSE IS MAD IF YOUR NERVOUS THE HORSE IS NERVOUS IF YOUR UPSET THE HORSE IS UPSET AND WHAT I LEARNED FROM DAN IS NEVER STAND IN FRONT OF THE HORSE BECAUSE THE HORSE CAN NOT SEE YOU AND IF THE HORSE GETS SCARED OF SOMETHING HE OR SHE WILL HURT YOU BY LUNGING AT YOU OR JUMPING ON YOU AND YOU ALWAYS MOUNT ON THE LEFT SIDE AND UNMOUNT FROM THE LEFT SIDE AND NEVER EVER STAND RIGHT BEHIND THE HORSE BECAUSE HE OR SHE MIGHT GET SPOOKED AND SHE WILL KICK YOU AND THEY HAVE ALOT OF POWER AND PLUS THEY CANT SEE YOU BEHIND THEM. MY GOALS FROM THE FUTURE ARE TO BE A JOCKEY. A JOCKEY IS A TYPE OF A PERSON WHO TAKES A RACE HORSE TO A RACE TRACK AND THEY RACE AGAINST OTHER HORSES AND THEY WIN ALOT OF MONEY AND THE REASON WHY I WANT TO BE ONE IS BECAUSE I LOVE TO GO FAST AND CRAZY. I WANT TO THANK DAN AND CHRIS FOR HELPING ME SET MY HORSE GOALS AND TAKING ME TO SHOW.
July 2011
~ Kim Lenz ~
Hi, I’m Kim Lenz. My equine adventure started the day I sent an email to Dan. That was December of 2009. At that time, a friend started fostering a horse which renewed my childhood interest of horses. I met with Dan & Julie on a very cold Saturday morning between Christmas & New Year's. They didn’t think I’d show. Showing up was one of the best decisions I ever made.
I’ve been Julie’s student since February of 2010. My love of horses came out of no where when I was a child. No one in our family had horses or was even a student. I remember going on vacation and seeing them in a pasture once... and that was it! Mom would take me to The Meadows just so I could be near horses. As much as my love for them grew, so did Dad’s allergy of them. He couldn’t go to the racetrack without an issue. Even though I could never ride, I did read about them and loved to watch them. When I met with Dan & Julie as an adult, I told them I just wanted to trail ride. Well, that changed the day I started lessons by riding Hook in February.
After that first day, I knew trail/pleasure riding wasn’t going to be enough. I quickly moved on to Harley, who I thought would be leased forever. I started leasing Harley in August. I love that horse even though he spooks and threw me twice when I wasn't ready for it. As I entered my 2nd month of leasing Harley, I went and looked at a horse that another friend had looked at. The minute I saw her, I wanted her. But at the time it wasn’t possible. 2 weeks later Dan called about this mare, Lily, who was ½ Percheron ½ Quarter horse. The last deal on her fell through and now was being offered to me. So after a phone call to my husband and friends who offered to help me achieve a childhood dream "Lily" was welcomed into the BRF family September 16th, 2010. This was almost 1 ½ year early on the "time until owning a horse" timeline. "Lily" quickly became "Angel" or "Angel Lily" as Jess calls her. I like it. She was ridden that same weekend in a few lessons and was just the sweetest girl for only being there a few days. She got the Angel name from that day of lessons with kids. Since that day in September, I’ve moved from walking/trotting to the start of jumping and dressage with her. She loves to work, she has ADD as Julie says, she’s the nebbiest horse Julie has ever seen. Now, I am even working on cantering. . . Which is scary to me on her but fun at the the same time.
My goals for Angel & myself are mainly to have fun. I think I would like to compete at some point but if we don’t, taking lessons and learning how to do it all is accomplishment enough, since I never thought I would even get this far. Wasn’t sure what my potential was or is still.
Along with my husband Bruce of 26 years this month, we have 3 German Shepherds and a black cat. Tango, 13 y/o, Max 4 y/o, Rogue 3 y/o and Gimli 6 y/o cat. Max & Rogue are my workers. They both loved to do obedience and train. One of my other goals is to have a German Shepherd to do SAR (search and rescue) with. Neither Max or Rogue have the temperament for it. Someday, I will do Search & Rescue, maybe even use Angel? So in the end, I have thank Bruce for encouraging me to do this, Dan & Chris for answering my email and well, you guys know, Julie for being patient with me when I get frustrated. This has truly been a huge dream of mine since I was little.
June 2011
~ Andrew Spellman ~
Hola, Spanish word for hello, my name is Andrew Spellman and I am huge fan of horses! I am 13 years old my birthday is on October 26. I live with my mom, Jennifer, and dad, Raymond, also I have two sisters, Sam 17 years old, Olivia 12 years old and one brother, Tanner 9 years old. I have two dogs, 15 and half years old girl shepherd mix Reese, 5 years old boy pappion and mini poodle Smokey also one cat, 3 years old boy cat. But that's not all I have two hermit crab, Coconut and Billy also one of my favorite pet is horse, 11 years old gelding paint Absolootly Tough, as we call him Tuff! I always sleepover my mamau, Ann's, house on weekend. All of my mom's side was raised on farm so that's how my Uncle Bill and Uncle Jeff taught me so many things about horses. I love horses all my life. I had asked my mom to find a farm or 4h club around where I live. One time I saw my Uncle Bill's 4h ribbons so that's how I found out about 4h. My mom found a farm and I took riding lesson when I was about 4 years old but it got expensive and too far away so I stopped. I have so many stories to tell but it's long story. So last year I asked my mom to search one more time for farm and my mom found Blue Ribbon Farm summer camp and I went there. Then I met Tuff and I fell in love with him, I was huge fan of him. When the summer camp was over I asked Dan to take riding lesson with Tuff and yes I did. One day I heard that owner of Tuff was selling him my mamau panic and bought him for my birthday! Now here I am! My other interests are swimming team, skiing, reading, camping and collecting "Trail of Painted Ponies". But my favorite interests are working at farm, riding Tuff on trail ride, and hang out with barn friends! My greatest accomplishment so far are getting over my fear of almost everything even horses, and learning more about horse and riding. My most memorable horse moment are one time I went out field by myself and then at end I was being chased by horses. Also there were time that my friends played freeze tag with Dan and Karen but they were unable get me! Tuff is most important horse to me because he always there for me, I learn so many thing from him, he was first horse that I rode at Blue Ribbon Farm, Tuff is my first horse I own, also I did everything with him. My goals for future are getting over my fears, learn more about horses, improve my riding, and do all of western games. Also, hopefully, get another horse and go to equine college! I do have more goals for future but for now those are my goals. Now I want to Thank to Jess, Dan, Chris, and Connie for teaching me and supporting me! Also my family and relative for being supportive and mamau buying and paying for Tuff.
April 2011
~ Caroline Johns ~
Hello! My name is Caroline Johns, and I started riding at Blue Ribbon Farm last June.
My family consists of my husband Tim and my 5 year old son Brendan. We also have one very lazy Basset Hound named Annie. Currently, I work full-time as an elementary principal and I am also working towards my doctorate in School Leadership at the University of Pittsburgh. Outside of work and riding, I also enjoy playing cello and rowing competitively.
At the barn, my equine BFF is Hershey whom I have been leasing since December. My greatest “horse accomplishment” has been getting over my fear of riding and handling horses. I’m not completely over it yet, but am much further along than where I was my first lesson when I held the saddle horn with a death grip.
My goals for the future are to learn as much as I can about horses and continue to improve my riding skills. This summer I will be spending a week in Virginia becoming a certified equine massage therapist. My hope is to use this skill to give back to the horses in return for all they have brought into my life.
Lastly, I want to thank Dan, Jess & Connie and everyone at the barn for teaching me all I know about horses, supporting me when I need it, knowing when I need to be pushed and to the kids for being a reminder that there are times to be serious but there are also times when you just need to have fun with horses!
February 2011
~ SARAH TIMMERMAN ~
Hello, my name is Sarah Timmerman and I go to Moon Middle School. I am in 6th grade. I have 3 cats (Sam, Ace, and Wilson), 1 guinea pig (Cheerio), 1 rabbit (Peanut Butter), 1 turtle (Spike), and I also have 1 horse (Ella). Animals are a very important part of my life. I have had at least 2 pets all my life. I started riding when I was 3 and a half. I received a pony for Christmas his name was Peanut and that is where my journey began. When I was 5 I moved and had to sell him. I then started riding at Full Moon Farms in Maryland. I took lessons for a while and then leased. I then moved back to Pittsburgh and was very happy. I wanted to start riding again so I found Blue Ribbon Farms and I love it here. At first I took lessons with Dan and knew I would be here a long time. After a while I leased Hershey for about 2 ½ months and then bought Ella. Ella is a 10 year old Quarter Horse mare. I will be showing her in Western Pleasure, Western Equation, English Pleasure, English Equation, Trail, and Showmanship. I also play softball. I was a pitcher this past season for a Moon travel team, but I enjoy horseback riding much more and am focusing my energies on preparing for the upcoming show season. I also take part in 4-H. This year for 4-H I made the Junior Judging team and will be going to Penn State to compete.
This will be my first year of showing with a new horse and a new barn. My goal for riding this year is to do my best and go to States. My life goal for riding is to become Congress Queen. I would also like to thank my Mom, Grandma, Dad, Dan, Chris and all the great people at BRF for all of their support and help. I hope to go far and become very successful in my years of riding to come.
January 2011
~ JULIE EGYUD ~
My name is Julie Egyud and I attend St. Pauls school. I have 3 siblings Ashley, Josh, Ryan and my mom Amber and my Dad Tim. My family has 1 dog (Duke) and 3 horses ( Whisper, Wilson, Chloe). My other interests are cheering, basketball, softball, soccer, 4-H, and hanging out with my friends. Wilson is a 9 year old Quarter Horse dapple buckskin. He is the most calm and fun horse I've ever riden. Whisper is a 10 year old Quarter Horse Welsh pony. Whisper is unpredictable and fun in gaming classes.She is trained to jump too.Chloe is a 10 year old Quarter horse. I use her in western pleasure, western equation, showmanship, english pleasure, and english equation.
My greatest accomplishment so far is winning two high points awards. I won a hay bag and a blanket. I hope this year I will place at the All American Youth Show and hopefully make it to the state show. I have learned a lot of important lessons from my horses.Wilson has taught me how run barrels and poles . He also showed me how to bond and trust him so we could become a team. Whisper has taught me how to have alot of balance and how to jump. She also taught me to never give up when we both get frustrated. Chloe for has taught me everything I know in the show ring. I still have a lot to learn from all of them.
I want to thank Dan, Chris, Connie, my dad, grandma and grandpa for for everthing they have taught me about riding. They helped to make me a better rider. Hopefully I will get even better as the years go by.
December 2010
~ COLTON SWOGGER ~
My name is Colton Lee Swogger and I am fifteen and attend South Side High School.I have two siblings Dillon and Melaina a mom, Jess and a dad, Greg. My family has four dogs, two cats, a chicken and we have two horses which one of them I own.My other interests include basketball and football. I am also in 4-H and I like to hang out with my friends.
My horse's name is Windancer's Charm (Dan) he is a fourteen year old Appaloosa gelding. He is a contesting horse. I used to ride pleasure on my mom's horse Skippy until she bought me Dan.She bought me Dan for working hard and showing that I was serious about horses.
My greatest accomplishment so far has been qualifying for the 2009 PA 4-H State Horse Show in Harrisburg for Western Pleasure on Skippy.
One Day I hope to make it to the state show in contesting classes and place in the top ten.
Hopefully we will be placing at the All American Youth Horse Show. I am starting into other disciplines and hope to be successful.
The horses that have been important in my life has been Skippy for being patient and forgiving when I was not being serious and getting frustrated, Hooker for teaching me that a bond and trust is important to make a team. Finally Dan for teaching when enough is enough and for what ever else our adventure might occur. All of these horses have taught me that natural ability is not enough by itself to make a successful team.
I give all the credit of my current success and future success to Dan McLaughlin for making me the rider I am today. I was never serious before about showing or being competitive. Now with Dan's insight, help, support, and coaching I have learned what it takes to be successful.I am still learning and have a long way to go but I have come a long way.I am now competitive and try my best always no matter what obstacle gets in my way. I would also like to thanks for letting me have the opportunity to ride other great horses that are in the barn. I also give credit to my mom for taking me to shows, and paying for my stuff that I need and to Connie for helping me at shows when my mom can't. Chris has also helped me with getting horses ready and encouraging me to try new things.
My advice to others is always try your best and never give up because not every riding day is a good one. Proper preparation prevents poor performance and don't worry because it will be fine.
November 2010
~ JIANNA PALLADINI ~
My name is Jianna Palladini and I'm 13 years old. I go to Central Valley Middle School. I live with my parents, Tony and Nicholle, in Monaca.
I have two dogs, Crosby and Misha. Crosby is a 160 pound Newfoundland and Misha is a 75 pound Golden Retriever. My interests, other than horseback riding, are hanging out with friends, going ice skating every Saturday night, and sleeping in.
One of my greatest accomplishments on horseback are getting over a fear of cantering after two months (thanks for the advice Katie and Julie for not giving up on me and my open hands!) and unexpectedly getting the chance to show Reggie at Hookstown. Dan entered Reggie and I in the Groomers Equitation Class. It was nerve wracking and I felt sick, but it was so fun!
Some important horses in my life are Tuff, for helping me get over my fear of cantering, Reggie for being the first horse I showed and teaching me to get back on after a fall, and Clue for being the sweetie pie he is! Last but not least, my lease horse, Steeler! Steeler is a six year old, 17hh, TB, and he and I are working together to become a team. Steeler is teaching me dressage, jumping, equitation, and to hold my hands tight on the reigns. (that's for you Julie!!!)
I love Steeler, he is able to do all the things I want to do in the future. These would be jumping, dressage, equitation and just enjoying the ride!
I would like to thank my Mom and Dad for allowing me to do all this, Dan and Chris for sharing their farm with me and catching horses that don't want to leave the pasture! I would also like to thank Morgan, my riding partner for being a friend, Sue for letting me show Reggie, EVERYONE at the barn for their help when I need it and just being so nice. And most of all Julie. Thank you Julie, for letting me lease your awesome horse, teaching me so much, making everything fun and all the little extras you do!!! Julie encourages me, and trusts me and I am so lucky to have her in my life!
October 2010
~ NOAH INGRAM ~
My name is Noah Ingram and I am 10 years old. I live with my Mom, Dad and my older sister Tori in Center Twp. and I am in the 5th grade at ToddLaneElementary School.
We have 6 fish, one dog named Noelle and two horses French Fry and Echo. I also ride another horse Zip Lika Mercedes or Sadie for short, she is owned by Connie Korner but she lets me ride and show her. Sadie and I make a great team, I love her. We have had a great summer of riding and showing together! We have won many first place blue ribbons and a few seconds and thirds as well. We even won the high point at one show! I have been riding walk-trot this show season but I have recently learned to canter Sadie and I am looking forward to the Youth show next year, this will be the first show I will show at the next level and canter, I can’t wait !! Sadie is awesome !
I have also done some barrel racing on Hooker and won first in barrels at CampAura one weekend and I showed Trail and crossrails (jumping) on Hershey, they are also very important horses to me. I love going to the barn and I am always begging my mom and Dad to move closer so I can spend even more time there. I am so glad my Uncle Dan and Aunt Chris let us come there everyday all summer, I really learned a lot about horses and had so much fun ! It was by far the best summer of my life!
French Fry is still being trained and won’t be ready for me and Tori to show for a while yet but I am sure when he is fully trained we will be gaming at all the shows on him! For now though, I hope to learn more about gaming and continue to show Hooker and practice a lot so when French Fry is ready , I will be ready.
I also have many interests other than horses. I play baseball in the Spring and Fall , Indoorsoccer , wrestle and ride dirt bikes. I pitch and play first, second and third base in baseball and I am the goalie in soccer and play some defense. My baseball team took first place in our league this spring season.
I hope to continue to ride horses and learn more about them for a long time, my Uncle D is a great teacher and he seems to know everything there is to know about horses , I want to grow up to be just like him!
September 2010
~ EMILY STUMM ~
My name is Emily and I am…September’s Rider of the month!
As long as I can remember horses have been part of my life. Before I started riding at age 10, I read voraciously about horses. I knew conformation points, types of saddles, and grooming equipment before I ever got into a saddle. Once I got into a saddle, it was over- I was hooked much to my parent’s dismay.I wanted to know everything and anything there was to know about horses.I continued to read books and begged my mom to ride more than once a week.I eventually got to lease a mare named Mimi.
Mimi was a tough little mare but really taught me how to ride. It only took 10 or so falls before I stopped leaning forward before a jump.I won all of my classes with her in my very first horse show.I also had a very public fall at a horse show with her when I forgot to tighten my girth!
I eventually moved on to another mare named Gretchen.
Showing the Huntingdon Beach Series on Gretchen aka Gift of Gold.
She had a really bad habit of slamming on the brakes right at the base of each jump.I lost count of how many times I fell off her, but eventually we learned how to trust each other and work together.We went on to win many high point divisions, year-end grand championships, and a very notable Hunter Classic. It was the first class that had money at stake and we won it.I still have a copy of that check in a photo album.The summer before my senior year of high school Gretchen bowed a tendon. I spent the next year rehabbing her, and working with the vet to get her sound.She eventually did recover and I took her to college with me. It was a great experience to have her at school with me. She was an escape from the drama of roommates, dorm food and difficult classes.Eventually I realized that I wasn’t giving her the time she needed and I retired from horse riding until I was done with college.
After I finished college I started veterinary technician school.It was very difficult to work full time and go to school full time but I missed horses terribly.So I started back riding after my first year of tech school.I helped my friend train her four young horses, and took regular lessons.Shortly after graduation from tech school, I moved to Pittsburgh and found Blue Ribbon Farms on a Google search.
Graduation with the pugs.
I chatted with Dan for nearly a half hour and came to trial a neighbor’s horse.Well that horse didn’t work out, but later the same day I looked at a horse named Skip Past.I thought he was quite a nice horse but I did NOT want a grey horse!! It’s been a year now and he’s turned into one of the greatest purchases I’ve ever made.He loves jumping as much as I do, is great at dressage and we both have a blast on hunter paces.It has turned into a fantastic match and I am very much looking forward to the future. I’d like to ride Skip in some hunter shows and also three day event eventually.
Our first picture
Blue Ribbon Farm has become my home as well as Skippy’s, and the people that have welcomed me so kindly have become my new family. I love going to the barn and chatting with people, going on Hunter Paces with Ann, Colleen and Pam, and taking lessons with Julie.I even bought a house in Moon to be closer to BRF.
I work as a vet technician at PVSEC in the surgery department to support my horse habit.I take care of pre and post operative dogs and cats, which I enjoy very much.They provide me with daily challenges and learning opportunities so that I never am bored.
I feel very fortunate to have horses in my life.I feel like they have always provided me with a challenge and a goal.These challenges and goals have kept me out of trouble through my silly teenage years, and given me a focus in my adult years.I am doubly fortunate for finding BRF and such a wonderful and talented group of people to help me make Pittsburgh home.
Aside from horses, I have three dogs- 2 sweet pugs and a wonderful old Golden Retriever, as well as a cat.My family lives in Los Angeles and Seattle, so I don’t get to see them much. I was born and raised in Los Angeles, so Pittsburgh has been an adjustment. My 30th birthday was heralded across most of the Eastern Seaboard with almost 3 feet of snow! I love the seasons and the friendly people here as well as the beautiful country. I currently live with my small herd in a lovely little condo I just bought. I'm looking forward to many more years with BRF and Pittsburgh, and watching the beautiful seasons change. GO STEELERS!
August 2010 ~MORGAN NOYES ~
My name is Morgan Noyes. My family calls me Mo. I am ten years old. I live with my mom, Kelly and my dad, Chris in Moon Township. I have two African Dwarf Toads named Scooby and Shaggy and one hermit crab named Snoopy.
I am a green belt in karate. One of my favorite things to do (other than horseback riding,) is to go to the beach. I love to swim, ride the waves, and go fishing. At Blue Ribbon Farms, I ride Reggie (Registered Trademark.) Some accomplishments Reggie and I have made are going to our first horse show, and winning four of four ribbons. 2 seconds, 1 fourth, and 1 fifth. We have also learned to canter with an English and Western saddle. Our most memorable moment was when we won four ribbons at our first show.
Reggie is the best horse ever. We have done a lot together, and will show for many years. Another important horse I rode was Quinn, who taught me to ride at BRF. Reggie and I will continue to ride in English pleasure and equitation classes. Our goal is to ride in the PA State Horse Show. Reggie and I hope to ride for many, many years!
Thanks to Sue, for letting me ride Reggie, to Julie for developing my skills, and my mom and dad for taking me here!
July 2010 ~TORI INGRAM ~
My name is Tori Ingram. I’m 12. I live with my younger brother Noah, my mother Dawn, and my father Stephen. I have two horses one is a red dun Appaloosa named McEcho or Echo for his barn name and we also have a buckskin Quarter Horse named Wata Hayday and his barn name is French Fry. I also have a little dog named Noel.
I am going into 7th grade at Center Middle School. I loved and rode horses all my life but I have just started seriously riding in December. Outside of riding horses I also play the flute.
My greatest horse accomplishment so far is my high point award that I won at my Silver Spurs 4-H horse show. Some important horses in my life are Ginger who was my very first pony, Yellow Sunny who was the horse that I learned how to ride on, and Echo who is my first show horse and the horse that I am currently showing.
My horse Echo does many disciplines he does English and Western Pleasure, showmanship and Western and English Equitation. My other pony French Fry will be a gaming pony after he is out of training.
In the future I hope that I will win a ribbon at the All American Youth Horse Show and I would also like to qualify for the 4-H State Horse Show.
I would also like to thank my Uncle Dan he has a God given talent with horses and I am learning so much from him. Thank you to Connie for all of her support, advice, and the use of everything of hers that I needed to show. Most of all I would like to thank my parents with who this entire thing would not have happened.
I just love horses and all my friends down at the farm and I hope to keep on riding for a long, long time.
June 2010 ~ Hannah Shepler ~ I love to ride horses and play volleyball. I recently had the chance to ride at the All-American Youth Horse Show in Columbus, Ohio. What a great experience! I was surprised by how huge the show was and to hear names called from states like Florida, Kentucky and Wisconsin. I rode Hershey, Sadie, Fox and Maddie at AAYHS. I didn’t do well in the things I love: showmanship and trail. Then I did very well in things I never thought I’d place in. It ended up that I placed 3rd in Western Pleasure with Sadie, and then placed 6th in Hunter Pony with Maddie and 2nd in Hunter Pony Equitation with Maddie, which sent me to the Equitation Championship! This is a picture of me, Sadie and Connie after the Western Pleasure Class. Thanks: Dan, Chris and Connie!!!
My other favorite thing is volleyball. I have been playing with my co-ed Home School volleyball team. We traveled to two different tournaments this year. I am scheduled to start playing with Western Beaver H.S. volleyball team. Really looking forward to it!
My family lives on a small farm where we have 1 cow, 6 pigs, 5 horses, 7 rabbits, 1 dog and 3 cats. I have two brothers, Jacob (some of you call him fly-spray boy) and Jesse (some of you call him…well, you just call him names), my mom (Heidi) and dad (Scott). (Jesse with his tractor)
(Jake at BRF)
I will be taking my driving test soon and I am hoping to be driving myself to BRF in the near future. I also enjoy hunting. I got a buck this past hunting season.
I am looking forward to the 2010 show season with Hershey and hope to make it to the State level with him again this year.
May 2010 ~ MICHELLE VETOVICH ~
Hello, my name is Michelle and my love for horses, actually animals in general, started at a very early age. When I was growing up, my pets consisted of hamsters, fish, birds (domestic and wild) cats & dogs. Any injured animal that I came across, I tried to nurse back to health and the strays I would beg my parents to keep.
As far as horses go, I could only dream about owning one. I made friends with as many horse people I could find and would drag them every weekend to the local stables to ride. Every summer, my family would go to Clarion County and while they were off doing their own thing, I would be on a trail ride.
I started taking english riding lessons 5 years ago. Part of that time, leasing a wonderful thoroughbred horse. As much as I enjoyed sharing a horse, I knew I wanted to have my own. I finally decided to jump in - I think I had my eyes closed. After months of searching, I stumbled upon a breeder in southern Ohio. I fell in love with Lelah on the internet and MADE my husband drive the 5 hours to go see her. A month later, she was mine! I never set out to get such a young, untrained horse especially since this is my first and everyone thought I was crazy. It has been a lot of work and we have a long road in front of us but I wouldn't change a thing.
My husband is understanding and supportive although my teenage son is more interested in music and drums.
Thank you Dan and Chris; it has been a great year at Blue Ribbon Farms!
April 2010 ~ GABRIELLA BRADY ~
Hi, My name is Gabriella. I am 9 years old.
I live at home with my mommy and daddy, Pam and Wayne, and my brother, Christian.
I love spending time with my family and going to Disney with them.
We have two dogs, Buca and Sir Prize, and loud Mollucan Cockatoo named Chico. I lease a pretty horse named "Her Heiress". Everyone calls her Quinn.
I am in 3rd grade and really like school. My favorite subjects are math and science. I like science experiments. I even practice them at home. I really want to travel to all the places I am learning about in school and meet new people.
When I am not in school I like to play with my friends. I am learning to play the piano and want to learn how to play the flute, too. I, also, play softball but my favorite activity is horseback riding. My riding instructor's name is Julie. I love her. She is really nice. I like everyone at the barn, too. I am making a lot of friends and I like to ride with them.
Quinn is my favorite horse. I think she is the prettiest horse at the barn. She likes me and I have fun riding her. We play follow the leader with my mommy. I like to give her carrots and apples as treats.
Last summer I started riding Quinn in horse shows and we won a lot of ribbons. I showed her in walk/trot pleasure and english equitation. Paige assisted me so I could ride in a barrel class, too. That was a lot of fun!
My most memorable riding experience was cantering Quinn for the first time. She was really fast and I rode her all the way around the arena. I have to keep working on my heels so I can learn to canter really good.
I love horseback riding!
My mommy and I want to thank Danny and Chris for letting us lease Quinn and ride and their barn. We are really happy at Blue Ribbon. Everyone is wonderful there. Thank you!
March 2010 ~ DEBRA MONZI ~
Hello, my name is Debra Monzi and I guess I am a little horse crazy. I always knew I had horse fever. Ever since I was a little girl my dad would take me up to cooks forest to go on trail rides. Living in the city and not being able to afford a horse back then gave me the drive I needed to become a nurse and get a good paying job so that I would one day own a horse. Now I am the proud owner of two horses thanks to my accepting husband Steve and Blue Ribbon Farms.
When I was twelve I did barn work like clean stalls, pony walks, and everything else that deals with horses. In return I learned to ride and show in games. I was the stupid dare devil kid who rode anything, its a wonder I can still walk. I've been kicked in the head, fallen off more times than I can count and dragged through the dirt when my foot got caught in the stirrup. I rode bare back for a long time after that incident, fearing I would get hung up in the saddle again. Yet I'm still ridding today and loving it just as much as my first ride.
I purchased my first horse Dakota, a big blue eyed percheron/quarter cross, for five hundred bucks when he was just 3months old and we've been inseparable ever since. He is now pushing sixteen this April and a spoiled rotten brat thanks to me, but his calming presence is my therapy. No matter how bad a day I've had, a trail ride with Dakota puts things back in order.
Cherokee is my second new development. I never thought I would own a mare but she just stood out from the rest. Cherokee is a beautiful two year old dun Appy with the potential to do anything. I am looking forward to our first ride together this summer. I plan on pleasure ridding at first and then progress to games later in her life. Whatever we do, Cherokee is now part of the brat pack for life.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Dan and Chris for all their support with both Dakota and Cherokee. Thanks to you, Dakota now walks onto a trailor. It only took me 15yrs but its all good, LOL. Being horse crazy to me is like a passion or religion, I don't think I could of stopped it if I tried, but then who would want to. It still amazes me that these big beautiful creatures let us jump on their backs and take us for a ride, so thanks to them for making life that much better.
Thanks Blue Ribbon Farms for everything,
Sincerely, Debra Monzi
February 2010 ~SABRINA PERILLI~
My name is Sabrina Perilli. I am 12 years old and in 6th grade. My family consists of my mom Joni, my dad Frank and my older brother Jordan. I have two cats named Oreo and Heinz and a 5 year old Black Lab, named Bo. I enjoy playing the Cello, going on trail rides and going to horse shows.
I began riding in October 2008 at Blue Ribbon Farms, taking lessons with Dan and Chris. I’ve had so much fun and I learned a lot since I started taking lessons, but I still have a lot to learn. Over the summer, I started showing Reggie in English Pleasure, Equitation and Showmanship. I won a few blue ribbons, including my first one at South Park (My mom was so proud that she cried when I won that one).
I recently began riding a great horse named My T Story, or as I like to call her “T”. She is an amazing and beautiful mare and I can’t wait to begin showing her this year. She is great on a trail ride, she does english, western and I recently discovered she can jump cross-rails, too!
I have learned over the time I have been riding, that even if you do fall off you have to get right back on. I also learned that the key to success is practice and determination.
My future goal on “T” is to place at the All American Youth Horse Show in Columbus, Ohio.
I just love riding horses and I will continue doing it for a long, long time!
January 2010
~CONNIE KORNER~
I can't remember a time that I didn't want a horse. I started riding in the second grade when a girl moved to town and her father opened a riding stable. My first horse I bought from that stable when they auctioned off all the horses. My parents said I could get a horse if I had enough money. After raising my own bid twice, the auctioneer stopped the bidding at $78 and I owned a horse. Her name was Ebony and she was big and black and not really very pretty but I loved her and rode her everywhere. And I mean EVERYWHERE including thru the covered bridge in my hometown.
I didn't get another horse until after college and marriage. I bought two Appaloosa mares, full sisters, green broke. It's a wonder they didn't kill me.
After moving to the farm in Canfield, I raised and trained my first foal, Sioux's Shadow, Shady. I got involved in showing and showed her at the Appaloosa shows with limited success. That led to several other horses until I met and started to ride with Dan. I finally had a goal in showing, to get my Non-Pro Supreme Achievement buckle. That's 250 points from the combined disciplines, pleasure, equitation, showmanship and contest or trail in western and hunt seat. Dan found Sadie and Hershey, the rest is history. I got my buckle in 2007.
In 2006, I bought A Fancy Dandy, to stand at stud, and 3 others as part of the same deal. Dandy is now a gelding and I have 11 horses.
In the midst of all of this over the past couple of years, we decided to move to North Carolina. We are here now for the winter and I love it. I can trail ride almost any day. The down side is I miss all my friends.
My association with Dan and Blue Ribbon Farms has been a wonderful, rewarding experience. I love helping at the horse camps. I enjoy going to the shows and Hookstown fair with the BRF team . But best of all was the AAYHS. It was awesome to take 6 kids (and mothers) to a big show they had never been to and have them all do so well.
While I do have other interests, I love to read and work in the yard, I live and breathe horses. It's a passion, a disease, that, once you have it you never out grow. I've met many wonderful people in my association with horses and I've had some horses that I will never forget.
And when they run across the field I always stop---------and just watch them run.
November 2009 ~MELAINA SWOGGER~ Age 9, 3rd Grade Family Dad - Greg, Mom - Jess, Brothers - Colton and Dillon My Pets Blue Heeler - Cowboy, 2 Cats - Emmy & Amber, Filly - Andie, We have 5 other dogs, 2 rabbits and 3 other horses. Other Interests Cheerleading, Beaver County Stockmans Club
My most memorable moment at the barn is when I first started to canter. I didn't listen to Dan and I though that I could canter Flight and I fell off and then got back on. My biggest horse accomplishment was winning a silver plate at the State 4-H Horse Show for Small Pony Western Pleasure and showing at the Youth Show. The horses that are important to me are Ebby and Flight. Ebby is important to me because she helps me do a lot of things and helps me learn more things. Flight is important to me because he was the first horse I rode Hunt Seat and he taught be how to be easy and kind. I learned not to wear sandles around horses, never to say never, to pay more attention to what I am doing and how to take care of my stuff because my mom pays for it. In the future, I would like to learn how to band and clip and I can't think of anything else right now. Dan has taught me that as long as I do my best it doesn't matter what place I get, to never smack a horse and to have a good attitude and to practice.
October 2009
~COLLEEN KARNES~
Hello, my name is Colleen Karnes. My life has always included horses. When I was 13 years old, my first job at a nearby horse barn was to lead ponies around a track for a penny a lap. I was at the barn day and night. I loved it. We also received free riding lessons, a coke and a hotdog on Sunday's if we cleaned all the saddles and bridles. Of course there were the mischievous times when I would lock up "the newbie's" in the tack room with the head-butting goat, or when we all played Johnny on the Warhorse with the ponies in the barn, or when we were chased around the paddock by the wild goose we called "Super Duck." These memories are so vivid to me even now at the age of 47. Growing up around horses was a great way to spend a childhood.
When I first started riding I was trained in English, then when I bought my first horse as an adult, I rode Western mostly because I trail ride with a group of friends. Then somehow at the age of 46, I was talked into barrel racing and pole bending. What was I thinking? Mid-life crisis maybe... I could have never done this if it wasn't for Dan & Chris McLaughlin finding me that perfect horse. Dan & Chris knew that I would need a horse I could trust completely and that could also "teach me" how to ride barrels and poles. Believe me, it's not as easy as when we were kids. Then, after a few lessons and encouraging words, they had me running barrels and poles in no time at all. Now remember, the mind is willing but the body isn't what it used to be. It may not look picture perfect, but I'm having the time of my life. I encourage everyone I talk to, to take a lesson from Dan & Chris. I learned more in one lesson with them than I did during a lifetime around horses. It's like a light went off, they not only teach "how to ride," they teach you "why" you do the things you do and "why" the horse responds the way it does. It was absolutely fascinating.
Everyone at Blue Ribbon Farms has given me the encouragement, confidence, and a chance to be a kid again. The kids at Blue Ribbon Farm are the best too! The kids are just as excited about horses as I was at their age. They are eager to help you with any task or take you on a trail ride. (They know how us "old folks" get lost).
I love having my horses at Blue Ribbon Farms because I can relive my childhood.
RIDER OF THE MONTH - August 2009
~KRISTEN GREENAWALD ~
My name is Kristen Greenawald. I am 10 years old and a fifth grader at South Side Elementary School. I live with my mom Jennifer, my dad Dale, and my sister Katelynn. I enjoy playing fast pitch softball when I am not on the back of a horse. I have been riding horses for about 3 years with 2 years at BRF.
As I look back, there have already been many horses in my life....VERN-my first trail horse, LEXI-a very LARGE paint-draft cross who was my first 4H project/show horse, KIRBY-he lets me do contesting,and ZIPS KRISTAL CHOICE-"KRISTAL" is my current 4H/show pony/best friend that my mom and dad bought just for me. Of course, all the BRF lesson horses-Hershey, Hooker, Harley, and Sonny-have taught me sooooo much too!!!!!
I have learned patience (I am still working on this.....) and practice are very important in both softball and horses. It is so much easier to be competive on show day when you are confident in your horse and riding skills..........that comes from lots of practice and doing things over and over even if you do not like that particular activity.........yes, I mean patterns!!!! This really helped me at the AAYHS in Columbus,Ohio........KRISTAL and I had never been to a big horse show but my mom reminded me how well Dan had prepared us with all our lessons and practice and we went in and finished 2nd and 3rd in our classes!!!
Softball is much the same, I practice pitching almost everyday so when it is game day, I don't even have to think about it, I just "whip it" in there!!! As you can tell, I love horses and softball but I also enjoy drag racing. My dad has raced 20 years and I had a Junior Dragster for a year. It went 50 MPH in the 1/8th mile and I even crashed it turning off the track at the end of the race!!! I really liked racing but horses and softball are the best so we sold my Junior.
BRF is the best!!!! I do not think I would be as good a rider without Dan to teach me......plus the "BARN KIDS" ROCK!!!!! I have so many friends at the barn and I really miss them when we are not there!!!!
RIDER OF THE MONTH - July 2009
~PAIGE PRAWUCKI~
My name is Paige Prawucki. I am 12 years old and attend Hopewell Jr. High School. I will be going into the 7th grade. My family consists of my father Jay, my mom Karen, older brother Zack, and my grandmothers Dorothy from Hopewell and Marilyn who lives in Georgia. I also enjoy playing softball. I have been riding for about 3 years. The horses that have played a part in my equine experiences are Sunny which is the first horse I ever rode, Hershey is the first horse I got a ribbon with which was a first place in showmanship. Reggie was my first show horse and I did really well on him, and last was Sonny who is my current show horse. He does alot of disciplines and he is very good at them. He does western equitation, English equitation and pleasure, he jumps and he does trail. My most memorable horse related moment was when I got my first blue ribbon in showmanship with Hershey. The three things I have learned are dedication, commitment and preparation. You have to know all of these things to be a good showman. Now that I know these three things I can use them for life, for softball and for school. Horses have impacted my family because before I started riding we didnt know anything about horses and now not only have I learned alot about horses, my family has some knowledge about horses, and they also have to get up early to go to the horse shows. My future plans are that I would like to place at the All American Youth Horse Show and I would also like to make it to States. I would also like to say that at our Silver Spurs June Show that I took Steeler, a off the track TB, to his very first horse show and we got first place in walk-trot cross rails and fourth place in walk-trot equitation.
RIDER OF THE MONTH - June 2009
~BLAKE SIRKO~
My name is Blake Sirko. I am 13 years old. I have been riding horses for almost 3 years now. I am in 7th grade and go to Center Middle School. My family members are my parents (Laurie and Bob) and my sisters Jesse, Taylor, Madison and Quincy. My other interests besides horses include basketball and playing with my other animals.
The horses that have played a major part of my equine experience are Impulsive Miss Pine, Dzs Dakota and One Night Stand. Impulsive Miss Pine (Maddie) is a 5 year old chestnut Appaloosa mare with some roaning. Maddie excels in English and Western riding. One Night Stand (Hooker) is a 12 year old chestnut Appaloosa gelding who does just about everything!
Dzs Dakota has played such a huge part in my life and experiences. He is my very own gorgeous 15h red dun, 11 year old Appaloosa gelding. He does English and Western, but he is very good in Western riding so that is what I mainly ride him for. We purchased Dakota in May of 2008 from people named the Henles. He is definitely worth every penny we spent on him. He has turned out to be a great, loving and awesome horse. Sadly, he is currently laid up and not going to be ridden for awhile because he pulled a flexor tendon in his hoof.
I have had many memorable moments on many horses. My most memorable experience on Dakota was amazing. We were at the County Show last year and I placed in all of my classes and qualified for the District Show. My most favorite memory on Hooker, which I will never forget, is when I took him to the All American Youth Hose Show recently and rode him in barrels and he ran beautifully. And, I didn't fall off! My most memorable moment on Maddie was also when I took her to the Youth Show and she performed outstanding.
I am going to show Maddie and Hooker in the summer shows this year. I will show Maddie in western events and I will show Hooker in gaming events.
I would like to thank Connie Korner for letting me use Maddie! I would also like to thank Dan McLaughlin for letting me use Hooker and ride his other horses while min gets better. I would like to thank my friends, family and the the BRF crew for supporting me in riding. I would also like to send a special thanks to Colleen Karnes, Katelynn Greenawald and Samantha Grimm for telling me not to be afraid to barrel race and just do it and have fun. If it wasn't for everyone at BRF and my family I would have never been able to ride a young horse and actually barrel race. Thank you so much for your support. I really appreciate it.
RIDER OF THE MONTH - May 2009 ~KATELYNN GREENAWALD~
My name is Katelynn Greenawald. I am 13 years old and go to South Side Area School. I am currently in 8th grade. My mom's name is Jen and my dad's name is Dale. I also have a younger sister named Kristen. My interests other than horses are basketball and drag racing. I have been riding off and on for the last 9 years. Some horses that have played a part in my equine experience include Vern (who was my very first trail pony), Hotroddin' Velentino (who was my first show horse), Deep Wave (my first barrel horse) Zip Like A Mercedes (the first western pleasure horse I have seriously ridden), and Affairs d'Etat (my off the track race horse that I am training). My most memorable horse moment was at our County 4-H show when I won my first blue ribbon in walk/trot english equitation. I have learned many lessons from riding horses, but my top 3 would have to be never to underestimate anyone, keep a positive, calm attitude no matter what happens, and always trust your riding ability and your horse's ability to perform. These 3 things apply to everyday life by reminding me that things change in the blink of an eye and happiness comes from trust and determination. My involvement with horses has shown me that my family will support me always and has brought us closer together. My future goals with horses will be to qualify for 4-H States and also to try hard and ride with pride everyday. I would also like to say that thanks to Dan, Chris and the rest of the Blue Ribbon Farm team, I have grown as a person and am now ready to face any challenge given to me.
RIDER OF THE MONTH - April 2009 ~SAMANTHA GRIMM~
Age 15 / 10th Grade
Family: Jeff, Angel, Nicole
Other Interests: Soccer
I have been riding for almost seven years.
There are many horses that have played a part in my equine experiences, but there are three that are very important to me. My own horse, Willies Starmaker, the first pony I ever competed on, Flurry, and the horse I qualified for states with, Shades of a Hustler.
My most memorable horse related moment is when I qualified for the 2007 Pennsylvania 4-H State Horse Show. I qualified in Hunt Seat Equitation which is judged on the rider's performance.
I have learned so much from the horse world. I have learned how the economy affects nearly everything horse related. This has increased my appreciation for my family having good jobs and that they care enough about me to pay for my horse and my showing. I also learned to never under estimate any other rider or their mount. The people with the most expensive equipment and horse don't always win. Finally, I've learned how to be a sportsman. Winning isn't everything and as long as I practice and perform to the best of my ability, I have done well.
These things apply to my everyday life in many ways. I pay attention to the state of the economy and the effects it will have on my family.
I will never again underestimate anybody. Sometimes the people you pay the least attention to could become your best friend or toughest competition.
Lastly, I will always do everything to the best of my ability. Whether in school or at the barn, I will always try my hardest.
My involvement with horses has brought my family closer together. We now spend time together with our close friends at shows. This time together has spawned many great moments and memories.
In the future, I would love to remain involved with horses when I go to college. I would like to participate on an equestrian team. I also wish to continue showing at least until I finish school.
What Danny does for those of us who ride and train and Blue Ribbon Farms is unparalleled. If it wasn't for Dan and my parents, I wouldn't be showing or involved in 4-H. For that, I am terribly grateful to both Dan and my family.
BOARDER OF THE MONTH - March 2009 ~Ann Ridley and "Roscoe"~
I fell in love with horses at an early age growing up in Virginia. I didn’t have a horse of my own then, but my parents faithfully drove me to the public stable to ride my first love, Blue River. He was a fine old school horse and I believed that I would never love another horse as much as I loved him.
Later my family and I moved away to Maryland. I fell in love with all my friends’ horses and rode as often as I could at the local stable and friends’ farms. Mostly we rode on the trails and entered small shows. As an adult, I was finally able to buy my own horse and I fell in love with Brocato’s Chick, a lovely chestnut, quarter horse mare. Chick was very handy and liked it when we hunted with the Iron Bridge Hunt.
I also bought a quarter horse for my daughter, Ginny, after she outgrew her pony, Coco. Ginny and I had lots of fun riding together on Chick and Bo.
My granddaughter, Caroline, is a very good rider and it has been a blessing to ride with her as I did with her mom. I also love riding with my daughter-in-law, Lisa, when I visit her and my son, George, at their farm in Maryland. We are a very horsey family and never lack for conversation or gift ideas.
My next love was a thoroughbred gelding named Commander. It was short lived. He was very handsome, but he turned out not to be the wonderful horse that the horse trader said he was. He had a nasty habit of rearing and trying to rub me off on a tree every chance he got. We parted friends.
Then there was Impetuous, a large, chestnut thoroughbred/walking horse mare. She loved to hunt and was real comfortable to ride for long periods of time. We had fun doing hunter paces and jousting tournaments. I was sure that I loved Pet more than all the rest. One horse that I loved belonged to my friend and I rode him in the Marlboro Hunt Race- Relay Race. He was a thoroughbred named Skinny. He was off the track and fast as the wind. Whew! What a horse!
When I moved to Pennsylvania, I was horseless for a few years until I met Roscoe. Now, I can honestly tell you that Roscoe is the horse love of my life. (I know! I have said this before, but this time it’s true!) He is an all black Appaloosa and has the cutest face! Roscoe has a personality like Dennis the Menace and loves being mischievous. We have been hunting for a couple of years now with the Saxonburg Hunt and Roscoe loves all the excitement of the chase and the hounds. We trail ride and do hunter paces, and just hang out together. Every day is a good day for Roscoe. He loves living at Blue Ribbon Farm where Dan and Chris take such good care of him and he gets treats from so many of his friends.
I have had a different horse in each phase of my life, it seems – childhood, teen, young adult and mature adult and I have found that horses are wonderful to love in all phases of life. I have found that each relationship with my horses was different, but all were special . They have all been my teachers. My horses have taught me to trust, know fear and courage, to show respect, recognize grace and fairness, have patience, and especially to keep my sense of humor. They have been there when I needed a teammate, a friend to hug, a pal to play with, or just a listening ear.
If you are at the farm, stop by and say hi to Roscoe. He will definitely make you smile.(He is real partial to peppermint treats.)
~Ann
RIDER OF THE MONTH - February 2009
June and "Jess"
My name is June Matusin and Danny calls me his “oldest” boarder. We’re talking seniority here (just thought I’d add that tidbit). I don’t remember exactly how many years it’s been, but I’m guessing Jess and I have been in Danny’s barn for at least ten years, first in Brighton Township and then the big move to Aliquippa. I bred Jess to be a replacement for his older brother, Count Rage, who I lost in 2003, and who was a champion Arabian English Pleasure show horse. But Jess was built to be a western horse. He started his show career as a Halter Colt and in performance he was Western Pleasure.
Jess (registered name “Outragess”) was born in 1987 and was orphaned at three months of age. At nine months of age, he almost died from double pneumonia and had to be admitted to a clinic to save his life. The veterinary doctor treating him told me not to worry…Jess will pull through because Arabs are fighters. I sure found out he was right in the years to come.
At two years of age, Jess had an accident in his stall and almost cut his leg off. There was nothing left but cannon bone and tendon. But after six months of healing, he survived and eventually was back to normal, except for an ugly scar.
At age five, Jess collapsed in his stall with a serious colic attack. I had to rush him to the same clinic that saved his life when he was a colt. He had emergency colic surgery and survived that, however, he ended up with just about every complication possible after surgery. First he foundered and then ended up with an internal infection, all while still at the clinic trying to survive his surgery. The infection settled in his knee which blew up like a balloon. Back to surgery to clean out the infection. In fact, he had three knee surgeries to clean out the infection and one additional surgery to clean out scar tissue. But the infection did its damage and ate away part of the bone in Jess’s knee joint. Being lame for over a year, the person where I was boarding at the time told me I should put Jess down because he was dead to me anyway. I told him that if any horse could survive this adversity, it would be Jess because I knew Jess had a huge heart and a strong will to survive. Survive he did and he turned out to be a great trail horse for me. I guess we showed that guy what Jess was made of.
Jess will be 22 years old this year and is lame again from an injury he sustained in 2008. But I’m not going to give up on him. Knowing his history, would you?
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Our first picture
