Mack HIll brings home the blues again!

Three Mack Hill Riders participated in the Apple Valley show in Fremont, New Hampshire this past Sunday and all three brought home blue ribbons. Congratulations to Jess Stepanack on getting her first blue ribbon on Tucker in Western Pleasure and several red ribbons as well!! Tucker performed well in both his English and Western classes under Jess' careful guidance. Katie O'Connell also took home a blue on Chex Away and several red ribbons as well. Chexy just can't be beaten in the trail class!! Toby was a complete gentleman for barn owner, Sue O'Connell, who brought home several blue ribbons for the day. Next show -- June 15 at Oak Rise in Goffstown where the Souhegan Riders 13 team members will compete for the day!! Go Souhegan Riders!! Come watch and support the team for the day!

Summer Riding Team

Calling all competitive riders.  The Souhegan Riders summer term is approaching.  This session will be coached by instructor-- and new mom-- Jess Ellia.  Both Hunt Seat and Western Pleasure Riders will be accepted on the team.The program will run for 8 weeks from July 10 to August 28, 2008.  Team practices will be on Thursdays from 4:30 to 6:30.  The team is open to riders between the ages of 11 to 17.  All riders, including those in the Spring Session, will need to try out for Coach Jess.  

The cost for this term will be $400.  This includes all of the practice/training sessions with Coach Jess as well as the trailering and use of a Mack Hill horse at two shows at which the team will compete.  Riders are responsible for the cost of their own registration and class fees for each show (generally around $60 per show).

Cash has a lot to smile about....

Today, the Mack Hill Riders had great success at the Oakrise Farm Pleasure Show series in Goffstown, NH. The Souhegan Riders will be competing at this venue later in June and we wanted to get some real-time experience at the farm.  Congratulations to Coach Mercy Zaveri who won Champion on Cash in the Green Horse division.  This was only young Cash's second show and he really showed that he is ready to compete.  Katie O'Connell was Reserve Champion on Chex Away ("Chexy") in the walk trot division which had 22 competitors.  Shanna Barrow rode Blue Suede Shoes ("Elvis") in his first show and placed second in the hunter hack class.  Special thanks to Liz Rose, Neelan Zaveri, Nora Zaveri and Prenav Zaveri for helping all of the riders all day long. Congratulations to all of you.  On to the Apple Valley Show next week.

Pictures of the Oakrise show can be found here.

"We are the Champions...."

Congratulations to the Mack Hill Riders who competed in the NHQHA May 2008 Novice Show in Dover, NH. Sue O'Connell earned High Point Champion in the AQHA Division. She earned High Point Reserve Champion in the Open Division. Katie O'Connell earned High Point Reserve Champion in the Open Division. Shanna Barrow and Anna Foster earned first places in their jumping class. Jess Stepenak got the thrill of the day flying through the barrels and poles on Tucker. Lauren Smith made Chip look like a Champion even though the judge did not agree. Special Thanks to Coach Mercy for her support. And a huge thank you to Lauren's boyfirend Ian and her dad Brian for tireless help all day long.

Check out pictures from the day here.

Hey Kids... Let's Do a Show....

Tucker, Toby, Chexy, Blaze, Maverick, and Chip are headed to the AQHA show on May 18! Barn Manager and Instructor, Gabe will be coaching the riders. If you are interested in showing....let your instructor know so we can get you in on the future shows. If you ride one of these horses, and may want to join us at the show -- let your instructor know!  Wish us well as Mack Hill hopes to bring home the blues!!

Check out the pictures!

If you haven't checked out the pictures that Scott has taken, get to it!   It is a great learning tool for you to look at your position while on the horse... especially over fences.

There are a bunch of you jumping ahead of the horse.  If you don't know what it looks like, look for someone who is standing forward in the saddle with their crotch over or in front of the pommel of the saddle, while the horse is about to leave the ground.  This is dangerous as you could go flying over the ears if they stop suddenly in front of the jump.

Look too, for a good release of the horse's head in the air.  These horses are saints for continuing to jump while their heads are being held back by the rider.  If I was a horse, I would quit jumping! Special pats for the good horses who are teaching you to jump.

Instructors would be more than happy to discuss your position with you.  You can learn so much!

Thanks to Scott for providing the opportunity to critique ourselves.

You can find the pictures on the right side of this page, under the Links, under Mack Hill Photos.

Enjoy!

Discount shopping at Stone Pony Tack Shop

A special opportunity for Mack Hillers to to their pre-season shopping with at least a 15% discount.  Linda, the owner, has offered the discount to us when we come and shop on Monday, May 12th. They close at 5pm.  If we get a good size crowd, the discount could be even greater!

Mercy will be on hand to help guide you in making the correct purchases for either practice or the show ring.

Even if it is not in your budget to do a bunch of shopping, at least come by to price out your future purchases and make wish lists!

You can contact Mercy with questions by emailing her at mercycarr@hotmail.com.

A Clean Sweep....

A huge Mack Hill "Thank You" to riders Hannah Rees, Lauren Weinstock, and Jess Rettig and instructor Miki Clements-Collier for their work on the first annual Spring Clean Up Day! You all did a wonderful job helping us shed the reminants of the long winter. Gold stars for you! Thanks again.

He Wants to "Blaze" a New Trail

Blazing into 2000, or "Blaze", is an 8 year old 16 hand red dun quarter horse.  He has been part of the lesson program at Mack Hill since we opened.  He is a forward mover with a real hunter style.  As much as we would like him to be a slow-moving head down western pleasure horse, he much prefers being an english boy.   Here, Mack Hill Student Meghan Farley of Amherst, shows us why.  

"Elvis" is in the building....

Elvis is 4 1/2 year old Welsh pony cross.  He stands at 14.1 but wants to jump to the sky.  Given his young age, we are slowly building his jumping capabilities.  Here, Cassie Farley of Amherst (top) and Alex Torcia of Bedford (bottom) is taking him through some jumps.  He is a super cute mover and his colors make him a standout in the ring.  We have high hopes for his prospects in the show ring.

Look What Else Our Riders are Doing....

Riders Janey and Matt Campbell, Rachel Fairfield, Shauna Sousa, and Katie O'Connell are cast members in the Amherst PTA production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat which is running April 10 through 13, 2008 at Souhegan High School. Terrific job, you stars! Maybe you will sing some tunes for us on horseback. Congratulations to show producer Rita Piotrowski who has been with the Riding Academy from the day we opened.

You can see more pictures here