The Days are Getting Shorter ...
September 2008
The days are getting shorter and the colors are changing as we start to slow down our traveling here at Wasatch Sport Horses. That is not to say we plan on slowing down the riding, fun and play!
The barn has two super fun additions for the moment. Crusin' Max, a 7 year old 17+ hand TB has come up from Utah to be sold. He is so kind and gentle with a positive attitude. Last week I picked up a little TB colt that is a kick in the pants! He is just 3, nicely broke and has a super canter. I just started him over some little fences and I can't tell you how excited I am about his talent. I hate to say how much I am enjoying them being around. You will have to check out their videos!
Shelley, Michelle and I spent 10 days on the road the end of August horse showing. We started out at the BSJC summer show in Boise, then headed over to Wilsonville, OR for an "A" jumper show there. Some friends came down from Aspen Farms in Yelm, Washington to make sure we all were having fun. Everyone has come so far this summer and it really paid off at the show. Michelle and Moon Boy placed in the top 5 in the BSJC medal with compliments flying about her riding, while Isabel (Isay Elegant) cantered around under the lights in a Pro Medal 3'6 hunter course in OR like and old pro.
Josh and I just returned from the Salmon Marathon last weekend where I survived another 26.2 mile run! It was really fun ... No really it was!
We are looking forward to the IDEA Derby this weekend and North West event in a few weeks. After that, it looks like lots of studying for me, my Instructor Certification Exam is right around the corner! I look forward to a season of training at home, riding out, and enjoying the change of season and getting to spend time with you!
Mid-summer greetings from McCall and the road!
August 2008
Congratulations to Megan Yarlott of Nampa, Idaho on the purchase of Tracy this July. I look forward to seeing you in the near future! Congratulations to Kylie Lindquist of Spokane, Washington on her purchase of Blazen. It was love at first sight that grew after every jump! We are having a great summer so far. We have been traveling a lot since I last sat down to take note. Let me see where to begin ...
In early July, Jonathon Holling came to Idaho for a clinic followed by an event derby that was HUGE fun. My mother and Ashley Wagner joined us in Idaho. We fully enjoyed Rafter K, an amazing spot outside of Sun Valley.
Along with the fun we brought 68 panels along to test our driving and towing skills. We were quite a picture driving over Galena Summit!
I taught 16 new students around the cross country course and enjoyed all the new faces! I hope to see them again next year.
We returned home for a week of final preparations before the Event at Rebecca Farms. We went a few days early to take advantage of schooling at Herron Park (an amazing park with rings, x-country through advanced and stunning landscape) and to take lessons from wonderful friend and instructor Jean Moyer. We had to keep pinching our selves to make sure we were not in a dream with the perfect weather, beautiful setting and amazing horse flesh.
The event itself was 98% perfect. Both "young riders" (Kate and Michelle) had their "personal best" events from Dressage to Show jumping. Shelley and my mother got back in the game with impressive rides, and all three of the horses I rode were successful. The 2% disappointment was caused by a wonderful volunteer shaking open a garbage bag in front of Isabel right before her 8 am dressage. The test was a major disappointment to all of us. Showing is always humbling!
Kate and I went Stanton Farms this weekend. I moved Isabel and Razzle up to training level and we had great success! Razzle won the Open Training and Isabel came in Second! More great news from Stanton, Kate took first in Novice on Rocky!!
We are home for this week and then to the Boise Saddle and Jump Club Summer Horse Show; a favorite of ours at the Idaho Center with friends coming to join us for a weekend of practicing over rails. Straight from there we are taking four horses to Portland for the North West Spectacular horse show. This will be a new one for us and we look forward to it!
I am finally taking the USEA's Instructor Certification Exam this fall and in preparation I am auditing a workshop to make sure I am up to date on teaching, safety and stable management information. The workshop is in Bellevue, Idaho September 5-7. I will take my exam in Massachusetts in November.
We are all planning on heading back up for North West Horse Trails the first weekend of October. Hope you can meet us there!
On a personal note, I had to postpone my marathon after a horrible ankle sprain 10 days ago. I am now pointing toward a marathon September 13th in Salmon, Idaho! We shall see!
Shilo is doing great after his knee surgery. Up to shorter hikes and lots of horse kissing!
Happy Birthday Josh August 22nd!
Happy Birthday Ashley September 6th!
Hope to see you all soon and I can't wait to hear about what is going on in your lives.
Sincerely,
Stephanie and Josh
Josh and I managed a quick hike while my mom was around to take care of the horses!
Summertime!
June 2008
Summer has arrived!
We are back in McCall after a few weeks of traveling and showing around. It is an amazing time of year in the mountains. Everything is bright green, with the lupine and columbine in full bloom. Our grass jump field is in full working order, with all the jumps, freshly mown and irrigated at night to keep the footing just right. And just to top it off, the mountain peaks are still shimmering white!
The barn is excited to have Michelle as a part time summer employee and full time "barn rat" as she has both of her horses there. It is wonderful to have another hand at the weed whacker and chores!
We all had a wonderful time at the Hood River Classic in Hood River, Oregon earlier this month. The young horses; Sven with Ashley Wagner, Henry (ridden by my self, owned by Shawna Thomas), and Isabel all moved up to the 3'3 jumpers in great fashion with ribbons. While the young girls; Michelle and Kate, showed their ability to learn new things, and rode in 4 classes a day, fine tuning their show jumping. Pam (aka Nicely Dun) came along to humble me (not hard to do!) and share with Shelley Thomas in some lovely rounds. Razzle Dazzle got ribbons in the 3'6 jumpers and showed us true Irish style, always forward, never looking back!
From Hood River we raced up to Yelm, Washington for the Aspen Farms Horse Trials. The facility has only improved from its impressive state 8 months before, with great stabling, footing and jumps! Michelle and Kate had the best rides to date with their partners (in all three phases!) While Isabel and Henry were amazing at their first event!
It was not Razz's weekend! He entered the arena with gusto and poise, and finished his test with just the gusto. The training and preliminary water was causing many problems on course at Aspen Farms. I decided to ride it very quiet after watching many horses approach it too fast and leap out into the middle with mixed results. As it ended, I don't think it made any difference. Razzle, as many other horses, buckled his legs on landing and gave he and I both a dip! We are both fine and looking forward to our next event!
Kate rode as well as any one during the weekend. She has set the standard with her new mount and I believe they will just keep getting better. Michelle had lovely rounds and is ready to show off in Kalispell!
As soon as we returned, Ashley and I jumped back in the truck and drove to Sun Valley for Shilo (my black dog) to have knee surgery, which he is recovering well from.
Since returning home, I am riding and showing Tracy, an eight year old Dutch/TB sale horse as well as Razz, Isabel, and Pam. We are teaching, trail ridding, marathon training, fencing and mountain biking as well.
Here is a list of our upcoming adventures:
- June 28-19 McCall
- July 6 1 day event at OUAH in Eagle, Idaho
- July 10-13 Clinic with Jonathon Holling and event derby in Bellevue, Idaho
- July 14-21 Camp/training in McCall (everyone is welcome!)
- July 19-20 Jumper Show at Double Nickel Nampa Idaho
- July 22-28 Event at Rebecca Farm Kalispell, MT
Hope to see you all soon!
Wasatch Sporthorses on the Road!
June 2008
On May 31 and June 1, the Wasatch Sporthorses gang had fun jumping around in Boise, Idaho.
The Boise Saddle and Jump Club hosted a wonderful two day show. We had quite a group and returned with some great prizes.
Isabel, Shelly Thomas and Stephanie Goodman's new mare made her horse show debut with ribbons in nearly all the 3'3 classes. Henry, owned by Shawna Thomas, also made his debut in the ring ridden by Stephanie. Henry won both of his 3'3 classes on Sunday. Razzle won his two 3'6 classes on Saturday. Tracy made her introduction to the hunter ring with prizes in all her classes. Patrick, the wonder pony, had fun in the hunters with Michelle Eld in the irons.
The students did quite well, too. Michelle Eld on her Moon Boy, rode to ribbons in the 3' jumpers. Kate Ormiston had fun playing in the jumpers getting to know her new horse, Rocky. Shelly Thomas rode some marvelous rounds on Kuna to come home with some nice ribbons. Ashley Wagner on Sven, placed in all their jumper classes. With the BSJC show under our belts we feel ready to head to Hood River, OR for the Hood River Classic Horse Show. We can hardly wait to be horse showing on the beautiful turf under the shadow of Mount Hood! Following Hood River we are off to Yelm, Washington for the Aspen Farms Horse Trials.
Hope you are having a wonderful horse show season, good luck and kick on!
Wasatch in McCall!
May 2008
Quick hello and to let you know we are home!
Vix's house in Leominster, England
After a whirl wind trip home to Idaho, and a dash to England, we are now home! The snow is finally gone at the barn and the valley is full of green grass and flowers.
The barn is filling fast with new horses and old friends. We are in the middle of breeding Pam aka Nicley Dun and we are taking advatage of having her around.
Shelley and I bought a lovely young prospect, Isabel, and have been thrilled with her progress.
We have some wonderful sale horses in this spring. I look forward to showing them and helping them find their new home. Check them out on sale page.
We are planning on a few days schooling at Rafter K in Bellview Idaho this coming weekend. From there we are looking forard to a great summer of showing, schooling and enjoying time together.
Hope to see you soon! Good luck and happy riding!
Whales
Wasatch (still) in the Sun!
April 2008
Greetings from the Sun!
Our skin is a darker hue and our days are never dull. This last week we had a ton of excitement and fun! I can barely decide where to begin.
Three horses have found new homes recently, and we look forward to hearing of their great success and adventures in the future:
Congratulations to Madison of Scottsdale on her purchase of Guinness. They are a great match with a future full of great rides and fun.
Congratulations to Jenni of Yuma on her purchase of Nemo. It was love at first sight!
Congratulations to Karen Cleeves-Estabrook of Phoenix on her purchase of Major Asset. He will be a great partner along her journey.
Michelle Eld and Kate Ormiston spent their spring break with us in the sun. As soon as they landed, Michelle was entered in the Children's/Adult Jumper class at the large A Jumper show in Scottsdale. With hundreds of horses, ponies and people running around, there was no time to get adjusted.
Michelle and my mother walked into the ring at West World in Scottsdale Saturday, both fresh from the North Country, and rode beautifully. (My mother had been in Red Lodge, waiting to meet the newest member of the family, Madison, beautiful new daughter of Kelley and Joel.) They may have started a little rusty, but by the end of the weekend, they both had smooth, classy rounds.
We had the opportunity to watch the Grand Prix ring side that weekend. Our group included my mother, Lindsay and Ashley Wagner, Heather and Billy Heaton, Michelle and Kate. We spread a beautiful picnic and watched some awesome horse flesh under the lights maneuver around a 5' show jumping course. The company, entertainment and education was more than I could ask for.
The following week started with some warm pool weather, chores and riding at the "ranch." The sun beat the girls to submission and we enjoyed some great Mexican food in town.
Wednesday, we drove to Temecula California for the Galway Downs Horse Trials. I rode Pam (aka "Nicely Dun") while my mother rode Branaghan and Michelle competed Moon Boy. Our weekend was an upmost success. Perfect southern California weather graced us along with lots of old friends, and new people to meet. In the end, I ended on my dressage score of 27.5 (1st place), Branaghan finished with 32 (2nd place) and Michelle and Moon Boy had the best rounds of their lives to finish 8th in the Junior Novice! Kate was always helpful and studious; she watched and soaked up horsemanship as well as some incredible riding! Galway had an awesome display of great horses and riders showing what eventing should look like.
I have now taken a day to visit some family in the state, taken Pam for her first vet check in the breeding process (yes! We are breeding the buckskin!) Lindsay and I took a bike tour to Prescott (60 miles away, UPHILL!) for an overnight adventure and am ready to teach, ride and enjoy the desert for a few more weeks!
We're having so much fun, maybe you'd like to come play with us??
I would like to invite all of you to come and play any time in McCall, the shows we travel to, or in Arizona for "Wasatch in the Sun." This summer we have a few great "runs" that may interest you.
June 9-15th will be a Northwest expedition. We will leave from McCall on Monday, June 9th to Hood River Oregon for the Hood River Classic "A" Hunter/Jumper show. We are going to show a few days on the grass with Mt. Hood looming behind us.
This horse show is a special treat for many reasons: The town of Hood River is quaint, modern and beautiful, the cuisine is to die for and the area is surrounded by great vineyards! Last year, the weather couldn't be beat, with plenty of sun, irrigated turf to ride on and the some of the nicest and most competent trainers and riders in the Northwest to watch.
From Hood River we will travel north just a few hours to Aspen Farms Horse Trials. John and Suzie Elliot are putting on their second event at their new home in Yelm Washington. This event will be second to none in the United States this year. The 200 acre farm has galloping path through 100' trees, several sand arenas with superb footing, a covered ring and a course that is not only a pleasure to ride, but to admire for it's craftsmanship. This event will be on your "do not miss" list!
In July we have Advanced Canadian rider, Rebecca Howard coming to Belleview, Idaho for a clinic July 10th and 11th at Rafter K followed by an event derby July 12th. The course at Rafter K was designed by Derrick Degrazia and has everything you need to school and more. Situated just down from Sun Valley, Rafter K is a beautiful spot known for great footing and competition. The Event Derby allows you to compete in Dressage and Cross Country, at a fraction of the price with endless chances for "do-overs!"
Following the fun in Belleview, we are coming back to McCall to practice, learn and play in the mountains. For a week we plan on riding at the farm, hacking up in the mountains and swimming in the lake. Once we are experts (a week later) on July 22nd we will load back up and head the 8 hours north to Kalispell, MT for The Event at Rebecca Farms. If you haven't been, you need to go!
Both of these trips, are guaranteed to be educational and fun. Let me know if you would like estimates on expense for these or any other adventures with Wasatch Sport Horses! I will do everything I can to help you and your horse get the best possible experience at the most economical way.
Hope you are having a great spring, and I can't wait to see you!
Wasatch in the Sun!
March 2008
Greetings from sunny Arizona!
Early on March 3rd, Shilo, Tucker, Nemo, Moon Boy, Guinness and I all made our way out of snowy Idaho, though Nevada to land here in Wickenburg, Arizona. It took us over 16 hours, all with out a hitch.
Now that we have settled and healed from the first sun burn (yes, I got a sunburn the first day!), we are working on finding suitable homes for the chestnuts and tuning-up Pam, Branaghan and Moon Boy. We have appointments this week to show horses to various hunter/jumper barns in the Phoenix area along with a jumping lesson for my mother and I at a local jumper barn. I hope to find some good matches and solid contacts here in the area. Along with the horses that traveled with me, we have collected Major Asset, a nice event horse, gone hunter, to sell along with helping with my mother's horses. I have also taken on the training along side my dad on Pepto, a fancy little homebred with extra spunk!
I just received the okay to teach in Litchfield Park; a facility with jumps that will be more convenient for teaching and schooling. I look forward to start teaching there this week. Give me a call to schedule your lesson.
We have all taken to the desert like lizards. Shilo and Tucker have found shade for the afternoon sun, yet don't think it is too hot for an evening rabbit chase! The horses have started ignoring the life size plastic cow at one end of the arena,
(who they thought may eat horses when we arrived), and are getting accustomed to the constant surveillance the cattle dogs provide. They all have beautiful new shoes, which we did not have to travel to procure.
One of our major accomplishments of the week was clipping and cleaning up all the stock. The horses that came from Idaho had to loose their hairy legs and ears; while the horses here, had to loose it all! They look great! Branaghan even has his ears clipped!
Lindsay Wagner is headed down here right away with three horses in tow. We look forward to having her to share this weather, footing and fun with!
The Scottsdale Spring Festival, a hunter/jumper show at Westworld, starts March 19th. Lindsay and I are planning on showing most of the horses there. We should be all decked out with WSH logo wear and signage. I ordered a Wasatch Sport Horses sign and some horse show wear that should be arriving soon. I will send out photos as soon as I get them.
We look forward to the show being a fantastic time with plenty of fun, sales, and learning experiences. I can't wait to watch fabulous horses and riders jumping fences all day! We have super company the first week of Scottsdale with Ashley Wagner, Heather and Billy Heaton coming down for the weekend. I hope that Ashley, Michelle and Susan all get a chance to show in the ring there!
Pam, Branaghan, and Moon Boy are entered at The Event at Galway which begins March 26th in Temecula, California. We have all been learning our dressage tests and can't wait to get out on the cross country!
I have been talking to Josh multiple times a day and realize I have missed some great powder and sunny ski days. I am okay with that. I do miss Thomas and Josh and many of you up north, please know that the invite is sincere and open for you to come visit me here! Wasatch in the Sun has plenty of room and fun things to do for everybody.
Stay tuned for more news on horse sales, fun adventures and new opportunities here! I will keep the calendar updated as best I can and feel free to call or email any time. I look forward to hearing from you.
Spring
January 2008
As the weather stays frigid and the snow keeps piling up, thoughts of spring are taking shape. After looking at the opportunities and cost effectiveness of a trip south; I have decided to shoot for going to Phoenix March 10th- April 14th. I will base out of Wickenburg, Arizona where I have access to a great facility, footing and weather. There are several options that will fit every horse from this location.
The Hunter Jumper Shows at Westworld in Phoenix are March 19-30. I plan on going for at least a few days for the horses that need to show or be shown to people in that market.
The Event at Gallway Downs is March 28-30, where I plan on taking horses and people that would benefit from the event.
And finally, there is a B show in Scottsdale April 12-13 that will give another opportunity for horses and riders to get in the ring, be seen, or have fun. Each of these opportunities are close enough to Wickenburg that they can be entered on a need basis.
I will be available for lesson, schooling and coaching through out the period. Please contact me with any questions pertaining to lessons, commission sales, training costs and other opportunities this spring.
Stephanie Goodman
208-315-2086
stephanie@wasatchsporthorses.com
Spring in Arizona fees:
- Shipping to Arizona-- $275.00 each way
- Board in Arizona-- $450.00
- Training in Arizona-- $450.00
- Board by night-- $15.00
For more info on these spring events, including entries and fees, check out the following sites:
Dennis 1996-2007
December 2007
Wasatch Sport Horses is saddened by the untimely loss of Dennis (Included). Stephanie and Dennis have been together for eight years, only parted when Stephanie first moved to Idaho and Dennis remained behind in Virginia. Dennis followed a year later and completed the Wasatch Sport Horses family.
Stephanie worked with Dennis when others called him troublesome. She laughed when he wiggled, kicked, and wouldn't stand still for grooming or baths. She smiled when he would leap about on hacks, and others would frown and tell her to "make him behave." Dennis made Steph giggle over all his naughty antics because in her heart she knew the spirit that created the trouble was the exuberant spirit of greatness. Everyone at Wasatch Sport Horses will miss the day to day joy and exuberance that Dennis brought to the barn.
The Gift
You're giving me a special gift
So sorrowfully endowed,
And through these last few cherished days,
Your courage makes me proudBut really, love is knowing
When your best friend is in pain
And undertaking earthly acts
Will only be in vaneSo looking deep into your eyes
Beyond, into your soul
I see in you the magic
That will once more make me wholeThe strength that you possess
Is why I look to you today
To do this thing that must be done
For it's the only wayThat strength is why I followed you
And chose you as my friend
And why I have loved you all these years
My partner till the endPlease understand just what this gift
You're giving means to me
It gives me back the strength I have lost
And all my dignityYou take a stand on my behalf
For that is what friends do
And know that what you do is right
For I believe it tooAnd don't despair my passing
For I won't be far away
Forever here, within your heart
And memory, I'll stayI'll be there watching over you
Your ever-faithful friend
And in your memories I'll run ...
A young horse once again.-Unknown
Please sign up for our newsletter!