“Striving Toward Riding Improvement and Dressage Education”

STRIDE is the Ocala, FL, Group Membership Organization (GMO) of the US Dressage Federation (USDF)

December 2013 Newsletter President Hellena Smejda 352-351-9262 [email protected] Immediate Past President Vickie Rollack 352-425-4000 [email protected] Vice President Irene Gentile 352-245-2730 [email protected] Recording Secretary Margaret Mayer 630-220-1521 [email protected] Treasurer Karen Kim, 352-591-0578 [email protected] Membership Secretary Charlotte Trentelman 352-629-6729 [email protected] Member-At-Large Barbara Brown, 352-427-7345 [email protected] Show Secretary Sandra Trussell, 407-491-5690 [email protected]

UPCOMING EVENTS 12/18: Wed. Membership Meeting, 2014 Officers Election & Membership Meeting, Topic: Holiday cheer. Location Rebel Ridge Farm, Anthony, FL. Contact: Charlotte Trentelman (352) 629-6729 1/11/14: Annual Awards & Volunteer Appreciation Banquet. Ocala Municipal Golf Club, 3130 E Silver Springs Blvd, Ocala, FL 34470 2014 STRIDE SCHOOLING SHOWS: Sundays, March 2, April 6, May 4, September 28 and October 26. SEND YOUR 2013 OR VINTAGE PHOTOS BY DEC 31 Since 2014 is STRIDE’s 25th Anniversary, our Jan 11 banquet slide show will include 2013 and vintage photos. Email photo in jpg format [email protected] VOTE FOR THE 2014 OFFICERS BY DECEMBER 18 Print the ballot on page 8 and mail it or bring it to the Dec 18 membership meeting & election.

Advertising Staci Sperandeo [email protected] Volunteer Coordinator Irene Gentile, 352-245-2730 [email protected] Webmaster Maurice Grafe, 352-236-5848 [email protected] Newsletter Editor Lisa Walsh, 352-812-1262 [email protected] Newsletter is published on www.stridedressage.org and www.stridedressage.com (slower internet)

WANTED: BANQUET DOOR PRIZES Past door prizes have included blingy whips, riding/driving lessons, beauty salon appointments, etc. Consider donating a door prize yourself, or asking a favorite store or supplier to do so. Contact Barbara Brown at [email protected]

Facebook Administrator Loretta Lucas (352) 854-7803 [email protected] http://tinyurl.com/STRIDE-Dressage

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STRIDE 2013 Year End Awards, Volunteer Recognition & 25th Anniversary Celebration Saturday, January 11, 2014 Cocktails 6:30 PM (Cash Bar), Dinner 7 PM Ocala Golf Club, 3130 East Silver Springs Blvd

Buffet selections include Roast Beef, Chicken Piccata, Pasta Primavera, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Italian Style Green Beans, Corn, Garden Salad, Rolls And Butter, Iced Tea Or Coffee, Dessert. Guests attending ________ @ $25.00 Subtract STRIDE vouchers Total Payable to STRIDE Dressage Club

$________ $________ $________

Name (s) _________________________________________________________________ Email Address_____________________________________________________________ Home Phone ___________________________ Cell Phone _________________________

Caterer’s closing date is Saturday, January 4, 2014. All reservations with payment (check to STRIDE Dressage Club and/or STRIDE vouchers) must be received by this date. Mail reservations with payment by Jan 4, to Diane Laws 9157 NW 63rd Street, Ocala, Florida 34482 Email [email protected] Phone (352) 690-1898 Page | 2

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MINUTES OF STRIDE DRESSAGE BOARD MEETING, NOVEMBER 6, 2013 AT HELLENA SMEJDA’S HOUSE Submitted by Secretary Margaret Mayer Approved by Board on November 23, 2013 2013 Board and 2014 Board Nominees Attending: Hellena Smejda, Margaret Mayer, Karen Kim, Charlotte Trentelman, Vickie Rollack, Barbara Brown, Irene Gentile, Audrey Hartnett, Carol Rike, Jeff Broederdorf, guest Stephen Young. Loretta Lucas was out of town. Hellena called the meeting to order at 7:30 pm. Explained to the new board how the current board has worked for the last 2 years. Board voted to OK having our shows participate in the Jockey Club’s Thoroughbred Incentive Program (http://tjctip.com/). Katie Walker is organizing this. If she does not, Deb Williams has volunteered to do so. Irene is following up on this. Our show dates are going on The Western Dressage Calendar. Vickie Rollack is taking this on.

Irene is working out a fair system for the show volunteers credit vouchers. For our 2013 season we had 53 volunteers who worked a total of 125 times. Charlotte, Vickie, Loretta and Diane Laws are putting together a basket for the USDF Convention. Any donations are appreciated. Ballots are online and can be downloaded for voting. Bring to Dec.18 meeting. Dibbie Dunham and Lonni Bechen have completed the year end award calculations. Winners will be contacted and encouraged to attend the January 11 banquet. Irene is in charge of purchasing awards. Our awards dinner is also our 25th Anniversary. $200.00 budget on goodie bags. Cost per meal is $27.66 including tax and tip. Venue fee is $848.00 Hellena is in charge of slide show.

Treasurer Karen Kim gave us a report that we have $18,243.66. We should break even for the 2013 year. Charges for use of the FHP are increasing by $350.00 per show for 2014.

Vickie motioned to adjourn and Charlotte seconded it. The meeting was adjourned by unanimous vote. END

STRIDE will be putting together a sponsorship package. Will be directed by Margaret Mayer and Vickie Rollack.

FREE – Pick Your Three Best Photos For Jan 11, 2014 Banquet Slide Show

Irene is looking for a show announcer. Charlotte discussed judges and why changing our dates does not work. Hellena has volunteered to take over the job of putting together the newsletter for 2014. Staci has resigned from the position of ad manager. Jackie Farrar has volunteered to take this on. According to Charlotte our current membership stands at 177.

STRIDE member and professional show photographer Sylvia Palmer is allowing you to select 3 of your favorite show photos from her website and she’ll send us the files to use in our banquet slideshow. Here’s how: Select up to three photos from http://www.palmerphoto.photoeventplus.com and email the file name + name and date of the show + the entire file name under each photo to [email protected]. Be sure to refer to this free offer to STRIDE. Plus, for only $10 each – a 66% discount on the regular cost – you can purchase a digital file of those photos with no copyright restrictions.

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Photos from Nov 9-10, 2013 STRIDE Biennial Driving Clinic At CraneWood South Farm, Ocala

Driving Clinician Olof Larsson discussing some finer points with Charlotte Trentelman, Sharon Young and Haflinger Mitchell.

Even the pros take lessons! Bob Giles with Brenda Hall’s Magnum Shire-X waiting to learn from Olof.

Editor Lisa Walsh’s Morgan mare Altessa being driven by Laura Meadows, coached by Clinician Audrey Hartnett. Now this was a bonfire!

Clinician Audrey Hartnett demonstrating long-lining with Host Margaret Mayer’s Funny Bunny Welsh-X pony.

Elinor Weith and her Fjords, with Laura Meadows on back, working on cones. Page | 5

Golden Oats Essay #1: HAVANNA The Story of a Beautiful Horse By Donna Arteaga She was rescued when she was 15 from an auction feedlot in Canada in 2007. Along with 40 other PMU mares and foals, she was shipped 2,000 miles to Florida. She arrived at Old Oak Farm in Alachua, Florida terrified of people; she had been beaten, of that I was sure. If you approached her she would turn her head away from you. If you touched her, her entire body would tremble. Three months later she gave birth to a jet black colt. Because of her beautiful dark coat, she was given the name Havanna, her barn name “Mom”. She has two brands on her right side, a “G” which stands for Gary the name of the owner of the PMU farm she had come from and 131. PMU farms don’t name their horses, they number them. She had come out of a herd of over 200 mares. Standing 14.2 hands, she had been bred to a 17.2 hand Thoroughbred/ Percheron stallion. She has the scars to prove it.

eyes, she nickers very softly when she sees me. With a gentle nudge she will ask for a treat. We go trail riding, she loads in the trailer; does a little dressage and some hunter/jumper fun stuff. She doesn’t spook or blink an eye when we go out. Recently Havanna went to her first Hunter Pace at the Perry Plantation in Micanopy, Florida on October 27, 2013. It was the Halloween Hunter Pace with spooky decorations on the jumps. No big deal, she jumped like a pro and won both of her division and the costume class taking home three blue ribbons. Who says you can’t teach an old horse new tricks! But things weren’t always quite so pleasant. On one of our early rides I discovered Havanna had no brakes. Rather than run in circles or pull on the reins I aimed for the fence. She stopped and that was just the beginning. On a subsequent ride through the field, a tree branch brushed again my leg. Not her leg, my leg. Havanna went from 0 to 60 in the blink of an eye – through every low branch and tree along the way. It was all I could do to stay in the saddle. Once I got her stopped, we went back out to the field and continued our ride in a more acceptable manner. The strange looks I got the next day at work! I looked like I’d been whipped. But that was then, this is now. Havanna has come a long way from that fearful rescue horse, to a trusted companion. Now she is a kind, sweet, gentle little horse who is just a little shy around strangers. She is my favorite horse to ride. It just goes to show what a little kindness and patience can do. END

Golden Oats Essay #2: THE PERFECT HORSE By Sharon Lynn Buffington

Donna and her trusty mount, Havanna

Six years later, Havanna is my girl. A gentle lady with her broad forehead and generous kind

It was hot in Florida. We sat drinking ice tea on lawn chairs in the shade outside of Karen's barn. About five miles through the woods had been our morning ride. “That gelding really looks good,” I said, admiring him in the pasture. Page | 6

“I really do not know what to do with Sunny,'' Karen said. It had started several years before. Karen was going to breed the “Perfect Horse” for her daughter. Her mare's pedigree was good. After studying genetics, deciding what she had to do to make a fantastic horse, she went in search of a stallion. Measuring, looking at offspring, comparing lineage.

never let her off a lunge or pony line, afraid the horse would run off with her. Now Kathie rides Sunny by herself, her mother’s worries are gone, Sunny happily walks with her daughter. Sunny is the Perfect Horse.

At last little Sunny was born. Beautiful color, cute little ears, big, wide eyes, soft and gentle, legs straight, hooves strong, well proportioned. She spared nothing: vitamins, the best feed. Time passed; soon Sunny was ready to break. The only thing, Sunny was lazy. Sunny was for her daughter and lazy for a child is not really a bad attribute. It was time for a trail ride, Sunny and her daughter's first. It happened at the road they had to cross. Everyone knew Sunny was lazy. So they pushed him at a trot across the road and down just a little ways. Sunny’s knees buckled, down he went, laying heaving on the road. PANIC. The vet came, Sunny was still down. After too long a time they finally got him up and into the horse ambulance. Testing. Diagnosis. Sunny had a bad heart. One of the valves just was not working well. All Sunny could do was walk or his heart could not keep up. Her daughter loved Sunny. “Put him down, I am sorry, I cannot do that.” Her daughter needs a horse, that is another mouth to feed. “What am I to do?'' Karen pondered. “I have an idea. Let me call June,” I said. June and I talked a little. She and her daughter came to look at Sunny. It was love at first sight for daughter Kathie. What a beautiful horse, so kind, so gentle! Karen and June talked about Sunny. Kathie and Sunny now ride all over June's farm. Kathie loves to ride, mostly with a halter and lead rope, bareback. Come evening, her mother saddles up and they go riding together in the woods. Kathie is mentally retarded. Her mother would Page | 7

Official Ballot for 2014 STRIDE Officer Election Election will be held at General membership meeting on December 18th 2012. You may email your ballot to Hellena Smejda at [email protected], mail your ballot via USPS to arrive by then (address at bottom of page), bring it to the meeting, or send it to the meeting with another member. All non-emailed ballots must be signed and dated. From The STRIDE Bylaws: ELECTION OF OFFICERS 1. At the general membership meeting in the last quarter of the STRIDE membership year. The officers will be nominated in September and elected in December from the membership by the members and family members. They will be elected to serve the term of one year. Officers will be elected by a simple majority. Only members will be eligible to hold an elective office. 2. All active members will be entitled to one vote each. 3. Any and all voting will be at a general membership meeting. 4. Proxies may be given by any member to another member present and voting on a form approved by the Board of Directors. Said form must be signed and dated and received by the Secretary prior to or at the meeting at which it is to be exercised. Approved proxies must be recognized as the first order of business of the meeting.

President will: Prepare the agenda and preside over all meetings of STRIDE and the Board of Directors. Serve as ex-officio member of all committees. Appoint heads of standing committees with the approval of the Board of Directors. Act as a representative of STRIDE. ___Loretta Lucas or Write-in________________________________________ Vice-President will: Assume the responsibilities of the Presidency in the absence of the President. Perform those duties assigned by the President. Serve as chairman of the show committee, which shall consist of the managers/co-managers of each show, and the newsletter editor. The Vice-President will appoint the managers and show secretaries for each show. All judges will be hired by the Vice-President, with consultation of the show committee. Validate scores for STRIDE year-end awards. ___Charlotte Trentelman or Write-in______________________________________________________ Secretary will: Attend to all correspondence and will read aloud communications at meetings of the Board of Directors, or optionally, at general meetings. Take minutes at each meeting of STRIDE and the minutes of the Board of Directors meetings will be read at the next general meeting. Notify all members of meeting date and locations, and will attend to other matters pertaining to meeting procedures, as directed by the President. Obtain help from the members for any individual or continuing job necessary in the administration of the business of STRIDE. ___Jeff Broederdorf or Write-in______________________________________________________ Treasurer will: Handle all funds received and paid out. Bank funds in a bank approved by the Board of Directors. Issue receipts for monies paid into STRIDE. Maintain a complete record of all business transactions and report on STRIDE's financial status at meetings. ___Karen Kim or Write-in_____________________________________________________ Membership Secretary will: Keep records of all STRIDE general membership information. Process new membership applications promptly. Submit membership roster and updates to USDF as required by USDF. ___Carol Rike or Write-in______________________________________________ Member-At-Large will: Participate as a member of the board of directors of STRIDE, representing the general membership. ___Audrey Hartnett or Write-in______________________________________________ THIS IS THE OFFICIAL BALLOT and OFFICIAL PROXY FORM: Bring it to the Dec.18th election meeting. You may also give your signed/dated proxy to another member to vote on your behalf at the general membership meeting on Dec 18. Or, you may email the form to Hellena Smejda at [email protected] or mail the signed/dated proxy to Hellena Smejda, 2121 NE 40th Avenue, Ocala, FL 34470, and she will present it at the meeting. Only current members may vote; membership year is Sept 1, 2012 to August 31, 2013. Print your name:_________________________________________________________________________________ Signature___________________________________________________________Date________________________ See Candidate Biographies on Next Page

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Know Your 2014 STRIDE Officers Candidates Loretta Lucas for President. Loretta has been a STRIDE member since 1995 and has watched the club grow from 50 members to almost 200! STRIDE has certainly come a distance, and she is proud to have been involved at many levels along the way. Loretta has held many offices (including President, Recording Sec. and Membership Sec.); helped develop the Omnibus (and refine it over the years); brought the Versatility classes to STRIDE shows; supported the addition of Driven Dressage and Western Dressage, and helped rewrite the Bylaws in 2005. Loretta is a competitor and volunteer both at STRIDE shows and at USEF/USDF Recognized competitions, and has organized many Camps and Clinics for our members. Loretta is familiar with STRIDE’s role as a USDF GMO, having represented STRIDE at two conventions, and will be doing so again this December. She currently administers the STRIDE Facebook page.

Karen Kim for Treasurer. Originally from Milwaukee, Karen moved to Ocala in 1998 from Houston to be close to her retired parents. Her small farm is in NW Ocala, where she has 4 senior citizen horses ranging in age from 23 to 29. She currently rides 24-year old Robin. In Texas, she belonged to the Houston Dressage Society, showed often in Central Texas, and has volunteered at the Houston shows. Since moving to Ocala, she has found more time to participate in Dressage clubs. As a member of Arredondo Dressage Society, she organized and volunteered at two clinics. Since joining STRIDE, she organized the riding clinic at Longwood in 2010, and has volunteered at many shows. Although now retired, her position when working for the past 10 years was in accounts receivable. This work included a lot of bookkeeping using computer software and excels spreadsheets, which are of benefit in the Treasurer’s position. Since assuming the Treasurer’s position in 2012, she has converted the Club’s financials to Quicken.

Loretta considers herself data-driven but with a nod to the needs of STRIDE’s active members. Her goals are: 1. Provide more workshops/clinics/activities, drawing inactive members into the “fold”, while remembering that we are a Dressage-based club with diverse membership 2. Work toward a more competitor-friendly show atmosphere 3. Reach out to the future of our sport – the youth of this region 4. Work with other local Dressage venues and organizers to ensure a viable Ocala-based Dressage community Other projects for the year are to refine the Bylaws to reflect our growth, and to continue to clarify the Omnibus into a concise, clear document.

Audrey Hartnett for Member At Large. Audrey has been training horses for combined driving and pleasure driving since 1995. She has competed in driving competitions from training through advanced level. She ran a training facility in Massachusetts for 12 years and is now a year-round resident near the Grand Oaks. Audrey teaches driving at all levels, advocating effectiveness and safety through knowledge. Jeff Broederdorf for Recording Secretary. Jeff has been around horses all his life. Because of that, he cares about how STRIDE and its shows are run to provide the best experience and most enjoyment. He has been a trainer for over 15 years and as such is organized with his paperwork, the barn and in everything he does. It also means his communication skills are top notch while communicating to employers, vets, clients, etc. Anyone who has met Jeff knows that he has the “gift of gab” and can be a voice for STRIDE while representing the Board as the Recording Secretary.

Charlotte Trentelman for Vice President. Charlotte has served previously as STRIDE's President, Vice President, and is currently the Membership Secretary. A rider and driver, she now judges nationally recognized Dressage shows and events through Grand Prix and Advanced levels, and competes in Combined Driving. She and husband Chris organized recognized Dressage shows for the first 10 years of the Florida Circuit. They own Rebel Ridge Farm, a teaching and training facility in Anthony. Their Corgi, Rita, is the organizer of the everpopular "Dog Days" schooling show, which benefits the Humane Society annually.

Hellena Smejda, Immediate Past President (not an elected position). Hellena has been President for two years, Treasurer for 2 years, and Membership Secretary and Ad Manager. An Ocalan since 2004 when she moved here from Chicagoland, Hellena has two Warmblood-cross horses: 20-year old Estrella that she drives, and 14-year old Lectric that she rides. Hellena is a software marketing consultant and also marketing manager for Equestrian Springs, a new horse community on NW 100th St.

Carol Rike for Membership Secretary. Carol is passionate about people, horses and the sport of Dressage. She attended the first STRIDE meeting in 1988. She is a past President and Vice-President, serving six years on the Board of Directors of STRIDE. Carol has been involved in managing shows, judging, hosting clinics and meetings. She has been actively engaged in the real estate business in Marion County for over 30 years and the owner/ Broker of United Realty Corp of Ocala since 1985, specializing in farms, acreage and single-family homes. She and her husband Kyle own Sweetwater Farm in Northwest Ocala, a boarding facility catering to its Dressage stars and Carol's Andalusian gelding, Solianto. 9

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SERVICES

STRIDE ADVERTISING RULES and RATES

SC Equine Massage & Saddle Fit LLC. Sharon Cooper, CESMT, EMMT, CSF, CSE, ISF. 610-613-3088. [email protected] www.scequinemassage.com Certified Equine Massage Therapist & Certified Saddle Fitter (Dec/Jan)

WHERE ADS APPEAR: Ads are published in the STRIDE e-newsletter which appears 11 times a year (no July), and on the website www.stridedressage.org. AD DEADLINE: Payment and/or order must be received by 25th of preceding month.

Professional Body clipping, show braiding and grooming, farm and pet sitting. Excellent references, reasonable rates. Vickie Rollack (352) 425-4000 or [email protected]. [Nov/Dec]

QUESTIONS: Jacki Farrar, STRIDE Ad Manager, (253) 225-5553 EMAIL ADS TO: [email protected]

Saddle fitting, consultation, adjustments, flocking. Discount barn calls for 2 or more riders. Representing Albion, Duett, L&R Kent and Masters, Cardanel and more. [email protected] Kim 303-912-8703. Get ready for the season NOW! (Nov/Dec)

CLASSIFIED AD RATES  STRIDE members: First 50 words FREE. Additional words at 5 cents per word. Payment must accompany order for ads over 50 words.  Non-members: 5 cents per word. Payment must accompany order.  Renewals: Classified ads run for 2 months (see months listed in brackets at the end of your ad). To renew, notify us by email to [email protected] by the 25th of the preceding month

EQUIPMENT, APPAREL AND TACK FOR SALE Dressage saddles for sale, Crosby & Lazer, very good condition, Crosby 16" med tree and Lazer 17" wide tree, email me for pictures, $300 each. [email protected] or 813-833-4597. (Dec/Jan)

DISPLAY AD RATES: Two sizes only  Business card size (3.5" wide by 2" high): $10 per month or $100 prepaid for 11 issues (no July)  Full page: $45 per month or pre-paid annual rate $450 prepaid  Check must accompany order  Complete ads must be submitted in electronic format to [email protected]

HENNIG "Sofa-Style" dressage saddle, short flaps, black. A very comfortable saddle, MW tree, 17 1/2" seat. French calf leather, short, exterior thigh blocks. Custom made in Germany. $4000 OBO. Carol 352-351-8047 or [email protected].

SPONSOR ADS: Businesses that offer STRIDE members a 10% discount get a FREE business-card size ad. Ad must be submitted in electronic format, and contain the words "10% Discount for STRIDE Members.”

Albion Original Comfort Dressage Saddle, 17 1/2 seat, Wide Tree, recently re-flocked and in excellent condition. $1,200. 352-8162274 Barbara Eaton. (Dec/Jan)

MAIL CHECKS TO: STRIDE Ads, c/o Jacki Farrar, 6040 SE 126th Lane, Belleview, FL 34420.

Custom Saddlery brand dressage saddle for sale, Steffen Peters Advantage model, Monoflap for closer contact. Hard to find Buffalo leather for extra sticky grip. Size 18.5, wide tree can be adjusted by saddle fitter. New in 2011, asking $2800. Carol Hibbard, [email protected], 513-218-0887 (Dec/Jan)

STRIDE CLASSIFIED ADS – DECEMBER 2013 HORSES FOR SALE / LEASE

For Sale: Oster Stewart Clipmaster. Excellent for body clipping. Runs good. Used lightly. Newly sharpened blade with extra blade. $150. Call Barbara Brown at (352) 236-4456. (Dec/Jan)

11 year old Chestnut Arabian gelding 15.1 h showing PSG. Was USEF Region Horse of the Year at Fourth Level 2012. Very sweet. $29,000 contact Judy Oliver at 361-4138 or Mary Barber at [email protected]. [Nov/Dec]

For sale Albion slk Dressage Saddle medium tree. Seat 17.5 excellent condition price $1500 phone 352 671 1444 (Dec/Jan) Used jumping saddle, 17", brown with sued knee rolls, medium tree. Good condition! Only $60. [email protected] or call Lonni 352-454-3255 (Dec/Jan)

Friesian X. Gelding 6 Y.O. 100% sound. Showing successful second level Dressage. Excellent temperament. Easy to ride: child, beginner or advance. Great 3 gaits. $6,500. Reason to sell: owner moving. Call 352-288-8100 to Carlos Mancero Belleview (Dec/Jan)

For Sale: Size 8 1/2 mens dressage boots. Very nice quality, fully lined boot. $200.00 Contact Stephanie van den Hurk at 904-964-6918 or 904-864-8004. (Dec/Jan)

Schoolmaster For Full or Partial Lease in Citra. Reasonable and fun, come enjoy our I-1 schoolmaster, lessons included. Get your Bronze! Easy changes. Call for Details Kim 303-912-8703 (Dec/Jan)

Albion Original Comfort Dressage saddle, 18” seat, MN tree (7 ½ “at Drings), flap 15”, just Re-Flocked, Excellent Condition. $1100. Barbara Eaton 352-816-2274 [Nov/Dec]

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A Barnsby & Sons dressage saddle. Made in England, 17 1/2" seat, medium wide tree. Two tone black & brown. Excellent condition. $500. Email or call for more info or pictures. Linda Evans 352-4863197 [email protected] [Nov/Dec]

with your horse. 26 years experience. Call for Holiday specials! Anja Holst 407 765 9571 (Dec/Jan) Quality Instruction available Classical or Western Dressage, Working Equitation, Trail ,General Horsemanship, Ground work. Humane effective methods, reasonably priced sessions, with USDF Bronze Medalist and lifetime versatile horse woman, discounts for Stride members. Vickie Rollack. 352-425-4000 [email protected] [Nov/Dec]

INSTRUCTION and TRAINING The Florida Whips, in cooperation with Santa Fe College, will again offer the “Baxter’s How to Teach your Horse to Drive” Course, on the weekend of February 8-9th ,2014 at the University of Florida IFAS Horse Teaching Unit. Basics of driving, harnesses, vehicles and safety emphasized . More info [email protected] or 225-7679615. Registration ($52; after Jan 6) online thru Santa Fe College www.sfcollege.edu/cied/communityed/ (Dec/Jan)

Full or Part time training. Progressive, fun and lessons tailored for classical or competitive riders. All students will find improved timing, feel and balance from USDF Silver Kim Benson, single or group rates. My barn or yours, call about our bio mechanics clinics! Kim 303-912-8703 [email protected] (Nov/Dec)

Individual dressage lessons or clinics your place or mine. International Grand Prix dressage rider, a member of the Dressage Elite Team of Switzerland, and Grand Prix dressage judge. Living in Morriston FL since June 2013. Qualified for the USDF Reg 3 regionals 2013, where I won 5 ribbons. USDF Gold Medal 2013. Individual advancement: every horse deserves to be supported according to its abilities.1-2 stalls for temporary training horses. Franziska Seidl (352) 529-7376 or [email protected] (Dec/Jan)

Gentle Horse Training by Lamoyn Thorkelson, starting colts nationwide for over 30 years. Instilling confidence and a foundation that helps the horse to learn! Discounts to STRIDE Members. Your Sporthorse specialist. Lamoyn Thorkelson [email protected] 303-746-7947 (Nov/Dec) BOARDING

Training for Horse and Rider with Louise Waring, USDF "L" Graduate with over 35 years professional experience riding, training, competing and instructing, Dressage, Hunters, Western Dressage and pleasure riders, all breeds welcome. Clinics, private and group lessons at your farm are available. Contact me at 405-831-3827 or [email protected] (Dec/Jan)

Wanted in S. Marion: Boarder willing to share farm chores and feeding. Includes private paddock, box stall, use of arena, and adjacent trails. Oak Hill Farm, Weirsdale. Near Grand Oaks, Lady Lake Equestrian, and the Villages, 20 mins to Florida Horse Park. $375/mth. Contact Lonni Bechen at [email protected] or 352-821-3459 [Nov/Dec]

Blaire Martindale is a professional based out of the Dade City & Odessa, Florida area. Blaire is a USDF Bronze & SIlver medalist & was part of the 2008 Region 3 NAJYRC team. Having trained extensively with Major Jeremy Beale and Olympian Lisa Wilcox, Blaire highly values the basics with a strong independent seat and knows that is what brings out confidence in the horse and rider. Blaire is accepting new students and horses into full and part time training! Please contact her at 727.417.0464 or [email protected] or visit http://www.VoxDressage.com

Designer board, stalls, turnout, pampering for your equine! Lovely footing, fun progressive lessons and training in Citra Area. [email protected] Kim 303-912-8703 (Nov/Dec) WANTED Child-friendly (lead line) small pony or mini for occasional visits/rides on your property by my 3 and 5 year old nephews from Miami. Hellena, 875-8156 or [email protected] (Dec/Jan)

Wolfgang Scherzer is returning to Ocala for clinic Jan 3-4, 2014. He received his Bereiter in Germany and has been a favorite clinician in Ocala, Gainesville and Tampa. I am hosting the clinic at my farm which has a covered arena with lights and mirrors. Located about 3 miles north of the horse park. $140; space limited. Auditing free. Dogs must be leashed. [email protected] preferred or (352) 812-3690. Visit Wolfgang on Facebook. (Dec/Jan)

Forever home for Bubbles, Fox terrier/ Chi mix – 11 months old, about 15lb. Spayed, vaccinated and microchipped. Great with all dogs, cats & kids. Playful, sweet and energetic. $150 adoption fee plentyofpitbulls.org Lynn Zachary 352-840-0622 (Dec/Jan) REAL ESTATE Vermont farmhouse lovingly restored with 4 bedrooms and 3 baths on 20 a. For rent or sale. Large Mstr bedroom with fireplace. Modern Eat in kitchen with wood stove. Stone terrace off dining room overlooking fields. Riding arena, barns and trails off the property. Call 352-615-4096 or email [email protected] (Dec/Jan)

Pilates for Dressage® with Janice Dulak will be available in Ocala, January through March. Mat classes, privates reformer sessions and riding posture sessions available. Janice will also be available for clinics. Please contact Janice at [email protected] or visit her website www.dulakpilates.com 10% off for STRIDE members! (Dec/Jan)

For Rent - New one bedroom, furnished apartment in Ocala Downs. Bring your horse (addit'l cost). Enjoy miles of trails, mirrored dressage arena, textile footing. $1000/mo includes utilities, cable, monthly cleaning & pest service. Carol 352-351-8047. (Dec/Jan)

Effortless Horsemanship. Effortless performance for horse and rider through communication, understanding of equine psychology and correct biomechanics. Private, semi private and group lessons. Get help with any behavior issues or to get a even better relationship 13