Coming up Next: Winter Issue

Featuring The Gulf Coast Classic Pensacola Winter Series!

Vol. 4, Issue 4, Fall 2012

Classic Companys 1st Annual Southeast Medal Finals in Jacksonville

Meet The Divas- a quirky group of fun adult am s A Look at Longwood Farm in Ocala
Hunter-Jumper, Dressage & Eventing News for Florida Equestrians

BuY a Fabulous Home

11150 Fox Brown Rd, Indiantown, FL 34956

Beautiful 4 bedroom/3 bath home. Concrete block construction. Almost 10 full acres of land , so bring the horses! Spacious kitchen with 42" cherry cabinets and 3 large pantries. Plant shelf for decorating and a wood -burning fireplace in the family room. Master bedroom has tray ceilings, double sinks, roman spa tub, and separate shower. Property is fenced with 2 horse stalls and has an o n-site pond! Great value-don't miss this one! Offered at $345,710.

or build it

1852 SW Laredo St, Palm City, FL 34990

3+ acre waterfront lot in gated equestrian community. High, Dry & Cleared. Community boat ramp with access to the C-23 canal and lots of freshwater fishing. Convenient access to I-95. Less than 10 miles to major shopping and dining areas. Lots of Privacy. Offered at $99,000.

0 SE Castle Rd & SE Jupiter Rd

5+ acre vacant land parcel -- zoned RE-2A. Great access to Loxahatchee River Road and a few miles away from I95 and Florida's Turnpike. Located in Jupiter near Riverbend Country Club and Tequesta Country Club. Great opportunity at a great price. Lot 325' x 600'. Offered at $375,000.

Stephen Dutcher
Illustrated Properties 3601 SE Ocean Blvd #101 Sewalls Point, FL 34996 772 419 0402

Illustrated Properties

EDITOR LETTER
Being an Equestrian... The Ultimate Motivator By Sabrina Detmer Many stories are written of sports heroes who have succeeded in the face of adversity. It seems common place to read about the player who overcame some traumatic event or injury to return to their competitive game of choice. What I've noticed about these stories however is that they're always told in a miraculous sort of way. I do not wish to denounce the fact that these feats are often awe-inspiring and wonderful, but I feel the need to show such in a different light. In my own case I have found that it was not so much the strength of the individual, but that of the sport that deserves the headlines. From riding in the hunters and jumpers, fox hunting, and hunter pacing since I was a young girl, the importance of going above and beyond has been schooled into me. In so many senses of the phrase, an equestrian is pushed to overcome obstacles in their sport everyday. From accruing the substantial finances required to participate in such a hobby, to the requirements of character demanded by the rider. Riders must take on the great responsibility of caring for their mount, understanding the wide variety of personalities in differing breeds, and communicating with a partner when a verbal response cannot be given. There is the constant evolving and learning with each ride, and the hours spent both in and out of the saddle. It's easily said that with all the expectations of a rider, it takes a true passion to do what we do. It's the passion of an equestrian, no matter our discipline, that drives us. It's having I heart horses written on our souls that wakes us before the sun rises, dirties our best clothes, and keeps us coming back for more. It's the unmistakable feeling of being in the saddle, the freedom we feel on our faces and the smell of our best friend that captures our hearts. It's all of these things that make our sport a hero in itself. It's our sport which drives us on. In my own experience, a few years ago I was sidelined from riding with nerve damage in my right leg. Though the injury was not sustained from anything horse related, it kept me from my place in the saddle. When first diagnosed I was unable to walk without the use of a brace, and told it would be months before I could even return to -limited riding-. I was back in the show ring after a week. It was not that I was miraculously healed, nor that I had some incredible conviction inside me to prove the doctors wrong, but my sport which compelled me. After such a setback I was written about in the local newspaper, being talked about as a bit of a sports hero, but it was my sport that was the hero. Riding, and the grasp it had on me. The passion for horses that flowed through my veins left me no option but to ride again. There's something about the basic idea of riding, the if you fall off you get back on that I believe touches us equestrians in all facets of our lives. To be touched by horses, and to understand the bond that we create leaves us forever changed. It is our sport that makes us get back up when we experience falls, and it's our love for horses that keeps us riding high. Cheers!

Photo: Cort Schmidt (Sabrinas new husband!)

About the Cover

SEMF Junior Medal Finals
Winner: Margaret Collins riding "Samy" of Quiet Hill Farm, trained by Suzanne Muchow 2nd place: Hannah Huntington riding her own "Solomon" and trained by Bridget Imparato 3rd place: Jordyn Katz on Seth Vallhonrat's "Can Fly" trained by Tiffany Cornacchio-Morrissey

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The Southeast Medal Finals Show

The 2012 Inaugural SEMF

The Southeast Medal Finals - Oh What a Show!
By Sabrina Detmer It can be hard to evaluate the success of something at its birth. Just as with people, and horses, it can take years to understand the true potential of a given entity. One can, however, weigh certain aspects of a being against those of its predecessors and come to a logical assumption of its future. Well, now that I have half of you questioning my sanity, let me cut to the chase. When looking at a show, especially one of this magnitude, there are many working parts and many details to examine to be able to give it some sort of performance rating. Everything from who will be taking part in the show, what classes will be held, and what awards will be distributed, to where exhibitors will spend their nights and fill their tummies needs to be considered. That said, in response to the first ever Southeast Medal Finals, in a word... Bravo. Get Your Tickets... With 2012 being the first year of the Southeast Medal Finals, to qualify, a rider must place in first, second, or third in a specified recognized class. The idea of having such an open format has been to encourage riders to partake in this new show, with the future leaning towards riders having to qualify in specially offered Southeast Medal Finals Equitation classes. Curtain Up... The Jacksonville Equestrian Center in Florida is a venue of equestrian dreams. Equine enthusiasts eyes swell at the sight of the the 3,000 seat indoor coliseum, the surrounding 500 permanent stalls, two outdoor rings, and grand prix/hunter derby field, what more could you ask for?Inside, picture a large indoor arena type setting (fold-out stadium seating and all), wrapped in that kind of professional sports feel that leaves you expecting someone to ask to see your ticket and search your purse. This under-the-lights environment gives many first time indoor horses and riders the opportunity to familiarize themselves with this kind of upper level show and really polish themselves up for [Nationals]. see features such as the Southeast Junior and Adult 3' Medals, but other top honors were given in the ASPCA Maclay Regionals, the Southeast 3' Equitation Classic, and the Zone 4 Children's & Adult Jumper Championships, as well as the Zone 4 Children's, Adult, and Pony Hunter Championships. Intermission... Along with the appropriate food stand chow one would find at most horse shows, the familiar scene of tackshop trailers and booths with equestrian fashions were found both inside and outside of the coliseum. Also, being centrally located to many hotel and eatery choices, it was easy to find a comfy bed and a nice satisfying meal after a long day showing. I always smile at the faces of recognition... seeing fellow equestrians standing in line to check-in at the front desk, still in breeches and patterned socks up to their knees. Then to see the same faces, up at what would seem to be -way to early- for any normal person, grabbing orange juice and a muffin from the continental breakfast (sometimes pocketing an apple for obvious reasons). On Center Stage... Jumpers: The crowd cheered the jumper riders on in the Zone 4 $10,000 Children's/Adult Jumper Championships three stages. Held in World Cup format, faults were added up in each class to determine the winner, which after the nailbiting excitement of a jump-off left just one horse and rider team faultless. Juan Gamboa took home the top honors with his very own twenty-two year old Belgian Warmblood, Partizan. Yes, twenty-two human years. Equitation: The Southeast Medal Finals Junior title went to Margaret Collins aboard Quiet Hill Farm's Samy, and trained by Suzanne Muchow. Collins competed in a class of 31 riders, winning her spot after the decisive use of flying changes after being called back for the workout. In the ASPCA Maclay Regionals, first place went to Meg O'Mara. O'Mara is trained by Bibby Hill and rode Elvenstar Farm's Vancouver to compete against 36 other skilled riders over a course designed by Alan Rheinheimer. The course also tested Liza Finsness on her own Fedelio trained by Alan Korotkin who also went on to -win- the 3' Equitation Classic (and win the Zone 4 USEF Pessoa Hunter Seat Medal Final). Rounding out the top three in the regional was Hasbrouck Donovan on Donald Stewart & Derbypie LLC's Drake (also trained by Bibby Hill), who also took home second- in the 3' Equitation Classic (and first in the Junior Equitation Classic). Third in the 3' Equatation Classic was claimed by Kabisha Baughen on Valentina Conchatoro's Ramiro. Hunters: In the hunter ring, Kabisha Baughen proved her versatility on Ramiro with her Championship in the Children's 15-17 Hunter. Baughen's trainer, Shanon Bejarano was all smiles when another one of her riders captured

Enter Stage Left... Hunters, jumpers, and equitation, oh my! Thanks to the passionate minds of Bob Bell and James Lala (show managers), the first ever Southeast Medal Finals was born and held in great fashion. Being influenced by the uber-successful New England Medal Finals, the idea of the SEMF was to give Zone 4 and Region 3 riders a chance to ride for top honors in this three day event. In the Spot Light... Being the Southeast Medal Finals one can expect to 6.
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The Southeast Medal Finals Show

The 2012 Inaugural SEMF

Margaret Collins Junior Medal Finals Winner

Rachel Williams and Bruno in Adult Medal Finals

Jan Patton

Rachel Williams and Hamlet in the Zone 4 ChildAdult Jumper Final

Premium Rock Star ridden by Kristina Meyer in Junior Medal Finals

one of suzannes hunter champ sejmf

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General Pattons Champa with Jan Simpson in Adult Medal Finals

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The Southeast Medal Finals Show

The 2012 Inaugural SEMF

Reserved Champion in the same division. Samantha Shinn on her own Quintos Z secured her second place overall honors in the division with an elegant ride for the win in the final u/s class. Take a Bow... When each class is over, it's of upmost importance to know that we trained hard, came prepared, and rode the very best ride we could. Knowing we've given our all is rewarding to say the least, but let's not kid ourselves... who doesn't love walking away with a big satiny ribbon, a medal around our necks, or a pretty cooler to don our teammate in? Well, the minds behind the Southeast Medal Finals understand that. Further more, they understand that top riders should be rewarded of their efforts with top prizes! That said, the 2012 SEMF offered ribbons, medals (which were to be received standing atop a podium, center ring), coolers, and other awards. Camden Yards & Allyson Blais in Adult Medal Finals (Before and) After Parties... What better ways to start and end your days then will a party? The Southeast Medal Finals offered participants, friends, and family, three chances to nom and socialize with the Welcome Party Friday evening, the Champions Party Saturday evening, and the Championship Breakfast on Sunday morning. Great venue, quality judging, beautiful awards, and the chance to be medaled while standing on a podium. With so many exciting qualities I see this show becoming a must-see for many. Two thumbs up. What to expect next year: Many shows will be hosting Southeast Medal Class qualifiers in 2013 4 days of showing "A" rating A divisions - Jr, AO, Ponies Hunters will not be limited to Zone 4 riders Derby style hunter classes a possible Grand Prix with approval, hope to offer the Zone 4 USEF Medal and Adult Medal Finals hosting EMO Horsemanship Finals for the Southeast Great footing A world class venue Excellent Exhibitor Parties Fabulous awards FUN! As of now, there are 60 shows that offer Southeast Medal Qualifier classes for 2013 and YES! There will be a pony hunter derby! For sponsorship opportunities contact Lisa Engel at classicsponsorship@gmail.com.
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Georgie Hammond & Perfect Partner

Meg OMara & Vancouver 8.

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Ki ow Sn

ssed Stab

les

Congratulations to all Snow Kissed riders on a very successful 2012 show season and best of luck in 2013!
Trainer : Suzanne Muchow
www.snowkissedstables.com

Congratulations to Layton Bradshaw, (Winter Garden FL) Congratulations to Margaret Collins, (Celebration, FL) Champion of the 12-14 zone 4 Eq finals Winner of the 1st Annual SEMF Junior Medal aboard 'Samy" Margaret also placed 7th in both 15-17 o/f classes, 2nd in the 15-17 flat aboard "Simple Attire""
9th in the USEF Medal, 7th in the Junior Equitation Classic and 9th in the Zone 4 medal Finals Layton also placed 12th in the 3' Equitation Classic and 5th in the 12-14 hunter derby

a great place for you and your children!

DAZA EQUESTRIAN CENTER

Hunters Jumpers Coaching Training Showing

29832 State Rd. 46 Sorrento Fl 32776 407-879-2911 or 407-272-7016 info@dequestrian.com www.dazaequestrian.com

Trainer Travel Mug

- $25.85 from Zazzle. Great for coffee or tea on those early horse show mornings. Customize with your own sayings like Horse Show Addict or Because I'm the trainer, that's why.

SmartPink Grooming Set

$49.95 from SmartPak Sweet and simple tools and tote for the young rider. Helps keep them organized and makes grooming easier.

Personalized Tile Top Box

$47.95 from SmartPak Beautiful felt lined box which can customized with your own photo. Have an your trainer's horse or a group shot printed onto the tile top and make them smile.

The Wellington Pony Bed

Starting at $999 (current sale) from PonyBeds.com Send your little rider off to pleasant pony dreams with this stylish bed. This may be the only solution to dragging the little ones away from the barn.

Horsey Backpack
- $22 from Wild Horsefeathers Cute, cute, cute. A perfect present for your little pony rider to pack around her goodies at horse shows.

Padded Leather Bracelet

$24.95 from SmartPak So classic. Tough enough to wear to the barn, and comes in a variety of colors to represent your personality. Customize with a favorite horse or farm name.

Hennah Half-Bit Belt

- $80 from Strap & Buckle Love this thick and fashion forward belt. I picture this super over a nice sweater dress or sleek tunic.

Custom Woven Throw Blanket

- $110.95 from SmarkPak In the few minutes your rider spends home from the barn, keep them cozy wrapped up in a photo of their favorite equine.

Aluminum and Composite Helmet

- $2,470 from Chanel It's a riding helmet... it's Chanel. Need I say more? While we're at it, you might as well see the Chanel crop

Wine Bottle Holder

- $56 from Sears I personally have one of these and LOVE it! I'm always getting compliments on this wine bottle holder's cute and functional design.

Custom Horsehair Bracelet

- $85 from Tail Spin Bracelets With a lock of her favorite horse's hair beautifully crafted to don her wrist she can keep her best friend with her everywhere she goes.

Equine Sculpture
- Starting at $350 from Bramble Hollow Fine Arts The best way to describe these plaques is as a reversed engraving. Created from a photo of your favorite horse (or horse and rider combo) that you provide. Unique!

Wishing you all a happy holiday season and the best new year yet!

Wishing you all a

Happy Holiday Season

and the

Best New Year yet!

Courtney & Sabrina Marie

Longwood Farm: Focus on Family and Support for the Sport

By Sabrina Detmer

Starting down the main drive of Longwood, you're greeted by Florida's famous Live Oak trees which quickly lead you to be surrounded by the first section of their extensive cross country collection. Set over nearly 300 acres of beautiful Florida countryside lays a horse-farm of a different color. Longwood Farm South is not just a training facility, but an equestrian destination of grand measure that maintains a sense of relaxed comfort. It's a place where horse and rider can feel at home, and a place where Olympic stars hone their skills. A place for fine horse shows without the chaos. A place with a future and a place like no other. With hundreds of cross country obstacles, multiple barns housing a total of 86 stalls (with more to come), indoor and outdoor dressage arenas, and a willingness to suit the needs of varying clients, Longwood Farm South has what it takes to be a first class riding facility and show spot, but as they say in the infomercials... Wait, There's More! With living accommodations that include cottages for rent and RV sites, a full physical training complex with weight training center, Pilates studio, zumba classes, two pools and a Jacuzzi, Longwood becomes a full service training destination. Add to that their projects currently underway, including a 230x300 grand prix ring and a regulation sized polo field (with raised clubhouse), and you've got yourself the equestrian equivalent of Disney World. 14.
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Joe Watkins, farm manager and my tour guide while visiting the farm agreed to answer my questions and show me around. My first question was, of course, about the incredible number of cross country obstacles. I was told that there are easily hundreds of combinations out on the courses, and that each one was built by him and his mother, owner Betsy Watkins. It's kind of this mother-son thing we do, said Joe about their jump designing and building. Some of the obstacles have even been constructed at request of clients who have seen something elsewhere that they'd like to practice over back home. Though the idea of building fences to personally suit client's needs is a true testament to customer service, Joe also spoke of the mother-son projects with a smile and a warm hearted tone that continued onto talks of favorite mounts, and the new polo field. With a friendly laugh, Joe admits that his polo playing may have had a bit of influence on the construction of their new field, but then speaks genuinely about his desire to develop something to really bring the equestrian community together. It's what you do on Sundays, Joe explains. He then goes on to share his vision of world renowned riders and trainers (the neighbors), sharing drinks, laughs, and friendly conversation from the views of the future clubhouse. While Longwood seems to have a lot on their plate, they're actually hungry for even more. The Watkins family has been very happy with the success of their farm, but personal .....Contd. on Pg 18

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EquineNutrition: Simple, or Complex?

By Tabatha Taylor
That is the question, isnt it? As horse owners, sometimes it is difficult to establish what our horses actually need. Does he need grain, or is an all-natural diet better? What sort of grain should I feed? With all of the technology that has taken place in the grain industry, will GMOs affect my horse? Is it really important that I feed an expensive grain, or will a least cost formula suffice? The questions go on and on, and with so many options to consider its only normal that we, as the equine community, would struggle to find the right choice. But according to Dr. Lance Baker, Equine nutrition is not nearly as hard as we make it.

them. Now, what grain shall we feed? The first most important factor is that you feed a balance concentrate, Said Dr. Baker. A balanced concentrate will insure that all of your horses needs are met. Still, after you narrow your grain choices down to a balanced formula you still have to choose between a least cost formula feed and a guaranteed ingredient feed. The difference between the two lies in the ingredients. While guaranteed ingredient feeds are composed of exactly the same thing all the time; least cost formula feeds are always a certain percentage of something, but are most likely composed of different ingredients every month. There are many different ways to get to 12% protein. You may only be concerned with what is on the feed tag, but that does not indentify the digestibility, said Freeman.

Dr. Baker is an equine nutrition professor at West Texas A&M University, and prior to teaching at WTAMU Dr. Baker acquired his Ph.D. in equine nutrition. The more natural we can make our horses diets, the better, says Dr. Baker. Natural diets are easiest for our horses to digest. Even so, our high quality performance horses cannot live on hay alone. The reason we have taken to feeding our horses so much grain is because we cannot meet their energy requirements without it. Dr. Baker went on to explain that because we are demanding so much from our high performance horses, their energy requirements are much higher than were when a horses only job was to stay alive in Because of that, the least cost formula may not actually be the most cost efficient the wild. option for you. Both Dr. Freeman and Dr. Baker agree that because the least cost With regard to the technology that has formula is generally less digestible, you have taken place in the grain industry, to feed more of it to get the same result a Scientifically, there is no cause for smaller portion of guaranteed ingredient concern, said Dr. David Freeman, the feed. A balanced, guaranteed ingredient Oklahoma State Horse Extension formula will be more digestible, have every Specialist. Both Dr. Baker and Dr. Freeman agree that there is no evidence to support nutrient your horse needs, and, most often, will be the more cost effective option for the fact that the genetic enhancement you. that has taken place in the grain industry would harm your horse. So, we know that our horses need grain and that grain will be beneficial, not harmful to

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Sergeant Reckless
Excerpted from For the Love of the Horse, Volume IV,

by Ann Jamieson.
Available at www.loveofthehorsebook.com met, hats, blankets, and even poker chips made it on to the consumable list. One poker game had to be ended prematurely when it was discovered that Reckless had eaten a stack of poker chips. Reckless wasnt particularly fussy about her glassware: cans, cups, canteens, even helmets would do. The Marines always were happy to share whatever they had to eat or drink with her. When she wasnt eating, Reckless worked. Carrying rations, grenades, medical supplies, ammunition, and sleeping bags, she earned her pancakes and candy. The steep terrain of Korea was too much for jeeps, but not too much for Reckless. Nimbly navigating the hills, she learned to step over barbed wire, crouch down in foxholes and to head for a bunker when she heard incoming rounds. The Marines quickly grew to love Reckless both for her bravery and her goofy character, often allowing the pony sized mare (at 14.1 hands) to sleep in their tents with them, shielding her with their flak jackets to protect her. Reckless is best known for her service during the Battle of Outpost Vegas in March of 1953, one of the most ferocious battles of the war. This five day battle saw Reckless on one day alone make 51 trips from the Ammunition Supply Point to the firing sites, 95% of the time by herself. Carrying nearly five tons of ammunition over the course of the battle, the little sorrel mare walked over 35 miles through open rice paddies and up steep mountains with enemy rounds constantly peppering her. Reckless would carry ammo up the mountain, get unloaded, and then carry wounded Marines down the mountain. An infantryman who was one of only two to make it off of Hill Vegas alive, Harold Wadley remembers seeing Reckless coming up the ridge. Generally one Marine led Reckless and she brought up ammo. Some of the gun crew were wounded, so they didnt have an extra Marine. She made that trip all night long by herself. They would tie a wounded Marine on her and turn her around and shed head down that ridge with all this artillery and mortar coming in. The guys down there would unload the wounded off her and the ammo on her and she would turn around right on her own and head right back up. She knew exactly what her job was. Reckless delivered critical ammunition under constant fire, performing her work in a human capacity, unguided by anything but her own enormous desire to serve. The number of lives she saved cant be counted, and the appearance of the little chestnut mare with the bright white stripe guaranteed a boost in morale. Her selfless service in this battle not only earned her the respect of all those around her, but also got her promoted to Staff Sergeant, a title never before or since bestowed upon an animal. After all, her courage and dedication to duty defined the word Marine. .....Contd. on Pg 18

She has her own fan page on Facebook, and her own website. She recently had a two-year-old racehorse named after her, even though she fought in the Korean War and died in 1968. Earning two Purple Hearts, a Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and a Presidential Unit Citation with star, among other military decorations, she was featured in Life Magazines Celebrating Our Heroes as one of our countrys 100 greatest heroes of all time (along with George Washington and Abraham Lincoln). Reckless was known for her bravery--and her appetite. She was assigned to carry ammunition to the front lines for the 75 mm Recoilless Rifle Platoon of the 5th Marines. Purchased for $250 by commanding officer Lt. Eric Pederson, the Mongolian mare came from the Seoul Racetrack, and soon proved to be priceless. Her former owner, young Kim Huk Moon, sold her only because he needed the money to pay for an artificial leg for his sister, Chung Soon, who had lost her leg to a land mine. Reckless originally had been called Flame-in-the-Morning, but the Marines called her Reckless after the nickname for an antitank weapon with a fierce back blast. Reckless didnt need to be told how important a good breakfast was to start ones day. She lived by that rule. Scrambled eggs and pancakes with her morning cup of coffee were her preferred meal in the morning. Snacks throughout the day were important. Cake, potato chips, peanut butter and jelly, cola, candy bars, all were high on her list of consumables. But it wasnt just the food that mattered. Reckless demanded attention, and lots of it. If her demands werent being

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FULL BOARDING TRAINING SALES

TIFFANY MORRISSEY - OWNER / TRAINER JENNIFER TAVARES - ASSISTANT TRAINER

13750 LURAY ROAD FT LAUDERDALE FL 33330

EAST WIND
561-719-9778

Sergeant Reckless
Excerpted from For the Love of the Horse, Volume IV,

by Ann Jamieson.
Available at www.loveofthehorsebook.com Remaining .......

Longwood Farm
Wounded twice during the battle, Reckless never stopped. She continued to see further action during the war. After the signing of the truce in July the Marines traveled home, but Reckless, mired in bureaucratic red tape, was left behind. It wasnt until the Saturday Evening Post ran an article about her in April 1954 that people became aware of her plight. In response, Reckless was offered free transportation on a shipping line by an executive of the line who had read the article. She landed in San Francisco on November 10, 1954. In retirement Reckless served as mascot of the 1st Marine Division. She attended retirements, promotions, birthdays, and civilian parades. The order had been given that, in recognition of all Sergeant Reckless had done, there was never to be more weight on her back again than a blanket. That order stood. When Reckless went on her daily jog at Camp Pendleton, the Marine who accompanied her did so on foot. Reckless had four foals, three of whom continued to live with her at Camp Pendleton: Dauntless, Fearless and Chesty. One filly died sadly at only a month old. Reckless died at the age of 20, and is buried at Camp Pendleton where a monument to her stands at Stepp Stables. But her story is just beginning. A YouTube video (http://youtu.be/YIo3ZfA9da0) has garnered hundreds of thousands of views, a new book has been written, and a movie and a monument in or near the Korean War Memorial are being planned. This game little mare was an inspiration to all those who knew her, and her story will continue to inspire all those who didnt. Check out her fan page (Official Sgt Reckless Fan Club) or website www.sgtreckless.com) and be sure to read the book Sgt. Reckless. success is not their ultimate goal. The idea of safety, training, bettering the sport is the enthusiastic promise of Joe and his mother. A perfect example of the strive for safety can be found in their cross country jumps, many of which are designed after famous three star combinations yet are set to a lower height. The idea behind this lower-higher-level philosophy is to get both horses and riders comfortable with challenging questions without the high stakes of taking on an advanced obstacle for the first time at an advanced height. At this Ocala horse haven, there's something about

If youd like to submit or share an article, story, poem or photo to FE Magazine

please email Sabrina@flride.com. We really enjoy hearing from our readers!

community, and creating a positive atmosphere for riders that seems to be an absolute top priority of the farm, but there's also the idea of bettering the sport as a whole. Longwood seems absolutely determined to be on the front lines of helping equestrian sports continue to grow and thrive. Already having a strong presence in hunter/jumper shows (joining up with HSITP), cross country events, and even being a temporary training site for Olympic teams, the farm looks at all avenues for expansion and development. Joe excitedly spoke of talks with both dressage and driving groups who have shown interest in having Longwood host events. He mentioned his willingness to work with organizations to provide the perfect facility for their events and that he just needs to know their wants and concerns (if only my phone company was this accommodating -sigh-). There's a special feel you get when visiting Longwood Farm South. There's the comfort that makes you want to throw down a picnic blanket and enjoy a sunny afternoon with your equine companion accompanied by the professionalism and high-end resources you would expect from a world class training center. Whatever your reason for visiting Longwood is, be sure to bring your toothbrush... you might just end up staying.

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This & That

IN LOVING MEMORY:
The final salute in Dressage, All of the jumps have been cleared, and You have crossed your last finish line. A new Queen has crossed the Rainbow Bridge, andSomeday we will all be reunited. Your friends have welcomed you with Welcoming whinnies and you are forever standing inPastures of green clover and endless peppermints. In loving memory of Impulsive, imp Forever loved by Jen Tankel Lori, Peter and Jen wishes to thank Jane Brownlow for her generosity of giving us this incredible gift!

Rachel Williams & Hamlet

Brookmore Farm went to Marshal & Sterling Finals in NY

Eventing News Lori Tankel

Rocking Horse Stables in Altoona held a recognized horse trial November 2-4. After months of schooling shows in the heat, many eventers were looking forward to the fall event, which was extra special because Rocking Horse was hosting two long formats, for both training and novice levels. The training level long format, which consisted of roads and track and steeplechase, in addition to cross country, was won by Lydia Kennedy, on board Subtle Dream Unveiled. The duo finished on their dressage score of 34.60, beating out Susan Martin and Loughnatousa Spaniard's score of 37.90. Finishing in 3rd, also placing on her dressage score of 38.60, was Cathy Blackmon and Hideaways Special Delivery. Elliott Blackmon and W.H. Topgun took home the blue in the novice long format, finishing on his dressage score of 31.40. Lauren DeNeve and Forrest Nymph were 2nd with a score of 32.7 and Jamie Doty and Diddicoys Summer Breeze took the yellow with a score of 84.9. Chris Bradley and Lucas, FE's spotlighted Amateur Rider took home the 4th place ribbon, with a score of 123.4. In other special highlights from the weekend's activities, Leah Khorsandian won the Open Intermediate division with Pamiro W, finishing with a final score of 38.8. This was a special win for Khorshandian, of Parrish Oaks Eventing in Dade City, as Will, as he is affectionately known, underwent colic surgery just 10 months ago! What an amazing recovery he has made! The 2013 eventing season kicks off with the Florida Horse Park hosting a recognized event on January 5 & 6 and Rocking Horse hosting a recognized event January 25-27. In addition, Longwood Farm South will host a schooling show January 19 & 20. Last year they gave away more than $25,000 in prize money, and this year they are aiming to beat that number!

Brookmores Courtney Welhoelter, Georgie Hammond, Rachel Williams & Lauren Jones during awards at M&S Finals in NY. Despite severe back pain and consequently having back surgery June 29, 2012, Courtney Welhoelter of Geneva was able to come back and compete as one of the top ten Marshall and Sterling Pony riders at the finals in Saugerties, NY September 2012. Courtney and her pony Viva Las Vegas took 8th in the Childrens Large Pony U/S and 7th in the Large Pony Hudson Equitation Classic. Georgie Hammond and Perfect Partner were 8th in Children's Working Hunter U/S. Rachel Williams & Hamlet were 3rd in the Adult Jumper Classic. Lauren Jones and Without A Doubt were 5th in the Adequan Hunter and 8th in the Adequan Working Hunter Stake. 20.
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Meet the Divas:

some of greater Orlandos Adult Ams share their feelings on mid-life riding Amandas Tale
Around fall of 2007 in a last ditch effort to find my Engineerminded son a sport,I signed him up for riding lessons. I never rode as a child but my best friend competed in Hunter/Jumpers and being around these beautiful creatures always piqued my fascination to thissport. My son began taking riding lessons and albeit a naturalhe quickly became boredwhile I became infatuated with the horse world at the age of 41! My workaholic life of 60 hour workweeks, Blackberry 24/7, and practically ignoring my familys and my own needs came to a screeching halt after the loss of my mother, and getting laid off from my Vice President position. I could hear my Mothers voice often saying you dont know how to relax. She was correct, until this point. The smell of the barn was intoxicating to me. The horses became my solace and comfort during my grieving for my Mother and the loss of my job. My new barn friends became my SISTERS and the Divas were born. Balance settled in my heart, my son and I became closer, a new appreciation for nature and animals enveloped me and work found its proper place in my world. I owe so much to the horses for teaching me mental balance, focus, and even more LOVE than I ever thought possible. jumper shows atour own pace and giggle when we forget our hunter courses (competing against 6 year olds)!The Divas spend 2-3 hours at the barn, putting off housework, drycleaners, cooking dinner and other mundane tasks. However scrubbing rain rot and babying our horses is a priority and we see nothing wrong with this. Were caring, wonderful wives, mothers, sisters, and friends and we dont take our family and friends for granted. Some of us have full time jobs be it at home or in an office. We just realize that in order for our family to be happy we must be happy too. The Divas enjoy the horse shows, the Polo Matches, Fox Hunts, Drill Teams, Trail Rides, barn breakfasts,and BBQs. The Divas are a close knit group of women, passionate about riding horses, friends and sticking together through thick and thin. We laugh, we cry, we support eachother in our mid-life riding and lives. Its wonderful to be a Diva!

The Divas
I wasnt the first over 40 student to lesson weekday mornings, but I sure felt old in the beginning. Riding was hard, but so rewarding!While dismounting my mare enthusiastically talking to a new friend I didnt pay attention and slid down too fast. We both heard a loud pop as I landed on my butt. That morning I tore my ACL and more importantly met one of my best friends ever. Our group of 30 -50+ year old women morning riders started small but grew quickly. All of us passionate about riding became fast friends. Unlike most young riders wehalted our horses catching our breath and drinking water 15 minutes into a lesson. We joked, laughed continually throughout the lessons occasionally swearing and apologizing, often in that order. We supported eachothers accomplishments and challenges (posting trot without stirrups, mastering a sitting trot without backache, falling off the mounting block, and cantering without fear.BOTH DIRECTIONS! Then the jumping came with excitement, fear, and bruises. The group took longer than young riders to heal physically and emotionally from falls.But with the love and support of the group coupled with our fierce passion to get back in the saddle we soon realized our dreams. The DIVAS were born. On occasion wed complainabout stiffness, soreness, and needing a break in the middle of our lesson because we are not spring chickens. When we are silly we payfor it dearly without stirrups again! We celebrate our horses birthdays and Barn-Mitzvahs,we stabilize eachothers recovering limbs while mounting and dismounting (unbeknownst to our Doctors release).We proudly compete in 22.
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Pictured Left to Right: Amanda Miller, Kim Brinkmeier, Patsy Lamastus Sheri F, Vicke, Jenny, Maria Feagan (not pictured: Kendra, Catherine & Caroline)