| RU Atticus | 
RU Atticus and Sue Mattos at the ESCDTA Championship at the NJ Horse Park!
Sepetember 16, 2012
Applewood Farm
June 2011
Applewood Farm
June 2011
Applewood Farm
June 2011
With Carla Prentiss
Fall 2008 | - By Prodigal Snifty Hank (Registered APHA) x Bird (Belgian)
- Bred by Hiatt Ranch, ND
- ½ Paint ½ Belgian
September 2012:
Atticus was in Training Level Test 2 Above 2nd. & Training Level Test 3
Above 2nd at the ESCDTA Championship show on Sept 16 at the NJ Horse
Park and won 5th place, ridden by Sue Mattos!
Congratulations!!
August 2011:
Atticus
is doing great! We had him at his second dressage show on Sat.,
this time he flew solo all by himself in the trailer and to
a strange new place. We went to a schooling show at Heather
Masonss Flying Change Farm. We put him in Intro B again and
he had an improved score of 67.50 (last time it was a 62.25), we also
put him in Intro C which has 2 canter circles in it and he got a
64.50. He was a bit more distracted at this show but only to the
extent of he was very interested in what everyone else was doing.
Unfortunatly the warm-up area was next to the show ring so
everyone was all in the same area and he was just trying to see what
every one else was doing. He did nothing bad but his
attention was not as focused as it could have been but all that
will come with time. I was very proud of him, he did his job and
did nothing bad. We got two 2nd place ribbons and were
over-all open champion for the day and won a free photo shoot with Sue
Stickles at the next show we are at that she is the
photographer. Not bad for my Baby Boy! He is going to go to his
first jumping competition soon. On 8/20, the Pony Club is having a
fund raiser and it will be Dressage and Clear round jumping.
It will be more experience for him and another new place to
visit!
June 27, 2011:
I
took Atticus to his first Dressage show today at Maralyn Paynes
Applewood Farm. It was just a schooling show but he has to start
someplace. I had Suzie ride him for his first show so it would be
a positive experience for him. He did super-he got a 65.625 in the
first test and a 62.500 in the second and won first & 2nd in
the division! I was just so proud of him, he is just the greatest.
March 16, 2011:
Atticus is doing great. He is growing up. We had a real grown up canter
last weekend and he has finaly figured out what to do with all his legs
at the proper time and his frame is getting better and better. I just
love him to death.
November 5, 2010:
I took Atticus
on a hunter pace on Halloween and we were a three man team. I rode
my old horse Cupcake; I had the young man who is helping me with
Atti ride him and another lady from the barn with her horse. We
had a really great day - my goal was to just get him back
on the trailer and take him someplace new as he has not left
the farm since he got here 3 years ago. To all of our surprise, we
won our division so we came home with the blue ribbons. Atti took
everything in stride - getting on the trailer with not even a
thought and road like he had done it every day of his life. When
we got to the place, he unloaded looked around and then went for the
grass. Nothing so far has upset him - he just takes it all in good
stride. I just love him to death. This winter will be focusing on
ring work and suppeling; perhaps in the spring we can try a little
dressage show.
June 11, 2008:
Atticus is doing super but I have stopped riding him for the present as
he has gone through another growth spurt and his butt is 2 inches higher
than his withers - so it is back to ground work. No need to put too
much presure on his back at this point! I have lots of time and he is
still only 3. He amazes me every day with how he listens and
learns and how calm he stays in any circumstance - he just does not get
rattled. Thank god - I am very fortunate.
May 13, 2008:
Hi, thought
you would like to know about Atticus and his first experience under
saddle out on the traill. Today I rode Cuppy and Tyler rode Atti
up in the back fields at Peggy's. All went well; of course, a deer had to
jump out of the bushes as soon as we entered the big field but I was
very proud of Atti: he did spook, quite normal, but he did not freak or
try to run, rear, or buck, a very good thing. The rest of the ride, he
was very interested in what was ahead of him but showed no fear or
hesitance. I give him a A+ for his first adventure. |
| RU Santiago |
Santiago proudly wearing his new Rutgers saddle pad!
July 2012
|
- By Tommy Brazil (TB) x 379 (Percheron)
- Bred by Early Dawn Sport Horses, Manitoba, Canada
- ½ Thoroughbred ½ Percheron
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|
RU Dreamcatcher
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2008
|
- By Commanche (QH) x Squaw (QH/Percheron)
- Bred by Hiatt Ranch, ND
- ¾ Quarter Horse ¼ Percheron
July 2008:
Dream has settled into our new home where we all live together!
Yeah!! Only bad thing is that she has amazing vision and hearing and
she watches me when I'm in the house until I come out to see her again
.... and again.... and again... She loaded and shipped better than Lady
(who is the old pro at this) and settled in immediately. She was ready
to see more and do more right away. Lady wasn't, so we've just been
sitting around doing nothing until both horses are more confident and
happy with the new digs.
It's really nice to get up in the morning and see them right out the window...but because my neighbor feeds at 4: |
|
RU Curious George
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July 2007
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- By Dol's Cupid (Hanoverian/Paint) x Merle (TB/Percheron)
- Bred by Ravine Ranch, Manitoba, Canada
- ¼ Hanoverian ¼ Paint ¼ Thoroughbred
¼ Percheron
June 2011:
George is excelling in dressage, and will be attending several recognized shows this
summer in the intro and training divisions now that he is a big 5 year old. The
judges seem to really like him, as we are earning scores in the 70’s! He has
proven to be a great trail horse as well, and will get the opportunity to try
some hunter paces this fall. Now totally grey, you would never guess this is
the same George from his baby pics.
|
| RU Dante |
October 2011
October 2011
August 2010
2007
|
- By Dol's Cupid (Hanoverian/Paint) x Katie (TB/Percheron)
- Bred by Ravine Ranch, Manitoba, Canada
- ¼ Hanoverian ¼ Paint ¼ Thoroughbred
¼ Percheron
November 2, 2011:
All
and all he is pretty wonderful. We have had some things to overcome
since the last update. The summer brought his first bucking
episode and he and I officially parted ways for the first time. We
were trying a different saddle and I was VERY definite about
maintaining some sort of forward trot and he crow hopped twice. I was
stunned ...sat down to readjust a stirrup and kaboom! The others
said it was pretty impressive buck. End result .... I was flat on
my back on the ground seeing stars. The chiropractor was
thrilled for the business and we were back saddle shopping online
since I could surf from the living room floor :) All is well now,
no episode since and between the new saddle and the saddle fitter
we have got things back on track. Lucked into an old Wychanger
Barton Eventer custom that fits like a glove and is like sitting on air
to boot!
The summer heat was really
tough on him, we had some serious weight issues to figure out and
one minor upset stomach. We had to change feed but thanks to
Smartpak's supplements, strategy and athlete and soy oil (Thanks
Dr. Valentine) we have finally got it down to a science to keep his
tummy settled, him hydrated and pudgy going into winter. Riding in
the summer was right out for most of this summer, I sort of
expected it this year, by next year he will have acclimated much
better. The boy has a definite talent for growing hair. My
clippers and mane comb are threatening to go on strike. I have
never seen a horse grow mane that fast.
We have spent
the cool weather working on his canter in the round pen, he is able
to canter a fifty foot circle pretty much non stop and understands
his leads. We have yet to work on it under saddle, he is doing well
on maintain the walk and trot on a loose rein with no interference
from me. He is getting the gist of lateral movement at both gaits,
still trotting ground poles under saddle like a bulldozer and all
in all being an angel. We have mastered riding with other horses in
the arena and the art of being cantered past without losing his
grip on reality. He is still terrified of cows.
He
has acquired the nicknames "Squishy" or "Hue" or "Mr. Mongus." Do
not ask me about "Squishy" it just stuck. He lives in the party
boy paddock with Elvis and Dallas, he loves to play halter tag and
the three of them are always covered in scab or nicks. The
mares did not find the games charming and he ended up getting a
little too beat up. He is still a topic of conversation at the
barn. A great favorite of everyone and the the one horse has
everyone has to meet. He is a gracious host and is always the
first to meet us at the fence. Rest assured he has a
forever home and is much beloved!
March 9, 2011:
I
just wanted to send you a note of thanks on behalf of myself and Dante.
He has come to me with great thanks to South Carolina from Stoneleigh
Farm in Amenia, NY. I cannot express what a wonderful job that Rutgers
did with his early training and the help Dante received thanks to all
of you. The wonderful people at Stoneleigh gave him the most wonderful
start under saddle. He is truly a lucky fellow and the luck is
well-deserved! I cannot express what a wonderful horse this is from
conformation, to soundness, personality and trainability. Of course the
gorgeous dapple grey color just ices the cake. He is almost 5 and is an
absolute gentleman about everything. He handles the farrier, clipping,
trailering and handling better than most horses four times his age. As
a returning rider, I needed a horse that had a quiet disposition and
would - when fully trained - be bombproof. Dante is all of the above
and I spend a lot of time reminding myself he is still a baby. A great
favorite in the barn, most marvel at his sheer size and lovely
personality. This 17.3h, 1600 lb monter wears a size 60" girth and an
84" blanket but is a big puppy dog to ride and handle. He lives out
24/7 and his hearty nature makes him one of the easiest horses to care
for. He and I will be attending some hunter paces this summer and fall
as well as some schooling shows. If you cannot tell by my above words,
I am thrilled with him. He is completely priceless! Thanks Rutgers,
Stoneleigh Farm and Ravine Ranch!
Novemeber 2010:
Our kids (human and equine) are doing
great. Dante is sound and went back to work in September, only a few
days a week, but seems no worse for wear! Knocking wood it stays that
way! I have decided that I would like to place him in a new home. I know
that the Rutgers site lists graduates for sale - however I am looking
to gift him to someone. I think he would do fabulously with someone
who is looking for a forever horse to do lower level dressage, trail
ride, maybe even low jumping when he is farther along in his
training. He is still barefoot and living out 24/7 and is more than
content. We could list him if you like, but perhaps you have someone
who would be interested. You know how much time and care we have put
into him, happily of course, and I would like to find him someone
who could appreciate him and treat him with the kindness and "pay it
forward" attitude that you and Patty and I have.
May 2007:
Dante is doing great and has the best personality - he is so easy
to work with I forget he is a yearling! I laugh at grooming time - he
loves to swing those brushes around. I don't deny him that pleasure!
|
|
RU Oliver Twist
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2007
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- By Prodigal Snifty Hank (Registered APHA) x Blondie (Belgian)
- Bred by Hiatt Ranch, ND
- ½ Paint ½ Belgian
July 2007:
Oliver is settling in nicely. He loves his grooming sessions and
we do something new every day. He is in love with the tractor and will
follow it and my husband around the pasture. Go figure!
|
| RU Fiona |  
2010 | - By Cadillac Coyjack (QH) x Red (Belgian cross)
- Bred by Hiatt Ranch, ND
July 25, 2011:
Fiona is doing great. She has recently begun working as a therapy horse
at Celtic Charms Therapeutic Horsemanship in Howell so she will have a
job when I am busy at college. I am working toward becoming certified to
teach therapeutic riding so I still get to spend quite a bit of time
with Fiona. I try to fit in some trail riding and jumping between her
lessons. Everyone is amazed when they hear that Fiona is only five, and
her funny personality has made her a barn favorite. You can always count
on Fi to run over to greet you. I tell everyone her story, and it turns
out one of her students is actually a Rutgers alum as well! As you can
tell, I cannot say enough great things about Fiona. She continues to
impress me everyday, and I could not ask for a better horse!
January 7, 2011:
Fiona
continues to be the greatest. We have been working on jumping and
have started showing in baby green hunters. Fiona will
jump anything you put in front of her without hesitation, and she
is now learning lead changes. The only problem I have with her is
keeping her interested because she is so smart and gets bored
easily! So of course she loves going to horse shows and on trail
rides. Her name definitely fits her as she is certainly
a princess! She has a mind of her own and insists on doing what
she
wants (luckily, we have similar agendas most of the time)! I
am having so much fun with Fiona, and I am so glad that I took
a chance with her. She is such a clown and she makes me
laugh everyday! I am definitely going to do the Monmouth
County show series and probably some Woodedge shows at Horse Park of NJ
and some Baymar shows. I am hoping to start showing Fiona more starting
in February/March. I am not a member of the Colts Neck Trail
Riders but I would love to do some of their hunter paces this year,
especially since I live within walking distance of Bucks Mill Park!
| | RU Lenore | 
Lenore already teaching her foal to eat hay!
April 2012 | - By Sports Coupe (Registered APHA) x Belgian/QH mare
- Bred by Ravine Ranch
April 2012:
RU
Lenore is currently acting as a surrogate mother to a saddlebred filly
(Such a Salesman x Intoxicating Conversation). She is proving to
be an excellent mother- already teaching her filly to eat hay. Her
owners say in a week the filly be searching their pockets for candy! | | RU Zidane | | Photo coming soon! | - By Cadillac Coyjack (QH) x "Corky" (Belgian)
- Bred by Hiatt Ranch, ND
May 2012:Zidane is doing great. He is eventing elementary level and doing training level
dressage. I will forward a picture of him from Gladstone in April in the
next day or 2. I hope he will be at the RU Reunion
July 21 at the Colts Neck Trail Riders Poker Pace in Bucks Mill Park, Colts
Neck. |
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For questions about the program or website, please contact Dr. Sarah Ralson at ralston@aesop.rutgers.edu
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