2012 Clinic Dates Announced

The dates for the 2012 Dressage Clinic Series with Lauren Sprieser at Sally Run have been added under the Dressage Clinics tab of this site.  An April date will likely be added soon, and if everything stays on schedule, the new guest barn will be open just in time for the start of the series.  So, we should have plenty of stabling this year, and we won't be playing musical ponies in the barn.  Questions/Reservations can be emailed to caroline@sallyrun.com.  We will need new coggins and signed clinic participation agreements for 2012, which I will email to you when you reserve a spot.  Also, if you are planning to ride in multiple clinics, please list all dates on one copy of the agreement - then you will be good to go for the entire series.

So far, so good

This has been the most mild winter I can remember in Wytheville, and except for the mud, I cannot complain.  I may have to get one of those Farmer's Almanacs after all, as it's prediction for our area was "very mild, very wet, above normal temps, and stormy," - all of which has been experienced thus far.  The timing of this mildness has been perfect since there is nothing more frustrating than starting a construction project in sub-arctic temps with snow on the ground.  If I were a contractor, I think I would keep a copy of that almanac handy. 

Gorgeous double rainbow this morning!

So, the concrete is poured for the new Pony B&B, timbers are cut and being stained, and the warm weather has kept everyone in good spirits.  Here are a few pics of what's been happening . . .

Syd sporting her first pair of full seat breeches, and Glory in her new blingy browband!

Footers, Concrete, Water ready for the timbers to go up!

2012 - Evens Rock!

I am an honest-to-goodness even  (ask any R-MWC/RC alum), and I can feel 2012's awesomeness already.  Great things seem to happen in the even years - my birth (wink, wink), all graduations, one of my two children,  World Equestrian Games, and the Olympics - just to name a few!!!  Except for the onslaught of negative media that accompanies presidential campaigns, even years tend to bring great progress & excitement, and I suspect 2012 will be no different!

The biggest thing going on at the farm right now is getting this Pony B&B going - construction always takes twice as long as anticipated, and except for Gretchen Yahn, I don't think there are very many type A's in the business.  So, I am trying to be patient as the engineers work out the final details.  In the meantime, here are a few pictures of the progress to date, which has mostly consisted of moving a lot of dirt and building Bruce the pond he has always wanted ;).

So far, lots of dirt . . .

Bruce's new pond and road

The view from Bruce's new road :) 



View from the back - look closely for the stake on the left - rear corner of the barn.  You can also find the pile of old water lines that of course ran right under the new barn - which meant twice as much digging and laying all new pipe - typical!

My reflective photo - Barney and Glory's new run-in shed of 2011!  She finally went in when it got down to single digits this week with 30 mph wind - silly ponies!

Happy New Year!!

We hope all of our family and friends have had a wonderful Christmas, a restful holiday break, and a joyful start to the new year!  We are looking forward to all that 2012 has in store for us and wish everyone the very best!   

Updated Clinic Schedule

Here is the updated clinic schedule for this weekend:

Friday, December 16
3:30 Sydney Stephens
4:15 Molly Watson
5:00 Lisa Terry
5:45 Michaela Bethard
6:30 Gigi Good

Saturday, December 17
7:45 Molly Watson
8:30 Sydney Stephens
9:15 Lisa Terry
10:00 Elaine Flory
10:45 Gigi Good
11:30 Michaela Bethard

See you tomorrow!

Exciting Week

This is an exciting week at Sally Run!  The SR Pony B&B is officially underway - dirt is moving, so there is no turning back now!!  The plans are drawn, the stalls are coming along, and we're hoping to be complete before the spring clinic series kicks off!  Also, we have our final clinic of 2011 with Lauren Sprieser this Friday and Saturday - see previous post for the schedule.  Our family is gearing up for the holidays and the last week of school, and we look forward to seeing all of our horse friends this weekend on the farm!  Even if you aren't riding, come out and visit - I'll have some hot wassail in the barn waiting for you!!

Congratulations to Michaela!

Sally Run sends out huge congratulations to the Bethards on the recent addition of Boundary to their horse family!  We cannot wait to meet Boundary and see this new pair together at the December clinic!!