Success at March 30th Tall Pines Show

Our young Rose Court Farms riders had a great time at the March 30th Tall Pines Show, and, as you can see from the picture, they brought in the ribbons.  Ten horses went, and 15 riders showed what they could do.  Lindsey Loppnow and Katie Forcier helped riders dress, tacked up horses, and coached riders in the ring.  Lindsey made show bows for the riders, and they all wore them proudly.  A number of proud parents and supporters wearing Rose Court Farms t-shirts also attended.  Roger West provided a big spiral ham and a turkey breast for sandwiches. Overall, everyone enjoyed themselves. The riders are looking forward to the next show!

Request Visit by Equine Chiropractor April 22-24

Joy Baker, DVM, will be visiting the Summerville area April 22-24.  Joy specializes in chiropractic care and acupuncture for horses, and is a certified herbalist.  A rider herself, she does dressage. She lives in Tryon, NC, but travels to the Charleston area once a month to see clients here.  If you would like her to come to Rose Court Farms while she is in the area, Joy can be reached at 828/817-0315 or apchirovet@gmail.com

How do you know if your horse needs chiropractic care?

• Loss or decrease in level of performance.
• Problems or difficulty executing desired movements.
• Behavioral changes (i.e. refusals, cinchy, bucking).
• Short striding.
• Diagnosed conditions, such as degenerative arthritis.
• Muscle imbalance, spasms, or atrophy.
• Gait problems, such as cross-canter, loss of collection, refusal to pick-up lead.
• Injuries resulting from falls, training, or other activities.

This information selected from the article Equine Chiropractic Questions. 

Parelli Clinic at Rose Court Farms April 14th

Alecia Howard will be doing a Parelli Clinic at Rose Court Farms on Sunday April 14th at 9 am.. It is a 4 hour clinic. Two hours of ground work, a half hour break, and then two hours in the saddle. Space is limited. Please contact Annette Clark if you are interested. There is paperwork to fill out and payment is needed to hold your spot. There is a limit of 6 people for this clinic. Some spots are already taken. Last years clinic was a great success!  Also, if you'd like to come watch, you are welcome. 

Show Practice March 28

Want to feel confident on your horse in the show ring? Riders who will be attending the upcoming March 30th Tall Pines Show are encouraged to attend show practice on Thursday, March 28, at 5:00 pm.  You will have an opportunity to expose your horse to show conditions, as well as be coached on show judging. The cost for show practice is $20. Let Lindsey or Katie know you are coming.  

Currently signed up for trailer spots: 

• Emily Hensley on Breeze 
• Kristen Hensley on Lexus
• Becca Clayton on Cruiser
• Rachel Ford on Shadow
• Danielle di Pace on Reba
• Madison Kessler on Reba 
• Nicole Blackard on Reba 
• Cassidy Legates on Reba 
• Kelsea Frank on Apollo 
• Anne Bond on Apollo 
• Sarah Hudock on Apollo 
• Rachel West on Bella 
• Madi Cutts on Nelly 
• Sarah Calcutt on Cheyenne 

Invitation to Attend 2014 Road to the Horse

The 2013 Road to the Horse was amazing. If you'd like to attend this event next year on March 14-16, 2014, check the Road to the Horse website on May 14th for general ticket sales. Tickets are on sale now for Nation members, and if you are not a member, you can sign up on the website ($40 a year) and buy your tickets.They sell out fast, so if you want to go, get them quickly!  Everyone is welcome to attend.  

Some Rose Court Farms riders attended this year, and they had the option to renew their tickets on site - which they did.  They are in section 116, row I.  You can select seats in the same area, if you purchase quickly.  This is a popular section.  

Everyone is responsible for their own travel plans, but if you want to coordinate, then let Rob and Mary know once you have purchased your tickets. 

The cost?

• Around $150 a ticket for the three day event
• Hotels cost around $100 a night per room (there are many different hotels available in the area at a broad range of costs)
• Flight or driving costs 
• Food and drinks

Invitation to Attend the March 30th Tall Pines Show

Want to spend a day with your barn family, cheering on our riders?  Well, a big group is planning to attend the Tall Pines Horse Show on March 30.  Everyone is welcome. Roger West will bring subs for everyone.  Rob Browning will bring his big trailer with the awning so we can get out of the sun. And Linsdey Loppnow will be hauling her nine horse trailer, which, in addition to other trailers, should provide plenty of room to bring horses along. Katie Forcier and her students will also be attending.  We encourage everyone to bring a side or drinks to share, as well as a chair so you can watch the show in comfort. 

If you want to bring along your horse, you should sign up in the front tack room on the big white board.  You will see a list of names already started.  This way, we will know how many trailer slots we will need.  The going rate is $50 per trailer slot.

When I checked the list Monday night, this was who had signed up.  I will keep checking the list, or you can leave a comment on the Facebook page to let me know to add you to this blog.  I will update on a regular basis. 

• Rachel West on Bella (12 and under walk-trot-canter)
• Madi Cutts on Nelly (18 and under walk-trot-canter)
• Sarah Hudock on Apollo (crossrails)
• Sarah Calcutt on Cheyenne (crossrails)

This is a work in progress, and there may be some errors.  Just let me know.  I will fix them! 

Equine Dentist and Spring Shots on Sat, March 2

Dr. John Causey (equine dentist) will be providing dental care to horses on this Saturday, March 2.  Drs. Steve and Sheri Greene from Knightsville Veterinary Clinic will also be available to provide spring shots and pull Coggins tests.  They usually bring Mandy, and she has been known to, in addition to her other duties, clean sheaths while the horses are sedated for the dentist. This will be a busy day because this is a once a year event, and many horse owners at Rose Court Farms participate.  In addition, horses from other farms will also come to see the dentist and get shots done.  So, be ready for a lot of activity on the farm.

Why is this so important?  Horses should have their teeth checked each year for good health.  And you can't get anyone better than Dr. Causey. Dr. Causey is not a general vet who does horse teeth as part of a larger set of skills.  Dr. Causey is a specialist - and this is all he does.  He is a Board member of the International Association of Equine Dentistry and a co-author of a chapter in the Manual of Equine Dentistry.  He has been coming to do this event at Rose Court Farms for years, and has gained a good reputation with our boarders, whose horses are repeat patients.  You will find a sign up sheet in the front barn's tack room.

Lowcountry Horse Shows

We have some great choices for local horse shows.  Local shows are sponsored by the following organizations:

• Coastal Classic Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) Horseshow
• Coastal Island Horse Shows
• Middleton Equestrian Center
• Progressive Show Jumping
• South Carolina Hunter Jumper Association
• South Carolina Dressage and Cross Training Association
• Storm Riders 4-H Club 
• Tall Pines Horse Show Circuit
• Tidelands Horse Show

The 2013 Lowcountry horse show schedule:

• January 12:  Middleton Place Hounds Combined Test (Middleton Equestrian Center)  
• February 2: Storm Riders 4-H Fun Show (Mullet Hall)
• February 3: Coastal Classic IEA Horseshow (Mullet Hall) 
• February 16:  Coastal Island (Mullet Hall)
• February 23:  Tall Pines (Reeves Equestrian Center)
• February 23-24:  Lowcountry Dressage Classic (SCDCTA - Mullet Hall)
• March 9:  Coastal Island (Mullet Hall)
• March 16-17:  Ashley Hall Horse Show (Hunter Jumper - Mullet Hall)
• March 30:  Tall Pines (Reeves Equestrian Center)
• April 13: Tidelands (Combined Training - Mullet Hall)
• April 20:  Coastal Island (Mullet Hall)
• April 27: Tall Pines (Reeves Equestrian Center)

Come Paint the Jumps Jan 26th

On Saturday, January 26th, Rose Court Farms will hold its first "Paint the Jumps" party.  No lessons will be held on this Saturday.  Instead, we invite all riders to come help us color the jumps.  We will start painting at 10 am and will continue until all the jumps are done.  Roger West will be cooking hot dogs for lunch, and we invite everyone to bring a side or dessert, if you feel up to it.  We are also looking for donations to help pay for the paint,  perhaps $15 per jumping family, if you feel so inspired.  Give donations to Lindsey Loppnow or Katie Forcier. 

Riding Lessons

Instructor Lindsey Loppnow

You might know Rose Court Farms because we keep winning awards for our equestrian parade team. Because we're the ones with the matching blue shirts at horse shows. Because we cheer wildly for our award-winning riders. Because we're often hauling off to trail ride at interesting places. Because we win the highest barn participation award every year at the Pinewood Equestrian Team Pancake Breakfast. Because we are an outstanding boarding facility.

What you may not know is that we are now offering lessons. And you don't need to own or board a horse at Rose Court Farms to take lessons. We will provide trained lesson horses for you to ride. We offer lessons in both English and Western for beginners through advanced riders. And we provide all tack. All you have to do is show up!

Prices for lessons:  

• $40 for a full hour small group lesson

Monday Barn Nights at Madra Rua

Our boarders, riders, families, and friends are invited to join us on Monday nights at Madra Rua in Summerville.  We meet to discuss recent barn happenings, to plan future events, and to socialize with some of the best horse folks in the Lowcountry.  We start around 6:00 pm, and usually leave around 8:00 pm (though we have been known to stay longer if it isn't a school night).  We reserve the back room on the non-smoking side each week. If you want to get involved and know what is going on at the barn, you are encouraged to attend. Check the Rose Court Farms Facebook page for reminders.

New Year's Eve at Rose Court Farms

Join your barn people at Madra Rua to celebrate the Irish New Year, which happens at 7 pm our time. Have a toast - and then come out to Rose Court Farms afterwards for the bonfire of the Christmas trees. You can still get home before the ball drops, or stay to help keep watch over the horses through the fireworks madness. If you have a Christmas tree to burn, bring it by the farm the day before so we can have the bonfire ready to go on New Year's Eve.  We will be at Madra Rua from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm or so, then we'll be at the farm for the bonfire.  Join us for any and all of these family-friendly celebrations!  Also, some of us will be doing the Polar Bear Plunge at Sullivan's Island on New Year's Day.  Again, you are welcome to join in (plunging or just watching)!  

2012 Rose Court Farms Christmas Party

Boarders and friends gathered Sunday, December 16th, at Rose Court Farms to share food, sing karaoke, get pictures taken with Santa and horses, and steal gifts from their friends in the "white elephant" gift exchange.  Pictures have been appearing all over Facebook, so it's clear everyone had a good time.  You can see many of those pictures on the Rose Court Farms Facebook page. I encourage folks to post your RCF event pictures onto the RCF Facebook page as well as your individual pages so all our barn family can see them.  I've been trying to repost pictures that appeared on individuals' pages to the RCF page when I can, but there are so many! However, I've included some images below, including a video of Sue singing "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus."  Brilliant!

Rose Court Farms Etched Glassware

Rachel Aikman is an artist and student at Trident Technical College who produces etched glassware.  She says of herself, "I am a local artist, and my life's passion is to create beautiful things for the world to enjoy, in traditional art, and handmade crafts."
Rachel gave me a coffee mug (pictured below) for an end-of-the-semester gift when she completed my creative writing class.  I loved it so much that I asked her to create a set of coffee mugs with the logo for Rose Court Farms for our white elephant/dirty santa gift exchange, as well as other types of glasses for general gift giving. If you would like your own glassware with the Rose Court Farms logo (or another image), you can contact Rachel at (843) 499-0453 to place an order.  The prices are usually $15 per individual glassware item or $40 for a set of four.  If the design is more intricate, the pricing may vary. You can see more of her work at her website and on her Facebook page, Venus Flytrap Designs.

RCF wins 2012 parade prize

What can I say about the Christmas Parade that hasn't already been said?  What pictures can I post that haven't been posted?  We know we were awesome.  We know we pulled together and accomplished much in a short period of time. We know we were awarded "The Most Popular" by the judges (see where the Summerville Journal Scene announced the award in their recent article).  Much has been said.  Much has been done.

True Horsemanship with Johnny Crooks, Dec 15th

Beautiful Buckskin for Lease

Cheyenne is a Rose Court Farms lesson horse with experience in both English and Western.  She was shown at Tall Pines this last season in English classes, and did  well.  She also was ridden Western in the Summerville Christmas parade, cantered on the beach, and went on an overnight camping trip to Mullet Hall.  Cheyenne has traveled, and has been learning as she goes.  A smart horse, she has much to offer her riders.

Leasing is a great way to enter into equestrian sports. An on-site lease would be $400 for a full lease, $225 a month for 3 days a week, and $150 a month for 1 day a week. Vet and farrier bills would be covered by owner. Lease agreements are for 3-6 month periods.  Lessons are also available.  Contact rob@rosecourtfarms.com

Christmas Parade Plan

If you want to participate in the Summerville Christmas Parade with Rose Court Farms, great! Here are the instructions. Our Christmas Parade line-up numbers are 60, 61, and 62. We will be lining up on N. Laurel St., in the same location as last year.  If you plan to participate, but haven't signed up yet on the Rose Court Farms Facebook page, please do it now.

You can see a map below that will show you the street where each numbered space will be. The Summerville Police and Fire Departments will have Line-up Coordinators on each block to help you with spot location and to answer any additional question you might have.

• Line up begins at 11am
• We will leave the farm by 11:30
• If you do not have a horse to transport, and/or are bringing young children, you don't have to come to the farm first.  You can meet us at the parade spot by 1:00.
• Line up ends at 1:15pm.  Any group not lined up by 1:15pm will forfeit their location.
• Parade begins at 2:00

Invitation to Participate in the 2012 Christmas Parade

The 2011 Summerville Christmas Parade

The Summerville Christmas Parade is coming up Sunday, Dec 9 at 2:00 pm in downtown Summerville, and Rose Court Farms will be there.  You should be there, too!  Boarders and friends are invited to participate in the Summerville Christmas parade.

The theme for the parade is "Santa's Workshop," so Rose Court Farms has chosen as its theme: "The Horses are Rockin' at Rose Court Farms."  We will create the image of elves working at Santa's workshop on rocking horses, as well as other toys. We will have in the parade:

Support Local Young Equestrians, Pancake Breakfast, Dec 15, 2012

Pancake Breakfast

In support of Pinewood Equestrians

Saturday December 15, 2012

8:00 am – 10:00 am

Applebee's

1310 N Main Street

By Azalea Square

$6.00

Rose Court Farms has won the free party sub

for highest barn attendance 

for two years running.
Let's do it again!