August 2010

Are we all ready for the fall now?  No more complaining about the cold, huh?  It's also time for our yearly trip to the equestrian trade show -- yippee!  Lynn (my webmaster) and I will be partying in Philly!  We will be looking for new ideas, researching new products and finding people to help us make some of our own items.  If you have anything in particular you are looking for, contact me this week at mobilehrs@AOL.com and let me know to be on the lookout! 

 

 

There are several shows coming up, as well.  For us breeders, the Sunshine Sporthorse Association's annual 2-day, 2-show breeders show is in September at Canterbury in Gainesville.  Our own Joie de Vivre

Joie de Vivre, at his 1 yr birthday

 will be making his first debut!  The SDCTA dressage show at Tampa is the last weekend of August -- this one is always a lot of fun!  And if you need a little warm-up for Regionals, or just want to attend a nice, usually quieter show with the locals, there's the Ride Lite show the first weekend of October at Canterbury.  Our own Helluva Dream Maker will make his 3 year old debut this year; let's hope we stay in the ring!!!  Please come out and support these shows.  They are a nice diversion these days!

 

We now have the tentative dates for our two big clinics.  Bo Jena will be here from Sweden around the 7th - 8th of December.  I already have a list started and it's filling fast, so let me know if you want in!  Then, Jennie Lorriston Clark will be here January 10th thru 12th.  I'm also gathering names for her.  I'm thinking of doing a day with her near Tampa, so please let me know if you are interested!  I'm spreading the word now, so that you can schedule the days since they are during the week, and start saving now.  It is a splurge, but these people are so talented as teachers and judge internationally on a regular basis.  If you can take the opportunity, you will have a blast!

 

OK, back to sweating again!  I'd play the lotto for my dream covered arena, but I'm not the luckiest person!  If you are, let me know!!!

 

Happy riding!

Jo

June 2010

 

So what happened to spring???  Oh well, summer is in full force!  We hope everyone is finding ways to keep our "kids" and ourselves comfortable enough in the Florida steam bath!  The weather gods were

"Schotzi" with his new ball,

which has become a permanent fixture in his mouth!

 certainly kind to everyone at Silver Sands Bridle Club's "Dressage On The Beach" show this past weekend.  I live fairly close by and had a monsoon both Saturday and Sunday but it appeared there was a protective "bubble" over the showgrounds!  Although typically warm, we had clear days, dry warm-up grass areas, a super office team, great atmosphere, fun riders' group attending, the usual gourmet party, great prizes and overall good time again this year.  It's really nice to have a limited entry forum now and then to enjoy a small and easy going show.  We're already looking forward to next year's show!

 

We would like to introduce our newest family members and MHS spokesweiners, "Schotzi and Rudi," newly adopted boys from the Inverness Humane Society.  Our own "Wolfgang" is still thriving and loves his new buddies!  We encourage everyone to find their new family members at the rescues -- these guys are the biggest cuddlebugs I've ever met.  It's as if they are saying, "Thanks, mom!!!" every day.  We also are starting two of our babies, Helluva Dream Maker (see sales page for Pfancy's Favorites Farm) and Hollywood Flyboy, at the moment.  My kids are growing up -- or am I just getting old???

 

"Rudi," the "sensitive" weiner

We have plenty of Cool Medic vests and some other new "cooling systems" for the summer at MHS.  We also continue to clean out the store and are listing more and more items on the eBay storefront.  So, please take a moment to check out the sales; you can always link through by going to our closeout page on the website if you have difficulty finding us on eBay.  The sales items are also set up at our location in Chuluota if you ever want to stop by to shop!

Lastly, don't forget the upcoming shows at Canterbury in July and August, Tampa in August and the many schooling shows all around this summer.  We are also making plans for some SUPER clinics with some international judges and trainers for the following season.  We have arranged several days with Jennie Lorriston Clark of GB on January 10-12th (during the week) and hope to have Bo Jena from Sweden sometime in December and January.  I'm forewarning everyone now, and will give dates as soon as I get them, so you can start arranging for those days off NOW.  These guys are incredible teachers and very hard to get here, so start planning now!

 

Happy Riding!

Jo

April 2010

 

A very special note to the organizers of the Amateur Award Series shows this season:  Thank You!!!  What a great idea -- great prizes, great atmosphere, wonderful staff!  I heard a lot of folks saying, "I'm hooked!  I'll be back" at the Heidleberg Cup show.  It's been quite a season of weather this year; I'm really

Roxie at Ocala (flying away!)

Palmer Photo

 impressed with everyone's attitudes and in some cases, courage at the shows.  I'm also really impressed with the great strides many riders have made (no pun intended) since last year.  To all I say, keep up the good work and let's keep encouraging each other! 

 

We have switched the store inventory from winter to summer stock and that means that LOTS of items have been listed on sale on the eBay storefront, including sold out fabrics -- breeches, sweaters, coats and shirts.  Please visit the store sometime (you can just link through on our webpage!)  All items are priced at wholesale and less and need to go, so make an offer on your favorites.

 

We also have lots of new fun stock arriving.  We hope to see everyone at the shows throughout the summer.  Don't forget Jacksonville in April, Rocking Horse and Canterbury in May, Silver Sands and Tampa in June.  It may be hot, but we have a lot of fun at these summer shows.  As cold as it was this winter, too, it may be nice that your horse sweats and calms down at a show!

 

Happy Riding!

Jo

March 2010

 

Ok, after the show in Ocala last weekend, no one can call dressage riders "wimps" anymore!!!  After riding in incredible sustained winds, giving up on the rings staying up (even with sandbags), watching all those flags trying to shred behind the judges boxes, we are not wimps!!!!!  I hear they had super wet conditions

Molly's excitement over

 the new trip!

 in Welly-world as well.  We've had some weather this season, haven't we?  I was riding in Ocala and I have to say that everyone really kept good spirits and were great sports about everything.  The statement of the day came from my friend, Michelle Just.  She and I were sitting watching the mayhem after our rides and seeing the staff give up and let the rings lie.  We were watching lots of horses test out their two-legged walking style -- it was more of a rodeo at one point!  When out from Michelle comes, "Wow!  This is just like watching NASCAR!"  I burst out laughing!  What a great assessment!  In the end, we all survived and gained some new confidence in our partners and much (as usual) was learned.

 

We, at Pfancy's Favorites Farm, are THRILLED to announce that our super pony, Pink Perfection (aka Molly) is flying to Columbia!  She has been purchased by a wonderful family with a super young rider.  She is 12 years old, rode Molly fantastically, as did her trainer, and will be learning, showing and loving my special girl!  The trainer also happens to own a German Riding Pony stallion!  It's scary how perfectly this has worked out!  I'm so excited and I can't wait to follow their successes.  So my pony gets to take her first plane flight soon -- cool!

 

Lastly, don't forget Gayle's final show in her Amateur Awards series, the Heidleburg Cup, in a couple of weeks at Clarecona.  Gayle has more prizes being added daily!  We, here at MHS, are giving another High Score Yeld Mare award (to promote breeding our best mares).  Dr. Debra Redmond has also added an award of a "pre-ride" prep for someone from Saturday's show to get them ready for the show on Sunday.  Merill-Lynch's group, Laura Southard and Barbara Schenck have incredible prize packages for the champ and reserves from the cumulative shows.  It will be quite the "hootenanny!"  Also, Dr. Hildebrandt, who gave a lecture in Ocala, will be giving another follow-up lecture at the Competitors Party on Saturday night.  I was really impressed with Dr. H and am looking forward to speaking with him again!

 

It's been an exciting show season, thanks to the weather!  We all survived and I think we all learned a lot and had a pretty good time.  We have lots of stories to tell, that's for sure!  Looking forward to seeing you all at the shows!

 

Happy Riding!

Jo

February 2010

 

Well, show season is in full swing and things in our area are a bit different this year.  Word is spreading about our own "super team" of Gayle Witty and Sandra Trussell and the type show they put on.  They are geared especially towards the amateur, with tons of awards, a great atmosphere, competitor parties where you can actually speak with the judges (in general -- don't take too much advantage of this!!), and generally, a good time.  Hats off, too, to Carly Evans for keeping the sanity and providing a super show in January, with temperatures only in the 20's!!!!!  You riders were really brave!  I stayed with a friend who has an above ground pool and it was frozen solid on Sunday morning.  So much so, that we put her dog on top to take pictures!  I'm ready to move to FL now!!!

 

We, at Mobile Horse Supply, have jumped on the bandwagon and added an award at the next Orlando

Wolfie giving one of his more

intelligent stares!

show.  The "High Score Yeld Mare" award, for any mare competing that has had at least one foal, is to promote and emphasize the importance of using our best mares for breeding.  The award offers a custom leather foal halter from England and gift certificate to the store!  If your mare is showing at the Sweatheart Cup and has had a foal, please be sure to let the office know!  Our own yeld SUPER pony mare, Dragon's Lair Pink's Perfection, earned her silver medal last weekend!  The new rule, offering the rider the opportunity to show an FEI class in a snaffle (except at CDI's), went into effect and "Molly" earned her final score for her silver.  This is the perfect example of using our best mares -- who wouldn't want another "Molly???"

 

We hope to continue to see lots of you at the shows and local outings.  Our local club, CFD, has begun doing more and more clinics and I, for one, am taking advantage!  Now that we're not sweating to death, take advantage of the cooler weather and get out!  Remember to support and help each other out, too.  Always realize how lucky we are to have our great four-legged buddies to enjoy!

 

Happy Riding!

Jo

December 2009

 

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday and got to rest a little.  This is the time of year when the dreaded inventory has begun, so we'd like to announce that we've added tons of items to the ebay storefront.  With no real winter for the last few years, I've culled quite a few coats.  They are all posted with measurements on the ebay storefront.  Also added were more pants, a few top hats, and miscellaneous items that make me scream when I walk into my storage area!  Please help me make them go away!

 

We'd like to announce a new program at Mobile Horse Supply.  We'd like to really support and encourage

"Joey" sends best wishes

for 2010!

 local businesses, not just horsey, that affect us close to home.  If you have a service, with good references, or know of someone that does a great service that we could all use, I'd like to make a listing and would like to help promote them.  The first I'd like to mention is of a friend of mine for close to 30 yrs, now, Barbara Eaton.  Not all of us can become vegetarians -- I wish I could, but I just can't.  Many of us, though, hate factory farming and how this system treats the animals.  So, if you buy beef or pork and want to encourage natural farming, Barbara is a good source in Florida.  She and her husband, Tom, have a 40 acre farm in Micanopy with a small herd of cattle that are raised for several years on grass without antibiotics or corn.  She also has some pigs that have acres to run on and are allowed to mature and have a natural, healthy life.  If you are interested in obtaining fresh, healthily raised protein like this, contact Barbara at the soon to be posted info.  We will be setting up a page for these services.  Email Jo at mobilehrs@AOL.com for other listings.  I will contact and research each one before posting.

Next resolution:  In the upcoming year, let's all support and encourage each other as much as possible.  We are SO lucky to be able to enjoy our horses at a time like this.  I want to hear about great show experiences, funny happenings on the trail, excitement at the clinic, etc.  Try to see the glass half full this year.  Is it getting sticky sweet in here?  OK -- you know what I mean.  I hope everyone has a great break and I hope to see many familiar faces this season.

 

Happy Riding!

Jo

November 2009

Happy Holidays, everyone!

     It's been a pretty rough years for a lot of us, so please take the time at Thanksgiving to let each other know how much you appreciate them.  As we question how things should be run, let's remember to take care of each other in our little horse community.  I especially appreciate those folks that have become friends who have always supported my store, even if I couldn't beat some catalog's price.  Thanks to those who still care about local loyalties and customer service, which seems to be decreasing as the search gets greater for the best deal.  Please know that at Mobile Horse Supply, we are also riders and horse owners.  We test many of our items and always try to find the best values for the money.  We hope to steer you away from unnecessary costs and we want to help you get what you need to do the job.  With so many folks losing jobs, please take the time to refer each other to opportunities and help each other out.

     On a happier note, the holidays are quickly approaching.  We posted a "Gift Ideas" page on the website and encourage all husbands and significant others to contact us for their holiday needs.  We aim to please your mate or friend and will do all the work for you, including gift-wrap!   We are also happy to create custom ideas for that special someone -- from tack, to clothing, to jewelry, we have it all!

     Mobile Horse Supply is also welcoming anyone who would like to audit our clinic with Mr. Bo Jena on Tuesday and Wednesday, Dec. 8 & 9 at Half Halt Stables in Cocoa.  Auditing is 15.00/day, to be paid to the farm owner, Susanne Benne.  We have 13 rides on each day, from lower levels to Grand Prix, with some really fun riders.  Bo is a gifted teacher and international judge.  He is the head of dressage instruction at the Flyinge in Sweden and was appointed to the country's Dressage Federation board last year.  So, talk about being current!  For more info, contact Jo at mobilehrs@AOL.com .

     We hope everyone has a great holiday season and offer our services to help in any way!

Happy riding!

October 2009

 

    Is everyone ready for the new season?  We just got back from Region 3 Championships; I definitely learned a lot, since I also rode in this one.  Thanks SO much to my great help, Lynn Wolpmann and Sindra Ridge, with whom I could never have pulled off both duties!  And thanks so my friends from Jacksonville, who hooked me up with a generator for the weekend, after being told I wouldn't need one (so I didn't bring my own -- ARGHGHG!).  All in all, it was quite a learning experience!  Congratulations to all riders for qualifying well enough to be invited!  Funny, even though I have moved from 13 to 16hh, I still had a pony!!!  There were some huge horses and very spectacular ones, at that!  We are a little spoiled here in Florida, since we have so many top quality horses showing.  It was something to see!

     We were so proud of our Pfancy's Favorites Farm babies, too!  Congratulations to Betty Ledyard and

Betty's "kids" (Bella on left)

 our own Bella, for placing 3rd out of 24 in the Training level championship class!  We are so lucky that our girl has found such a perfect home!  Coming Attraction, my best buddy, was also a true "little lady" for me all weekend and made me very proud!  Lots of our "locals" did well, so we were really pleased.  I wrote my thoughts about the show in the editorial section of my website -- I truly learned a ton!

 

     We have a couple new lines to talk about.  We now carry Abbey of England bits.  This company bought the molds from Dewsbury and several others, so we can order about any bit you may want!  We have curbs from 4"-7" and every conceivable bradoon or snaffle in any size.  I have stocked quite a few curbs already, but carry a catalog of the line from which you can choose.  We also have the new fall Gersimi line in stock -- wait until you see it!  We also have a line of street clothing, each with unique "horsie" detail.  Pictures and information are on the website homepage.

 

     Also, remember that we are your "husband's best friend" right before Christmas!  I have paid attention to what your wife has had her eyes on in the store, can gift wrap and get to you with no effort!  How's that for easy???  Feel free to email or call me with any questions about gift ideas for that special person this year!  As always, we look forward to seeing everyone -- support your local shows and let show management know what they can do to increase their draw.  See you at the shows!

 

Happy riding

Jo

August 2009

Regarding the current status of showing:

     I’m sure many complaints are lodged from shows, but I just wanted to praise something I noted at the last show I attended.  I was both a vendor (in other words, I hear EVERYTHING) and a rider and experienced something that I often don’t.  We had three judges, all “S” judges and I have to say that scores were pleasant and fair.  The amateurs were scored as such and the pros with very nice horses, who I would expect to do well, did.  When I looked back at all the scores, the judges agreed and were very similar -- the spectacular horses that had consistent tests were rewarded and generally in the 70’s, and those of us with more average horses were given good scores, where earned, and appropriate scores for mistakes.  In this economic environment, many riders have begun to show less,  get their scores, then not spend any more money showing.  Also, more shows with new management have popped up lately.  The end result is that most shows suffer and are very small.  From an economic standpoint, all this means is that in the future,  fewer shows will be available.

     What I’m trying to say is this.  The show I just attended in Tampa had a great atmosphere.  It ALWAYS rains in Florida in August and is pretty miserably hot.  This management made all 3 rings under cover, with covered warm ups also available.  They gave many awards for riders and really kept up a fun atmosphere.  The park people were great (I even had to have my store pulled out by a tractor from the rain!) and were always available for assistance.  Lots of fun alternative classes were offered and judges were of a same mind, it seemed.  This all added up to lots of fun and everyone, for the most part, was really glad they attended.  So, I thought you should know of the successes as well as the failures in our sport.  I applaud the shows that cater mostly to the rider and understand that they are the ones paying the bills and they make the show a success.

Happy riding!