October Appointments

A monthly publication of The Tryon Daily Bulletin

The Hoofbeats of the Carolina Foothills

F R E EOctober 2011

Volume 5 Issue 10

Spotlight on local equestrians:

Michael KocherTina Gragg

Rebecca Kemp

‘My horse’s belly hurts,’ by Rich Metcalf, DVM

COUNTRY LIVING Guest rooms

by Gillian Drummond

Appointments

by Barbara Childs

The cries of hounds break through a foggy, fall morning in the foothills and riders set off through the valley to follow their trail. It’s fox hunting season in our horse country.

On the hunt

(Continued on page 4)

Appointments • October 2011 • p. 2

Appointments

Betty Ramsey, publisherSamantha Hurst, editor 828-859-2737 x 110Fulton Hampton, marketing 828-859-2737 x 104Nick Holmberg, marketing 828-859-2737 x 114Make your “Appointments!”

fourth Thursday of every month (subject to change) in every home-delivered and newsstand copy of The Tryon Daily Bulletin. You can also find them for free each month, as long as they last, in tourism and equestrian businesses throughout the area. A p p o i n t m e n t s i s a m o n t h l y publication of The Tryon Daily Bulletin Inc., 16 N. Trade Street, Tryon, N.C. 28782.

To reach us regarding:• News i tems, contact Samantha Hurst, (828) 859-2737 ext. 110, e-mail [email protected] o m ; o r B a r b a r a C h i l d s , [email protected]; FAX to (828) 859-5575.• Advertising, billing or distribution inquiries, please call Nick Holmberg at the Tryon Daily Bulletin, (828) 859-9151.Appointments is distributed on the

Fall 20119/23-25: Tryon Fall Classic at

FENCE. Info: Classic Co., 843-768-5503 or visit www.classiccompany.com.

9/30-10/2: Carolina Carriage Club Pleasure Show at Harmon Field, Harmon Field Rd., Tryon.

10/1-2: 36th Tryon Riding & Hunt Club Horse Trials at FENCE. Hosting the USEA/Chronicle of the Horse Adult Team Challenge. Info: 828-859-6109 or visit www.trhcevent.org.

10/1: Foothills Equestrian Trails Association (FETA) annual meeting and barbecue Saturday, Oct. 1 at 6 p.m. at the main house at FENCE. Dinner will include barbecue and all the fixings and drinks. Guests are asked to bring lawn chairs.

10/1: Harmon Hopefuls at Harmon Field, Harmon Field Rd., Tryon. Info: Noreen Cothran, 864-457-3557.

10/6: Sheriff’s Mounted Patrol Preview Party at Giardini’s in Columbus. Info: Lynn Chalmers, 828-894-6194.

10/6: Saddle Up for Hospice Info: Charlotte Costa, 828-863-2000.

10/6-27: Equine Marketing 101. Isothermal Community College in Columbus. Info: www.isothermal.edu/polk/

10/8: FRC Cross Country Schooling at FENCE. Info: Margo Savage, 828-863-4924.

10/8: Saddle Up for Hospice at Stone Soup. Info: Charlotte Costa, 828-894-2000.

10/9: FRC Dressage at Harmon Field. Info: Margo Savage, 828-863-4924.

10/11: Nutrition Seminar w/ Bob Mowrey, NCSU, at Mill Spring Ag Center. Info: Rachel Butterworth-Tice, DVM, [email protected].

10/9: 78th TR&HC Any and All Dog Show, Green Creek Equestrian Park, Columbus. Info: Laura Weicker, 828-859-6109 or www.trhcevents.net.

10/14-16: Progressive Show Jumping Show at FENCE. Info: [email protected], 803-649-3505.

10/14-16: Second Annual Day in the Country. Info: Laura Weicker, 828-859-6109 or visit www.trhcevents.net .

10/15: FENCE Wine & Art Festival Saturday, Oct. 15 at The Red Horse Inn in Landrum. The event will run from noon until 5 p.m.

10/21-23: Blue Ridge Hunter Jumper Association Classic Show at Harmon Field. Info: Lewis Pack at 828-894-2721.

10/22: Body/Energy work clinic with Sandy Siegrist at Long Shadows Farm, Campobello, S.C. Info: [email protected].

10/22-23: Beginner Combined Training with Nicole Watts. Info: [email protected].

10/22-23: Horsemanship and Obstacles Clinic. Ride and learn with Dave Seay and Pat Parrish. Info: Bill and Judith Kerns 828-859-5456/ 828-553-0202

10/23: Foothills Riding Club Schooling Horse Trials at FENCE. Info: Margo Savage, 828-863-4924.

10/29-30: Icelandic Horse Show at FENCE. Info: Sara Lyter.

11/10-12: Jerry Tindell clinic for Horse/Mulemanship 1. This clinic is planned to be at Ron Freer’s farm in Tryon. Call 760-948-1172 or check out Jerry’s website, jerrytindell.com, for more information. Horse/Mulemanship 2 will be held Nov. 13-15. There will also be a trail ride Nov. 16.



• Hunting(Continued from page 1)

The pack hunts Wednesdays and Saturdays from early September until mid-March. (photo submitted)

In 1935, the Tryon Hounds was recognized by the Masters of Foxhounds Association and today enjoys an active and en-thusiastic membership of rid-ing and non-riding members. Foxhunting is the cornerstone of the area’s equestrian heri-

tage and helps to protect the rural charm and rustic beauty of our community while add-ing directly to the region’s economic impact.

The Tryon Hounds began as a drag hunting pack in the 1920s when the late Carter P. Brown recognized that the Polk County countryside was ideal for pleasure and trail

riding. The climate also of-fered the potential for riding to hounds when the sport was curtailed by the severe weath-er in the north and mid-west. The pack hunts Wednesdays and Saturdays f rom ear ly September until mid-March.

The s tar t of the formal season is Thanksgiving morn-ing. Visitors are welcome to

attend the Blessing of the Hounds at Thanksgiving Hill. The main hunt country lies between 1-26 in Landrum and Highway 9 in Green Creek, as well as on additional land in Gowensville, S.C. The ken-nels, stable and clubhouse are located on Little Mountain Road in Columbus.

Hunt country is chartered


The HuntsmanJ o r d a n H i c k s b e c a m e

a p r o f e s s i o n a l h u n t s m a n f o r Tr y o n H o u n d s s t a r t -i n g w i t h t h e 2 0 0 7 - 2 0 0 8 s e a s o n , a n d t h i s i s t h e f i f t h s e a s o n w i t h t h e p a c k .

“ I l o v e t h i s s p o r t b e -c a u s e I t r u l y l o v e t h e h o u n d s a n d h u n t i n g . I s t a r t e d h u n t i n g o n f o o t w i th my own beag le s and f o x h o u n d s o n t h e f a m i l y f a r m w h e n I w a s 9 y e a r s o l d , ” H i c k s s a i d .

W h e n H i c k s w a s 1 1 h i s d a d ’s c o u s i n Ly d i a K e l l e t t t o o k t h e m h u n t -i n g f o r t h e f i r s t t i m e w i t h G e r a l d P a c k a n d t h e G r e e n v i l l e C o u n t y H o u n d s .

“ I h a d a p o n y n a m e d S u n n y w h o w a s a w f u l t o r i d e , b u t s h e l o v e d t o keep up w i th t he hounds , a n d s h e w o u l d j u m p a n y -t h i n g I p o i n t e d h e r a t . I

“I used to get into trouble for trying to sneak out of the field to get closer to the hounds so I could see them working.”

-- Jordan Hicks

u s e d t o g e t i n t o t r o u b l e fo r t ry ing to sneak ou t o f t h e f i e l d t o g e t c l o s e r t o the hounds so I cou ld see t h e m w o r k i n g . ”

P a c k d e c i d e d t o p u t H icks ’ eage rnes s t o good use by making h im par t of h i s s t a f f a n d h e w h i p p e d in fo r severa l years ; Pack a l s o l e t H i c k s h u n t t h e h o u n d s f o r h i m w h e n h e w a s a t e e n a g e r.

“ I t w a s i n v a l u a b l e e x -pe r i ence tha t some o f the p e o p l e c o m i n g i n t o f o x -h u n t i n g a s a s t a f f l a t e r i n l i f e a r e r e a l l y m i s s i n g o u t o n . I t ’s o n e t h i n g t o b e a w h i p , b u t b e i n g a h u n t s m a n h a s a t o t a l l y d i f f e r e n t m e n t a l i t y. ”

Jordan Hicks, Tryon Hunt huntmaster, at the annual puppy auction. (photos submitted)

to a specific hunt and records are kept with the Masters of Foxhounds Association. There has been considerable devel-opment in the area since the hunt was founded, and there is always interest in obtain-ing new country, preferably adjacent to existing country.

Agriculture and open spac-es are beneficial to hunting as the game is disturbed much less than in developed areas. We are lucky to have a dairy

farm and a beef cattle farm in our hunt country and those areas provide some of the best hunting for our sport.

The roads are always an issue, but we have mounted whips, as well as road whips in trucks that keep the hounds away from dangerous areas. Riders have to have small game hunting l icenses for both North and South Carolina as several of the fixtures cross state lines. As with any horse related activity, foxhunting is inherently dangerous and riders do participate at their own risk.

The unspoken ru l e fo r property is to treat it as you would treat your own prop-

erty. Landowners are gra-cious enough to share their land the sport, and members of the field are expected to recognize this and make in-telligent decisions, particu-larly with regard to people’s horses that may be turned out while foxhunting is in session. The fieldmasters are familiar with areas where the hunt is permitted and lead the flights accordingly.

Riders who elect to return to the trailers before the hunt is concluded may do so with permission from the fieldmas-ter. If you should find yourself r id ing a lone use common courtesy and stay on marked trai ls or r ide on the road.

The hounds are taken around the kennel property daily and they are exercised with the mounted staff prior to the offi-cial start of the season to help get them fit and to introduce the hounds to hunting.

The key to training young hounds is to have solid old-er hounds that teach them the r igh t th ings to do in the woods. It’s not called a pack mentality for nothing.

Tryon Hounds had eight first season hounds enter last year and the majority fell in line and took right to hunting. There are nine more to bring into the pack this year. A good



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breeding program is essential to the stability of the pack, and a lot of success has been achieved with the American foxhounds that Hicks has bred since his arrival in Tryon.

A s f a r a s t r a i n i n g , i t i s very important to have c a p a b l e s t a f f t h a t c a n properly correct the hounds, wh ich the Tryon Hun t i s blessed with in the hunt.

The introductory flight or group of riders is known as the Hilltoppers. This group does not jump, but the field-master or leader of the flight usually knows different ways around the country that allow riders to stay in the action, while keeping a slower pace. This group is made up of



Oh Heavenly Father, you have in your creation knit together all the creatures on earth as a seamless garment:

Grant to us, therefore, on this our na-tion’s day of Thanksgiving, the wisdom and grace to see all about us the works of your hand; grant that every one of us who looks into the eyes of horse or hound this day may see the reflection of your face; and grant that the skilled and cunning fox may be our pilot to a deeper understanding and love for your natural world.

Bless our solemn friend, the horse, who bonds himself to us in silence and does our will so freely.

And bless our brothers the hounds who guide us upon the chase and whose voices ring with such triumph and joy as to make an anthem worthy of your

hearing.And finally, Oh Lord, may all who

participate today in this sport, ancient from time beyond reckoning, return re-freshed and renewed in body and spirit to do yous will for us. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, world without end. Amen.

Robert L. Ashcom (former huntsman with the Tryon Hounds)

The Blessing of The Hounds takes place on Thanksgiving morning at 10a.m. at Thanksgiving Hill in Caro-land Farms in Columbus on Jackson Grove Road. The public is invited to come out and watch one of the tradition that make living in our area so special.

Father Michael Doty blesses the hounds and the official hunt season kicks off with the riding members in their formal hunting attire.

Blessing of the Hounds


riders who may not be fit or experienced enough to keep up on a blazing run with the first flight. Being realistic about your riding ability and your horse’s capabilities are keystones of good foxhunting.

“All the flights shown are good sport, and there is no shame in not jumping,” Hicks said.

On Saturdays with Tryon there is a second flight. This group moves at a faster pace than the Hilltoppers and may or may not jump depending on the obstacle. The fieldmaster of this flight has to adjust the path based on the riders behind him on that day.

One of the key attributes of a fieldmaster is to provide fun for the members riding with him without overfacing them. First flight rides behind the huntsman and will typically jump all the jumps available on that day.

This flight gives the most experienced horses and rid-ers the prime seats to watch the hounds do their job. This group brings with it the ex-pectation that its members are

capable of handling anything that might come before them.

Staff horses share some of the same attributes of a field horse, but they tend to be a different kind of animal. They must be brave but not herd-bound because they are always on their own. Staff horses cover more ground in a day than a field horse and they don’t have the op-tion of heading back to the trailers early, so fitness is the key. They have to be bold jumpers and cross any obstacles because there is no one to give them a lead.

It can be difficult to use a staff horse in the field. These horses typically have a domi-nant personali ty and most don’t enjoy r iding behind other horses as they think they should be in charge.

A good staff horse wants to be with the hounds and most love the hunt as much as their riders.

Foxhunting can seem in-timidating, but there is noth-ing more exci t ing than to hear the hounds in full cry, and with the proper founda-tion almost anyone can find a place in the field to enjoy themselves.


Tryon Hunt members out in the firld during last year’s hunt season. Almost 200 people take part in the Tryon Hunt each year. (photo by Erik Olsen)


by Barbara Chidls

The Rolling Hills Show S t a b l e i n G r e e n C r e e k is owned and operated by Steven and Joann Loheac. The 82 acres of rolling hills and countryside make this farm a gorgeous place to live and own horses.

The Loheacs rent stalls to trainers and individuals who do their own horse care. The covered arena is a very popu-lar place to ride on rainy and snowy days.

The farm is also the base for Steven Loheac Transportation, Inc. business. This is a fully in-sured and licensed commercial horse transportation business that offers horse transportation throughout the United States and Canada.

Steven Loheac rode hunters and jumpers on a regular basis from the age of 7 until his business got so busy in the mid 1990s he didn’t have enough time to continue.

Occasionally Joann begs him to ride a horse that needs to be exercised and she doesn’t have the time. Joann started showing on the hunter jumper circuit when she was 10, and she continues to show today.

Joann said she loves riding and horses for many reasons.

“ F r o m t h e peacefulness of walking a horse in the field in the e a r l y m o r n i n g while watching the deer and lis-tening to birds to the thrill of putting in a great round on a horse that I’ve had since he was 4, I’m always amazed by a good horse’s willingness, and how they learn through trust and repetition,” said Joann.

The Loheacs currently have 19 horses at their farm. They own seven and two are retired broodmares. Cindy is Steve’s horse - a Cleveland Bay/ TB

that will turn 30 in April. In her younger years, she competed successfully in the adult and preliminary jumper decisions. Steve has owned her since she was 5.

The Loheacs also have three hunter/jumper prospects – Ad-die, Izzy and Indy. In 2009, Addie won the weanling class

in Middleburg, Va.Joann has also shown Bach-

elor Bob, a show hunter. He is a beautiful liver chestnut that loves to eat bananas. He has been champion at competi-tive shows such as the Winter Equestrian Festival and the Baltimore Classic.

Joann has owned Bob since

he was 4. Another show hunt-er is Yahoo, a.k.a. Southern Saluut. Yahoo was born at the farm and Joanne said he is a total goofball. He is a 17-hand bay with a lot of white mark-ings.

Steve and Joann were both


Joann Loheac jumping with Bachelor Bob. (photo submitted).

Loheacs seek better quality of life, grow business

Highlighting equestrian businesses


raised on Long Island, NY. Steve lived in Old Westbury and Joann lived in East Mead-ow. They moved to Polk Coun-ty in 1999, not for business reasons but for a better quality of life.

“As a child I remember Christmas caroling on my pony Misty in the town of West Hills, and also riding her double bare-back through a M c D o n a l d ’ s drive-in. Those were the days of youth and bliss,” said Joann.

While in college at C.W. Post University, Steven began working for a horse transporta-tion company. He was able to combine his love for horses and his second-grade dream, which he shared with many other sec-ond grade boys, that of driving the “big rigs.”

Steve started out driving the horse van, and the owner was so impressed with his driving skills and work ethic and horse-manship skills that he begged him to get his chauffeurs li-cense. This allowed Steve to drive the tractor-trailer.

He was 19 at the time. In 1993, while attending graduate school at Hofstra University, Steve decided it was time to start his own business.

In Polk County it is very difficult to have a horse trans-portation company. Most horse owners and trainers have their own trailers. The Loheacs’ business relies on repeat cus-tomers.

In New York, the Loheacs found they maintained a thriv-ing business because of cost effectiveness and convenience. By the time people would pay for a truck and trailer, insure it, maintain it and fuel it, using a transport company was a more logical choice.

Until now Polk County has

had no licensed and insured commercial horse carriers. Now that the Loheacs are here their goal is to be the logical choice for horse transportation.

Steve used to do import/ex-port work at Kennedy Airport. This involved loading and fly-ing horses overseas to destina-tions as far as Japan. Steve has also shipped a load of tigers along with their armed guards from Florida to Alabama for a tiger rescue group relocating the tigers.

The goals for the Loheacs include continuing to provide a beautiful and well-run fa-cility for people to keep and ride their horses, as well as to expand their customer base for their transportation business.

In riding, Joann wants to qualify and show again for the Harrisburg, Wash., and Devon horse shows.

In the personal goal area the Loheacs enjoy watching their 17-month-old daughter Olivia grow and enjoy all that life has to offer her.

• Loheacs(Continued from page 8)

Steve Loheac and his wife Joann moved to Polk County for a better quality of life and gained a growing business. (photo submitted).

Highlighting equestrian businesses


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The dream to form the Polk County Sheriff’s Mounted Pa-trol will become a reality this fall.

Sheriff Donald H. Hill saw a need for a mounted patrol in Polk County as this area has one of the highest per capita con-centration of equine ownership of any area in North Carolina. Even with the numerous equine events, Polk County did not have its own mounted patrol. These functions were pro-vided by the Henderson County Mounted Patrol.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Mounted Patrol will be the only equine volunteer force in Polk County to assist deputies in security with crowd control and monitoring at events, such as the Blue Ridge Barbeque Festival, Green Creek Heritage Festival and the Columbus 4th of July celebration. THe patrol will also assist in search and rescue endeavors, furthering good will in the community on behalf of the sheriff at school functions, nursing homes, nu-merous annual events and any-where they are needed.

The formation of the Polk County Sheriff’s Mounted Pa-trol will have far reaching impact the local community in reducing expenses for the sher-iff’s office, Hill said, thereby

freeing up the sheriff’s deputies for more direct law enforcement duties.

Currently, more than 15 horses and rid-ers have passed the r equ i r ed horse and rider inspection and an extens ive b a c k g r o u n d check and are registered for a 50-hour training session in October.

“We’ve been pleased with the caliber of talent, both horses and riders, who are willing to make the required time and financial commitment to be a

member of this mounted pa-trol,” said director Don Lyons.

Training will be conducted by the Mounted Police Training

Academy Inc., w h i c h i s t h e only accredited mounted police academy in the n a t i o n . O n l y t h o s e a p p l i -cants that suc-

cessfully complete this training will be deemed suitable for the Polk County Sheriff’s Mounted Patrol.

Applicants were sought from Polk and neighboring counties. All volunteers and their horses

will wear designated uniforms and tack while on duty.

As with any new project, many hours of planning have gone into the structure of this unit. Don Lyons, director; Sue Truitt, training and develop-ment; Sheriff Donald Hill and Lt. Michael Capps have all met extensively to develop the format for this unit. Wal-lace Mooney of the Henderson County Mounted Patrol has served as a mentor, as the Henderson group has been in existence since 1994.

Since this is an all-volunteer

Mounted patrolcoming soon

Polk County Sheriff’s Mounted Patrol applicants practice formations that are required to successfully complete the certification process. (photos submitted by Sheila Veach)


“We’ve been pleased with the caliber of talent, both horses and riders..."

-- Director Don Lyons


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A preview party will be held at Giardini’s Oct. 6 to learn more about the mounted patrol. (photo submitted by Sjeila Veach)

operation, funds are required to cover the expenses for uni-forms, training, tack and other equipment. To aid with this fund raising effort, the Mounted Pa-trol Partners (MPP), a group of volunteers who wish to contrib-ute time and energy to support the mounted patrol, has been established.

Their first effort is a preview party, Thursday, Oct. 6 from 3:30-5:30 p.m. at Giardini Trat-toria Pavilion, 2411 Hwy. 108E, Columbus. There will be bever-ages and hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction and chances to win a “water trough of wine.” Come meet some of the riders and horses and learn more about the Polk County Mounted Patrol.

For ticket information, con-tact [email protected].

- article submittedby Peggy Lyons

• Mounted patrol(Continued from page 10)


The Tryon Riding & Hunt Club (TR&HC) will present the second annual A Day in the Country on Sunday, Oct. 9 at the Green Creek Equestrian Park.

Last year’s event was a laid back day of classes set on an outside course, harking back to Tryon’s equestrian roots, and this year will be much of the same. The event provides a chance to enjoy a picnic lunch while watching the competition and get a preview of the new park.

In addition to the open jump-ing classes in the morning, there will also be an open pleasure flat class, sponsored by Lillie Brown, for horses and ponies of any breed, type or discipline. The Ride-a-Buck class, last year’s most entertaining class of the day, will also return.

New to the 2011 event is a hunter pairs class in which a pair of riders, representing a local eques-trian organization or community non-profit, will complete a jump-ing course together. The winning pair will earn $500, donated by Camp Wayfarer, for their group.

Weekend of fun at Green Creek Equestrian Park

The 78th TR&HC Any & All Dog Show will be held at the Green Creek Equestrian Park on Saturday, Oct. 8 from 2 - 5 p.m.

Any breed, any size, any and all mixes of canines are invited to come as long as they are on their best behavior and a leash. With a wide range of classes to enter, there is something for every dog. They can compete for dog that looks most like its master, best costume, best trick and most doubtful ancestry.

Most importantly, your par-ticipation helps support all of the animals in need at the Foothills Humane Society. Any proceeds from the show benefit FHS.

A Day in the Country, Oct. 9

Any & All Dog Show, Oct. 8Green Creek Equestrian Park (GCEP)

Located at Highway 9, just North ofCollinsville Rd. in Columbus

GCEP


BONNIE LINGERFELTCountry Homes & Fine Equestrian Properties

Tryon Hounds puppy auction

Tryon Hounds: A brief history

The Tryon Hounds and Hunt includes 182 members. This is roughly half riding members and half social membership. There are many social events throughout the year. Starting with a kick-off party and puppy auction the Tryon Hunt gets involved for the support and care of the hounds and their needs.

After each hunt there are hunt breakfasts in the fall and winter seasons. They are special in that many are hosted by the hunt members in their homes and estates. Tryon Hounds and Hunt has also hosted many hunt breakfasts in the hunt field after hunts, these are called pitch-ins, and each member brings a dish to share.

Throughout the season Tryon Hounds has joint meets with visiting out of town hunt clubs, and there are many parties during the joint meets.

In June, Tryon Hounds partners with Equus events in the Tryon Hounds Summer Classic Horse Show. This culminates with the EMO reception for sponsors and members. It is a grand event held under a big tent at FENCE. Other fundraising parties for members are the Super Bowl

Rick Webel, Pilot and Becky Barnes enjoy a fun evening at the Tryon Hounds puppy auction. (photo submitted by Jill Silver)

Becky Barneswith Teeny. (photo submitted by Jill Silver)

party held at Meadow Brook estate and a Derby party.

At the end of February, a hunt ball is held. It is a formal black tie affair.

- article submitted by Barbara Childs



Horsemanship in the bloodBy Barbara Childs

There are a variety of horses at the Blockhouse Stables of Kelly Kocher in Tryon.

“I like to ride horses that try their best and are obedient and patient, too. That includes all breeds,” said Kelly’s son, Michael. “For showing most of my horses are warmbloods. They have a lot of athletic ability, and they are usual-ly easier to sell. This show jumper

of this day has transformed from the Thoroughbred to the favored warmblood. I am a firm believer in the great heart of the thoroughbred and his big try to do the best job ever.”

There are three horses at the farm that Kocher enjoys riding and that he consistently campaigns in the junior hunter

division. They are judged on their jumping style and movement. The fences are 3’6". Barley, Hops and

Whey and Bachelor #3 are German bred horses that compete in the large junior divisions. Emma is a Holsteiner/TB cross that competes

in the small juniors. “Emma probably has one of

the best jumping styles I have ever seen and experienced in a horse, despite her cow-like appearance,” Kocher said.

“I also have a Selle Francais gelding named Kapers who I compete in the junior jumpers. He is like a stubborn child. Sometimes he doesn’t want to do what is ex-pected of him, but in the end you

Spotlight on Local

Equestrians

Michael Kocher at the first TR&HC Tryon summer premiere horse show at Harmon Field. (photo submitted by Mark Lehner Photography)


Make Your FarmMore Energy Ef� cient!

• Kocher(Continued from page 14)

still love him.”The most trustworthy horse on

the farm is a TB names James. Ko-cher’s sister competes him in in the children’s jumpers and equitation.

“He is not the fanciest horse by any means, but he always does his job,” said Kocher.

Riding is a career for Kocher, and it is also a hobby for him.

“I live and breathe it. I have a competitive spirit in the sport, but the most rewarding feeling for me is winning on a horse you have trained and brought up yourself. It is one thing to win on a horse, but the feeling of pride is completely different when you win on a horse you have trained from the begin-ning with trust and confidence,” said Kocher.

Marcus Ehning is one of Ko-cher’s favorite riders to watch.

“The Europeans are often criti-cised for being somewhat stiff and rough in their riding, but Ehning is so smooth and has a natural feel for his horses. He doesn’t get in the way of his horse’s jump, and he is in sync with his horses every step of the way,” said Kocher.

Kocher credits his brother Andy, who runs a stable in Tusca-loosa, Ala., and his father, Kelly, for showing him what it takes to be successful in this business.

“He also provides me with several nice horses to ride, and he is one of my best friends. Of all the famous icons that I follow, nobody comes close to my father, Kelly. He has worked so hard with me to expose my riding and campaigns with me,” Kocher said.

He said his father drives him and the horses hundreds of miles through the wee hours of the morn-ing, and he does the majority of the grooming and care at the shows.

“He is cool, collected, calm and he can ride the lick off of any horse he gets on. He helps me stay calm and focused in the ring, and he is one of the most knowledgeable horsemen I know. He has done so much for me and I am so ever grateful to him," said Kocher with great pride.

Kocher recently graduated from Polk County High School and plans to attend college next year after devoting a year to strict-ly riding. This is his last junior year in riding and he wants to be totally focused for the indoor season and year-end finals coming up soon.

“This year I would like to break into the Grand Prix ranks. I have been consistently showing in the junior jumper divisions on several horses, but I would like to see how I do in the next level. I would also like to ribbon one equitation class this year,” said Kocher.

Kocher credits his father for keeping him calm and focused in the ring. (photo submitted)


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by Barbara Childs

Tina Gragg is an artist of the equine world and she chooses to portray horses with or without people. She asked her friend to paint a portrait of her horse Chester. Her friend kept saying she didn’t need to do it because Tina could paint well enough.

“I was in a car accident in September 1998 that resulted in a plate and screws being put in my right arm just below the elbow,” Gragg said. “After a year and a half it was taken out and I wasn’t allowed to ride my horse for eight weeks until the screw holes had time to fill in. That seemed like a good time to see if I could paint.

I did my first painting and was proud of it. I chose horses to paint because I wanted a portrait of Chester, my horse and also because horses are so charis-

Artist Tina Gragg drawn to expressionsmatic and expressive animals. I also paint flowers, butterflies, frogs, birds, anything colorful,” said Gragg.

Gragg enjoys capturing the expression of the horse.

If the eyes aren’t right, the whole painting feels off to her. Sometimes it takes her weeks to get the perfect ex-pression. She likes using bright colors and acrylics.

“I like acrylics because they dry fast and I can erase and start over without waiting for days for the paint to dry. It doesn’t smell bad, either, and is easy to clean up. I have done very little with pastels,” said Gragg.

Portraits give her a chance to know people and their animals and to see them interact with

each other, she said. She then gets a better sense of the per-sonalities and the relationship people have with them. Gragg hopes to do an art show someday and fill up a gallery with all her paintings.

“My walls at home and at school are full, so I am not as inspired to paint s i n c e I d o n ’ t have space to fill. That’s another reason portraits appeal to me. I

finish the painting, and it goes and lives on somebody else’s wall,” she said.

When Gragg moved to Polk County 15 years ago she knew she wanted horses. She had no idea what a horsey area this was. She told her dad she felt out of place living here without

a horse.Shortly after that, her dad

fenced in the acre behind the house and moved his 28-year-old quarterhorse mare, Maggie, into the pasture. She was old and swaybacked, but she was a horse. Another horse Ches-ter followed, Katy, also came after Maggie died so Chester wouldn’t be alone.

Today Gragg has three off-the-track Thoroughbreds. Ches-ter is now 17, Lefty is 9 and Doodles is 6.

“I attempt dressage. It is the hardest thing I have ever had to learn because there is no way to cheat or cut corners to be better. There is no way to shortcut the fun tricks,” Gragg said. “In or-der to get the harder movements to come, the foundation must be

Spotlight on Local

Equestrians


• Gragg(Continued from page 16)

there. One of the coolest things I ever did was to teach Chester the lead changes. When he got it the first day, I had to stop him because I couldn’t concentrate afterwards.

Another thing about dres-sage is that when it is done right it is beau-tiful to watch, especially for us who know how hard it is. It is a remark-able thing for willing horses to trust humans, and try so hard for us when we ask crazy things of them, like vaulting or barrel racing to name a few,” said Gragg.

Gragg grew up in Fletcher, N.C., with quarter horses, dogs and cats. Her first horse was a Shetland pony named Oliver

who was taken from the owner by the SPCA.

“I remember when we went to get him in Asheville. He was in a stall with another paint pony. He was as sweet as apple pie on the ground, but when I got on him he tried to rub my ankles on the nearest tree or fence post,” she said. “Af-

ter Oliver came Katy, a 3-year-old 13.2 quar-ter horse pony that I rode many miles through the woods . I a l s o s h o w e d

her in open shows and Western pleasure classes,” said Gragg.

“I missed riding while going to college, living in an apart-ment, and then there was not much money or time for horses. It stayed in the back of my mind that someday I would own a horse,” said Gragg.

“It stayed in the back of my mind that someday I would own a horse.”

-- Tina Gragg

Gragg’s portrait of a horse. (photo submitted)


by Barbara Childs

Rebecca Kemp of Campobello has owned Charlie, her thorough-bred mare, for 30 of Charlie’s 33 years.

Kemp lived in Athens, Ga., and first heard of this mare when a friend of hers mentioned that the University of Georgia vet school had a horse that was to be sold through a sealed bid. The mare was 3 years old and had had two colic surgeries, and her owner donated her to the vet school.

“I held the winning bid,” said Kemp. “I thought and still think she is beautiful. Born in Colum-bia, S.C., she was sold to someone in Camden, and she was already jumping well at a 2-foot course.

“When she was ready to enter her first show, Charlie got colice. The owner said she was showing much promise as she recovered from the colic. In the years to come I showed her lightly and successfully as a hunter. I never knew her limit jumping since the 4-foot fence she took easily was my limit,” said Kemp.

Charlie and Kemp also hill-topped with the Belle Meade Hunt in Thompson, Ga., for several seasons. When she was 14 years old, Kemp became in-terested in dressage, so Charlie began her career as a respectable

first-level dressage horse. “My trainer at the time was

impressed at how well this ‘ma-ture’ Thoroughbred adapted to dressage,” said Kemp. “In ad-dition to being special to me, Charlie has two claims to fame. The University of Georgia vet school asked her to be the poster girl featured on the invitation to the First Bolshoi Program (the colic research program) called “For the Love of a Horse.” It was a black tie affair and celebrity auction fundraiser. Charlie was 8 years old at the time and she

had just become a mom. The point of using her on the invitation was that if it was not for the Bolshoi Program she would not be there.”

Charlie’s other claim to fame centered around the event of becoming an Approved Mare with the American Hanoverian Association. Upon passing the inspection tests, Charlie received a solid score with the German judges. The American Hanove-rian Association did not approve many Thoroughbred mares, so Charlie, Kemp said, has a right to be proud of that achievement.

Charlie has a strong racing ancestry, but she was never raced. Her sire was Torrentes.

Spotlight on Local

Equestrians

Charlie’s secret to equine longevity

Rebecca Kemp of Campobello has owned, Charlie grazing with Snickers, her daugher, for 30 of Charlie’s 33 years. (photo submitted)(Continued on page 19)


He was one of the best racehorses in Argentina and imported to this country as a 4-year-old. He bowed a tendon before his first race and was retired, end-ing his career here. Her dam was Windyflambeau by Motor Line. Charlie’s papered name is Charleston Bay.

“I understand that Charlie’s

APPOINTMENTS ADS 123010 - page 3

Practicing high quality small animal and equine medicine

Sean Eastman, DVMSarah Silver, DVM, CVA

* Special interest in small animal dentistry and equine lameness *

Twin Oaks

Veterinary ClinicTwin Oaks Veterinary

Tryon Hounds Huntsman Jordan Hicks parades the hounds at the Tryon Hounds Summer Classic Horse Show. The Summer Classic held in June is the hunt’s largest fundraiser each year. (photo by Erik Olsen)

Parade of hounds

aunt, Just Desserts, was the top money winner in S.C. in her day,” said Kemp.

Charlie still holds a place in Kemp’s heart as she grazes happily in her lush pastures with three other mare mates.

“I asked Charlie what was the secret to her long life. She just smiled and kept on eating. I thought about that and decided that was the answer - smile, exercise and keep eating well,” said Kemp.

• Charlie(Continued from page 16)

Got News?email us at

[email protected]


Editor’s note: Writer Bar-bara Childs tells of local events throughout our horse country through the eyes, and very long ears, of Dudley the miniature donkey. by Barbara Childs

The cool fall weather and jeweled trees of autumn have started to transform the hills and mountains into a glorious carpet of golds, reds and browns. And the hunt is enjoying their morn-ings of hunting seasons with the cry of the hounds as they begin the cubbing season and early morning weekday hunts.

The formal season of the Tryon Hounds opens Thanks-giving Day with the blessing of the hounds by Rev. Michael Dowdy of the Episcopal Church of Tryon. All are welcome for this ceremony that dates back hundreds of years. I should like to be blessed, too!

The hunt breakfasts held in (Continued on page 21)

Dudley relishes in fall foothill activitiesthe fields on some mornings would be great to attend, but they are for staff and field mem-bers. I would like to be part of the special foods served after the hounds are all packed up in the trailer. I heard that a southern beef tenderloin is quite popular, though I would prefer the garden lettuces, dragon’s beard sprouts and whole grain breads and biscuits. Oh, yes-

Here are some newsy scoops on what is happening in the equine world later this month and also next month.

Jen Beaumert is headed back home to Cross Creek with DeW-ert and Prince. Here are some things she will miss and not miss about her trip and training in Germany with Klaus Balkenhol.

1. She will not miss the weather, which changes every 10 minutes.

2. She will not miss mucking out a stall with straw.

3. She will miss driving on the autobahn.

4. She will miss speaking German with Klaus and all the friendly people she has met.

5. She will miss picking and eating plums straight from the trees - blackberries, too, from the bushes.

The baby is here! Born to Whitney Penny, a baby girl 22-inches long, and named Grace. Congratulations!

There will be an Icelandic Horse Show at FENCE on Oct. 30. Now that would be cool and very exciting to watch.

Check out Sandy Siegrist at Long Shadows Farm on Oct. 22 in Campobello for her body and energy work with horses.

Isothermal College in Co-lumbus is offering a class in equine marketing

101. This involves equine marketing if your horse business includes an equine vet, farrier

services, horse massage and therapist, chiropractic and acu-puncture. The course provides the tools and skills one needs to build a better business.

I should like to attend, but have limited access to mobility of transportation and of course my editor would need to take notes for me. Ah, well...being the senior member here at the barn will suffice for now. There is much to attend to daily and so much to learn and explore.

There is a mounted N.C. in-fantry organized here in Green Creek. Lisa Krolak and Dave Smith have saddles (very old ones and original), saddle pads, pistols, hats and horses that depict the 2nd N.C. Mount-ed Infantry Regiment. When the Confederates learned of their presence in Oct. 1863, a mounted battalion led by Major


Directions:Preheat over to 375 degrees and line a baking sheet

with parchment paper. Cut sweet potatoes cross-wise into 3/8 inches. Spread the olive oil and salt and pour it over the fries-Roast for 20 min. Flip the fries over when brown and roast for another 10 min.

DuDley’s sweet Potato Fries

ingreDients: 1 lb. of unpeeled sweet potatoes1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil1 teasp. kosher salt and more for seasoning

• Dudley(Continued from page 20)

J.W. Woodfin, a lawyer from Asheville, arrived, and he was shot dead as he was crossing the bridge. Check out the whole story in the next “Appoint-ments.” Be sure to notice my photo with the old Civil War saddle and pad and hat - very cool, and it’s the real thing, a true original.

Stone Soup in Landrum is having a Saddle Up Hospice benefit. Check this out with Charlotte Costa at 828-863-2000 Oct. 6 from 5-7 p.m.

I took a walk up the hill to-ward the house and garden and was amazed at the Swiss chard growing so big and green and wild. It truly frightened me a bit. I like to nibble lettuces but not Swiss chard and I avoid spinach. The sweet potatoes are delicious and I favor them raw.

They taste better to my palate than carrots and apples. They are the best. So are my editor’s special oatmeal and molasses horse treats.

The house dogs are all car-rying on with yapping and barking at some noises in the woods, so I shall walk down to the barn office and rest awhile. I’m working on my next series of books, which include a Dud-ley Cookbook, A Celebration of Life with illustrations. It’s a compilation of recipes from the middle ages for humans and equines. But first I need to get my miracle of St. Anthony story organized.

Only I know the secret to the miracle of St. Anthony and the merchant’s donkey...

Here is a winning sweet potato recipe you will enjoy. It’s a trophy winner. As I live and breathe, these sweet potato fries will make you triumphant at any feast.

DuDley’s lime DiPPing sauce

Directions:Combine all ingredients and let sit for about 10 min.

ingreDients: 1/3 cup mayo1/2 teasp. grated lime zest1 tbl. fresh lime juice1/2 teasp. minced garlicpinch of kosher salt


by Rich Metcalf, DVM

Colic is one of the most common calls Tryon Equine Hospital receives on an emer-gency basis.

Ask any owner who has watched their horse colic and they will agree it is very stress-ful. Watching a horse throw 1,000 pounds is not fun and can be very dangerous – even life threatening. So, what is colic?

What is colic?Colic is a general term for

“pain in the belly.” There are many reasons a horse may colic and it is not always pos-sible to determine the exact cause. Causes of colic may include inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, twists of the small intestine and large colon, an impaction in the small intestines, cecum or large colon and small colon. As veterinar-ians, our job is to establish a diagnosis as quickly and accu-rately as possible and take the appropriate measures to treat your horse.

What are the signs of colic?Signs a horse is suffering

from colic include: lying down for excessive periods, not eat-ing, restlessness, quivering of the upper lip, turning of the head toward the flank, repeated stretching as if to urinate, kicking with the hind feet at

the abdomen, crouching as if wanting to lie down, sweating and dropping to the ground and rolling.

What happens when your horse colics?

When your horse is colicing, it is important to act quickly. When Tryon Equine vets arrive at the farm, we quickly perform a physical exam to determine heart rate, temperature and breathing rate. We listen for any gastrointestinal move-ment, examine the gums and more importantly observe the signs of colic. After a physi-

cal exam, we perform a rectal exam to evaluate the GI tract with our fingers. We determine what part(s) of the GI tract is involved and make assessments for therapy.

Also during the exam, we pass a tube from the nose into the horse’s stomach. Keep in mind that horses cannot throw up and this is our tool to evalu-ate movement of food out of the stomach and evaluate for signs of small bowel disease.

Once our “colic” workup is complete, we discuss the causes of the colic and what measures need to be taken to relieve the abdominal pain.

Our first line of defense is Banamine, a systemic anti-inflammatory. Based on what we discover, we either make a plan for treatment on the farm or recommend referral into the hospital for more aggressive and intensive care. Keep in mind that a large majority of colics get better on the farm with a dose of Banamine, while being kept off feed for approxi-mately 12 hours.

Horses that do not respond to Banamine, have an impac-tion, have small bowel disten-tion or some other more serious causes of colic require further medical care. These horses are brought into the hospital for IV fluids, further medication based on need and intensive

My horse’s belly hurts: Colic signs, treatment

Signs a horse issuffering from colic

• Lying down for excessive periods

• Not eating

• Restlessness

• Quivering of the upper lip

•Turning of the head toward the flank

•Repeated stretching as if to urinate

• Kicking with the hind feet at the abdomen

• Crouching as if wanting to lie down

• Sweating

• Dropping to the ground and rolling

care. Those horses that respond to high volume IV fluids and Intensive Care often receive 50 to 80 liters of IV fluids in a 12 to 24 hour period.

Those horses that do not respond to pain medications, IV fluids and intensive care require abdominal exploratory surgery. Please note, we recom-mend deciding if colic surgery is an option prior to a colic episode.

It has been scientifically proven that the sooner a diag-nosis is made, and the sooner a horse is referred for medical and surgical treatment, the bet-ter the recovery will be, with decreased complications.

So please, become familiar with the signs of colic and have an emergency plan in place if your horse colics.

Colic workup steps by a vet

• Physical exam

• Listening for gastrointestinal movement

• Examine gums

• Observe signs of colic

•Rectal exam

•Pass tube from nose to stomach to evaluate movement of food out of the stomach and evaluate for signs of small bowel disease


APPOINTMENTS ADS 123010 - page 32

Thann Boyum, DVMThann R. Boyum, D.V.M.MOBILE EQUINE HEALTH CARE

Equine Primary CareAcupuncture and Chinese Herbal Therapy

Reproductive Management

828-863-4242

Carolina Foothills Chamber of Commerce presents All You Can Eat

SEAFOOD PARTY

Saturday, October 22, 2011 5:00 pm—11: 00 pm

Music & Dancing with DJ Jeff Foster Foothills Equestrian Nature Center, Tryon NC

$45/person (All you can eat

with alcohol)

Oysters, Mussels, Shrimp, Chicken Gumbo, Wings, Slaw, Rolls, Dessert, Draft Beer, Wine, Iced Tea, and Coffee

$35/person (All you can eat without alcohol)

No Coolers Allowed

For more information call: Carolina Foothills Chamber of Commerce

828-859-7427

Harmony MassageBy Connie Brown L.M.T./ E.S.M.T

17+ yrs. experience828-980-4403

Offering Theraputic Massage

for you and your Equine Partnerfor you and your Equine PartnerDeep Tissue, RelaxationElectronic Accupuncture

Free Demonstration of ElectronicAccupuncture on your first visit915 W. Mills st. Columbus, N.C.

N.C. lic # 7743N.C. lic # 7743

The third annual FENCE Wine and Art Festival will be held on Saturday, Oct. 15 from noon to 5 p.m. at The Red Horse Inn located at 310 N. Campbell Rd. in Landrum.

The presenting sponsor is August Construction. Other sponsors include: First Citizens Bank, Golf Cart Services, Cost-co, Derbyshire, Julie Gordon, LakesHillsAndHorses.com and McKinsey Printing.

There is a fee for the event, which includes admission to the festival, all wine tasting and a FENCE Wine and Art Festival wine glass.

For more information or to purchase tickets, please con-tact FENCE at [email protected], call 828-859-9021 or visit www.FENCE.org.

- article submittedby Theron Farmer

Third annual FENCE Wine and Art Festival set for Oct. 15


by Gillian Drummond

Do you remember the won-derful feeling you had the last time you stayed in a five-star hotel or a fine bed and break-fast? Your guest room, barn apartment or guest house can be transformed so that your guests leave feeling the same way - rested, pampered and refreshed.

Twin beds are often best in a guest room because they ac-commodate a variety of people. In a room with limited space, such as the barn apartment I was recently in, a Murphy bed (Continued on page 25)

A welcoming sign can be inviting to guests. (photo by Gillian Drummond)

Country living: Guest quarterscan be the ideal arrangement. A comfortable mattress is a must. It should be firm but have a soft surface so that you are supported but feel like you are sleeping on a cloud.

Linens – cotton is the ideal, it is soft, cool and launders well. Supima cotton is the best and the higher the thread count the more luxurious. If you are lucky enough to have someone to iron them or can afford to send them to the laundry your guests will sleep in the lap of luxury.

I personally prefer white

towels as they can be bleached if a guest gets make-up on them. Be generous and give your guest plenty of towels. The same with pillows - always have extras available.

I recently saw a picture of a guest room decorated by in-terior designer Vincent Wolf. It is simple and romantic. The walls are painted a beautiful shade of yellow. The twin beds are iron and are painted white; they have yellow bedskirts and white linens with embroidered, lacy pillow cases. There is a natural wicker table between

the beds and a camel-colored rug on the floor. Some simple black and white art in white frames hangs above the beds. The pharmacy lamps that hang on the wall at the side of each bed are also white. At the windows are roman shades in a plain yellow fabric that matches the walls, with a white border down each side. You could use white faux wood wide venetian blinds. They would look wonderful and be cost-effective.


• Guest rooms(Continued from page 24)

• It must be clean and comfortable and having some style, never hurt.

• A bathroom of its own (wherever possible)

• A delightful bed

• A closet

• Some drawers or shelves

• Fresh linens

• Extra blankets and pillows

• A good reading lamp next to the bed

• Heat in cold weather, air conditioning in summer and, perhaps, a ceiling fan

• A sofa, comfortable chair or chaise longue to rest on with a throw or quilt

• A room that is as free from noise as possible

• A desk that can be used as a desk or double as a dressing table

• A good mirror

• A bench or luggage rack

• Window treatments to give privacy or to control the light

Less can be more. A guest room doesn’t have to be sumptuous, it can be very simple as long as it meets certain necessary criteria.

Speaking of paint, the easi-est, least expensive way to give a any room a wonderful look is to paint the walls a beautiful color. Benjamin Moore has a new paint chart out called the Tranquility Collection. It has many restful colors that would be perfect for a guest room.

The finishing touches that make a guest feel pampered and special are some books of short stories or interesting magazines, nice-smelling soap and shampoo in the bathroom, potpourri in a bowl and some fresh flowers in a vase in the bedroom. An alarm clock (I always forget mine), an electric coffee pot and a small refrig-erator are nice additions.

If you have a guest house, remember that the same prin-ciples remain true for the living room and kitchen. Comfort, cleanliness and warmth are what I would want in guest house living room. Comfort-able sofas and chairs, good light, good color on the walls

and perhaps a fireplace to sit in front of and enjoy a glass of wine in the winter months are a recipe for sure success.

One of the horse farms I re-cently visited had a barn apart-ment that was connected to the barn through the tack room. This served as a mudroom as well, keeping the guest apart-ment clean and also making it easy to saddle up in the morn-ing if you were staying there for a weekend of riding.

For the many horse farm owners that have guest quarters that are used by riders coming for equestrian events or friends coming to spend a weekend you can give them a truly memorable experience if you add a memorable room to stay in. It can be a very simple space as long as it is comfortable and leaves your guests savoring the memory.

Gillian Drummond is the owner of Drummond House Co. For questions on how to create a stylish look for your farmhouse or stable, email her at [email protected].


Horse people searching for gently-used equipment and those looking to create space for new equipment all congregated July 23 at the Super Summer Seminar and Tack Swap at the Green Creek Fire Hall.

The Carolina Carriage Club (CCC) invited the community to this event in an effort to benefit horse-related organizations.

Charlene McMurray, whose family owns a horse farm in Green Creek, attended, did some swapping and spread the word.

The result on Sept. 10 was the Tack Sale and Cross Country Schooling Day at Long Shad-ows Farm in Campobello, S.C. TROT (Therapeutic Riding Pro-gram of Tryon) was chosen by McMurray and Nicki Bressett, who boards and trains horses at the farm, and Michael Atkins, Long Shadows owner, to receive the proceeds from sales space “rentals” and cross country schooling fees.

Green Mountain Bluegrass entertained visitors as John and Chase McMurray grilled food to order and Charlene and Keileigh McMurray swapped tack.

“We really had no idea how many people would show up, so advertising was our first big con-cern, especially with such short notice and many other events in the area,” said Nicki Bressett.

Charlene McMurray put posters in any business that

Tack swap and cross country schooling for TROT at Long Shadows

might have a horse interest, and advertised in the Tryon Daily Bulletin.

Barbara Madill, secretary of CCC, posted a flyer in the Horse People Group in Facebook.

This resulted in Franziska Long and one of her pupils driving two hours from her Rheinland Equestrian Center in Huntersville, N.C. to explore the inviting cross country course.

Charlene McMurray at Carolina Carriage Club Swap Meet July 23. (photo submitted)

Others who visited the cross country course came from near (Tryon and Columbus) and far (Alva, Fla., and San Jose, Calif.).

“The Therapeutic Riding Program of Tryon (TROT) was the perfect fit, a local organi-zation of people and animals that gives selflessly to others,” Bressett said. “Events such as this allow our community the

opportunity to come together and be stronger together than we could ever stand alone - and we learned a lot about organizing such events.”

For more information about TROT, visit www.fence.org/trot and for Long Shadows Farm, visit www.longshadowsfarmsc.com.

- article submittedNicki Bressett


ShowcasingLocal

HorsepeopleAppointmentsThe Hoofbeats of the Carolina Foothills

Greenville Foothills Pony Club goes to the moviesand bats in four candidates for a rating home run

Greenville Foothills Pony Club members, left to right, Eliza Culbertson, Shady Sayers and Coley Gibson promote their club in August at the Tryon Theatre prior to the showing of the movie “Buck Branaman.” (photo submitted)

The Carolina Region Pony Club hosted a mega rating for the United States Pony Club in Aiken, S.C. in August.

Pony clubbers came from as far away as New York and Virginia to participate in the three-day event, which was held at Julie Zapapas’ Jumping Branch Farm. Eleven USPC National Examiners were flown in to determine if the rating candidates measured up to the pony club standard. Local River Valley Pony Club mom Helen Firby served as the Carolina Region’s Rating Coordinator, and arranged the location, accommodations and schedule.

The C3, B and A ratings are facilitated on a national basis and require a greater depth of knowledge and proficiency than the earlier, club-level ratings. Successful candidates are competent, all-around horsemen and horsewomen, active and contributing members of USPC, who participate in a variety of pony club activities. They are also thoughtful leaders who set an example for all levels.

Greenville Foothills Pony Club had four successful rating candidates, representing each of the top levels. Two members succeeded at the C3 rating: Sarah Whitten of Greenville, S.C. currently a sophomore at the University of South Carolina and Julia Gates of Easley, S.C. currently a junior at Easley High School. Whitten entered the rating as an HB rated member and became a C3, while Gates entered the rating as a C2 and became a C+ (once she earns the HB—knowledge portion—she will become a C3).

Rachael Wood, a 10th grade homeschooler from Easley, earned her B rating. Wood is also active in United States Eventing Association competitions, having qualified with her horse Hennessey for the Training level at the American Eventing Championships this year.

Eliza Culbertson, a Greenville Tech student who resides in Greer, S.C. earned the highest rating: A. Eliza enjoys competing (at pony club rallies, USEA competitions and local schooling shows) and foxhunting with her off-the-track thoroughbreds.

For more information on Greenville Foothills Pony Club, contact [email protected], or find them on the web at www.gfponyclub.org and on Facebook at Greenville Foothills Pony Club (SC/NC).

Above: Julie Gates of Easley received a C+ rating. (photo submitted)


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October Appointments