Saturday, July 14, 2012

Derby Debut

Yikes, its been a while!  There is much to catch up on!

First of all, a big pat on the neck for all of the SCHJA Members who have rallied around Linda Noble Tinkler!  Linda is a popular braider who attends lots of SCHJA shows. She is undergoing treatment for breast cancer and as a result, she's had to take a break from braiding.  Karen Kelley, Brick Church Farm, Equus Events and SCHJA Junior Committee held two "Gently Used Riding Clothing Sales" with the proceeds benefitting Linda.  In case the Brick Church folks hadn't done enough, Laura and Meredith Mateo donated their winnings from the $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby (at the Tryon Riding & Hunt Club Horse Show) to the cause.  Their fantastic horse Uncle Luc, jumped out of his skin for Karen Kelley and topped the field...do you think he knew that his job was super important that night?

Also, Progressive Show Jumping held a special Linda Tinkler Benefit Class at their June Highfields Show.  Cathy and Rick Cram were able to send Linda a check for $600 as a result.  Thanks to them for coming up with this great idea and to all of the exhibitors who showed their support by participating!

Lewis Pack and the Harmon Classics team are doing their part to help equestrians in need as well!  The Harmon Classics Summer Challenge played host to the first SCHJA Hunter Derby of the year as well as a fabulous party to benefit the Equestrian Aid Foundation.  I must admit, I didn't know much about the organization before the event--but I chatted with some of the ladies who help run things, and learned a lot!  Check out this awesome saddle pad, made by Success Equestrian, I purchased at the silent auction--you too can have one, and a portion of the proceeds goes to the Equestrian Aid Foundation. Harmon Classics, Equestrian Aid Foundation and Success Equestrian; a pat on the neck for you too!

When exhibitors weren't cutting a rug on the dance floor in Tryon, they were enjoying a truly wonderful horse show.  The SCHJA Hunter Derby was the highlight of the weekend and Lewis set a beautiful, but challenging course.  I was thrilled to present the blue ribbon to my friend Lee Reynolds Heelan!  Lee rides with guts and her horse Pescado epitomizes "Derby Horse!"  He is stylish, handy and BOLD!!  Jeanne Smith rode Peggy Zimmerman's beautiful grey mare Pearl to second place. Boy, that one can jump too!  I ran into Peggy at the show office afterwards--what a nice lady, and a riot too!  I'm pulling for both of these horses to qualify for the Derby Finals in Camden this winter--their people are FUN!

The next class in the SCHJA Hunter Derby Series Sponsored by The Tack Room, is August 4th at the PSJ Back To School Horse Show in Tryon (F.E.N.C.E).  Cathy and Rick are no stranger to building a Derby Course and The Tryonites have lots of Derby Experience--they aren't afraid of an inside turn (or anything else for that matter)--so I expect this to be another class to watch!

The following weekend (August 11th), the Charlotte crowd will finally have an SCHJA Hunter Derby in their back yard care of the Harmon Classics Summer Fun Show at Latta Plantation.  To our neighbors to the North, GET READY!!

Good luck to everyone!




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