Darenth Farm

Not your typical January weather at the farm right now!

Here is a video of Summer’s first show. courtesy of Mary’s blog

We chose a local schooling show for Summer’s first outing. The venue and weather were perfect. Callie competed first and Summer was upset to be left alone in the trailer but that is all part of the learning process and she finally settled down. Callie tried hard but Mary felt that she didn’t like the deep footing in the indoor arena but still managed to pick up a 2nd and 3rd place ribbons. The show had suddenly been moved inside when a local farmer started making hay next to the outdoor arena. Now Summer wouldn’t have been too upset with a tractor but had only been ridden in an indoor once before but being the super star that she is, managed to hold it all together. As Mary finished her first test I could hear Dona Ruth, the judge say ‘what a lovely young horse’. The second test was even better and Summer scored a 74.8%. She won both classes and left Mary and myself with silly grins on our faces!

Thank you Mary for all your hard work. This would not be possible without you.

Did I mention that Summer is only three!

Thank you, thank you to everyone for making our farm show such a success! We were fortunate with the weather, hot but not too excessive and the previous day’s rain meant that the arena was not dusty. I was so proud of all the riders, everyone tried hard, looked great and had fun.

A few highlights for me… Nick and Patrick riding, the ladies water race (we missed you Sharon Agnello but glad to hear Mark is doing better), Dave and Maggie Macklin taking home ribbons, Megan and Bandit jumping 5′ over a 2’6” jump ( Megan you are incredible for staying on!) and Sam B for being so patient and understanding towards your horse when Grey Goose was convinced she was back at the race track! That’s horsemanship. Savannah, Piper and the two Hannah’s also looked great but I could go on and on, you ALL looked great.

Thank you to our judge Valerie Dunn, Mary Macklin for designing the jump course and overseeing the jumping classes, Julie Gullace for taking care of her students and Valerie Frank for bringing some of her students all
nicely attired in red shirts.

I would also like to thank Paula Martin for taking care of entries and managing to ride in a couple of classes, Annie Larson for timing and bringing her collection of model horses to share with the younger girls,
Joanne, Mary H., Alison, Katie, Kristie and Alexis for doing what ever was needed.

Thank you to those who took charge of the grilling and all for bringing something to make our picnic special.

I hope to do this again in the autumn so any suggestions for classes you
would like to see or improvements we can make, please let me know.

Thank you,
Sharon

(Click on the thumbnails for larger images)

Students of Darenth Farm enjoyed a schooling session at Berry Patch Farm. The recently renovated course offered an array of natural obstacles in the open fields as well as in the woods . We were able to take our time, ensuring young horses and novice riders were not over whelmed while everyone enjoyed the beautiful setting.

Thanks to Dulany Noble for the use of her lovely property.
(Click on images for larger version)

As an added bonus we were able to see the foxhound puppies belonging to the Carrollton Hounds. The eight puppies were born in March and are absolutely adorable.

More photos… click to enlarge

Darenth Farm will again hold its popular summer camps. The camps are divided by riding ability so everyone is sure to have a fun time while improving their riding skills and learning about horse care and management. More advanced riders will have the opportunity to school cross country and trail ride, sometimes off the farm while beginner riders will be encouraged to build their confidence and skills in a fun safe environment.

Camps run from Monday to Friday, 9.00am until 4.00pm.
Two rides per day. Swim in the middle of the day. Demonstration by campers on Friday afternoon for friends and families (Eventing camp will hold a competition).

Cost $325 per week. Eventing camp $350. Beginner camp July 5th
(4 days) $260
Discounted by $25 per week if multiple weeks booked and for siblings.
Deposit of $150 required when booking, remainder due two weeks before the first day of camp.

Dates

June 20 Advanced Beginner/ Intermediate

June 27 Eventing Camp with Mary Macklin Advanced riders

July 5 Beginner 4 days Tuesday to Friday

July 11 Intermediate

July 25 Beginner

August 15 Beginner

August 22 Advanced Intermediate

Small groups in all the camps, space is limited so book EARLY !!

Not sure which camp would be a good fit? Please call or email Sharon on 301 471 1254 and sharon@ridgeequipment.com.

I’m looking forward to another wonderful summer.

Sharon

I have just received these photos and thought I would like to share them. The first one shows Mary, Ali, Breanna and Amirah on a snowy trail ride on a very cold day. Then Sarah riding Strawberry and Kayla riding Snickers in the much warmer indoor arena at Serra Valley Farms. The other three photographs were taken at the Jumper Show at Serra Valley Farms on November 28th. Hannah is riding Darenth Farm’s Buckshot and Hunter is riding his own pony, Fance. Hannah and Hunter you look great! By the way, Buckshot is for sale! (click on an image to enlarge)

Maybe I will jinx myself but compared to last winter I have nothing to complain about!! Yes it has been cold for what seems like a long time but on the whole the footing in the arena has been passable and lessons have continued for those students who are able to tolerate the cold. One dedicated group of students hacked around the farm fields last week through the snow and in a cold wind. They had a blast and came back to welcome cups of hot chocolate. As a keen foxhunter I have been delighted that conditions have allowed for many 4 hour exhilarating rides.

For those riders who prefer it to be a little warmer when they ride, we have been able to make use of the lovely indoor at Serra Valley Farms just 5 minutes away. A fun learning experience for everyone.

Thanks to the hard work of the Dawson family but particularly Nick all the stalls have heated automatic waterers. Access to clean drinking water is vital for the health of the horses. Colic the number one cause of death in horses may be caused by horses not drinking enough, particularly in winter. The barn help are also delighted, it is so much easier than breaking ice on buckets. If we should lose electric power, not to worry our propane fired generator will automatically kick in. Thanks again to Nick.

I am working on the summer camp dates and will have those very soon. Next week I will have a sample of the Darenth Farm barn jacket, if any one is interested in ordering one.

Thank you Alexis for sharing the picture below of herself and her own horse, Packer competing at Full Moon Farm just a few weeks ago. I can’t wait for spring!

(Click image for larger view)