Bulletins

07.13.10 DRC | Meeting tomorrow night!


Summer days

Well, it seems the long, long days of summer are not conducive to spending time in the late evenings on the computer composing chatty little bulletins! By the end of a busy work day, chores, riding, HAYING and cooking (bleh), this puppy is too pooped to plunk! But we do have some updates you need to know!

Regular monthly meeting this Wednesday

First and foremost, everyone is invited to attend our regular monthly meetings! The July meeting is tomorrow evening, Wednesday, July 14, and starts at 7 pm at the clubhouse on 28th Avenue. Don’t be shy! Making an appearance doesn’t necessarily go hand-in-hand with becoming a full-fledged hard-core volunteer (although we wouldn’t mind if you felt inspired!). We do, however, really appreciate feedback on what we are doing as a club, and our friendly get-togethers are a good place to discuss ideas! Why not stick your head in the door tomorrow night? We’d love to see you!

Natural Horsemanship Tournament big success

From all accounts, Delta Riding Club’s first annual Natural Horsemanship Tournament this past Sunday was a HUGE success!! When I showed up (late – ahem) with the coffee, there were over half a dozen trailers and horses and people everywhere!

With just 12 exhibitors (including a couple of minis that weren’t part of the riding exercises), the tournament lasted the better part of the day, until just before 4 pm, and I beg you to find a more congenial group of exhibitors anywhere on the planet! The “come as you are” dress code kept the competition friendly as everyone cheered each other on through their obstacles and pattern work.

There was no rail work at this tournament like you would expect at a regular horse show. Every class required an individual performance by each exhibitor, whether through a series of obstacles (including a very cool crowd-pleasing teeter-totter bridge) or through modified dressage and reining riding patterns.

Judge Adiva Murphy had her work cut out for her as she scored everyone on their ability to master (or not) the various skill sets. Congratulations to Diane Prosser and She’s Amusing, home from Colorado after a month in training with the Parelli group, for winning the high points in each of three divisions! Paula Splichal was reserve in the Groundwork/Obstacle division with Cowboy, while Suzanne Parsons and Tessa earned reserves for both the reining and dressage work. (Good sport that Diane is, she shared her high point bounty with Suzanne and Adiva!)

Diane, Paula and Suzanne brought the tourney to a great conclusion with some liberty pattern work under saddle – using only seat, legs and “sticks” to guide their ponies through a reining pattern in the dressage ring – at which point, “Becky” (She’s Amusing) provided some off-pattern hilarity as she sailed over the dressage surrounds not once but TWICE!

Congratulations and thank you to all the exhibitors, many of whom have never competed before and some who received their first horse show ribbons ever! Thank as well to their cheering squads and to the volunteers who contributed to this successful show! Adiva tells me the feedback is overwhelmingly in favour of hosting another and whether you plan to participate or watch, you won’t want to miss it!! A very fun day at Delta Riding Club this past weekend!

Adiva Murphy Clinic coming up

If you have been sitting on the fence about whether to dabble in natural horsemanship, or just want some common sense help with your groundwork or riding endeavours, Adiva Murphy is hosting three clinics at DRC, and the first is just around the corner on July 25. Contact Adiva (adiva@adivamurphy.com) for details and book a time! Other clinic dates are August 28 and September 25.

Soaring to success

I wish I had put pinkies to the keyboard the night of the Hunter/Jumper show, June 27, because it was definitely something to “write home” about! With 37 exhibitors, it was certainly the most successful hunter/jumper show at Delta Riding Club in recent (and even not-so-recent) memory! I was first to arrive (shortly after 7 am) and last to leave (at 6 pm) – and the show ran with nary a glitch!! Thank you to all the exhibitors for being such GOOD SPORTS, and congratulations to our high point winners who received a terrific 3-hook bridle bag for their achievement!

WALK TROT

Megan Kenny on Hylee’s Liza
(r) Triana Sequoia on Angel

2 FOOT

Carissa Yuen on Bambee (so cute)
(r) Caroline Benoit on Liam

2’3”

Jordyn Shaw on Sugar N Spice
(r) As Good As it Gets and Annika Clark

2’6”

Jenny Heinz on Bentley
(r) Lauren Cummings on Donali (Lauren’s first award ever!)

2’9”

Katie Andrews on Rhuma
(r) Kirstin Chalmers on Half & Half

Thank you, as always, to our over-worked volunteers (Diane, Bruce, Devon, Fiona, Courtney, Troy and Cindy) for a great day. Talk about team work!! And how cool is it that show manager Francie Shuttleworth was our volunteer of the day, scoring a wonderful MISS FILLY tee-shirt for her efforts!

The next Hunter/Jumper day, of course, is our BIG Summer Classic where there are EXTRA-SPECIAL high point awards on tap (and only a few more stalls available!). It’s on SATURDAY, AUGUST 7! Download the program and special SUMMER CLASSIC entry form from the website [www.deltaridingclub.com].

AQHA to host Regional Championships at Thunderbird

I went to the Lower Mainland Quarter Horse Association regular meeting a couple of weeks back with Lynne Carter and got TOTALLY psyched about the Region One “Experience” coming up at Thunderbird, July 21-25. Even if you don’t own or aren’t into Quarter Horses, the clinic schedule is probably something you don’t want to overlook! (Who wouldn’t want to see what Lynn Palm has to say about English Equitation, right? She’s just one of many that are too good to miss.) See the full clinic schedule at [www.region1experience.com/Event%20Schedule.pdf].

And if you have an appetite for something other than horses going ‘round and ‘round in circles, check out the huge slate of cow classes scheduled for Saturday and Sunday (attached) – cutting, working cow horse AND roping! I’m trying to plan my work week around Region One – it’s going to be great!

Oopsie!

For those of you who downloaded an early version of the Summer Classic entry form, please note there are NO WARM UP ROUNDS on the Hunter/Jumper day. That was a left-over from last year! Sorry!

DRC welcomes two new sponsors!

We’d like to welcome two new 2010 sponsors to our growing roster: The Rainbow Family of Ladner and Miss Filly! Alicia Harper has done an awesome job of assembling a great list of sponsors this year. We hope you remember to acknowledge them on our behalf when you can!

PLATINUM

Delta Agricultural Society
The Dog & Pony Shop
Hylee Training
Greenhawk Vancouver
Divine E.Y.E. Productions
Greystone Stables
Roddick Feed & Farm Supply
Four Seasons Equestrian Facility
G&H Horse Transport
Adiva Murphy Natural Horsemanship

GOLD

Cloverdale Fuels
Benjamin Moore

SILVER

Windancer Stables
Blue Meadow Farm
Ann Harper CA
Embroidery Plus
Save-On-Foods, Ladner
Kim Rose
Miss Filly
The Rainbow Family

Don’t forget, Dog & Pony is offering all 2010 DRC members 10% off show clothing this season. (You need your membership card to get your discount.) And if you’re looking for a ride to the Summer Classic on August 7/8, be sure to give Glen at G&H Horse Transport a call!

Volunteer list in the works

I’ve already started the volunteer lists for the Summer Classic on August 7/8. We would REALLY appreciate a few hours of your time to help make this show a success! Please email and let me know if you can work a shift! Training is free – the appreciation, priceless!

Coming up

Wednesday, July 14 - Regular Monthly Meeting, 7 pm
Sunday, July 25 – Open Format Clinic with Adiva Murphy
Wednesday, August 4 – DRC regular monthly meeting, DRC clubhouse (note new date!)
Saturday/Sunday, August 7/8 - DRC Summer Classic Horse Show
Saturday, August 28 – Open Format Clinic with Adiva Murphy
Sunday, September 12 – DRC English/Western Show
Wednesday, September 14 – Regular monthly meeting
September 19 - Percentage Day
Saturday, September 25 – Open Format Clinic with Adiva Murphy

(I can’t believe we’re listing September already – where DID the year go?!?!)
TOMORROW NIGHT – CLUB MEETING – SEE YOU THERE!!

06.23.10 DRC | Hunter/ Jumper show this Sunday!


Forget the forecast!

(It’s never right anyways!!)

We hope you’re planning on coming on down to Delta Riding Club this Sunday (June 27) for our Hunter/Jumper show! We have five GREAT high points in five hunter divisions, and course designer extraordinaire Kim Rose tells us judge Carmen Kramer is a keeper!! We – Kim, Francie, Fiona, Devon and I – set up the course tonight while Bruce finished mowing. (My goodness, the grounds look SPECTACULAR! It’s amazing what a little perspiration can do!!)

I’ve had lots of inquiries about the show – more than usual, actually – and all the day stalls are spoken for. (I’ve even taken reservations for the Summer Classic on August 7, if you can believe that!) Don’t let that forecast fool ya! For one thing, it’s changing by the hour! And another thing: as often as not, when it’s raining up the valley (like in Surrey), it’s just windy here! If in doubt, call me – 604.328.3814. But plan on coming! We have a great show planned!

We tied one on for Father’s Day!

Okay – I know some members of the show committee have reputations -- but really, we did tie on a TIE at last Sunday’s English/Western show – to celebrate Father’s Day! Thank you to everyone who came out to show and to all those who came out to cheer our exhibitors on! It was a small show by comparison (just under 30 horses) but – as I kept reminding everyone – just a couple of years ago, we would have been deliriously happy with the turnout! Most classes were full; the juniors only had two exhibitors most of the morning but otherwise there was enough competition to make it interesting! Not bad, considering this show was a late addition to our show schedule! And judge Lydia Cameron – just like I promised – did a most excellent job! We finished the English right on schedule (about 1:30) and started the Western about 2. Home by 4, just the way we like it!

Congratulations to our high point winners:

WALK/TROT
Jenna Mackay on Latif
r. Lauren Proudlove on Fall En Rain
JUNIOR ENGLISH
Mia Fletcher-Gordon on Gingersnap
r. Madison Tani on Viento
INTERMEDIATE ENGLISH
Devon Smith on SW Roxy Barlink
r. Taylor Dhaliwal on Timber-Melody
SENIOR ENGLISH
Alicia Harper on Hylee Classical QT
r. Keya Milaire on Kahlua Cream
WESTERN
Keya Milaire on Kahlua Cream
r. Devon Smith on SW Roxy Barlink

(Mia, your reserve high point is in the office, if you want to come by and pick it up on Sunday!)

We especially want to thank Joan Simmons and Leslie Dowler for stepping up and helping us out for the WHOLE day – Joan did TRIPLE duty as whipper in/outgate AND ribbons, and Leslie stuck it out in the not-quite-finished concession! Thank you both! We were short-staffed (Bruce was in the ring (as always), Cindy and Francie were in the office, Fiona COOKED, “good luck” Sheila (she won the volunteer prize for the second time already this year!) announced) so we were particularly grateful when Kim Proudlove – bless her – saw we needed help and offered to be our “runner” (a job we consider among our most important!) Many thanks, as well, to our official photographer Troy (divineeye@shaw.ca) for sticking it out for the day taking pics. Contact him for a link to his website to see your pics!

All in all, a nice show with NO glitches! Those are the kind we like best!

Mark your calendar for our next English/Western show –- it’s the SUMMER CLASSIC on Sunday, August 8!

That’s it for now! We’ll be putting some finishing touches on the course on Saturday, and I’ll be in the office setting up, so we might announce an open hack on Friday night (when I figure out what time I will be down there). I’ll keep you posted. Otherwise:

SEE YOU SUNDAY!

Oh! PS: Hunter/Jumper riders – don’t forget to ask about getting your exhibitor number laminated on Sunday (for a small donation!). We’re a FULL SERVICE riding club!!

Coming up

Sunday, June 27 - DRC Hunter/Jumper Show
Sunday, July 11 - DRC Natural Horsemanship Tournament
Wednesday, July 14 – DRC regular monthly meeting, DRC clubhouse
Sunday, July 25 - Open Format Clinic with Adiva Murphy
Wednesday, August 4 – DRC regular monthly meeting, DRC clubhouse (note new date!)
August 7/8 - DRC Summer Classic Horse Show

06.16.10 DRC | English Western show this Sunday!


Eureka! We have a judge!

I have been remiss in letting you know that Lydia Cameron has been booked to judge our new ENGLISH/WESTERN SHOW this SUNDAY, JUNE 20th. This is the show we added to our schedule following our ridiculously successful show in very early May. (It seemed like a mighty long stretch between it and our Summer Classic on August 8, so wa-la!! We added a show!)

I’m really excited that Lydia is able to judge the show on such short notice! She is – ahem – the same vintage (like fine wine) as I, and remembers the day when good all-around horses dominated the show rings! She is a Level 2 Western coach (one of the few, I might add!), and has been training horses and coaching riders in both English AND Western disciplines for most of 30 years! Pair that with the promise of sunny skies on Sunday and we have ourselves a show!

And yes – it’s Father’s Day! That means all Dads get coffee on-the-house all day long! I’m even pitching the idea we throw together a Dad’s Lead Line class just before the lunch break! Wouldn’t that be great? Bring Dad! Let’s have some fun!

We already have some pre-entries for the show! (How exciting is that?) If you choose to pre-enter, drop your entries off at Roddicks or Dog & Pony by this Friday to save time in the entry office on Sunday morning. Gates open by 7:30 and the coffee pot will be purring! Our shows start promptly at 8:30. We may even have most of the new concession up and running! And Troy Nagle of DivineEye Productions will be on hand to take pics! (You could order something for DAD! Ya!)

Help wanted! (What a surprise!)

And as per usual, we are in need of some trusty volunteers to make our show run smoothly! If you can help out for a morning or afternoon shift in the concession, or on the gates, or doing ribbon presentations, we sure would appreciate hearing from you! Email me as soon as you can because the success of our shows really REALLY depends on a good crew!

Air show alert

We have been asked to pass along information from Delta to livestock owners in the vicinity of Boundary Bay Airport.

The 6th Annual Boundary Bay Air Show will be taking place on Saturday, June 19, 2010.

There is a concern that some horses may be affected by the loud noises of the low flying jets. I spoke to a representative from Alfa Aviation. Some jets that will be performing will be very loud and will sound like explosions. The first one is around 1:00pm and again between 4:00 and 5:00pm*** Please note that these times are not exact but estimated. As well there may be other performances horses may be sensitive to in-between.

I asked what flight path these the jets would take as last year the “show stopper” came in from the west along the railway tracks towards the airport. But of course flight paths all depend on which way the wind is blowing….so I would hate to see riders out on the dyke.

Also take note that the Military Jets will be arriving to the Boundary Bay Airport on Friday, June 18 in the afternoon. Again these will be low flying and loud.

Michele Harris
Office of the Municipal Clerk
Corporation of Delta

Stalls are filling for Hunter show June 27

We’ve already received several requests for day stalls for the Hunter/Jumper show on SUNDAY, JUNE 27. There may be one or two left, so if you need one, you should let me know asap! Carmen Kramer is judging and Francie is very excited because she has acquired even MORE greenery to decorate the course.

We’ll be setting up the course on Wednesday evening, so if you’re in the ‘hood, drop by the club grounds and lend us a hand! It sounds like it’s going to be a nice show!

Percentage Day dodges the rain

The rain on June 6 managed to hold off until the last of 35 riders had performed their dressage tests in front of judge Burgi Rommel at our second Percentage Day of the season! Show manager Sheila Forsyth was ecstatic about the turnout and reports that Marg was kept hopping in the concession – an added bonus as we don’t usually do the “full meal deal” at Percentage Days. A hearty congratulations to high point exhibitor Pam White, riding Cavalier, and to reserve high point Keya Milaire and Kahlua Cream. Good show!

Summer Classic program now available

The show program for the DRC SUMMER CLASSIC SHOW on August 7/8 is now available to download from our website at [www.deltaridingclub.com]. The show follows the basic format of our Hunter/Jumper and English/Western shows with some stake classes thrown in for good measure. All first place exhibitors will receive $10 in DRC “Bucks” and we’re working on sweetening the pot with gift packages that include DRC ball caps and stuff you USE at the shows (like hoof black and shampoo and fly spray!). We have FABulous high points this year for each of the Hunter Divisions and the five high points offered on the English/Western Day (Junior, Intermediate and Senior English, Walk/Trot, and Western). We’re also talking about rider draws for every class – so you don’t have to win to win!!

Remember, this show has a slightly different fee schedule (with a pre-entry discount that will save you lotsa bucks!). Make sure you download the SUMMER CLASSIC entry form and mark your calendar for August 7 and 8!

Dog & Pony Tent sale on June 20

Whether you’ve got our Father’s Day show on your schedule or not, remember to squeeze in some time to get to the famous and 16th ANNUAL DOG & PONY TENT SALE on June 20th, 10 am to 4 pm. Remember, DRC members get 10% off show clothing – a benefit of their 2010 membership! You have to have your membership card to get your discount – and if you haven’t received yours (or need a duplicate), contact our membership co-ordinator Alicia Harper at [Alicia@aliciaharper.com].

This year’s sale features:
In-Store Specials
10am - 12pm: 20% Off Horse Care Products
12pm - 2pm: 20% Off Giftware & Books
2pm - 4pm: 20% Off Stable & Barn Supplies

FREE Water Bottles for the first 16 customers!
FREE Saddle Pads for the first 10 BIG SPENDERS over $250!
Savings of up to 90% Off in the Tent!
BARGAINS BARGAINS BARGAINS!!

Visit their website at [www.thedognpony.com] for more info! (And you can drop of your Hunter/Jumper entries while you’re there!)

What would YOU pay to have your show number laminated?

Well, we are VERY pleased to announce that thanks to a generous and spontaneous donation by Marilyn Pay and FOUR SEASONS EQUESTRIAN FACILITY, our show office is now in the possession of a laminator! For a small fee, we would be HAPPY to laminate your show number. (Want to order your laminated number in advance? Email me and we’ll have it ready in the office on Sunday morning!) And THANK YOU, Marilyn!! We really appreciate allllll your support this year! Four Seasons is also a DRC Platinum sponsor!!

Need a ride?

And just a quick reminder that G&H Horse Transport has once again signed on as a platinum sponsor of DRC this year. Be sure to contact Glenn to arrange your horse hauls to DRC shows this season (he keeps his trailer in Ladner): 604.619.0962, info@gandhhorsetransport.ca or visit the website at {www.gandhhorsetransport.ca].

DRC polos now available

Polo SHIRTS, that is! Be sure to check out our new DRC polos on Sunday! We have small and medium shirts in stock at $20 each! They wash well and look SMART! Support your club by wearing a DRC polo!

Coming up

Sunday, June 20 - DRC English/Western show
Sunday, June 27 - DRC Hunter/Jumper Show
Sunday, July 11 - DRC Natural Horsemanship Tournament
Wednesday, July 14 – DRC regular monthly meeting, DRC clubhouse
Sunday, July 25 - Open Format Clinic with Adiva Murphy
Wednesday, August 4 – DRC regular monthly meeting, DRC clubhouse (note new date!)
August 7/8 - DRC Summer Classic Horse Show

And that’s about it for now. Email and let me know if you can lend a hand this Sunday (or on June 27 – we’ll need help then, too!)

Looking forward to another great English/Western show on Sunday! See you there!

NEW!! ENGLISH/WESTERN SHOW SUNDAY, JUNE 20

05.29.10 DRC | Percentage Day entry deadline -- oops! It's tomorrow!!


Percentage Day next Sunday, June 6

Well. I have been remiss in sending out a reminder about our upcoming Percentage Day, just a week away on June 6! But I did get an inquiry today, so I’m hopeful you all have your calendars duly marked! Burgi Rommel is judging this second DRC event for dressage riders – and the long-range weather forecast shows improvement by then (even if eight sleeps away!).

Deadline for entries is TOMORROW, Sunday, May 30 (although I am sure Sheila expects a few to dribble in past deadline, if this has caught you off guard!). I am leaving town on Monday and will have limited access to email and phone (uh-huh!) so it is imperative that you direct any inquiries to Percentage Day show manager Sheila Forsyth. You can call her at 604.940-9698 or email at sheila.forsyth@hotmail.com. Don’t leave it to the last minute, though – Sheila will want to announce ride times by Thursday!

Variety is the spice

I have also been a bit of a slowpoke in announcing the success of our first Hunter/Jumper show of the season, back on May 16. We had an excellent turnout of riders and we were extremely honoured to have not one but TWO judges shadowing our judge-of-record Kindry Dunbar – Donna Hawkins and Bunny Garcia! We had – once again – an excellent group of volunteers with our volunteer awards going – coincidentally – to our am and pm whipper ins, Diane Moon and Diana Mark! (Didn’t Paul Anka dedicate a song to them?) Funny that DRC prez Bruce Walker co-whipped the WHOLE day and was shut out when names were drawn!! (Your time will come, Bruce!)

Congratulations to our high point and reserve high point winners in five divisions (and not one repeat among them!):

WALK TROT

Caroline Benoit on Liam
(r) Alicia Harper and Just Time Travelling

2 FOOT

Carissa Yuen on Bambee (so cute)
(r) Katie Andrews on Catalina

2’3”

Jordyn Shaw on Sugar N Spice
(r) Olga Suttorp on Bambee (still cute)

2’6”

Shelby Yuie on Sugar N Spice
(r) Megan Loiacono on Cedar Bay

2’9”

Stephanie Mark on Eppie’s Girl
(r) Natalie Amoore on Mia Promessa

I think we’ve finally found our groove with the Hunter/Jumper shows. We were really pleased to be able to use the big hunter/jumper ring. Francie and I got a GREAT deal on shrubbery that will last us the balance of the season, and now that our rules are a fait accompli and we have them almost committed to memory, we’re looking forward to another good show on June 27th when Carmen Kramer (my personal “calendar” girl!) will judge! Hope it’s on your calendar!!

Got bucks?

We were really pleased to see some of the hunter/jumper entries using their DRC “bucks back” from last year’s Summer Show and our “early bird” membership drive for 2010. If you’ve got “bucks back” getting dog-eared in your wallet, don’t forget to use ‘em!

English/Western show on June 20

And … why not start with our new-on-the-schedule ENGLISH/WESTERN SHOW on Sunday, June 20th! NOT that you will need to buy coffee for your DAD, because coffee for DADS is FREE on June 20th (being Father’s Day and all …).

We’ve revised our show schedule [see it on the website at www.deltaridingclub.com] for this new addition, so be sure to check it out and start making plans to attend! We’ve already got our volunteer list started (thank you, Lydia!), and high points are ordered (you’ll LOVE them!). Have you SEEN our reserve high point awards this year? Alicia ordered what has become much-coveted embroidered hay bags!! FIVE high points at all four English/Western shows this year!! DRC members are also competing for year end awards (which will be VERY special!). MARK YOUR CALENDAR and spend June 20th with US!

Hay for sale!

Well. Maybe. Someday. If the sun ever comes out again! Ahem …

Many of you know Delta Riding Club has a small hay field between the road and the show grounds, and SHOULD we ever see a forecast for sun sun sun that will allow “Farmer Smith” (yup, there IS one!) to cut, bale and stack, we will have hay for sale.

I am assuming (yes, I KNOW what happens when you do that!) we will divvy up the hay the same way we have in past years, in that we create a list of members who are interested in buying hay, and then split the cut equally among those who are interested. If YOU are interested in buying some local first cut from DRC, let me know and we’ll get that list started. Honestly, I can’t remember the price last year but it was $6 or $7 bucks a bale off the wagon (reasonable, anyways), and you had to be ready to pick it up pretty much as it was baled. Want some? Email me to git yer name on the list – price to be confirmed!

Naturally, only at DRC

Hey! Here is some big NEWS: Delta Riding Club will be hosting the first annual NATURAL HORSEMANSHIP TOURNAMENT this coming JULY 11!! NH coach and DRC member Adiva Murphy and her circle of clients and friends will be organizing this BRAND NEW show AT DRC for natural horsemanship followers! Open to all who practice natural horsemanship techniques, the tournament will be a casual (read F-U-N) opportunity for you to demonstrate your skills over, under, through and around obstacle courses and in pattern work! Details to follow, but a fun day is GUARANTEED! Check out Adiva’s website at [www.adivamurphy.com] or contact her directly for information at 778.881.6600 or adiva@adivamurphy.com.

Clinics-r-us

Adiva is also booked to host some “Open Format” clinics at DRC later this summer, as a result of the interest inspired by her Wild & Woolies earlier this year, part of our Spring Clinic Series. She’s slotted Sunday, July 25, Saturday, August 28 and … Saturday, September 25 for us! Two or three group sessions of two hours each are available, $40 for members. More details to come, but don’t hesitate to let Adiva or I know if you want to sign up for a specific date!

And … if YOU are interested in helping to organize or attend a clinic/workshop at DRC, let me know what your interests are! My good intentions for evening clinics in May (yes, I am aware of the date!) and June seem to have gone awry! Desperately seeking inspiration! What do YOU have in mind?

Monthly meeting

Since I am leaving town (some would argue for a much needed-if-not-short vacation), I should put you on notice that the next regular monthly meeting will be coming up on WEDNESDAY, JUNE 9th! We MAY be the throes of kitchen-chaos at the clubhouse by then (oh yay!), but WHO CARES!?!? (PS: Know anyone who wants to buy a real FUNKY vintage 1950s GE electric oven – we have one for sale!!). Mark your calendar and stop by the clubhouse at 7 pm and become part of the really great team of folks who are the heart and soul of DRC! MEMBERS WELCOME!!

Coming up

Sunday, May 30 - Entry deadline for the June 6 Percentage Day
Sunday, June 6 - DRC Percentage Day, Burgi Rommel, judge
Wednesday, June 9 - Regular Monthly Meeting, DRC, 7 pm
Sunday, June 20 - DRC English/Western show
Sunday, June 27 - DRC Hunter/Jumper Show
Sunday, July 11 - DRC Natural Horsemanship Tournament
Sunday, July 25 - Open Format Clinic with Adiva Murphy
August 7/8 - DRC Summer Classic Horse Show

05.15.10 DRC | BIG news!


English/Western show added for June 20

When we first did the 2010 show schedule early last winter, we knew then it was a painfully long stretch between our first EW show on May 2 to the Summer Show on August 8. But -- alas -- between conflicts with other shows and commitments, we just couldn’t see a way around it at the time! Well, thankfully, times have changed!

With the crazy success of the last English/Western show (May 2) still giving us goose bumps, and an opportunity in the schedule opening up, I am VERY pleased to announce an addition to our 2010 show schedule. Mark SUNDAY, JUNE 20th on your calendar! We’re gonna do it all over again!

We’ll be updating the show schedule toute de suite! The June 20 show will be the same format as our May 2 and September 12 EW shows. Judge to be announced! Same great crew! Same great facility – and it will likely be the show we get to break in the new kitchen which means: BOTTOMLESS COFFEE FOR ALL DADS (it being Father’s Day and all)!

Although not everyone on the show committee is able to be on board (which means I’m really counting on YOUR help to pull this off!), I am relieved (and excited) we’ve been given the green light! Three months is TOO long between shows, right?!?

Remember to mark your calendars! More info to come!

Rain will hold off

Of course, a new show on the schedule just means more anxiety for me. I have been the Weather Networks’ most avid viewer since mid-February (pre-Clinics), and the lead-up to tomorrow’s Hunter/Jumper show has had its scary moments. BUT I am pleased to say it looks like it’s going to be PERFECT weather for a show tomorrow. Slightly overcast. NO rain! Kindry Dunbar judges. We do have cross rail entries starting at 8:30, and Kindry will be shadowed by two other judges, here to improve on their judging skills! (How cool is that?) Patterns for exhibitors are available in the entry office. The gates open no later than 7:30. The show gets underway promptly at 8:30. If you’re not showing, drop by for a coffee and Marg’s famous breakie sandwich!

English class descriptions updated

With the most awesome help of Kim Rose, we have made some revisions to the English class descriptions (available soon to download from the website at www.deltaridingclub.com]. Look for the version dated 5.16.2010. (Devon hasn’t uploaded them yet, but she will tonight.) We’ve also updated our English at a Glance chart. The revisions mostly offer clarity around our hunter over fences and jumper rules, which we have really struggled with these past two years. The most significant change is that flashes, figure 8’s and dropped nosebands are now permitted in Jumper (but not Hunter) classes, which is consistent with other jumper shows. (Thanks, Laura “Greenhawk” Loiacono, for bringing this to our attention!)

It’s the responsibility of exhibitors to be familiar with the rules, which are available in the clubhouse. We try to catch infractions at the gate –- but it’s a learning curve for all of us, so please respect any request for equipment or apparel changes! Rules are there to provide a level playing field for all competitors!

Selling or buying?

Don’t forget to check out our classified section on the website! It is being updated regularly and listings are accepted for free. (Sorry, no photo ads yet!) Please email your classified, barn listing or coaching/training service to devonsmith@telus.net. If you have posted something for sale on the website and it has sold, please let Devon know so she can remove the listing!

Looking forward to a great show tomorrow!
If you have time to lend a hand, please let us know in the entry office!
See you there!

05.12.10 DRC | Meeting time tomorrow bumped up


DRC meeting tomorrow

The monthly directors meeting (where EVERYone is welcome!) will start at 6:30 tomorrow evening, Wednesday, May 12, so we can end early, at 8 pm, to set up the jumps for the Hunter/Jumper show on Sunday. All worker-bees GREATLY appreciated. We won’t hold it against you if you take a miss on the meeting but show up at 8 for the grunt work!!

Hunter/Jumper show this Sunday

And … as previously noted, our first Hunter/Jumper show of the season kicks off bright and shiny (and promptly) at 8:30 am on Sunday, May 16. ALL THE STALLS ARE BOOKED, so we’re considering that a good omen for a great turnout! Kindry Dunbar is doing the judging honours. Gates will open no later than 7:30 am and the coffee pot will be purring! Please follow the instructions of our parking attendant(s).

If going over jumps isn’t your thing, remember there is a flat class at the beginning of each division (five in all), so don’t hesitate to come on down and make a day (or half a day) of it!! We’d love to have you join us!

And … Last year this was not an issue, but the year before it was: if there are no cross-rail entries, we will start with the two foots at 8:30, so don’t ASSUME you have wiggle room for your two foot class. This is a post-entry show, so we just don’t know til show time how things will work out. If in doubt, call me (604/328-3814) the morning of the show.

Exhibitors are reminded to please please PLEASE check in with the whipper in when called, and enter the ring promptly when asked!! We were SO impressed by your promptness at the May 2 show – let’s hope it is a trend!!

Volunteers warmly accepted

Want to be part of a great TEAM? We would love to have you come down and volunteer a few hours to help us out on show day! We don’t need quite as many peeps as we do for an English/Western show but we need help all the same – in oh-so-many-ways! We especially are looking for someone(s) to look after the ribbon presentations, whip, announce, and work in the concession. And we need a couple of runners! Morning and afternoon shifts available! And … your name automatically gets put in the draw for one of TWO volunteer prizes! Mmmmmmmm – Timmy’s! Please email me if you can lend a hand!! We sure appreciate it!

Wish Ride a sunny success

I’m sure that Marilyn and Tara Pay couldn’t have wished for a more picture-perfect day for the 3rd annual Delta Wish Ride last Saturday. It was stunning – and Deas Island Park was at its finest! DRC member Lynne Carter put the rest of us to shame, beating her personal best with her $2060 in pledges!! Way to go, Lynne!!

In total, eight riders collected $4,878.25 for the Children’s Wish Foundation – not bad, considering last year, it took 25 riders to collect $6200. Marilyn and Tara pass along their deepest appreciation to everyone who contributed to the ride this year, including no less than 34 sponsors!! There were gifts galore – and some really cool ones at that! No one came away empty handed – including Delta Riding Club, who scored a wonderful gift basket of stationery that will go to good use in the entry office!

Perhaps the highlight of the day was when Katie, from the Children’s Wish Foundation, was given the opportunity to ride a horse by Wayne Owen. Katie had never even touched a horse before, let alone ride one, so you can imagine what a thrill that must have been for her! “She was thrilled,” writes Marilyn, “and I had some friends come out with their kids and they got rides and now they want lessons.” Thanks, Wayne!

PS: Marilyn says it’s not too late to hand in your pledges! Contact her at varietyconcepts@hotmail.com.

Going to the archives

By the way, if you have missed past bulletins (I added about a dozen new emails to our address book after the May show), you can catch up with DRC by going to the website [www.deltaridingclub.com] and clicking on Bulletins. I have to admit we haven’t had time to compile them in a nice clean format for quite some time (had a few other projects on our plate – can you spell c-l-u-b-h-o-u-s-e?), but all the news is there. SOME exhibitors from the English/Western show may not be aware they are high point winners. Find the bulletin from May 7 and all the highlights of that show are there! (It’s currently on the Home page, but will be replaced by this one lickety split! Also hope to have some pics from the Wish Ride and the show up there soon, too, DEVON!!)

Coming up

Wednesday, May 12 Monthly meeting, clubhouse, 6:30 pm
Sunday, May 16 DRC Hunter/Jumper show, Kindry Dunbar judge
Sunday, June 6 DRC Percentage Day, Burgi Rommel judge
Wednesday, June 9 Monthly meeting, clubhouse, 7 pm
Sunday, June 27 DRC Hunter/Jumper Show, Carmen Kramer judge

Email me if you can lend a hand on Sunday!! cathyglover@telus.net

05.07.10 DRC | Raising the bar


English/Western show a resounding success!

Oh my goodness! If you weren’t at DRC on Sunday, you missed a truly MEMORABLE show! It was awesome!! We had sixty ONE exhibitors (every darn one of them on their BEST behaviour -- thank you!), a wonderful crew of volunteers (with many new faces among them – THANK YOU!) and a judge (Rick Pyke) who knew how to get the job done. If only Mother Nature had been just a little more co-operative in the afternoon, it would have been an absolutely PERFECT day!

We had many HUGE classes – how about that 15 horse English halter class, eh? – and some excellent competition! Basic Seat Open and Show Hack EACH had 17 riders! Congratulations to our high point winners:

WALK/TROT

Lauren Proudlove on Fall ‘en Rain
r. June Allen on Lucy

JUNIOR ENGLISH

Sam Mackie on Johnson’s Yukon Georgie
r. Caitlyn Hoolsema on Xanadus Excalibur

INTERMEDIATE ENGLISH

Devon Smith on SW Roxy Barlink
r. Taylor Dhaliwal on Timber-Melody

SENIOR ENGLISH

Diana Mark on Eppie’s Girl
r. Kirsten Robinson on Hylee Classical QT

WESTERN

Keya Milaire on Kahlua Cream
r. Devon Smith on SW Roxy Barlink

We just barely managed to get thru the Hunter division before the rain started to – ahem -- pelt! But I think everyone collectively kicked it into high gear to help us get through those classes as seamlessly as possible by that point – and I can’t tell you how much we all appreciated your efforts and GOOD WILL! The die-hard Western riders took the brunt of the weather, spirits in tact, and we were done shortly after four! And we are pleased to report that Madison Tani, the youngster who had the spill in the warm-up arena and spent some time in our entry office under the care of our first aid attendant Cindy Mackay, is fine – just a little bruised from her encounter with the jump standard on the way off! Madi reminded her mom, Lydia, that it wasn’t the first or likely the last time she will be making an unscheduled departure! All things considered, it was an excellent day!

Cosmic crew!

We especially want to thank all our CREW on Sunday! For once – and I can’t tell you how excited we were about this -- we had all the bases covered, including the especially challenging positions of out gate and runner. (Until you run a show like this, you cannot appreciate how truly IMPORTANT these jobs are!) As is now tradition, we drew names from our morning crew and afternoon for our volunteer awards. Congratulations to Sheila Forsythe and YOURS TRULY, who will be spending some time at Timmy’s in the not-too-distant future! At the risk of overlooking someone, thank you to:

• Cindy MacKay and Francie Shuttleworth in the entry office – they ROCKED!
• DRC prez Bruce “Fuzz” Walker, our resident Ring Steward Extraordinaire and GROUNDS keeper (It was mused that perhaps Bruce had spent SO much time grooming the grounds last week in preparation for the show that he hadn’t been home long enough to – ahem – SHAVE!)
• To Sheila Forsythe who took the “stage” as our announcer and
• Julie Miller who took over for her in the afternoon and to
• Marg Brodie – our chief cook and bottle washer
• Lydia Mah, Marg’s NEW right hand in the concession all morning – THANK YOU!!
• Lance Kiernan, on loan from Rhainne as our “runner”
• STEPHANIE MARK – OMG girl, YOU rock! (She whipped!)
• Alana Brown who took over for Steph for the western, such as it was
• McKenna and Cassidy Mintzler – Julie’s right and left hands, who helped in the concession and wherever needed – as they always do!
• DON MACKAY – who did an AMAZING job making sure we made the most of our parking area – we actually had room to spare!!
• And Todd whose-last-name-I’ve-forgotten (it’s not personal; brain leaks …) who handled the lonely out gate handing out ribbons with
• Diane Moon – THANK YOU BOTH -- and then to
• Rhainne Kiernan, who took over about the time the rain started … (Oh that’s funny – I just saw the irony in that now!!)

I have to tell you there is an incredible amount of work that goes on “behind the scenes” before these shows and this year, with the clubhouse renos also on our plate, the time commitment has been through the roof. It’s easy to get a little resentful that this “volunteer” job is taking on full-time proportions, but – boy oh boy – when you get an exhibitor AND volunteer turnout like we did on Sunday, it makes EVERY MINUTE INVESTED absolutely worthwhile!! On behalf of the show committee and your board of directors, THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU for giving US such a great day! We are STILL basking in the afterglow – and it feels WUNDERBAR!

Silent Auction spurs competition of a different sort

Okay. It probably comes as NO surprise that I outbid EVERYone on the wine basket. (At least I live up to my reputation!). Congratulations to Wendy Lawrence who won the Horse Basket, and to Stu at Loranda Farms who outbid our Francie for the Garden Basket! And a great BIG thank you to Julie and Kirstin Crouch for assembling the goodies and making them look all so – mmmm --delicious!

Wish Ride on Saturday

HEY! HEY! HEY! I just checked the weather forecast for this Saturday, May 8 and obviously SOMEone has had words with the powers-that-be because it says SUN! SUN! SUN! (Last night, it said “not so much”!) And that’s great news for the 3rd annual DELTA WISH RIDE at Deas Island Park!!

Registration for the ride starts at 9 am and last I heard, Tim Hortons will be there with coffee and timbits! The ride starts at 10 am and winds up with a BBQ starting around 11 til ???

Tara and Marilyn Pay of Four Seasons Equestrian put a lot of effort in organizing this ride where pledges received go to the CHILDREN’S WISH FOUNDATION in their efforts to brighten the lives of children with life-threatening illnesses. This year, they will have gifts for everyone with a pledge form, whether they are able to participate in the ride or not, and there will be food and friendship for all!

And how about this? If you’re unable to make the ride on Saturday morning, but want to make a pledge to this awesome cause, email me and I’ll sign you up on a pledge form in Delta Riding Club’s name! Need a little more incentive? All pledges over $25 will receive a tax receipt from the Children’s Wish Foundation. Email me! cathyglover@telus.net!

Wouldn’t it be amazing if everyone who rode last Sunday showed up at Deas Island on Saturday?!?! That would be awesome! I’ll be there – I can’t wait! (I haven’t ridden in a month!!)

And thank you!

We’d like to welcome our newest platinum sponsors for this year: FOUR SEASONS EQUESTRIAN FACILITY. That’s the home tuf of Marilyn and Tara Pay, our Wish Ride co-ordinators, on 62nd Street, just south of Ladner Trunk! We have a revised show program ready to go up on the website acknowledging ALL our 2010 platinum sponsors! Thank you to each and every one of them for their part in making this such a successful year for DRC!

• DELTA AG SOCIETY
• GREYSTONE STABLES
• FOUR SEASONS EQUESTRIAN FACILITY
• HYLEE TRAINING
• ADIVA MURPHY NATURAL HORSEMANSHIP
• RODDICKS FEED & FARM SUPPLY
• DOG & PONY SHOP
• G & H HORSE TRANSPORT
• GREENHAWK VANCOUVER
• DIVINE EYE PRODUCTIONS

Hunter/Jumper show coming up

The first Hunter/Jumper show of the season is scheduled for just over a week away, on SUNDAY, MAY 16. I heard from judge Kindry Dunbar yesterday and she is REALLY looking forward to coming out to DRC again! She’s even bringing a junior judge! I already have four stalls reserved, and we’re really looking forward to a good turnout and the long-term forecast! Let me know if you’ve dropped your entries off in advance (at Roddicks or Dog & Pony). The show starts at 8:30 am, and if you haven’t already noticed, there are NO warm-up rounds this year (although jumps will be set up in the warm-up ring!).

Clothes swap this weekend

The first Quarter Horse circuit of the season is at Thunderbird this weekend (starting on Friday), and Barbara Binns has asked me to pass along a couple of opportunities from LMQHA to our members! They are offering a “Show Clothes Swap” for the duration of the circuit (flyer attached) and – to make your visit to T’bird really worthwhile - they are offering a good slate of open classes (APHA PAC approved). Check the website for details.

Meeting next week

The weeks are flying by. The next monthly meeting of the Delta Riding Club is ONLY a week away (and I still haven’t done the minutes from the last one). Everyone is invited to attend. It’s on Wednesday, May 12, in the clubhouse, starting at 7.

PS:

With the forecast for the weekend looking a little brighter, there is a chance we will host an OPEN HACK on Sunday, May 9 (it being Mother’s Day and all …). I’ll confirm a time in a subsequent bulletin, but you could let me know if you’re interested in coming down for a ride!

SEE YOU AT THE WISH RIDE ON SATURDAY!

05.01.10 DRC | Gates open at 7:30


Show tomorrow!

As if anyone needed reminding, the first English / Western show of the season gets underway starting PROMPTLY at 8:30 am tomorrow morning (Sunday, May 2). Gates will open at 7:30, and the coffee pot will be purring! Download your entry form tonight and fill it out in the comfort of your home from [www.deltaridingclub.com]. For those in passenger cars, please park on the gravel on the west side of the site; the grass parking area is reserved for trailers. Please follow the direction of parking attendants and help us make the most of our parking area!

Be ready!

I can’t imagine that ANYone has lost more sleep this past week than yours truly over the weather forecast, and now – oh yay – it says light rain will start in the afternoon; they’re promising me cloudy with sunny breaks in the morning! With that in mind, we will start the show promptly at 8:30 and be loading classes so things will move along as quickly and seamlessly as possible (and hopefully ahead of the raindrops!). Please be sure to listen to the announcements and be ready for your class when it is called!

Bring your moola!

Director Julie Crouch and her mom, Kristin, have put together a few REALLY terrific silent auction baskets, so bring some extra cash (or your cheque book)! I know you will be impressed!

Thank you! Thank you!

We would like to welcome back G & H Horse Transport as a platinum sponsor this year! Glen was at the clubhouse last night; we are working with him for some exciting draws for horse transport services over the next little while. Stay tuned for details.

Thank you to ALLLL our 2010 Delta Riding Club sponsors:


PLATINUM


Delta Agricultural Society

The Dog & Pony Shop
www.thedognpony.com

Hylee Training
www.hyleetraining.com

Greenhawk Vancouver
www.greenhawk.net

Divine E.Y.E. Productions
www.divineeyeprod.com

Greystone Stables
www.greystonestablesbc.com

Roddick Feed & Farm Supply
www.roddickfeedandfarm.com

Four Seasons Equestrian Facility
Ladner, BC

G&H Horse Transport
www.roddickfeedandfarm.com

Adiva Murphy Natural Horsemanship
www.adivamurphy.com


GOLD


Cloverdale Fuels
www.cloverdalefuel.com

Benjamin Moore
www.benjaminmoore.com


SILVER


Windancer Stables

Blue Meadow Farm
www.bluemeadowfarm.ca

Ann Harper CA
www.annharperCA.com

Embroidery Plus
Denise Fisher
604. 534. 7641

Save-On-Foods
Ladner

Help wanted!

Thank you to everyone who has already offered to help tomorrow! It’s our best turnout ever – but we still have some key positions that will need filling. Please let the entry office know if you’re available to pitch in tomorrow, even for short shifts on the out gate, or to hand out ribbons, or be a runner! We would really appreciate it!

Have questions? Need directions? A weather report? Call 604.328-3814.


04.29.10 DRC | Show this Sunday -- WORK PARTY TONIGHT!


So much to do, so little time!

This is short notice, but we’re organizing a WORK PARTY for TONIGHT (Thursday) to get the grounds and clubhouse ready for our first ENGLISH/WESTERN show of the season this Sunday! If you can spare us an hour, starting around 6 pm, we would sure appreciate it! Chairs need washing, piles of construction debris need loading, windows need washing, SOMEone can tackle that big beautiful stove – all the things I should be doing at home, but alas most of the clubhouse windows are cleaner than the ones here!! Bruce will be harrowing and cutting the grass and if we get a half a dozen people or more for just an hour, it will make the next two days that much easier! Please come if you can!

Pre-entries must be dropped off by tomorrow

If you are planning on pre-entering Sunday’s show, please make sure you drop them off at Roddicks or Dog & Pony by 4:30 FRIDAY! I’m at our first 4-H show of the season at Thunderbird all day Saturday, so I’m doing the rounds tomorrow at 5 to pick up! Pre-entering doesn’t save you any money, but it does save you time on Sunday morning when the entry office gets slammed!!

Reserve your number

A number of DRC members have already put dibs in for their favourite show number. If you haven’t yet, please email and let me know which number should have YOUR name on it. Members use numbers from 1 to 100!

THANK YOU!

Yes, we will still need volunteers for Sunday’s show, but I am ELATED by those who have signed up so far!! THANK YOU to Cindy and Sheila (entry office), Bruce (ring steward), Julie Miller (announcer, pm), Stephanie Mark (whipper in, am) and Alana Brown (whip, pm), Marg (concession, of course) and to Francie, Fiona and Rhainne who are currently “floating”.

In my perfect world, we still need a somewhat experienced announcer for the am (that would free up Sheila), and folks to help in the concession and hand out ribbons in the morning and afternoon. Please please PLEASE email me if you can pitch in!!!

English class descriptions up

Finally! We have the revised English Class descriptions up on the website [www.deltaridingclub.com]. There are no significant changes to the rules, per se. We’ve simply made them a little more user-friendly, especially when it comes to what is and isn’t permitted in terms of equipment. We have a new chart which I see isn’t up there yet, but will show – at a glance – what you are allowed in each of the English classes. We hope it is going to go a long way to avoid confusion at the in-gate! Remember, you must wear proper attire at all DRC shows and it is the exhibitor’s responsibility to read and understand the rules!! We make every effort to use a standard set of rules that will serve all exhibitors fairly and set them up for success when they go to other venues! Western class descriptions are available for the asking in draft form. I hope to have them up soon. (Can someone spot me some more hours in a day please?)

Whether the weather

Well, Mother Nature is having great fun at my expense! The forecast is changing just about hourly. Our shows run rain OR shine, and for those of you that are coming our way from up the valley remember: if it’s doom and gloom in Langley, as often as not it can be quite pleasant down here. If in doubt, call my cell anytime Sunday morning – 604.328-3814.

That’s it for today. Please – if you can spare an hour tonight, we would sure appreciate it. SEE YOU SUNDAY!!

04.23.10 DRC | Open Hack all day tomorrow


Whether the weather

We have a full day of clinics taking place at Delta Riding Club tomorrow, and soooo … if you are so inclined (and have ear muffs), you are welcome to come on down and ride at your leisure in alternate rings. Members ride for free. (I WILL have membership forms in the office this time!). Guests are welcome for a $10 haul-in fee for first timers! A sign in sheet will be on the gate. Members, please remember to bring your 2010 HCBC membership number with you so you will have it when you sign in! Gates will open about 8:30 am and close at 4. (Earmuffs? It’s supposed to be windy …)

Last chance

There are a couple of spots that have become available in Kim Rose’s Hunter/Jumper clinic in the morning! Man, is she excited! We were at the club last night setting up a course in the hunter/jumper ring, and Kim says she has FIVE PAGES of notes for riders to take home! If you’d like to ride with Kim at 10:30 (til noon), call or email me as quickly as possible to reserve the space. Clinic details on in the schedule on the website.

And so …

Tomorrow marks the final day of this Spring Clinic Series, and I have to say, we are all a little – ahem – stunned that more members didn’t take advantage of this opportunity to ride with some really great clinicians! We cancelled two clinics, and several didn’t fill. What’s with that? A lot of us rode more than one clinic, reducing further the number of members that actually participated. (That said, I can’t think of any participant who went away disappointed – we would all sign up for more, given the opportunity!)

So … here’s the question: if we were to schedule an evening series of clinics in May and June, what would inspire you to sign up? Our Spring Series was inexpensive (just $40 for members), didn’t take all day (three hours – I’m guessing evening clinics would be two hours in duration), and we offered a variety of disciplines from natural horsemanship to dressage to reining (which filled fast and first, by the way!). Was it too early? Perhaps your coaches don’t like you checking out the competition (as it were)? I dunno – it’s darn right perplexing.

Please – if you have a minute and have an opinion on why there wasn’t more uptake on our clinic series (the same lack of response happened to Mission Horse Club last year, I hear), or what you would like to have offered, email me and let me know! cathyglover@telus.net

Best treats ever

We would like to thank, once again, our clinic sponsors: SAVE-ON FOODS LADNER for the most delicious donuts on the planet, and to RODDICKS FEED & FARM SUPPLY for the horse treats!

Ready, set, SHOW!

Yup, in a little over a week (Sunday, May 2), the first English/Western show of the season gets underway – and for now, at least, the Weather Network is doing its best to reduce my stress level! We already have pre-entries! The high points are ordered and some are already here! And our Cinderella clubhouse is getting closer and closer to being complete! (It won’t be absolutely finished come show day, but it will be a SHOCK just the same for those of you who haven’t seen it yet!)

WE NEED VOLUNTEERS!

Oops! Pardon me! Was I shouting!?!

You know, we beg and plead and hand wring every show about staffing and I’m sure it becomes as monotonous to hear as it is to write, but here’s the thing: there are no less than 14 POSITIONS that need to be filled to ensure our English/Western shows run smmmmoootth as silk. That translates, actually, into about TWO DOZEN volunteers, because we don’t expect any but the most ardent (zealous, keen, fervent, COMMITTED) of us to last the day!

We need volunteers in the entry office, to announce, whip, hand out ribbons, manage the out gate, be slaves (oops, runners), work in the concession … and we provide training for FREE! Work a shift (morning, 8:30 til noon or afternoon, noon til end) and be eligible to win a GREAT VOLUNTEER PRIZE. I’m even proposing that shift workers eat for free (but that hasn’t passed muster yet!).

What’s your pleasure? Help in the show office is an early morning position (7:30) that actually ends not long after the show finds its pace; you should have a pretty good comprehension of show rules/management and classes – and oh ya, PEOPLE skills (read: patience!).

My favourite job is whipper in – not only do you get a microphone AND a walkie talkie (perfect for controlling personalities!), you get to be with all the exhibitors and their horses! (Again, you need some horse show savvy for this position.)

If you prefer to stay close to the clubhouse, maybe you have some public speaking skills you’d like to lend to the announcer’s position. We have a pretty good guidebook now on what our announcers are expected to say (who to thank, etc), but you should be familiar with typical horse show protocols. The yummiest positions, of course, are in the concession, either as cook (to spell off Marg) or taking orders.

The hurry-up-and-wait positions (ribbons, runners, out gate) are typically the hardest positions to fill, but are EQUALLY important to any other to help our shows run smoothly! We REALLY appreciate our grunts!

Please please please, if you can lend us a hand, let me know! Begging ends here.

New sponsor

We’d like to welcome Oakwood Products as our English/Western show sponsor on May 2. With every first place rosette, exhibitors will receive a sample of the many terrific products Oakwood manufactures, among them leather cleaners, hoof conditions, shampoo, etc.

Dress for success

Remember, your 2010 membership card gets you 10% OFF all show clothing at the Dog & Pony! Alicia mailed out cards a few weeks back, so yours should be burning a hole in your wallet; don’t miss out on the savings your DRC membership can offer!

Bucks back

Speaking of holes in wallets (mine is about to become much bigger), if you have DRC “bucks back” from last year’s Summer Show or for being an early bird member for 2010, don’t forget to bring them to the show – you can use them to apply to your entry fees, or pay for your concession nibblies, even your 2010 membership!

Don’t stall

By the way, five stalls have already been booked for the show, which means only five stalls are left. First come/first served. You can drop your stall fees and entries off at Dog & Pony or Roddicks between now and next Friday, but do email me that you’ve done so, so we can pickup. You will be expected to clean out your stall this year. Bring a fork!

Congratulations!

Thank you to all the riders who came out for our first Percentage Day of the season! It was an absolutely awesome spring day, the promise – we hope – of things to come! Congratulations to our high point winner, Eeva Colhoun and her mount, Romeo, who scored an impressive 64.7 from judge Carol Boudier. Keya Milaire and her Palomino gelding Kahlua Cream were not far behind, scoring 63.5%. Eeva, your high point award is in the show office; if you have a chance to stop by tomorrow, or on May 2, or for our next Percentage Day on June 5!

And I bet you all are wondering …

How our CARBOOT SALE went? Well, we had a fantastic group of sellers (18 in all) who brought a VERY impressive selection of stuff – seriously, it was terrific! What was missing, we all agree, was buyers!! Where were you all? Riding? Taking advantage of the lovely weather? Well, who can blame you, but … you sure missed out on some great deals! Two of my saddles didn’t sell, but they did go out on trial (so there were some buyers there!); I got a great deal on a bridle rack (made MY day!). And while it turned out to be more of a swap meet (in the truest form of the word), it was a lovely day to visit with friends and acquaintances and talk horses and horse stuff! Thank you to everyone who came out, and especially ??? to Sally Warner and Alana Brown for working the concession!

PS: Someone misplaced their change purse in the concession, with a bit of coin in it. Please email or call me to identify if it’s yours.

Hokay. That’s it for me. Off to order delicious donuts from SAVE-ON for tomorrow!!

Coming up:

Saturday, April 24 Hunter/Jumper clinic with Kim Rose
Saturday, April 24 Reining 101 clinic with Natalie Vonk (full)
Saturday, April 24 Open Hack 9 am til 4 pm, weather permitting
Sunday, May 2 English/Western Show, Rick Pyke judge
Saturday, May 8 Make A Wish Trail Ride at Deas Island Park (email me if you need a pledge form!)
Wednesday, May 12 Regular monthly meeting, DRC
Saturday, May 16 Hunter/Jumper Show

04.15.10 DRC | Carboot sale this Sunday!


We’re expecting a crowd (weather permitting)!

With show season just around the corner and the promise of mud-free riding rings in the not-too-distant future, you won’t want to miss Delta Riding Club’s second annual CARBOOT SALE this Sunday, April 18. For just $10, you can come on down to the club grounds and peddle your outgrown or excess tack and attire from the comfort of your vehicle, swap meet style! Rumour has it a LOT of people have Sunday marked on their calendars and we’re expecting a good crowd of sellers AND buyers!

We’ll be parking sellers in the hunter/jumper ring. (Please follow parking instructions) The gate opens at 9:30. The sale runs from 10 am to 1 pm.

Our Carboot Sale is weather permitting – but remember, if it’s raining up the Valley, it’s often quite respectable down here. If the weather appears iffy, we will make a judgement call between 8:30 and 9 am. (You can reach me on my cell at 604.328-3814 if you have any doubts, and we’ll try to post a cancellation on the website, if necessary – but let’s hope we don’t have go there!)

We DESPERATELY need two volunteers …

… to work the concession on Sunday between 10 and 1! It’s not a full-meal-deal concession, but it needs a couple of willing and able volunteers to cook up some hot dogs and spell each other off! It’s the SOCIAL centre of every show! Everything will be set up and ready to go – we just need warm bodies to greet our guests! It’s just a few hours and we would REALLY REALLY like to see some new faces lending a hand to us hard-core types! Call or email me if it sounds like something you would like to do for DRC!

And so it begins

Of course, Sunday is also our first SHOW of the season! Sheila said last night that she expects to be scheduling dressage rides between 9 am and 1 pm, so in addition to shopping, you can also be INSPIRED by our exhibitors as they put their trusty steeds through their paces in the dressage ring! (Francie will expect you to ew-and-ah over our NEW dressage letters! Don’t let her down!) Troy from DivineEye will be there with his camera!!

Does a free beverage inspire you to pick up sticks?

We think we have a pretty good handle on the stick-picking-upping in the Hunter/Jumper ring, but there is probably still work to be done. Grab a bucket, fill ‘er up and get a coupon for a FREE beverage from our concession! (Sorry – it’s not beer as one director promised! Maybe next time … )

Park here

Please follow parking instructions on Sunday. The forecast is not as promising as it was just a few days ago, and some rain will make the grass infields very slick. Please reserve the gravel parking lot on the east side of the stalls for the dressage riders and their rigs. There should be plenty of parking on the west side of the grounds for looky-lous and buyers!

Open hack on Saturday, 10-12

There will be a work party on site this Saturday between 10 am and 12 noon to set up the dressage surrounds. That means the club will also be open for riding! 2010 DRC members can ride for free; guests pay a haul-in of $10.

PLEASE NOTE: There will be a sign-in sheet on the gate as you enter the parking lot. Please bring or know your HCBC membership number and sign in before you mount up.

(PS: Worker bees also warmly received, as we have to set up the dressage surrounds now that Francie, Diane and Sheila have pressure-washed them all, bless them!)

One last chance

So, our Spring Clinic Series is nearing an end with two final clinics scheduled for Saturday, April 24. Natalie Vonk’s “Reining 101” filled up fast (and I see another in the not-too-distant future as I didn’t even get in that one!), BUT there are a few spots available in Kim Rose’s “Hunter/Jumper” clinic in the morning.

What can I say about Kim Rose? Well. I am not a hunter/jumper rider, but just listening to her and her sheer unadulterated enthusiasm for the sport is inspiration to even this most hard-core Western rider! Kim has been a blessing to our show committee over the past couple of years – she not only has designed courses for us, she even makes the effort to come down and ride them to make sure everything is tickety-boo. When I spoke with her before I wrote the bio in the clinic schedule, I was impressed on her desire to make sure every rider learn to “master the basics” – and how that would ensure their road to success in their hunter or jumper classes. She is a dynamic personality and whether you’re just venturing in the hunter ring for the first time, or already fly through the jumper ring, you will not be disappointed signing up for one of the 1.5 hour sessions she is offering. Call or email me as soon as possible to reserve your spot for JUST $40!!

PS: In so much as we will be hosting clinics all day on April 24, it’s a safe bet we’ll be having another Open Hack, 9 am to 4 pm, weather permitting.

Wow. I wanted this to be brief, but there is one more thing …

English/Western show just around the corner

Can you believe it is the middle of April – and that May is just TWO weeks away?!? Our first English/Western show of the season and the ONLY one until AUGUST (heavy sigh …) is on SUNDAY, MAY 2!!! Are you ready? Richard Pyke is judging (he’s good), there will be rider draws throughout the day, and this year, our EW shows will honour FIVE high point winners: Walk/Trot, Junior, Intermediate, Senior and Western! We’ve made a lot of improvements to our clubhouse/entry office over the past couple of months (perhaps you’ve heard something?!?) and I think exhibitors will enjoy an even BETTER show experience at DRC than last year (who cudda thunk that, eh?).

We have updated our year end eligibility rules, and they’ll be posted on the website this weekend. We’ve created a new chart that lets exhibitors (and show officials) know “at a glance” what equipment is (or isn’t) permitted in our English classes (attached). We’re making our class descriptions even MORE reader friendly, and they, too, will be posted on the website in the next few days. PLEASE make sure you read them thoroughly. DRC members MUST also be HCBC members if they are showing. Visit the website [www.deltaridingclub.com] for the show program and entry forms.

WE NEED VOLUNTEERS!

Yes! New year; same pitch! We desperately need a LOT of volunteers to make sure the English/Western show runs smoothly! Please let me know if you can spare us a few hours – volunteer draws are back, and training is FREE! You don’t have to commit to a WHOLE day – but half a day would be swell! That’s for SUNDAY, MAY 2.

Coming up

Saturday, April 17 Open Hack, 10 am to 12 noon / Work Party Sunday, April 18 Percentage Day \ 2nd annual Carboot Sale (weather permitting) Saturday, April 24 Hunter/Jumper clinic with Kim Rose Saturday, April 24 Reining 101 clinic with Natalie Vonk (full) Saturday, April 24 Open Hack 9 am til 4 pm, weather permitting Sunday, May 2 English/Western Show, Rick Pyke judge Saturday, May 8 Make A Wish Trail Ride at Deas Island Park Wednesday, May 12 Regular monthly meeting, DRC Saturday, May 16 Hunter/Jumper Show

SEE YOU SUNDAY AT THE CARBOOT SALE!!

04.08.10 DRC | Dressage entries due


Dressage show entries due

In a little more than a week (April 18), our very first Percentage Day of the 2010 season will get underway, so it’s time to get your entries in! Entry deadline is this Sunday, April 11, and if you haven’t already popped them in the mail, be sure to drop them off at Dog & Pony or Roddicks (Roddicks is closed on Mondays, so make sure you’re there by Saturday) so Sheila can start working on the schedule.

In a little more than a week (April 18), our very first Percentage Day of the 2010 season will get underway, so it’s time to get your entries in! Entry deadline is this Sunday, April 11, and if you haven’t already popped them in the mail, be sure to drop them off at Dog & Pony or Roddicks (Roddicks is closed on Mondays, so make sure you’re there by Saturday) so Sheila can start working on the schedule.

Level one dressage coach Carol Boudier of Ladner will be doing the judging honours (and not Kiersten Humphrey as previously announced). We’re definitely looking forward to another excellent turnout of riders – Sheila already has entries coming in! Last year, our Percentage Days ROCKED, with record numbers of riders throughout the three show series. High point and reserve high point awards will be presented to the two riders with the top scores overall!

For more information on the show, please contact Sheila Forsyth at 604.940.9698 or by email [sheila.forsyth@hotmail.com]. If you have already sent in your entries, Sheila will have your times available by next Thursday, April 15. (We intend to put them on the website – but the little webmaster is out of town ‘til next Friday.)

Download our 2010 show schedule from [deltaridingclub.com]. Our first English/Western is just a tad over three weeks away (yikes!), on May 2!

Got too MUCH stuff?

Our Percentage Day on April 18, of course, coincides with our SECOND ANNUAL CARBOOT SALE! Are you excited?!?! I am! I have a barn full of stuff I don’t use, don’t need and want to part with CHEAP! Buyers come hither!

If you’re not familiar with our CARBOOT concept, here’s the poop:

If you’re a seller, pack up your car, truck and/or trailer with your good, gently used horse stuff (tack, clothes, equipment, et al) and come on down to the riding club before 10 am on April 18. For just $10, you can set up shop right from your trunk, tailgate or trailer (what cud be simpler than that?) in our designated parking area and sell or swap to your heart’s delight. (Or til 1 pm, whichever comes first!) BUYERS, on the other hand, can come for FREE! Last year, one of our sellers made over $600 (or was it $700?). No matter, it was a lot! And obviously, she HAD great stuff that someone else(s) wanted!

I’ve attached our CARBOOT poster, and you would be doing DRC a GREAT favour if you would print it out and pin it up in your barn or local feed store, if one isn’t already there – and no matter where you are! There’s no non-member fee to sell or buy at our Carboot Sale, and a great turnout makes this event a win/win/win -- for DRC, for sellers, AND for buyers sure to find a good deal!

Calling all worker bees

Buzz on down to the riding club this Saturday at NOON and help us get the dressage ring ready to go!

Dressage surrounds need to be hauled out, pressure-washed and put into place for next weekend’s show. If we get a good crew, it won’t take very much time at all – and you can sneak a peak at the new clubhouse AND we may even have a donut in it for you, courtesy of SAVE ON FOODS LADNER!

(If we’re really ambitious and time permits, we might even do a tour of the hunter/jumper ring to PICK UP STICKS -- again! With show season just around the corner, we really need and REALLY APPRECIATE all the busy bees we can muster! Please?

Both clinics are a go!

I’m VERY pleased to report that both Jodie Moore’s “Perfect Patterns” and Adiva Murphy’s “Improve Your Ride” clinics are going ahead as scheduled on Saturday! Jodie’s gets underway at 9 am (I can’t wait!), and there are a few spots left, if you STILL haven’t made up your mind! (Call or email me – cathyglover@telus.net – to book). Adiva’s clinic is full, and runs from 1 til 4.

Hacker opportunity

Since I’m there for the day, members are invited to c’mon down and ride at the club on Saturday, 9 am til 4ish. Remember, DRC members must have a current 2010 HCBC membership to ride at the club. Non-members may also come and try out our facilities (for a nominal $10 haul-in fee), but this is a one time deal for non-members; after that, we hope you will inspired to join DRC so you can take advantage of alllll our membership benefits (like 10% off show clothing at Dog & Pony and reduced entry fees at all our shows!). The clinics get their choice of ring – you’re welcome to use the others. Ride at your risk. Youth must wear safety helmets.

Keep off the grass!!

For anyone coming down to the club this Saturday, please DO NOT PARK ON THE GRASS. Park your vehicles on the gravel area on the east side of the stalls or on the west side near the gate. I repeat DO NOT PARK ON THE GRASS.

Wish ride

The Delta Wish Ride to raise money for children with high risk, life-threatening illnesses is not without its own set of challenges this year. As you may know, the boarding barn of Delta Wish Ride organizers Marilyn and Tara Pay has been one of facilities affected by the strangles outbreak that started just before Christmas. By all accounts, it has been a horrific experience for everyone in Delta who has had to face diagnosis, and then treatment, of their horses, and we applaud their openness and their heroic efforts to prevent the spread of this virus. Marilyn has asked me to share this with you, to reassure you that the Wish Ride on SATURDAY, MAY 8 will be business (almost) as usual. In her words:

Hi Cathy and Bruce and fellow members of the Delta Riding Club

I understand there has been some concern over the Wish Ride this year. Please be assured we are not taking any of the horses from the barn anywhere, including the ride, until we have a vet certificate. Our barn will, however, come with our pledges if we don’t have a vet certificate. The ride will be no different than bringing a horse to one of the clinic's the riding club has already had, or any of the shows planned. Although some of us had wanted to show at the club this year, we will not come with horses until we are cleared by a vet. It might be a good thing to suggest to people at the club to get the strangles shot. Although some horses with the shot did come down with strangles, I have been told their case was much milder. We will no longer be doing any clinics at our barn or letting outside people use our ring during the winter months and will only take boarders with the strangles shot. We have turned away 7 horses for boarding during this time and will continue to turn away people until we have been cleared and clean up is complete. We have worked hand-in-hand with Dr. Wise’s office during this time and have followed the recommendations they have suggested. We want to be responsible and stop the spread of this outbreak. So many barns have hid the fact they have it but as soon as we found out, we called everybody that came to the barn on a regular basis to inform them. I hope you will come out and support this great cause and have a great ride or a social time with
Delta's fellow riders.
Thank you for your support
Marilyn Pay

This is SUCH a great cause and whether you’re able to ride or not, Marilyn and Tara REALLY want you to show your support for the kids! I’ve attached the official pledge form (take it to the office!) so – with or without gallant steed – you can join us on SATURDAY, MAY 8! This year, Marilyn tells me, ANYone who brings a pledge form will receive a rider prize! (You know, they ALWAYS have great prizes! They do an excellent job!) Tim Hortons will be on site at 9 am with coffee and muffins (yum), rain OR shine, and the BBQ gets underway about 11:30. For more information on the ride in Delta, you can reach Marilyn at [varietyconcepts@hotmail.com] or by calling her at 604.946.8085.

Meeting next week

Get out your calendar! The regular monthly director’s meeting is NEXT Wednesday, April 14th. It starts at 7 pm at the CLUBHOUSE! And this time we mean it! It’s in the clubhouse! (While she’s not absolutely finished, she’s absolutely ready to receive visitors! Be prepared to be awed!)

And … I think that’s about it for now.

DROP by Saturday to help, if you can, or ride, or watch.
GET your dressage entries in, and …
START thinking what you have to sell and what you need to BUY – CARBOOT on the 18th (weather permitting!).

Whew.

04.06.10 DRC | Clinics this Saturday


One last chance to book this weekend’s clinic with Jodie Moore

This Saturday, April 10, Jodie Moore is scheduled to come to Delta Riding Clinic for another installment in our Spring Clinic Series, “Perfect Patterns.”

If you don’t already know, Jodie is the pretty half of Moore Performance Horses [mooreperformancehorses.com]. She and husband Chris are arguably two of the most successful pleasure horse trainers in BC and have many world championships to their credit among horses they’ve trained and riders they’ve coached! (Check out the website and prepare yourself to be impressed!)

You’ll also recognize Jodie’s name as an accredited HCBC judge – and one of the very few local judges eminently qualified to judge Western and General Performance events, as well as Equitation and Hack. (She’s booked to judge our Summer Show!) While now the Moore’s barn is full of Pinto and Paint horses, Jodie also has a history on the Arabian show circuit, so I can’t imagine anyone more rounded to come to Delta and teach our members! Her barn is full of youth AND amateur riders!

The clinic we’ve designed for Jodie to give is about some Showmanship (my fave?), and pattern work in either/or Hunt Seat or Basic Seat Equitation or Horsemanship. You can ride English, or Western, or even both, if you’re really ambitious! Pattern classes require patience, precision and practice and Jodie will share her tricks for perfection!

If you’re worried about “not being ready” – JOIN THE CLUB! Devon and I are signed up for this clinic, but Devon is trying to ride two horses this year (between cleaning nine stalls) and I have ridden Fibs maybe seven or eight times this YEAR (married to this computer as I am). We’re NOT ready, but we are WILLING. And we would love you to join us! Lots of room left to book this three hour clinic that is JUST $40! $40 to ride with – dare I repeat myself – a world-caliber trainer and judge!

Please call [604.328.3814] or email me right away to confirm your spot in Saturday morning’s clinic, 9 am til noon. We have great donuts graciously donated by Save-On Foods Ladner, and horse treats for your perfect pony, courtesy of Roddicks Feed & Farm Supply. The Weather Network is giving us a BIG THUMBS UP for Saturday, and SHOW SEASON IS LESS THAN A MONTH AWAY! There is no better time to saddle up and find out what you have to work on to be ready for 2010. If you learn the skills to perfect your pattern work, then rail work will be a snap! Email me before Wednesday noon to reserve your spot!

Lots more news to come … stay tuned!

03.16.10 DRC | Last chance to book for this weekend's clinics


Pitter patter

This is your last chance to book a spot in the General Performance and Trail clinics scheduled for this coming weekend at Delta Riding Club! There are several spots available in each, and if we don’t get at least a few more riders, they risk being cancelled. Please call or email me by TUESDAY EVENING to confirm your spot! I’ve attached the schedule once again for your reference!

(I am really STUNNED that more people haven’t stepped up to the plate on this clinic series. If you have any theories about the relative lack of interest, please email and share them with me! PS: Interesting, though – the reining clinic with Natalie Vonk on April 24th is FULL, as is Adiva’s IMPROVE YOUR RIDE on April 10th.)

Sad news

Our thoughts go out to Beatrice, Joanna and Jillian Alexander on the sudden passing of Fred Alexander this past weekend. Fred is a former DRC director who once managed our website and was responsible for computerizing our entry booth. He was active in the club before I was involved, so I didn’t know him well, but I know many of our long-time members will be saddened to learn of his passing.

Last chance to order 2009 photos

Our resident photographer and 2010 sponsor Troy Nagle of DivineEye says he is about to “trim” (read: delete) many of 2009 photos from his files, which means if he took photos of you last year that you’ve been MEANING to order, this is your LAST CHANCE. Contact Troy at divineeye@shaw.ca before this Thursday, March 25 to purchase 2009 photos or are in need of inquiring about a collection of photos. You can call him at home a 778.596.8161.

Greystone signs on as Platinum sponsor

We’d like to welcome Greystone Stables to our roster of 2010 Delta Riding Club sponsors! We appreciate all the support we receive through our membership and from the community. If you have the opportunity to acknowledge our sponsors in person and thank them for their support, we appreciate that, too:

PLATINUM

Delta Agricultural Society
DivineEye Productions -- divineeyeprod.com
Dog & Pony Shop -- thedognpony.com
Greenhawk Vancouver -- greenhawk.net
Greystone Stables -- greystonestablesbc.com
Hylee Training -- hyleetraining.com

GOLD

Cloverdale Fuels -- cloverdalefuel.com

SILVER

Ann Harper CA -- annharperCA.com
Blue Meadow Farm -- bluemeadowfarm.ca
Embroidery Plus [Denice Fisher . 534.7641]
Windancer Stables

Greenhawk sale starts this Thursday

Laura Loiacono would like to invite everyone to stop by Greenhawk’s Vancouver store this Thursday, March 25 for the kick off to their big 25th anniversary sale! Check out their flyer online at greenhawk.net . The sale ends Sunday.

03.16.10 DRC | Show program now available


Let the shows begin!

At last, the show program is now posted to our Delta Riding Club website [www.deltaridingclub.com]. We have an awesome season planned for this year – great judges, more high points and a newly renovated clubhouse!

The first show is our Percentage Day on April 18 (yes, I checked the date!); you’ll also want to check out our 2nd annual CARBOOT SALE at the same time. Last year, one seller sold over $600 worth of stuff! Come as a seller, buyer, or to swap (stuff and stories!).

Meeting venue changed

Whoops! I may have been a little optimistic about hosting the March directors meeting at the clubhouse. The floor is in (it’s lovely), but the contractor is busy installing moldings, etc so we should stay clear and let them have all the room they need to work. AND so … tomorrow night’s monthly meeting will be at my house on Brodie Road. If you plan on attending, please email me cathyglover@telus.net to RSVP. Meeting starts at 7 pm.

Merci

Thank you to everyone who dropped by Saturday morning to help us PICK UP STICKS in the hunter/jumper ring! By the size of the piles surrounding the perimeter of the ring, you guys ROCK!

Thanks to Sheila Forsyth, Julie Crouch, Alana Brown and little Mackenzie (tractor driver extraordinaire!), Bruce and Fiona Walker, Kim Rose, Francie Shuttleworth … and oh … I know I am forgetting someones … (a casualty of a leaky brain). THANK YOU ALL – and you are welcome to join us again SOOOON to do it some more! (Circle Saturday March 27 on your calendar! Uh huh!)

Organized chaos

Well, that might be a little overstated! We had another most excellent clinic on Saturday morning with Adiva Murphy. When there weren’t enough kids (Linda Rainbow and Megan Jackson) to fill it, we opened it up to “kids at heart” and were so happy to host Rhainne and Barb and Paula and Pat Thomas as well! We can’t wait to organize some more “evening clinics” in May and June with Adiva! The main ring is shaping up and it’s so big, everyone has an opportunity to school without getting in someone else’s way! It was excellent.

And thanks, once again, to SAVE ON FOODS, LADNER, the official supplier of donuts for our clinic series, and to RODDICKS FEED & FARM SUPPLY, our official supplier of horse treats!

And now for something a little different

With one eye on the weather network and another on the clinic schedule, you will be pleased to know that you still have time to book your spots in the next couple of sessions in our SPRING CLINIC SERIES. Take your pick, or plan to spend the day with us on Saturday, March 27:

If you’re planning on showing at DRC and elsewhere this season, you won’t want to miss the opportunity to re-acquaint Trigger with the show ring when Langley-based trainer and coach JENNY LEIBENZEDER helps you sort out the (subtle) differences between all your English under saddle classes. Jenny is great – her enthusiasm and her wealth of experience in the ring and as a coach makes her the ideal clinician for our GENERAL PERFORMANCE 101 clinic. This is the one that inspired our clinic series. Call or email today to book your spot! It’s a morning session, from 9 til noon.

And then, from 1 til 4 on the same day, we are very pleased to bring Paint and Quarter Horse trainer and coach MELLISSA BUCKLEY to DRC. Mellissa has a long list of TRAIL and IN HAND TRAIL wins to her credit and she will show you the exercises and skills you need to master with your horse so you, too, can have success in Trail, Handy Horse and In Hand Trail classes. This clinic is filling, so book your spot now!

Dress for success

Francie wants me to remind you that all DRC members get 10% OFF SHOW CLOTHING at the Dog & Pony this year, when they show their membership card. (Alicia says “they’re in the mail”).

QH Bazaar this Sunday

And one last note, in case you didn’t realize how quickly the month was flying by: the Quarter Horse Bazaar is this Sunday, March 21st at Thunderbird. Perhaps we’ll see you there!

03.08.10 DRC | Monthly meeting postponed til NEXT WEEK


Take the week off

A quick email to let you know that we have postponed our regular monthly meeting until NEXT WEDNESDAY, MARCH 17th. (I checked the calendar – Wednesday is definitely the 17th!! ?) Unless we advise otherwise, it will be in the clubhouse, starting at 7 pm. Plan to come down and see our Cinderella-in-progress! I’ll send another reminder next week.

Last chance for Wild & Wooly for Kids

We had a small but enthusiastic group of stick-picker-uppers at the riding club on Sunday. Many thanks to Bruce and Fiona, Cindy, Don & Courtney, Kim & Lauren and Sheila (and oh ya – ME!) who came and braved the sprinkles to spend an hour in the main ring. It is looking SOOOOOO much better than it did last fall. Bruce harrowed AGAIN, and we’ll give it a good workout with the kids on Saturday morning!

If you missed out on Sunday, why not planning on dropping by Saturday morning? We need to start picking the Hunter/Jumper ring! (There may be a donut it in for you, courtesy of Save-On Foods in Ladner! C’mon (Diane) and join us!! Anytime Saturday morning, 9 til noon!

I know I promised but …

There have been – ahem – developments at the national (Equine Canada) and provincial level (Horse Council) that is creating some delays in getting our show program up on the website [deltaridingclub.com]. It has nothing to do with US, but affects all clubs like ours who have historically used the EC rule book as a guide. (You can’t do that anymore UNLESS you are at least a “bronze” sanctioned show.)

HCBC has developed a provincial rule book for General Performance and BC Heritage shows (because of what is happening at the national level), and that is being fine-tuned as we speak. However, there are potential licensing issues at this level as well, which we HOPE to have resolved by the end of this week. (It’s complicated. And it’s frustrating -- our show schedule was pretty much ready to go (sans judges) January 1st. But -- we’re doing our best to be a part of the solution, thus the delay.)

In the meantime, I know you’ve got our show dates on your calendar! With all the upgrades -- new hog, new entry office, new concession, new speakers – almost in place our core group of volunteers are REALLY looking forward to welcoming everyone back to our shows this year! BRING IT ON!! Ya!

Coming up:

RE-SCHEDULED Wednesday, March 17
Regular Monthly Meeting, 7pm
Sunday, March 21
LMQHA Bazaar, T’bird, drop by and see us at Dog & Pony
Saturday, March 27
Clinic: General Performance 101
Clinic: Trail Tricks and Tips with Mellissa Buckley (few spots left!)
Saturday, April 10
Clinic: Perfect Patterns with Jodie Moore
Clinic: Improve Your Ride with Adiva Murphy (only 2 spots left!)
Wednesday, April 14
Regular Monthly Meeting, 7pm
Sunday April 18
Season Opener! Percentage Day at DRC
2nd Annual Carboot Sale
Saturday, April 24
Clinic: Hunter/ Jumper with Kim Rose
Clinic: Reining 101 with Natalie Vonk (only 2 spots left!)

03.03.10 Dressage Clinic deadline this Saturday


Dressage Clinic deadline this Saturday

If you’re planning on attending our DRESSAGE CLINIC with KIERSTEN HUMPHREY on Saturday, March 13, it’s time to get your registrations in! The deadline to apply is this Saturday, March 6.

This is a terrific opportunity to ride with a competitor and coach of this caliber! Kiersten is coming to Delta and – in the spirit of our Spring Clinic Series – it’s only $40 for a semi-private 45 minute lesson. You will “walk out better” than when you came in! Call or email me by THIS Saturday to book your spot! We have four time slots available starting at 1 pm.

Back in the saddle

Our Wild & Wooly clinic with Adiva Murphy went off with just one little hitch on the weekend – we had to exercise our “rain date” when at 6:45 Saturday morning, the rain was STREAMING through the down pipes! (Little did we know, it would ease up by 8 am!) But all six riders and Adiva were able to come on Sunday, and if the testament of a successful clinic is having EVERY rider say, “When can we do it again? Soon?” then this clinic was a BIG success!

Paula, Devon, Terrie, Rhainne, Julie and Barb all did fabulous – in spite of a few – ahem – “hairy” moments (and I’m not referring to winter coats!) What’s a Wild & Wooly clinic without a little drama, right, Paula? Devon and Terrie were riding youngsters who braved being away from home and under saddle for pretty much the first time. New DRC member Rhainne is coming back to the club after years and years. She used to show at DRC (and Richmond!), and is just getting back in the saddle! And Julie and Barb did awesome and are looking forward to the next opportunity to ride with Adiva at DRC!

Thank you all for coming, and to SAVE-ON FOODS LADNER for the donuts (yum!) and RODDICKS FARM SUPPLY for the horse treats! A special thank you to our official club photographer and 2010 platinum sponsor TROY NAGLE [divineeye@shaw.ca] for spending the morning with us and getting some great shots for the memory book! (Keep your eye out for next Saturday’s South Delta Leader – wink wink nudge nudge!)

Inspired?

Well, it’s not too late to register for Adiva’s Wild & Wooly for Kids, scheduled for Saturday, March 13 in the morning. Adiva will introduce or help reinforce some of the “ground rules” everyone – and especially youth – need for staying safe around and on top of your horse. Her techniques apply whether you’re a backyard beginner or a seasoned competitor, so don’t be shy! Come on out and ride your (wild & wooly) horse!

If the clinic doesn’t fill with kidlets (14-21) – it’s half booked already -- we WILL open it up to grown-ups, so don’t hesitate to get your name on the waiting list!

Meeting next week

Our regular monthly meeting is next week (Wednesday, the … 12th), and we’re just waiting to see if our Cinderella clubhouse will be ready for a “show and tell.” It won’t be finished, but it’s getting close! For those of you who didn’t come down on Saturday for our “paint party” (you’re in good company), Cindy, Fiona and I had a BLAST! Bruce was our Incredible Hulk and moved most of what was left in the middle of the “main salon” to the deck, so Rob & Jim were BLOWN AWAY when they walked onto the jobsite Monday morning! We want to thank our OFFICIAL SUPPLIER OF PAINT: BENJAMIN MOORE in Ladner – we used their top-of-the-line Aura paint, and it has measured up to everything we’ve heard about why it commands the big bucks! WORTH EVERY PENNY! Thank you to BENJAMIN MOORE and operations manager Charlie Gilliam for supporting our DRC renos!!

By the weekend, there might be a floor, and a deck! I’ll keep you posted on the venue for next week’s meeting.

Seriously. We have to pick up sticks!

Sunday morning, March 6, 11 am. Please please PLEASE come one down and give us an hour to pick up sticks in the two arenas! Many hands make light work. (And we have fun, to boot!) We also have to put up the dressage surrounds in anticipation of the following weekend’s clinic. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE don’t leave it up to the few of us! We enjoy your company! We have fun! (I said that already, right?) PS: Wear boots! Maybe waders.

Early birds get the bucks!

Congratulations and thank you to everyone who has sent in their 2010 DRC memberships in time to get their $10 worth of DRC Bucks: Teri Agle, Katie Andrews, Yolanda Blommers, Julie Crouch, the Forsyth family (Sheila, Megan, Madelyn and Michaela), the Glover/Smith combo, Cindy & MacKay and Courtney, Terrie Laporte, Francie Shuttleworth, Kim Rose, Kim and Lauren Proudlove, Lynn Carter, Alicia Harper, Diane and Stephanie Mark, Janet Friesen, Wendy Silverwood, Leslie Dowler, Linda Rainbow, Rhainne Kiernan, Barb Burkett, and Paula Splichal. Your memberships are “in the mail”! (I don’t think I missed anyone?)

Show program soon – I promise

We’ve run into a hiccup with the show program (beyond our control), and so our good intentions to get it up on the website on the 1st are just that! Horse Council of BC has changed their permit fees for BC Heritage qualifying shows, and it has caught many show organizers by surprise – including us! We – along with representatives from other clubs -- are meeting with HCBC on Friday to see if we can’t find a way to continue to host BC Heritage qualifying shows. The show program will come out after that. If you haven’t already taken note, our dates were announced a few months back and our judges (all but one) are confirmed:

APRIL 18 Percentage Day / 2nd Annual Carboot Sale
MAY 2 English/Western Show (Rick Pyke, judge)
MAY 16 Hunter/Jumper Show (Kindry Dunbar, judge)
JUNE 6 Percentage Day
JUNE 27 Hunter Jumper Show (Carmen Kramer, judge)
AUGUST 7/8 Summer Show (Monique Fraser, HJ judge, Jodie Moore, EW judge)
SEPTEMBER 12 English Western (Margaret Logan, judge, tentative)
SEPTEMBER 19 Percentage Day

Got stuff?

Don’t forget to pencil in SUNDAY, APRIL 18 10 am to 1 for our 2nd annual CARBOOT SALE, held in conjunction with our Percentage Day. And if you have stuff OR horses to sell now, send your classified to Devon [devonsmith@telus.net] to post our on website for free. Coaches and local barns also are welcome to list their services on [deltaridingclub.com].

Coming up:

Sunday, March 7
PICK UP STICKS, DRC, 11 am Wednesday, March 10
Regular Monthly Meeting, 7pm
Saturday, March 13
Clinic: WILD & WOOLY 4 KIDS with Adiva Murphy, 9-12
Clinic: DRESSAGE CLINIC with Kiersten Humphrey, 1-4
Sunday, March 21
LMQHA Bazaar, T’bird, drop by and see us at Dog & Pony
Saturday, March 27
Clinic: GENERAL PERFORMANCE 101
Clinic: TRAIL TRICK & TIPS Mellissa Buckley

02.23.10 Are you Sleeping?


Cuz the clinics aren’t full yet!

Well, maybe that’s too much wishful thinking on my part! Although -- it’s good news for you if you haven’t booked but intend to … but WHERE ARE YOU? Are you sleeping?

There was an enthusiastic (albeit small) response when we announced our Spring Clinic series a couple of weeks back, and then -- except for Adiva’s clinic this coming Saturday (which is almost – but not quite – fully subscribed) -- the remaining clinics have only a few riders booked. What’s up with that? Have you SEEN our program?

If you haven’t – if you scrolled it out of sight thinking you’d come back to it (and forgot – bin there, done that!), I’ve attached it here again (and it’s on our website). Pick your pleasure! Or dressage. Or hunter! Or OR OR! DON’T BE SHY! Spring is just around the corner! Time to get on your horse and RIDE!

There are limited spots in each of the clinics offered; you could be sorry if you don’t book ahead! Call or email me SOON!

Wild & Wooly this Saturday

There is a spot (or maybe two) in Adiva Murphy’s “Wild & Wooly” clinic this Saturday, so call or email if you you’re ready to go! If you aren’t able to participate, but want to come and see WHAT YOU ARE MISSING, come on down. (You’ll also get to see the “work in progress” we call our clubhouse!! Oh my!!) The clinic starts at 9 am with groundwork and ends at noon under saddle!

If you are hauling in for the clinic this weekend, please DO NOT PARK on the grass. (It will turn to soup and you will need to phone BCAA to get you out!). Instead park on the gravel on the east side of the stalls. (Cars only park on the gravel when you come in the gate!) Gates will open at 8:15, and we’ll have coffee and goodies for riders (and treats for ponies thanks to RODDICKS FARM SUPPLY!). If you haven’t signed your clinic waiver, be sure to bring it with you, and make sure you’ve paid your 2010 Horse Council membership! If the weather is snarly, Adiva is set to reschedule for Sunday. Call me Saturday morning as early as you need to if you’re in doubt! (The forecast is changing DAILY!) 604.328-3814. See you there!

Cinderella story

We have a new ROOF! (Well, half a roof to be precise!) The drywall is done, and we could be painting by the weekend! The new flooring is ordered (we had consensus, egads!), the skirting is on, and the new fascias are AMAZING (who’da thunk fascias could make SUCH a difference?). She’s our Cinderella clubhouse, alright! Come on down when we’re there this weekend for the Wild & Wooly and have a boo – and while you’re there …

Deju vu

We had a crew in yesterday with their big tractor equipment to work on the hunter/jumper and main arena, but … we still have some work ahead of us! It’s the DRC version of “pick-up sticks”! Sigh …

Not this weekend, but next (March 6/7), we will be calling on all members to come on down and give us a hand (literally!) as we comb the arenas for – ahem -- firewood! Deju vu? You’re right – we did this last summer but the turnout was – double ahem – a little disappointing as it was the “same old” faces doing all the work. It sure would be sweet if we saw some FRESH ? faces helping us with the grunt work. And this is easy stuff that is GOOD FOR THE WAISTLINE! We don’t need a whole lot of your time – an hour would make SUCH a difference! Keep an eye on your email for times! But be sure to pencil in an hour for us in a week and a half. In the meantime, our fearless president, Mr Walker, will be harrowing … and harrowing … and harrowing some more!

Show program about to debut

We just need to add some sponsors to the 2010 Show Program and it will be the next thing we send to your inbox! Show season gets underway on April 18 with our first Percentage Day of three this year; it coincides with our second annual CARBOOT SALE. (Got junk? Errr … gently used stuff to sell?)

Speaking of sponsors …

Alicia tells me we’re on a roll! We would like to welcome our newest sponsors: Greenhawk and Divine Eye Photography (Platinum) and gold sponsor Cloverdale Fuel. For sponsorship opportunities, please see our website [deltaridingclub.com] and click on the sponsor link! We have a great program -- and we appreciate beyond words all the support we get!! Many thanks to our 2010 sponsors to date (insert drum roll here!):

PLATINUM

Delta Agricultural Society
Hylee Training [hyleetraining.com]
Dog N Pony [thedognpony.com]
Divine E.Y.E. Productions
Greenhawk

GOLD

Cloverdale Fuel [cloverdalefuel.com]

SILVER

Windancer Stables
Blue Meadow Farm [bluemeadowfarm.ca]
Ann Harper CA [annharperCA.com]
Embroidery Plus (Denise Fisher . 534.7641)

New depot for twine

No one offered to take up the cause, so effective immediately, we’re recommending everyone that is faithfully collecting their plastic baling twine (?) for recycling to take it directly to the recycler, now located close by in Richmond.

WEST COAST RECYCLING
Unit 3 – 2480 Shell Road
Richmond
www.westcoastrecycling.com

On behalf of the South Delta Buckaroos, I would like to once again express our sincerest appreciation to Roddicks for being our local depot these past couple of years. We appreciated your support! Roddicks will no longer be accepting twine, but don’t let that prevent you from doing the “green” thing and taking it to West Coast! Thank you!

Passing it along

Shelley Evans has asked us to forward you information on the Thomas Haney Equestrian Academy she is involved with.

“The program,” she writes, “has piloted an on line division this year and we now have students from as far away as Prince George. Students earn 16 grad program credits above and beyond any credits they would have earned in a Rider Prep program, 4-H, or Pony Club. Students with or without a horse- all disciplines are welcome as are all levels of experience. Annual fees for on line classes are only $185.00/year including the textbook and "Academy Wear."

And so …

TIME TO PAY YOUR MEMBERSHIP

Horse Council membership is required once again this year if you are going to be a “riding member” at DRC this year. If you haven’t done so already, you can join HCBC online at [hcbc.ca]. DRC’s membership application is available to download on OUR website [deltaridingclub.com] but – of course – I’ve attached it here once again for your convenience. ? Only a FEW MORE DAYS TO GET YOUR DRC BUCKS FOR JOINING BEFORE FEBRUARY 28!!! (Bring your membership to the clinic on Saturday! I’ll collect them on behalf of Alicia! How cool is that? Same goes for your clinic entries! ?)

That’s it for now. Check the calendar on the website for everything you need to know!! SEE YA SATURDAY MORNING!!

PS: Can you print the Clinic Poster and pin it up in your barn where folks will see it, please? Maybe even with a copy of the schedule? That would be awesome – and thank you!!

02.13.10 SPRING CLINIC SERIES! TA DA!


And you thought we were kidding?

Attached is the program for Delta Riding Club’s SPRING CLINIC SERIES, starting in JUST TWO WEEKS! As promised, there is something for just about everyone!

We will take reservations over by email or over the phone, but be forewarned: money talks! If we get paid reservations, they will be honoured over ones that are just “lip service.”

Drop your payments (cheque or cash) at the Dog & Pony or Roddicks, or arrange to meet me personally. Cheques payable to DRC, of course! We know that some of these clinics are weeks away, so a post-dated cheque for the day of the clinic is enough to guarantee your reservation.

Remember, you need to pay your membership, too, and that can accompany your clinic application! (Don’t forget to join DRC by February 28th and get $10 in DRC bucks!)

Note that some clinicians are prepared to postpone their clinics until the Sunday following (clinics are scheduled for Saturdays) if the weather is too icky. I’m still hoping we can arrange for an indoor as a “last resort” back-up: if any indoor owners are listening, (pretty please) we would be gladly offer a 2010 DRC sponsorship in return for indoor consideration. ? (Call or email me – 604.328.3814!)

I hope many of you will find something you like on the clinic schedule! It’s taken a while to put this together, and we want to sincerely thank (and welcome) all our participating clinicians! Let the clinics begin!


02.07.10 Meeting this week! Clinic series announced!


Happy New Year!

Okay. So we’re a little late in sending best wishes for a Happy New Year. Can we be the first to wish you Happy Valentine’s Day, then? And just because you’ve barely heard a peep as we head into a new year at Delta Riding Club, don’t think that your board of directors hasn’t been putting pedal to the metal to make this the BEST year yet! We’ve got a bucket load of projects underway! Read on:

Meeting this Wednesday

Our regular monthly meeting – as always – is open to all members and guests, and is this WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, starting at 7 pm. Why don’t you drop in? Now the clubhouse renovations are underway (uh huh! uh huh!), we’ll be meeting at the “poolside room” at the Ladner Leisure Centre. We were there a year ago, I believe. Grab a coffee at the concession as you come into the Leisure Centre and it’s quite likely a few of us will bring some nibblies to share, so we can graze our way thru the meeting!

And boy do we have LOTS to talk about!

Yes! You heard it right! The contractor has finally started working on our clubhouse renovations! And by this time next month (or thereabouts), we will have new siding, new roofing, a new entry booth, deck, STAIRS, concession, flooring – we are going to be so SWANK when our first show gets underway on April 18th (we may have to increase entry fees – but we’re NOT!!). It’s all very exciting, and when the (drywall) dust settles we will have an awesome clubhouse that will be the envy of everyone! A great big THANK YOU to Erik Anderson and Jane Spearing for all their hard work “fundraising” so we can finally put the finishing touches on the clubhouse!

Let the shows begin!

After much handwringing, the show committee was able to nail down our show dates for 2010 – no easy task when you are trying to schedule around all the discipline and breed shows, not to mention the other community clubs! We tried our best to avoid conflicts, but there are only so many weekends during show season. Hopefully, most of you noted them when Devon updated our website [deltaridingclub.com] earlier last month. (How do you like the new ‘do, by the way?) For those that haven’t, git out yer calendar:

APRIL 18 Percentage Day / 2nd Annual Carboot Sale
MAY 2 English/Western Show (Rick Pyke, judge)
MAY 16 Hunter/Jumper Show (Kindry Dunbar, judge)
JUNE 6 Percentage Day
JUNE 27 Hunter Jumper Show (Carmen Kramer, judge)
AUGUST 7/8 Summer Show (Monique Fraser, HJ judge, Jodie Moore, EW judge)
SEPTEMBER 12 English Western (Margaret Logan, judge, tentative)
SEPTEMBER 19 Percentage Day

The program is all but ready; we’re just waiting to confirm a few more judges – another task wrought with its own set of challenges! (If you come to our meeting on Wednesday, I’ll explain!). Fees will remain the same as last year (you’re welcome!), and there are relatively few changes. We’ve cut a few classes on our English Western Day, added some high points, but other than that, it’s shows-as-usual! (Except for our fancy new clubhouse and new footing in the rings! Ya!)

Speaking of towing the line

You will ALSO be pleased to know that we didn’t increase MEMBERSHIP FEES this year! (Perhaps I should have led with this?) That’s right! And … if you send your 2010 DELTA RIDING CLUB membership to Alicia before the end of this month, you will GET $10 IN DRC BUCKS to use against anything you may be inclined to purchase from DRC this year – your entry fees, STALLS, concession, clinics, banquet fees, clothing … TEN BUCKS off something (but NOT your membership!)! You have to act quickly, though! You will find a membership form on the website! Fill it out, write a cheque and bring it to the meeting on Wednesday or mail it to our post office box by February 28th, and Alicia will send you $10 DRC bucks with your 2010 membership card! HOW COOL IS THAT?!?!? (I’ve attached the 2010 app for your convenience! )

Membership has its privileges!

The DOG & PONY SHOP is partnering up with Delta Riding Club this year and as a 2010 member, YOU are going to SAVE 10% ON ALL YOUR SHOW CLOTHING purchases! Now that is REALLY cool! Beige or white breeches, helmets (except GPAs), tall boots, gloves, hairnets, show shirts, JACKETS, stock ties … Show the friendly staff at Dog & Pony your 2010 membership card and – that’s right – an automatic 10% off on all regularly priced stock! Many thanks to Vicky for extending this great offer to our members!

Twining away

Delta Riding Club members, and others in our horse community, have really stepped up to recycle their baling twine! We really want to thank RODDICKS FEED & FARM SUPPLY for being our drop off depot – there’s a bin near the front door for twine. This has been a project of the Buckaroos 4-H Horse Club, and now that our club has folded (sad, but true), I’m hoping we can find someone (not me) among our DRC membership to take care of it. I have just learned of a recycling outfit in Richmond which may make it much easier to get from bin to recycler (my downfall). If you think this is something you can do on behalf of DRC, please let me know (cathyglover@telus.net or 604/328-3814) – or come to the meeting on Wednesday!

This is a really terrific, feel-good project for someone with a pickup (or maybe not – the new outfit may pick up!). It isn’t difficult; it’s not back-breaking; it’s really not all that time consuming – I just can’t do it on top of everything else anymore. If we can’t find someone else to manage it, I’m afraid we’re going to have to shut ‘er down. I’ll have more information on Wednesday – and a decision one way or the other will have to be made then.

PS: For those of you already on board, THANK YOU for putting your CLEAN twine (free of hay and debris) into PLASTIC bags and bringing them to Roddicks. You are SO GREEN! (PS: As tempting as it is to re-use your empty grain bags for twine, they disintegrate in the rain and -- well, ew. Plastic is best, thank you!)

A red HOT offer

Have you ever noticed the really cool looking “vintage” stove in the clubhouse? It’s a circa 1957 GE range with a warming oven, yellow with lots of chrome! Everyone thinks it has to be worth something (and I’ve done some internet searching and can find restored versions of it for BIG bucks in the States – I can point you to a website link!). Well, ours needs a new home. We have it on Craigslist for $995, but the club is open to reasonable offers. Marg Brodie assures me it worked the last time it was used (before the clubhouse was moved to our current site). It’s being sold as is/where is. It’s a work of art that needs just a little TLC to bring it back to its original glory. You see stoves just like it on all the TV shows (Rachel Ray has one in her TV kitchen). If you or someone you know is interested in looking at it, call me! (It’s in the way of our renos!) We also have a popcorn and candy floss machine for sale, as well.

Sponsorship opportunities

Alicia Harper has been busy not only with her new barn in Richmond, but as our SPONSORSHIP QUEEN, she has been sending out letters to prospective sponsors for 2010! We would like to thank our “early birds”:

PLATINUM

Delta Agricultural Society
Hylee Training [hyleetraining.com]
Dog N Pony [thedognpony.com]

SILVER

Windancer Stables
Blue Meadow Farm [bluemeadowfarm.ca]
Ann Harper CA [annharperCA.com]
Embroidery Plus (Denise Fisher . 534.7641)

There may be more than I’m unaware of, but thank you to all – and please support the businesses and people that support us! For more information on our sponsorship program, please visit the website [deltaridingclub.com]. We appreciate your support, too!

And so … the news you all have been waiting for:

DRC announces new clinic series for this spring

That’s right! For the past month, we have been working on putting together a SPRING CLINIC SERIES that will offer our members an opportunity to ride with some awesome trainers and coaches in a variety of disciplines.

There’s something for just about everyone – it won’t break the bank, and it’s not going to take your whole day! Starting February 27 with a “Wild & Wooly” clinic with our own ADIVA MURPHY, and running every second weekend until April 24, we will be hosting clinicians like KIERSTEN HUMPHREY (Dressage, March 13), Paint and Quarter Horse trainer MELLISSA BUCKLEY (Trail, March 27); trainer and (Summer Show) judge JODIE MOORE (Perfect Patterns, April 10), “A” circuit rider, trainer & coach and very good friend to DRC KIM ROSE (Hunter/Jumper, April 24) and Natural Horsemanship trainer and coach NATALIE VONK [horseplayyourway.com] with an Introduction to Reining, also on April 24. ADIVA will do a “WILD & WOOLY 4 KIDS” (13-18 years) during spring break (March 13), and another IMPROVE YOUR RIDE (April 10) that will appeal to riders who may not necessarily be interested in the show ring.

I will be emailing you all again this week with final details and information on how to register. For members, clinics will be $40 each, and include snacks for horse AND rider! Some clinicians have offered “rain dates,” which is really cool. (I was going to try to arrange for a backup indoor in case the weather absolutely refuses to co-operate, but in light of the recent strangles outbreak I just don’t have the guts to go knockin’ on doors! We hear the affected barns are “over the hump” – and we wish them and their horses well in their recovery. Sigh …)

ANYHOO … our clinics are going to be VERY EXCITING! There are a limited amount of spots available for each three hour session, so you will want to book early. WATCH YOUR EMAIL over the next couple of days! I have one more clinician to confirm and then we’ll be ready to go!

Got tack?

Then you will want to make sure SUNDAY, APRIL 18 is circled on your calendar! It’s our 2nd ANNUAL CARBOOT SALE. Once again, we are hosting this in conjunction with our spring opener PERCENTAGE DAY. If you have used tack, equipment and show clothes gathering dust in the barn or closet OR trailer, this is a great, stress-free way to offer it for sale to buyers itching to part with their money! Start sorting now! Spring WILL be hear before you know it! Last year, one of our sellers made over $700!!! Get out your calendar and circle that date (SUNDAY, APRIL 18). That goes for buyers, too!

Up to speed

Yup! I think you should pretty much be up to speed on what DRC has in store for you in the coming months! I’m probably forgetting SOMEthing (brain leaks!) but that can be news for another day. Don’t forget to check our website [deltaridingclub.com] for updates. We’ll be posting the show program, entry forms and clinic schedule there as well. The meeting dates are all on our calendar as is – ha! – our 2010 board of directors! (In case, you were wondering, Bruce is STILL president ? and Marg is STILL past-president!). Please feel free to contact any of us by phone or email if you have any questions or need information about Delta Riding Club.

HOPE TO SEE YOU WEDNESDAY! LADNER LEISURE CENTRE, “POOLSIDE ROOM”, 7 PM!

Coming up:

Wednesday, February 10
Monthly meeting, Ladner Leisure Centre, 7 pm
Saturday, February 27
WILD & WOOLY CLINIC with Adiva Murphy, DRC
Wednesday, February 10
Monthly Meeting, location TBA
Saturday, March 13
DRESSAGE CLINIC with Kiersten Humphrey
WILD & WOOLY 4 KIDS with Adiva Murphy
Sunday, March 21
LMQHA Bazaar, T’bird
Saturday, March 27
TRAIL CLINIC Mellissa Buckley
GENERAL PERFORMANCE CLINIC tba
Saturday, April 10
PERFECT PATTERNS CLINIC with Jodie Moore
IMPROVE YOUR RIDE CLINIC with Adiva Murphy
Wednesday, April 14
Monthly Meeting, DRC, 7 pm
Sunday, April 18
PERCENTAGE DAY
2nd annual CARBOOT SALE
Saturday, April 24
HUNTER/JUMPER CLINIC with Kim Rose
REINING 101 with Natalie Vonk
Sunday, May 2
ENGLISH WESTERN SHOW, Rick Pyke, judge

DON’T FORGET TO PAY YOUR MEMBERSHIP BY FEBRUARY 28 AND GET $10 DRC BUCKS!

02.07.10 Meeting this week! Clinic series announced!


Happy New Year!

Okay. So we’re a little late in sending best wishes for a Happy New Year. Can we be the first to wish you Happy Valentine’s Day, then? And just because you’ve barely heard a peep as we head into a new year at Delta Riding Club, don’t think that your board of directors hasn’t been putting pedal to the metal to make this the BEST year yet! We’ve got a bucket load of projects underway! Read on:

Meeting this Wednesday

Our regular monthly meeting – as always – is open to all members and guests, and is this WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, starting at 7 pm. Why don’t you drop in? Now the clubhouse renovations are underway (uh huh! uh huh!), we’ll be meeting at the “poolside room” at the Ladner Leisure Centre. We were there a year ago, I believe. Grab a coffee at the concession as you come into the Leisure Centre and it’s quite likely a few of us will bring some nibblies to share, so we can graze our way thru the meeting!

And boy do we have LOTS to talk about!

Yes! You heard it right! The contractor has finally started working on our clubhouse renovations! And by this time next month (or thereabouts), we will have new siding, new roofing, a new entry booth, deck, STAIRS, concession, flooring – we are going to be so SWANK when our first show gets underway on April 18th (we may have to increase entry fees – but we’re NOT!!). It’s all very exciting, and when the (drywall) dust settles we will have an awesome clubhouse that will be the envy of everyone! A great big THANK YOU to Erik Anderson and Jane Spearing for all their hard work “fundraising” so we can finally put the finishing touches on the clubhouse!

Let the shows begin!

After much handwringing, the show committee was able to nail down our show dates for 2010 – no easy task when you are trying to schedule around all the discipline and breed shows, not to mention the other community clubs! We tried our best to avoid conflicts, but there are only so many weekends during show season. Hopefully, most of you noted them when Devon updated our website [deltaridingclub.com] earlier last month. (How do you like the new ‘do, by the way?) For those that haven’t, git out yer calendar:

APRIL 18 Percentage Day / 2nd Annual Carboot Sale
MAY 2 English/Western Show (Rick Pyke, judge)
MAY 16 Hunter/Jumper Show (Kindry Dunbar, judge)
JUNE 6 Percentage Day
JUNE 27 Hunter Jumper Show (Carmen Kramer, judge)
AUGUST 7/8 Summer Show (Monique Fraser, HJ judge, Jodie Moore, EW judge)
SEPTEMBER 12 English Western (Margaret Logan, judge, tentative)
SEPTEMBER 19 Percentage Day

The program is all but ready; we’re just waiting to confirm a few more judges – another task wrought with its own set of challenges! (If you come to our meeting on Wednesday, I’ll explain!). Fees will remain the same as last year (you’re welcome!), and there are relatively few changes. We’ve cut a few classes on our English Western Day, added some high points, but other than that, it’s shows-as-usual! (Except for our fancy new clubhouse and new footing in the rings! Ya!)

Speaking of towing the line

You will ALSO be pleased to know that we didn’t increase MEMBERSHIP FEES this year! (Perhaps I should have led with this?) That’s right! And … if you send your 2010 DELTA RIDING CLUB membership to Alicia before the end of this month, you will GET $10 IN DRC BUCKS to use against anything you may be inclined to purchase from DRC this year – your entry fees, STALLS, concession, clinics, banquet fees, clothing … TEN BUCKS off something (but NOT your membership!)! You have to act quickly, though! You will find a membership form on the website! Fill it out, write a cheque and bring it to the meeting on Wednesday or mail it to our post office box by February 28th, and Alicia will send you $10 DRC bucks with your 2010 membership card! HOW COOL IS THAT?!?!? (I’ve attached the 2010 app for your convenience! )

Membership has its privileges!

The DOG & PONY SHOP is partnering up with Delta Riding Club this year and as a 2010 member, YOU are going to SAVE 10% ON ALL YOUR SHOW CLOTHING purchases! Now that is REALLY cool! Beige or white breeches, helmets (except GPAs), tall boots, gloves, hairnets, show shirts, JACKETS, stock ties … Show the friendly staff at Dog & Pony your 2010 membership card and – that’s right – an automatic 10% off on all regularly priced stock! Many thanks to Vicky for extending this great offer to our members!

Twining away

Delta Riding Club members, and others in our horse community, have really stepped up to recycle their baling twine! We really want to thank RODDICKS FEED & FARM SUPPLY for being our drop off depot – there’s a bin near the front door for twine. This has been a project of the Buckaroos 4-H Horse Club, and now that our club has folded (sad, but true), I’m hoping we can find someone (not me) among our DRC membership to take care of it. I have just learned of a recycling outfit in Richmond which may make it much easier to get from bin to recycler (my downfall). If you think this is something you can do on behalf of DRC, please let me know (cathyglover@telus.net or 604/328-3814) – or come to the meeting on Wednesday!

This is a really terrific, feel-good project for someone with a pickup (or maybe not – the new outfit may pick up!). It isn’t difficult; it’s not back-breaking; it’s really not all that time consuming – I just can’t do it on top of everything else anymore. If we can’t find someone else to manage it, I’m afraid we’re going to have to shut ‘er down. I’ll have more information on Wednesday – and a decision one way or the other will have to be made then.

PS: For those of you already on board, THANK YOU for putting your CLEAN twine (free of hay and debris) into PLASTIC bags and bringing them to Roddicks. You are SO GREEN! (PS: As tempting as it is to re-use your empty grain bags for twine, they disintegrate in the rain and -- well, ew. Plastic is best, thank you!)

A red HOT offer

Have you ever noticed the really cool looking “vintage” stove in the clubhouse? It’s a circa 1957 GE range with a warming oven, yellow with lots of chrome! Everyone thinks it has to be worth something (and I’ve done some internet searching and can find restored versions of it for BIG bucks in the States – I can point you to a website link!). Well, ours needs a new home. We have it on Craigslist for $995, but the club is open to reasonable offers. Marg Brodie assures me it worked the last time it was used (before the clubhouse was moved to our current site). It’s being sold as is/where is. It’s a work of art that needs just a little TLC to bring it back to its original glory. You see stoves just like it on all the TV shows (Rachel Ray has one in her TV kitchen). If you or someone you know is interested in looking at it, call me! (It’s in the way of our renos!) We also have a popcorn and candy floss machine for sale, as well.

Sponsorship opportunities

Alicia Harper has been busy not only with her new barn in Richmond, but as our SPONSORSHIP QUEEN, she has been sending out letters to prospective sponsors for 2010! We would like to thank our “early birds”:

PLATINUM

Delta Agricultural Society
Hylee Training [hyleetraining.com]
Dog N Pony [thedognpony.com]

SILVER

Windancer Stables
Blue Meadow Farm [bluemeadowfarm.ca]
Ann Harper CA [annharperCA.com]
Embroidery Plus (Denise Fisher . 534.7641)

There may be more than I’m unaware of, but thank you to all – and please support the businesses and people that support us! For more information on our sponsorship program, please visit the website [deltaridingclub.com]. We appreciate your support, too!

And so … the news you all have been waiting for:

DRC announces new clinic series for this spring

That’s right! For the past month, we have been working on putting together a SPRING CLINIC SERIES that will offer our members an opportunity to ride with some awesome trainers and coaches in a variety of disciplines.

There’s something for just about everyone – it won’t break the bank, and it’s not going to take your whole day! Starting February 27 with a “Wild & Wooly” clinic with our own ADIVA MURPHY, and running every second weekend until April 24, we will be hosting clinicians like KIERSTEN HUMPHREY (Dressage, March 13), Paint and Quarter Horse trainer MELLISSA BUCKLEY (Trail, March 27); trainer and (Summer Show) judge JODIE MOORE (Perfect Patterns, April 10), “A” circuit rider, trainer & coach and very good friend to DRC KIM ROSE (Hunter/Jumper, April 24) and Natural Horsemanship trainer and coach NATALIE VONK [horseplayyourway.com] with an Introduction to Reining, also on April 24. ADIVA will do a “WILD & WOOLY 4 KIDS” (13-18 years) during spring break (March 13), and another IMPROVE YOUR RIDE (April 10) that will appeal to riders who may not necessarily be interested in the show ring.

I will be emailing you all again this week with final details and information on how to register. For members, clinics will be $40 each, and include snacks for horse AND rider! Some clinicians have offered “rain dates,” which is really cool. (I was going to try to arrange for a backup indoor in case the weather absolutely refuses to co-operate, but in light of the recent strangles outbreak I just don’t have the guts to go knockin’ on doors! We hear the affected barns are “over the hump” – and we wish them and their horses well in their recovery. Sigh …)

ANYHOO … our clinics are going to be VERY EXCITING! There are a limited amount of spots available for each three hour session, so you will want to book early. WATCH YOUR EMAIL over the next couple of days! I have one more clinician to confirm and then we’ll be ready to go!

Got tack?

Then you will want to make sure SUNDAY, APRIL 18 is circled on your calendar! It’s our 2nd ANNUAL CARBOOT SALE. Once again, we are hosting this in conjunction with our spring opener PERCENTAGE DAY. If you have used tack, equipment and show clothes gathering dust in the barn or closet OR trailer, this is a great, stress-free way to offer it for sale to buyers itching to part with their money! Start sorting now! Spring WILL be hear before you know it! Last year, one of our sellers made over $700!!! Get out your calendar and circle that date (SUNDAY, APRIL 18). That goes for buyers, too!

Up to speed

Yup! I think you should pretty much be up to speed on what DRC has in store for you in the coming months! I’m probably forgetting SOMEthing (brain leaks!) but that can be news for another day. Don’t forget to check our website [deltaridingclub.com] for updates. We’ll be posting the show program, entry forms and clinic schedule there as well. The meeting dates are all on our calendar as is – ha! – our 2010 board of directors! (In case, you were wondering, Bruce is STILL president ? and Marg is STILL past-president!). Please feel free to contact any of us by phone or email if you have any questions or need information about Delta Riding Club.

HOPE TO SEE YOU WEDNESDAY! LADNER LEISURE CENTRE, “POOLSIDE ROOM”, 7 PM!

Coming up:

Wednesday, February 10
Monthly meeting, Ladner Leisure Centre, 7 pm
Saturday, February 27
WILD & WOOLY CLINIC with Adiva Murphy, DRC
Wednesday, February 10
Monthly Meeting, location TBA
Saturday, March 13
DRESSAGE CLINIC with Kiersten Humphrey
WILD & WOOLY 4 KIDS with Adiva Murphy
Sunday, March 21
LMQHA Bazaar, T’bird
Saturday, March 27
TRAIL CLINIC Mellissa Buckley
GENERAL PERFORMANCE CLINIC tba
Saturday, April 10
PERFECT PATTERNS CLINIC with Jodie Moore
IMPROVE YOUR RIDE CLINIC with Adiva Murphy
Wednesday, April 14
Monthly Meeting, DRC, 7 pm
Sunday, April 18
PERCENTAGE DAY
2nd annual CARBOOT SALE
Saturday, April 24
HUNTER/JUMPER CLINIC with Kim Rose
REINING 101 with Natalie Vonk
Sunday, May 2
ENGLISH WESTERN SHOW, Rick Pyke, judge

DON’T FORGET TO PAY YOUR MEMBERSHIP BY FEBRUARY 28 AND GET $10 DRC BUCKS!



Bulletin Archive

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2008

November (165KB PDF)
September & October (127KB PDF)
August (102KB PDF)
July (73KB PDF)
June (75KB PDF)
May (68KB PDF)
April (85KB PDF)

2009

November (128KB PDF)
September (128KB PDF)
July/August (128KB PDF)
June (128KB PDF)
May (144KB PDF)
March/ April (240KB PDF)
January/ February (124KB PDF)