Martha and Darling Fiona Excel at Dressage on the First Coast

April 2010 - Martha and Darling Fiona participated in the USDF-recognized dressage show on April 10-11, 2010 at the Jacksonville Equestrian Center. Riding in Training Level (Amateur) classes, they received scores ranging from 61.6% to 70.8% (in TL 4Q). FEI "I" judge and former Olympian Jennie Loriston-Clarke (UK) especially loved Fiona and found her very balanced for her age.

Versa Stars Rodney Still Hampered by Pulled Muscle

May 2010 - V-Rod has been suffering from lameness in his hind end since late fall. The pair had to scratch after one class from Dressage on the First Coast in December where he was consistently "short" in the hind end. Although mainly in his right hind, it is occasionally seen in his left hind and is likely a pulled muscle. He has been examined by both Dr. Vasiliki Meisenburg and Dr. Craig Roberts, the preeminent lameness specialist in the area. We have separated V-Rod from his pasture buddy, Jake, and hope that a quiet paddock will keep him from re-injuring himself. We have been lunging him in balancing reins at the walk and trot to stretch his back and get him to use his hind end.

New Boarders at Little Creek

We have added four new boarder horses to our stable. Debbie McNally and Londontowne; Sarah, Tracey, Adam and Andrew David with M&Ms and Oreos (Emmy, below); and Phyllis Allyn and Simply Jake (right) and Simply Complicated (Snap). All are members of the Northeast Florida Dressage Association.

Boarding is now available at Little Creek Ranch

We have several openings for boarded horses. Amenities include top quality care and attention; lighted arena with dressage ring; large airy stalls with fans; horse trailer parking; and nearby trails on National Park Service land. Room for jumping and barrel racing. Owner and caretaker live on the property. Full board starts at $450, depending on feed, hay and level of care desired.

Contact Martha at 904-705-1522 or planboss@comcast.net.

Scout is added to the family!

One rainy day last October, Scout the yellow lab wandered into Michael’s hunt camp in Midville, Georgia. As best we can tell, he was probably dumped on a dirt road near camp and left to fend for himself. Showing once again the alert mental ability of labs, he found a spot by the fire and proceeded to charm everyone. Michael brought him home and he has assumed the role of "pesky little brother" to Barn Dog.

He is now approximately two years old and appears to be purebred. He has the refined Lab face, long body and legs and really big, webbed feet of the hunting Labrador bloodlines. He’s put on twenty pounds and now tips the scales at a healthy 97 pounds.

He probably lived chained-up outdoors, as he refused to enter through any household doorway and had some mild muscle atrophy in his hind legs. Dr. Hightman checked for a microchip and the dedicated volunteers at Old Friends Burke County Animal Rescue confirmed that there were no reports of a missing yellow lab.

Fast forward eight months and Scout has settled in like a champ. He runs wind sprints to the barn and back and his instinct to swim and retrieve has kicked in. Barn Dog and Scout do a pretty good job of tiring each other out playing tug-of-war with the training floats, chasing the barn cats, and swimming in the fishing pond. He also has become very fond of chewing on Nylabones and sleeping on the furniture and the bed.

Our only worry now is that Barn Dog and Scout are exhibiting the early signs of Lab-anarchy. Lab ownership is exponential: one Lab = two dogs. Two Labs = six dogs!

Martha and V-Rod win two awards at NFDA Year End Award Banquet

The Northeast Florida Dressage Association (NFDA) handed out its 2007 year end awards on January 17, 2008. Martha Moore and Versa Stars Rodney were the recipients of an NFDA Bronze Medal which is awarded to club members who attain six scores of 60 percent or higher in Training Level from four different judges (one score must be from TL 4). The pair also placed fourth for the year in Training Level - AA with an average score of 63.335 percent.

V-Rod and Martha Place Ninth for APHA PAC Dressage

The year end results are here and this duo finished in 9th place for the U.S. with a total of 59 points. V-Rod received a PAC Certificate of Recognition (20 points) in April 2007 and a Certificate of Achievement (60 points) in April 2008.

Man of Miracles Sold to Lori Westmoreland of Glenwood, GA

After leasing Manny for a year, Lori couldn’t bear the thought of ever giving him back. In his time in Georgia, Manny has become Lori’s willing trail companion, the "go to" horse for the grandkids and led the town’s Christmas parade. He is king of her herd and we know that he is happy in his new home.

George’s Warbelle Succumbs to Colic

On May 21, 2008, we were awakened by the early morning phone call that all horse owners dread - Lady was down and it didn’t look good. We rushed to the pasture and were able to get her up but it was obvious that she was in serious discomfort. An emergency call later and Dr. Tammy Jordan arrived to confirm our fears - an impaction colic. We nursed her throughout the day and by evening she appeared to be headed out of the woods. Unfortunately, the following morning it was apparent that she was worse and that nothing more could be done to save her. She was euthanized the morning of May 22nd; her grumpy grande dame personality will be greatly missed.

A heartfelt thanks to Dr. Tammy and Jerry Jordan for their care, understanding and three trips to Black Hammock Island; Kim and David Griner for their help and support; Bill and Carey for their tireless care; and Dr. Vasiliki Meisenburg for her long distance advice and willingness to answer the phone at 6:00 am.

Pregnancy Confirmed for Mona Liza Tela

After a stay at EquiGen, Liza has been confirmed in foal to KEC Double Diamond (Oisin). We are expecting an impressive foal in late April 2009. In a bittersweet coda, Liza conceived on the day that Lady died so we are hopeful that the baby will exhibit some of Lady Belle’s amazing personality.