What A Year for David Ziegler, BG and Topper!!

We're gathering the year end wrap ups from all of our Blue Hill riders, to let our supporters know about the year in review and plans for 2014!  As always, it's been a busy year with many challenges and accomplishments.  David Ziegler is going to start us off with his year in review.  Well written David!

David & BG at Jersey Fresh
Photo Credit Becca Hart

"What a year! Reflecting on it now, I cant believe all that has happened in 10 months.  BG and I stormed onto the event scene after a year long hiatus on both our parts, placing in the top of all our competitions, BG showed us this old guy was not looking for an early retirement after having been successfully campaigned around the world at the 4* level.  We are looking forward to coming back in the spring season to qualify for the NAYRC, and (fingers crossed) an autumn advanced!

Topper Strutting His Stuff!
Photo credit Terri Miller

From galloping across fields at unmovable objects, to pirouettes in the 20x60, Topper had an equally impressive season.  We kicked the year off with winning High Point 4th level at Morven Park in May, then we put our nose to the grindstone and contested our first Prix St.
George in July with great results! The rest of the season was spent with numerous successes in the Prix St George across the North East, it is incredible to think that in 17 months Topper went from being an upper level event horse to an FEI Dressage horse. This winter we plan on spending January in Wellington competing in the CDI's, gathering our qualifications to compete at the NAYRC in the Dressage!

Topper
Photo Credit Terri Miller

Campaigning 2 horses at the top levels of 2 disciplines is no easy task, but through all the support of our team at Blue Hill Farm and my partnership with SCES, my training is progressing and the financial strain has been eased.  Donations are greatly appreciated to help me own the podium in 2014, and eventually seek to be long listed to the CDN dressage or eventing teams!"

HORSE FIRST SUPPLEMENTS NEWS LETTER!

BLUE HILL FARM LOVES HORSE FIRST!!!  Missy has been using their products for years and they truly work.  Many thanks to Paddy Hughes for his continued support of Blue Hill Farm.  If you'd like to learn more about their products, and want to enter to win a jacket, please see below and sign up for their news letter.
 

Find out what HORSE FIRST have been up to this month and be in with the chance to WIN a HORSE FIRST jacket!

In this issue we have been in Germany, Oxfordshire and won the hotly contested “Exporter of the Year Award” and launched a new product range! This summer has been a busy yet exciting time for HORSE FIRST as we have been out and about meeting many new faces and we have launched our new product 'Relax me Now Syringe'. The Relax me Now Syringe will settle the nerves and stomach and is best given two hours before performance. For maximum use it is beneficial to use in addition to your horse's regular serving of RelaxMe. We have had positive feedback from people using the product to great effect. More information on RelaxMeNow can be found here. Horse First win Exporter of the year award! We are pleased to announce that HORSE FIRST have won the hotly contested “Exporter of the Year Award” Sponsored by InvestNI at the Greater Newry Business Awards. Tanya Hughes, Company Director, who accepted the award for HORSE FIRST, said “ It’s wonderful  recognition for all the hard work we do. HORSE FIRST have been selling top class Equine Supplements for just over five years now, and at this stage of the company’s growth, to have been nominated never mind winning, has been a great achievement. The awards were held in the lovely Canal Court in Newry.  Paddy and Robert were at Blenheim Palace Horse Trails while the awards ceremony took place however the Horse First team made sure to give them a call to let them know we won and then we were given permission to party the night away! Further information on the awards can be found here. Horse First on the go! Mid September Paddy, Tanya and Robert from HORSE FIRST attended the annual Spoga Horse International Trade Fair in Germany. The trip was very successful and we had the opportunity to speak to many interesting people around the globe. We also had the opportunity to catch up with Japanese rider Taizo Sugitani which was a real treat! Next stop Paddy and Robert headed to Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials which took place in Oxfordshire. Although the weather wasn’t as good as we expected there was a great turnout at the event and thanks to everyone who came and introduced themselves to the Horse First team and took the time to enter our competition.  Winner will be announced this week so watch out for that special phone call! If you were at Spoga or Blenheim Palace and have any questions on our horse supplements feel free to contact us any time. In the meantime here are some pictures of the team at Spoga and Blenheim. More pictures and more can be found here...Enjoy! PRODUCT OF THE MONTH.. Exselent E Exselent E will aid muscle development and the retention of suppleness in the muscle tissue during work.  If your horse is feeling stiff, short of stride or you feel that you are getting less follow through in walk, trot and canter then Exselent E is the product for you! Give the product a go today and see the results for yourself! Our other range of equine supplements can be found here. For your chance to win a HORSE FIRST jacket simply answer the following question: Name the Japanese rider that visited HORSE FIRST at Spoga? Entries within the next 7 days will be valid..Good luck! Send your answers to info@horsefirst.net  Follow on Twitter | Like us on Facebook | Find us on YouTube Copyright © 2013 Horse First Ltd, All rights reserved.  unsubscribe from this list | update subscription preferences  Congratulations Nicola Johnston! Nicola Johnston from Mollinsburn, Scotland was the happy winner of our Blair Competition winning Garlic & More, Exselent E & Cuppra. Congratulations Nicola we hope you enjoy your goodies! 9,000 'likes'!!! WOW!!! We cant believe we have reached 9,000 'likes' on Facebook! Thank you SO much for your support! If you haven't 'liked' us on Facebook yet see what all you are missing out on here!

Help Support David and BHF Riders Through SCES!

I have been on my soapbox lately!  In addition to working with all my favorite people at Blue Hill Farm, I work with several other riders and agencies/businesses in the equestrian industry.  One of the groups that I love to work with is SCES (Southern California Equestrian Sports), a non profit group based in California which raises competition funds for riders.

"SCES is a non-profit organization dedicated to help equestrian riders and organizers raise tax deductible funds to compete in or support their National or International competitions, throughout the US and abroad."

I have been working with Margie Molloy for several years, maintaining their website and helping her drive membership.  SCES helped greatly to raise funds during the barn fire at Boyd Martin's and they have been instrumental in helping riders raise funds to reach their competitive goals!  

David & BG at Plantation Field International
Photo Credit Lisa Thomas

It's time for BHF riders to jump on the band wagon & to start fundraising for their future endeavors.  Missy, Steph, Rachel and David are in the application process and we need your help to start them raising funds for their individual competition goals.

David has already completed his application and has been approved!  

"I’m thrilled to be a part of the SCES team, seeing how this organization has helped countless top riders, I knew this was the first step in bridging the gap between being a young rider and a young professional.  So many young riders make it to the Championships then
disappear, my goal is to hit the young rider championships on my way up to be a young professional aiming for team spots, as well as becoming a licensed course designer, having had a couple internships with course designer Richard Jeffery to date.

I’m hoping my involvement with SCES will bring more awareness to my pursuits, as  great an opportunity I’ve had growing up, traveling across the continent, from Alberta, to California, to Florida, it has been difficult setting up a strong base, and I see SCES as hopefully
being a strong link between all the connections I’ve made, where ever they may be."

So won't you help David by being one of the first donors for his competition fund?  He's working diligently towards qualifying Topper and BG for next year's Young Riders, so we need to start fundraising now!

Simply click on this link and he's on his way.  You can also visit the Team Page on our website for individual donation buttons.  Hopefully we will have the girls applications approved soon!

Thanks so much for supporting the crew at BHF!!

BHF Riders Shine at Blue Goose and The Dennis Mitchell Clinic!!

We've had a busy week at Blue Hill Farm!  David Ziegler and Peninsula Top Man had a great result at the recognized Blue Goose Stable show with beautiful pirouettes in the Prix St. George for second place.  Lauri Albert and Donner Tanz won their second level class with an excellent ride as well. Margaret (Gigi) McIntosh rode the Grade Ib Para test for the first time with her new mount Paxton Abbey with great success as well!

Lauri & Donner

Dennis currently has a busy schedule traveling throughout the united states teaching clinics and coaching at shows, so we were lucky to get him to our part of the world for a few days.  Dennis was a very adept clinician, quickly evaluating each horse and rider combination accurately while giving individualized attention and positive feedback!

Steph and Dylan!

Back at the farm, we hosted a 2 day clinic with Ocala based show jumping trainer, Dennis Mitchell of Kimberden Farm, whom Missy has been riding with for nearly 10 years.  Dennis is a former Grand Prix rider and has trained Olympic level riders such as Aaron Vale and Todd Minikus, as well as multiple USEF champions in both the hunter and jumpers.  

Please head on over to our Facebook page to see our full photo album from both the Training/Prelim and Intermediate groups.  Thanks to Dennis for making the long haul up to Pennsylvania!!

Photo credits Lisa Thomas

Great Weekend at NJ Horse Park!!

David and BG
Photo Cedit Becca Hart

The BHF Eventers all had a good weekend at the New Jersey Horse Park!

David Ziegler and BG scored a 34.8 and show jumped one of few double clear rounds to sit in fourth place in the OI going into cross country. Adding only 9.2 time, the pair finished in third place.

In the Training level divisions, Missy and Ike scored a 35 and had no jump penalties to finish in seventh place.   Seema Sonnad and VS Pass Play (Keegan) had a steady clear cross country, and Madeline Backus scored a 36 and went double clear on cross country.

Everyone is getting ready for the show jumping clinic with Dennis Mitchell on the 6th and 7th, and then Fair Hill and Richland later in August!

Dennis Mitchell Clinic August 6th & 7th!

Blue Hill Farm is pleased to present a show jumping clinic with Grand Prix rider and trainer Dennis Mitchell!

August 6th and 7th, 2013

Tentative Schedule

8:00-10:00 Prelim- Intermediate 

10:00-12:00 Training- Prelim 

2:00-4:00 Novice- Training

4:00-6:00 Beginner Novice

Groups may be shuffled based upon interest. 5 riders per group.

Cost for two days $250

Space is very limited, please reserve your slot by July 25th!

email Steph Cauffman to reserve your spot!

About Dennis

Dennis Mitchell has over 50 years experience in the equine industry. He is a former Grand Prix rider and trainer of Grand Prix riders and trainers, including Aaron Vale and Todd Minikus. Dennis has been the trainer of numerous USEF national champions in both the hunter and jumper divisions whose passion for the sport has taken him all over the country. At any given horse show he can be seen running between the short stirrup and 

Grand Prix arena with equal enthusiasm and an ever- present smile on his face. Dennis is currently based in Ocala, FL.

For Sale - PS King of Hearts!

PS KING OF HEARTS

7 yr old 15.1 hh AWS-registered, Anglo-Trakehner Gelding. 

Successfully shown Training level eventing, schooling Preliminary and showing lots of potential for the upper levels. 

Sweet, kind, handsome, sound, bold but not strong. He ties, loads, bathes and trail rides. UTD on shots, shoeing and teeth. 

$30k

Email Madeline Backus