Excitement is brewing as the Para Riders gear up for the 2014 WEG Selection Trials. Both Gigi and Becca's horses have shipped to Ocala in preparation for their first competition in the beginning of March. Stay tuned for updates!!
Feb 15- Ship to Ocala!
March 1-2 Dressage at Canterbury
March 8-9 Ocala Dressage
March 13-16 CPEDI3* Global Dressage Festival, Wellington, FL
March 19 Horses fly to NL with Rachel Gross
April 4-6 CPEDI3 Deauville, FR
April 25-27 CPEDI3 Moorselles BE
June 1-2 Gladstone, NJ,
National Championship and Selection Trials for 2014 World Equestrian Games
Monday, February 17, 2014
Friday, February 14, 2014
David's Reflections From Down South!
Many thanks to David for this wonderful blog submission. We can't wait to follow you and all the riders at BHF on their quest for personal best in 2014!!
"As I enjoy the more seasonable weather in Ocala, I wonder why anyone thought Aiken would be a good place to winter. Let's also not forget our friends who remain in Pennsylvania at BHF, who are just now digging out from another big winter storm!
Watching the Winter Olympics, I started thinking about my own Olympic quest. Certainly, it started when I first sat on a horse all those years ago, but it wasn't until I came to Blue Hill Farm, 2 years ago, that I felt like I was really being directed in that route. Between Missy and Jessica's championship successes, both as riders and coaches in Eventing, Dressage, and Para-Dressage, the barn caters to serious athletes.
There's a buzz in the air, as 2014 is going to be a very exciting year for BHF, with Becca and Gigi on fantastic new horses who are serious WEG medal contenders in the Para Dressage. BG and Topper are headed to the Young Rider Championships, giving me the opportunity to be the first Young Rider to compete in 2 disciplines the same year!
I could not have made it here without Jessica and Missy: Missy so graciously giving me the ride on BG, watching me muck things up along the way as he and I bonded. Missy, always with a positive word and unwavering support, and Jessica, turning Topper and I from Eventing misfits to FEI Dressage winners. This was no easy task I'll admit. I could not have gotten my riding to this level without their support.
The biggest piece if advice I can give to fellow young riders, or professionals, or amateurs for that matter, is find that coach who will give you 110%. Someone who will take pride in your successes, knowing that they helped make it happen. In return, work hard towards your goals and appreciate all the time and effort that they have put into you!"
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| Candid of David & Jess Photo Credit Ashley Holzer |
Watching the Winter Olympics, I started thinking about my own Olympic quest. Certainly, it started when I first sat on a horse all those years ago, but it wasn't until I came to Blue Hill Farm, 2 years ago, that I felt like I was really being directed in that route. Between Missy and Jessica's championship successes, both as riders and coaches in Eventing, Dressage, and Para-Dressage, the barn caters to serious athletes.
There's a buzz in the air, as 2014 is going to be a very exciting year for BHF, with Becca and Gigi on fantastic new horses who are serious WEG medal contenders in the Para Dressage. BG and Topper are headed to the Young Rider Championships, giving me the opportunity to be the first Young Rider to compete in 2 disciplines the same year!
I could not have made it here without Jessica and Missy: Missy so graciously giving me the ride on BG, watching me muck things up along the way as he and I bonded. Missy, always with a positive word and unwavering support, and Jessica, turning Topper and I from Eventing misfits to FEI Dressage winners. This was no easy task I'll admit. I could not have gotten my riding to this level without their support.
The biggest piece if advice I can give to fellow young riders, or professionals, or amateurs for that matter, is find that coach who will give you 110%. Someone who will take pride in your successes, knowing that they helped make it happen. In return, work hard towards your goals and appreciate all the time and effort that they have put into you!"
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
Despite Snow, Sleet and Power Outages - Paralympic Fundraiser A Fabulous Success!!
The evening began with wine, beer, and a delicious and extensive selection of hot and cold
hors d'oeuvres. Babsi set the tone for the occasion with an earnest, well-documented description of the paradox facing the Para Equestrian discipline today. Briefly stated, the United States Olympic Committee and the competitive Equestrian organizations have cut off all funding for Para Equestrians because, despite very creditable performances, they have not produced medal-winning results. Para Equestrian competition at home and abroad is expensive but necessary in order to compete for medals so the riders need extensive private support. She also hoped to raise awareness of the Para Equestrian competition as parallel to able-bodied Dressage, not to therapeutic riding or the Special Olympics.
Babsi's inspiring and enthusiastic introduction set the stage for video presentations highlighting Rebecca and Margaret's equine experience and involvement in the Para program. The videos served as a very intimate but succinct introduction to two remarkable women. After the videos, Rachel Gross, Assistant Trainer at Blue Hill Farm, helped Rebecca and Margaret answer questions in a brief "Meet and Greet" session.
The overarching intent of the organizers was to establish an on-going community of both financial and emotional support, hopefully creating a wave of energy and enthusiasm to carry these riders to the World Equestrian Games in Normandy and beyond!
As a delightful post script and just one example, among many, of the enthusiasm Babsi and Martha envisioned, Sharon Clark and Liz Collard of Rigbie Farm in Darlington, MD were able to organize shipping the Para horses to Florida courtesy of D.J. Johnson Horse Transport!
Many thanks for their remarkable generosity, to the Clarks and Thomases and the community of local businesses and horsemen who are making this project an overwhelming success!
Monday, February 3, 2014
Road To The WEG and Beyond!!
Blue Hill Farm wishes to thank Daryl and Martha Thomas for generously hosting a fundraising event for our two Paralympic hopefuls, Becca Hart and Gigi McIntosh!!
The Thomas' already have over 60 people attending the event on February 6th in their home in Kirkwood, Pa. This will be a a very special evening to develop a Community of Support for two very special women!
Our own Paralympic Hopefuls:
Rebecca Hart - 5 time National Champion and 2 time Paralympian
Margaret McIntosh - Former 4 star (Olympic level) event rider & Paralympic hopeful
The evening is being held so our local community can come hear the stories of how these two inspirational women have dealt with their disabilities and have moved courageously forward on their personal quest to represent the USA on the international equestrian stage!
“Becca” and “Gigi” are currently participating in the run-up competitions for the World Equestrian Games in Normandy, France and then will be in pursuit of medals at the Olympic Games in Rio.
Yes, this is a fund-raising evening – but we welcome you all to contribute your support in any way possible; not only financial, but also emotional as we all join together to create a wave of energy and support for Becca and Gigi to ride to their goals.
We look forward to seeing those who are coming and invite you to contribute directly to the USPEA in support of either of these women. Due to overwhelming response, we will also be throwing another fundraiser in the spring. Many thanks to the Thomas' and to all who are showing support for our riders!!! We will have pictures and news after the event.
If you are interested in donating to Becca and Gigi's cause, please go directly to USPEA.org and click on Donate Now down at the bottom of the home page. Specify either or both riders names in the Paypal box and they're on their way to the qualifiers!!
Many thanks and stay tuned.............
The Thomas' already have over 60 people attending the event on February 6th in their home in Kirkwood, Pa. This will be a a very special evening to develop a Community of Support for two very special women!
Our own Paralympic Hopefuls:
Rebecca Hart - 5 time National Champion and 2 time Paralympian
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| Becca and Romani |
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| Gigi and Rio |
“Becca” and “Gigi” are currently participating in the run-up competitions for the World Equestrian Games in Normandy, France and then will be in pursuit of medals at the Olympic Games in Rio.
Yes, this is a fund-raising evening – but we welcome you all to contribute your support in any way possible; not only financial, but also emotional as we all join together to create a wave of energy and support for Becca and Gigi to ride to their goals.
We look forward to seeing those who are coming and invite you to contribute directly to the USPEA in support of either of these women. Due to overwhelming response, we will also be throwing another fundraiser in the spring. Many thanks to the Thomas' and to all who are showing support for our riders!!! We will have pictures and news after the event.
If you are interested in donating to Becca and Gigi's cause, please go directly to USPEA.org and click on Donate Now down at the bottom of the home page. Specify either or both riders names in the Paypal box and they're on their way to the qualifiers!!
Many thanks and stay tuned.............
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
PERFECT JR OR YR 1* CHAMPION!
SONG FOR THE KAISER IS OFFERED FOR SALE!
2003, 15H Bay TB Gelding.
Sire: Victory Speech
Dam: Eighth Note
Never raced, one owner, purchased as yearling & brought up the levels by a child.
Competed through Intermediate.
Completed T3D with no jumping faults. Ideal lower level packer who will take rider to their 1st 1*!
USEA J/YR National 1* Champion
Excellent Child/ Adult jumper
Excellent ground manners and very sweet.
Perfect home is an absolute necessity for this very special horse!
40k
Call Missy at 484-576-3947
2003, 15H Bay TB Gelding.
Sire: Victory Speech
Dam: Eighth Note
Never raced, one owner, purchased as yearling & brought up the levels by a child.
Competed through Intermediate.
Completed T3D with no jumping faults. Ideal lower level packer who will take rider to their 1st 1*!
USEA J/YR National 1* Champion
Excellent Child/ Adult jumper
Excellent ground manners and very sweet.
Perfect home is an absolute necessity for this very special horse!
40k
Call Missy at 484-576-3947
Monday, January 20, 2014
Wellington Chronicles - Part 1!
It has been just over two weeks since Jess and I descended upon Wellington, and even with one horse I still can't seem to find the time to send prompt reports on how it is going! I blame it on Jess, we can not go anywhere without people recognizing her and wanting to talk to her (very time consuming). The kind of recognition Miley Cyrus could only dream of!
Topper has been giving us 100% here everyday and I could not be happier. We are based out of Margaret Duprey's beautiful Cherry Knoll South, and I am incredibly greatful for all the hospitality she and Todd Flettrich have shown us while being here for the show season.
Our first show was the weekend of Feb. 9 at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival. This was Topper's and my first CDI, since running our last FEI event, which was a CCI*, which seems like a lifetime ago. Thank goodness I had Jessica here to interpret all the rules so we didn't have a TE. So many rules! Riding in front of a very tough European judges panel, Topper and I performed mistake free team and individual tests to take home the blue!
This past weekend we competed in our 2nd FEI, scoring a 63% on our team test (with a few mistakes and room for improvement) and a nice consistent performance in our Individual test, earning us a 66%. These recent scores were high enough to qualify our eligibility to be Long Listed on the Canadian Dressage Team. Next up we have our first freestyle to be performed in the show ring, and we are expecting good results!
Stay tuned! ~ David
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| Photo Credit Susan J. Stickle |
Our first show was the weekend of Feb. 9 at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival. This was Topper's and my first CDI, since running our last FEI event, which was a CCI*, which seems like a lifetime ago. Thank goodness I had Jessica here to interpret all the rules so we didn't have a TE. So many rules! Riding in front of a very tough European judges panel, Topper and I performed mistake free team and individual tests to take home the blue!
This past weekend we competed in our 2nd FEI, scoring a 63% on our team test (with a few mistakes and room for improvement) and a nice consistent performance in our Individual test, earning us a 66%. These recent scores were high enough to qualify our eligibility to be Long Listed on the Canadian Dressage Team. Next up we have our first freestyle to be performed in the show ring, and we are expecting good results!
Stay tuned! ~ David
Thursday, January 9, 2014
BHF's Newest Team Member - Carli McGinley
Carli came to Blue Hill on a recommendation from a friend, and so the adventure begins..............
“My adventures with Blue Hill Farm, Southern Edition, began with an estimated 13 hour road-trip down I-75 South which resulted in a traumatic 16 hours on the road. Just ask Steph, as she received many an aggravated/panicked phone call from me, as I struggled to make my way down through traffic jam after traffic jam. I arrived at our base camp, Hot Corner Farm, in the dark and was suffering from a driving hangover and serious caffeine crash.
I can now happily report that things have only improved since my initial attempts to get down south. Everyone associated with Blue Hill has been completely wonderful and welcoming, from showing me around Ocala to helping me settle my horse into the new barn.
The main barn at Hot Corner Farms is beautiful and spacious, home to nine Blue Hill horses, while a few others are housed on equally beautiful neighboring farms. My trusty stead, an 11 year old TB named Kaiser, seems to be enjoying his first Florida experience, from the (mostly) warmer weather to the large stall and generous turnout. He is settling in and has become good friends with Steph’s OTTB mare, Bell, and Missy’s big Irish horse, Ike. They have the run of Tim Petty’s neighboring farm and seem to enjoy the quiet atmosphere. A short hack down the road or across the woods and we have access to the ring and hacking offered at Hot Corner.
While I am in Florida I plan on attending some of the local events with Kaiser. My horse is small but mighty, topping out at a delicate 15 hands and our goals while with the Blue Hill team includes moving back up to Intermediate and possibly aiming for a CIC/CCI**. Kaiser and I had a little bit of a rocky 2013, but we’ve gained a lot of experience points and I’m looking forward to getting some great instruction from Missy and Jessica. I had my very first lesson with Missy and it was very helpful and instructive!
Stay tuned and Happy New Year!” ~ Carli
Thanks Carli for all these pics from Ocala!!
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| Not bad!! |
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| Already organized! |
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| BG Enjoying a hack! |
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| The beautiful barn |
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