Wishing Happy New Year to All of Our Clients!

We wanted to wish a very Happy New Year to everyone at Southwind Farm and their families. Thank you for another great year as part of the Southwind family. We are looking forward to what 2015 will bring!

Happy New Year!!

As we head into the holidays...

Good Morning!

As we head into the holidays, we wanted to take a minute to thank all of our wonderful clients for another great year. We wish you all a happy and safe holiday season!! Also, if you would like to join the Southwind Family for 2015, we are now accepting boarders! Come be a part of Southwind and enjoy an indoor arena this winter time! For more information, contact Sheri at: http://southwindfarminc.com/

For now, we leave you with some more photos from the farm taken by talented photographer, Michael Gardner.  Thanks Mike for these great photos!!

All photos copyright Michael Gardner.

Beautiful Photos for a Dreary Day

Good morning everyone!

Since today is such a gloomy Tuesday, we thought we would share some beautiful photos taken recently by friend and talented photographer, Michael Gardner. All photos are copyright Michael Gardner. Enjoy!

Fred

Farm Entrance 

Clementine

Cody 

Sending Warm Wishes to Laurie & Major!

Good Morning,

This week, we want to send a special shout out to Laurie Berger & her super pony, Major. Last week, major had to have emergency colic surgery in Leesburg. According to Laurie, Major is coming home on Tuesday if all continues to go well. He is completely off medicine and IV, and is eating everything that isn't nailed down. We can't wait to have him back home at Southwind where he will have stall rest for a month and then a schedule to get him back in work.

Sending Laurie & Major best wishes for a quick and speedy recovery!!!

12 tips for Winterizing Your Barn

Good afternoon bloggers,

It looks like we're going to be getting more sleet and yuck this week, so we thought we would share a great article about tips for winterizing your barn! Southwind works very hard each fall to prepare for winter and ensure your horses get the best care over the winter months. If you are looking for somewhere to board this winter, that INCLUDES an indoor arena, be sure to email Sheri today! 

12 Tips for Winterizing Your Barn 

By Debbie for RAMM Fencing

With the increased storm activity that we all have been seeing, and long winters approaching, are you ready for the fall and winter months ahead?  Don't be left out in the cold, (pardon the pun), with endless projects when the snow starts flying.  Organize your horse barn now and get your winter projects done so that you will be able to handle any inclement weather no matter when it hits!

1.  Safer Stalls Prevent Injuries.

Your horse may live in its stall 50% of the time, if not longer. This is one of his 'homes' that needs to offer a sense of security.  A horse's stall should be a safe place that provides comfort, rest and easy feeding. Check all of your stall walls to be sure that there are no protruding nails, sharp edges or worn feeders that could result in an injury. Replace any old wood and be sure your stalls are free from split, chewed, and uneven boards. Holes in stall walls or any open spaces can turn into a place for a potential injury from a kick or a curious nose.

2.   Ventilation, a Key to Better Health.

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Horse Barns need to have good ventilation so that your horses stay healthy. You can offer natural ventilation  through windows in your horse's stall. Hinged, grilled, or mesh doors allow you to open, close and clean your windows and sills while protecting your horse from the actual window.  Grilled or mesh partitions in between each stall will allow horses to socialize with each other and let natural air flow between stalls. Any stall 'part' such as windows, doors, partitions and grill or mesh for partitions can be purchased separately and installed into an existing stall.* Dutch doors allow air flow directly into your horses stall.  Installing a mesh bottom door with a Dutch door will allow both doors to be opened providing great air flow as well as letting your horse have a good view of the outside of his stall. The mesh door also protects the bottom Dutch door when just the top is opened! Additionally, mucking your stalls regularly will keep the build up of ammonia at bay.


3.   Save Both Time and Money with Stall Mats.

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If you feel that its time to look at a better way to keep your stalls in shape, think about adding stall mats or a mattress system. Some of the benefits include using less bedding, keeping a level surface for your horse which also allows for easier and more efficient cleaning. Horses don't 'circle' their bedding and hay into a dirt floor and you no longer take the base of your stall out with the old bedding when you clean.  Stall mats save both time and labor as well as minimize stall base maintenance practically to none.


4.   Never Guess if Your Horse Has Enough Water.

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We all know that water is very important for our horses any time of the year and especially in cold months. Water not only hydrates, but also helps to keep horses warm in colder weather.  If you're thinking about using automatic heated waters, now is a good time to get water lines run and individual waterers in stalls. Be sure to make waterers low enough that horses don't have trouble drinking from them, but high enough that hay and dirt don't easily get into the bowls. Generally setting bowls at a little below shoulder height works well. Smaller animals or ponies need lower bowls for easy access. If your horses are in pasture a lot, be sure to consider a waterer that is made for outdoor pasture use. Pre-plan and be sure it's situated in a place that horses can congregate easily. Since areas like this get so much wear, rubber wash mats around a waterer can help to keep the dirt around it firm and in place.


If you would prefer to use buckets in your stalls in the cold months, consider using an insulated bucket holder. They help to keep heavy ice formation at bay. By filling buckets twice a day, the labor associated with breaking thick ice from buckets is helped immensely. The use of the bucket 'floater' that lays on top of the water does not seem to be an issue with horses water consumption. If you would like to avoid ice completely, try a heated water bucket in your stalls. The buckets fit nicely into a bucket holder that also helps to keep them in place if water gets low, discouraging horses from 'playing' with the bucket. The cord is protected with a coiled wire, which can be run through the stall wall or out of the partition to a standard outlet. The buckets automatically turn on and off at 42 degrees, taking the worry away from a continual 'on' heater. Electricity costs are pennies a month, but peace of mind? Well that's priceless!

5.   Maximizing Areas for Manure Disposal.  

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Be sure that when you clean your stalls you have the easiest path to and from your manure pile, bunker, compost, or wherever you dispose of used bedding.  Whatever your means is for cleaning - tractor and spreader, 4- wheeler with bed that dumps, or even a wheelbarrow, think about your path when snow is on the ground and take measures now to make your path easier to use. Spreading small stone on a path helps with traction. Filling low ruts on the ground now will help to avoid places where you could get potentially stuck.


6.   Store Up On Bedding.

Now is also a good time to decide what bedding you will need through the winter months. If you're using saw dust or shavings, decide where you will store it. If you're buying in bulk, which can save money, think about constructing a three sided storage area for easy access.  Some people pour a concrete pad, use a wood floor or some other means of keeping moisture from getting to the bottom of the bedding. Consider using a tarp or cover to keep bedding dry if your storage area is outside of your barn. Other options for storage can be an empty stall, the corner of an indoor arena, or an unused trailer. Always use caution when getting bulk shavings to be sure it does not contain wood from nut or fruit bearing trees, which can be toxic to horses.

7.   Buying Hay at the End Summer Will Cost Less Than Through the Winter.  

Towards the end of the summer season you can pre-plan, save money, and have your hay ready for winter.  Hay storage needs to be well ventilated. New hay, directly from the fields, requires a 'curing' time of at least a month to 6 weeks.  Heat from fresh hay curing (sweating while it dries), can build up between bales and become extremely hot. If you're stacking new hay, provide pockets for air flow. Be sure your hay storage area can get plenty of air. Check hay daily by sliding your arm in between bales and open areas to allow air flow, (if needed), during the drying process. Early purchasing will prove to give you better hay prices rather than waiting until after the first of the year when prices can double.  You may also want to check on prices for large round hay bales. Some horse owners prefer using these and filling a round hay feeder less frequently as opposed to bale feeding.  It's something to consider, (depending upon your preferences and how much your horses are in pasture), and could be a money saver for you.

8.   Cobwebs are a Fire Hazard.  

Give your barn and stalls a good dusting. Cob webs that catch bits of hay, bedding and dust can be fire hazards. A dust-free barn is better for both you and your horse's health, too. Dusters can be purchased with handles that extend allowing you to reach up into your rafters and tops of your stalls. Even a broom will work. Or if you want to go a step further, cover a broom with an old cloth and that will help to further collect unwanted cob webs and collected dust.

9.   Collapsible Saddle Racks and Blanket Bars Makes Working with Your Horse Easier.

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The winter months can be chilly! So being able to get your horse tacked quickly and easily can be a big help. You can make or purchase collapsible saddle racks that allow you to have your saddle and bridle at your fingertips! Once your horse is groomed and ready to saddle, it's so convenient to reach behind you and pick up your saddle with It's pad and put it right on your horse's back.  Collapsible saddle racks can be as simple as a homemade length of wood, approximately 14"s long by 2" wide with a large eye screw that can hang on a hook on your stall wall. When its not being used, it can be turned sideways and hang on the wall, flush. Or you can purchase a metal saddle rack that is sturdy for western saddles and collapses flat on the wall.


After a good ride on a cold day, your horse may become hot and need to be cooled off before being turned out or put in his stall. Using a cooler helps to wick moisture to the wool cooler top keeping your horse drier. The cooler will also keep your horse warm until dry. Once you are done with the cooler, what do you do with it? Blanket bars on the front of each stall or in a convenient place in your barn will allow your cooler and blankets to hang and dry easily. Some blanket holders lock out, away from the stall door, to allow for more room and ventilation.  If you have several horses in your barn, the blanket bars help to keep each horse's blanket ready for easy turnout.

10.   Unclutter Aisles.

No matter how wide your barn aisle or walkway is, it's important to keep them free from rakes, pickers, and small items such as brushes, buckets and lead ropes. Having your stall cleaning tools in one convenient place saves time, rather than having to go from one end of your barn to the other to find things. Find a good corner or wall where you can hang tools and always return them to that place after each use.  Hang lead ropes and halters on each horse's door or you can purchase a row of hooks that hang over your stalls front partition for quick and easy access.  Keep brushes in tack boxes or brush boxes that are out of the way of your horse's path.  Be sure that your aisle has some kind of traction so that horses don't slip from wet or snowy hooves.  Natural dirt floors are easy for horses to walk on, however, they can become dusty.  Rubber pavers are an option and they help to keep surfaces level, have a non-skid surface and reduce dust. Stall mats are another option that will keep the dust down and give better traction. If you have a concrete aisle that tends to be slippery, consider using a concrete sealant mixed with grit to help provide a rougher surface. You can also consider using rolled rubber matting.

11.   Make Sure that Your Lights are Working Properly.

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As colder days approach, it gets dark out earlier.  Lighting is an important part of seeing to do cleaning, feeding and daily checking of your horse. If your lights need to be cleaned from cob webs and bugs, remove light covers and wash your fixtures and replace any non-working bulbs. If your lighting could use some help, natural light fixtures can be bright with out heavy glare. There are also sealed lights available that eliminate the chore of cleaning with high ceilings.  If possible, provide light in or beside each stall, in feeding areas, and outside of any entry areas. This will help you, or anyone else who helps, with your barn.


12.   Horses Out in Pasture? Provide Protection.

One or two freezes can cut the nutrition from grass that your horses have feasted on during summer. Its important to remember to watch for any signs of weight drops at this time of the year, and regulate your horse's amount of hay. Grain can be a good source of nutrients as well as provide warmth.  If you feed your horse outside, be sure to supplement with enough hay so that your horses can 'graze' with the hay that you provide. If your pastures are turning to dirt, it is very important to be sure that you provide enough roughage, such as grass hay, to keep them 'busy'. Board horses tend to pick up more dirt from foraging that can lead to colic. They also tend to try to eat grass on the other side of the fence, abusing it, and creating costly maintenance. Electric fencing will help to stop horses from leaning and cut the cost of replacing your existing fence. Horses also need shelter from the wind and elements. A simple 3- sided shed, with the back facing the wind, will provide much needed protection. Sheds can be secured to the ground with large anchors that will help to avoid damage from heavy winds.

Before the chilling winds begin, plan to get your barn projects completed. You will be so glad that you took some time to get organized, clean, and make chores more convenient. A few months from now you will glad that your barn runs efficiently and that your horses are easily cared for due to good planning! Have a great month and be ready for cooler weather! Enjoy the cooler days and good rides! Be sure to check your needed measurements with pre-fabricated stall parts. If measurements don't match, you can have custom pieces made for your stalls.

A Few Spots Available for Boarders!! Have an indoor this winter!

Good Morning Everyone!

Don't let today's unusually warm temperatures fool you... winter is coming!! (And so is snow!)  If you are sick of losing riding time each year due to bad footing, or lack of an indoor arena, look no further! Southwind Farm is now accepting a few boarders and along with that comes full access to our indoor arena. If you are ready for a change this winter and are looking for a friendly environment, contact Sheri today at southwindfarminc.com or sherithornley@msn.com.

We also have an update from Heather & Northern Light Farm:

My IEA Team (Team NLF) debuted at their first show this weekend and was a force to recon with. None of them have shown this type of show before and we started with a Bang! Eliza McBain, Carmon Normoyle and Stephanie Chong all Won their jumping class!!!! We had many great rides and they learned a great deal about what kind of work they have ahead of them as a team. Our tiny team of 7 managed to stay in 3rd out of about 10 Teams for most of the day!  I am super proud of my Pony Clubbers  and their efforts to "convert" to Equitation riders!  We even had a special interview because 3 of our riders are brother and sisters! A special hats off to the parents and horse owners for lending horses, trucks and bodies to 'stay green' while participating with the IEA organization! 

ISO Weekend Help at Southwind Farm

Attention!

Southwind Farm is in search of a reliable, knowledgeable hard worker for weekend help at the farm.

Saturdays include stall cleaning, helping turn out, dumping and filling water buckets, feeding out hay, and feed outside horses.

Sundays are a lot easier with no stalls to do. We really could use just a Saturday person but an all weekend person would be a  huge plus! Applicant must have experience around horses.

Would consider money off board in exchange for work. Please contact Sheri if interested!! Thanks!

Good weekend at MDHT for Southwind Riders

Good Morning Bloggers!

Yesterday was the Maryland Horse Trials Fall Starter #3 and Southwind riders did well.

After a year of numerous human and equine injuries, Jennifer Martin and her horse Cally, finished 3rd in the Elementary division on their dressage score of a 35.5!
Jennifer also tells us, "with limited showing, we also won two USHJA year-end awards!  We won the USHJA Outreach Silver Medal for Virginia (I'm a VA resident), and finished 3rd for the year in the Southeast Region Outreach Silver Thoroughbred Hunter Challenge."
Way to go Jennifer & Cally!

Also, Lauri Berger competed her pony, My Major in the Beginner Novice division and finished in 12th place. Nice job! 

Weekend Show Results!

Good morning!

This past weekend, many Southwind riders competed at various competitions!

After waiting for about 8 hours on the windy hilltop of the Country Hill Farm Schooling show, Marina  Tumminia and Joey competed in the Children’s/Adult Amateur Hunter Division at 3”.  They took home a 4th and two 2nd place ribbons. Way to go!

Rachel Narrow competed Laurie Berger's pony, Major, at the Waredaca recognized horse trial two weekends ago. It was Major's first recognized event, and they came in first, finishing on their dressage score. Unfortunately, Rachel accidentally entered a rider division that she wasn't eligible for, and so their score was not counted in the final placings. Still, it was a very successful competition for the Wonder Pony! (That's their nickname for him).

Up next we have an update from Northern Light Farm and Heather:

Sofya Krasikova has been showing and cleaning up all October. She accomplished Double Champions at her last two shows (Sugarloaf Mountain Horse Show Series and WBTA). This resulted in her winning the year end award Champion in Pre Short Stirrup for WBTA, and Short Stirrup Equitation and Short Stirrup Pleasure at SMHS. Sofya just found out last week that she qualified for MHSA Regionals which takes place Nov 8th. Her pony Daydreams Cookies and Cream has been a great mount for Sofya learning the ropes in hopes to show on the rated circuit next year.

Sydney Recce won Champion in the Mini Stirrup Division this last week which gave her the Year end Champion Award for the Sugarloaf Mountain Horse Show Series. This was Sydney's first year horse showing and she wasn't even sure she wanted to do it. Thanks to an understanding Mom and a lot of patience, Sydney made it to her first show this spring and loved basking blue ribbons. She was addicted.

Samantha Steckel, also her first year of showing, rode in the Adult Horsemanship Division at WBTA and received the Champion year end award. We are so proud of her for she had to make a horse switch in order to continue the series. After Katana having an injury, Samantha had to quick adapt to Simon for the second half of the series.

Simon aka Northern Lights (no I didn't name him) also got a little piece of the pie winning Reserve Champion at SMHSA in Beginner Hunter.

Danielle Weingarten won year end Reserve Champion on Katana for the WBTA Hopeful Hunter division. She came home from College, jumped on a horse and kicked butt! She had to return to school before finishing the series but still made great accomplishment.

Northern Light Farm would like to Congratulate these riders as well as all our riders.  We cant wait to see what is in store for us next year!

Also, Southwind's owner Sheri competed at the AREA II Championships down in Lexington, Virginia. She WON the Senior Training Horse Championship with Azari, "Ari," and finished 4th in a Sr Training division with Toga ("the eventing pirate"). Way to go Sheri! Area II Eventing Champ! 

Way to Go Toga!

For those of you that have been following Sheri's show results this year, you know how proud we all are of Toga and his successes. So, you can imagine how receiving this in the mail was icing on the cake!! Way to go Sheri & Toga!

Successful Weekend at Kelly's Ford Horse Trials

Good Morning,

This past weekend, Sheri competed her two horses in the Kelly's Ford Horse Trials held in Remington, Virginia. Both Toga and Ari competed in the Open Training division. Toga finished in 2nd place on his dressage score of a 30.5. Ari won the dressage with a score of 27.6 and after a clear cross-country and two rails in stadium, he finished in 4th place. Both boys were excellent! Way to go!

For all the competitors' results, click here: http://www.kellysfordequestrian.com/kellyoct14.htm

Spike is exhausted after a long day of horse showing! 

Winter is coming! It's not too late to secure a spot today!!

Good Morning Everyone!

October is halfway over and winter is fast approaching. If you are tired of losing riding time during the winter months due to weather and bad footing, come board at Southwind where you get full-access to our indoor arena!! Don't be stuck outside in the winter weather this year! Contact Sheri today to find out about a few opportunities open for board at Southwind.  

For more information, you can visit our website: southwindfarminc.com

Morven Park HT Results

Good Morning Bloggers!

This past weekend Sheri took her two boys to compete at Morven Park Horse Trials, held in Leesburg, Virginia. She competed Toga in the Open Training division and did very well, finishing 4th! She also competed Ari in the Training Horse division and finished 11th in a big division. Both boys jumped extremely well and Sheri is happy with their performance!

Here are some awesome photos, thanks to photographer Michael Gardner:

Tent Sale at The Surrey Saddlery THIS WEEKEND!!!

Good morning everyone!!

I wanted to let you know about a big tent sale happening this weekend (October 4th & 5th) at one of Sheri's sponsors, The Surrey Saddlery! This is a great time to come out and stock up on everything you need for winter, or the rest of the show season!

For more information, click here: http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Tent-Sale---.html?soid=1103963303722&aid=193OQ3LhAYc

You can also find out more at their website, http://thesurreysaddlery.com/

Marlboro Horse Trials A Success!

Good morning everyone!

We wanted to send a big congratulations to owner, Sheri Thornley, for her great rides at Marlboro Horse Trials this past weekend. She competed her horse Toga in the Open Training division and rocked it, winning on their dressage score of a 24.6. The pair also won a TIP award for the day. Way to go!

Sheri also competed Azari, "Ari," in the same division and finished in 10th. Although they had two rails down in stadium jumping, Sheri said that Ari jumped the best cross-country round to-date!

Southwind Updates

Good Morning!

We have a lot to update on this Monday morning. Several Southwind riders competed at the Seneca Valley Horse Trials this past weekend and did very well!

Sheri competed Toga in the Open Training division, doing well in dressage with a 31.8. Unfortunately, there were a few hiccups in the stadium jumping portion of the event, but overall he did well and went double-clean on cross-country. Sheri also competed Ari in the Training Horse division and although they didn't have their best dressage score to date, Sheri reported that it was the best stadium and cross-country jumping for Ari to-date! Way to go!

Boarder Emily competed her horse Mo in the Open Beginner Novice division and did very well finishing in 6th, with a dressage score of 29.0. Nice job!

Another boarder, Janet Andres competed her horse Heat Wave in the Novice Senior division and had a few hang-ups on cross-country, but the pair finished in 13th and we are still proud of them for getting around! Also, boarder Izzy competed pony Nickels and Dimes in the Junior Beginner Novice group and gave it their best go. We are proud of them for their efforts!

Also, we are very proud of boarder Traci and her gelding named "Song of Solomon" showing off their ribbons from the PVDA Ride for Life dressage show back in June.  They won the Adult Amateur Friesian breed award and placed 2nd in the USDF Musical Freestyle. Great job!

Don't forget, if you have anything exciting you would like shared on our farm blog, email tara@mythiclanding.com 

Southwind Riders Shine at Maryland Horse Trials Fall Starter #1

Good Morning!

Yesterday, some of Southwind's boarders competed at the Maryland Horse Trials, Fall Starter #1 at Loch Moy Farm in Adamstown, Maryland and did wonderfully! Congratulations to riders Lisa DeHart Austin, Kenneth Harkness, and Emily Goldstein who finished 1st, 2nd, and 7th respectively in their divisions! Way to go!

Emily and Mo

Kenneth and JJ 

Lisa and her first place ribbon & sporty tote bag 

Don't Forget About Boarding at Southwind!!

It's never too early to start thinking about the upcoming fall and winter weather! If you are currently at a farm without an indoor arena, consider coming to check out Southwind. We offer year-round riding with our indoor arena which is closely located to our barns. We'd love to have you come meet Sheri and check out the Southwind farm facility. For more information visit: http://southwindfarminc.com/

Photo Updates on Sheri's Trip

Good Morning!

For those of you who don't know, Southwind's owner Sheri, is enjoying a great trip to Normandy to watch the World Equestrian Games which began August 23rd and run through September 7th. Since we don't have much communication with her, today we wanted to share some photos from the trip. It's always neat to see other places and cultures; especially with rich history! Enjoy!

Looking for Boarders Results!!

Attention Southwind boarders and friends! We are looking for your competition results and happenings to keep this blog updated! We have so many wonderful boarders who are out and about so send your updates in!

CLICK HERE to email your results and photos for the next blog!

We love our Southwind Farm family!

Toga rocks it at Fair Hill!!

Good Morning!

This past weekend, Sheri and her horse Toga competed at the Fair Hill Horse Trials in Elkton, Maryland and finished 3rd in the Open Training-A division! Way to go! The pair finished on their dressage score of 33.20 and jumped around stadium and cross-country with ease. We are very proud of them!

Here is a video of their dressage test: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kz56JXZU1UI&feature=youtu.be

Also, if any other Southwind competitors wants to share their show results for the next blog, please do! Email them here!

Have a great week!

Southwind Animal Updates

Good Morning everyone!

We often update you on the people at Southwind, but today we wanted to share with you some updates from the other critters around the farm....

This is Bob:

Looking for a home..."Bob" was born without a tail but has tons of sweetness...you know you want her! Contact Sheri today to adopt this cutie! 

Kitty Niblet is getting big! 

So is this handsome guy!!

And of course, we can't forget Spike! Here he is against "the great mushroom" :)

If you want to come join the Southwind Farm family, and see all of these critters, contact Sheri today about boarding! 

Horse Park of New Jersey Results

Good Morning!

Southwind Farm would like to congratulate owner Sheri, and her horse Toga, on their 2nd place finish this past weekend at the Horse Park of New Jersey Horse Trials! The pair competed in the Open Training-A division and finished on their dressage score of a 34.10! Way to go!

Welcome back Sheri!

Southwind is excited to have owner, Sheri, back from her trip to Boston! All of the horses, animals and people here missed her! Welcome home Sheri!

Remember, if you would like to join the Southwind Family, please come out and see the farm for yourself! We'd love to have you!
You can set up a time by contacting us at our website: www.southwindfarminc.com 

Updates from Southwind boarders :)

Last week, Michael and Emily Friedman took 6 competitors to the multi-day nationally rated Showday National HITS Culpeper show. Michael’s team included Southwind boarder, Marina and her OTTB, Joey, aka Amaretto Gold. The team had a great week, especially considering that half of the team had never experienced either a rated show or an away show.  The competition was fierce and several classes had over 20 competitors with a large percentage of professionals competing in the same classes as our team.  Our competitors brought home over 60 ribbons including 9 Champion and Reserve Champion ribbons and about 15 blue ribbons.

Marina and Joey competed in 18 classes, placing in 15 of them.  They were confident and in good form, offering up great trip after great trip in several divisions.  Joey participated in several 3 foot classes on Thursday morning, and won a ribbon in a class that had 25 top professional riders and fancy horses that afternoon.  On Friday, Marina and Joey were winners in a big and very competitive Modified Childrens/Adult Hunter division, and brought home a Reserve Champion ribbon in that division.  Afterwards, they went on to win the Marshall & Sterling Equitation Medal on Saturday, along with top ribbons in the 2'9 Equitation divisions.  They finished out the week with a Reserve Champion in the Culpeper Childrens’ Hunter division on Sunday.  It was really great to see Maria and Joey "in the zone" this week.  Next big away show for Joey and Marina is the Lexington National Horse show.

Catching Up & Brody's 1st birthday

Good afternoon!

We hope that everyone had a wonderful holiday weekend and were able to enjoy the beautiful weather!

In case you missed it, we wanted to share with you Sheri's latest blog for the Surrey Saddlery. You can find it by visiting this link: http://surreysaddlery.blogspot.com/2014/07/kittens-horse-shows-and-full-barn.html

For now, we will leave you with this adorable photo of Brody, Southwind's mascot, who just celebrated his first birthday!