Monday, February 24, 2014

What a weekend for nice weather!

Hi everyone,

Monday is here again and we hope that you were able to get outside and enjoy this past weekend. The weather was gorgeous for February with temperatures in the low-60's. What a nice relief from all the snow and cold we've had this winter. The horses sure enjoyed going out and sun bathing!!

We hope everyone has a wonderful week as Sheri prepares for Southern Pines!
Hang in there, this cold weather can't last too much longer!

-Southwind Farm

Monday, February 17, 2014

A Nice Break from the Snow

Well, after Southwind got almost 2-feet of snow last week, Sheri and daughter Jenny got a nice break over the weekend. Both of the girls traveled to New York City, stayed in Times Square, and saw the Lion King Musical on Broadway. How fun!! We are glad they enjoyed the trip but the horses and everyone here at Southwind are happy Sheri is back home.

Here are some photos from the trip:

Monday, February 10, 2014

We Made It Through!! Whew.

As you all know, here in Maryland we've been having quite a rough time this winter. Recently, we had lost our power at Southwind for a few days. If you haven't experienced loss of power at a working farm, I hope you never have to! Nonetheless, we made it through and all of our horses are happy and warm despite the inch of snow we received yesterday. Fingers crossed that we don't get the predicted snow later later this week... if we get any more snow we will have to make one of these:

Stay warm everyone!!

-Southwind Farm
Damascus, MD

Monday, February 3, 2014

Welcome New Boarders!!!

Southwind Farm is happy to announce we have yet even more new boarders! We are thrilled to have Northern Light Farm at Southwind. Heather Achen brings us Katana, Simon, and Cookie. Jocelyn Linde brings Cosmo. All of these horses are great new additions to our barn!

Here's a little info on Heather:


USHJA Certified Trainer Heather Achen is originally from Philadelphia, PA. She has explored every avenue from Western, Driving, and Eventing. Even has competed successfully as Pennsylvania State Champion in the Tennessee Walking Horse Circuit for a few years. But after all this has decided to become focused in the Hunters.  With over 20 years of experience, her riders win and qualify in their appropriate divisions year after year.

Training with named riders such as Michael Plumb and Richard Lamb at Radnor Hunt Club in the Eventing world while at the same time studying Dressage with US Paralympic Team Rider Robin Brueckmann, and her trainer Paul Belasik has given Heather the deep understanding of what it takes to make a good athlete. “This is where I learned suppleness is everything in horse and rider.” –Heather

In the mid 90’s, Heather rode with former US Olympic Team Rider Lise’ Quintero at Hunter Farms in Princeton NJ. Andrew Philbrick and Lise’ took special interest in helping develop her skills in Stadium Jumping. “It was fun to ride next to Frank and Laura Chapot at a small show on the farm I was based.” Later turning to Hunters as a main focus, Heather understudied with Mark Gory and Ben Guanciale on the rated Hunter circuit. She really found her love in the horse industry. Being a perfectionist, this was the discipline of choice.

Obtaining a Bachelors Degree for Equine Science and granted acceptance to Hartpury College, England, Heather also has a solid managerial background as well. College gave great opportunity to rub elbows with the big timers. “Originally I went to a Jr. College and later returned for an additional two years for I realized I was getting a cram course in politics by meeting and clinicing with people like Micheal Matz, Chris Kappler and Ann Kursinski”.