Monday, May 28, 2007

Jakob, We Will Miss You!

The following is posted on behalf of Toni Hubenette:

Jakob's story is quite wonderful. He was born on a farm in British Columbia sometime in 1983. Apparently the farm bred horses for slaughter but he was rescued at age 2 by two young girls who lived down the road from the farm. They raised him, trained him and decided to event him. He grew into a 16-1 grey gelding and was probably a Dutch Warmblood cross although his heritage was obviously not truly known. He ultimately qualified with Kendra Clark for the 1993 Area VI Young Riders Team which won the gold medal in Wadsworth, Illinois. Thereafter, Kendra decided to sell him when she went off to college. I first met Jakob during a journey to Pullman, Washington in January, 1994 and he arrived at Mill Creek on February 18, 1994. We competed through Preliminary until July, 1999 when he went on to teach many other Mill Creek riders including Nanine Russo, Heather White, Penny Fink and, of course, Tracy Ryan who successfully competed him for 3 years. In December, 2002 it was Marisa Metzger's turn and she won many ribbons with him until 2005 when Jill Greenhut took over. Jakob's last competition honor was to win Reserve Champion, Junior Novice with Jill in 2006 (some of Jakob's other accomplishments are listed below). He retired to Tally Chang's barn in early 2007 and was euthanized on April 14, 2007 at age 24 after sustaining a re-injury to an old shoulder stress fracture.

Jakob was kind, gallant, stubborn, strong, and had the best feet of any horse I have ever met. He was an 'easy keeper' in the true sense of that phrase. I miss him so.

Jakob's Show Record:
2001: Tracy Ryan and Jakob, Reserve Sr. Training Champion, Area VI

2002: Marisa Metzger and Jakob, Junior Novice Champion, Area VI

2003: Marisa Metzger and Jakob, Junior Training Champion, Area VI and 3rd nationally

2006: Jill Greenhut and Jakob, Reserve Jr. Novice Champion, Area VI

Tuesday, May 15, 2007

Want good prices on Tack, Riding Apparel or other supplies? We have two ways to save!

Mill Creek has arranged for you to save 15% on any single purchase at Calabasas Saddlery. Coupons are available in the office and expire May 31, 2007, so be sure to pick one up soon.
OR
Come to Tack and Apparel Sale at the Mill Creek Horse Show this Sunday (5/20)!! You will be sure to find great deals on high quality used (and sometimes new) items!! Bring cash and come early to get the best selection. The sale will be on the patio near the vending machines and it ends at 3pm.

Saturday, May 12, 2007

Welcome Lola and Hannibal to Mill Creek!!!

The following is posted on behalf of Lola Miller and Hannibal, our newest friends at Mill Creek:

Hannibal is my 17 hand, just come 5 (in May), Friesian imported from Holland. I have owned him since he stepped off the plane as a 3 year old. We are so enjoying all the "goings on" here at Mill Creek. Watching Mette work (does she always looked so beautifully groomed, pressed and un-ruffled, even in 100 degree heat?!), and all you Eventers (Good Lord, it makes Bungee Cord jumping look downright tame!) zip around, fills us both with admiration and awe, but then Hannibal and I become very tired at just the thought of it, so we retire to our stall to have a little siesta! We will continue to work hard, towards one day having the physical and emotional strength to take a lesson from Cory. Hannibal and I watched her young riders class, and frankly, we were scared. But we will persevere (as long as it doesn't cut into our nap and eating schedule) !

Hannibal has not been as fortunate as all of you in having such a wonderful farrier at hand (or hoof), as you have in Robbie Cozart. We are babying his feet at present, until Robbie can make it right, so if you see a big black horses who walks as if he is "en pointe" that's Hannibal! But not for long!

I would like to send a special thank you to the lovely ladies of the office, Lisa, Sally and Elizabeth for their never ending patience with me while I try to figure out how to fill out the lesson forms correctly, amongst other things. I am confident I will only have to bother you guys about 27 times for June.

Hannibal and I are both, I think, very friendly and quite social, (and neither of us really bites!) so do stop by and say hello. And thank you to everyone for making us feel so welcome. We are so happy to be here!