Welcome Western Trainer Jacki St. Cyr

Jacki St. Cyr joins us this summer to help train our western pleasure horses. Jacki is from Sutton, New Hampshire and just finished her freshman year at Findlay College. In addition to training three project horses which she is finishing for sale, Jacki will assist with lessons, camps and training rides. FoxBrook Farm will come alive again with a lot of training work happening there. Welcome Jacki!

Jacki on her two year old trainee, Razzle.

Summer Riding Team

Calling all competitive riders.  The Souhegan Riders summer term is approaching.  This session will be coached by instructor-- and new mom-- Jess Ellia.  Both Hunt Seat and Western Pleasure Riders will be accepted on the team.The program will run for 8 weeks from July 10 to August 28, 2008.  Team practices will be on Thursdays from 4:30 to 6:30.  The team is open to riders between the ages of 11 to 17.  All riders, including those in the Spring Session, will need to try out for Coach Jess.  

The cost for this term will be $400.  This includes all of the practice/training sessions with Coach Jess as well as the trailering and use of a Mack Hill horse at two shows at which the team will compete.  Riders are responsible for the cost of their own registration and class fees for each show (generally around $60 per show).

Co-Presidents of the Mack Hill Fan Club of New Jersey

Congratulations to Eva and Elizabeth Fortunato on the celebration of their First Holy Communion.  These two ladies-- who live in Fort Lee, New Jersey-- have memorized the horses on our web site and are big Mack Hill Fans.  So,  it is only fitting that we name them as the official Co-Presidents of the Mack Hill Riding Academy Fan Club of New Jersey.  All of the New Hampshire O'Connells send hugs and kisses to all of the Beyers and Fortunatos.  We love and miss you all.  

Tommy's New Wheels

Check out the sweet new ride for Tommy to drive.  Built in Amish Country, Pennsylvania, this Spring Wagon has a classic feel.  We look forward to cruising the Amherst Historic District in style.  Thanks to Kelly and Craig MacCorquodale for delivering this new rig from Pa to Mack Hill.  You guys are terrific.  

Cash has a lot to smile about....

Today, the Mack Hill Riders had great success at the Oakrise Farm Pleasure Show series in Goffstown, NH. The Souhegan Riders will be competing at this venue later in June and we wanted to get some real-time experience at the farm.  Congratulations to Coach Mercy Zaveri who won Champion on Cash in the Green Horse division.  This was only young Cash's second show and he really showed that he is ready to compete.  Katie O'Connell was Reserve Champion on Chex Away ("Chexy") in the walk trot division which had 22 competitors.  Shanna Barrow rode Blue Suede Shoes ("Elvis") in his first show and placed second in the hunter hack class.  Special thanks to Liz Rose, Neelan Zaveri, Nora Zaveri and Prenav Zaveri for helping all of the riders all day long. Congratulations to all of you.  On to the Apple Valley Show next week.

Pictures of the Oakrise show can be found here.

"We are the Champions...."

Congratulations to the Mack Hill Riders who competed in the NHQHA May 2008 Novice Show in Dover, NH. Sue O'Connell earned High Point Champion in the AQHA Division. She earned High Point Reserve Champion in the Open Division. Katie O'Connell earned High Point Reserve Champion in the Open Division. Shanna Barrow and Anna Foster earned first places in their jumping class. Jess Stepenak got the thrill of the day flying through the barrels and poles on Tucker. Lauren Smith made Chip look like a Champion even though the judge did not agree. Special Thanks to Coach Mercy for her support. And a huge thank you to Lauren's boyfirend Ian and her dad Brian for tireless help all day long.

Check out pictures from the day here.

Welcome New Instructor Suzie Lundergan

Mack Hill welcomes new instructor Suzie Lundergan.  She joins us as a hunter/jumper instructor.  She has considerable riding and teaching experience.  Indeed, she owns and operates her own horse facility, The Stables at Winchester Court in Ashurnham, Massachusetts.  When you see her around Mack Hill, say hello.  

Do You Have a License For That Thing?

That Tommy is a working horse.  Here, Katie and Scott are taking him for a spin to check out all of the lessons he learned during his 3 months in Amish Country, Pa.  A huge Mack Hill "Thanks" to Craig and Kelly MacCorquodale who have helped us in too many ways to list as we take on this new challenge.  

Hey Kids... Let's Do a Show....

Tucker, Toby, Chexy, Blaze, Maverick, and Chip are headed to the AQHA show on May 18! Barn Manager and Instructor, Gabe will be coaching the riders. If you are interested in showing....let your instructor know so we can get you in on the future shows. If you ride one of these horses, and may want to join us at the show -- let your instructor know!  Wish us well as Mack Hill hopes to bring home the blues!!

Check out the pictures!

If you haven't checked out the pictures that Scott has taken, get to it!   It is a great learning tool for you to look at your position while on the horse... especially over fences.

There are a bunch of you jumping ahead of the horse.  If you don't know what it looks like, look for someone who is standing forward in the saddle with their crotch over or in front of the pommel of the saddle, while the horse is about to leave the ground.  This is dangerous as you could go flying over the ears if they stop suddenly in front of the jump.

Look too, for a good release of the horse's head in the air.  These horses are saints for continuing to jump while their heads are being held back by the rider.  If I was a horse, I would quit jumping! Special pats for the good horses who are teaching you to jump.

Instructors would be more than happy to discuss your position with you.  You can learn so much!

Thanks to Scott for providing the opportunity to critique ourselves.

You can find the pictures on the right side of this page, under the Links, under Mack Hill Photos.

Enjoy!

We Got Us a Princess....

Mack Hill welcomes Fancy S'mancy a/k/a "Princess" who is on trial at Mack Hill for the next two weeks.  She is 16.2 hands and double registered as a Paint and Pinto. She is 11 years old and ready to start jumping.  Her owner bought her from Townsends Training Farm and showed her in both English and Western classes in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.  Those who have ridden her already say that she "floats" through her gaits and is a very comfortable ride.   And she is a looker... 

Discount shopping at Stone Pony Tack Shop

A special opportunity for Mack Hillers to to their pre-season shopping with at least a 15% discount.  Linda, the owner, has offered the discount to us when we come and shop on Monday, May 12th. They close at 5pm.  If we get a good size crowd, the discount could be even greater!

Mercy will be on hand to help guide you in making the correct purchases for either practice or the show ring.

Even if it is not in your budget to do a bunch of shopping, at least come by to price out your future purchases and make wish lists!

You can contact Mercy with questions by emailing her at mercycarr@hotmail.com.

Field Trip to Keene

Miki Clements-Collier is taking a car load of interested folks to watch a show in Keene on May 18th. The cost is $10 to cover the gas. Miki will meet participants in Peterborough at 9:00 am. Please contact her if you would like to particpate.

A Clean Sweep....

A huge Mack Hill "Thank You" to riders Hannah Rees, Lauren Weinstock, and Jess Rettig and instructor Miki Clements-Collier for their work on the first annual Spring Clean Up Day! You all did a wonderful job helping us shed the reminants of the long winter. Gold stars for you! Thanks again.