Mack Hill Jumpers Tops Again at Oakrise

Mack Hill had another terrific showing at Oakrise Jumping Show today. The day was full of thrills and spills.  This challenging course caused many problems for many horses and riders. Thankfully all of our riders and horses are doing well.  

Congratulations to Anna Garrison who was Day End Champion.  Alley Martin was Day End Reserve Champion.  

Click here for more pictures of the show.  

Hello Liam

Mack Hill welcomes Sophisticated Impulse ("Liam")(Ridden here by working student Shanna).  He is a a 16.2 hand 7 year old liver chestnut quarter horse.  He is a cousin of Lee sharing Barpasser as a grandfather.   Liam is a hunter under saddle with a long and low trot.  He is a kind and gentle guy who has been learning to hit the fences.  Make sure you check him out when you are next at the farm.

Fox Brook Bed and Breakfast to Reopen

Sue and Scott are pleased to announce that they are reopening the Fox Brook Bed and Breakfast and Horse Farm. Nestled along the banks of the Beaver Brook River and the Amherst Historic District, Fox Brook has a long history of providing lodging in Amherst. The Inn and Horse Farm has been for sale over the past year after Sue's parents-- who had most recently been running the Inn-- retired. The challenging economy, however, has not been helpful for a sale. Demand from prior guests of Fox Brook, however, remains strong. Indeed, for years people visiting family and friends in the Amherst area have enjoyed the unique hospitality and environs of Fox Brook. We hope to have the B&B open for business by Labor Day. Over the past several weeks, Sue has been refurnishing the Inn with antiques and Scott has been working on the grounds. We are also pleased that the farm will be home to horses as the stalls are being rented. Stay tuned for more details.

I Love a Parade...

Thanks to all the Mack Hillers-- riders, parents and siblings-- who participated in the Amherst 4th of July Parade today.  You were all terrific!  The crowds really seemed to like the horses.  And they were all so darn well behaved.  Thanks to the balloon patrol who worked with the horses all week with "scary parade things," they performed beautifully.  

Check out pictures of the day by clicking here.

She Said Yes.....

Big news.  Today Theresa's boyfriend Pete made a surprise visit to Mack Hill from Colorado (OK-- it was a surprise for Theresa.  The rest of us knew he was coming). Upon his arrival and following a somewhat bewildered and confused greeting from Theresa, Pete popped down on one knee in the middle of the barn.  As the adrenaline started to rush for all those in ear shot, he asked Theresa those magic words.... "will you marry me."  Without hesitation, Theresa said to Pete, "I am late for a lesson now. Gotta go. You know how busy I am.  Next time you should call in  advance and let me know you are coming. Geez Louise."  

(OK, that's not what she said but can't you just see her saying something like that?).  In fact, Theresa said an emphatic YES to Pete's proposal.  And there, among the many recent show ribbons, hay bales, loose tack and with the heavy oder of leather and manure wafting through the air, Pete and Theresa made a gi-normous (combination of gigantic and enormous) step toward spending the rest of their lives together.  And we all hope that the manure they had to deal with today is the most that they encounter in their exciting new journey together. Congratulations you two.

Don't Rain on Our Parade

Come cheer on Mack Hill in the Amherst 4th of July Parade.  The Theme is "Celebrating the Founding Fathers."  (Hey-- what about the Founding Mothers?  What's up with that?). Tommy will be pulling our float which is entitled "Their Greatest Gift."  (Come see what the gift is).  Also, several horses, riders and parents will march under our Mack Hill banner (If you are marching, please meet at the farm at 8:00 am).  We hope to see you there.