December 2020 FRC Member Newsletter

NEWS December
2020
Foothills Riding Club
2021 Show Dates
March 13 Dressage and CT at FENCE
March 14 Cross country schooling at FENCE
May 29 Dressage and CT at FENCE
July 17 Dressage only at FENCE
September 4 Dressage and CT at FENCE
November 6 Dressage and CT at FENCE
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Annual Winter Banquet has been rescheduled to
1/22/22. All competitor and volunteer points accumulated through 2021 will roll over
to 2022, to be included with 2022 earned points. FRC looks forward to another great
Annual Winter Banquet, albeit a year away!
All classified ads will be removed after December 2020. Must be resubmitted for 2021.
Business memberships must also be renewed. Send a card if not already in newsletter.
Send to frcnewsletterads@gmail.com
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We need you! We have a couple of openings in
the FRC Board as board members move off. We
meet once a month (outside in a covered arena
and socially distanced)! Your club can’t run
without your help so please consider joining us.
(We are a fun group!!!)
Contact Margo Savage at 200redgate@gmail.com
if you are interested.
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Charity Contributions
Just because COVID means no in-person FRC Annual meeting, doesn’t stop our annual
$1000 contribution to both a human and an animal charity! Be on the lookout for an email
from FRC in the coming weeks with a link to vote on one human charity AND one animal
charity! Below is the list. Please refer to the links for additional information about these
very worthy, local, organizations!
Human charities:
Pendleton Place: https://pendletonplace.org/
“Pendleton Place offers programs that protect, equip, and heal vulnerable children, young
adults, and families. We strengthen children while rebuilding families because it’s our goal
for each child to have a stable home environment and a bright future.”
Healthy Smiles: https://www.healthysmilesonline.org/
“At Healthy Smiles, our mission is to advocate and promote the health of Spartanburg
County children through free community dental health screenings and education and free
oral health services for qualifying children. Our vision is to improve the quality of life for all
Spartanburg County children through access to dental education and care provided by a
network of community partnerships and resources.”
Meals on Wheels: https://mealsonwheelsgreenville.org/
“The meal preparation and delivery program is the heartbeat of our organization—and how
we got our name. Meals on Wheels of Greenville relies on our volunteers to deliver a hot
meal every weekday to more than 1,500 of your homebound neighbors in Greenville County.
Our clients have limited means to prepare a nutritious meal for themselves and little or
no support during the weekday. We prepare our menu on a four-week rotation and vary
the meals based on a client’s diet restrictions, making sure that each meal is both delicious
and nutritionally complete.”
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Charity Contributions
Animal charities:
Izzie’s Pond: http://izziespond.org/
“Izzie’s Pond, a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization, provides rescue, rehabilitation and refuge
for injured or orphaned waterfowl, wildlife, and farm animals. Through community outreach,
we raise public awareness and appreciation for animals by educating children and adults to
coexist with wildlife and to take their share of responsibility for a thriving ecosystem.”
Greenville Wildlife Rescue: https://www.wildlife-rehab.com/
“Wildlife Rehab of Greenville is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, all volunteer organization dedicated to
the rehabilitation and release of injured and orphaned wildlife in the state of South Carolina.
We hold all necessary permits required to rehabilitate and exhibit animals. Founded in 1993,
Wildlife Rehab of Greenville is funded solely by its members and public donations, which
cover the cost of food and veterinary expenses for our wildings.”
TROT: http://www.fence.org/trot
“Therapeutic riding and equine-assisted activities are uniquely designed for people with cognitive,
physical, emotional and social disabilities. Students of all ages learn horsemanship
and basic horse care while receiving many benefits such as: improved balance, mobility,
muscle tone, coordination and posture, enhanced independence and increased concentration
and self-esteem. Therapeutic riding has proven to be a highly motivational and enriching
therapeutic and educational modality for students to set aside their crutches, wheelchairs
and disabilities as they settle into the saddle.”
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The Season of Gratitude
Natalie Shembra
In the season of Thanksgiving and the holidays, it’s common to reflect on what we’re thankful
for. Admittedly, I don’t do that enough. Recently, I’ve reflected on what brought me to this
amazing part of horse country – the answer is a horse. Not just any horse – a life-changing
horse.
Having my last childhood horse pass away as a senior in high school, I did not have a horse
through college and grad school. Ever the typical Type A planner, I intended to get out of
school and work for exactly 5 years to save up for a small farm, as I always dreamed of keeping
my horses in my back yard. Life has a funny way of giving you exactly what you want, not
always in the timing you had in mind. Just a few months out of school and not even having
moved to the Greenville area yet for the “big job,” I got a call from a childhood friend who
asked if I wanted her former horse, Paris.
She had been sold to someone in Florida,
and for some reason they wanted to send
her back (I have theories she got injured
and they did not want to deal, but that’s
just my speculation). My friend sent me
two pictures and it was love at first sight
(everyone has a “type” right?!). I dragged
my mom to Beaufort to look at her, and
let’s be honest, I had no idea what I was
doing after 7 years away from horses. Paris seemed kind and was beautiful and also FREE, so
guess who got a horse?!
Fast forward to 6 months of apartment living and paying board at a place that let’s just say,
didn’t meet basic standards, much less mine. So what’s a girl to do? Completely forget the 5
year farm savings plan and buy Paris a farm of course! I’m not sure a bank should have made
that loan to a girl on an entry-level accountant’s salary…. but who needs the AC or heat
turned on?! The poor realtor drove me all over the upstate, but nothing was what I had
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dreamed of as a little girl, until driving down Smith Road in Gowensville, with pasture on
both sides of the road, mountain views, and the knowledge that there were trails right outside
my driveway (perfect, because a recent college grad has no truck or trailer!). I was
sold before I ever saw the farm. After a quick survey of the inside of the house to ensure it
was livable…. where is the pasture?
Little did I know I would soon meet neighbors who would become lifelong friends, be exposed
to some of the best instruction in the country and fulfill that childhood dream of
having my horses in my back yard. That is all thanks to Paris. I’m thankful that someone
along the way “discarded” her and she could be mine. I don’t even care that we only had
small windows of soundness and never “achieved” big horse show completions. Paris
brought me back to horses and put up with all my mistakes, which really only were highlighted
when I later got a more opinionated mount. Thank you Paris for trusting me, even
when I’m confident that saddle did not come close to fitting properly. Thank you for hacking
down the road 20 minutes to a kind neighbor’s arena, with cars whizzing past you and
dogs jumping out of the bushes on a daily basis. Thank you for attempting fox hunting and
not killing me (it was terrifying for both of us). Thank you for being Peaches’ surrogate
mother when she was weaned and ponying her through all the trails. Thank you for not
destroying my front yard when I didn’t even have a pasture fenced. Thank you for putting
up with 9 months of stall rest like a patient queen, never giving an ounce of trouble. Thank
you for babysitting Preston – I know he tortures you. Thank you for being the constant in
my life, during the years everything else was a complete disaster.
Everyone deserves a Paris.
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Member Memories
With Jenny Gardner
Janet asked me to share some stories from growing up riding in Sweden, and I never turn
down an opportunity to daydream. To be honest, looking back at a life of horse adventures,
I realize so many of them involve me failing one way or another. Eating dust, getting humbled,
getting up and trying again. Most of them funny, some sad, all of them teaching me
something valuable. I will keep my best stories for the next Covid quarantine, but here are a
few sweet memories.
The teachers, both equine and human, have been many and I appreciate them all.
The ones I hold highest are not the ones with the most blue ribbons, they are the ones that
were down there in the dirt with me, leading by example with clear priorities and the horses
being the focus. On the wall in one of the indoors at Strömsholm riding academy you can
read this verse;
“Till mästerskapet gives blott en bana
Ren som solens väg uti det blå
Att sikta uppåt och det högsta ana
Men aldrig tro sig mästare ändå”
Ehrengranat 1781-1842
Crudely translated it says “there is only one way to be a champion, pure like the rays of sun
in the sky, keep your aim high and embrace the process, but know you will never be
crowned”.
It’s like life in general, it serves us all well to brush off our knees and get back up. Humbly.
I feel fortunate having grown up in Sweden for many reasons, one of which is that you can
get yourself a solid equestrian education without being exceptionally wealthy. (Free college
and socialized healthcare are two others, but that’s another topic).
Horseback riding is one of the largest sports back home, especially for girls, and most cities
have large public riding academies. The school horses are well educated, the instructors all
have to be licensed, and everyone works and learns according to the same traditions. Here
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Member Memories
With Jenny Gardner
you can participate in group lessons without breaking the bank. I remember many coaches
over the years sharing sentiments like, “there is no such thing as a ‘dressage rider’ or
‘jumper rider’, only good or bad riding”. Cross training was as natural as horses eating
grass.
We also had a ton of fun! I remember galloping bareback through the fields playing Cowboy
and Indians (the adult me cringes at the P.C issue here, forgive the ignorance of childhood),
swimming in the canal (watch out for boats!) and spending long evenings grooming
my favorite pony, Ronja, until I almost rubbed the fur off. Barn rats across the globe can relate.
During the summers I would volunteer to help out during summer camp, ride all day
and sleep on the hayloft scratching mosquito bites at night. Sweet sweet dreams.
When it was time for high school, of course I chose to attend a boarding school with an
equestrian major. Why would I waste my time doing anything else? I have lots of fond
memories from those years. Impo Mera the sweet grey mare I rode on the jump team, and
the pretty bay BMW that gave me some real “Aha” moments in the dressage ring, both
wonderful teachers that were bred and raised right there at my high school. If I close my
eyes, it feels like yesterday. I can hear their hoof falls and see their ears in front of me. Impo
Mera had the tiniest ears.
As far as human teachers go, my coach Hans made a big impression on me as well. I admire
him and hold him as a role model still today. He worked so hard, always putting the
horses' needs first. He was very down to earth. I remember the way the horses would
soften their eyes when he approached. One of his personal horses was a stallion named
Stubin and they had a successful career in eventing together. Every year he would ride
Stubin bareback and bridleless for entertainment during the Globen International Horse
Show. They would wear big white wings and it was quite the sight… I remember him doing
it at home one year for a newspaper article, out in the field, in front of the mares, no tack,
no problem. Their connection was tangible.
Another memory that has stayed with me was at the end of a long day, I was sitting,
exhausted, inside the student house kitchen and through the window I watched Hans
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Member Memories
With Jenny Gardner
jump Kardinal in his wooden clogs, as the sun went down. The memory, hopefully, will not
inspire neglect to use safe footwear, but rather celebrate the pure joy of riding just one
more horse. Not because you have to, or because you have another show coming up.
Simply because. Simply because after all these years you still love the journey.
And there is still daylight.
Do you have a horse related memory to share with
us? We’d love to read it. Pictures are welcome!
Send a Word document to
frcnewsletterads@gmail.com
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Bit O’ News
Do you have a new horse? Accomplish something
new? Have a funny photo or tidbit to
share?
Send it to:
frcnewsletterads@gmail.com
Get Ready.., Get Set.., Go!!!
Volunteer Appreciation Incentive Program
We have a program in place that allows Volunteers to rack up
hours to win an embroidered FRC Polo shirt, an embroidered FRC
jacket or an embroidered FRC coat.
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FRC Scholarship Reminder
One of the perks of being an FRC member, is that you are eligible to apply
for one of the four $250 Member Scholarships that we award each year.
Scholarships can be used in a variety of ways. In the past, they have been used for riders to
defer the cost of going to events such as championship competitions, rare educational opportunities,
or clinics applicable to your discipline. There are only a few requirements to be
considered for a scholarship. You must be a member at the time of your application, and
you also must be willing to share the knowledge you gained through your scholarship experience
with the club in some way (ideas must be approved by the scholarship committee).
This could be a short presentation at one of our seminars, info table or infographic at shows,
newsletter report, etc.
Want to apply for a scholarship, but not sure if your endeavor would be approved- don’t worry!
The application is short, sweet and to the point. If there happens to be an influx of applicants
at any deadline, volunteer service to the FRC in the current and preceding membership
year will be considered when awarding scholarships. Application deadlines are April
1 st , July 1 st , October 1 st , and January 1 st depending on the date of the event. Any member
is eligible to apply!
Have you ever wanted to volunteer at an FRC show but were not sure what
the different jobs entail?
The volunteer job descriptions are now up on the website!
Go to www.foothillsridingclub.com and look for the links to job descriptions
on the right hand side of the shows page.
Volunteers earn club bucks for their time which can be used like cash for
club events and merchandise. FRC also has a volunteer appreciation
program where hours served count towards great year-end awards!
Contact Carole at frcvolunteercoordinator@gmail.com if you are
Interested in learning more or would like to volunteer at any of our
upcoming shows.
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Funny Stories
With visiting author Meredith Smith
My oh my....I thought I’d never be able to share this photo with enough appreciating
folks ...
Maybe it’ll get flagged for being too risqué ..? Who knows nowadays with FB ...
However, this was absolutely the most &%^ day of showing for me to date.
2010 showing my newly bought horse at a local dressage show. Didn’t have a crew, or
help, or any travel buddies. But I was a total badass and didn’t need help (it’s what we all
think, right?!). Here’s a quick rundown
Get him off the trailer and he’s a chicken with his head cut off. Manages to slice his leg
open on some part of the trailer. Have to find TD to get clearance to ride a bleeding horse
(he was fine for those of you worrywarts). Takes so long. Down to 8 minutes before ring
time. Throws tack on. Borrowing trainers (very very expensive saddle). Looks for mounting
block. Can’t find. Do the ole fashioned way. New horse is 17.1. Breeches are brand new.
Leg in stirrup ...hops..1, 2, ....3 ohhhhh ^%$#. Rip. Touches butt. Bare. Looks at watch. No
time. Thrusts upwards into the (not mine very expensive) saddle anyway. Trots to trainer
.....presents bottomless riding pants. Trainer bursts in to tears laughing. Get 30 seconds
of warm up and the recommendation to only sit trot. Get it done. Not so shabby. Find
someone near my trailer to snap this photo before I leave. Go on my way trailering back
to home. Trailer falls off truck. Horse traumatized. Walk horse down the road back to
show grounds. Find help. Get help. Get horse back home. Just want to get myself back
home to get drunk enough to forget this happened. Get fast food on
way to human house. Promise myself to shower before I eat so I have
some dignity left. Get out of shower to find dog has eaten my dinner.
The rest is history....Still have the horse. Still dealing with his behaviour…
but have never. Ever. EVER. Trusted a new pair of pants ever since.
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CLASSIFIED ADS
Do you have your own tack/horses/equipment, etc. to sell, services to
offer, or events to promote? Members can post those items in the FRC
Newsletter for free! And non-members only pay $10. Email us at
frcnewsletterads@gmail.com by the 1st of the month to get yours into
next month’s issue. All ads will be removed after December 2020. Must
be resubmitted for 2021.
Video Dressage Fix-A-Test Consultation:
Use your cell phone to video a test and upload
it to a private YouTube link. The test will
be judged by "S" dressage judge Margaret
Freeman and the score sheet returned to
you. You will then have a 45-minute phone
consultation where you watch your ride at the
same time as the judge, with comments
throughout concerning how you can improve
your score. Cost $50. For further details
email: margfree@aol.com.
Amazing, fast, and clean jumper for sale.
16.0hh, 9 year old find his ad on BigEq.
Contact Brianna Manning (864)642-8322
for more information.
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CLASSIFIED ADS
Prestige D1zero dressage saddle, in excellent
condition, with nice "Prestige" cover,
no fittings. Well cared for. Designed to allow
super shoulder freedom. Size 18", M
(but a very generous M). Located south
Green Creek area near SC line.
$2200. carriersusan@yahoo.com
864-461-8119
Rambo Micklem Competition Bridle For Sale.
Cob sized, black. Excellent lightly used condition. $135
828-467-1850 foothillshorselife@gmail.com
Based on the popular original design,
the Micklem® Competition Bridle* is
intended for use in competition as a
bitted bridle. It's made from highquality,
hand-rubbed leather. Single
crownpiece, browband and noseband
are softly padded for horse
comfort.
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CLASSIFIED ADS
2018 County Perfection saddle 17” Wide almost new and hardly used. Excellent condition. Color
Black, bull, Velcro knee
Contact Debra Faraone 703-402-1581 or debrafaraone5@gmail.com. Located in Campobello.
$2695.00 new over $5600
Three pair of Pikeur Romana high waisted white show breeches and one pair of cream colored
- size 24 long - for sale at $50 each. Pictures shown of front and back of each pair.
All in good condition - show darkening where saddle has stained seat but not shown when in the
saddle. Contact Allie Wright at 864-431-0916
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CLASSIFIED ADS
32cm tree
(MW/W) 18"
seat Stubben
Tristan
Dressage
saddle.
Longer
flaps, comfy
seat. Billets
replaced within last few years.
Comfy saddle that doesn't fit
my new horse! Looking for its
new home. $1,000 obo.
11yr old, 16hh Belgian WB gelding ready for 2nd level
and has wins at novice eventing. Sound and safe. Contact
Emily emt3@clemson.edu (864) 395-4429
Jillian Woolridge
(864) 315-0231
jillian.j.woolridge@gmail.com
Black Country Adelinda saddle
17.5 inch seat Medium tree Very good condition
except small rub on right knee roll (pictured)Priced to
sell - $2000 !!!! Contact Allie Wright at 864-431-0916
or Jodi Lees at 864-921-1059
Macel close contact jumping saddle.
Medium tree. 17” seat. Very good
condition. $800.
Contact Jodi at 864-921-1059
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CLASSIFIED ADS
SADDLE FOR SALE:
Make: Custom Model: Icon Star recently
reflocked
Tree: Med/Med Wide
Seat: 17.5 Flap: 16 (reg) Year: 03-2015
Price: $3,000 obo Condition: Very good
Contact: Karen 828-290-3434
Let me take care of all your sewing and alteration
needs!!
Nina’s alterations
From clothing to horse blankets
Alterations ~ take in ~ let out
Zippers ~ mending ~ curtains ~
And so much more!!
call 828-722-1030 or text 828-980-8369
18.5 Custom Saddlery dressage saddle, dark brown. This saddle is used, but in very good condition.
It has a new adjustable tree from Custom. Currently set for medium tree width. For more
information please call Cathy Berlin 240-393-0174.
Silver Maple Farm in Columbus offers full board in a new facility. We feed top quality hay and
feed, have easy access to FETA, have a large outdoor ring with jumps, small covered ring,
someone lives onsite, professional instruction in multiple disciplines is available, but your approved
instructor is also welcome, horses available for lease. Please call or text 828 817 7875
and see our Facebook page for
pic-
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CLASSIFIED ADS
1999 Sooner Tradition Gooseneck Trailer - 3 horse slant (or 2
horse box with center divider removed)
7’6” high, drop down windows, tack/dressing room. One
owner, well maintained. Great for larger horses
Price: $9,250 Contact: Debbi Brown 828.817.5635
or dbrown@skyrunner.net
Black Country Eloquence dressage saddle. 16.5", MW-W, serge panels, buffalo leather
seat, good condition. $1,800. Price includes stirrups, leathers, and cover. Sue Mullen
864-457-6403.
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Business Members
Send in your dues and business card to get your listing renewed!!
Have you ever wanted to display your business card in a monthly publication seen
by people who have the same interests as you at just pennies a day? If you’ve answered
yes, please consider the FRC’s BUSINESS MEMBERSHIP. For just
$35 per year, the Business Membership allows FRC Business members to advertise
their business card in every monthly newsletter publication. And, of course,
this membership option includes all the perks of FRC membership, such as educational
seminars, member rates at FRC shows, clinics, and a monthly newsletter!
Joining the FRC is easy! Go to www.foothillsridingclub.org/membership for the
2020 Membership Form.
In addition to the Business Membership option, the FRC is also offering new pricing
on monthly newsletter advertising:
∙$10 for half page ad ∙$20 for a full page ad
∙$10 for a non-business member to print a business card
** All ads must be supplied to frcnewsletterads@gmail.com and paid in advance**
Checks made out to FRC PO Box 637 Landrum, SC 29356
Tryon Equine Hospital
Target Marketing Group
Murray Acres
Gena Meredith
Foothills Amish Furniture
Mark Jump Photography
BUSINESS MEMBERS
Pangaea Equestrian Services
Debra Faraone
Foothills Equestrian Nature Center
Cadence Equine Sports Alliance
Leslie Scott
Navillus Dressage & Sport Horses
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BUSINESS ADS
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BUSINESS ADS
Send your business card via email to frcnewsletterads@gmail.com
Or mail to Janet Stone, Editor, 438 Pumpkintown Rd, Marietta, SC 29661
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2020 Board Members
Thank you for your service!
President: Cathy Schwartz: smokeyhollowfarm@windstream.net
Vice President: KC Betzel: betzelfarm@hotmail.com
Secretary: Bri Ambrosic: briambrosic@gmail.com
Treasurer: Natalie Schembra: natalie.schembra@gmail.com
Education (Seminars): Natalie Bacon: nwbacon@gmail.com
Hospitality: Jane Lynch: jntlynch@gmail.com
Membership: Margo Savage: 200redgate@gmail.com
Community Outreach: Luanne Johnson: Luanne.h.johnson@gmail.com
Volunteers: Carole Foster: clockhart23@gmail.com
Publicity: Erin Stroud: erin.e.stroud@gmail.com
Awards: Hailey Morris: hmmorris2018@gmail.com
Clinics/Special Events: Rachael Bradley: raemister@gmail.com
Web Site: KC Betzel: betzelfarm@hotmail.com
Newsletter Editor: Janet Stone frcnewsletterads@gmail.com
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