Fall Showing in the AHJA

The past three weekends have been a whirlwind for our crew of horses competing on the Alabama Hunter Jumper Association circuit. Guerry Force and Carlyle Brown have loaded up horses and spent their weekends showing at the Windwood Equestrian Show, the Falcon Hill Farm Hunter Show, and the Dean Equestrian Show. Each weekend our riders improved their game and came home at the top of their divisions.

In her second horse show away from home at the Windwood Equestrian Show, Sophia Lathum piloted Whispering Hill in the Walk Trot 9 & Up division. The pair came away with Reserve Champion honors after placing in the top of 3 of every class. In the Crosspole division, Mae Moody and Cup of Joe took home prizes in every class out of a large division of 16 entries.

Sophia and “Casey” with Amy Knowles

We had two large ponies compete in the Children’s Pony Hunter division. Sarah Carson Hill and Bates Moody rode their ponies Benlea Rain Dancer and Cup of Joe to top 3 finishes in most of their classes; both pairs had a great learning weekend where they tackled new skills.

Kate Knowles and Kingsley competed in the 1.00 Jumper classes which were held on Windwood’s grass field—an excellent experience for Kate and “Dax,” who recently made the switch to the jumpers after spending a couple of years in the Children’s Hunters together.

Lillian Reynolds and Willie Be Mine competed in the Children’s Hunter division and came away with the win in the Children’s Equitation on the Flat and Children’s Hunter I. They took 2nd in every other class.

The following weekend, our riders competed at the Falcon Hill Farm Show which we hosted here at Fox Lake Farm. We love having Molly McCown, owner and head trainer of Falcon Hill, host her show here while her farm is under construction.

Sarah Carson Hill and Benlea Rain Dancer took home Champion honors in the Children’s Pony Hunter division. The pair won both of their hunter over fences classes and the Children’s Pony Equitation over fences. Bates Moody and Cup of Joe were close behind, with 2nd and 3rd place finishes in the same division.

Lillian Reynolds and Willie Be Mine conquered the Children’s Hunter division and the Low Hunter division, taking home Champion and Reserve Champion honors. Lillian and “Willie” took the blue in 4 of their classes. Lillian also had the opportunity to show Willa Rose Akins’ Rhapsody for trainer Molly McCown, who so kindly asked Lillian for the ride. Lillian took home Reserve Champion honors aboard “Bubbles” in the Modified Hunters.

Lillian and Willie with one of their prizes from the Falcon Hill Show

Kaelin Taylor and For Fun competed in the Long Stirrup Hunter division and won every class except for one—in which they took home 2nd. Kaelin and “Noah” really put it all together and had an excellent show. Kaelin won the $500 Challenge in Ring II; she also took home Best Child Rider on a Horse in Ring II! We are so proud of the hard work Kaelin has put into her partnership with Noah over the past year.

Kaelin and Noah with their $500 Challenge ribbon

Brynn Smith and Whispering Hill tackled the Short Stirrup Hunters and the pair won the Equitation on the Flat and took 2nd in both of their over fences classes.

At the Dean Equestrian Show, hosted at Rolling Hills Equestrian Center, our girls continued their winning ways.

Lillian Reynolds and Willie Be Mine dominated the Children’s Hunters division, winning 4 of their 5 classes and taking home Champion honors. Lillian also claimed 2nd in the $500 Dean Show Services Challenge with a score of 84, as well as Best Child Rider on a Horse! Lillian works hard every lesson and has progressed so much over the show season; we love seeing our riders’ hard work and dedication pay off in the show ring.

Kate Knowles and Kingsley competed in the .95 and 1.00 Jumper classes, coming away 4th and 5th, and 1st and 1st respectively. Kate beautifully executed some new skills she’s been working on at home in lessons and laid down great rounds.

Our ponies had a really solid day in the Children’s Pony Hunter division. Sarah Carson Hill and Bates Moody both improved upon their performances each time they entered the ring and were rewarded with good ribbons, including a back to back 1st and 2nd finish in the Children’s Pony Equitation over fences. Sarah Carson also claimed the Reserve Champion prize for the Children’s Ponies.

In the Walk Trot ring, Maggie Blackstone and Molly Hagler made their horse show debut away from home! Maggie piloted Whispering Hill to a win in her second hunter class and Molly took home multiple top 3 finishes with Elliott. We are so excited to have these girls horse showing with us. Their hard work at home is paying off in the show ring.

All of our horses have a couple of weeks off before we resume horse showing at Brownland Farm and the H&G Auburn Horse Park in October. We will spend time lessoning at home and hosting our annual fall party while we are all in town to enjoy it.

Brownland Farm Fall I & II

Our two weeks of showing at Brownland Farm have come to a close and we are thrilled with the performances of our horses and riders.

The Velazquez family had strong performances on all their mounts. During week I, Sydney Velazquez and Caredan Z put down very solid trips in the Pre-Children’s Hunters and received good ribbons in every class out of a competitive group.

Sydney and “Z” looking show ready.

Romney Velazquez’s A Timely Affair took 3rd in the $5,000 Brownland Hunter Derby with Kelly Mullen in the irons; “Heidi” then went on to claim Reserve Champion in the Adult Amateur Hunters with Romney aboard. During week II, Romney stepped up her game even more and took home Champion honors and a 2nd place finish in the NAL/WIHS Adult Hunter Classic!

Lauren Velazquez and her mount Balladeer tackled the Children’s Hunter 14 & Under Division during week II and the pair came away with Champion honors as well! Well done Velazquez family!

Lauren and “Captain” with their Champion prize. Lauren and Captain paired up earlier this year and have had much success together.

Julia McAdam had an exciting two weeks; she tackled the Children’s Hunter division for the first time aboard her new mount Cinsational! Julia and “Prince” received good ribbons during both weeks and ultimately came away 2nd in the NAL/WIHS Children’s Hunter Classic during week II. They improved their performance every time they set foot in the ring. We are looking forward to seeing what this pair accomplishes together in the future.

Julia is all smiles after a good trip with Prince.

Also in the Children’s Hunter division, Hannah Banks and Corrado put down great trips during week I, taking home 1st and 2nd in Children’s Hunter 14 & Under classes.

Hannah and “Corey”

During week II, Julia King and Beckford tackled the same division as well, taking home almost entirely top 3 placings and an 8th in the NAL/WIHS Children’s Hunter Classic.

Abby Beaty and Donnaludine had a successful week I together in the High Adult Jumpers, taking home the win in one 1.10 class and a 2nd in the NAL/WIHS Adult Jumper Classic. Emma Grace Early and Supreme Challenge also took on the jumper ring, with ribbons in the Low Children’s Jumpers during week II including a 6th in the Low Children’s Jumper Classic.

Hagen Blackwell and At Last tackled the 3’6 Junior Hunters; the pair came away with a couple of wins during their two weeks showing. They also took home 6th in the 3’6 Junior Hunter Classic during both weeks.

Mimi Colette Frei and Hillcrest Songbird had nearly a clean sweep of the Large Pony Hunter division during week II, clinching Champion honors. Mimi and “Eva” also won their undersaddle class and took 3rd in the Pony Hunter Classic.

Eva looks a little unimpressed with her champion prize.

Mimi Colette also had the opportunity to ride Caroline Mirts’ pony Envy in the combined Medium/Large Green Pony Hunters. Mimi did a great job and the pair ended up Reserve Champion with a 2nd in the Green Pony Classic!

Campbell Swanner and Luxe also competed during week II of Brownland in the 3’3 Junior Hunters, and the pair jogged for ribbons in nearly all their classes.

Check out the gallery below for more photos from Brownland! Huge thanks to Madison Massey for all the shots.

Atlanta Summerfest II & III

Fox Lake Farm spent two weeks at Chattahoochee Hills in Fairburn, Georgia back in August for the 2nd and 3rd weeks of Atlanta Summerfest. Even in the scorching heat, our riders and horses came away with great ribbons and beautiful trips.

During week II, Keri Rankin piloted her own Odessa and Carlyle Brown’s Nu ID in the Adult Amateur Hunters. Both Odessa and “Ice” jumped around great, receiving ribbons in the NAL/WIHS Adult Hunter Classic; Ice also came away with Champion honors.

Hannah Banks rode her own Corrado in the Pre-Children’s Hunter division to Champion honors as well; following their week II success Hannah and “Corey” moved up to the Children’s Hunter division for week III. The pair received good ribbons in their first move-up show together including a 10th in the NAL/WIHS Children’s Hunter Classic.

Hannah, Corey, and their Champion prize

Abby Beaty returned to the show ring on both her mounts, Donnaludine and Via Dolorosa, in the Adult Jumpers to much success as well during week II. Abby received a 5th aboard “Donna” and a 9th aboard “Vinny” in the NAL/WIHS Adult Jumper Classic. During week III, Abby moved up to the Low A/O Jumpers aboard Donna; the pair also tackled Abby’s first 1.20 Welcome Stake together and came away with a 3rd place finish! We are so proud!

Abby and Donna with their Welcome prize.

Clayton Mullis and Tower Lux tackled the High Children’s jumpers during both weeks of the show and came away with fast, clear rounds that rewarded the pair with good ribbons. Emma Grace Early and Supreme Challenge entered the jumper ring during week III for Emma Grace’s debut in the Low Children’s Jumpers. The weekend proved to be an excellent learning experience and Emma Grace came away with lots of good ribbons including a 6th place in the Low Child/Adult Jumper Classic.

Our Children’s Hunters came out in full force during week III, with Hannah Banks and Corrado, Lauren Velazquez and Balladeer, Julia King and Beckford, and Annie LaRussa and Escalido all tackling the division. Annie LaRussa and “Donte” had a nearly clean sweep of the Older Children’s division; the pair took home Champion and a 1st place finish in the NAL/WIHS Children’s Hunter Classic! Julia King and Beckford won two classes during the weekend and finished 4th in the Classic. Lauren Velazquez and “Captain” took 2nd place in the Classic with good over fences ribbons as well.

Annie, Donte, and Joel (who is sporting his birthday crown)

Carlyle Brown piloted Romney Velazquez’s A Timely Affair to a 6th place finish in the USHJA National Hunter Derby. Romney and “Heidi” then went on to receive excellent ribbons in the Adult Amateur Hunter division as well as a 2nd place finish in the NAL/WIHS Adult Hunter Classic.

Carlyle and Heidi after the Derby.

The Fox Lake team has been in full swing since Chatt Hills, as Allison Black currently tackles two weeks at Brownland Farm before heading to the Kentucky Horse Park next week! We look forward to our clients’ continued success as the fall season continues!

Allison Black in Sidelines Magazine

We are elated to announce that our own Allison Majerik Black was featured in the August 2019 issue of Sidelines Magazine! We’ve attached the interview below for everyone’s reading pleasure:

Old Atlanta Classic I & II

After a few weeks of lessoning and hard work at home, the Fox Lake team headed out last week to Wills Park Equestrian Center for the Old Atlanta Classic. Wills Park Equestrian Center holds a special place in the heart of Allison Black, who attended her first A-rated show there in 1991. That experience helped spark the dream that inspired Allison to pursue Fox Lake Farm as it exists today. Years later, Allison gets to return to the same place to show every year with her clients, having made that dream come to fruition.

Emma Grace Early made the move to the jumpers for the first time with her mount Supreme Challenge during week I. Emma Grace and “Challenge” tackled the .80 and .85 jumpers together to much success. The pair took Reserve Champion honors in the .80 division and Champion in the .85 division. We’re excited to watch this pair move through the ranks together as they tackle their new discipline.

Emma Grace and “Challenge” with their loot.

Also in the jumper ring, Ginny Joyner piloted Abby Beaty’s Donnaludine to 3rd place in the $1500 1.15 Jumper Classic.

Keri Rankin and her own Odessa tackled the Adult Amateur Hunters, and the pair came away with Champion honors as well as a win in the $500 NAL/WIHS Adult Hunter Classic.

Dylan Driver catch rode Mimi Colette Frei’s Hillcrest Songbird in the Large Pony Hunter division and the pair had nearly a clean sweep, winning every class but one in which they were second! “Eva” brought her A-game, also clinching a win in the $500 Pony Hunter Classic out of 15 entries with Dylan aboard. Hagen Blackwell also competed in the Large Pony division aboard Hey Scooby with good ribbons out of 12 ponies.

“Eva” with her champion prize.

Campbell Swanner and Luxe competed in a competitive Large 3’3 Junior Hunter division and came away with good ribbons over fences and a 2nd in the Under Saddle. Campbell also competed in the 12-17 Equitation and came away with two 3rds and a 4th.

Julia McAdam and Hide Away tackled the Pre-Children’s Hunters and had good placings together including a 5th in the Pre-Children’s Hunter Classic. In the Pre-Children’s Equitation, Julia took two 1st place prizes and a 2nd.

Ginny Joyner returned for week II with Hillcrest Songbird and Dylan Driver had the ride again, piloting the pony to 1st place in the $1500 Pony Hunter Derby and Champion Honors in the Large Pony Hunters for a second week!

The Fox Lake team is home for a couple of weeks before Allison heads to USEF Pony Finals with Mimi Colette Frei and Hillcrest Songbird. Following that, the whole team will head to Chattahoochie Hills for their summer classics.

Summer Show Success at Fox Lake Farm

The past few weeks have been a whirlwind of horse shows, with horses competing at Brownland Farm for the Nashville Classic and Nashville Country shows, The Devon Horse Show, and the Germantown Charity Horse Show.

During both weeks of Brownland, Keri Rankin piloted her own Odessa in the Adult Amateur hunters to several blue ribbons and top three placings. The pair also took Reserve Champion honors during week II. Keri purchased Odessa as a three year old in 2017. At the time, Odessa had yet to be broke under saddle and had spent much of her life in a field. Keri has dedicated a lot of time and energy into Odessa, bringing her through the ranks herself.

Clayton Mullis and Tower Lux also had two successful weeks in Brownland, taking 2nd place both weeks in the NAL/WIHS Children’s Jumper Classic. During week II, Jessica Dallow and Zoffany claimed 5th in the NAL/WIHS Adult Jumper Classic. Katie Habeeb and Alto Aviador tackled the Low Adult Jumpers both weeks and came away with several clean rides and good ribbons as well.

Back over in the hunter rings, Julia McAdam and Hide Away had good rides and ribbons in the Pre-Children’s Hunters, as did Hannah Banks and Corrado. Both pairs have been hard at work with their mounts and we’re proud to see their long hours at the barn paying off!

While week I of Brownland was underway, Allison Black made the trek to Devon, Pennsylvania for The Devon Horse Show with Hey Scooby and Hagen Blackwell. Hagen and “Scooby” have been partnered for almost two years now and the pair competes in the Large Pony Hunters. Hagen came away with a 5th place finish in the Large Pony Hunter Stake round with a score of 82. Hagen then went on to be Champion in the Large Pony Hunters the next week in Brownland.

During the second week of Brownland, Campbell Swanner piloted her own Luxe in the 3’3 Junior Hunters to much success including a win in the under saddle as well as top three finishes over fences. Hagen and At Last tackled the 3’6 Junior Hunters and the pair had several top three finishes as well. Carlyle Brown rode her own Nu ID in the Brownland Hunters, with 3rd and 7th place finishes out of a large group of 24.

After the conclusion of Brownland, Allison and Carlyle headed to Germantown, Tennessee for the Germantown Charity Horse Show. The GCHS celebrated its 71st anniversary this year; we love attending a show that is so steeped in history and tradition! During the show, several other disciplines and breeds outside of the hunters and jumpers are on display, including Racking Horses, Gypsy Vanners, Paso Finos, and Tennessee Walking Horses. The show has a fantastic atmosphere where people who are involved in the horse industry in so many different ways can come together.

Hannah Banks and her own Corrado had an excellent trip to Germantown, winning an over fences class out of 21 entries! The pair also claimed a red ribbon in their warmup round as well as a 6th place finish in the under saddle.

Hannah and Corey with their blue ribbon prize.

Julia King and Beckford tackled the Children’s Hunters together and received good ribbons in their over fences classes out of a very competitive group of horses.

Julia and Beckford in the Children’s Hunters.

Campbell Swanner and Luxe also had good trips together in the 3’3 Junior Hunters resulting in good placings and a 2nd in the under saddle. Hagen Blackwell and At Last took Reserve Champion honors in the 3’6 Junior Hunters as well as 12th in the David Wright Memorial Hunter Classic.

In the pony divisions, Madison Hill piloted Mimi Colette Frei’s pony Hillcrest Songbird to good ribbons including a win in the Large Pony Hunter Handy class! Hagen and Hey Scooby also had solid trips in the same division, including a 2nd and 3rd place finish in their over fences. Hagen and “Scooby” also took 6th in the GCHS Pony Hunter Classic, with Madison and “Eva” on their heels with an 8th place finish.

Hagen and Scooby during the Pony Classic awards presentation.

Madison Hill and Eva receiving their 8th place prize.

The Fox Lake crew is home for several weeks for lessons before heading out to Wills Park Equestrian Center for two weeks of horse showing in July!

Brownland Spring I & II

Fox Lake Farm is back from two weeks at Brownland Farm’s April horse shows. We saw several new partnerships succeed in the show ring. Lauren Velazquez piloted her new mount Balladeer to Reserve Champion honors in the 14 & Under Children’s Hunters. Lauren and “Captain” put down lovely rounds that also earned them a 5th place in the NAL/WIHS Children’s Hunter Classic. Kyle Muckler and Balladeer also took 5th in the $5,000 Brownland Farm Hunter Derby out of a field of 30 entries.

Sydney Velazquez and Caredan Z tackled the Pre-Children’s Hunters and received ribbons in nearly every round of a huge class of 17 riders. Julia King partnered up with new mount Beckford and the pair took Reserve Champion honors in the Pre-Children’s Hunters together.

In week II Emma Grace Early and Supreme Challenge bested a field of 10 in the USHJA 2’6 Hunter Handy course for the win. The pair also received ribbons in every class of the division.

Campbell Swanner moved up to the 3’3 Junior Hunter division during week II after a successful week I in the Children’s Hunters with Luxe. Campbell and “Logan” had a great first outing in their new division. Hagen Blackwell and At Last also moved up a division, from the 3’3 Juniors to the 3’6 Junior division. Hagen and “Shaq” made easy work of the change, taking ribbons in nearly every class. Hagen was also Reserve Champion both weeks in the Large Pony Hunter division aboard Hey Scooby. Hagen and “Scooby” also won the NAL/WIHS Large Pony Classic during week II.

Mimi Colette Frei and Hillcrest Songbird also found success together in the Large Pony Hunters, taking the win in the Large Pony Classic during week I.

In the Adult Hunters during week II, Romney Velazquez and A Timely Affair took Champion honors. Romney and “Heidi” won two of their over fences classes and took 2nd in the NAL/WIHS Adult Hunter Classic. Kyle Muckler also piloted the mare to a 10th place finish in the $5,000 Brownland Farm Hunter Derby.

Over in the jumper ring, Clayton Mullis and Tower Lux put down good, clear rounds in the High Children’s Jumpers which earned them top placings including an 8th in the NAL/WIHS Child/Adult Jumper Classic. Jessica Dallow and Zoffany were very successful during their two weeks of showing as well, taking 3rd in the Classic during both weeks of showing.

Katie Habeeb and Alto Aviador had many clear rounds together in the .90 Child/Adult Jumpers resulting in good ribbons, including a 2nd and a 4th place finish.

Ginny Joyner piloted A.J. Salch’s Cambridge to good ribbons in the 2’9 USHJA Hunters during week I as well. Carlyle Brown rode her own Nu ID in the 3ft Green Hunters during week II; the pair received ribbons out of large classes of 20 and 16.

Tri-Colors Abound @ Vintage Creek in Auburn

This past weekend Guerry Force and Carlyle Brown headed down to H&G Horse Quarters in Auburn, Alabama for the Vintage Creek Farm AHJA Show.

Kayla Hawsey made her debut on Capito in the Crosspole Hunters. Kayla and “Otto” had great ribbons together including a win in the Crosspole Under Saddle. Brynn Smith tackled the Short Stirrup Hunters for her first time with Whispering Hill and they took home the Champion ribbon together. Pamela Adam also moved up to the Long Stirrup Hunters with Gabriel and the pair had great trips including a win in the Under Saddle and a win in the Equitation on the Flat.

Brynn Smith has worked hard with “Casey” to move up to the Short Stirrup Hunters.

Julia McAdam and Wonderland took on the Schooling Hunter and Pre-Child/Adult Divisions in their first show together. The pair came away with Champion in the Schooling Hunters and top ribbons in the Pre-Child/Adults.

Julia McAdam and “Wonder.” Photo courtesy of Michael Gibbens.

Bates Moody and Cup of Joe took four wins and one second together in the Children’s Pony Hunters and Equitation culminating in a Champion prize! Sarah Carson Hill and Benlea Rain Dancer were right on their tails with several 2nd place results.

Bates Moody and “Joe.”

Lillian Reynolds and Willie Be Mine had great, consistent trips together in the Children’s Hunters and the pair came away Champion. Lillian and “Willie” teamed up mid-2018 and after a great rest of the 2018 season in the Pre-Children’s and Low Hunters, they moved up to the 3ft Children’s at the start of 2019.

Lillian Reynolds celebrating her Champion ribbon with a little help from Kate Knowles.

Kate Knowles and Kingsley also won the Champion prize in their second time out in the Junior Hunter division, winning every class. Kate has worked hard with “Dax” during their nearly 3 year partnership and they’ve found much success together working up the levels of the hunters.

Kate and Dax sporting their tri-color.

The Fox Lake Farm team will head to Cameron Oaks Farm this weekend for the Hunter Place horse show, then next week onto Brownland Farm for two weeks!

Gulf Coast Winter Classic Weeks 4 & 5

Our Fox Lake team came home recently from two successful weekends at Gulfport!

Starting out with our Hunter Division riders, Hagen Blackwell was Champion in the 3’3 Juniors with At Last. This pair won the Junior Hunter 3’3 Classic and placed 3rd or above the entire weekend! Hagen also had success with her pony Hey Scooby in the Large Pony Division. Julia King and Champlain Grey were consistent as well in the Larges and placed 9th in the USHJA Pony Hunter Derby sponsored by Fox Lake Farm.

Mimi Colette Frei and Hillcrest Songbird also came home with ribbons in the Large Pony Division.

In the Pre-Children’s, Julia McAdam and her horse Hide Away had great rounds with this being one of this pair’s first shows together. These two also won the Equitation on flat for this division.

Hannah Banks and Corrado had a great first show together coming home with Reserve Champion in the Pre-Children’s Hunter Division.

For the Jumpers, Abby Beaty and Donnaludine moved up to the Low Junior/Amateur Owners, and had a successful weekend finishing 2nd in the Classic and Reserve Champion.

Katie Habeeb and Alto Aviador were Champion and won the Classic in the .85 Child/Adult Jumper Division. Finally, Claire McNamara and O’Lara moved up to the 1.00 Child/Adult Jumpers after their second week showing together and had great rounds. We look forward to see what all of these pairs have in store for the upcoming season!

HITS Ocala VI

Fox Lake Farm wrapped up at HITS Ocala this past weekend after three weeks of showing with lots of ribbons to show for it!

Romney Velazquez and her own A Timely Affair tackled the 3’ Adult Hunters 46-55 group and came away with 2nd, 3rd, 5th, 7th, and 8th prizes. Her daughter Lauren Velazquez piloted RF Rutchspun to great rounds in the Children’s Hunters 14 & Under division as well! In the same division, Campbell Swanner rode Carlo-T, a catch riding experience for her. The pair had great trips, as well as a 7th prize in the Under Saddle.

Lauren Velazquez and “Rojo,” pictured above, enjoyed their A-show debut together.

Campbell Swanner, pictured above, had three super weeks of catch riding during HITS.

Over in the pony ring, Julia King, Hagen Blackwell, and Mimi Colette Frei all tackled the Large Pony Hunter division.

Julia King and Champlain Grey took 3rd, 4th, and 7th together only their 2nd time out in the Large Pony division!

Hagen Blackwell and Hey Scooby claimed 2nd, two 5ths, and an 8th together as well.

Mimi Colette Frei and Hillcrest Songbird claimed a 6th, two 7ths, and three 8th place prizes.

Hagen Blackwell rode At Last in the 3’3 Large Junior Hunter 15 & Under division. Hagen and “Shaq” only paired up earlier in 2019 but have already found much success together during HITS. Hagen took two 3rds, 6th, and two 7ths during week VI.

The whole Fox Lake team is home for the week before half of us travel to Chattahoochee Hills Eventing in Fairburn, Georgia for the AHJA Kickoff Show and the others head to the Gulf Coast Winter Classic in Gulfport, Mississippi!

Thanks Madison Massey for the photos!