Chilly Fun at the 2013 C Retreat

Camp St. Croix was once again the venue for the annual Northern Lakes C Retreat.  Over the last weekend in October, 10 pony clubbers from various clubs throughout the region, gathered for a weekend of leadership building exercises, rock climbing, rope halter making and several great horse management seminars.

Friday evening started out with the basics of making a rope halter and enjoying a movie.  Saturday morning was chilly but was a fun -- 3 retreat participants were able to climb all the way to the top of the rock climbing wall and ring the bell!

Rock climbers at the C Retreat

Later in the day a farrier demo showed participants how to set and pull shoes.  The farrier also brought along some unique and somewhat unfamiliar farrier tools.

Additional topics included the importance of creating a solid conditioning schedule and a local equine vet shared knowledge on equine vaccinations.

Sunday morning the retreat ended with information about land conservation and trailer safety.

Although the weather was chilly, a good time was had by both pony clubbers and parent chaperones.

Balancing team building

Thank you to Kimberwicke and Two Rivers' pony clubs for serving as the organizing clubs for this year's C Retreat.

Working together to cross the bridge

How to make your own rope halter & MORE!

What could be better than spending a weekend with your pony club friends, learning how to make your very own rope halter, having fun in team building activities and learning valuable horse management knowledge???  If you want to join in the fun, then register NOW for the Northern Lakes Region annual "C" Retreat.  The registration deadline has been extended to October 10!

The C Retreat is open to D3 members ages 12 and up as well as older D2 members by DC approval.
Horse management topics presented this year will include: 

*conformation faults and how this can lead to illnesses;
*poisonous plants;
*trailer safety;
*developing conditioning programs for your horse;
*parasites;
*farrier demo

Also part of the weekend will be a fun activity to make your very own rope halter!

Visit the region's "C" retreat information page at:  http://www.northernlakesponyclub.org/c-retreat
to find all the forms you will need to register.

Contact Beth Whilock with any questions ewhillock@msn.com

Registration deadline for C Retreat -- only 1 week left!

The deadline for registering for the regional

C Retreat is in one week -- October 4, 2013.

If you are planning to attend, please register NOW so that the organizing committee can continue to plan for the retreat.  At this time there are a few members registered and a commitment from 1 chaperone.  Chaperones are vital to the C Retreat and this activity can not happen without chaperones!

This annual retreat has been a highlight of many pony clubbers' year for many years.  The 2013 retreat is sure to be a great time for all with team building, rock climbing, horse management presentations and pure camp fun!

To sign up for the C Retreat click on the following link:  C Retreat Registration

For more information please contact Beth Whilock at ewhillock@msn.com

Register now for C Retreat

The annual Northern Lakes Region "C" Retreat is now accepting registrations.  Click on the information flyer link to read more about the retreat.  The retreat will be held at Camp St. Croix in Hudson, Wisconsin

 

This year's C Retreat is open to all region members rated D3 and 12 years or older.  Older D2s will be considered based on DC recommendation.  Only 18 spots are available so register now!

Chaperones will be needed for both daytime and overnight shifts.  If your pony club member would like to attend the C Retreat, please consider signing up for a chaperone shift.  Keep in mind that the
C Retreat can only be successful with parent volunteers!

 

All forms and maps are available on the Northern Lakes Region website at: www.northernlakesponyclub.org

Getting ready for rock climbing at the 2012 C Retreat

 

Breakfast at the dining hall!

 

Team building!

 

 

Annual "C" Retreat News

The Annual Northern Lakes Region "C" Retreat is coming soon!  Mark your calendars for the weekend of October 25-27 at Camp St. Croix in Hudson, Wisconsin.  Registration materials will be emailed to club DCs and Center Administrators in the coming days.  In the meantime, the planning committee is looking for parents and upper level pony club members to help with this annual activity.

Please read the note below, from one of the "C" Retreat organizers . . .

 

 

C Retreat organizational help needed!!

 

I am looking for volunteers to help put together activities for this year's C retreat. Items that I could REALLY use help with are:

*Chaperones for the weekend - these folks would also help with craft and free time on Friday and Saturday night.

*Anyone know someone who could talk about land conservation? 

*Anyone want to help find speakers for the weekend? Our committee could use the help!!

*Contact Beth Whillock at 651-253-7088 or via email ewhillock@msn.comif you can help out.

Kentucky or Bust and More!

EXCITING UPDATES FROM THE NORTHERN LAKES REGION . . . .

Kentucky or Bust!  A planned road trip?  Maybe!  The Lead Hound/Croixside eventing rally team came in first place in both the Eventing and Horse Management -- Congratulations!  And  congratulations to all the competitors who either attended their first rally or attended their first recognized horse trial.  Some who competed in the qualifying rally are on their way to meeting the national championships requirement or just had a great time with their team! Well done to all of the rally participants.

Northern Lakes Region members participate in qualifying eventing rally

There were many regional members at the show, and some did the rally and some did not, and it was great to see everyone there! All seemed to have a successful weekend.  The rally participants went home with extra prizes from Dover Saddlery such as pretty blue saddle pads, grooming soft buckets full of grooming supplies, fleece lined bridle covers, etc. and ribbons too of course! Thank you Dover Saddlery for supporting the Northern Lakes Region.

 

Parent volunteers could not believe how easy it was to do a rally when it is held in conjunction with the horse trial!  Wow, that was easy!   We had a variety of competitors, about 20 from Northern Lakes Region, 15 of whom were trying to qualify! We all voted we would definitely do that again, and at the same venue.  Jean & Walter Kunz, the owners of Steepleview, were so kind and gracious and easy to work with.  Jean had goose bumps watching the members jog their horses. She was so excited to have you all there!
 

Many members helped set up cross country and that was a huge help for the venue and will get us invited back next year.  Thank you to those of you who gave back by helping!  You rock!!  Members who rally, you go the extra effort, and that gets noticed.  It makes you the responsible young adults that we all admire so much in life and it is the reason pony club members are so admired by college admissions officers, and so many organizations and businesses.  You don't do the bare minimum and the fact that you chose to get involved, learn to work as a team, and go the extra mile, well, it  all gets noticed! We are all very proud of you and every time I see you rally, I get chills at what a great group we  have in the Northern Lakes Region! Kentucky or Bust in 2014!
 

Steepleview Horse Trials partners with NLR for qualifying eventing rally

Plan ahead, in 2014 we will also have a Dressage and Show Jumping qualifying rally and Fox River Valley will have a qualifying rally in eventing.  Plan to attend Festival in KY 2014, it only comes once every 3 years.  Is this your year to compete at Festival?  Perhaps!



Looking ahead the next regional activity will be the Annual C Retreat.  Organizers are preparing flyers and registration materials.  In the meantime, mark your calendar for the C Retreat which will be held October 25-27.

FREE blankets, saddle pads, tack & more!

The Northern Lakes Region recently received the below list of items as donations.  These items are being offered to NLR members free of charge.  A  limit of 2 items per pony club member please.  Items are for pony club member use only and are not to be resold.

If you are interested in an item, please email:  northernlakesregion@gmail.com
Items are to be picked up in the southeast metro area or can be shipped at the recipients expense.

#	Description
1	Red, Green Blanket back seam measures about 36” sides measure about 60”; no holes or tears approx.. size 84
2	Curvon Green, Red, White blanket. back seam measures 50”, side seams measure about 31”, no holes or tears, or thee tears have been patched. Approx. size 84
1	All green wool MHJA Champion blanket back measures about 90” and sides measure about 38”;  no holes or tears. Approx size 84
1	All white MHJA Champion blanket back seam measures 52” and sides measure about 31”; no holes or tears. Approx size 84
1	Integrity Green blanket with fleece lining size 80; no holes or tears
1	Integrity Green blanket without lining size 84; no holes or tears
1	Loose knit of lacey sheet back seam 54” side seams 34” no holes or tears
3	Pairs Spurs
1	Lunge lines
4	Hunter Saddle pads
3	Pony whips
1	Saddle girth
3	Hoof picks
1	Halter
2	Bridles
2	Unknown leather straps
12	Horse brushes
1	comb
5	Leg wraps
1	Roma Equi-Fleece with pocket
1	Strap with fleece
1	Fly mask

 

Updated For Sale Page -- Check it out!

The Northern Lakes Region website has a well-kept secret that we want to get the word out about!

 

It's the FOR SALE section of the NLR website!  There are a variety of items for sale by pony club families -- everything from trailers to fantastic pony club mounts!

 

Check out the FOR SALE section under "Region" of the website.  Share this with your fellow pony clubbers!

 

If you have something to substantial to sale (no items priced less than $40) please fill out the form on the for sale page.

Eventing Rally Update

REMINDER

The deadline for registering for the Northern Lakes Region qualifying eventing rally is

Thursday, August 14.

 

Visit the NLR website for forms and additional information

Quiz Midwest Champs Results!

The Northern Lakes Region was recently represented at the Midwest Quiz Championships! 

Anna (Stables Equestrian Center) competed on a Junior D scramble team and took 1st Place!  Additionally, Anna received the 2nd highest individual score and only 1 point behind the overall highest score.  Congratulations Anna!

Also competing at Midwest Championships was a Northern Lakes Region Senior D team - Ellie  (Two Rivers), Sarah (Laurentian), and Lexi  (Kimberwicke) and they took 3rd place overall!

 

 

 

Congratulations to all the regional D members who competed at Quiz Championships!

Donated items for Northern Lakes Region pony club members ONLY!

The Northern Lakes Region recently received the below items as a donation from a former pony club family who would like current pony clubbers to make use of these items.  If you are interested in something on this list, please email northernlakesregion@gmail.com or comment on this posting. Provide your name, pony club name, and the item(s) you are interested in.  Limit of 2 items per Northern Lakes Region pony club member.  Items are NOT FOR RESALE, so do not take home something that you can't use.  All items must be picked up in Woodbury, MN.  There is a possibility that items may be available for pick up at future regional activities.  Watch the blog for updates!

#	Description
1	Red, Green Blanket back seam measures about 36” sides measure about 60”; no holes or tears approx.. size 84
2	Curvon Green, Red, White blanket , back seam measures 50”, side seams measure about 31”, no holes or tears, or thee tears have been patched. Approx. size 84
1	All green wool MHJA Champion blanket back measures about 90” and sides measure about 38”;  no holes or tears. Approx size 84
1	All white MHJA Champion blanket back seam measures 52” and sides measure about 31”; no holes or tears. Approx size 84
1	Integrity Green blanket with fleece lining size 80; no holes or tears
1	Integrity Green blanket without lining size 84; no holes or tears
1	Loose knit of lacey sheet back seam 54” side seams 34” no holes or tears
4	Pairs Spurs
2	Lunge lines
4	Saddle pads
3	Pony whips
1	Saddle girth
3	Hoof picks
1	Halter
2	Pairs of reins
3	Bridles
2	Unknown leather straps
12	Horse brushes
1	comb
5	Leg wraps
1	Roma Equi-Fleece with pocket
1	Strap with fleece
1	Fly mask
1	Set of full chaps

Land Conservation Help Needed!

 

The region has scheduled a Land Conservation day at Springhill Farm in River Falls for Sunday, August, 18^th.  Anyone who is planning on attending should contact me directly (phone number and email is below) so I can pass along the schedule and job list for the day.  I will be forwarding the information directly to those individuals so we don’t overload everyone’s inbox.

 

Thanks,

Joan Larson, DC

Rising Sun Pony Club

jorich@baldwin-telecom.net

715-684-3163

Rally Success!

The Stables Equestrian Center and Canterbury Pony Club successfully hosted a regional dressage rally on Saturday, August 2 in Rochester, MN!  Seven teams from the region participated in the one day rally; including one horsemasters team!

Perfect weather and a fantastic facility made for an exceptional rally experience!  For many competitors this was their first rally and for others it wasn't their first but had been many years since their last rally.

A HUGE thank you goes out to Eliese of The Stables Equestrian Center and Shelley of Canterbury Pony Club for their outstanding organization!  Thank you to Linda S. for overseeing all of the rally horse management and thank you to the many, many parents who volunteered in all
aspects of the rally.

"Sparx" -- Dressage Rally team from Two Rivers Pony Club

 

 

In addition to ribbons for horse management and riding, prizes were given out for some fun categories.  Competitors won prizes for being the oldest pony club member, having the horse with the longest tail or most spots, being the newest pony club member or being the first team to submit their registration!

 

 

The next rally opportunity for many regional members is the upcoming Qualifying Eventing Rally over Labor Day weekend.  This rally is being held in conjunction with the Steepleview Horse Trials and Northern Lakes Region members can participate in the rally at NO ADDITIONAL COST other than registration for the horse trial.  See the NLR website for more information.

Quiz Champs from Northern Lakes!

The USPC East Championships just finished up and I have really exciting news to report.

 

Northern Lakes took 2nd place out of all the C teams!!!! (USPC joined junior Cs with senior Cs).

AND from that, four members were chosen to represent the United States at the International competition, and 3 of the 4 are from Northern Lakes Region:

3rd place for international team placement: Anita Frasier !!!!!!!!!!

2nd place for internantional team placement: Anessa DeMars !!!!!!!!!!

1st place for international team placement: Mara DeMars!!!!!!!

 

Three our of four members chosen to represent the USPC internationally are from Northern Lakes Region!!  The international competition is in October on the west coast of Canada.

                             Please join me in congratulating them!

 

NLR D's you have big shoes to fill in your upcoming Midwest Championship :)  Remember to have fun!

This is why it is so important to rally.  In pony club, you have the opportunity to not only qualify to compete nationally, but internationally!  Anessa, Mara and Anita, we are very proud of your accomplishment that you achieved through your dedication and hard work. Way to go ladies and their mom's, DCs, and volunteers of the regional Quiz rally all who supported their efforts!!

Regional Rallies & More

Rally!!!   It is official, we are holding a qualifying eventing rally in conjunction with Steepleview 's Horse Trial over Labor Day Weekend!  Why go home with a possible ribbon when you can go home with two and maybe 3?  The Northern Lakes Region is picking up the cost of horse management so this qualifying rally will not cost you more money than the horse show costs.  Get your teams together, and sign up so that you can get a stall before stalls are gone!  It's time to qualify for 2014 Festival!

 

Jump Crew: If you are without a horse, or otherwise unable to do the eventing rally, we need you! Help jump crew Sunday morning (Labor Day weekend)  for the Steepleview Stadium rounds.  Remember to wear appropriate barn shoes and a polo always looks nice and represents your club nicely.

 

Reminder: Did you get your entries in for the non qualifying Dressage Rally to your DC last Friday?  Your DC needs to get those teams to the organizers for that rally this week! 

 

Hot Weather tips:   Hydrate: Did you know that not only is it important to drink water, but sometimes in extreme heat you need more than water, you need Gatorade to replenish your electrolytes?  Your horse could also need electrolytes in extreme heat.  You can just sprinkle it on their food.  If you add it to their  water bucket, always make sure they have a second bucket of water just in case they don't like the taste of flavored water so that they drink. If their water troughs water gets warm, they may not want to drink it either, so refill those water troughs or buckets regularly with cool water.   Tube paste electrolytes are also available for the equine after an extreme workout in the heat. You can find electrolytes at the feed stores and most tack stores like Dovers.  If your horse is "blowing" where his nostrils are breathing in and out rapidly and he is not sweating when he should be sweating, hose him off immediately. He may have developed anhydrosis which if left untreated could even result in his death.  Call your vet. 

 

Also, when you  hose your horse off, be sure and scrap them off as the water can act like an insulator and keep them overheated.  A bucket of ice water and sponge will help your horse get through the day's lesson.  Have a groom, parent, or helpful friend nearby, and again, scrape the ice water off afterwards. 

 

Finally, immediately after dismounting, remove your helmet and cross country vest to allow your body to cool down.  And, consider riding in the early morning or late evening when possible.  And never leave your dogs in the car!

 

Do you know the signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke? Go to www.ponyclub.org and learn more.  Know the signs!    For those very, very  hot days, you may want to not exercise your horse that day. 

FREE admission to the MN State Fair!

Come Volunteer for EquiMania! receive a free T-shirt and free entrance to the State Fair!   EquiMania! is a brand new exhibit coming to the 2013 Minnesota State Fair.  It is an award winning educational program that was developed at the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada in the form of a traveling exhibit.  This 5,500 pound display was viewed by over 873,000 trade show visitors in 2010 and is excellent in entertaining huge crowds.    The EquiMania! exhibit includes display stations covering a variety of horse topics such as:               Nutrition                                  Anatomy                                                          Horse Behavior                        Diseases and Parasites             Horse Careers                          Horse and Farm Safety                        Horse Welfare                         And MUCH more!                     Each station is equipped with unique educational displays, activities, and quizzes to engage youth from both urban and rural backgrounds.  Visitors will have fun learning about the care and welfare of horses and exploring the many career opportunities within the horse industry.   After partnering with EquiMania! at the University of Guelph, the Minnesota State Fair has agreed to create an exact replica of the exhibit to be housed at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds.  The replica will be used annually at the Minnesota State Fair.   This is a huge opportunity for Minnesota to be a leader in educating the public about industry issues and the horse in general.  That is where you come in!  Volunteers are what make EquiMania! so extraordinary, without people, clubs, and other organizations willing to volunteer, EquiMania could not exist.  We would like to invite you to volunteer for a shift at EquiMania!   Volunteer requirements:             1. Each volunteer must be a minimum of 16 years of age             2. Each volunteer MUST show up for the shift they sign up for.             3. We require each volunteer to have a background with horses and be knowledgeable to answer rbasic questions.   That's it!  Every volunteer will receive a free EquiMania! T-Shirt and free entrance into the fair for the day they work.    The fair runs a total of 12 days, from August 22nd to September 2nd.  Each day will consist of seven shifts of two hours each.  Each shift will require 15 volunteers.  This might seem like a lot initially, but thankfully the horse community is always willing to help out, especially for a good cause.     Shift times available to choose from: Thursday, August 22nd to Monday, September 2nd Shift 1:  7:30-9:15 Shift 2:  9:00-11:00 Shift 3:  10:45-12:45 Shift 4:  12:30-2:30 Shift 5:  2:15-4:15 Shift 6:  4:00-6:00 Shift 7:  5:45-7:30   Shifts are designed to allow incoming volunteers time for training.  You will not need to arrive before your shift begins.   Volunteers are able to work as many shifts as they wish, as many days as they wish.  Some clubs have expressed interest in creating two or three groups of 15 volunteers and spending the day at fair rotating shifts.  If this is something your club or organization is interested in, that's wonderful!  We absolutely encourage this rotation - but you are urged to decide on a day as soon as possible and contact me so we can make sure that day is blocked off.   Volunteer Opportunities: Individuals/Small Groups – Individuals and/or small groups can volunteer for one or multiple shifts. Shift – A group of 15 people to volunteer for an entire shift. Shift Rotation – A group of 15 people volunteer for a rotation of shifts throughout the day. Day of Volunteers – A club or organization provides all of the volunteers needed for an entire day.           (Additional benefits are included with this option!)   We welcome all volunteers!  Please be sure to pass this information along to any other person, club, or organization you feel would be interested.   Feel free to contact me with any questions or comments:             Cell phone: 320-232-3221             E-mail: nikkiosterdyk@gmail.com             Like EquiMania! on our facebook page: EquiMania at the Minnesota State Fair   Thank you for your help and support!   Nikki Osterdyk Minnesota State Fair EquiMania! Superintendent

Plan Ahead for USPC Festival 2014!

                        PLAN NOW FOR 2014 FESTIVAL CHAMPIONSHIP YEAR!!!  Next one in 3 years!!

 

NORTHERN LAKES REGION is planning to have a qualifying EVENTING rally at Steepleview over this labor day weekend, Aug 31-Sept 1/13. THIS YEAR qualifier for next year's festival!   We are trying a late season rally with the idea that your horses will be more conditioned in late summer 2013 than they are in Springtime 2014. We need secure a Chief Horse Management judge before we can for sure say its qualifying, so you may want to hold off a few days before entering the horse trial if you are doing it to qualify.  We will let you know once we secure that judge! Closing date is August 18th.

 

Lakeshore Region (east WI & Upper Michigan) is having a qualifying Dressage and Show Jumping Rally 8/24/13 -8/25/13. THIS YEAR's qualifier for next year, Festival ! This is after our NLR non-qualifying dressage rally 8/3/13..

 

Lakeshore is having a Polocrosse qualifying rally 8/17/13 THIS YEAR qualifier for next year, Festival! Their RS has formally invited us to their rallies and I also give permission for you to go to another region to qualify this year.  And we have invited all neighboring regions to our rallies.

 

                                                        2014 Qualifying Rallies:

 North Central Prairie Region generally has an open eventing rally at Fox River Valley Horse Trial in late June.

 

We, Northern Lakes Region, DO  plan to have a qualifying Dressage and Show jumping Rally in the Spring or Summer 2014, and a qualifying Quiz Rally in the Spring.  We will try to have those dates and venue's by this October. 

 

Go to our website to sign up for our rallies http://northernlakesponyclub.org or Lakeshore Region's to sign up for their rallies.  You won't want to miss Festival in 2014, it only comes around every 3 years! And the next one is 2017.

Dressage Rally Deadline Fast Approaching

DRESSAGE RALLY DEADLINE is JULY 12

All competitor registrations for the August 3rd Dressage Rally are due to clubs by July 12. 

Get your team together for a fun, 1 day rally in Rochester, MN!  Overnight stabling and camping on site is available.

Forms and information flyer are available on the Northern Lakes Region website at:
Dressage Rally Info

D Camp Fun!

A MESSAGE FROM REGIONAL SUPERVISOR, LINDA MURPHY

"W0W! So many D's having their annual best time of the summer at D camp!  Thank you Lexi Robinson and Maddie Kanda for teaching and helping the D's! 

Pony Club games at D Camp!

“Teaching at this year’s D Camp was a new experience for me.  I enjoyed getting to know so many new kids and adults and I believe the experience helped me grow as a pony club instructor.  Teaching mounted lessons and horse management is one of the things I enjoy best about pony club!  Staying overnight in the UW-River Falls dorms created a closeness between campers and instructors that truly helped make the camp so much fun!”

            ~ Maddie Kanda, C3 Dressage/HB, Croixisde Pony Club

Now you are ready for the rally August 3rd so sign up and join us for more summer fun!  Find out what it is like to rally at the Dressage Rally. Just like at camp, you can bring a C to help you out. If you don't have a whole team of 4 + a stable manager, don't worry, we will put you on a team.  So sign up and join us for fun in August.  Sign up forms are on our website

We have several members headed to both Midwest and East USPC Championships this year competing in Quiz.  Good Luck to all of our Northern Lake Region representatives!
 

 

Thank you also to Barb Longe & Annette Rold for organizing a fantastic National Examiner Camp.

Thank you to the Schweiss Family for hosting this annual regional event.

 

 

Tayler & LeSoir from NE Camp 2013

RS Update on national testing, camps & more!

Northern Lakes Region Update for June 2013

RS Linda Murphy

 

REMINDER, the deadline is June 26 for National Testing in Northern Lakes Region. (8 weeks prior to the test date).  If you plan to do your C3 or higher in our region, you need to complete your application online. 

Richard Lamb and Claire Harmon, both elite A testing National Examiners, enjoyed our regions members "immensely" said Richard in a post interview.  The members who attended were given a lot of feedback about their riding skills and horse management and had a great time at Schweiss's Roebeke Run.  Tayler Ittel said," . . . in Cross country Richard had us warm up by galloping and practicing slowing down. So much fun!! Went top speed with the squeak!"

 

National Examiner Group Participants

Setting jumps for NE Camp 2013

 

 

D camp starts in a week in WI at the University-River Falls!!  This is always on of the most fun events of the year and this year will be no exception!  Get packing! And if you want to volunteer, I know the organizers could always use a little more help so let us know! 

Two rallies this year!  A Dressage Rally and a Qualifying Eventing Rally for 2014 Festival year are coming in August.  If you have never rallied before, the dressage rally is the one to attend.   If you are an eventer, the Qualifying Rally at Steepleview is the place to be.  Why leave with only one ribbon when you can earn two!  Rally with a team is much more fun than going by yourself.  Start planning your teams now and let you DC know about your plans. 

Drink lots of water when you are riding in the heat. Hydrate!  Watch out for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.  Remind your teammates, and keep your horse hydrated too.  Attending a rally? or camp? or testing? or mounted meeting? in the heat? Prepare and pack electrolytes for your horse if you think you may need some. 

Enjoy summer and ride, ride, ride!