Cricket Hill Farm

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Cricket Hill Youth Dressage Team Makes a Strong Showing!

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YDF 2013Cricket Hill came back victorious from its twelfth annual trip to Lendon”™s Youth Dressage Festival held in Saugerties, NY, July 12-14, 2013. Our team placed fifth out of 57 teams! This was our youngest team ever, and among the youngest in the competition. What a great accomplishment for the team and for Kira Steines, our head trainer/instructor! “Everyone worked really hard, both students and horses!” said Kira.  “It’s great to work with such a fun group of dedicated and talented girls, and very gratifying to help them succeed by riding correctly, with solid basics that can carry them for a lifetime.”

Lula Langdon, 9, in her second trip to the show, won the equitation section with a 98% and placed fourth overall in her division. This was the first time competing at this show for Lulu Levy, 10, who got an 8th place ribbon out of nearly 20 in her division. Cameron Kohls, Stanfordville, was a Silver Medalist in her division. Cricket Hill Academy has competed at every one of Lendon’s Youth Dressage Festivals since its inception 12 years ago. Cricket Hill Youth Dressage Team, all riding Academy Schoolmasters, L to R: Tasha on Truffles, Cameron on Sunshine, Brenna Carlson, Lulu on Ray, Kira Steines, Lula on Bandit, Paris Levy. 

It was a lovely day for the Cricket Hill Spring Show.

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What a wonderful day for a show!  The sun was shining, Judge Krys Schrom was in great spirits, and head instructor Kira had planned challenging course designs for everyone.   First rider of the day, Sarah Morgan performed at a new level of harmony with her horse-partner, CHA Ricochez.  It was a perfect start to the upcoming show season for all of our adult competitors.  Lulu Levy won her Introductory Test C division and first time dressage test riders Mia Emy and Cameron Kohls were a force to be reckoned with.   The “firsts” continue with little Amelie Bore riding in her first show, dominating the lead-line class.  Erin Feiner competed in her first ever jump class, while Tabitha Davidson competed for the first time as a fully-fledged off-the-lead-line rider.  The show ended with an exciting obstacle course and games that brought out each horse”™s competitive side.  Our oldest competing horse, Lil Miss Bridget, even got into the spirit of the games and put her heart into cantering over that finish line!

We need to recognize all of our volunteers and amazing parents who, without us asking, climbed over the fence to help as “jump crew”.  As usual, the highlight of any show is always the potluck. Good food makes everyone smile.  All and all The Cricket Hill Farm Spring Show was a successful day and fun, yet challenging experience for all.

QH Evita Comes to Cricket Hill!

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Linda, Evita & KiraOn a sunny day last year, Linda Goldstein lost her heart to QH Evita, one of Rae & Marshall Schwarz’ Quarry Hill bred Arabians. Linda has owned Warmbloods and Morgans, all for dressage. But she always wanted an Arab.

We welcomed 4-year-old Evita to Cricket Hill in April, green broke and ready to start her training with Kira. Kira has had experience with all breeds, including Arabs, in both dressage and jumping. This picture was taken in the summer after a few months in training: Linda standing, Kira up.

Erin completes GoldStar II

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With Sunshine’s invaluable help, Erin finished GoldStar II shortly after Kira’s arrival! Erin enjoys all the horse activities and is an active member of Saddle Club. Erin is looking forward to the summer, camp, and more time at the farm. Erin is the first to ride in her family and parents Cathy and Seth are learning about it all right along with her!

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Cricket Hill welcomes Garbo, a.k.a. Greta!

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Greta & Darrah“Cricket Hill is where I want to be!” said Greta’s owner Darrah Cloud, Pine Plains. Already successful in amateur hunters, the pair was ready for a new chapter in their riding partnership. So after arriving, Kira schooled Greta a few weeks to introduce the 9-year-old mare to dressage basics. Then Darrah had a lesson. After warming up, Kira asked “what would you like toKira, Darrah & Greta take a break work on?” Darrah answered, “Whatever makes Greta feel as nice as this!” So now they are on a dressage path. Darrah’s work as a playwright and professor takes her away for weeks at a time; so in exchange for our keeping Greta fit, some Cricket Hill riders may take lessons from Kira on Greta! This summer, one very lucky working student jumped 4′ for the first time!

Paddy’s new horse Didi joins Sienna at Cricket Hill

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Didi arrivesCongratulations! Exciting to report! Paddy Rossbach’s new mare, a fabulous 13-year-old bay Thoroughbred-Welsh cross pony, just arrived! “Princess Di is too long a name for her,” says Paddy. So Didi (Die-Dee) it is! Didi will be going into training with Kira to develop more throughness, softness and length of stride, and Paddy will ride both Didi and Sienna. Bravo Paddy! Stay tuned for progress reports.