News

A recent new rider here at Cricket Hill, Susan as jumped right into the GoldStar Program, quickly moving through the first and second modules. ” I love to frame my certificates for my desk at work”, says Susan.  We bet her co-workers are as thrilled as we are with Susan’s accomplishments. Now she’s on her way to GoldStar III. Congratulations!

The indoor arena was bustling from 10 to 2 the day after Christmas. 20 riders of all ages and stages jumped 35 rounds to win ribbons and enjoy a delicious hot, pot luck lunch. The classes started with ground poles, went up to 3′ and even included some speed and power events! Cachez had a great day – 3 different riders, 2 blues and a third. Bridget Colman, only her second ride on Cachez, won the Christmas Jumper Stakes with a clear round in 23 seconds! Eleni and Simon were 2nd in 21 seconds with 9 faults. Bandit and Mickey, shown below, also had big days with their different riders in Cross-rails, block elimination and 2’9″. Even spectators were jumping for joy!

Lots of food, fun and prizes at this year’s Party and Show! Participants flow from the lounge to munch and the boardwalk to watch, every once in a while hopping up for a class or game on horseback.

Three equitation classes  – Walk/Trot: 1-Emily, 2-Katie, 3-Dani, 4-Paige. These riders all did so well, they joined the Ribbon Committee with Alexandra! Placings in Jumping equitation: 1-Giulia,  2-Allegra, 3-Eleni, 4-Caitlin, 5-Tasha. Walk/Trot/Canter Dressage Equitation: 1-Giulia, 2-Eleni, 3-Caitlin, 4-Tasha, 5-Allegra, 6-Mia.

The Musical Dressage Challenge brought out the biggest cheering section to enjoy the holiday music and costumes. Everyone won an award: Eleni-Most Correct Dressage, Giulia-Harmony/Fluency, Leah-Most Interesting Pattern, Tasha-Best Costume, Caitlin-Best Music.

Two GoldStar Awards were presented. The new 2009 Calendar was on display with all 8 Photo Contest winners featured throughout. A good time was had by all!

A milestone in the GoldStar Program! Our first adult certificate awarded! Congratulations to Susan! Even though she can ride only a few times a month, she is very determined and well on her way to GoldStar II. Stay tuned…

The weather was perfect for our first Fall Fun Show! Dressage, Jumping, 8-obstacle Trail Class and, of course, the most wonderful pot luck lunch! The inimitable pair of Giulia and Ray handily cleared 3’6″ to win the Youth elimination round. Shakespeare took the honors in the Adult division with Andrea up. Shakespeare also did  well in dressage, shown to the left with Sarah at the final salute.

The Trail Class was held in perfect conditions, sunny, just enough breeze to make the streamers shimmer, and dry, so the steep slopes that were part of the course offered sure footing.

The Fall Fun Show proved to be a great way to give riders a leg up for trail riding in the Spring!

10 Fifth Graders from the All Saints Episcopal Day School in New Jersey spent a wonderful afternoon at Cricket Hill. For most, it was the first time they’d been close enough to pet a horse, nevermind get an introduction to horse care, walk on a horse, and learn to lead a horse through an obstacle course with a buddy aboard!

Cricket Hill was asked to provide this session as part of a 3-day program, “Animals in Service” coordinated by the Horse Institute here in Ancramdale. We learned from the teachers how impactful the visit here was – nearly all the children’s description of Memorable Moments were activities with our Academy Schoolmasters…”meeting Mickey”, “Leading/riding/playing with Bandit”, “getting licked by Topper”. Most rewarding was the comment of one little girl… “overcoming fear”. How many ways these wonderful horses contribute!