Congrats REGION 2 YOUTH JUDGING TEAM

We are so proud of our 2009 Youth Nationals Top Ten Hippology Champs, Julia Broome, Ashley Lane, and Natalie Zavala! Huge accolades go out to Ashley for her Reserve Championship in the 10-13 Division and to Natalie Zavala for her Championship in the 9 & under category!!

Also, a HUGE Congratulations to Hannah Kulik, Ashley Lane, and Julia Broome for their Top Ten honors in the JUDGING COMPETITION! Way to go, girls and way to make us all so proud!!!! Next year, we will be Judging AND riding!!!

A sincere THANK YOU! to Mark Stinson of Cal Poly University, Region 2 President Jeff Reichman and Youth Director, Jane Haven, to AHASFV President Teri Gonzales-Reichman, AHASFV Youth Director Meaghan Shaffer, and friend and trainer, Jim Lowe. Without ALL of you, none of this would have been possible!

August Rider of the Month - Grace Feitshans!

Grace has come so far as a rider and as a member of the team of girls. She exhibits incredible tireless enthusiasm and is always there to take care of her horse and support her friends. Her love for Valentina is an inspiration to everyone.

When I saw Grace & Valentina doing gymkhana at the 4-H Fair Show, I could not believe this was the same girl that wanted to be ponied off Poe less than a year ago - she was going for it, galloping at full speed towards the finish line.

When Valentina came into the barn, it was unexpected, and something magical sparked with Grace and she became her horse. She was not the easiest horse to take on - her coat was bad, she was several hundred pounds underweight, and we knew nothing of her training. She did not canter, let alone jump, but Grace was committed to make her a great horse.

Grace has put so much time and love into Valentina and gave her unconditional safety and devotion which has allowed Valentina to blossom into a beautiful champion and horse that loves her life.

Grace has not only grown as a rider but also as an individual and we are all very proud of her and thrilled to have her in our barn family. Grace is riding shotgun in August!!!