Wednesday, December 06, 2006 Hi All,
Hey, It's cold out, what is up with that??? Anyway, Hope everyone is doing well. I have some news and info to help us thru the winter.

First, I will be away in January. Judy Westlake invited me down to train with her for a month in Florida. For those of you that don't know Judy Westlake, she is an USDF certified instructor and has earned her silver and gold USDF medals she is a Grand  Prix NEDA winner as well as USDF region 8 Intermediate winner and is a Balimo seat core graduate. When I ride with her one thing that I love is that when other instructors go to the horses head to fix a problem she goes to the hind end . She encourages horses to have contact with lightness but still have contact and not a false head set. Recently Judy was in Germany where she travels to periodically, and rode at the German School of Riding. While at the school, she was asked if she would like to stay and be come part of their staff (twice!).   I have ridden with her for the last 5 years or so and I have learned so much from her.  This is a great opportunity for me as I don't get to get away to work on myself often this year as we were so busy. Some of my students have expressed they are excited, as they know that when I get back from any clinic or lesson, they get an extra uumph in their lessons. Can you imagine after a month????   I will also be attending a USDF trainers conference with Jans Brinks, I will fill you all in when I get back. 

While I'm away, I'm going to be setting up times that an adult will be at the barn so the younger students can still come and ride with adult supervision. Katie will be taking over my lessons as will Angie or Becca White.  Also I will be designating a "go to" person so if anyone has??? Or concerns they will dealt with promptly. Chris and the boys will be staying in Maine so the barn will have 24 hour supervision.

OUR dressage show went very smooth and was so much fun! we had over 40riders and I couldn't have done it with out all the people who helped and volunteered. Thanks everyone! We had a couple of riders' trailer in and Kris Nicola of Stepping Stone farm brought a bunch of students (She always does!)We had two rings going with Stacia Russell and Sandy Porter-Bean judging the tests and Judy Lenihan judging the suitability classes. Thank you Stacia, Sandy PB and Judy for you knowledge and help. They all did a great job and all riders were happy!  Our high point Senior was Lisa Starkweather with a 70.2 and our junior high point was Ashley Shaffer with a 65.5. Good job, everyone!

Scrappy has a new owner, Chelsea Oldfield. Chelsea is SOOOO happy and I am happy for her. I t was a little bit of a tough decision for me as I remember when Scrappy first was with us. Becca White would jump him over 2'6" courses then Dy had him and went to PC nationals. Then he helped Abi Ruksznis gain her confidence, and then Chellie started riding him. They are a great team! Chellie is working on her leg yields and has jumped him 3ft. She has been riding for only 2 years and has come along way, as have many of our students!

 Kellie Wilson have been working Okie, Bonnie Shorey horse and doing great! She is also still working with Molly J while also helping out at the farm.

Maddy Kelly and Hunter is back for some winter boarding. Hunter is going very nicely reaching for the contact and she does a super nice job with her palomino pony! 

Dakota and Wendy Lovejoy are still coming for their lessons or Saturday and their Aunt just adopted a horse from Kim Shaffer.   

Rebecca White and her new horse Moxie are progressing nicely .Moxie is going to be a nice horse for Becca to work with.  

The drill team is really looking awesome. The kids are learning so much and look impressive!  

I want to say I see SO much progress in ALL our riders their knowledge and thirst for horses is so amazing and joyful to see.  We have quite an adult gathering and they are interested in learning the ins and out of finding their seats, correct body position  and being able to ride what ever horses they are put on. Both our adult and younger students all are enthusiastic and it is so inspiring! 

This weekend is the Foxcroft Pony Club Jump-A-Thon on Sunday from 9-12 we are opening this to any students wishing to join in from the farm regardless of whether they belong to FPC on not. Any non-member wishing to participate can do so for a $10.00 fee. THEN from 1-4 we will have our holiday party. Dress warm! Is a pot luck with a $5 Yankee swap bring a gift for each adult, youth coming.  

Talk soon~ G

Friday, November 17, 2006
Hope all is well; I had a great lesson with Judy Westlake down in Detroit. She is SO amazing on just to the root of what needs to be worked on with a horse and rider and explaining how to correctly ride through the issue. She was happy with Hanks progress, so that was good!

Becca Bourgoine rode Baby in a lesson with Judy and Ashley Shaffer, Chelsie Oldfield, Breanne McKinley and my son Mike all came with us to observe.

 Beanie is doing well, Becca Bourgoine rode her other day and feels that she is going to work out well in the school program. We just bought Jack, a one eyed pony! He is very cute and I am working with the students on bring him along. We are setting up a schedule for him along with Beanie.  

 Becca White purchased a nice 3yr old Morgan cross mare, Moxie. She is flashy and I know Becca will do a great job with her.   Mary Guenzel will be here this Sunday, the 19th, come and watch!

Angie is having camp Mon and Tues for the younger kids. Wed and Thurs, Bry will be having camp for the younger kids and I will be having a stable management clinic for advanced students Wed and Dressage clinic Fri in preparation for Sunday, schooling dressage show. We still have openings for camps and clinic call if interested.  

 Remember North Country Riding Club awards dinner is Saturday the 18th at Giovanni's. MeCTA is having their dinner Sun starting at 5:30 in Augusta at the Senator Inn.  

   Drill team is very popular and the students are having a blast! Michelle Z And Michelle C with their families had just come back from the equine affaire and have some great ideas for the team!

 Dec. 10th is the Foxcroft pony club members riding in a Jump-A-Thon to raise money for their club. This starts at 9:00 and will have rider and horse jumping rounds as well as rider only jumping rounds!

 1-4 the same day is the Farms party. It is pot luck with a Yankee swap for adults and kids.$5.00 gift total and its always fun.
Happy Riding! Gail 

Friday, November 09, 2006
Mary Guenzel is coming Nov.19th we may have one more opening but she booked up with in the day so if you are interested, let me know.

Nov 26th is our schooling dressage show. Entries are coming in and am sending out a reminder that we need the entries in a week ahead of time to send out times. We are having a potluck that day and there is a sign up at the barn.

Dec 10th is the holiday party from 1-4, dress warm.  We are having an adult swap and child swap with a $5.00 present equivalent. It is also potluck with a sign up at the barn.

Everything is going great at the farm! Marie Stupacewicz's horse Navarre is doing great in training, he is tons of fun! He started cantering under saddle and Marie has been on him, trotting around. This was right BEFORE she hurt her finger! FMI on Marie you'll have to ask her what happened!

Kay Blanchard's mare, Whinney is doing well also. She is very pretty and has a great work ethic. Whinney has been responsive and easy to work with (knock on wood!).

Amanda Snow has a horse!  When I was down in NH on vacation, I visited my friend Judy Neville who works and has a horse at Townsend's training farm. While we were there the owner, Dick Townsend, let me hop on one of his sale horses to fool around on while Judy rode her really cute QH gelding Winston. After riding this mare I couldn't help thinking what a great match she would be for Amanda Snow.  Now mind you, Brad, Amanda's (and Lizzies) dad had asked me in the past when should he consider a horse for Amanda. I kept telling him to hold off until she got a little older and we would find a horse that she could have and enjoy for a longtime. Meanwhile Brad sees everyone around them getting horses and I'm saying "wait...wait...”. I rode this little mare Suzie and thought this would be a horse that Amanda would grow into but can also ride now.

So to make a long story short, the Snows are proud owners of "Super Star Version" aka Suzie. She is very pretty and has some nice training behind her. We hope that Suzie and Amanda have a long and great relationship ahead of them.  

Breanne McKinley has started her lease with Baba. Breanne and Baba started showing this year and have come a long way. Breanne does a really nice job putting Baba together and are going to focus on dressage for next year (as well as local shows).  

Debbie Gould and Sammie-Jo Brawn have been working and playing with their new horse Fannie. Debbie has been coming to Thurs night adult lessons and doing well with her. GO Debbie!   

June Williams has been trailering in Chance, her standardbred she has had for awhile and working with him to get a steady trot out of him. June does a nice job with Chance and you can tell they have a great bond.  

Katie has brought her sisters horse Montana (Banana) in to work at the farm. He is a nice horse and Katie has started him nicely.   

***OK OK... I'm going to put it in print.  Angela and Scott Coy are going to be parents again. Yes, Angie is due in April! Congratulations!***   

Oh we have a new pony for the school. Beanie (Cool Beans)   is an 8 yr old pony that we are starting under saddle at the ripe age of 8! She is really well mannered and looks very comfortable .     

Next month we will have Thor, George English's horse, in for training. This guy is a registered cream draft. He is on the shorter side measuring about 14.3  

 So that s is what is going on here, hope all is well your way! Talk soon! Gail

Thursday, October 19, 2006
Hi All,
Had a great time on vacation and got lots of rest. I heard up here in Maine you all had some really nice days as did we in New Hampshire.

 Got settled right back into the swing of things with the Lincoln 3-phase at Ireland farms In Lincoln.

After a memorable start with our truck, we headed out from the farm. Bry Clawson, Amy Molinaro, Chelsie Oldfield, Ashley Shaffer and Jolene Clawson, Brenda Oldfield, Kim Shaffer and I were on our way!

We had a great day in Lincoln, the weather was really nice and the farm has a beautiful view of Mt. Katahdin. Maddy Kelly, Sadie Zambrano, Sarah Kelly, Michelle Zambrano and Jen Cole who was hanging out for the day went up together and we saw them up there. Courtney and Annie Edgerly were there to cheer everyone on too!

We all made it through all three phases and everyone did well! The results for MeCTA are in the Horses Maine, we all placed well and the ponies were fantastic! Good job everyone!

 Sami-Jo Brawn has a new horse, Fannie Mae. She is a cute QH mare and they will be getting to know her here at the farm.  

Chelsie and Scrappy, who Chelsie is half-leasing, are doing great! She and he are coming along fast. Chelsie is starting her lateral work and she is a nice tactful rider, they are a great team.

Jenna Jones has been coming out faithfully and riding Aria. Jenna is Arias "new person". Jenna is a nice quiet rider with subtle aids; she and Aria is a good match.  

 Angie's students are coming along. I was watching Abby Ogan and Shayla ride and, Gee I remember when they were learning to post the trot, now they are starting to work on Canter. Wow! Cassie Curtis, Ali Conroy, Kylie Sands and Jen Drew were working on their canter work also, the kids are starting to learn contact and keeping their horses together. They are learning a lot and applying it.

 Michaela Hayes, Jessica Curtain, Emily and Lauren Taylor I have seen too at the barn riding and having fun while learning.

Becca White has two horses in for training right now, Atlas a Gypsy Cob and Speedy, a QH Cross. She is getting quite a following. Josee her other horse in training has gone home after three months of work and Abby, Eva's' Horse, she had in for training, will be going home this weekend.

Jessie the QH I had in for training has gone home as has Sadie and Star Bright. Right now I have Navarre, Marie Stupacewiczs horse who is a nice little Mustang. He looks a lot like Scrappy.

Lynn Robinson, who takes a weekly lesson with us, has brought her horse Gaelic in for a week of refresher with Katie and me. She is doing a nice job with him and he is a quick learner.  

We have November Camp and a schooling dressage show the last week of November. There is a sign up at the farm for camp and show as well as the younger students will be getting a mailing from Angie.

Remember, our holiday party December 10th we will be having a sign up for food and a Yankee Swap so for each child and Adult coming bring a gift priced no higher then $5.00.

Hank and I are coming along. He is starting to settle in more and we are starting to communicate more. I hadn't had time to ride him as much as I'd like this summer so now that we are starting to settle into fall we are really concentrating on our riding.

We have so many other students, haven't gotten to write about so Angie and I are going to spot light different students every month.

There are (2) Year End Awards/dinners on the same date. NCRC and MeCTA are having their dinners on November 17th. I will be going to the MeCTA dinner as I'm an Area Rep, so any one wanting to go down with me let me know.   Wish I could go to NCRC too, they are a fun group!

I hope everyone is doing well; we appreciate all of you and want to thank everyone who rides with us.
Talk soon! Gail

Monday, October 09, 2006
Greetings Everyone!

All is great at the farm and have been busy going through our 2nd summer with the indoor and the expansion of the farm. Going into our third winter here with the the business we are learning and meeting new people and gaining insight into what direction we want to go toward and explore. WE have a new instructor, Katie Giles-Bragdon who brings her own training /teaching facet to the farm. Katie is a local woman who has this "grass Roots" following of people that are happy that she teaching out of our facility.  

Our Frost on the Pumpkin 2-phase was great and positive! I could see how accurate the students were from last year (the first generation then and now) rode and feel that they will do well in their riding experiences.  Thanks for everyone that helped! 

 WE have had this crazy influx of students1/2 leasing horses or purchasing horses and keeping them here at the farm.  

Chelsie Oldfield and Scrappy, AKA Obvious intentions, is one of our half lease ponies and client combos. Scrappy came to our farm very green but so cute we knew he would fit somewhere in our program.

Rebecca White, Dy Gillespie, Bry Clawson and myself would get on and school him when ever we would get the chance the first year we had our farm going. Scrappy showed tons of potential but he had a lack of trust and was VERY forward. Dy Gillespie, at the time, was looking for a pony to take to Pony Club National Games and I lent her Scrappy. Dy and Scrappy did well together in their time in Kentucky and Scrappy stayed afterward at Windy Hill Farm in Guilford. Dy would work with Scrappy getting him soft and round and brought him a long way.

Abi Ruksznis was looking for a temporary horse until she found something that she could take further. Thus Scrappy came into her life. Abi LOVED Scrappy and while she boarded him at our farm she was such a dedicated rider and gave Scrappy more experience and when you saw them together you knew Abi really cared for and trusted Scrappy.

When Scrappy came back to us, I knew that the welfare of Scrappy was bigger then us all. Scrappy needed a rider that he could teach and that could teach him further. Chelsea had been with us riding steady for about six months. Chelsea was dedicated and had the right personality.  She and Scrappy have been having the" getting to know you year" showing and eventing locally. Chelsea and Scrappy are looking confident and doing great, we will see and hear much more about this year already, but by next year too!  

 Amy Molinaro has been leasing Woodie, one of our original horses here at the farm. Amy is doing so well with a very sensitive horse and hope to see her next year by the end of her senior year at FA having fun with Woodie at the local and NE level.

 Ali Conroy has made Toby a Cooler, she loves him! Jen Drew has made Woodie polo wraps. They are Tie-Dyed  and are really cool!

Becca Bourgoines' Mom and Dad bought Baby! Baby was a QH mare sent in for training from Amanda Bubar. This was the mare I wanted Mo to start under saddle and I would assist her with this mare. From the get go I thought and had said "Hey Mo you have such a nice mare to back under saddle." Mo did a GREAT job and learned alot from Baby too. After Mo left, I bought the mare from the owner who had continues to take lessons at the farm but didn't feel she had time to spend with this mare. The former owner continued lessons but could only ride once a week.  I was looking for someone to work this special mare that I had shown locally and done well. (I was actually thinking of bringing her along myself), the student I asked was Becca Bourgoine. She was ecstatic!   Long story short is that they now are proud owners of Baby and have done well at local shows and are on their way to first level. 

Tajia Arno now owns Pippen!  Tajia is so much fun it's good to see her now at the farm riding her new horse.

Jen Cole had been out riding her pony Lucky. Amanda Snow has been Leasing and showing Him this summer and doing really well!

Morgan King loves Belle our little white mare that Laura Sanborn had given us with Sgt. Pepper . The Kings's are buying Belle and she is a very nice pony! Kristen Wallace has her Horse Kansas here. We welcome back Kristen from adult riding night from a year ago.  

Byr McKinley will be leasing Euro (AKA Baba) she has done well at the local shows. Bry is deciding her "Major" with Baba. Ie: dressage or Eventing.  

Sam Perry is doing well with Splash. I think its so much more fulfilling to take a tough horse and make it good then to take a horse with nice breeding and make it mediocre. Sam will do make this horse the best it can be.

Ashley Shaffer and Dixie and Maddy Kelly and Hunter, are home for the month they will be back next month.  

Sarah Hanscome is doing well with Velvet, Sarah "Sparky" Stewart had a beautiful wedding and will be back riding after next week.  

Amanda Snow is still leasing Lucky and is now jumping 2ft safely. Her younger sister Lizzie (who is 5) is riding the intro B test by her self!     

Bry Clawson has gotten a job locally working with horses at a private stable and she is doing well. In one sense I will miss her at the barn, but I am also very proud that one of my students is working in the horse field and that the clients are happy with her and think she rides correctly and does a good job.

Courtney Edgerly is doing well with her new horse Hot Shot. She is very excited with him and he is a pro jumping. THey are a great match and we are looking forward to see them competing in the future. Go Courtney!  

 We also have another student Kellie Wilson that rides "Molly J" (T-Rexs 1/2 sister), a clients horse. Owner Sue Jackson. feels she does a great job with a tough horse and does well too.

The drill team was invited to perform in Skowhegan for the Special Olympics. They did an awesome job and were invited to go again next year. A big thanks to Michelle and all the parents that put the time and effort into the drill team.  We are going to spot light students every month on their accomplishments and how welcome they feel at Infinity Farm. Our students work hard are dedicated and it is the tired and TRUE classical method of dressage and/or riding for relaxation, we welcome all and want to share the Infinity farm experience.

This year is the year of teaching our students to correctly ride all different types of horses and have them able to ride a wide variety of horses whether they had trained these horses or not.   

Will write when we get back from Vacation! Chris and Gail

Thursday, August 31, 2006
Hi Everyone,
Wow summer is over and it FLEW by! In the past I had sent out our update letters to individuals as well as to Judy for the website but our e-mail list has grown lots and I have some e-mail addresses on our list that had changed, so anyway to make a long story short I am sending the updates to Judy to put on! Thanks Judy!

What a summer we had! There were lots of camps, met tons of nice young riders and parents as well as adult riders. We showed a lot locally and that was really a ton of fun! The students showed great sportsmanship behavior and did well as well as enjoying themselves (which is most important)!

The school horses all get extra carrots and massages from Bonnie Shorey, they all pulled their own weight and were so good! We really do have nice lessons horses!

I want to introduce our newest instructor to our porgram, Katie Giles. Katie a very nice natural rider who had been working locally in the equine field prior to us, is a really nice addition to the farm. She has western as well as English experience and training horse experience too. We will have an update on our staff site and let you read all about her.

We've had some nice horses come in for training as well as some ones that were here prior that the owners would like tuned up. One of the horses, Dancer, Lynn Mckusick's horse is for sale. He is Black and White Paint QH type, really nice and started under saddle nicely. If anyone is intersested please call me and I will send the info on to Lynn.

Also Pippen is still for sale! His $$$ has gone down somewhat and we (the Bensons and myself! ) would like a nice home for him.

Sorry to anyone that I hadn't e-mailed to lately . My e-mail had changed and about a dozen people had mentioned they had e-mailed me but I hadn't gotten those messages, Sorry!!

Our frost on the pumpkin 2-phase is coming up, remember to talk with your instructor about it. So I hope eveyone is well and life is going smoothly talk soon!

Chris, Gail , Mike and Matt
All the barn workers and working students did such a great job this Sunmmer so thank you to you all!

A word from Michelle Zambrano:
Monday, July 24, 2006
To the Drill Team & families: I just want to let everyone know what a great job you did at the parade in Milo! The riders & horses looked awesome & the crowd loved them! The drill demonstrations were great and you all should be proud of yourselves! Riding drill is really hard and you guys make it look easy! We were even asked to come back to Milo for the Memorial Day parade next May! So we'll have to work on some more patriotic drills for that!

Also, Thank-you to all the parents who helped decorate the float, trailer many horses (DAN THE MAN!) and just for being there to assist in whatever was needed. We could not have done it without you. The float looked awesome! Thanks to Angie for providing the float & driving! OH! we can't forget the most important part! The pooper scoopers! Thank you so much! The residents of Milo really appreciate your work!

And I can't forget to thank Gail for the generous use of her facility & horses to do drill team. it could not happen without her!

The Drill Team is a great bunch of kids (AND HORSES) and I'm having a fun time working with you all! Don't forget the next Drill date is Wednesday August 2 4:30 - 6:00 See you then!

Wednesday, June 07, 2006
Hi Everyone,
I hope all is going well with the school year ending soon. I'm writing to get caught up on activities we are having at the farm and some reminders and ideas that we want to pass by everyone.

 We are having camp the last week in June. I have had some students mention they were interested but haven't signed up yet. We would like a final count as soon as we can, and we will be taking a maximum so please let us know ahead of time!  

 I'm thinking of adding an extra trail ride or two over the summer. One of the days may be a camp day. I would like input on this on if anyone is particularly interested. The one during camp will probably be the Friday of camp. We will have two trail rides that day a shorter one for the less experienced students and a longer one for the more experienced students. There will be adult supervision on the trail and at the farm while the trail rides are occurring.   

Aug 12th thru 15th (Sat thru Tues) we will be adding an Eventing Camp for experienced students who on the 17th will be competing in our Infinity Farm MeCTA 2-phase at the Dover Fairgrounds. This Camp needs to be approved by your instructor to attend.     

I also will be putting up sign ups at the farm for up coming shows. There will be a limit to how many can attend. There also maybe two students sharing a horse. The students will be of different levels.   

Thursday June 15th we are having another working student seminar. We have 7 students interested now, adult as well as under 18. To find out more information please contact your instructor.   

Judy Westlake will be coming to the farm through out the summer. She is a USDF certified instructor and is very knowledgeable and really amazing. You can find out more about her on JudyWestlake.com. I've ridden with her for about 4 or 5 years now (when I can), and I will say, when at the instructors workshop I had attended, I had many people in the auditors section comment to me that they were impressed with how I had taught. I really feel that Judy's instruction had been a direct result of that. (Oh Gosh Mary too, but that will be another letter!)  

Hey… the 2-phase went great! No one fell off, no one got teary eyed (except me, I think it was the pas de duex), that I noticed, and the weather held out. 

Some of the students did a Drill Team demo and Ashley and Harley did a Pas De Duex, as well as Sadie and Becca B! 

The turn out was great, and its the families and students that we thank for that.

Thanks for Angie for all the organizing that she did and Mo for supporting her students and helping out and a special thanks for all the parents that helped out.

I don't know if everyone realized that there was food up the hill at the house, so next 2-phase we will plan that part differently.

The photo woman, Chris Lovejoy (maiden name: Christine Emmanuel) did a great job and I think her pictures sold well. I have her business cards and can get you her e-mail address if anyone would like to look at photos. (By the way, through idle chat, we realized that we grew up in the same town, Newton Mass. miles from each other and I knew two of her brothers. (One of whom dated a friend of mine, small world!)

Also Dottie who owns Million was there selling her handmade saddle pads and coolers etc. Dottie, who is also from Mass, is still getting settled in and will have for sale different horses' clothing and such. She will be going to the NCRC shows selling her stuff as well.

Remember, we love input and hope that anyone that has ??? or suggestions will please let me know. Our next home show is October 1st, so mark it your calendars (for students only).  

Drill team is going awesome! Michelle and Michelle are doing a great job! We now have two sponsors; Foxcroft Vet and BDS Waste and each gave generous contributions so that the drill team can go to parades and local outings, but have matching clothing. The students are learning a new drill and I admire the stick- to- it-ness that they have about getting the routine down and attending the practices. Michelle has left a copy of the summer schedule in the tack room for all that didn't make it this Sunday June 4th.      

We have a new mare that will be coming to the barn soon. I was given a really sweet mare and her foal. I found an awesome home for the foal (whose name is Sergeant Pepper), with Abby Orepeza. The mare right now is down the road at the Molinaro's in the field gaining weight and being weaned from the foal. I hope she (whose name now is Belle) works out.     

When you come out to the farm you will notice Hershey, a 3 yr old paint mare that is Monica Demers (those of you who attend Thursday night adult group will know Monica). She is boarding here, with Jenn Cadieux helping Monica out with Hershey's training.    

Also at the farm is Amanda Bubar (she too you would remember from Thursday night Adult group) horse Baby, and she is doing very well….As is Val Philpot's Gelding Jack, the one in Lees paddock, that everyone comments on.  Both horses are walk, trot, cantering, soft thru their topline and have both been down the road. The owners are also riding them and doing well. We do have waiting list for horses coming onto the farm for training, horses keep coming in and staying!      

Sammy Perry's horse Splash is doing very well. Splash came to us from the auction where her dad couldn't pass up a bargain (or so I'm saying!). His ground manners were awesome, so much so that I felt I could just hop on the awesome horse. Well, after he crow hopped me off, (really I thought he would be cool!) I worked him through that and got on him again but now with a different light. So now we had a horse that we didn't know how he would work out and me worrying about Sam's safety. So I talked with Sammy and she started working with her horse with me helping her out. Now with help from another working student too (thanks Harley) Sammy had her first walk trot on her OWN horse within the month. (The month is what I gave it that Sammy could ride her horse or we were going to start again and find another suitable mount). It looks like with time they will be on their way to being an awesome pair. I REALLY hope it works out for them; Sam has put in 110%. And if it does work out, Ron, Sammy's Dad, will feel pretty good about his buy!  

Raisin is at the Kelly's and Maddy is having a blast with her! I'm happy about this because I was struggling with where Raisin could fit into our program. This option was a win- win situation… Maddy is happy with Raisin and Raisin has a good, safe place to stay.  

The working student program is in full swing and we have such good kids at the farm that is working out well. We have more Students signing up and the kids are learning tons about commitment responsibility and such. When you see all the young students as they grow and mature it truly is amazing. Yeah, yeah sometimes we have to keep it all in line, but hey its like watching any young, checking out new things, challenging themselves, challenging me (or more so the other adult helpers at the farm!), checking out boundaries, coming through and showing how they care for the animals....

The adults that work at the farm (Angie, Tina, Mo, Kim, Kelsey, Chris, Lori, Kellie, Bonnie, myself) at the farm are super great about making sure the students behave accordingly.

 We are worming this month so I need to know from boarders, who wants to use our wormer (this batch is $5.00 ) or give us their own to worm. Let me know as I need to go paddock to paddock.  

Now the sad news: Maureen “Mo” Brown, Colleen, Eli, Petey and Turtle are moving to Vermont. She has a great opportunity in Vermont on a therapeutic riding farm. It sounds really like the absolute perfect situation for her and she is doing the right thing by going. I don't want to say that, but it is the truth. Her last day will be June 13th, Tuesday.  We will be having a going away party for her June 11th, Sunday at 400. Everyone is welcome to come as say their good byes. If you can't make it, let me know I will get her address for you if you would like to send a card. We will miss her!  

 This summer Angie and myself will continue with lessons along with Bryanne Clawson. We are filling and teaching dates that Angie or myself need. Bryanne as you all know is a long time student of mine and is capable of meeting student's needs. She will also be helping out with camps.    

 Kim Shaffer will also be helping out with Girl Scouts, 4-H and Conservation Camps, as well as going to shows and helping out. Kim is a great "Show Mom"!  The Shaffer family has had horses of their own and runs a rescue operation from their farm, Second Glance Farm, in Milo. Kim is a long time rider, her daughter Ashley has helped with training Fever through her lessons, and is now training her own pony Dixie through lessons at the farm.       

Chris has been doing some bulldozing setting up for some extra paddock space. Once the weather settles we will start to build a road from the farm to the gravel pit.  

We have 5 Canadian Geese hanging out at the pond the last couple of days .They are so pretty and while taking four students down the road, we named them after the people on the trail ride. I don't feel they will stay long, but it was nice to be a kind of feathered motel for them!     

Jethro is as big as he can be for us, and we have a new kitten, Puzzle, he is oh so cute! Really a love!

Soooo Carol T….   I hope this keeps you up to date! HaHa… HI Mom, all is well! Thanks everyone. Hope to see you at the farm,   

Talk soon, Chris, Gail, Mike and Matt and all the animals~

Monday, April 10, 2006
Hi All,
We had sent out an e-mail of having a clean up day on the 14th in preparation for the 2-phase May 21st...

What I didn't realize is that it is Moms Day and everyone needs to be pampering their Moms that day. SO I was thinking of anyone who would like to come Saturday and help clean up and paint that day, it would be greatly appreciated, lunch on us.

I would need to know by Friday PM who is coming so we can make arrangements. This is also a reminder to get your forms in, we have some at the barn.  

Other notes around the barn are; the instructor workshop went really well. It served as a great motivator and I learned a lot of different techniques that can be brought back to the students. I felt really good about the weekend and love to share the knowledge!  

The Jumper show this last Sunday was A BLAST! The kids did so well and were supportive, responsible, held their own out on the jump course and were in their element.  They really spent a lot of time preparing and practicing and it showed.  

Angie has put a calendar for the next few months of what is going on around the community regarding horse shows, etc. I will have sign up sheets for different shows that kids can sign up for. We will be trying to have diverse opportunities of shows to go to, so the kids can try out different areas of riding.  

Camps are already filling up so please check our websites and let us know when your child will be attending. Also the over night camp is starting to fill up too, this will be a fun one. Participants should be 10 yrs and older and solid WT. If you aren't sure whether this would be a camp for your child, please talk with your instructor.  

See you all around the farm! Gail

Monday, April 10, 2006
Hi All,
Hope everyone is enjoying the peeks of warmer weather we are having. I want to let everyone know of the up coming events so that you can prepare for them with your instructor.  

April 17 to the 21st is the Spring 2-phase camp. The emphasis will be for the 2-phase we have for students at the farm in May, but all are invited. Angie and Gail will be running the camps. The cost is $55 per day, $250 for the week. Students ride 2xs a day with lunch and either crafts or horse management in between. Camp is filling up so PLEASE let us know ahead of time and a deposit is preferable. (There will be a GS camp too this week, separate from our camp for anyone wondering)  

April 23rd MARYS COMING! YAY! We are having another clinic with Mary Guenzel. The format will be the same as her last clinic with Jumping in the AM, in groups. Privates and semi privates will be in the afternoon. We invite anyone to come we have horses here to ride. If they don't take lessons currently at the barn there is a $10 fee for the use of a horse. People from outside the barn wishing to come with their horse (or pony) are welcome; there is a 5 box stall fee if they wish to use a stall. The fees are following  

•  1 1/2 hour group jumping's (2'6" and up or 2'3"and lower) $35  
•  1 hour semi-privates (we can hook you up with another rider if possible @ the same riding level) $35
•  1 hour privates are $45

I will be away at an USDF instuctor workshop. Depending on if Angie and or Mo are going too, we will be having lessons as usual with one of these instructors or another instructor, TBA.      

May 7th s the Foxcroft Pony Club Jumper show at the Dover-Foxcroft Fairgrounds. Any student that can jump an 18" course is welcome to sign up. If you are not sure whether this is a show for you or your child, talk with your instructor. This is a super fun show, and for the 18" courses, everyone with a clear round gets a blue ribbon! 

We currently are offering to take 6 students over to the Dover-Foxcroft fairgrounds. There is a sign up and an alternate waiting list for students who don't make the first 6 but if someone can't go or if we can get more trailering then they can still sign up with hopes to attend. If not we strongly suggest that students come and watch and support other riders (and help out too if they like, its fun!). Riders need not have a horse, we have horses to use at a $10 fee with trailering/coaching for $15 for each rider, whether they share a horse or not.  There is a separate fee for each class at the show, details are @ the barn and sign up is there too.  

May 13th a Spring Cleanup Day at the farm. We will be painting jumps and cleaning the grounds. For all participating we will have in the afternoon horseback games and lunch! We need to know ahead of time who can attend so we can make plans.(this includes all family members and friends, minors need to get a release form if their folks haven't signed one yet if they want want to attend and help!) There will be a sign up at the farm.

May 20th is a TROT equitation show in Garland. Although its the day before the 2-phase we may go and do a little showing if time permits. Talk with your instructor and we will hopefully be able to make a showing.    

May 21st The Spring Fling 2-phase! Mark your calendars! All are welcome and we will have entry forms either mailed out or at the farm. Let us know if you are interested so we can get you going on what dressage test are needed and jumping lessons to get students goals set. The fee is $25 if you use your own horse, $30 for a use of one of our school horses.  

June 18th there are 2 choices I believe, either the Garland 2-phase or quadrille parade. Let your instructor which you would like to attend and we will plan accordingly.  

There will be more shows and clinic going on for the rest of the summer and Mary will probably be here some time during May. I will forward the information and there will be information at the barn.  

Quadrille  has been going on thru out the winter and now spring. It is Tons of fun and Michelle Zambrano and Michelle Cole have really done a great job coordinating everything. The Tunics (?) that Michelle Z had made are awesome and we are so grateful that she instructs the Quadrille. In the past Quadrille meetings Michelle had set up riders with each other to set up routines. We need to follow up from the students on how this is going and where they need help and guidance. If students that want to ride a program with their "buddy", then that is fine ask your instructor when a good time would be, they use a school horse it would considered a practice ride and would be a $15 fee.  

We do have school horses still available for 1/2 lease, let us know if you or your child is interested.  

 There will be also a 4-H camp over the summer and a Guilford educational camp which I will get in touch with all about.   

Whew! I hope I covered it all, I will be talking with Michelle Z and C and find out what they would like to suggest for Quadrille and get back to you all with the specs.  

Our e-mail address has changed. As of March 28th it's either, Gail@infinityfarm.us (use this one please) or duka@widblue.net. If you have e-mailed us and have not received a reply we probably haven't gotten your message (which is very important to us) please make a note and hope to hear from you.  

Personal stuff:
Angie and Scott's baby Dylan, is oh SO cute and goes out to lunch with us already! (She is a natural in the social scene!)

Eva and Mark's baby Mazie is such cutie pie and a SOLID baby!  She has the Peach family genes and at a month old can pick up her head! OOOh thinking back when Eva would say how much the baby moved around, I think she was doing stomach crunches! 

Maureen's kids crack me up too. The day I got back from Florida, Colleen cried when she found out we were home and she had to go to the barn to see us! (Oh, that is too sweet! Waah! )   

 Again I so appreciate all your support and everything went so well when Chris and I were away. The support was great! (I think I'm looking forward to our next vacation knowing that our friends will keep the "bigger then us all" barn going!) You all are too great! 
Thanks everyone, yeah you! See you at Infinity Farm! Chris and Gail 

Monday, March 20, 2006
Hi Everybody,
I am sending out a note to clarify that I will be gone from the 28th of March to the 5th of April.

Also with spring starting up and more people out and riding and with different clinicians coming to the barn I want to remind every one of our barn etiquette regarding being nice to other riders.

If you question a trainer /clinicians methods that come to the barn or are at the barn you have two options:
1: to question the clinician directly ask why they train the way they do or 
2: think "Hey that doesn't work for me" and quietly ride how you've been riding.

We encourage any student and family that hears' of a clinician that is coming to the barn to come and at least audit. Usually there is no fee, and we want our students to get a broad perspective of what is going on the "riding world" and to keep an open mind. The clinicians are more then willing to discuss methods and different approaches and can be very knowledgeable. What a great opportunity for a barn to have!   

Although it will be short notice, the drill team is having a "demo" Sunday march 19th (today for most of us ) at 12:00. Come down and check it out. The Drill team members are to meet at 11:00 to get ready and will have an un-mounted portion afterward the demo.

The Ernst's have sold Sadie to a super nice woman is Dixmont, we wish her and Sadie the best!

Also Charmy, Christine Empy's horse who has been here for training, went on her first trail ride and did so well she will be a trail blazer soon!  

Have a good week everyone and remember if any one has any questions suggestions or concerns to let us know we want this barn for all and appreciate your patronage!
Talk soon! Gail

Thursday, March 16, 2006
Hi everyone… I just want to give you all an update.
This weekend we had to reschedule Mary but the drill team demo will still go on. All participants should be at the barn by 11 AM Sunday.   

 I will be on vacation in Florida seeing my folks catching up with Judy Westlake and Judy Lennihan who has her horse Herbie down there for training. Angie and Mo will take over lessons and Becca White will be at the house, along with Kelsey.

Telephone Numbers if needed:
• Angie 564-7104
• Mo 717-4749
• Beccas 343-0229

APRIL CAMP: In April we are having camp Monday thru Thursday. the week will be spent preparing for the 2-phase May 21st.

USDF: At the end of April I and maybe Angie and Mo will be at a USDF (United States Dressage Federation) instructor workshop. We will keep you all up to date on how the lessons that weekend will pan out.  

OPENINGS IN ADULT CLINICApril 9th we have the adult clinic. We have 2 slots left and encourage any one thinking about it, so now is the time to sign up. Some of the topics will be mounted lessons learning about the seat and balance also horse conformation and movement. Due to popularity we will also be going over tack and equipment. Angie's awesome food will be served for lunch. ALL levels are welcome; we will split adults up accordingly.    

WORKING STUDENTS:I'm also trying to get more kids together on working student program and am going to hand out a sheet on which days we would like working students to be at the barn and dates that students are available to work. Remember as long as they keep their once weekly lesson they can earn another working student lesson every week.  

NEW HORSES: We have another new horse for the lesson program, a seasoned Thoroughbred named Tobey. He really knows his stuff and for the student ready to step up he is very well schooled and can teach the rider a lot. I'm pretty excited about having him; we think he will bring a lot to the program.  

ANYONE LOOKING FOR A HORSE? Gini Ernst has some horses for sale/lease. One is a spotted walker, forward, good on trails. Sadie a great game horse, super sweet will go English/Western and trail ride. I got a call the other day of a horse 15 hand QH gelding, bay, 9yrs old certified therapy horse WTC very sane, trail rides $2000. He sounds great; I wish I could check him out for our school!

BABY UPDATE: Angie's baby is super cute, she already been going out to lunch with the girls!  Eva had her baby, 9lbs 4 ounces! She is doing well, getting settled. Mo's kids are well and they are starting to ride again now that the warmer weather is here.

SOLD: Alexis was bought by Tina Wellman and her name is now Trixie!

Monday, February 06, 2006
Something else new that we should have mentioned at the barn meeting as over looked.....

We are going to ask that all boarders who feed more than one supplement make up baggies of said supplements (with the exception of liquid supplements) and store them in a box on the shelf in the grain room with their horses name and instructions on it for convenient feeding. The multiple buckets of individual supplements are taking up too much space and measuring out everything is becoming very time consuming at feeding time. We will let you know when you have one weeks worth of prepared baggies left so that you can prepare more. Please take buckets of supplements home and prepare form there. We want to ensure every horse gets what they need when they need to get it and this is our solution. Please take care of this as soon as possible.

Thank-you,
Infinity Farm Staff.

Tuesday, January 31, 2006
HI Everyone,
Just a note to thank everyone who were able to come to our barn meeting and get up to date on what is happening at the barn and let all know of our schedule and plans this year. If you couldn't make it, we have the hand outs and can go over them with you and your families (this is per request for families/individuals that couldn't make it).

Also want to welcome our two new lessons horses, Karisma and Corky. Karisma is quickly becoming a favorite of the lesson program, he is very sweet and Corky who Chris had picked up just today (Chris left at 12:00 today and didn't get back here at the barn until 9:00 tonight!).

Corky is a very nice horse and after riding him briefly tonight feel that he will be a great asset to the lesson program. He is quiet and has showing experience. He looks like he could be Pretzels brother.

Lee is also doing very well he has gained a lot of weight and as we have found VERY well trained, a real diamond in the rough. The students have been riding him in lessons and he really knows his stuff. We hope to purchase two more horses to round out our program and will fill you in when they arrive.

The baby shower was alot of fun! It was relaxing and a good time. Angie and Eva loved and appreciated their gifts, we wish them the best!

Again I want to thank everyone for riding and having their horses stay with us. The last three years have been such an adventure, I know I’ve learned alot running a business and am learning what has worked well and what I need to improve on. So Thank you for all your support and we hope that this year will be as good as the past, and really want your experiences to be as fun and a positive learning experience for all.

Drill team Feb 19th will be meeting later due to Mary Guenzel lessons (jumping/dressage). Mary is great for another "eyes on the ground” lesson and I encourage all the students to take a lesson with her. We will be offering a group 1 1/2 hour lesson for 3-4 students for $40 per lesson. Mary’s lesson tend to fill up quick, so if you are interested please let your instructor or myself know. Private and semi private lessons will also be available.

Carol Poulin-Taylor (dressage instructor) will be the following Sunday; so let Stacia or myself know if you interested in riding with her.

Remember, our goal is to have YOU and YOUR family enjoy your time at the barn and welcome any constructive comments and /or suggestions!

See you at the barn!
Gail, Chris, Mike, Matt, Angie and Mo.

Friday, December 16, 2005
Hi everyone,
I wanted to say thanks to everyone who came to the Christmas party and to thank everyone who had chipped in for our new coming sound system! It was a fun day we missed those of you who couldn't make it. The food was great and the adult Yankee swap was pretty funny! Travis had hayrides going too which were very popular; the wagon was loaded with people every time he went out! Thanks Travis!

We will be having a camp day Thursday, December 29th. Camp will run from 9-4 with riding, lunch, snacks and a craft. Please e-mail me if you are interested and remember to have the kids dress warmly and bring a sled if there is enough snow. We will either sled here or by the old Shamrock Farm, on rte 15. It is $55 for the day.

We won't be having lessons Christmas Eve but students are still welcome to come and ride. Practice rides are available that day as I will be at the barn all day.

I had forwarded the drill team information previously, if you could let me know who is interested in going on those days, it will help with assigning horses. If students want to come earlier then the drill team time, let me know also, as again I will be at the barn all day those both days.

I hope everyone is enjoying the holiday season and look forward to seeing you all at the farm! Happy Holidays!
Chris, Gail, Matt and Mike

Monday, November 07, 2005
Hi All,
What to send out reminders about the Holiday party Dec. 4th and about the Quadrille/ drill team that Michelle Zambrano and Michelle Cole are setting up. Please sign your name, at the board. If you don't make it every week that is fine!!! 

 So the holiday potluck party is Dec 4th from 1 to 4. Travis will be having hayrides, and this year we will be having a Yankee swap for adults' and students. If anyone can bring something $10 or under for as many students and adults that will be attending that would be good. I will have extra gifts @the barn too let me know ahead of time if you can provide so much and I will take care of the over flow for the kids and adults.  Dianne may bring her mini out for trail rides.

In November, Thanksgiving, we will have a day camp on Friday. Anyone interested? If your child hasn't completed the basic barn care rules and wants to be a working student then call Mo at 717-4749. Hope everyone stays dry! G 

Dec 11th Mary Guenzel is coming back to the barn. I would like to offer any student a lesson with her. We are going to offer so any of the younger students $40 for and hour and a half group lesson in jumping or flat work. If you think your child may be interested or if you need more info please contact your instructor or myself for more info. Space will be limited so it's ASAP type of request.

For those of you who have been out to the Barn, you will notice that the new horses that were supposed to be neighbors next to the Foxcroft Vets are here. Chris doesn't know yet. We have TB (Named Lee) and the Dark gray paint Max.

 I really don't think Chris realizes that they are here and I am not the one to spill the beans. So SSSHHHH  

Also Hi to everyone at the Mecta Banquet that we missed.

Monday, October 24, 2005
Hi Everybody,
I want to thank everyone who came and either participated and/ or watch the 2-phase last week. We had a record amount of entries and are so happy with the turn out of families that came and spent the day at the farm. We had from the age of six, Emily Taylor, up to our seasoned participant Joan Shapleigh, who retired last year from CHCS and has been spending the last year doing enjoying her retirement being extremely active riding at the farm as well as other sport activities!

Elisha Harvey did a great job judging all the participants with her mom Laurie scribing.

The Cup and Easel sold great food and Irene Thomas of Foxcroft Tack and Trader set up shop. Mike and Matt and (the "other" son) Kyle were manning the used tack shop, which sold quite a few items that clients brought in.

A BIG thank you to everyone else that helped for the 2-phase. The Cole family, Kim Shaffer, Mo Brown, Sarah Hanscome, Sarah Stewart, Tina Wellman, all the working students and any who I happen to miss. Thank you especially Angie Coy who did an out standing job keeping everything so organized.

At the last minute (Friday prior to the 2-phase) a group of students opted to put on a "half time" show to music. They did a good job considering they only practiced once! The weather could have been worse. It could have snowed! Thank you again to everyone for your patience and participation.

We have a new lesson horse here, Blue. Blue is a New Hampshire boy from a friend of mine down that way. Check him out when you come.

I want to let everyone know about a sign up we have at the barn for "Quadrilles". A Quadrille is similar to a drill team, where a group of riders perform riding movements to music. We will be offering this 2 Sundays per month. Michelle Zambrano and Michelle Cole will be organizing these sessions. Everyone is welcome to sign up. There is a $5 fee per student and if a lesson horse is to be used a $5 fee for the use. There are various avenues that we can go with the Quadrilles. There are Quadrille competitions in the area that students can go to. The students can also provide entertainment at local shows or town events. Also we can have families come and watch Quadrille performances at the farm. Please look for this sign up when you come to the barn. There is lots of learning and tons of fun that the students have. THIS IS OPEN TO ALL.

Mary Guenzel is coming Nov 6th Sunday. Mary is an awesome instructor who we have worked with in the past who will come through out the winter. Mary has her BHSI (British Horses Society Institute) license and has much experience in the horse world. Her down to earth and positive approach to students, as well as her vast knowledge, makes Mary a popular instructor. Even if you opt not to take lesson, we encourage you to stop by and say Hello that day. If you would like more information, talk with your instructor.

If there is anything in particular you would like to see and/or happen at the farm please let us know. We want you all to enjoy our facility and welcome any suggestions/comments.

So again thank you for your enthusiasm and we hope to see you all at the farm!
Gail, Chris, Matt and Mike

Monday, September 23, 2005
Hi Everyone,
Hope you all are enjoying the great weather we've been having.

On Saturday, October 8th we are having an “all working student day” with a group ride in the afternoon. The group is open to all that have completed to horses management clinic. (We will be conducting another clinic soon in the future and will have the details at a later date.) 

I'm also having a meeting on the 2-PHASE the same day Oct. 8th. This is a great time to come and talk about any questions you may have about the 2-phase. If you have done our show in the past it would be good to come anyway. This way you can get a refresher and make sure we are all on the same page. Tips on what the day will be like, what to wear, how it will be when sharing horses and have a GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP talk! Also a competitive spirit is great, but make sure that it all stays in good fun.  SO… working students should be at the barn at 8AM and or all other students the meeting will be held at 2 PM with the working student group lesson to follow directly.   

On Saturday, October 15th will be another all working student day starting at 8 AM with a working student group lesson that day too. For all others that would like to prepare their horse/pony for the next day or get an extra lesson in, please talk with your instructor and plan the day.  

Thanks everyone and hope to see you all at the barn!
Gail

Friday, September 23, 2005
Hi Everyone,
Just a reminder Angie is having her Columbus Day camp, Monday Oct 10th. This really is a fun one that the kids always like. Not only do the kids ride, also there is pumpkin carving, cookie decorating, pumpkin seed baking and arts and crafts. It is $60 for the day and lunch and snacks are included. Everything is included, just let Angie, Mo or I know ahead of time and we will take care of the rest.

Ooh, also a reminder about the 2-phase to get entries in and I think the weekend before we will be having extra group lesson time for students who would like to get extra practice time in.

There is new footing in the outdoor arena and we have some new paddocks going around the back of the barn. Hopefully they will be complete and ready by the 2-phase on the 16th of October. The Cup and Easel will be there again and hopefully we can have a tack booth too!

Oh yes, this would be a great day to have a table with clothes, boots etc that people would like to sell. We will have a table and let me know ahead of time if you are bringing anything. Please label on the item what the item is your name and asking price. Also anything else you want to put on the article. When the article sells, we will pull the tag and have the info and $ for you. So go through your barn and closets!
Talk soon! Gail

Monday, September 12, 2005
Hi Everyone,
How is back to school going? It seems like everything is going smooth then, boom, and another change. We had a great weekend; the weather was super and had a lot of fun at the Garland Days show.  It was about 80% Infinity Farm people and 20% other local kids. Everyone did well and the sportsmanship and camaraderie were good to see.

This was our 2nd year getting out and about with students, and I want to make sure that everyone knows for next year where the shows will be. I want to remind parents that we have a sign up sheet (on one of the white boards) as to where and when the shows are and what is available. We had started this last summer and want to make sure everyone knows for next year.

I want to say THANK-YOU" to Kim Haffer and her husband Wayne for helping out all day. They are really with what is going on.

The 2-phase is coming up and I want to see who has or haven't gotten info on this. Angie has updated her list of addresses but if you hadn't received anything please let her(or myself) know.

Ok this is really sad.  Stormy the 31 year old pony that Mary Adams has, is not feeling well. I was wondering if any one had pictures of Stormy with their kids, or by himself, or with Pretzel. I guess anything that we can send Mary Adams would be nice. I believe they had Stormy since he was three! 

So again bring or send what you can, we can make a collage, and a note /card is fine to drop off at the barn. I will be seeing them VERY SOON. 

Has everyone seen Jethro, our new puppy? He is SO cute! He is an Irish wolf hound, Great Pyrenees cross. And great news too, Jethro LOVES Chris. It is Chris's' dog! Really! Watch them together, Jethro watches everything Chris does and follows him right along.    

I am getting the working student program together for the next month and half. I would like all the kids who participated in the horse management certification let me know which Thursday, Friday, weekend times would work out for them. Also, which other obligations students may have, and we can work out a working student program to suit them.

Thanks everyone, talk soon! Gail

Thursday, August 25, 2005 11:50:39
Hi everyone, just a couple of notes I forgot in my note below. First Happy to mention Ashley Chabot was day end champion in her division at the last Garland show. Yeah Ashley!

Also there is the fair show this weekend on Saturday, Lena and I will be at Puckerbrush event (Dy too!), but go by and cheer the others that will be there. Too, on September 10th there is a games show in Garland. Starting time is 9:30 FMI call Gini at 924-0186. Should be lots of fun!

Just a reminder too, lesson prices will be going up Sept 1st. $30 for a private, $25 for a semi and $20 for the group. It was a hard decision to make but with all our costs going up we had to make this adjustment.

Thanks everyone for you patronage and we hope you all enjoy coming out to the barn and being a part of the horse experience!

Take care, All of us at Infinty Farm

Tuesday, August 23, 2005
HI everyone Hope the end of summer is going well. Wow, back to school already!  Well this has been quite a summer, something going on everyday!

First, we have Baylee a really cute Quarter horse mare here on free lease. Lori Chabot is her owner and is letting us use her in the lesson program. She is a really sweet mare and she is for sale! Ali Conroy rode her last week in camp and the mare did really well.

Speaking of camp that was lots of fun and went super fast! We had the games day Friday which Ashley Chabot, Jenn Cole helped out at and the day went well with lots of prizes and ribbons for everyone. We want to congratulate Kelly Family on their purchase of Hunter, Ethan's new pony. Ethan is doing awesome with Hunter and is really taking his riding seriously. They are a great match.

Also Grace Davis and horse Verano is on trial right now at the barn but feel that unless anything unforeseen happens they will have a new addition to their family. Abby Grant is trying out a horse too named Renegade and we will see how he pans out for them. He is a cutie too!    

 We have been to a few shows too! I took some first timers to the Garland show and they all made it through the day. Courtney Ernst with Hank and Andrea Robinson with Spirit tied for Walk/Trot Champion for the day. Tajia Arno rode Jubo and got Reserve Champion.

Ashley Shaffer rode Fever, Breanne McKinley rode Baba, Sammy Perry rode Jubo, Amanda Snow rode Scruffy, Bry Clawson rode Uther, Dy Gillespie-Regan with Kash and Dancer, Ashley Chabot with Trigger, Jen Cole with Lucky and Scruffy, Emily Taylor with Tianna, Hailey Thomas rode Scruffy, Nicole Worster with Misty and Baba, Kara Lawson with Tabby and Baba, Abi Ruksznis with Scrappy (Beth too with Henry!).

Amy Molinaro with Tianna, Michia McKusick with Dancer went too …(did I miss anyone?).

There was a big turn out there and everyone came home with something, but most of all we all survived the show day nerves and learned lots!

I really couldn't have gone through the day with out the help of Kim Shaffer, she really knows how to get things moving!  The next show Garland Days Equation Show is Sunday, September 11th. I have 2 slots open in the trailer so anyone interested for their child (or themselves) let me know. Or if you have your own horse and trailer come on down, it'll be fun!  

Now, I've been thinking about our working student program and had the following thoughts. What I'd would like to do is offer a horse management clinic with Maureen Brown hosting it. The students will learn basic horse feeding, horse vitals, taking care of horses, stall cleaning etc. Maureen will have hands on training and at the end of the clinic we will have a quiz and have the kids each show what they have learned and present it. If they do well, they will get a certificate, as long as they take their regular weekly lesson in addition, thrn thry are eligible for the working student program.

In the student program the students will work one day or two half days week and on Friday at 4 PM or 5 PM or Saturday afternoons at 2 PM, they will get a working student group lesson. There is a fee the for horse management clinic. It is $25, so that if students decide they don't want to work, they still received the knowledge.

Days that the students can work will be weekends, afternoons or days during vacation. This program is open to any motivated student. There will be a supervisor during the day, each day that the students will check in with and keep an eye on the kids. The benefit of this program is to have the students realize what it takes to take care of horses and give the student's exposure to how a barn is run and the responsibilities that go with it.

This fall we welcome Eva back at the barn along with Kelsey who is moving in the apartment in October. Also at the barn are Jenn Cadieux, Tina Wellman, Becca White, Harley Wellman  and of course Mo Brown and myself, who will be keeping the barn running . Oh yeah, YEAH to Eva and Angie who are both expecting by March and February respectfully.  

Delaney Benson is on the mend and has been to the barn a couple of times since her accident. We wish her a speedy recovery, Pippen misses her!

 We have a pony in for training Chubby, owned by Sally Page. She is getting a refresher course so Sally can trail ride and round up cows with Chubby. She is a sweet mare, so when you are at the barn, look for the mare that looks like Raisin.  Speaking of Raisin, she will be at the Fair this weekend in Animal Land. Make sure you go by, say "Hi!" and give her lots of pats! 

Labor Day weekend we are closed for lessons. Boarders can still come by and ride but all the workers have the weekend off. Chris, the kids and I will be here for chores and feeding but other then that we will be puttering around. I'm hoping to take the kids to Blackboards, need to get some go-cart "yayas" out. 

Karyn is looking for someone who would like to lease Ego. He is a TB gelding that would be great for an intermediate rider. He knows his stuff, if anyone is interested please let your instructor or myself know.

We still have of our school horses for half lease for the winter. If anyone would like be half lease a horse through the winter please let us know. A half lease includes riding 10 times per month and a weekly lesson. Also first option at any show and you can come and brush "your horse" and pamper him/her like your own. The fee for this is $270 and there is a written half lease form to make it fair for all.   

I think our 2-phase will be October 16th this year. It is on a Sunday. Make sure you let us know that you are interested so we can start with memorizing tests and practicing jump courses.  

With school coming back in session, there will be rescheduling of lessons. Please talk with your instructors about time options and days.   

I'm thinking ahead to dates of our winter party. I know.. I know, it seems like eons but believe me it will come up fast! I'm thinking of either the last weekend in November or first weekend of December before the real hubbub starts up.  Did everyone like how things went last year? How about the hay rides? 

Whew! I know there is more news and will update everyone soon. As always we LOVE feedback any kind, and want to know what you think! SO have a great week anyone going to the fair have fun and look for Ashley Shaffer and her pony Thunder, Jen Cole and Ashley's pony, Hershey at the show on Sat. (yep THE Hershey)

Peace all, Gail, Chris, Matt and Mike

Thursday, July 28, 2005
Hello,
Time again for an Infinity Farm update! We've been really busy this summer, Mo Brown our barn manager has been getting into the swing of things and making some really nice changes around the place.

Our last two camps in June and July went well, everyone had a great time and although July had an over flow of children things went really great! The Friday of the July camp we also had the Conservation Camp kids, and that went well and was informative for them. Think it will be a yearly event for them though next year we will try and have it not on a camp day (although I think that went smooth too, it really wasn't a big deal). The August camp is booked too, the Friday of that camp we are having a game show with ribbons and prizes that kids who didn't or couldn't make it to camp that week are welcome to participate in for the 55 for the day including lunch. It will run from 9-4 and parents are welcome to attend and root for the kids.

Also in August, we'd like to have a half day program and have students come in and learn in detail about horse care and barn maintenance. It would be a $25 fee and run from 9am to noon. This is a program I would suggest to all, it will help students realize the care a horse needs and how to properly take care of them. Please let me know if your child (or yourself! ) is interested and I will make sure there is a spot reserved for them.

Some of us at the farm have been busy showing and eventing. We've all been having a good year this year. DY has gotten her new horse Kash out and about as well as Dancer. Bryanne had taken Uther the horse she has been leasing since selling Scooter, to their first show where they did well. The Ernst family have been attending the local shows and trail rides with heir various horses. Courtney Ernst took Hank in a show in June in a couple of classes and did well(and didn't run any one over, her worry!). Lena Morin and Jess Zeimer had each taken Baba to some local shows and had great rides. Sarah and Lynn took their horses, Velvet and Dancer to the Dexter show and had a great experience. Sarah then took Velvet to the Clinton show last weekend. She was very happy with her horse who handled the hectic show grounds in stride. Amy and Tianna have been making some show rounds and they both have really come along way. Amy does a great job with Tianna. Mo, Becca and I have been out and about too. At the last event at Benloch Horse Trials, Becca and Tuppence had the lowest dressage score OF THE WHOLE WEEKEND! They were awesome!

We have a new pony! His name is Powwow and he is super cute! We also have another horse coming, Ice, which the Tibbetts family is kindly letting us use. Both of these horses will be for the lesson program. The Kelly family has a new horse, Hunter; he is great for Eathen as well as the rest of the clan. Eva Peach's' other horse Abby, is in for training with Becca. Another Chestnut! Kara's horse Tabby is here too until the end of August. Tabby is a pretty dun mare and has "zebra stripes" down her legs. Next time your at the barn check those legs out! Rebel one of the Ernst's' horses is in for a month of training. Rebel is a spotted walker and has some different gaits then that you would see on a more common four gaited horse.

We are also offering half leases for the fall and winter; Woodie, Pippen, Ice, Powwow, Baba, Fever, Raisin and Scruffy are available for half lease.

A half lease is $270 a month and entitles you to 10 practice rides and a weekly lesson. You can come and brush and pamper "your " horse anytime it is available. This is a great option for a family that is thinking of buying a horse. The best part about half leasing is we take care of all the horses needs of farrier, vet, food and worming.

We still have some shows and events coming in August in the area. If you or your child is thinking that you'd like to participate please let us know and we can arrange something.

In the fall we will have our 2-phase; we will keep you informed on the date.

Labor Day weekend the barn is closed for lessons. Chris and I will be here for the horses and everyone working will have the weekend off.

We look forward seeing and chatting with you all at the farm! Thanks for your patronage we truly enjoy this life journey with the barn and glad that you are experiencing it too!

Talk soon! Chris, Gail, Matt and Mike

Friday, June 17, 2005
Hi Everyone!
Just wanted to let everyone know that we are planning on deworming all horses at Infinity Farm on Monday June 27th, rescheduled from last monday because it didn't come in on time, regardless of their current worming schedule. In order to assure we have an effective parasite control program, and considering that our horses are living in pretty close quarters it's best they are all dewormed at the same time.

Borders may choose to either bring dewormer of their choice to the barn or can choose to have the cost of the wormer added to your bill for the month. We only ask that if you do choose to bring in your own paste, please have it at the the farm by Sunday the 20th.

If anyone has any questions or concerns you may email me
Thanks a bunch!
Maureen

Tuesday, May 24, 2005
Hi everyone, Lovely weather, eh? Well any way...  

I wanted to take a minute and let you all know that Necol and Caprice will be leaving by the end of the month. Necol is moving to be closer to family and friends, she wont be continuing with instructing students down in southern Maine but will continue to ride her own horse Caprice. We wish her and Caprice the best of luck.  In addition, Kristen will be moving to her new apartment of middle of June. Kristen will still be in the area, her clientele has built up enough so that she will be massaging full time. Any one needing a massage, we strongly suggest. Look her up… she is awesome!    

 Therefore, along with Angie and me, we would like to welcome Maureen Brown to our instructing staff. Maureen and her two children, Eli and Coleen and their dog Pete (her horse Turtle, already resides here), will be moving onto the apartment of the property, where she will be managing the barn as well as instructing.  Maureen also hopes to pursue her equine studies at University of Maine in Orono. We will have a complete bio of her soon on our website.     

Also Tina Wellman, who has been working here a few days a week helping with chores and will continue to do so throughout the summer. She is Harley's mom and Gingers owner.   

We will have working students also here for the summer helping and I will update you on who will be here working.   

So when you are out to the barn if you see any of the above people make sure you stop and wish them the best or welcome!   

Hope all is well; Talk soon, Chris and Gail

Thursday, April 28, 2005
Hello!
   We are so happy Spring is finally here! We made it through the winter and wow, what a month April has been! 

Last week we had adult camp where adults were here for the weekend riding and learning some horses care management.  It was so much fun we will definitely be having another one.  Kid Camp was last week too and that was again lots of fun with lots of kids.

And finally the spring 2-phase. We had a lot of first timers as well as "veterans". The weather amazingly held out and felt that it was a great way to start the show season. We want to thank Necol for judging and Angie for her amazing organization... Not to mention the Moms and Dads who helped out through out the day.

On the farm here we want to welcome Kash, Dyanne Gillespie-Regan's new horse. He is so sweet, we think they make a great team.

Harley Wellman is doing well with Ginger she is dedicated and it shows with how Ginger is going. We also have a couple of new horses Ajacks and Raisin and next week one more horse yet to be named. I think we will let the students and clients decide his new name. If anyone has any thoughts for him please let us know!    

We are getting together our camp dates for the summer and will have them with in the next week.

I want to thank every one for their support going through our first winter. Kristen, Eva, Maureen, Tina, Kelsey and Harley who helped with the day to day chores, thank you, thank you, thank you! 

Chris just acquired a cart and harness in trade for farm equipment from the Schaffer's, he is ready to hook Raisin up and see how she drives.

Melissa Kelly, who comes from Alna with her daughter for lessons has her horse Galen Q, in for training for the next few months and he is HUGE at 17.1 hands!  You need to see him up close to appreciate how tall he is.

Again, thank you everyone, we can only have the facility with you all and so appreciate it!
Chris, Gail Matt and Mike

Tuesday, March 15, 2005
Hi everyone! Hope you all are doing OK during the tail end of winter. Gee, spring is only 6 days away! All right all right I'll stop it but anyway.... We've been super busy this winter. I thought we'd have a slow time but really it's been flying right along. Carol Poulin-Taylor and Mary Guenzel as well as Sandy Porter-Bean have been out. It's nice to get the different input and I've been with Mary now for a few years and am always so happy when she comes and visits!  

Ginger is on lease with Harley Wellman, Tina and Glenn's' daughter. Tina and Glenn had surprised Harley with a 2 month lease with Ginger and WOW they are doing amazing! Harley will walk, trot, canter Ginger around; they are jumping 2 feet consistently! Harley is doing a nice job with Ginger and the work that Dyanne and Necol put into the horse really shows. Remember this is the horse that Gini Ernst got out of the meat pen at Hemphill's and here Ginger is today coming along so nice and staying sound to boot!

Angie has been working Honey and is thinking about showing her this season. The longing work they have been doing is paying off; Honey is starting to get some muscle and balance.  

Necol has been working with Aria. Boy, he is such a nice mover; she is going to have a lot of fun with him!

We are going to start up with Sunday jumping again the 27th after Carol Poulin-Taylor clinic. It also happens to be Easter; but we will be here all that day. Anyone interested in showing dressage this year, having a Carol lesson is a good idea. Carol is an "L" judge in the state of Maine and has been training and riding for over 20 years. She is super nice and tactful and knows what to look for in the dressage ring. Her training is traditional and her theories coincide along the German training scale. 

The TROT clinic with Lynn Corrigan and Hodi Keel is Sun Mar 20th. Although it is full for participants you can come and audit for FREE and we will have a sign up sheet for people interested in working with Lynn and Hodi with their own horse in the future.

Mary is coming the 26th of March. Yeah! Her lessons tend to fill up quick as do Carols so if you are interested in taking a lesson with either of these two clinicians let us know ASAP.

In April we will have Camp during April Vacation Monday thru Thursday (April 18th thru 21st). Friday (April 22nd) is a working student camp and Sunday (April 24th) will be a student 2-phase. That Saturday (April 23rd) will be an open house for people to come and check out our farm. We will have some snacks and be available at the barn to chat and let people come and watch the students get ready for the 2-phase. 

PB and Alexis are back. The Chabot family was nice to board them for some of the winter.  I almost forgot how super cute PB is! Oh gosh, she is like a puppy! Alexis is ready for some miles put on her, she will make someone a nice smooth riding horse. She really has easy to ride gaits.

I want to mention that I'm pleasantly surprised at the amount of kids and adults that rode thru out the winter! The dedication was amazing. It's really too cold for the smaller kids but the older kids and many adults were out frequently taking advantage of the ring. Hey it works! I remember talking with Becca White who worked here last year and some the year before about how I thought the barn would do. Her words were "Don't worry, build it and they will come". Hey, she was right!

Oh yeah speaking of Becca, remember Tuppance who Becca took down to FLA with her? Becca says they are having a blast and Tuppance is doing super well! They went to their first event and she was so pleased with Tuppance. They placed decently after dressage, had one refusal X-C (totally experience related and Tuppance came through the second attempt) but the stadium wasn't until the 3rd day and trailering Tuppance home from the 2nd day she cut herself in the trailer and couldn't compete in the final day/phase. Becca is so pleased with Tuppance though. Go you guys! Becca says Tup is a natural at X-C.

Alright let's see... Oh Mud Season is coming so there are options in parking; If it seems ok to drive to the barn that is fine. You are also welcome to park by the house. When it gets muddier, then parking will be more at the house and the "hill road" will be closed. Parking on the street is also an option just keep it on one side and make sure that cars coming around which ever corner will be able to see your car. We have NO idea how the water runoff will be. I hope it won't be a total "wash out" (what ever) but please bear with us for our first mud season with the new topography.

Oh, too Carol Mace has opened a pet store up in Greenville. She is specializing in organic pet food and is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday's. Her place is where at the blinking light you take a left and its about a mile or so on your right, where the Greenville Vet is. Go Carol! 

As usual please if you have questions or concerns you want to ask let me know! The open door policy has been really good and I have been getting lots of feedback. Keep the communication going, I want to know how you feel everything is going.  I also want to thank every one for their patronage, feel we are a great group of people and am so glad to be a part of the community. Have a great spring!
Talk soon Chris and Gail, Mike and Matt     

 I know I'm forgetting tons of barn news but everyone will hear from us again soon!    

February 01, 2005
Hi…
Want to check in with everyone and touch base. It's been freezing and although there have been quite a few diehards, its time to get swinging again! 

We are having quite a few clinicians in Sandy Porter -Bean, Carol Poulin-Taylor and Mary Guenzel. Anyone at any time is welcome to come and audit these lessons or even better participate! Check out at the barn or the web site what the schedules are. You don't need your own horse, we have horses here to use.

February is notably cabin fever month if you feel you need to get out of the house come on and brush any one of our horses. We still have Friday 4-6 pat and brush, but if the house walls seem small, give us a call and I know any one of the horses or ponies would love a great brushing. I know Karen Snow is always encouraging Hailey to brush Scruffy because he has got to LOVE it, its like a massage!

We are having Camp during Feb vacation Mon thru Thurs.  Ride twice a day, lunch included crafts and horsecare. Cost is only $50 per day or $180 for the week. 

 Saturday the 26th at 4 PM we are having a special horse care afternoon for the kids. It is $10 for two hours and we go over some details of caring for tack and ABC's of horse safety. Because tack care and horse care is an important part of the whole horse scene to make everyone well rounded horse people we strongly encourage participation.

With that said we are also offering a horse care for adults. This will be good for adults who ride and also parents who are considering getting their child a horse or pony to own or lease. We will have an session Friday, March 5th (March!) at 6PM. After that if there is interest we will move to what ever night seems to work with most adults and go from there.  I want to point out that we encourage these participations because if the students spend this time learning what they need to know when they come to ride they can spend more lesson time on the horse and be more independent tacking the horse up and down and taking care of him/her. 

Adult Thursdau nights have been still going on even in the cold weather for the most part! They have been super successful! We are continuing having them and if adults are concern that there will be too many people or feel intimidated then we will structure it so the groups are compatible ( did you know that that there is only one letter difference between compatible and combatable?? hmmm)

Remember we love feedback. We've had some adults grouping up and riding other nights, to work on specific issues, which is fine and still other staying and enjoying the Thursday night atmosphere, which by the way is really fun and supportive!  SO anyway.....

We were thinking of having a show in Feb but Angie had a good point about temperature and so we will have another 2-phase during April vacation, Yeah! I was just thinking though how about a fun game show in Feb? Anyone interested?  

A couple of families have mentioned that they are thinking or purchasing a horse/pony in the spring. If you'd like any assistance with this process please let us know.  

Also I think we'd like to know of people who are interested in showing this summer. I think it would a be a good idea to have a couple of "horse care " sessions and commit them to showing a horse and what the classes are like and what to expect. We already have the show dates of local shows so your can plan and feel prepared. In any case if showing is an interest to you and you'd like to know more about how to go about this, we will talk with you and again we have horses here to ride for shows.

We are also offering a child sitting service and tack cleaning service. Kelsey Peach and Amy and Denise Molinaro as well as I believe Ashley Chabot are involved with this as well as possibly other working students. Let us know if you want more info.

OOh Heidi Rogers, Miss Margaret's "mom" was out the other day. She was really happy how Maggie looks (thanks Kelly Family!) and is designing our logo which I then will send on to the sign maker!  I think on a sub-conscious level, I was waiting for her and am really excited to see what her input is like . (Heidi had designed the North Country Riding Club logo) She is a warm and inventive artist. I LOVE her work!    PS Maggie is secure here in Dover she I bet is looking forward to going back to the Kelly ranch.

April 8th thru the 10th in Gray Maine there is a lecture and  a riding clinic through the weekend. The subject will be the seat. Now in order to understand the topic there has been a special chair that has been designed to mimic the horses' movement. (This is cutting edge stuff! per Mary!) You can either audit and/or ride. Its great opportunity and we have info at the barn.   This one I would really encourage any one into going.  

Lucy McDermott and Wendy are having a great time! Lucy's family has leased Wendy and Lucy seems to be really enjoying Wendy. They are a great match.

We hope Maddie Kelly and Andrea Robinson get back on their respective ponies soon. Each of their ponies had a bout of "Winteritis" which leads to the airbornness of children under eleven. It's a rough malady especially for the young.

Chris is well…….. and he is working hard and has been cleaning up poop ( I know he loves me! ). And really although it was super cold lately, Eva, Kristen and Maureen, Kelsey and Harley have really pitched in and made farm life SO much easier! Plus lunch time Wed, Thurs and Fri are so much fun! Come on by!

By popular demand we are having another trail talk with Gini Ernst set for this spring. This is free and is VERY informative! At the last talk, the feed back was positive and look forward to hearing more and having a refresher.

Kristen has a new dog. She is SOOOO cute! Her name is Lady a Lab cross and although she may bark at you ,she is very friendly and really, Kristen lucked out.

A reminder too Kristen is a massage therapist and she is very good and is for “people massage”. We also have Bonnie Shorey who, although her fee is $35 per horse, any horse/pony at Infinity Farm the fee is only $30.

Dyanne Gillespie's horse Dancer is for sale. This is a nice horse for an aggressive Adv. Beg rider and up. Please let Joyce or I know if interested.

Ok, I know I forgot some stuff and will probably be E-ing everyone soon, but until then, see you at the barn!

Talk soon, Chris and Gail

Tuesday, December 21, 2004
Hi Everyone,
I want to wish everyone a happy holiday and thank every one for pitching in last weekend and hope all had a great time at the holiday party. If you couldn't make it;
1) Sorry you couldn't make it and
2) It was fun, so if you couldn't make it, we talked with Travis “the hay wagon guy” and think we'll do something in the spring.

Horse/Pony Camp is coming up after the holidays. Beth has arranged for Sandy to come too either Monday or Tuesday during the week break between camp lessons, so if you'd like to have a Sandy Porter Bean lesson let us/Beth know.

Sue Jackson rode her horse Molly Jackson tonight (12-21). It was a great ride and we've got to get some pictures of her! Molly was great; it was so nice to see.

Adult group nights are still going strong. We have some time slots every Thursday between 6-7 and every other Thursday between 7-8. Some are filled and we will be connecting all the adults who ride to get a regular schedule going. We also want to make sure that the group they ride in have the same goals. In the near future we will have a jumping group, western group, a group that can ride later, flat group and easy going group.

Carol Poulin-Taylor date Jan 16th has a couple of openings right now it is $60 for a private $45 for a semi, so if your interested please sign up at the barn.

Necol Douglas clinic is the 22nd we have some slots open there too $45 for the day, ride 2 times, plus a talk on timing of the aids and the "training tree". If you want to come and watch you can audit for no charge.

Jumping on Sundays will be on the 26th from 4-6. Come and jump!

Fridays are still “Free Grooming” from 4-6, so bring a friend and come & groom a horse.

Chris has been super busy maintaining the farm. Thank you Chris!!!

We have a really cute photo of Lucy McDermott from a few years ago that everyone should see on the barn photo wall.

Happy Holiday to all and see you around the farm.
Chris, Gail, Matt and Mike

Wednesday, December 08, 2004
HI just a note, we will be running a camp all week after the holiday, the 26th thru the 30th (Monday thru Friday). It will be ride 2xs a day lunch included horse care and crafts. The fee is $50 for the day $235 all week or $35 for half a day.

If you like we can make gift certificates for this and they can be used as holiday presents.

The camp runs from 9-4 if you can't get there until later that is fine.  The emphasis on this camp will be LOTS of position work and jumping.  Next camp will be in February, where we will be hosting a student show on one of the days. 

Also we will be setting up on a Sunday toward the end of January, a clinic with Necol Douglas. This is open to ALL students, adult and child. Necol owns Caprice instructs and rides here at Infinity farm. She has ridden with Judy Westlake (a prominent dressage rider and instructor) for 8 years and prior to that had ridden with some very notable people in the dressage world. Her lessons a very positive, CORRECT, and will help riders working with specific motions of their horse. Necol works well with children as well as adults and can give a student specific exercises that the student can take with them and work on their own.  Necol's theories are classic and mend well in with what Angie and myself also instruct. The fee will be 45 with students ridng 2xs a day lunch included and a talk on rider position and horse movement. You do not need to have a horse to ride we have horses here to use. 

Also we are planning on having a clinic with Angie Coy. She as most of you know, uses lots of body awareness in her lessons. A time and date will be coming to you in the near future possibly during the holiday camp week during on of the camp days. Angie works a lot with visualization and reminding students how there body interacts with the horse. We can also set up a later clinic with her for all students.

 During holiday break I will be having a working student clinic. The emphasis will be on jumping and gymnastic work. Get ready working students this will be high gear! I will get the specific date out on that soon.

 Stacia who owns Comet here at the farm sets up clinics with Carol Poulin-Taylor. The next clinic is in January you can leave a note for her here at the farm or e-mail me and I will send the info on. Carol is big in the dressage area and is an "L" judge for many of the dressage shows here in Maine. What is nice about her lessons is that Carol will critique how the horse (and the student)are going you ride, in terms of what she likes to see, as you would ride in a dressage test.    

As always I like to hear feedback on who is interested, if there is anything specific that you'd like to see/have. For all the students that rode with Sandy Porter Bean I'd like to hear feedback on what you throughout of the lesson. 

SO we look forward to seeing everyone on Sunday 1-3 potluck (yum!) and hayrides, the wagon is already here on the farm!

Hope all are well, talk soon Gail and Chris

Monday, November 22, 2004
Gini Ernst is going to have a talk Saturday, Dec 4th at 4 pm about trail riding ettiquette, different competitive trail riding, marking trails, equipement and anything you want to know about trail riding. Its FREE with door prizes and hot beverages. (PS... turnout was great and we all learned alot from Gini..)

Ginger is for sale and is a great companion horse and for the more experience rider. Great ground manners.

We have saddles and equipment for sale, please click here for the list.

A reminder, there is jumping this Sunday froim 4 to 6 and is only $5 for boarders and $15 for non-boarders or uSe of our horses.

Have a great Thanksgiving.... Gail and Chris

Tuesday, November 16, 2004
First, we would like to congratulate Anita Perkins on her purchase of Dakota from Annie Edgerly. He will have a super home with Anita and she's been coming out every night until she takes him home getting used to him. She does a really nice job riding him they look good together.

We had our first Sunday afternoon jumping. Courtney Ernst and Jen Cole participated. We had a lot of fun the kids loved the attention and they had two hours of designing courses and jumping. It was a lot of fun!  The next time will be Sun 28th of Nov at 4 PM. The crowd is supposed to be bigger, but if one person or how many ever show we'll still do it!

  Dyanne and Tommy are doing well. He has come along way in a short while; they are having a good time. Uther Pendragon, Karen Chadborne's horse, Comet, Stacia Russell's horse and Wendy, Diane Chabot's horse were the latest three boarders to arrive to Infinity Farm. They settled in really quick!

Uther loves to jump out of his paddock and visit. Chris has seen it a couple of times, but I missed it. I really shouldn't say this, but I would love to see him jump like that! It must be pretty!  However, when he bothers the other horses, after he gets out, Chris has to round them up. So, I guess it isn't something that should be encouraged.

Bonnie has Okie down to Detroit with Erica Davis for some western training. Guess he is a model student and Erica loves him. He is coming home by the 28th.

Let's see, Carol Poulin-Taylor is coming the November 21st. Necol, Angie, Eva and I will be at Judy Westlake in Detroit for the day and will miss Carol. Who knows when we will be able to see Judy W. next because she will be down in FLA soon!     

 Sandy Porter-Bean is coming for a day of camp for the morning Friday, November 26th. She is super nice and does pony club ratings, so it's good to have her input. She will be coming back throughout the winter, so if anyone specifically wants a lesson with her, ask and I can set something up.

Oh! Gini Ernst has been invited to talk Sat December 4th on trail etiquette and different types of competitive trails. Also what a poker run is and will answer any question. Any one may come and this is a FREE discussion. We will also be handing out prizes if you listen and answer questions right.

Chris is redoing the paddocks getting ready for winter. Yeah! He is really doing SO much!

The insolated water buckets will be here soon, and are supposed to keep water from freezing down to the (-) digits. I will report on how they do.  

All right, I think that that is it for this week. Will write soon! Gail     

Sunday, October 10, 2004
First a great big THANK-YOU to all that had come to the 2-Phase and had such nice comments on how the place had looked. There were some folks we missed there too and I know they were thinking of us.

FEEDBACK & SUGGESTIONS:I hope everyone is getting used to the kids being back in school and all the schedule changes that we all go through! I am sending an e-mail (and posting here) to let everyone know what is happening at the barn. In addition to that, here is some info on lesson times and what to expect and what is suggested to do. I was talking with a parent recently who had some great suggestions. I love feedback to help everyone be on the same page!

I'll start with fall lessons. Now that fall is here, the day light is shorter and cooler out, having things run smoother in the lesson area is important. This is including myself!

OK, LESSON TIME. If your lesson were at (lets say) 10:00, you'd have your child here by 9:30 to begin to get ready. This is partly providing your child is independent to getting a horse ready. Even if the child is not, this way she/he can find out who they are riding and prepare as much as they can until the instructor or one of the working students are free to help out.

If the child is independent enough to get ready by themselves or with an available person, like Mom to help out, they can do so. The benefit of this is that their lesson can start promptly and they can get the most out of the allotted hour.

If the child is dependent on help with tacking up and grooming of the horse, it will probably go into the riding hour allotted for them. This is considered instruction. We try to accommodate by having a working student assist them before hand, but isn't always the case and the instructor will include this into the riding sessions with the student. Is this time wasted? No I don't believe so. We all know everyone learns at different paces and has different challenges to face.

If you feel that you don't want your child to spend as much time tacking and grooming other arrangements can be made. This is offered at most barns for a fee. Is it an option? Absolutely! DO we encourage it? NO! Our goal is to have the child independently and confidently catch groom and tack and un tack their horse. Riding the horse itself is only one part of the whole over view of caring and handling a large animal.

Sometimes in the horse world we run behind. In order to alleviate this here are some guide lines that we can follow to make sure everyone gets their ride time in and that everyone feels that they communicate what they need to when they come to the barn.

** If an instructor is teaching, a short question can be asked that is fine. If you feel that a conversation is required please wait till the end of the lesson. It is the persons in the ring time. I'm going to try to spread my lessons apart so that I can allow for the time to chat in between lessons. I enjoy talking with everyone, but if someone is there to ride they must come first. If its an emergency please let us know and we'll accommodate you any way we can.

If you feel that the lesson has run short please let me know! Sometimes my time sense is off and will happily continue if I'm in error!

Ring time: Because of limited ring space, we all have to learn to ride when other people may be in the ring.

Lessons have the "right of way" but anyone wishing to ride should be able to do so with out feeling in the way. Its good practice to ride w/others and we encourage riders to ride when they wish. I will be posting ring etiquette and it will have basic guidelines to follow to help everyone out.

Some students have been preferring privates and some semi or group. I'd like to hear from moms individually if they prefer a private or would like semi or group or even some group and some private.

I'd like to have a day every few months that we split all the students into groups and work on an information piece on riding.

*I would also like a list form parents of possible lesson times their child (or they) would be able to come for a lesson.

Over next few months we are having some instructors from around Maine to come in and give instruction. This is a nice option to have a student get another opinion of their riding. Lessons will vary in price and Id like to know ahead of time who is game and how much they could spend. Please email me if you are interested OR not.

Open door policy. Any??? or concerns you may have please let me know. I will help out any way I can and am ALWAYS looking for feed back. If their is a place that you feel needs improvement PLEASE Let me know!

Mollyocket Trails: I would like to send a big" Yay" to Dy Gillespie-Regan and Bryanne Clawson who went to Mollyocket Trials in Pownel with me.

I was a Technical Delegate and Dy and Bry rode in the trials. Bry place third in her elementary division with Woodie and Dy won her Beginner Novice division with her horse Dancer.

Also at the Foxcroft Trials, Bry won the beginner Novice division with Woodie and Dy one point behind for second in beginner novice with Dancer. Dy also took Scrappy, who started out super well cross country then the "pony eating" flowers showed up at the third to last jump. Dy though, in her awesome laid-back attitude took it all in stride and has done so great with this pony.

VACATION: I'm going to be away for the week of October 19th thru the 23rd, so Angie and Necol will be instructing that week. Some schedules may have to be switched around. If you have a preference on an instructor that is fine, but if I don't hear from you, I'll assume that it doesn't matter and will set you up with who fits in that schedule time. If you see me that week at the barn I may be there to chat but not teach.

I have been hearing of alot of people selling stuff and people needing stuff. Please, make a list and I will post it in the barn and on this website.

DECEMBER: By December Infinity Farm will be totally booked at the barn. There are going to be a lot of comings and goings, so an information schedule will be up so people can see what is going on and when. If you feel that you would like a specific time that you can use the ring let us know and we will see about accommodating you.

* * * For other enteries in Gails Journal: Current || 2009 || 2008 || 2007 || 2006 ||

Call 207.564.7046 for more information or email gail@InfinityFarm.US