It’s March!!! Soon it will officially be spring! Can you believe it? Watching the snow melt and feeling the sunshine lifts my spirits. Pray for a slow thaw and no flooding so that we can enjoy the park. Here is the latest news from Irish Run:
Welcome Lulu and Vanna! Have you all met my new puppy Lulu? She is the half corgi/half Australian Shepherd pup playing with Alex or jumping at Juan’s feet. She will go to puppy training, but not until May, so if she is causing you a problem, just put her in the office or let me know. She is definitely excited about being a barn dog. We also have a new barn cat named Vanna. She is the calico hiding behind the couch in the office. Vanna needed a home and I am a softie. Besides, cats are good – have you ever seen a mouse at Irish Run?
We are gearing up for the show season with our Irish Run Spring Fun Show on March 27. Check out the class list on the board and sign up to participate. This is a great way to support the barn and prep yourself for the upcoming shows. As always, fun classes, yummy food and great camaraderie. I am going to bring back the chili cook off – so dust off your recipe file.
We have two upcoming clinics: Susan Coester Daufeldt will be here on Friday March 12th for a Dressage Clinic. Susan is a spectacular rider who works on adding the fundamentals of dressage to every discipline. Let me know if you want to ride (there is still time) or come audit - $10 for the day. Richard Rinehart will be here April 10 -11 for a Hunter/Jumper Clinic. Richard is a Grand Prix rider from Indiana with a very impressive resume. This will be his first clinic in the area and we are thrilled that it will be at Irish Run! It might have helped us a little that he started with Rae’s dad. You can also check the board for registration forms or let Rae know if you want to ride. I will be opening up the Rinehart clinic to other barns on March 20. Please try to register before then so I can save you a place!
Now that spring is coming, just a few reminders: I know all the horses will be anxious to taste the fresh grass, but be careful. The sugars in spring grasses double or quadruple daily. Don’t go out and graze for hours this time of year – it is a prescription for founder. Start out with short periods of grazing. If your horse has been wearing a heavy winter blanket, now is the time to put on something lighter. Horses burn the fewest calories at 40 degrees F, so they love this weather – that is why they are all so frisky! Maybe a lap or two around the arena or on the lunge line is a good idea too.
When the weather changes my brain turns to barn projects. Though you might not be able to tell, I have already put down a few loads of gravel on the parking lot. More is coming! Please be understanding if I need to move your car for the gravel truck. The fences are HOT!!! If you get your horse out of the paddock be careful – I had everything rewired last week. I am quite sure a horse will break it soon, but for now it will give you a jolt.
I will be scheduling spring shots soon. Please check the board for dates. It is not necessary to be here, but if you would like to, please let me know. In the spring, horses are dewormed, and vaccinated against sleeping sickness, West Nile virus, flu, rhino, and tetanus. I like to have all of the vets come out the same week – otherwise the deworming is not very effective!
The Irish Run Pony Club is up and running! We have had three official meetings and wonderful guest presenters. I am learning a lot! Watch for the Pony Clubbers on the first Saturday of the month between 4 and 5:30 p.m. They are a great group. Let me know if you want to participate.
Remember to call Rae/Alison/Andrea if you need to cancel your lesson. We understand that emergencies happen, but a 24 hour notice is necessary to accommodate rescheduling and is just common courtesy. No shows will be charged for the lesson.
I am still waiting on our Irish Run merchandise link – sorry! My understanding is that they are waiting for the credit card processing. If you want to order something let me know and I will get it for you. I have hung some samples in the office.
Hope to see you all at the barn!
Virginia
