FebHappings 01

I started this letter about a week ago and had a power failure and lost everything. I better learn to save my notes more often. The spring weekend camps went very well. We pretty much filled every weekend and had some with record booking, even had to turn some clients away. The first week in June we hosted a group of women from the club called the North Okanagan Fillies. About 30 women used our facility for their retreat. They all have their own horses and used the arenas for games and lessons and some just went trail riding on some of the neighboring properties. They all had a blast and there has been talk about possibly returning next year. For their story see the July issue of Saddle Up Magazine.

The summer went remarkably well, considering the record hot and dry spell and of course as you have all heard the fires in the area. We persevered, starting the lessons earlier and finishing before it got too hot. We keep the horses sponged and hosed them off whenever possible. We had to ration water as the riding rings were real dusty and had to be moistened to keep down the dust. We were only able to use the grass jumper field for the first few weeks of camp as it was like concrete and would be too hard on the horse’s legs. The fields dried up by the end of June and we had to start feeding hay, (earliest ever.) The fires were about 1 hour away from us as the crow flies, so we were getting a little bit stressed out as one never knows what would happen if the winds picked up. You certainly have to make plans in advance when you have to evacuate over 50 horses. Thanks to all the locals who volunteered their trailers and places to keep the horses if the need arose, and thank goodness it didn't’t. We had some horses come here when the Falkland fire was out of control and they thought it might head to Armstrong. Even through all this we had a great summer. We had many students return from previous years and many stayed consecutive weeks.

Jo returned for her evening recreation activity position. Alisha returned as barn manager and the barn ran more efficient than ever. Angie and Angela instructed and Jen taught stable management. Donna returned to work with me in the kitchen, bless her heart to give up her summers to help out (11 years). I also would like to take this time to thank all the barn staff for their efforts. I’m not sure if you all know but they are required to volunteer for their first session here, and get paid only after passing the probation period. Their duties include a lot more than just making sure everyone is on time for their lessons and also making sure all the horses are tacked up correctly.

We had a video company do our videos this year and they did an excellent job. Unfortunately the videos were delayed by some time as they had their vehicle stolen with the computer in it and lost all the software and it has taken some time to collect from the insurance and order in the software. They are now on track and those of you that have not received yours should do so within the next week or so. Just in time for Christmas. If you did not order a video and would like to do so there is still time. The cost is $35.00 plus GST. Please give me a call and we will be able to accommodate your request.

Back to the horses. We now have over 50 here on the property. Don’t ask the exact number as I never can keep track of it. As usual we lost some this year. It is always so heartbreaking. Every one of them is special in their own way. The sad news is that we no longer have Cash and Monty. Cash died of colic and Monty of his ongoing liver problems. We had him on all kinds of herbal teas and he lived a lot longer than the vet had expected. I’m sure a lot of students have fond memories of Cash. Many a rider got their start on him, as he was great for beginners but also performed for the more advanced riders. Both horses will be sadly missed by all. We sold Jammer and Alada. Dawn went to Langley with Leiki one of the staff members from this year. Apparently they are all doing well with their new owners. Some horses just do better with just one rider and do not make great school horses, so we have to sell them. We bought a few to add to the herd. Three ponies, Pixie, Peanut and Buster, a little naughty at times but safe and they are working well with the herd and our program. Two horses were purchased as well. Breezy a bay quarter horse, which we had free leased before, some of you may remember her as well as Guiness a bay part Arabian.

We are in need of a few more 14 to 14.2’ hand horses. If you know of any that might work for us as school horses, let me know. We also purchased 3 mare Halflingers. Two are only 2 year olds, and the other is about 12. Their names are Dutchess, Leah, and Fancy. We hope to have Leah in our program this summer and of course the other 2 have a couple of more years of work before we can use them.

Our shuttle service went quite well for the first year. As we did not get this service into operation before a lot of parents had already made their travel arrangements, so weeks were not offered. We need at least 3 before we can make if viable. This year we will offer the fares according to the amount of students on the bus. The maximum fare will be $125 for 3 and will drop with the amount of students using the service. The bus picks up students from Costco in Abbotsford at 10:30 (for the Washington students) and the Super Store in North Vancouver 9:00 Sunday morning. When you register, please indicate your interest. As of November 9th a new airline has started flying non stop from Vernon to Vancouver and return. As this is a new service they do not have a time that works for our schedule except for the Friday flight which leaves Vernon at 7:35 and arrives in Vancouver at 8:30. This would work in any parents are not available to bring their children home after the show on Friday. The cost is quite affordable at $99. plus taxes. I’m sure that once they get going with this service we will see more flights available. I will update on the web under “Find us” and then go to Airlines to Aspengrove.

Our fall was great with lots of sun. We managed to get a little rain and the dry fields actually started to get some green back on them. We decided to go to Spruce Meadows again this year. We just enjoy it so much we just can’t seem to stay away. Alisha, Lorne and I took the motor home and parked right on the grounds. That is such a convenience as we can walk back and rest whenever our legs give us the signal. We always see a lot of past campers and even watched some of them compete in the junior divisions. It is such a thrill to see them compete at Spruce Meadows when I remember them getting their start at Aspengrove, learning to walk, trot and canter and go over fences. We have decided to set up a booth at Spruce Meadows next year as we seem to always be there anyway. Where could you get more exposure to horse enthusiasts?

By now you should have all been notified of our $100 off special for next year. If you book before the end of December and pay in full you will receive the week for $700. instead of $800. plus GST. You do not need to select your dates at this time and once a week starts filling up we will contact you. Please remember that the prime weeks, mid- July to mid -August always fills first. You can do your registration on-line, but must send payment to get the discount. I would like to thank all those who have already booked. These early registrations always help with the escalating feed bills throughout the winter, and also the hay barn that was just put up. Finally more storage so we can buy early and perhaps save money.

I would like to thank you all again for your patronage, positive correspondence, and friendship. We look forward to having you join us again in 2004.

Hilda