Equestrian News

Written by Lori Anthony

pring is in full swing across the equestrian world. Last month called for many a celebration as Lawton Stables welcomed twin foals. On April 2nd Star Ridge Stables’ Hanoverian mare, Mia, gave birth to a beautiful little filly. That same day Rose Dhu Creek celebrated the first birthday of Amani, an American Saddlebred filly who proudly wore her birthday hat and enjoyed all the attention as she posed for photos with everyone.

The third annual Savannah/Hilton Head Equestrian Exposition held in Rose Hill Plantation was a great success. The event raised several thousands of dollars for local charities.

This month will certainly be a busy one for Rose Dhu Creek Equestrian Center. On May 5th they host the Heroes on Horseback Kentucky Derby Party. The fundraiser will raise money to help support the therapeutic riding program that has grown from just five riders in 2001 to more than 80 today. For more information visit www.heroesonhorseback.com.

May 12th and 13th brings the Cooler Horsemanship Clinic, “Equine Communication Without Boundaries” to Rose Dhu. James Cooler will be teaching about the philosophies and fundamentals of Natural Horsemanship both on the ground and in the saddle. Space is limited for participants, a few stalls are available for haul-in riders and auditors are welcome. Call 815-7878 or logon to www.rdcec.com for more information.

We want to congratulate Moss Creek Equestrian Center’s Amanda Lolik on the purchase of her new Jumper, Private Malone, a chestnut Belgian Warmblood. Jordan Gaston and Ideal de la Scye, Nicky Geoffroy and Medoc de Livre, Lexi Mandarakas and Something to Talk About, and Caitlin O’Brien and Hermes have been busy lately with shows at in Aiken and Star Ridge Stables. They are in for another hectic month as they head back to Aiken as well as the CHC show at Buckingham Plantation. Best of luck girls!

Rose Dhu Creek Equestrian Center’s Laura McNair and Ultimatum competed in the Raleigh Indoor Spring Classic in late March where they won a second in the Children’s Hunter 15-17 Under Saddle division; a third in the 15-17 Equitation on the flat division; and two sixths in the S.C. Governor’s Cup and the Show Circuit Medal Class.

Megan Doughty and Play Money and Caroline Roberson and Woodland’s Morning Glory also of Rose Dhu Creek cleaned up at the two day PSJ Aiken Spring Classic last month. Young Megan brought home a Reserve Champion and a Champion in the Cross Rail Equitation division, two Champions in the Walk-Trot-Canter division, and a Champion in the Cross Rail Hunter division. Caroline brought home 14 of her own ribbons including four firsts, two seconds and four fourths. She went Reserve Champion in the 12-14 Equitation division and the Large Pony Hunter division. Laura McNair rode Al Capone for the first time ever and managed to garner a several ribbons as well including a third in the 15-17 on the Flat division, a fourth in the Children’s Hunter Over Fences division and a fifth in the SC Governor’s Cup. Congratulations Girls!!

If you have news about local equestrians or equestrian related events that you would like to share in “Pony Tales”, please email lori@rosedhucreek.com.