Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Winona Horse Trials ~ Updated May 7th



May 7th Update:

It's crunch time but just a few quick notes:
  • we're re-instituting the dipping buckets in the stabling area to help prevent transmission of "bugs"
  • the dressage arenas have new footing
  • we have added sand to the bare spots in the final show jumping warm up
  • we have purchased electronic timers for show jumping
  • we have a MoJo is sponsoring a  "closest to optimum time" (with on jumping penalties) award.   
Pictures to come if I have time and if Blogger is working correctly ;(

See you this weekend

Jackie
I can't believe we're 2 days away from closing date and it was in the 20's this morning 3 days after reaching temps in the mid 80's!!! I'm hoping this wacky spring weather is why some of you have not entered yet.  Entries are way down from last year and we have openings at all levels and on grounds stalls still available. In all likelihood we will be accepting late entries but if you want to avoid a late fee be sure get your entry postmarked by Tues the 23rd or better yet enter via X Entry and send in your paper work & payment within 5 days.  Any entries accepted after closing date MUST be entered and paid for on-line.

April 21st Updates:

  • Entry Status is now available on Start Box.  For those who have entered please check to make sure we have everything correct.  If you need to make any additions and or corrections please e-mail the secretary. If you entered via X Entry & do NOT see your name; it is because we have not yet received your paperwork and payment.
  • Bedding: one bale if straw is provided. Shavings can be ordered at $7/bag.  Please click here to order.  Orders must be received by Wed. May 8th
  • Cross Country Course Maps are now available on My Course Walk.  Pictures will be available after the course is flagged and numbered.  We're happy to announce that the winners of ALL divisions will receive a FREE My Course Walk app for their i phone or i pad. 
  •  TIP Awards have arrived and this year the best scoring TB at each level who has sent in their horse's TIP number (scroll down for more info on registering your TB) will receive a championship ribbon, Beginner Novice - Prelim will receive a TIP tote bag and prize money and Starter will receive a TIP stall plaque.
    TIP Awards



  • New Prelim Sawmill Table
Front View with Sawmill Blade
Sawmill Table - side view





The TR3's Maiden Voyage

We're still in desperate need of volunteers!! If you're available before, during or after the event please fill out the volunteer form or e-mail me.

That's it for now.  More updates to come.

Jackie


April 8th Updates:  If you have not already entered the Winona Horse Trials; April 9th is the last date to enter and still be eligible for the "early bird" discount.  There are openings at all levels and on grounds stalls are still available.  Also a reminder that the Starter division will run all three phases on Sat and are not required to pay the USEA starter fees.

Spring has finally decided to make an appearance in NE OH and the ground at Stone Gate Farm is nice and firm and that's not because it is frozen.  For those who have not been able to get out and about this spring;  please note that we are dry and allowing schooling (weather permitting) until April 21st.  After that date we will begin  moving fences into place for the event and no schooling will be allowed.

We are beginning to make updates on the courses, building a few new jumps and we are patiently awaiting the arrival of our new TR3 arena drag which levels, loosens and puts on a final finishing touch to better prepare the footing in all the arenas. 
This is NOT Dave or our farm ;)





Just a reminder that we will be hosting the Dressage Show & Test Clinic on May 4th.  And as always we are always in need of Volunteers.

For more information on the Winona Horse Trials, scroll down for more useful links.

Jackie


March 26th Post:

It's hard to believe that today, March 26th, is the opening date for the Winona Horse Trials when there is snow on the ground!  But I have faith that spring will finally arrive soon and that we WILL have a great event in May.
View of the water jump taken 3/25/13

I also want to remind you of a few perks for entering  early:
  • all opening date entries will be eligible to win a full set of the Success in the Saddle DVD's volumes 1 - 4
  • all complete entries that postmarked by April 9th will be eligible for the 'early bird' discount which is $20 lower than entries postmarked after that date
  • all entries that are postmarked by April 9th are given an extra week to withdraw if necessary and receive a full refund less a $25 office fee
  • early entries have a better chance of getting on-grounds stabling and requesting particular stalls or barns
  • early entries make life easier for the secretary which makes for a happy secretary and happy secretary makes for .... well a happy secretary which is good for everyone ;)
Xentry logoWe encourage all competitors to enter via X-entry but please remember that the entry form, stabling form (if applicable), cogging, payment and stall deposit (if applicable) must be received within FIVE days or the entry or it will be removed from the entry list until complete.  Here is the link to the Omnibus page for your review. For those who do not want to enter via X-entry here's a link to the entry form and the stabling form.

StartBox logoOnce again we will be using Start Box Scoring of data entry and scoring.  Entry status, start times and results will be available  here  Be sure to bookmark this page as it will be the same link for both recognized Horse Trials and Mini Trials.


We will also be using  the Snap Snap texting service which will allow you to receive text messages as to when scores are posted, updates regarding schedules and more.  Click here to sign up for Snap Snap.

My course walk logoI'm hoping to have the time to do our courses with the Course Walk app so that those of you with smart phones can walk your courses using a virtual map complete with pictures.  If anyone lives in the area and would like to get a sneak peek at the courses and would like to walk the courses with the course walk app and take pictures ... let me know.


TIP awards are back again this year.  To streamline the entry process, be sure to get your horse a TIP number and send it in with your entry.


As always we have a few new fences planned for this year.  The Preliminary corner will be replaced with a new friendlier version as well as a new sawmill table.  The farm is also sporting it's version on the 'Rolex log' without the carved squirrel and acorns ;) 
The Stone Gate version of the 'Rolex Log'



Finally, we could always use a few more good volunteers. Even if you're riding; you could always come ahead of time and help set up or come afterwards and help put everything away.  For more information on becoming a volunteer click here.

Hope to see you at Winona in some capacity.

Jackie








Monday, March 25, 2013

Attention all TB Owners - Sign up for T.I.P. Awards






The inaugural season of the Thoroughbred Incentive Program (T.I.P.) was a huge success in 2012 and we were very happy to have both our recognized events be a part of this program that recognizes TB's as sport horses.

I was a little worried that our events wouldn't be selected again this year as so many show are now getting on board with T.I.P.  We are pleased to announce that both Winona & Stone Gate Farm Horse Trials have been selected as T.I.P. competitions. T.I.P. will be awarding a prizes and cash to the best placing TB in ALL divisions including the the Starter division.

You horse doesn't have to be an OTTB but in order to participate in T.I.P. classes and awards ALL horses must include a T.I.P. card.  This is new in 2013 and it will streamline the entire entry process.  I just registered 3 horses and it was quick and easy.

You can apply for a T.I.P. number here.

Be sure to check out their Facebook page

Make sure to include a copy of your horse's T.I.P. card with your entries.

Jackie