Dear Family, Friends and Employees,

Rather than the usual Spotlight, with news and happenings from the farm, I would like to share a personal message with you.

It would be easy to send the usual Holiday sentiments, by wishing you well in the coming year. And I do wish that for sure. But I didn't want the year to end without expressing my appreciation to each of you involved with the farm. I want everyone to know that you have made a difference at Sugar Hill and to me personally. Some of our readers are far away, but always interested in knowing how things are going. I hear from many of you each month and I enjoy the feed back, so keep it coming! Sometimes it is the opportune time to drop you a quick response. Over the years of business operations but especially during this past year, my wonderful husband has been patient and very kind by keeping everything ship shape at home, not only while I traveled and showed Jo, but also when I followed the new show careers of the three-year old horses from Sugar Hill Farm. I was away a great deal traveling across the continent. It wasn't easy to be apart so much of the time and I could not have done it without his whole-hearted support. Thank you, Tom. It was an awesome year!

 The barn staff encouraged me, not only by pitching in to host clinics, but also by coming together as a team that supported and was helpful to one another so that I didn't worry about the horses left behind while I was on the road. Individually, each member of this organization has grown stronger and continues to learn from one another which will make all of us better and more educated in 2011.  One of the goals I've set for the staff is that they choose an area of interest to pursue their education with horses. I'm anxious to hear their choices.

 We saw short term employees helping this summer and full time help all year that was so valuable. My thanks to Molly, Caitlin, Kait, Pam, Paul, Chris, Jason and Anthony for all the time and attention you gave us at the farm. It was a pleasure having you share your talents for the well-being of the horses we value so highly.

 Desiree has taken nurturing our mares, foals and youngsters to a higher level, while Tara, Meghan and Chad instruct our lesson students toward goals that a short time ago many did not even consider possible. I know how that feels, because little did I know back in 2009 that I could or would achieve success in the saddle! In short order Akasha has stepped into a mentoring role and leads by example- always with a smile! And Tom, well, quite often he is the guy that makes everything a little easier and all of us much safer; whether by freeing a stuck tractor, plowing and sanding the drive and laneways or ensuring ample inventory levels of feed and bedding for the horses. Oh yes, he mows the grass for hours too! It takes a lot of work and coordination to make it all happen. I could not do this without them and their attention to detail. Sugar Hill is very fortunate to have them. Their cumulative talents and education and is a huge asset to the horses and the farm.

 Clients and parents, your experience with my staff is an expression of the customer service we endeavor to extend to you, your family and horses. Through the years, I have attempted to surround myself with people who are smarter than I am when it comes to horses. There have been changes made over the years to ensure that the horses are put first so that we can all enjoy healthy and sound animals. I admire the people I work with and acknowledge their talents. In support of them, I am committed to continual examination of efficiencies and the changing needs of the farm while supplying appropriate tools the staff requires in order to do the best job possible. Doing so ensures that my own education will continue as well and that is a win-win result for everyone involved!

 We offer programs for riders and fun filled events for the entire family to enjoy together. Parents, I thank you for your commitment to your children. I know the sacrifice you make to provide a healthy and safe environment with an opportunity for your child to excel at something uniquely their own. Thank you for allowing them to participate in what I feel is a learning experience that teaches teamwork and compassion while building character and self-confidence. Thank you for choosing Sugar Hill Farm. It means a great deal to me when you trust us to provide this opportunity for you and yours. To the adults that are realizing that it is never too late to master something new or give it another try, I commend you too! Don't ever let an age number or fear stand in your way. All things are possible and achievable with the appropriate guidance and support!

 From the bottom of my heart, my thanks, gratitude and appreciation go to the many farm owners, trainers and "horse people" who have helped Sugar Hill and taken its horses to new heights and me along with them! I have so many individuals to thank for stepping forward over the years with offers of support and guidance. Things have culminated in quite a year, from Scottsdale to Canadian and U.S. Nationals! There are not enough words to adequately express my feelings. To Keith, Gregg, Maureen and Christine at Krichke Training Center, Rodney and Sharon at Equistar Training Center, Mary and Pat Trowbridge, Lindsey Knight and everyone at Trowbridge's Ltd.; each in your own way you have supported my attempts to keep Sugar Hill out there in the Arabian arena and market place. Little did I know what an impact our efforts would have! To Brian Murch, Brian Ferguson and Dr. Chat, whose never-ending support has meant the world to me, I cherish the time you spend with me and appreciate your insight and talents. Thank you for sharing what you know. To the various veterinarian, farrier, message therapist and chiropractic equine professionals who tend to our horses needs both here and away from the farm, I appreciate your efforts to ensure their comfort, health and soundness. We would not be here at Sugar Hill if not for these very special horses!

 Linda Mary, Betty Gallagher and Cousin Linda, remember the beginning all those years ago? I hope in some way you realize that most of what I enjoy today began with your patience, support and guidance. Thank you very much for introducing me to the Arabian horse. Nothing can complete a person more than finding a passion as intense as the one I enjoy. I will always be grateful to you.

 My sights are now set on 2011, where the excitement is enjoyed daily! Please join me in celebrating our 10^th year in business! Above all else, I endeavor to share these horses and the joy they bring to those they touch by breeding, rearing and nurturing them. That in turn will provide safe and family-friendly animals that truly enjoy the jobs we ask of them. I look forward to your continued participation at whatever level you choose.

 Very sincerely,

Betsy

Hello, hello!

As I always say, better late than never! I am more behind than usual writing to you this month because there has been a lot going on. Thus there is tons of news to share! Where to start?

On April 17th, Sugar Hill Farm hosted the Arabian Horse Association of New York's riding clinic. Large "R" Arabian Judge Kevin Price opened his presentation with a riding demonstration on Front Row Jo. He explained how he works a horse, what he looks and feels for and he showed us what tools of communication he uses with the horses. That set the stage for 5 sections of riders taking instruction in Saddleseat, Junior-To-Ride Hunt seat, Western Pleasure and Adult Hunter. Kevin made his schooling specific to each of 15 horse and rider teams by first mounting and schooling the horse himself. In effect, each rider got a private lesson, while those in attendance benefited by the opportunity to observe, listen and learn from each group. I was fortunate to ride Jo myself in the first Saddleseat section after Kevin "warmed him up" so I had the benefit of Kevin's expertise too! It was fabulous! It is very exciting to continue my learning with each and every new opportunity.  I was also pleased to see so many attend to audit Kevin's clinic. Many thanks to my staff for all they did to make the day great for me and for the farm. And thank you to the AHANY club members who worked the registration table and manned the food tent. Everyone did a great job to make everyone feel welcome!

During the following weeks, I spent days traveling to see the horses that are away from the farm training for their performance careers. Davis is doing very nicely under saddle. He measures 16.2 hands high and that is after having his feet trimmed! He is happy and healthy and looks quite mature with a new muscled and mature look to his body. Actually he is quite stunning to see and makes me proud to have bred him.

I attended an Arabian Horse Breeding Seminar held at Michigan State University. I joined a large group from all over the country sharing a similar interest in breeding our beloved Arabians. We studied conformation; the ideal we all look for and learned how to identify those traits that need improving in our mares. This event brought home to me again and again the tremendous personal responsibility I shoulder to make the best decisions possible when choosing a stallion for our mares. The resulting foals absolutely must be better than the sum of both parents or I have failed to improve the breed!                                                                                         

Speaking of mares, the next trip I made took me to see Grace and Bliss, also away from the farm in training for saddle performance. That road trip was also a wonderful drive with great weather in which to enjoy the scenery. I found both fillies to be calm and pleasant to be around which tells me that they are happy in and with their new work environment. They too, like Davis, are changing in their body shapes as a result of conditioning new muscles. It is a pleasure to see this. When these horses are born on the farm, there is wonder and expectation about what they will become. SHF now has three three-year olds, each coming into their own, all with very exciting prospects for promising future performance careers. I truly believe that they will make us proud of what they can achieve!

And don't forget, that by the end of the year both Sampson and Maxx will also be grown up enough to leave the nest too! Their personalities are forming and we will begin some ground work here, later this year, but before they leave for formal work. The decision about where they will go and to who won't be made just yet. There is time for us to consider the most appropriate trainer for each.

Many of you have been asking about new babies due on the farm this year. And yes, we are expecting four, but none have arrived yet. Tracy is taking her time with her first, which is making us anxious with the wait. But she is doing fine, so we trust that this foal is not quite ready yet and it will come when the time is right.

Meanwhile, Miss Barbary and Tapestry seem more than eager to be the first to give us a foal and ready to beat Tracy to have the first on the farm. But no matter which baby arrives first, it is the highlight of the year! The entire staff looks forward to participating in the big events! Miss B is due around the 19th, Maggie the 31st and Tapestry June 9th. Stay tuned!

Cassie has been checked in foal already for next year and a strong heartbeat was verified! Our first attempt with Desire this year was not successful, and due to complications with the stallion we chose for her, we now must find the next best. Keep your fingers crossed for a prompt resolution to this dilemma.

As I sit here writing, I hear the sound of voices nearby; the lesson students are having lunch in the room next to me. It is pleasure to hear them chatting together.  Tara, Molly and I are pleased to have these young ladies spend their Saturdays with us at the farm. They enjoy grooming the horses and learning at the same time. Each takes a lesson while they are here. Thus each benefits from watching the others. The rain has kept all the horses inside today so the group is busy.

Well, I have kept you all long enough to update you on all that is happening. I am confident that next month there will be babies to report on and the weather will have settled into something warmer than the snow we got for Mother's Day!

Hi Everyone!

I know this is not the usual format for the Spotlight, and you will miss the photos and such, but we've had a minor glitch in the software system while attempting to put the program onto my computer.  I do apologize for the delay, but keep reading as the news is still as exciting!

I mentioned in last month's message that there would be advertising to highlight the wins the geldings had in Scottsdale. Sugar Hill did indeed have a print ad run in the March issue of the Arabian Horse Times magazine. In addition, an e-mail blast was also sent to a data base of over 11,000 addresses! There has been some interest in Davis, but no serious purchase offer yet. Davis continues his introduction to the saddle with the trainer, while Curtis is home playing outside with Missti and Dante. I plan to visit Davis later this month to check his progress.

The weather of late has been awesome allowing us to ride outside, on the lane ways, as well as in the outdoor arena. It felt like riding on a hot, sandy beach! The horses' coats are shedding like crazy while the mares waiting to foal are lazy and somewhat crabby. It is hard to explain to them that this is wonderful weather, when all they want to do is stand around because they are suffering with the heat.

Earlier this week our lesson students got a close up view and a personal tutorial by our veterinarian during the artificial insemination of one of the mares; a maiden mare- one that has never been bred or carried a foal. Once the process was complete, the girls went to the lab to view a retained sample under the microscope. Ample motility was verified. The mare has now ovulated and in 14 to16 days we will know if this attempt was successful. Keep your fingers crossed!

Please be sure to check the details of the exciting riding clinic being held here at the Sugar Hill Farm! The sidebar box has all the information. I invite all our students to take part. It is not too late.

                                                            Betsy