World Equestrian Center Weeks IV & V

Fox Lake Farm made the trek to Wilmington, Ohio to the World Equestrian Center for two weeks of horse showing. Leaving behind wet weather in Birmingham, the crew settled in for indoor showing tucked away from the Ohio winter.

Hannah Banks and Corrado made their return to the show ring in winning style. During week IV, Hannah took Champion in the Pre-Children’s Equitation and 6th in the $2000 Non-Pro Hunter Derby out of over 20 competitors. In week V, they stepped up to the Younger Children’s Hunters to good ribbons including a 5th in the $500 NAL/WIHS Children’s Classic.

Hannah and “Corey” with their Champion prize.

Other Fox Lake riders also tackled the Children’s Hunters with much success including Julia King and C Beyond and Julia McAdam and Cinsational. Julia King and “Carl” won the $500 NAL/WIHS Children’s Hunter Classic out of 20 during week IV! Julia also took 2nd in the THIS 3’ Children’s Medal. During week V, Julia also came away with multiple top 3 placings in the Younger Children’s Hunters.

Julia King and her first place Classic ribbon.

Julia McAdam and “Prince” clinched the win in a $200 Older Children’s Hunter class with other top 3 placings as well during week IV. Week V, Julia won both the Older Children’s Equitation Flat as well as a $200 Older Children's' Hunter Class. She took 2nd and 3rd in other over fences classes as well.

Our Children’s Hunter ladies from left to right: Julia McAdam, Hannah Banks, Julia King.

All of our Children’s Hunters succeeded in large, competitive groups during both weeks and we could not be happier with they way they started their show season.

Campbell Swanner and Eclips V tackled the 3’3 Juniors and equitation during both weeks of showing. In week IV, Campbell took 3rd in the 3’3 Handy and 4th in the THIS Children’s Medal. During week V, Campbell and “Chin” won the first round of the 3’3 Junior Hunter Classic, took 2nd in an over fences class and 2nd in the $1000 3’3 Junior Classic! Campbell also took 2nd in the NCEA 3’3 Medal! Though they have only been together a couple of months, Campbell and “Chin” are making quite the pair.

Mimi Colette Frei and At Last showed during week V, making their debut together in the 3’6 Juniors! Mimi had a great experience her first time in the Large 3’6 Junior Hunters. She and “Shaq” won the $300 Handy with a score of 85!

Mimi and “Shaq.” Thank you Andrew Ryback Photography for the fantastic photo.

Hagen Blackwell and Vegas de Gravelotte also competed in the Large 3’6 Junior Hunters. Hagen came away from both weeks with lots of top 3 finishes; they also clinched a 6th and a 7th place finish in the $1000 3’6 Junior Hunter Classic.

The Fox Lake team enjoyed our time in Wilmington at a great facility outside of our list of usual horse show stops. We head out Wednesday for a week of horse showing at the Wills Park Equestrian Center in Alpharetta, Georgia, before heading to Ocala, Florida for two weeks of showing at HITS Ocala!

Alabama Hunter Jumper Association Awards Banquet

Saturday January 11th the Alabama Hunter Jumper Association hosted their annual Year End Awards Banquet at The Harbert Center in Birmingham, Alabama. This year many members of the Fox Lake Farm family were recognized for their hard work and show results during 2019!

In the Walk Trot Hunter 9 & Above division, Sophia Latham and Maggie Blackstone shared 9th place, both having shown Whispering Hill during the year. Sophia also took 9th in the Walk Trot 9 & Above Equitation division! In the Crosspole Hunter division, Mae Moody and Cup of Joe took 5th; Mae also took 7th in the Equitation with Kayla Hawsey just behind her in 8th!

Kayla Hawsey with her 8th place finish, with Carlyle Brown, Guerry Force, and Amy Knowles.

Whispering Hill made another appearance in the Hunter awards for his 3rd place finish in the Short Stirrup Hunters with Brynn Smith aboard. Brynn also took 6th in the Equitation. In the Long Stirrup Hunters, Kaelin Taylor piloted For Fun to a 3rd place finish; Kaelin also finished 3rd in the Long Stirrup Equitation.

In the Schooling Hunters, Sydney Velazquez and Caredan Z pulled out a 5th place finish out of a huge group of competitors.

The Velazquez ladies with their ribbons!

Lillian Reynolds and Willie Be Mine had a very successful Banquet, taking 6th in the Low Hunters, 3rd in the Children’s Hunters, and Reserve Champion in the Children’s Equitation. Also in the Children’s Hunter division, Julia King and Beckford took home 5th.

Some of our lovely ladies with their ribbons, from left to right: Brynn Smith, Katie Habeeb, Kaelin Taylor, Bates Moody, and Lillian Reynolds.

Kate Knowles and her mount Kingsley also walked away from Banquet with multiple accolades. Kate and “Dax” won the Spirit of the Horse Award, chosen by the Madison Family to honor an equestrian who has dedicated their time, energy, and love to a special horse in their life. Guerry Force nominated Kate for the award, and the nomination read as follows:

“When I think of a kid who has overcome great odds, shown amazing dedication and shown great improvement with their horse I can only think of Kate Knowles and her horse Kingsley.

Kate and Dax have been together for just over 3 years and have truly transformed over that time. When Dax first arrived he was unbroke, weak, and dealing with some physical discomfort. Kate was just coming off her large children's pony, Best Kept Secret. She went from 14.2 hands to 17.2 hands over night!! Their first show was in the pre children's hunters and I think they knocked down more rails than stayed up and there was no lead change in sight. They continued to work hard and they both kept improving.

Two years ago we made the decision to have Dax undergo kissing spine surgery. This required a 3 month rehab consisting of a combination of stall rest, hand walking, and lunging (30 days of daily lunging). Kate was the best physical therapist a horse could ask for. She was out lunging her horse on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day that year. Temps in the teens...Kate was out lunging. Dax never missed a day of rehab. Her work was not done after those 3 months. She still works to this day to keep his back, core, and hind end as strong as possible. Dax is the strongest he has ever been. He is the most rideable he has ever been. He is the happiest we have ever known him.

Because of her hard work and dedication to her horse she and Dax have become quite a team winning countless ribbons and year end awards. However, what matters most to me as her trainer is the horsemanship lessons and skills she has gained. From the top of his ears all the way to the end of his tail (and if you have ever seen Dax without a martingale you know how long he is) this kid knows her horse.She has a bright future ahead of her with Dax right there with her. Their 2020 show season has the 1.10m jumpers in their sights!

I hope you will consider Kate for this award. It's difficult to put into words how hard this kids works and how much faith she has in her horse. I think that's what makes her so special. She just has that extra bit of something when it comes to Dax.”

Kate and Dax took 3rd in the Junior/Amateur Owner Hunters, Reserve Champion in the Regular Working Hunters, Reserve Champion in the Junior Equitation, 3rd in the .95 Jumpers, and Reserve Champion in the 1.00 Jumpers. We are so proud of all she has accomplished with this horse. Katie Habeeb and Alto Aviator also took 6th in the 1.00 Jumper division as well!

In the Children’s Pony Hunters, Sarah Carson Hill took the Champion prize with Benlea Rain Dancer. Sarah Carson was also Champion in the Children’s Pony Equitation! Bates Moody finished 3rd with Cup of Joe in the Children’s Pony Hunters and Reserve Champion in the Children’s Pony Equitation! We are proud of these girls’ sportsmanship and camaraderie with one another throughout the year.

Sarah Carson with her champion prizes with trainers Guerry Force and Carlyle Brown

The Alabama Hunter Jumper Association also honors those who were highest in their USEF Rated Divisions at AHJA Recognized “A” Shows throughout the year.

Romney Velazquez and her own A Timely Affair dominated the Adult Amateur Hunter division, claiming Champion honors. Daughter Lauren Velazquez took home 3rd with Balladeer in the Children’s Hunters as well. Also in the Children’s Hunters, Julia King clinched 6th with Beckford.

Mimi Colette Frei had two mounts claim prizes in the recognized divisions, with Hillcrest Songbird taking home 3rd in the Regular Pony Hunters and At Last claiming 4th in the Junior Hunters.

In the Children’s Jumper division, Clayton Mullis and Tower Lux took 3rd with Katie Habeeb and Alto Aviator claiming a 6th place finish.

Some of our Fox Lake ladies at Banquet. Left to right: Brynn Smith, Emma Grace Early, Sydney Velazquez, Lauren Velazquez, Bates Moody, Lillian Reynolds

Guerry Force was also recognized multiple times over for her incredible dedication to the sport, her riders, and their mounts. Guerry was awarded The AHJA Service Award by the AHJA Executive Board for her volunteer efforts throughout the show season. Guerry also won The Jerry Morrison Award for her exceptional time and efforts dedicated to her job, nominated by Carlyle Brown.

Fox Lake Farm was also voted best horse show of 2019 for their hunter show hosted in May!

In all, we could not be more thrilled with our riders, horses, and staff for all they accomplished during the 2019 show season. Not only did our girls grow as riders and horse women, they also grew as people as they learned valuable life lessons both in and out of the saddle. Bring on 2020!

-Carlyle Brown

Fall Horse Show Highlights

The Fox Lake Farm crew has been busy this fall with horse shows from Brownland Farm and Conyers to the Pennsylvania National Horse Show and the Washington International Horse Show. Below are some of the highlights from a fall full of success!

Hagen Blackwell and new mount Vegas de Gravelotte tackled the 3’3 Junior Hunters at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show. Hagen is a seasoned veteran when it comes to indoors, having competed at this level for the last several years on different mounts, but this was her show debut with “Vegas.” The pair came away 7th and 2nd among some of the stiffest competition in the country!

Hagen and Vegas after their 2nd place finish in the 3’3 Junior Hunter Stake class.

Mimi Colette Frei made her indoors debut at the Washington International Horse Show with Hillcrest Songbird in the Large Pony Hunters. Mimi had a great experience and put down some lovely trips for her last show with “Eva.” We’re excited to see what Mimi accomplishes going forward with her new mount At Last!

Mimi and Eva in the Large Ponies at WIHS.

While Allison Black tackled indoors, Carlyle Brown, Dani Moraski, and Dani Grice of Hunters Court Stable held down the fort at Brownland farm for their October horse shows. Highlights include a 10th Place finish for Romney Velazquez’s A Timely Affair in the Brownland Farm Hunter Derby Finals with Kelly Mullen in the irons, as well as multiple over fences wins for Romney aboard “Heidi” in the Adult Amateur Hunters. Romney’s daughter Lauren Velazquez piloted Balladeer to Champion in the Children’s Hunter 14 & Under division. Julia King and Beckford also took home Reserve Champion in the Children’s Hunter 14 & Under division during Brownland Autumn Country.

Lauren and “Captain” with their champion prize.

After the conclusion of the Brownland Farm October Shows, Guerry Force and Carlyle Brown returned to Brownland for the Alabama Hunter Jumper Association Year End Horse Show. Sydney Velazquez and Caredan Z finished 12th in the $2500 Hunter Derby and Keri Rankin and Odessa finished 2nd out of 42 competitors! Both pairs competed in costume in celebration of Halloween.

Sarah Carson Hill and Benlea Rain Dancer dominated the $1500 Hunter Derby, also competing in costume and taking the win out of nearly 30 competitors. Brynn Smith and Whispering Hill took 3rd, and Kaelin Taylor and For Fun took 6th.

Kate Knowles piloted Kingsley to Champion in the .95 jumper division; the pair also put in good rounds in their 1.00 classes including a 5th place finish in the 1.0 Classic.

Julia King and Beckford took Champion honors in the Children’s Hunter division, and Campbell Swanner and Cherry Garcia took home Reserve Champion. Both riders also went on to ribbon in the AHJA Junior Board Equitation Challenge, taking home 4th and 6th respectively.

Bates Moody took 2nd in the Children’s Pony Medal aboard Cup of Joe, while sister Mae Moody took 2nd in the Crosspole Medal also aboard “Joe.”

Lillian Reynolds and Willie Be Mine topped the standings of the $500 3’ Hunter Classic, winning the two round class out of a stiff group of competitors.

Jen Hauser, Dani Moraski, and Allison Black all tackled the Atlanta Fall Classic horse shows in Conyers, GA at the Georgia International Horse Park.

Clayton Mullis and Tower Lux took 7th in the $5000 Barry Lane Jumper Classic during week I, and 9th out of 20+ competitors in the $7500 Barry Lane Jumper Classic during week II. Clayton and “Tower” also took home Champion honors in the Zone 4 1.10 Children’s Jumper division during week II! Abby Beaty and Via Dolorosa claimed an 8th place finish in the $7500 Barry Lane Jumper Classic during week I as well.

Jen Hauser piloted Eclips V to Champion in the 2’9 Special Hunters and Cinsational to Reserve in the same division. Both horses went on to have great performances in the Children’s Hunter 14 & Under division during the weekend. Campbell Swanner and Eclips V and Julia McAdam and Cinsational both had multiple top 3 placings out of a competitive group.

We are so proud of the progress our riders have made this year. We are looking forward to lots of lessons and time spent at home before we kick back into gear in 2020! Thank you to everyone who makes what we do possible—it truly takes a village!

Kentucky National Horse Show Highlights

The Kentucky National Horse Show is a wrap! Our girls competed against some incredibly stiff competition over the week and we are thrilled with how they performed.

In the Children’s Hunters 14 & Under division, Julia King and Beckford took home 3rd over fences and 5th in the under saddle out of nearly 20 entries. Lauren Velazquez and Balladeer competed in the same division, taking home a 6th over fences and a 6th under saddle. The pair also rode to 7th in the NAL/WIHS Children's Classic. “Captain” was also 6th out of 51 entries with Dani Grice in the irons in the Special Hunters.

Pictured above: Lauren and Captain tackling the indoor ring together for the first time.

Campbell Swanner piloted her own Luxe to 5th out of 21 in the 3’3 Junior Hunter under saddle. The pair had nice trips amongst difficult competition. “Logan” was also 7th out of 72 with Dani Grice in the Special Hunters.

Campbell and Logan pictured above with their 5th place finish.

Over in the jumper ring, Clayton Mullis and Tower Lux finished 5th out of a huge group in a $500 1.10 Children's Jumper class. Clayton and “Tower” were fast and clean to clinch that ribbon.

We’re glad our girls had the opportunity to show against some of the most difficult competitors in their divisions, and we are thrilled that they not only held their own, but thrived in such an environment. We are home for a couple of weeks before tackling Brownland in October for two weeks.

Fall Showing in the AHJA

The past three weekends have been a whirlwind for our crew of horses competing on the Alabama Hunter Jumper Association circuit. Guerry Force and Carlyle Brown have loaded up horses and spent their weekends showing at the Windwood Equestrian Show, the Falcon Hill Farm Hunter Show, and the Dean Equestrian Show. Each weekend our riders improved their game and came home at the top of their divisions.

In her second horse show away from home at the Windwood Equestrian Show, Sophia Lathum piloted Whispering Hill in the Walk Trot 9 & Up division. The pair came away with Reserve Champion honors after placing in the top of 3 of every class. In the Crosspole division, Mae Moody and Cup of Joe took home prizes in every class out of a large division of 16 entries.

Sophia and “Casey” with Amy Knowles

We had two large ponies compete in the Children’s Pony Hunter division. Sarah Carson Hill and Bates Moody rode their ponies Benlea Rain Dancer and Cup of Joe to top 3 finishes in most of their classes; both pairs had a great learning weekend where they tackled new skills.

Kate Knowles and Kingsley competed in the 1.00 Jumper classes which were held on Windwood’s grass field—an excellent experience for Kate and “Dax,” who recently made the switch to the jumpers after spending a couple of years in the Children’s Hunters together.

Lillian Reynolds and Willie Be Mine competed in the Children’s Hunter division and came away with the win in the Children’s Equitation on the Flat and Children’s Hunter I. They took 2nd in every other class.

The following weekend, our riders competed at the Falcon Hill Farm Show which we hosted here at Fox Lake Farm. We love having Molly McCown, owner and head trainer of Falcon Hill, host her show here while her farm is under construction.

Sarah Carson Hill and Benlea Rain Dancer took home Champion honors in the Children’s Pony Hunter division. The pair won both of their hunter over fences classes and the Children’s Pony Equitation over fences. Bates Moody and Cup of Joe were close behind, with 2nd and 3rd place finishes in the same division.

Lillian Reynolds and Willie Be Mine conquered the Children’s Hunter division and the Low Hunter division, taking home Champion and Reserve Champion honors. Lillian and “Willie” took the blue in 4 of their classes. Lillian also had the opportunity to show Willa Rose Akins’ Rhapsody for trainer Molly McCown, who so kindly asked Lillian for the ride. Lillian took home Reserve Champion honors aboard “Bubbles” in the Modified Hunters.

Lillian and Willie with one of their prizes from the Falcon Hill Show

Kaelin Taylor and For Fun competed in the Long Stirrup Hunter division and won every class except for one—in which they took home 2nd. Kaelin and “Noah” really put it all together and had an excellent show. Kaelin won the $500 Challenge in Ring II; she also took home Best Child Rider on a Horse in Ring II! We are so proud of the hard work Kaelin has put into her partnership with Noah over the past year.

Kaelin and Noah with their $500 Challenge ribbon

Brynn Smith and Whispering Hill tackled the Short Stirrup Hunters and the pair won the Equitation on the Flat and took 2nd in both of their over fences classes.

At the Dean Equestrian Show, hosted at Rolling Hills Equestrian Center, our girls continued their winning ways.

Lillian Reynolds and Willie Be Mine dominated the Children’s Hunters division, winning 4 of their 5 classes and taking home Champion honors. Lillian also claimed 2nd in the $500 Dean Show Services Challenge with a score of 84, as well as Best Child Rider on a Horse! Lillian works hard every lesson and has progressed so much over the show season; we love seeing our riders’ hard work and dedication pay off in the show ring.

Kate Knowles and Kingsley competed in the .95 and 1.00 Jumper classes, coming away 4th and 5th, and 1st and 1st respectively. Kate beautifully executed some new skills she’s been working on at home in lessons and laid down great rounds.

Our ponies had a really solid day in the Children’s Pony Hunter division. Sarah Carson Hill and Bates Moody both improved upon their performances each time they entered the ring and were rewarded with good ribbons, including a back to back 1st and 2nd finish in the Children’s Pony Equitation over fences. Sarah Carson also claimed the Reserve Champion prize for the Children’s Ponies.

In the Walk Trot ring, Maggie Blackstone and Molly Hagler made their horse show debut away from home! Maggie piloted Whispering Hill to a win in her second hunter class and Molly took home multiple top 3 finishes with Elliott. We are so excited to have these girls horse showing with us. Their hard work at home is paying off in the show ring.

All of our horses have a couple of weeks off before we resume horse showing at Brownland Farm and the H&G Auburn Horse Park in October. We will spend time lessoning at home and hosting our annual fall party while we are all in town to enjoy it.

Brownland Farm Fall I & II

Our two weeks of showing at Brownland Farm have come to a close and we are thrilled with the performances of our horses and riders.

The Velazquez family had strong performances on all their mounts. During week I, Sydney Velazquez and Caredan Z put down very solid trips in the Pre-Children’s Hunters and received good ribbons in every class out of a competitive group.

Sydney and “Z” looking show ready.

Romney Velazquez’s A Timely Affair took 3rd in the $5,000 Brownland Hunter Derby with Kelly Mullen in the irons; “Heidi” then went on to claim Reserve Champion in the Adult Amateur Hunters with Romney aboard. During week II, Romney stepped up her game even more and took home Champion honors and a 2nd place finish in the NAL/WIHS Adult Hunter Classic!

Lauren Velazquez and her mount Balladeer tackled the Children’s Hunter 14 & Under Division during week II and the pair came away with Champion honors as well! Well done Velazquez family!

Lauren and “Captain” with their Champion prize. Lauren and Captain paired up earlier this year and have had much success together.

Julia McAdam had an exciting two weeks; she tackled the Children’s Hunter division for the first time aboard her new mount Cinsational! Julia and “Prince” received good ribbons during both weeks and ultimately came away 2nd in the NAL/WIHS Children’s Hunter Classic during week II. They improved their performance every time they set foot in the ring. We are looking forward to seeing what this pair accomplishes together in the future.

Julia is all smiles after a good trip with Prince.

Also in the Children’s Hunter division, Hannah Banks and Corrado put down great trips during week I, taking home 1st and 2nd in Children’s Hunter 14 & Under classes.

Hannah and “Corey”

During week II, Julia King and Beckford tackled the same division as well, taking home almost entirely top 3 placings and an 8th in the NAL/WIHS Children’s Hunter Classic.

Abby Beaty and Donnaludine had a successful week I together in the High Adult Jumpers, taking home the win in one 1.10 class and a 2nd in the NAL/WIHS Adult Jumper Classic. Emma Grace Early and Supreme Challenge also took on the jumper ring, with ribbons in the Low Children’s Jumpers during week II including a 6th in the Low Children’s Jumper Classic.

Hagen Blackwell and At Last tackled the 3’6 Junior Hunters; the pair came away with a couple of wins during their two weeks showing. They also took home 6th in the 3’6 Junior Hunter Classic during both weeks.

Mimi Colette Frei and Hillcrest Songbird had nearly a clean sweep of the Large Pony Hunter division during week II, clinching Champion honors. Mimi and “Eva” also won their undersaddle class and took 3rd in the Pony Hunter Classic.

Eva looks a little unimpressed with her champion prize.

Mimi Colette also had the opportunity to ride Caroline Mirts’ pony Envy in the combined Medium/Large Green Pony Hunters. Mimi did a great job and the pair ended up Reserve Champion with a 2nd in the Green Pony Classic!

Campbell Swanner and Luxe also competed during week II of Brownland in the 3’3 Junior Hunters, and the pair jogged for ribbons in nearly all their classes.

Check out the gallery below for more photos from Brownland! Huge thanks to Madison Massey for all the shots.

Atlanta Summerfest II & III

Fox Lake Farm spent two weeks at Chattahoochee Hills in Fairburn, Georgia back in August for the 2nd and 3rd weeks of Atlanta Summerfest. Even in the scorching heat, our riders and horses came away with great ribbons and beautiful trips.

During week II, Keri Rankin piloted her own Odessa and Carlyle Brown’s Nu ID in the Adult Amateur Hunters. Both Odessa and “Ice” jumped around great, receiving ribbons in the NAL/WIHS Adult Hunter Classic; Ice also came away with Champion honors.

Hannah Banks rode her own Corrado in the Pre-Children’s Hunter division to Champion honors as well; following their week II success Hannah and “Corey” moved up to the Children’s Hunter division for week III. The pair received good ribbons in their first move-up show together including a 10th in the NAL/WIHS Children’s Hunter Classic.

Hannah, Corey, and their Champion prize

Abby Beaty returned to the show ring on both her mounts, Donnaludine and Via Dolorosa, in the Adult Jumpers to much success as well during week II. Abby received a 5th aboard “Donna” and a 9th aboard “Vinny” in the NAL/WIHS Adult Jumper Classic. During week III, Abby moved up to the Low A/O Jumpers aboard Donna; the pair also tackled Abby’s first 1.20 Welcome Stake together and came away with a 3rd place finish! We are so proud!

Abby and Donna with their Welcome prize.

Clayton Mullis and Tower Lux tackled the High Children’s jumpers during both weeks of the show and came away with fast, clear rounds that rewarded the pair with good ribbons. Emma Grace Early and Supreme Challenge entered the jumper ring during week III for Emma Grace’s debut in the Low Children’s Jumpers. The weekend proved to be an excellent learning experience and Emma Grace came away with lots of good ribbons including a 6th place in the Low Child/Adult Jumper Classic.

Our Children’s Hunters came out in full force during week III, with Hannah Banks and Corrado, Lauren Velazquez and Balladeer, Julia King and Beckford, and Annie LaRussa and Escalido all tackling the division. Annie LaRussa and “Donte” had a nearly clean sweep of the Older Children’s division; the pair took home Champion and a 1st place finish in the NAL/WIHS Children’s Hunter Classic! Julia King and Beckford won two classes during the weekend and finished 4th in the Classic. Lauren Velazquez and “Captain” took 2nd place in the Classic with good over fences ribbons as well.

Annie, Donte, and Joel (who is sporting his birthday crown)

Carlyle Brown piloted Romney Velazquez’s A Timely Affair to a 6th place finish in the USHJA National Hunter Derby. Romney and “Heidi” then went on to receive excellent ribbons in the Adult Amateur Hunter division as well as a 2nd place finish in the NAL/WIHS Adult Hunter Classic.

Carlyle and Heidi after the Derby.

The Fox Lake team has been in full swing since Chatt Hills, as Allison Black currently tackles two weeks at Brownland Farm before heading to the Kentucky Horse Park next week! We look forward to our clients’ continued success as the fall season continues!

Allison Black in Sidelines Magazine

We are elated to announce that our own Allison Majerik Black was featured in the August 2019 issue of Sidelines Magazine! We’ve attached the interview below for everyone’s reading pleasure:

Old Atlanta Classic I & II

After a few weeks of lessoning and hard work at home, the Fox Lake team headed out last week to Wills Park Equestrian Center for the Old Atlanta Classic. Wills Park Equestrian Center holds a special place in the heart of Allison Black, who attended her first A-rated show there in 1991. That experience helped spark the dream that inspired Allison to pursue Fox Lake Farm as it exists today. Years later, Allison gets to return to the same place to show every year with her clients, having made that dream come to fruition.

Emma Grace Early made the move to the jumpers for the first time with her mount Supreme Challenge during week I. Emma Grace and “Challenge” tackled the .80 and .85 jumpers together to much success. The pair took Reserve Champion honors in the .80 division and Champion in the .85 division. We’re excited to watch this pair move through the ranks together as they tackle their new discipline.

Emma Grace and “Challenge” with their loot.

Also in the jumper ring, Ginny Joyner piloted Abby Beaty’s Donnaludine to 3rd place in the $1500 1.15 Jumper Classic.

Keri Rankin and her own Odessa tackled the Adult Amateur Hunters, and the pair came away with Champion honors as well as a win in the $500 NAL/WIHS Adult Hunter Classic.

Dylan Driver catch rode Mimi Colette Frei’s Hillcrest Songbird in the Large Pony Hunter division and the pair had nearly a clean sweep, winning every class but one in which they were second! “Eva” brought her A-game, also clinching a win in the $500 Pony Hunter Classic out of 15 entries with Dylan aboard. Hagen Blackwell also competed in the Large Pony division aboard Hey Scooby with good ribbons out of 12 ponies.

“Eva” with her champion prize.

Campbell Swanner and Luxe competed in a competitive Large 3’3 Junior Hunter division and came away with good ribbons over fences and a 2nd in the Under Saddle. Campbell also competed in the 12-17 Equitation and came away with two 3rds and a 4th.

Julia McAdam and Hide Away tackled the Pre-Children’s Hunters and had good placings together including a 5th in the Pre-Children’s Hunter Classic. In the Pre-Children’s Equitation, Julia took two 1st place prizes and a 2nd.

Ginny Joyner returned for week II with Hillcrest Songbird and Dylan Driver had the ride again, piloting the pony to 1st place in the $1500 Pony Hunter Derby and Champion Honors in the Large Pony Hunters for a second week!

The Fox Lake team is home for a couple of weeks before Allison heads to USEF Pony Finals with Mimi Colette Frei and Hillcrest Songbird. Following that, the whole team will head to Chattahoochie Hills for their summer classics.

Summer Show Success at Fox Lake Farm

The past few weeks have been a whirlwind of horse shows, with horses competing at Brownland Farm for the Nashville Classic and Nashville Country shows, The Devon Horse Show, and the Germantown Charity Horse Show.

During both weeks of Brownland, Keri Rankin piloted her own Odessa in the Adult Amateur hunters to several blue ribbons and top three placings. The pair also took Reserve Champion honors during week II. Keri purchased Odessa as a three year old in 2017. At the time, Odessa had yet to be broke under saddle and had spent much of her life in a field. Keri has dedicated a lot of time and energy into Odessa, bringing her through the ranks herself.

Clayton Mullis and Tower Lux also had two successful weeks in Brownland, taking 2nd place both weeks in the NAL/WIHS Children’s Jumper Classic. During week II, Jessica Dallow and Zoffany claimed 5th in the NAL/WIHS Adult Jumper Classic. Katie Habeeb and Alto Aviador tackled the Low Adult Jumpers both weeks and came away with several clean rides and good ribbons as well.

Back over in the hunter rings, Julia McAdam and Hide Away had good rides and ribbons in the Pre-Children’s Hunters, as did Hannah Banks and Corrado. Both pairs have been hard at work with their mounts and we’re proud to see their long hours at the barn paying off!

While week I of Brownland was underway, Allison Black made the trek to Devon, Pennsylvania for The Devon Horse Show with Hey Scooby and Hagen Blackwell. Hagen and “Scooby” have been partnered for almost two years now and the pair competes in the Large Pony Hunters. Hagen came away with a 5th place finish in the Large Pony Hunter Stake round with a score of 82. Hagen then went on to be Champion in the Large Pony Hunters the next week in Brownland.

During the second week of Brownland, Campbell Swanner piloted her own Luxe in the 3’3 Junior Hunters to much success including a win in the under saddle as well as top three finishes over fences. Hagen and At Last tackled the 3’6 Junior Hunters and the pair had several top three finishes as well. Carlyle Brown rode her own Nu ID in the Brownland Hunters, with 3rd and 7th place finishes out of a large group of 24.

After the conclusion of Brownland, Allison and Carlyle headed to Germantown, Tennessee for the Germantown Charity Horse Show. The GCHS celebrated its 71st anniversary this year; we love attending a show that is so steeped in history and tradition! During the show, several other disciplines and breeds outside of the hunters and jumpers are on display, including Racking Horses, Gypsy Vanners, Paso Finos, and Tennessee Walking Horses. The show has a fantastic atmosphere where people who are involved in the horse industry in so many different ways can come together.

Hannah Banks and her own Corrado had an excellent trip to Germantown, winning an over fences class out of 21 entries! The pair also claimed a red ribbon in their warmup round as well as a 6th place finish in the under saddle.

Hannah and Corey with their blue ribbon prize.

Julia King and Beckford tackled the Children’s Hunters together and received good ribbons in their over fences classes out of a very competitive group of horses.

Julia and Beckford in the Children’s Hunters.

Campbell Swanner and Luxe also had good trips together in the 3’3 Junior Hunters resulting in good placings and a 2nd in the under saddle. Hagen Blackwell and At Last took Reserve Champion honors in the 3’6 Junior Hunters as well as 12th in the David Wright Memorial Hunter Classic.

In the pony divisions, Madison Hill piloted Mimi Colette Frei’s pony Hillcrest Songbird to good ribbons including a win in the Large Pony Hunter Handy class! Hagen and Hey Scooby also had solid trips in the same division, including a 2nd and 3rd place finish in their over fences. Hagen and “Scooby” also took 6th in the GCHS Pony Hunter Classic, with Madison and “Eva” on their heels with an 8th place finish.

Hagen and Scooby during the Pony Classic awards presentation.

Madison Hill and Eva receiving their 8th place prize.

The Fox Lake crew is home for several weeks for lessons before heading out to Wills Park Equestrian Center for two weeks of horse showing in July!