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!
Brownland Spring I & II
Fox Lake Farm is back from two weeks at Brownland Farm’s April horse shows. We saw several new partnerships succeed in the show ring. Lauren Velazquez piloted her new mount Balladeer to Reserve Champion honors in the 14 & Under Children’s Hunters. Lauren and “Captain” put down lovely rounds that also earned them a 5th place in the NAL/WIHS Children’s Hunter Classic. Kyle Muckler and Balladeer also took 5th in the $5,000 Brownland Farm Hunter Derby out of a field of 30 entries.
Sydney Velazquez and Caredan Z tackled the Pre-Children’s Hunters and received ribbons in nearly every round of a huge class of 17 riders. Julia King partnered up with new mount Beckford and the pair took Reserve Champion honors in the Pre-Children’s Hunters together.
In week II Emma Grace Early and Supreme Challenge bested a field of 10 in the USHJA 2’6 Hunter Handy course for the win. The pair also received ribbons in every class of the division.
Campbell Swanner moved up to the 3’3 Junior Hunter division during week II after a successful week I in the Children’s Hunters with Luxe. Campbell and “Logan” had a great first outing in their new division. Hagen Blackwell and At Last also moved up a division, from the 3’3 Juniors to the 3’6 Junior division. Hagen and “Shaq” made easy work of the change, taking ribbons in nearly every class. Hagen was also Reserve Champion both weeks in the Large Pony Hunter division aboard Hey Scooby. Hagen and “Scooby” also won the NAL/WIHS Large Pony Classic during week II.
Mimi Colette Frei and Hillcrest Songbird also found success together in the Large Pony Hunters, taking the win in the Large Pony Classic during week I.
In the Adult Hunters during week II, Romney Velazquez and A Timely Affair took Champion honors. Romney and “Heidi” won two of their over fences classes and took 2nd in the NAL/WIHS Adult Hunter Classic. Kyle Muckler also piloted the mare to a 10th place finish in the $5,000 Brownland Farm Hunter Derby.
Over in the jumper ring, Clayton Mullis and Tower Lux put down good, clear rounds in the High Children’s Jumpers which earned them top placings including an 8th in the NAL/WIHS Child/Adult Jumper Classic. Jessica Dallow and Zoffany were very successful during their two weeks of showing as well, taking 3rd in the Classic during both weeks of showing.
Katie Habeeb and Alto Aviador had many clear rounds together in the .90 Child/Adult Jumpers resulting in good ribbons, including a 2nd and a 4th place finish.
Ginny Joyner piloted A.J. Salch’s Cambridge to good ribbons in the 2’9 USHJA Hunters during week I as well. Carlyle Brown rode her own Nu ID in the 3ft Green Hunters during week II; the pair received ribbons out of large classes of 20 and 16.
Tri-Colors Abound @ Vintage Creek in Auburn
This past weekend Guerry Force and Carlyle Brown headed down to H&G Horse Quarters in Auburn, Alabama for the Vintage Creek Farm AHJA Show.
Kayla Hawsey made her debut on Capito in the Crosspole Hunters. Kayla and “Otto” had great ribbons together including a win in the Crosspole Under Saddle. Brynn Smith tackled the Short Stirrup Hunters for her first time with Whispering Hill and they took home the Champion ribbon together. Pamela Adam also moved up to the Long Stirrup Hunters with Gabriel and the pair had great trips including a win in the Under Saddle and a win in the Equitation on the Flat.
Brynn Smith has worked hard with “Casey” to move up to the Short Stirrup Hunters.
Julia McAdam and Wonderland took on the Schooling Hunter and Pre-Child/Adult Divisions in their first show together. The pair came away with Champion in the Schooling Hunters and top ribbons in the Pre-Child/Adults.
Julia McAdam and “Wonder.” Photo courtesy of Michael Gibbens.
Bates Moody and Cup of Joe took four wins and one second together in the Children’s Pony Hunters and Equitation culminating in a Champion prize! Sarah Carson Hill and Benlea Rain Dancer were right on their tails with several 2nd place results.
Bates Moody and “Joe.”
Lillian Reynolds and Willie Be Mine had great, consistent trips together in the Children’s Hunters and the pair came away Champion. Lillian and “Willie” teamed up mid-2018 and after a great rest of the 2018 season in the Pre-Children’s and Low Hunters, they moved up to the 3ft Children’s at the start of 2019.
Lillian Reynolds celebrating her Champion ribbon with a little help from Kate Knowles.
Kate Knowles and Kingsley also won the Champion prize in their second time out in the Junior Hunter division, winning every class. Kate has worked hard with “Dax” during their nearly 3 year partnership and they’ve found much success together working up the levels of the hunters.
Kate and Dax sporting their tri-color.
The Fox Lake Farm team will head to Cameron Oaks Farm this weekend for the Hunter Place horse show, then next week onto Brownland Farm for two weeks!
Gulf Coast Winter Classic Weeks 4 & 5
Our Fox Lake team came home recently from two successful weekends at Gulfport!
Starting out with our Hunter Division riders, Hagen Blackwell was Champion in the 3’3 Juniors with At Last. This pair won the Junior Hunter 3’3 Classic and placed 3rd or above the entire weekend! Hagen also had success with her pony Hey Scooby in the Large Pony Division. Julia King and Champlain Grey were consistent as well in the Larges and placed 9th in the USHJA Pony Hunter Derby sponsored by Fox Lake Farm.
Mimi Colette Frei and Hillcrest Songbird also came home with ribbons in the Large Pony Division.
In the Pre-Children’s, Julia McAdam and her horse Hide Away had great rounds with this being one of this pair’s first shows together. These two also won the Equitation on flat for this division.
Hannah Banks and Corrado had a great first show together coming home with Reserve Champion in the Pre-Children’s Hunter Division.
For the Jumpers, Abby Beaty and Donnaludine moved up to the Low Junior/Amateur Owners, and had a successful weekend finishing 2nd in the Classic and Reserve Champion.
Katie Habeeb and Alto Aviador were Champion and won the Classic in the .85 Child/Adult Jumper Division. Finally, Claire McNamara and O’Lara moved up to the 1.00 Child/Adult Jumpers after their second week showing together and had great rounds. We look forward to see what all of these pairs have in store for the upcoming season!
HITS Ocala VI
Fox Lake Farm wrapped up at HITS Ocala this past weekend after three weeks of showing with lots of ribbons to show for it!
Romney Velazquez and her own A Timely Affair tackled the 3’ Adult Hunters 46-55 group and came away with 2nd, 3rd, 5th, 7th, and 8th prizes. Her daughter Lauren Velazquez piloted RF Rutchspun to great rounds in the Children’s Hunters 14 & Under division as well! In the same division, Campbell Swanner rode Carlo-T, a catch riding experience for her. The pair had great trips, as well as a 7th prize in the Under Saddle.
Lauren Velazquez and “Rojo,” pictured above, enjoyed their A-show debut together.
Campbell Swanner, pictured above, had three super weeks of catch riding during HITS.
Over in the pony ring, Julia King, Hagen Blackwell, and Mimi Colette Frei all tackled the Large Pony Hunter division.
Julia King and Champlain Grey took 3rd, 4th, and 7th together only their 2nd time out in the Large Pony division!
Hagen Blackwell and Hey Scooby claimed 2nd, two 5ths, and an 8th together as well.
Mimi Colette Frei and Hillcrest Songbird claimed a 6th, two 7ths, and three 8th place prizes.
Hagen Blackwell rode At Last in the 3’3 Large Junior Hunter 15 & Under division. Hagen and “Shaq” only paired up earlier in 2019 but have already found much success together during HITS. Hagen took two 3rds, 6th, and two 7ths during week VI.
The whole Fox Lake team is home for the week before half of us travel to Chattahoochee Hills Eventing in Fairburn, Georgia for the AHJA Kickoff Show and the others head to the Gulf Coast Winter Classic in Gulfport, Mississippi!
Thanks Madison Massey for the photos!
HITS Ocala IV & V
The Fox Lake Farm team escaped the Alabama cold for some warm sunny days at HITS Ocala. We’ve finished up two great weeks of showing at HITS Ocala weeks IV & V and we’re excited to avoid the rain back home during week VI!
During week IV, Hagen Blackwell had excellent trips and ribbons aboard both Hey Scooby, her large pony mount, and At Last, a brand new partner for her with whom she tackled the 3’3 Large Junior Hunters. Hagen and “Scooby” took 1st, 3rd, 4th, and 6th out of a competitive group of ponies. Hagen and “Shaq” had top ribbons: two 2nds, a 5th, and two 6th place prizes.
Mimi Colette Frei and Hillcrest Songbird also tackled the Large Pony Hunters, coming away with two 7th place finishes.
Ginny Joyner and Claire McNamara’s Citrine Plaisir took 6th in the .80 jumpers and 6th in .90 jumpers together. Ginny also had a successful 1.10 trip aboard Abby Beaty’s Donnaludine, clinching 2nd out of 40+ horses! Abby went on to have great trips aboard her new mount in the High Adult Jumpers, as well as with longtime partner Via Dolorosa.
Clayton Mullis and Tower Lux took 2nd in High Children’s Jumpers and 6th in $2,000 M&S/Nal High Children’s Jumper Classic together.
Campbell Swanner had the opportunity to catch ride Carpriccio in some equitation classes and the pair had good ribbons together, including a 7th in the Mini Medal!
During week V, Hagen continued her successful streak with both horses, taking home great ribbons in the Large Pony Hunters with “Scooby” and Reserve Champion honors aboard “Shaq” in the 3’3 Large Juniors.
Mimi Colette Frei and Hillcrest Songbird had great trips in the Large Pony Hunters as well, with two 3rds, two 7ths, and an 8th place finish.
AJ Salch’s Cambridge made his jumper debut with Ginny Joyner during HITS Ocala and the pair took home 8th in the .80 Jumpers.
Ginny Joyner and Claire McNamara’s Citrine Plaisir built on their week IV successes, claiming 6th in the .90 jumpers; they also put down good, solid trips in the 1.00 jumpers.
Clayton Mullis and Tower Lux had another good week, taking home 7th in the 1.10 Jumpers and 7th in the High Children’s Jumpers. Abby Beaty ribboned in the High Adult Jumpers with a 4th on Via Dolorosa and 7th in the $2,000 M&S/NAL Adult Jumper Classic aboard Donnaludine.
Campbell Swanner also took a blue ribbon in the equitation on Carlo-T— great experience catch riding for Campbell!
Romney Velazquez’s A Timely Affair and daughter Lauren’s horse RF Rutchspun will be joining the crew for week VI, as will Julia King’s Champlain Grey. Good luck to everyone in the coming week!
Allison Black and Ginny Joyner will head to Gulfport, Mississippi for the Gulf Coast Winter Classic during March, while Guerry Force and Carlyle Brown will head to Chattahoochie Hills for the Alabama Hunter Jumper Association Kickoff Horse Show.
Click through the gallery below for more photos from HITS Ocala!
Zone 4 Awards
Congratulations to our Fox Lake Farm riders who received Zone 4 high point ribbons for 2018! Zone 4 is comprised of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Mississippi as governed by the United States Hunter Jumper Association. Several of our riders received high point ribbons in their divisions for their successes horse showing in 2018.
Abby Beaty and Corrado beat out all other Zone 4 competitors in the Large Junior Hunters 16-17 to take the blue ribbon. Abby and her other mount Via Dolorosa took 3rd in the High Children’s Jumpers.
Lucy Reich aboard Indelible placed 2nd in the 3’3 Junior Hunters and Annie LaRussa and Escalido took 6th.
Katie Habeeb and Simply Red were 5th in the Children’s Hunter division. Campbell Swanner and THS Pia-Lena took 8th in the same division.
Hagen Blackwell and her two ponies Footsteps and Hey Scooby both claimed awards in their divisions. Hagen and Footsteps were 4th in the Medium Pony Hunters and Hagen and Hey Scooby took 2nd in the Large Pony Hunters.
These riders worked hard all year competing and perfecting their riding skills against some of the toughest competition in the country. It’s so rewarding to see them find such large scale success. We’re looking forward to more of the same in 2019.
-Carlyle Brown
AHJA Year End Banquet
Friday night, January 4th, the Alabama Hunter Jumper Association Membership gathered at Haven in downtown Birmingham to celebrate the 2018 horse show season. In 2018 many of our riders stepped onto new horses and into more competitive divisions. We are so proud with not only their ribbon results, but also with all of the new skills they honed this year. Our riders came away with top placings in the entire state of Alabama.
In the Walk Trot 8 & Under division, Camille Coco and Whispering Hill took 7th. Camille also took 6th in the Walk Trot 8 & Under Equitation division. Lou Gidiere followed just behind Camille with a 9th place finish in the same division. In the Crosspole Hunter division, Bates Moody and Lydia Clayton shared the ride aboard Elliott for 3rd place honors. Bates also took 6th in the Crosspole Equitation. Bates was able to hold onto her 6th place finish even with moving up to the Short Stirrup division halfway through the year! Brynn Smith piloted Whispering Hill to 8th place in the Crosspole Hunters and Brynn took 7th in the Crosspole Equitation as well.
Bates Moody (left) sporting Crosspole ribbons.
In the Short Stirrup Hunter division, Hannah Banks was 3rd aboard Capito. Hannah also claimed Short Stirrup Equitation Champion honors! In Long Stirrup, Paloma Caine and White Tie took 4th in both the Hunter and Equitation divisions.
Hannah Banks and her Short Stirrup Equitation Champion ribbon.
Paloma and her parents celebrating her 2018 successes!
In the Schooling Hunter division, Fox Lake girls took the three top spots! Sydney Velazquez and Double Dutch claimed Schooling Hunter Champion, Emma Grace Early and Wonderland took the Reserve title, and Lauren Velazquez and Caredan Z took 3rd! In the Pre-Child/Adult Hunter division, our girls took 1st, 2nd, and 3rd in the same order! The Schooling Hunter and Pre-Child/Adult divisions were the largest, most competitive divisions on the AHJA circuit this year; hard work and dedication all year long helped these girls pull out such impressive victories! Lillian Reynolds also had a great year in the Pre-Child/Adult division; she piloted two mounts this year which just barely kept her out of the Hunter division ribbons. However, her strong showing all year long in the Equitation division clinched her a 4th place finish. Lillian and Willie, her mount purchased in the summer of 2018, also moved into the 2’9 Low Hunter division this fall to much success.
Lauren (left) and Sydney Velazquez with parents Romney and Andy.
Emma Grace Early showing off her 2 Reserve Champion prizes and 5th place equitation ribbon with mom Lisa.
Sydney Velazquez ended her night with a 3rd in the Pre-Child/Adult Equitation division; Emma Grace Early took 5th, and Lauren Velazquez took 6th.
Trainer Guerry Force with the Pre-Children’s girls.
In the Children’s Pony Hunter division, Sarah Carson Hill and Benlea Rain Dancer took 3rd out of a large group of ponies. Sarah Carson and “Stormy” had a great year together in Sarah Carson’s first year showing at 2’6. In the Regular Pony Hunter division, Mimi Colette Frei took 4th aboard Divide’s Freedom Spirit and Julia King took 5th on Copperfield. Both girls have since moved onto new pony mounts and we are sure they will have even more success in the 2019 season. Mimi Colette and Julia also took 4th and 5th in the Regular Pony Equitation division.
Sarah Carson Hill (left) and Julia King with their pony hunter ribbons.
In the Baby Green Hunter division, A.J. Salch’s Cambridge clinched 4th place with Carlyle Brown. “Ozzy” made lots of improvements this year as he learned to love his job in the hunter ring!
In the Low Hunter division, Kate Knowles took a 4th place finish with Kingsley. Kate and “Dax” also claimed Reserve Champion in the Children’s Hunters for the year, and Kate won Champion honors in the Children’s Equitation for the 2nd year in a row!
Kate and Dax had a successful show year.
The AHJA also awarded High Point Awards to those AHJA members who accumulated points in rated divisions at USEF shows throughout the year. Campbell Swanner and THS Pia-Lena had the highest number of points in the Children’s Hunter division at USEF rated shows out of everyone in Alabama, so they clinched a Champion prize. Annie LaRussa and Escalido were right on their heels, coming in 3rd.
Campbell Swanner and mom Heather with Campbell’s USEF High Point ribbon for the Children’s Hunter division.
Many trophies and awards were given throughout the night to deserving riders, trainers, and parents. During the Banquet, the AHJA Membership votes on those nominated for select perpetual trophies. One such award, the Pat Hoyle Sportsmanship Award, has been given since 1969 and is awarded to someone who exemplifies strong sportsmanship and dedication to the sport at AHJA activities. Guerry Force nominated Carlyle Brown for the award, and the AHJA Membership voted her as the winner. Carlyle’s name will be engraved alongside many cornerstones of the AHJA community, including Allison Black’s mother Mary Anne Majerik who won the award in 1988.
Carlyle and Guerry with the Pat Hoyle Sportsmanship Award trophy.
In all, it was a fantastic night for not only our Fox Lake Farm family but for the AHJA community as a whole. We here at Fox Lake love being involved in such a strong local circuit that is encouraging and bringing along our next generation of horsemen and women. Also, a huge thanks to the AHJA Board for their hard work this year ensuring a successful circuit, as well as lots of time and effort put forth to make sure Banquet went off without a hitch.
Click through the gallery below for more photos from our fun night. Thanks Madison Massey!
