Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Sunday Afternoon Project

I've waited years for this...landscaping around the water jump!

Dave decided that he wanted to transplant some bushes that were getting too big and pushing under the barn roof so he asked me where I wanted them.  I knew just where to put them.  Here's hoping that they survive!

Thank goodness for the right equipment
Tying an Anchor
Finished Product

SGF Newsletter

Just in case you missed it; here's a link to the Stone Gate Farm Newsletter

The Winona Horse Trials

Be sure to check Competitors Corner  for Winona updates.



Jackie

Monday, March 21, 2011

Area VIII looses a familiar face

Terry & Chris @ South Farm
Terry Kennedy, a long time cross country starter at many events in Area VIII died Sat night as "his COPD got the upper hand and his lungs just gave out".   Arrangements are pending and no further information is available at this time.

Although not a rider, Terry stepped into the role of starter some years back when he and his wife Chris took over the duties of Chris' parents Jack & Pat Ray who won a Governors Cup for their services. Terry's smiling face and encouraging words will be greatly missed by riders and organizers alike.

Our deepest condolences to his family

Jackie

Friday, March 11, 2011

Text Message Service for the Winona Horse Trials

We are happy to announce that we are offering a text messaging service for the Winona Horse Trials.  For more information and signing up for the service competitors and their support crew should go to  Competitors Corner and volunteers go to Volunteer Views

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Survey Results AND More Input Needed ASAP

The results are in from the survey regarding the tent near the stabling area and considering it was our first survey I'm pleased with the number of responses.  Basically 70 % think it's a  good while others aren't sure or wouldn't be using it because they don't stable or they aren't competitors. Most if the respondents were Mini Trials competitors, followed by Horse Trials & Hunter Pace coming in a close 2nd and 3rd.  It was close between the canopy (45%) and a tent (55%) but most agreed on the size of 20' x 30' or larger.  As for the location, no surprise that people wanted it closer to the food (45%) as compared to the location near the drive (32%) with the location by the pond a distant third (20%).  With the recent rains, it became quite apparent that the site up on a hill near the drive is the best location and we will try to locate the food booth closer to the tent ;)

Now for my next request...Stone Gate Farm / Winona Horse Trials  is going to be the featured event in the new 'event preview' in the April issue of the USEA News. I have been asked a few questions that I think I know the answers to but I thought I should ask those whose opinion really counts, yours!  I'd appreciate your response ASAP as we're on a deadline.
        1. What’s a familiar aspect of the events that the competitors have grown to love and appreciate?
                2. What unique about these events and your facility?
        3. What sets it apart from other events?
        4. What’s the atmosphere like?                       
        5. Anything else that you would like to add

We are only allowed to use one picture.  Which one do you think we should use?

Thanks for your input.

Jackie


# 1 'Reflections'



# 2 Simon's Butterfly Garden