News from South Pointe Farm:

Events and Activities:  

• The South Pointe girls were working full-throttle this winter, despite the arctic blast that descended on NE Ohio (and stayed).  All of the horses have made progress and even enjoyed some time out in the snow.  Marci used the deep drifts as a "training tool" when the youngsters were feeling rowdy.  Nothing like a few minutes of jogging in a foot of snow to curb an over-zealous colt's attitude!

• Mr. Wade Wilcox, a freelance photographer, made a trip to South Pointe Farm just before Christmas.  Several really nice shots were taken that morning.  One of Marci's favorites of Ray is posted to the right.    Ray has never been particularly fond of cameras, so this one will certainly be kept in Marci's "memories" book.

• The AHSAO banquet was lovely and we all enjoyed an evening "off-the-farm".   The Blue Heron cuisine was delightful and it was especially fun since South Pointe Farm returned home with a trunk full of awards.  Recipients included Mountainview's Allegro (Alex), Biscotti N Bourbon (Scott), Callaway's Made In Missouri (Sophie), Undulata's Lady In Red (Ruby), and Alexandra Wingfield.  Allie was recognized for her outstanding accomplishments in the pleasure and equitation divisions.  She was also awarded the Mary Ferguson Youth Hi-Point Award for Equitation and the Overall Youth High Point Award for 2009.

• The All American Cup Stallion Tour was next on the travel agenda.  Allie, Lyndee, Marci and Taylor hit the road for Shelbyville, Kentucky, to participate in the stallion extravaganza organized by Mr. James Aikman.  Some of the farms visited included Alliance Stud, Copper Coin and Sunrise Stables.  Stallions were in tip-top shape and we had the opportunity to watch I'm Lookin For You, Call Me Ringo and Heirogance and Attitude work under saddle and in harness.  One of Marci's longtime friends is a veterinary intern at the nationally-renown Equine Services (Dr. Scott Bennett).  So rather than attend the stallion service auction & dinner, the group met Bridget Mason, DVM, at the Old Stone Inn in Shelbyville for a fantastic dinner.  The next morning Bridget graciously lead a tour of the clinic where she explained the MRI equipment and procedures, discussed some surgical methods used for repairing the "flap" that causes breathing problems in horses and explained a laminitis research project that is being conducted at Equine Services.  The whirlwind trip included a stop by the Commotion Consignment Shop in Lexington and then a quick trip to the Keeneland Race Track and the Kentucky Horse Park.  Can you believe all of that was stuffed into two days?

• Tre Lee Training Clinic and UPHA Sale Horse Preview:  Could the Weather Have Been Any Worse?  Months of preparation, planning and advertising effort went to this event held on February 27th at the Springfield Champion's Center.  Tre Lee was the guest clinician, followed by the presentation by UPHA professionals of show horses for sale.   The weather did NOT cooperate at all and the Springfield area was actually under a Code 2 travel advisory.  Although some of the horses slated for the event were not present, the crowd grew to just short of 150 people.  That is a record high number of registered participants for the annual clinic.  Good feedback from the audience was received and, although the weather was "frightful", the day was "fantastic and better than your average clinic" (quote from a spectator).   Special thanks go to the South Pointe girls (Angel Mouser, Lyndee Hoge, Allie Wingfield, Tay Wood) for helping with the coordination and planning of this event. 

Marcia Receives Special Recognition from UPHA Chapter 13:  

• UPHA Chapter 13 honored Marcia this winter, by vote, and awarded her with the UPHA Chapter 13 Horse Person of the Year Award. 

On a sad note:

• Sand Rose Town (Rose) was humanely euthanized in February.  She was a broodmare for South Pointe and had produced Biscotti N Bourbon, Northern Treasure and I'm So There.  She had been battling laminitis for years and it was "time".  Thanks, Rosie.  We'll see you on the other side.

Upcoming Events

• Horse Show Season is Upon Us:  A list of shows that are tentatively on the agenda for the 2010 season can be seen at http://www.southpointefarm.com/2010Calendar.htm.  Show entry forms and class schedules will be made available on the website as they become available.   The due dates for entries will also be posted for convenience.  Please make sure you have completed a Transport Release for your horse.

• May 1st, Natural Horsemanship and Holistic  Methods for the Show Horse.  This is a free event ($10 lunch) held at Sunset Farm in Plain City, Ohio.  Marcia has been asked to participate with a horse and will PROBABLY be attending.  Items for discussion include:  Keeping Your Horse Healthy (Chiropractic/Message Therapy), Balanced Nutrition, Natural Hoof Care, Working in the Round Pen and other topics of interest.  Presenters include:  Clem Lee (trainer), Dr. Pam Boyers, Dr. Rustin Moore DVM,  Dr. Teresa Burns DVM, Steve Hebrock (natural hoof care farrier).  Please let Marcia know if you are interested in attending.  Seating is limited.  

• Marcia practices a holistic approach to equine management.  Dr. Holly Troche, DVM, is the farm chiropractor and she visits at least once per month for maintenance on our equine athletes.  Dr. Troche also makes recommendations on herbal/homeopathic remedies and other natural methods when problems arise that call for the "rounded" approach to health care for our equine partners.  We have used things such as arnica (for pain and inflammation), ruta graveolens (for bursitis), and sea kelp (for breathing) to improve the health and well-being of our horses.