Timberlane Farm Updates

We have decided to move...

2011-09-17T13:56:00.000-07:00

So I finally have a few minutes to make a post that many of you have already heard through the grapevine. Paul and I have decided to sell Timberlane Farm. I am taking a job riding for Patrick Burssens at IDA Farm in Wellingon, FL and will develop a business as a freelance instructor and trainer in South Florida as well. Patrick is the owner of Don Fredo and I can't even begin to express how excited I am to pursue this new phase of my equestrian career. However, it is a bittersweet decision, as I have absolutely loved my life here at Timberlane Farm. I have so many wonderful friends, passionate clients, talented horses and vivid memories. I will miss everything!! However, I am not planning to disappear to Wellyworld never to be seen again! The only way I could sell the farm was to be assured that everything that is Timberlane could continue to develop. As sometimes happens in life, all the stars aligned, and as the opportunity with Patrick presented itself, an opportunity to sell the business also presented itself. My former student and young rider star, Stacy (Gormley) Posthumus moved back to Michigan this spring, bringing her training,import and sales business to town. After getting married in the summer, she and her husband Bryan decided they would like to have their own farm. A match was made! Stacy and Bryan will continue all the programs at Timberlane: training programs, the riding academy, clinics, showing, and pony camps. I could not be more thrilled to be passing the reins, so to speak, to one of the original talents to come out of Timberlane. So, in less than a month, Paul, Sage, Poppyseed Gelato, Stewart Paxton Moore 1, and I will be packing up and heading to our new adventure in Wellington! Thank goodness for Facebook so I will be able to keep in touch with everyone on a minute by minute basis!!

Love to you all,

Laurie

Friesian Quadrille

2011-07-30T05:28:00.000-07:00

Four of Laurie's long-time students are performing in an exhibition today at Concord Ridge Equestrian Center near St. Joseph. Today is Concord's open house so if you are looking for an entertaining horse event, head down and watch a spectacular quadrille at 2pm and tour the new Concord facility.

Patrick Burssens Clinic, July 30 & 31

2011-07-28T06:24:00.000-07:00

Saturday, July 30 at RIVERWOOD
8:30 Kate Scheltema - Capone
9:15 Katrina Oosting - Poldi
10:00 Katrina Oosting - Waldenfels
10:45 Val Noblet - Hotero
11:30 Kris Graye - Samurei
12:15 Kate Scheltema
1:00 LUNCH at RIVERWOOD
1:30 Lisa Seeley - Danny
2:15 Julie Wallace - Delphine
3:00 Travel to TIMBERLANE
3:15 Sally Alksnis – Nigel
4:00 Sue Bardins – Chase
4:45 Laurie Moore – Don Fredo

Sunday, July 31 at RIVERWOOD
7:30 Kate Scheltema - Capone
8:15 Kris Graye - Samurei
9:00 Katrina Oosting - Poldi
9:45 Katrina Oosting - Waldenfels
10:30 Elisabeth Scheltema
11:15 Val Noblet - Hotero
12:00 Julie Wallace - Delphine
12:45 LUNCH at RIVERWOOD
1:30 Lisa Seeley - Danny
2:15 Travel to TIMBERLANE
2:30 Sally Alksnis – Nigel
3:15 Sue Bardins – Chase
4:00 Laurie Moore – Don Fredo

August 2011 Pony Week is FULL

2011-07-25T14:04:00.000-07:00

August appears to be a popular month to attend pony week.

There are no more slots available as of today.

Look for more pony opportunities during the holidays at the Timberlane Farm web site.

Christine Traurig Clinic 7/10-11

2011-07-08T08:46:00.000-07:00

SUNDAY
8.30 Robin Todd - Tart - 2nd Level Trakehner mare
9.15 Robyn Weston - Willow - PSG/II Hanoverian gelding
10.00 Laurie Moore - Don Fredo - Tr Level Oldenburg gelding
10.45 Andrea Landis - Oley - 2nd Level Qtr Horse gelding
11.30 Linda Chesser - Sultan - 1st Level Dutch gelding
12.15 LUNCH
1.15 Sally Alksnis - Nigel - 4th level Dutch gelding
2.00 Sue Bardins - Chase - 4th level Trakehner gelding
2.45 Pam Hegland - Letizia - 4th level Westfalen mare
3.30 Kelly Gormley - Max - 1st Level gelding
4.15 Holly Durcan - Zealand - 2nd Level Lusitano gelding

MONDAY
8.30 Robyn Weston - Willow - PSG/II Hanoverian gelding
9.15 Linda Chesser - Sultan - 1st Level Dutch gelding
10.00 Laurie Moore - Don Fredo - Tr Level Oldenburg gelding
10.45 Kerrigan Gulch - Oley - 2nd Level Qtr Horse gelding
11.30 Barb Anderson - Fidelis - 3rd level Rhinelander gelding
12.15 LUNCH
1.15 Sally Alksnis - Nigel - 4th level Dutch gelding
2.00 Pam Hegland - Letizia - 4th level Westfalen mare
2.45 Robin Todd - Tart - 2nd Level Trakehner mare
3.30 Laurie Moore
4.15 Stacy Posthumus - Carmelo- Tr Level Lusitano gelding

Patrick Burssens Clinic 5/21-22

2011-05-18T12:58:00.000-07:00

Saturday, May 21
Starts at Connie Oosting's Riverwood Farm

8:00 Connie Oosting- Walden

8:30 Connie Oosting- Poldi

9:15 Val Noblet- Wonder Boy

10:00 TRAVEL TO TIMBERLANE FARM

10:30 Whitney Petersen or Tonya Crittenden- Filius

11:15 Laurie Moore- Letizia

12:00 Tina Miller- Lyric

12:45 LUNCH

1:15 Sue Bardins- Chase

2:00 Laurie- Don Fredo

2:45 Sally Alksnis- Nigel

3:30 Stacy Gormley Posthumus- Black Label

4:15 Pam Heglund- Chanel

5:00 Stacy Gormley Posthumus- Zander

Sunday May 22
Starts at Connie Oosting's Riverwood Farm

7:30 Connie Oosting- Walden

8:00 Connie Oosting- Poldi

8:45 TRAVEL TO TIMBERLANE FARM

9:00 BRUNCH BEGINS

9:00 Pam Heglund- Chanel

9:45 Kelly Gormley- Cafe

10:30 Stacy Gormley Posthumus- Zealand

11:15 Laurie Moore- Letizia

12:00 BREAK

12:15 Tina Miller- Lyric

1:00 Laurie Moore- Don Fredo

1:45 Sally Alksnis- Nigel

2:30 Sue Bardins- Chase

3:15 Tammy Sweetman- Polensio

Christine Traurig Clinic Schedule

2011-05-06T05:01:00.000-07:00

SATURDAY
8 Kathryn Barry - Veggie
8.45 Debbie Schaefer - Petra - Tr. level Fresian mare
9.30 Andrea Landis - Oley - 2nd Level Qtr Horse gelding
10.15 Laurie Moore - Letizia - 4th level Westfalen mare
11.00 Pam Hegland - Chanel - 1st Level Draft Cross mare
11.45 Barb Anderson - Fidelis - 3rd level Rhinelander gelding
12.30 LUNCH
1.30 Stacey Gormley - Black Label- 2nd Level Lusitano stallion
2.15 Linda Chesser - Sultan - 1st Level Dutch gelding
3.00 Stacey Gormley - Zander - 3rd level Dutch gelding
3.45 Sue Bardins - Chase - 4th level Trakehner gelding
4.30 Sally Alksnis - Nigel - 4th level Dutch gelding

SUNDAY (HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY)
9 Kathryn Barry - Veggie
9.45 Debbie Schaefer - Petra - Tr. level Fresian mare
10.30 Andrea Landis - Oley - 2nd Level Qtr Horse gelding
11.15 Laurie Moore - Letizia - 4th level Westfalen mare
12.00 Pam Hegland - Chanel - 1st Level Draft Cross mare
12.45 LUNCH
1.45 Linda Chesser - Sultan - 1st Level Dutch gelding
2.30 Barb Anderson - Fidelis - 3rd level Rhinelander gelding
3.15 Sue Bardins - Chase - 4th level Trakehner gelding
4.00 Sally Alksnis - Nigel - 4th level Dutch gelding

Jeremy Steinberg Clinic Schedule

2011-04-26T05:17:00.000-07:00

Saturday
8:00 Robyn Weston- Willow
Owner- Robyn Weston
PSG/I1 2000 Hanoverian Gelding

8:45 Kelly Day- Piaf
Owner- Kelly Day
3rd Level 1997 KWPN Gelding

9:30 Whitney Petersen- Filius
Owner- Tonya Crittenden
1st Level 2005 Westphalian Gelding

10:15 Hillary Holman- Prince Figaro
Owner- Hillary Holman
3rd/4th Level 2005 Oldenburg Gelding

11:00 Laurie Moore- Letizia
Owner- Betty Jo Crosby/Laurie Moore
4th Level 2003 Oldenburg Mare

11:45 Sherri Timmerman- Ravello
Owner- Sherri Timmerman
1st/2nd Level 2005 Oldenburg Gelding

12:30 Lunch

1:15 Jillian Johnson- Noah’s Art
Owner- Jillian Johnson
2nd/3rd Level 2004 KWPN/Swedish Gelding

2:00 Kerrigan Gluch- Bijoux
Owner- Kerrigan Gluch
FEI Junior/3rd Level 1999 Oldenburg Mare

2:45 Cecilia Rouvillois- Olena by the Bay
Owner- Andrea Landis
1st Level 2004 Quarter Horse Gelding

3:30 Emma Leestma- Polensio
Owner- Tamsyn Sweetman
PSG/I1 1997 KWPN Gelding

4:15 Fine Hoetzel- Sultan
Owner- Lynda Chesser
3rd Level 1997 KWPN Gelding

5:00 Marlena Vanderstreek- Restore the Roar
Owner- Marlena Vanderstreek
1st /2nd Level 2003 Thoroughbred Gelding

Sunday
7.30 Robyn Weston- Willow
Owner- Robyn Weston
PSG/I1 2000 Hanoverian Gelding

8.15 Kelly Day- Piaf
Owner- Kelly Day
3rd Level 1997 KWPN Gelding

9.00 Whitney Petersen- Filius
Owner- Tonya Crittenden
1st Level 2005 Westphalian Gelding

9.45 Hillary Holman- Prince Figaro
Owner- Hillary Holman
3rd/4th Level 2005 Oldenburg Gelding

10.30 Laurie Moore- Letizia
Owner- Betty Jo Crosby/Laurie Moore
4th Level 2003 Oldenburg Mare

11.15 Sherri Timmerman- Ravello
Owner- Sherri Timmerman
1st/2nd Level 2005 Oldenburg Gelding

12.00 Lunch

12.30 Jillian Johnson- Noah’s Art
Owner- Jillian Johnson
2nd/3rd Level 2004 KWPN/Swedish Gelding

1.15 Kerrigan Gluch- Bijoux
Owner- Kerrigan Gluch
FEI Junior/3rd Level 1999 Oldenburg Mare

2.00 Cecilia Rouvillois- Olena by the Bay
Owner- Andrea Landis
1st Level 2004 Quarter Horse Gelding

2.45 Emma Leestma- Polensio
Owner- Tamsyn Sweetman
PSG/I1 1997 KWPN Gelding

3.30 Fine Hoetzel- Sultan
Owner- Lynda Chesser
3rd Level 1997 KWPN Gelding

4.15 Marlena Vanderstreek- Restore the Roar
Owner- Marlena Vanderstreek
1st /2nd Level 2003 Thoroughbred Gelding

Spring?

2011-04-18T07:55:00.001-07:00

Despite the current layer of snow, we are determined to note that Spring has sprung and we are excitedly preparing for our pre-show season clinic series: April 30-May1, USEF National Youth Coach Jeremy Steinberg, May 7-8 USET Olympic Bronze Medalist Christine Traurig, May 21-22 Pan American Gold Medalist and Venezuelan Team Coach Patrick Burssens.

We are thrilled to offer West Michigan this collection of such highly esteemed professionals. Each clinic is full for rider spots. Call Timberlane Farm at 616.868.0448 if you would like to be put on a waiting list. Auditing is open for all 3 clinics. You may sign up online at www.timberlanefarm.com. To receive the complimentary boxed lunch for the Steinberg Clinic, please have payment to Timberlane by Monday, April 25.

Our Steinberg Clinic is being sponsored by Millbrook Tack, JW Saddlery, Custom Saddlery, and Sporthorse Saddlery.
JW Saddlery will be onsite offering saddle fitting and reflocking.
Sheryl DeWeerd of Equestrian Specialties will also be onsite with her custom saddlery and equipment bags.

Finally, we will be hosting a used tack and clothing sale. If you are interested in selling anything at the sale, please contact our coordinator, Leslie Goebel at lelbelle@yahoo.com. 10% of all profits will be donated to the USDF Region 2 Junior Young Rider team to help cover the costs of attending the North American Junior Young Rider Championships in Lexington, KY this summer.

We hope to see many of you at the the clinics this spring!

Jeremy Steinberg Youth Clinic

2011-02-28T18:05:00.000-08:00

Timberlane Farm is pleased to announce a clinic by USEF Youth Coach, Jeremy Steinberg on April 30 & May 1, 2011. We plan to fill this clinic with youth riders and their coaches and strongly encourage adult amateurs to participate as auditors.
More information can be found at timberlanefarm.com or the flyer here.

Two other activities are being planned for the weekend. A used clothing and tack sale, with a percentage of all sales being donated to the Region 2 Junior Young Rider Team, will be held throughout the weekend. Also, a Saturday night dinner/lecture event with Jeremy is scheduled. Information on these events will be forthcoming.

Vaulting Horse Needed

2011-02-23T10:11:00.000-08:00

The Timberlane Vaulters, a non-profit, registered 501(c)3 Equestrian vaulting club, is seeking a horse for purchase or donation as the club's future team canter horse.
Club's price limit is $5000 to buy but can consider any priced horse for donation with full tax write-off benefits. The horse type we are seeking has these characteristics: 16.3h or bigger with a long back, gelding preferred, calm, easy going temperament, balanced canter is very important, between ages of 6 & 15 yrs, possible breeds: Warmblood, Draft Cross, Quarter Horse Cross.
No vaulting experience is necessary, as we will train the horse. Horse needs to be serviceably sound and can require some maintenance. Horse will have a great home and will be adored by many children.

A Cold February Morning

2011-02-09T07:53:00.000-08:00

It is mighty cold this morning, so time for a little blog update!

As I teach here at Timberlane and around the country, I am constantly evaluating what it is that makes an effective, harmonious rider. This contemplation has lead me to pick up a few of my old stand by books, as well as buying some new authors. My latest purchase, Kottas on Dressage, was inspired by the visiting Lipizzaner show. Arthur Kottas was the First Chief Rider at the Famous Spanish Riding School of Vienna. His book is wonderfully simple and to the point. A rider must have a well developed seat. "The rider shapes the horse." "Why a good seat is so important. The right posture gives you security and comfort; it will influence the stability of the rider/horse combination and determine any change of balance. It is a major aid; everything else is only ancillary. It is the most important tool of communication between horse and rider: any change of posture is a strong aid to the horse." He goes on to define the rider's position, discusses training the seat on the lunge, and then works through the three gaits, various movements, common faults and how to correct them. If you are interested in reading further, I have added the book to my recommended list on the website.

http://astore.amazon.com/timfardrellc-20

As winter drags on, I am planning another trip to Florida. A group of my students from the clinic in Del ray is showing at the Wellington Classic, March 11-13. If you are interested in taking a break from cold, join me! The show is a CDI and promises many big names!

The first of April, I will be heading to the Oldenburg auction in Vechta, Germany to scout out some new young talent to import. I am very excited. Anyone wanting to join in this shopping trip is also welcomed!

That brings us to May, when show season takes off! I can't wait to get back to riding outside and prepping for shows. Until then, remember, "A superficially correct but tense seat will create stiffness and anxiety in the horse. Only if the rider is free from such tension can the horse be relaxed." "The best seat is one that allows the horse, in any given exercise, to be in balance and develop impulsion (forward thrust) with minimum interference from the rider."

Happy reading and happy riding!

Laurie

December 3-4 Christine Traurig Clinic

2010-11-29T12:24:00.000-08:00

Schedule and Notes

Lunch is provided in the house both days and as usual is a potluck.
Let us know what you would like to bring if you are planning to have lunch with us.

Auditor fee is $20 per day, and auditors are welcomed for lunch as well.
Send us a note if you are attending so we may plan accordingly.

FRIDAY, 12/3
9 Laurie Moore - Lizzy - 4th level Westfalen mare
9.45 Barb Anderson - Fidelis - 3rd level Rhinelander gelding
10.30 Kerrigan Gluch - Bijoux - 3rd level Oldenburg mare
11.15 Laurie Moore - Willow - FEI Hannoverian gelding
12.00 Debbie Schaefer - Petra - Tr. level Fresian mare
12.45 LUNCH
1.45 Sally Alksnis - Nigel - 4th level Dutch gelding
2.30 Sue Bardins - Zander - 2nd level Dutch gelding
3.15 Linda Chesser - Sultan - 1st level Dutch Gelding
4.00 Lisa Seeley - Danny - Tr. level TB gelding
4.45 Pam Heglund - Chanel - Tr. level Draft cross mare

SATURDAY, 12/4
8 Laurie Moore - Lizzy - 4th level Westfalen mare
8.45 Debbie Schaefer - Petra - Tr. level Fresian mare
9.30 Laurie Moore - Willow - FEI Hannoverian gelding
10.15 Pam Heglund - Chanel - Tr. level Draft cross mare
11.00 Stephanie Knouse - Kinetic - FEI Dutch gelding
11.45 LUNCH
12.45 Sally Alksnis - Nigel - 4th level Dutch gelding
1.30 Sue Bardins - Zander - 2nd level Dutch gelding
2.15 Linda Chesser - Sultan - 1st level Dutch Gelding
3.00 Kerrigan Gluch - Bijoux - 3rd level Oldenburg mare
3.45 Lisa Seeley - Danny - Tr. level TB gelding

UPDATE: Christine Traurig Clinic 10/29-30

2010-10-28T06:36:00.000-07:00

We had to reschedule as Christine was unable to get out of California.

Lunch is provided in the house both days and as usual is a potluck.
Let us know what you would like to bring if you are planning to have lunch with us.

Auditor fee is $20 per day, and auditors are welcomed for lunch as well.
Send us a note if you are attending so we may plan accordingly.

FRIDAY, 10/29
9 Whitney Petersen - Filius - 1st level Rhinelander gelding
9.45 Laurie Moore - Lizzy - 4th level Westfalen mare
10.30 Debbie Schaefer - Petra - Tr. level Fresian mare
11.15 Barb Anderson - Fidelis - 3rd level Rhinelander gelding
12.00 Lisa Seeley - Danny - Tr. level TB gelding
12.45 LUNCH
1.45 Sally Alksnis - Nigel - 4th level Dutch gelding
2.30 Stephanie Knouse - Kinetic - FEI Dutch gelding
3.15 Sue Bardins - Zander - 2nd level Dutch gelding
4.00 Kerrigan Gluch - Bijoux - 3rd level Oldenburg mare
4.45 Stephanie Wilcox - Felicia - 1st level Rhinelander mare

SATURDAY, 10/30
9 Tammy Sweetman - Polensio - 1st level Dutch gelding
9.45 Stephanie Knouse - Kinetic - FEI Dutch gelding
10.30 Laurie Moore - Lizzy - 4th level Westfalen mare
11.15 Barb Anderson - Fidelis - 3rd level Rhinelander gelding
12.00 Laurie Moore - Willow - FEI Hannoverian gelding
12.45 LUNCH
1.45 Sally Alksnis - Nigel - 4th level Dutch gelding
2.30 Lisa Seeley - Danny - Tr. level TB gelding
3.15 Sue Bardins - Zander - 2nd level Dutch gelding
4.00 Pam Heglund - Chanel - Tr. level Draft cross mare
4.45 Kerrigan Gluch - Bijoux - 3rd level Oldenburg mare

Next Clinic date is December 3-4, 2010.

Christine Traurig Clinic

2010-10-27T05:40:00.000-07:00

Schedule and Notes

Lunch is provided in the house both days and as usual is a potluck.
Let us know what you would like to bring if you are planning to have lunch with us.

Auditor fee is $20 per day, and auditors are welcomed for lunch as well.
Send us a note if you are attending so we may plan accordingly.

THURSDAY
9 Whitney Petersen - Filius - 1st level Rhinelander gelding
9.45 Laurie Moore - Lizzy - 4th level Westfalen mare
10.30 Debbie Schaefer - Petra - Tr. level Fresian mare
11.15 Barb Anderson - Fidelis - 3rd level Rhinelander gelding
12.00 Lisa Seeley - Danny - Tr. level TB gelding
12.45 LUNCH
1.45 Sally Alksnis - Nigel - 4th level Dutch gelding
2.30 Stephanie Knouse - Kinetic - FEI Dutch gelding
3.15 Sue Bardins - Zander - 2nd level Dutch gelding
4.00 Kerrigan Gluch - Bijoux - 3rd level Oldenburg mare
4.45 Stephanie Wilcox - Felicia - 1st level Rhinelander mare

FRIDAY
9 Tammy Sweetman - Polensio - 1st level Dutch gelding
9.45 Laurie Moore - Lizzy - 4th level Westfalen mare
10.30 Barb Anderson - Fidelis - 3rd level Rhinelander gelding
11.15 Stephanie Knouse - Kinetic - FEI Dutch gelding
12.00 Laurie Moore - Willow - FEI Hannoverian gelding
12.45 LUNCH
1.45 Sally Alksnis - Nigel - 4th level Dutch gelding
2.30 Lisa Seeley - Danny - Tr. level TB gelding
3.15 Sue Bardins - Zander - 2nd level Dutch gelding
4.00 Pam Heglund - Chanel - Tr. level Draft cross mare
4.45 Kerrigan Gluch - Bijoux - 3rd level Oldenburg mare

Next Clinic date is December 3-4, 2010.

Graduation Party 2010

2010-08-29T09:58:00.000-07:00

Sending many thanks to Don and Pam Weston for hosting the Timberlane Farm Graduation Party at their home last night. Congratulations to Karlye, Savanna and Eric and we are all looking forward to their college careers. Don and Pam put together a gourmet Mexican fiesta complete with mouth watering pralines. Some enjoyed the pool and the hot tub; others sipped on Sangria and mango margaritas while engaged in dressage discussion. It was a beautiful night to celebrate milestones and friendship.
Thanks again to the Westons for their generous hospitality.

R.I.P. Lilly 1998 - 2010

2010-06-29T09:03:00.000-07:00

We lost our beloved Lilly this morning. She was laying down in the driveway and couldn't get up fast enough to avoid a visitor's car. We decided after being hit by a snowplow, kicked by a horse that required a plate in her leg, a knee replacement and vestibuler disease last year that left her a little worse for the wear, two broken femurs were the last straw. We gathered together and said our family goodbyes at the vet. She was a great, obedient and sensitive dog.

Apr 9-11 Christine Traurig Schedule

2010-04-06T14:33:00.000-07:00

Friday Apr 9, 2010 Auditor Form

12.00 Barb Anderson - Fidelis
12.45 Laurie Moore - Letizia
1.30 Tammy Sweetman - Polensio
2.15 Fine Hoetzel - Sultan
3.00 Whitney Petersen - Zonnerhall
3.45 Andrea Landis - Voom
4.30 Robyn Weston - Willow

Saturday Apr 10, 2010

9.00 Pam Heglund - Chanel
9.45 Laurie Moore - Letizia
10.30 Fine Hoetzel - Sultan
11.15 Andrea Landis - Voom
12.00 LUNCH
1.00 Lisa Seeley - Danny
1.45 Robyn Weston - Willow
2.30 Barb Anderson - Fidelis
3.15 Emma Leestma - Polensio

6.30 Dinner/Lecture - **Sold Out**

Sunday Apr 11, 2010

8.00 Julie Wallace - Ruurd
8.45 Laurie Moore - Letizia
9.30 Robyn Weston - Willow
10.15 Lisa Seeley - Danny
11.00 Lynda Chesser - Sultan

ADA Dressage Night at Millbrook Tack

2010-03-15T14:54:00.000-07:00

ADA and Millbrook Tack have created a Dressage Night at Millbrook Tack on Friday, March 19 from 7-9pm.

Laurie is giving a presentation on "Goal Setting and Show Season Strategy" at 7:20pm. She will provide insight into gauging realistic goals for you and your horse as well as information on getting the most out of your 2010 show season.
Dr. Rob van Wessum with the Oakdale Large Animal Clinic in Homer, MI will present, "Equine Anatomy and its Impact on Saddle Fitting" at 8:15pm.
Both Laurie and Rob will answer your questions.

Come enjoy the speakers, refreshments and browse the latest dressage tack and apparel while supporting the ADA.

10% off everything in the store excluding wormer and consignments.
3% of all sales will be donated to ADA!

NEW: Christine Traurig Clinic

2010-03-14T12:44:00.000-07:00

We have finally set the date for the rescheduled December clinic with Christine.
She will be here April 9-10 to conduct a clinic at Timberlane Farm.
Although we have a few reserved riders from canceled December clinic, there are spots are still open. Please contact Timberlane Farm if you are interested in riding or auditing.

LAURIE: Massive 2010 Update

2010-01-03T09:05:00.000-08:00

Timberlane News is back, after a brief Holiday hiatus!

2010 marks the 10th year of Timberlane Farm and I thank everyone for continually making this barn an ever-changing challenge.

1. The Rancho Santa Fe Trip

The trip to Rancho Santa Fe was inspiring. Lots of notes, with the overriding theme being, "Ride with discipline."

Corners need to be used as exercises to supple and rebalance.

A working trot requires that the horse purposefully moves forward freely.

A collected trot demands throughness, engagement and suppleness.

One exercise that Christine repeated on most of the horses, was a simple change of rein out of the circle. Every horse was asked to yield from one bend to the other without resistance. The Grand Prix horse, as well as the First Level horse, was held to the same standard.

Also, having the privilege of watching two Olympic riders, Christine Traurig and Gunter Siedel, ride multiple horses for three days, I appreciate even more greatly the importance of a deep, independent seat. True lightness in contact can only come when the horse is connected to the rider through the seat. Those of us who are facing the next two months of sub-zero weather and intermittent riding should be using this time to ride without stirrups, perfecting simple figures as a foundation for a deeper, independent seat.

2. Timberlane Farm Party

After missing a holiday party last year due to unforeseen family health issues, we are back on track with our annual TLF Holiday gathering. Lots of new faces joined the fray along with many tried and true attendees. Lots of food, beverages and conversation catch-up over the course of the evening.

3. Winter Pony Camps

Our Timberlane Winter Mini Pony Camps were a huge success! Monday through Wednesday before Christmas and Monday through Wednesday before New Years saw 18 children ages 7-12 gleefully riding around the arena and sweeping up the barn aisle for three hours each day. Thanks to all the boarders for adjusting your schedules to accommodate the next generation of horse lovers! We picked up several new students for the Timberlane Riding Academy.

CANCELED: Christine Traurig Clinic

2009-12-10T07:47:00.000-08:00

The inclimate weather(blizzard) has canceled the Christine Traurig Clinic. After getting weather reports from Chicago and now the East Coast, air traffic will be snarled and delays will be frustrating over the next 48 hours for traveller's on tight time-frames.

We will re-schedule Christine for early Spring. Look for Clinic Updates in the near future.

LAURIE: Del Mar, CA

2009-12-01T10:36:00.000-08:00

I am visiting Southern California this week with Sally to see Christine Traurig and to review some horse prospects. Expect detailed updates next week.

Web site updates

2009-11-24T05:38:00.000-08:00

There are several new additions to the site...

Gallery includes new photos and YouTube videos
Barn page includes a new Publications link where Timberlane is mentioned
We have released information on the Winter Pony Camps
All the blog entries and more can also be accessed on the Timberlane Farm FaceBook page

Timberlane Vaulters in Chicago

2009-11-22T05:39:00.000-08:00

The Timberlane Vaulters have been invited to march in the 76th Anniversary of the McDonald's Thanksgiving Parade, marching down State Street in Chicago on Thanksgiving Day, November 26th from 9am to 12pm EST. They are meeting up with other Region 10 vaulting teams from all over the midwest, two horses and a float with a barrel. The team has been polishing up singles, pairs and team routines to perform along the parade route.

Look for the Timberlane Vaulters on WGN TV(Dish Network 239) as they broadcast the parade LIVE.

LAURIE: Lendon Gray Clinic Notes

2009-11-19T05:17:00.000-08:00

Wow, I have six pages of notes! Lendon is truly a teacher’s teacher. As auditors, Whitney and I left the clinic enthused, inspired and ready to face the winter with energy! Overall, Lendon’s approach is that there are absolutes to this sport. You must be aware of your body. You must be aware of where you are going in the ring. You must know why you are doing a particular movement. You must take responsibility for how your horse is performing. Your horse’s progress is up to you and you must hold yourself to a high standard every time you ride. Her lessons frequently involved bringing the rider to a halt and asking them a question regarding their execution of a particular task or movement. This served to focus them and enlighten them as to how their aids were being perceived by the horse.

I will attempt to put my notes in a digestible size and format.

The horse learns what he practices. Good or bad.

A circle, to be a circle, has to end where it started.

Give! As you whoa. No pulling in the moment the horse makes the downward transition.

Ride meticulous corner. Every corner is a suppling, bending exercise.

Do not ride like you are in the show ring, making the best of what you have. TRAIN HIM!

ON CONTACT

Make the reins feel like the brow band on his head. No matter what his head does or where it moves, the pressure stays the same.

ON POSITION

When posting, feel the knees going up and down in the saddle slightly.

You cannot have an elastic arm with a tight fist.

Let your arms move as a unit. If your horse’s head is swinging right and left, touch your thumbs together to still your hands.

Weight must be in your heels. Go to jumping position to get depth in your leg.

You must have a passive, following position in your body in all gaits before you can have an active position.

Fix your bad positions habits NOW!

ON THE WALK

Ride the free walk marching, with the shoulders swinging and then pick up a PASSIVE contact to medium walk so as to maintain the quality of the free walk.

ON HALF HALTS

A half halt equals an immediate adjustment. The next stride must be different.

(In reference to collecting the canter) Anything you do every stride is not working! Otherwise you are part of the balance –creating the need for a fifth leg.

ON THE CANTER

The best canter/walk transitions come from a very short canter.

When having trouble in canter/walks, practice “not pretty” canter/halts, then at the last minute change your mind and walk.

ON FLYING CHANGES

For a lazy horse, finish the line of tempis faster than what you started.

(In relation to a lazy horse) “They are called FLYING changes!”

ON PIROUETTES

In both walk and canter, start from a shorter stride so that you can ride forward in the pirouette.

First stride must be small.

You must never feel that you can’t get out.

Any next stride must be able to be straight ahead.

ON IMPULSION

There should be enough impulsion that to whoa, fix your arms, to go, follow your arms.

You can only have a good lengthening if you can allow it, not make it.

LAURIE: Updates

2009-11-10T06:59:00.000-08:00

The clinic I taught for the MSU Dressage Club on Saturday was great. Thank you to the club for inviting me as their very first clinician!

On a less uplifting note, the Patrick Burssens clinic has been postponed. Patrick is the victim of a major kidney stone attack. Speaking from personal experience, I can say that recovery from such an incident can not come fast enough. Hang in there Patrick!

Friday was the deadline for reserving your place in the Christine Traurig Clinic, taking place December 11/12. I have a few rides open and will be contacting outside riders. If you are planning to ride and have not given me your check, contact me right away.

I hope you are all enjoying the wonderful fall weather! How beautiful it has been the last few days.

Keep your eyes up and your heels down!

Clinics, clinics, clinics...

2009-11-05T14:34:00.000-08:00

11/7:
Laurie will be conducting a clinic in Leslie, MI for the MSU Dressage Club at Stapleton Farm

11/14-15:
Patrick Burssens will be visiting Riverwood (AM) and Green Gables (PM) Farms in Caledonia, MI.

Lendon Gray will be conducting the 1st USEF sponsored Youth/Pony Pilot Program Clinic at Winter Spring Farm in Carson City. Robyn Weston and Emma Leestma submitted applications and have been selected as two of the 10 riders.

Auditing fee for this clinic is $50/weekend and it is about one hour northeast of Timberlane. Laurie recommends auditing both clinics, but in particular, Lendon should be quite educational for everyone, not just juniors.

Laurie was a working student for Lendon (25 years ago!) and she is a natural educator.
The schedule for the clinic has an interesting format of two rides per day per rider. There are two group equitation lessons Saturday morning, followed by 40 minute private lessons. Sunday begins with 30 minute private lessons and ends with each rider riding a test of choice.

12/11-12:
Christine Traurig will be back after a year long hiatus! Rides are $250/lesson and the clinic will be on a first come basis. Send Timberlane your checks or drop them to the office as soon as possible to reserve your space. As usual, auditors are welcomed. More about this clinic in the near future.

Media Star: Emma Leestma

2009-11-04T11:22:00.000-08:00

Emma continues to rack up appearances in the media. Check out a couple of great pics in the Nov 2009 issue of Grand Rapids Family magazine. Emma is one of several teens interviewed about pursuing passions.

LAURIE: Circles & Half Pass

2009-11-04T10:14:00.000-08:00

Wow! I can’t believe it is already November! Though we’ve had the coldest October on record, I loved riding outside all month. The footing has been great and the horses have all been forward and energetic. A couple of themes have transcended most of my lessons over the last couple of weeks.

With regard to circles, ride your circles as though you are constantly expanding them. On a 20 meter circle, you should easily touch your circle points on the rail. Do not defend your circle from a horse falling in over the shoulder. Instead, look up and ride proactively toward your circle line, focusing at least ¼ of the circle ahead of where you are.

The second theme of the past few weeks has to do with the flow of the half pass. We all know that a half pass is nothing more than haunches in on a diagonal line. However, in thinking about the haunches in aspect, do not forget about the forehand. Feel that you can influence the inside front leg to reach forward and point toward that diagonal line. Use your inside leg to create the suppleness through the barrel on your turn preceding the ½ pass, and do not put your outside leg back for the half pass until you have achieved the ability to half halt the energy from the inside leg through your outside rein.

LAURIE: Patrick Burssens Notes

2009-10-16T05:13:00.000-07:00

The clinic with Patrick was rejuvenating. Sometimes drilling for a big show like the finals can stagnate your training because you become so focused on the test performance that you lose track of the bigger picture. When the show is over you think, "Now what should I work on?" Patrick brought the bigger picture back into focus for me with both Lizzie and Willow.

In one step, while working on the piaffe near A with Willow, I got "it". When you have a horse that wants to take over and barge forward out of the collection, you must put the horse a touch deeper, softer and make an offer for a slight degree of stretching to the hand before you allow them to step forward. They can not pull against a contact that does not brace. Once I got this, I was able to move Willow in and out of the piaffe with much less tension. The lesson is that the feel for self carriage must stay the same whether you are working on difficult movements or easy circles. The horse must trust that you will not hold in the hand.

The breakthrough with my thinking for Lizzie also came from just a few strides. During my lesson on Sunday morning, I felt a few trot strides that swelled to a point of engagement and suspension that I have never achieved with her. Her knees came up, her thoracic band lifted over the whithers and she pushed forward and upward in the trot. Gerard and I had begun to scratch the surface of uncovering the "second trot" with her back in September, but she never really understood how to use her body correctly that weekend. The difference this weekend was two fold. One, she is stronger and can carry herself with more relaxation. Two, once again, I understand how important it is to not hold in the hand. The few strides before I put my leg on to ask for more suspension, she was super soft and submissive. This feel in the mouth was maintained. I was not half halting while I was seeking more engagement. I have new respect for the quality of this mare. Those couple of steps were what make this sport so addictive. I want more!!

2009 Finals Wrap-up

2009-10-05T08:06:00.000-07:00

Sunday morning started bright and early with Barb in the warm-up arena at 7:15am. The arena was a pool of slurry. The one good thing about being the first rider of the day is that no one else is out there competing for space. Barb and Fidelis had their most accurate ride of the weekend and received a 61%. 2010 will see her no longer competing at 1st level. She's delighted that her flying changes will finally be rewarded at 3rd level.

Laurie and Zonner were the next to go in the Open 1st Level Championships and though the footing was poor and Zonner pulled a shoe during the test, he still managed to earn a 72%.

Laurie and Lizzie rode in the same class a few hours later, earning a 71%. Zonner and Lizzie stood side-by-side in the awards ceremony finishing 5th and 6th respectively.

Our FEI riders made us proud. Robyn and Willow scored a 62% in the Young Rider PSG for 7th place, Andrea and Voom also received a 62% and a 7th place in the Open PSG and Kelly and Irioso scored 59% to win the Intermediare II Young Rider Reserve Championship.

All the results are posted here.

We have all earned a little rest before we establish goals for the 2010 Show Season and we are excited and looking forward to next year's finals in Michigan. Dressage by the Bay in Traverse City has been selected as the venue. 1999, Waterloo, was the last time Michigan hosted the Region 2 Championships. Northern Michigan in early September will be beautiful, and hopefully a little dryer.

Finals - Saturday Update

2009-10-04T06:21:00.000-07:00

Team Timberlane is surviving the mud at Lamplight. With temps in the 40's and 50's and on and off showers, the finals are a little chilly this year. In spite of the damp and cold, we've had a few smokin' hot rides!

Robyn and Willow brought us to tears with her fourth level Beatles freestyle. After receiving a 71%, she will gather her Reserve Championship ribbon at the 9 AM awards ceremony on Sunday. Robyn and Willow also won the JR/Young Rider PSG warm up class today with a 64%.

Laurie and Zonnerhall had a great day. Reserve Championship in the open Training Level division with a 72%, plus a third place in the first level Freestyle Championship with another 72% made for a fun celebration back at the hotel.
Laurie's other horse, Letizia, had a bit of an issue with the footing, which resulted in some tension in her second level championship, placing them somewhere around 10th with a 65%.

Andrea and Voom and Kelly and Irioso had no trouble with the footing. They both had great I-1 Championship rides!
Kelly was 3rd in the JR/Young Rider division with a 66% and Andrea was 5th in the Open Division with a 65%.

Making their dressage debut at Thomet in June and going on to Traverse City in July, Lisa Seeley and Danny successfully negotiated their way around the crowded warm up arena for two days of classes and competed in the AA Training level Championship today. Though her score of 55% was not as high as she had scored in her three previous classes of the weekend, Lisa was very proud of Danny for his behavior at such a big venue all weekend.

Also competing at her first Region 2 Championship, Megan Bos was just out of the ribbons with a 60% on Jake in the JR/Young Rider second Level Championship.

Barb and Fidelis have been riding one warm up class each day and are looking forward to their 8AM ride time Sunday morning. As the first rider of the class, Barb is planning to set the bar high for the rest of the competitors!

Lastly, Whitney, Savannah and Annelies have been doing a FABULOUS job grooming. There is so much mud! The horses and tack are coming back to the barn covered. Mud is literally splashed from the tips of the horse's ears to the tops of our hats. Yet, each time a horse has to go out again, they are spotless. Way to go Team Timberlane!

New Site Design...

2009-09-30T14:13:00.000-07:00

After years of redesign and several iterations, the new Timberlane Farm Dressage site is live!

Sign up for email updates and you will receive the latest blog entries directly in your Inbox. it is a great way to keep updated on all the activities at Timberlane. Blog entries will typically happen once or twice a week.

There were several sections of the site that needed to be delayed in order to expedite this release so expect to see those features in the near future.

If you have any comments or questions, do not hesitate to send mail to tlfdressage10@gmail.com

Stay tuned.

2009 Finals at Lamplight

2009-09-28T14:32:00.000-07:00

Timberlane Farm riders are headed to Lamplight Equestrian Center in Wayne, IL this week. Six riders and eight horses are loading up the trailers and creating a caravan to brave the nightmarish highways surrounding Chicago in order to compete in the annual regional championships.

Qualifying for the championships requires certain scores at sanctioned shows within the regional show circuit.

We wish everyone the best of luck. Look for updates throughout the weekend.

Robyn Weston rides for Debbie McDonald

2009-09-18T05:24:00.000-07:00

Robyn Weston and her 9 year old, Prix St. George, Hanoverian gelding, Willow, have been selected to ride in the Debbie McDonald symposium at Albion College, Albion Michigan, September 19-20.

Robyn submitted a video and her show record as part of the application process several weeks ago and is one of eight riders that were chosen to be demonstration riders for the Olympian.

See the link for details. Laurie will be in Albion with Robyn for the weekend so stop by to say hello.

Gerard Hogervorst Clinic

2009-08-30T05:44:00.000-07:00

Gerard Hogervorst from Rotterdam, NL is visiting Timberlane Farm through Monday. Gerard and Laurie met in Los Angeles many years ago and have remained friends and business associates. Gerard has been instrumental in the selection process of several horses Laurie has imported for herself and her students in the past 10 years. Despite the usually cool August weather on Saturday, hearty Petersen chili for lunch provided everyone with just the right heat to battle the the drizzle. Gerard is an excellent teacher who quickly identifies areas of improvement and provides students with methods and techniques to make those adjustments. If you were unable to ride or attend this session, stay tuned for future clinics.

Pony Week August 2009

2009-08-22T08:40:00.000-07:00

Despite a dire weather forecast, the rain held off for the most part and the August 2009 Pony Week was a big success. This week, the campers spent time learning how to care for horses and ponies, how to measure and identify markings, and how to take care of tack and the facility. They also created crafts, played games, were introduced to vaulting and learned the basics of riding. Friday found them showing off their new found skills to family and friends as well as an ice cream social. Special thanks to the counselors who did a great job this week.

Stay tuned for announcements regarding opportunities for young riders throughout the year.

USEF/AVA National Championships

2009-08-22T07:28:00.000-07:00

July 12 - Members of the Timberlane Farm Vaulting team traveled to Lexington, KY to compete in the USEF/AVA National Championships for Equestrian Vaulting July 9-12. Sasha Rouvillois placed second for her Copper Canter Freestyle routine and her sister, Cecilia won the 10 year old division with her Trot Freestyle routine. Both finished 3rd overall in both their divisions. Amazing job ladies! For more information about the vaulting activities at Timberlane, see Vaulting under the Programs section on the web site.

2009 USDF Seat Medal Champion - Emma Leetsma

2009-08-06T19:21:00.000-07:00

July 19, 2009 - After placing 4th in 2008, Emma and Polensio (Lenny) returned to Lamplight to show a nation of 14 - 18 year olds how to ride dressage. Emma placed first and has been grinning from ear to ear since the end of July.

We are very proud of Emma and Polensio.
Check out some of her press:
USDF/Equestrian Life
USEF
Dressage Daily
MLive.com
GR Advance
EquineTrader