Winter tip

The cold weather can make your saddle slippery at just the time you need a little more "stick" to stay with your frisky horse. 
To combat this, use a dry glycerin bar and wipe the seat and flaps of your saddle and the inside calf of your boot.  You'll stick like glue!  Alternatively, use a small amount of liquid cleaner/conditioner just before you ride to make your saddle "tacky".
Then . . .be very grateful you live in Houston so you don't have to do this very often!
by Marie Morgan
http://solstice-farms.com/

Panties for charity

Diane McManus delivered our collection of panties, used clothing and checks to the shelter today.  They are full right now and were very happy to recieve the donations.  Thank you everyone!
by
Marie Morgan
http://solstice-farms.com/

Dickens Training and Intro Champions

Our Training Level and Intro Level champions are:
Training Level Champ = Katie Bortel
Training reserve = Denise Salazar

Intro Champ = Kelsey Wilson
Intro reserve = K Leonard

Katie Bortel has also won the "Best Seat Award" donated by Deborah Botting.  It is a beautiful custom browband with stock pin to match.  Congratulations to all!
by
Marie Morgan
http://solstice-farms.com/

Dickens on the Sand champions, part one

All of our champions were awarded gift certificates to Arcola Feed thanks to their continued support and generosity!
Champion Second Level and above was Jeanette Snow on Lalique von Foster, Reserve was Cyndi Craig on Flying Colors
First Level Champion was Lynda Langston on Kyra von Foster, Reserve was Isabella Vrazel on Tri Bar Paloma
More to come!
HDS Champions were Jeanette Snow(AA) and Iris Yoon(JR)

Happy Solstice

Happy winter Solstice to everyone!  This is the night the sun stands still (or is it the moon?)  Anyway, it is the longest and usually the brightest night of the year but this year is a bit different.  We will experience a total lunar eclipse tonight.  The sky is very clear and sources say the best viewing will be around 2:15 am.  I hope you get to see it!

Congrats!

Congratulations to Karla West Dee and Enchanted Love Affair (Venus) on great rides at the HDS Schooling Show Championships.   Karla was fourth in the class with a 62% Way to go Karla!!!
by Marie Morgan
http://solstice-farms.com/
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Debbie Bowman clinic

Debbie was here on Sunday Dec. 12th teaching all day and we loved it!  Our new sound system worked perfectly except when we discoved that one battery in the microphone won't last all day.  So even with the cold and the wind, everyone had successful lessons.
One "take home" message for me was how to channel energy from the inside leg to the outside leg and then to the outside rein.  This idea seems to create impulsion, connection and straightness all at the same time.
Another concept we worked on was waiting a few strides for the half halt to take full effect.  I think I was in a bit of a hurry before.
Let's hear from some of the other clinic riders:  Valerie, Barbara, Clio, Carlan, Mandi, Emee, and Leslie.

Dickens on the Sand

This year's show will be the best yet.
Join us for the Solstice Farms "Panty Raid" and bring new, unopened panties for our charity, "Familytime Crisis and Counseling Center".  This time of year, emotions run high and many abused women run to the shelter for help, arriving with only the clothes on their back.  Help them out with a fresh pair!
We'll also have vendors, braiding by Emee, great concessions and lots of fun.
Our "Best Seat Award" is a custom browband donated by Deborah Botting so lose those stirrups and practice your sitting trot.
Hope to see you soon!
Even if you can't show, send panties!