Ask Cari

Brownie with Joa warming up for dressage.

Nate with Lauren warming up for dressage.

bella, a three year old Dutch/Oldenburg mare, won her first dressage class with a score of 68%. She was tense and not quite her elastic self in the electric atmosphere of the NEDA Fall Festival of Dressage at Saugerties. Bella also watched the top jumpers compete in a nearby arena. After hanging out around the arenas she began to relax a bit and enjoyed the festivities. Bella was started by Rex Peterson and Cari Swanson 3 months ago and has progressed remarkably fast in her education. Bella is an outstanding young horse capable of excelling in dressage, eventing or jumping. Contact Cari to come try Bella at Windrock Farm.

Rex designed this German Martingale after finding it impossible to find one on the market without all the rings in each rein.  His unique design is easy to use with a simple method of adjustment using conway buckles.  These 3/4″ harness leather reins come in English style connected with a buckle or Western style in split reins.

This is old system which helps collect the horse.  Rex recommends using it when the horse is unbalanced,  flips his head, or is unsteady in the bridle.  This system allows you to have draw reins which puts pressure on the bit, however when the horse is collected and balanced you are on straight reins.  This is a valuable training tool to be used by experienced horseman.

They are available for $95 plus $10 shipping from Rex directly.

It’s high season for Christmas and holiday shopping. During this holiday season Windrock Farm is offering the first three of Rex Peterson’s Horse Wisdom training videos. Through Christmas we’re offering a 20% discount if you buy two full sets of the video series—or more. Also, we are offering free shipping on all products through Christmas–unless you need your shipping expedited.

Visit www.swansonpetersonproductions.com to buy yours today. You can also place an order by calling Cari at 914.456.3155.

If you want to add a high quality burlap bag with RJ’s hoof print, call Cari to let her know.

Jim Breitinger, Windrock West–Arizona and California

The Millbrook Horse Trials took place last weekend where Joa rode Kestrel in the Junior Novice Division to finish 13th.  Following her progress over the weekend was her entourage of her fans from Windrock Farm with the Comet, Cupid, Dash and Freja.

Cosmo was relaxed at his first Dressage Show this Spring.  The weather was beautiful with sunny skies and cool breezes.  Cosmo showed in training level four and first level one with great success.  Joa rode him beautifully giving him a great experience over the weekend.

Rex Peterson showed off RJ Masterbug’s favorite tricks last week.

Ten lucky kids can sign up for the Kids Clinic at Windrock Farm this summer,

bring your pony or horse or lease one of ours to learn how your horse thinks, how to ride in balance with confidence,

ride on trails, compete in monthly competitions at the farm for ribbons and prizes.

contact cari@cariswanson.com to sign up

Eventing is a fun sport comprised of three phases– dressage, cross country and show jumping. Preparation is key to success and each team of horse/rider also needs a ground crew of support to assist in grooming, checking equipment, supplying water. Generally the support team consists of loyal parents, trainers and friends. Here is the crew for Joa and Kestrel, Cupid, Comet and Freja handled by the Mom, the most important element of support.

This athlete arrived at Kent Horse Trials in style wearing a silky neck cover to protect his braids from being damaged in transit. Owning a horse allows you to enter an entire universe of horse gear and clothing appropriate to each season. As we approach the colder months ahead, this is a good time to clean and repair all of your blankets.

Kestrel studies his dressage test moments before entering the arena to commence his performance. Sunday was a beautiful fall day with unusual warm temperatures and perfect footing. Kestrel went on to jump clear stadium and cross country rounds to finish on his dressage score for seventh place.

Indy greets his fans after a clear show jumping round at the Millbrook Horse Trials in August. Indy went on to run one of three clear cross country rounds at the North Carolina Horse Park at his first Preliminary event. He is scheduled to run in two more events before the end of the year.

Junior Novice Champion at the Millbrook Horse Trials in August.

Beau jumps around a clear cross country and stadium course to finish on his dressage score for the blue at the Millbrook Horse Trials. This win qualified the team for the American Eventing Championships in Illinois. Here Kayla and Beau are standing with Maja who travelled from Germany to cheer on our favorite Irish horse. Congratulations!!

Kayla’s Mother is thrilled with her Victory!

Congratulations to Joa on Kestrel who finished 8th at the September Kent Horse Trials. It was a beautiful day with many horses competing for ribbons in several divisions. Kestrel is settling into his new career eventing jumping a clear cross country round with style and confidence.

Beau jumps around Fitches corner with Kayla Burns, recently imported from Ireland and purchased by Kayla on her birthday,
he is from the Ginger Dick line of jumpers.

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Last weekend was one of the premiere events in the area at Fitches Corner. Laura Fazio gallops through the water in the Training Level division to finish her cross country round within the allowed time. The weather held for over 200 competitors and many more spectators who came out to cheer their favorite riders on. It was an exciting weekend and should not be missed next year.