Mill Creek Blog

Available for Partial Lease: Prince

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 19 Jun 2016 20:37:00 +0000

1996 Thoroughbred Gelding
16.0 hh Beginner Novice level dressage, equitation.

Prince is a mature school master ideal for an adult or young rider looking to learn movements through Beginner Novice/Novice level. Great opportunity to be taught on a very safe horse with a quiet demeanor and incredibly sound.

Ideal lessee preferably rides Tues-Thurs. Dressage, flat work and or over poles. Prince is the perfect horse for adult and young riders alike. Schedule can be flexible for summer months

What: Partial Lease $320 month
Available: July 1, 2016
Tania Saylor 310-213-5788

We need Horses in the Hood Volunteers!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 11 Jun 2016 21:44:00 +0000

Summer and Horses in the Hood camps are just around the corner. As always, we will be looking for volunteers to help us (3rd level and up. If you are below 3rd or do not ride but would like to help please touch base with the staff). Below you can find all of the dates we have booked. If you participate for the whole week, you are invited to join us for a pizza party at the end of the week; if you join us for multiple weeks, you are invited to join a pony game date that is yet to be determined. If you need volunteer hours for school, we are happy to sign papers for you--just check in with Jenna at the beginning of the summer.

June 13 - 17: Union Rescue Mission
June 20 - 24: Watts Labor Community Action Committee
July 5 - 8: Homeboys
July 11 - 15: A Place Called Home
July 25 - 29: Watts Towers
August 8 - 12: Shields for Families

Camp Hours:
Monday – Friday 8am – 3pm

Mill Creek is looking for horses!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 11 Jun 2016 21:37:00 +0000

Mill Creek Equestrian Center is looking for school horses. If you have a horse that walks, trots, canters, and jumps and are looking to sell, please call or e-mail us.

This summer we are also looking for some feed leases, we need bombproof walk/trot horses or ponies. Please contact us if you think you have something that would meet either of these criteria.

(310) 455-1116 or millcreekequestriancenter@msn.com.

Report on Copper Meadows, March 2016

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 03 Apr 2016 00:05:00 +0000

We had a great show at Copper Meadows. Alana Baker finished 8th in her first outing for 2016 in the junior training division. Shadney Elwell placed 6th in her first training level of the year in the amateur division. Cara Lavignia had another 2nd place finish in the amateur training division. In the junior novice division Gemma Forshaw won with a 19.6 and Maggie Catalano dropped from 5th to 10th with an unlucky rail! McKenzie Rollins finished 9th on her dressage score on Defender in the open novice division. She piloted Strictly Business to finish his first novice horse trial in13th. Avery McDaniels completed the junior beginner novice division. Josh Saltman realized he must wear spurs on cross country! Nicole Horton battled lymphangitis all weekend and still managed to be our biggest help and support for Team Mill Creek. Special thanks to all who organized our team dinner on Friday night! And well done to all who finished the weekend with a very productive cross country school which got us home extra late, but better prepared for the upcoming horse trials!

Jen Johnson

An Important Message from Mr. Kim

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 11 Feb 2016 17:09:00 +0000

Dear Mill Creek Family (Students, Parents and Employees),

Cory has built a wonderful Mill Creek community over last 44 years. As she has said repeatedly, she loves teaching the kids and watching them grow-up not only in their riding but also as responsible, capable, mature young adults. Mill Creek is what it is today because of Cory’s love and dedication to this special place.

When the business was sold to me over a year ago, we had the good fortune to have Cory stay on managing the facility to ensure a smooth transition. The plan has always been for Cory to move closer to retirement and to have me take on a larger role in the business. The time has come for me to do this and I want everyone to know that Cory is always welcome at Mill Creek and I hope she continues to be a part of its future growth.

Currently, I will be making decisions with the help of Lorie and Candace. Mill Creek will continue as usual but if you have any questions, please direct them to the office.

Also, please know that Cory has taken her 4 school horses and will be finding the right homes for each of them. In the meantime, I have given approval to purchase several new school horses and the search is already under way. I hope this will cause little interruption in the school program.

I look forward to getting to know more of you and am very happy with the capable professionals at Mill Creek and the wonderful staff who will continue to make this place so special.

Mr. Kim

Trancas Horse Shows

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 06 Feb 2016 19:13:00 +0000

For Students 3rd Level and up (if you are below 3rd level, please touch base with your instructor about going). Please let us know what shows you are interested in going to by signing up in the office or school horse area. Kids please check with your parents before signing up!

Trancas 2016 Events Calendar

February 28 – Dressage Show 1

March 13 – Hunter Show 1

April 10 – Jumper Show 1

May 1 – Dressage Show 2

June 5 – Hunter Show 2

August 7 – Jumper Show 2

September 11 – Hunter Show 3

November 13 – Dressage Show 3

December 4 – Holiday Jumper Show 3

January 21, 2017 - Awards Banquet

Additional dates for clinics and other events to be announced

Horses in the Hood camps for Summer 2016

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 06 Feb 2016 19:09:00 +0000

Summer and Horses in the Hood are just around the corner. As always, we will be looking for volunteers to help us (3rd level and up if you are below 3rd or do not ride but would like to help please touch base with the staff). Below you can find all of the dates we have booked. If you participate for the whole week you are invited to join us for a pizza party at the end of the week and if you join us for multiple weeks you are invited to join a pony game date that is yet to be determined. If you need Volunteer hours for school we are happy to sign papers for you--just check in with Jenna at the beginning of the summer.

June 13 - 17: Union Rescue Mission
June 20 - 24: Watts Labor Community Action Committee
July 5 - 8: Homeboys
July 11 - 15: A Place Called Home
July 25 - 29: Watts Towers
August 8 - 12: Shields for Families

RETIREMENT…?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 12 Nov 2015 20:21:00 +0000

Hi. I AM LUCKY. I want to tell you a little bit about my story.

I am, as most of you know, now 33. Still don’t believe I’m 33--I look 33 anyway, just don’t feel 33. I am a gray Arabian gelding. I came to Mill Creek when I was about 8 and have been in the school ever since. Best thing that ever happened to me! I started out giving lessons to kids in the jumping ring. I never jumped really high—probably 2’6”-2’9”. Then as the years went by, Cory gradually moved me down and then more years went by, and then I just did a little walk/trot/canter with the children.

I’ve been hearing some talk around here from the kids that some people think maybe I should be retired. But I am retired! I’m exactly where I want to be. The little children that come to Mill Creek get to ride me. They are so little. Their feet don’t even come to the end of my saddle. I just love taking them out and letting them learn how to post to the slow, slow trot and how to hold the reins. It’s the best! I hope that I never, ever, ever have to leave Mill Creek because I know that I will always be taken care of here.

I have seen other school horse leave here when Cory retired them…like Gus. Gus was kind of like me. He was a really hard worker and always did everything 120%. When he was old and a bit lame, Cory sent him off to a really nice place with pastures. He just stood at the gate for several months and probably lost 100 pounds. She went back and got him and brought him back to work in the school. He put the weight back on and was very, very happy. I know that if somebody put me out somewhere with nothing to do, with no job, I would just rather die. I would rather just keep teaching little, tiny children how to walk and trot and hold the reins and find their stirrups.

I’ve known Cory for a really long time and I have seen her do right by lots of horses—like Chance. Chance is now a walking pony on the trails in the hills and is happy as a clam. Some of you remember Bruno. He was a good egg. I kind of miss him, but he had kind of given up on life. Cory gave him to someone who turned him out in a big field with other horses. He ran around all day and was truly happy. But that’s not for me! We are all different. Thank goodness Cory is a good enough horsewoman to tell the difference between horses who want to sit under a tree and rest and horses like me, who just want to keep doing the job we love.

So keep bringing me carrots and keep loving me and let me do what I do best!

Love,

Lucky

Blacky is for Lease

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 04 Oct 2015 18:09:00 +0000

Blacky is a perfect 13.3 hand 17 year old pony. He is great with kids and loving on the ground. He would be best suited for 1st, 2nd or 3rd level. He is very safe and reliable and a great confidence builder. Blacky is every little girl's dream pony. Parents can be confident knowing that Blacky is taking care of their little one. If you are interested in learning more about Blacky, please inquire in the office or with your instructor.

Summer update--and a party!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 06 Sep 2015 23:52:00 +0000

What a wonderful summer! As always we had our Mill Creek Summer camp filled with lessons and activities and we were lucky enough to host 8 weeks of Horses in the Hood camps. Also we attended many shows this summer.

Just recently McKenzie Rollins and Jennifer Johnson successfully took 13 horses and 11 riders to the Shepherd Ranch Horse Trials. The Mill Creek riders won three out of four team divisions plus numerous top ribbons as individuals. Also we had a fantastic dinner and pool party at the Ringer's Solvang home. We look forward to many more shows.

There are many new horses at Mill Creek. Congrats to Alana Baker on her new preliminary horse Cursive; they will make a formidable team. Also I am very excited for Maggie Catalano on her purchase of her preliminary horse form the east coast Most Wanted (thanks Courtney Cooper). Avery McDaniel is the new owner of Kaufman a very nice up and coming event horse. Debora Finn the very happy new owner of the thoroughbred, Kirby, is looking forward to going to her first show with him. Luna Souchard is the lucky owner of a very talented young horse Motto purchased from Andréa Baxter; I look forward to a very exciting future for these two. Gema and her mom Angie Forshaw and their horse Stella are a wonderful addition to our family. We are excited for Katie on her surprise gift from her husband: the FEI horse Grey Hope. We should all be so lucky to have a horse like Grey. I am so happy to have one of my favorite "kids," Adrienne Hillas, back in the barn - who is no longer a kid! Time sure goes by fast.

Please come to help us celebrate the summer and all our successful horse shows at our "End of the Summer Party" on September 13th from 4:30 to 8:30 with games, a movie, and a potluck.

Cory

Congratulations to our own Veronica West for helping her team take home the silver medal at the Young Riders National Championships

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 08 Aug 2015 23:45:00 +0000

Veronica, Nobleman & Mette

Veronica West riding her horse Nobleman made the Young Riders Junior Dressage Team for Region 7. The national championships were at the Kentucky Horse Park in July. In the FEI Junior Rider Team competition, Veronica was 3rd out of 40+ riders. Her score of 68.676% helped the team win the silver medal. Veronica and Nobleman came in 6th place in the FEI Junior Rider Individual division with a score of 68.533%.

Mill Creek congratulates Veronica on her amazing achievements!

Summer Letter to Mill Creek Clients

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 21:32:00 +0000

Dear Mill Creek Clients:

What a lovely summer it has been. We are all so happy with the way everything has gone with the sale. We could have not asked for a better owner than Mr. Kim. Recently Mr. Kim had posed the question about what he could do to make Mill Creek even better. After some consideration we began discussing making the front arena into a covered arena with an indoor seating area. Crossing our fingers that all goes well we have begun speaking with architects and contractors. Mill Creek continues to grow and become even better.

As many of you know September has always been our slowest month, so I have asked my employees to take some well deserved time off during that time. Many of the instructors have made travel plans for that month as well as many of us going off to celebrate Anna Dalberg’s wedding. Non- horse owners may want to consider leasing during September to challenge yourself with a project while the instructors our out of town. Horse owners will want to plan ahead to be here more often during those times.

To the best of our knowledge here are the dates that we know our instructors will be out of town:

Sadie is gone August 4 - 12
McKenzie is gone August 1 & 2 and August 24 - September 30
Vivian is gone August 1 & 2, August 21 and September 17 - October 7

We understand that it can be an inconvenience having the instructors out of town, but they have worked hard all year. Please note that Jennifer, Courtney, and Jenna will all be around and working flexible hours. Vivian and McKenzie have planed to work extra days when the other is out of town so that there are always people around to help and teach. All of the schedules will return back to normal approximately the 3rd week in September.

We are also excited for upcoming competitions and schooling such as Shepherd Ranch Schooling on Tuesday July 28th and the Mission Pacific Dressage Show on August 1st and 2nd.

As a helpful reminder, please remember to keep the tack rooms clean. Make sure your saddles and bridles all have nameplates. If your equipment does not fit in the tack box, please take it home. Keep all food carrots, grain, etc. at HOME.

We are also exited for the following horse shows and schoolings:

August ? Doug Payne Clinic
August 15 – 16: Copper Meadows Schooling
Aug 21 – 23: Shepherd Ranch Horse Trials
Sept 4 – 6: Copper Meadows Horse Trials
Sept 17 – 20: Twin Rivers Horse Trials

All the best,
Cory

PROBLEMS! PROBLEMS! PROBLEMS!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 28 May 2015 23:54:00 +0000

First China buys all of our alfalfa hay! They fill their empty containers with California hay and ship it back to China, which of course runs the price of hay sky high.

Now the water bill:
Malibu, Calabasas and Topanga are required to reduce the usage of water by 32% or our bill will be tripled. Mill Creek’s water bill is approximately $3000/month. We must all work together to reduce water usage. If we don’t we could see a bill of $9000 / month. This would be horrible for all of us.

Please help us!

Thanks,

Cory and Mr. Kim

Another Successful IEL Season for Mill Creek Riders

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 25 May 2015 18:08:00 +0000

Congrats on a first season of IEL for Logan Saylor, Sydny Cort, and Gizelle Malick- and for continued success to Julia Brittain and Ari Martin! Mill Creek is already getting excited for next years IEL with a huge new crop of riders, ready to show!

Photos from the 4/12 show are available on Flickr, courtesy of Emilee Fine.

Mill Creek News

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 10 May 2015 18:46:00 +0000

Welcome New Mill Creek Clients and Horses

We are plesaed to welcome Amethyst Kelly to Mill Creek. We helped her purchase two fabulous horses in Florida. Both are jumpers imported from Europe. The big bay is named Defender and he is a jewel! Bizzy is the grey, who Cory describes as "an elegant looking thing."

We also welcome Margy Fetting and her new horse, Ringo Starr: a lovely bay Dressage horse.

A belated welcome to Angie and Gemma Forshaw and to Wendy and Kai Doulton with their German-bred horse Style.

News about Mette

A belated Congratulations to Mette for going to Kentucky for the National Dressage Finals last fall. Mette and De Noir 3 (owned by Anne Soelbraekke) were the National Champions in Intermediare I and Reserve Champions in Prix St. Georges.

Be sure to check out Mette and Anne Dahlberg's entertaining Pas De Deux ride at the FEI World Cup Finals in Las Vegas last month: https://vimeo.com/125311952.

Bambino has Retired

Favorite school horse Bambino hsa retired in luxury to the home of Lynn Barza and her husband in Santa Ynez.

Conserving Water

Cory apologizes for taking out the hoses from the wash racks. She says that you should use a bucket and sponge to clean off your horse after rides. If you are planning to go to a show and need to give your horse a full bath, please ask in the office for a hose.

Fun Picture from Cory!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 24 Apr 2015 22:07:00 +0000

Cory wanted to share this fun picture from backstage at the World Cup in Las Vegas!

Upcoming Shows for Mill Creek Riders

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 08 Apr 2015 01:10:00 +0000

Unless otherwise noted, shows are with Jennifer Johnson.

April 12: I.E.L at Hansen Dam with McKenzie Rollins	Closing Date 3/28
April 10 – 12: Twin Rivers Spring Three Day Event & Horse Trials, Palos Robles	Closing Date 3/24
April 19: Trancas Riders & Ropers Hunter Show (Anyone interested should talk to Jenna or Sadie)
April 26: Moorpark Cross Country Schooling
May 3: I.E.L. At Hansen Dam	Closing Date 4/18
May 9: Shepherd Ranch Cross Country Schooling
May 9 - 10: Galway Downs Spring Horse Trials, Temecula	Closing Date 4/21
May 17: Summer Hunter Show, Pasadena Entries/info: rosebowlriders.org
June 5 – 7: Copper Meadows Horse Trials, Ramona	Closing Date 5/19
June 19 – 21: Shepherd Ranch Horse Trials, Santa Ynez Must enter early to secure spot as this show fills up quickly. Entries open May 5.	Closing Date 6 /2

A Labor of Love ...A Riding Instructor/Trainer's Perspective

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 04 Apr 2015 23:49:00 +0000

You charge HOW much for an hour riding lesson?!
I am cancelling my lesson today sorry for the late notice.
I am cancelling my lessons this month sorry for the late notice.
I am going to put off full training for my young horse this month, but I want you to show him late next month.

Most likely every riding instructor/trainer has heard these types of statements and cringed.
When a riding student schedules and commits to lessons and/or a training program for their horse, they may not realize just exactly what is behind the fees, the amount of effort the instructor/trainer has put into this plan, nor do they realize the negative impact a hasty last minute decision can have on their instructor/trainer.

Riding instructors/trainers most likely have spent the majority of their life riding, managing and caring for horses, competing, participating in and auditing clinics, learning business, spending unusually long hours of their energy and time, and spending the majority of their hard earned money in order to obtain and then offer this knowledge and experience to their students and clients. Yes, it is a passion, and most likely the trainer is doing what they love, but it is truly a LABOR of love and quite an unpredictable and difficult career on many levels.

The profession is HARD work, which means it is also hard on the body. Most riding professionals need to spend income to maintain body wellness with some sort of personal bodywork especially as they age. Not to mention receive some type of "repair work" from a life of horse related injuries and falls. Many professionals also supplement their riding with specialized fitness routines in order to be great at what they do. This person literally puts their life and physical well-being on the line every day due to the risk factor of riding and working with large, powerful, unpredictable, fight or flight animals, on a day to day basis.

Instructors/trainers often are working extra ordinarily long hours in every climate imaginable. They often miss holidays and weekends so that their students can enjoy their lessons in their free time on holidays and weekends. As a general rule, there are often no paid holidays or sick days, no company provided health care insurance, company benefits, or retirement plans. Quite simply, when this person does not work, they do not get paid and whatever future financial planning they may want to have, must come out of their own doing and business planning.

Most instructor/ trainers have costly overheads in order to offer services. This means everything from facility maintenance, to specialized liability insurance, to advertising expenses, to riding and training equipment, lesson horses and their costly care, maintenance of trailers and trucks, upgrades to arenas, fluctuating feed costs, and dealing with the general constant rise of equine related costs. Instructors and trainers also must stay aligned with what the going rate is on other businesses in their geographic area in order to attract and maintain business. If they are not lucky enough to have a covered area, income loss during the winter months can be substantial and even with the covered arena, loss of student motivation and the holidays always have an impact on income.

When a trainer spends their time with a horse in training, there is a goal in mind for the progress and development of this animal. Training’s progressive in nature and cannot and should not be rushed. Suddenly pulling a horse out of a good training program on a whim can often disrupt the progress and confuse the horse. This can then lead to behavior problems especially when the horse is then asked to perform by a person less qualified. If the owner then wants the trainer to show and compete the horse after a break in this process, it can increase the risk factor and the well-being of both the horse and trainer because the horse is not adequately prepared mentally or physically. This can also publicly reflect on the trainer's abilities if the performance is less than adequate and/or dangerous, potentially having a negative reflection on the trainers business.

Just as show horses are, school horses are expensive to maintain and must be used enough to maintain their fitness level and so that they can "pay for their expenses" or this cost comes directly out of the instructor's pocket. Trainers must allow time to train and school these horses so that they are of good quality and stay “tuned up" for the various riders that ride them in lessons and can participate in horse shows with these students. The instructor/trainer is also responsible for paying for any vet costs related to injuries the horses' may incur and must also deal with the double whammy of loss of use and loss of income if the horse is laid up due to an injury.

The trainer/instructor only has so many hours in a day they can earn a living and often lessons and training spaces are carefully scheduled so that it ensures they are "paying the bills" so to speak. When a student or client casually cancels lessons or makes hasty training plan decisions, this can financially impact the instructor/trainer dramatically. Cancelling lessons or training sessions and not rescheduling them, means the instructor gets a "pay cut" that month. If just a few students are cancelling lessons over a month's time, this can add up very rapidly. Even when the student reschedules their missed lessons, this means the instructor has to find time slots in the already very busy schedule to squeeze them in as well as find times the school horse is available so that they are not being over worked.

Monthly scheduling and rescheduling, also involves lessons plans, training schedules, show calendars, fitting in time for all the equine related services such as farriers, equine body-workers and saddle fittings, staff schedules, and if they are lucky scheduling a vacation or time to visit family and friends all takes ... TIME. Time to make phone calls, time to return emails and texts, time to coordinate schedules, time to review and set show calendars, time to order monthly deliveries, not to mention time to work on their business financials. So when one see's their trainer/ instructor during their long working hours at the bam, they may not realize that often when the day is done, the horses are fed, the clients have gone on their way, that this same person may have 30 minutes up to several hours of work to continue while at home during their "off' time.

A good instructor/trainer also has to be "on" every moment when working with their students and their horses in training and they must understand and accommodate their student's and horses in training unique learning styles. This means staying positive, mentally alert, physically fit, emotionally stable and quiet, staying fresh and inspiring even when at times they may be physically and mentally exhausted, or have their own personal life stresses and troubles. This also means staying flexible and dealing with a multitude of client personalities, some with unrealistic aspirations or undesirable personality traits, in a consistent, tactful, and professional manner.

The point being, even though ultimately, this person has chosen this field due to their love of horses, it is not a hobby, it is their profession and a business, and the means of their income and ability to lead a happy and productive life. Hopefully having an understanding of what this role means will help the student/client maintain a more positive and productive relationship with their instructor/trainer. This can lay the foundation for a wonderful student/teacher partnership of achieving one's goals and dreams with their horse, which is truly the highest joy and reward for any professional riding instructor and/or horse trainer.

What Horse Is Suitable for You?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 04 Apr 2015 23:46:00 +0000

If you are going to event and jump, you are going to need a horse. It will really help your enjoyment of the sport if your horse is suitable, so you want to choose him with care. As I’ll explain, however what horse is Suitable for you is a moving target that is depending on your abilities and aspirations.
Some things to keep in mind when beginning your search for a new horse:

Eventing and jumping is a risk sport, which makes his jumping ability of paramount importance.

At Entry Level

When it comes to matching riders with horses, there is nothing cuter and a young girl with her first pony. She had braces and pigtails, while her 14.2-hand strawberry roan –‘Ol’Strawberry.” Ol’strawberry knows when to jump and more importantly when to stop! My point? This horse is suitable for this rider right now.
Horse selection is an art, not a science! Experienced horsemen must assist the amateur buyer to determine the suitability.
Obviously, size matters, but we need to consider other attributes- personality, for example. If you want to jump but you are slightly timed. Then a horse with an aggressive attitude probably will carry you in safety and comfort. The other side of this coin is that if you are an aggressive, confident rider, you may on better on a horse with a slightly suspicious attitude toward obstacles of all shapes and sizes.
Once you decide the type of horse who will suit you, you need to determine your goals. If you plan to enjoy the sport as weekend recreation, you can make some compromises. For instance, an amateur rider to whom winning is not the be-all and end- all can tolerate a horse who lacks some natural flair for dressage so long as he is a safe and independent jumper in show jumping and cross country. If a 13-year-old wants to jump and they are looking at cheap young off –the-track Thoroughbreds, the I know the correct educational path has not yet been established.
I hope that13-year-old jumps someday, but right now I want a safe, sensible schoolmaster for her. Every ambitious rider should eventually learn to ride difficult horses, but your entry into the competitive scene should be as safe as possible.

Moving Up

When Patty Ponycrazy is ready to move up, her perfect transitional schoolmaster after Ol’Strawberry will probably be a size-appropriate horse with some age- and considerable mileage. If, like her, you are moving up from an entry-level mount to learn the next level, your prospective schoolmaster will most likely have potential soundness issues. At this point, your vet becomes very important to your decision-making. She can give you an estimation of a prospect’s long-term usefulness: “We can live with that condition” or I don’t think we can live with this.”

Finally, Time For the OTTB

There are bargains waiting at local racetracks, where attractive and athletic horses can be found for less than the airfare to ship a fancy, young warmblood from Europe. However, you will need a skilled professional to guide you through your search. Take your trainer with you, the commission you pay will be cheap at the price, if by paying it, she acquires an OTTB that, in addition to being a good eventing prospect, is lightly raced, drug-free and seems to have calm temperament.
In the final analysis, make sure that the horse you choose is suitable for you and your goals and that he is a safe and comfortable ride over obstacles.

Article

Taken from the Practical Horseman article “Horses for Courses” by Jim Wofford who competed in three Olympics and two World Championships and won the U.S. National Championship five times. He is also highly respected coach.

Have a fun and SAFE ride,

Cory Walkey

Special December/Holiday Lesson Schedules

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 16 Nov 2014 21:16:00 +0000

When filling out your December/January lesson schedules, please note that we are closed a few days, but will also be offering special lessons on the following days:

December 26 (Friday):

4th level group at 9 am (Cory)
Beginner Novice group at 11am (Cory)
Sadie will be teaching private lessons

December 31 (Wednesday):

4th level group at 9 am (Cory)
Beginner Novice group at 11am (Cory)
Sadie and Jenna will be teaching private lessons
The barn will be open from 8 am - 12 pm only

January 2 (Friday):

4th level group at 9 am (Cory)
Beginner Novice group at 11am (Cory)
Sadie will be teaching private lessons

We will be completely closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.

A VERY IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM CORY

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 16 Oct 2014 00:27:00 +0000

To My Mill Creek Family:

I am writing to you with great excitement and sorrow. All of you know this was coming and that one day Mill Creek would be sold. If you have heard rumors of escrow, they are true.

We are due to close escrow at the end of October. A very nice family who love the land and horses is looking forward to spending time with their family and grandchildren at this little piece of heaven called Mill Creek.

They are not horse people, but plan to have Mill Creek run the way it has been for the last 42 years. Mr. & Mrs. Kim are hoping that all riding instructors, stable and office staff, boarders and riders will continue to stay at Mill Creek. Mr. Kim has asked me to stay and assist in the running of Mill Creek, but allowing me plenty of time to travel, read, relax and visit with friends.

Mill Creek has been my life for 43 years. I was 26 years old when I purchased this beautiful piece of land and began creating a life for myself. I am now on my third generation of students. My God, the years go by fast!

The Kims love Mill Creek almost as much as I do. Mrs. Kim wants to plant more flowers, fruit trees, grapevines, avocado trees and many pepper trees around the hills. They are so lovely and kind. They tell me all the time that they will not change anything and that Mill Creek will always be mine.

How could I be so lucky to have such wonderful people come into my life? I look forward to spending many more years with all of you here at Mill Creek. Thank you all for being a huge part of the Mill Creek family.

All my love,

Cory

Important Message from Cory

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 01 Sep 2014 22:02:00 +0000

Dear Mill Creek Family,

I am writing to let you all know why I have been gone since the beginning of the summer. Some of you may know that I had total knee replacement surgery near the beginning of May. That surgery went extremely well, as did the physical therapy. However, during the course of my pre-op testing, they found something on my lung. Subsequent tests showed that it was a tumor and my scans “glowed,” indicating that was malignant. On August 4th, I had surgery which removed 30% of my right lung. Scans afterwards showed that the tumor had been completely removed! The doctors are confident they got everything. I am calling my knee my lucky knee! If it weren’t for the surgery and Dr. Toni, who pushed for more and more tests until the reason for the shadow on lung was discovered, the tumor might not have been discovered until it was too late. Dr. Toni, my knee and all of my wonderful doctors saved my life! I am also absolutely, incredibly grateful to Dr. Toni for her kindness and friendship during this time.

I especially want you all to know how much appreciate everyone’s patience with me this summer. Many of you have had different teachers from week to week. I am also extremely grateful to my wonderful Mill Creek staff and teachers who filled in and just kept everything running as normal during my absence. It was truly impressive. I am a very lucky person!

I am planning to come back slowly. If all goes as planned, I will start teaching some half days on Saturday, 9/13. I look forward to seeing you all and thank you all again for your patience and support.

With love and gratitude,

Cory

Wiley the Wonder Horse Retires!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 05 May 2014 01:03:00 +0000

Heather Lanham just retired her amazing horse Wiley.

Here is a message from Heather:

Wiley had an amazing 17 year career at Mill Creek, he is currently 27, competed thru Intermediate level eventing, became a total ambassador to up and coming riders for many years after he retired from competing...and is now retired to an amazing place in Santa Ynez that he will be spending his days on grass pasture...oh, and Thursday the day before he left, he jumped every jump in the ring without missing a distance...three times! EVERY JUMP...I just had to!!!

He is retiring to Santa Ynez, healthy and sound...deserving of such luxury...they groom every day, blanket, etc. He is the horse of a lifetime, a true gentleman. Irreplaceable...

Ride More for Less!!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 09 Feb 2014 00:34:00 +0000

Cory is offering special prices for special people! For February through May if you ride in two group lessons or one day camp on the weekend you can ride in a group lesson with Cory during the week for only $20! In addition from 8am - 5pm on Fridays, we are offering 1 hour practice rides on your own for $20. Sign up in the office.

Farah DeJohnette Videos about Crest Releases

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 09 Feb 2014 00:25:00 +0000

Cory would like Mill Creek Jumpers to review the following videos about proper crest releases: