OEC Newsletter - Issue 9, Volume 3, 2nd Quarter 2011
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For the past six months, The Oaks Equestrian Center has been working with homeowners, community advocates, and other organizations to assess the needs of the clients at The Oaks. One area that the community has decided to dive into is the creation of a dedicated Western riding arena. While all current arenas and riding space are open to all disciplines, there are features of both existing arenas that hinder the full Western experience. For example, the covered arena has superb footing from Premier Equestrian Surfaces. While this footing and its elastic qualities make it an excellent surface for dressage, jumping, and other concussive disciplines, the downside to the surface is that its grip does not allow for advanced maneuvers, such as sliding stops and spins. The second arena at The Oaks Equestrian Center also has immaculate footing with less grip, which provides more ability to slide and spin, but the arena itself is domed in the center, to promote adequate drainage to combat against slick surfaces for jumping. Taking into consideration these challenges, The Oaks Equestrian Center has decided to build a third arena. The new area will span 150' X 300' and is under construction just adjacent to the existing 62-foot round pen. To support the demands of reining and other Western speed disciplines, the footing will be a precise mixture of sand and clay, which will allow proper moisture absorption and adequate support, while still allowing for the advanced maneuvers. This arena is scheduled for completion in the summer of 2011. Look for our grand opening invitation soon! |
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Lesson Horse Spotlight: "Abbey" |
 Many sights at The Oaks catch the eye of those who drive through. From the exquisite architecture to the beautiful landscaping, The Oaks has many visual treasures. One such treasure can also be found in OEC lesson horse Abracadabra, or Abbey, out in her front field. Abbey catches the eye of all who visit The Oaks, with her not-so-dainty 17.3 hh frame, gleaming dapple grey coat, and a mane and tail that all the mares swoon over. A 3/4 Percheron, 1/4 Thoroughbred cross, Abbey was graciously leased to the equestrian center in 2009 by Suwannee Farms, Inc., in Wellborn, FL. But Abbey is more than just a pretty face; her versatility and gentle demeanor make her a safe mount for any rider. Abbey truly fits the old adage of a "gentle giant".
I have never met a rider who doesn't enjoy their time with Abbey. Abbey seems to enjoy the tack-up time just as much as the ride. She patiently waits as new riders learn how to convince a horse to lift its foot to be picked out. She endures the curry comb being spun the wrong direction and teaches all riders the importance of proper tail grooming! On one such grooming adventure, a client was currying the dirt clumps off of her belly, when we realized how much she loves her belly button scratched! Abbey will actually park herself right in front of you to make your belly-scratching job that much easier!
During Abbey's time at The Oaks, she has had several important roles in the lives of others. She has been a part of a wedding proposal, brought a retired rider back to the sport, confidently worked with a client through the desensitization clinic, and hacked many first-time riders throughout our 1200 acres! When a new rider wants to come for a member trail ride, Abbey is up for the challenge. When a Pony Club rider needs a confidence boost, Abbey is up for the challenge. Cross-country school, dressage lesson, western horsemanship lesson (shall I keep going?), Abbey is always up for the challenge.
So if we have learned anything from "Big Abs", it's that we should never judge a book by its cover... and never greet Abbey without a belly scratch!
Colleen Davis
General Manager/Riding Director |
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Summer Camp is Here Again! $275 for the Week |
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 We are proud to offer our third consecutive year of summer camp sessions. Building from last year's experience, we have sectioned out several weeks of camp to allocate the needs and demands of all of the disciplines offered at The Oaks. All camp sessions will be held Monday through Friday, from 8:30am to 4:00pm. Riders seven years of age and older are welcomed to sign up. You may bring your own horse for no additional cost or lease an OEC lesson horse for an extra $100. USPC members receive a 10% discount upon registration, and Columbia and Suwannee County School Systems receive a $50 discount off of the fee.
Session I: Beginner-Novice (English & Western), June 6-10
This session will focus heavily on basic equine care and riding skills. We will work to develop the rider's natural balance and rhythm with the horse in a fun and diverse environment. Each rider will be exposed to several disciplines and riding styles to see what fits best for them. Daily mounted sessions will be accompanied by unmounted sessions, such as arts and crafts, journaling, guest speakers, and games!
 Session II: Intermediate-Advanced (English), July 11-15
Session II will build from the prior knowledge and skills of the English rider. Mounted sessions in dressage, hunters, and eventing will take place. Each lesson will be detailed specifically to the riders' needs and discipline. All riders will also participate in unmounted sessions with guest speakers to include local vets and farriers. Journal time, arts and crafts, and games will also take place.
Session III: Horse & Stable Management (All Disciplines), July 25-29
Our Horse and Stable Management session focuses on the health and overall care of horse ownership. Several area vets, farriers, and equine specialists will conduct education seminars for the participants. Vital skills such as wrapping, checking vital signs, and basic medical treatments will be taught in conjunction with each seminar. Participants will also learn proper stable management skills, such as proper record keeping, dewoming programs, nutritional needs, and fitness programs, to name a few. Several organizational tools and take-aways are included in this session. In the past, this session has proven to be a great USPC rating prep!
Session IV: Intermediate-Advanced (Western), August 3-9
This session will focus on the Western discipline of riding and build from the prior knowledge and skill of the participants. Each rider will have access to several Western disciplines, such as horsemanship, reining, and other speed disciplines. All riders will also participate in unmounted sessions, with guest speakers to include local vets and farriers. Journal time, arts and crafts, and games will also take place. |
 The Oaks of Lake City continues to provide the best value in equestrian and lifestyle communities. With value-priced homesites, Signature Days makes a good deal GREAT! With historically low interest rates, value pricing, and additional incentives, you can turn your dream into a reality in beautiful North Florida!
Current incentives include Instant Owner Financing:
- 4% A.P.R. with 25% Down
- 5% A.P.R. with 20% Down
- 6% A.P.R. with 15% Down
*** Although there is no time limit to build, during Signature Days, The Oaks of Lake City will also invest an additional $20,000 into your new home on an equestrian homesite. Please contact us for full details, limitations apply. ***
More new website updates @ www.theoakslakecity.com, with interactive maps and virtual tours. |
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 The Oaks Equestrian Pony Club Riding Center:
A USPC Riding Center Membership is more affordable than you think! Pay-as-you-go sessions and discounted packaging make joining the OEC P.C. affordable for all. Center members can participate in lessons on their own horse or one of ours. Mounted session and unmounted sessions are held weekly with our certified and experienced trainers.
For our Dual Members, we have widened your benefits in 2011! All Pony Club members will continue to receive a 10% discount on OEC staff services (lessons, training, OEC camps), as provided last year. This year, our Dual Members will also have the added bonus of:
- Free stabling during ratings hosted by The Oaks
- Discounted stabling during ratings hosted by other P.C. clubs (National Ratings do not apply)
- Invitation to clinics and events two weeks ahead of the general public (you get first dibs!)
- Ability to participate in our OEC Club lesson(s) at a prorated fee!
We have several opportunities for members to participate in clinics and events this year. Please contact us with any questions or to set up your complimentary lesson!
Email:
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or phone: 386-755-1488
Ratings Update:
The OEC is proud to congratulate Dual Member Lizzy Hudson on achieving her C-2 rating and Dual Member Caitrin Battle on her achievement of her C-2 HM rating. Way to go, girls! All of your hard work is paying off! Other region members who rated up at The Oaks Equestrian Center during the winter season include: Barclay Powell C-2 of Tuskawilla PC, Annie Kearley C-2 HM of Alligator Creek PC, and Alexa Peterson C-2 of St. Johns River PC. We are looking forward to seeing all of you at the C-and-Up Camp this summer!
Equine Education Day:
What do you get when you combine a farrier, mobile veterinarian unit, seminars on worms and 20 different types of feed? An Equine Education Day, of course! On January 8th and 9th, the USPC Sunshine Region held their annual Equine Education Day at The Oaks Equestrian Center. On Saturday, participants rotated through stations to learn more about the needs and proper care of their equine partners. Pony Club members and parents alike spent time with farrier Jason Hubbard to learn about proper hoof angle, diseases, and different types of shoes. Then, groups rotated to Dr. Porter DVM and his mobile endoscopy system. Other stations included Dr. McLane's discussion of 30+ feed items and Alita Hendrix's worms and parasites station.
 
It's Rally Time!
On March 26th, The OEC hosted a regional Show Jump Prep to get all area riders ready for the upcoming Rally at Canterbury Show Place. Riders from Tuskawilla PC, St. John's River PC, and the OEC PC all joined up for a day of preparation and fun! Riding Director Colleen Davis started the morning with a brief discussion, and then a course walk. All riders were encouraged to walk the line they thought was best and discuss their options as they went along. The course created a few difficult turns and options for passage, which truly encouraged the riders to take into consideration their own mount. Once the course walk and discussion were finished, it was time to mount up! Riders were grouped according to ability and level. After warming up in the covered arena and checking the horse and rider's ability to communicate off of seat and leg, the riders were sent out, one by one, to complete their course. Each participant rode their first round with coaching from Colleen. All riders were encouraged to watch each trip, as at the end, Colleen asked a spectating rider to comment on the ride. The goal was to have each spectating rider list one thing that went well for the rider and one thing that could be improved on. After each rider had a chance to ride the course once, Colleen added one more jump to the course, depending on the horse and rider's needs. Round two had a true rally feel, as no coaching was offered. Each rider was successful in navigating their new course and building from the suggestions of their fellow riders. This method of peer coaching helped to promote good sportsmanship and teamwork, as all riders were encouraging and supportive, no matter what club they were from! |
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Fun Tidbits - Spring '11
Join us on Facebook!
Did You Know...
Mr. Ed's real name was Bamboo Harvester.
The oldest horse was a horse named "Old Billy". He was an English Barge horse and lived to the age of 62!
Horses are members of the equus family. The word equus comes from ancient Greece and means "quickness".
Coming Soon - Spring '11
- Sunday, May 1 - USPC Region Meeting @ the Newberry Sports Complex, Gainesville, FL
- Sunday, May 22 - OEC Member Trail Ride, 2pm
- June 6 - 10 - Summer Camp Session I (Novice: English & Western)
- Sunday, June 19 - OEC Member Trail Ride, 2pm
- June 23 - 26 - USPC Sunshine Region C & Up Camp
- Monday, July 4 - OEC July 4th Summer Fun Trail Ride / Open House
- July 11 - 15 - Summer Camp Session II (Intermediate-Advanced: English)
- July 20 - 24 - USPC Championships @ The Kentucky Horse Park
- July 25 - 29 - Summer Camp Session III (Horse & Stable Management)
- August 3 - 7 - Summer Camp Session IV (Intermediate-Advanced: Western)
Vet's Corner - Spring '11
Dear OEC Vet Corner,
My family and I just bought our first horse! We are excited to add a new member to our family, but we have so many questions and SO many opinions coming our way from fellow equestrians. Since this is our first horse, we have decided to board him at a stable in our area, where he can be around other horses. What suggestions do you have for bringing our new family member "home"? We have been told of the dangers associated with introducing a new horse to an already existing herd and want to know what precautions we can take to make his introduction a pleasant one.
Any advice is helpful!
Wanting a Happy Herd
Dear Wanting a Happy Herd, First of all, congratulations! Getting a new horse is exciting, but it can also seem overwhelming when it comes to creating a healthy, cohesive living environment for the horse. It is true that certain precautions must be taken when introducing him to a new herd. While improper introductions can lead to trauma or injury, following these basic rules will ensure that your new horse has a smooth transition with making new friends. It's generally good practice to keep the new horse separate from the current herd during the first few weeks after his arrival. Traditionally, three weeks is a good standard separation time. This 'quarantine' period is a way to prevent the spread of communicable diseases, while determining whether your new acquisition is healthy. Your horse should be up-to-date on his vaccinations and on an effective de-worming program. An overall vet check is recommended as well during this time period. Next, determine which horses will get along best with your new horse. Talk with your stable manager about any issues and personality quarks you may know about your new horse. Take into account the horse's disposition, age, gender, and feeding requirements. Established herds have a definite hierarchy, and your new horse will have to figure out where he fits in the dynamic. Pairing them up with horses of similar dietary needs, ages, and personalities may help to create a more cohesive herd. Introductions should be done gradually, in order to give all the horses time to meet each other and figure out exactly where they stand in the new herd hierarchy. Stalling horses next to each other, or placing them in adjacent pastures with proper fencing, is a good way to make the first meeting safe, while minimizing the chance of injury. Once the horses have met and are getting along while separated by a fence-line, they can then be introduced to the same pasture. Even if the new horse will eventually be with a group of horses, it is highly recommended that each introduction is done separately at first. This will help prevent a group gang-up on the new horse. It is also wise to have all hind shoes removed when doing a first meeting. This will help reduce injury from possible kicks. Once your new horse has met and gets along with all his future pasture mates, he should be ready to be turned out with the group. Continue to observe and be aware of the herd dynamic. The dominant horse in the herd controls where the other horses go and when they eat and drink. Watch for signs of bullying, stress, or weight loss. Be aware that herd dynamics can always shift, even between horses that have known each other for a long time. Following these basic steps towards new introductions will help your new horse safely settle in and make new friends. Best wishes, Lindsay Brown
Barn Manager If you have a question or concern that you would like the OEC Vet Corner to address, please email Lindsay at LindsayB@OConnorOEC.com.
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