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Star Duster's Passing 1/29/10
As many of you know, Star Duster had a touchy digestive system for the 21 years we’ve cared for him. Jim prolonged his life by consistently buying feed just for him. Nutrena’s Safe Choice and Purina’s Ultium did the trick. As a result, Star Duster had had no colics for many years. On the fateful morning above, however, Star Duster greeted Jim in grave pain. His colon was not twisted, but displaced, the vet said. “Sometimes this happens in older geldings”, she said. It wasn’t just any older gelding…. It was our mainstay, our most dependable horse ever. Kris taught pre-schoolers with Star Duster for 18 years. She showed him saddle-seat. Jim showed him in pleasure driving, our daughter in hunter pleasure and western pleasure too. He had many reserve championships to his name, some at the regional level. As a young horse, he was undefeated at halter. Many, many of our students showed Star Duster too. He took people on trail rides for all of the 12 years we held a permit in the Pike National Forest. He served 17 years of horse camp. Star Duster was the end of a legacy of do-it-all horses. Jim says we’ll never ever never replace him. Star Duster is missed so greatly that we all ache inside. I hear his unique “blow” of air through his nostrils, see the ½ Arab flag of his tail. I feel and smell his wonderful coat. He never grew winter hair…. I wanted you to know. Yet it is so hard to tell you… We will be making a webpage to honor Star Duster with your memories and condolences. If you have photos to share, I’d love to include them. Please send them to Kris@anchoragefarm.com. Your tax-deductible donations in Star Duster’s name will be most gratefully acknowledged. We know many many of you loved Star Duster too.
Proud Mare 11/6/09 Jasmijn, owned by the Melling family, produced a colt when she was owned by Melissa Johnson. Melissa recently took him to the Friesian World Show and he came home World Champion 2 year old. Congratulations to Melissa, the Mellings, and most of all Jasmijn!
Sanctioned Dressage Shows for 2010 10/21/09 We have received tentative approval from the Rocky Mountain Dressage Society for three shows to be held at Anchorage Farm again in 2010. Put these Sundays on your calendar for next summer: June 20, July 18 and August 15. Plan to RIDE!
Quadrille DVDs 10/10/09 Jim Joros did an amazing job putting together a DVD of the quadrille video and photos of the reunion on 10/3/09. Mike Lacey made copies. We'll be giving a copy to each quadrille participant and mailing copies to the reunion attendees. If YOU want to see the DVD, come to the potluck at the Fred Kappler clinic on 10/24!
Quadrille Exhibition 10/3/09 Ten students performed an impromptu quadrille for special guests to Anchorage Farm. These were Kris's sorority sisters here for a reunion. We were very proud of the following participants in the quadrille: Cori Carter on StarDuster, Diane Carter on Shade, Lauren Crawford on Opie, Adriana Domurat on Bonnie, Sarah Gates on Kaseem, Ana Joros on Excalibur, Karissa Melling on Jasmijn, Natalie Miller on Dapper, Abby Page on Sonny and Elyssa Redden on Belle. Thank to Jim Joros for snapping photos, to Mike Lacey for helping prepare the arena and to Mike and Janel Domurat for fetching lunch for our guests. And a fun time was had by all!
Show Photos 10/1/09 A big thank you to Kathy Crawford for displaying the wonderful photos in our riding arena. Kathy photographed the dressage show exhibitors and printed them at her own expense. She and her husband, Bob, framed them for us. Please take a look at these wonderful photos and join me in telling Kathy, "Thank you!"
Vet School 10/1/09 It was a great honor for me, Kris Cooper, to be asked to write a letter of reference for Claire Filkins as she takes a major step in her young life: applying to schools of veterinary medicine. Claire was a student for eleven years. She worked in our summer Horse Camp programs. I know Claire, her character and qualities very well. I thus can unequivocally state: "Claire would be a superlative representative for the field of veterinary medicine. I see her as not only providing excellent service to her own clients but a mentoring, leadership and advocacy role for the profession. People would have a higher regard for veterinary medicine after knowing Claire Filkins." This I believe.
Rocky Mountain Dressage Society Championship Show 9/27/09 Congratulations to the following former students for their Championship wins this weekend. Claire Filkins took the Junior Young Rider First Level Championship with her horse Rhythm and Blues. Nic Sigler won the Junior Young Rider Prix St. Georg Championship with his gelding, Royal Diamant. Both are Royal Diamond sons. We are very proud to have started these students (each for four years or more) in their dressage careers and with these wonderful horses. Claire is currently in the process of applying to vet school. Good luck to her at this very important time!
New Horse Owners 9/19/09 Congratulations to Tish and Ana Joros for their purchase of the gelding, Excalibur. Expect lots of wows next time these folks enter the show ring!
Centaur Rising Dressage Show III 8/9/09 It was another gorgeous day for 20 entries in another wonderful show at Anchorage Farm. We started the show with a debut by Suzanne Stevenson's Hanoverian x Appy colt, Grandbeau. This lovely colt was BORN at Anchorage Farm just three years ago. Just under saddle for four-weeks, Grandbeau completed his first test like a champ with a score of 60%. What a boy!!! Rachel Melling won the highest score of the whole season with a score of 71% on her new Friesian mare, Jasmijn. She was very closely followed by another Junior rider on her own horse - Abby Page on her five-year-old AQHA gelding, Sonny, with a score of 70.5%! Talk about the stars of the future! The Centaur Rising school horse, Shade, was also an under-sung star. Not only did she win her training level test one for her Junior rider, Ana Joros, in Ana's SECOND show. She also mopped up high point open for this show, as she had simarly done in the first show of the season. On both ocasions her rider was Diane Carter. Congratulations! We had two riders debuting in their first horse show ever: cousins Cori Carter and Laci Simonds. Both did SUPER - with Cori taking second only to the high-scoring Abby Page on Sonny! Full results are posted here. The technical delegate, Susan Selby, once again commented on our "great VOLUNTEERS" whom she lauded as "competent in their jobs". Diane Carter manned the office, Margaret Berry the scoring, Tish Joros the outdoor ring and Dave Melling, the indoor ring. Jim Cooper kept the arena in shape. Kaye McGann was our INDESPENSIBLE videographer. We learn so much by watching our DVDs over and over again! Kathy Crawford photographed. (We're anxious to see what she got!!!) Dean Miller manned the concessions. He was helped by Kathy and Bob Crawford. Christy Cragin and Kristen Bailey contributed food. Kristen was also our Emergency Medical Technician. (She didn't have much business though.... no falls in this show, not even close ... ) Mike Lacey was helpful in SO MANY ways. It takes a lot to keep things falling through the cracks! Cathlin Rice served as scribe for our wonderful supportive judge, Kathleen Mayger. What a great crew!!! Thank you. Thank you! Thank you!!!
Centaur Rising Dressage Show II 7/19/09 We had 22 entries in our second Rocky Mountain Dressage Society sanctioned show of the season. Winning the high point award for junior riders was Abby Page on her American Quarter Horse, Sonny. It was the very first show for both Abby and Sonny! High point open rider was Lee Thomas on her Conemara cross, Orion's Starman. Full results are posted here. The show was officiated by Beth Geier, judge; Susan Selby, technical delegate; and Kristen Bailey, RN, emergenccy medical technician. Our Technical Delegate noted in her official report that, "Volunteers are exceptional, knowledgeable of the rules and ready to help anyone when needed." Who were our wonderful volunteers? Cathlin Rice and Cindy Loftus manned the office. Tish Joros proofed entries. Margaret Berry was in charge of awards and Lora Mihelic, scoring. Our ring stewards, Dave Melling and Tish Joros, were once again key personnel responsibler for both keeping the show on time and for boosting participant morale. Radio communications between office and riding rings was made possible through the efforts of Dena Simonds. Abby Page recruited and supervised runners - enabling scores to be posted promptly. Sarah Sherry was in charge of hospitality. Christy Cragin ran the concession stand with the help of hot dog grill chef, Dean Miller. Christy purchased menu items at her own expense and donated all proceeds to Centaur Rising. Ana Joros coordinated test readers for participants. Our show memories have been immortalized through the efforts of our videographer, Kaye McGann, and our photographer, Kathy Crawford. Both videos and still photos are available for purchase. Please let our volunteers know that their efforts are so much appreciated by buying a video or photo. Click here for details. Weather was great. Grounds were beautiful. Thank you to all the volunteers and participants who made our second show a great success!
Centaur Rising Dressage Show I 6/21/09 We had eighteen entries in our first Rocky Mountain Dressage Society sanctioned show of the season. Winning the high point award for both junior riders and ponies was Kailey DeVore. Congratulations, Kailey! High point (and sole amateur!) rider was Linda Gaber. High point open rider was Diane Carter on a Centaur Rising school horse, Shade. Full results are posted here. Our show would not be possible without our volunteers. An e-mail from a new exhibitor says it all, " Everyone was so helpful and welcoming, it was wonderful!". Officials were Linda Ohlson Gross, judge; Jeanette Hillery, technical delegate; and Mark Miller RN, emergenccy medical technician. A big thank you to the following. Cathlin Rice manned the office. Mary Snyder and Tish Joros proofed entries. Margaret Berry was in charge of awards and Tara Hough, scoring. Our ring stewards, Dave Melling and Tish Joros, kept the show 100% on time - through Diane Carter-provided radio communications between office and riding rings. Cori Carter helped with exhibitor preparations, thereby calming nerves. Ana Joros recruited and supervised runners - enabling scores to be posted promptly. Becky Guerra ran the concession stand with the help of hot dog grill chef, Dean Miller. Becky purchased menu items at her own expense and donated all proceeds to Centaur Rising. Dean Miller, Elyssa Redden, Cori Carter and Ana Joros read tests for participants. Our show memories will be immortalized through the efforts of videographer, Christy Cragin, and photographer, Lauren Crawford. The videos will be particularly helpful in improving our performances for next time. Thank you to everyone for a really GREAT (and beautiful) show!
Fred Kappler Clinic 5/15-18/09 We had thirty-two riders in our most recent clinic with Fred. Ten of them are featured in the attached quadrille: Xintong Bao on StarDuster, Kris Cooper on Wally, Sarah Gates on Bonnie, Ana Joros on Dapper, Mike Lacey on Pik Aro, Cindy Loftus on Kaseem, Elyssa Redden on Belle, Sarah Sherry on Dillon, Mary Snyder on Shade and Val Ritterbusch on Opie. This video would not be possible without taping by Don Ritterbusch and uploading by Mike Lacey. Thank you!!
Gathering of our Centaur Rising "Family" 5/2/09 A big thank you to our clients who ventured out in the fog and the mist to our potluck. We talked about fundraising, volunteers for our upcoming horseshows and our 2009 Horse Camp counselor policy. Kris challenged all students to be able to recite Centaur Rising's mission statement. Sign up sheets for riding school horses in our dressage shows and volunteers for the horse shows are on Centaur Rising's bulletin board. You can also see who has mastered the mission challenge. Elyssa Redden was the first to do so, then Diane Carter and Cathlin Rice. Yay!
4/17/09 I Kris Cooper, the Executive Director of Centaur Rising, have maintained a FaceBook page for TWO YEARS. It's only recently that I've enjoyed so much keeping track of former students. Derek Trask, for example, will graduate from the Colorado School of Mines in December. He's already accepted a great job offer! As I wrote on April 8: " Thank you to the young people, many former students, who have trusted me enough to confirm me as a [FaceBook]'friend'. You have all been a very important part of my life. I continue to care about your challenges and dreams. " I'm especially proud of those of you who are struggling so hard to get good grades in college. Like Derek, it will all pay off one day! If you are on FaceBook, please ask me to be your friend. If you are not and want to give it a try, go to FaceBook.com.
Donor Update 4/17/09 We continue to receive the generous support of some amazing angels. Margaret Berry donated $300 toward Splash's vet bill. Mike Lacey did the same for another vet bill. Karissa Melling donated $200 to support the upkeep of the horses as did Susan Warren. During these horribly bleak economic times this unsolicited help is SO much appreciated. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
Horse Camp Update 3/30/09 Kris got brave and posted information about our Horse Camp program on PineCam.com. (PineCam is a local website featuring news, discussion and forums.) The replies have been so positive I just have to post them here: “I for one can't say enough about Kris's horse camps and after-school horse riding programs. The horses are safe the instruction is wonderful. It’s been years since my daughter was there, but it was the foundation she needed to be a good rider. She was 7 then and is 16 now and still enjoys riding her horse.” “I just want to say that Kris and Jim are absolutely wonderful trainers and their horses are equally wonderful! They also provide adult lessons and clinics, which my husband and I have participated in-and really enjoyed. We learned a great deal, and we would recommend them to anyone.” “I also highly recommend their horse camps. They are very informative, great with kids and adults in teaching the basics of good horsemanship. They also teach you about the partnership you need with your horse to be an affective rider. If you're wanting to learn the proper basics in learning to ride a horse, they are the people to go to. I've learned an enormous amount from their teachings.” Kris and board member, Valerie, have also posted our Horse Camps on YourHub.com. If you've experienced our Horse Camps and have time to post a review, please go to http://denver.yourhub.com/Conifer/Events/Children. We'd really appreciate it! We also have posts in Evergreen, Golden, Castle Rock, Castl Pines, Highlands Ranch. And hey, sign up for Horse Camp!
3/2/09 Stacey Page's family is the proud new owner of "Sonny", Marlene Schulte's red-dun quarterhorse gelding. We are happy to have Sonny return to Anchorage Farm! We hope to not lose track of Marlene. She's been a great asset to our programs and lives nearby.
Report on Kyra Kyrkland Symposium 2/23/09 Kris' report on this symposium is now available. It will be included in the Centaur Rising "Spotlight" soon to be distributed. Watch for it! You can also read a report on the Symposium in the January edition of the Rocky Mountain Dressage Society's newsletter, the "Centaur". There is also an article by Beth Baumert in the January edition of "Dressage Today". Beth Baumert, by the way, recognized Kris and greeted heartily at the Symposium. Beth is technical Editor of "Dressage Today" and presented a clinic at Anchorage Farm in October 2004.
2/23/09 Our "Partners" page now lists all of the individuals and businesses that have contributed $100 or more to Centaur Rising. The level of support is the same as that shown here. We cannot tell you how much we value this support. Our work would not be possible without these generous supporters. THANK YOU!!!
"Star Duster Sez" 2/18/09 Worried about the economy? See what StarDuster has to say.
Science Fair Star 2/3/09 Caitlin Estill, age 8, conducted a science fair experiment at Anchorage Farm. The topic concerned horse food preferences. She won
Best of Category, Zoology, at Parmalee Elementary among the K-3rd entries. Way to go, Caitlin!
Stage Star 2/3/09 I'll bet you didn't know it! Our newest (and currently most popular) school horse appeared in Ponderosa High's "Annie Get Your Gun". See for yourself!
Client Meeting 2/2/09 You saw it here first! The Board of Directors of Centaur Rising voted to hold a client meeting at Anchorage Farm on April 18, 2009. We plan to have a potluck to fill you in on a lot of things: our summer dressage shows, horse camps and other ways YOU can be a bigger part of Centaur Rising. It's not just a meeting for clients. Anyone can come! Tell your friends!
News from Former Students 1/30/09 A radiant Jessica Zook stopped by to tell us she's off to Finland in August to be an exchange student for her junior year of high school She promises to give us the link to her blog. Wow! Stay tuned.... We also received an e-mail from former student, Derek Trask, who says he plans to graduate from the Colorado School of Mines in December with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. We're very proud of both of you!!!
"In Search of Oneness Workshops" 1/27/09 We're excited about two new workshops scheduled for this spring: February 21-22 and April 11-12, 2009. What a great excuse to escape your day-to-day life for a weekend! Enjoy horses and horsey people. For more information, consult the attached flyer (please help post and distribute this!), course description and registration form. A thumbnail sketch appears below: "Horses are important in our lives because they enable us to communicate, not verbally as we do with other humans, but through developing our tactile and intuitive skills. Unfortunately negative emotions, lack of knowledge and somewhat naturally incompatible (human-on-horse) bodies get in the way of better communication. Our one-day-plus workshop is designed to help us better understand and enhance the horse/human connection." Please join us! You'll have fun, meet some great people and learn a lot too! Riders of all levels/disciplines and non-riders are welcome. All proceeds will support the work of Centaur Rising.
United Way 1/25/09 Centaur Rising received its first check today from the United Way. Thank you to those who chose this avenue to contribute to the philanthropic work of Centaur Rising. You're the greatest!
Splash 1/25/09 Our beloved Splash passed from this world at about 2pm at Golden Animal Hospital. He had not been in pain, but had shown little interest in food and water recently. Jim watched him diligently, had the vet out, got up in the night many times to check on him. We know that many of you cared deeply for Splash. He came to us in 1997. Some of you may remember how skinny and angular he was then. It took a long time for him to become as beautiful as he has been in the last couple of years. We know that many of you helped him to become happier in his work, to develop muscles and gracefulness. We remember Splash as being a VERY sensitive horse. His previous owners had not realized how sensitive he was. He taught people many things about keeping their hands steady and urging the horse on so that he felt more comfortable. I (Kris) wish I could have ridden him more. I wish he had lived with us as a young horse. Yet I think he became quite happy and content with his life in recent years. Many of you will remember him herding the other horses about the corral. He was 21 years old. It's very hard to share this news, but we thought you would want to know. The three of us are very sad to lose him as a trusted helper and friend. (from Kris, Jim and Doug) For a collage of photos of Splash and the condolences/rembrances of just some of his humans, please click here.
Update on a Much Former Student 1/8/09 Deanna Morin called from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Her daughter, Denise, began her dressage career at age five under the tutelage of Jim and his former wife, Sierra Dall. Deanna reports that Denise (Potts) is now riding grand prix in North Carolina. Wow!
Summer Plans 1/8/09 Yes, we plan to host six Horse Camp this summer. We are redesigning the camps to make them more true to our mission of restoring Man's Connection with Nature. We also want to give more emphasis to dressage. Dates appear on our Horse Camp page. Adults are welcome to attend Horse Camp too! And don't forget our two dressage shows this summer. See our Events page.
Peruvian Dressage 1/7/09 Jim and Kris were most honored to give dressage lessons to two visitors from Peru: Armando Robles and his nine-year-old son, Armando. The elder Armando owns an imported Hanoverian and takes lessons in Peru from an instructor from Germany. It's always a bit intimidating to instruct a foreign visitor, especially one with ample training. Yet we always find many points that can be improved. The Robles' loved their lessons and will take a couple more before they return to summer in Peru.
New Boarder and School Horse 1/4/09 Valerie Ritterbusch brought her second horse to Anchorage Farm. Calliope is a fifteen-year-old Holsteiner that Valerie trained and showed to second level. Valerie has graciously allowed Centaur Rising to use "Opie" in our lesson program. "Opie" is a big (17 hand) gentle giant and a great addition to our program. Thank you, Valerie!
Update on Fund Raising 1/3/09 In November we distributed an on-line newsletter, the "Spotlight". It talked about the need for additional funds this time of year. December and January are very slow months revenue-wise. In December we followed the e-mail newsletter with a "snail" mailing. Eighteen donors rose to the occasion and generously shared funds sufficient to nearly fill the "empty trough" we mentioned in the newsletter. We cannot say enough to honor these very special "angels". We realize that each donation represents a sacrifice and a choice. There are so many other non-profits that also need funds this time of year. Of course the need has not entirely passed, by any means. The slow economy is coupled with a big increase in expenses. We are most gratified by the support of those who believe so strongly in what we do. It makes us work all the harder and to look forward with zest to the brand new year. Our supporters give us hope that we can survive a difficult economic time. THANK YOU.
Holidays at Anchorage Farm 12/25/08 Jim's former wife, Sierra Dall, spent our traditional Christmas with Jim and Kris at Anchorage Farm. Sierra rode at the FEI level in Michigan in the 1970's. She was a long-time student of Violet Hopkins. Kris had the opportunity to take several lessons with Sierra when she was here. We worked with Connie Williams' mare, Delci, a five-year-old Belgian warmblood in training with Kris and Jim. Sierra helped Kris be all the more cognizant of the sensitive use of her hands.
Update on Former Students 12/6/08 Katryna Evans and Brooke DeVore stopped by Anchorage Farm and visited with Jim. Katy is an apprentice at Stall Ramsbrock in Menslage, Germany. Brooke is employed as a horse trainer in Parker, CO. Katy reports that her previous horse, Roswell Wizard, has been sold and lives on the East Coast. Linda Baur stopped for a visit shortly before Thanksgiving. Linda reports that she still owns the Arabian gelding, NT El Duque, that she bought from Kris and Jim in 1992. Duke is 23 now. Duke once stood as a stallion at Anchorage Farm. Claire Filkins, now a junior at Colorado Statue University, boarded her horse at Anchorage Farm during her Thanksgiving break. She took some lessons from Jim. Former students Christina and Susan Rudman were volunteers for the Kyra Kyrkland Symposium. Pam DeVore was a volunteer for the USDF convention. (See below.)
United States Dressage Federation Convention 12/3-5/08 Centaur Rising exhibited in the trade show at the USDF Convention December 3-5 in Denver. Kris was able to attend all six of the USDF University educational sessions. She'll be reporting on these soon. Kris was also awarded a scholarship by the Foothills Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Dressage Society to attend the Kyra Kyrkland Symposium at the end of the convention. This was a very much coveted honor. Here is Kris' report on the symposium.
New School Horse 11/28/08
Valerie Ritterbusch has entrusted her "28-year-young" gelding to us to be used as a school horse. "Looking Dapper" has been shown in dressage and three-day events. He already has a track record as a kids' school horse. We really appreciate Valerie's confidence in our programs and her belief that we will take good care of the horse she gave to her husband on their wedding day 23 years ago!
Update on Former Students 10/4/08 Freya Kugler's mom reports that she has graduated from college in chemical engineering and is now a chemical engineer at the alternative energy company, Sundrop Fuels. Freya took lessons here from 1993-1997. Claire Filkins and Lindsay Dolan are both juniors at Colorado State University. Derek Trask is a senior at the Colorado School of Mines. We are very proud of the academic success of our former students!
2008 Rocky Mountain Dressage Society Championship Show 9/27/08 Jim and Kris were invited to the show to watch Claire Filkins compete in the First Level Junior Young Rider championship class. Claire also competed Rhythm and Blues at second level in this show. We ran into so many former students or their parents: Debbie Elsner, whose daughter Kim is now a professional trainer competing in this show; Susan Rudman, whose daughter Christina also competed as a professional that day; Pam & Kailey DeVore and Nicolas Sigler. Christina received over 60% on her mare Releve at Intermediare I. Nic Sigler is now competing at fourth level and in fact won the Fourth Level Junior Young Rider championship class! All of these exhibitors took their very first riding lessons from the instructors at Centaur Rising. Christina, Pam and Nic all took lessons with us for eight years or more. We are proud to say they received their foundation here - to enable them to train their own horses to such remarkable accomplishments. Congratulations!
2008 Centaur Rising Dressage Shows 8/24/08 This is the first year that Rocky Mountain Dressage Society sanctioned shows have been held at Anchorage Farm under the auspices of Centaur Rising. We are used to having judges evaluate the progress in our training. When you host a sanctioned show, show management must follow all the rules too! That was a little scarey! No worries. We wowed three technical delegates. Out-of-stable exhibitors loved our show venue. All vowed to return. They liked the stabling, the warmup arena, the way they were treated by the show office, and the friendliness of all concerned. We had over forty volunteers! Thank you to the following who made our show a success: Jude Bales (photography), Margaret Berry (scoring), Andy Carter (photography), Cori Carter (tack room support), Diane Carter (volunteer coordinator, parking), Jim Cooper (grounds preparation), Kris Cooper (show manager), Christy Cragin (scoring), Julie & Marcel Flukiger (concessions), Vivian George (sponsorships, hospitality), Doug Jones (arena preparation and stalls), Ana Joros (runner), Jim Joros (parking), Tish Joros (hospitality), Mike Lacey (asst. manager, arena preparation, ring steward, photo processing), Lavila Lawrence (hospitality, concessions), Cindy Loftus (ring steward), Daniel Massopust (runner), Janyn Massopust (scribe), Tom Massopust (arena preparation and signage), Divine Matthews (runner), Dave McGann (help Kaye McGann), Kaye McGann (videography, concessions coordinator), Lora Mihelic (scoring), Dean Miller (concessions), Mark Miller, RN (EMT), Natalie Miller (runner), Ciara Moe (concessions), Abby Page (runner), Pam King (scribe), Elyssa Redden (runner), Cathlin Rice (communications, ring steward, scribe), Sarah Sherry (parking, ground preparation), Aaron Smith (ring steward), Colton Smith (photo processing), Erin Smith (show secretary), Lauren Smith (tack room support, stalls), Mary Snyder (scoring), Acacia Sublette (runner coordinator, stalls), Crystal Sublette (sponsorships, concessions), Dianna Webb (asst. show secretary). Thank you for making our shows so much FUN!!!! We had twelve sponsors. Rocky Mountain Labs provided our new show fence and letters. Kaye McGann donated time and equipment to videotape every ride! Thank you, Kaye! Kaye also organized our concessions stand. Cash sponsorships were provided by the following: Bob & Ann Murtha, Marlene Schulte, Intermountain Rural Electric Administration and Pine Country Feed. Donations of materials were offered by the following: Aspen Park Paint, Moore Lumber, King Soopers, Safeway and Costco. Sponsorships were coordinated by Crystal Sublette and Vivian George. Thank you!!! And of course we couldn't have had a show without our wonderful exhibitors! High point winners were as follows:
*overall high point for the season Results and photo links can be found here:
Read Cathlin Rice's inspirational article about showing her rescued foal here. Clinic with Fred Kappler 5/2-5/08 Our clinic with Fred was a huge success. Fred showed a DVD of Klaus Balkenol coaching the US Olympic team. He also brought a tape of Charles de Kumffy talking about classical equitation. Both videos were most inspiring. This was probably the best clinic we've ever had with Fred. It is amazing how he never fails to teach and inspire us. Clinics are also a wonderful time to get to know other students. And hey, they're FUN!!!
Horse Camp and Leadership Camp for 2008 4/30/08 We apologize for the delay in telling you about our plans for our youth summer programs in 2008. It's not because we've not been working on them! Dates and options are described here. We are very excited to announce our new Leadership Camp for 2008. We will also be offering our traditional Horse Camp. Our brochure and registration form can be accessed here. We hope you take the time to download and print this information. Don't delay. Sign up today!
Colorado Academy "Interim" Program 4/30/08 We have been working with Meg Hill of Colorado Academy to offer a week-long"Interim" program for their students on May 19-23. It will have a format similar to Horse Camp, modified for high-schoolers. This camp will be coordinated by Erin Smith and her sons, Jonathan and Colton. Welcome Colorado Academy!
Student Potluck 4/12/08 We had a great turnout for our special potluck! Our Board of Directors presented our plans for the summertime: kids' programs, horse shows and fund raising. Thank you to everyone who came. We had a lot of food and camaraderie. Our horse show volunteer signup sheet is here. Please let us know if you want to join the fun.
National Exposure 4/9/08 Dressage getaways to Centaur Rising will be featured in the upcoming newsletters for the following USDF organizations: the California Dressage Association, the Georgia Dressage and Combined Training Association, the Dressage Association of Southern California, the Houston Dressage Society and the Arizona Dressage Association. Many of these Group Membership Organizations (GMOs) have also generously featured articles about the work of Centaur Rising. Thank you for your support!
Paul Belasik Clinic 4/5-6/08 Our Executive Director and instructor/trainer, Kris Cooper, rode in a clinic with Paul Belasik, noted classical dressage trainer and author. The clinic was held at 8th Heaven, a new equestrian facility ten miles south of Castle Rock. Mr. Belasik stressed the use of core muscles to collect and support the horse. Kris' mount was her second-level horse, Weltmann.
Upcoming Dressage Shows 3/27/08 The Rocky Mountain Dressage Society (RMDS) has recognized three shows to be held at Anchorage Farm in 2008. The dates will be June 15, July 29 and August 24. These shows will provide a great opportunity for our students to get show experience right close to home. We have lots of students who have volunteered at RMDS shows in 2007. Their experience will help our own shows be a success in 2008. We hope you join us - as a participant, volunteer or spectator! Click on our prize list here. Our volunteer signup sheet is here. Please join the fun!
Riding Student Goals 2/24/08 Kris will be meeting with our riding students in the next couple of weeks to help formulate their goals for 2008. Our goal setting form can be found here.
Revised Plans for Horse Camp 2008 2/18/08 Our planning of Horse Camp 2008 has taken a new course. At present we are planning to scale back our traditional horse camp program. We want to make sure that the program stays in tune with our overall missions. Of primary concern is the development of leadership for our Horse Camp counselors. Our criteria for counselors can be found here. We will keep you posted of our plans. We do intend to provide a Horse Camp program for adults and mature young people. Click here for more information.
Piaffe and Passage Clinic 2/16-17/08 Kris participated in a seminar by Manuel Trigo in Castle Rock on the subject of piaffe and passage. Piaffe is the high school dressage movement in which the horse trots in place. Passage is a trot with maximum suspension (where all four feet are off the ground). Manuel helped us to understand how introducing piaffe to even young horses can improve their balance and collection. We learned how to know if a horse is ready to piaffe, how to prepare him and how to improve this movement. Manual recommends starting piaffe before passage. Kris' extensive work with her horses "in hand" has helped prepare them for these high level movements. She is anxious to practice (and share with you) what she has learned! You may read her notes here.
Still Learning 2/15/08 Even though Kris has been sick, she has been learning a lot. She read Gerd Heuschmann's new book Tug of War. Dr. Heuschmann is a German veterinarian who has treated the results of incorrect training. He explains how many modern horse training methods are in violation of classical principles and how they do in fact physically injure the horse. So much of this substantiates what Kris has been doing to improve the health of her horses through proper training. I'm sure she will tell you more about it as you take your lessons! Kris has also been very much inspired by Linda Kohanov's new book, Way of the Horse, Equine Archetypes for Self-Discovery. Kris was a participant in a clinic with Kohanov in June 2006 where she found the author most compassionate, intelligent and insightful. Kris has summarized the forty insights of this new book. If you are interested, you can read about them here. Linda has done much to help us understand why horses are so valuable in our lives and that there are so many lessons to learn from our horses. It really inspires us to take more riding lessons! If you are interested in a synopsis of more of Kris' recent reading, "Why We Need Horses", click here.
Congratulations to Paula Massopust 2/4/08 Paula Massopust is proud new owner of Mr. Chips, a 14.2 hand ten-year-old Arab/Appy cross gelding. Mr Chip's team took second place at first level at the Pony Club Nationals in Louisville, KY, last year. We welcome Mr. Chips as our newest boarded horse.
Strategic Planning Meeting 2/3/08 Centaur Rising's Board of Directors held an all-day strategic planning meeting. This meeting will be helpful in setting the course for 2008. More to come later....
Clinic with Fred Kappler 1/21/08 At a potluck at Anchorage Farm on Saturday night, January 26, 6:30pm, Fred Kappler talked about his trip to Paris in November to the "Quatre Ecoles" performance. It was the first time that the world's four great schools of classical horsemanship had performed together. These included the schools of Portugal, Spain, France and Austria. Thank you to Fred for sharing his great videos!
News from Former Students 12/19/07 Claire Filkins and Lindsay Dolan are home from their pre-vet studies at Colorado State University. Claire was here to ride her mom's horse, Filou, saying how much more supple and responsive he's become. Lindsay Dolan's coming to see us on Friday. She says " Kajie looks the best he has looked in a long time". Beth Somers e-mailed us from Maine saying that Solo Bravato's doing great too. Both Bravato and Kajie will be 25 years old next month! Derek Trask is on break from the Colorado School of Mines. We are very proud of our former students who are doing so well in college.
News from Houston 12/18/07 The Houston Dressage Society has asked permission to print some of Centaur Rising's articles. We'll update you on what appears when.
Centaur Rising in the News 12/13/07 Rocky Mountain Dressage Society has published Are Horses Good for Kids? in their December newsletter, "The Centaur". This article was based on Kris's presentation last March to the American Youth Horse Council. The same article was published in Apples 'n Oats, headquartered in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. We have complimentary copies of this magazine in the arena. Please take one!
Congratulations again to Claire Filkins! 11/10/07 Claire Filkins, former student at Centaur Rising (now in college at Colorado State University), won the coveted Rocky Mountain Dressage Society "Horse of the Year" award for Junior/Young Riders at training level for 2007. She was riding Rhythm and Blues (RaB), a horse trained by Kris over the winter, and owned by her mother, Karen Filkins. RaB's medians are such that he could have placed top ten in the nation, but there were some errors in the recording of scores by show management that prevented this from happening. RaB earned six scores over 70%. We are very proud of both Claire and RaB! Note that Donntano, also trained by Kris, won the same award in 2004 with Audie Shushan aboard. It is a tribute to Centaur Rising to have our two students' names forever etched on this traveling trophy!
Published Articles 11/10/07 Apples 'n Oats based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, will publish our Are Horses Good for Kids? article in November. Our local Mountain Connection will feature The Annie in My Eyes in December. The Midwest Dressage Association, headquartered in Michigan, will publish the following articles over the next few months: Fountain of Youth (in Nov), Hearing a New Voice, His Horse His Trainer, I Hate Dressage, Teaching Pre-schoolers Dressage, Are Horses Good for Kids?, Teaching Teachers and The Electronic Horseman. The Georgia Dressage and Combined Training Association in Atlanta will run I Hate Dressage in December. A big thank you to Carol Eilers, Jacque Scott, Debbie Paton and Don Faso for their support of Centaur Rising!
Centaur Spotlight 10/19/07 Our first electronic newsletter has been released! Enjoy it here.
Rocky Mountain Dressage Society (RMDS) Championship Show 9/30/07 Claire Filkins, former student at Centaur Rising, won third place in the Training Level Championship for Junior/Young Riders. She was riding Rhythm and Blues (RaB), a horse trained by Kris over the winter. Claire earned two scores over 73% at this show. Also showing in Third Level Championship classes were former students Nic Sigler, on RaB's half brother, Royal Diamant, and Brooke DeVore on her mother's horse, Abraham. Former student, Christina Rudman, won the Prix St. Georges Championship for Junior/Young Riders on the horse, Oebalia. This is the same horse that Christina qualified for the North American Young Rider's National Championship show. Full results of the RMDS show can be found here.
In the Denver Post 9/28/07 The photo of long-time student, Linda Baur, could be found on page 2B of the Denver Post. Linda was enjoying the aspens on the Colorado Trail near Kenosha Pass. She was riding her horse, NT El Duque, a 22-year-old gelding, that Jim and Kris Cooper showed at halter, in western pleasure and stood as a stallion at Anchorage Farm. It's great to see them still "out and about" - especially at this beautiful time of year! By the way, Linda got her start showing Arabian horses on Two Blankets, below.
New School Horse 9/25/07 Meaghan Quigley, a former riding student at Centaur Rising, is now a college student in Wyoming. Meaghan has generously donated her throughbred mare, Reluctant Review, to us to be used as a school horse. We are taking "Bonnie" on a trial basis. So far, Bonnie has been very sweet and generous with our students. We are indebted to Meaghan for entrusting her beloved horse to us. Meaghan also gave us an unbelievable cache of tack and equipment. Bless you, Meahan, for your generous heart. We know you miss Bonnie, but we are proud that you are advancing your education!
8/15/07 Two Blankets, an icon at Anchorage Farm for 25 years, left our world on August 15, 2007. His memory lives within all of us. Two Blankets took over 100 students into the show ring for the first time. He was shown
He carried people on over 100 trail rides in the National Forest including
He was shown several times each in the following venues:
He gave lessons to over one-thousand students. He gave confidence to countless timid riders. He launched many students into a lifetime of loving horses. Even in his final days, Two Blankets enjoyed taking little kids on trail rides with Kris walking along side. He continued to be an adopted horse during Horse Camp 2007 where he gave lessons and trail rides. (And he wasn’t always the slowest one!) Two Blankets’ generosity and influence were boundless. Please help us honor him. Send your tributes and memories to info@CentaurRising.org. We’d love to include your thoughts in Two Blankets amazing legacy. We’d love to hear from you! Please look here for Lindsay Dolan's wonderful tribute to a beloved friend.
7/4/07 In June Kris Cooper and Karen Filkins traveled to Topanga Canyon, California, to look at a new horse for Karen. Our destination was Mill Creek Equestrian Center. We were a bit nervous. Mill Creek is the home of Mette Rosencrantze. Mette was twice a member of the Swedish National Dressage Team and had just won the Grand Prix Invitational on her horse, Basquewille, at the World Cup in Las Vegas, April 20, 2007. Mette was the trainer of the horse we were looking at - Le Filou. Filou, a Westfalian, had been imported from Germany in 2003 as a Prix St. Georges horse. We are happy to say that Karen did purchase Filou. We are even more proud to say how well Karen is riding Filou. Kris was thoroughly impressed with Mill Creek Equestrian Center. Mill Creek has been in Topanga Canyon and owned for over thirty years by Cory Walkey. Cory's voice continues to boom out over the grounds as she teaches her group lessons. Every student, every parent and every employee was so friendly toward us. Mill Creek is home to 31 high-quality school horses. It was amazing to watch Mette Rosencrantze training with the back drop of young riders learning in just the next arena! Talk about inspiration!
Published Articles 7/1/07 Evergreen Newspapers sent a photographer and a reporter to cover our Little Kids Camp, June 12-14. Here is their article. The Mountain Connection also featured Centaur Rising in July. Take a look here!
Articles 6/3/07 Our Executive Director and Board members have been submitting articles for publication in both local and national publications. As they are printed, we will let you know where to find them. In the meantime, we have provided links for you to preview the articles below. If you have feedback of any kind, please let us know. If you know of a publication that might like to feature our articles, please let us know about that too. Am I Too Old to Learn to Ride? My Evolution as a Horse Person Special Challenges, Special Rewards Teaching Pre-schoolers Dressage Teaching Pre-Schoolers to Ride The Evolution of a Horseperson Where Do You Buy Your School Horses?
Dressage at High Prairie 6/3/07 We are proud to say that many of our students are generously donating their time to work at the "Dressage at High Prairie" show. Thank you all for "pitching in". I'm sure you'll have fun and learn a lot too! Donate By Shopping on Line! 5/4/07 We have recently been added to the giveline shopping network. Please click here. Giveline donates an average of 16% of the revenue from the purchases made on its website to the charity of your choice. If you are in the market for a book, video or gift for someone; please check out giveline. You will find prices very competitive with other major shopping sites. It won't cost you more. If you click on the icon below, you will automatically donate to Centaur Rising as part of your purchase. What could be easier?
New Brochure for Schools 5/1/07 Board member Marcy Newman has recently distributed a new brochure, "Is there a horse lover in your house?" to local schools. This brochure mentions research recently completed for the American Youth Horse Council. Thank you, Marcy!
"Colorado Community Treasures" 4/5/07 We have just received a shipment from the Morgan and Chase Publishing Company. As "Your Guide to the Best of Colorado", these beautiful new "coffee table" books will take you on a tour of some of the classiest dining, lodging and shopping in our beautiful state. Our own Centaur Rising is featured on page 581! If you buy one of these beautiful books at the riding stable, ALL proceeds will go towards the support of our summer Horse Camp programs!
Board Development Meeting 3/17/07 Christy Vines, of the Vines Resource Group in Redlands, California, conducted a strategic planning meeting with the Board of Directors of Centaur Rising. We are very honored to have Christy commit her expertise to our cause of working with kids and horses. Thank you, Christy!
American Youth Horse Council Presentation 3/10/07 Our Executive Director, Kris Cooper, made a presentation to the American Youth Horse Council's "2007 NATIONAL YOUTH HORSE LEADERS SYMPOSIUM" in Denver. The title of the presentation was "Youth Involvement with Horses: Future Success in Life". If was based upon interviews with former horseback riding students.
Jill Hassler-Scoop 10/31/06 We are so saddened to hear of the death of the very first financial supporter of Centaur Rising, Jill Hassler-Scoop. Although we never met her in person, Jill had the hope and trust in what we believe in. We will therefore treasure this and her many other contributions to the equestrian world. Please follow this link to Lendon Gray's observance of this remarkable horsewoman. Jill asked that we "maintain a positive, up-beat, non-judgmental and compassionate attitude towards each other." We appreciate very much the confidence she bestowed on us. It's "words to live by!" Fred Kappler Clinics 5/5-8/06, 9/30-10/2/06 Fred Kappler of the Bootjack Equestrian Center in Lake Linden, Michigan, joined us for a recent four-day clinic. This is the eleventh year that Fred has offered clinics at Anchorage Farm. Fred combines both German and French methods of training acquired through a lifelong commitment to dressage. Fred takes regular lessons with Frank Grelo, a student of the late Nuno Oliveira. He has also worked extensively with Dominique Barbier, another student of Nuno Oliveira. Business Partners 4/4/06 We are very excited to welcome our first business partners: Trafalgar Square, publishers of Horse and Rider Books; and Wild Horsefeathers. Please check out their links on our "Links" page. Thank you to these companies for showing their support for Centaur Rising. We hope you do the same by choosing to purchase your books and gifts through THEM! We also wish to recognize Lisa Kolb of Acorn Internet Services for her advice in "search engine optimization". Dinner with Debbie McDonald 3/22/06 Jim Cooper, the husband of our Executive Director Kris, surprised her with his purchase of a dinner with Debbie McDonald. This dinner will benefit The Breast Cancer Foundation. It is limited to ten special guests. Who is Debbie McDonald? She is rider and trainer of the "best dressage horse in the history of the United States", Brentina. Brentina also happens to be the "aunt" of our own dressage star, Donntano. Stay tuned for Kris' report of her dinner with Debbie and her auditing of Debbie's clinic, May 20-21, 2006.
NT Granada 3/19/06 We received an e-mail from Lindsay Kasch, our student 1992-93. Lindsay was just nine years old when her mother purchased a horse from us. Her name was NT Granada. Granada was 3/4 sister to Moracco and half sister to Senador. They were all born in the same year. Lindsay has since owned "Nada" continuously for the last fourteen years. The pair was highly successful (generally unbeatable) in Arabian hunter pleasure. When Lindsay "grew up" and moved away to Las Vegas, Nevada; "Nada" was still by her side. Unfortunately, Lindsay's news was not good news. Her beloved mare passed away. This is what Lindsay said: "I know that she will always be with me.... Thank you so much for all that you guys did for her and most of all for giving me the opportunity to have such an amazing animal. She really was my best friend and she has meant more to me than I could ever begin to explain." You can e-mail your condolences to Lindsay at ntgranada@hotmail.com.
3/19/06 Brooke DeVore, our junior dressage trainer, has been preparing two of the Centaur Rising horses, Donntano and Weltmann, for the 2006 USEF/USDF show season. Brooke showed both horses at second level in the Junior/Young Rider Division at the Rocky Mountain Dressage Society Winter Wake-Up show at Colorado Horse Park on March 18-19, 2006. This is a United States Equestrian Federation High Performance Qualifying show. On Saturday, Wally's scores of 69.2% at second level test one and 68.9% at second level test two were the highest Jr/YR scores of the day! Congratulations, Brooke & Wally!
Steffen Peters Symposium 2/24/06 Congratulations to our three students and former students (all students for five years or more!) who were accepted to ride in the Steffen Peters and Janet Brown Foy clinic "Dressage through the Levels". Only five juniors were accepted. Three of them got their start with Centaur Rising's founder! Steffen Peters is a bronze medal Olympic rider. Janet Foy is an internationally rated judge. We are very proud of our demo riders: Claire Filkins (alternate) at training level with her mother's horse Rhythm and Blues, Brooke DeVore at first level with her horse Wild Magic LHF and Christina Rudman at fourth level with her horse, Releve. Congratulations! We are very proud of you.
Lindsay Dolan 2/17/06 Congratulations to Lindsay Dolan for winning the junior-owner-to-ride trail class at the Scottsdale All Arabian Show on Friday, February 17, 2006, with her top-ten trail horse, Karas Kajie. Congratulations for also earning a 67% in her first dressage test with her new horse, Sabre. Lindsay also won the Hunt-Seat Equitation Championship at the National Western Stock Show in January of this year – not bad for her last year before pre-vet classes at CSU!
News from "C-Man" 2/17/06
We received the following note from Wendy DeRosia, who purchased Cinnamon Royale from us in 2003. “I just wanted to email you briefly and let you know that C-Man and I are doing well again. We are back to riding regularly and he is doing great. I really do think that we were meant for each other and I am happy that I did not let him go during the tough health times. I think that during that time, he and I developed such a bond, that now when I ride him the history/connection we have is really remarkable. He has and continues to help me so much, and even days where I can't ride him, just brushing him and hanging out with him helps a great deal.”
Spanish Riding School 2005 American Tour 12/11/05 On December 11, 2005, Kris was privileged to see the final 2005 performance of the Spanish Riding School from the fifth row in Houston's Toyota Center. The School was honoring the 60th anniversary of the liberation by the US Army of the Lipizzaners from the Russian Army. Ironically, just days before Kris's long-time hairdresser, Walter Katzer from Vienna, talked about his own personal reminiscences of being forced by the Russian Army to treat injured war horses at the end of World War II. It was an honor to see the results of correct dressage training as demonstrated by the Spanish Riding School. This is something to which we must all aspire.
Eckart Meyners Seat Symposium 7/31/05 Kris Cooper, Centaur Rising's founder and President, was very much inspired by the July 30-31 clinic with Eckart Meyners and Hannes Mueller, the head of the German Academy for Professional Riders. Kris and her husband, Jim, had met Mr Mueller and visited his school in Warendorf in 2002. American dressage riders were very much honored to have these two distinguished gentleman work with them. Eckart Meyners, a sports physiologist, is a consultant to the German Olympic Dressage Team. Mr. Meyners has developed a "Program for Better Riding" series of books that discuss his exercises and philosophies. It was astounding to see how improved rider suppleness was able to drastically improve the movements of the horse. This is all the more proof that we must work on ourselves before we can expect to bring out the best in our horses! Brooke DeVore was chosen as a demo rider on her horse, Wild Magic LHF. Congratulations, Brooke!
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It is with great sadness that we inform you that our beloved Star Duster left this earth on January 29, 2010. He was 25 years old.
Congratulations New Horse Owners 
Donor Update 
Centaur Rising, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is located 20 minutes southwest of metro Denver near the Rocky Mountain foothill communities of Conifer, Bailey, Evergreen, Morrison, Golden and Pine, CO.
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