Grace McLaughlin’s Olympic earned multiple championships in the following divisions:  2nd Year Working Hunter (shown by Kat Coleman), Junior/AO Hunter, Jr/Amateur Modified Hunter and 1st in the $500 Jr/Am Modified Hunter Stake in last week’s show.  Grace’s other horse – Santo, was Reserve Champion in the Jr/AO Hunter division.

Kat Taylor’s Maximus was another stand-out, winning the $500 AA Hunter Stake 36+, champion in the AA Hunter 36+ and Equitation 36+ divisions, and taking second place in the Foxfield 18+ and NorCal 3′ Medals, and third in the Ariat Medal.

Mia Ruddick and her mare, Lorelei did well at their first show with Chestnut Hill, earning Reserve Champion in the Equitation 12 – 14 division, and a third place in the $500 Children’s Hunter Stake 14 – 17.

Tylor Nowell and her pony, Otteridge Black Hawk were champions in the Medium/Large Pony Hunter division, won the NorCal Pony Medal, and came in second in the $500 Pony Hunter Classic.

Gwen McLaughlin piloted Capito to a win in the $500 Children’s Hunter Stake 13 & Under, and a Reserve Championship in the Children’s Hunter 13 & Under division.

For a complete listing, click on “Results” in the navigation bar above.  Congratulations to all the competitors!

Equitation and medal riders turned in great results at the Rancho Murieta show, despite the blustery spring weather.  Congratulations to all!

The stormy winter weather didn’t prevent Chestnut Hill riders and horses from enjoying a terrific kick-off for the 2010 show season at Rancho Murietta’s Northern Winter Classic.  In addition to winning six championships and three reserve championships, the team earned lots of great ribbons and most importantly, had fun.  For more details, go to the website and click on “Results” in the navigation bar for a complete listing.

Chestnut Hill riders received their year-end awards from the NorCal Hunter Jumper Association at its annual banquet yesterday.  Congratulations to all on an outstanding year and good luck in 2010!

For a complete listing of all winners, click on “Results” in the navigation bar.  (Shown above, from left to right: Blaire Kingsley, Kelley LaFond, Caroline DeMoss, Caroline Robbins, Grace McLaughlin, Tylor Nowell, Katharina Coleman, Gwen McLaughlin, Beverly and Chris Jovais.)

Nearly 20 Chestnut Hill riders and their mounts participated in a fantastic two-day clinic with legendary rider, Bernie Traurig this weekend.  A patient, encouraging, yet meticulous and challenging teacher, Bernie led each class through precise and specific exercises both on the flat, and over fences.  Each participant benefited and is eager for his next clinic!

(Pictured above: Asst. Trainer Katharina Coleman on Grace McLaughlin’s “Olympic,” Grace Lukach on “Angel Smiling,” Assist. Trainer Sarah Trask, Bernie Traurig, Trainer Beverly Jovais, Blaire Kingsley on “Enterprise.”)

(Pictured above: Bernie at work.)

A big Chestnut Hill welcome to rider Mia Rudick and her lovely 14 year-old Warmblood mare, Lorelei.  Look for this team in the 3′ equitation and hunter rings!

Congratulations to Caroline DeMoss on the purchase of Opie, a 10-year-old, 16.3 hand Warmblood.  Look for these two in the equitation and medal rings in 2010!  Thank you to Vanessa and Buddy Brown of Derby Hill for this exceptional horse!

This 16.3 hand 10-year-old gelding was 2007 PCHA “A” Reserve Champion and 3rd in NorCal in the Children’s Hunter division.  Sired by Scion, Pilot is kind, quiet, honest and sound.  An excellent mover and jumper, he was successfully shown in the First Year Green Hunter and Green Conformation divisions.  He is suitable for the Adult Amateur and/or the Children’s Hunter divisions.  A wonderful addition to any barn.

THOUGHTFUL is a striking, beautiful 17.0 hand, 7-year-old Hanoverian gelding.  He is the Pre-Green Hunter Champion for NorCal, Reserve Champion USEF Zone 10.  Winner of the $1,000 NorCal Pre-Green Stake and 2nd in the $3,500 NorCal Hunter Challenge at the NorCal Medal Finals.  Winner of countless big hack classes.  Gifted with an incredible jump, this horse is ready to win in the 2010 First Year Green Hunter division.  Also suitable for the Amateur Owner or Junior Hunter divisions.

Welcome to Donna Boyajian and her retired horse, Shasta!  Shasta, a registered Appaloosa, is at Chestnut Hill for a short stay while Donna and her husband upgrade the barn and paddock on their farm in Petaluma.  Upon completion of the construction, Shasta will move to into his permanent digs.  In the meantime, he is putting on weight, getting shiny and enjoying hanging out with his old friend Tommy, the Chestnut Hill lesson horse.