Free stall for deserving individual - Wellington season 2010

[eam2145]

Attention all trainers, riders, amateurs, etc., if you know of a deserving amateur or professional who has dreams or aspirations to come the Winter Equestrian Festival in South Florida but had to put these dreams on hold due to the rising cost or other hardships please forward them the following information: Stacey MacLeod, owner of Everything But the Horse, LLC would like to extend an offer of a stall for the winter season at her home and training facility for EBTH, llc and its riders.

Please contact Stacey or Beth: Store: (561) 790-6786 or Stacey’s cell: (561) 644-6178 or email us at info@everythingbutthehorsellc.com

[Best View]

This is one of the kindest, nicest things I have read! I certainly hope that the person who has the honor of this opportunity knows how lucky they really are! Good Luck!

[Dapple Dawn Farm]

Wow, that is wonderful of you!!!!:yes:

[AppendixQHLover]

Wow that is a amazing offer for someone to take advantage of!!! Kudos to her for doing it!:D

[grandprixjump]

Trying to re-open a farm, that would really help with name recognition. And the last time I was there, The Natural was sold. That was a long time ago. But alas I'm a POOR person....

[M. O'Connor]

That's a really nice offer; I'm sure someone will be able to take advantage of it!

[LudgerFan]

Wow, what a wonderful thing to offer. I know of an ideal candidate, but sadly she would need "everything but the horse" quite literally. Great horse, phenomenal rider in dire need of her big break, no money whatsoever. :cry:

Transportation, hotel costs, entries, etc....it's impossible for the person of little means, no matter how well they ride or how hard they work.

[Moocow]

That's awesome!!
Now if only they provided a horse and paid all the show fees, too...... ;) ;)

[alteringwego]

I have the horse, trainer offered to let me work off her fees and my parents have a house 30 minutes away but the entry fees alone are more than I make in a year (teacher), not to mention getting the time off without losing your job.

Let's face it, those that do WEF can afford a stall.

[Horseshowaddict]

Or those who are really resourceful and really determined CAN figure out how to get there. And these people are making it easier for one lucky person

[Lucassb]

I have the horse, trainer offered to let me work off her fees and my parents have a house 30 minutes away but the entry fees alone are more than I make in a year (teacher), not to mention getting the time off without losing your job.

Let's face it, those that do WEF can afford a stall.

I don't actually agree with you regarding the costs. Entries at WEF are more or less in line with other AA shows; not cheap, but IME they're never the significant portion of the bill... it's the travel, the housing and yes, stalls (including the usual splits for shared items: grooming, tack & feed stalls, paddocks etc.) Getting a free stall would make a HUGE difference to lots of people who show there on a budget.

And there *are* plenty of folks who do it on a budget; you may not notice them because they're not taking the reins from a groom outside of a beautifully decorated tack room set up ... but they're there, and maybe they've braided all night to afford it, or saved up vacation time and $$$, or are working students or whatever. I've been one of those people, and trust me...they're there.

[mroades]

I slept in my truck to do WEF in the 90's. If I won prize money, I would get a room for a night! And because I had a good horse 3 years in a row and I was being coached by GM I actually did get to stay in a hotel a few nights:lol:

If I were in my 20's and had a good horse, I would apply for the free stall

[EventingDiva]

Wow what a great gesture. I hope someone very deserving gets this slot. If I could take off a few months from work, I would apply in a second...

[WorthTheWait95]

I slept in my truck to do WEF in the 90's. If I won prize money, I would get a room for a night! And because I had a good horse 3 years in a row and I was being coached by GM I actually did get to stay in a hotel a few nights:lol:

If I were in my 20's and had a good horse, I would apply for the free stall

I remember my trainer as a kid telling me about how he used to go to WEF with his only horse and sleep in the trailer and sometimes in her stall b/c he was too poor to afford a hotel. When he hooked up with a BN grand prix rider as a working student and got to split a room with the grooms he thought he had died and gone to heaven!

A stall for circuit is very expensive, this is a wonderful offer. Kudos.

[alteringwego]

I'm not trying to say this isn't a wonderful thing but still it's out of reach for most. Let's face it but AA shows in general are out of reach for most. That's why great local series are so wonderful. I've slept in my borrowed truck and borrowed trailer for years to be able to afford C shows so yes, even the entry fees alone would be more than I make in a month.
But very generous of the OP.

[HARROLDhasmyheart]

Offers like this remind me that there are some truly good people out there. What a wonderful opportunity.

And while it may be that the majority of people who show at WEF all winter DO have all the money so a stall wouldn't make that big of a difference, for those who DON'T, this could literally be the opportunity of a lifetime.

What a wonderful chance, and I hope that it will go to a very deserving rider who needs a break :)

[HARROLDhasmyheart]

And on a side note, how much does it cost to show at WEF for 2 weeks? A month? I have no idea of the costs, nor will I probably ever make the journey from California..just curious!

[buschkn]

What a wonderful idea! I certainly hope they find a hardworking deserving candidate to take advantage of this great opportunity and really run with it. Kudos for offering that to help a person try and reach their goals and fulfil dreams. Really great! Where there's a will there's a way...

[tBHj]

At WEF are there places that someone can park a horse trailer and live in the living quarters as well as their horse(s) live in box stalls in the trailer?

[anthem35]

I don't actually agree with you regarding the costs. Entries at WEF are more or less in line with other AA shows; not cheap, but IME they're never the significant portion of the bill... it's the travel, the housing and yes, stalls (including the usual splits for shared items: grooming, tack & feed stalls, paddocks etc.) Getting a free stall would make a HUGE difference to lots of people who show there on a budget.

And there *are* plenty of folks who do it on a budget; you may not notice them because they're not taking the reins from a groom outside of a beautifully decorated tack room set up ... but they're there, and maybe they've braided all night to afford it, or saved up vacation time and $$$, or are working students or whatever. I've been one of those people, and trust me...they're there.


I could not agree with you more!!!

I think I actually spent not much more than I do to show at home!

WEF is great, but its really just another show...entries are about the same as for an A/AA show, and my coaches rate is the rate wherever...I braided and cared for my horse myself, and it was a grear experience overall.

I found a great place to live that cost me $500 per month, which was less than any rental where I live now!!

It is CERTAINLY VERY do-able.

[fxhillfarm]

Does anyone know if this offer includes junior riders?

[Platinum Equestrian]

What a lovely offer!

[War Admiral]

Wow, what an awesome offer. Genuine class, generosity and good sportsmanship. Huge thumbs up!!

[eam2145]

Thank you to everyone for your kind words, it is open to everyone of all ages. I understand the monetary hardship as I am a mother of two (one in college) and a teenager. I am also the wife of a police officer, who works more hours then he should so I can have my horses. That is how I started my business, Everything But the Horse, LLC. It is an equine consignment store, additionally I manufacture the only stainless steel tack trunk, made in the US. I have however had some really great people give me a chance, and I would simply like to do the same for someone else...I am hoping that this urges more to do the same. This would be at my home, and if needed they could live with me and my family for season as well. It is not fancy, but we are good people, in a great place to advance exposure and learning.
Thank you for your time, and please feel free to contact me on my cell or at the store, or look me up on facebook (lots of pics of my horses)
Stacey MacLeod

[ponymom64]

What a generous offer!

[FatPalomino]

Wow!
If someone wants to go, but doesn't have a horse, I have a nice 3.5 yr old large pony looking for a job this winter. Wish I could!

[meupatdoes]

I have the horse, trainer offered to let me work off her fees and my parents have a house 30 minutes away but the entry fees alone are more than I make in a year (teacher), not to mention getting the time off without losing your job.

Let's face it, those that do WEF can afford a stall.

Are you griping about the person offering the stall, because they should realize the recipient doesn't need it anyway, or about the person who eventually gets the stall, because they should be able to afford their own by virtue of being at WEF, or complaining because the person offering the stall isn't generously paying entry fees in addition?

Yeah, ok, you're right.
They should scrap the whole plan.
:rolleyes:

[MIKES MCS]

Thank you to everyone for your kind words, it is open to everyone of all ages. I understand the monetary hardship as I am a mother of two (one in college) and a teenager. I am also the wife of a police officer, who works more hours then he should so I can have my horses. That is how I started my business, Everything But the Horse, LLC. It is an equine consignment store, additionally I manufacture the only stainless steel tack trunk, made in the US. I have however had some really great people give me a chance, and I would simply like to do the same for someone else...I am hoping that this urges more to do the same. This would be at my home, and if needed they could live with me and my family for season as well. It is not fancy, but we are good people, in a great place to advance exposure and learning.
Thank you for your time, and please feel free to contact me on my cell or at the store, or look me up on facebook (lots of pics of my horses)
Stacey MacLeod


I KNEW I recognized the name..LOL I have bought SEVERAL items from you off EBAY , Just to let you know YOUR bargins have dressed some very deserving economically challenged Kids.. Thank you .. I hope you get a kid to take advantage of your offer , wish I could send you down my friends kid.. but I don't think she'd be allowed to skip her senior year of high school ( she's a great worker , can muck and set up a doz stalls properly in 2 hours ) Maybe next year ..

[showponies]

I think this a very good idea and very kind!! I might follow suit for a show in our area this year.....

[3DogNight]

What a generous and kind offer in such difficult economic times! Reading about your offer is one of those things that just makes me smile and realize that there are really decent people left in our sport, and the population in general. Good for you!!

[moonriverfarm]

Offers like this make me able to hope for the human race and our future. Now lets all use that idea of unselfish goodwill and pay it forward...instead of belittling the gesture!

[CenterStage123]

Wow! What an amazing opportunity! You are the most fantastic person ever for doing this!!!! Now if only the parents would let me miss three months of school... haha, but really who ever gets the stall is very very lucky!

[Justice]

There are many people out there that this could make WEF possible for, and I think it's an incredibly warm-hearted gesture. Wow. God bless you, it sounds like He does.

[JRG]

Absolutely a wonderful offer. I too would love to hear how it works out for everyone.

[Seven-up]

Are you griping about the person offering the stall, because they should realize the recipient doesn't need it anyway, or about the person who eventually gets the stall, because they should be able to afford their own by virtue of being at WEF, or complaining because the person offering the stall isn't generously paying entry fees in addition?

Yeah, ok, you're right.
They should scrap the whole plan.
:rolleyes:

Thanks for verbalizing what I was thinking.:cool:


And edited to add I think it's a generous thing to do and a very cool idea!

[mvp]

Well, yes, there is poor and then there is POOR.

That fact notwithstanding, it will feel just as significant to the person who is merely "poor" as another would feel to the truly broke. I think paying it forward works in ways we often don't see. Perhaps the recipient of this free stall will pay that forward somehow too. Perhaps the rest of us watching will be reminded to try that out in some other context.

I'm cheered by the mentions of people camping out in trailers and trucks at WEF. I have done this to go to shows, but I assumed I couldn't rig that up for a week (or weeks) at WEF. I'm game to try, and saving on my living expenses would be huge. I didn't know it could be done, let alone that people have figured out how to make it work. Thanks!

[eam2145]

I have the list, and am really having so much fun, letting everyone know the good news, it makes me happy to be nice, looking forward to the adventure........We were able to help several people from all disciplines.........MAKE SOMEONES DAY........ IT IS EASIER THAN YOU THINK!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you to everyone for your support, and well wishes. We will be doing this each season in hopes to help out our sport. We do what we can ;-)
I have asked the recipients to write and let you know how they are doing and they are all really excited to do so. If you are in town , would like to come by ( stay for dinner )or would like to be in touch, please feel to call or write. This experience has been very healing for me......THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[ponymom64]

I have the list, and am really having so much fun, letting everyone know the good news, it makes me happy to be nice, looking forward to the adventure........We were able to help several people from all disciplines.........MAKE SOMEONES DAY........ IT IS EASIER THAN YOU THINK!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you to everyone for your support, and well wishes. We will be doing this each season in hopes to help out our sport. We do what we can ;-)
I have asked the recipients to write and let you know how they are doing and they are all really excited to do so. If you are in town , would like to come by ( stay for dinner )or would like to be in touch, please feel to call or write. This experience has been very healing for me......THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm so excited for you - you must be having a blast telling everyone the good news! I can't wait to hear all about it from the lucky beneficiaries of your generousity!!!

[slantedhorse]

If there was a deserving gracious good junior rider that can't afford much and was pony-less, I could provide the pony for your stall.

It's a great thing to offer a stall. I once offered my barn apartment to English horse people through the people I learned to ride from while my parents were stationed there. I think they thought I was nuts and didn't take me up on it. I did it because they put the horse-bug in me and it never left. I'm forever grateful. For some lucky amateur, this could be the best season EVER!! They may not get another chance to go to FL to show .... they might ... you just never know!

[Hands Down]

I'm really not surprised the inbox is full.:) I'm going to send you the email via pm, but perhaps that box if full too.

[imapepper]

I have the list, and am really having so much fun, letting everyone know the good news, it makes me happy to be nice, looking forward to the adventure........We were able to help several people from all disciplines.........MAKE SOMEONES DAY........ IT IS EASIER THAN YOU THINK!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you to everyone for your support, and well wishes. We will be doing this each season in hopes to help out our sport. We do what we can ;-)
I have asked the recipients to write and let you know how they are doing and they are all really excited to do so. If you are in town , would like to come by ( stay for dinner )or would like to be in touch, please feel to call or write. This experience has been very healing for me......THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

:cool: I think that a blog might be a really cool way to share this with everyone :) With pictures of course :)

[eam2145]

As many of you have requested we have started a page for a blog for the riders that we chose to stay with us for the season. Thank you to everyone for sharing your hopes and dreams with us, we look forward to offering this each year as the response was more than I ever hoped for and overwhelming. There are many people out there who deserve a opportunity and we will continue to do our part to reach as many as we can and hope that others will follow suit. Please take part in following the blog as well as sending us questions or comments and if you find yourself down in Florida we would love to have you come by the farm and stay a while.

http://www.everythingbutthehorsellc.com/WEF_Rider_Blog_2010.html

Stacey and Beth

[crugnug]

So, I (and my horse!) am one of the very lucky ones that Stacey and Beth chose to come and stay with them for part of the 2010 WEF season. I originally saw their ad on this message board, and responded on a whim one night, never expecting to hear back. (Thank you to whoever posted it!) I still can't believe I was one of the ones chosen! I am so grateful, and getting out of MI for part of the winter will be great! My Mom is actually my trainer, so she will be coming down to help me out.

I won't be going down until late January, but obviously, plans are being made now. I have never been to WEF, so it will be completely new to me. I will be showing in either the A/A or Low A/O hunters. Does anyone have experience/tips on stabling off the show grounds and trailering in, as I will be? Any other advice/information will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!
Nikki

[MyGiantPony]

Nikki - how exciting!

Keep us posted on how it goes for you!

[ponymom64]

Nikki

I am SO excited for you! It will be an amazing experience for both you and your horse

[MIKES MCS]

Wow , a Michigan Kid is getting out of the snow ... did you get the same 18's we did last night?? Keep those of us stuck in the frozen north country posted on how it's going for you .. and GOOD LUCK !!!

[Jumpingpapa]

Stacy and Beth,

You have earned my respect !! What a wonderful gesture, I wish that your kindness would truly transform our industry to become more passionate about the sport and a bit less about the money. May, so many of us learn from your generosity and pay your kindness forward. I hope you get all your wishes to come thru, I know you have made someone's wish come thru this year.

Cheers,

Peter

[MistyPony]

Yay Nikki!!! I can't wait to hear about it! Are you taking Aski?

E.B.

[Nickelodian]

I so wish I would have seen this when it was posted originally. Alas, maybe next year. I am a hard working ammy who would have loved an opportunity like this. I show, but I do so on a shoe string budget. I am not "broke" but I am "poor" compared to other A show riders.

I *gasp* leave my horse braided over night (so not talented enough to do my own), own a dressage flunky that I made myself, do all of my own care, and don't even split a tack stall to save money.

All in all we clean up pretty good.

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=3136919&l=7fe5b09736&id=523417959


Good luck to all of the recipients! WEF would be a dream come true...maybe next year. :)

[eam2145]

Hi Everyone! The season is well underway and we have one of our riders here so far. She is working full time for a professional and she and her horse Africa have become part of the family. One of the others given a stall got a working student position and didn’t end up needing a stall and another is unable to make it this year but is working out a plan to come next year. We are expecting another rider today and are very excited to meet her!

We have had such a great response from everyone and have been able to meet a few of the individuals who wanted to come but were unable. We hope to be able to help them in the future. Please remember that this will be a yearly opportunity so if you know of anyone interested please have them send us their information early. We have the blog started and the riders are going to begin adding entries soon so please check out our website or check out our Facebook page under Everything But the Horse, LLC.

With all the activity we have become very busy and are looking for an assistant to help us. Responsibilities will include general barn duties, tacking up, and riding, in exchange you will receive at least 2 lessons per week on your own horse with an FEI rider, dry stall board for one horse and possibly accommodations if needed. We are looking for the right kind of person to join our team for this year-round opportunity. Please pass on this information to anyone you think might be interested we hope to find someone who shares our passion and drive.

Thanks!
Stacey & Beth

[Giddy-up]

This is for a free stall at a farm in Wellington?

Do you still have to get a stall at the horse show then?

[eam2145]

We are located in Loxahatchee, just a few minutes from Wellington so you would have to trailer to shows. We know it is not ideal for everyone but just wanted to do what we could.

[Giddy-up]

That's very generous of you. I am sure it will be quite appreciated. :yes:

[eam2145]

Hi all! Unfortunately our last rider in the group that was coming this season is unable to make it. This means we have an opening for a horse and rider to come this year if they can. Please spread the word, we would really like to be able to help someone else out this season!

Stacey & Beth