Nothin's better than the hill at Old Salem Farm

[Trooper]

On a recent sunny day I found myself perched on the hill scarfing down pizza and a coke with a friend and one of her trainers who just happens to be a former Olympian, on the only grassy knoll in equestrian sports (nowhere near Dallas by the way, this one is in New York State).

It was the second day in a row that I found myself with this motley crew on said hill. The first day was for the A/O jumpers, the second for the Grand Prix. If you haven't been there, let me just say that Old Salem Farm has a spectacular grass Grand Prix field that quite a few additional jumper classes get to use. It just makes me want to strap on a pair of spurs, shell out the dough for an ex-Grand Prix jumper that could save my a** from here till next Sunday, and crank up the rails a few holes!

Many of you know that I'm coming back to this sport after a relatively long hiatus of ten years, and have just purchased my first horse and somewhere in all the effort of buying new tack, because my 20 year old boots looked that way, I missed the memo that said Amateur adults must, at all times, make every effort to have others do all the work. The last time I was really involved in the sport, I was a semi-working student at a barn where no one got any help from anyone, except if we were about to crash our crazy ponies over the natural fences in the fields in only halters and lead-ropes ... on those occasions our resident barn manager would have had some choice words regarding our ability to do monumentally stupid things ... but I digress.

Long before our pleasant afternoon on the hill with someone sharing their commentary on the A/O class in the most uncanny imitation of our beloved GM (which had us all not only stunned at this individual's prowess, but - pardon me for the non-sophisticated departure here - peeing in our pants) my friend and I spent time getting her horses ready and watching said former Olympian schooling them up.

Now we met this person in the morning as he was finishing up a flat school, talking to some guy with thin but tan legs in shorts, a leather jacket (of the Soho genre) and a haircut more suited to a Marine than anything else. My friend says "That's George" and being the moron that I am, I said "George who??" Let's just say I'm a wee bit dense when it comes to knowing all the players ... I mean for heaven's sake, when was the last time you saw the man outside of britches and boots in the "Three Masters" video? Come on lets be honest!

Back to the schooling part - being the suck-up that I am, and remember I missed the memo, I offered to help set rails so that the real working student could go ahead and ride, and I could get to watch this great rider school a cool horse up close and personal. And I tell you, between watching the school, helping back in the barn to put them all away, and sitting with this crew on the hill, not only did I learn a ton, and meet some really fun people, I laughed so hard I cried. Top it off with a great ride on my own horse first thing in the morning, and there could not have been a better day in horses (well OK, maybe a medal ceremony at the Olympics could be better, but not much)!

[This message was edited by Trooper on May. 14, 2001 at 01:41 PM.]

[Trooper]

On a recent sunny day I found myself perched on the hill scarfing down pizza and a coke with a friend and one of her trainers who just happens to be a former Olympian, on the only grassy knoll in equestrian sports (nowhere near Dallas by the way, this one is in New York State).

It was the second day in a row that I found myself with this motley crew on said hill. The first day was for the A/O jumpers, the second for the Grand Prix. If you haven't been there, let me just say that Old Salem Farm has a spectacular grass Grand Prix field that quite a few additional jumper classes get to use. It just makes me want to strap on a pair of spurs, shell out the dough for an ex-Grand Prix jumper that could save my a** from here till next Sunday, and crank up the rails a few holes!

Many of you know that I'm coming back to this sport after a relatively long hiatus of ten years, and have just purchased my first horse and somewhere in all the effort of buying new tack, because my 20 year old boots looked that way, I missed the memo that said Amateur adults must, at all times, make every effort to have others do all the work. The last time I was really involved in the sport, I was a semi-working student at a barn where no one got any help from anyone, except if we were about to crash our crazy ponies over the natural fences in the fields in only halters and lead-ropes ... on those occasions our resident barn manager would have had some choice words regarding our ability to do monumentally stupid things ... but I digress.

Long before our pleasant afternoon on the hill with someone sharing their commentary on the A/O class in the most uncanny imitation of our beloved GM (which had us all not only stunned at this individual's prowess, but - pardon me for the non-sophisticated departure here - peeing in our pants) my friend and I spent time getting her horses ready and watching said former Olympian schooling them up.

Now we met this person in the morning as he was finishing up a flat school, talking to some guy with thin but tan legs in shorts, a leather jacket (of the Soho genre) and a haircut more suited to a Marine than anything else. My friend says "That's George" and being the moron that I am, I said "George who??" Let's just say I'm a wee bit dense when it comes to knowing all the players ... I mean for heaven's sake, when was the last time you saw the man outside of britches and boots in the "Three Masters" video? Come on lets be honest!

Back to the schooling part - being the suck-up that I am, and remember I missed the memo, I offered to help set rails so that the real working student could go ahead and ride, and I could get to watch this great rider school a cool horse up close and personal. And I tell you, between watching the school, helping back in the barn to put them all away, and sitting with this crew on the hill, not only did I learn a ton, and meet some really fun people, I laughed so hard I cried. Top it off with a great ride on my own horse first thing in the morning, and there could not have been a better day in horses (well OK, maybe a medal ceremony at the Olympics could be better, but not much)!

[This message was edited by Trooper on May. 14, 2001 at 01:41 PM.]

[Timex6979]

trooper, sounds like you had fun. old salem tends to be fun for me, especially when we take a half dozen or so horses down to do the jumpers. WWWAAAYYYY too much fun. i spend the day laughing like an idiot. are you going to go this week too?

[Inverness]

Is this the same Old Salem that Beacon Hill Show Stables (Madden and Cooney) used to be based out of?

[AHC]

Although I missed yesterday's events, I was there with the group trooper mentioned on Saturday afternoon. We arrived just in time to get caught in the 20 minute rainstorm. Even I, the hunter rider who likes to go slow, drool when I watch horses on the Old Salem Grand Prix field!

In addition to all the riding adventures with said former Olympian, he also regaled us with funny stories. He doesn't think much of the DQ's who buy expensive horses and spend three years walking and trotting cause the horse "isn't ready to canter properly" and then spend another two years getting ready to compete at "training level minus four" all the while regaling friends and colleagues with tales of their rigorous training program. With a jumper, he says, you have to get in the ring and get from one side of the fence to the other....

Looking forward to next Sunday's Grand Prix when I don't have any family obligations!

[Trooper]

Times6979 - we're there purely as spectators this year, but more than likely, I'll try and be there for the Grand Prix next weeekend.

[Janet]

Your subject reminded me of the time when "The Hill" was the NAME of the establishment that is now called "Old Salem". That was when the Jungherrs were running it.

Anybody else remember it way back then?

What DISCIPLINE did your former Olympian compete in (I have a guess as to who it might be)?

[Mazzy]

While a word perfect description of the day, you failed to mention the presence of Mrs. Blue Hair perched elegently behind us on the "grassy knoll" watching the Grand Prix, sucking in her breath before the triple combination and releasing it over each element. It did make for interesting sound effects a la Meg Ryan in Harry Met Sally.

What could be better than watching two days of legitimate riding under 70 degree weather and a crisp blue sky?!!

[Duffy]

Sounds altogether perfect! Sigh....

Well, we Virginians have Upperville on the horizon, with it's grass hill and grand prix field for the jumpers. The hunters have grass and trees in their rings too! /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[Trooper]

Janet, discipline? Why equestrian of course! /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[B.G.M. heidi]

Hey, how'd the chestnut lab do?

Trooper, sounds like you had an idyllic weekend.

[Gnarly]

Remember Jack Rockwell? The cobwebs? Showing in the winter? The NyConn semis parked by the front door like bookends? (and Morrisseys and later Judge Manning..).
Ellie Estes used to direct the parking lot - or am I dreaming?
I'm glad the property isn't condos now.
Remember when there was NO 684? (I do!) and getting to The Hill was a journey!

Remember the shows at SUNNYFIELD?! and Coker? /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[Mazzy]

Chestnut lab was in boot camp all week in preparation for his debut during Week 2. We did get to watch him school and receive the odd piece of religion. All in all, his little temper tantrums were amusing and made him jump better. "You wanna play, play over this buster!" and so "up two, out a foot" became the instruction to the fence setters a.k.a. Trooper.

Little chestnut lab then spent the afternoon snoozing. Sleep now buddy, for Tuesday is all begins. I'll keep you up! /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif (thanks for asking).

His brother on the other hand, made his debut in the Low Preliminary Jumpers during Week 1. The first day was a bit of a shock to the tall grey gentlemen, as he realized that oxers in the Grand Prix field may in fact eat you if not jumped bravely. However, the week improved as he recalled in the far recesses of his mind, the experience he had as a baby in Europe. Wish him luck this week as he continues!!

[AHC]

Patty and Janet -- yes I remember when it was the Hill. It's the first place I showed over fences in the early 70s. Cozzi from Nyconn drove us everywhere back then. I can remember showing outside in an area that didn't have a permanent fence around it where the upper outdoor hunter ring is now. It's still one of my favorite places to horse show.

[Blue Devil]

Jack Rockwell, as in the Jack Rockwell who now rides big jumpers down here in Alabamba/Louisiana/Mississippi? He is quite old, maybe even in his older 60s??

**~~Emily~~** proud member of the junior clique!

[Mazzy]

Goodness, older 60s, that would make him almost dead wouldn't it! /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Sorry, couldn't resist.

[Reckoning]

Different Jack Rockwell. Unfortunately, North Salem's Jack passed away in 1994. He was a wonderful horseman and a wonderful guy.

[Mazzy]

Sorry we didn't hook up, I forgot your cell number at the office and was incapable of finding anyone. Are you home now or staying for week 2? My boys are in the back back back tent, by the longing ring, in the back back back row of the tent (the beauty of getting your entries in late).

[Timex6979]

LOL, these days you can't move at the big old salems without getting plowed over by a morrissey's or judge van. LOL. i'm going to try to sneak down this week sometime, but between work, my girls and graduation ceremony this weekend, it'll be tight...

[Reckoning]

It looks like I'll be there Friday and Saturday. I hadn't originally planned on doing the second week, but I am now. I show early both days.

[Baroni]

AHC - NYCONN used to drive us everywhere too - I had the biggest crush on his oldest son! I actually ran into one of their old drivers last week. Where did you ride at as a kid?

I don't really remember The Hill - but when the Newman's bought it and it was Far West Farms.My mother never really came to horseshows - but she would go there just to see Paul Newman.

[Janet]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> Remember Jack Rockwell? The cobwebs? Showing in the winter? The NyConn semis parked by the front door like bookends? (and Morrisseys and later Judge Manning..). Ellie Estes used to direct the parking lot - or am I dreaming?

I'm glad the property isn't condos now.

Remember when there was NO 684? (I do!) and getting to The Hill was a journey!

Remember the shows at SUNNYFIELD?! and Coker? <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Yes, Yes, Yes.

I only showed there myself a couple of times , but I sometimes helped out in the show office.

Not only do I remember when there was no I684, we used to ride on it when it was a construction site. That probably comes in the category of crazy things we did when we were kids that made us better riders, but we would never recommend now.

My first horse came from Sunnyfield (under Mrs. MacIntosh),and we could hack to the shows there.

I have pictures of my sister riding a pony over the OUTSIDE COURSE at Coker (but that may have been when it was still Running Fox Farm).

I even remember when Old Salem was Salem View- before it was The Hill.

[Janet]

On a more modern note, can anyone tell me how the Arcadia Farm (Patty Peckham and Molly Flaherty) horses are doing there?

Especially Nikki's pony "Peachy Keen".

I assume they are showing since they are based there.

[AHC]

Baroni, I rode with Pam Hart Freeley at Sleepy Hollow Country Club. And you?

Cozzi drove us everywhere.

[Janet]

Was Pam Hart originally Pam Haviland (who rode in the Medal and/or Maclay in the early/mid 60s)?

If not, does anyone know what Pam Haviland's name is now and what she is doing. I know she married and became a professional, but I am drawing a blank on her married name. She taught me my first "up down" lessons (at Shrub Oak Stables) when she was a teenager.

[AHC]

Yep, Janet, I'm pretty sure it's the same Pam. She's living in Virginia and doing some teaching at Pam Baker's farm.

[Janet]

That's incredible (about Pam). That means she is now only a few miles away from me. I'll have to send a message to Rumors Follow(who rides there) and give her a message.

Small world.

[AHC]

Janet, I too have had Rumors tell Pam hello.

[Reckoning]

Anyone remember the charming Pizza Hut/ Taco Bell years? /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif When Pepsi sponsered the show? I have lovely photos of my junior hunter jumping under a banner that proclaims, "Taco Bell Welcomes You To Old Salem". I must say, that during those years the Grand Prix was probably the most popular its even been- Pepsi ffered the Pepsi Challenge bonus of 1 million dollars to the horse/rider team that could win the Grand Prix both weeks. Oddly, no one ever won it.

[AHC]

Yep, slugger I remember the Pepsi/Taco Bell years. I've been watching the Grand Prix at OSF for a lot of years. Hey, didn't get there til the afternoon on Saturday and the A/Os were long done. Will you be around for the Grand Prix this Sunday?

[Reckoning]

I hope to be! I would've been there this past weekend, but had a stomach flu. If all goes well, I'll be there Friday, Saturday, and Sunday to watch the Grand Prix. Are you going this week? Which days?

[AHC]

Slugger, hope you're feeling better. Caroline, Sarah and I will be there for the Grand Prix so we should definitely plan to meet up! I may try to catch a few hours during the week, but I don't know if that will happen. Do you go early on both Friday and Saturday?

Have emailed you too..... /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[Reckoning]

I'm the second class Friday and the first class Saturday. Very early! I would love to meet up with you all Sunday- sounds like great fun.

[buryinghill2]

The old days of Cozzi and John and Allen at Nyconn. I remember many late winter nights at the Hill, although I always shipped with W.J. Barry transport. Lee was our driver, almost always. The outdoor shows at Sunnyfield were beautiful, the outside course was great. Later, I returned there to work for almost ten years...
I'm going to Old Salem to watch on Sunday. Haven't been there in about eight years.

[Mazzy]

Slugger: that's a plan!! Sunday it is.

I will hopefully be up there Wednesday too to watch my boys go or school (we will see how they go....).

I will send you an email to further coordinate stuff. Best of luck this weekend! Are you doing Robby(ie)(? sp) in the A/O's? Will any of you other boys be there? Let me know if you will be there any other time during the week. I'm also aiming to be up there Friday morning as well so hopefully I will be able to see you go. /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[ljo]

Is the former olympian MP? I used to ride there with him.

[Mazzy]

Nope...... /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[Reckoning]

Mazzy, good luck to your boys! Just Robbie and I are showing this weekend.

Look forward to hearing from you!

[This message was edited by slugger on May. 14, 2001 at 07:21 PM.]

[Bertie]

We used to ship in to do the nighttime jumpers in the Fall -- were they Friday night shows?

I think it was on a return trip from The Hill, late at night (or maybe it was Kent School) when I first realized I was "in foal". "Mamas Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys" came on the truck radio and I just started crying LOL. This was really early on and there'd been no signs otherwise. Sure enough, 8.5 months later I had my little cowgirl.

[Lily]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> Anyone remember the charming Pizza Hut/ Taco Bell years? When Pepsi sponsered the show? <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Ah, the good old days when you'd smell beef cooking at 7am! /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

The million dollar Pepsi Challenge was awesome to watch, though. /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif I think either Barney or McLain Ward came close to winning it one year.

[Gnarly]

You guys are GREAT!
Thanks for the memories. Abby - is Lee still around? Anybody know what happened to the NyConn originals?
Are there any shows at Primrose? Pendleton? Coker? Mounted Troop?
Does the Greenwich pony show exist? It used to be full of "Kelseys." They had a lot of ponies!
Where is the PHA show held (middle of Devon?)?

[Gnarly]

Ooo! Ooo!

Can you remember Coach House?
That was Mark and Karen Jungherr's place --- and Kent too.
/infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

[Gnarly]

Boulder Brook? Is that condos now?
There was another place nearby - I forget the name.
And Kentucky Stables! I showed there! They had a saddlebred - Peavine- that used to wander around. Home of NyConn!

I can't believe I can remember this stuff /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

[Gnarly]

Do y'all remember those GREAT shows at Kent School? Driving up and DOWN that hill?

[AHC]

Abby, I saw Cozzi last week. He looks great. We had a nice chat about horse life in Westchester in the 70s.... I remember Alan and John too. We always used Nyconn in those days.

Patty, yes, I remember Coach House and Kentucky and I showed at Pendleton and Primrose. Coker Farm is still around and they host the PHA Show at the end of May. Don't think Primrose is around anymore, and I think Pendleton has been sold.

Must look for old photographs when the Hill had H's on the jump standards......

[Trooper]

That's where my screen name comes from! I lived right down the road from there as a kid and rode there for years. Between being a Trooper, and have a barn cat from there for 13 years that we named Trooper, the screen name seemed appropriate.

Troop still has several local shows a year - usually one in the spring and one in the fall.

[Baroni]

AHC - I rode at Kentucky Stables. In fact, I just moved my horse back there to have him close to my home. Boulder Brook is still around, but there's no property left. That was always one of my favortie places to show. Coach House was torn down and now a large home stands in its place. Does anyone remember Hillair?

The PHA show is at Coker this year. The Greenwich show is the second week in June, right before Ox Ridge Charity.

Is anyone showing at Fairfield?

[Medievalist]

Unfortunately, Boulder Brook is not condos yet. It needs to be. It is in terrible shape. We were there for quite a while in one of the aisles. The place is now full of wackos(maybe 3 sane people in the whole other parts of the barn), and the footing is horrible. Hard as a rock. We sent up a collective cheer as our barn moved as we were now no longer responsible for the upkeep of the place...now it will probably fall to pieces now that we aren't helping to keep it together. I have nightmares from the HOURS I spent watering the arena. It was at least a 4 hour job that I did 5 days a week during the summer. horrors!

AHC-Pendleton has been sold. One of our clients bought it. Yeah! That is where we have moved.
New Barn. Yeah!!!!! (http://www.chasemeadows.com)

[Gnarly]

This is such fun
I do remember Hillair - but don't remember why /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif Was it in White Plains???

And some place in Garrison (not the new fancy place on 9D) where we finally qualified for the medal on September 30th /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

Now that I think back -- I heard Primrose is the home of "Heritage" now (Dignelli). Anybody confirm that?
I was at Coker when the tornado tore down the silo. Only one person saw the whole thing... Philip Richter who was maybe 10 at the time.
Anybody remember Coker in Greenwich?

Back to the Hill -- I remember the Friday night jumper shows. And the winter shows (Florida was tiny back then!)...

[AHC]

Patty and Baroni, yes Hillair was in White Plains. My old trainer Pam Hart Freeley was the trainer there in the early/mid 70s before she came to Sleepy Hollow.

Do either of you guys remember the horse Michelob that one of her customers had? A chestnut with a blaze and four white socks. I leased him from part of my junior year of high school while his owner looked at and applied to college.

Was the place in Garrison called Touchstone? If so, it is in fact the same place that you're talking about, now called Riverstone on Route 9D. It's where I keep my horse and it is a very beautiful spot. We have several great one-day horse shows in the summer and a jumper classic in the fall.

[Gnarly]

Does The Saddler still exist?

[AHC]

If you mean the one in Wilton, CT, no.

I still have a lovely heavy-weight navy hunt coat I bought there years ago that comes out for a show every once in a while. I loved that place!

[Gnarly]

No, not Touchstone - but that IS a beautiful place! I recall chasing medals and showing in some grass field. long, long ago....

What happened to Rose View? /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

[Gnarly]

What happened to the place in Pleasantville with the "bubble?"
Bear Ridge?
And there was a place in Armonk on Rt.22, right next to IBM and 684. Is THAT a mall now???

I remember Michelob!

Guess it's time for a trip to Old Salem etc.

Abby- save me a spot on your blanket at the GP. /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

[AHC]

Not sure what happened physically to Rose View, but as I'm sure you know, it's where the HITS horse show series began.....

[AHC]

Patty, I just got a tingle up my spine when you said you remembered Michelob. I still have a black and white photo of us from a winter show in Coker that hangs in my bedroom. Michelob lived a long life and is buried near the outdoor ring at Sleepy Hollow. I loved that horse!

Will ask around at the barn this weekend and see if anyone knows the place you're talking about in Garrison.

As far as Bear Ridge, it is long gone, but a good friend of mine used to ride there when John Linden was the trainer. I see John fairly often cause he comes by Riverstone to visit a lot.

[Janet]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>And there was a place in Armonk on Rt.22, right next to IBM and 684. Is THAT a mall now??? <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

If you are talking about the show grounds on what was once-upon-a-time the Armonk airport- I am pretty sure it is now houses.

That was the first horse show I ever rode in. And I even got a ribbon.

[buryinghill2]

How is John Linden, and what is he doing? He was a good friend many years ago. How many cold winter one-days did I attend at Coach House? Far too many to recall. All these places bring back such memories. Sunnyfield had a heated indoor. To bad for me it was no longer in use when I went to work there!

[AHC]

John is doing well. He always makes me laugh, especially if he shows up and I'm on a horse. I love his sarcastic sense of humor! He's still doing some teaching at a couple of different barns I think.

[Gnarly]

Yes! The horse place in Armonk was on the site of the old airport! Next to IBM. And I won a white ribbon there! I RODE to the show, too! Down High Street from Mt.Kisco (still dirt?), through downtown Armonk and across Rt.22. Probably wearing my hunt cap (with the elastic strap- haha) and a gawd-awful black melton jacket. I had a great horse back then. Gosh this is great.

Next time you see John Linden - ask him about Freckles! 18.1 hands tall. I remember going to Rose View with him! early 70's? ...Hmmm- who worked for John-- Karen? with a wonderful grey cat? Named Tokey or something?

Sleepy Hollow was a great place. I vaguely remember Gary Rockwell and somebody before him. Then Pam. Great trails and indoor. Nice barn! Is it still a private club? Can you still ride on Rockefellers land?

Now back to Garrison-- when you turn east (away from the Hudson) at the Garrison light (towards 9?), my dads old place is behind the wooden fence. Maybe 1/4 mile on the left side.

It must be a whole new world up there now. Must take a field trip back to NY and CT....

Abby- remember the day OxRidge was cancelled and only Leslie Burr (Howard) didn't know? Wasn't that the year of THE PARTY in Greenwich?? /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

[haligator]

Hi,
The Jack Rockwell who now shows down South is the son of the Jack Rockwell who died in 1994. Jack Sr. was always so kind to me, especially when I was working on getting my judging license.

Hallie McEvoy

[Janet]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> Yes! The horse place in Armonk was on the site of the old airport! Next to IBM. And I won a
white ribbon there! I RODE to the show, too! Down High Street from Mt.Kisco (still dirt?), through downtown Armonk and across Rt.22. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I rode to it too the first time- but we did it in stages. My sister had a friend (Margaret Green I think was her name) who lived really close to the show. So we rode to her house the night before. I am drawing a blank on the name of the (then dirt) road, but it pretty much parallels (combined with PLA/BRLA trails) where 684 is now from behind Fox Lane High School down to Armonk. This was in about 1966.

Many years later I came in second by 1/10 second (the accuracy they used there) to Tony D'Ambrosio in a jumper class there.

Do I know you? Where in Mt Kisco did you live/ride? Did you go to the local high school or were you off at boarding school? We were on Guard Hill Rd.- between Darlington and Succabone.

[Gnarly]

I doubt we ever met...
I lived in Armonk - on the Mt.Kisco line, where the roads were dirt. "nobody" lived there! I went to Byram Hills - but DID go out with Doug Oliver (Fox Lane - maybe class of '75, '74 or '73??).
/infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif
Can't wait to go back to sit on the HILL at THE HILL. On the way I'll go drive by Hillair, Boulder Brook, KY stables, Coker (CT and NY), Armonk, Barney's old place in Bedford!, RoseView, Bear Ridge, Fox Hill!, Sleepy Hollow, Kent School, Ox Ridge, FCHC, Troop, and maybe hit a few of the Jersey sites...
/infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif

I remember showing in NJ too! Mike Henaghan's old place, Snowbirdonthemountain, Coppergate, ...

[This message was edited by Patty Boyd on May. 15, 2001 at 03:42 PM.]

[Gnarly]

Didn't he come from CT? Maybe it was all too long ago - but I do remember him!!

[buryinghill2]

Hey Patty Boyd, don't forget to drive by Sunnyfield. Wave at Taxi, he's still keeping the grass short there!

[This message was edited by Abby on May. 15, 2001 at 06:13 PM.]

[AHC]

Patty, I don't know where Michelob came from, but he was with Pam for many years. He was one who did everything -- hunters, jumpers, equitation, kids, adults.

I rode at Sleepy Hollow from 1971 until 1996, so Gary Rockwell taught me before Pam got there. He came back when I was a young adult and gave me some great basic dressage lessons on a horse I was leasing. He was a bit of a yeller, but he was always kind and wonderful to me since we had known each other since I was 11.

It's been years since club membership was required in order to ride at Sleepy Hollow, although they've gone through big changes at the barn recently and I don't know who's teaching there anymore. Most of my friends have left. The trails are still accessible and still incredibly beautiful, although they are state park land now so riders have to share them with lots more people than when I was a kid.

Next time I see John, I will ask him about Freckles. I used to ride a Freckles too, but he was a small leopard Apaloosa/QH. God-awful ugly but boy could he jump!

I know exactly where your place in Garrison was. It's so pretty up there -- I always feel like I'm way out in the country when I go to the barn.

This thread is great fun!

[TeriKessler]

It's fun reading this thread! I just bought a place on Baldwin road just behind Sunnyfield. Murray still has a championship cooler he won there on Speak The Truth. In the YOUNGER amateurs!!! /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

[AHC]

Mike Henaghan's old place. I showed there too. It was Catamount and then it was Huntover.... He's in California now and last I knew he had stalls at a barn where my ex-boyfriends mother breeds warmbloods.

[Gnarly]

Abby, I will wave at "Taxi." The youngest Nielsen's fabulous junior jumper!? Still alive, huh. I don't feel so old. /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif Too bad the Sunnyfield neighborhood must be drastically changing as the new money rolls in. /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif I'll bet it's big houses and open land disappearing.
Sort of like the Coach House neighborhood! Sad to hear that neat old place is gone. Wooden floors in the aisles. How cool was that place...
AHC- did you have a neat little black mare? Junior hunter I think.

[Janet]

I graduated from Fox Lane in '71, so i was a little earlier than your boyfriend.

Actually, the Guard Hill area of Bedford (including Baldwin Road, Succabone, etc.) is remarkably unchanged. My father still lives there, and it is still 4 acre zoning. There are a few "McMansions", but they are mostly on cul de sacs that are invisible from the through roads. There are a couple off Darlington (on the side of Guard Hill) but you can only see them when the leaves are off the trees.

Mostly it is the same houses that were there 30 years ago- just a lot more expensive.

[Gnarly]

A friend lived on Guard Hill in the late 70's in a cottage on the property of some mafioso guy. Maybe 1/2 mile down the road from Barney's place - on the right side. His mistress lived in the "big house" and he came up one night each week. She sold real estate when he wasn't around. The boss had HUGE bodyguards. I wonder if they're still there.
Great neighborhood. Fun to gallop down those roads. How the heck did my horses stay sound back then?! I travelled all over Bedford, Armonk and southern Mt.Kisco. And we even rode to a couple of shows.
I'm wondering now who moved in D'Ambrosio's place in Mt.K...

[Gnarly]

This is the first thread I've seen in a LONG time with correct grammar, spelling and punctuation. (Abby, all that time we spent in college was worth every minute!)

[MAD]

Patty-I can't believe you are talking about the Armonk Riding Club!!! It is now a "business park". I have been reading this thread and laughing so hard at the memories! I went to Byram Hills High School and I also rode every trail and back road that you did. Sadly, most of them are gone or paved over, except for the Guard Hill Road area. Marie Debany

[Janet]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> A friend lived on Guard Hill in the late 70's in a cottage on the property of some mafioso guy. Maybe 1/2 mile down the road from Barney's place - on the right side. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I am trying to think where you might be talking about. All I can think of is the place with a brick "gate house" right on the road, and a bigger house further back from the road. They were pretty secretive, and the place had lots of obvious security. It was across from Ensign Farm (with an anchor at the end of the driveway), and next door to the McDonnel's (with modern sculpture outside), up the hill from the clocktower.

But that was more like a mile from Shannon ("Barney's"). (Between Succabone and The Narrows.)

[Janet]

I definitely remember the Debaneys. But I think (I might be wrong) that "Marie" was in a stroller the last time I saw them. I think your family either bought one of Mrs. Frey's Connemaras (maybe Landgate Minstrel Boy?), or stood the TB stallion she bred a couple of her mares to (a twin to a more famous stallion?). Sorry- my memory is geting fuzzy.

[HSM]

Yes "Primrose" is where Heritage (Andre Dignelli) is. They left Coker to go there several years ago.

This has been a fun thread for me to read too. I wasn't a rider myself (still not - just "Horse Show Mom"), but I grew up in Mt. Kisco and enjoyed reading about the way riding was in this area back then. /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[MAD]

Janet-great memory you have! But I don't think I was ever in a stroller; being the 4th of 10 children in 14 years, they didn't quite make strollers that large. Alice, being the 9th, may have lucked out and gotten a ride in a stroller, but I doubt I ever did.

We did have a son of Northern Dancer, and he looked exactly like his father. He was the runt and his papers were turned into the jockey club at birth. He was never ridden but he was a successful stallion. He was small (as was Northern Dancer). Many of his children went on to be champion ponies!

And you are right about Minstrel's Boy-we had him for years.

[Gnarly]

MAD- did you mom get another "Chuck?"
That was a GREAT act!!!!

I was driving to Bedford years ago (from our house on Burying Hill) and caught one of your ponies on the road. That morning taught me - always carry a leadshank in your car! I still do... I wrapped the shank around his neck and up the driveway I went.

Janet-- I could drive up Guard Hill and find that house now... but I have a business trip this morning so I guess going to Bedford today is out /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

I'll check in later this week. Can't wait to read more...

[Janet]

Well, two out of three isn't bad! You are right, it must have been Alice in the stroller. I guess I have a better memory for horses than people. /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

My sister, Gillian, rode and showed Minstrel Boy for Mrs. Frey before she sold him to your family.

[Gnarly]

OK. I'm on again - typing fast!
What about Wayne Carroll's place? Did that get rebuilt? Thought about him after reading all this fun stuff.
And I thought about Indian Hill Farm too (former home of John Linden!).

bye!

[Janet]

Does anyone remember these riders
Karen Timmerman (or Timberman, my memory fails me)
Janice Kuehn (her horse was Leo's Weimer)
The Goldfinger twins
Laura Lee Eiffert (Op Art)
Margot Graham (near the CT border)
Alice Carter (live in Bedford, rode in CT)
Harry Gibson (owned Running Fox which is now Coker) and his many stepdaughters named Smith
Anne, Harry and ??? Huberth (on the Ct side of the line
Bill Whitehouse

[MAD]

<<<Does anyone remember these riders
Karen Timmerman (or Timberman, my memory fails me)
Janice Kuehn (her horse was Leo's Weimer)
The Goldfinger twins
Laura Lee Eiffert (Op Art)
Margot Graham (near the CT border)
Alice Carter (live in Bedford, rode in CT)
Harry Gibson (owned Running Fox which is now Coker) and his many stepdaughters named Smith
Anne, Harry and ??? Huberth (on the Ct side of the line
Bill Whitehouse>>>

JANET- The Huberths lived next door to us for years and years. I know Mrs. Huberth moved to Southern Pines. Mr. Huberth was in the area for years after he was remarried, but moved several years ago, south somewhere. I don't know what happened to Laurie, Annie, and Harry (the kids).

The Perlmans bought their farm. Kim is the trainer to MANY of the BB'rs on this thread in Garrison now. Kim was 7 yo when they moved in.

Laura Lee Eifert, I think, is still around the area. I ran into her within the last few years (at Old Salem, of course!).

Margot Graham also lived on our road. I think that she may still own the property, but I am not so sure there are horses there, but the house looks live in.

Last I heard the Kuehns were still in North Salem (they were always big in Golden's Bridge Pony Club).

Alice Carter is a familiar name...but most of the other people are a bit older than me.

Do you remember the Leitheads (from Greenwich)?

[LaurieB]

I knew Annie and Laurie Huberth, and I ran into Laurie at a dog show about a decade ago. She was showing English Springers. I was having an awful day and could not find five minutes to talk to her. I'm sure she went away thinking I was a total idiot. /infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> The Huberths lived next door to us for years and years <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

MAD, did you live in Greenwich? When I knew the Huberths they were on Cherry Valley which was about two miles from where I lived.

[Janet]

If it is the same family, I remember a Mrs. Perlman showing (at The Hill) when she was VERY pregnant, and then only missing about a month of showing after she delivered. In an earlier thread, I was trying to figure if/how she was related to the Kim Perlman that the BBers train with. It sounds as if she may have been his mother.

I didn't know her very well, but she obviously made an impression on me. They lived somewhere between Bedford and South Salem at that point.

[Reckoning]

Holly Hill Rd. Mrs. Perlman owned a pony I showed for a while in the early eighties, and she was located on Holly Hill off Rt. 35 just past Cross River.

[Janet]

That sounds right - my memories are a little earlier, early 70s

[MAD]

The Perlmans and Huberths lived on Greenwich Road in Bedford, NY (it is called North Street in Greenwich). The Huberths owned it since the 50's and sold it in the 70's to the Perlmans. The Huberths never kept horses there; the Perlmans built the barn. We have the farm next door.

Mrs. Huberth's parents had a beautiful farm in Greenwich. That is where they kept their horses.

[buryinghill2]

What ever happened to Lynn DeRoth? (I don't remember the correct spelling). She kept her own horses at home on the road that connected Greenwich to Bedford.
Is anyone in touch with the Schroers? I know Susie is in California, and her parents sold the place in Bedford years ago and moved to Sanibel Island. I would love to know how they are doing.

[AHC]

Janet, I am one of the many BBers who rides with Kim. I don't think that the woman you are talking about was the same Mrs. Perlman. She was a horse show mom, but I don't think she competed.

For those who have the old book "A Very Young Rider," there's a photo in it of three kids on ponies and Kim is one of them.

[Gnarly]

checking in -

What's the status of Gene Estep's place? That was a pretty piece of property!

Anybody remember Kathy Kitterman? She moved to Argentina. I saw her at horsey events in Puerto Rico, Venezuela and Argentina.

I saw Mrs. Huberth in Southern Pines. Nice farm!!!

[Janet]

I don't think he had his own place. He was located at Shannon for a while (after Barney Ward left), and then at the Berol's farm (on Harris Rd).

[MAD]

AHC-the picture of Kim in A Very Young Rider was taken at my Mom's farm with some of my brothers and sister!

Abby-you asked about the Schroers? They did move to Florida and sadly, Mr. Schroer died last year. I think that he was hit by a car while riding his bike. I saw Susie at one of the California shows last year and she works for (I believe) Francie Steinwedell and Dick Carvin.

[AHC]

MAD, the world is so small! That's such a cute shot. Did you know JB, Jack Trainor's grandaughter?

[Gnarly]

I'm baaaaaaaaack-

A very young rider... Debbie Malloy is in Germany, right? Married Hans Winkler? I wonder where are the other family members. Edition Farm - I can see that green van like it was yesterday.

I saw the baby of Debbie's Grand Prix horse (Plain Jane?) It was in Florida this year - Java Plain, I think, in the childrens hunters. (Java something, anyhow).
Remember Frogs Have Wings? Great horse!

Abby- have fun at the G.P. I hope you'll have ONE Black Russian "on me."

Hey- what about Buddy's place on Boway road? Who lives THERE? That was Norman Dello Joios place too- late 70's maybe.
I must have gotten into some memory pills this week. wow.

Anybody remember the year OxRidge got rained out so badly and we all had to park at the train station?
/infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

[C-Urchn]

I just read this thread. We STILL have soft dirt roads if you miss those long gallops! /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

[Reckoning]

So, who's going to be around at OSF this weekend?

[Gnarly]

Not me. I'm blue.
Abby is saving me a spot on the blanket, just in case I get alien-abducted and end up in N.Salem /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

[MBS]

I will be at Old Salem on Sunday to meet Abby who I haven't seen in YEARS so we can talk about all the good old days on the road with Fairfield and how Katie Prudent was/is Abby's idol. LOL> Slugger I will be with Lola my black lab puppy (picture attached) so if you see us say hello. Forgive me Abby I brought her from a breeder but I did recuse 3 cats from shelters.

Will be looking for AHC, MAZ, Trooper and others.

[MAD]

<<MAD, the world is so small! That's such a cute shot. Did you know JB, Jack Trainor's grandaughter?>>

The only JB I knew was JB Levy from Greenwich...and she had 2 other sisters (Alice and Ellen). I doubt she's Jack Trainor's grandaughter...

[TeriKessler]

I'll be there for sure. Come on over and introduce yourself if you see me. Even if you don't like me, I'd like to meet you. /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[buryinghill2]

Great day at OSF today, lots of fun! Saw a few people I hadn't seen in years, felt almost like old times. Leslie did not let us down, winning with Nick of Diamonds.

[Gnarly]

Did the rain old off?
Was the place packed?
Who won in the hunters?
Was Barney sitting across the street? /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

but after the "mad Hank attack", I was reduced to running away! I'll catch up with you guys somewhere down the road!

Mazzy--I did walk up to where SS was stabled, and there were no people/equines in stalls on either side. The beast liked playing on the "big rocks" aka boulders to the left side of the hill.

PS-we were BOTH wearing our caps!!!

[Baroni]

MB Stark - I think I was sitting right behind you! Were you sitting next to a a large German Shephard on the hill? My friend and I were plotting how to steal your puppy!

[Gnarly]

What happened to the AHRC show? (before Southampton in the potatoe field)

[AHC]

MAD -- yes, in fact that's the same JB, and she is Jack Trainor's grandaughter. I haven't seen her in a while but used to have dinner at their house in Greenwich on Thursday nights which were open house nights where whoever showed up got fed. Great food and lots of laughs!

[MAD]

AHC-I must know you!
I spent so much time at the Levy's house during pony club years!

Ellen is a vet. I am not sure what Alice is doing, but JB is a mom with kids.

Such a small world. Marie

[AHC]

Yes, MAD the world is very small. I didn't know JB when she was a kid, I met her when she was teaching part time at Sleepy Hollow Country Club when I was there riding with Pam Freeley. The dinners I attended at her house were within the past ten years so we may have missed each other.

Haven't seen Tori and Daven, her kids, in a couple of years but they were both adorable!

Were you at OSF yesterday? Leslie's ride on Nick of Diamonds was quite impressive.

[TeriKessler]

Do you know anyone who specializes in non-horsey trips to Iceland? If you don't want to post, email me at AOTKessler@aol.com. Thanks!

[MBS]

Hey Baroni, Yes that was me. Lola was playing with the German Shepard for a while and then entertaining those 2 little kids in front of us to the right. It was a fun day. I met up with 2 old friends from our Grooming on the road days. We hadn't seen each other in years and we all worked for Leslie. We were hoping she would win and when we met up with Bruce Burr he told us Leslie was going "All Out" in the jump off to stay tuned. It was great to see her win when we were all together reminising about the early days working for Leslie.

[MAD]

Mine are so old at this point...but I'll email me with some names...

[Mazzy]

Hey,

Although I'm never at the hunter ring (as AHC can attest /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif ), so this may be a dumb question to those in the know BUT, do you own a "boutiful" paint 1st yr. green? I was upstairs at OSF waiting for my turn to watch my video and there was a "hunter" person watching her round (which they had only managed to find after searching a bunch of tapes, much to her great relief, as the horse received an 89). Long story longer, my point is simple.....was that you? If so "HELLO"... /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[TeriKessler]

No, I don't own a beautiful paint 1st yr horse, but I know someone who does! Tracy Sheriff has an eye-poppingly handsome paint named Sydney that Holly Hays shows in the 1st yrs. Tracy will be showing him soon. And he jumps as great as he looks! He was for sale when I was shopping but he was w-a-y out of my check writing range!

I DO have a beautiful chestnut gelding with socks and a blaze named "All That". He did receive an 89 in the AA Classic at Old Salem to win it the first week (atta boy, Maxx!). He was also Champ in the middle section adults and Res Champ in the Pre Greens that week. Week II, he was Champ in the Pre Greens, Champ in the middle Adults (won all 5), Grand Adult Hunter Champion and won the classic again. Now that's a show worth braiding for!!!

"All That" is just turning 5 now, so he's only doing Lake Placid, Monmouth and Capitol Challenge for the rest of the year. Leo Conroy found him for me, and is doing a terrific job of bringing the two of us up to speed for the 1st yrs and AOs next year. I can't wait!!! /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[Gnarly]

we can't wait either /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif