Carson City, Nevada- April 20, 2010 -The unprecedented $25,000 Franktown Meadows Hunter Derby venue is nestled at the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range between Reno and Carson City, NV. Offering outstanding views and immaculate grounds, the Franktown Meadows Equestrian Facility is the perfect backdrop for the derby on September 19, 2010.
 
The MacLean family has owned and operated the Franktown Meadows Equestrian Facility for three generations. The original idea came from Janice MacLean, who was an avid equestrian and Northern Nevada resident. Lynne Garnett, Janice MacLean’s daughter explained, “The idea to have this facility had always been on my mother’s mind since our entire family had owned horses forever and were passionate about them. So the original concept went from having a home with stalls to the Franktown Meadows Equestrian Facility.” The facility has since evolved into a sanctuary for horses and owners of multiple disciplines.

The 41-acre Franktown Meadows Equestrian Facility hosted many clinics, horse shows, and various equestrian disciplines. Managed for ten years by Sally Lifto, the large facility offers different instructors for each of the following disciplines: hunters, jumpers, equitation, dressage, and western riding. Each discipline has its own respective trainer. Sue Leep is the head instructor for the hunters, jumpers, and equitation, while Seana Adamson teaches dressage and Lindsay Sanford is in charge of teaching novice lessons, and Diana Goddard handles the western discipline instruction. Not only does each discipline have their own experienced trainers but the Franktown Meadows Equestrian Facility even offers multiple clinics with many other distinguished instructors. This type of learning is important for each horse and rider to perfect and progress with their riding abilities.

The trainers and riders enjoy the many amenities offered by the Franktown Meadows Equestrian Facility. There are 64 large box stalls with quality outdoor runs, and if a boarder would prefer pasture boarding, that choice is also available. Each rider has their own individual tack lockers for their tack and grooming supplies. The horses enjoy 15 grass turnouts and warm and cold-water wash racks. Riders have their choice of enjoying an indoor arena, an outdoor jumping arena, a small arena, a dressage court with warm-up area, or even a bridle path for trail rides.
 
Garnett commented about the facility, “We have great trainers, great staff, and very happy clientele. After a horse begins boarding at our facility the horse really blossoms. In a few instances horses came in looking a little worse for the wear, but in a short amount of time the horses became fat and happy.”
 
The MacLean family is looking forward to hosting the first west coast hunter derby at their facility. The derby will take place on the outdoor field right at the foothills of the mountains. There will be excellent accommodations for each horse participating in the derby. When riders leave the facility there is 24-hour security along with a gated entrance. Exhibitors will enjoy the beautiful grounds, large warm up areas, and breathtaking atmosphere. Because of the amount of space available, exhibitors, trainers, and spectators will have the ability to shop at multiple vendors, enjoy the champagne brunch, and even visit Lake Tahoe and the surrounding Northern Nevada area.
 
Going forward, the Franktown Meadows Equestrian Facility and the MacLean family would like to see the derby become a yearly event as part of the United States Hunter Jumper Association’s derbies. Along with their informational clinics, quality instructors, and hosting multiple top rated dressage shows, the MacLean family would like to inform others of their facility and increase their exposure locally, regionally, and nationally. Lastly, the family would like to continue their philanthropic endeavors, such as partnering with the Parasol Organization this year for the $25,000 Franktown Meadows Hunter Derby.

The $25,000 Franktown Meadows Hunter Derby Fast Facts
 
EVENT: The Franktown Meadows Hunter Derby will be the first standalone hunter derby on the west coast. The derby will be a member event of the Chronicle of the Horse/United States Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA) International Hunter Derby Series presented by Dietrich Insurance. This charitable event benefits the Parasol Tahoe Community Foundation, a non-profit charitable organization that aids the Northern Nevada area.
 
WHAT: Over the course of three days, riders and spectators will enjoy a variety of exciting events with the best riders, judges, and course designers the sport has to offer. Additionally, those in attendance will enjoy great food, multiple exhibits for all ages, and first class hospitality.
 
WHERE: Franktown Meadows Equestrian Facility is located 15 minutes south of Reno at the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountain range in historic Washoe Valley.
 
Franktown Meadows Equestrian Facility
4200 Old Highway 395
Carson City, NV 89704
 
WHEN: Sunday September 19, 2010
 
DERBY MANAGER: Bobby Murphy of Kentucky Horse Shows LLC
 
THE FACILITY:Franktown Meadows Equestrian Facility: Located on 41 acres at the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountain range in Carson City, Nevada.
61  12 x 12 Box Stalls with 12 x 24 Outdoor Runs
3 12 x 16 Box Stalls with 12 x 24 Outdoor Runs
Pasture Boarding
Individual Tack Lockers
Warm and Cold Water Wash Racks
15 Grass Turnouts
125  x 225 Indoor Arena
125  x 215 Outdoor Jumping Arena
125  x 100 Small Arena
Dressage Court and Adjacent Warm-Up Area
Bridle Path and Extensive Trails within Minutes
24-Hour Security with Gated Entrance