Dear Friends of Valley Riding, Inc.,
We need your help in creating a documentary about Valley Riding, the horses and what it has meant to you to spend your days down at the stables, and the life lessons you have learned through riding lessons. If you could take the time to answer one of both of the following questions, we may use your story at our upcoming benefit on May 5, 2012. A picture, either a photograph or hand drawn may accompany your note. Please return your letters via email at valleyriding@sbcglobal.net or to the box in the office by February 15, 2012.
Thank you,
Valley Riding
1.) What Valley Riding means/meant to me:
2.) What this (Name of Horse/Pony) has taught me:
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| Abe
I was born in June of 1999 and I belong to the Haflinger breed. We Haflinger's are known for our unique golden chestnut coloring with long flowing white manes and tails. We participate in many disciplines from driving to jumping to dressage. Our short , stocky build and people-loving personality make us an ideal school horse. I have been working for Valley Riding since February of 2004, originally I participated in english, pony, and therapeutic lessons at the Brecksville facility and now here at Rocky River. One of my most favorite demonstrations was when I was Merlin's partner for the jumping Super Pony Pas de Deux at our last year's horse festival. I showed everybody how fast I could really go.
Please take a moment to sponsor my stall
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| Bumper
I was born approximately in 1993. It's been awhile and my memory is not quite clear on the actual date. I am an appaloosa standing 15 hands high. Originally I worked at Brecksville stables, but now I reside at Rocky River and participate in their lesson program. I'm very lucky to have my very own half leasing person, who always lets everyone know how awesome I am.
Please take a moment to sponsor my stall
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| Buttercup
My name is Buttercup and I am a chocolate palimino pony. I'm really special because I have a sensitive tummy, and my grain has to be watered down to make the most delicious soup. I also have a half of an ear on my one side because I got cancer of the ear. Now I feel much better and everyone calls me "Shrek Pony." I also enjoy dancing in the cross ties and playing outside with Oreo and Pudge.
Please take a moment to sponsor my stall
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| Cheerio
My full name is Honey Nut Cheerio and I am the mightiest pony of the barn. As best as I can recollect, I was born in 1990. Notice my chocolate palomino color and my wild flaxen colored mane and tail. I am the hardest working pony here at Rocky River Stables, just check my horse usage sheets. Back in the olden days they made me do pony rides for hours if I was a little too spunky, but now I learned how to be a really good pony and have won many ribbons at the horse shows. My most favorite thing is apple bobbing at our Halloween Horse Show. Nobody can beat me at apple bobbing.
Please take a moment to sponsor my stall
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| Classy
My registered name is Classy Tradition. I am a quarter pony born in the year 2000. Originally, I came from the Brecksville facility and I've worked in every lesson program offered from english lessons to therapeutic to pony camp. I would have to say the thing I most enjoy doing is jumping, which is somewhat hard to believe since mostly I'm kinda of a pokey pony.
Please take a moment to sponsor my stall
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| Donny Boy
My jockey club papers say I was foaled January 29, 1991 in Illinois, and my registered name is Bonnie's Boy. I was a thoroughbred race horse winning 7 races, from 1993- September of 1997. I now value a slower pace of life. I came to Brecksville stables in May of 2007 and enjoy giving lessons to all kinds of students. I'm a fairly tall fella, so a lot of times I have taller people riding me, but its fun when a little person climbs aboard. My best attribute is my rocking horse canter, I just love to canter (mostly to the left) I'm just a little stiffer to the right.
Please take a moment to sponsor my stall
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| Dusty Gold
I am a very pretty Welsh pony mare with silver dun coloring, born in 2001. Valley Riding purchased me in June of 2009. I primarily work in pony camp, but I have done some english riding lessons. They tell me my canter is a little speedy in one direction. I just think those old school horses are just jealous and they can't keep up with me, I guess they just like to save their energy.
Please take a moment to sponsor my stall
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| Eddie
My real name is Tour en L'Air. I am a thoroughbred gelding born in 1993 and have quite a distinguished canter. I competed through the jumper ranks in the U.S. in the late 1990's and early 2000's. Then I was sold overseas and competed at the international level, including the Asian games in 2002. I then came back to the U.S. and successfully competed in the high amateur owner division in California for 2 years, and then in Ohio where I continued to show in this division until 2008. I was donated by my owner Karen Thurm Ferreri in September 2008, and I am enjoying a more earth bound existence, primarily focusing on lower level dressage. I am very lucky to have 2 loving people lease me here at Rocky River and take lessons on me. During the summer months you can catch me gazing out my window enjoying the weather.
Please take a moment to sponsor my stall
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| Emmie
I have the most fabulous forelock of any horse or pony in the place. My mane and tail are pretty special too. We Haflingers are known for our long gorgeous tresses and I just happen to be a really beautiful specimen, just ask Abe (he's such a boy). I was born in 1996 in Indiana, I came to Rocky River in 2005 and have been happily going around the ring in the english and therapeutic riding lesson programs. Since I am short, stout and easy going many riders find me accommodating to ride.
Please take a moment to sponsor my stall
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| Freckles
I am one of the most well known horses here at Rocky River Stables because of my flashy red coloring, quirky personality and cool dance moves. I was born in 1995 and I am a registered American Quarter Horse. I was bought in 1999 to be a lesson horse here. Now, I enjoy playing with Sky outside, talking to my neighbor Sandy, and being ridden in english and therapeutic lessons. When I get cold or bored in my stall I perform my famous head bob dance moves for the people in the barn.
Please take a moment to sponsor my stall
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| Guiness
If you have ever seen my size you may guess at why I was named Guiness, its because I'm so stout. My breeding is mostly Percheron with a smattering of Quarter horse. Once upon a youthful time I was a handsome dapple grey, but now I've turned all white with an occasional brown stain here and there to Marty's dismay. Marty is my special person. She has the most astounding ability to nurture talents in me that are usually reserved for fancy warmbloods. One of my proudest moments was learning how to do flying changes. Considering learning how to canter without falling down was tough. I amaze myself now that I can do sequence flying changes. Now, Marty seems to think I can trot on the spot, something called Piaffe. I'm not sure what the purpose is of trotting and not going anywhere, but it seems important so I'm going to try. I know it makes my Marty happy when I do these dazzling fancy foot works.
Please take a moment to sponsor my stall
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| Jimmy
I am one of the founding members of the Rocky River school horses. I'm not sure how old I am, I know I'm too old to remember. When I came here I was a little nervous, but I've settled in since then. Now, I'm used in english lessons and therapeutic riding. I really enjoy going around in english lessons, fulfilling my nickname of the "Little Red Rocket." I also love playing outside with Cheerio and my other pals.
Please take a moment to sponsor my stall
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| Lucky
I have really lived up to my name because I am a very lucky horse. I was born in 1984 with one blue eye and one brown eye. My breeding is interesting, I am part Paint horse, part Tennessee Walker and part Quarter Horse. I started my lesson horse career at Brecksville in 2003. Then recently came to Rocky River. It takes me a little while to get motoring, but once I'm warmed up I love to be the leader of the group. I have a pretty big stride when I trot, but it makes it easy to learn how to post and I have an easy going canter. I really love the little girls who climb aboard and we can go around and around together. Sometimes I hear people talk about retirement, that just seems really boring to me. I would miss all the activity and all my pony and people friends.
Please take a moment to sponsor my stall
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| Merlin
My registered name is Mo Money Merlin, but in the barn they just call me Merlin. I'm a registered quarter horse and we are breed to be the fastest horse for a quarter mile and we're ridden by cowboys out west. I was born in Oklahoma in 1996 and when I was 5 I moved here to be a lesson horse at the stables. I can be pretty lazy making me desirable for english and therapeutic lessons. However, everyone got to see my speedy side in last years benefit horse festival when I was Abe's partner for the Super Pony Jumping Pas de Deux.
Please take a moment to sponsor my stall
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| Murphy
I am a horse of a different color, really I am, my show name is "Some Thing Different." However, you can just call me Murphy. Before becoming a school horse in 2007, I was an event horse and showed in Pony Club Rallies. I was born in September of 1990. Now, I do english riding lessons. My best friends here include Oreo and Emmie. I really like jumping and I get extra excited when my riders are able to do that!
Please take a moment to sponsor my stall
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| Oreo
I am one of the oldest members of the Valley Riding gang. I didn't have a name when I came here, so one of the pony campers named me Oreo because of my pretty black and white coloring. I do pony
camp and have so much fun with the kids and my buddies Pudge and Buttercup.
Please take a moment to sponsor my stall
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| Peaches
My registered name is Peaches and Cream, but feel free to call me Peaches. I am an American Paint Horse born in Akron, Ohio on May 27th, 2000. You may wonder how I could be considered a paint horse when I have no spots. Well, my mother and father were both spotted, therefore I still quality for the registry. I was a school horse at a stable outside of Pittsburg, PA. When the stable closed, Valley Riding purchased me in May of 2010 along with my best friend Pie. It has been fun making new friends here at Rocky River Stables.
Please take a moment to sponsor my stall
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| Penny
I am one of the prettiest mares in the barn. My feet were sore last summer so I got an extended vacation and now that I'm feeling better I am back to work with my friends. I love standing in the snow because it blends in with my beautiful white coat. I started working here in 2007. I do english riding lessons and pony camp.
Please take a moment to sponsor my stall
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| Pie
Did you ever see that horse with those pretty blue eyes? Well, that's me. My name is Boston Cream Pie, but you can call me Pie. I was born on May 16th, 1993 in the state of West Virginia. I joined the lesson program here in May of 2010, I came here with my best buddy Peaches. I was trained for barrel racing and jumping, but I have adjusted well to english and therapeutic lessons. I also enjoy getting dressed up for Quadrille. I hope you come and ride me, I'm sure you'll have a blast!
Please take a moment to sponsor my stall
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| Pudge
I am one of the original ponies coming to Rocky River with Oreo and Buttercup. I then went to Brecksville and now I'm back at Rocky River. I work in pony camp primarily. My favorite thing is when someone rubs my ears, it mesmerizes me. I was originally names Pudge because I was too plump. I've now trimmed down to a more healthy weight.
Please take a moment to sponsor my stall
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| Rachel
I was born May 17th, 1997 in Perrysville, Ohio. My registered name is La Rachael. I moved to Rocky River Stables when I was 8 years old. I am pretty hard to miss because I am one of the biggest horses in the barn. One of my favorite jobs is to give pony campers rides. I am a black percheron draft horse and I like to move at my own pace. I love people and being groomed.
Please take a momant to sponsor my stall
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| Raisin
I'm a bay pony born in 1988, which makes me 23 years old. Wow, I can't believe I'm that old I don't feel a day over 15. Before I came to Rocky River in May of 2009 I was trained in barrel racing, english, western and I did a lot of 4H shows. I look a lot like my neighbor Classy and we are the best of friends. Now, I do english lessons as well as therapeutic. I was dressed up as a flower for the benefit horse festival. My costume made me look even prettier than I normally am.
Please take a moment to sponsor my stall
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| RB
I am a 20 year old American Quarter Horse, born March of 1991 in Texas. Back in Texas my name was Party Box, luckily they changed my name to RB. One of my favorite memories was dressing up as a carousel horse in last years benefit horse festival.
Please take a moment to sponsor my stall
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| Sally
Hi! My name is Sally. I was born in the year 1997. I am one out of three Haflingers here at Rocky River Stables. I may not like other horses, but I love people! I am considered a pony standing at 13.3 hands, and one of the cutest with my golden coat. I was formally a Brecksville school horse, but now I belong to the Rocky River program. I enjoy lessons and I'm currently being leased. My favorite thing to do is jump because I do it so well. If you ride me I guarantee you'll fall in love while having a blast.
Please take a moment to sponsor my stall
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| Sandy
I am a very pretty Pony of the Americas(POA). My breed is known for our polka dotted coats. I love doing lessons and have really smooth gaits. I'm really patient so I'm used in therapeutic riding, english riding lessons and pony camp. I love getting dressed up for the costume class in our fall horse show. I've been champion for the past 2 years! This year I was a trophy and last year I was a bunch of bananas.
Please take a moment to sponsor my stall
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| Scooter Pie
I may be the smallest pony in the barn, but I most assuredly am the toughest. When I am turned out with the big horses and they begin to pick on me, I immediately put them in their place with my little hind feet. I also like to play halter tag with the big horses, I can play that game so well that they can lift me right off my little hooves. However, when it comes to pony camp I am strictly business and my gentle side takes over. I take very good care of my precious cargo. I love to be groomed and standing still in the cross ties is one of my best attributes.
Please take a moment to sponsor my stall
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| Smokey
I came from a nice farm where I got to be turned out on luscious green grass. Sometimes too much of a good thing can turn into a bad thing, and getting all that rich grass made my feet hurt really bad. Consequently, my owner realized I needed to stop living the good life and get a job. So here I am. My feet are now happy and I am working in pony camp. I still get turned out but only in sand arenas with my Rocky River pony pals.
Please take a moment to sponsor my stall
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| Spike
My registered name is True Blue Spike and I am an American Quarter horse. I was born in Oklahoma in 1994. In 2009 I was donated to Rocky River and have been enjoying doing english and therapeutic riding lessons. I am about 16.2 hand horse and my dashing looks and cuddly personality have made me a great school horse. Last year, I was a Ty beanie baby for Halloween, it fit me well since I am so snuggly.
Please take a moment to sponsor my stall
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| Timmy
My name is Tim More Poco, but everyone calls me Timmy. I am special because I am double registered belonging to the American Quarter Horse Association and the Palomino Horse Breeders of America. I was born in the year 1993. I'm a very handsome gelding with my palomino color and stand proud at 15.3 hands. I'm enjoying my horse life here at Rocky River Stables and have tons of fun. I'm used in english and therapeutic lessons and I love being with my friends. I was even in the NODA dressage shows last summer. I can't wait for you to come and ride me in lessons.
Please take a moment to sponsor my stall
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| Tilly
My registered name is Chantilly and I am a thoroughbred born April 5, 1994. I was bred and ridden by Dr. Jeni Hren Gaffney. I was an event horse and I also showed in dressage. Once upon a time I knew some pretty cool dressage moves, like flying changes and half passes. Partly because of my training and partly because I occasionally like to bounce around I mostly am leased by the more advanced riders, which I guess suits me since I'm somewhat aloof red mare.
Please take a moment to sponsor my stall
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