With much sadness I’m passing on the news that Red Rico has made the transition to the other side.Red Rico, owned by our dear friend, Rick Signor, was the most perfect example of all that is horse. Rico was brought to my farm as a yearling, a BIG yearling I might add!He was only 3 years old at the time of his passing. In that short time I was able to learn so much from Rico and to experience lots of tears and laughs because of him.I would like to share some of Rick’s own words about our beloved equine friend…
“I’ve never been any prouder of any horse than I was of Rico, he did all that was ever asked with gusto, and verve and always much mischief. He was conceived to be a RACE HORSE!
He had the heart, mind, spirit and intelligence to be one. Unfortunately nature conspired against him with the impaired airway, yet he gave always his whole self to this task, and even in defeat still beat horses to the wire when only on 3 good legs.
A bad hand of cards had been dealt, success of racing missed, yet he filled me each day upon seeing him with joy and possibilities. He was a joy (challenge too!),to raise, train and race.”
Somewhere in time’s own space
There must be some sweet pastured place
Where creeks sing on and tall trees grow
Some paradise where horses go,
For by the love that guides my pen
I know great horses live again.
~Stanley Harrison
On Sunday Dr.Rob hosted a Walk & Talk at the farm. About 50 people joined us for a walk
down to the pond where Warren and Justin had built a wonderful bonfire. We gathered
around the fire with pumpkin bread and warm cider in hand to listen to some inspirational
thoughts from Dr.Rob. I brought Geronimo down towards the end of the talk and a few of
the people attending went for a ride. It was so nice to have so many positive people at
the farm. I thank Dr.Rob and Chris Briel for making this event happen. I look forward to
hosting more events like this. Check this article out in the Citizen- http://www.auburnpub.com/articles/2008/11/03/local_news/news05.txt. Be sure to check out Dr.Rob’s website, www.mindbodysmile.com for more information on future events!
Claire, Dr.Rob, Tara, Justin, Ray and Maria Kiltz in the CNY Healing Arts Wellness Center & Spa’s Sponsor Box.
Tara, Claire and Maria in the warm up arena!
Friday night was our big night at the 125th National Horse Show, the Syracuse
Invitational. Dr.Rob’s CNY Healing Arts Wellness Center and Spa was a corporate sponsor
for the Corporate Team Challenge jumper class. It was so exciting to be up close and
personal with the top riders in the world! The team consisted of Kevin Babington, Todd
Minikus, Margie Engle, and 2008 Olympic Gold Medalist McLain Ward! All of the riders were
brilliant and it was such fun to cheer our team on!
The Gambler’s Choice class! A rider clears the optional joker fence and 2008 Olympic Gold Medalist Beezie enters the arena as a bumble bee!
Dr.Rob sports the Syracuse Invitational pink hat and scarf!
Thank you to Ned Snyder and Dr.Rob for providing the photos!
I would like to congratulate Chris on the purchase of her new pony, Umbella (latin for “Shadow”), as she is a spitting image of Shadow in her younger day…and acts just like her too! Umbella is a 14.2 hh Welsh/TB cross. She is very sweet on the ground and blast to ride. Chris will enjoy many, many hunter paces and hunts on her!
Claire leads Geronimo with a happy young rider aboard
The launch of the CNY Fertility Kids Club with the Meet & Greet Geronimo event on Saturday was a smashing success! There were a lot of smiling faces! The kids were able to ride Geronimo, Ransom, and Rannita. There was a big straw bale mountain that they got to climb, a game of “Pin the Tail on Geronimo”, pumpkins to paint, a magician, popcorn and cotton candy. Over 300 guests and volunteers enjoyed a beautiful fall day surrounded by great people and beautiful horses! Claire Affleck Training looks forward to hosting more events like this in the future!
Betsy, Lynn, Alice, and Heather help this youngster climb aboard Rannita
We had a great time at the LCH Master’s Hunter Trials in Cazenovia this weekend! Lynn competed on Dr.Kiltz’s Geronimo in the Junior Hunter division and won a 4th place ribbon in the over fences class! Claire showed Chris’s horse, Chance in the Open Hunter division and got 6th in the over fences class.
On Sunday Claire attended Limestone Creek’s opening hunt. The hunt began with the Parade of Hounds down Main Street in Cazenovia, NY. The parade was great fun for the riders as well as the spectators! Claire rode Dr. Kiltz’s Geronimo in the first field on the hunt and had a glorious time! The hounds were fantastic, the horses were wonderful, with great people, and lots of fun gallops and jumps along the way!
