Ponderosa Performance Horses

News

Climbing the Ladder

February 13, 2012 - Anna and Nico continued their climb this weekend, as they went back to Orlando for a 2nd attack at the Grand Prix. I don't want to know the hours Anna spent reviewing the videos from the first show, but let's just say she's a quick study. This was a show to dissect more details, and the reward was there with a 68.19 yesterday, and a 72.12 today in the open Grand Prix! Rock on!!!

Indiana and Florida in February

February 6, 2012 - I just returned from a wonderful visit in Florida with the Inspo group. Which included Bill, Belinda Nairn-Wertman, Anna Marek and of course our beloved Winner. Sharon Bard who is a lifelong friend was able to take a few days off from her busy schedule and have a mini vacation with us in Florida.

I did a clinic in Indiana before heading to Florida. I have to say the rides were just wonderful with the horses and riders looking great in spite of the freezing temperatures. While I was in Indiana teaching, Anna was starting her show season off in Orlando at the Snow Bird’s Paradise Shows.

This was the first Open Grand Prix for Anna and her own Unico G, AKA Nico. (Negro x Animo), and it was a super start for them. On Saturday the 28th, they won with a well deserved score of 66%, and on Sunday they were first again with a 64%. This pair has a great future in front of them, and we are very proud of them. Anna has trained Nico by herself and it shows what can be done by tirelessly working towards your dream. We are so lucky to have her as the rider of Winner!

Not to be outdone by his barn mate, Anna’s other ride, Voyager ended the weekend by winning the FEI High Score Award with a 73.9% in the I-1. Voyager (Jazz x Goodtimes) and Anna had their best ride ever, and were the talk of the show. Congratulations to Anna and the crew at Inspo!

New Saddle For Winner!

We have wonderful news for Anna Marek and Winner! They are getting a custom made saddle! Noelle, who owns Tack Et Cetera in Phoenix, Arizona was instrumental in setting up a meeting with Steve Lovatt, who owns Lovatt & Ricketts Saddlery. The Lovatt family have been involved in the saddlery business since the 1890's. The saddles are hand made in Walsall, England, each saddle can be hand crafted to fit horse and rider or they have multiple choices that are semi custom. Winner is very specific how he likes his saddle to fit and Anna, being that she has those lovely long legs, need a custom saddle. The saddles are made from the most lovely leather and the original design of the tree allows for the shoulders of the horse not to be impeded. We at Ponderosa Performance Horses and Inspo are extremely excited about the news. It will take about six weeks for the new saddle to arrive. If you would like any information you may contact Tack Et Cetera at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Steve Lovatt at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . We would like to thank both Noelle and Steve for their interest and excitement in helping Anna and Winner pursue their dressage career.

Indiana Clinic in January

January 10, 2012 - I will be in Indiana doing a clinic January 28 and 29, please feel free to give me a call. From Indiana I will be heading to Florida to Inspo, to visit with Winner, Anna and of course Belinda. So looking forward to seeing my friends in Indiana.

Florida Trip

December 20, 2012 - Just returned from Florida visiting Belinda, Bill, Jeanie, Anna and Winner. My mother traveled with me and we could not have timed it more perfectly. Belinda and Bill had a wonderful Christmas party on Saturday night. I was able to meet so many of the local horse people in the Ocala area. Was also able to catch up with a few that I had not seen in awhile. We had a wonderful time with the Inspo crew. Winner and Anna are looking awesome! They have come such a long way in just a few months in their relationship. We were also able to spend some time getting Anna and Winner in a saddle that fits both of them. Winner's new farrier, Brent Barrett has his feet looking fantastic. He is also one lucky boy to have a personal Equine Massage Therapist, Martha Grace! It takes a village to keep these horses happy and sound. All I can say is what a village Winner is getting. It is always difficult for me to say by to Winner, even though he is in a fantastic situation......we still miss him here in Arizona. I am already in the planning stages for the next visit.

PPH Client Blaire Aldridge

November 30, 2011 - We are so excited that Ponderosa Performance Horses client Blaire Aldridge is featured in the latest edition of Equine International! View the article here.

Speaking About BioVigor

November 21, 2011 - Reta Conner attended the AAEP meeting in San Antonio, Texas last weekend and had a great time helping Dr. Larry Metheney with BioVigor at the trade show. BioVigor is the Polyphenol Antioxidants that we keep the horses on at the farm. They also provide product for Anna Marek and her lovely horse Nico as well as the young dressage stallion, Winner.

Anna and Winner - from Belinda Nairn-Wertman

November 11, 2011 - Our long time friend from Arizona, Reta Conner, bought Winner (Sir Sinclair x Rossini x Kommandeur) as a 2 yr. old stallion in Holland. She put her heart and soul in to training this delightful stallion, and came to realize she may have something very special. We hatched a plan to get him and Anna together to see what we might have... and lets just say this is a match made in heaven! This charming 8 yr. old stallion is dripping with talent that is just beginning to surface, and we are all so excited to see this team grow. Reta did a tremendous job developing Winner to the FEI levels. We are so grateful that she believes in our training program almost as much as she does her wonderful horse! Exciting stuff!!

Winner and Anna

Anna And Winner - Together at Last

October 27, 2011 - PPH is proud to announce the partnership of Anna Marek and Winner! Winner made the long trip from Arizona to Florida to meet his new match, Anna, last month. Together with coach Belinda Nairn-Wertman, this pair has already become a great team. We have high hopes for them and are excited to see them in the show ring! Read more about them here.

The Dinosaur Makes His Debut

October 23, 2011 - Cara Gregoire and Hank (aka the Dinosaur) made their debut in the jumper ring at the Fall Hunter Jumper shows at Westworld in Scottsdale and proudly came home with a few blue ribbons and a new sense of confidence. And then The Dinosaur took a nap... it's hard work being a champion.

Cara and Hank