March 2007

VOL.56

UPCOMING HORSE SHOWS:

Springtime in Dixie
4/11 - 4/15/07

Springtime Encore
4/18 - 4/22/07

Brownland Farm
4/25 – 4/29/07

HORSE SHOW RESULTS

Everyone is glad to be back in Gulfport this year!  It is so nice to see the community rebuilding and recovering from such devastation.  Week one was a successful one!  Lordy and Michael were Reserve Champions in Level 5.  The pair was also 5^th in the Grand Prix.  Lemon Drop was Champion in the Low Children/Adult Jumpers.  Toby and Hayley were Champions in the Younger Large Juniors, and were first in the WIHS overall.  Kristen Boe, from Atlanta, showed with us.    She was Reserve Champion in the Older Large Juniors and 2^nd in the Large Junior Classic on her horse, Grey Goose.  Lizzie was Champion in Short Stirrup with McKenzie Christian in the irons.  Corazone Z and Suzie Hoyt were Reserve Champions in the Regular Working Hunters.  Corazone sold after week one!  Congratulations Suzie!!!  Little Guy and Linda Segerson were Champions in the older Adults.  Kenny and Alyson were 2^nd in the USEF Medal.  Woody won a class in the First Years.

Week two brought a Grand Prix win for Lordy and Michael!  The competition was tough with 7 in the jump off!!!  Toby was 1^st in the USEF Medal.  Kenny and Alyson were Reserve Champions in the Younger Small Juniors.  Congrats to all and good luck in the next three weeks!

SMF SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD

For the month of February, the SMF Sportsmanship Award goes to Caroline Gillen.  This month, given a difficult set back with the loss of Scooter, Caroline has been hardworking and extremely willing to ride and work and stay involved.  Everyone can learn from Caroline in regards to her positive attitude and work ethic, despite a traumatic loss.  Congratulations Caroline!!!

SPRING MILL NEWS

On February 13, 2007, Mitzi Pitts passed away.  We are all devastated and trying to get through this difficult time.  Mitzi and Bob could be found at any local show watching Lara and Ben in the Pre-Children’s or Lara and Charlie in the Children’s Hunters.  Mitzi was also instrumental in getting the Spring Mill web site off the ground by creating an internship position for one of her students.  Her student received college credit for the work he did creating springmillfarm.com and getting it up and running.  The Pitts family has been a part of the Aintree/Spring Mill gang for many, many years.  Our hearts go out to Bob, Lara, Aaron, and Andrew.  We will be organizing meals for the family, as well as a donation to the ASPCA in Mitzi’s honor.  If you would like to contribute, please see Lindy.

Our thoughts are also with Dee, Erica and Caroline Gillen for the loss of Scooter.  Dee and Erica owned Scooter, and he had been leased by Caroline.  Scooter recently moved to Spring Mill from Aintree.  Scooter will be missed by us all.

Michael Tokaruk has decided to go into business with his younger brother, Luke.  The pair will be operating a barn in Aiken, South Carolina.  While we wish them both the best of luck and much success, Michael will be greatly missed!  Michael has been a wonderful friend, rider and trainer to us all over the last four years.  We have all enjoyed watching Michael grow into a very accomplished Grand Prix rider with Lordy, as the pair now has four wins under their belts.  Michael has also enjoyed many wins in the Hunter ring as well, most notably his Legacy Cup win on Woody.  Michael plans on competing at some of the same shows that Spring Mill competes at…so we are sure to stay in close contact!!!