Welcome back to Hoofbeats and Heartbeats.

I would like to introduce you to another instructor. Chris Speck is a semi-retired instructor who started with Opening Gaits in 2001. She became NARHA certified in June 2004. Chris lives part of the year in the U.S. but when she is around she helps Donna Davey with the Wednesday morning classes. Her expertise is always welcome as she was a R.N and has traveled the world. She stays in touch with Donna all year and she guides, suggests or confirms methods that benefit both the students and the horses.

In Memoriam Natasha Joy Sabo

There are tears of sadness as we also say goodbye to one of our riders, Natasha Joy Sabo. Natasha was very special and she was Mom and Dad’s world from October 1995 to April 2007. Now she is in Heaven, taking care of her family and the rest of the world. To us she will always be sitting on top of Smokey, with a big smile on her face and that is how she will be remembered by everyone at Opening Gaits. She came to earth to teach us about unconditional love, kindness and what giving was all about.

Smokey knew exactly what Natasha was all about and he made her his world on the days that she rode. He gently took care of her and he always knew when she needed a rest. Smokey is going home to spend his remaining time on earth in a green pasture with the sun shining on his face. Two old friends are going home. All of us at Opening Gaits have Natasha and her family in our hearts and prayers.

Remembering Jazz

Sometimes the world will bring something special into our lives and cause us to smile. Jazz, one of the program horses, passed away last November. Jazz, donated by Marilyn, loved life to the fullest and he did it with pride and gentleness. He was adored by volunteers, riders and anyone else who came into his world. Marilyn and Jazz grew up together and they spent many hours together like old friends do. All of us at Opening Gaits will be thinking of Marilyn and Jazz as he will be missed.

Edmonton Sherriff’s Posse rides along with Opening Gaits!!!

Once again the plucky men of the North were brave enough to arrive in Calgary in time for the 2007 Stampede. As usual they are being very generous to Opening Gaits. We are a regular on their travels and their donation every year is greatly appreciated and put to good use.

Thanks to the Edmonton Sheriffs Posse.

Representing Opening Gaits are Howard Nelson, Rohit and his father Digant.

New Lift

We have great news about our custom lift that we were able to purchase thanks to the Kinsmen Club of Calgary. They were very generous and this allowed us to buy a first class lift that is required as some of our students who are growing up fast and getting too big to be lifted. Rick Maidman installed the lift this summer and students are getting used to using it. As soon as possible pictures will be available.

Many organizations have been generous this past year with donations to Opening Gaits.

Igallop

This summer Opening Gaits became the proud owners of an IGallop, thanks to the AEF. What’s an IGallop? My question exactly. So, I googled IGallop and found out it’s a wonderful exercise machine that the riders can borrow to work on their core balance.

Your body responds to multi-directional movement to maintain balance. In other-words the seat moves which engages muscle groups in the abs, back, hips, seat and legs. It helps improve balance, posture and coordination. It changes speeds at random intervals.
Sounds like something we all should try.

The Masters

Early in September Spruce Meadows, a world class riding facility in Calgary, held “The Masters” which included the $40,000.00 Cana Cup. BMO donated the use of their skybox at Spruce Meadows on September 6 for an event that was planned by Carol Buckwold. This is the second year that Carol has organized this event to benefit Opening Gaits. Ticket holders were treated with meeting Anky van Grunsven, the world’s #1 dressage rider, who did a demonstration. Also, Mika took those interested for a “course walk”. Seeing the jumps up close gives one a whole new appreciation for the sport of jumping. At 3:00pm the Cana Cup began with 30 riders competing for their share of $40,000.00.

Many thanks to BMO and Carol.

Owen and Tiffany were in attendance representing Opening Gaits riders at the Spruce Meadows BMO skybox.

Carol Buckwold, Don Chalmers, Rick Maidman, Donna Davey, Howard Nelson and of course our kids Owen and Tiffany.

We also received a very wonderful donation from the Calgary Regional Trail Riders Club which is a non-profit group. The group provides members with day rides, campouts, clinics and they ride in parades during the year. The Club holds casino’s to benefit programs like ours.

On October 20, 2007 GreenBriar Stables hosted a silent/live auction to benefit Opening Gaits. The auction was combined with a bake sale, and wine and cheese. Great fun was had by all and over $15,000.00 was raised. Thanks very much to Ron & Better Francis who own GreenBriar and their manager Brandii. Also thanks to Yvonne and Marina who worked hard setting up the auction. I understand that they had a trick rider to entertain everyone who attended the auction.

This entry was posted on Monday, October 29th, 2007 at 6:06 am and is filed under News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.