Country Time Acres Blog

It was a beautiful day for a performance. Author, Katie Hardiman read a chapter from her recently published book,  Nutcracker Stallion” to a small but, delightful group. I wasn’t sure how the day would go, originally the reading was to take place in the indoor arena. Unfortunately, the new building did not go up as planned and was no where near completition forcing the event to be moved outdoors. This presented a number of possible obsticles.  All week we had unusual warm weather and sunny skies. That day there was the threat of cooler weather and wind. There was also the distraction of other horses which is a major problem for me when performing at liberty. Sundae, is a very right brain horse and tends to express lots of energy when in new places. With the help of my husband, Terry,  grandson, Makhi and a few good friends we got the sound equipment set up fairly quickly.  I had been bundled in my winter coat while setting up the arena but, when the program was about to begin suddenly the wind stopped blowing and I was able to shed my coat. The horses also seemed to be as calm as the wind. All the other nearby horses had been moved to the barn without much notice to my horses. When the music started I was shocked to say the least that my horses were dancing just as we had rehearsed.  We were almost done when they suddenly caught sight of a horse at the end of the arena and they darted off to say hello. Well, it was almost perfect! I ran my horses to the other side of the arena, they were beautiful with their manes blowing in the breeze and their pretty garland glistened. After retreaving them we headed to the fence to say hello to their audience where they were quickly rewarded with many smiles and pats on the head.  I am hopeful that Katie and I as well as C-Line Stables will be working together on some future projects. My Paints are truely amazing, not because they can do some pretty tricks but, for what they have brought to my life, the lives of others and the people I have met because of them.  It was truely a beautiful day.

On Saturday, November 12, 2011 the C-Line Stables in Townsend, Delaware will host “The Nutcracker’s Stallion”. The program begins at 2:00 with a reading by author, Katie Hardiman followed by a performance by Jowana Lamb and Her Amazing Paints, Sundae and Dakota. Books are available for purchase and will be signed by the author. There will be coloring pages and gift bags for the kids. The program is free of charge and open to the public. For more information call Jowana Lamb at 302-284-9898.

Tommie Turvey is always a hit with the audience.

If you missed the Horse World Expo in Maryland then maybe you can catch it in Harrisburg, PA.. The expo is scheduled for Feb. 25-28 at the Farm Show Complex. This is one of my favorite expo’s because they host Theatre Equus, an equestrian production that celebrates the beauty and excitement of the horse. In the past the show has featured  performers such as Tommie Turvey, Lynn Palm, Matt McLaghlin, Erik Martonovich and Alethea Shelton and Geradro and Staci Diaz. There  will be plenty of shopping opportunities, clinicians and good food. Learn more at Horse World Epo. Did you visit?  Leave comment!

This weekend is the annual Maryland Horse World Expo held at the Maryland State Fair Grounds in Timonium. The 4 day event began on Thursday and will end on Sunday. Terry and I attended the Expo on Thursday as it is less crowded than the weekend. Some featured clinicians included Kenny Harlow, Scott Purdum, Julie Goodnight, Colleen Kelly and John Lyons. I must say they had a good selection of food vendors this year which is always a plus and there were plenty of vendors selling their wares. We enjoyed looking at all the horses ans stopped and chatted with a few people we knew. Before we left we were able to catch Caroline Rider’s demo with her horse Smoky. We met Caroline a few years ago when she was just starting out. It’s great to see her horsemanship program has grown. She has even co-authored a book, Horse as Teacher Path to relationship. I wanted to get a copy but, wasn’t able to catch her at her booth to sign it. I am sure we will visit in the near future. If you are unable to attend this event there is another Horse World Expo in Harrisburg, PA. next month.  Don’t forget to visit the side bar Pages/Events for performances and store showings for 2010. Visit Jowana Lamb on Facebook! Visit Caroline Rider Horsemanship. Thank you for visiting, we are sorry but, the comment box for this post is full.

The Cavalia tent with a canvas of Frederic Pignon and Templado.

My adventure began in Altanta, Georgia; my excitement building with each passing mile. We pulled up to the parking garage, showed our ticket to the attendant and were directed to the V.I.P. parking. Just a few steps away was the huge white tent where the show would take place. Inside a smaller, V.I.P. tent there were cafe style tabels, I took one closest to the heaters. I sat sipping on Champaign  and watching big screen T.V.’s playing exerts from Cavalia’s past perfomances. I could easily get use to this V.I.P. treatment! Ten minutes before showtime we are escorted to the main tent to be seated. Everything in the tent is designed for the ultimate Cavalia experience. The comfortable stadium seats sit higher than normal so the visitor’s can see the horse from the top of his ears to the tip of his hoof. There is surround sound so no one is exposed to to much or to little volumn.

The show opens with a performer dancing in a large puddle of water;  a magnificent white horse joins her. When the number is over, the water dissapears. The magic has just begun. Throughout the show there are acrobats, aerialist, trick riders and girls with lassoes. The beautiful horses never end. Cavalia is home to more than sixty of them; twenty are stallions.  I was most impressed with the number “Grande Liberte” with Sylvia Zerbini.  It was amazing to watch as she played with eight horses at liberty. Not once did I see a performer tug a rein or kick a heel into a horse. All of the moves were so soft you didn’t see them. This is the way it should be. The horses are allowed to be horses.

During intermission we were ushered back to our tent where we sampled lush desserts and more Champaign.  The second half of the show as spectacular as the first. To soon it was over. Several of the artist were in the tent signing autographs and there was a tour of the barn. The next show was only an hour away and the horses were feasting on a much deserved flake of hay. Having seen this show and reading several books on Cavalia and the training of their horses I am left with a new perspective on the horse.I am so inspired.  There simply is nothing more emotionaly moving than the horse/ human relationship; to be at liberty is truely an unconditional love.  Learn more at Cavalia. 

Did you visit? Leave a comment!  Visit our side bar Pages/Events for 2010 performances and store showings.

At Cavalia, everthing is a work of art, even the tent.

Spectacular! Magical! So beautiful it moved me to tears. Cavalia, an equestrian experience of a lifetime surely to leave you inspired and with a newfound understanding of the relationship with human and horse.Unlike most equestrian productions, the horses are the stars and their human partners their props. Everything was designed with them in mind; from the tent to the stage to the very soil they run on. Add flowing costumes, breathtaking backdrops and a cast of the world’s most talented artist and you have a huge work of art symbolizing the most graceful, spirited and powerful animal on Earth.

I use to be but a servile and useful animal. You shaped me into a work of art. Today my greatest use is to please you and that is easy for me. Since I feel free and secure I no longer want to flee but come towards you. You are my most noble conquest, my joy. (Taken from the poem, In Search of Freedom by Raoul Duguay.) Learn more at Cavalia.

Cavalia, a dream of freedom. It will touch your heart. Did you visit? Leave a comment.

Enjoy a great show and wonderful food at Medieval Times.

Step back into history, the medieval times. A time when  decorated horses carried their noble Knights as they battled in  the royal competition. See beautiful dancing horses and feast on food fit for a King. It is a night for the entire family, to eat, drink and be merry. Raise your glasses (and your flags) and cheer for your favorite Knight as he battles in jousting and sword fighting. Medievel Times has 9 castles located in Canada and the U.S., Toronto, Canada, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, South Carolina and Texas. The horses are bred and trained at their ranch in Dacula, Texas,  the largest breeder of Andalusians in the United States. The horses live at their castles in 20 stalls built to cater to their needs for comfort. They are washed daily and groomed twice a day. They also get regular vacations to keep them from being over worked. A fun filled night for the entire family, visit them at Medieval Times! Did you visit?  Leave a comment!!!

Sundae and I prepare for the Dancing Horse Challenge.

Mark your calendars for Saturday, December 5, 09 to attend the Festival of Dancing Horses at the Dream Park of Gloucester County in New Jersey. The festival begins  when doors open at 1:30. The event will benefit the Equine Assisted Therapy and handicapped Riding Program.  The activities will begin with a basket auction followed by the Dancing Horse Challenge. Six amazing equestrian acts, including Sundae and I, will be competiting for audience votes. A fun and entertaining time is promised for the entire family with tickets costing just $10.00 for adults and $5.00 for children under 12. Information can be found at www.equineassistedtherapyofnj.org or call 609-330-2444. The Dream park is located on Route 130 S., Logan Twp. NJ, 08085. Hope to see you there!

Did you visit?  Leave a comment!

The Canadian Cowgirls perform Maypole Play during Pfizer Fantasia.

One of the main reasons I traveled to Massachusetts was to see the equestrian production, Pfizer Fantasia. It was a fantastic show! I have seen many shows and am sometimes disappointed when the show features lots of horses and riders but, little creativity or talent. I was not disappointed and it was well worth my trip. The Canadian Cowgirls are a very talented drill team. I was very impressed with their “Maypole Play” and their outfits were fabulous. The Knights of Valour were also an amazing act, giving us a taste of jousting games from the medievel times. Costuming makes such a difference when it comes to performing and their horses were amazing as well. David and Robert Donnert are two very talented people, especially when it comes to juggling. Now add horses and fire and you have a spectacular performance.  David also did a comedy act with his horse, Cheif Bear Paw lV. Another amazing act was Christine Drentwett and Shane Karson to Garrocha Times Two. I am going to have to do some research on this, they had long sticks and did very unique moves with them while riding their horses. The most touching performance of the night was when the Canadian Cowgirls  and the riders of The Theraputic Equestrian Center did an act to The Pony Man Bedtime Story. It was the perfect ending to a very busy day.  Did you visit? Leave a comment!