SHARP NOTES

March 2007

Yeah!  Winter is on the way out, although I will bet that it will not go quietly.  What does that mean for us riders???  MORE MUD!!!  And don’t forget the huge amounts of hair that will fall off!  Getting your horse ready for a lesson may involve significantly more time so please plan accordingly.  The good news is that it also means more sunshine, outside riding and horse events to participate in!   Also, Mary will be on Spring Break March 17-24^th.  If you would like to do some extra riding, let her know!  Mary will be out of town March 21-22^nd. 

Also, we are coming along on the web site-be sure to visit

sharphorsekc.com

Please note rate changes effective March 1,2007

Lessons:

Private lessons……                $50.00 / session

Group lessons…….                $160.00/ 4 session package                  

                                                $200.00/ 5 session package

                                                $45.00 / session when purchased on a lesson by lesson basis

Sessions last 45-90 minutes to be determined by the instructor. 

Group lesson sizes are minimum 2 riders and maximum 4 riders.

Group lessons purchased as a 4 or 5 session package must be pre-paid.

Lessons must take place within a consecutive 30 day period.

Training:

Half-Time Training……$200.00 month + board

Currently only half-time training will be available, full time services will open May 1, 2007.  Training includes working the horse 2-3 days per week, duration of each workout to be no less than 30 minutes or more than 90 minutes.  Each monthly training package includes 1 free lesson on the horse in training as well as $10.00 off the regular lesson rate.

Showing:

*Single Day Shows-

“The Total Package”…..$150.00/ day*

Package includes: transport of equipment and horse, required paperwork, entries coordination, pre-show finishing on horse and preparation, trainer work with horse and coaching for the rider for unlimited classes 

 “The Show Package”…..$100.00/ day

Package includes: all of the above services excluding hauling

 *= subject to change slightly subject to fuel costs

*Multi-Day Shows-

“The Total Away Show Package”…..$200.00/ day*

Package includes : transport of equipment and horse, stall set up and daily upkeep of horses while away, cleaning/feeding, preparation of horse before classes, required paperwork, entries coordination, trainer hotel and food allowance, trainer work with horse and coaching for the rider in unlimited classes.  Charges begin the day the trainer leaves until the day the trainer returns.

“The Away Show Package”…..$175.00/day

Package includes: all of the above services excluding hauling

At Sharp Performance Horses, we know that riding is not a cheap sport or hobby. It is our goal to continue to make riding safe and fun with opportunities for advancement without breaking the bank. We will be offering the Winter lease special through the summer! 

The special is $200.00/month.  It includes:

*Use of the horse for 2-3 days a week

*Tack and equipment

*Two of the month’s lessons free!

This special is only available on Smokey, Tender, LN, Nike, Jacket and Tony.

If interested in one of the other lesson horses, including Red, Prince, Whiskers and Winnie, please see Mary for details.

This is a great way to practice those skills on safe, enjoyable horses!

OPEN RIDING DAYS FOR MARCH will be:

                   March 19^th  9am-2pm        Monday

                   March 24^th  9am-2pm        Saturday

Email or sign up on the forms by the tack shack.

Come have fun with your family and friends!  Enjoy a few hours of riding and working with your favorite horse!

Signed liability waivers are required, however, participants do not need to be currently taking lessons with Sharp Performance Horses-Everyone is welcome.  Riding will be supervised but in a non-lesson setting.

The cost is $30.00 per person

IMPORTANT:  This issue of Sharp Notes will be the last one sent to all past clients.  Starting with the April issue, Sharp Notes will only be sent to clients who are currently taking lessons, training or participating in camps.  Those who are no longer on the current roster will still be able to get the newsletter by picking one up at the barn or online at sharphorsekc.com!

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New Pony Penny prizes are here-see updated list posted on the tack shack board!

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Quote of the month:

(This is for all you guys who have been working hard all winter in the cold!)

“Awards and ribbons are won in the summer and EARNED in the winter”

-Charley Mattingly (our horse’s farrier)

UPCOMING EVENTS

Be sure to sign up to participate in the March 25^th

Not Summer Series Horse Show! 

Start time is 9am here at Kill Creek Arena.

Looking forward to lots of people and lots of ribbons and prizes awarded!

Lesson horses are available for the show-please see Mary for entry forms.

This show is a great way to test your skills and show off!

Show bill is attached.

Also, if you would like to join us-we will have a booth at the Pony Express Tack Sale and Kickoff- March 17^th Saturday from 10am to 2pm in Lee’s Summit .  There will be all kinds of clothes and equipment at discount prices.  Contact Mary for directions or if you have items to sell!

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QUESTION FOR MARY:

Spring is coming and I need to vaccinate my horses.  I have heard that it is better to give the horse a day off when that happens.  But other people are telling me that I should ride them to make them more comfortable.  Which is right?

Springtime means shedding hair, mud and shots!  About the end of March through May is the best time to give the Spring series of shots. In this area, that might include Equine Rhino/Flu, Rabies, Strangles, West  Nile and  others.  Many of these vaccinations can be given together in single shots.  A horse, just like a human, may become sore after receiving vaccinations.  They may also exhibit a low grade fever afterwards.  If your horse shows any of these symptoms, it is best to give them time off to recover.  Horses that show allergic reactions to their vaccinations should also have time off work. Allergic reactions are not uncommon and may include hives, trouble breathing, swelling at the injection site and high fever.  However, if your horse shows none of these symptoms or reactions, what is the best thing to do?

Some people believe that the horse will accept the vaccinations better, if the horse is worked afterwards.  The theory is that the medicine will work itself through the bloodstream quicker and any soreness will also be reduced. (Similar to when you rub the site after a shot.)  The other belief is that, similar to humans- especially children, horses may be sore, cranky, feverish and generally out of sorts after a series of injections  Just like a human, the horse might benefit from the time off. 

Let your horse be your guide.  Each horse reacts differently. If you think your horse might benefit from a little light work, feel free, but expect some resistance in sore areas. Otherwise, let him enjoy the rest of the day off-you are still contributing to his life by making sure he receives the correct vaccinations!