(Photo by Unknown)
(Photo by Unknown) |
Name: Max's Beautiful Babe |
| AKA: "Panda" | |
| Stats: 2002 Paint mare | |
| Owned by: Lauren Buslinger-Newman | |
| Major: lessons, hunters, eventing | |
| Graduated: December 2011 | |
When Panda first came to Castle Farm about a year ago, she was fast, hard headed and LOVED to jump! She still loves to jump, but she has learned to slow things down a lot and listen to her rider. Her steering has improved a lot too :). Panda made tons of friends, both human and equine, during her short stay here at Castle Farm. She became quite a reliable horse and we will definitely miss her!
 (Photo by Brian Murphy) |
Name: Top Deck Jet |
| AKA: "Jett", "Jet, Jet, Space Cadet" | |
| Stats: 2001 Quarter Horse/Arabian gelding | |
| Owned by: Heather King | |
| Major: lessons, hunters, eventing, native costume, jumping | |
| Graduated: September 2011 | |
July 2008 Sharon Oaks Stables Hunter Show Low Hunter Champion (rider Jordyn Dunson) February 2009 Double D Hunter Show Mini Equitaion Division Champion (rider Jordyn Dunson) 2009 NC State Fair Half Arabian Mounted Native Costume Champion (rider Jordyn Dunson) 2009 MacNair's Country Acres year end 4th place Maiden Level Combined Training Division (rider Jordyn Dunson) October 2010 Sharon Oaks Stables Hunter Show Open Walk/Trot Champion (rider Elena Freedman-Scott) July 2011 Sharon Oaks Hunter Show Walk/Trot 12 and under Champion (rider Claire Williams) |
|
Jett first came to Castle Farm about 5 years ago as a barely broke horse with quite an attitude. Turns out some of that attitude had to do with a golfball size bladder stone he had rolling around inside him. Once we got rid of that, Jett proceeded to tear open his shoulder, which resulted in the vet having to shear off part of his shoulder bone. The (almost) final straw was that he developed locked stifles after having been on stall rest for several months. After several more months of physical therapy, we weren't making any progress and had to resort to a third surgery. All of this was much more than his owner could bear financially, so she agreed to let me train him for resale. However, once I started working with him, I discovered that Jett was a very talented horse that had a great personality too. I ended up purchasing Jett for the Castle Farm lesson program and never looked back. Writing this now, even after him being gone for several months, still brings tears to my eyes. Throughout the last 5 years Jett came such a long way, and brought all of us with him - from 3 surgeries in one year, to sturdy and confident lesson horse, to jumping much higher than even the pre-purchasing vet thought he could, to successful competitor in hunters, eventing and native costume, and even to finally learning to cross those scary ditches. No other horse will ever play "feed-pan" with as much gusto as Jett. I miss you so much, fella - you brightened so many lives . . .
Cassidy was born and raised at Castle Farm and lived here for 6 years. She was my by LA Baltic Sundance and out of Lusty Gambler, (aka Sandi). She was my first warmblood baby, and she was a great introduction! Cassidy and I worked our way from in hand classes, where we were invited to show at the prestigious Dressage at Devon, up to Beginner Novice eventing, where she won almost every time out, and we even got to taste First Level dressage at her last show (which she also won). Cassidy was an extraordinary partner, who really loved to compete and show off her stuff. I will miss her dedication and work ethic along with her beautiful face in the field. Cassidy was bought by Liz Long - a wonderful person who will take great care of her and get to enjoy all that Cassidy has to offer.
 (Photo by Chris King) |
Name: Jack Daniels |
| AKA: "Jack" | |
| Stats: ~1998 Domestic shorthair male (N) | |
| Owned by: Heather King | |
| Major: mouser, lap quilt, friend | |
| Graduated: January 2011 | |
Jack once enjoyed the luxuries of being an indoor cat, but he started a bad hobby of chewing photographs and breaking collectibles that happen to be within reach. So, he was banished to the barn, where he lived "la vida sucia" (the dirty life) with the other residents of Castle Farm. Jack spent many years protecting the barn from all sorts of species, including, but not limited to, mice, moles, voles, birds, flying squirrels, regular squirrels, bats, and I'm sure there were more that I didn't even see. Anyone who knew Jack knew that he absolutely HATED to be picked up and would let out the whiniest meow anytime someone tried. He did love to sit in a person's lap, however, especially if it was cold out. Jack was not a very good house cat, but was a FABULOUS barn cat. We really miss seeing him around the barn. To my knowledge, he is not dead, he just disappeared. Maybe, one day, he'll come back . . . .
 (Photos by Chris King) |
Name: Solie |
| AKA: "Solie" | |
| Stats: 1984 ApHC gelding | |
| Owned by: Liz Murphy | |
| Major: children and adult lessons, jumping | |
| Graduated: Passed away December 2009 | |
Solie came to Castle Farm on loan from heather's mom, Liz, and quickly filled his role as a lesson horse. He took many riders to many levels over the years, and was well-loved by everyone who met him. He will always hold a special place in our hearts.
 (Photo by unknown) |
Name: Honey Nut Cheerio |
| AKA: "Cheerio" | |
| Stats: 1990 Welsh/Quarter pony gelding | |
| Owned by: Chelsea Tipton | |
| Major: dressage, eventing, lessons | |
| Graduated: December 2010 | |
Chelsea first joined Castle Farm as a driving student, to learn something different. Shortly after she started lessons here, she moved Cheerio to Castle Farm so that she could enjoy riding him on our lovely cross country fences and take some lessons with him. It would also put him closer to school, since she would be at Meredith College. Cheerio is a fabulous pony full of spunk despite his age. We easily fell in love with him and he fit in around the farm wonderfully. We really miss seeing his white face in the field!
 (Photo by unknown) |
Name: Foreign Authority |
| AKA: "Emmett" | |
| Stats: 1999 Thoroughbred gelding | |
| Owned by: Jenna Evenson | |
| Major: dressage, eventing, lessons | |
| Graduated: May 2011 | |
Emmett and Jenna came to Castle Farm about a year ago. Jenna had adopted Emmett from an off-track Thoroughbred horse rescue. Despite having won about $150K in race money, Emmett was very laid back and easy to ride. He quickly became a favorite around Castle Farm, especially with his quirky behavior. However, during his last couple of months here, he developed navicular syndrome and had to be returned to the adoption agency in New York. Emmett, and all his crazy antics, will definitely be missed!
11/30/11 - Update on Emmett - Jenna wrote to let us know that Emmett was adopted out again to a new home. Emmett was adopted by Debbie Stebbinos of Baldwinsville, NY. "Debbie has plans to trail ride Emmett alongside her husband Bruce and his Appaloosa gelding Cisco." Congratulations to both Debbie and Emmett!
 (Photo and inset by Lois Mercer) |
Name: Oktoberfest |
| AKA: "Clyde" | |
| Stats: 2002 Thoroughbred/Clydesdale bay gelding | |
| Owned by: Katie Toney | |
| Major: Huntseat, dressage, lessons | |
| Graduated: July 2010 | |
When Clyde originally came to Castle Farm, he came as a new mount for Ashley Godfrey. She spent about a year with him, and brought him along very nicely with his dressage and jumping. However, he did not seem to enjoy the eventing world as much as the hunter world, so Ashley sold him to another student - Katie Toney. Katie was much more interested in the laid back lifestyle of hunters, and that fit Clyde to a T. Clyde was a nice, big gelding with a sweet temperament and very willing attitude. Katie and Clyde moved to a barn that would allow them to be closer to each other. We wish them the best of luck!
 (Photo by Unknown) |
Name: Fox Knoll Papermate |
| AKA: "Leo" | |
| Stats:2003 AQHA gelding | |
| Owned by: Carla Pinkerton | |
| Major: pleasure riding, lessons, hunters | |
| Graduated: July 2010 | |
Leo originally came to Castle Farm as a resale project for his owner. After cleaning him up and working with him, Carla decided she couldn't bear to part with him. He is such a sweet fella and talented too! He had developed himself as a nice, quiet, hunter horse. Leo was learning to enjoy jumping and competing. After months of commuting long distance to visit and ride her horse, Carla decided to move him to a barn that is much closer to her home. I'm sure they are enjoying a lot more time together now.
 (Photo by Unknown) |
Name: Belle Sherri | |
| AKA: "Bella" | ||
| Stats:1999 Thoroughbred mare | ||
| Owned by: Lisa Hines | ||
| Major: Eventing, lessons | ||
| Graduated: December 2009 | ||
Bella and Lisa came to Castle Farm on the recommendation of Neuse River Vet. Bella had spent some time as a racehorse in Pennsylvania, and then Lisa had bought her to event. When she came to Castle Farm, she was quite out of shape. As we started her on a conditioning program, a hidden lameness appeared. Due to further complications, Bella's conditioning ceased, and she spent several months lounging around in the pastures and gaining several horse and human friends. Eventually, circumstances beyond her control forced Lisa to move Bella back to her aunt's farm. She will definitely be missed!
 (Photo by Unknown) |
Name: Waltz With Me | |
| AKA: "Wally" | ||
| Stats:2002 Thoroughbred/Oldenburg gelding | ||
| Owned by: Morgan Rodwell | ||
| Major: Eventing, lessons | ||
| Graduated: December 2009 | ||
Morgan had moved Wally to Castle Farm so that he could be closer to her as she attended NC State University. Go Pack!! Unfortunately, as things go for college students, it did not work out for her to be able to keep him here. She ended up moving him back home after only a short time here. Wally is a gorgeous horse with wonderful movement, who was well liked at Castle Farm. Hopefully, we'll see him again some time.
 (Photo by unknown) |
Name: Mandolin Rain |
| AKA: "Moose" | |
| Stats: 1995 Hanoverian/Thoroughbred Bay Gelding | |
| Owned by: Ashley Godfrey | |
| Major: Dressage, combined training and eventing, lesson horse | |
| Graduated: February 2008 (was given to a couple just outside Winston-Salem to live out his days with pasture buddies) | |
Moose was at Castle Farm for a couple of years. He came here to be sold, but we easily fell in love with him and he didn't leave right away as planned. Heather King bought him first, because he was such a nice addition to the lesson program. Then Ashley Godfrey fell in love and purchased him a few months later. She took him to several horse trials during the short time she had him, and they both had a lot of fun. Due to an injury, Moose could not be jumped anymore, so he had to be given away. He has a really good home, but we will definitely miss him.
 (Photo by Chris Hawkins) |
Name: Lexington |
| AKA: "Lex" | |
| Stats: 1999 bay Mustang gelding | |
| Owned by: Sydney Parks | |
| Major: Lesson pony, dressage and eventing prospect | |
| Graduated: October 2007 (moved to a farm closer to owner's home) | |
September 2006 Double D Hunter Show Reserve Champion Short Stirrup Hunter (with rider Jordan Rigsbee) September 2006 Double D Hunter Show Reserve Champion Infant Hunter (with rider Heather King) |
|
Lex came to Castle Farm for "behavior modification", and blossomed into a great lesson horse. He jumps 2', and is very easy going. While he was here, he went to several shows and definitely showed promise as a dressage pony. Sydney Parks (Lex's young owner) had been traveling to Castle Farm from Rocky Mount for several years. They recently found a farm much closer to their house and have relocated Lex there. We wish them both the best of luck!
 (Photo and inset by the Shaw family) |
Name: Bust-A-Move |
| AKA: "Buster" | |
| Stats: 2000 Appaloosa/QH dark bay gelding | |
| Owned by: Linda, Ellen, and Rachel Shaw | |
| Major: The Shaw lesson horse | |
| Graduated: December 2007 | |
2006 MacNair's Country Acres Intro Level Dressage Year End 3rd place (with rider Linda Shaw) April 2007 Double D Hunter Show Special Beginner Equitation Champion (with rider Rachel Shaw) April 2007 Double D Hunter Show Beginner Equitation Champion (with rider Rachel Shaw) May 2007 Double D Hunter Show Beginner Equitation Champion (with rider Rachel Shaw) |
|
Buster is the Shaws' personal horse. He was also a lesson horse for Castle Farm. We were always delighted by his antics both in and out of the field. He has lots of talent and potential for both the hunter and dressage rings. Hopefully, we will see him at some shows in the future!
 (Photo and inset by "Pics of You") |
Name: Jo Jo's Secret |
| AKA: "Jo" | |
| Stats: 1998 APHA Chestnut Paint/Thoroughbred mare | |
| Major: Dressage, combined training and eventing, english pleasure, driving | |
| Graduated: Sept. 2007 (sold to Laurie Betts) | |
2003 CVPHA Breeding Stock Paint Horse High Point Champion 2003 PAC certificate: English Pleasure 2004 PAC certificate: Dressage 2004 PAC Top 5: Dressage 2004 PAC Top 5: Combined Training Sept. 2005 Brighton Stables Combined Training Champion 2005 Year-End MacNair's Country Acres Novice Combined Training Division Champion 2005 PAC Certificate of Achievement: Combined Training 2005 PAC Reserve Champion: Combined Training 2006 American Eventing Championship Qualifier: Beginner Novice level 2006 Year-End MacNair's Country Acres Novice Combined Training Division Champion 2006 NCDCTA HOY 4th place Senior Beginner Novice level eventing 2006 NCDCTA HOY 1st place Senior Combined Training 2006 PAC Certificate of Recognition: Eventing 2006 PAC Top 5: Eventing 2007 NCDCTA Horse of the Year - tied for 6th place in Training Level Eventing (limited showing) |
|
Click here to see a video of JoJo driving.What a versatile horse! | |
6/18/11 - Update from Laurie - "I went to a hunter/jumper clinic today (Maryann Charles was the trainer). Jo Jo was SO good - she perked right up even in the heat when she saw that we were going to jump. We did a small course at the end and I was pretty wiped out but happy. Some people even wanted to know if she was for sale!! I think it's hard to find a horse that goes right to every fence you point them at in an eager but calm way!! I just LOVE her...And you taught her to load so well she just marches right onto the trailer every time. She sends her love"
4/17/11 - Update from Laurie and Jo Jo - "Hey Hather - Jo Jo and I won a class at a hunter schooling show - 2 foot over fences!!! I am so excited and happy!"
11/7/10 - Update from Laurie - "Just
9/19/10 - Update from Laurie on her first combined training with Jo Jo - "Hey Heather - I just wanted you to know Jo Jo and I did a CT at Fenridge. I wish I could say we won a blue ribbon, but Mama Laurie had a senior moment and went off course so we were eliminated- however we managed to jump all the jumps (Maiden) and actually had a good dressage score (38) - good for me anyway."
7/5/10 - Note from Laurie after a recent cross country schooling session between myself, Jo Jo and Laurie: "Hi Heather - Jo Jo and I had a blast last week! It gave us both some confidence - me especially." Jo Jo is looking fabulous - Laurie keeps her fat and happy. I couldn't have asked for a better owner for one of my best horses ever!
Update from Laurie (10/27/08): Hi Heather! Hope all is well at Castle Farm...We have started jumping! She [Jojo] is such a good girl...She is healthy and happy and we are NOT looking forward to colder winters here, but my barn has a nice big indoor!!! I've attached a couple of pictures - one is us at a dressage clinic (not great resolution) one is just her out in the sun.
Update from Laurie Betts (4/18/08):Jo Jo and I are safely in Pennsylvania. She has adjusted well to her new place - I just had Brewster haul her up here early this week, and I rode her today for the first time and she was a good girl. Of course she is still kinda like a deer in the headlights but everyone there likes her already. She is turned out with some other mares and was not any trouble to integrate.
Update on Jo Jo from Laurie Betts (12/9/07): Hey Heather - The Walkers had a little schooling Combined Training show yesterday. Me and Jo did a maiden with our very first ever jump course (very low jumps but a lot of them in a row for me). WE had only had one lesson with Brewster several days before and I really didn't think I was ready, but she was such a pro and didn't try anything at all naughty - just point and shoot pretty much. I was SO happy with her and it gave me so much confidence.
Update on Jo Jo (11/19/07: Hey Heather - Hope all is well. Jo Jo and I did pretty well at Dressage at Latta, and I had a blast. . . we got a second, a third and a fourth ribbon. Two of our scores were 64 and 65 -the 4th place was 59 - I was kinda tired for the last one so I didn't get as much energy as I should have. All walk-trot tests, but we schooled some canter while we were there. Latta is gorgeous and very low-key and everyone was so nice. She behaved herself very well and she loves to be braided and pampered. Happy Thanksgiving and I have attached a picture of us after our test. She is giving the Jo Jo eye!!
Jo was Heather's personal eventing horse. While she was at Castle Farm, she excelled in english pleasure, dressage, jumping, driving, and foxhunting. When she left, she was under saddle for eventing, and was consistently listed in the Paint Alternative Competition (PAC) listings for combined training as well as dressage. In September 2006, Heather and Jo qualified and competed at the American Eventing Championships. Jo Jo was sold to Laurie Betts. Laurie will be keeping JoJo in training with Judy and Brewster Walker of Station Hill Farm in Cedar Grove, NC for several months. After that, look for Jo in the dressage and combined training show ring again!
Jewel was born here at Castle Farm and was raised here for several years. She was first sold to Jordyn Dunson as her first horse. She was able to stay at Castle Farm and was enjoyed by many kids in the lesson program. Jordyn's time with her was unfortunately short lived. She had to sell her. Jewel now resides at Southern Oaks farm in Raleigh. Jordyn visits her every once in a while. We have recently heard from one of the girls who rides her and loves her. You can click here to check out her comments about Jewel.
Star arrived at Castle Farm as Kelsey's first pony. She was definitely a handful, but Kelsey managed and became a better rider for it. For those who could ride her, she was a lot of fun. She was speedy and loved to jump high! Unfortunately, Star had to leave Castle Farm when Kelsey and her family moved too far away. She was later given away to a family that kept her mainly as a pasture mate for their other horse and an occasional leadline pony.
**Update on Marti: "I hope this letter catches you doing well. I just thought I would send you an updated photo of Marti. We have had a slow show season...busy with other things, but caught time to attend a show in Parkton 2 weeks ago. She came away with 6 Blue, 2 seconds, 1 third, and 2 Grand Champions. We were thrilled. She has finally made that connection with my youngest daughter and they are a great little team. We will be at the State Fair Show again this year, so hopefully we'll see you there." -Sue Priest
**Update from the new owners: "I know it's been a while but I wanted to just send you an updated photo of Marti and to let you know she is still doing great. We qualified for the state horse show on her again this year and we were hoping to catch up with you there, but we didn't have any luck. Anyway, here is a photo from the district show and one from this past week at State, as you can see she is as beautiful as ever. I may be visiting you again soon, we're looking for a younger taller horse......my oldest daughter is looking at eventing, keep us in mind if you come across anything." -Sue Priest
Out of the great Q Ton Eagle bloodlines, Marti has been a successful show horse her entire life, from halter shows as a yearling to blue-ribbon jumping as an adult. She has a great temperament, and is a very calm schooling horse. Marti is also a great broodmare, and produced several quality foals when she was with Castle Farm. (Click here to see her foals!)
Cheyenne was a 15 hh mare, very sweet disposition, easy to handle. She was used for walk/trot/canter lessons, and was very successful at jumping, especially cross country. She made a fabulous eventing horse while at Castle Farm, competing up to Novice level.
Owen was another of our solid lesson horses. Owen worked well as a medium-sized lesson horse for our younger riders as well as our more experienced students.
Jackie was the cute one in the family, and always had the run of the house. However, she kept running away if we ever left a door or window open. So, after one too many nighttime trips to find her, we finally gave Jackie what she wanted. In the end, she shared the barn with Jack and helped keep Castle Farm rodent-free.
Sebastian was our resident ball of energy and primary "awww" recipient. He was named for Sebastian Cabot, who we (at the time) mistakenly thought was the voice of Tigger, whose overenthusiastic bouncing form Sebastian emulated so well. (As you may know, Sebastian Cabot was the narrator of Winnie the Pooh -- Paul Winchell was the voice of Tigger.) As a pet, Sebastian was great! He was very soft (that's why they make coats out of chinchillas), and he took baths in fine dust (extremely cool to watch). We bought him a big plastic ball for Christmas one year, and he rolled around the house in it, providing hours of amusement for both the humans and the other animals in the household.
Graylord was a wedding present, and was a barn favorite at Castle Farm. He was a very loyal goat, and protected us from the evils of the world.
(Photo by unknown)Name: QTs Crown Jewel
AKA: "Jewel"
Stats: 2002 APHA Sorrel and White Mare
Owned by: Jordyn Dunson
Major: Jordyn's first horse, lessons, great for beginners!
Graduated: June 2006 (she was sold to Southern Oaks where she continues to give riding lessons)
(Photo by unknown)Name: Starbrighte
AKA: "Star"
Stats: 1988 Morgan/Welsh liver chestnut Mare
Owned by: Kelsey Crowe
Major: Kelsey's first horse, lessons, jumping phenom!
Graduated: June 2006
**Update on Marti 12/7/11: "Hey Heather, Thanks for keeping us in the horse loop! I just wanted to tell you Marti is enjoying retirement! We purchased the property adjacent to us and so it has doubled her pasture so she is loving being the queen of it all. She is still the same character she has always been and you cannot tell her age. Everyone who meets her assumes she is the youngest of the herd.
She kicks up her heals with the best of them! Thanks for such a wonderful horse. You will never have to worry about her, she is a permanent resident here, spoiled and loved......she was the best purchase ever! Have a Merry Christmas!" -Sue Priest
(Photo by Chris King)Name: Aqulia de Martita
AKA: "Marti"
Stats: 1990 APHA bay tobiano mare
Major: hunter/jumper pony, lesson pony
Graduated: February 2006 (sold to Sue Priest)
2003 Carolina Fall Classic Large Pony Reserve Driving Champion
(Photo by Heather King)Name: Cheyenne's Teacup
AKA: "Cheyenne"
Stats: 1993 APHA Bay/White tobiano mare
Major: WTC and jumping lessons, eventing
Graduated: January 2006 (sold to Rhonda Crosby)
(Photo and inset by Chris King)Name: Owen
AKA: "Owen"
Stats: 1990 Quarter Horse/Arab cross gelding
Major: children and adult lessons, Hindu weddings
Graduated: June 2004 (sold to Debbie Hanley)
The non-horse alumni of Castle Farm
(Photo by Chris King)Name: Jaqueline
AKA: "Jackie"
Stats: ~1998 Domestic longhair female (S)
Major: Assistant barn cat, proof to watch what you ask for (you just might get it!)
Graduated: Passed away Dec. 2005
(Photo by Chris King)Name: Sebastian
AKA: "Sebastian"
Stats: 2001 chinchilla
Major: Beloved pet
Graduated: Passed away 2005
(Photo by Chris King)Name: Graylord, Master of the Barn
AKA: "Gray"
Stats: 1998 Pygmy Goat wether
Major: He was cool!
Graduated: Passed away 2004
