Latest News From Bobbin Hollow
Free Webcast Announced for Morgan Grand National
The Grand National & World Championship Morgan Horse Show® has joined forces with Markel, RaDon, Marsha de Arriaga and Hawk Multimedia to bring all the fun and excitement of this year’s show to you LIVE and FREE.
All three performance arenas will be offered to you live throughout the week beginning October 8th and continuing through the last class on the evening of October 15th. For more information, stay tuned to www.MGNLive.com
All eyes in the Morgan world will once again focus on Oklahoma City in less than two weeks as the city showcases some of the best athletes of America’s first breed.
Competition begins Saturday, October 8th with three shows daily through Saturday, October 15th. Show times will be at 9:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. each day.
Markel Insurance Company is known for years of quality to service to the Morgan world. RaDon Incorporated has a tradition of quality when it comes to fine horse apparel. And, Marsha de Arriaga is without a doubt the tailor of the stars when it comes to riding apparel with classic lines and elegance.
In addition to the free live broadcasts, Hawk Multimedia will also offer paid subscriptions for access to replays of all the shows activities at www.morganhorsevideos.com.
For more information on this exceptional animal, check out the breeds website at www.morganhorse.com. Or, for more information on the 2011 horse show, you can log on to www.morgangrandnational.com.
Ariana & Alexandra Varveris
People's Choice Award Winners
BHEC in the Naples Florida Weekly
"Young Naples equestrians ride to strong showing in Kentucky"
 Bobbin Hollow Equestrian Center’s new middle school show team debuted at the Interscholastic Equestrian Association’s Saddle Seat Kick Off show earlier this month at Morehead State University in Kentucky.
A 50-year Naples tradition, BHEC serves more than 100 riding students, from pre-schoolers to senior citizens. Riders choose from English disciplines including hunt seat, dressage, saddle seat and driving. Many BHEC students compete at elite levels and bring home championships from world, national and regional horse shows. Read More (PDF).
BHEC in the Saddle Horse Report Magazine
"Bobbin Hollow: A Success Wherever They May Be"
 Picture a 370-acre, hillside farm covered with trees whose flaming leaves match the color of a fall sunset. Houses more than 200 years old, a large barn, riding arena, training area, trails and an Olympic-size swimming pool dot the area. American Saddlebreds and Morgan Horses, with an occasional Hackney, roam the pastures.
That was the ‘original’ Bobbin Hollow Farm… located near Amherst, Mass., in the heart of what might be called the Northeast’s college corridor. Today’s Bobbin Hollow sits on five acres just off the water in Naples, Florida. Palm trees and tropical plants have replaced the hardwoods and evergreens. However, the passion for horses – particularly American Saddlebreds and Morgans – and dedication to the business has made theirs a great transition from the Northeast to one of the Southern-most points in the United States. Read More (PDF).
BHEC in the Saddle Horse Report Magazine
Interscholastic Equestrian Association
Completes First-Ever Saddle Seat Competition
 On February 5 & 6, 2011 the Interscholastic Equestrian
Association (IEA) held its first saddle seat competitions at
Morehead State University. Morehead graciously provided
the management leadership, show facilities, many horses
and volunteers to make the inaugural “Saddle Seat Kickoff
Shows” a successful event. Read More (PDF).
LOCAL STUDENTS RIDE TO VICTORY
IN KENTUCKY
Naples, FL (February 9, 2011) – Team Bobbin Hollow unveiled its new middle school show team at the Interscholastic Equestrian Association’s (IEA) Saddle Seat Kick Off Show at Morehead State University in Kentucky on February 5-6, 2011. All four members of the middle school team from Bobbin Hollow Equestrian Center, a Naples-based equestrian training facility whose advanced show team consistently earns world titles at the Grand National & World Championship Morgan Horse Show® in Oklahoma City each year, earned high placements in several divisions with team member Natalia Fernandez garnering two first-place ribbons and recognition for Sportsmanship. The 50-year old equestrian center also earned the title “Reserve High Point Team” at the show.
In addition to entering four youth riders in the two-day competition, Bobbin Hollow lead instructor Lark Renè Henry is also the official Saddle Seat division coordinator for the IEA. In 2010, Bobbin Hollow partnered with the United State Equestrian Federation’s (USEF) High School Equestrian Athlete program in an effort to coordinate and encourage recognition of athletic accomplishments in equestrian sports. Several local high school students on BHEC’s show team have received or are working toward varsity letters from the USEF.
“The new IEA Saddle Seat shows allow a new generation of youth riders to compete in a special level of sanctioned shows and earn points,” says Henry. “By building points, middle school athletes have an opportunity to reach a High Point status, which will qualify them to compete in more IEA national shows with upper level riders.”
Morehead graciously provided the show facilities, leadership, and as many as 25 or more horses and volunteers for the Saddle Seat Kickoff Show. Morehead’s equestrian coach, Erin Lecompt, has hosted multiple hunt seat and western shows for both IEA and IHSA in the past. Her additional experience as a coach in the ISSRA (Intercollegiate Saddle Seat Riding Association) was crucial to the success of this first IEA Saddle Seat competition.
The IEA was established to provide competitive and educational opportunities through equestrian athletics. Bobbin Hollow Equestrian Center has trained world champion riders for over 50 years and with the IEA is now expanding its tradition to younger riders eager to begin their competitive career.
Bobbin Hollow’s Saddle Seat middle school team consists of four student riders: Arianna Varveris, who attends Pine Ridge Middle School; Natalia Fernandez, who attends a Montessori Children’s House in Tampa; Lillian Gilbert, who attends North Naples Middle School; and Katie Paige Richards, who attends Seacrest Country Day School. At the Morehead show, Arianna Varveris rode a Saddlebred horse and placed 1st in Equitation. Natalia Fernandez rode a black and white paint and placed 1st in two Walk/Trot divisions. Lillian Gilbert rode an Appaloosa and placed 2nd in a Walk/Trot class. Katie Paige Richards rode a Quarterhorse and placed 4th in a Walk/Trot class.
Of the 60 middle and high school riders that participated in the show at Morehead, BHEC’s Natalia Fernandez rose to the top and also received top honors in Sportsmanship.
Bobbin Hollow Equestrian Center is a full-service, bio-friendly training, recreational and showing facility. This first-class equestrian center currently serves over 100 riding students, from preschoolers to senior citizens. Riders have the opportunity to choose from many English disciplines, from hunt seat, dressage and saddle seat to driving. Many of the students compete at elite levels and bring home championships from world, national, and regional horse shows. For more information on Bobbin Hollow, its riding programs and the IEA’s Saddle Seat show schedule, please call Lark Renè Henry at (239) 592-1033.
2010 USEF Regional Horse of the Year
& 5th in the Nation Awarded to
HVK Standing Ovation
Bobbin Hollow is pleased to announce the exceptional accomplishments awarded this year to our very own classic pleasure driving Morgan horse, HVK Standing Ovation, owned by Katiepaige Richards. HVK Standing Ovation has been added to the United States Equestrian Federation’s roster of champions for the 2010 year and has been awarded Regional Champion and 5th in the Nation. This prestigious program is offered to all USEF recognized breeds and is regarded as an ensign of achievement within the equestrian community.
Bobbin Hollow Equestrian Center WINNER of the
2011 People’s Choice Award
Bobbin Hollow Equestrian Center has been named for the 2011 Southwest Florida’s Parent & Child People’s Choice Award. Bobbin Hollow would like to send a big thank you to all that voted for them. We could not be as successful without all of our loyal clients, friends and family.
LOCAL EQUESTRIANS WIN BIG
AT WORLD SHOW!
(Naples, Florida)—Several equestrians training at Bobbin Hollow Equestrian Center recently took home top honors at the 2010 annual Grand National & World Championship Morgan Horse Show® in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The competition, which was held in October, is one of the country's premier horse shows and attracts thousands of the world’s top Morgan horses from as far away as Canada, Great Britain, and Austria.
Sharing in Team Bobbin Hollow’s success, Natalia Fernandez of Tampa, FL, riding Tara’s War Dance, was named the Reserve World Champion Walk-Trot Equitation Champion. Natalia was the Reserve World Champion Walk & Trot pleasure winner in 2009. Ariana Varveris of Naples, FL, was at the reins of her horse Celebrity Marquee, took home the Grand National Champion and the Reserve World Championship title in the Junior Exhibitor Park Harness division. Following in her sister’s footsteps, younger sister Alexandra Varveris rode her Morgan, True Gold, to a top three title in the world for the Walk Trot Hunt Seat equitation division. Marsha Shepard of Shelbyville, TN, took home the Grand National Championship in a very competitive Ladies Classic Pleasure Driving division.
For more than 35 years The Grand National & World Championship Morgan Horse Show® has represented the pinnacle of achievement in the Morgan Horse world. It is held mid-October each year in Oklahoma City to permit equal access for exhibitors from all parts of the country. More than 5,000 Morgan enthusiasts attend the show at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds. This year, the show offered more than $300,000 in prize money and awards to the owners and exhibitors of the over 1,000 horses competing from 45 states and four nations.
The Morgan has the distinction of being the first recognized America breed, originating in 1789 in Springfield, Massachusetts.
Founded in 1909, the American Morgan Horse Association is a non-profit organization serving more than 50,000 Morgan horse owners, breeders, exhibitors, and enthusiasts throughout the United States. AMHA serves as a parent organization to more than 90 recognized Morgan horse clubs and national service organizations. It also provides an important link to foreign Morgan horse registries and clubs.
Working in conjunction with AMHA is the American Morgan Horse Institute (AMHI), a charitable organization dedicated to educations and historical Morgan activities. One of the activities of the AMHI is conducting the Grand National & World Championship Morgan Horse Show, the breed's premier show.
Local high school student obtains varsity letter
from national riding organization
Like many young athletes, Jessica Stone began her training when she was learning the alphabet. “She was uncertain at first, but after just a few lessons, we could see she had potential,” said Lark René Henry, Jessica’s trainer and the owner of Bobbin Hollow Equestrian Center.
The Naples-based equestrian facility, which began a tradition of high-touch, high-standards riding instruction 50 years ago in Massachusetts, has trained Jessica for 10 years. Now part of the center’s elite show team, Jessica, 16, and her Morgan show horse Gladiator will travel to competitions across the United States each year.
“Yeah, it’s tough to miss school,” said Jessica, a junior at First Baptist Academy. “But I love competitive riding so it’s worth it!”
Until recently, school-age equestrian athletes that dedicated themselves to the sport were unrecognized for their competitive activity on a peer-to-peer basis. But with help and guidance from Henry, Jessica became the center’s first student to receive a special varsity letter through the United State Equestrian Federation’s (USEF) High School Equestrian Athlete program.
“This is a move forward for athletes like Jessica who commit to a sport that’s not part of a school’s athletic program,” said Henry. The USEF program is a nationally recognized program for youth riders, and is embraced as a valid student accomplishment by many schools.
“After telling the school’s athletic director about Jessica’s USEF letter, they agreed to include her in the athletics award ceremony this year,” said proud mom Janice Stone.
Many of Bobbin Hollow’s youth riders compete at elite levels and bring home championships from world, national and regional horse shows. And Jessica is one of them. Her collection of blue ribbons is a testament to her commitment to the sport. But to qualify for the USEF recognition, Jessica had to document that she spent more than 100 hours training, and that she competed in at least two USEF-approved competitions during the past year.
That wasn’t too hard for Jessica who started competing at age 9 with her first horse, Ms. Hot Tamale. By 2006, she was competing in USEF-sanctioned and A-rated shows, some taking her as far away as North Carolina. In September, Jessica and Gladiator will make their driving debut at a show in Ocala.
While there is no guarantee the USEF letter will now allow Jessica to receive the same privileges and scholastic advantages as athletes in school-sponsored sports such as excused time off and athletic scholarship consideration, it will, like all personal achievements both on and off school grounds, certainly enhance her college applications.
Henry, a People’s Choice Equitation Instructor of the Year, and her father Woody, a retired USEF show judge, take the show team and horses to the Morgan Grand National World Championship Horse Show in Oklahoma City each year where they continue to garner world titles.
“I hope I’ll be ready to show in Oklahoma one day,” said Jessica as she prepared Gladiator for one of many lessons she never misses each week. Turning to the young playful horse she said with a grin, “But that means we’ll have to spend every day together!”
Naples News Story
IEA has officially announced that Saddle Seat is approved as an emerging discipline of the Interscholastic Equestrian Association and teams are starting to form all over the United States. Hundreds of teams and thousands of members have enjoyed participating in IEA Hunt Seat and Western competitions for the past 8 years, but this will be the first year for the Saddle Seat offerings.
The mission of IEA is to introduce students in private and public middle and secondary schools (primarily ages 11 through 19) to equestrian sports, to develop understanding and appreciation of equestrian sports through organized student competitions, to provide students with organized competitive events and to provide additional equine educational opportunities. Through the IEA, students may also have the opportunity to earn scholarships towards their college education.
The objectives of IEA are:
- To promote the equestrian as an athlete.
- To provide students with organized competitive opportunities.
- To introduce new riders to equine sports.
- To promote the IEA among middle, and secondary schools.
- To provide students with opportunities for further education equine sports and other equine-related matters.
- To encourage liaison with USEF, IHSA and other interested bodies.
- To provide information concerning the creation and development of school associated mounted and non-mounted equestrian programs.
- To establish and enforce IEA rules, standards and policies
- To evolve with the continuing progress of equestrian sports.
- To generally promote the common interests of safe riding instruction and competition and education on matters related to the horse industry and all segments thereof.
Forming a team is easy, “you need at least 3 students for an Upper School or Middle School team. Teams can form within your own barn or you can help promote Saddle Seat outside of your barn by contacting local schools. The IEA has everything spelled out for you, and it's a great way to expand riding opportunities” says Lark R. Henry.
Not only will the IEA help promote the growth of Saddle Seat riding around the country, but it will also bring a new format for youths to participate in Saddle Seat competitions. “This is going to bring Saddle Seat to a whole new level by making it affordable. It will open a new outlet by allowing riders to get back into showing again without spending a fortune.” Says Bille Rae Graham of Royal Wind Farm. Graham also coaches an IEA hunt seat team and is the current coach for Marshall University Equestrian Team in Huntington, WV. Graham concludes “This will also help riders to be seen by college recruiters.”
Graham will be forming her own IEA Saddle Seat team and is happy to assist or answer any question regarding organizing teams throughout Zone 3 (DE, MD, WV, VA, NC) and Zone 5 (KY, OH, IN, IL, MI). Bille Rae Graham can be reached by emailing Raverajax@aol.com or phone (304) 208-3130.
How It Works
- The IEA was founded on the principle that any middle school or high school student should be able to participate in horse shows, regardless of their financial status or riding level.
- The IEA attempts to eliminate the expenses of students owning horses and allows more students to compete. Students ride horses that are furnished by the host(s) barn and chosen by drawing lots.
- The use of personal tack is not allowed and limited schooling is permitted. The theory behind this structure is to equalize variables of the competition and test the horsemanship of the contestants.
- Classes range from walk/trot – to walk/trot/canter for first year students to the Varsity Open Division for the more experienced riders that have shown at the World Level, and in competitions such as Team USA.
In this first, formulative year, IEA memberships will be discounted for saddle seat teams and riders. The IEA structure and format will extend to Saddle Seat competitions held from September through April, and top point earners will receive national awards, prizes and scholarships.
To learn more about IEA, visit www.rideiea.com.
Bobbin Hollow is pleased to announce
Natalia Fernandez of Tampa
and Alexandra Varveris of Naples
recipients of the
2009 People’s Choice Awards.
Bobbin Hollow Equestrian Center Hires Leah Conathan
A professional Dressage trainer and instructor who recently relocated to SW Florida from New England. She has been teaching dressage for 20 years to students and horses who have gone on to compete successfully through 4th level. Her skill in teaching comes from her ability to give her students the confidence necessary to ride well and compete successfully.
Her father, Leo Boyle, was a graduate of the Cavalry School in Ft. Riley, Kansas, an equestrian program which rivaled the cavalry schools of Germany and France. That system of education became the foundation of her teaching and training. She furthered her Dressage education with Karl Mikolka, a member of the Dressage Hall of Fame and former Obereiter at the Spanish Riding School in Vienna. Leah currently trains with Kathy von Ertfelda, a former USET team member and highly respected Grand Prix rider and trainer.
A long time member of the New England Dressage Association, she is on their list of elite Flextime Instructors. She is currently pursuing her USDF silver medal. Leah is also an accomplished side saddle rider and lifetime member of the Myopia Hunt Club.
With a Master’s Degree in Teaching, Leah has put that education to use in teaching both horse and rider. Leah has devoted her career to refining her skills as a teacher in order to maximize each student’s learning ability. Leah welcomes Dressage students and horses of all levels and abilities to train with her at Bobbin Hollow Equestrian Center.
Youth Riding Clinic
After many successful Adult Saddle Seat Riding Clinics, Bobbin Hollow has decided to share the successful opportunity. Our trainers will provide one-on-one assessments, private and group instructions that focus on the specific needs and goals of each rider. You’ll also learn proper ring management and showmanship procedures from patterns to poise. Lessons are given on BHEC’s fine school horses.
Bring the entire family and spend the weekend in Sunny Naples, Florida. Bobbin Hollow is located just 4 miles from the Gulf of Mexico and backs up to the famous Tiburon Golf Course, spa retreats, shopping, excellent restaurants and beautiful beaches. This is a weekend the entire family can enjoy!
Bobbin Hollow will offer a 10% discount to all FMHA members and takes participants at a first come first Serve basis only.
Ages: 21 and under.
Date: Sunday, February 14, 2010.
Cost: $225.00 per person, lunch and refreshments included.
Time: 9 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Contact Lark R. Henry for more information (239) 592-1033 or Contact Us.
Our ASB mare, I’m In Charge,
had a new filly by Namaste on April 22, 2009
in Shelbyville, KY
FMHA BANQUET & CLINIC
January 23 - 25, 2009
The 2009 FMHA banquet plans are well under way. It is going to be held at the Crowne Plaza in West Palm Beach on January 24th, 2009. This location is across the street from the Palm Beach Airport, close to the beaches, the famous Worth Ave shopping area, and many more local attractions such as Polo and the Winter Equestrian Festival.
Guest Speakers
We are having some Guest speakers for the banquet- Jimmy and Helen Roberston, famous for
equitation & driving; and Andy Marlett - Morgan trainer with many World Championships will be lending some of his show ring and training expertise. In addition to this exciting banquet Arboria Morgans and Echo Lake Morgans will be hosting the club at Echo Lake that same day. We are going to have demonstrations by the
Robertsons and Andy and want to invite all to come.
3 Day RSVP Clinic
We also will be holding a 3 day rsvp clinic for anyone who would like to join us. Friday January 23rd thru Sunday January 25th we will be accepting 14 horses, their riders, owners, and anyone who would like to attend for private lessons, group instruction, training tips, show ring grooming techniques, fun, etc. The valuable lessons will
be from the Robertsons (equitation riders take note!!), from Andy Marlett (Western, Road horse riders!!), from Tom Johnson (saddle horses!!), from Tracy Roy (In Hand, Hunters and Hunt Seat equitation riders!!) and from Gene Olesen (top driving trainer!!).
There is something for everyone, this is the best way to start the 2009 show season and what a great Christmas gift to your riders! We will be holding a question and answer panel and will have lunch each day for all the attendees.
Clinic auditors without horses are most welcome too, there will be something for everyone to learn and enjoy.
Clinic Pricing
The following is the cost breakdown for the Jan Clinic at Echo Lake- we are having people sign up already and are looking forward to all the attendees!
Saturday afternoon is free for all FMHA members and for other people with paid Banquet tickets.
Clinic - $350 for 3 days attendance includes 1 private lesson with Clinician of choice, a stall (horse owner supplies feed and hay — we feed and clean
stalls daily) Lunch and continental Breakfast each day included.
Clinic - $500 for 3 days attendance includes a private lesson each of 3 days with Clinicians of choice and everything else above. These riders and their horses will be 1st choice from Clinicians for any demonstrations or extra help too.
Private lessons can be ala carte at $150 each.
Auditors - $25 for each day or $50 for 3 days attendance. Includes meals.
There are many hotels, restaurants, activities in the
immediate area, the Crowne Plaza has a block of rooms held for the Banquet and this event.
The Crowne Plaza is less than 30 mins from Echo Lake, their number is 561.689.6400 or 1.800.227.6963.
Please make your reservations now as the cut off date for this discount is Dec 27th 2008!
For more details contact
Tom Johnson 772.812.9729 or
email Tomj772@aol.com
Lynn McColl 561.239.5389 or
email echomorgan@aol.com.
Bobbin Hollow Equestrian Center
is
Going GREEN!
Naples, FL (SEPTEMBER 12, 2008) - Bobbin Hollow Equestrian Center is proud to announce the results of a year-long bio-environmental project to completely transform the elite Naples-based equestrian facility into a green friendly environment. The full Bio-Mulch story.
Read more in the Naples Daily News:
"North Naples equestrian center makes all-natural fertilizer devoid of smell"
HIGH PRAISES
FOR BOBBIN HOLLOW'S SADDLE UP IN THE SUN
2008 Adult Saddle Seat Clinic!
Download the full reviews below:
How I Saddled Up In The Sun (1mb PDF)
Diary Of An Adult Camper, Chapter II (205k PDF)
Articles courtesy of Saddle Horse Report
ROCKIN' BOBBIN
HOLLOWDAY PARTY
Makes dreams come true
NAPLES, Fla. - Two
lucky girls had their holiday wish come true as they were surprised
with two beautiful show horses at Bobbin Hollow Equestrian
Center's annual evening holiday party held on Saturday, December
15.
Kathryn Vitiello, 11, is now the proud owner of Ms. Hot Tamale,
a barn favorite for her lovable demeanor and a previous competitor
on the Florida show circuit. Kate Paige Richards, 8, was given
HVK Standing Ovation, a four-year old English pleasure gelding
who was shown at the Morgan Grand Nationals in October 2007
by Steve DeBolt under the Kohler Stables banner and recieved
reserve honors in the GN fouryear-old Stallion and Gelding
pleasure driving.
Over 100 people witnessed the joyous presentation as the
two horses were given to the girls. But they were not the only
party goers with smiles on their faces. In addition the the
horse presentation, there was a DJ, dancing, food, and games
— including a gift exchange, limbo competition and karaoke.
Awards were also given out to recognize students for their
achievements and were presented by Lark R. Henry and last
year's Most Improved Horsewoman of the year recipient, Elise
Merrill. Kathyrn Vitiello and Alexandria Klingsporn both recieved
the Horsewoman of the year award honoring their dedication
and yearly accomplishments.
Closing the event with a final acheivement award recieved
by Ariana Varveris for her success as a young equestrian and
as Henry put it "a trainer's proud moment award from
her UNANIMOUS victory in a field of 22 and a workot to boot,
at this year's Grand Nationals on board HVK Noble Flame."
 |
Mr.
and Mrs. Woodrow Henry, Sr. were inducted into the American
Morgan Horse Hall of Fame during the Morgan horse convention
held in Atlanta, GA in early February. |
Horse World magazine announced it's
People's Choice Award winners
and BOBBIN HOLLOW EQUESTRIAN CENTER
came out on top!
LARK
RENÉ HENRY
Instructor of the Year
HVK NOBLE FLAME -
Overall Jr. Exhibitor Park Saddle
Jr. Exhibitor 16-17 Park Saddle
TRUE GOLD -
Overall 13 & Under Pleasure Driving
11
& Under Pleasure Driving
Reserve
Walk-Trot 9 & Under English Pleasure
CELEBRITY MARQUEE -
Jr. Exhibitor Park Harness
15 & Under
Reserve
Overall Jr Exhibitor Park Harness
RJH NO DOUBT -
Jr. Exhibitor Classic Pleasure Driving
14-17
Jr.
Exhibitor Classic Pleasure Saddle 14-17
MS HOT TAMALE -
Reserve Walk-Trot Classic Pleasure
10-11
Congratulations
Winners!
PEOPLES CHOICE INSTRUCTOR OF THE
YEAR
presented by Horse World Magazine
Lark René Henry
People's Choice Instructor of the Year
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
By Ann Bullard
People first meeting Lark Henry of Bobbin
Hollow Equestrian Center in Naples, Fla., see a quiet, hard-working
and dedicated young woman. What many may not realize is that
this young woman is a third-generation trainer who has paid
her dues; earning every honor she and her students receive.
Bobbin Hollow riders have been winning top
ribbons in the Morgan and Saddlebred worlds for almost a half
century. From the first show of the 2006 season at Tampa Charity
through Harvest Days in November, Henry's students have been
at the top of the ribbons. She took six horses and five riders
to the Morgan Grand National and World Championships. All
four students who came up through Bobbin Hollow's Academy
program won championships or reserve championships. Blanche
Bauer, Elise Merrill, Lauren Griffin and Ariana Varveris each
won world or reserve world championships on five different
mounts. Only the trainer settled for a ribbon rather than
a top title.
As for receiving your votes for Instructor
of the Year, Henry said, "I'm so flabbergasted!"
Henry
has worked hard for her success, following in the footsteps
of her most successful parents and grandparents. The Henry
name was synonymous with Morgans and American Saddlebreds
in Massachusetts. Woody Henry Sr., and his wife, Vivian, began
Bobbin Hollow Farm in Amherst, Mass., when their two children
were 10 and six years old. The 370-acre farm with a 100-stall
barn was one of the larger Morgan and Saddlebred breeding
operations in the Northeast. Vivian Henry's Camp Bobbin Hollow
attracted students and counselors from all over the world.
The Morgan world recognized the senior Henrys'
ongoing contributions by inducting them into the Morgan Hall
of Fame at the 2007 AMHA Convention.
Realistically, Henry had little choice about
her avocation, although she says she briefly considered a
broadcast journalism career. One might say she was bred to
be the successful trainer she is. The granddaughter of the
late Lyman Orcutt, cousin of the late Bob Orcutt, with Marsha
Shepard as her aunt and Louise and Woody Henry Jr. as parents,
as she put it, "was sucked back into the horse world."
"I have been doing this for 35 years," the
34-year-old said, pointing out that her mother rode while
pregnant. "I grew up riding with Mom, Dad and Marsha, who
was my equitation instructor. Mom ‘lead lined’ me and got
me started. Dad did as well, and let me ride my last lead
line victory pass at the New England Morgan Horse Show off
the line. He really taught me to ride a horse."
 Henry was successful in the show ring from
the beginning. She won numerous top ribbons with the champion
Morgan, Roman Prince Ranier, beginning in her walk and trot
career before stepping up to canter following her six-year-old
year. The Henrys purchased the outstanding three-gaited American
Saddlebred, CH Private Eyes, for their daughter when she was
nine or 10 years old. For six years, they lit up show rings
from the Northeast to Kentucky. In 1983, they earned a reserve
world's championship in a class of 12 junior exhibitor 14
and under riders at Louisville, Ky.
Retaining adequate help to run a 370-acre
operation was a challenge. In 1989 or '90, the Henrys elected
to move to Naples, Fla. While Woody Henry maintains a day-to-day
interest as trainer at the farm and its 29-stall barn, Henry
also has stepped up as a senior trainer.
"We have a large lesson program with lots
of camps and clinics," Henry said. "We have students from
a mature two-and-a-half-year old to a 92-year-old lady. We
start everyone on a basic balance seat, offering a wide range
of English disciplines, including some dressage."
Henry says that for her, teaching is "a passion.
I love the versatility, the different types of riders and
horses I'm confronted with on a daily basis. I love to teach
children at a young age and see them develop into grand equestrians.
Some really are eager, they want to learn. That makes you
want to wake up and do your best every day, to give them as
much knowledge as possible."
Henry sees teaching horsemanship as a means
of teaching discipline. "Today's children need that. When
they're ready, I strongly encourage their taking care of their
own horse."
Being located five miles off the beach on
Florida's Southwest Coast, Henry has faced a few challenges.
In summers, they begin working horses at 3:30 a.m., with camp
and regular lessons to follow. A nice Gulf breeze helps alleviate
summertime temperatures. They have had to run from storms
only once, when Hurricane Wilma threatened the area.
Henry is a young lady whose cup is always
(at least) half full. Her Oklahoma City stars last year included
HVK Noble Flame, Junior Exhibitor Park Saddle; Boxford's Tia
Maria, Junior Exhibitor Pleasure Driving; RJH No Doubt, Junior
Exhibitor Classic Pleasure Saddle and Junior Exhibitor Classic
Pleasure Driving, Celebrity Marquee, Junior Exhibitor Park
Harness and True Gold, Junior Exhibitor Pleasure Driving.
All of their riders and drivers have additional junior exhibitor
years in their future.
With an 80-plus lesson a week workload, 29
horses for which she and her father share responsibilities,
camps, clinics and horse shows, Henry is, to say the least,
a busy person. Yet despite her schedule, she is willing to
pitch in to help promote her sport, the horses and children
around which she has built her life.
What more can one ask of an instructor of
the year?
On
The Cover  |
