Archives

Volume 1

February Show

The McKie Dressage Team successfully competed at Silver Sands Arena in Sorrento, FL, with 9 horses competing in 18 classes.  Riders were supported by still more clients who came to help brush, tack, and warm-up the whole wing of horses.  Terrible weather didn’t daunt their spirits as Laura Causey, in her first ever competition, scored Grand Champion riding Happy Hour (barn name Emma).  Emma, currently training 2^nd Level, is owned by Gail Hellwarth, and is for sale (see Horses for Sale).  Kathy Cook, riding Gem, was Reserve Champion.  As usual, Philipa on Double T shone in their Upper Level classes, mainly due to his extended gaits that “wow” the audience.

Laura and Emma

Cassels Omar, a Polish Arabian stallion, was ridden in his first ever competition by Philipa McKie.  Though he didn’t score as highly as we had wished because he nodded to the judge and continued to nod during his tests (I think he didn’t like the numbers by his eyes), he received very positive comments from the judges on his movement and conformation

Philipa McKie and Cassels Omar

New Boy in Town:  Introducing “Shrek”

Philipa McKie is proudly working on a new horse Ianos (stable name “Shrek”), an 18 hand Oldenburg bay gelding.  Philipa’s ambition is to have him ready to show in his first competition this June, a graded show at Silver Sands.  We thought we’d let you look at him now, so you can see how he changes over time with conditioning and training.  Remember, that Philipa is just shy of 6 feet herself.  Her new slogan:  “Size DOES Matter.”  MECS is still looking for a new trailer tall enough to transport him!

Philipa and Shrek

Cook Grandbabies

Capt. Barry and Celia McKie were pleased to present “first ponies” to the Cook Triplets (grandbabies of Kathy and Dr. D.C. Cook).  Born in November, each weighing between 2 and 3 lbs., identical twin boys Seth and Nathan and their sister Gracelyn are on their way to becoming the youngest equestrians at MEC.  Follow their progress via the Equine Communications website.

Gracelyn

Nathan, Seth, and Gracelyn

Spotlight on Tropical Rider

Capt. McKie says that his Tropical Rider breeches really are the most natural as far as non-restrictive clothing that he has ever worn.  Since he is of the age where his first breeches were winged as they had no stretch in the material way back then, he has owned a lot of pairs of breeches! This is the first and best styled breeches that really do allow the movement necessary for complete communication with your equine partner.  So who is the face behind the name Tropical Rider?  Sheree Ganske.  Sheree and her team design and manufacture Tropical Rider clothing on Big Pine Key, FL.  Sheree has a long history with horses.  When we first met her, she was shoeing horses and rehabilitating Thoroughbreds off the Miami racetracks by swimming them in the saltwater of the Florida Keys.  We are so proud of Sheree running and finishing the 2007 Boston Marathon, wearing, of course, Tropical Rider Energy Tights!  Remember Tropical Rider: for breeches that breathe…breeches that move…. breeches that work.

Sheree shoeing Whinny on Big Pine Key, FL

Sheree running the Durango Marathon in Colorado

Crossword - Just for Fun!

Correctly completing this crossword on dressage terms earns you $5 off your next purchase of either a MECS polo shirt or MECS hat.  Just enclose it in your envelope along with a check, and we’ll happily ship your order.  Enjoy!

"Natural communication between horse and rider"

Site Last Modified:  November, 2007