It's an exciting time for MLE!

New clients, new employees ... it's definitely an exciting time for MLE! Let's start with our new client.

Burdette Brothers: You can check out their web site by visiting www.BurdetteBrothers.com. Don Burdette recently started a Featherlite Trailer dealership in conjunction with his current car dealership. His wife is a long-time horsewoman, and his family owns a large farm in Frederick, so the Featherlite trailers seems to be a perfect fit. I met Don through a referral from friend Pat Mayo (successful real estate agent, check out his web site HERE). Thanks Pat! MLE has been brought on to manage Burdette Brothers' ad campaign. We're excited to see where this partnership leads.

With the business growing faster than I imagined (I'm not complaining!), it became apparent that I couldn't do everything on my own. So enter Nicki Carson as our new Account Manager. Nicki is no stranger to MLE, having been an on-site staff member for quite awhile. Additionally she partnered up with me for my first year of working with Waredaca as their sponsorship coordinator. While Nicki's first love is riding and training, she's excited to be taking on a greater role with MLE. In partnership with her mother, Vicki Carson, Nicki has a successful small breeding program at their Flying Chesterfield Farm in Middleburg, Maryland. Nicki's first client is Burdette Brothers.

Thanks

What better way to celebrate Thanksgiving than to give thanks. I'm so incredibly lucky to be doing what I love. Mythic Landing Events has grown so much this year. Sometimes I have to take a step back and just be thankful for all the opportunities that have come my way. I'm a bit reluctant to start naming names, so bear with me as I ramble for a bit.

In no particular order ...
BTYC: Jenn, Nicki, Sue, Suzannah ... you ladies are truly the best. Jenn for living with me and putting up with the chaos that is my life. Nicki for being my sounding board when I hit a road block with one of my horses. Sue for stepping up and not blinking an eye with my many requests, from doling out prizes to whispering to my favorite appaloosa. Suzannah for the constant editing and press releases, MLE looks good because of you.

Katie, Claire, Kim and the rest of the ABBF crew ... I'm so so so thankful that I found ABBF and found you ladies. From hacks out to the meadow, to bareback racing in the indoor, to vaulting on fat ponies, you all make it fun.

Kelley, Pat, Danny and Ray ... I'll say it again, I'm so so so thankful for finding ABBF. I can't imagine being anywhere else. Special thanks for welcoming Lissell to the farm. Without a doubt, this is the best place for her and me. Kelley ... thanks for dealing with my constant nuttiness and teaching me how to ride. And thanks for not thinking I'm crazy for putting an 18yo broodmare back to work.

Dr. Scullin, Carter, Doug and Mike ... thanks for keeping my horses in tip top shape.

Brett ... you may be far, but you're always there for a quick chat. Plus I get to live vicariously through you and your Olympic dreams.

Lynn ... Thanks for having faith in MLE and working tirelessly for my dream. The office wouldn't function without you.

Pam/Judie ... Thanks for taking care of the finances. I wouldn't be able to do it without you.

Holly ... Thanks for having faith in me and trusting me with your horse. Moosetracks has come so far this year, and while I sometimes do get frustrated with him, know that I do see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Stephan and Susan ... Thank you for traveling each month for clinics. Here's to a successful 2011 clinic series!

MLE Clients ... You all are the best! I'm so incredibly lucky to be surrounded by people who have the same vision as me. Thanks for trusting me and for your continued faith in myself and MLE.

Mom, Dad, Katherine ... thanks for always being there. It's not every day that your daughter/sister decides to quit her job and walk out on a limb with a new company. Thanks for not thinking I'm crazy and supporting me throughout.

Scott ... Who knew?!

Lissell ... thankyouthankyouthankyou.


I'm sure I've forgotten someone, so please forgive me. It's late and I'm running on little sleep.

December Clinic with Stephen Bradley

Stephen Bradley Jumping Clinic
Sunday, December 19th

Oatland Stables in Brookeville, MD

Cost: $110 for 1 1/2 hour small group lesson

Whether you are looking for help for you or your horse ... Olympic eventer Stephen Bradley is here to help!

Come join in on this rare opportunity to train with one of our area's best. Stephen enjoys teaching all levels of riders from beginners to the advanced competitor. His enthusiasm, talent for communication, and ability to inspire confidence in the horse and rider make him a hit. When training with Stephen, you can be confident that you will receive expert instruction for your level of riding.

For more information please e-mail Margaret Rizzo at margaret@mythiclandingevents.com

Next TWO Susan Graham White Dressage Clinics!

I've gotten the November and December dates from Susan. We're staying with Wednesdays, as this works best for Susan and Oatlands. So ... let me know if you'd like a slot (or two!) at one or both of the clinics and if you have any time constraints.

Wednesday, November 17th
Wednesday, December 1st

Remember that lesson slots are $125 for a 45-minute private lesson. Payment is due at the beginning of your lesson. If you'd like to pay with credit card, please let me know when you sign up and I'll give you directions for that.

Lessons run from 11am - 6:45pm. Lessons are at Oatland Stables in Brookeville, MD.

Questions?? E-mail me at margaret@mythiclandingevents.com.

**If you'd like to be added to the mailing list for SGW Clinics or Stephen Bradley Clinics, please let me know!

Tag, Tripp and the T3D

October means Fair Hill. And this year, MLE had one client and many friends competing. So off I went on Saturday for a day full of cross-country and, shockingly, no rain. Courtney Cooper was competing in the CCI** on homebred Who's A Star ("Tag"). While this is Tag's second 2-star, this was definitely his biggest challenge of his career. I wasn't there for his dressage, but he was right in the middle of the pack. He's been winning on his dressage score at the last few horse trials, so I'm sure the big atmosphere had something to do with the higher score. I got to see him in the middle of the cross-country course, and he looked great. What an awesome horse ... and he's only 7!

Good friend Katie Ruppel of Yellow Rose Eventing looked stellar in the CCI***. She's been working really hard with Sir Donovan ("Donald") and I'm looking forward to watching them kick ass in a spring 4-star.

Unfortunately, there were two major accidents that put a damper on the day. Sharon White had a scary rotational fall and was taken away in an ambulance. She had to have surgery yesterday for a broken hip, but knowing Sharon, she'll be on a horse by the end of the year. The second accident hit a little closer to home, as it involved former MLE client Jenn Simmons (pictured here). Her and JB's Star were contesting his first CCI*** and looked great when I saw them at the coffin about mid-course. A few jumps later he misread an oxer and both he and Jenn fell. X-rays showed a major break in his shoulder, so it was decided to euthanize him at the hospital. Jenn was kept overnight for observation but released the next day. My heart goes out to Jenn, as I know how special JB was to her.

On a light note, another MLE client is rocking out this fall. Katie Wherley has 2 horses in the barn right now that are stars for the future. Mr. Indiscretion ("Trip") is skipping over Prelim fences. Instead of cramming in an Intermediate this fall, Katie is going to spend the winter getting him really strong, and move up early in the spring. Her other super star is Miss Texas and should really be in a beauty queen contest. So gorgeous! This lovely mare is only 4, so Katie has really spent her time with her and they rocked it at their first Novice this fall. Texas will spend more time growing this winter and then move up to Training in the spring.

Finally ... the Training 3-Day. It starts this week! If you're looking for some fun, come out on Friday to watch endurance day. The smiles you'll see as riders come off course will blind you.

More MLE Clinics this fall

Just a quick post with dates for upcoming clinics:

September 22: Susan Graham White Dressage Clinic (11am - 6:45pm)

October 13: Susan Graham White Dressage Clinic (11am - 6:45pm)

October 20: Stephen Bradley Jumping Clinic (1:30pm - 6pm)

I have at least 1 space available in each clinic, so shoot me an e-mail at margaret@mythiclandingevents.com if you would like more info on riding!

To learn more about Susan, visit her web site www.sgwdressage.com.

To learn more about Stephen, visit his web site www.southerneditionfarm.com.

AEC's Report

Courtney Cooper was the only MLE client to make the trip down to Georgia for the 2010 American Eventing Championships. Nevaeh (pictured napping in her stall) competed in Novice Horse and Who's A Star ("Tag") competed in Open Intermediate. And they were both awesome! Nevaeh led the weekend with a stellar dressage test and double clear cross-country round, putting them in 2nd going into the final phase. Remember that Nevaeh is still only 4-years-old and has her green moments here and there. Unfortunately, she had a silly rail in stadium which dropped her to 7th place overall. Argh! This talented mare is headed to the 4-year-old Young Event Horse Championships in October, so hopefully she'll have a win there! Tag was stellar once again in Intermediate. He's turning into a real powerhouse and I know that Courtney loves every event she has with him. He finished 13th out of 52 in an extremely competitive Open Intermediate division. Go Tag!

Not to be left out, Katie Wherley's student Lisa Warnock made the trip to compete in the Training Amateur division. If you're from Area II you're familiar with seeing Lisa's name on top of the leaderboard at events. While she didn't win, she had a great showing and is now gearing up for the Area II Adult Rider's Training 3-Day later this fall.