The Fair Hill Experience

This past weekend, MLE intern Emily headed up to Fair Hill for a day of cross country. She chronicled her experience here!

Phillip Dutton galloping by!

    This past Saturday, I spent my day watching the cross country at Fair Hill. There is no other experience equal to that of a big international competition that brings such a large group of “horse-people” together. You can really feel the bond of fellow horse-people at an event like this. Of course, there is a competitive spirit but everyone is also rooting for all the riders to come home safely so there is a huge sense of community among hundreds of people. It’s very fun to cheer all of the riders on as they go by. It’s also very cool to get to watch your equivalent of a movie star do “their thing.”

    When you enter the fairgrounds you are immediately overwhelmed by all of the things going on. Do I go browse through the vendors? Do I try some food? Where should I stand to get the best view of the cross country? Did I mention there were over one hundred horses in the 2* and over fifty in the 3*? Cross country went from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. It was certainly an action-packed day!

    Besides getting to walk around the cross country course and see your riding idols close enough to touch as they go by, there is an abundance of things to do at Fair Hill. Of course, there is great food and drinks, but there is a trade fair, pony rides, dog agility courses, tailgating, and anything else your equestrian heart might desire. I’ll admit, I left with a new pair of boots for my horse.

    Cross country day is something that can be appreciated by all. It’s like Nascar in the way that even if you aren’t familiar with the sport it’s still fun and exciting for anybody to watch. I brought my non-horsey boyfriend with me and I’m pretty sure he enjoyed it a lot more than coming to my horse shows and he definitely enjoyed the food and all of the dogs there. The thrill of cross country is something everyone can enjoy. All equestrians should try to come out to Fair Hill or an event like it at some point; it’s a great experience! 

Stephen Bradley and Susan Graham White are BACK!

Two of our favorite clinicians are coming back to A Bit Better Farm in Brookeville, MD for some last minute prep before the official end of the season. Susan Graham White is up first on October 27th and will be teaching from 12:15-7:00. One 45-minute private is $130. Susan specializes in building a solid foundation of communication between horse and rider which produces incredible results. A USEF 'R' Judge, Susan is great for offering solutions to a certain issue you've been having or if you want to practice your test before your next event. There is only one spot left so be sure to contact Margaret if you would like the last slot!

Stephen will be returning on November 5th to teach small group jump lessons. Groups will start around 11am and end at 7pm. Each group will have no more than 3 riders to offer plenty of individualized attention. Lessons are $115 per rider. Private lessons are available but there is limited availability for $155. Stephen's exercises and use of grid works keeps the horses on their toes and always thinking about what's next. Stephen's encouraging yet challenging way makes you and your horse walk away feeling extra confident and that you're ready for anything! This is the perfect lesson to take as a last prep before a competition.

As always, auditing is FREE! We encourage you to come by to take in some of the great information to try back at home!

To reserve your spot in one or both of these clinics, contact Margaret McKelvy today at margaret@mythiclanding.com!

Hello, Goodbye ... changes at MLE!

I wanted to quickly post about some upcoming staffing changes at Mythic Landing Enterprises. The Maryland Horse Council BBQ on September 13th will be Sue O'Donnell's last official day at MLE.  While we are sad to see her go, we wish her the very best in her future endeavors.

With every end, there is always a new beginning, and I'm thrilled to welcome Carly Easton to the MLE team. Carly is a lifelong horsewoman and avid eventer, having competed through Training-level on her longtime partner Cooperstown Caliber. She is a recent graduate of High Point University, with a degree in Strategic Communications and minor in Marketing. She served as the captain of her IHSA team during her sophomore and junior year and had the opportunity this past year to be the assistant to the Vice President of Communications for the Country Music Association during the CMA awards in Nashville. Additionally, Carly is the new head coach of the JV equestrian team for her alma mater, The Academy of the Holy Cross.

I have known Carly personally for a number of years, and I'm sure that everyone will come to appreciate her organization, enthusiasm and creativeness as much as I do.

Carly with Cooperstown Caliber (aka "Cal")

  

New Logo for Three Generations Farm, LLC

I just wanted to share this great new logo that we designed for a local client. Three Generations Farm, LLC is a family run farm right down the road in Damascus. We're helping put together their web site and also designed this logo for them. Special thanks to graphic designer extraordinaire Oni! And stay tuned to see their finished web site soon!

Susan Graham White is coming back!

Exciting news ... Susan Graham White is going to come to A Bit Better Farm (Brookeville, MD) for a two-day dressage clinic on Sunday, September 28th and Monday, September 29th! If you haven't done the two-day clinic format yet, I can't recommend it enough!

Lessons are 45-minute private lessons and will be $130 for 1 lesson, or $250 for 2 lessons ($10 discount if you ride both days!).  We will be riding from 12:45pm until 8pm on Sunday, and from 7:30am until 2:45pm on Monday.

As always, auditing is encouraged and always FREE!

Remember that Susan is a licensed judge, so if you want, you can bring your dressage tests and have a fix-a-test type lesson.  If you want to learn more about Susan, click here: http://sgwdressage.com/node/1.

​Please e-mail me (margaret@mythiclanding.com) ASAP if you'd like to join in and if you have any time constraints.

Job Opportunities with Mythic Landing Enterprises!

Mythic Landing Enterprises is looking to add a new person (or two) to the team starting September 1st. There is both a part-time Account Manager and a part-time Administrative Assistant position open, but one person can certainly take on both positions if desired. Please e-mail me at margaret@mythiclanding.com with your resume and any questions.

ACCOUNT MANAGER RESPONSIBILITIES 

** Account Manager (AM) will be responsible for a set amount of clients. AM will be responsible for all aspects of those clients' accounts. 

** MLE does everything from one-time press releases to annual ad campaigns to finding sponsors for top riders to creating web sites. Basically, we cater to the needs of our clients. No job is too small … or too big.

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT RESPONSIBILITIES 

** database management

** e-blast management

** miscellaneous administrative tasks

CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS

** You should be a competent writer and be comfortable working on everything from blogs to articles to web site copy.

** You should have a knowledge of the horse industry (read: you should know what USEF is and be able to name/describe almost all of the disciplines represented).

** You should be super creative, organized and detail oriented. Additionally, you should be well disciplined and a self-starter. 

SCHEDULE

** Account Manager is required to come into the MLE office for a minimum of 8-12 hours each week. All other work can be done from your home office if desired. [It is expected that you will need to be in the office more often for the first month or so to get settled into the routine.]

** Administrative Assistant tasks are allotted 8 hours per week. Regardless of the time of year, there will be a guaranteed 8 hours per week. During certain busy times, there is an opportunity for more hours.

PAYMENT

** AM payment is commission based and can be discussed further. There is the opportunity to "inherit" a few clients to get you started. 

** There is also the opportunity to earn a finder's fee for new clients.

** Administrative Assistant tasks are paid at $12/hour.

"This Old Horse"

I saw this on Facebook this morning and just had to share. I believe our old critters should be cherished and spoiled, which is just what I intend to do with Lissell.  :-)

"This Old Horse"

This old horse, the Rancher said,

she’s seen some better days,

she’s eating up my profits,

and costs a lot for hay.

Another horse would suit me,

a stronger one at that,

shes seen a lot of miles

just like my cowboy hat.

This old horse, the Rancher said,

she helped me herd my steer,

I’m pretty sure shes magic,

I know I hold her dear.

Another horse would suit me,

one that can run fast,

maybe one that’s younger,

or maybe one that lasts.

This old horse, the Rancher said,

she’s long and far in tooth,

my children do remember,

her fondly from their youth.

Another horse would suit me,

a gelding in his prime,

one that needs less fixin’,

that helps me save a dime.

Why, they asked, then keep her?

why not trade her now?

bring her to an auction?

replace her with a cow?

The Rancher's brow grew heavy,

he took a staggered step,

his eyes did show his hardships,

in wrinkles, as they crept.

His breath, he took in deeply,

as he poised to say his words,

it’s as if the earth grew silent,

that his message should be heard.

This old horse, the Rancher said,

has given me her life,

I wouldn’t trade for anything,

nor either, would my wife.

Another horse would suit me,

and perhaps someday will come,

but this old gal, I love her,

she is the chosen one.

This old horse, the Rancher said,

her service she did lend,

her and I, have seen the years,

this old horse, she is my friend.

Another horse would suit me well,

but her home is here to keep,

I owe her sanctuary,

my love for her is deep.

Another horse would suit me well,

and younger days for me,

and I will keep my promise,

until our last breaths, set us free."