Normandy News

Hay at Normandy Farms

2008-05-03T09:52:00.000-07:00

Hay at Normandy Farms
By Stan Penton

Ever since my Thacher High School equestrian days, I have continued to receive feedback and stress about hay, its quality and in the end; its price. While I am not a trained “farmer”, I have done a lot of study on this topic and devoted a lot of time and energy towards feed questions over the years. Ten years ago Normandy had veterinary and feed professionals in regularly to discuss feed, horses, body composition and more….. regularly. Our horses never suffered from the attention and infact did VERY well with a barn balanced feed program.

Despite our best efforts, a number of boarders consistently wanted to do there own thing, and that is where the balanced program ended. At that time we had two types of feed pellet, a complete and a senior. Now, the mice grow fat and our new barn cats grow just as fat on mice amongst the 1000’s of pounds of a variety of feeds stored in trash cans. We have thought to discontinue our complete pellet due to lack of interest.

It is time to get back to basics a bit, and you as horse owners play a huge part in this process. We believe your horse should be fed what it takes to keep them in good condition for the amount of work they do. As professionals we have decided to have purely grass hay or purely alfalfa as our forage, and a complete 14% pellet to finish. There are a fair percentage of our borders that do not have a sense of the simplicity of a horse. There are OWNERS are out of control, feeding a wide range of supplements and schemes, and noting upwards of twelve flakes of hay per day on feed charts. We urge you to become well informed. I have never personally believed in a lot of supplements and it shows. There is a stark difference in quantity of supplements and additives on the West side versus the East side of our stable. Our three barn cats concentrate on the West side for obvious reason! I have thought to address this subject many times when low and behold I received a note from a boarder that “…we should have better hay…”; so here I go.

History

Normandy Farms is obviously a small suburban agricultural operation; we do not have the land nor the resources (i.e. buy 80 acres someplace else) at present to grow the grass hay and alfalfa our boarded animals consume. We have estimated that we would require a minimum of 80 acres farmed to supply just our annual needs. So as most operations we have sought out quality partnerships for this need. It is often better to partner with an expert than to do it yourself.

When we first arrived at Normandy Farms some 14 years ago, hay was brought to the property catch as catch can; purchased by a seemingly endless stream of hay growers with a few bales in the back of the pickup. Over the years we have received hay primarily from Colorado but also Wyoming, Utah, Montana, Kansas, New Mexico and Texas. These loads arrived in pick-up trucks, small trailers, box vans, small flat beds, retrievers, and semi with unloaders. In the olden days we stored about a month supply in the hay loft of our old barn. We were naturally concerned with 22 tons of hay and the storage danger it involved, so over the last twelve years or so we have stored only a month to six week supply on property, tarped outside. In really “bad” times we purchased “rebaled” hay, and in “good times” sometimes found a “deal” and loaded up on as many as 3000 bales; a 5-6 month supply tarped on pallets outside. With such large quantities, what may have been a deal may end up in the dumpster as old hay in our climate spoils, bleaches out, or molds. From 1999-2005 we had our huge truck and flatbed, and received our hay from the same farm, with ease and no supply problems.

With the beginning of our most recent drought cycle, we lost this supplier. This is a long story, but we were sad that this relationship ended, as they abruptly could not fulfill our year round needs. Since that time we have received loads small or large from all over, always seeking a consistent supplier for the long term. Almost every load we received has been from a separate individual, supplier, field or state. Much has been of dubious quality and in the process; the hay price has increased 92% to as much as $250 per ton. This price may or may not reflect heavy transportation costs. In short we have been screwed, jerked and abused for about the last three years. We have been part of COD deals straight out of The Sopranos. We have turned loads away and have gone to the feed store for days on end paying retail rather than be at the mercy of unscrupulous dealers and middle men. In short we have not had consistency or hay quality testing.

This past season things appeared to be looking up. We have had enough water, and we began received several loads during this past fall of mountain hay from the North Park, Colorado area. This hay was fine stemmed, of good appearance and barn stored. Randie even conducted hay testing on this hay as we believed we had found a reliable consistent supplier. The hay tested in the 8% CP range, nothing stellar, but something consistent. Alas, for three months we could not get a trucker to deliver from this ranch. They were good guys, bringing small trailers every few weeks, but we have too large a need to be forced to “look” and beg for every bale; will it arrive or not?

That is until we were approached by our long lost farm that supplied us for 1998-2005.

That’s enough history, lets move on the quality.

Hay Quality

Hay Protein
Crude protein is an important measure of quality. Crude protein is composed of amino acids, nitrogen, and nonprotein nitrogen. Amino acids contain nitrogen and are necessary for the synthesis of body protein in meat, wool and milk. This generally accepted measure of hay quality does not indicate how efficiently the protein will be digested or utilized. Digestible (available) protein is a more realistic measure of forage protein value. In fact, crude protein values for heat- stressed or fermented hay are not always a reliable indicator of available protein. The marketability of heat-stressed hay is impacted more by excessive levels of mold and reduced values of TDN or digestible dry matter (DDM). Current hay sample indicates a 10.4% crude protein, which is a good hay percentage.

Neutral detergent fiber (NDF) contains the total fiber content or cell wall fraction of forage. Chemical components of NDF include cellulose, hemicellulose, legnin and dea-damaged proteins. In general as NDF decreases, potential forage intake (per unit time) increases. NDF is the best overall indicator of feed intake because of a relationship to both digestibility and density of forage. Current hay sample indicates a 64.2%- this is in the prime 4 range.

Acid detergent fiber (ADF) is considered a good indicator of digestibility and contains the same chemical components as NDF except for hemicellulose. Potential digestibility of a forage increases as ADF decreases. Current hay sample indicates a 38.2% this is in the prime 1 range.

Total digestible nutrients (TDN) and net energy (NE) are measures of a feed’s energy value. NE is a more comprehensive measure of energy than TDN. Current hay sample indicates a 59.79 TDN and .61 Mcal/lb NE.

Relative Feed Value ( RFV) is an index that combines potential intake and digestibility into a rapid method to determine feed value. Current hay sample indicates an 86 RFV this is in the prime 4 range.

Calcium and phosphorus content is often important. The National Research Council suggests that dietary Ca:P ratios between 1:1 and 7:1 results in normal performance provided phosphorus consumption meets livestock requirements. Sometimes high levels of calcium must be offset with consumption of adequate phosphorus levels. Current hay sample indicates Calcium is .26 and Phosphorus is .25, a 1:1 ratio.

Forage quality characteristics and standards
In 1998, the USDA Hay Market News Task Force improved uniformity of hay pricing information by adopting a modified version of the American Forage and Grassland Council (AFGC) standards as follows.

Legume or legume- grass hay mix
Standard RFV ADF%

Supreme >180 <27
Premium 150-180 27-30
Good 125-150 30-32
Fair 100-125 32-35
Normandy alfalfa quality is in the supreme range. As we say it is “like dynamite” high protein hay.

Grass hay
Standard CP%

Premium >13
Good 9-13
Fair 5-9
Low <5

As we said earlier last year some of the mountain grass we received looked pretty good, and had only a fair CP%. There are a variety of nuances, hay quality can be too high, too low and sometimes hay is prime for either CP or RFV, but not both. In each case these values also vary by cutting location and cutting itself (1st – 3rd). Grass hay frequently ranges from 6- 13 percent CP again dependent on species, stage of maturity at harvest and nitrogen fertility. Current grass hay sample indicates a 10.2% CP.

Baled hay can be visually inspected to determine maturity at harvest, but an analysis for ADF and NDF is more conclusive evidence of forage quality. In visual inspection the stage of maturity, leaf capture and retention, rain damage, hay color, heat stress damage, mold, texture and weeds are all indicators of quality. As an example, although hay color is a strong clue to environmental conditions during harvest, it is not a reliable measure of either nutrient content or potential hay intake by livestock. Bright green hay usually indicates a rapid cure, no precipitation and minimal exposure to sunlight. Sometimes bright green, well cured, mature hay is lower in feed value than a less mature, slightly weathered or fermented hay. In short great quality hay weathered and browned excessively by precipitation is significantly diminished. Generally, horse hay buyers are more concerned with hay condition and color than with nutrient content.

Normandy Farms (Stan) tries to be concerned with hay condition and color and nutrient content. This has been an almost impossible and all consuming task. We have found that it is best to broadly focus as even horses themselves can be fickle finding one bale/load more palatable than the next. We strive for a good- premium range of grass hay.

Annual testing of our current hay provides us with useful information. This information is positive, indicating that we have met our goal of good- premium range of grass hay. We again have a supplier that has undergone a tremendous irrigation effort, is close at hand; with near 1000 acres in hay producing 85,000 bales per season. Furthermore the hay is always barn stored and can supply our continued annual needs. Overall this can be a happy relationship; we hope can carry on for many years. Perhaps the most important factor is that we have a relationship and history, we personally know the Dad, the Mom, the Son and we have visited the farm many many times. That said, we can always get a few bad bales, a weed, a stick or cow poop and we are constantly on the look out. The big supply picture is much improved, we do not know what price will be paid and ultimately borne by you the owner due to the reduced cropland for hay and the huge transportation cost increases.

We hope that each of you have made it through this information, and will use it to its best benefit. Our goal is the betterment of your horse and its actual nutritional needs, with little waste. We are looking for a vast clean up of the West storage area by way of reduction and elimination. We will be conducting several feed sessions with vet and our feed manufacturer over the next several months. We hope you will participate and be best informed. We also hope to plan a unique familiarization trip and picnic to Longmont for a tour and explanation of haying prior to the 1st cutting in July.

Source: Hay Quality and Marketing in the Rocky Mountain
Front Range and High Plains
University of Wyoming- College of Agriculture
B-1088, Alan M. Gray January 2001

Passion is what makes any organization great

2008-04-15T18:02:00.000-07:00

Passion is what makes any organization great…

We actually believe that Normandy Farms has been the passion for quite a few children and hopefully adults since it was established in 1902. We have believed since our time as caretakers of Normandy that we are not a boarding stable..not just another show barn.. we provide people with experiences with nature…we provide people with dreams.

Normandy has progressed through the 20th century and now into the 21st century. Normandy has seen the days of horse and buggy, housing the draft horses that pulled the wagons around Denver for Tivoli Brewery to a the nice little operation we found in 1995. In 1995 Normandy was a ramshackle collection of horse stalls and outdoor arena. Since that time we have seen nearly 100 acres to the North and East swallowed in homes. None the less, Normandy entered the 21st century with a bang, building our current stables and huge indoor arena. We also vastly improved programming and have a really magnificent group of trainers. We are now one of the last surviving full service stables serving Littleton and the Denver Metro area. This shocking distinction was clearly evident at the most recent show at neighboring Columbine. This once vibrant facility now houses perhaps 24 horses and has uncertain plans and an even more uncertain future. Normandy continues to believe in reinvention, which in our case is not changing what is, but creating what isn’t. Many stables have moved or sprung up 20-30 miles to the south, virtually abandoning the Denver – Littleton area and suburbs.

Other businesses have an emotional connection with customers…think of Apple, Harley Davidson, … each of these are not simply in the business of providing a product or service! My Converse All Stars make my feet feel good.. the way they did when I was 10! Apple believes they can change the world, and Harley has little to do with rational reasoning- price or performance- and everything to do with affection, intuition and desire. We are not a huge “brand” but there must be something that draws generations of riders to recognize, remember and continue to recommend Normandy. We would love to hear what you may think is at the core of Normandy, so that we may build upon this strength.

We are proud that Normandy has been a true testament to our creativity and adaptability. In order to continue our progress and relevance to future generations of equestrian enthusiasts we would like to solicit your help. In today’s fast changing and emotional economy, competition has evaporated yet Normandy continues in our nitch..Should you feel so compelled we would love reconnecting with you our past boarders. Most that boarded with us over the past 14 years have moved on to new adventures; in some cases many other stables, marriage and kids for many, however we are still astounded that boarders from our tenure as well as even earlier tenures still occasion the stable!

Please drop us a line, email us or even see reconnect with us on Facebook!
We would love to hear from you.

Normandy Farms students begin 2008 show season

2008-04-09T15:49:00.000-07:00

Normandy Farms students under the director of Randie Culbertson - Trainer began the 2008 horse show season with a bang.

We were so excited to see so many participants!

We hope you enjoy the pictures.

Normandy Farms needs your help with visitors

2008-04-07T15:05:00.000-07:00

Summer is fast approaching, and the recreation center pool will soon reopen. At this time of year we experience an influx of visitors.

We are asking each trainer and naturally each horse owner to be aware of our policies.

Normandy Farms and Stables Inc.
Is a private facility

Program participants and visitors must abide by the following rules:

Liability requires visitors by appointment only.
Tours without prior appointment are not permitted.
All participants and visitors must receive and abide by our safety rules.
Parking is allowed only in designated parking spaces.
All children with visitors must be supervised.
Absolutely no dogs allowed.
NO FEEDING OF ANY ANIMAL.
You may look, but do not touch animals or farm property.
Our visitor viewing area is in the center barn aisle; do no enter arenas or stalls without permission.

Your respect of our animals, facility and equipment is necessary to insure a safe environment for those involved in our activities.

This is our wish and we are sticking to it!
We ask each boarder to be vigilant, and encourage your kind words should you observe behavior contrary to these policies. Usually that’s all it takes but you are welcome to ask visitors to leave, advise a trainer or advise us as owners.

Bent Jensen Dressage Clinics for Denver

2008-04-03T14:49:00.000-07:00

Normandy Farms and Stables Inc. and Dechant Dressage at Normandy Farms are pleased to welcome Bent Jensen for a series of Dressage clinics. For more than 20 years, Bent Jensen's name has been synonymous with upper level dressage in Europe and the United States. We are very excited to offer Bents expertise to Colorado riders.
Bent has competed as an Olympian on the Danish Team in Barcelona and has made his mark in the Grand Prix dressage world with a string of successes in CDIs from New England to Florida. His training has made many horses household names in the dressage community, including Ariston, Oliver Twist, Pilota, Alexander and countless other champions - including the young stallion and Devon Champion Rockefeller. Bent emphasizes relaxed, correct training for both horse and rider. He uses gymnastics designed to achieve many goals, putting the horse and rider in just the right position to improve the horse's straightness, rhythm and quality of gaits. Bent also has a gift for explaining concepts to horses while in the saddle, ideas that continue when the rider is back up on their own horse - an improvement that they take home with them.
Announced clinic dates are: May 17 & 18, and June 2-4. Dates are being schedule for July, August and September of 2008.
Those interested in participating in this clinic should call Normandy Farms at 303- 973-0077 or Dechant Dressage at 303-204-9782 and visit us at www.normandyfarmandstables.com.

Summer Horse Showing at Normandy Farms

2008-04-02T12:10:00.001-07:00

As is typical of Normandy Farms and their trainers, all are gearing up for the summer show season. Competitors are working hard polishing up their boots in preparation for a terrific summer of horse showing. Starting the season off, Randie Culbertson, H/J trainer, and students will celebrate by competing at the Colorado Horse Park " No More Snow Show" April 26-28, 2008 in Parker, Colorado.

First Timers....... Emily Stokes, H/J trainer and her Junior / first time competitors are getting ready for their debut during the 2008 summer season. Everyone remembers their first horse show fondly. Best of Luck!

Dressage Trainer, Allison De Chant began her season by participating in a clinics with Peter Borggreve ("Master" German Trainer of the Westphalian Stallion Training Center/ Westphalian region of Germany. Ali had her work cut out for her as she headed with a new client's horse each day. The Borggreve clinic was held in Parker at Freedom Farms.

In addition, Ali and Normandy Farms are proud to welcome Bent Jensen, member of the Danish Olympic Team on May 26-28 to train with her students. Space is limited for this clinic so contact Ali ASAP at (303) 204-9782. Overnight stays will be based upon availability.

The ladies of Dressage will start the season off in Colorado Springs. The Dressage of the Peak runs April 26-26th. Brooke Devore, a Colorado Young Rider and assistant to Alison will debut on Hanovarian "Celebration" at the Prix St. George level.

Best of luck to all of our talented competitors!

Normandy Farms announces improved website

2008-03-21T07:46:00.000-07:00

Normandy Farms and Stables Inc.has provided those seeking horse boarding
and lessons and training in the Denver metro area an improved resource.

Improvements in our website include:

- New pictures
- Improved information on programs
- Information and links to trainers
- Pdf's of our contracts, liability waiver, promotions and activity calender.
- Improved contact information and google mapping

We hope users will enjoy the information on Normandy Farms
at www.normandyfarmandstables.com

Summer Horse Camp at Normandy Farms

2008-03-18T09:00:00.000-07:00

We are pleased to be having a week long camp for young children interested in learning about horses and horsemanship.

This camp is available for children 5 -12 years of age.

Two dates are available for this day camp held at Normandy Farms by Miranda Equestrians.

June 16-20, 2008
July 14-18, 2008

Each camp is 9am-1pm daily.

For more information please call Randie at 303-359-2157
or email at randie_in_co@yahoo.com

There is very limited availability so call soon!

Allison Dechant joins Normandy Farms as Dressage Trainer

2007-10-04T14:47:00.000-07:00

Normandy Farm and Stables Inc. is pleased to announce that Allison Dechant has joined Normandy Farms as dressage trainer. Allison brings fifteen years of experience in varied equestrian disciplines, including jumpers, western pleasure and dressage. Her most recent position was with Legacy Hill Farms of Castle Rock, Colorado.

Many of the horses Allison has competed have been trainer from the ground up by Allison, including her current competition horse “Regulas 24”. Regulas 24 is a Hanoverian gelding purchased for training 4 ½ years ago. Allison began showing him at 1 level and continues to show him regionally and nationally with scores in the high 70’s from “O” judges.

Allison’s training follows the German system. Over the years she has worked and trained with many international competitors including Ulla Salzgerber, Joy Severiens, lars Peterson, Jurgen Hoffman and Bent Jensen. Allison is active in selecting German dressage horses for import. Through her education Allison has come to believe that it is through quiet and patient repetition that a horse and rider reach a common understanding.

Allison joins Normandy Farms to continue working with riders of all levels, and has experience teaching children and amateurs following them through every aspect of the dressage experience, from first lessons, to purchasing a horse and ultimately competition. Allison looks forward to training and sales of top class talented dressage horses as the focus of her business, and Normandy Farms is pleased that this caliber of dressage trainer is available to our clients. Allison also has a web site at www.dechantdressage.com

Horse Blanketing 2007

2007-09-28T11:38:00.000-07:00

Normandy Blanketing
Guidelines
Please be aware of the following that may affect you and your horse.

· Exterior doors are closed when outside weather is adverse or if the temperature has fallen/will fall below 35 degrees.
· Boarders paying for blanketing are listed on our schedule by the East locker room. Blankets are tagged by us for identification. We are storing them in the barn end storerrooms when removed. The temperature guidelines are as follows:

· We turnout horse when the temperature reaches 40 degrees or when we feel its safe.
· Full coated horses are unblanketed at 50 degrees.
· Clipped horses are unblanketed at 60 degrees. Clipped horses must always have a sheet on.

· Boarders not paying for blanketing must also follow these guidelines for your horses comfort and safety. As always upon non adhearence 2x we will handle this and you will be billed for this service.
A word about announcing your entrance through a closed door.
Please, please, please announce door, wait for a response and then open the doors slowly. We have new visibility doors at the West and East entrances to help. Always closed the door behind you slowly. We have new heaters for the washing areas at each end, and this will keep us all safe and comfortable for the winter.

Normandy Farms at Estes Park Hunter Jumper Festival

2007-08-11T08:31:00.001-07:00

More Pictures!

Normandy Farms-Estes Park Hunter Jumper Festival, USEF “AA” Show

2007-08-11T08:18:00.000-07:00

Normandy Farm and Stables Inc. of Littleton is still going strong, producing some of Littleton’s top riders. Many equestrian facilities and programs are fast disappearing into a swarm of developed housing, but Normandy Farms continues to grow its reputation, fielding one of its strongest groups of competitors in its 103 year history.

Local riders with Miranda Equestrians trained at Normandy Farms recently returned from showing July 30th- August 12, 2007, at the Estes Park Hunter Jumper Festival, USEF “AA” Show.

Directed by Trainer Miranda “Randie” Culbertson, Littleton riders cleared out for two weeks of August to compete in Estes Park with twenty horses. This was an incredible participation at one of the premier equestrian events in Colorado.

Starting out this show, Normandy Farms owner, Christine Penton, lives the motto “ horse women never give up” as she was first to win blue in Equitation over Fences, on her Dutch Warmblood “Obsession”. Normandy Farms Trainer, Emily Stokes also a trainer at Normandy Farms competed well in Level 0 and Level 1 Hunter Jumpers.

Riding three horses throughout the show, Brooke Pettet of Littleton, cleaned up with wins in the Pony Hunters on “Face to Face”, her Paint Pony, top ribbons on Thoroughbred “Tell my Story” and finally won top honors winning the Columbine Junior Medal on “Obsession”.

Ana Alexander on “Watta Sport” Bay Pony took the Championship in the Ponies Division at the show.

In her first entry into the Jumper competition, Jacqueline Tinsman finished as the Champion in Level 1 Jumpers.

Molly Owston competed in his first “AA” show with her new horse “Wesley”. Nicole and Amanda Clute, Brianna Bukes also placed well in their first “AA" Show. Marisa Laus and “Butt Naked” also ventured into the ring, riding beautifully in the Level 0 and Level 1 Jumpers.

Kristen Jenkins and her horse “Partner in Crime” qualified for the Colorado Hunter Jumper Association Medal by winning the Col. Robinson Medal.

Congratulations to these fine Littleton equestrians.

Columbine Equestrain Center- Closing?

2007-07-25T12:36:00.000-07:00

We have recieved many calls with regards to the rumor that

Columbine Equestrian Center is closing.

We cannot confirm this, however, we are poised to assist

those at Columbine seeking an alternative.

Normandy Farms and Stables Inc. has been a fixture in the

Littleton community for over 100 years. If you or your family
are seeking a facility offering amonst the best horse boarding

and training, we encourage you to contact us immediately.

http://www.normandyfarmandstables.com/

Boarder and Student- Trainer Update from Normandy

2007-07-25T11:08:00.000-07:00

July 20, 2007

Dear Boarders and Students,

We are so excited that many of you have participated in our exciting programs at Normandy Farms! As this letter goes out, a group of sixteen are competing for the next two weeks at the prestigious Estes Park Hunter /Jumper Festival Shows. This is an incredible showing for a barn of our size, and we look forward to each rider coming home with many great achievements.

As many of you participating in our programs know, Cynda Dyer, one of our trainers for about the last six years is in “full bloom”, pregnant, with a son we hear! We have been fortunate to have Cynda and even a few might remember Emma Harris who also left Normandy to begin a family. We hope there is nothing in the water! We have made great strides since Cynda returned to Normandy after moving out of state during her husbands Ministry. We will endeavor to continue this momentum. Cynda has notified her clients and students that she will be with us, as pregnancy allows through October 2007, and at that point hang up her spurs as she begins her family. This is a major life change for Cynda and her husband. She will certainly have her hands full as she turns to being a new mom and working with her husbands ever growing Church. We wish Cynda the best in this transition.

Normandy Farms and Stable Inc. for it’s part is in a great place to take on this new challenge as several boarders are moving on to College or “greener” pastures. As part of our efforts, we will continue to provide for the needs of our clients wishing the location, atmosphere and last but not least the level of training we offer. Toward that end, we will be introducing each of Cynda’s clients to training with either Randie Culbertson or Emily Stokes. Both of these dedicated professionals have great experience and the work ethic as they work with us to serve your continued interest in all things horses. We encourage those wishing to further their equestrian experience to speak with Randie, Emily or ourselves about your specific needs; or to schedule a lesson with either Randie or Emily.

Both Randie and Emily are expanding their businesses. They area bringing in school horses to work with our younger lesson riders or working with those who have interests in leasing or purchasing a horse to further progress into “show level” interests. Our family; Christine, Stan, Spencer and Analessa ( McKenzie is away at school!) will be returning to live on the property in August. Normandy Farms will be working closely with these trainers, and potentially another trainer in the future to not only work with our existing riders, but also continue our unique programs introducing you to this terrific lifestyle.

Regards,

Christine and Stan Penton
Owners

Cynda Dyer Randie Culbertson Emily Stokes
Trainer Trainer Trainer

Normandy Farms and Stables Inc. announced as semi finalist in Stable Management “Giving Back” contest

2007-07-19T08:23:00.000-07:00

Normandy Farms and Stables Inc. were notified by judges of Beardsley Publishing, publishers of Stable Management magazine that they are a finalist in the publications 1st Annual “Giving Back” Contest.
Over fifty entries from across the country shared their stories of generous giving back efforts in this contest sponsored in conjunction with Pfizer Animal Health. Judges at Beardsley Publishing felt Normandy Farms was “one of the few the few that really stood out”. Normandy Farms and Stables Inc. was selected as finalist based on its desire to assist the Pegasus Program, 501(c)3 hippotherapy program located in Littleton, Colorado. Normandy Farms credits its past efforts and work with museums, schools, youth programs and other charities. Normandy Farms has received commendations from Denver Business Journal – Family Business Award Finalist, Mass Mutual- Blue Chip Enterprise Initiative State Honoree, and The Congress of the United States regarding its past efforts. Winners will be announced in the September issue of Stable Management

Wilian Laarakkers Clinic June 12-14, 2007

2007-05-04T08:30:00.000-07:00

Normandy Farms and Stables Inc. is pleased to welcome our old friend Wilian Laarakers back for a special clinic June 12, 13 and 14th, 2007. We have worked with Wilian for many years both for clinics and importing, and are now excited to offer Wilians expertise to Colorado riders.
Wilian achieved national status when in 1985 he was selected to ride as a member of the Dutch National Team. His many career highlights include winning World Cup- Amsterdam and as a Member of the Dutch Olympic Team in Seoul, South Korea. For the last 20 years Wilian has been a competitor on the Dutch National Team with numerous Grand Prix and nations Cup Victories. While competing in Copenhagen and Madrid in 2005 he secured Holland’s top position in International jumping circles “The Nations Cup”
Wilian with wife Joan Scharffenberger (1985-1990 World Championships), currently teach top junior and young riders in Holland. Most recently one of their students was selected as a member of the Gold Medal winning Team in the European Championships.
Those interested in participating in this clinic should call Normandy Farms at 303- 973-0077and visit us at www.normandyfarmandstables.com.

Normandy Initiatives for 2007

2006-12-23T10:13:00.000-08:00

We are pleased with our progress and success in bringing the best facility and services to our riders.
In 2008 we would like to achieve the following initiatives in order to improve our facility.

2. Walls for East and West Wash racks redone(Spring)
3. Interior arena knee wall.(get estimate)
4. Improve/ maintain our contacts with regards to horse importing. Focus Holland, Germany and Russia.
5. Continue updates and focus on community development-Fox Haven to the East and Vintage Reserve to North, and Coal Mine Ave traffic study.
6. Improve upon uses in the facility focusing on our business objectives.
7. http://www.youtube.com/group/normandyfarmandstab

This list will be revised periodically to reflect changing priorities and best management
practices.

Normandy Riders USEF Circuit

2006-12-04T11:55:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Brooke Pettet and her pony "Face to Face". With only competing in a few short stirrup divisions Brooke and her pony walk away with a 4th place year end award fro the USEF Short Stirrup. With Reserve Champion at the Show for Champions, Brooke ended in 9th place in year end awards for USEF 11 and under. We are really looking forward to seeing Brooke and "Face to Face" being strong competitors in the Medium Ponies next year.

Congratulations also goes out to Kristen Jenkins on her purchase of "Partner in Crime". We look forward to seeing them compete in the Jumpers and Equitations next year.

All thanks goes to Randie and her terrific group of kids.

Update of CHJA standings for Normandy Riders

2006-12-04T11:43:00.000-08:00

Normandy Riders under the direction of Randie Culbertson and Miranda Equestrains deserve congratulations on a very successful show year.

CHJA Short Stirrups in 4th place "Stud Muffin" owned and ridden by Brianna Bukes who also recieves 3rd place in both CHJA Beginner 11 and under and CHJA Junior 11 and under equitation. Congratualtions to Anna Alexander who ended in 11th place overall in the CHJA 11 and under Equitation!
CHJA Beginner Hunter in 6th place is "Tell My Story" ridden by Meridith Sabin. Meredith finished in 5th fro CHJA Beginner 15-17 Equitation. Meredith also competed in CHJA medal finals finishing 6th in the largest class of the weekend, the Columbine Junior Medal. Special thanks go to Kari Petter for allowing Meredith to show successfully her fabulous horse " Tell My Story".

Sarah Pistilli competed in CHJA Beginner 12-14 Equitaion and finished 9th in year end standings. Sarah had a great summer in equitation with numerous champions and reserves. Sarah competed along side Meredith Sabin in the Columbine Junior Medal where she finished in 11th place.

This year we looked forward to the return of Erica Strandberg's "Poquerville" who spent the last two years recovering from an injury. "Poquerville" and Erica competed in the Puddle and Schooling Jumpers where they ended in 8th place in CHJA year end standings. We were also joined in the jumper ranks by "Butt Naked" and his owner Marisa Laus. They had a late start in the show season but won their share of ribbons.

Normandy Riders are tops in CHJA year end standings!

2006-11-28T15:20:00.000-08:00

Cora Leeuwenburg, Jacquelyn Tinsman and Alexis Nichols all entered the hunter challenge this season. In this CHJA “A” Challenge a team of three riders accumulate points all year together. It was a close race and we know they all competed well as the team ended the year in third place.

Jenna Geist and “ Velvet” the velveteen rabbit finished sixth overall in the short stirrup division year end standings with CHJA, group 4.

Way to go!

Normandy Rides to victory at the Show of Champions

2006-11-28T15:16:00.000-08:00

The “Show of Champions” was held November 7-11, 2006 at the Denver Coliseum. This show was a huge success for Normandy Farms riders under the training of Champions Equestrians Cynda Dyer.

Jenna Geist and her horse “Velvet” were the Reserve Champions in the short/medium/long stirrup division. A great end to the show season! Cora Leeuwenburg showed “Lark” for the second time and placed first in her warm up and then in equitation over fences.

Look for these two outstanding ladies next season in and outside of the show arena.

Miranda "Randie" Culbertson Trainer

2006-08-31T11:54:00.000-07:00

We attended some wonderful shows this summer. We hope you enjoy our photogallery.

Normandy Farms -2006 CHJA Hunter Challenge

2006-07-07T15:37:00.000-07:00

As of this day " Cyndalina's Little Champions" Jacquelym Tinsman, Cora Leeuwenburg and Alexis Nichols are ranked #1 in the 2006 Colorado Hunter Jumper Association -Hunter Challenge with 98 points. Way to go girls and Trainer Cynda Dyer.

Another great showing for Normandy Farms!

Normandy Farms Rider Wins National Stock Show Title

2006-02-01T15:25:00.000-08:00

Ashley Ballard, a rider with Normandy Farms and Stables captured two equestrian first places at this years 100th National Western Stock Show.

Ashley with Cynda Dyer as her trainer won bothe the hunter pleasure championship in the 17 and under catagory as well as hunter pleasure championship open to all ages.

We are all very proud of Ashley, Cynda and Ashley's horse "Skip".

Normandy home to some of the best riders in the area

2004-12-19T11:43:00.000-08:00

The quality that we wish to project at Normandy, not only shows in our facility or the care and feeding of horses.
Since we arrived at Normandy ten years ago, we wished to have only the most caring, considerate and ethical of patrons. Normandy has some of the best riders in the area, state, region and even the country now, but most importantly we have maintained only the most cultivated participants.
As many of you depart for show after grueling show this summer, remember how you turn out and participate (in or out of the show ring) is the greatest of all rewards and complements to your barn and your trainers.
In this sport there are many competitors. Normandy prepares not only some of the best riders, but by far the best competitors. Be proud of this. The quote at the front of this newsletter is not by accident:

“Sports do not build character. They reveal it”