Fall 11.24.14

 

 

Remembering Dr. Sparks

There are so many memories that are made at horse shows. Celebrating a big win, conversations at the in gate, in the middle of the warm up ring, or in the barn aisle getting that last horse worked in the middle of the night.Coming home from Tulsa, I was hit hard by news that the very person who is a fixture in nearly all of our horse show memories was declining very quickly.

As the hours wore on I knew I had to be there to see him one last time and support his family that cared for him so much. Little did I know that I'd make it just in time for his last moments. Afterwards, I found myself back at the Sparks' house sitting in John's chair thinking of all of those moments for everyone in the industry that happened because of Dr. Sparks. Who would have put me in my place when I was a young trainer - chasing women with the other guys? I can hear all of those voices of the present and past calling Dr. Sparks name to set everything right. 

A little while back I had mentioned that we could do more as an industry to honor the many folks that have contributed to our business over the years. Dr. Sparks is a saint for me and I know for many others too. I will honor those memories of Dr. Sparks forever. I can't imagine being at horse shows without him but I know that he will live long in our stories shared at horse shows to come. 

Happy Thanksgiving!

Jim

 

Around The Barn This Week

Riding Lessons are on as scheduled. 

 

Holiday Gathering

Mark your calendars! On the afternoon of December 13th, we're having a holiday potluck to enjoy our favorite cookies, apple cider and good horse stories. Check your email for details.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Baby Shower

On Saturday November 22nd, the Lowe Riders gathered to celebrate the arrival of the littlest Lowe Rider, Sabine Kamal. Thanks all for your yummy treats. Highlights of the party included a very sleepy baby, a carousel cake, and a Lowe Rider onesie.


 

Outside of the Barn

Kudos to two of our Lowe Riders!

Nancy O'Reilly has recently published her book on women's leadership:



Andria Kidd on her nomination for Cowboy Poetry Album of the Year for Sespe Lullaby from the Western Music Association Awards.

Join the Lowe Riders Riding Academy!

This November we're running a newcomer special. Your first lesson is free if you are new to the barn. Contact us by phone using our contact information below or email us at loweridersacademy@gmail.com

   

What's Ahead...

December 5-8 Saguaro Classic Arabian Horse Show, Scottsdale, AZ
December 13 Holiday Get Together, Lowe Show Horse Centre, Somis, CA

We're on Yelp!

Attention all Lowe Riders, we need your yelp reviews. Help others find us and share from your experiences. http://www.yelp.com/biz/lowe-show-horse-centre-somis

 

Contact Us

LOWE SHOW HORSE CENTRE 4600 Sand Canyon Road, Somis, CA 93066
	805.386.8669
	805.386.3180
	loweshowhorsecentre@gmail.com

http://www.facebook.com/loweshowhorsecentre/

Fall 11.01.14

 

 

Sometimes you are the windshield, sometimes you are the bug

US Nationals this year had its moments. Some classes our Lowe Riders had near perfect trips, other rides we were so close to the top two placings but one thing or another meant we were high in the cards but not quite there, and then there were rides where we just got the gate. 

It goes without saying that the competition at US Nationals is phenomenal but there were moments outside of the competition that show off what our business is made of and the good hearts of all of the people in this business. Kari Hester caught a photo of two boys meeting Austin (ROL Cycret Service +/) on the rail. When the two boys touched Austin as we were trotting by - I thought like most horse trainers that maybe these boys are children of someone famous (Michael Jordan maybe?) and need a show horse. All kidding aside it was a great moment that I'll cherish.

Now that we are back from the show, I've made a vow to myself to get to the gym. To be honest, playing basketball is way more fun than working with the personal trainer. I don't think the personal trainer realized how honest I can be when they asked me to outline my diet - Oreos at 4 am doesn't count as a meal? The only silver lining is playing 3 games of basketball with 20 year olds and being able to keep up. 

Jim

Jim Lowe with ROL Cycret Service+/ Photo by Kari Hester Photo and Media Arts

Around The Barn This Week

Riding Lessons are on as scheduled. 

 

  US Nationals Show Results

    

The 2014 show season wraps up with the big dance in Tulsa. We are grateful to Gene and Ray LaCroix for their expert advice. Deanna and Victor made sure the horses looked beautiful and deserve our gratitude for all of the late nights and early mornings that got our Lowe riders and horses into the ring.  Congratulations to our Lowe Rider families! Thank you to our cheering squad who came to support the barn.


Special Affair SL owned by Vickey Bowman

Top Ten AEPA $50,000 HA English Pleasure Futurity with Jim Lowe

Prince James SF with Jamie Costanzo

Top Ten HA/AA Country English Pleasure AAOTR 19-35 (3rd)

 


















Halsteads Deven+// with Michelle Pease Paulsen

Reserve Champion HA/AA Park AAOTR 

Top Ten HA/AA Show Hack AAOTR

Top Ten HA/AA Driving with Jim Lowe

 


















Prince LOA+// with Michelle Pease Paulsen

Reserve Champion HA/AA Native Costume AAOTR

Top Ten HA/AA Native Costume Open

 















ROL Cycret Service+/ with Melanie Ronen

Top Ten Purebred Show Hack AAOTR

Top Ten Purebred Country English Pleasure AAOTR 36-54 (1st in their cut)

Our Newest Lowe Rider

Nancy O'Reilly and her horses:

Cey Hey, grey purebred gelding (Hey Hallelujah x CP Shiraz)

EF Trific Shoc, bay purebred gelding (SF Specs Shocwave x DA Trifinity)

We're so thrilled you've joined us!
 

Outside of the Barn

Our Lowe Riders, Rob and Darcy Kamal, welcomed a new baby girl, Sabine, in early October. If you are planning to attend the baby shower on November 22nd, please respond to the email invite or RSVP with Beth or Shawn.

Photo credit Kelle King

Join the Lowe Riders Riding Academy!

This November we're running a newcomer special. Your first lesson is free if you are new to the barn. Contact us by phone using our contact information below or email us at loweridersacademy@gmail.com

 

 

What's Ahead...

November 22 Baby Shower at Lowe Show Horse Centre, Somis, CA 
December 5-8 Saguaro Classic Arabian Horse Show, Scottsdale, AZ
December 13 Holiday Stall Decorating Party, Lowe Show Horse Centre, Somis, CA

We're on Yelp!

Attention all Lowe Riders, we need your yelp reviews. Help others find us and share from your experiences. http://www.yelp.com/biz/lowe-show-horse-centre-somis

 

Contact Us

LOWE SHOW HORSE CENTRE 4600 Sand Canyon Road, Somis, CA 93066
	805.386.8669
	805.386.3180
	loweshowhorsecentre@gmail.com

http://www.facebook.com/loweshowhorsecentre/

Fall 09.29.14

Orange you glad...

We had a great time at the Diablo Fall Fling. We used the show as one last practice for US Nationals. I also had some free time to get my haircut and hopefully avoid another $550 parking ticket like the one I got last year. 

For many riders and trainers, this time of year also involves a little personal sprucing up. Not only should horses be well turned out when they enter the ring in Tulsa but so should their handlers. For some this might involve some extra time in the gym, the spa, or at the plastic surgeons. For me, it's time for a haircut and a chance to cover up my blond (okay, I mean grey) hair. Covering your grey hair with blond is not as easy as it seems and one wrong bleaching turns your hair orange. Not slightly orange, but bright Halloween-pumpkin-loving orange. Except I wasn't planning on some early Halloween parties with my kids and I didn't want the judges to take extra notice of the orange hanging out from my fedora.

The process to undo the very same mistake is even more difficult. The next stylist dyed it brown and now after a series of bleaching I might finally get my grey (white) hair back. Anyway, with all of the possible orange jokes that can ensue, and since I'm pretty comfortable making a joke at my own expense it's a good time to remember that with all of the preparations for the big show - having a laugh is the best medicine. Be proud of how far you've come in your show season, and if a little bleaching should happen just smile and laugh. 

Jim

Jim Lowe with Vendettaa competing in Purebred Country English Pleasure Jr Horse

 

Around The Barn This Week

Riding Lessons are on as scheduled. 

Jim leaves for the US Nationals on October 9th. Follow Jim on twitter @jlowe_lowerider for crazy filled spur of the moment updates. Good luck to all of our Lowe Riders and Horses!

 

 

   

 

In Memoriam - Strawberry Huck V+++// (1991-2014)

Strawberry came from the same decorated family as Berried Treasure, Berry Exciting, Huck's Prowleta and Berry Elegant, bred by the renowned Varian Arabians. He was owned and loved by the Reiter family since 1997. Strawberry received multiple national titles including 1996 Canadian National Champion HA/AA Hunter Pl Junior Horse and 1999 Reserve National Champion HA/AA Hunter Pl JO 13 & Under. Thank you for all of the great memories, Strawberry!

Somewhere, somewhere
In time's own space,
There must be some sweet pastured place....
Where creeks sing on and tall trees grow,
Some paradise where horses go.
For by the love that guides my pen,
I know great horses live again. - George Bernard Shaw

 

 Diablo Fall Fling Show Results

We took four horses up to Elk Grove, CA for the Diablo Fall Fling Horse Show. All of the horses came first or second in their classes. Special note that Beth Jupp and Vendettaa came second in their class to Expressamo a former Lowe Show horse that was sold from our barn and  is now in training with Bob Purtee. Thank you so much to Deanna Scanlan and Victor Negrete for their hard work making sure our horses look their best! Congrats to our Lowe Riders and horses. Thank you to all who came out to support the barn.

Follow our Lowe Riders and Horses at US Nationals

If you can't join us in Tulsa, watch the live stream at www.arabianhorseglobal.com (For schedule updates visit http://www.arabianhorses.org/competitions/nationalevents/usnationals/2014/docs/14USN_Schedule.pdf)

Friday October 17

HA/AA Country English Pleasure AATR Select Rider A/B
Sofa King Suite+ with Roxanne Shelgren

HA/AA Country English Pleasure Open
Prince James SF with Jim Lowe

HA/AA Park Horse AAOTR A/B
Halsteads Deven+// with Michelle Pease-Paulsen

Saturday October 18


HA/AA Pleasure Driving Open A/B
Halsteads Deven+// with Jim Lowe

Arabian English Show Hack AAOTR A/B
ROL Cycret Service+/ with Melanie Ronen


Arabian Country English Pleasure Junior Horse A/B
Vendettaa with Jim Lowe

HA/AA English Show Hack Open A/B
Prince LOA+// with Michelle Pease-Paulsen

Sunday October 19

Arabian Hunter Pleasure Futurity A/B
Daughtry

HA/AA Country English Pleasure AATR Select Rider SF/F
Sofa King Suite+ and Roxanne Shelgren

 HA/AA English Pleasure AAOTR Maturity SF/F
SF Stonewoods N Cook with Jamie Costanzo

HA/AA Park Horse AAOTR SF/F
Halsteads Deven+// with Michelle Pease-Paulsen

Monday October 20

Arabian Country English Pleasure Maturity AAOTR I/II/III
Vendettaa with Beth Jupp

HA/AA English Show Hack AAOTR A/B
Halsteads Deven+// with Michelle Pease-Paulsen

HA/AA English Pleasure AAOTR 19-39 A/B
SF Stonewoods N Cook with Jamie Costanzo

Tuesday October 21

HA/AA Country English Pleasure AAOTR 19-35 A/B
Prince James SF with Jamie Costanzo

Arabian Hunter Pleasure Futurity SF/F
Daughtry

Arabian English Show Hack AAOTR SF/F
ROL Cycret Service+/ with Melanie Ronen

HA/AA Pleasure Driving Open SF/F
Halsteads Deven+// with Jim Lowe

Wednesday October 22


Arabian Country English Pleasure Maturity AAOTR A/B
Vendettaa with Beth Jupp
 
HA/AA Country English Pleasure AAOTR Maturity A/B
Sofa King Suite+ with Roxanne Shelgren

Arabian Country English Pleasure AAOTR 36-54 A/B
ROL Cycret Service+/ with Melanie Ronen
Vendettaa with Beth Jupp

HA/AA English Pleasure AAOTR 19-39 SF/F
SF Stonewoods N Cook with Jamie Costanzo

Thursday October 23

Arabian English Show Hack Open A/B
ROL Cycret Service+/ with Jim Lowe

Arabian Country English Pleasure Maturity SF/F
Vendettaa with Beth Jupp

HA/AA Country English Pleasure 19-35 AAOTR SF/F
Prince James SF and  Jamie Costanzo

HA/AA English Show Hack AAOTR SF/F
Halsteads Deven+// with Michelle Pease-Paulsen

Friday October 24

Arabian Country English Pleasure Junior Horse SF/F
Vendettaa with Jim Lowe

HA/AA Country English Pleasure Open SF/F
Prince James SF with Jim Lowe

Arabian Country English Pleasure Open SF/F
ROL Cycret Service+/ with Jim Lowe

HA/AA Mounted Native Costume Open SF/F
Prince LOA+// with Michelle Pease-Paulsen

Saturday October 25

HA/AA Country English Pleasure AAOTR Maturity SF/F
Sofa King Suite+ and Roxanne Shelgren

Arabian English Show Hack Open SF/F
ROL Cycret Service+/ with Jim Lowe

HA/AA Show Hack Open SF/F
Prince LOA+// with Michelle Pease-Paulsen

Arabian Country English Pleasure AAOTR 36-54 SF/F
ROL Cycret Service+/ with Melanie Ronen
Vendettaa with Beth Jupp



 

Join the Lowe Riders Riding Academy!

Contact us by phone using our contact information below or email us at loweridersacademy@gmail.com

 

 

What's Ahead...

October 17-25 US National Championships, Tulsa, OK
November 22 Baby Shower at Lowe Show Horse Centre, Somis, CA 
December 5-8 Saguaro Classic Arabian Horse Show, Scottsdale, AZ
December 13 Holiday Stall Decorating Party, Lowe Show Horse Centre, Somis, CA

We're on Yelp!

Attention all Lowe Riders, we need your yelp reviews. Help others find us and share from your experiences. http://www.yelp.com/biz/lowe-show-horse-centre-somis

 

Contact Us

LOWE SHOW HORSE CENTRE 4600 Sand Canyon Road, Somis, CA 93066
	805.386.8669
	805.386.3180
	loweshowhorsecentre@gmail.com

http://www.facebook.com/loweshowhorsecentre/

Summer 9.20.14

 

Steer the Shopping Cart

 And no I'm not talking about buying horses... well, at least for the moment. Over the past week, the barn has been busy with visitors. Gene LaCroix came out to the farm for two days to help prepare the horses for US Nationals. We had a great few days and the horses were working awesome afterwards. All you have to do is watch the video we took of Jamie Costanzo's horse Stonewoods 'N Cook SF on facebook  to see how ready we are!

After Gene's visit, we were thrilled to host Gayle Lampe, another horse industry icon, on a barn tour as a part of her clinic at J. Bennett Farms at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center in Burbank. Gayle helped a number of our riders hone their A game before US Nationals. We welcomed Sherry Morrow, Jennifer Granger, and Carla Jo Bailey also visiting our barn. Beth Jupp, Nancy O'Reilly, Roxy Shelgren, Jamie Costanzo and Emily Holden did us proud in their lessons with Gayle. Gayle's knowledge is immense and her enthusiasm is truly infectious. 

In between Gayle's visit, Sabine Schut-Kery, a dressage trainer and long time friend, came to help us school our horses and riders for the show hack division. Sabine had a great analogy for working on straightness, that riding a horse is like steering a shopping cart. Without a rider's correction, a horse will naturally drift in one direction just like those metal shopping carts. 

With all of the excitement of preparing for US Nationals it is easy to get caught up and keep training in one direction. By having excellent mentors and friends, we're able to stay focused and keep the shopping carts with the stickiest of wheels on track.  

Jim

Twister CH schooled by Gene LaCroix

With Gayle Lampe, Lowe Riders and Visitors from J. Bennett Farms

 

Around The Barn This Week

Riding Lessons are on as scheduled. 

Jim leaves for the Diablo Fall Show on September 24th.

Welcome to our newest Lowe Show Horses and Rider!

Vulcan VF, a purebred bay gelding, owned by Ventura Farms

Night Train Express, a chestnut Half-Arabian mare, owned by Jennifer Barton

We're so thrilled you've joined us!

10th Annual Day of the Horse in Thousand Oaks

On September 13th, with temperatures soaring past the 100s we showcased our Lowe Show Horses at Conejo Creek Equestrian Park in Thousand Oaks, CA. It was a great honor to represent the Arabian breed to others who may not get to witness the beauty and athleticism of a breed of horse we cherish so much. Special thanks to Prince LOA, Prince James SF and Penelope Krewse for being such excellent ambassadors.

 

 

 

   

Outside of the Barn

Our Lowe Rider Nicole Krueger is busy in her role as President of CareRescue LA. Recently, a number of Lowe Riders banded together to rescue Dixie, a dog with a bullet wound found in a dumpster. Dixie is now in a loving home with Lowe Rider Melanie Ronen's aunt. To follow Nicole and help save more of our furry friends - find her on facebook at Nicole CareRescue LA.

Join the Lowe Riders Riding Academy!

We are gearing up for lessons. Send your kids. Tell your friends. Contact us by phone using our contact information below or email us at loweridersacademy@gmail.com

 

 

What's Ahead...

September 26-28 Diablo Fall Fling, Elk Grove, CA
September 28 Rob Bick and Caralyn Schroter visit, Lowe Show Horse Centre, Somis, CA
October 17-25 US National Championships, Tulsa, OK
November 22 Baby Shower at Lowe Show Horse Centre, Somis, CA

We're on Yelp!

Attention all Lowe Riders, we need your yelp reviews. Help others find us and share from your experiences. http://www.yelp.com/biz/lowe-show-horse-centre-somis

 

Contact Us

LOWE SHOW HORSE CENTRE 4600 Sand Canyon Road, Somis, CA 93066
	805.386.8669
	805.386.3180
	loweshowhorsecentre@gmail.com

http://www.facebook.com/loweshowhorsecentre/