Follow me to River Chase Farm

Spring is right around the corner

2012-02-21T11:48:00.000-08:00

Hurry and register for spring break camp on our website! The Camp dates are April 2nd, 3rd, and 4th and will run from 9:30am till 3:30pm!

For those of you that do no have Shannon's contact info here it is:

CELL : 703-298-3652 EMAIL: smvenezia87@gmail.com For lessons with her etc you may now contact her directly.

River Chase Farm 2012 Hunter show dates are: March 25th, April 1st, May 20th, June 2nd, July 21st, and August 12th. The June 2nd show will also include jumpers in our brand new Grand Prix field!

The RCF Summer Camp registration is up on the website as well!

Also for those of you wanting to send something to Tommy while he's oversees, here is his address again.

Lcpl Navarro, Thomas

2/9 H&S Company Unit 74115

FPO AE 09510-4115

6 more weeks of winter....?

2012-02-06T15:26:00.000-08:00

That pesky groundhog said to expect 6 more weeks of winter, but if the next 6 weeks are in the 60s like it has been, then who cares!

Congrats to our JEL team! Shea, Marissa, Julia, Taylor, Samantha, and Liz who did wonderful at their finale meet! Great job guys!

RCF VHSA Hunter Mini Series Dates : March 25th, April 1st, May 20th, and June 2nd! More details and prize list to follow.

RCF Jumper Shows: This year we are very excited to be having our jumper shows in our BRAND NEW Grand Prix field! Dates are July 21st, August 12th! More details to follow.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Super Bowl weekend!

Summer Camp is right around the corner! Dates for those coming very soon so keep your eye out cause they fill up fast!

New Year, New Procedures, and Policies!

2012-01-12T20:17:00.000-08:00

The way lessons are scheduled has undergone a big change! This is the new way to schedule a lesson and/or cancel one.

All lesson scheduling, cancellations, questions etc go through the scheduling form found on the lesson page of the River Chase website or by calling the office phone number 703-777-1899 and leaving a message. Hopefully this will be a more efficient means of scheduling because you will be communicating directly with Tom and Diane. Please bear with us as we iron out the kinks. The goal is also to get the office computer up and running so the you can see the horse you're riding etc up on the big screen.

REMEMBER THAT TO CANCEL A LESSON THERE NEEDS TO BE 24 HOURS NOTICE OR YOU WILL STILL BE CHARGED FOR THE LESSON!!!

Oh yeah it snowed!!!

Happy New Year!!!

2012-01-01T12:51:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year everyone! I hope you all had a blast bringing in 2012! 2011 was a busy year for us with quite a few changes, so here's a recap of last year and an intro to the new one!

Over the past year our farm was competitive in both the VHSA and USEF show circuits. We have competed in both the hunters and jumpers and had our own VHSA summer show series.
Both the rings have had new footing added and been greatly improved by grading.
Diane left her teaching position in the public school system to join the RCF team as Tom's second in command.
Diane brought a lot of new activities to the farm such as our wine and cheese trail rides, dressage mini clinics with Josepha Phillips, regular cross country schooling expeditions, Winter camp, and more.
We went to the Foxcroft Horse Trials hosted by the Dominion Valley pony club.
We got a group together for the Washington International Horse Shows Barn Night.
Started our first ever Junior Equitation League show team.
Assisted in the safe return of the Leesburg Animal Parks zebras
We had a wonderful Christmas party with most of the RCF family making it out.

There was even more but on to the January happenings!

Cross Country Schooling January 2nd
The Hazelwood Jumper series January 7th and 21st
The Frying Pan Winter series January 14th

February happenings coming soon!

Winter sunset view from the back of Zeus :)

Winter Frying Pan Series off to a good start!

2011-12-11T12:31:00.000-08:00

Congrats to everyone who competed yesterday at the Frying Pan Hunter show! The show had a great turnout and was very competitive, with all classes having a minimum of 15 entries! All our RCF peeps did superawesomefantastic! What a great start to this series and it can only get better :)

Abby Arft and Champagne Kisses aka Finch got:

6th and two 4ths in VHSA Hunter Pleasure

3rd in the Children's Equitation

3rd in the 2'6" Hunter Classic

Katie Habig and Bodacious AKA Beau got:

1st and 6th in Adult Horse Pleasure

(btw this was the first time she and Beau had met)

Miss Carlie Wiggens and Joey got:

2nd in Children's Equitation

2nd in the 2'6" warm up

3rd and 4th in 2'6" Hunter

Shannon Venezia and Mercury got:

two 2nds and a 4th in the 2'6" Hunter

2nd in the 2'6" Hunter Classic

Also congrats to Joanna, Taylor, and Sam who did wonderfully on Dylan, Beau, and Maddie. I'm sorry guys I don't have your placing and class info.

Next show is January 14th so here's to an even better show!

We have just a little bit of fun :)

More winter fun at RCF!

2011-12-09T17:45:00.000-08:00

Burrr.... baby it's cold out there, but that won't stop us from riding and having fun!

For you jumpers we're going to the Hazelwild Jumper Series in Fredericksburg, VA.
Dates: Jan 7th, Jan 12st, and Feb 5th
Fees: $50 Trailering Fee, $65 Trainer Fee, and $50 Horse Fee (if school horse is needed)

For the hunters we're going to the Frying Pan Park Indoor Hunter Series.
Dates: Dec 10th, Jan 14th, and Feb 4th
Fees: $25 Trailering Fee, $65 Trainer Fee, and $50 Horse Fee.

Cross Country Schooling we didn't forget you eventing folks!
Date: Jan 2nd
Fee: $70 for trailering and training, additional fee for school horse use.

If you have any questions or want to reserve a space for any of these events please talk to Diane.

Can't wait to see ya'll at the Christmas Party on Sat. December 17th!

Jess wins the cute award this week at the Maintree NCEL meet last Sunday - Photo Credit Tom Auchterlonie

Winter activities, farm notes, and zebras!

2011-12-03T06:55:00.000-08:00

A reminder about the RCF Christmas Party - December 17th at 7pm. The address is 42824 Forest Spring Dr, Leesburg VA. Please RSVP to Emily or on Facebook with what you are bringing and is you would like to participate in the gift swap please bring a $10 - $20 gift per person. Friends and family are welcome!

Frying Pan Park Indoor Winter Show Series - They will be offering VHSA classes, EQ classes, and the Justin Hise Handy Hunter Classic. The Hunter Classic will also have a cash prize!

Fees: $12 - $20 entry fee, $25 trailer fee, $65 trainer fee, and $50 to use a school horse.

Let us know if your interested ASAP before space fills up.

Winter Riding Camp - for December 27 -29th still has a few more spots!

If you would like to send something (letters etc) to Tommy Navarro while he is oversees with the Marine Corps here is his address:

Lcpl Navarro, Thomas

2/9 H&S Company Unit 74115

FPO AE 09510-4115

***A reminder about our lesson cancellation policy***

We require 24 hours notice for lesson cancellations, otherwise you will still be charged for that lesson. All of our time is important and we waste many resources bringing in horses for them to just stand around. Thank you for your attention in this matter

Photo courtesy of Diane Grove - Zebra catching with Tom and Dr Jay!

Christmas is right around the corner!

2011-11-29T17:59:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving! Even though the weather has been wonderfully warm December and the holidays are already upon us!

A big welcome to all our new boarders and horses!

Good luck and stay safe to Tommy Navarro as he heads to Afghanistan with the Marine Corps!

Our RCF Christmas party is going to be on December 17th at 7pm! Everyone bring a dish to share. RSVP on our Facebook page!

Anyone wanting their horse clipped for the winter let us know. It's $110 for full clip.

Nova and Paul - Too Cute :)

It's November already?

2011-11-09T07:39:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone has gotten a chance to enjoy this lovely fall weather the last few days!

Note To All : DO NOT FEED ANY HORSE THAT IS NOT YOUR OWN OR WITHOUT PERMISSION FROM THE OWNER! You never know if a horse may have dietary restrictions or not feeling well and even hay could worsen their condition.

Note To Boarders: Stalls have recently opened up in the new barn for new boarders. These boarders will each be entitled to tack lockers. So if you are currently occupying a locker please let us know. Unidentified lockers will be cut off Friday November 11!

Winter Kids Camp! December 27th, 28th, and 29th from 10am to 3pm we will be having our winter break kids camp! Cost is $225 for the whole camp and registration forms will be available on the website soon.

Our hearts go out to Eric Lamaze for the loss of his horse Hickstead. Hickstead was named Best Horse of the Year in 2010 and won individual gold at the 2008 Olympics. RIP Hickstead you will be greatly missed.

A big thank you to Tom and Diane for taking everyone cross country schooling yesterday! Everyone had a blast!

Good luck to one of the coolest kids I know, Abby Arft! As she and pony Champagne Kisses head to the VHSA finals in Lexington this weekend! You guys will do great!

Burr.....

2011-11-01T13:23:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween!!! So snow in October??? Yep it got cold just a little quickly, blankets out for real people! Barn night at the the Washington International Horse Show was a blast!

Congrats to our JEL show team on their great start to the season!

Congrats to our NCEL show team on their first meet at Camp Olympia and good luck to them this Sunday at or home meet!

Congrats to all the competitors from our VHSA Hunter Series! Thank you to everyone for your participation and support! We'll see you again next season!

Dressage lessons with Josepha Phillips have been moved to November 5th starting at 3pm.

Anyone interested in cross country schooling on November 8th please RSVP with Diane at 540-454-1444 right away!

Marissa at the WIHS our champion mutton buster!

Some of our wonderful NCEL Team

Go River Chase! Sorry we're missing you Clair!

Riding Family Fun....

2011-10-18T09:03:00.000-07:00

The RCF family has been doing lots of riding and having lots of fun this fall. To RSVP for any of our events contact Diane at 540-454-1444 or Emily at 571-278-7645

Barn Night at the Washington International Horse Show is next Thursday, October 27th. Let's try to win the prize for best barn spirit!! Tickets are $12 for 12 and under and $22 for anyone over 12. Please RSVP so we can purchase tickets in advance, and include where you are coming from so we can try to car pool along the way.

http://www.wihs.org/barn-night/

Dressage lesson with Josepha Phillips on Sunday October 30th. She will begin at 2 pm. Privates are $70 for 45 minutes and Semi-privates are $50 for one hour. Let me know if you are interested. If you need a school horse, an additional $25 fee applies.

RCF Hunter Finals October 29th. This is the last show of the series! We have added an in-hand costume class to the 12:00 schooling break. Chef Herb will be giving a free lunch to every division entry! Prizes will be handed out and photos taken in the RCF winners circle. To qualify for awards riders must have competed in at least two shows during the season and points accumulated during the October 29th show will determine the winners.

Cross Country School At Frying Pan Park on Tuesday, November 8th. Most local schools are closed that day. We leave River Chase by 10 am. If you have your own horse, cost is $105, additional $50 for use of a school horse. This is an excellent opportunity to get off the farm and try something different and fun in a no pressure environment!

The leaves are changing!

2011-10-12T14:36:00.000-07:00

The farm is looking very picturesque now that all the leaves are turning. This weekend is gonna be a busy one and looks like we're going to have great fall weather! Congratulations to all our Foxcroft competitors!

Saturday at 1pm - 4pm is our open house! Free pony rides, face painting, lesson giveaways, and refreshments! It's gonna be fun so bring your friends and family!

Saturday at 4pm is the wine and cheese ride!

Sunday is the final jumper show of the season!!!

I think Reid and Blonde take the best dressed award at the Foxcroft Horse Trials!

Busy busy busy...

2011-09-24T08:06:00.000-07:00

The first official day of fall was yesterday and it's off to a busy start here at RCF!

Good luck to this weekend's competitors at the Columbia Classic and to next weeks competitors at the Culpeper HITS finale!

So the October events calendar is already very full! Here's what's happening:

10/01 The Virginia Fall Races - Dr. Jay and his TEVA team are celebrating their one year anniversary!

Here's the invite from Facebook:

Come Celebrate Total Equine Vets' One Year Anniversary

Saturday 01 October at the Virginia Fall Steeplechase Races at Glenwood Park, in Middleburg
"Bellini's and Baloney"-- We have 2 rail-side spots, a canopy, food, and drinks for you to enjoy. Come say hi to Dr Jay Joyce and our staff, our families, our friends and our clients.
Spend the afternoon-- steeplechase, friends, horses. There is a "Family Fun Fair" with a petting zoo and pony rides and more.
Cost: Free to attend our tailgate party, but $30 per carload (4 people) for event general admission (TEVA will discount your next vet bill $30 for the general admission price-- for regular clients only)
From downtown Middleburg, at the only stoplight, go north about 1 mile.
Check out http://www.vafallraces.com/ for more details. We will have updates on our website and Facebook.
Bring the family, maybe a chair or two. Come enjoy a fun afternoon with us.

Please RSVP
TEVA: call or text (703) 505-2320 or email info@totalequinevets.com

10/09 Foxcroft Horse Trial hosted by Dominion Valley Pony Club:

Diane will be taking a group to compete at this event! This is a great first timers event! Contact Diane for more information dianegrove@yahoo.com. Here is the prize list link

http://dominionvalleypc.com/foxcroft/2011-fall/PRIZELIST-FALL2011.pdf

10/15 The RCF Fall Open House!

We are having an open house from 1 pm to 4 pm! There will be refreshments, free pony rides, face painting, and givaways. Tell all your friends because this will be lots of fun! For those RCF family that wish to help out let Shannon or Diane know. We will need people to set up/ take down etc from 12 pm to 5 pm. Call or text Shannon at 703-298-3652 or Diane at 540-454-1444.

10/16 RCF Jumper Mini Prix!
Show to start at 8am Judge Sandy Vine

10/22 RCF Hunter Finals!
Show to start at 8am with schooling at 7am Judge Debbie Mueller

10/23 Our Junior Equitation League home meet!

"Know Your Course"

Abby Arft on Finch and Reid Auchterlonie on Blonde at last weeks RCF jumper show!

Photo credit to Elaina West

Hello Autumn!

2011-09-16T14:34:00.001-07:00

Buuurrrrr! It was shockingly chilly for our first NCEL B-team practice! Get the sheets out everyone cause fall is here!

Congratulations to our 2011/2012 B-team girls!
Nicole, Jess, Kyla, Reid, Abby, Hannah, Clair, and Mackenna

Also congrats to our first RCF Junior Equitation League team!

A big welcome home to Tommy who's here on leave till the 22nd! It's his last time home before he heads off to Afghanistan! Go Marines!

RCF Jumper show this Sunday! Show will start at 8 am with Sandy Vine judging. Looks like we're in for a nice weekend so come on out! Also the wine and cheese trail ride will be starting at 4pm. Hurry and RSVP if you want to ride. These rides are open to everyone so let your friends know!

Happy Friday everyone!

It's the Weekend!!!

2011-09-10T04:24:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! It's a busy weekend at the farm as usual!

Friday's girls night out went wonderfully. Premiere Design's jewelry was both beautiful and affordable and guess what! You get a second chance to look through the catalogues at Sunday's hunter show!!!

This piece is called the show stopper and looks even better in person!

To day is a busy lesson day and the makeup NCEL tryouts! We'll be getting the farm ready for Sunday's hunter show too!

Cynthia Hare is our judge on Sunday and the show will be starting at 8 am! The footing is great and there is plenty of good trailer parking. We have also added a leadline class to this program so bring all your tiny people!

A big "welcome to the world" to Manuel Torres new little chestnut filly! Details and pics anyone???

It's raining It's pouring...

2011-09-07T11:35:00.000-07:00

Well it's been pretty soggy out at the farm but look at how green the paddocks are! The sand ring is pretty much underwater as of this morning but the rubber ring is fine to ride in.

The RCF hunter show for this weekend (September 11th) is still on and the judge is Cynthia Hare. We've added a leadline class this to this weekends program so tell all your miniature equestrians!

Good luck to Manuel who is competing in NY this weekend! Also good luck to Diane and Onyx at their event!

Start pulling out the light sheets and thinking about fall vaccinations, it's that time of year again!

Don't forget the Wine and Cheese ride for the month on September 18th at 4pm! It's the same day as our jumper show. RSVP for the trail ride with Diane at 540-454-444.

Oh and FYI Becky Shearer is an awesome photographer :)

Welcome!

2011-08-31T15:55:00.000-07:00

Welcome to River Chase Farms brand new Blog!!! This is where you will be able to hear about all the barn news and adventures!

This past week our area has had both an earthquake and a hurricane! Very unusual for us but the farm really didn't get hit with much and other than a few branches on the drive way and a puddle here and there we're perfectly fine!

Our HITS Culpeper competitors really shined this past week and we are looking forward the the next and final one September 28th through October 2nd.

The Frying Pan Park evening schooling series just wrapped up yesterday! Congrats to everyone! A special congrats to Brittany Vera and Special Request who finished champions in their division for the whole series!!!

Here's to a wonderful school year for all our student and a big welcome to Fall!