Rougemont Sport Horses - North Carolina

News

Ellen,

I got your email address from Suzin Daly. I understand that you own Sundance. I purchased Lady Victoria (sire is Sundance, birth date May 5, 2003) last September. I just had to let you know that she was shown by her trainer for the first time (ever) this past weekend in a * rated show. Her debut was Training Level/3. She scored 75/70.0. To say the least I was thrilled.

Just to give you a little history I purchased her last September and put her in training almost immediately. It was just in the last month or two things seemed to start to come together and her trainer thought it was time to she how she would handle the show environment. I think she handled it quite well considering she had never been in that type of environment.

Sincerely,
Sue Ketchel

Ellen:

Both mares have found their stride here at Linden Hill. This morning I witnessed field rides for both ponies together up in an open hay field on our property. We started with a calm walk & a little trot. We ended with controlled and peaceful canter work. The mares are a blessing. They are happy and are loved. Thank you for sharing them with us.

Take Me Dancing did double duty with a younger sister (6 year old) a few days ago on what was to be Take Me Dancing's day off. She gave a walking lead line lesson in style. She lowered her head for bridling for the child and was literally resting her chin on the aisle floor for the little girl to bridle her. You could see the conscious decision in Take Me Dancing eyes that she was going to take care of this little girl and make her first riding experience a safe and fulfilling one. She was telling me not to worry, that she knew her charge and that she was to carry precious cargo. We kept it to the round pen, with Gypsy being ridden in the round pen with us by the older sibling. The memory of Take Me Dancing bowing down (and winking at me to chill?) for handling by the little girl will be with me forever! It was so sweet!!!!!

Thanks a million Ellen
~ Ellen McKneally

Ellen,

I am going to try and get some still shots from the video that I took and I am in the process of having the first test tape converted to DVD. When I get some pictures or video that I can share I will let you know.

Sincerely,
Sue Ketchel

Sharon Hartnett and Reuben, out of Rumours in the Air: I restarted Reuben last summer and he has been in steady work for about 10 months now. We've got a long way to go and have been going to Southern Pines for lessons on a weekly basis. So far, we have done a walk/trot test at Buckhorn, a maiden combined test at Macnairs and today we did our first maiden horse trials at Shawnee Acres. He has been very good and has 3 blue ribbons so far! My plan is to continue with small things this summer and in the fall start BN at recognized horse trials. I haven't competed in about 7 years so this slow easy start has been good for both of us. Ellen, there's is not a day that goes by that I am not truly grateful to you! He is the love of my life and I will always cherish him. I can't thank you enough....

Wish us luck! I want to enjoy every day of the journey and hope it lasts a long time!

Ellen Ziemer and Reggae Mon (aka Roadie), owned by Vicki Baker Hitchcock, received first place in upper level dressage and 3rd place at first level at Fenridge Farm's dressage series and the second level championship award at Buckhorn Farm in 2009. Ellen and Roadie have earned their qualifying scores at second level at recognized shows and are preparing for 3rd level and planning to earn their USDF bronze medal together in 2010.

Welcome to Mochie, a very special riding mule, who has been provided to us by our friend, Shirley Burgess. Shirley, who is also Bryan's 4H leader and a wonderful authority on meat goats, has done many endurance rides and shows, in addition to having a passion for riding the trails. In the attached photograph, Shirley is showing Mochie in a trail class, where he always performed and placed well. Shirley has had a hip replacement and is not riding now, and wanted the best possible home for Mochie. Mochie is exceptionally well-trained, reliable on trails and very kind. He has done trails all over the United States, including the Rocky Mountains and the mountains in New York state.

It has been a dream of mine to be able to provide a safe mount for our family members and friends who don't regularly ride but who would like to hack the beautiful trails with their spouse or friends. It will be so much fun to include our families in the activities on the farm!

Please look forward to the creation of a barbeque pit, the addition of a outdoor table and chairs, a wrap around tree bench and additional landscaping around the main barn and riding arena.

Please also look for more details of an upcoming pumpkin carving (thanks to Rose Byrd for the suggestion!), and we'll be setting the date soon for a holiday party.

With warm regards,
Ellen and Jerry

I would like to thank Vicki Baker Hitchcock for the opportunity to ride her wonderful schoolmaster, Reggae Mon (aka Roadie). We earned our second level scores for the USDF bronze medal this weekend at Lexington, Virginia and we are looking forward to continuing our education.

Faith is the 2006 filly by LA Baltic Sundance out of Winter Eclipse (aka Heidi). Heidi's 2007 colt, Baltic Mahogany RSH (aka Mo), has the same wonderful temperament that Gretchen describes.

Today, Faith headed off to Camp with only her two-legged family for company. I’m working at home this week and staying with Sean. Matt and I decided to put up enough fence that Faith could come home for the week since I would be home during the day.

I wondered how she would do with the neighborhood sounds and Sean running / driving around the yard. She’s only been here a couple of hours, but she has settled in remarkably well. She got off the trailer quietly and I walked her around the paddock several times. Finally I took off her halter to see if she would test the electric fence. She must have learned her lesson at Allyson’s because she has stayed well away from it.

Faith trotted around some and called to the other horses in the subdivision. She even passed the Gator test. Sean has a ride-on John Deere Gator that he drives all over the yard. Faith watched him, but didn’t even flinch. For a yearling, she has been really sensible.

A few weeks ago, Allyson and I took Faith and Reno over to Suzin’s. We walked them all over the farm, over fallen trees, stopping to open and close fences. They did great. We even got them through the creek and back again.

I had read about imprinting at birth and was really eager to be there right after Faith was born. I remember sitting in the hay with her at 12 hours old and that I couldn’t stop rubbing her all over. She even climbed into my lap. I have been amazed at the connection that started. She really does look to me when she is unsure of things and if I show her everything is okay, she settles right in. While she was checking things out, I just stood in the middle of the paddock and watched. When she wasn’t sure, she would trot back over to me and rub my shoulder.

This week is going to be really good for Faith. It’ll be even better for me!! Suzin and Ellen, thanks so much for these awesome Sundance foals. Faith has maintained her kind temperament and has been a joy! Matt and I are really enjoying our girl!

Thanks so much,
Gretchen

Congratuations to Dr. Karen Allred, her husband Dr. Jack Griffith and her wonderful mare Anna on the birth of a healthy, HUGE, dark bay colt by Bacchus at midnight on April 7, 2007. Dr. Allred also successfully defended her PhD thesis last month, completing the intensive doctoral process - Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA), and is celebrating her birthday on April 8. What wonderful spring for Karen and Jack!

Gala (the 2003 Hanoverian filly by Golfball out of Taenzerin) has been started under saddle and is doing very well. Mary Clayes (FEI trainer) just loves her attitude. Gala was top filly at the Hanoverian foal inspection at Honey Locust Farm in 2003.

This is the 2003 gelding by Amaretto D II out of Rumours in the Air, showing starting cross country schooling in Southern Pines with his owner, Sharon Harnett. Sharon bought Rumour Has It (Reuben) as a weanling and has brought him along beautifully as her dream horse, destined for eventing. ~Congratulations, Sharon!!, and well done!

What a beautiful home Salina has joined! November Hill Farm is pictured, with Salina on the far right with the father of this beautiful family.

Riley (Baltic Sunfire) was bred at Rougemont Sport Horses (by LA Baltic Sundance out of Winsome Firefly), and we are very happy for his success. He competed beginner novice at TTC this past weekend for first time and WON!

Savannah has the distinction of the farthest travelled horse from Rougemont Sport Horses on the biggest van to one of the most beautiful farms and a delightful family.

Congratulations to Jane Hoel, owner and Julia Dearborn, trainer, on the September 5 purchase of Deva. I have been highly impressed at the skill of this team and I am optomist for a super partnership.

Tattletale, owned by Connie Harter, is a 4 years old gelding and was bred by Ellen Ziemer, out of My Easter Bunny by LA Baltic Sundance, at his first dressage show.

Congratulations to Sharon Hartnett, proud owner of the 2003 gelding out of Rumours in the Air by Amaretto D II of October Hill Farm. Rumour Has It (aka Reuben) has been started under saddle by Sharon and was inspected and branded RPSI on September 26, 2006. Reuben had his first free jumping school after the inspection and enjoyed it greatly, showing great aptitude for jumping and obvious power and scope.

Welcome to Baltic Raven RSH, born 1:45 am May 31, 2006. Raven is by LA Baltic Sundance out of Fruehlingsbrise (AKA Breezy). Raven is a beautiful leggy dark bay filly with a small star and a white pastern on the left hind leg. Raven was purchased by Liz Stamey of Southern Pines as an in utero foal. I love the filly so much that I immediately offered Liz a trade for another of my foals if she is not completely satisfied.

Congratulations to Gretchen and Matt Britt on the birth of their foal by LA Baltic Sundance out of Winter Eclipse (AKA Heidi). Leap of Faith is jet black with a hind white pastern, and is tall, leggy, uphill and with a beautiful head. Faith has a friendly and inquisitive personality, and already nickers to her new owner.

Welcome to Delfino, our first frozen semen foal by Del Piero out of Sashay, born 5/11/06 at 12:05 am. Delfino is a leggy bay colt, vigorous and friendly, who will be registered Hanoverian. Delfino is co-owned by Donna Christopher and Ellen Ziemer, and is offered for sale as an exceptional dressage prospect by private treaty.

It is with sadness that we announce that Graf Gotz has died on 3/17/06 after gracing us with 26 years of his presence and personality. We welcome updates and photos of his progeny, so that those of us who loved this magnificant horse can follow his substantial legacy. Frozen semen remains available by private contract, and will be limited to exceptional sport horse mares, earmarked particularly for those who have competed at upper level dressage.

The photos are of our son Bryan giving a last hug to our gentle gentleman and of
our devoted farm worker, Jose, giving a loving rub to his favorite charge.

Graf Gotz died at age 26 at his retirement home at Ellen Ziemer's North Carolina Farm. The famous chestnut stallion captured the hearts of dressage fans in the early 90's under trainer Steven Wolgemuth. The pair were elected most successful AHSA competitors in 1990, were long listed with the USET in 1992 after winning their first 6 Grand Prix's and in 1993 were the 4th highest ranking combination in the US coming into the tryouts for the North American Championships.

Graf Gotz was imported by Hans Dressler of Princeton, NJ and purchased by sponsor Simon Musser (Owner of Charles Chips, Corp) for rider Steven Wolgemuth who later purchased the stallion from his sponsor. Graf Gotz was one of the few stallions that was approved two times by the same breed organization. The American Hanoverian Society approved him first as a four year old after his in hand inspection and performance requirement - then required inspection and approval again in 1990 as a punitive action against Musser who had not paid stallion dues to the organization. At the stallion's 2nd inspection the German Verband gave their stamp of approval as well, and by the end of that year Graf Gotz was breeding for mares in the fast growing Oldenburg studbook as well.

Graf Gotz produced many amateur horses throughout the United States who typically had his large expressive eye, superb walk and affectionate and outgoing personality. His handsome presence has been used for artist sketches, paintings and a popular dressage license plate. Graf Gotz stood at stud at Graemont Farm in Manheim, PA until he was purchased by the late Reto Engler in MD. After Reto's death, Wolgemuth undertook to find him an excellent home with Cindy Wilkes' On The Bit Farm in GA and later with Ellen Ziemer in NC who provided a worthy retirement for this noble dressage star.

Congratulations to Patricia Roberts and Avant Garde (aka Larry), who just completed 2 horse trials in Florida. I haven't made it to Ocala yet, but now I can say that one of the horses I've bred has been there!

Congratulations to Laura Simson on her purchase of Georgio RSF. Georgio's new name is Giovanni, and Laura and Vanni are so fortunate to be training with Vicki Baker and Chris Hitchcock at Quail Roost Farm.

Congratulations to the Long family on their purchase of A Real Jewel. Vanni and RJ are now both at Quail Roost Farm. The photo is of the reunion of Vanni and RJ.

Just a quick note to let you know that Shadow is doing very well. We've had five lessons with Suzin in March and Shadow seems to learn quickly and retain a lot. She is fun to ride - very comfortable and has a nice uphill feel. She also has quite a ground covering stride - I think we are going at working trot and Suzin says "slow down, you are extending!" Sunday we even had a baby leg yield going.

Chris Mills

Sharon Hartnett is the proud owner of Rumour's in the Air's 2003 colt by Amaretto D II. This colt is exceptional and is bred to complete at the upper levels of eventing and show jumping. He is in a wonderful home with Sharon where he is nutured and handled extensively.

Rumour's in the Air only has 2 living offspring now, since the tragic loss of Dr. Bendon Furlong's colts and the 2002 Aberjack colt that Betsy Freedman and I had in partnership.

We have high hopes for this colt, and Ru II, the gelding by Loyal Pal who will be started by Jim Koford, his co-owner, this spring. I am excited about see Rumour's 2004 foal by Golfball. This should be a fabulous cross, adding a even more powerful hindquarters, uphill frame, topline and Golfball's kind temperament to compliment Rumour's Thoroughbreed attributes, including her athleticism, proven talent and heart.

Ellen Ziemer