Shallowbrook Equestrian Center

5-Star Horse Show Series

Saturday, September 24, 2011

 CHSA, CHJA, and Marshall & Sterling rated.

Judge: Kristen Guadagnino

Show Manager: Geoff and Sally Allison

Course Designer: Sally Allison

Steward: Dick Jones

Announcer: TB

Grounds: Weather permitting, the show will be held outdoors in the sand ring The show will be held indoors!

Plenty of Parking and Excellent Food available all day!

Show starts at 8:30 am, Flat Warmups start at 8:00 am.

Prize List and Time Schedule

Class Descriptions

Shallowbrook Horse Show Entry Form

Entries Close Friday Morning at 8:30 am day before the show

FAX Entry Forms to: 860-239-1034

Day of Show and Information Phone Numbers; 860-749-0749

We are located at:

247 Hall Hill Road

Somers, Connecticut 06071

(860) 749-0749

Map (Google Map) and Directions to The Shallowbrook Equestrian Center

Remember – Deadline for entries is Friday, September 23, 2011 at 8:30 am.

Logan Allison led the search to find stables with a common goal of providing a fun riding experience for the casual enthusiast to the competitive equestrian.  “Shallowbrook and Genesis Farm share the same philosophy…to provide exceptional instruction to all levels of students, quality care for horses, and deliver what our customers need to succeed.” – Logan Allison, Instructor of Shallowbrook Equestrian Center

Effective August 1, 2011, Tiffany Bianco of Genesis Farm will join the team of instructors, and will be teaching and training at Shallowbrook under the direction of Sally Allison, co-owner and head trainer.  “We look forward to becoming part of the Shallowbrook legacy to lead “the next generation” of accomplished equestrians.” – Tiffany Bianco, Owner and Head Trainer Genesis Farm

This announcement comes on the heels of many improvements to the Shallowbrook facility since 2008 in efforts to bring Shallowbrook to the next level of equestrian excellence.   Shallowbrook offers beginner to advanced lessons to ages three and older specializing in hunt seat and polo.  The Shallowbrook team believes in a full approach to riding, teaching students not only the theory and discipline of riding but the importance of horse care and personal growth.

“We have been family owned and operated since 1962 providing quality horse care and exceptional instruction to all of those that enter our doors.  We are excited for the Genesis team to be a part of our team.  With the addition of Tiffany’s impressive knowledge and care of horse and rider, we look forward to many wonderful equestrian experiences together.” – Sally Allison, Co-Owner and Head Trainer of Shallowbrook Equestrian Center

Shallowbrook looks forward to continued success in 2011 with the accomplishments of their students, additional facility improvements and host of many horse shows. Shallowbrook welcomes visitors to take a tour of the facility and be a part of bigger and better horse shows starting August 20^th through November.  For more information regarding lessons, boarding, or horse shows, please contact 860/749-0749 or visit www.shallowbrook.com.

Born on September 22, 1927, son of Giuseppe and Angelina Vita, he was raised in Hartford, CT, and lived life to the fullest. He honorably served in the U.S. Air Force from 1945 to 1947.  During that time, he met his wife and soul mate of 63 years, Frances Roupe.

In 1962, Hal, Frankie and their five children opened the doors of the Shallowbrook Equestrian Center   where he touched the lives of the hundreds of adults, children and families who came through those stable doors.  During his lifetime, Hal spent time in Munich studying horsemanship, founded the Connecticut Valley Hunt Club, was President of the Connecticut Hunter Jumper Association and coached several generations of riders, including his own children to National and State equestrian championships.  He started polo at the University of Connecticut and coached the polo team to their first National Intercollegiate Polo Championship in 1972 with a follow up win in 1973.  He remained actively involved in the polo community, whether it was teaching a new rider how to hold a mallet or coaching high school players to multiple interscholastic polo championships.  Nearly every Friday night, he and Frankie could be found at the stable watching and coaching from the sidelines at Shallowbrook.

Throughout the many years Hal coached hundreds of young riders, teaching them much more than the fundamentals of horsemanship.  He instilled a lifetime of strength, courage and pride in each student who had the honor of riding with “Mr. Vita”.

Besides his loving wife, Hal is survived by his three sons, Joseph Merle Vita and wife, Laura, of South Carolina, Francis Salvador Vita of Somers and Hal Angelo Vita Jr. and partner, Thomas Keough of Ellington; his two daughters, Angela “Pink” LeRoyer and husband, William of Edgartown, Ma, and Sally Anne Allison and husband, Geoffrey  of Newtown, his former daughter-in-law, Kathy Vita, his fourteen grandchildren, Anthony, Jennifer, William, Jr., Dominic, Joey, Stephanie, Hal, III, Logan, Molly, Mackenzie, Matt, Angelina, Johanna, and Asa; and four great-grandchildren, Kaylyn, Boden, Sophia and Colin.

In celebration of his life, the Vita family invites their family and friends to join them on Monday, April 18 for a memorial service on the polo field of Shallowbrook, 247 Hall Hill Road, Somers, CT from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name to the U.S. Polo Training Foundation, 70 Clinton Street, Tully, NY 13159 or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.

Somers Funeral home is caring for the arrangements. To leave an online condolence, please visit Somersfuneralhome.com

More Ride for the Money!

Hunter classes
Pre Green Hunter class 131
Hopeful Hunter class 134
Schooling Hunter class 140
Low Hunter class 146
Modified Hunter class 152
Open Hunter class 161
These classes will receive prize money as follows; $40, $30, $20, $10

Horses or ponies must have competed in a least one of the classes in the division in order to be eligible to enter in the stake class.

DUE TO THE CHANGE IN PRIZE MONEY, ENTRY DEADLINE WILL NOW BE JUNE 7TH.

View More Information

WHAT’S NEW
SEC Rated Horse Show Schedule

·         SEC: June 10^th, 11^th, and 12^th (USEF, CHSA, CHJA, NEHC, M&S)

·         SEC: August 20^th and 21st (CHSA, NEHC, M&S)

·         SEC: September 24^th (CHSA, CHJA, M&S)

·         SEC: October 29^th (CHSA, CHJA, NEHC, M&S, USEF)

·         SEC: November 13^th (CHSA, CHJA, NEHC, M&S)

·         SEC: November 20^th (CHJA, NEHC, M&S)
Summer Horsemanship Program – Applications available NOW

Activities include daily riding lessons, horse and stable care, arts and crafts, introduction to polo, games on horseback and an end of the week riding demonstration for family and friends to enjoy! Weekly sessions start July 11^th through August 12^th, program day is 9am-1pm.  Pre-School only week will be July 25^th-July 29^th from 9am-11:30am (ages 3-6).  NEW this year we are offering a Healthy Horse Course: a three-day program designed to better understand preventative and maintenance horse care, stable management and related riding skills.  Important knowledge for all horse enthusiasts to learn.  This program will only be offered July 6^th through July 8^th, 9am-12pm, must be nine or older to attend.

Gatsby Day

The opening day for outdoor polo is Sunday, May 22^nd.  Fill your car with family and friends and enjoy the exciting game of polo.  Gates open at 12pm, polo starts at 1pm.  $20 general admissions carload, $30 VIP (field-side parking) carload. Activities include: polo, halftime longest ball hitting contest, and best tailgate contest.  All proceeds to benefit Evergreen Hospice.

Father or Family/Child Rides

To celebrate Father’s Day we are offering father/child or family/child rides.  The one-hour lesson includes an introduction to riding and a fun experience with your child.  Makes for a great gift!

Gifts for ALL Occasions

Summer Horse Lease: a week lease entitles you or your child to be able to ride 4 times a week.  They would also be allowed to groom the horse everyday as well as feed the horse two times during that week (Shallowbrook provides the feed).  Horses are leased on a first come first serve basis.  Please contact your instructor for more information.

Whoa Shop:  Great Shallowbrook apparel including jackets, sweatshirts, hats, saddle pads, and much more.  Check out our display case in the lounge and place an order through your instructor.

Birthday Parties: Contact Elyse for available dates and more information.

Horse Treats

While our horses LOVE their treats, reminder that we ask you to please place horse treats in their feed buckets instead of hand feeding.  Thank you.

REMINDER-SEC Lesson and Boarder Referral Program

Incentives for you and your referral check the news board or see your instructor for details!!!

WHAT HAPPENED

Student Horse Show

Congratulations to all of our SEC riders on an amazing student horse show.  And a special congratulations to our 2011 Invitational Champion, Stephanie.  Great riding everyone!

Girl Scouts

Nine girl scouts earned their horse rider badge.  Each rider learned horse safety, how to groom, tack-up, and ride.  A lot of information was provided in a short period of time and the girls did an amazing job!!!  And to top it off they attended the Shallowbrook horse show on March 20^th.

Connecticut Horse Shows Association – 2011 Awards Banquet

Congratulations again to our SEC riders who were awarded year-end ribbons at the 2011 CHSA Annual Banquet…Samantha Hansen, Kayla Rodriguez, Allyson Quirk, Autumn Ortiz and Julie Costello.  Looking forward to another wonderful show year in 2011.

^1st Annual Sweethearts Ball – to Benefit Team Y Ride

The first annual Sweethearts Ball to benefit Team Y Ride was a tremendous success.  With over ninety people in attendance, great fun was had by all.  The event raised over $4,000 to benefit Team Y Ride.  Thank you to all of those that volunteered, attended, and donated auction prizes.

Interscholastic Polo Teams
Congratulations to the Girls and Boys teams for a VERY successful 2010-2011 season.  The girls team lost in the semi-finals by just two points against Cornell.  It was said that their match was the most impressive match of the season, go girls!!!  The boys team were also very impressive in their preliminary matches, go boys!!!  Also, special congratulations to Audrey Persano, Carly Persano, and Drew Gale who were all selected to the Interscholastic Polo All Star Team. And lastly a super special thanks to our Seniors…good luck at school next year!!!

Shallowbrook Equestrian Center
860/749-0749 shallowbrook.com

Hold your horses, there is A LOT going on at SEC. Please see your instructor for further details regarding any program or event listed below.

SEC Events Calendar

• Valentines Week (2/7-2/14): make a valentine for your favorite horse and we will display it in our lounge
• SEC Schooling Show: Sunday, 2/13
• 1st Annual Sweethearts Ball (to benefit Team Y Ride): Saturday, 2/19
• School Vacation Horse Lease: 2/21-2/26
• SEC Rated Horse Show: Sunday, 2/27
• Connecticut Horse Shows Association Year-End Awards Banquet: Saturday, 3/5
• SEC Rated Horse Show: Sunday, 3/20
• SEC Schooling Show – Sunday, February 13th
  • Classes for ALL riding levels, no formal show attire required. Only $10 per class and $5 office fee. Fun way to experience the show ring and prep for upcoming Shallowbrook rated shows. See your instructor for a class list and entry.

1st Annual Sweethearts Ball (to benefit Team Y Ride) – TICKETS ON SALE NOW

The Shallowbrook Polo Club will be hosting the 1st annual Sweethearts Ball on Saturday, February 19th from 6:30pm-midnight at Chez Joseph, Agawam, MA. Dinner, dancing and silent and live auction. Creative black tie and must be 16 years old to attend. 100% of the proceeds will benefit Team Y Ride. RSVP before February 12th, tickets are $45 per person, to purchase see your instructor and make checks payable to the YMCA of Greater Springfield or contact Julie Costello, Executive Director of the YMCA of Greater Springfield at 413/739-6951. Tickets will be given at the door. If you are unable to attend but would like to make a tax-deducible monetary or auction prize donation contact Julie Costello at 413/739-6951.

NEW!!! – SEC Lesson and Boarder Referral Program

We are thrilled to announce our NEW referral program!!! Have a friend, co-worker, or family member who is interested in riding, polo lessons, or boarding??? NOW is the time!!! Incentives for you and your referral, check the news board in the tack room or between the indoors rings, or see your instructor for details.

UPDATED!!! – Instructors Page

Check out the NEW pictures and stories about our Shallowbrook instructors on the SEC website…www.shallowbrook.com.

Clean Your Tack

You may have noticed some new signs posted in the tack room, reminding students to PLEASE clean their tack after every ride. If you are not sure how to clean the tack, instructions are listed in the tack room or see your instructor. Thanks in advance for keeping our tack in good condition for all to use!

February School Vacation Horse Lease

Experience a horse lease the week of school vacation (2/21-2/26). A week lease entitles you or your child to be able to ride 4 times a week. They would also be allowed to groom the horse everyday as well as feed the horse two times during that week (Shallowbrook provides the feed). Horses are leased on a first come first serve basis. Please contact your instructor for more information.

SEC Rated Horse Show Schedule

Shows start at 8am and last all day…so come be a part of the action or cheer on our SEC riders.

• Sunday, 2/27: CHSA, CHJA, NEHC, M&S
• Sunday, 3/20: CHSA, CHJA, NEHC, M&S
• Friday, 6/10 through Sunday, 6/12: USEF “A” rated, CHSA, CHJA, NEHC, M&S
• Saturday, 9/24: CHSA, CHJA, M&S
• Saturday, 10/29: CHSA, CHJA, NEHC, M&S, USEF
• Sunday, 11/13: CHSA, CHJA, NEHC, M&S
• Sunday, 11/20: CHJA, NEHC, M&S

Connecticut Horse Shows Association Year-End Awards Banquet

The annual year-end awards banquet will be held in Hartford, CT on Saturday, 3/5. Congratulations to our SEC riders on winning year-end ribbons:

• Samantha Hansen: Lead Rein Hunt Seat, Medal and Blue Ribbon
• Kayla Rodriguez: Walk-Trot Hunt Seat Equitation, Medal and Blue Ribbon
• Cute Cousin Andy: Walk-Trot Hunt Seat Pleasure, Medal and Blue Ribbon (rider Kayla Rodriguez)
• Allyson Quirk: Beginner 11 & Over Equitation, Reserve Champion
• Autumn Ortiz: Beginner 11 & Over Equitation, 5th Place
• The Original: Adult English Pleasure, 3rd Place (rider Julie Costello)
• Cute Cousin Andy: Beginner 11+ Pleasure, Reserve Champion (rider Allyson Quirk)

Student Horse Show-Save the Date

Our Spring student horse show will be held on Sunday, May 22nd. Mark your calendar!

Summer Horsemanship Program-Save the Date

It’s not too early to start planning your summer!!! Our Summer Horsemanship Program includes daily riding lessons, horse and stable care, arts and crafts, introduction to polo, games on horseback and an end of the week riding demonstration for family and friends to enjoy. Weekly session dates and applications will be available soon. Program day is 9am-1pm (pre-school clinic day is 9am-11:30am).

Shallowbrook Apparel

Check out our display case in the lounge featuring Shallowbrook fleece-lined jackets, Varsity jackets, saddle pads, zip-up sweatshirts. Great gifts!

First Addition Shallowbrook Equestrian Center 2011 Wall Calendar

Filled with pictures of SEC riders and horses, only a FEW left. Makes for a GREAT gift. 100% of the proceeds will benefit Team Y Ride.

Birthday Party

Many students and non-students have enjoyed the fun birthday parties at SEC in recent months. Contact Elyse (edunbar@hotmail.com) for available dates and more information.

Team Y Ride

Our riders continue to excel in their riding, GREAT job!!! And a special thank you to the Shea family for donating their outgrown riding apparel to the program!

WHAT’S HAPPENED

Holiday Cheer

Thanks to all who participated in our holiday get together 12/11, last ride of the year 12/31, holiday horse lease 12/26-12/31, and made holiday cards for our lounge and tack room.

SEC Five Star Series

Congratulations to all the SEC Five Star Series winners!!!

Interscholastic Polo Teams

Congratulations to SEC’s Interscholastic Polo Teams on their recent impressive wins. The boys team with a 26-18 win in Rhode Island and an 11-10 win over Cornell, with Drew Gale scoring the final goal. The girls team with a win over Brandywine 17-8.

Welcome New Riders and Boarders

SEC welcomes all of our new boarders and riders. Looking forward to a GREAT year!

Happy New Year!

Shallowbrook Equestrian Center

860/749-0749 shallowbrook.com

View 2010 5-Star Series Standings (PDF)

SEC Events Calendar

·         SEC Rated Show: November 14^th

·         SEC Rated Show: November 21^st

·         Thanksgiving Week (November 22^nd-27^th): share a note of thanks for your favorite horse and we will display it in our lounge, all cards will be entered to receive a raffle prize drawing

·         Holiday Week (December 20^th-25^th ): make a holiday card to be displayed in our lounge, all cards will be entered to receive a raffle prize drawing

·         Holiday Horse Lease (December 27^th-31^st): see details below

Holiday Gifts

Let Shallowbrook help you with your holiday list.  We will be offering Shallowbrook fleece-lined jackets, saddle pads, zip-up sweatshirts, horse leases, gift certificates (including a lesson for the whole family) and more!  Order forms available soon!

Holiday Horse Leases

Experience a horse lease the week of school vacation (12/27-12/31).  A week lease entitles you or your child to be able to ride 4 times a week.  They would also be allowed to groom the horse everyday as well as feed the horse two times during that week (Shallowbrook provides the feed).  Horses are leased on a first come first serve basis.  Please contact your instructor for more information.

Shallowbrook Rated Horses Shows

We want to wish all of our Shallowbrook competitors LOTS of luck and great riding in their remaining shows for the 2010 horse show season.  Reminder that Shallowbrook is hosting two more shows on November 14^th and 21^st.  Come out and cheer on our riders as they qualify for the 2010 Connecticut Horse Shows Association Year-End Banquet and the Shallowbrook 5-Star Series.

Special congratulations to Emily Carroll, Margo Chapelaine, Julie Costello, Elyse Dunbar, Samantha Hansen, Christine Howard, Taryn Isenburg, Hannah Kenny, Shelly King, Lucy Manos, Alli Merrill, Autumn Ortiz, Ally Quirk, Kayla Rodriguez, Marley Stafford, and Marie Thompson on winning impressive ribbons at Shallowbrook’s October 30^th horse show.  Great riding EVERYONE!

Lastly, congratulations to those who participated in the Halloween Costume class. With over eight entries the winners were “3 Blind Mice” followed by the “Double Zebra.” Pictures to be posted on shallowbrook.com soon.

Birthday Party

Many students and non-students have enjoyed the fun birthday parties at SEC in recent months.  Contact Elyse (edunbar@hotmail.com) for available dates and more information.

Team Y Ride

Team Y Ride started another session this month.  Welcome back to all of our riders!  And we are excited to announce that Team Y Ride will have a booth at the Equine Affair November 11^th through the 14^th.

WHAT’S HAPPENED

Student Horse Show

Congratulations to all of our riders on your amazing riding at the student horse show on October 17^th.  And a special congratulations to Shallowbrook’s 2010 Invitational Class winner…Christine Howard and her horse Montego.  If you have any photos you would like to share please email them to Elyse atedunbar@hotmail.com.

Halloween Treats

The Shallowbrook horses wanted us to say thank you for bringing them Halloween treatsJ

Dog Agility Event at Shallowbrook Equestrian Center

For the second year in row Talcott Mountian Agility Club will be hosted their impressive tournament on October 2^nd and 3^rd.  It was a spectacular event!

Laury Persano Memorial Polo Tournament

A benefit Polo match was held at Shallowbrook on October 24^th in memory of Laury Persano who recently lost her battle with breast cancer.  The turnout was amazing.  Thank you to all who participated to benefit the Evergreen Hospice, Stafford, CT.

Best wishes,

Shallowbrook Equestrian Center

860/749-0749   shallowbrook.com

October 26, 2010

Contact: Elyse Dunbar (edunbar@hotmail.com, 413/626-8974)

Local Residents Receive Top Ribbons at Connecticut Horse Shows Association Finals

Three students from Shallowbrook Equestrian Center of Somers, CT competed in the Connecticut Horse Shows Association (CHSA) Finals in August of 2010.

The CHSA Finals provide a year-end showcase to encourage and promote interest in the beginner and intermediate classes and/or divisions for the members of CHSA.  Top riders qualify by accumulating the highest level of points within their division(s) throughout the year.

Julie Costello of Wilbraham, MA rode Logan Allison’s The Original and received Champion in the Adult English Pleasure division as well as fourth place in the CHSA English Pleasure division and seventh place in the Hunter Pleasure division.

Hannah Kenny of Wilbraham, MA rode Shallowbrook’s Cute Cousin Andy and received ninth place in the Children’s Pleasure Pony division and tenth place in the CHSA English Pleasure division.

Allyson Quirk of Longmeadow, MA rode Shallowbrook’s Cute Cousin Andy and received Reserve Champion in the 11 & Over Walk Trot Equitation division and fourth place in the 11 & Over Walk Trot Pleasure division.

“We are so proud of our riders.  Their dedication and love for the sport is admirable and inspiring.  Each rider enjoyed many personal victories that weekend with the ribbons to prove it.” Logan Allison, trainer at Shallowbrook Equestrian Center

These competitors as well as several other Shallowbrook students will continue to compete in the remaining horse shows of the 2010 show season to receive awards at the Annual Awards Banquet held in March of 2011.

Shallowbrook Equestrian Center will host home shows on Saturday October 30th, Sunday Novermber 14^th and Sunday November 21^st.  The public is welcome watch with no admission fee.  For more information visit www.shallowbrook.com.

Appendix

Photo’s Attached

1. Julie Costello and The Original
2. Hannah Kenny and Cute Cousin Andy
3. Allyson Quirk and Cute Cousin Andy
4. Winners Circle: Julie Costello, Allyson Quirk, Hannah Kenny (front, left to right); Trainers: Logan Allison and Stephanie Vita (back, left to right); Horses: The Original and Cute Cousin Andy (left to right)

Shallowbrook Equestrian Center, Inc

Located in Somers, CT, Shallowbrook has been family-owned and operated since 1962.  Shallowbrook offers beginner to advanced hunt seat and polo lessons to ages 3+, birthday parties, boarding, and property rental.  Shallowbrook’s mission is to provide a riding experience on the foundation of a school-focused environment for the casual enthusiast to competitive equestrian.  Shallowbrook believes in a full approach to riding, teaching students not only the theory and discipline of riding but the importance of horse care and personal growth.  (shallowbrook.com, 860/749-0749)

Connecticut Horse Shows Association, Inc.

CHSA was established in 1928 to encourage and promote the interest of Connecticut horse shows which include most popular breeds, hunters, jumpers, dressage, driving, English and Western Pleasure and all equitation seats.