Timber Hills has enjoyed great moments of success so far this show season! In addition to the early spring practice shows, we have attended Des Moines Springfest, Great River Benefit, and KC Summer Kick-Off.
After practicing diligently all winter, Abby Van Kooten was more than ready for this show season. Riding both of her horses, Million Dollar Kiss (“Dinero”) and Absolutely On Heir (“Ichabod”), Abby has earned blue ribbons at every show. This includes the coveted Iowa Equitation Cup at Great River as well as the grand championship win in open pleasure at KC Summer Kick-Off. Few work harder than this young equestrian, and it has been thrilling to see her efforts be rewarded!
Avis Van Zomeren and Reedann’s Desperado (“Raun”) have also been quite the contenders in both the amateur park and show pleasure divisions. They had a clean sweep at Springfest, and then earned strong reserve honors at the next two shows. With Raun’s flowing blonde locks and Avis’s smooth riding skills, these two make a striking pair. They keep clicking more each day and we’re eager to see how the rest of the season continues!
In only her first season with a show horse of her own, Cameron Knouse has accumulated blue ribbons at each show this year. She and her beloved mount, CH HS First Day (“Spencer), have grown so much as a team since beginning their journey together in February. Highlights include winning the novice show pleasure championship at Springfest, the junior exhibitor show pleasure championship at Great River, and the veteran show pleasure qualifier at KC Summer Kick-Off. It has been a joy watching this passionate young rider live out her dreams, and it’s only the beginning!
Gracie Kay DeRonde is our resident superhero, having undergone not one, but two surgeries on both knees between November and March. It’s difficult for any equestrian to miss most of the winter to prepare for show season, but it was especially challenging for Gracie since she also has a new, young equitation partner: Copperhead Road (“Copper”). Being back in the saddle for only a couple of weeks prior to her first show, Great River, this team still had some stellar moments. They made their next show ring appearance at KC Summer Kick-Off and made vast improvements in a short amount of time. We see so much potential in Gracie and Copper’s future, and can’t wait to watch what is next!
Due to the exciting milestone of Addison Hartwick’s high school graduation, she only attended Springfest after the practice shows. However, she enjoyed significant success at this show with her equine partner, My Tinker Toy (“Andy”), making a top 3 finish in the competitive junior exhibitor country pleasure championship. Addi has spent much time practicing with her horse and it’s very evident in her performance!
Addi’s sister, Ella, has been given the exciting opportunity this year to ride Abby’s equitation national champion, Ichabod. This pair made their debut together at Springfest, where they garnered reserve in a deep pleasure equation class! The weekend of Addi’s graduation, Ella still quickly popped over to Great River to compete in the Iowa Equitation Cup. In a class amidst national champions, Ella earned a top 3 finish! It’s been thrilling to watch Ella grow as a rider and succeed with Ichabod.
Our academy riders have also made us extremely proud this season. They have exhibited horsemanship, adapted to any obstacles thrown at them, and (most of all) had fun! View the pictures below to see our academy students in action.
We are grateful for the accomplishments our barn has achieved so far this spring, and we are looking forward to what’s ahead!