Wishing You A Happy New Year!

We wanted to do a quick blog post to wish all of our wonderful clients, their families and friends a happy and healthy new year! 2015 was a great year for Playland and we have high hopes that 2016 will be even better! Be sure to stay tuned in 2016 for our upcoming clinics, events & more! Thank you for your continued support of Playland Equestrian Center! www.playlandequestriancenter.com

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays from Playland!

Wishing all of our staff, clients and friends a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday season!

Looking for that perfect Christmas present?

Are you looking for that PERFECT Christmas gift for the aspiring equestrian in your life? Well look no further! Playland proudly offers for sale PL Diamond’s Inspiration, aka "Izzy."

“Izzy” is a 3-year old, IDSH filly. She will mature to be 15.2h+ tall. Izzy is by PL Diamond Hill and out of PL Indy. Izzy is a barn favorite! She is under saddle at the walk/trot/canter and is learning her leads. She has competed in Intro A at her first dressage competition, where she was both Champion and High Score in her division with a score of 71%. She is a quiet ride both in the arena and out in the fields. Before beginning her under saddle training, she went to several Future Event Horse competitions, and not only always placed, but even won a few classes. She trailer loads, leads, lunges, stands for the farrier/vet, stands in cross-ties and does basic in-hand work. She is showing a strong desire to please and is a quick learner! Her full siblings are currently competing in dressage and eventing with young riders and are doing very well. Izzy will make a great dressage, eventing or jumper prospect and is suitable for an amateur or professional. Her price will increase with training. Come meet this sweet girl today before someone else does!

Stephen Bradley Re-cap & Glenda in Ireland!

Good morning!

This past weekend was our last clinic of the year. We had the wonderful Stephen Bradley back at Playland for a jumping clinic. Everyone had a lot of fun and did really well! We can't thank Stephen enough for coming out to the farm to teach. Here are some photos from the day thanks to Maya Kuntze Photography:

Also, in case you are wondering where Glenda is... she is currently in Ireland having a blast with Courtney Cooper and Tim Bourke!  She returns later this week and we can't wait to hear all about the trip!

(Photo courtesy of Courtney Cooper's Facebook)

Happenings at Playland!

Good morning!

We hope that you were able to enjoy the holiday with friends and family. This morning we wanted to send out a LAST CALL for anyone who wants to ride with Olympian Stephen Bradley at the farm this Saturday, December 5th. You have until 11am Wednesday morning, December 2nd to sign-up. The cost is $115 per horse/rider and all levels of riders (Intro-Training) are welcome to attend! Be sure to email Erinn at: emurphy@arbee.net today to sign-up!  The schedule for the clinic will be posted by Thursday morning on our website, www.playlandequestriancenter.com!  We are looking forward to having everyone on Saturday!

We also want to send a HUGE congratulations to Ashley Redman and her mom Stephanie for making PL Irish Pearl an official part of their family! Ashley and Pearl make a fantastic team and we can't wait to see how the partnership between these two develops! We couldn't have asked for a better home for Pearl and we think she agrees!

Stay tuned for more happenings and announcements each week for the latest! 

Don't forget about Stephen Bradley!

Good morning,

We wanted to remind everyone about our upcoming clinic with Olympian Stephen Bradley on December 5th! It's going to be so much fun and will be a great ending to a 2015 year! Email secretary Erinn at: emurphy@arbee.net today to sign-up!

More about Stephen: Stephen Bradley's career as a professional equestrian spans three decades, with accomplishments that reflect his focused dedication to eventing. He is a Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event Champion, and has been named to one U.S. Olympic team, one World Equestrian Games (WEG) team, and has been short listed for three additional U.S. World Equestrian Games teams, and four additional U.S. Olympic teams. He also has been on two Gold Medal winning Pan American Games teams. Stephen has also placed in the Top 10 five times at Rolex Kentucky CCI4*. And, he is only 1 of 2 American riders to win the Land Rover Burghley CCI4*, doing so in 1993 with Sassy Reason. Stephen is not just a competitor; he brings a wealth of horsemanship to his students and his team, and shares his expertise teaching all over the country.

Also, we hope that everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving! We are very thankful for our wonderful clients & friends!

GREAT WEEKEND With Laine Ashker!!

Good afternoon,

We want to thank Laine Ashker for another amazing clinic weekend here at Playland!! The weather was much better this time around and riders got a chance to learn a lot by working through Laine's jumping exercises. Word on the street is that everyone had a great time! Here are some photos we snagged from Facebook & Instagram... if these don't convey how awesome the weekend was then we don't know what will! Thanks also to our  clinic organizer Erinn, staff & volunteers...until next time! 

LAINE ASHKER CLINIC THIS WEEKEND- FINAL CALL!

Just a quick reminder, this is the LAST CALL for riders who want to come ride this weekend (November 14-15th) in the Laine Ashker Clinic at Playland.

We are now offering a *limited* number of 45-minute private dressage lessons with Laine Ashker during the clinic for those who want to ride with Laine but not necessarily jump. Email Erinn at: emurphy@arbee.net today to sign-up before it's too late!

If you are on the fence about coming, check out these fun photos from the previous Laine clinic by Maya Kuntze Photography!!  Don't forget to sign-up by Wednesday, the 11th if you want to come! 

PS- Don't forget that auditing is FREE & encouraged! 

Waredaca Results (& more!)

Great job to the Playland riders and horses who competed this past weekend at Waredaca (Laytonsville, Maryland)

At the Waredaca Novice & Training 3-Day Event Louisa Woodville with Empress (PL Lucky Empress) finished 13th in the Novice 3-Day division.

Louisa & Empress 

At the Waredaca Fall Horse Trials student Sofia Tamayo with PL Jazzy Contessa finished 6th in the Beginner Novice Rider-B division. 

Sofia & Contessa 

Way to go riders! 

*Don't forget* Playland Equestrian Center, LLC has a stall board opening at a discounted rate to the right person! We have a current opening for stall board with a partial discount for stall cleaning multiple days a week. Lovely indoor arena and stables, perfect to bring your horse in over the winter! Must have AM hours available to work. Contact glenda@playlandequestriancenter.com for more information. 

There are also a few spots left in the upcoming Laine Ashker 2-Day Clinic November 14th & 15th ! Email Erinn at emurphy@arbee.net to sign-up today! 

Great Weekend at Loch Moy!

This past weekend a few of the Playland riders went to compete in the Maryland Horse Trials Fall Starter #2 at Loch Moy Farm. Despite the cold and wind, everyone rode very well and we are proud of them!

-Sofia Tamayo  and PL Jazzy Contessa for finishing in 3rd place on their dressage score of a 30.30 in the Jr. Beginner Novice-A division!

-Ashley Redman and PL Irish Queen for finishing in 4th place on their dressage score of a 37.50 in the Elementary-B division!

-Alaina Smith and Red Cloud for finishing in 5th place on their dressage score of a 37.0.

Great job everyone!

*Also don't forget that Playland has a stall board opening at a discounted rate to the right person! We have a current opening for stall board with a partial discount for stall cleaning multiple days a week. Lovely indoor arena and stables, perfect to bring your horse in over the winter! Must have AM hours availability to work. Contact Glenda at: glenda@playlandequestriancenter.com or at 301-788-1188 for more information.

News & Happenings from Playland

Good Morning!

The farm is busy as always and the horses are enjoying this fall weather! Here is the latest news & happenings!

• This past weekend student Sofia T took PL Jazzy Contessa for their recognized Beginner Novice debut at The Maryland Horse Trials. Although they had a technical elimination on cross-country, we are still really proud of this pair! They were 8th after dressage on a solid score of a 35.0 and moved up to 6th after a double-clear show jumping round. Way to go Sofia! 
  

•  With such a great year under our belt so far, we have had lots of growth this year and have found that we have room for a couple more people on our team! We have openings for both working students and paid position of a barn supervisor. If interested, please contact Glenda with your resume at glenda@playlandequestriancenter.com 
  

• Laine Ashker is coming back!! Laine will be coming to Playland to teach another clinic on November 14th & 15th. This will be a 2-day jumping clinic open to riders of all ages and riding levels. Prices: Saturday OR Sunday-$145 per horse/rider. Both days- $275 per horse/rider. This clinic is already halfway full and filling up fast! If you want to reserve your spot today email Erinn Murphy at emurphy@arbee.net 
  

• Don't forget about PL Irish Pearl FOR SALE!  PL Irish Pearl is a seasoned Training-level event horse with the talent and scope to go higher! She is a favorite around the barn and at competitions and really stands out. She is a careful jumper and has great form over fences which could allow her to be competitive in the jumper rings as well! Be sure to check out Pearl's ad on our website: http://playlandequestriancenter.com/sales/ and set up an appointment to come meet Pearl today! 
  

• New photos of the yearlings! We also have the yearlings offered for sale and we are really excited about this group's potential! Thanks to Maya Kuntze Photography for coming out and taking new photos of our babies. If you are looking for your next sporthorse project visit our website for more information: http://playlandequestriancenter.com/sales/ 
    
    
  

PL Irish Pearl for sale!

Know of someone looking for their next Training-level horse? PL Irish Pearl is a seasoned Training-level event horse with the talent and scope to go higher! She is a favorite around the barn and at competitions and really stands out. She is a careful jumper and has great form over fences which could allow her to be competitive in the jumper rings as well! Be sure to check out Pearl's ad on our website: http://playlandequestriancenter.com/sales/ and set up an appointment to come meet Pearl today!

Working Students Needed!!

Calling all WORKING STUDENTS!! We have current opening for working students for the fall/winter of 2015. We are looking for special candidates to fill these positions immediately. Our ideal candidate has a good work ethic, strong time-management skills and a keen interest in learning, as well as their own method of transportation. You must be able to work well with others, take direction and have a great attitude. Practical experience with horses is a must, and experience with young horses and a familiarity with eventing would be helpful. We maintain a 6-day work week with consistent barn hours. Most days will consist of riding for the first part of the day with routine horse management and the availability of a lesson in the afternoon. Traveling to shows and events also a possibility for the right person. Candidates must be at least 18 years old and have their own transportation. Live-in on the farm situation is also available for the right person. Compensation will be in exchange for board for one horse, lessons, clinics, competitions and other opportunities. For more information about Playland Equestrian, our facilities and our horses, please visit our website: www.playlandequestriancenter.com

Great time at the Fall C.O.R.E. Rider Clinic!

Yesterday was the fall C.O.R.E. Rider Clinic and everyone had a great time!! The weather was beautiful as riders were split into to groups for a morning and afternoon session. During the un-mounted phase riders focused on their shoulders and hand positioning and awareness. Then it was carried over directly as it relates to riding when riders paired-up on the medicine balls with a set of reins. One rider got to be "the horse" and the other was holding the reins just as they would in the saddle. Riders were able to explore motion, tension and levels of contact as the horse would feel. Pretty neat! After that everyone had a semi-private lesson in the saddle to work on their shoulders and hand positioning while riding the flat. Each rider did very well and we saw huge improvements! Way to go everyone! Thank you for coming and we look forward to seeing you at the next clinic!

Here are some photos from the clinic thanks to Maya Kuntze Photography: