2008 Calendar
| Month | Date | Show/Clinic | Where | Type | Notes |
| April | 13 | Spring Beach Ride | Hampton Beach | Ride | Beach Ride |
| May | 3 | Critique | CVDA at GMHA | Clinic | |
| 4 | Spring Schooling Show | CVDA at GMHA | Dressage | ||
| 24 | Spring Combined Test | GMHA | Combined | ||
| 31 | Schooling Trials | Hitching Post Farm | Event | ||
| June | 1 | Summer Schooling Show | CVDA at GMHA | Dressage | |
| 7 | Schooling Show | Dartmouth | Dressage | ||
| 8 | Schooling Show | East Hill Farm | Dressage | ||
| 14 | Schooling Trials | Hitching Post Farm | Event | ||
| 14-15 | In Hand Clinic | CVDA | Clinic | ||
| 23-27 | Dressage Camp | First Choice | Camp | Camp | |
| 28 | Jumper Show | Dartmouth | Jumper | ||
| July | 7-11 | Show Camp | First Choice | Camp | Camp |
| 11 | Schooling Trials | Vershire | Event | ||
| 12 | FCRA Home Show | First Choice | Equitation | Home Shows | |
| 23 | Schooling Trials | Hitching Post | Event | ||
| 28-8/1 | Event Camp | First Choice | Camp | Camp | |
| August | 2 | Schooling Trials | Vershire | Event | |
| 9 | Schooling Trials | Vershire | Event | ||
| 10 | FCRA Home Show | First Choice | Equitation | Home Shows | |
| 20 | Schooling Trials | Hitching Post | Event | ||
| 23 | Schooling Show | Dartmouth | Equitation | ||
| September | 22 | Schooling Show | CVDA | Dressage | |
| October | 4 | Schooling Trials | Hitching Post | Event | |
| 26 | Fall Beach Ride | Hampton Beach | Ride | Beach Ride | |
| November | 9 | Fall Beach Ride (experienced riders only) |
Hampton Beach | Ride | Beach Ride |
| updated 2/08 |
Please note that there will be a three horse minimum to go to these shows.
Possible Recognized Shows:
| Month | Date | Show/Clinic | Where | Type | Notes |
| May | 9-11 | Spring Dressage Show | NEDA Marshfield, MA | Dressage | |
| 24-25 | Dressage at Saratoga | ENYDCTA Saratoga, NY | Dressage | ||
| June | 19-22 | June Dressage Show | GMHA | Dressage | |
| July | 17-20 | King Oak Dressage Days | King Oak Southampton, MA | Dressage | |
| 24-27 | GMHA Dressage Days | GMHA | Dressage | ||
| August | 14-17 | Vermont Dressage Days | Essex Junction, VT | Dressage | |
| September | 10-14 | Fall Festival of Dressage | NEDA Saugerties, NY | Dressage | |
| updated 2/08 |
Clinics at First Choice
We are very honored to have some wonderful clinicians come here to First
Choice. They usually offer private and semi-private lessons, but if you feel
that you aren't quite ready for that yet, auditing is a great chance to
learn something new from the experts.
Our students should discuss whether they are ready for a particular clinic with their trainer. If they do attend, we ask that they dress appropriately - please see What to Wear for Clinics.
Check out Hoofpicks
to find out more and to sign up online.
Shows
We offer the ability to enjoy horse showing at a variety of levels. Whether you are ready for the entry level competition
or more, we try to provide all of the options. Not only do we travel to away shows
in NH, VT, MA or NY, but we hold our own in-house competitions too. Become part
of the excitement of not only your own success, but that of the entire First
Choice family! We encourage a feeling of teamwork at home and away. Feel the
pride as you post your ribbon up with those of the seasoned riders. Whether
you have the show of your life or an off day, you'll always be part of the
team.
Horse show riders will always need the proper attire, a white fitted saddle pad, and a clean grooming kit of their own for shows. See What to wear for shows for more information.
Show prep is always a busy, yet fun time. When First Choice goes to a show, we want all eyes on us, so the prep is key: black horses need to be black, grey horses need to be silver/white, braids need to be neat, tight, and uniform, and tack needs to sparkle. We start with show prep after 1 pm the day before the show with horses being schooled, then bathed and braided. The great part about this time is that you see the magic of the barn with the older kids helping younger kids, horses standing tolerantly, and the overall buzz about the show to come. The kids can expect an impromptu inspection from a trainer to be sure the goals of a good turn out are being met. Many times you will see a trainer suds up a horse to display the "art of scrubbing with elbow grease" to produce a shiny clean horse. In the aisle, you'll hear, "Will you braid my horse if I clean your tack?" Or "Does anyone have any clippers?" Preparing as a group strengthens the continuity of the "team" that goes out to the shows.
Parents laugh because many show prep days fall on Fridays, which is Pizza Party Day for summer camp and barn rats at lunchtime, but when the kids are asked what they want for dinner at the farm, the unanimous answer is "Pizza"!
If show prep does not fit into your schedule, we do offer a show prep service to prepare your horse the day before a show.
All riders need grooms and so we ask that those who are showing, do at least one show as a full time groom.
First Choice Home Shows
Our home shows have something for everyone. All ages and abilities are welcome. Come and have a lot of fun while showing all that you have learned.
Check out Hoofpicks to find out more and to sign up online.
Show Fees
Show fees include transport and coaching.
| Show Location | Owned Horse | Leased Horse | Non-leased Horse |
| Morton Farm | $100 | $125 | $125 |
| Hitching Post Farm | $200 | $225 | $250 |
| Vershire Riding School | $200 | $225 | $250 |
| GMHA* | $200 | $225 | $250 |
| FCRA Home Show | $20 | $45 | $45 |
| updated 5/08 |
*If a show is more than one day, then add $45 for coaching each additional day.
Please note that these are package fees for coaching, transport, and horse use. If you would like to have a coach at a show and you own your own horse, the coaching fees are as follows:
- Dressage Show - First test $45, Second test $30, same plan for day two, $34 for half hour lesson day before show
- Horse Show - $70
- Event - $90
If there are shows or rides that you would like to go to, and you don't own a horse, and you can not arrange a coach that doesn't mean you cannot go. We will allow certain horses off the property with more advanced students for a daily fee of $100.
If you would like to go somewhere and you need transport, please feel free to contact Bob.
If you would like to participate in a show and you are unable to prepare your horse for show, that is not a problem. We will prepare your horse: bathed, trimmed, and braided for $75. If you need someone to braid your horse, we can provide that as well for $25. Please provide the specific products that you would like used on your horse.
See you at the show!
Beach Ride
Spring Beach Ride
- April 14
We will be leaving the farm at 9:30 am. Transport for horse to beach is $140. If you need a horse we have one for you! The horse use fee is $30 if you clean and oil tack and $50 if we do.
Fall Beach Rides - October 26 and November 9
We will be leaving the farm at 10 AM. Same fee schedule as April. The second date is only for those who have been before and don't mind a wilder ride. Heidi will not be going on that trip, so it is limited to 6 horses.