Conference noted::equitation

    There should be some other DEC horse owners in this area, but I
    can relay second hand info.  One of my best friends from college
    moved to Canton, GA after school.  She coaches and runs a small
    stable at her place, and hauls professionally.  (And works during
    the day as a mechanical engineer...)  I talk to her fairly often
    about the horse business there versus here in New England. 
    
    My interpretation is that everything is cheaper there.  A nice
    TB started in the rated show ring is ~$3-4K.  Full board at a place
    with an indoor is ~$275.  Many places have indoors because it rains
    a lot in the winter, but you don't NEED one like we do here!  
    There are a lot of horses in the area, - I don't know about the
    hunting, though.  All I can say is everytime we talk I get jealous...
    
    If you'd like to call her, I know she's be happy to answer any
    other questions.  Contact me off-line.
    	- Kate

    Hi from Alpharetta!
    You just won't believe how much horse activity there is in this area,
    and hunter/jumper seems to be the most popular, although there is 
    plenty of AQHA, dressage, Arabian, endurance riding, and fox hunting 
    as well.
    
    There are tons of shows at all levels - in fact, one of the largest
    equestrian centers in the southeast is about two miles from the DEC
    facility in Alpharetta - huge covered arena, two outdoor arenas, lots
    of stalls for overnight, etc.
    
    Haven't kept horses up north but hear it's much cheaper.  I keep my
    nags at a barn 15 minutes from ALF.  $220/month includes full stall
    board with all feed supplied (plus worming every other month), hot/
    cold water wash racks, covered dressage ring, outdoor ring with jumps,
    daily turnout in LARGE pastures (daytime turnout in the winter, night
    turnout from May-October), cross-country jump course, miles of trails
    through fields and woods, polo field, tack rooms, dressing rooms, 
    24-hour onsite manager, trailering to shows (for a fee), and - real
    important - a nationally known trainer who studied at the Spanish
    Riding school and represented Austria in the Olympics.  A lot of the
    folks at this barn fox hunt - the owner is very active in that area
    and boarders who are interested are invited as guests to try the hunt
    club.  In case you couldn't tell, I think this place is great - have
    been there a year and am very pleased.
    
    If you're coming down for a look, give me a call and I'll be glad to
    give you directions or talk some more.  Send mail to Beverly Sturtevant
    @ALF or SAHQ::Sturtevant  DTN 385-2280.
    
    Cheers 

    
    I will be transferring to Alpharetta in the not-too-distant future.
    I have the yellow pages for the area, and have looked up everything
    to do with horses.  There's a LOT!
    
    I'll want to ride - most of my experience is with hunters and jumpers,
    though I have ridden about everything else.  I won't be able to own
    a horse - at least to start.  Can anyone in that area tell me what
    is available?  I don'r mind paying for lessons, if that's what it
    takes to get in the saddle, but I would really like to make some
    friends I can hack with, do a partial lease, maybe spend some time
    just enjoying some cross-country trekking.
    
    Can you tell me about the different riding academies, stables, etc.
    The area seems full of horsey folks.
    
    Thanks,
    Diana7

Hi Dianna,

I live in Roswell and board my horse in the north side of Alpharetta.  You're
going to *love* this place!  I came here from Colorado and while there were
some pleasant things about riding there, North Georgia has it beat
in a big way.  

There's lots more going on here with the hunter/jumper crowd and if
you're into showing, be prepared.  Some of the shows go all out and its
quite pricey.  I've yet to find a just plain ol' schooling show.  I know
they're out there, its just that my trainer doesn't go to them very
often.  

While my trainer doesn't have any schooling horses, she does know of
several trainers that do.  Also, leases are available most anywhere.  So
far, I've not heard of any barns with a negative reputation, but again,
my trainer might be able to help you there, too.

I can put you in touch with her if you wish.

Welcome to Georgia!

Jan Sachs
343-2527

    Many thanks for the response Jan!  I'll talk to you off line if you
    don't mind my picking your brain for info.
                                                     
    I used to show a lot, but got pretty tired of it.  I'm not sure I even
    have a pair of breeches anymore!  Blue jeans and country roads sound
    just about ideal to me now, though I wouldn't object to a few large
    logs or brooks to just hop over for fun.  In fact one of the best times
    I ever had was riding western down in central Florida - stealing ripe
    oranges off the trees and sharing them with our horses!
    
    I'm really looking forward to this!
    
    Diana 

    << Do horses like peaches?
    
    One of mine does! (;

    << Do horses like peaches?
    
    Yea mine too !

Hi Dianna,

Well, you've certainly picked the right place if you want shady trails over
varied terrain.  You can find hills, pastures, and all kinds of obstacles
to ride over.  I was always afraid of the trail in Colorado and even
now, I tend to be really conservative.  However, riding the trails in
Georgia gives me so much variety that I just can't pass it up.  Bugs
and all!

My horse hasn't ever been offered a peach, but I'd bet he would like it.  I
never thought of horses eating oranges before, but it makes sense.  Louie
really *loves* apples and wine coolers, so I think he probably has a taste
for fruit.  

Drop me a line when you get a chance!

Jan

    
    Thanks for the enthusiastic replies!  I'm really getting enthusiastic -
    I even went out and ordered a new pair of field boots...
    
    I have been up to my ears developing a Project Plan for the startup
    of my new function in ALF, so haven't been able to spend much time
    on the personal aspects of the move.  It looks like I'll be heading
    south around the 1st of December.
    
    Jan, I won't beat you up with questions now, but will look you up
    as soon as I'm in the area, or perhaps contact you before I come
    down for a preliminary visit in November - is that OK?
    
    I should be there for most of a week around the 1st or 2nd week in
    November.
    
    I'm almost 6 feet tall, and weigh about 145, so keep your eyes open
    for a big lonely horse (anyone know anything about Tenn. Walkers?
    It's the only U.S. breed I have never ridden, and they look like
    a dream to ride!) who needs a part-time pal!
    
    Looking forward to meeting everyone down there.
    
    Diana
    

Hi Dianna,

Just look me up when you get here!  I know how hectic a move can be.

As for the Tennessee Walkers, you've really come to the right place!  However,
the one's I've seen so far, are mostly on the small side (I really don't
know how big they get...).  And they're a *dream* to ride.  If I ever
sell Louie or (heaven forbit) find myself without Louie, a TW is gonna
be my next horse.

Jan

    
    	I don't want to send this down the rathole, but TWH's
    	average between 15.1 and 16.2 hands. I have seen them 
    	over 17 hands, and under 14 hands. 
    
    	Sherry
    

    
    
    	Also,
    
    	They can in some different looks short an stocky (like a quarter 
    	horse) - Tall and Lanky.. and all different colors.. 
    	
    	We have a TW that is almost 17 hands and she is only 4.. I think
    	she is going to make the 17 hand mark with out any trouble.

    
    Just got a bunch of stuf from the North Fulton C of C.  The front
    cover of the big glossy brochure had a gorgeous picture of a horse
    and rider against a background of fall colors - nice!
    
    All the TW descriptions reminded me of our 14.1 Connemara pony,
    Shawnee.  He was a cutie - much too small for me, but 100% fire and
    brimstone.  He would clear a five foot fence with me on his back,
    and everyone would laugh - as we went over, with both of us leaning
    our chins way forward, my head would be in front of his!  On the
    other hand, I used to climb up on Peggy, our 2400 pound Percheron
    mare and she'd take a canter through the field and *inevitably*
    pull a buck half way around that would land me on her neck.
    
    Ever try to sit a buck on a horse so big your feet stuck straight
    out?
    
    Have a good week everyone!
    
    Diana