There were 7 MARES meetings in 2006

September 12th - Last meeting before MoonDance 2006!

The September meeting was all about MoonDance 2006, the MARES Club benefit for the weekend of October 14 & 15, 2006. The various plans were reviewed and people were encouraged to sign up to attend, to volunteer and to help sell Raffle Tickets. The benefit consists of a two day clinic with Debbie McDonald and an evening gala. The gala will feature great food and wine, a wonderful Silent Auction and performances by horse and rider pairs representing six equestrian disciplines!

Proceeds from this event are to benefit Three Gaits, a therapeutic riding program for children, youth, and adults with disabilities and special needs. The MARES Club has held benefit events in the past, but this one is all out, over the top, and way more ambitious than anything we've done previously. After the MoonDance 2006 benefit the club is going to take a hiatus. We'll be back next year in September.

June 6th - MiniTube of America - Blue Mounds Equine Center

The meeting at MiniTube was fascinating; despite our trip to the basement for a brief tornado warning! The staff was very accommodating, serving cheese, crackers and wine and we all enjoyed the lectures and in-hand demonstrations. Many thanks to member Anita Adams for having us. Anita showed us the stables where 12 Lipizzans are in various stages of training in Dressage and Driving, and also gave us a tour of the labs and facilities.

May 9th - Niagara Massage

Our May meeting was truly ‘relaxing’! Susie Weiss presented a program using Niagara Massage, a unique vibration system that serves to increase circulation to aching or damaged muscle tissue. The Niagara Massage equipment is used for relaxing the horse, reducing lactic acid buildup and stiffening of the muscles, and promoting increased circulation to sore spots. We were able to see horses ridden before and after treatments. Many thanks to Pam Prince, and her partner Phil, for the use of their barn and allowing their (and Sarah’s) great horses to participate. It was easy to see the relief both horses obtained from the use of the unit. If you are interested, contact Susie for more information—dominostbl@baraboo.com or call (608) 393-4049. We also had 4 guests at the meeting and hope they’ll join the MARES Club!

Note: You can come to one meeting as a guest, but in order to attend additional meetings you must join the club.

April 12th - Getting Ready for the Show Ring: What Judges Look At

This well attended meeting was presented by Dressage judge Kate VanSicklen. Kate had three riders and their horses demonstrate clinic and show wear and etiquette, as well as ride a test for us. Many thanks to Kate, to Green Meadows and to all who attended! Even those who do not show their horses learned about spring conditioning for their horse, as well as other factors to consider as we say farewell to winter.

March 9th - The Saddlebred

Our meeting at LaFleur VanEss Stables in Verona was wonderful and full of fireworks! We all gained an appreciation for what the Saddlebred is capable of and what a wonderful job club members Neva VanEss and Marlene LaFleur do with their horses. Thank you to Neva and Marlene for their time and expertise—and to the wonderful horses that participated as well!

February 9th - Equine Illnesses

Originally our meeting was to be a discussion on colic.  However, due to a recent outbreak of equine illness in the area Dr. Brian Hoelschur, of Country View Veterinary Services, spoke on these recent events regarding equine illnesses. It was a very informative evening.  After his presentation and after answering our questions, he said that, if in any doubt about our own horse’s health or safety, we contact our vets. We will reschedule our “Colic” program for a future date.

January 11th - Appetizers at Marti's House

Our January meeting was GREAT fun! Since our December 2005 meeting had to be cancelled due to weather, we rescheduled the annual holiday party for January.  We had loads of delicious appetizers, some meeting first-timers, lots of horse photos to share, and time to talk and get to know each other better. Many thank to all who attended and brought such wonderful goodies...and conversation. Sometimes the regular meetings are just too busy to have moments to talk.