January 1st 2007
Happy New Year from Mayfield Farm
Now that the Madness of Christmas is over it has been good to settle back into the swing of things at Mayfield Farm. 2006 has been a successful year seeing the arrival of some promising young stock into the world and talented 3 and 4 year olds beginning their careers. On the competition front, the magnificent Whisper IV was the Australian Dressage Large Tour Champion winning both the Intermediare II and Kur, and second in the Grand Prix.
Before getting into the latest news we must bid farewell to Renee Pedretti whose time at Mayfield has come to an end as she has accepted a position at Statene Park. We thank Renee for her contribution and wish her all the best in her new position.
A warm welcome to Danielle McBain who is the newest member of the Mayfield team. Danielle has just returned from 2 years overseas most of which she spent working in the UK for Dressage rider Jacky Stolper. “I gained a lot of experience with backing and starting young horses and also had the opportunity to ride and learn from some higher level horses which was invaluable. The English Dressage scene was an eye opener it is such a big scene and such a high standard, it was very inspiring”. Whilst in England Danielle competed at Medium level with scores up to 70%. “The highlight of my competition time over there would have to be coming second to my boss by 1% in the freestyle to music”. Danielle's background in Australia had been mainly in Eventing for which she was coached by Andrew and Manuela McLean. “I think learning to ride on these thoroughbready type often problematic horses taught me a lot. A part from developing a sticky bottom I learnt to always strive to understand the horse, something I have developed a passion for and will never get tired of learning about.”
The year is off to a flourishing start with Mayfield Miracle (4 year old 2nd generation by Rotspon) gaining enviable results at the Yarra Valley Dressage Clubs Jackpot competition on the 14th of January. 1st in the Preliminary with 76%, 2nd in the Novice freestyle with 74% and 3rd in his first ever Novice test! More of the Mayfield youngsters will be making debut appearances in the very near future.
Whisper has been enjoying his time at Mayfield with regular serving duties and Kerry has been very much enjoying riding him! He is a delightful horse in every respect. Whilst Whisper is at home, his competition rider Brett Parbury has been busily conducting clinics throughout Australia, one of which was held at Mayfield Farm. The clinic attracted some of Victorian Dressage's most promising riders. There was a great atmosphere of learning with noticeable improvements to all combinations who participated with energy and enthusiasm despite the sizzling temperatures.
For the past few weeks we have been enjoying the company of Show Jump rider and friend of the Mack Family Kristen White. Kristen has been kept very busy taking care of things at Mayfield while Joy has a much deserved holiday. On top of keeping her own five horses in work Kristen managed to do some jumping with some of the Mayfield Horses which was not only good fun, but a healthy change as well.
So all in all 2007 is set to be an exciting year, we look forward to it with anticipation and will keep you updated on all the latest Mayfield news.
More results, plus profiles of Mayfield horses both past and present can be viewed in Stud News . Don't forget to check the Horses for Sale section for a range of quality animals from foals through to performance horses.
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