4/22/26 Mettawa, IL - One last weekend under a roof before the Spring Season begins! Opening day at the Showplace Winter “B” Show set the tone, with Alto Detto FZ earning Reserve Champion in the 2’ Schooling Hunters with Lindsay Oaks in the irons. Mia Rittenhouse & Thumbelina open the short Stirrup Equitation with a win over fences, earning them Reserve Champion for the division. Gianna Belcher & Lollipop continued their successful Long Stirrup campaign, adding steady rounds to the record. A defining moment came in the Limit Child Hunters, where Livvie Kinzelberg & Oliver step in for their debut and leave with the win, securing Reserve Champion in a competitive division. Sharon Watrous & Altodetto FZ take 1st and 2nd in the Limit Adult Equitation, securing them Champion to close out the division. Sam Wlazlo & Smitten Z step right into the Novice Child/Adult Hunters for the first time and leave with the win, securing Champion of the division to cap off the week. Bennet Doran & Gregory continue their run in the Open Equitation 17 & Under with 2nd and 3rd place finishes and a 3rd in the IHJA Mini Medal. Estela Vasiliauskas & Farmer secured the top spot in the .75m Modified Child/Adult Classic! Go team! Next stop, Spring Circuit!

4/22/26 Wellington, FL Post-WEF horse showing is in full swing at our Wellington location, Nature's Point. We have just a few weeks here in the sun before heading back up to Illinois for the summer. Here's what everyone's been up to: Jodi Vazquez and Lei Schlitz's new ride, Lincoln, made a memorable debut with two 1st place finishes in the USHJA 2ft/2'3 Hunter O/F. Freddie Vazquez deliverd a 1-2 punch in the 1.10m Open Jumpers with Lauren Delaa Valle's Lady D & My Lady Cathago. Jasmine Becton & My Girl had a standout double clear performance in the 1.10m Junior Jumpers, taking home a 3rd place finish followed by an 8th place finish in the M&S 1.15m Junior Jumper Classic and a 12th place finish in the NAL/WIHS 1.10m Junior Jumper Classic. Lei Schlitz & Lincoln have a great first outing together in the show ring, bringing home ribbons in a very competitive Low Adult Hunter division followed by a 2nd in the Hunter Warm Up and scores of 82 and 84 in the USHJA 2’9” Hunters. Christina Padilla León & VDL Kirado put in a strong clear round in the $32,000 CSI 3* 1.45m Vault Insurance Classic. Federica Sciarra & Rio Bravo’s Abelina Z gave us two clear round efforts in the 1.10m Open Jumpers for the week. Lauren Della Valle & My Lady Carthago did not let the rain disrupt their rhythm, finishing 2nd in the 1.10m Amateur Jumpers. Katie Sonnenstein & Fortune R Z secured a 7th place finish in the NAL/WIHS 1.10m Junior/Amateur Jumper Classic followed the next week by a 5th place finish in the Marshall & Sterling 1.15m Amateur Jumper Classic. Lauren Della Valle & My Lady Carthago finished 9th in the NAL/WIHS 1.10m Junior/Amateur Jumper Classic. Katie Sonnenstein & Origi VD Bisschop showed smooth and polished rounds in the Hopeful Jumpers their first week in the show ring together. Yay, Spring!

We've had a TON of hype (for good reason, it's an INCREDIBLE program) around the newly launched Fractional Lease Program lately, so wanted leave you with a little more info about what's actually involved. Let's dive in. Fractional Lease Program: Frequently Asked Questions What is the Fractional Lease Program? A fractional lease is a way for members to train more consistently, with the added benefit of training on the same horse each day and (of course) get a taste of horse showing at local "B" Shows! Who is the Fractional Lease Program best suited for? This lease is for riders who want to build on the foundation of the lesson program, experience horse showing for the first time, or return to the show ring after time off. How is a fractional lease different from a regular lesson program? The Fractional Lease includes personalized lessons each week on a horse or pony that was hand-picked for the program. The horses and ponies in the program were chosen for their level of training and ability in the show ring. This gives riders the chance to learn all about horse showing in an easy, low-pressure package. How is a fractional lease different from a full lease? In the fractional lease, two riders share a horse. In this way, they share ride time and financial responsibility for the horse so the commitment is low and has a clear start and end date, making it ideal for new riders who want to try horse showing for the first time. What is included in the Fractional Lease Program? Two lessons and a hack day (ride on your own!) are included in the fractional lease. You'll get to jump a little bigger and work on more technical questions than in the lesson program AND you get the opportunity to take your horse to six horse shows each year! The best part is that the fees structure is clear and set. No surprises. How are horses selected for the program? We hand-picked horses for this program for their level of training and athleticism. We wanted leasers to experience horse showing on a horse that's actually capable of winning a ribbon! Will I ride the same horse every week? Consistency is a huge part of this program. YES! Can riders in the program compete at horse shows? Yes! Riders can test their skills at local "B" shows, earning points to be ranked state-wide. These shows mirror "A" (National) level shows and will give you a wonderful, positive experience that will have you begging for more! Do riders need previous show experience? No. This program is designed specifially for riders who have little to no experience in the show ring. What does a typical week in the program look like? On a regular week, you might have a private jump lesson with Lindsey on Tuesday, a hack on your own on Thursday, and join in a group jump lesson on Sunday. On a show week, you might have a final tune up with Lindsey on Tuesday, then head to the horse show on Friday for a weekend of showing. What happens if a rider progresses and wants more? We have other paths to continue development and do more! Is the Fractional Lease Program available for both children and adult riders? YES! We even had a dad do the lease this year! Are there limited spots available in the program? Yes. We want to give our leasers lots of attention in the form of lessons, strategic planning, outside of the saddle work, which means it must be limited. How do riders apply or get started? Sign ups for next year open August 1st. Reach out to Lindsey to make sure you are ready. From Program Director Lindsey Oaks: Jodi and I have been trying for many years to bridge the gap between taking a lesson here at the farm and going to the "A" (National) Shows. This year, the frational lease program hit the nail on the head. Our current group of leasers have headed out to the horse show a few times now and they've come back with the experiences I hoped they'd have, ribbons that they hoped they'd win, and are having a blast doing it. ( Ex 1 , Ex 2 , Ex 3 ) I fully expect that we'll end up with a wait list this year. If you are even a little curious about the program, connect with me for a short meeting so that we can determine if it's the right fit for your goals. I can't wait!

3/31/26 Wellington, FL - The Winter Equestrian Festival is a marathon, not a sprint. Week 9 is the end of the WEF trail for MHF. We set our sights on a strong finish and thats just what happened. Here are the details: Fearless leader Freddie Vazquez & Hero showed off their beautiful partnership with a composed round in the CSI2* $32,000 BrainWater 1.45m. Christina Padilla Leon & VDL Kirado jumped to a double clear round and 13th place finish in the $2,600 1.35m Open Jumpers Power and Speed. Bennett Doran & Rio Bravo Abelina Z turned on the pace, laying down a fast, fault-free round to claim 2nd place in the Low Child/Adult Amateur Training Jumpers 39 & Under. Katie Sonnenstein & Fortune R Z dove right into the weekend with a double clear and 1st place finish in the $1,500 1.10m Amateur Jumpers 18-35 following it up with a blazing fast double clear round in the 1.10m Amateur Jumper 18-35 Power and Speed and another blue ribbon. They finished the weekend with a 7th place finish in the $10,000 1.15m Amateur Jumper 18-35 Classic and capped it off with Champion of the division. Lauren Della Valle & My Lady Carthago were very solid and quick, earning themselves a 5th place finish in the 1.10m Amateur Jumper 36 & Over Power and Speed. Until next time, WEF!

3/23/26 Mettawa, IL - In a week defined by great debuts and continued successes, the MHF north show team is just having a blast! Here's the scoop: MHF North Team Trainer Lindsey Oaks captured a Champion Ribbon aboard Flipper De Vie in the 2 ft Schooling Hunter, Reserve Champion on Smitten Z in the 2'6 Schooling Hunter, and scored a beautiful win with Lollipop in the 2 ft Schooling Hunter to start the weekend off right! Riley Boos added to her collection of great trips with a well-deserved 3rd in the .60m Puddle Jumpers. Estella Vasiliauskas and Farmer made their horse show debut with a 2nd in the .75m Modified Jumpers and finished a strong 2nd in the Classic. Gianna Belcher and Lollipop captured our hearts and a Reserve Champion Ribbon in the Long Stirrup Equitation Division. Katherine Chavez and Gregory made their horse show debut in the Adult Limit Equitation capping a great weekend with a 2nd over fences! Meredith Juszczak and Flipper De Vie nailed their debut horse show together, with a win in the Walk/Trot Equitation and a 2nd over fences! Sam Wlazlo and Calvin just keep producing amazing weekends capturing the Adult Beginner Hunter Classic win & placing Reserve Champion of the Division. See you next time! Stay warm!

2/24/26 Wellington, FL - We've reached the mid-way point of our WEF season and the team momentum has yet to slow! Here are a few highlights from the week: Christina Padilla & Origenes Z, owned by Jasmine Becton, made this mares USA debut a special one, with a clear round and blue ribbon in the 1.0m Training Jumpers. Katie Sonnenstein & Fortune R Z finished 6th in the $1,500 1.10m Amateur Jumpers AND 6th amongst a highly contested $1,500 1.10m Amateur Jumper 18-35 class. Elodie Watrous & I Mose VLS put in their customary top placing performance, with a double clear and 4th place finish on the $1,500 1.20m Amateur Jumpers. Sharon Watrous & Greetings earned an 86 and 85 to finish 2nd and 4th over fences in the very competitive Low Adult Hunters. Jasmine Becton & My Girl put a solid performance down in the $1,500 1.10m Junior Jumpers 14 & Under for a double clear and 6th place finish. Elodie Watrous & Hero, secured an 8th place finish in the 1.30m Amateur Jumper Power and Speed. (Does he ever take a bad photo??) Lauren Della Valle & My Lady Carthago took home 2nd, with Lady D close behind in 3rd in the 1.0m Amateur Jumpers 36 & Over, later delivering a quick, double clear round with Lady D to take home 4th in the first 1.05m Amateur Jumper Classic 36 & Over. Not to be outdone, My Lady Carthago matched the energy, taking 7th and making it a banner day for the girl gang. See you next week!

2/24/26 - Mettawa, IL - Standout performances all around at Ledges this week, with the MHF North Show Team bringing home Champion/Reserve Champion Ribbons in 6 out of 6 divisions this weekend! Results include: Riley Boos & Bull Run's Testify made their partnership debut one to remember, storming into the week with a win in the .60 Puddle Jumper Classic, proving the match is already a powerful one. Riley Boos & Bull Run's Testify In her MHF debut and first ever horse show appearance, Mia Rittenhouse and Thumbelina set the tone in unforgettable fashion, riding to a beautifully earned Reserve Champion in the Short Stirrup Hunters and again in the Short Stirrup Equitation. A dream first outing, and the beginning of a very bright road ahead. In the Long Stirrup Division, Livvie Kinzelberg & Oliver claimed the Champion title in both the Hunter and Equitation divisions. . Gianna Belcher & Lollipop followed with Reserve Champion in both Hunter and Equitation Divisions, and a strong 3rd place in the Long Stirrup Classic, rounding out a standout division for the team. Samantha Wlazlo & Smitten Z delivered in the Beginner Adult Hunters, sweeping her divison for a Champion Ribbon AND winning the Beginner Adult Classic. Rounding out the weekend, Bennett Doran & Gregory stepped into a new height (2'6) with confidence, earning Reserve Champion of the Open Eq 17 & Under Division AND winning the coveted IHJA Mini Medal! Congratulations to all! Check out the galley of the weekend below.

3/1/26 Wellington, FL - As we enter the back half of the WEF show season, MHF riders are pressing on, with several "firsts" for our jumper ladies. Lauren Della Valle delivered a double dose of clear rounds in her move up to the 1.10m Schooling Jumpers, earning blue ribbons with My Lady Carthago and Lady D. She later earned 3rd place finish with My Lady Cathargo in their first $1,500 1.10m Amateur Jumpers 36 & Over class together. Stepping into the Denemethy ring for the first time, Katie Sonnenstein & Fortune R Z delivered, with a double clear and 4th place finish in the $1,500 1.10m Amateur Jumper 18-35 Power and Speed. Great first outing for Jasmine Becton and her newly imported mare, Origenes Z, delivering a double clear round in the .80m Low Child/Adult Amateur Training Jumpers. Federica Sciarra & Rio Bravo Abelina Z put down a great clear round for a blue ribbon in the 1.0m Training Jumpers. Lei Schlitz & Cassini Royale put down a set of elegant, ribbon-earning rounds in the Adult Amateur Hunter 55 & Over. Sharon Watrous & Greetings close out the division on a high note, with an 84 and 2nd place finish in the Low Adult Hunters. See you at Week 10, the home stretch!

1/27/26 Mettawa, IL - MHF North's Show Team headed to Ledges "B" Show as winter tightened it's hold on the nation. Ever grateful for heated indoor arenas, the team brought home top honors all weekend, including: Nicholas Fink & Oliver, Champion Long Stirrup Adult Hunter Sharon Watrous & Altodetto FZ, Champions Limit Adult Hunter AND Equitation Bennett Doran & Gregary, Reserve Champions Beginner Children's Equitation (pictured right) Samantha Wlazlo & Smitten Z, Reserve Champion Beginner Adult Hunters (pictured left) Gianna Belcher & Lollipop, Champion Long Stirrup Children's Equitation Go team!!

2/20/2026, Wellington, FL - Staying dry and warm was the name of the game this week! But our MHF crew persevered with great results! Fearless leader, Freddle Vazquez & Hero started our week off with a double clear in the CDI2* $6,000 Chrome Horse Tequila 1.40m Two-Phase Lauren Della Valle & My Lady Cathargo took home 4th place in the 1.0m Amateur Jumpers 36 & Over Katie Sonnenstein & Fortune R Z secured an 8th place finish in the $1500 1.10m Amateur Jumpers 18-35 Now for a well deserved week off from horse showing. See you back here soon for Week 7!

2/2/26 Wellington, FL - Our mighty team continued performing excellently at WEF this week even with some unusually cold weather blowing in towards the end of the week. Some highlights include: MHF South Program Director Katie Wood and Lucky Friday started us off with a 2nd and 3rd in the USHJA 2 Ft Hunters! In the 1.10m Schooling Jumpers, Katie Sonnenstein aboard Fortune RZ and Federica Sciarra aboard Abelina Z brought home blue ribbons! Lauren Della Valle & Lady D kicked off their new partnership with a double clear in the Low Child/Ault Amateur Training Jumpers and later the .90 Training Jumpers. Carolyn Lucky & Lucky Friday delivered a WINNING USHJA 2ft Hunter Round Not to be left out, Elodie Watrous & Hero showed us o=how it's done in the 1.30m amateur jumpers. New MHF Team Member Christina Padilla & VDL Kirado wasted no time making an impression with a 6th in the 1.40m Grand Prix at the Ridge. PC: Equinium Marketing Grace Albarran & Nabucco W delivered a gorgeous round in the Low Adult Hunters for 1st place! This pair also earned a 3rd later in the week! Lauren Della Valle continued putting in clear rounds with My Lady Cathargo in the 1.0m Amateur Jumper 36 & Over for the win and taking home Reserve Champion of the division later in the week! Elodie Watrous & I Mose VLS lit up the 1.20m Amateur Jumpers, taking home an impressive 2nd place ribbon! Brand new to the MHF Show Team, Jasmine Becton & My Girl flew around the 1.10m Junior Jumper 14 & Under, earning a 6th place ribbon! Lei Schlitz & Cassini Royale put in a stylish round in the Adult Amateurs 55 & Over, earning a respectable 80 and a 3rd place ribbon!

1/20/2026, Wellington, Fl - If Week One was defined by power and precision, Week Two unfolded with elegance and grace as MHF’s hunters took center stage. Week 2 Results Jodi Vazquez & Cassini Royale, scored in the 80s in the USHJA 3ft Hunters and setting the tone early in the week. Freddie Vazquez & Fortune R Z continued to bring home the blue ribbons with another clear round in the 1.15m Open Jumpers. With Katie Sonnenstein & Fortune R Z following up that performance with a clear round and blue ribbon in the 1.0m Training Jumpers. Moving back to the hunter ring, Grace Albarron & Nabucco W showcased rhythm and polish in the Low Adult Hunters, posting scores in the 80s and finishing 7th and 8th in a deep competitive class. And Lindsay Streich & Highlighter showed off in the Grand Hunter Ring in the Adult Amateur Hunters 36-54. (Those knees! 😍). We'll take a little break and see you back here for Week 4!