Steel Prize Stables

07/16/2024

Debbie Rodriquez is a wonderful dressage clinician. She sees the issue between rider and horse immediately and addresses it until we get it!

07/16/2024

We had a Fantastic Debbie Rodriguez Clinic here at Steel Prize Stables! I learned collected canter to a flying change... Stay in the same canter before and after the change!

07/16/2024

07/16/2024

Andrea and Spence, the new owners of Steel Prize Stables, are going all out with upgrades!! The 22 horses love their new run-in sheds and paddock fencing... We love them too!

06/12/2024

06/08/2024

Steel Prize Stables took 5 horses to Flight Line Dressage Show II in Pell City, AL over the weekend of June 1. We managed to dodge the rain drops! So the weather turned out pleasant and cool.
The site was beautiful!
We all had good rides and not so good rides....
We are Proud of Cruise-- His first away show!!

05/01/2024

"Oh, boy! A new shed!"

05/01/2024

These horses say, "What fun a new shed!"

05/01/2024

New paddocks and More Run-In sheds. Look at all that Yummy Grass! The fence is beautiful!

05/01/2024

Many Improvements going on at SPS by new owners Andrea and Spence! Here is a new run in shed for the paddocks! Gabe, River, and Moonie enjoying the shade.
Built by Gifford

03/14/2024

Looking through the USDF Connection 2023 Yearbook: Congratulations to friends of SPS Karen Boates on earning her Gold USDF medal and Lyn Davis on earning both a Bronze Medal as well as a Silver Medal with Distinction. Also Steel Prize Stables' own Zane Thomas for earning his Bronze Medal with Distinction.

Well done!

03/06/2024

Kathryn DeWitt is back on a horse--3 months post total knee replacement! Is she ever happy!!

03/06/2024

Here was a fun lesson for 2 Steel Prize Stables Students! Extended trot on Guilder and Ruby!

03/06/2024

Not only did we have a great clinic with Debbie Rodriguez , Brian MacMahon also came for a clinic in March. Our riders took away ride changing nuggets.

03/06/2024

We had a full clinic at SPS, in Feb, with Debbie Rodriguez! We have had the privilege of having Debbie for the past 13 years. Debbie is a USEF 3* Judge and USDF Bronze, Silver, and Gold Medalist. Last year Debbie judged at the Nationals as well as internationally. She attended the FEI Judges symposium in Frankfurt, Germany. Our riders expressed elation as Debbie directed them to higher goals in their riding.

02/16/2024

We are sad tp learn that Gene Goan of Mid South Trailers is retiring and closing the business. Gene has been a good friend to our horse community and his presence will be missed. The good news is that Jerry of Angela's Fabrication will continue to be available for all your trailer repair and welding needs. He is located in the same building as Mid South Trailers was - just off of US 72, east of Athens. Jerry may be reached at 256-777-4637.

01/21/2024

Steel Prize Stables is pleased to announce that Debbie Rodriguez will be returning to conduct her informative and instructive dressage clinics in 2024. See the flyer for details.

12/06/2023

It is with great joy and sadness that I announce that as of now, I have sold Steel Prize Stables.

The sadness on me is because Steel Prize Stables sprang from Judith’s imagination over 40 years ago and I have been privileged to be part of that dream for these many years.

My joy is because the stables have been sold to Andrea Pappano and Spencer Guida who have agreed to continue to operate it as Steel Prize Stables. It makes me happy to know that Judith’s passion and dream will live on with Andrea and will continue for many, many years after I am gone.

I know that all of you will hold Andrea at the same level of regard and appreciation as you did Judith. And you will offer Spence the same level of sympathy as you afforded me 😉

12/02/2023

I have been cleaning out my garage. There I found several boxes of horse show ribbons from the now inactive Tennessee Valley Dressage and Combined Training Association. There are also several of the monthly news letters (dated 2012) as well as a set of the By Laws for the Association. Some of the ribbons are not in usable shape but many are. If anyone would like to have the ribbons to reactivate the Association or for any other reason, please let me know. I hate to have to throw them away since they are probably worth several hundred dollars but I have no use for them. Please call me if you are interested: Bill 256-682-1200.

11/24/2023

Remember that closing date to sign up for The Icicle VII Schooling Show at SPS is 2 December.

Here are copies of the Prize List and Entry Forms.

11/13/2023

We are proud to announce that our dear friend Jean Stuart pursued her life long love of horses by performing a Century Ride at the River Rock Stables last week. Jean rode Majestic Colors owned by Lynn Myers. They rode a First level Training test for Judge Meris Greges with a score of over 63%.

Jean was awarded her black and gold Century Ride ribbon by Shelia.

For those who may not be familiar with the Century Rides: they require a horse and rider combination whose ages add up to 100 years or more.

We didn't ask how old Miss Jean was but records show that Majestic is now 29 years old. Jean now joins a very select group of Alabamians who have won this rare honor.

This is a fun program that the Dressage Foundation sponsors and all young at heart riders should look into it.

Congratulations to Jean - and Majestic!

11/08/2023

Here is some info and the Prize List and Entry Forms for the SPS Icicle VII schooling show to be held here on 9 December 2023. We are looking forward to having you join us for this interesting and fun event.

10/06/2023

A reminder that Debbie Rodriguez will be here for her last clinic of the 2023 season. Clinic dates are 3, 4 and 5 November. Please call Kathryn at 256-289-1555 to reserve a space and to see if any stalls are available.

08/09/2023

Steel Prize Stables has an opening for a barn worker. We are looking for someone who can work 35 to 40 hours a week. Our work hours are: 6 AM to 1 PM and 1 PM to 7 PM. Responsibilities include hay/feed horses, turn out horses, clean stalls, clean and refill water buckets and usually some miscellaneous tasks.Prior experience with horses is not necessary - we will train you - but it will be a plus.
You may call or text either Carol at 256-656-0358 or Kathryn at 256-289-1555 to make an appointment for an interview.

08/06/2023

Here is another clinic pic we think you might like.

08/03/2023

We just finished another great Debbie Rodriguez dressage clinic. The weather even cooperated! As the song says: "There was a whole lotta learning goin' on". Well, maybe the song didn't say exactly that but you know what I mean.

Here are a few pics of some of the riders:

07/25/2023

We have had a bit of heat which has caused a problem. One of our riders melted. We are still looking for her.

Hat tip to Carol.