dmb Performance Horses

11/07/2024

Our hunt season is coming to a close, but our western teams are moving and groovin. If you’re interested, message me today!

REPOSTING this welcome message as we have added more new teams to the IEA since our original post on September 29th....

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IEA is very proud and thrilled to WELCOME the following 125+ NEW EQUESTRIAN TEAMS to the 2024-2025 IEA Season! Best of Luck!

Many teams are still actively looking for new riders and there are still several months of regular season shows happening across the nation.

Planning to start a team in 2025-2026 and have questions? Reach out to IEA Membership Marketing Coordinator, Jennifer Eaton at [email protected] or by calling 1-877-RIDE-IEA ext. 203 to learn more.

We welcome coaches to start IEA teams from public and private middle and high schools, colleges and universities, and privately owned barns and riding academies. Learn more at www.rideiea.org

Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association National Collegiate Equestrian Association (NCEA) Intercollegiate Dressage Association

09/23/2024

I had the GREAT pleasure to fill in last minute at the Harry Huges Open Show and had THE BEST! show staff and the most outgoing, hardest working ring steward! I awarded him the sportsmanship award (he was just hanging at the show because his sister shows). Thanks everyone for a great day!

09/18/2024

WE’VE MOVED!

(Technically it happened a while ago, and it’s just 500 ft down the hill, but still)

With this move, I’m open to several different scenarios, as we have more space:

Individual borders
Equine Professionals (trainers, breeders, etc)
Therapy programs

If you’re looking to start your business or have a serene and convenient place to board your equine partner, reach out!

714 Hogsback
Mason, MI 48854

A very modest and quiet location with loads of amenities!
1. Stalls cleaned daily (horses are stalled nightly)
2. We will feed 2x daily, purina impact OR any additional feedstuffs at your cost. When horses are stalled they have free choice, 50/50 alfalfa/grass mix.
3. 20 total acres of pasture/paddocks for turn in groups (some individual turn out available).
4. Giant indoor
5. Tack lockers for individual boarders and/trainer tack room
6. Bathroom
7. Heated Viewing
8. Room to hack around the 40 acre property
9. 25+ years experienced professional, carded judge, and national champion coach, lives on site and has availability for lessons.
10. Boarders must pay the Pet Me Tax upon arrival to the most wonderful Moussé dog (outside dogs not allowed on property).

We currently manage several equestrian teams and AQHA/APHA/ABRA show horses. Inquires should understand and respect youth equestrians, their unique energy, enthusiasms and abilities.

09/10/2024

Are you looking for a TEAM that has a strong focus on sportsmanship?

Are you seeking a community for your equestrian in an otherwise individual sport?

How about an organization that focuses on building skill, teaching student riders to compete with others who have similar abilities?!?

Does your student athlete want to start showing, but does not have a equine partner?

LOOK NO FURTHER! No horse ownership necessary! YEDA and IEA are meant for you!

We have started practices (and team building days) but are still looking for a few more riders to add to our competitive team. Message me to find out more!

08/11/2024

What better way to celebrate Son and Daughter Day than with an Equine Experience? We offer all sorts of opportunities for the young person in your life, from casual riding lessons to competition experiences. No horse ownership necessary - come ride for our team or lease one of our experienced mounts! We participate in or have partnerships with great instructors in all disciplines. We also accept haul-ins for lessons and take horses in for training! Contact me to discuss options and set something FUN! up for your Son or Daughter!

Thank YOU! to every family that chooses dmb Performance Horses and contributes to the fantastic learning environment here at the farm!

08/10/2024

Our teams are off to a strong start, and we want to extend an invitation for you to join us. We have broadened our range of disciplines to include Hunt and Dressage. Despite this expansion, we are just as committed to excelling in Western events!

No worries if you don't own a horse because we've got that covered for you. As a student, you'll have the opportunity to practice at our farm with our fabulous instructors and even participate in shows, where you'll be matched with a horse based on your skill level.

If you're interested in joining a team that offers both fun and competition, reach out for all the details about the 2024-25 season. While team practices begin in a few short weeks, you can register for individual sessions and membership right now!

08/08/2024

We're already hustling on 2025 offerings...

We need your help with APHA Youth Futurity Project!

I have a couple students who are interested in taking on projects, but if you have a kiddo looking for guidance, I would take on two more students to coach through this program.

What we are really looking for is horse donations - lease, commission sales, or any other scenario you can imagine! Terms are extremely negotiable and all horses will be insured through our team. We will take 2025 Yearlings or two year olds of ANY BREED (stock type preferred). They should be youth-friendly, but we all understand inherent risk, especially when working with young stock. This is a great opportunity for your horse to get consistent work, guidance from industry professional and some time on a world stage! We'll hit up a few shows prior to Worlds for some additional experience.

Lets chat! and give some youth a GREAT experience/introduction into horse ownership.

For more details visit: https://apha.com/ajpha/contests/youthfuturityproject/

08/03/2024

Looking for something new? We've expanded our offerings to include Hunt and Dressage disciplines and we're excited to invite you to join us! No need to worry – we'll still be competitive in Western events too!

If you're interested in being a part of our team, you're in luck. We've got you covered on the horse front - NO OWNERSHIP NECESSARY. Our students will have the opportunity to practice at our farm with our fantastic instructors and ride horses at shows, matched to their skill level in a draw-based format.

Join a team that's both fun and competitive! I have all the details for the 2024-25 season. While team practices start in the fall, you can sign up for individual sessions and membership now! Let's make it a great season together!

08/01/2024

We’ve had a UNBELIEVABLE response to this program. For those of you that have offered your stock, thank you. I’m still compiling a list and will be discussing prospects with youth in a couple weeks. Below are some details of the APHA Youth Futurity Project for those of you seeing this for the first time.

I have a couple students who are interested in taking on projects, but if you have a kiddo looking for guidance, I would take on two more students to coach through this program.

What we are really looking for is horse donations - lease, commission sales, or any other scenario you can imagine! Terms are extremely negotiable and all horses will be insured through our team. We will take 2025 Yearlings or two year olds of ANY BREED (stock type preferred). They should be youth-friendly, but we all understand inherent risk, especially when working with young stock. This is a great opportunity for your horse to get consistent work, guidance from industry professional and some time on a world stage! We'll hit up a few shows prior to Worlds for some additional experience.

Lets chat! and give some youth a GREAT experience/introduction into horse ownership.

For more details visit:

The Youth Futurity Project aims to teach and motivate youth to acquire horse training skills by raising and training their own animals.

07/30/2024

On International Day of Friendship, I just want to say, "YOU'RE THE BEST!"

I've had the privilege of meeting some truly amazing people on my journey, and it's impossible to express just how grateful I am for everyone who has helped me along the way. Here are a couple of heartwarming photos to honor the beautiful friendships I have formed in this lifetime.

07/27/2024

I hope you enjoyed (or are currently enjoying - based on how you watch) the Olympic Opening Ceremonies. We can all appreciate a stellar athlete and our horses (and competitors) are just that! We have expanded our disciplines to include Hunt and Dressage and want YOU! to join us. Don't worry, will still be a champion contender in the Western events too!

No need to worry about owning a horse because we've got you covered. Students will get to practice at our farm or with our awesome instructors and will even have the chance to ride horses at shows, matched to their skill level in a draw-based format.

If you're keen on joining a team that's both fun and competitive, hit me up for all the details on the 2024-25 season. Team practices kick off in the fall, but you can sign up for individual sessions and membership right now!

07/25/2024

For Parents Appreciation Day, I'd like to say a GIANT, THANK YOU!

I have great parents on staff, and I'd be a liar if I said it was smooth sailing 24/7, but the storms are few and far between. Your support while I raise your student athletes to AWESOME equestrians has been the coolest experience I have ever been privilege to.

I'll let you get back to working on all the sign up information now, please and thank you! 🤣

07/22/2024

It's time to get started on some 2025 things...

Our newest venture, APHA Youth Futurity Project! All youth members can participate in the program and all breeds of horses, with additional incentives offered to Paint Horses. A current AjPHA membership is required. While there are no ownership requirements, only the youth may train the horse after March 1st of the current show year until the youth exhibitors has completed their APHA Youth Futurity Project classes. Verbal guidance from external trainers, parents, or coaches is welcomed, but the training of the horse must be exclusively carried out by the youth showing the horse. Any youth found in violation of these rules will face disciplinary action.

For more details visit: https://apha.com/ajpha/contests/youthfuturityproject/

I have a couple students who are interested in taking on projects, but if you have a kiddo looking for guidance, I would take on two more students to coach through this program.

What we are really looking for is horse donations! We will take 2025 Yearlings or two year olds of ANY BREED (stock type preferred). They should be youth-friendly, but we all understand inherent risk, especially when working with young stock. Terms are extremely negotiable and all horses will be insured through our team. This is a great opportunity for your horse to get consistent work, guidance from industry professional and some time on a world stage! We'll hit up a few shows prior to Worlds for some additional experience.

Lets chat! and give some youth a GREAT experience/introduction into horse ownership.

07/20/2024

I'm opening up (space is limitied) some of my Show Team Work Out days to the public! 💃 YES, there are more than just 20 some IEA/YEDA lesson takers running around my barn, we have show horses (adults and youth) too. $50 - gets your a full day of patterns and workouts with the group. Usually, we work out from 10am to 4pm.

Location:
714 Hogsback Rd
Mason, MI 48854

Dates:
AUG 11, 2024, SUN
AUG 31, 2024, SAT
SEP 8, 2024, SUN
SEP 21, 2024, SAT
OCT 6, 2024, SUN

Busy smashing goals over here. Wanna do the same? Message me NOW to reserve your spot, because space is limited, either FB Messenger or text/call (269) 420-1242.

07/18/2024

We are excited to announce the launch of new teams for the upcoming 2024-25 season! In addition to our regular Western events, we have teamed up with fantastic instructors to offer exciting opportunities for student riders in the Hunt Seat (flat and over fences) and Dressage disciplines!

You don't need to own a horse to participate. Students will practice at our farm or with our cooperative instructors and will have the chance to ride horses at shows, matched to their experience level in a draw-based format.

If you're interested in joining a fun and competitive team, message me today for details on the 2024-25 season. Team practices start in the fall, but you can sign up for individual sessions and membership NOW!

07/10/2024

You know about my teams, but here’s your reminder across the nation! Get signed up!

HOW DO YOU RECRUIT NEW MEMBERS FOR YOUR IEA TEAM?
This is the time of year when IEA coaches and teams across the nation are busy organizing their team rosters and practice schedules and planning their IEA Show Season.

While some IEA teams may be at their capacity for riders, there are many teams that are smaller or just getting started and are always looking for ways to recruit new members. Or maybe a team is thinking of adding a second (or third) discipline to their existing team.

We gathered up a few ideas on how YOU, as an IEA RIDER, COACH, or PARENT can grow your team roster.

1. CREATE AN INSTAGRAM AND/OR FACEBOOK PAGE FOR YOUR TEAM.
A social media presence these days is almost a necessity for businesses, organizations, and yes – your team. Assign a team captain or several riders to oversee the team page and update it with practice and show photos, videos, and information about your specific team. Make it fun, but keep it professional – you are trying to invite your equestrian friends to follow your page and ultimately join your team. Many IEA teams successfully use social media to advertise for new riders in their area.

2. DOWNLOAD, PRINT AND DISTRIBUTE THE IEA TEAM FLYERS.
The IEA Marketing and Communications Office has created flyers that you can customize with your contact information and then distribute either by mail, on public bulletin boards, at school functions, at summer/fall equestrian events like horse shows, county fairs, and clinics. Flyers can also be placed in strategic areas where riders might see them like your local tack shop or feed store. Download them here: https://www.rideiea.org/promotional-materials/

3. HANG UP YOUR FREE IEA TEAM BANNER AT SHOWS or CREATE YOUR OWN.
Several years ago, IEA implemented a free member banner program which allows each IEA Coach to order one free banner for their team. Hundreds of teams received banners that are to be hung up at non-IEA horse shows and events on your stalls, trailer, or seating area. For the 2024-2025 season, we will continue this program and all NEW teams will automatically receive an IEA Member banner – BUT YOU MUST REQUEST IT. If you need to order additional or replacement banners contact Kimber Whanger at [email protected] to discuss your banner needs. Many IEA Teams also create their own stall or ring banners for horse shows.

4. REQUEST FREE IEA BROCHURES.
IEA has tri-fold brochures available to coaches for recruiting purposes. You can order them here: https://www.rideiea.org/shop/promotional-items/

5. WRITE AN ARTICLE FOR YOUR LOCAL NEWSPAPER OR SCHOOL NEWSPAPER.
Does your team have an interesting story to share? Did any team members qualify for Regionals, Zones, or National Finals last year? Are you looking for specific levels of riders to fill your team? This can be written as a short article and sent to your local news outlets.

6. HOST A BARN OPEN HOUSE or TEAM INTEREST EVENT.
Hosting a Barn Open House, Team Tryouts, or Team Interest Meeting is a great way to provide a way for current riders to bring friends to learn about your team. You can also submit this information to IEA for the 2024-2025 season and we will add it to our website and promote your Team Interest Event. See more details at: https://www.rideiea.org/iea-team-interest-events/

7. HOST A VIRTUAL EVENT or VIDEO PROMO.
Take photos or short videos of your facility. Video a couple of lessons or team practices. Introduce some of the IEA lesson horses, interview your coach and be sure to include your contact information for anyone who may see it and be interested. Think of it as a little team commercial that can be posted to social media or sent via email. Zoom is a great way to host a Q&A about your team.

8. CREATE A TEAM CONTEST OR PRIZE FOR THE RIDER WHO RECRUITS THE MOST NEW MEMBERS.
Many of our IEA riders are also involved in other equestrian organizations like 4-H, USEF, USHJA, APHA, NRHA, AQHA, Pony Club, NSBA, USDF, as well as their local open show circuits. These are great places to talk up your IEA team and invite new riders to join. Think of a prize (like some free lessons, or a new practice helmet) to the rider who brings in the most new members to your team.

We enjoy seeing all the creative ways IEA teams work together to strengthen the sport we all love. We very much look forward to seeing all our returning friends and making new ones this season. Got some great team member recruiting ideas? We’d love to hear them in the comments.

06/29/2024

We’re thrilled to share that we’re launching NEW TEAMS this upcoming 2024-25 season! Continuing with our regular Western events, we’ve partnered with some fantastic instructors to provide exciting opportunities for student riders, introducing Hunt Seat (flat and over fences) and Dressage!

No need to worry about owning a horse - students will practice at our farm and have the chance to ride horses at shows, matched to their experience level in a draw-based format.

If you're looking to join a fun and competitive team, sign up using the link below for more details on the 2024-25 season. While team practices will kick off in the fall, individual sessions and membership sign-ups are available NOW!

Send me your email address and I'll get you started.