The Peach Orchard Equestrian

02/25/2025

🍿🐴 **POPCORN FOR THE PONIES!** 🐴🍿

Exciting things are happening at The Peach Orchard Equestrian Academy! As we work on some much-needed barn upgrades to give our lesson horses the best home possible, we’re launching a **delicious** way for you to support our program— **a POPCORN fundraiser!** 🎉

From sweet to savory, there’s a flavor for everyone! Every bag you buy helps us improve our barn, making it a better space for our amazing horses and riders. 🏡🐎

📅 **How to Order:** https://poppinpopcornonline.com/store/store.php?sID=00074366
📍 ** Begins:** March 1
**Deadline:** March 22

Help us keep the horses happy and cozy while treating yourself to some gourmet popcorn! 🍿💛 Share with family & friends—because everyone loves popcorn AND ponies!

Our group is having a fundraiser and you can help!

02/24/2025

The Peach Orchard crew has been treated to fresh pedicures. We appreciate the sunshine. ☀️

02/23/2025

02/21/2025

Any of my riders who wish to participate, let me know how I can support you!!

02/18/2025

02/16/2025

Show kiddos: check out the new show bill!

02/07/2025

🌞🐴 **Summer Camps Are Here!** 🐴🌞

Get ready for an unforgettable summer in the saddle with **five incredible camps** designed for every rider! Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your skills, we have something for everyone.

📅 **Camp Lineup:**

✨ **Beginner Camp** – Safety, anatomy, and hands-on crafts make this the perfect introduction to horses!
🏇 **Dressage Camp** – Master precision, balance, and connection to elevate your riding.
💆‍♀️ **Horsemanship Camp** – Learn bodywork techniques, deepen your bond, and discover the art of decompression for both horse and rider.
🤠 **Western Camp** – Ride like a true cowboy, ending the week with an exciting field trip to a cowboy course!
🏆 **Jumper Camp** – Explore different jump styles, learn to gauge distances, and wrap up with an off-site fun day.

📍 Spots are **limited**, so don’t wait! Message us to reserve your place in the camp of your choice!

Tag a friend who should join you this summer! 🌞🐎

02/02/2025

🏆 Emma Gallagher – PeeWee Grand Champion on My Mama’s Cash

02/02/2025

🥈 Billie Williams – PeeWee Reserve Champion on Walks Like A Tiger

02/02/2025

I want to take a moment to recognize the incredible dedication and hard work of these riders throughout their show season. Their commitment to their horses, their sport, and their personal growth has been nothing short of inspiring.

🏆 **Jill Helton** – *Youth 1 Grand Champion* on Black Tourmaline
🏆 **Emma Gallagher** – *PeeWee Grand Champion* on My Mama’s Cash
🥈 **Billie Williams** – *PeeWee Reserve Champion* on Walks Like A Tiger

Beyond these well-earned titles, each of these riders has exemplified the values that matter most in horsemanship—character, perseverance, and heart. This year, they were also honored with **all four** LCHA Horsemanship Awards:

🌟 **Jill Helton** – *Sportsmanship Award*
🌟 **Jenn Gallagher** – *Leadership Award*
🌟 **Brayden Gallagher** – *Volunteer Award*
🌟 **Billie Williams** – *Most Improved Rider*

While earning points and titles is an achievement, it’s these awards that hold the deepest meaning. You can train hard, ride well, and even have the best resources—but **you cannot buy character.** And for that, I am most proud of these team members. They represent the kind of horsemanship I strive to foster: humble, hardworking, and dedicated to both their horses and their teammates.

**To the parents** – Thank you for your unwavering support. It truly takes a village to help these kids grow into not just skilled riders, but exceptional young people. Your trust in me means the world.

**To Lincoln County, NC Horseman's Association at the Ponderosa** – Your dedication to creating a welcoming and supportive environment is evident in the riders who proudly call this association home. Your efforts do not go unnoticed, and we are grateful for the opportunities you provide.

This is more than just competition—this is a lifelong journey of learning, growing, and becoming. And I couldn’t be more honored to walk alongside these riders as they chase their dreams.

02/01/2025

**Giving Life While Shaping A Dream**

Women have always carried more than their share—not just in physical labor but in the unseen weight of love, sacrifice, and unwavering determination. As I stand at the edge of two life-changing journeys—opening my own horse boarding facility and welcoming my son into the world—I feel the enormity of what lies ahead. It’s overwhelming at times, and there’s a quiet voice of doubt whispering, *You can’t do both. You can’t be a mother and an entrepreneur.*

But deep in my soul, I know this truth: I can do hard things.

I think of Sacajawea, who carried her infant son on her back as she crossed an untamed country, guiding an expedition that would have been lost without her. She didn’t wait for the perfect timing. She didn’t hesitate because it was difficult. She simply pressed forward, knowing that strength is not found in ease but in the determination to keep going. That same resilience runs through every mother—every woman who has built something from nothing, who has given life while shaping a dream.

There will be days when exhaustion presses heavy on my shoulders—when the barn chores pile up, when the to-do list seems endless, when motherhood asks more of me than I think I have to give. That voice of doubt may creep in again, questioning whether I am enough. I will silence it with action. I will prove to myself—and to my son—that I don’t have to choose between being a mother and a dreamer. I can be both.

One day, my son will grow up watching his mother build, nurture, and lead. He will see firsthand the power of women, not just in words but in action. And that, more than anything, is what keeps me moving forward.

01/31/2025

**Shoutout to Jill, Tilly, and Reese!**

These three took on an equitation drill today that had them a little nervous at first, but they rose to the challenge and absolutely nailed it! From focus and precision to teamwork and confidence, they handled every step with determination. Watching them push past their initial hesitation and finish strong was a proud moment!

Great job, ladies—keep up the hard work!

01/27/2025

**Exciting Updates and Important Announcements for 2025!**

Dear Lesson Parents,

We’re rolling into the new year with exciting changes and reminders to help everything run smoothly. Please take a moment to review these important updates:

1. **New Waivers for 2025:**
All participants will be required to sign updated waivers for the new year. These waivers will be available in March, and we kindly ask that everyone complete them to ensure a smooth transition and insurance compliance.

2. **Improved Payment Options:**
We’re excited to introduce new electronic payment options! These will be simple to use and allow payments to go directly into the business account. More details on how to set this up will be shared soon - also rolling out in March!

3. **Streamlining Lesson Times:**
To help everything run smoothly while I prepare for a few weeks away when the baby arrives, lesson times will be adjusted starting **March 1st**:
- **4:30 PM**
- **6:00 PM**

Please arrive early to tack up so riders are ready to start at their booked time. This will help ensure lessons run efficiently and make things easier for our substitute instructors while I am away for a few weeks.

4. **Exciting Property Updates:**
Construction is about to begin on the lower end of the property! Electricity is scheduled to be installed within the next couple of weeks, followed by water. Additionally, we’re in the process of drawing up a master plan for fencing in pastures, bringing us closer to creating our own dedicated lesson and boarding space.

5. **Lesson Fee Reminders:**
- Lesson fees are **due on the 1st of each month**.
- Packages are not eligible for refunds.
- Rescheduling a lesson is possible but must be completed within the same month.
- Lesson dates and times are first-come, first-served.
- In the event of inclement weather, lessons will be adjusted accordingly.
- A **24-hour notice** is required to cancel a lesson. Cancellations made with less than 24 hours’ notice will incur a **$25 cancellation fee**.
- **Tardiness Policy:** If a rider arrives late, the lesson will still end at the scheduled time. Lessons will not run over to cover missed time. If you will be **30 minutes or more late**, a **$25 fee will be applied**, and rescheduling will be required. Additionally, if your child cannot tack up independently and is **20 minutes or more late**, a **$25 fee will also apply**, and the lesson will need to be rescheduled. This policy ensures other riders are not delayed, and the next group stays on track.

We’re so grateful for your continued support and encouragement as we move forward with these plans. Your positive vibes mean the world to us during this exciting time!

If you have any questions or concerns about these updates, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Warm regards,
Catherine Hefner

01/20/2025

Make sure you check the Band App for lesson updates!!!

01/14/2025

01/14/2025

**Kindness for Myself**

Be kind to yourself, as you are to them,
The ones with hooves, your trusted friends.
The grace you offer when they make a mistake,
Grant yourself the same, for your own sake.

The forgiveness you give when they shy away,
From a shadow, a sound, or a startling day—
Let your heart be as soft, your judgment as light,
For the struggles you carry, hidden from sight.

The walls they build, you gently unbind,
Brick by brick, with patience in mind.
Do the same for yourself—let your barriers fall,
And trust in the healing that answers the call.

When your thoughts swirl wild, like a restless herd,
And your brain feels too full to process a word,
Let yourself pause, as you would let them graze,
And find peace in stillness, not action or praise.

When the steps you take seem timid or slow,
Celebrate them, as you would let them know:
"Good job, well done, you're brave and you're strong,"
For progress is progress, no matter how long.

So be kind to yourself, as you are to the steed—
Offer love and grace, not judgment or need.
For the care you give them, you deserve just the same,
Gentle, forgiving, unburdened by blame.

-Catherine Hefner