Dressage Clinics
Stallions of DreamFriesians and Lusitanos
To all of our friends, fans and mares in foal:
We are proud to be launching new stallion photos on our site of the young Lusitano stallions growing up (turning 4 now and beginning to show), photos of our new addition to the herd PRE Andalusian Stallion Hermoso XXVII, and, of course, many new photos of Friesian Stallion Zero Gravity on all of his summer adventures. Take a look at our two featured studs of the day; Lusitano Caetano and PRE Andalusian Hermoso XXVII:
- Lusitano Stallion Caetano at 4 y.o.
- Ridden and Trained by Katie Hoefs-Martin
More info available on each of their pages. Certainly feel free to visit their pages for more pictures, video and information. Breeding is by private treaty and A.I. only. Multiple mare discounts may apply. Breed for your dream foal of color and presence!
EHV-1 Outbreak: Spread of Equine Herpes Virus Information

EHV-1 Outbreak Virus Alert
The least you need to know:
- EHV 1 or Equine Herpes Virus is a long existing viral infection that, when an outbreak occurs is very contagious and easily spread.
- Spread by a variety of means: Airborn, close contact, via handler’s clothing, shared stalls/feed/grounds
- It it not known to infect humans
- It can cause multiple forms of disease in horses (4 types) but respiratory is the most common
- Symptoms: High Fever, Lethargy, Runny Nose (clear), Difficulty Standing, Neurological Effects
- Many horses develop respiratory symptoms and eventually recover
- When the disease crossed into the central nervous system the results are disastrous and deadly
- There is no known vaccine against EHV-1 and only supportive care treatment for those infected
- Current recommendation is to keep horses home, move only in emergency and avoid transport from one facility to another
- If you have been to a barn today DO NOT go to another as you may transmit the virus on your person.
The bottom line here is that this disease is a rapid spread and rapid fizzle virus with a high morbidity and mortality rate. Evaluate your plans carefully for where and when you are traveling and working with your horse.
Further Information:
Current Disease Origin – Canada
Largest Recent Outbreak Source – National Cutting Horse Association’s Western National Championships in Ogden, Utah
Current States with Identified Cases: Alberta Canada, California, Colorado, Utah, Washington
Resource Links:
UC Davis link http://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/ceh/ehv1_general.cfm

EHV - 1 Virus
**If you have updated information or suggested resource links, please submit them for posting asap
Manolo Mendez Dressage Clinic Hosted by Joan Williams at Willow Pond Ranch

The Master of Dressage
Yes, it’s true – the “Master of Dressage” is back in the Bay Area to teach us how it’s really done. Joan Williams will be hosting one of his clinics on April 24th-26th at Willow Pond Ranch in Soquel. There will be a number of students and horses of all ages participating, including Cefiro do Ceu, our young Veiga Lusitano stallion. If you are a fan of incredible horsemanship and human-horse communication, then Manolo Mendez is for you. Below are links to various articles written by Mr. Menendez (some passed on to me from Karen of Just Equus - a fabulous boutique style equine tack and goodies vendor) and a lovely video of his working in-hand:
Mr. Mendez’s website: http://www.manolomendezdressage.com
Our host, Joan Williams, is also a well known Gold Medalist, rider and trainer. Below is a brief video of her working together on Cefiro with David Hunt:
Dressage Clinic April 14th and 15th – Charles De Kunffy at the Menlo Circus Club
Have any of you seen the new barn and facility at the Menlo Circus Club? Z and I stayed there for the holiday season and rode with Jennifer Dixon, Chrissy Christiansen, Peter Breakwell and gang all over the beautiful new arenas (both indoor and out) and the spectacular polo field. Although far from a professional rider, I have seen quite a number of barns and this one is just beautiful. The stalls are nice and spacious with the deepest bedding complimented by lovely, soft cobblestone barn aisles and spectacular new footing in the riding areas (falling on it is like landing on a mattress – I’ve heard). A big surprise to me was the interest in dressage they are now showing (traditionally a driving and saddleseat barn with some hunter/jumper). The rest of us could certainly do worse than to attend local clinics at this place. I do encourage you to check it out, and as far as clinics are concerned, here’s the latest straight from Chrissy Christiansen:
“Welcoming world famous clinician Charles De Kunffy on April 14th and 15th
Hosted by JL Dixon Stable and the Menlo Circus Club:
Charles De Kunffy is a much-appreciated mentor, clinician, sought after dressage judge, and the author of several books and articles. He conducts seminars, forums and clinics around the world as well as providing many courses for riders, instructors and judges. For his full biography, please visit CharlesDeKunffy.com
$250 for one day or $475 for both days
There will be a $35 auditing fee, or $50 with lunch.
Overnight stalls are available.

Dressage Clinic De Kunffy
All Clinic sessions are 30-minutes and also include a 45-minute lecture and lunch provided by the Menlo Circus Club in Atherton, CA.
The Menlo Circus Club arenas are equipped with GGT (Geo German Textile) footing. While providing the very best support for multiple disciplines, this footing has been tested and established in the international horse show business as well as being used and recommended by top professionals in venues around the world. Our facility provides state of the art comforts for both the equine athlete and the people who ride and love them!
To reserve your spot in the clinic or to inquire about training opportunities, please contact Christina Christensen at 650-743-9654 or Chrissy.Christensen@gmail.com

