Stone Gate Farm

10/15/2026

Spanky and Willie @ the Volunteer Appreciation Party. Neither was thrilled about having to wear the TuTu. So who wore it better?

10/14/2026

We had a Team Volunteer Challenge this year but there was no way to choose a winner because some teams had more members than others. So, Every team member who worked at least 4 hours will get a free Team T shirt. Not only does VIP stand for the Volunteer Incentive Program but it in this case it is for Very Important People. I'm asking each team leader to get me sizes and the number of shirts I need to order. Each Team name will be printed on the back, this is just a sample.

I would love to have more teams next year. Get together with your family and friends and put together a team! Barn names, organizations or clubs and have fun with the names like 'Wouldn't Pass the Vet Check' or 'Chaos, Coffee and Horses' :)

Check out the 'mock up'

10/14/2026

The Stone Gate Farm 2026 Volunteer of the Year is Rachel Richardson having some fun jump judging. But Rachel didn't just Jump Judge and she didn't just work at the Mini Trials where here daughter was riding. Check out what else she did throughout the season.

But I would be remis if I didn't mention the 107 other Stone Gate Farm Volunteers and the 1,026 hours volunteered. We couldn't do it without each and every one of them. But these numbers are actually low as many people help out without signing up or the sign up but don't record their hours so yes it does take a small army to make the events run smoothhly and I am forever grateful to them as should all the riders!! To those who are competitors AND volunteers an extra special thank you and I hope we can grow those numbers in the coming year.

I'm also acknowledging the top 10 as it was really close. The Volunteer of the year will receive a custom brow band from Beyond Bonnets donated by Lisa Boncosky. The other top 4 will receive Winona 1985 - 2026 water tumblers. Soon to become a collectors item ;)

We also had VIP Teams but they will get their own post along with future plans.

10/14/2026

Many thanks to It's A Haggerty's for donating scrim sheets to the Event Series Champions. The reserve champs will receive a photo of your choice from Gia Photography.

Congratulations to all! Stay tuned for revised volunteer requirements for next season as many of you lost out on awards because you didn't meet the volunteer requirement.

Others to be recognized:

Up and Coming Rider for the Youngest Rider: Ciara Kelleher at 6 years old riding Frodo and Waffles in Tadpole and Flight if The Phoenix at Intro

The Vintage Rider for the most senior rider: Harris Ferris riding Roonie at Beginner Novice

New Award for the Mount who had the most riders: Waffles gave a total of 4 riders a successful experience at Tadpole ridden by Ellery and Zara Fine, Ciara Kelleher, and Allison Palko. Many thanks to Laura fine for sharing your pony.

A shout out to the Kelleher family who had all 5 children participating at the Mini Trials!!

10/14/2026

A good read and I was impressed that she still managed to volunteering while competing at her first event!

For 12 years, she's been the one cheering riders on from the sidelines. This time, the cheers were for HER. ❤️ Dedicated USEA Area VII volunteer Sarah Airhart experienced eventing from a whole new perspective when she and Pantero completed their first USEA recognized event at Spokane Sport Horse Farm.

At 58 years old, Sarah traded her usual cross-country jump judging duties for a turn in the start box, surrounded by the same supportive community she's spent more than a decade giving back to. And because volunteering will always have her heart, she still found time to contribute 20 volunteer hours during the competition!

This brings us more joy than we can put into words! So grateful to have you as part of our USEA family, Sarah! 💕

Read the full story in the comments below!

10/11/2026

10/11/2026

Since most of you made the Volunteer Appreciation Days yesterday and today is cool and damp, we're going to cancel the luncheon today. Sorry for the late notice. Maybe some other day. Thanks for you help this season!

10/11/2026

This one is for you!!

10/11/2026

What a great day today! A lot of riders came to enjoy the farm today with friends, family had horses. It was nice to share time with the people who share their time and expertise with us as volunteers! And it was so fun to see so many kids enjoying the bouncy ball races and pumpkin craving. If anyone grabbed any pictures please share as this is the only one I got before everything got started. I also want to thank Winona Hills Music for sharing their talents with us and of course the great food from BBQ on 172 who have sponsored a show jump panel. And to our neighbor Sue Susan N Jim Cooper who made the great cake and delivered it. Thanks again to everyone who has helped us throughout the year even if you couldn't make it the Volunteer Appreciation and Fall Fun Day!