"Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope." - Romans 15:13
Pam Fowler Grace
Welcome to Sun & Shield Riding Club
If you would like to join in the fun - contact us!
Traditional & Western Dressage Clinics - The Reserve, Austin, TX
age. USDF Gold Medalist and L Graduate, Pam Fowler Grace, was the guest clinician for a two day Dressage Workshop at the beautiful Austin Equestrian Center at the Reserve near Lake Travis in early March.  The clinic was unique, as both traditional and dressage for Western riders was emphasized.   Pam also treated us to one of her fabulous freestyles on her Dutch gelding Star in Stripes, "Kossini," debuting a newly designed Western saddle just for dressage riders by Circle Y Saddles. 
Pam has been involved in the design and fit this unique saddle. Circle Y Saddles hopes to have the Western Dressage saddle available for sale in the next few months.

Local Houston area dealer is Charlotte's Saddlery in Houston, ask for Bill.   

Interested in learning more about Western Dressage?  Next clinic is April 12 & 13 with Pam Fowler Grace in Austin.Call Laura Jones at The Reserve for details and to sign up for the clinic: 713-703-5109 If you are not in the Austin area and would like to learn more about hosting a clinic in your area - click here.

To read the complete article as seen in the Horse Gazette - Click Here (courtesy of Luarie Virkstis).

More pictures coming soon!
Do You Need a Helpful Hoof?
He's back by popular demand & Expanding his Repertoire
Hot on the heels of a very treat-lucrative holiday season, Delaney has extended his "Helpful-Hoof" offer and has expanded his repertoire to include Lessons for Greener Living! If you find yourself in need of a helping hand (or hoof) we have just the man for you. Meet Delaney - he's always ready to help, doesn't mind getting his feet wet and doesn't shy away from the dirty cleaning jobs that require a mop and bucket. He is available for hire - but he doesn't work cheap! Word to the wise, you will want to provide oversight, as if he is left unattended for even a few minutes, he'll find something to get into! He has a penchant for buckets and can find and maneuvre them into position with any of his feet. He is a very dexterous and entertaining boy, and clearly needs to be busy. After the success of his "Holiday Helping Hoof" offer, Delaney decided to expand his services to include 'Lessons for Greener Living". That's right, he can help set a good example in your house by teaching the kids to turn off those lights when they leave a room. If they won't listen to you, they'll listen to Delaney and he'll show them how easy it is to do - he can do it practically blindfolded!

Send your job offers to the stable and be sure to include detailed information about the treats he may expect for his work. All offers will be entertained on a first come, first serve - treat considered - basis. His schedule is filling fast, so don't wait!
Happy Holidays Texas Style!
2010 brought together family and friends to enjoy the holiday complete with cajun fried turkey and all the trimmin's. Enjoy the pictures below from our little stable scrapbook.

We hope you enjoyed the holiday season with those you love and best wishes in the coming new year.
Windy Knoll Farm Show - September 25th & 26th
Pam's show team descended on Windy Knoll Farm in late September and mopped up! Sir Ivanhoe won both of his classes with scores in the mid 60's. Juan Francisco won both of his classes with a 67.5 and a 68.8 with Pam aboard, and also won the Junior division with Robert up, who scored a 60.7 and qualified for the Andalusian Nationals (IALHA) with a very well executed test.

The show's superstars were hands down Pam and 'Star In Stripes' who drew large crowds to watch their Grand Prix musical freestyle which scored 70.87 and 76.5!!!

A fun time, a great show and congratulations to all for jobs very well done!
IALHA National Chamionships - Fort Worth, Texas
The opening act scheduled for the International Andalusian & Lusitano Horse Association (IALHA) Nationals Gala was Pam Fowler Grace on "Star In Stripes."  A long-time member of the IALHA, Pam was asked to come to Fort Worth and dazzle us, and she did not disappoint. I was delighted to see Pam smiling from ear to ear while performing her beautifully choreographed dressage musical freestyle to a medley of American anthem music.  As a dressage rider myself, it gave me goosebumps to see her perform in time with the music and execute the high school movements we all strive to ride one day. It was a perfect all-American way to start the evening program and set the tone for all the extraordinary riders and horses we were about to see.
-Laurie Virkstis
Laurie Virkstis Photography
photo© LaurieVirkstisPhotography.com
After the opening performance the National Championship competition began. Pam was Reserve National Champion on Juan Francisco in Training Level dressage. Robert Hilliard, her student was Junior National Champion also on Juan and his brother Patrick Michael Hilliard was National Champion Junior Equitation on Laura.
photo© LaurieVirkstisPhotography.com
It was a fantastic show and Pam is very proud of all the hard work and ribbons earned by her students and Juan Francisco.
HDS Laborious Days Show - September 3rd-5th, 2010
The Houston Dressage Association's Laborious Days Shows held in Conroe, Texas were alot of fun. Sir Ivanhoe of England (left), owned by Diane and JP Poirer was a favorite of the judges scoring a 66.8 and a 70.4! Juan Francisco (below right), owned by Kathryn Wexhiemer, also had a great show with scores in the mid sixties. Pam was so pleased with both horses and also with Robert who did a wonderful job riding Juan in the junior division.
Sonesta Farms Show in Cypress, Texas
September 18th, Pam rode Sir Ivanhoe of England to first place with a 66.3 and training level Champion honors at the Sonesta Farms Show in Cypress, Texas.
Some Exciting New Stars are Emerging from Pam's Training Stable!
Some exciting new stars are emerging from Pam's training stable this year. Sir Ivanhoe of England, a Gypsy Vanner stallion owned by Diane and JP Poirer made his spring debut at the two Hearthstone Stables and two Sienna Stables shows winning both of his classes at all four shows. With these ribbons under his belt, he worked hard at home and made his first sanctioned show debut on May 20th and 21st at the Alamo Dressage Association show in San Antonio again winning his classes and qualifying for the championships! His second sanctioned show was on May 29th at the Great Southwest Equestrian Center where he won his training level class. Congratulations to Diane, JP and Sir Ivanhoe on a knockout spring show tour!
photo© LaurieVirkstis.com
photo© LaurieVirkstis.com
Amber and Syrah's Scores

February Sienna Show

  • Intro B - 75.50 - HDS High Point CH (junior)

April 10th Sienna Show

  • Intro A - 77.0 - HDS High Point CH
  • Intro B - 74.5

April 11th Sienna Show

  • Intro A - 72.5 - HDS High Point CH
  • Intro B - 70.5

"Pam has been an amazing instructor. She has helped me and Syrah through many frustrating moments and bad days. She is dedicated to excellence and knows how to bring out the best in me. At the end of the day, I love Pam's hugs and smiles." ................. - Amber

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"WAY TO GO AMBER!!!"

..........................-Pam
Also included in this new group of emerging stars are Syrah and Juan Francisco. Syrah is a beautiful Oldenberg mare owned and shown by Amber Hughes (Above). Juan Francisco is a gorgeous Andalusian stallion owned by Kathryn and Robert Dexhiemer. Juan and Robert both made their show debuts this spring. Juan's debut was at Great Southwest Equestrian Center where he took second to his stablemate Sir Ivanhoe. Robert Dexhiemer also made his show debut aboard Juan at Great Southwest and won his class! Needless to say Pam is proud as punch of each and every rising star in the barn.
Congratulations to Reagan Mabray Berry, my assistant trainer, on her outstanding performances at the IALHA Nationals.
Reagan and Volturno Interagro
  • IALHA Reserve National Champion ...... Training Level ... score 66.4
  • IALHA Reserve National Champion ...... First Level ... score 66.84
Texas Dressage Classic - Texas Rose Horse Park, Tyler - Sept. 25-27, 2009

The stars at night are big and bright.... deep in the heart of Texas !!!!!!
Pam and Katie enjoyed another very sucessful weekend at the Texas Dressage Classic, a benefit for the Azleway charity, which was held at the beautiful Texas Rose Horse Park in Tyler, TX, Sept 25 - 27, 2009. The park is nestled in a pristine setting overlooking acres and acres of rolling hills, barns, and show rings. Pam and "Star In Stripes" competed Saturday evening in the freestyle challenge, which combined all of the F.E.I. levels. There was a VIP tent set up by the ring where guests were served a sumptuous dinner at their ringside tables as they enjoyed a spectacular evening of dancing horses. Pam and "T" delivered a passionate and very dramatic performance, which garnered a 71.1% score and entusiastic cheers from a captivated crowd. Katie won all of her classes on the princess "Bogota" with scores of Training 1: 73.043% and 74.783% and First 1: 71.000% and 72.667% winning all four tests. She was Training Level A High Point Reserve Champion and First Level AA High Point Champion...again!!
photo© K. McChesney
We had a blast--what a fun weekend!  Meagan came to the rescue again, and she was such a blessing to have there.  She made The Princess just shine!  Thanks to Lauren Donahoo for a beautiful braiding job on both "Tini" and Bogota.  I was overwhelmed with a wonderful crowd of family support for Saturday's ride!  A heartfelt hug to Pam for EVERYTHING.  I proudly have the best trainer in the world.  Thanks so much!
-Katie
photos© K. McChesney
HDS Laborious Days Show - September 5-6, 2009
YIPPEEE ! The show team from Sun & Shield riding club made a clean sweep at the Houston Dressage Society's Laborious Days Show which was held in Conroe, September 5th & 6th. We had a blast!

Pam and Star In Stripes danced as if they were floating on air, with Pam's usual big smile lighting the way, they won the Grand Prix Musical Freestyle on Saturday with a 74%, as well as on Sun with a 70%! They were also the Musical Freestyle Champions for all the levels. WOW ! Way to go Pam and "T- Man" !!!

Reagan Mabray Barry( Pam's asst trainer ) and her Lusitano " Paulo " won First Place on their first level test 2 class with a 67.5. Congrats Reagan  and "P"!!! On top of that, Katie and" Bogota" mopped up winning all of their training level and 1st level classes (see her scores inset with photos). Then they came back and won the dressage equitation class to boot! Katie and her super star were also high point amateur champions for the show. YOU GO GIRLS !!!!

" I want to extend a special thanks to Elaine Youins for taking such spendid care of "Star In Stripes" and also congratulations from the bottom of my heart  to my girls, Reagan and Katie - you both had stellar performances, and I just couldn't be any prouder of you!" - Pam
photo© K. McChesney
photo© K. McChesney
photo© K. McChesney
Reagan Mabray Barry and her Lucitano " Paulo "
Pictured Below: Katie and "Bogota":
Training Level Test 1-- 72.174%, First Place 
and  78.696%, First Place                            
First Level Test 1--75.667%, First Place
Adult Amateur High Point Champion 
photos© K. McChesney
Big Hugs to my Students and Horses...!!!
Dallas Dressage Club Spring Show I & II - May 9-10, 2009
Meagan was my right hand again, which was a huge blessing!  We had a lot of fun, and Bogota "The Princess" (Oldenburg mare) rode like a dream.  She knows when she's competing, and she loves it.  This show, we completed the Training Level and First Level Rider Performance Awards, so we were excited about that. Enjoy the photos and thanks to all who made this possible for me and "The Princess". - Katie
Adult Amateur Division:

As a warm-up... Training Level Test 1, 1st place, 73.47%

First Level Test 1, 1st place, 72.00%

First Level Test 2, 1st place, 68.88%

First Level Test 4, 1st place, 66.05% (Qualifying score for Championships)
Photo by Frances Luse/Reitsport Photography
Texas Dressage Classic I and II - April 3 - 5, 2009
Katie Mauldin and her Oldenburg mare, Bogota... aka "The Princess" She qualified for the Championships for Adult Amateur First Level and got the two First Level scored needed for her USDF Bronze Medal.   

Friday: 

  • Training Level Test 1-- 74.78%, First Place
  • First Level Test 4, Qualifier-- 61.05%, Second Place

Saturday:

  • First Level Test 1-- 68.67%, First Place

Sunday:

  • First Level Test 1-- 70.67%, First Place
  • First Level Test 4, Qualifier-- 66.05%, First Place

"This was my first time ever to do First Level, and it was a blast. I missed having Pam there, though! If I could just say how incredibly thankful I am for my dear friend, Meagan Hale, who held it all together this weekend.  I would have been lost on my own without her and the wonderful blessing of all her help!" - Katie
WAY TO GO KATIE !!!

I am so very proud of you! - Pam
FROSTBITE SHOW - March 7-8, 2009
Pam and Star In Stripes performed with their usual elegance and flair - winning 2nd in the Open Grand Prix on Saturday and 1st on Sunday.  Pam's assistant trainer Reagan Mabray was a busy girl. She showed the Morgan gelding Universal Blackmoon with scores into the mid 60's and her own Lucitano gelding Paulo garnering scores in the high 60's. Pam decided to let Reagan have a little fun showing Pay-N-Go in 2nd and 3rd level. Pay-N-Go was thrilled to be back in the ring, and the two of them were stunning. Pam sends her congratulations to Reagan for a job well done. "Reagan has been such a compliment to my training business. I feel very blessed to have her as part of my team" - Pam

KUDOS also to Katherine McFaddin from Shreveport on the beautiful job she did showing her Hannoverian gelding at Prix St. George's. All in all, it was a great weekend.

Way to go gang!
photo© Kelly McChessney
photo© Kelly McChessney
photo© Kelly McChessney
SIENNA SHOW - Feb 2009
Sienna Spring Show was a huge success for all. We had a great show, lots of fun and enjoyed good company between hanging up our ribbons.
  • Reagan Mabray-Barry showed UNIVERSAL BLACKMOON, Morgan gelding owned by Jerri Ostendorf, in Training Level classes earning Grand Champion in a combined Open-Amateur Division. This is Universal Blackmoon's second time showing (he took Reserve Champion on his first time out).
  • Honor Wallace was Intro Champion and High Point Junior on Leodinardo.
  • Amber was Reserve Champion ( with 2nd in both intro classes ).

Pam rode Walter, a young Hannoverian owned by Elaine Yuins. This was Walter's first show taking 2nd in training 1, and Pam also took 2nd on leodinardo in training level competition.

Well Done - Congratulations All!!!
HDS Winter Show 2009
The shining stars were Katy Mauldin and her wonderful Oldenburg mare Bogota. This being Katie's first recognized show, she was well prepared, and turned the judges heads.... Pam could not be more proud of her performance and results.
Adult Amateur Training Level

Test One--70.87%  (first place)

 Test Four--64.4% (second place, qualifying score)

Second Day,                      

Test One--68.4%  (first place)

Test Four--73.913% (first place, qualifying score)
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'Dare to Believe' Christian Dressage Retreat
Was a breath of fresh air in this hot Texas summer. We had wonderful and very educational lectures and demos, something was learned by all! Pam taught all weekend, of course. Saturday we gathered in Pam's new barn and shared lunch and fellowship. Derek's band played and we sang praises together in the breezeway. Keith then lead us in prayer and we blessed the new barn. Saturday evening Pam performed a Grand Prix Freestyle to praise music on Star In Stripes, who danced his heart out! Sunday morning everyone sat in an amphitheater created from bales of hay and enjoyed breakfast with Starbucks coffee and then an awesome annointed worship service. The presence of God was undeniable, and a special bond was created between all who attended.

A Very Special Thank You to:

  • Denise Moore for many tireless hours of organization
  • Lauren Bezold for her help in preparing
  • Karen Borne for the saddle fitting demonstration
  • Jackie Duval for the Chiropractic presentation
  • Torrey Jeanes for massage therapy
  • Adolf Strickler for the shoeing consultation.
  • Kelly Smith for her wonderful photography.
  • Derek Freeman and his band for providing the music.
  • Hugo and the crew for setting up and making the hay amphitheater in the new barn.
We were blessed beyond our wildest imaginations... I think we have started something! We're already planning another one...!

"Thank you from the bottom of my heart to all who participated!" Pam
Copyright © 2006 - 2012, Pam Fowler Grace, Sun and Shield Riding Club - All Rights Reserved, with the exception of the photographic images which are Copyright by the individual photographers who retain all rights to their subsequent distribution.