XC Clinic at Deep Run Hunt Club, Manakin-Sabot, VA, BN- Training
Level. Some spots still available.

Feb. 2010-
Well it's been a wild winter here in the south.  I can't remember the last time I made a snowman in NC, but we've had plenty of opportunities this year.  Katherine has had a chance to make her first and also to try another popular NC winter sport, dogsledding.  Unfortunately, we will be taking applications for a new sled dog, since ours is not quite fulfilling her potential and would rather ride in the sled with the passenger.
As for horses, kudos to all my students who have braved the blizzards to ride and stay fit during the past couple months.  It's been difficult, but the rewards will be worth it.  Although I'm sure we haven't quite seen the end of the foul weather, it is looking a bit better already and I'm definitely getting excited about riding out a bit more and working more seriously than the winter has allowed. 
My big plan to go to Gibbes Farm in SC was a bit of a washout due to the stabling being under water.  Many students who had wanted to attend were unable to due to a forced lack of riding and fitness prep.  Very understandable when your arena is under a foot of snow! 
We made the best of it and took a small group to Mari and Roger Secrist's farm in Vass, NC.  I had never been there before, but it was very worth the drive.  The footing was great and the jumps and layout was ideal for all of our horses.  Horses and riders had a great time getting out and knocking the rust off on the smartly laid out schooling course.  Mari indicated that she will be adding to the course and possibly hold a schooling HT in the future.  I know that I will happily go back and bring more horses and riders whenever possible.
I will be scheduling another trip to the Secrist's farm in the hopefully near future as well as rescheduling the trip to the Gibbes' Farm if interest warrants.  My calendar will be undergoing some changes due to goal revisions and time constraints.  It will be updated ASAP. 
Next on the list is an XC clinic at the Deep Run Hunt Club in Va for the CVaCTA and the Deep Run Pony Club on March 7th.  There are some spots still available.  After that it's off to Souther Pines HT with several students. 
Happy Riding
Chris

2009 in Review-
It's been a year of ups and downs...
Highs: My daughter Katherine had a fantastic first year and recently celebrated her first birthday.  She is now walking, talking(sort of) and in general running her mom and I ragged and giving us plenty of "presents"(every cold that comes through daycare). 
Horses have been largely positive (it won't do any good to look at the other way).  My Intermediate horse, Paladin(Smoke) was a learning experience for me this year, which I always consider a plus.  We had some great rides this spring and a few educational moments.  One of the big eye openers for me was that the style of ride that works best for Smoke was a bit different than what I had been attempting.  I sought help from Leslie Law in helping me with my difficulties with Smoke and possibly selling him and it paid off.  The economy didn't help our luck in selling, but Leslie had some great goes with Smoke, and the lessons I received have been a huge insight into where I had gone wrong in my approach.  Smoke and I now seem to been on the same page and making nice headway.  We will continue to compete this spring and shoot for another two star to correct my conditioning error at last year's Jersey Fresh, where he performed well but ran out of gas in the extremely tiring conditions.  He will still be for sale, but we plan to have fun and turn heads in the meantime.
Clients' horses went very well with some highlights including Anastasia taking 1st and 3rd at two of her Training level events and Rahav winning 2 of her three outings (with a 3rd place in her other) this year including the Area II Novice Championships with a score of 25! 
Not so Highs: It was largely a rebuilding year with plenty of change.  The adjustment to the new farm, plus the slow economy which reduced lessons and sales, took its toll and forced a conservative training and preparation schedule and basic all-around budget cuts.  It was a difficult decision to place my only upper level horse for sale, but with a child and a mortgage it seems like the right call. 
New Business: Exciting news - I have taken on the position of Senior Trainer/Head Instructor at Campbell Springs Farm in Chesterfield, Virginia.  I have enjoyed working with  the students and farm in that area for the past several years and have decided that it is an opportunity I do not want to pass up.  I have begun teaching there full time and will be available for lessons in NC several days a week as well.  I will be using Campbell Springs as my base as I prepare Smoke and myself for another go at a Spring CCI**.  My recognized show schedule has been posted and I will be updating the clinic schedule as it comes in. 
I am very thankful to my family, friends, and students who have stuck with me through the changes and difficulties and am looking forward to seeing what we can accomplish in the coming year.
Best of luck to all!
Chris

Katherine Hitchcock has arrived!!!!
Katherine Analiese Hitchcock made her way into the world at 3pm on Tuesday, December 30, 2008, weighing in at 8lbs. 2ozs. Both mom and baby are doing fine. Dad sounds a bit tired but happy. Both grandmas and grandpas are very proud. Click here for photos.