2001 Bay gelding by Londonderry bred by RSF. 

Show Results

8/2007 Hi Mo, Here are links to two photos of Neo and I that were taken at the Evergreen Farm Dressage Schooling Show this past Sunday. We placed first riding Training Level Test 2 with a score of 69.3%. Even with 2 error points, due to me forgetting the test -- duh, we still came in first with a 3 point lead. Neo received three 8's -- two for his canter and one for the free walk. Under collective marks he received a 9 for gaits.

Hi Mo, Lhebanon horse show update: Sunday Neo and I showed at Sandstone Farm's VHSA Hunter Show. We rode in the Low Hunters Division. Out of 15 in the class, Neo and I placed 4th in the hack class, and 1st in the second over fences class. I didn't have enough momentum in the first round of fences to place. In the second round, I picked up the pace and had him more forward. We received a round of applause after the round and everyone said he looked great. This was the first hunter show we jumped in. Next show we'll move up to Green Hunter. Till next show date, Louise Hi Mo, Show season has started. Our first show was April 14 -- a combined training show sponsored by the Commonwealth Dressage & Combined Training Association at Sandstone Farm in Millwood, VA. Neo and I placed 4th overall in the Baby Novice Division. We placed 3rd riding Intro Test B with a score of 37 (63), and placed 4th in stadium jumping 2' fences. The next combined training show will be May 20 where we'll be moving up to Beginner Novice -- 2' 7" fences. We're schooling that now, and have even jumped a 3' oxer. This past Sunday, Neo and I competed in our first combined jumping test sponsored by the Dominion Valley Pony Club at Foxcroft in Middleburg, VA. The first test was stadium jumping followed by the cross country course. This was the first time Neo and I competed riding cross country. We tied for first in stadium jumping, but were eliminated in cross country. He refused 4 fences out of the 9, but I did make him take the jumps anyway. Second try he took them. Below are links to some photos of us going over cross country fences and a stadium jump. He needs something bigger to go over, but this was our first time so I stuck to the First Timers course -- 2' fences. What can I say? We're BOTH green. I'm hoping to show Neo at a horse trial sometime this year. I'd love to show all 3 disciplines in one day -- dressage, stadium jumping, and cross country. Perhaps by November we'll be ready for Rubicon. Neo loves jumping and has come a long way since we started jumping last year. Actually the both of us have. We take lessons twice a week -- one day dressage and another day over fences. Neo is put to work 5-6 days out of the week. We go out on hacks from time to time after working in the rings. Last week we started going out by ourselves, and he's been such a brave boy. I couldn't ask for a better horse, partner, and friend. Neo is awesome! By the way, I do show Neo under his registered name -- Lhebanon. Louise Hall and Neo Neo and Louise have started the 2006 show season with wins in Training Level.

Owner Comments

Hi Mo,

You're absolutely correct about his knees. The heat was too much for him that day. In fact, he doesn't do very well in the summer. I'm going to put him on electrolytes to see if that helps. If you have any suggestions I'd greatly appreciate it.

Neo's knees do come up when jumping, but never tightly tucked like a true hunter/jumper. The larger the fences the more he uses himself. He's so big that he doesn't really try that hard when the fences are low. (He stands over 18 hands. My stick doesn't go any higher.) I've really got to wake him up and give him leg to get him where I need him to be. Anyway, jumping is not what I bought him for. He's my dressage horse and is doing wonderfully at it. We jump for fun and to help break up the monotony of the flat work. I try not to do too much. I've attached a photo taken at a combined training show this past May. You'll see his knees are a little better, but still not where they should be.

I'm having the time of my life with Neo. He means the world to me. There hasn't been or ever will be another horse in my life that means so much in so many ways. Neo is my dream come true.
Thank you again for breeding and selling me such a wonderful horse.
Louise Hall

12/2007
Happy New Year Mo,

I hope you had a nice holiday, and are ready for the new year.

Good things are happening for Neo. Late fall we started training with dressage judge Heidi Berry and FEI rider Lauren Sprieser. Training with both these individuals has proved to be the right move for us.

Lauren trains with Scott Hassler. He comes to her facility once a month. While there, he also gives instruction to other riders. As you can imagine there is a long waiting list. Lauren's students get first dibs scheduling with Scott. At this point I don't feel worthy to take a lesson with him, but hopefully in a few months we'll be ready. Neo is going to "Camp Sprieser" the second week of January for a week of training with Lauren. I know he'll benefit greatly from her training, which in turn benefits me. Both Lauren and Heidi have said some wonderful things about Neo. They feel he's got the talent to do Grand Prix, but wont receive 10s for his movements. That's fine by me. I wasn't looking for an Olympic caliber horse to begin with. Knowing he's capable of doing the required movements for Grand Prix is wonderful. They say he's got great balance on both sides and travels straight down a line. They also like his temperament. As Lauren says, "I like that he doesn't have a middle finger." I found that humorous.

I'm planning on entering some recognized shows this coming season. I'll be sure to let you know how we do.

Take care,
Louise Hall
8/20/07
Hi Mo,

Here are links to two photos of Neo and I that were taken at the Evergreen Farm Dressage Schooling Show this past Sunday. We placed first riding Training Level Test 2 with a score of 69.3%. Even with 2 error points, due to me forgetting the test -- duh, we still came in first with a 3 point lead. Neo received three 8's -- two for his canter and one for the free walk. Under collective marks he received a 9 for gaits.
http://www.starkimage.com/proof_events/EF%20August%2007%20Show/76%20Hall/pages/13_76Hall_807.htm
http://www.starkimage.com/proof_events/EF%20August%2007%20Show/76%20Hall/pages/58_76Hall_807.htm

Hi Mo,

Show season has started. Our first show was April 14 -- a combined training show sponsored by the Commonwealth Dressage & Combined Training Association at Sandstone Farm in Millwood, VA. Neo and I placed 4th overall in the Baby Novice Division. We placed 3rd riding Intro Test B with a score of 37 (63), and placed 4th in stadium jumping 2' fences. The next combined training show will be May 20 where we'll be moving up to Beginner Novice -- 2' 7" fences. We're schooling that now, and have even jumped a 3' oxer.

This past Sunday, Neo and I competed in our first combined jumping test sponsored by the Dominion Valley Pony Club at Foxcroft in Middleburg, VA. The first test was stadium jumping followed by the cross country course. This was the first time Neo and I competed riding cross country. We tied for first in stadium jumping, but were eliminated in cross country. He refused 4 fences out of the 9, but I did make him take the jumps anyway. Second try he took them. Below are links to some photos of us going over cross country fences and a stadium jump. He needs something bigger to go over, but this was our first time so I stuck to the First Timers course -- 2' fences. What can I say? We're BOTH green.

I'm hoping to show Neo at a horse trial sometime this year. I'd love to show all 3 disciplines in one day -- dressage, stadium jumping, and cross country. Perhaps by November we'll be ready for Rubicon.

Neo loves jumping and has come a long way since we started jumping last year. Actually the both of us have. We take lessons twice a week -- one day dressage and another day over fences. Neo is put to work 5-6 days out of the week. We go out on hacks from time to time after working in the rings. Last week we started going out by ourselves, and he's been such a brave boy. I couldn't ask for a better horse, partner, and friend. Neo is awesome!

By the way, I do show Neo under his registered name -- Lhebanon.

Louise Hall and Neo

Hi Mo,

The photos I ordered that were taken at the Dominion Valley Pony Club Combined Jumping Test last weekend arrived yesterday. I've attached one of the photos in case you might be interested in posting it on your site.

I can't tell you enough how much I love Neo. Although originally purchased to be my dressage horse, he is loving jumping. My trainer, Juliet Graham -- a 3-day-eventer, has given me the bug for it.

The AHS got it right when they penned their slogan: "Hanoverians, the Ultimate Thrill Ride"

Sincerely,
Louise and Neo Hall
Hi Mo,

March 5 was our first show of the season. It was a dressage schooling show in which we rode Training Level Test 1 and placed first. I've attached a photo that was taken at the show.

This past Sunday, Neo and I rode in the CDCTA (Commonwealth Dressage & Combined Training Association) combined test and dressage schooling show. It was the first time either of us jumped in a show. Our dressage test was Intro A and our stadium course was 18" fences. Out of 9 riders we placed 2nd in our dressage test and 2nd over all including jumping. Neo's really enjoying jumping. He's forward and straight to the fences. Our trainer, Juliet Graham, a 3 day eventer who rode with the Canadian Olympic Team in the 70's, just loves him. She says he's smart and is very willing.

At both shows, Neo was an eye turner. I received comments on what a lovely horse and mover I have. I was asked his breed and always how tall he is. I sticked him a few weeks ago and he's 17.3h. He's been holding firm at that height for about a year now. He'll be 5 in May.

We're going to try our hand at cross country next month. At Foxcroft School in Middleburg, VA they have a cross country course to accommodate first timers up to training level. We'll ride the first timers course. He's already walking over logs that size on the farm and on trails.

Neo's proving to be quite the versatile horse. I want him to be happy with his work, and I think by varying disciplines really helps. Taking him out on hacks through the woods and open fields has been wonderful for the both of us too.

I've taught Neo a few tricks. He smiles and shakes (gives me his right leg) on command. I plan on teaching him how to bow so that I'll be able to mount him from the ground.

Looking forward to seeing your spring foal crop,
Louise & Neo Hall- - - - - - - - - -
Hi Mo,

Neo and I placed first Sunday, October 23 riding Training Level Test 1 at a dressage schooling show held at Evergreen Farm in Berryville, VA. There were 4 others riding the same test. We had a score of 65.45. Second place had a score of 59.55. Some of the judge's comments were: "What a great young horse! Tons of potential! Be sure to show off his gaits and movement as you show him." He was a little nervous as it was quite windy, plus he was looking at the potted mums. I think he felt I was a bit nervous too. This was my first time riding this particular test at a show. It was different showing him in the smaller sized dressage arena as we're used to riding in the large size, but we did okay. I was so proud of him. He looked very handsome braided and wearing his new show pad -- white with navy binding and red piping. There was a photographer taking pictures, so I hope she got some nice shots of us. Soon as I get them I'll email you a copy.

I can never thank you enough for breeding and selling me the most wonderful horse in the world. I love him so much.

Louise Hall
Berryville, VA

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Fall 2005
Hi Mo,
Last weekend, at a VHSA show, Neo and I placed first in the English Pleasure Horse Walk/Trot Class. We beat Virginia's high point rider! When the announcer called out our number and his name as placing first, I was so surprised. He was extremely well behaved and relaxed during the class. I gave him lots of pats and praise.

Our next dressage show is October, 23. We're moving up to Training Level 1.

Neo always draws attention wherever we go. First of all, it's hard not to notice him because of his shear size -- currently standing 17.3 H. People always compliment on what a beautiful mover and handsome horse he is. They're amazed on how well behaved and balanced he is for a 4 year old. When asked about his breeding I'm proud to mention his sire Londonderry, grand sire Lauries Crusador, your name, and Rolling Stone Farm as his breeder.

Our dressage trainer is Anne Reid, a USDF Silver Medalist. We're using Caroline Leake, a former USET 3 Day Eventer, for our hunter/jumper trainer. Neo is dressage oriented, but I want to keep work interesting for him. He seems to enjoy the few times we've jumped. I'm being very cautious of his joints and legs. Caroline tells me he's showing terrific form -- knees up and ears forward. After working Neo, I always find the time to hack out in the open fields. He really enjoys and appreciates that I do that for him.

I'm looking forward to your Londonderry foal out of Whest Indies in spring of 2006.

Take care,
Louise Hall
Berryville, VA

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Spring 2005
Hi Mo,
I had to email you to let you know Neo and I placed first yesterday at a local dressage schooling show. We rode Intro Test A with a score of 65.50. There were 5 riders in the class. Some of the judge's comments were; he's a lovely horse, well balanced, nicely regular, nice bending, and was obedient in the test. Next show we're moving up to Training Level 1. I've attached two photos a friend took at the show.

Loving your foal crop this year. They're spectacular. I'm eagerly awaiting Loerke's foals. Hopefully I'll get to see your foals this summer when visiting my sister in Allentown. I'll definitely check with you first.

Thank you once again for breeding such a wonderful horse. Neo is my dream come true.

Take care,
Louise

- - - - - - - - - -
Fall 2004
Hi Mo,
I thought I'd send you an update on "Neo" -- Lhebanon.
Neo is currently standing 17.2 and is STILL growing. A very leggy handsome boy who really draws attention, and is admired by all who see him. I receive so many comments on how well behaved he is and what a wonderful temperament, willingness to learn, and work he has for a 3 year old.

Susan Carr, USDF R judge, was so impressed with him that she asked me about his pedigree. She has a mare that she is looking to breed.

Anne Reid, USDF Silver Medalist and our current trainer, is also quite impressed with Neo. She said "I really like him." "He's got a wonderful temperament and wants to please."

Neo and I have competed in two schooling shows this past season. We placed second in both riding Intro Test A with scores of 59 and 61.50.

I'll have to take a photo of him under tack and email it to you. I think you'll be pleased. Thank you again for breeding such a wonder horse. He is my partner for life.

Louise Hall

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May 2004
These photos were taken Friday during Neo's training session with Ralph Johnston. He's coming along quite nicely.

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Hi Mo,
I wanted to tell you Neo and I competed in our first dressage schooling show this past weekend. There were thunderstorms all around us. We had to duck out in a run-in shed to seek shelter from the storm for about 15 minutes. When the worst blew past, I mounted him again. It was still raining, but not too badly. He was a good boy to stand by a 3 rail fence for me to climb on to mount him. (He's standing 17.1 hands.) There were huge water puddles surrounding the outside of the arena, and he was a bit leery about stepping in them. He didn't want to walk past the judges sitting inside a trailer at the end of the dressage ring. I told them he's 3, that he only has 2 months of under saddle training, and that this was his first riding show. They said it was okay for me to get off and walk him past the trailer. So, that's what I did. Again, he stood for me to remount by a 3 rail fence. We then proceeded with our test -- Intro Test A. Our lines weren't straight, and our circles were crooked, but we ended up placing 2nd with a 61.50. The judges remarks were "lovely horse, impressive gaits." They also asked about his breeding and mentioned I was brave to be riding him. I was so proud of Neo. There was horrible scary weather, not to mention dogs running around, and horse trailers coming and going past the dressage arena while you're riding your test.

Neo is looking great. He's building muscle and starting to understand what we want of him. Our trainer, Ralph Johnston, will be riding him in the Materiale class at the Morven Park Sport Horse Breed Show. Klaus Schengber will be handling him in the 3 year old colt/gelding and Hanoverian in hand classes.

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2002
Hi Mo, Neo is doing great. I've been working with him on loading onto my trailer the past few weeks. I've got him loading himself. I throw the lead over his neck and tell him to "load up." He walks right up the ramp, I hook up the butt bar, and then secure him with the trailer tie. He also unloads himself with the command of "back off."Neo won a first place and reserve champion at a local show recently. I entered him into a yearling halter class where he won first place. I was asked by people in the audience to trot him again as they were so impressed with the way he moves. He was called back for the halter championship class competing against stallions, 2 year old or older geldings, and mares. A stallion won champion and Neo got reserve champion. I was so proud of him. He behaved himself at the show too. I compete him using his registered name of Lhebanon.I definitely plan on taking him to Upperville next year.

Mo, I can't tell you enough how much I love this horse. He is wonderful. All he wants to do is please me. He's so willing and trusting of me. When I walk to his paddock he sees me coming and walks or trots to greet me. He'll push his way through the other horses to get to me.Thanks again for breeding such a wonderful horse.
Louise