2306 80th Street E.
Hugo MN 55038-9340
(651) 429-4900
Hardwood Creek Calendar
2009 AMHA Clinic
In March 2009, Hardwood Creek Farm hosted a day-long educational clinic sponosred by the AMHA (American Morgan Horse Association) for clients and friends at Hardwood Creek Farm. Dr. Jon Engstrom of Stillwater Vet Clinic spoke about equine health issues for both Morgans and Saddlebreds. Rae Ann Bartz, farrier and owner of Equine Connections in Olivia, Minnesota, gave a detailed presentationn on hoof anatomy, hoof conditions, and shoeing. This valuable clinic increased horse owners' awareness of equine body systems and behavior. The Wicks then gave a demonstration and detailed explanation of training techniques for show horses. Their clients came away with a deep understanding and appreciation of their horses’ learning process.
The afternoon session was open to the public attracted 85 participants, including 9 FFA and 4-H judging teams to a judging clinic. Rae Ann Bartz, who has many years of experience coaching judging teams, reviewed Morgan conformation and the process of competitive judging. She guided the group through in-hand and performance classes. Participants judged each class and then followed Rae Ann's placings and rationale. All the judging teams gained valuable practice and experience through the practical experience of judging quality Morgan show horses. The entire clinic not only provided valuabkle education about Morgans, but also helped forge stronger ties within the broader community of Morgan horse owners and riders.
The American Saddlebred
The American Saddlebred is a distinctive breed whose presence makes it America's premiere show horse. Featuring long, arched necks, alert and expressive eyes, and forward ears, Saddlebreds move with balance and high-stepping style. They have earned a reputation for their animation, elegance and alert presence in show arenas across the country.
Characteristics
Saddlebreds range in size from 15 to 17 hands and weigh between 1,000 to 2,000 lbs. They come in almost every color since registration is based on pedigree rather than color restriction. The head and eye of the ideal Saddlebred should project refinement, intelligence and energy. Their long, sloping pasterns provide a comfortable spring to their ride. Saddlebred owners appreicate their winning personality. Alert, curious and happy, Saddlebreds are really people-oriented.
If you want to see our Saddlebreds in action, come visit Hardwood Creek Farm or check out our calendar of upcoming shows where our Saddlereds and Morgans will compete for ribbons in a wide range of classes.
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About Us
At its Hugo, MN location since 1997, Hardwood Creek Farm offers a full-service training, showing, marketing and lesson operation specializing in Morgan and Saddlebred horses to owners and riders throughout Minnesota and Western Wisconsin. Our amenities include a heated barn with over 50 stalls, spacious indoor arena, tack room, and observation window. Lyle and Colleen Wick, the owners and trainers, have built a national reputation through their unswerving commitment to an ethical, safe, family-oriented environment that ensures safety and proper training of both horse and rider. Their exceptional qualifications and expertise have resulted in years of ribbons and awards at regional and national shows where their entries have won numerous world championships in different classes.
The Wicks both earned B.S. degrees from the University of Minnesota where Lyle was head of Equine Science at the U of M, Crookston for ten years. During that period, Colleen taught continuing education in addition to giving riding lessons. In 1983, the Wicks began training horses professionally and built Hardwood Creek Farm into a world-class Morgan and Saddlebred facility.
Colleen and Lyle have played active roles in regional and national Morgan and Saddlebred horse organizations, including the AMHA (American Morgan Horse Association). Lyle also serves as a judge at horse shows across the country. In 2008, Lyle and Colleen received a special award of recogniotion from the AMHA for their outstanding dedication and contributions to the Morgan horse.
Youth Group Morgan Horse Program
The Youth Group at Hardwood Creek Farm focuses on the Morgan Horsemastership Achievement Program. This program, which consists of study materials, exercises and tests, has been developed by the American Morgan Horse Association Youth Program so younger riders can become experts about the Morgan horse and learn a lot of about horsemanship in general. If you want to get started, you can download the Level I (Bulrush) workbook here.