Get to Know Wes Norton
Barry’s November Letter
The final “spread” of fertilizer and pre-emergent from Harrel's is, as far as I’m concerned, the beginning of Winter.
The grass is about to stop growing, we lost an hour, the mowers are put away, and there’s no more verti-draining.
In terms of what’s going on at Stable View, there was a USEF Driving Clinic, BlueGrass, the final Eventing Academy of the year, the Trailblazer Half Marathon, plans for the Winter Boarders, a USEF Combined Driving Event and the Whiskey Road Hunt foxhunts.
In terms of planning, we’ve agreed on a date for the first Trailblazer Marathon, April’s Bluegrass Concert, another USEF Driving Clinic,
Business Plans for Stable View’s Eco Tourism business, and we have some excellent additions to the Bistro Menu.
As you’ve just read, we’re busy!
We’ve also widening parts of the cross-country course and we’re removing a couple of paddocks - Helen wants some extra space for turning for the 4* courses at the GGT Water.
In terms of bad news, there are delays regarding the building of the new Office Complex, but we’ll get there!!
That’s it
With bes
Rider Spotlight: Wes Norton
Wes Norton has competed at a variety of Stable View shows over the years. Wes didn't always ride horses. In fact, growing up she did competitive cheerleading before making the switch to horses when she was eleven-years-old. Her family owned a paint Quarter Horse named Sony, who she made her first event horse. Wes shared, “After Sonny, I got a five-year-old chestnut thoroughbred named Eve, who I had for eight years and just recently sold. We
Photo by Liz Crawley Photography
competed through Training Level together, and it was so special learning and growing alongside her. Since selling Eve, I’ve had the chance to ride a few other wonderful horses. My current goal is simply just to enjoy the time I get to spend with horses and have fun in the process.”
Wes is originally from Georgia but came to Aiken to go to college at USC-Aiken. She was an avid competitor on their eventing team. She shared, “My favorite part about Aiken is the incredible horse community. There are so many amazing people and beautiful venues
all within a short drive, which makes it such a special place to ride and compete.”
Wes loves competing at Stable View. She said, “My favorite part about Stable View is the fantastic venue and the variety of show options it offers. There are so many great opportunities for young horses, from schooling dressage and jumper shows to the Eventing Academies, which are great preparation for rated horse trials.”
Photo by Christine Quinn Photography
Stable View Partnerships: Stretch Zone
Wh ve made a big impact so far. They are not only invested in the horse shows but also the running events at Stable View. Nora Dahlman and her husband, Jeff Cleary, own Stretch Zone Aiken. Nora shared, “We opened the business in January of 2024. We run the business, but are very lucky to have the support of a wonderful and experienced staff who have now been with us for some time. Our entire staff pitches in to make Stretch Zone a welcoming space and positive experience for all our members and members to be! Besides the obvious business tasks associated with running any business, I focus
the community to introduce the Stretch Zone methodology and how it can help the very hard-working, hard-playing people of Aiken feel and live better!”
Stretch Zone is a franchise and the original practitioner-assisted stretching platform. Nora explained, “The methodology was developed by the company founder, then a 20-year experienced sports trainer, to help his bedridden grandfather. He researched and developed specific stretches and, equally important, a method to deliver those stretches, designed to get people up and moving. It worked! Soon, Jordan’s grandfather was walking and living again. And a business was born. Today, Stretch Zone has over 400 studios spread across the country.” The couple began their franchise after Nora visited the World Equestrian Center to compete in 2023. Due to a previous surgery, Nora has a piece of metal in her back and was in too much pain to ride well. She shared, “While bemoaning my problem over a glass of wine on the porch of my favorite post-ride hangout, I looked to the right and there it was: ‘STRETCH ZONE.’ I tried it and, though I know it sounds dramatic to say, becoming a member was a life-changer for me. At the time, Jeff and I were building our horse farm in Aiken and thinking about starting a small business. The answer was obvious, and we immediately began to work on opening the studio.”
Stretch Zone has sponsored everything from eventing shows to the Bells and Boots Horse Auction to the TrailBlazer. Nora said, “Providing these sponsorships helps to spread the word about Stretch Zone to an active group of individuals who can really use our services! Weather permitting, our sponsorship includes providing a “pop-up” Stretch Zone where we give short stretches to event participants. Athletes tend to ask a lot from their bodies, and we can definitely help event participants meet the challenge and recover afterwards! Event participants feel change, even from the abbreviated version of the Stretch Zone methodology that we offer in the pop-up. Business aside, spending the day out at Stable View and meeting the Stable View community, watching their performances, and just overall participating in their events is also a pretty nice way to ‘ go to work!’”
If Nora had to pick a favorite part about Stable View, she said it would be the “Beautiful grounds, nice people, and a great opportunity to observe some real athletic talent (from people and horses)! I am a show jumper and have been out to Stable View on my horse, but only to the arena. Secretly, I really want to gallop my pony across that cross-country field!” Stable View hopes to have Nora and her horse back out to compete at Stable View (maybe even in an event?! In the meantime, competitors and supporters of Stable View alike are encouraged to check out Stretch Zone. Nora explained, “I encourage everyone to try the Stretch Zone
methodology of practitioner-assisted stretching. Fairly immediately, you will understand that it is not the same thing as stretching yourself in your living room or local gym. Because the stretches are performed while you are in a totally relaxed state with your body stabilized by the Stretch Zone patented belting system, the stretch lasts, and each stretch builds on the prior to create greater flexibility and relieve stiffness and pain. We all try to achieve this with our own stretching, but the resistance created
by using the muscle you are trying to stretch prevents you from getting anywhere near the same result. Two more important points. First, Stretch Zone has a large book of specific stretch protocols designed to address all muscles, big and small, and all manner of body concerns. The protocols include modified
approaches for individuals with specific pains such as sciatica or disc issues, and for those who have had procedures such as hip, knee or shoulder replacements, and more. These individuals ARE our clients. Come and try it- we CAN help. Second, all of our stretch practitioners have backgrounds in relevant fields such as exercise science or biology and are specifically trained on the Stretch Zone methodology (which is a nationally certified program). Our practitioners must test out the protocols before they are permitted to start stretching clients. Our practitioners are also provided with continuing education and must test out again annually. This is all just to say that you are safe in our hands.”
Are you still not sure about giving Stretch Zone Aiken a try? Right now, they are offering a 30-minute complimentary demo stretch in our studio to give everyone the chance to really feel the difference that becoming a Stretch Zone member can make in their lives. There is no downside to giving it a try, so now is the time. The Stretch Zone studio is located at 1404 Whiskey Road, right next to the Fresh Market. Either call the studio at 803-2625177 to schedule or go online and sign up directly at www.stretchzone.com/locations/aikensc! Nora shared, “We hope to see you soon!”
Combined Driving at Stable View
The last month has been busy with two combined driving events at Stable View. The last weekend of October saw a driving clinic put on by USEF, with just two weeks later being the second running of the Combined Driving Event at Stable View.
Wes Peterson from USEF was one of the organizers of the driving clinic. Some of the best horse and athlete combinations from around the region came to the clinic. This year saw nine athletes make an appearance with twelve horses, with Glenn Geerts as the coach. Wes shared, “They receive training in all 3 phases of a full combined driving event, including a dressage phase in the ring on the first day, an obstacles (shortened marathon) phase in the field
on the second day, and a cones phase back in the ring on the third day. They work on speed, precision, and teamwork throughout the weekend.”
The Event two weeks later followed the same format, except this time it was a competition with no training tips being offered. The format mirrored the clinic, being that dressage came first, followed by the marathon and cone phases. For eventing enthusiasts, this sport mirrors eventing. Dressage follows the same idea, just in a much larger arena. Marathon is the cross country phase where they navigate through water and weave through solid obstacles. Cones is much like show jumping, where they have to weave through a pre-established pattern, being careful not to knock any cones.
Taylor Bradish is a local Aiken Driver. She has been to two FEI Single Horse World Championships, both in 2022 and 2024. Just this past summer, she drove in the Pair Horse World Championships in Beekbergen, Holland. Regarding her experience at Stable View, she shared, “It's a top-notch facility. I live here in Aiken locally, so it's wonderful to have this top-quality facility for driving. The footing is incredible. They had it rolled, and the carriages went perfectly on the arenas. The grass here is so nice
and dense, you don't get a lot of sliding from the carriages. The cross-country course is quite challenging but not too strenuous on the horses, and there are some good hills. I thought Mark Johnson did a wonderful job on the course. It's very exciting to be driving here. The volunteers were wonderful, and the officials were very helpful with questions. There should be a national championship here in the future because it's a really top course.”
Bluegrass at Stable View
2025 marked not only the first but also the second Bluegrass Festival at Stable View. The first festival ended in the summer, while the second one started off the month of November, taking place on November 1st. This one saw a packed pavilion with 75 attendees. Barry Olliff shared, “It was a great time and fortunate that we were indoors.” The night got chilly, but attendees were toasty on the second story of the pavilion. In addition to listening to three bands, guests got to order food and drinks, including cans of beer and wine.
Starting in 2026, a third Bluegrass Festival will be added to the calendar in the Spring. Mark your calendars now for May 24th.
Kick off your Memorial Day weekend with some bluegrass and camaraderie. The festival will feature fan favorites, including Aubrey Eisenmaan and the Clydes, The Nature Boys, and Songs from the Road Band. Gates will open at 4 pm with the music beginning at 5pm.
New Year. New Rules for Eventers:
Beginning December 1st, all horses competing at Federation Licensed and Endorsed competitions must be microchipped. This can be done by your veterinarian, but don’t forget, or you might not get to compete. A microchip is used to verify the identity of the horse and must be a fifteen-digit ISO compliant 11784/11785 chip that is implanted in the nuchal ligament of the horse.
USEF shared in a broadcast, “We are asking for your help to communicate with competition veterinarians to ensure this implementation goes as smoothly as possible. If someone arrives at the competition and is not in compliance, we encourage your veterinarian to come prepared to microchip. Microchips must be implanted 12 hours prior to the horse competing or once the horse is done competing in accordance with GR414. If the competitor is not part of the USEF Federation Licensed or Endorsed competition, they are not required to have a microchip (Starter, Grasshopper, etc.). Additionally, horses competing that do not require a USEF recording do not need to register for a recording with the implementation of this rule. USEF and USEA will work collaboratively to ensure that a USEF Horse ID is automatically assigned with the microchip that has been reported to the USEA.”
Dance Your Way into Winter at USEF/USDF “Winter Wonderland” Dressage Show
What better way to kick off Winter and the 2026 show season than competing at Stable View’s “Winter Wonderland” Dressage Show. The show is December 6th and 7th. For those fleeing the North, the temperatures should hopefully be mild, even though you’ll be sure to find most locals bundled in their winter clothing, matching the competition name. The Winter Wonderland Dressage show at Stable View marks the start of a new competition season and welcomes
riders back to the arena after the winter break. This early-season event offers a relaxed, supportive environment to refocus, reconnect with your horse, and ease into the year ahead with thoughtful courses, good footing, and a sense of community. Entries close November 24th. Robin Brueckmann (S) and Dee Loveless (R) will be the judges. Sign up at this link: https://evententries.com/#Welcome.
Photo by Meghan Benge Photography
Stable View Spotlight: Dana Jensen
Dana Jensen has been a friendly face at Stable View for the last couple of years and has continued to add to her roles. She first came to Stable View at the beginning of 2024 for the recognized Hunter/Jumper Series as Hunter In-Gate. As the show series shifted to the In & Out Series, she continued to in-gate for both the hunter and jumper rings. More recently, she has taken on the role of
She shared, "When the rated series transformed into the SV In and Out Series, I welcomed the chance to stay on as In-Gate and continued improving my organizational and announcing skills. Earlier this year, I began ingating for the jumper ring and expanding my knowledge of HJ sport and its governing rules. Without a doubt, it’s been tremendously enjoyable to serve SV and the HJ community in this way. In October, then, I welcomed the opportunity to fill the shoes of the departing HJ Institute creator and manager, Emma Young, and while I’ll never be able to replace Emma herself, I’m thrilled to have the occasion as day-manager to continue the Institute and the fabulous training/development opportunities it offers both me and our participants."
In 2006, Dana earned a PhD (ABD) in Rhetoric from the University of Dallas with a love for learning and teaching. She then spent many years of her career teaching formal argument, composition, and literature to university students both in undergraduate and graduate programs. She said, "In 2013, I moved from North Texas, my life-long home, to Missouri, and found it very difficult to secure full-time, tenure-track positions in St. Louis. Consequently, I had more time to ‘ grow roots’ in my new Midwestern home by becoming active in the St. Louis horse community. First as a Dressage rider, as a club member, and then
as a club board member and a show organizer."
In 2018, after hosting many GMO-organized shows at the National Equestrian Center (NEC), she was awarded the role of Facility Director for the Center. Dana said, “For the next six years, I led a small but passionate staff of 10-12 employees as we pursued the success of this 54-acre, 600+stall facility with five indoor, climate-controlled arenas and 62 RV pads. As a tightly-knitted team, we grew the NEC from an equestrian venue in decline and disrepair to a highly regarded, re-branded competition venue hosting regional, national, and inter weeks annually. We welcomed
event organizers hosting a variety of competitions and educational events, including hunter/jumper shows, dressage shows, western pleasure shows, reining events, saddle-seat competitions, breed association shows, police-horse training, state rodeo finals, barrel racing, and more. Most proudly, under my tenure, the NEC began
directly hosting Dressage shows, including local schooling shows, USDF-recognized shows, and ultimately USDF Region 4 Championships.” However, in 2023, St. Charles County purchased the NEC from private investors, and that business transition led to Dana leaving Missouri and making Aiken her home. She is currently a USDF Level III Secretary and a Level II Manager, a long-time member of the USEF, and an AA Dressage rider. She said, “I hold a judge’s license with the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the American Sighthound Field Association (ASFA) and also work in the HJ Show Office from time to time. All that said, free-lance court reporting and business administration comprise my “day jobs."
The horse that Dana bought in St. Louis, when I was struggling to be a full-time teacher, was a well-bred warmblood who helped her go back to Dressage. Dana said, “You might say she changed my path, bringing me to a whole new level, not in riding necessarily, but in life. In a causal chain of effects, she led me to club management, show management, facility management, and even to Aiken, and with all of these, to Stable View. It makes me reflect -- we all here have a start in horses, but really, there is no end in them.”
In Dana’s free time, she enjoys spending time with her horse, Elle, a thirteen-year-old Hanoverian Mare. She also enjoys spending time with her family and two Whippets, Dae and Seamus. When time allows, she will attend a concert and is a big Americana music fan.
When asked her favorite part about Stable View, Dana shared, “The beauty and elegance of the SV facility speaks for itself. Who doesn’t enjoy that aspect of it? But I most admire and appreciate the commitment SV’s owners and staff have made to providing an elevated, world-class experience for participants and guests alike — start to finish. Coming to the big picture with a past in large facility management, I can more than imagine the level of commitment effort investment and ever-renewing challenges that c ble and stand
