Brigita's Blog: October 2007

The well known Speedway in Nazareth, PA is for sale once again.  For those of you that are unfamiliar with the Nazareth Speedway, it used to host the Indy Racing League and CART racing until August, 2004.  It then closed in part due to dwindling support.  The last race run was the Indy 225, on August 29, 2004.  The 1 mile oval track was then put on the market 5 months later by the owners.

The track went under agreement with Ashley Development Corp. in March of 2006.  They had agreed to purchase the 158 acre property from International Speedway Corp. of Daytona Beach, Florida for $18.8 million.  The developers had proposed to build single family homes, townhouses, condominiums and a 55 and older community along with stores and office spaces.  It seems that Ashley Development defaulted on the agreement and International Speedway has put it back on the market.  The original listing price was $19 million, but the asking price now will be deterimined by the market conditions.  They hope to complete a sale in 2008.

So, if anyone is interested in purchasing prime land in Nazareth, PA, it is available again.  It would be nice if they kept it as a race track or an area where they can hold different events, such as country fairs, racing, horse shows, recreational events, etc.  Even if they reconstructed the dirt race track that was there years ago, which was quite popular at the time.  It would be nice to have more recreational events instead of more stores and development.

This Saturday I attended the final day of the Pennsylvania National Horse Show in Harrisburg, PA. at the Farm Show Complex.  It has been a tradition for me and my kids, since they were litlle, to go and watch the Grand Prix Show Jumping on the final day.  This particular class is the Budweiser Grand Prix de Penn National, World Cup Qualifier, sponsored by Anheuser-Busch.  Of course, we also saw the Budweiser Clydesdales do their demonstration of pulling the Budweiser wagon.  That is always a thrill to see.  (My Thoroughbred always looks small after seeing the Clydesdales.  And he is a big horse at 16.2 hands.)

This year there were 32 entries.  Many of them were rookies.  Would you believe that the rookies did better this year than the seasoned riders?  Some of the seasoned riders that competed were: Leslie Howard, Beezie Madden, Jimmy Torano, Norman Dello Joio, Lauren Hough, Todd Minikus, McLain Ward and Peter Wylde.  Some of these riders rode in past Olympics. 

The course they rode was a tough one with tight turns, combinations and water jumps.  It was very colorful and some of the jumps were hard to see because they blended in with the wall around the arena.  Of course we also had the Budweiser jumps and the Shamu (Seaworld) jump.  Can't have a Grand Prix course without those 2 jumps.

Out of the 32 riders, 10 of them ended up with clear rounds and in the jump off.  This is the most exciting part of the Show Jumping.  The course is shortened and the horse must clear each jump within the least amount of time to win.  Everyone was on the edge of their seats during the jump-off.  At times the audience ended up holding their breath as each horse and rider combination glided over each jump, racing around the course, hoping they have a clear round.  The winner was Kent Farrington on Upchioui.  They had a perfect round in 37.24 seconds.  McLain Ward came in second riding Larioso within 38.17 seconds.  Then it was Mac Cone on Melinda, followed by Danielle L. Torano on Vancouverd'auvray, Cara Cheska on King, and, Beezie Madden on Authentic. 

Show Jumping at the Grand Prix level is exciting to watch for both horse and non-horse people.  Try watching it sometime.  You may get addicted to it.

I have loved horses ever since I can remember.  I collected anything horsey: pictures, books, Breyer horses, you name it.  Whenever my family went out for drives or vacation and I saw a place with pony rides, I would urge my parents to stop.  When I was a bit older, I saved my allowance for riding lessons at the closest riding academy.  Living in the city, there weren't too many around.  My parents thought I would grow out of this "horsey" phase, but as everyone can see, I have not. 

After getting married and moving to the Nazareth, PA area, I went to "horse school" in the Poconos.  The school wasn't what I expected.  Basically, you paid them to do their work for them and learned very little.  I did meet a German riding instructor, Jutta Schumann, who taught English riding there.  She found out I was leaving and took me under her wing because she saw how serious I was about learning.  I learned more than just riding from her.  Jutta taught me riding, not only ring work, but also trail riding, care of the horse, and, oh yes, breaking a horse to rider and saddle.  I've always wanted to learn everything about horses, including experiencing breaking and training.  This is how I came about getting my first horse. 

Once I was ready to buy a horse, experience wise, I was limited financially as to what I could afford.  Jutta knew of 3 year old horse, unbroke, for sale.  He was a registered half Arab/Quarter Horse mix and had a very nice temperament.  She thought he would be perfect for me.  And he was the right price.  His name was Chanticleer.  So, I finally owned my very first horse.  I was in heaven.  Little did I know what lied ahead of me.                     

Chanty, short for Chanticleer, was boarded at Jutta's farm.  She was going to help me break and train him.  I was so excited, plus a little scared.  But, I figured, Jutta was there to help me, so I would be OK.  We started out with the basics and he was going OK.  When it came time for the big day to place the saddle on him, I was in for a big surprise.  As we let him out on the lounge line, it looked like he was going to accept the weight on his back.  Things looked good, until. . . . . All of a sudden, he exploded.  He was bucking and rearing like he was a wild horse.  Eventually he wore himself out and settled down.  The next several times, he continued doing the same.  We decided to let him out on his own in the ring and still he carried on.  I started considering selling him to the nearest rodeo.  I really couldn't picture myself riding a horse like that. 

After many, many times of saddle training, he did finally learn to accept the weight.  Now came the big moment.  How will he do with a rider on his back?  I was extremely nervous.  We used a Weestern Saddle and with Jutta's help, I laid across the saddle while she held him and then led him around.  He didn't seem too bad.  We did that a few more times and still he was OK.  Now came the big moment.  Actually sitting on his back.  I took a deep breath, got a leg up and gently sat down on him.  We walked a couple of steps, no problem.  she let me go ahead on my own and after several steps, lo and behold, I was riding a bucking bronc.  And his buck was one that was hard to sit.  So, off I went.  Another woman that rode at Jutta's barn helped me with breaking Chanty.  While one of us was mending their black and blues, the other rode. 

We eventually did manage to break him.  I found out later that the reason he did this was not because he was mean, but simply because of the fact that he was not handled enough as a youngster.  Once he we got him on a training schedule after breaking him to saddle, things went much better.  But he always tested me, or anyone else that was an experienced rider.  He was great for beginners.

There was one day when I rode him and he was a complete angel.  He didn't test me at all.  After my ride, I checked him out thoroughly to see what was wrong with him and found nothing.  Physically, he seemed fine.  A week later, I found out that I was pregnant.  So, that was why he was so good for me.  During my whole pregnancy, he never tested me at all.  I couldn't believe he was the same horse.  Of course, after my delivery, he was back to his old normal self. 

He was great for my kids.  When I ponied my kids on him, he was so careful.  If he felt them start to go off balance, he stopped dead in his tracks.  It was the same when they were brushing him.  He never moved a muscle while they were working around him.  It was like he knew to be extra careful with them.  (I do have to add my kids were at the barn with me since they were born.)  It was the same way when we had the kittens at the barn.  While they played around him, even climbing up his tail, he just stood there.  Even with the flies bothering him.

My kids learned a lot from him.  When it came time when my kids asked for their own pony, I told them that they had to take care of Chanty for 1 year.  The exception being school and school events, and being ill.  This was the test to see if they were serious about it.  I was not about to take care of additional horses if I was the only taking care of them.  I must say,  Chanty was good for them and they did do it and earned their ponies. 

Chanty and I had gone through a lot of learning and horses through the years.  I had to put him down a few years ago at the age of 26.  I took it very hard.  This was during the time I was going through my divorce and was worried how he would be moving to another barn, since he lived on the farm for most of his life.  Fortunately, it worked out that he died on the farm he always knew as his home, so I didn't have to worry about moving him.  I believe things happen for a reason.  Even though I didn't see it at the time, it was a blessing that he passed away on the farm that he had always known as his home.  I do miss the old guy. 

I have been working with a buyer that is interested in moving into the Lehigh Valley from out of state.  We viewed a number of single family homes and townhouses in the area.  He is interested in this one particular community of townhouses close to shopping and major highways.  This one townhouse he really likes.  Before he places an offer on it, he wants to see the others that are on the market in that community, just to be sure. 

There happens to be a townhouse for sale right next door that has a fireplace in it.  The other one does not.  So, of course he would like to see it.  Called to make an appointment with the listing office 48 hours in advance.  Never heard back from the listing office.  So, I called the morning of the showing to see whether or not it is confirmed.  The office informed me that they are having difficulty in reaching the seller.  An hour later, the receptionist got back to me and told me the showing is DENIED.  I had just enough time to catch the buyer before he left to come out for the showing.  The buyer asked to make another appointment for the following week.  OK, no problem.

Once again, I called 48 hours ahead of time to schedule the appointment.  I asked when the seller was allowing showings.  The receptionist said that Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings were fine and Saturdays between the hours of 9AM to 4PM.  OK, I scheduled the appointment for Wednesday evening and waited for a confirmationl.  Once again, the listing office called the day of the showing to inform me that the showing is denied.  Wait a minute!  It was stated that Wednesday evening was fine for showing!  She just said that the seller denied it.  Good grief! 

Believe it or not, my client said to try again.  He really did want to see the place.  OK, let's try again.  This time I called the listing agent to set up the appointment.  The agent explained to me that the seller works for a utility company and has been putting in a lot of time.  He's been getting home between 7PM & 9PM.  His wife is home with a large dog and she is unable to take the dog out during the showings because he is too much dog for her.  So, why can't we just go in and show the home when no one's home?  The home does have a lockbox on it.  Because of the big dog.  Well, crate it, or put it in the basement.  If the buyer likes the place, he'll come back to see the basement at another time.  Can't do that.  The agent said he would try to call the seller again and see about arranging another showing.  This time I am giving a week's notice. 

About 4 days later, the agent got back to me.  The seller just called him back and told him no showings for the next 10 days.  You have got to be kidding!  No showings for the next 10 days!  Does he want to sell the place or not??  The agent informed me that 14 appointments had be cancelled and only 2 have been able to see the home since it was placed on the market.  One of the 2 that did manage to see it put in an offer.  Guess what?  The offer was refused!  The agent was very nice and pleasant.  He told me that this seller was frustrating him.  Never had he had someone so unco-operative as this one.

I relayed the message to my buyer.  Well, at this point, the buyer said "Forget it".  It is getting very frustrating even on his end.  So, we are scheduling an appointment for the other home in the community and just forgetting about this one.

At this rate, I do not think that this one particular townhome will get sold.  My question is, do they really want to sell the home or not? 

My advice to sellers:  If you are planning to sell your home, make sure the buyers are able to see it.  Rule of thumb: NO SEE, NO BUY! 

This year 12 Olympic riders will be participating in the Rose Bowl Parade on January 1, 2008, in Pasadena CA.  Four riders will be from the Olympic Show Jumping Team, four from the Olympic Dressage Team and four from the Olympic Eventing Team.  They will be representing th US Equestrian Team Foundation. 

The 12 member Olympic Squad will be led by Jane Forbes Clark, USET Foundation President and CEO, and Mason Phelps, Jr., the alternate rider for the US Eventing Team at the 1968 Mexico City Olympic Games.  They will be the flag bearers and leading the squad on foot.  It will also include a float celebrating the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing sponsored by the Avery Dennison Corp.  An escort of 4 members of the Los Angeles Mounted Sheriff's Posse will precede the USET Foundation Squad.

The riders of the USET Foundation Squad will be attired in their traditional Olympic Show clothes representing their disciplines.  The Show Jumpers will be wearing red Grand Prix jackets, the Dressage Riders will wear their shadbellies and top hats and the Event Riders will wear their cross-country attire.  The riders will be on local mounts that are accoustomed to parade work.  These horses are provided by the Los Angeles Mounted Sheriff's Posse to the USET Foundation.

The following are the names of the Olympic Riders participating in the parade:

SHOW JUMPING:                                                                           

Margie Engle, 49, from Wellington, FL                                                   

Anne Kursinski, 48, is from Frenchtown, NJ 

Beezie Madden, 44, of Cazenovia, NY

Melanie Smith Taylor, 58, from Memphis Tennessee

DRESSAGE:

Sue Blinks, 49, of San Diego, CA

Debbie McDonald, 53, of Hailey, ID

Steffen Peters, 43, of San Diego CA

Guenter Seidel, 47, from Cardiff, CA

EVENTING:                                                                                  

Darren Chiacchia, 43. of Springville, NY & Ocala, FL

Nina Fout, 48, of Middleburg, VA

Kim Severson, 34, of Keene, VA

Karen Stives, 57, from Dover, MA

These are all very accomplished riders and have participated in many international events and brought medals to the US, either individually or helping their team win the medals.  Some have even received individual awards, such as Equestrian of the year, Rider of the year and even inducted into an Equestrian Hall of Fame. 

Be sure to look for these riders while watching the Rose Bowl Parade on January 1, 2008.

Here's one for you! 

                                           Are we selling the house or the barn?

Not only is this an actual listing photo, it is the MAIN photo for the listing.  Must admit that these are nice, large trees.  And a nice green lawn with a nice view.  Would this explain why this isn't selling.

I am sure most of the Real Estate Agents have done "Open Houses".  My question is:  "Are Open Houses really a benefit to us?"  Some have said yes, others, no.

I have held several Open Houses at different types of homes, large and small, rural and suburbs.  I have personally found that most people that attend the Open Houses come for the following reasons:

• Neighbors curious about what the house looks like
• Curious drive-bys that are out for a Sunday drive with no interest in buying
• Buyers that will make ridiculous offers on the home during a buyer's market
• Buyers that aren't ready to buy until next year and are already have an agent
• Just something to do on a Sunday afternoon

It seems like you spend your Sunday afternoon waiting for these so-called buyers and the outcome being no buyers for the home and no leads.  And I have only gotten maybe about half a dozen people attend each one and the Open Houses were well advertised.  I could have spent this time more constructively.  I'm the type of person that likes to use my time productively.  I have found "Open Houses" as a waste of time.  From the "Open Houses" I have done, I have only come away with 1 lead.

Others may disagree with me.  Maybe they have been more successful at generating leads from the "Open Houses".  Maybe they have had success in selling the home to one of the attendees. 

I know this is a debatable topic.  I would love to hear from others about their thoughts on "Open Houses".  Are "Open Houses" a benefit, or not?"  I would like to hear from the consumers as to whether or not they have bought a home they previewed at an "Open House" or gotten an agent at one.

With the Pennsylvania Nationals coming up (starting this weekend and running through the week until next Saturday, October 27th) in Harrisburg, PA and the Washington Nationals following, many different classes of horse showing will be going on.  One of the most exciting ones to watch is Show Jumping.  There are different levels for show jumping and the one in particluar I like to go see with my kids is the Grand Prix Show Jumping.  So, I thought I would explain Show Jumping to all of you non-horsey people. 

First of all, Grand Prix Show Jumping is a National and International competition where the upper level and top riders and horses compete.  The horses and riders work their way through the many levels to reach this point.  This is the highest level you can go in Show Jumping.  The fences can be as high as 5 feet. 

There is a course designed for the horses to jump to test their skill and agility.  Usually a course consists of about 15 different types of jumps, including combinations.  The jump course can include water jumps and ditches in addition to the normal rails.  The course is to be ridden within the time allowed.  The riders walk the course before the competition begins to get a feel of it and how to ride it with their horse.  Then each horse and rider combination ride the course individually.  The order of go is predetermined before hand. 

If the horse and rider complete the course without knocking down any fences or having any refusals, they have no faults.  For every rail knocked down, 4 faults are added.  If a horse refuses to jump one of the jumps, it is 3 faults.  A second refusal is another 3 faults totaling 6 faults.  Now, if a 3rd refusal happens, then the horse and rider are eliminated.  If you go over the time allowed, faults will also be added to your score.  If a rider should fall from the horse, they are automatically eliminated.  It takes a lot of work, athleticism, teamwork and skill to jump a clear round.

After all the competitors have ridden the course, then all of the horse and rider combinations that had clear rounds will go on to the "Jump Off".  This is a speed round and the horse and rider that have the least amount of faults and the fastest time in this round wins. 

Show Jumping is very exciting to watch and even non-horse people enjoy watching it.    

I attended an event today in Nazareth, PA called "Quarters for the Military", which in part was held by the Blue Star Mothers of America.  Now, this is the first time I have ever heard of this organization, but it is an excellent and worthwhile organization.  So let me tell you a bit about them.

For those of you who have not heard of it, it is a non-profit organization, which was chartered by Congress in 1942, during World War II as an organization for mothers of active military.  It is still quite active.  It supports troops in the field with many different items, to help the families of the deployed, assist the returning wounded and comfort the grieving. 

Even though the organization is for mothers, it does encourage all family members to participate as associate members.  All donations and contributions to this organization are tax deductible. 

This organization does make a difference to our active military and their families.

For more information click onto www.bluestarmothers.org   Won't you please contribute to our military troops and make a difference?

Here is an interesting historical event happening.  On Sunday, October 14, 2007 at 1PM a charity event is being held on Main St. in Nazareth, PA.  This event is being held by The Blue Star Mothers of America, Brown Daub Ford Lincoln Mercury, and a local radio station, 95.1 WZZO in conjunction with The Nazareth Chamber of Commerce.  People are invited to place quarters in the centerline of South Main St. from the Circle to Prospect St. and back.  If this event is successful, 64,000 quarters ill be on the line and $16,000 will have been raised for the Blue Star Mothers and Lehigh Valley Military Affairs Council.  The money raised will go directly to our local military troops and their families.  This is also an attempt to place in the "Guinness Book of World Records".

There will also be a band playing during the event.  Plus, the Rajah's will be providing a bit of entertainment.

If anyone is unable to attend the event, donations are being accepted at:

                                                        Quarters for Military Families
                                                        First Star Savings Bank
                                                        14 S. Main St.
                                                        Nazareth, PA  18064

This is a great way to support our military troops and their families.  Won't you be a part of this historic event and donate to a worthy cause.  You might also be able to say that you played a part of this that made it into the "Guinness Book of World Records".   

Thank you to all for their support of our troops.