Sunday, September 12, 2010 THE DALLAS POST PAGE 9 HORSE Continued from Page 1 competitive event.” The petite trainer and her hus- band, Bill, operate a horse riding, training and boarding facility in as. “Operate” might not be right word — the Osborns con- sider their business a labor of love. | “We're like a family here,” Hei- di said of her students and stable hands. The couple spends, on average, 14 hours a day, 6 %2 days a week at the stable, and when they're not around, they miss the 27 horses kept there. “We went away ... to see my mother and father in Connecti- cut,” said Bill. “We were gone for, maybe 24 hours, and we couldn’t wait to get back.” Days at the stable start by feed- ing the horses and, after their ap- petites are appeased, the gallop- ing giants are “turned out,” or ex- ercised. The horses get out in the fresh air to roam and play at least three or four hours each day. Hei- di and Bill clean stalls and keep up with feedings in between teaching lessons for riders of all ages. “Now that school’s in, I teach until seven or eight at night,” said Heidi. Although the Osborns have a few part-time hired help- ers at the stable, they do much of the work themselves. “There are no sick days in my ld,” she said. Osborn instructs students of ages and abilities, from her oungest student, who's 3 years Id, to her eldest, who's 24. “As long as you have a will to t to do it, there (are) no re- irements,” she said. “Anybody ride.” Osborn started showing orses when she was just 7 years old but her love of horses devel- pped long before that. The Calli- coon, N.Y. native’s parents bought a pony when she was just b years old. “We woke up one morning and t had a baby,” she said, laughing. Her father had his own busi- ess s and his employees would the little girl by leading nd the pony around her yard or hours every day. It didn’t take Its just such a passion,” she id. “I can’t even explain it.” "The Osborns now own three horses: a 5-year-old Welsh Cross pony named Miley (yes, after Disney star Miley Cyrus, and no, the Osborns didn’t name her), a 9-year-old black bay thorough- bred gelding named Sammie (Heidi's “dream horse”) and a 13- year-old chestnut appendix quar- “horse called Stormy, who @: goes by the name of d Stride (yes, the inspiration for the name of their business). Several locals graduate from Penn State U. Several Back Mountain res- idents recently received de- grees from Penn State Uni- versity. They are: Michael E. Clemente, Dal- las, Bachelor of Science in Accounting, University Park campus; Robert J. Hivish, Trucksville, Bachelor of Sci- ence in Actuarial Science, University Park campus. ~ Also, Andrew K. Kempin- ski, Dallas, Aengt, 2-year Electrical Engineering Tech- nology, Wilkes-Barre campus; Richard E. Ketchner, Shaver- town, Associates Degree, 2- year Physical Therapist As- sistant, Hazleton campus. Also, Mark J. McCabe, Hun- Jock Creek, Bachelor of Sci- @: in Information Sciences nd Technology, World Cam- pus; Alyson G. Midwinter Trucksville, Associates De- gree with High Distinction, 2- year Physical Therapy assist- ant, Hazleton campus. Also, Brett A. Sprau, Dal- las, Bachelor of Science in Business, Wilkes-Barre cam- pus; and Deborah J. Stern, Shavertown, Ph. D. in Work- force Education And Develop- ment, University Park cam- pus. 1K Ve (a . CHARLOTTE BARTIZEK/ FOR THE DALLAS POST Heidi Osborn, of Shavertown, oversees a riding stable on Machell Avenue in Dallas where dressage and showmanship are taught. “We had a horse named Grand Stride and my business at the time ... had made such grand strides,” said Heidi. Her emotions for the equines are apparent in her work and her love for horses led her to find love in life, as well. Heidi and Bill met at a horse show — he transported horses to and from shows and she was a participant in the competition. The horses weren’t ready in time at one show in 1988 and the two got to talking. They became great friends even though she was from New York and he hailed from Connecticut. Ten years later they were married and now have a 10- year-old son named Corey. “The horses basically brought us together,” said Heidi. Bill also credits Heidi with get- ting him back in the saddle, so to speak. “I wasn’t even riding and then this one comes along,” he said of his wife. He says he showed horses all over the country when he was younger and eventually got out of the practice, but remained in the industry due to his penchant for ponies. When the Osborne realized they had the chance to rent and James V. Pyrah, Esq. (570) 718-4900 Personal Injury / Wills & Estates Family Law / Real Estate | Angela Forlenza Stevens, Esq. operate a stable in Dallas, Bill started riding again and the two haven’t looked back. They have been at the facility on Machell Avenue for only 3 % years but to them, it’s what they've been working toward during the span of their careers. “We both, separately and to- gether, wanted something like this for our entire lives,” Bill of the couple’s business. “We didn’t realize how badly we wanted it until we had it.” “We make a lot of sacrifices,” Heidi added. Those sacrifices are worth it in the end, though. According to Morris, Heidi's reputation as a trainer of cham- pions is unmatched in the area and the Osborns couldn't be more proud of their students. “Theyre really dedicated kids,” said Bill. “They’re here five, six, seven days a week. They practice; they ask questions. Theyre constantly striving to im- prove themselves.” Heidi and Bill can even finish each other’s sentences when talk- ing about their students. “Every time they walk into the ring,” Heidi started. “It’s a piece of us walking in with them,” added Bill MEL BRODKS With special permission by M11. TE] _ Partofthe 2010-2011 season September 11,17, 18 8pm September 12,19 4pm of kes B: re 537 North Main Street Reservations fo Br DARLING & SONS’ FARMS & GREENHOUSES “Growing Quality Is A Family Business Since 1930” Home Grown SWEET Corn & ToMATOES Also Available Canning Tomatoes * Pickles Cucumbers * Broccoli * Cabbage ¢ Lettuce * Red Beets Green, Yellow & Winter Squash * Onions * New Potatoes Watermelons * Mcutcheon’s Canned Goods M-F 9-5 ¢ SAT 9-4 * SUN 9-2 » 675-2080 1/2 Mile Off Rt. 309, Dallas, Hildebrandt Rd. (200 yards north of Dallas Elementary School) dn Ll CHARLOTTE BARTIZEK/ FOR THE DALLAS POST Members of the Dallas Harvest Festival Steering Committee are, from left, seated, Gina Major Ackerman, Barbara Roberts, co-chairs Liz Martin and Mike McDavid, Karen Fiorello, Rich Fufaro. Standing, Bill Peiffer, Nancy Silvi, Owen Faut, Carol Wall, Carol Carroll, Bob Opel, Connie Scott and John Cybulski. FESTIVAL Continued from Page 1 tography at 5 Dug Rd. in Trucks- ville during regular business hours. Photos can be no larger than 11 by 17 inches and entries must be matted and framed prior to submission. Entrants must be a current Back Mountain resident and a non-professional photog- rapher and they can submit up to three photos for the contest. Photographers will be asked to sign a release form upon submis- sion. All photos can be picked up the week after the festival. Dunk tank The best photos might be snapped at the festival — but bring a waterproof camera. Eli- zabeth Martin, festival coordi- nator, has announced that there will be a dunk tank at this year’s Main Street celebration to raise money for the festival and Dal- las Fire & Ambulance. The dunk tank will replace the annual dance at the fest. Dunkees will be “pretty big names” in the Dallas communi- ty, including Frank Galicki, Dal- las School District superintend- ent. “He’s a really good sport,” Martin said of Galicki. “More people are being open to sug- gestion (to be dunked).” The fire company will use the money raised to restore Old Mac, an old-time fire truck that has been a favorite of children who attend the festival. More entertainment, vendors Rich Fufaro, sub-committee chairman for vendors at the fes- tival, is frazzled but excited about the new offerings this year. There will be an addition of 12 booths as a result of the expan- sion of the festival. The upper parking lot of Dallas Center Hardware on Main Street has been donated for six vendors and an entertainment area. Con- stables will direct foot traffic through Mill Street. Organizers of the Dallas Har- vest Festival are proud of the first expansion in eight years. “We've always been trying to figure out how to expand with- out becoming dangerous,” said Fufaro. The new spot on Main Street will give patrons extra leg room while still maintaining the per- sonality of the event. This is something Fufaro wants to pre- serve, as other festivals in the ar- ea will occur during the month of September and the Dallas Harvest Festival stands apart from the rest. A new pub and eatery, Dallas Tap and Grill on Main Street, will provide its newly-paved dri- veway to the event which will al- so allow for more vendors. The tap and grill will be open during the festival. “Previously, we've had to grow from within,” said Martin. “We're very happy we're able to move higher on Main Street.” Sale site Fufaro wants businesses to know about a new promotional tool on the Dallas Harvest Fes- tival website (www.dallashar- vestfestival.com). Businesses can add information about spe- cial offers at the Sidewalk Sale during Dallas Days. Patrons can click on “Sidewalk Sale” on the site and view what businesses are offering during the three- day sale. More information about the Dallas Harvest Festival can be found on the fest’s website or by calling 675-1950. GEISINGER CENTER FOR AESTHETIC: £8 IC SURGERY AA ATEN 2 COSME If you're considering facial cosmetic enhancement, Geisinger’s cosmetic dermatologist Christine Cabell, MD, and plastic surgeon Anthony Bruno, MD, can help you achieve the natural looking, youthful appearance you desire. Our cosmetic dermatologists and surgeons offer the latest techniques including, laser therapy, Botox®, Restylane®, and chemical peels. Change the way you look and feel about yourself without surgery. Redefine yourself. Appointments available in Wilkes-Barre. To learn more about our services, call 1.800.275.6401 or visit www.redefineyourself.com where do you turn to redefine your natural beauty? REDEFINING BOUNDA
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