We have lost someone who was very dear and important to us this past week; one of our oldest and most cherished instructors has recently passed on; that was Peggy Drummond.

Peggy had originally taught at the stable that my father managed in the city in the late 50's and early 60's....many riders had come through the doors of the three story stable, New Parkway Riding Stables on Clark Street in the Lincoln Park area of downtown Chicago.  At the time the stable closed, there were over 600 riders that were passing through the doors, from boarders to students.  Peggy was an exceptionally gifted teacher; to this day, I can't say that anyone had the knowledge or the "equine theory" that Peggy possessed.  Most of us could never learn all what Peggy had to teach...that was the vastness of her knowledge of horses.  She spent over 65 years teaching people the art of horsemanship in a way which cannot be duplicated today.

One of the comments that I have already heard over the years is that most of the people who had ridden at the New Parkway Riding Stables and later came to the Palos Hills Riding Stables....is that is truly was one of the best times of their lives.  Between the horses, the classes, the rides in Lincoln Park, the rides in Palos Hills and the melding of the different personalities of the people, it was a time that was truly treasured by all.

I can only hope that Peggy will be joined by her two dogs that I remember (and I think there were more) Corky and Maggie, who were her companions during her life.  Her ashes will be spread at the same woods with her dogs.....may she rest in peace and have still, the ride of her life.:)  We will all miss her dearly.

Martha

Heather Neumann:  Customer of the Month

The customer of the month is someone who has put in tireless hours just being around the school horses and helping out just for the sake of helping out.  They come when the weather is bad or good, and is always willing to help out with anything that needs done.  And, Heather is one of the people.  We would like to thank Heather for all of her help and inspiration.

And, this is what Heather told us: