This year's gone by really quickly with a very successful show and breeding season on the books. We would like to thank all our customers for their great support during the year. You all make our horse shows fun with all the showing mixed in with the BBQ'ing!! Congratulations to all our ribbon winners during the year. We are looking forward to our next show season supporting our Northwest and West coast shows.
We are very excited about the newcomers to our show string in the New Year with a bunch of young 2 and 3 yr olds added in the 3 and 5 gaited divisions - most of them by Warriors Song!
Warriors Song is ready and rearing to go for the 2009 breeding season and has a booking contract ready for you on our webpage - just click on "breeding". Please book in advance if you plan on breeding to him in 2009 as we might have to limit outside breedings.
As always, we have young prospects, proven show horses and broodmares for sale. Please contact us at 503 680 3808 if you are interested.
Gene and I will be in South Africa for the Holidays, but will be back at the barn on January 4th.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!


- AnnalizeDecember, 2008

Summer is almost gone after a wonderful show season. We showed in California, Washington and Oregon with great success. Congratulations to all our clients –Bill Blacklaw, Karen Kronman, Barbara Gaynor, Delver and Susan Gianella, Marc and Christen Hevern, Lynn and Hein Doman with their well earned ribbons.
Gene judged the World’s Championships in Louisville during August 2008. This was a huge honor for him as he was the first non American in 105 years to judge this show.
We sold Wenatchee Warrior and Wonderful Touch as well as Red Heart Rum. Christen and Marc Hevern bought Red Heart Rum for the western division.
Our young stock is looking very promising and we are looking forward to starting them in the next 30 days or so. We just weaned all our 2008 babies, so the barn is quite noisy with everyone of them being very unhappy about this decision ! Warrior Song had a very busy breeding season and we are exited to see the crop next year. He received bookings from proven broodmares from all over the country.
We have a number of young prospects for sale in the barn, as well as some broodmares for sale. If you plan on breeding with Warrior’s Song next year you can find our breeding contract on the website.
Good luck to all our exhibitors and their horses at the NWSA Fall Classic. We invite everyone to our isle party on Friday evening, September 26 at Singing Hills.
Bill Blacklaw will be turning 75 on September 20 and we wish him a Happy Birthday and many more years to come!


- AnnalizeSeptember, 2008

What a busy start to the show season already. We attended the March warm-up show in Boring, Oregon. All of the horses showed excellently and we were especially proud of our youngest show rider, Alev Brigande for showing John in the leadline class. We look forward to seeing her in the ring throughout this season.

We will be leaving May 5th and heading to UPHA Chapter 1 horse show in Woodside, CA. Everyone going is looking forward to some warmer weather and the great California crowd-it is always a blast there!

Singing Hills would also like to welcome Delver and Susan Gianella and Christen and Marc Hevern as new Clients. Delver has a full sister to Heirilee who is just a four year old that Gene has started racking. Christen and Marc have brought us a seven year old western horse. Rush has a great attitude and should turn out to be a top western horse.

We are half way though the foaling season. The mares have put some very nice foals on the ground and we are giddy with anticipation to see all of them grow up. Warrior’s Song is in the best shape of his life and enjoying retirement and the breeding responsibilities!

Please check back in May for all of the updates and we hope to see all of you at Woodside.

Annalize


- AnnalizeApril, 2008

We would like to congratulate Bill and the late Barbara Blacklaw for being presented the prestigious Casteleman Award for 2007. The award was presented to Bill at the annual ASHA convention banquet in Lexington, Kentucky. General John Breckenridge Castelman was one of the founders of what is now the American Saddlebred Horse Association. The National Horseman presents the Castleman Award to individuals who devote their efforts to the advancement and promotion of the breed. This year's husband and wife recipients both nurtured the careers of several of today's greatest trainers. Also over the last 35 years they have established their own nationally recognized training, showing and breeding facilities, Singing Hills Stable. Due to their efforts, Singing Hills, is one of the most respected training stables in the country. Their passion involves all aspects within the Saddlebred industry , whether breeding, showing, or just watching, and their commitment to the promotion of the breed is recognized by all who have come in contact with this couple. Their contribution to the Saddlebred industry in the Northwest and all around the country has been remarkable. Congratulations Bill! Singing Hills is also proud to announce that Gene van der Walt has been asked to judge the World Championship Horseshow in August of this year in Lousiville, Kentucky. We wish you luck and congratulate you on this honor! We would also like to welcome Barbara and Cary Gaynor and Susan Swango as clients to the barn. Singing Hills mourns the death of the great WC General Mills who was sold in July of 2007 to the Rossburg family for James Rossburg to show .This grand pony will be missed by all.


- AnnalizeMarch, 2008

Singing Hills is continuing to move forward with our public training operation. We are currently offering riding and driving lessons for all ages and skill levels. Our lesson horses are very gentle and can cater to all riding skills. We also have many excellent younger and older show horses for lease or purchase. Please feel free to contact either Gene or Annalize for more information.

Singing Hills is happy to announce a fantastic training experience for EVERYONE! Nelson Green will be here on the 23rd of February to offer his expertise and advice to fellow horse lovers. You also have an opportunity to ride for Nelson so he can assist you personally with your horse. There will be a “get together” on the 22nd of February. The cost to attend the training will be $50 without a horse and $75 with a horse. Currently Singing Hills is unable to offer stall space for this event so you should be advised your horse will have to remain in your trailer until your turn. Please contact Allison Deardorff at 503-829-6149 or Gene here at Singing Hills.


We are also proud to announce Grant Miller has been promoted to assistant trainer. Grant started with Singing Hills over four years ago. Prior to coming to Singing Hills Grant was in South Africa where he showed from a young age. He not only showed on the Saddlebred circuit, but he also showed dressage, show jumping and Steeplechase. During the time Grant has been with us he has shown his eagerness to learn and his knowledge of horses is remarkable. Grant has managed the broodmares over the past few years and has excelled. Grants hard work and dedication has not gone unnoticed and we are very excited he has joined the training staff at Singing Hills.

Singing Hills is planning to travel to our first horse show in March. We have decided to travel to Scottsdale, AZ and show at the Carousel Horse Show March 13-16. We are very excited for the show season to start.


- AnnalizeFebruary, 2008

Singing Hills Training and Boarding would like to welcome Keith Nelsen and all his clients who joined us with his string of show horses. We would also like to welcome Lynn and Hein Doman, Kennette Robertson, John T and Karen Jones, Karen Kronman and Doug Cason to our new venture.
We are all looking forward to the up and coming show season. VIsitors are always welcome at Singing Hills. See you at the NWSA convention!


- AnnalizeJanuary, 2008

Gene and Annalize van der Walt are pleased to announce the opening of Singing Hills Training and Boarding located at Singing Hills Stable on South Parrot Creek Rd in Oregon City, Oregon. Formerly a private training barn Singing Hills is a premier show and breeding facility with forty-five box stalls, large indoor riding arena and an outdoor track.

The van der Walts are offering training and sales services for American Saddlebreds, Hackney Ponies and Road Horses as well as a lesson program that will accomodate beginning to advance riders and drivers. They offer training services that include starting young horses, preparing horses for futurity in-hand and under saddle classes and finished performance horses for amateur riders.

Singing Hills is also a full service breeding facility with a state of the art reproduction laboratory. All reproduction work is done on the premises including collection and evaluaton of semen, shipping semen and artificial insemination. Stallion handling services are availible as well as broodmare management and foaling services.

Feel free to contact Gene or Annalize at 503 656 7205 (Barn)/ 503 680 3808 (cell) or if you are in the area please stop by for a visit and a tour of the of the facility.

A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!


- AnnalizeDecember, 2007

We are finally home after a very succesful summer in Kentucky! Gene won the Kentucky County Fair Hackney Pony World's Championship with General Mills for the new owners Helen and James Rosburg. James showed him in the Amateur Genteman's Hackney Pony class and was 3rd in a very well represented class. All our Dorian Warriors Song colts were ribbon winners in their 2 yr old divisions at the World's Championship. "Big Girl's Toy" owned and showed by Rob Tanner won the World's Championship for 2 yr old fine harness mares in great style. She is absolutely awesome! She was sold after the show to Grace Arnold - we wish her the best with this grand filly !
We had our last show of the year end of September, the NWSA Fall Classic. Walterway's Love Me Forever and Gene won the Five Gaited Championship and was turned out after the show as she is due in February to foal by Warriors Song. Lilly the Filly showed in the Amateur Fine harness division and was reserve champion with Bill Blacklaw. She is also in foal and due in March. A Genesis was the Novice Three Gaited Champion with Annalize riding for Gene van der Walt. Our 2 yr olds were absolutely beautiful and won their classes in great style.
We are all getting ready for winter with lots of yearlings to keep us busy.


- AnnalizeOctober, 2007

Singing Hills left Oregon in May for the summer show season in Kentucky. We are currently stabled at the legendary Crabtree Barn of the late Helen and Charles Crabtree in Simpsonville, Kentycky.
Pernickety!, owned by Alison Benz, joined our show team in Kentucky. Mr Revere, owned by Karen Kronman, retired after a wonderful show career and is currently a companion for the yearlings at Singing Hills.
Our stallion, Warriors Song, is doing much better and is back to work in the breeding barn after a long bout with lamanitis.
Rock Creek Horse Show was our first show in Kentucky. General Mills won the Open Hackney Pony class in great style. Absolutely Robust, owned by Karen Kronman, ridden by Charlotte Kurtz, won the five gaited pleasure championship with a strong ride and the crowd backing!
Our next show will be Shelby County Fair in Shelbyville.


- AnnalizeJune, 2007

In January we had a warm up show at Don Deardorff Stables. Intruiging Masterpiece and Nicola van der Walt won the show pleasure five gaited class with a great performance. Lilly the Filly and Annalize van der Walt won the Open five gaited class with A Genesis and Gene van der Walt second.

The breeding barn have 5 new born Warriors Song foals to report. Lip Service, Callaway's Cartwheel and Supreme Jewel all have fillies and Callaways Spring Fever had a gorgeous colt.

Singing Hills would like to congratulate Doug Cason with his beautiful filly by Warrior Song out of Decorated Lady who was born early in January.

In December Singing Hills bought a weanling colt, Happy 75th, from Melinda Moore, Arrowhead Farm, Harrodsburg, Kentucky. He is by (SA)Don't Worry Be Happy and out of Passionette who is by Supreme Heir.

The UPHA Chapter 2 horse show was held in Eugene, Oregon from March 23 - 25th. We took 8 horses to show and 4 two year olds to work. Gene van der Walt showed WC General Mills to a win in the Hackney pony class and Karen Kronman showed him back to win the Open Hackney Pony Stake. Nicola van der Walt showed Absolutely Robust for Karen Kronman in the five gaited pleasure division and was Reserve Champion. Mr Revere entered a new division, fine harness, and won the open class with Gene van der Walt at the whip. Karen Kronman, his owner, showed him back and was Reserve Open Fine Harness champion. Intruiging Masterpiece was showed by Nicola van der Walt to win the Amateur Five gaited stake. Grant Miller showed Wenatchee Warrior in the Junior Park division and was Reserve Champion Junior Park Horse. A Genesis also entered a new division and won the Three Gaited qualifier and Championship in fine style with Annalize van der Walt up. Lilly The Filly won the Open Five Gaited class and was Reserve Open Champion. Walterway's Love Me Forever won the Junior/Limit Five gaited class with Annalize van der Walt and was the Champion Open Five gaited horse with Gene van der Walt riding.


- AnnalizeMarch, 2007

Barbara Blacklaw passed away on the morning of January 26th in Palm Springs, California.
Barbara and Bill, her husband of nearly 50 years, operated their successful breeding and training business, Singing Hills Stable in Oregon City, Oregon for the past 39 years. Together their contribution to the Saddlebred industry in the nOrthwest and across the country has been remarkable.
Barbara's love of the American Saddlebred propelled her success as both a breeder and exhibitor. SHe was committed to the promotion of the breed and was admired by her peers and her friends for her pure enjoyment of competition whether she was riding, driving or a spectator.
Barbara is survived by her husband William Blacklaw, her son Barry Blacklaw and her three grandchildren, Details of her memorial service will be provided when they are available.


- AnnalizeJanuary, 2007

The memorial service for Barbara J. Blacklaw will be held February 10, 2007 at 12 noon. There will be a gathering of friends and family immediately afterwards at Singing Hills. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Doernbecher Children's Hospital.


- AnnalizeJanuary, 2007

The Singing Hills team of horses, grooms, trainers and owners are finally back in Oregon. We had a very successful show season in Kentucky. It ended with "General Mills" and Barbara Blacklaw winning the World Champion County Fair Hackney Pony Championship, held at Louisville at the end of August.

Gene van der Walt showed "Impress My Daddy" to the Reserve World Champion County Fair Harness Pony Champion. "Cape Grace" was shown by Annalize van der Walt in the 2-year-old three-gaited class and got a third place. Bobbie Welch showed "Heartland Newsmaker" in the Amateur Ladies Hackney Pony Division and was placed third. Bobbie also owns "Fire Devil" who made a great show in the Road Pony Class. "Dorian Warrior's Song" made a great show with Bill Blacklaw in the Amateur Fine Harness Class and Championship and was placed well every time out.

We ended our show season with a very successful NWSA Fall Classic in Salem, Oregon at the end of September. Karen Kronman showed her new horse, "Absolutely Robust" to a great Reserve Championship in the Five Gaited Show Pleasure Division. Gene van der Walt showed his new horse, "A Genesis", to a awesome win in the Limit Five Gaited class. Barbara's new horse, "Intriguing Masterpiece", made a great show and was Reserve Champion in the Junior/Novice Five Gaited Championship. "Lilly the Filly" was second in the Junior/Novice Five Gaited Class. In the Hackney Pony class and championship, Barbara Blacklaw won with "General Mills" and Bobbie Welch was reserve with "Heartland Newsmaker". "Fire Devil" was the Reserve Champion in the Road Pony Championship for Bobbie Welch. Bill and "Dorian Warrior's Song" made a fabulous show and won their class and championship in the Amateur Fine Harness Division.

"Warrior" will retire for the time being to attend to his very busy breeding schedule. His oldest filly, "Cape Grace", won the 2-year-old three gaited class with great style.

Bobbie Welch moved "Heartland Newsmaker" to Dick Boettcher Stables and we wish her all luck. "Fire Devil" will also retire from a very busy show program to her farm in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.

Gene and myself made the long trip back from Kentucky with our Harleys and are back to work with all the yearlings, starting their show career at Singing Hills.


- AnnalizeOctober, 2006

In May, Singing Hills Stable traveled away from Oregon for the summer show season in Kentucky.

Currently stabled at Cadence Stable in Simpsonville, Kentucky, our first show at Rock Creek in the beginning of June garnered Singing Hills Stable numerous awards. These included Bobbie Welch, who won the Amateur Harness Pony Championship with Heartland Newsmaker, Annalize van der Walt clinching the UPHA three year old three gaited class with Tommy Bahama, and Warrior Song, who earned the title of Reserve Champion in the Amateur Harness Championship. In addition to such a tremendously successful first show was a second place in the Roadster under saddle with Quill.

Next, we attended Shelby County Fair and had a great show with Heirilee winning Reserve Champion in the Show Pleasure Driving with Bill Blacklaw behind the whip, while Quill won Reserve Champion in the Roadster under saddle.

At the Lexington Junior League Horse Show, Warrior Song won the Amateur Harness Championship unanimously with Bill Blacklaw behind the whip. Heartland Newsmaker was Reserve Champion in the Harness Pony Championship with Bobbie Welch. Fire Devil, owned by Bobbie Welch, was Reserve Champion in the Roadster Pony Open Championship with Annalize van der Walt behind the whip. Last but not least, Impress My Daddy earned third in the Open Harness Pony Championship with Gene van der Walt driving.

At Harrodsburg horse show, Heirilee won a big Park Pleasure class. Fire Devil won the Junior/Limit road pony class. Impress My Daddy, with Gene at the whip, won the Harness Pony championship in great style. Barbara Blacklaw won the Hackney Pony championship with her new pony, General Mills. And Quill won the Roadster under saddle class with Melinda Moore in the saddle.

Singing Hills Stable would also like to congratulate Roger and Stephanie McMahon on their purchase of Cape Grace (Warriors Song x Penfolds). She will be shown at Louisville in the two years old, three gaited class. Barbara Blacklaw bought Intriguing Masterpiece form Jack Nevitt and will show him in the Pleasure five gaited division. Barbara also bought General Mills from Dr. Blevins for the Hackney Pony division. Karen Kronman purchased Absolutely Robust from Kris Price of Pleasant View Farm, and will show him at the North West Fall Classic for the first time.

Next, we will be showing at the Shelby Horse Show this coming week and then we have the World Championship show at the end of August before returning home to Oregon!


- AnnalizeAugust, 2006

We attended our first show of the year 2006 at Eugene, Oregon. It was our UPHA Chapter 2 fundraiser show.

We showed 12 horses and ponies. The 3 yr old colt, Tommy Bahama, won his class and the current World Champion, (SA) Nelmar Tango 4 Ever, won his class and championship. Quill, our Standardbred Road horse, debuted under saddle and easily won his class. Bill Blacklaw showed our extremely talented Fine Harness Stud, (SA)Dorian Warriors Song, to a win in his class and championship. Barbara Blacklaw was reserve champion with her Three Gaited Pleasure horse, Heirilee. Barbara also won with her Hackney Harness pony, Impress My Daddy. Gene van der Walt showed the newly acquainted, Walterway's Love Me Forever, to a win in the Jnr/Limit class and championship.

Our customers enjoyed the show with Lineke Kereluk winning the three gaited Amateur championship on Hawaiian Orchid and her stablemate, Mr Revere, placing 3rd with Karen Kronman.

Karen Kronman also showed her five gaited pleasure horse, Wonderful Touch, successfully in the pleasure division. Bobbie Welch showed Heartland Newsmaker to a win in the Hackney pony division. Her Road Pony, Fire Devil, driven by Gene van der Walt, won the Road Pony class and championship.


- AnnalizeApril, 2006