Start Your New Year as a Valued Muggle Club Member!

Looking to make your new year more exciting?! Join the Muggle Club TODAY to gain exclusive access to all things L & N Equestrian! Your generous support is appreciated all year round and in return, you will receive Muggle Club gear, exclusive access to the Muggle Club Facebook page where exciting videos and pictures are uploaded as well as invitations to informal tailgates at select events! Follow Nilson and Laura's journey to the top of the sport with their fantastic string of upper-level horses and their up-and-coming stars!

Become a valued member today with a just $100 donation that keeps you in the club for an entire year! Easily donate HERE!

Find Your Next Equine Partner at L & N Equestrian!

Looking to find your next upper level contender or an amateur's dream horse? At L & N equestrian, Laura and Nilson can help you do just that. One of L & N's most famous sales was of the Thoroughbred, Game On that was purchased by Cary Chavis as a 5-year-old. Just this past October the pair went on to complete the Fair Hill International CCI2*!

Laura and Nilson offer many different horses sale, for all levels of riders and aspirations. Contact them today as they truly can offer you a horse that fits your wish list. For more information about their sales horses, be sure to Like their Facebook page or contact Laura VanderVliet directly.

L & N Ocala Jockey Club International Results

It was a wonderful weekend for Nilson and Laura at the Ocala Jockey Club Horse Trials last weekend! Laura began the weekend in the CCI1* division with Magnum's Martini. The pair turned in a respectable dressage performance to earn a 58.0, jumped a double clear cross-country round and had just two unlucky rails to finish in 32nd in a field of 71 starters! 

Laura & Magnum's Martini

Nilson rode LN Time Traveler to a completion in the CCI1* division as well. An unlucky show jumping round dropped them a bit in the standings but Nilson was ecstatic with his double clear cross-country trip! Nilson also piloted Lady Colina to a top 20 finish in the CCI2* division! This mare is getting better and better every day is showing to be a true contender in this sport at the upper levels. 

Stay tuned for more exciting updates as the year goes on!

L & N Equestrian Competition Update!

Nilson & Lady Colina

No rest for the weary as Nilson and Laura have quite the busy competition scheduled for a bunch of their talented up-and-comers! LN Time Traveler and Lady Colina both turned in solid finishes at both the Paradise Farm Horse Trials and Full Gallop Farm's Horse Trials. LN Time Traveler has been putting together consistent performances at the Preliminary level and Lady Colina has gotten back into the swing of things with Nilson since his return with an easy win at Preliminary at Paradise. Next up for the team will be the Poplar Place Horse Trials and then they will be looking towards heading down to Ocala. Stay tuned for more results and updates!

Keep Up With The Action - Join The Muggle Club!

Even though the whirlwind summer of England and Rio is over, that doesn't mean that Nilson or Laura have slowed down. Be sure to stay updated on all the exciting happenings at L & N Equestrian by joining the Muggle Club! Joining this exclusive club gives you a special inside look into L & N Equestrian's competition horses through videos and photos that aren't made public! Along with your $100/year membership, you will receive Muggle Club apparel along with invitations to select informal tailgates at competitions throughout the year. Your continued support helps the team to achieve their dreams in this sport and it couldn't be possible without you. 

Join the Muggle Club today by clicking HERE!

Look Who's For Sale at L & N Equestrian!

Dually Noted - 2010, 16.1H, Thoroughbred Cross Mare

Dually is a flashy, uphill mover with a fantastic jump. Currently she's successfully competing Training level and aiming to move to Preliminary level this winter in Aiken. She is suitable for any discipline as she is solid across all three phases of eventing but would especially suit an ambitious junior or young rider looking for a horse ready to compete and able to take them through at least the 1* level. This mare is only 6-years-old and continues to gain experience everyday! Price subject to increase with more mileage. Asking $25,000.

Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F6iD0otkEow

EightTwentyFive - 2006, 16.2H, Bay Thoroughbred Gelding 

A barn favorite, EightTwentyFive has a super temperament along with a level of talent to reach the upper levels with an amateur or professional. He has experience through Training level and has scope for more. He would be best suited for a junior, young rider, adult amateur or professional rider. Asking $25,000.


Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iI50nEjwX4M&sns=em

Red Lion - 2008, 16.1H, Chestnut Thoroughbred Gelding

Red Lion is every amateur's dream. Currently competing at Novice, he's fancy on the flat and simple to jump. Extremely honest and genuine. He would be best suited for a junior, young rider or adult amateur rider. Asking $20,000.

Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-PXzVqqu7g&feature=youtu.be

We're always updating our sale horses as they come along! For more information about any of these horses, please contact Laura Jean VanderVliet​ at ljvv2000@yahoo.com or 717-682-8042.

Keeping Up With L & N Equestrian

We're so happy that Nilson is finally home from his summer travel, we certainly have missed him! We can't even begin to express how grateful we are to everyone that generously donated to our fundraising campaign throughout the summer in order to make Nilson's journey possible. We are closing our campaign on GoFundMe soon but be sure to check in with our Facebook page regularly for updates! 

We can't wait kick off our winter season down in Aiken with promising up-and-coming horses and talented sale horses. Stay tuned for featured sale horses, competition results and upcoming events on our blog and Facebook page. We're proud to sell fun and rideable horses and watch their success with their new partners and keep you updated on our latest endeavors!

Fundraiser Feature: Nilson to Cater YOUR Next Event!

We're only just a little over a week away from our big drawing to determine the winners from our fundraiser! That means you still have time to donate and be entered to win fantastic prizes. Did you know that with your donation of $1,000 or more, Nilson will come to YOU to cater your next event?! There is no drawing for this prize, your generosity allows you to automatically receive Nilson's brilliant grilling skills. Nilson loves his authentic Brazilian BBQ, and we're sure your guests will too. Easily donate today by clicking HERE! 

Thank you SO much to everyone that has already donated, we can never thank you enough for supporting Nilson's journey and his goal of reaching the highest level of the sport. Stay tuned to find out our WINNERS next week!

Fundraiser Feature: Ireland Trip for Two!

This week we're featuring another one of our amazing fundraiser items! With your donation of $750 or more, you will be entered to win a trip to Ireland for two! Flight, accommodations and day excursions are included. Not only will the winner be able to participate in this adventure, but your money is going towards supporting Nilson to help offset some of the costs of his Olympic and European journey. We can't thank you enough for your generous donation and your unwavering support.

We will be drawing all the winners for all of the fundraiser items during Fair Hill weekend in just under two weeks so be sure to enter to win TODAY! Easily make your donation by clicking HERE!

Fundraiser Feature: Antares Tack Package

The Origin Collection Bridle

Even though Nilson and Muggle are safely back stateside, we're still keeping our fundraiser open until Fair Hill weekend! The items are absolutely fabulous and your generous donation will be supporting a wonderful journey. Today we're featuring the Antares Tack Package that for just $350, you could be entered to win! Antares has been a long-time supporter and sponsor of Nilson. We can't thank them enough for this wonderful donation!

Driven by performance and the search for excellence, Antares conducts research with world-recognized equine health professionals and partner with international riders (World Champions and Olympians), in all equestrian disciplines. Their methods, knowledge and unique technology continue to evolve through our shared and passionate experience, so they can provide both horse and rider the ultimate performance. Their team of saddle-makers, engineers, and sales representatives are the best in their profession.

The tack package includes a bridle, breast collar and ear bonnet for your horse so they can look and perform their best. Easily donate by clicking HERE and be entered into this raffle! 

Summer Whirlwind Re-Cap!

Whew! Not many people could have handled the summer that L & N Equestrian just had with Nilson away for three months in England, Brazil and then back to England to train with Mark Todd to further his education and progress his career with Laura staying at home keeping their training facility in Aiken, South Carolina running smoothly. Now that the whirlwind is finally over, Nilson has had time to reflect on his journey. Although he wasn't able to produce the results he was hoping for, the skills he gained while learning from the best of the best is going to stick with him as he keeps pushing forward. He can't wait to apply all of this education to his Advanced horses as well as his up-and-comers this fall. Nothing will get this man down! 

Our fundraiser in order to off-set the funds from this trip is still in full swing. The winners will be drawn over Fair Hill weekend next month so you still have plenty of time to join in on the fun! A list of all the items and ways to donate can be found HERE! 

THANK YOU to everyone that has played such an integral role supporting Nilson and Laura during this journey. It simply would have never been possible without you. They can't wait to see everyone this fall!

Last Stop - Blenheim!

As Nilson continues his journey at Blenheim this week we are wishing him the best of luck from back in the states! All of Nilson's hard work on his 4**** test the past months showed as he came up with a couple errors in his 3*** test on Thursday, but not to worry as we're hoping this means he'll tear up the cross-country with Muggle tomorrow! Stay tuned to L & N Equestrian's facebook page for results! And if you haven't yet, be sure to join the Muggle Club for updates all day long on Nilson's progress! 

"We officially have just a few weeks left before Nilson's extraordinary summer will be over and he will return to the US. Your support has been overwhelming and certainly made this incredible opportunity possible. Since donations have come in many different ways, nearly $22,000 has actually been raised towards the total $30,000 needed to fund the trip. With one major competition remaining and the trip home, every bit still helps pay the bills. Check out this link https://app.robly.com/archive… to see the great drawings available for your donations. We look forward to catching up with and thanking everyone in person when Nilson returns!" - Laura VanderVliet 

To easily make your donations towards Nilson and Muggle's journey, please visit: https://www.gofundme.com/Nilson-and-Muggle

Bring It On, Burghley!

Burghley is officially underway as dressage started today. Nilson and Muggle ride tomorrow after passing the jog up with flying colors! In the meantime, Nilson's been walking the gigantic cross-country course, having dressage lessons with Mark Todd and enjoying his first time at this event. Even syndicate owner, Melissa Stubenberg has been able to join Nilson across the pond! 

Melissa has been updating the Muggle Club Facebook page almost hourly with amazing pictures and videos of Nilson and Muggle. Want to have that front row seat to the action? Join the Muggle Club today! For just $100/year you will receive exclusive access to updates and competition results from Nilson, pictures, videos, Muggle Club apparel and invitations to informal tailgates at select events. 

Click HERE to make your donation!

More importantly, your donation will help Nilson financially during this journey. Every little bit goes towards a new pair of shoes for Muggle, show fees, lessons, and much, much more. This opportunity would have never been possible without the generous support of our donors.

Be sure to stay updated on the action with Burghley Live Stream!

Become A Valued Member of the The Phoenix Syndicate Today!

 In the event world, the majority of successful horse and rider combinations at the upper levels are owned through syndication, which is a way for people who love our sport to participate as owners and share in the excitement and rewards of competition. The Phoenix Syndicate, managed by L&N Equestrian, offers you a specially structured opportunity to invest in the highest levels of eventing.

Included in the syndicate is Cash, a 16.2H, 8-year-old Chestnut Thoroughbred gelding who was sourced as 5-year-old from Benita and Lucia Strini. He won his first 1* and went on to win his first ever Intermediate horse trials! After a recent 2nd place finish at the CIC2** at Poplar Place Farm, Cash is settled in England at Mark Todd's farm and is currently gearing up for his first 3***!

Muggle is the second horse included in the syndicate who's a striking 17.3H, chestnut Dutch Warmblood gelding originally owned and started by Melissa Stubenberg. The pair have had a solid competition record together including completing the Fair Hill CCI2** and CCI3***. The pair recently was named the traveling reserve for the Brazilian Eventing Team in this year's Olympic Games! 

"We established the Phoenix Syndicate as a separate business venture with the goal of developing and selling a limited number of young event prospects—and at the same time supporting horses through  the international levels of competition. Membership in the Phoenix Syndicate allows a serious owner to invest in several horses for less than the cost of supporting one competition horse. It can also allow a breeder to sell shares in a young prospect and still maintain a  percentage ownership in that horse. Shared resources, shared risk,  and shared profits make this possible and could potentially result in a self-supporting enterprise."

Business shares are available for serious investors interested in this successful and potential self-supporting enterprise.

If an an opportunity like this appeals to you, please contact Laura VanderVliet directly at ljvv2000@yahoo.com or 717-682-8042. We're happy to invite you out to the farm to learn more information and meet the horses.

Next Stop, Burghley!!

Nilson and Muggle are back in action at Mark Todd's farm in England gearing up for Burghley! The pair have been training hard in hopes for a respectable performance. There is seriously no such thing as down time in eventing!

Nilson & Muggle having a jump lesson with Mark Todd

Nilson is less than $10,000 away from his fundraising goal and we can't thank those individuals enough that have supported his journey from the beginning. Don't forget about our fundraiser with AMAZING prizes, winners won't be drawn until Fair Hill weekend so you still have time! And if you haven't joined the Muggle Club yet, now is your chance as we have plenty of t-shirts and hats to send to new members to show your support! Easily make your donation to Nilson's journey HERE! 

Stay tuned for much more training and competition updates!

And That's A Wrap!

And that's a wrap for the Brazilian Eventing team at the Olympics! What turned out to be a competition of those that survived cross-country day, it was truly one of the most exciting and nerve wracking Olympic Games. Although Nilson didn't get to compete, it was an incredible journey for him and Muggle to be a part of an Olympic team. 

We absolutely LOVED seeing everyone taking pictures in their Muggle Club gear while cheering on the Brazilian team. What's up next for Nilson and Muggle? BURGHLEY! Get ready for more exciting exclusive updates in the Muggle Club Facebook group and be sure to keep sharing your photos of "Ordinary People Living Extraordinary Lives"! 

Join the Muggle Club today my making your annual $100 donation HERE!

It's GO Time!!

We're T-2 days until the Opening Ceremony at the Olympics and we couldn't be more excited at L & N Equestrian! Nilson has been having the time of his life with his teammates in his home country and Muggle has continued to stay in fine form. 

Super snazzy Olympic gear for the Brazilian Eventing Team!

The Muggle Club Facebook group is BOOMING! Nilson has been posting daily with exclusive pictures and videos of all of the daily goings-on in Rio! You seriously feel like you're there! If you haven't yet, you MUST join the Muggle Club before the start of the Olympics to get a piece of this action. Easily do so by donating your $100 HERE! Your donation will go towards off-setting some of the costs of this journey for Nilson and Muggle. 

We can't wait to share more updates once the Olympics begin. Stay tuned!

Join In On The Action As Nilson Heads To Rio!

The Brazilian eventing team has just published the list of team members and made it official: Nilson Moreira da Silva and his horse Muggle will join the team as the traveling reserve. For the past six weeks the Brazilian team has been training in England under the direction of world champion event rider Mark Todd. This week the riders and horses will fly to Rio.

Do you want to be a part of the action and receive EXCLUSIVE access to daily pictures and videos of this amazing journey?! For just an annual fee of $100 you will receive an up close and personal view of the daily goings-on at Rio from an Olympian's point of view from a private Facebook group. Additionally, you will receive exclusive Muggle Club apparel and invitations to informal tailgates at select events throughout the year! Your $100 will be going towards helping Nilson fund this journey. Without your support, this dream is simply not possible, but we want to make sure you receive something in exchange to say thank you! 

Hat and T-shirt orders have been placed so be sure to join so you can receive yours before the Olympics kicks off next week! Easily make your donation by clicking HERE! We're so excited for you to join the club!  

What did Mark say to Nilson after their gallop? Join the Muggle Club to gain access!

Nilson & Muggle Named The Brazilian Traveling Reserve!

We're so excited to officially announce that Nilson and Muggle have been officially named as the Traveling Reserve for the Brazilian Eventing team! This such an honor for Nilson to be able to represent his country at the highest level and be apart of the team. We wish them the best of luck!

"I'm happy to be part of the team, I know were I come from. This is really big deal for me and my team! Thank you for your support!" -Nilson Moreira da Silva

We will be sure to be frequently updating you on their journey to Rio and the Brazilian team's results throughout the three days of competition. Again, thank you for your continued support in this milestone in Nilson's career!

Nilson Takes On Barbury!

Nilson & Muggle

After a long few weeks of entering competitions and those competitions being cancelled (thanks to the England weather) Nilson was able to compete in his first competition abroad with Muggle in the CIC3*** and Cash in the CIC2**.

Cash put in a spectacular performance in the 2** division including a DOUBLE clear cross-country run that had him finishing in 36th place out of 92 horses! Muggle also put in a very workmanlike run in his first big competition in quite awhile. The pair went clean and fast across the cross-country course and ended up finishing in 32nd place out of 75 horses!

The Brazil Equestrian Federation is waiting to announce all of the horses and riders competing on the Olympic teams until next week so until then we will have our fingers and toes crossed for Nilson and hope you will to!

Nilson and Muggle still need your support through this journey. If you would like to make a donation towards Nilson's ROAD TO RIO, please click here. Your support has been amazing and we can't thank you enough! 

Nilson, Cash & members of the Brazilian team!

We're HALFWAY There!

Nilson and Muggle have been continuing their preparation with the Brazilian team and Mark Todd with Rio close in their sights! They have their first competition in England this weekend and are looking for a positive and confident run. Amidst their consistent training, Nilson still needs your support in order to make this experience happen, no matter how small. Every single penny helps Nilson pay for board, farrier services, competition fees, the list goes on! No matter how much you contribute towards his dream, it will appreciated more than you can imagine.

We're very excited to announce that we've already reached half our goal is just about 2 months! This is because of YOU! Your support has been outstanding and we are forever grateful, but still need more generous donors.  

L & N Equestrian's fundraiser is still in full swing! Donate $1,000 or more and Nilson will be your guest chef at your next BBQ! Specializing in grilling Brazilian meats and creating fun mixed drinks, this will be an event that your barn will remember! Donate $750 and you will be entered to win a trip for two to Ireland! Airfare, accommodations and day excursion is included. Donate $350 and you will be entered to win a tack page from long-time L & N sponsor, Antares tack! Package includes a beautiful bridle, breast collar and ear bonnet. Donations of $100 or more gain you exclusive access into the Muggle Club! Receive frequent updates from Nilson and Muggle, pictures, videos and a special Muggle Club t-shirt!

We have also created a quick and easy way for you donate. Our GoFundMe page located here allows you to specify any amount that you'd like and we can't stress enough that every little bit is greatly appreciated. You can also donate through PayPal, located here.

Thank you, thank you, thank you to those that have already donated toward Nilson's dream--it couldn't even be a possibility without you!

L & N Working Student Feature: Joy Seward

L & N's star working student, Joy Seward has been learning the ins-and-outs of what it takes to run a successful training and competition business. Being a working student requires an immense amount of dedication and hard work complete with long hours and competition days. Laura boasts that Joy is the epitome of what any professional would want in a working student. 

"With a barn full of horses, Joy is the first one to the barn every morning and last to leave in the evening and I'm sure I never see her sit down! She offers to do everything with a smile and pleasant reply (not joking!!) She is very clear with her goals for the summer and spends her time watching and asking about every aspect of the business." - Laura VanderVliet

Aspiring working students, take notes..

About Joy: Originally from Winston Salem, NC, Joy joined L & N Equestrian as a working student during her summer break from Eastern Carolina University. Joy first found her love for everything equestrian when she joined a local Hunter Jumper lesson program and she later, through Pony Club, found her passion for horse management and eventing. By working with L & N Equestrian, Joy seeks to expand her knowledge of horsemanship, training, and riding at the highest level of competition. Her future goals include obtaining her USPC A certification and owning her own mount and competing with him at the upper-levels. Joy is enjoying working beside Laura and is very grateful for the opportunity to join them in an Olympic year! 

Become an Exclusive Muggle Club Member Today!

We want to invite YOU to join in Nilson and Muggle's journey at the highest levels of the sport by being a part of the Muggle Club! Members will enjoy exclusive updates, pictures and videos along with a special Muggle Club t-shirt. All members will also be invited to informal tailgates at select events throughout the year and are highly encouraged to share pictures of them "leading extraordinary lives"! 

Start enjoying your membership TODAY for just $100/year! Your membership will help Nilson achieve his dreams while training in England and ultimately, in Rio for the Olympic Games. A pair of shoes for Muggle, a bag of grain or an entry fee to a preparatory competition is where you'll generous donation will be used.  Easily secure your membership online by clicking here!

Here We Go!

Gorgeous day for a hack!

Nilson, Muggle and Cash all got settled last week in England and have already hit the ground running in preparation for upcoming competitions and ultimately, the Olympic Games! Nilson's been taking regular dressage lessons with Ann Ross from Altogether Equestrian in Salisbury, Wiltshire. Ann has been an excellent resource for Nilson while in England because she not only rides for Great Britain, but consistently works with Great Britain's eventing riders and coaches the Brazilian team.

Stay tuned for more updates, pictures and competition results!

Nilson and Muggle are ready for their Dressage lesson!

Heading To England....On Their Way To Rio!

We are very excited to announce that Nilson has been invited to spend the summer in England with the Brazilian eventing team training with legendary eventing rider, Mark Todd in preparation for the 2016 summer Olympic Games in Rio! This incredible opportunity is the result of several very committed owners, years of hopes and determination by Nilson and living proof that ordinary people CAN lead extraordinary lives. 

With your help, Nilson and Muggle can make their Olympic dreams a reality and we would love to have you join in this exciting journey. We have exciting items in our raffle featured in our flyer below where winners will be drawn in August. For a donation of $100 you can even be a member of the Muggle Club where members will enjoy exclusive updates, pictures, videos, a special Muggle Club t-shirt and more! No amount of support is too small, every little bit helps. 

For more information about L & N's Road to Rio Fundraiser, please contact Laura VanderVliet at 717-682-8042 or ljvv2000@yahoo.com!