And suddenly, it is June, and it’s hot, and the flies are bad and the grass won’t slow down. Williamston was good to Duell and me, we had a great time with Becky, Debra and her husband Lynn, and got to know some other competitors. It is hard to not enjoy yourself in North Carolina, I don’t know if it’s a Southern Comfort thing or what, but the people are SO nice, and we always feel right at home and make new friends in NC. Duell and I both seem to really benefit from getting to the show a day or two early, so we have time to rest up from the long drive, and also really have a chance to see (and have a good school in) each ring that we will show in.
We came home and within two weeks, had three new horses come in for training. Then, after only 5 weeks, three more new horses came in! Now, we are very full with 16 horses on property, and lots of new and friendly faces.
Amore had a wonderful time with Silva, went to Morven and went to Blue Goose, where he scored a 69% in first level. He is glad to be home though, and I am glad to have him back. He is such a nice horse, and I look forward to showing him soon at first level myself. (bronze…bronze…bronze) I am very proud to report that Amore is currently ranked 2nd in the US right now for the PHR’s Silver Stirrup Award, First in Zone 1. Thank you Silva!
On the first weekend in June, Duell, Devon and I made the drive to Raleigh, NC, we competed PSG and 4-3, earning our last two scores for our USDF Silver Medal on Friday. We got our first two scores in Williamston. I really thought that it would be a long haul to get those magical four scores, and found myself more than a little disoriented on the heels of Raleigh. Not for long though, as Mellie and Tux had their first outing at a PVDA Bayside Chapter Schooling Show at Charli and Mike Plumtree’s “Hidden Island Farm”. It was really hot, and we were really late getting there due to beach traffic on a Sunday afternoon.
Both Tux and Mellie came off the trailer (or stood on it alone, while I rode the other) completely professional, totally relaxed, which is how they stayed through the warm up. When we came into the show-ring they were a little distracted, so they did not pull their best rides in front of the judge, but I was not disappointed, having thrown us all in the deep end of the pool by entering us at 1-3, no less than a week after the big show in Raleigh. Thank you to everyone who worked hard to pull together such a fun local schooling show. (Anne Thibo, the St. Landau Family, Charli and Mike) Congratulations to the winners! Mellie brought home a 2nd place, and Tux brought home a 3rd.
Honestly, both horses comfortably and consistently school second level, starting changes at home, so it was not a huge stretch for them to compete at 1-3. Once they get their confidence a little in the ring, they will do very well, I have no doubts. Their scores were not embarrassing, and both of them really turned heads. I am really looking forward to getting them out more, I think that’s all it will take to get them sharp in the showring (but relaxed and confident).
Frankie has had a busy spring as well, getting to both Waredaca and Plantation under Ryan Wood, both times going Novice. He is in Maryland while Ryan is on vacation (lucky!) in the Carribean, and may stay a little while longer, depending on what we come up with for him.
As I write, I am waiting for Front Page to download so that I can officially take over the website from my friend, Bruce Chenowith. My goal is to get and keep the sales section current. The rest I like how it is – so if it ain’t broke…
Here are only some of the pic’s that I’ve gotten since February. Enjoy!
