Times flies when you're having fun!

SPORTING DAYS-RECOGNIZED
Susannah stayed through the week last week and competed at Full Gallop I and Sporting Days on Saturday. Katie flew in on Friday to compete March for the first time at Sporting Days. After a rough-ish start in the dressage ring, both girls put in well-ridden albeit slightly forward SJ rounds followed by double clean XC rounds. Katie finished 7th and Susannah finished 10th. It's amazing the level of competition out here. What would easily put you in the ribbons in Texas just ins't quite good enough out here...which is exactly why we come! Both girls handled the new surroundings, new level, new horses, and new format(one day) with style. 

Beth is really coming along with her progress on Strider. Teaching a young horse is never easy and sometimes you have to sacrifice your score for the education of the horse. After a better, but unappreciated, dressage test, she had 1 rail and a stop on XC. Much was learned and certainly will help for the future. 

Luna is really coming along. After a tough go at Full Gallop(trakheners are scarrrrry), she dropped her dressage score by 8 points and went double clear in SJ and XC to finish 4th.

SPORTING DAYS-UNRECOGNIZED
Goooooo Harry!! Sporting Days held an unrecognized CT on Sunday, the day after their recognized show, and it was Harry's turn. For future reference, his nicknames are, but not limited to, Senor Hot Stuff, Studly, Mr. Pony, Stinky Pony, Harry Pony, etc. etc.- just so you know who we are talking about. Anyways, Harry was entered in the BN CT and he did not disappoint. After winning the dressage with a 28.5(best of both divisions), he did two very good SJ rounds. In his first round, he had a few green moments but came back and jumped everything perfect and without hesitation. While he's been here, he has also been XC schooling alot. I can't wait to debut him at recognized shows with the intent of qualifying him for Novice at the AEC's. 

FULL GALLOP
Gold star of the day goes to Bethany...she was able to see the bigger picture of using Sporting Days as a needed learning experience and it paid off by placing 3rd at Full Gallop and qualifying herself for the AEC's at Novice. She got a 36 in dressage and went double clean in both jumping phases.

Due to Luna's bad experience with the trakhener, we decided to take it easy and just do a combined test at this show to prepare her for Pine Top this weekend. After placing 2nd after dressage she went double clean in SJ. All the comments from the dressage judges have been very positive- listing her as "athletic" and "full of potential." I'm excited to finish this trip strong and had over the reins to her owner, Kelly Carter. The mare is so smart and has learned a ton. Really exciting.

Viv had a rare but off day today. Last week, following Tuesday's sad events, she really fended for herself and it showed in all phases but the cross country. Today, I was her partner again- scoring a 36 in dressage and dropping only 1 rail in a very difficult SJ course. XC proved to be more demanding and after a few turning problems we called it a day early on and will regroup for Pine Top this weekend. You can't win them all and Viv's confidence is her biggest asset; I aim to preserve it.

That's all for now. Friday we leave for Pine Top in GA with all the horses except Harry showing and will make our way home from there. Looking forward to seeing everyone!!