Fall has come and well, gone, and its been a whirlwind! We started out by taking Angela Hambricks horse Buenos Noches to USDF Region 2 Championships, where he placed 7th in a very competitive 3rd level division. He did a great job, and Angela treated us like queens in Traverse City, MI, wining and dining us to our hearts content! We had a great time with my amazing super groom of a sister and her fiance keeping me (and Goodman) in line, and were very proud of our team!
We also hosted WEG Event rider Boyd Martin for a clinic over two days in October, and had a blast with our friend! He always brings so much enthusiasm, joy, and excellent info to the table. Everyone learned a lot, and thanks to everyone who attended! It was great to see some of the local event riders and trainers come audit and ride. Sarah and Chris had South Farm looking beautiful, and we could not have had a more picture perfect day for schooling cross country! Thanks so much to Boyd for making the time to come to Ohio and coach all of us! On a personal note I was able to ride Kathy Henry's horse Exklusive, and had a great time. Boyd hopped on to straighten out a few of the kinks and it was fun to watch the horse go around with a pro on his back.
We followed the clinic up by taking four horses to the Chagrin schooling dressage show. Tracy Baker, Tiffany George-Kete, Cindy Pordon, and Marian Shaughnessy competed and got some great experience and we all had a fun time. Thanks to Quinn (Tracy's daughter) for grooming, and Christy Maschke for making the all important Dunkin Donuts run!
Finally, we took Angela's horses DP Lidcombe and Buenos Noches (Goodman) to the LEC Dressage show this weekend. We couldn't have finished the horse show year off better if we had tried. Lidcombe led the way winning his first class on Friday, garnering another blue ribbon on Saturday with a whopping 70% and Second on Sunday, earning him a qualifying score for Regionals next year on his first show out with us. Goodman was no slouch either...he won his class Saturday with a personal best score at 3rd level of 67.4%, and was second on Sunday, also earning himself a qualifying score for Regionals. He was Champion at 3rd level for the weekend. This horse has really turned up a notch, and I am excited to take him to Aiken and bump him up to Fourth Level. Dare I hope for a Prix St. George by the end of the year? Only time will tell.
On a side note I am happy to report that Zigzag has made a full recovery and is back in full work. He is feeling better that ever, and I am looking forward to getting back on a regular competition schedule with him. While we have to re-qualify for Prelim, it will be great having him back on the horse show roster.
Best Wishes,
Therese
