This Week in Aiken...

Well its hard to believe that we have been here nearly two weeks! It has been quite a whirlwind. I have been trying to put videos together to post with the blog, but seem to be having technical difficulties, so I figured better to do the update and then post a link later to you tube.

I thought I would recap the last week since it would be a short novel to go the entire 12 days. Jessica Hart arrived and we had a blast looking at lots of beautiful horses. Much thanks to Courtney Cooper and her cohorts (visit her site at Csquarefarm.com), Kelli Temple, Jessica Hampf, Liza, and many others who took time out of their busy schedules to show us horses. I would personally like to thank Jessica for her patience (there was lots going on while she was here) and congratulate her on the purchase of a beautiful dapple grey 6 yr old TB cross mare named Zophie. Zophie and Jessica are a lovely pair, and Zophie has competed through Novice. She gave Jessica her first cross country school in the pouring rain and never put a foot wrong. These two are going to be tearing it up in Area VIII so look out!

I have had the opportunity to ride with Silva twice now with Goodman, and the results have been astonishing. We worked on his throughness, collection, and impulsion, and have subsequently found a new trot. Its pretty cool to see his outline changing as he morphs more and more into a dressage horse. The fruits of our labor are definitely paying off as he won his first class this weekend in Apopka Florida on a 67.9! Tomorrow is our debut at 4th level, so cross your fingers.

Zigzag completed his first event of the year on Wednesday despite a bad heel bruise resulting from a sprung shoe. We did not have a good dressage score due to his discomfort, but he put in two stellar jumping performances stadium and cross country. His next event is Saturday at Paradise Farm where we are slated to run training. We are having a slight shoeing problem, but I hope to have it resolved soon, and have everything back in working order.

Theodore is growing by leaps and bounds, and he had his first lesson with Boyd. This horse has a huge jump and rockets off the ground like nobody's business! He is getting more elastic and free (not to mention happily relaxed...dare I say more focused) on the flat, and Boyd found him to be "quite a fancy horse." We plan to continue working on the dressage and honing his jumping skills, teaching him to gallop, and showing him to a prospective buyer this coming week. I also hope to take him over to see Silva and get her thoughts as well. On a side note, this horse has really begun to show us the cutest personality. He is a comedian, but also constantly seeking approval. He also has an affinity for Zigzag which is very endearing.

Tsjesse is the sweetest, kindest horse I have probably ever met. He tries hard every day in his work, and wants to crawl in your pocket. He loves to have his face rubbed, and he taps his toe on the ground for treats. Adorable! I am enjoying figuring out all his buttons, and can't wait for Marian to start riding him. He has started turn out in the big field with Ted and Z, and everyone is getting along fine, although Tsjesse guards his hay pile right down to the last wisp.

The barn has gotten very busy with two more trainers coming in for the winter, and the place is hopping! Mary is amazing and helps keep me in line and on time, and I couldn't do any of this without her. Together we went and watched one of the Team Training Sessions at Three Runs Plantation, where Boyd had two jumping lessons with Capt. Mark Phillips. It was great fun watching him jump his new horse as well as the horse he competed at the WEG, Neville.

Lastly, one of the great highlights has been all the new people I have met so far this year. I find it very fun getting to make new friends and contacts. Its great to hear other people's point of view and training techniques!

Well, tommorow is coming fast, so goodnight, and cross your fingers (and say a prayer) for Goodman and I tommorow as we make our debut at Fourth!