After Margaret and I had such a fun time at the fall hunter pace, we opted to go again this spring! This time, while I rode Rejoice again, Margaret rode her horse Jester and had a friend ride Ladyhawke. All Kennebec Morgans!! Jester and Rejoice have the same dam and Jester and Lady share the same sire. Unfortunately instead of a lovely late spring day, we had one of the first intensely hot and humid days of the year. It was definitely a bummer, but the ride was mostly in the shade of the woods and we had a great time! most of the fences were 3' coops but we found a small log and this hay to jump haha Until we didn't. 😑 We brought along a third friend who rode Margaret's older mare, Ladyhawke. She's a good rider but hasn't known Ladyhawke for very long and didn't realize how much of a cranky boss mare she could be at times. She kicked Jester right in the front leg just about halfway through the ride, and while the cut itself ended up not being a big deal in the...
Wow, this past year went by so fast! All in all, despite some rough spots, 2009 was not a bad year. Dreamy and I made the leap to rated dressage shows, and while I was super nervous, I am very pleased with how we did. It was a huge step, and perhaps we were not quite ready for it, but I am glad we did it. If Dreamy's recent rides are any indication of our readiness for 2010, I would say we are going to do quite well.
My older mare Sparky had a wonderful year. She looks great and is feeling good. I rode her bareback on Christmas (as is our tradition...) and she was frisky and eager to be out in the snow. She bucked and played at the canter in the beginning, which tells me she feels good. Every time I look at her I am proud to have an older horse (she will be 28 in 2010!) who looks so good for her age. I know it is my careful husbandry and attention to detail that keeps her healthy.
And of course, 2009 brought the arrival of the Super Filly. I adore my big girl and she has found her place here at the farm. Reva is smart and willing, taking to under saddle work with wisdom beyond her years. She is sane and easygoing, and I know it will be fun to begin serious training with her this coming year. Her hooves are gorgeous. Her legs are rested. I know we have much to look forward to in the future!
And perhaps the biggest positive was an overall improvement in my personal relationships. My marriage is stronger (YAY!) and my friendships are MUCH healthier! I have NEVER been a person who likes drama, and have always prided myself in taking the high road. My mother taught me well, I must say. And events of this year have proven my unwillingness to be a drama queen time and TIME again. I am happy to say I am mentally stable and will no longer allow any of the CRAZIES to enter my life. WHEW!
Here are my wonderful mares. First comes Sparky, my first horse. <3
And Dreamy.
And of course, Reva.
Sparky is in great shape!
Hey girl!Enjoying her Dengie....
And here are stills from a short video of Ms. Reva enjoying the snow. It was a bit slippery and thankfully she did not fall! Silly filly!
As my friend Helene said, "I see some nice dressage moves in there!" LOL! :)
More later on my 2010 riding goals and a wrap up of 2009 accomplishments. It is hard to do 2009 accomplishments when I have not attended all of my banquets! I have Maine Dressage Society's banquet at the end of January and then SPHO-NJ's banquet in the middle of February.
My older mare Sparky had a wonderful year. She looks great and is feeling good. I rode her bareback on Christmas (as is our tradition...) and she was frisky and eager to be out in the snow. She bucked and played at the canter in the beginning, which tells me she feels good. Every time I look at her I am proud to have an older horse (she will be 28 in 2010!) who looks so good for her age. I know it is my careful husbandry and attention to detail that keeps her healthy.
And of course, 2009 brought the arrival of the Super Filly. I adore my big girl and she has found her place here at the farm. Reva is smart and willing, taking to under saddle work with wisdom beyond her years. She is sane and easygoing, and I know it will be fun to begin serious training with her this coming year. Her hooves are gorgeous. Her legs are rested. I know we have much to look forward to in the future!
And perhaps the biggest positive was an overall improvement in my personal relationships. My marriage is stronger (YAY!) and my friendships are MUCH healthier! I have NEVER been a person who likes drama, and have always prided myself in taking the high road. My mother taught me well, I must say. And events of this year have proven my unwillingness to be a drama queen time and TIME again. I am happy to say I am mentally stable and will no longer allow any of the CRAZIES to enter my life. WHEW!
Here are my wonderful mares. First comes Sparky, my first horse. <3
And Dreamy.
And of course, Reva.
Sparky is in great shape!
Hey girl!Enjoying her Dengie....
And here are stills from a short video of Ms. Reva enjoying the snow. It was a bit slippery and thankfully she did not fall! Silly filly!
As my friend Helene said, "I see some nice dressage moves in there!" LOL! :)
More later on my 2010 riding goals and a wrap up of 2009 accomplishments. It is hard to do 2009 accomplishments when I have not attended all of my banquets! I have Maine Dressage Society's banquet at the end of January and then SPHO-NJ's banquet in the middle of February.
Sparky is adorable - I love the old horses - my Noble will be 29 in May. Nice pictures of all of them. Here's hoping 2010 treats you well!
ReplyDeleteBest wishes for a happy and prosperous New Year!
ReplyDeleteAw, thanks Kate! I am glad to hear Noble is feeling better!
ReplyDeleteThanks Aarene! You too!
Thank you for posting. I hope you know how fortunate you are to have your Sparky Girl (I am sure she feels the same). It brings tears to my eyes. You have a BEAUTIFUL FAMILY <3
ReplyDeleteHappiest and Healthiest New Years to you and yours!