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Showing posts from May, 2019

Wentworth Hunter Pace - June 6, 2021

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

Bel Joeor Sale and Giveaway!

Amanda from Bel Joeor is hosting a big sale on her Etsy site and a giveaway on her blog !  She makes beautiful saddle covers and bags.  I highly recommend checking out her shop and entering her contest.  

CNER United States Pony Club Dressage Rally - May 11, 2019

Our very first ever PC rally was this past Saturday at Apple Knoll Farm in Millis, MA. It kind of cracks me up that I joined PC for the express purpose of access to more jumping instruction opportunities, and my first mounted experience is a dressage rally hahaha.   But honestly, it was so much fun.  Maybe it is because I am so used to showing alone or maybe because I love the show prep and set up just as much (if not more) than the actual riding, but competing in a PC rally is now one of my most favorite experiences.  And I cannot wait to do more!  I think the only thing different for this show was having to label EVERYTHING with my name.  Otherwise, my show prep was just the same as normal. Sadly, our original team of four riders ended up dwindling to just two, as one young rider ended up sick with a 103 fever and a barn was quarantined because of a horse with EHV-4 so none of the PC members from that large boarding barn could attend. Therefore, my remaining teammate and I were s

Tik Maynard Clinic - May 4, 2019

Ellie and I traveled to a local, private farm for a Tik Maynard clinic this past Saturday.  I admit, though I own his book, I have not started it yet (bad me), but I knew Tik's methods and philosophy interested me. When I saw the opportunity to clinic with him a few months ago, I happily sent in my entry fee. We were paired with Chelsea, the woman who rents the barn, for an in-hand "horsemanship" lesson.  I had wanted to practice with Ellie over fences, as she needs to build her confidence and I figured in-hand would be an ideal place to start. I immediately liked Tik and his mannerisms.  My lesson was right after lunch, so while I was not able to watch anything beforehand, I did stay for the two lessons after mine.  Ellie was alert but not spooky in the indoor, and she investigated the audience and various jumps, etc. in the corners with her typical friendliness and curiosity. She loved the mirrors and I let her check herself out. Tik had us begin by just movin

A Good Place to Be

Spring in Maine has finally sprung! After a long six months of winter, the sn*w is gone (save for a few areas on the shoulder of shady back roads) and the grass is greening up. I honestly had my doubts it would ever arrive haha. Of course, it has been quite cold, windy, and rainy, but at least there is no sn*w. April 18 - the white crap just didn't want to leave! After several excellent lessons this winter and early spring on Taylor Rose, I was finally able to get the horse trailer safely down our steep driveway to bring Ellie for lessons again. We took a lesson on the Wednesday of April school break and another one this past Saturday.  April 22 - finally GONE! Honestly, I wasn't expecting much after a winter of boring walking rides.  We didn't "do" anything significant in my mind from December through March.  But much to my surprise and delight, she has come out of a winter of boring walking rides a much stronger and more mature horse. Her walk and t