September 22, Breezing Hill Farm hosted a Mock Dressage and CT show. Participants rode a dressage test, then were given pointers by Ginger Long on ways to improve the test, then rerode the test. Each participant was not only given their score sheets, but also a detailed analysis of how their horse compares to the dressage ideal and where the horse is currently at in terms of the classical training scale. Participants who also jumped, rode a stadium round, then were given pointers by Vanessa Craft on improving the round, then rerode the round. Vanessa had also laid out a cross-country course in the jump field which contained log jumps, brush boxes, coops, a cordwood pile, barrel jumps, ditches, hay bales and a panel jump. Participants who were brave enough, played over these jumps as well.

Vanessa's husband David prepred a wonderful lunch. As folks enjoyed their meal, they also learned about stretching, stregthening and body awareness exercises to help their riding. Ginger led the discussion with lots of input from Sharesa Spiker and other participants who shared exercises that were particularly helpful for their bodies.

We plan to have a similar event in 2008, so check the claendar and plan to join us for a fun, no pressure day.

Pictures from the CT

Ann O'brien on Calypso riding their dressage

Click here to view photos of Jackie and her mares Oddie and Squirt

Click here to view photos of Michelle and Squirt

Here are some pictures from our lunch time lecture on exercises for the rider.

Congratulations to.......

Folgenstaff, aka, Rufus and Vanessa on their wins at First Level

Congratulations to Sharesa for piloting Santana to First Place in the Beginner Novice division at TTC horse trials Sat. with a score of 28.9! The second place pair was at least 5 points behind. Sharesa has worked really hard since last summer, but especially in the last few months on improving her seat and alignment. While the work is hard and boring, it's now paying off!  Of course, they tore around the BN cross-country course (which was challenging for that level) with ease, and while Santa showed signs of being a bit tired in stadium, Sharesa helped him to a clean round. Good job kid!

We had a busy show and training season. . We focused primarily on local schooling shows to gain mileage for green horses and riders, but did make it to a few recognized shows. Below are some photos from our exploits.

Vanessa riding Natalie Tonkiha’s Leandro at Buckhorn farm - his first show

Vanessa riding Gin Gin at Thoroughbred Training Center – her first horse trials

Vanessa riding Gin Gin at the Lumber River Horse Trials at Carolina Horse Park in Aberdeen, NC

Vanessa riding Ann O’Brien’s Nicollete at The Fork Horse Trials in Norwood, NC

Ellen O’Brien with Nicki and Sharesa Spiker with Santana at the MacNair’s combined test. They came in first and second in their division with a mere 5/10 of a point separating them. Ellen also was the reserve champion for the show series for 2006 – repeating her reserve champion performance of 2005

We also had lots of cross-country schooling days. The following photos are from a schooling outing at Tamarack Hill Farm in Southern Pines. Ellen and Nicki are having fun schooling Beginner Novice jumps for the first time. Amy Bonis and Emmett are trying their hand at a few training level jumps. And Janet Mills and Jasmine are having a blast at their first ever cross-country outing.

Congratulations to Daisy and Madison

Blue ribbon they won at theCarolinaHorse Farm show in the Trotting over Poles class.  They also won the walk trot pleasure class. Daisy is doing really well for Madison, and next month we are going to take her to Raleigh to the all-arab show and show intro dressage and sport horse halter

The following photos are from shows and schooling days

Amy riding Emmett at the Pinehurst Horse Trials – their first recognized event together.

Vanessa riding Dodger at Latta

Vanessa on her Alie, schooling dressage

Vanessa on Julia Bonham’s Raz, schooling dressage.