And that, my friends, is one dog tolerant pony 🤣.
That, my friends, is one dog tolerant pony 🤣 Despite these two knucklehead dogs doing their best job to get kicked, flying up under Daisy’s bum at top speed on a daily basis, she does little more than sigh at their antics! Future fox hunter?? Perhaps!!
Daisy’s XC schooling at Windurra
This morning I took Daisy cross country schooling at Boyd Martin’s farm, Windurra (side note: if you haven’t schooled there, you should go! It is the best! So many options for all levels!!). I was just SO impressed with this pony- only her third time out and she was relaxed, but bold and looking for the next jump. Check out the clips of her popping off the bank into the water- that was her VERY FIRST TIME jumping into the water. No problem, no hesitation, just cool as a cucumber! I just cannot express how fun this little mare is to ride! It is truely a joy to ride a pony that is just game for anything you want to do. Want to jumps some XC? Sure! Want to chill and hack around the countryside, solo? No problem! Go swimming? I’m in! Daisy is your girl!
I’ll be getting updated showjumping videos next week and then this girl will *officially* be available. If you have any interest, don’t hesitate to reach out to me! I’d love to chat and answer any questions that you might have!
Today I took Jules to a clinic with Woodge Fulton and she was an absolute champ! There were 25mph sustained winds with 50mph gusts!! It was held a busy equestrian center with horses coming and going and she handled it all like a pro- it was her FIRST outing with me! Woodge was great- we focused on rideability, rhythm, straightness- all the fundamentals that are so important when developing a young horse. I came away with some new tools and exercises to use at home! I was just tickled by how well Jules handled the weather and the atmosphere- it was really quite brutal. A large tree limb came down on my windshield when I was driving to the clinic, it cracked the windshield, but luckily, everything remained intact and we are all safe and sound!!
First big snow for Apollo!
A full foot of fresh snow for the new Irish boy! I doubt he’s ever seen this much snow in his life! Weee!
Ashbrook Apollo is making his way from 🇮🇪 to 🇺🇸!!! #connemaraponies #eventing #Snacks
Ashbrook Apollo is on his way!!!
The journey has begun! Can’t wait to pick him up from quarantine next week 🥰
One week with Jules!
Meet Jules: 6yo QH/Welsh mare. I picked her up on a whim a week ago when I saw a post from a trainer who didn’t have the time or energy to deal with her antics. I love working with “problem ponies.” Ponies can get such a bad rap for being “naughty” or “bad,” but I find that those ponies are often just quite green and have had kids on them before they’ve learned the rules of the road. How often do folks put kids on, say, a young, green, 16.3hh warmblood? Not that often. But a cute, quiet 14hh pony? All the time! When kids are on them, ponies get away with things that adults would nip in the bud. These little behaviors can sometimes grow into very dangerous behaviors, like rearing, etc. Jules is awesome- she’s super sweet, extremely smart, and very quiet- I’ve been giving her very clear expectations for her behavior and making sure that I reward her every time she makes a good choice. She’s coming along beautifully and I think she’ll make a wonderful pony for someone after a bit more training!
One week with Jules! #mccormicksportponies #ponies #traininghorses #patienceiskey #eventing
“Dublin” jumping, 2020
I was looking through some old videos of my very first Connemara pony, Dublin. I loved this pony to bits- he was super sweet and VERY quirky (with a particularly athletic buck), but boy, could he jump!! I sadly lost him very prematurely, but I’m so thankful for the time we had together- he really taught me how to ride (and stick in that saddle!!) Let’s see some pics and videos of your favorite horses and ponies from years past!
My favorite thing about training horses, especially young ones, is getting to experience their growing confidence as they learn their jobs. I took April XC schooling yesterday and she was so confident and game! We both had a blast!
Yesterday morning, April and I popped down to Chester County for a lesson with Jimmie Schramm- the goal of the morning was to improve the quality of April’s jumping and maintain straightness- I think we were successful! I am so thankful to have access to upper level professionals, like Jimmie- I find that having another set of eyes is imperative when bringing along young horses, especially when you usually ride on your own (like I do). I find it incredibly helpful to check-in as needed to make sure I’m not missing anything, as well as learn new ways to approach different issues.
McCormick Sport Ponies specializes in importing exceptional quality, athletic, and amateur-friendly Connemara and Connemara crosses.
