05/02/2024
2023 HORSE & RIDER RECAP:
*Johnny Good Boy—who now officially belongs to Ellie!—ended the show season as RPHSA Junior Introductory Level Champion
*After a season with Louie where she displayed resilience and grit beyond her years, Maddie welcomed her new horse, Maverick, to the family.
*Audrey & Mr. MinneSoda rounded out the show season as RPHSA Junior Training Level Champions. They are well on their way to showing First Level in 2024.
*Vail and QT Kat won RPHSA Junior Training Level Reserve Champs and are on the First Level 2024 track. Vail has also started riding and showing my big guy, D’Amore, and it is so fun to watch them develop together.
*Raiyne swapped her lease to Phoenix at the end of the show season, and is having a grand time learning first-third level movements on the old schoolmaster. They are also well on their way to a successful First Level debut this year.
*Remy managed to snag the handsome, mustachioed Bruce before he was sold off-property, and we are STOKED he’s staying with us!
*Alma & Marie added sweet schoolmaster, Leo, to the herd. They graciously allow Spark students to learn from his steady wisdom.
*Sophia showed both Phoenix and Sven this past show season before moving on to half-leasing Heath. She impresses me every lesson with her progress and asks the best questions.
*Lauren is also half-leasing Heath. Not only has it been months since we’ve run into any trees (😉), we also are starting to develop real throughness and feel!
*JB brought gentle giant, Ike, to the farm. He has quickly become a fan favorite, and we’re all secretly plotting his second career as a calendar model.
*After showing Hughey all summer, Cate has made great strides with 4 y/o project pony, Bailey, this winter. She continues to learn and grow as we plan for her 2024 season.
*Avery managed to keep Frost-turd in the show ring despite his best efforts. She handled his antics with a calm consistency and repeatedly surprised me with how tough she is.
*Deb’s horse, Reigny, and I performed our first musical freestyle at the CSDEA Festival Under the Stars. Reigny is currently teaching Deb 2nd level movements and is teaching her adopted mom, Jackie, all about throughness. Deb’s other horse, Elena, made huge strides last summer is enjoying winter break at their farm.
*While Abbie’s horse, Ritchie, is rehabbing, she has been riding and showing my spicy mare, Jabelle. I am grateful for Abbie’s calm presence in Jabelle’s life and thrilled (despite my ever-growing collection of grey hairs) that she’s willing to show her this year.
Here’s to 2024! 🖤
