A Fair Day

This weekend we made our annual trek to the N.C. State Fair Horse Show at the James B. Hunt horse complex. This year, in keeping with our effort to reduce costs, we did not overnight which saved quite a bit with no stall fees or camping charges. We also only showed one horse (Missy) and kept a short class sheet, which was helped somewhat by a limited selection of options for our particular niche in the Walking Horse world. By far, this was the largest crowd we have seen at the fair horse shows since we have been going. And that not only in participants, but in spectators as well. Although we only participated in three classes, the smallest class we were entered in contained 19 participants. Our first of the day was the Non-Trotting Go As You Please English or Western. B and Missy finished a very respectable 9th place out of the 19 entries. In the Non-Trotting Pleasure English or Western (No Canter) she came in a solid 4th place out of 21 riders. To wrap up an amazing day, B participated in the Non-Trotting CHAMPIONSHIP English or Western (No Canter). Of the 26 entries in the class which included some very formidable competition, B shocked us all with a super 4th place finish. WOW!! A Fair day, if I do say so myself.

Back to Back

B guest played with the Impact again this past weekend in Florence, SC. For the second tournament in a row they went undefeated in bracket play and walked away with the NSA 6th Annual Fall Classic Championship. The tournament was held at Freedom Florence which is one of the nicest venues for a softball tournament I have seen. Ths was probably our last tournament playing with the Impact. We have been trying for some time to establish a team focused in our immediate area and things appear to be falling in place to make that happen sooner than later.

Pine Rock Fun

B participated in the annual Pine Rock Fun Show this past weekend in Kittrel, NC. As usual, the facilities looked great, the hosts were super and the turnout outstanding. We got off to a slow start in the morning events without placing in our first several classes. C had planned on participating but scratched her classes as the day progressed and proved to be a rather hot day for the middle of September. In the double show format, B brought home a 5th and 6th place ribbon on Missy in the Youth Trail Pleasure Western 2 Gait. Riding Red, she collected a 5th and 6th place in Country Pleasure Western Youth 2 Gait as well as a 5th place in Country Pleasure Western Open 3 Gait. Her best effort of the day was a 3rd place ribbon on Red in Country Pleasure English Open 3 Gait. In the Games portion of the show B and Red took a double 5th place in the Egg and Spoon class.

First Jumper Show

Despite being very nervous and far less than confident, B and Peanut exceeded all of our expectations in her first ever jumper show at Wonderland Farms on August 22nd. Compeating in only four classes, B brought home a 2nd, a 3rd and a 4th place ribbon. B completed her classes, again, with no faults and no penalties. I think her confidence, as well as ours, got a big push in the right direction.

Perfect Weekend

This past weekend B once again played with the Impact. After finishing 3rd in their last outing due to a rain shortened tournament, they came away with the gold this time. Playing almost flawless all weekend, the team went undefeated in pool and bracket play, with a 7-0 record, giving up prescious few runs ans rarely being challenged. Another great weekend for Mom and Dad, behind the backstop, even though it was again hot and humid.

A Mid Summer Night

Our first show of the season at Wonderland Farms was the 2009 Mid Summer Nights Schooling Show on August 15th. B showed on her favorite Wonderland horse, Peanut. Despite being uneasy about her first competition over crossed rails, B performed very well with no faults and no penalties for being off course. I could study that course for a whole day and still not remember it. B did not place in the crossed rail event but did bring home a couple of ribbons in her other two events. Overall we were pleased with her first show at Wonderland. Next week will be her first "jumper" show at Wonderland.

A summer at the Farm

Wonderland Farm, that is. B spent most of the summer working at Wonderland Farm in Leland. She served as one of their horse camp counselors and helped with the day to day workings of the farm. Mike and Karen have a really nice farm with excellent facilities and a love for all things equine. The summer job was terrific for B. She learned alot about caring for horses, equipment and facilities. As the summer wore on, the things she was learning were relected at our own farm as she began keeping our own things better organized and cared for. As a manner of payment for the work they performed, the young ladies working the camp got free lessons. The lessons have already made a marked improvement in B's riding. All in all, this experience has been a huge positive for B and has paid dividends for us as well. Many, many thanks to Mike and Karen for the opportunity.