I think I have finally realized that I must be terribly obnoxious to listen to in the warm up of show. The only thing I say is good girl, good girl, good girl-----I think you get the idea! Irish is so great, she does everything you ask- a bit more leg a bit rounder, a bit more inside rein a bit lower in her frame, she's too funny. She had a great time at the Carolina Horse Park the other weekend. She had a super dressage test, the judge didn't seem to like her too much-we'll agree to disagree! She was also very good in the show jump, she loves to go show off. Most fun is that she is a little cross country machine! I was just kind of along for the ride, which is so fun because how often do you get that on a 4 year old novice horse that is doing their first event in 6 months? Oh right, almost never!
Africa, my little 3 year old in training (notice the my...hehe) is coming into her own. She won her first big blue at Morven Park! She won the best 3 year old filly, go Africa- she shakes what her daddy gave her (because she's bigger than her mama!). She also has found her groove jumping- she loves it, she jumped her first oxer, vertical and cross rail all at both the trot and canter- so fun! There are great expectations for this little mare!
Now for the little children...Doby is doing ok- he seems to have activated his self destruct button. He ripped out a tooth the other day, got kicked by a horse the day before in the shoulder, and just keeps trying to find ways for more attention. He hasn't figured out that if he stops hurting himself he will get ridden, which provides much more attention! Nic is awesome- he got ridden for the first time a few days ago- wow. He is so fun- he walks, trots and canters (on both leads, mind you!) on a loose rein, I think he just loves to do anything but race!!!=)
I just arrived home from a few days of S. White training sessions! I am so lucky to be able to go up there. Sharon has this great way of giving you insight into your horse- and insight into you! I love my lessons so much because I always get at least 2 or 3 things that change the way I am training my horse- poor Irish is now a counter cantering machine! While, I was there I tried a horse for lease, and wouldn't you know it, it is now in my barn next to Clif. Clif is loving life next to him, he is a stallion and as we know, Clif would loveeeeee to be a stallion- there is a serious idol situation going on. Ramble, the stallion, is adorableeeeeeeeeeeeeee, he is like teddy bear- Completely adorable when your riding him or just on the ground. I really enjoy riding him and think we both have a lot to offer the other- he is so small that he will teach me to stay still or else I will probably tip him over!
So I now have two 3 year olds, two 4 year olds, an 8 year old and a 9 year old in work--but I few weeks it look as though I will have 2 more 3 year olds! Starting to get busy!
I hope everyone has been able to ride in the great weather!
Hillary
