The End is Approaching… November 23, 2009

…Not the end of the Blog!!!…. The end of the show season.  My mom says this is the only sport that ends a season one day and starts a new one the next day.  No breaks here.  It has been raining so much here and I have had lots of days that I have not been able to ride.   Sometimes people ask me what I do then.  My mom says there is always tack to clean and blankets to wash.  I like to clean my tack.  Clean tack is important for me and for my pony. 

 

With winter coming fast, Richie is getting fuzzy again.  My mom just clipped him before the Duke Horse Show…speaking of which ….I did not tell you about Duke!

 

Duke is the last show of the year for a lot of people.  It is a huge event.  People come from all over the east coast.  There were 17 ponies in the small/medium Children’s Pony Division.  There were just as many in the Large Children’s Pony.  It was a special show for me.  It was the first time I did the USEF Pony Medal class.  I also did the NCHJA Equitation on Ponies class for the first time.  These two classes are qualifying classes that take place all year at every show.  The classes are an over fences and in the NCHJA Pony Eq the judge calls back all or some of the riders to do a flat phase.  The over fences and flat are combined to pick the winners.  If you win a USEF Pony Medal class you are invited to Pony Finals to ride in the finals class.  The NCHJA Equitation on Ponies points accumulate from June to May and the top 15 riders are invited to finals that take place at the NCHJA Annual Horse Show.  Last year my friend Carly was 4th overall.  I am hoping to qualify this year.  Richie is the perfect equitation pony.  He knows a lot more than I do. 

 

So….how did we do?  Well on Friday night I did the 11 and Under Equitation.  I got a fourth over fences and a second on the flat.  I thought it was ok but that I could do a little better.  The USEF Pony Medal class was on Friday night also.  I did ok in that but ended up with a 6th.  I added in my lines, which is a big fault, and still got good ribbons so I knew if I stepped it up the next day I would do well.  Saturday was the NCHJA Eq. on Ponies class.  I had a wonderful WONDERFUL round.  I have not had a round like that in a long time.  It felt so easy and fun.   When it was time for callbacks I waited anxiously with my mom.  We got called back second over fences!  I was right behind Peyton Smith ….who is a FANTASTIC rider!  I felt so honored.  Me and Carly really look up to her and she rode Richie this past year for me after I fell off at a show.  I love to watch her ride.  There I was going in the ring right behind her.  That was better than any ribbon.  I felt really big!!  After the flat phase I got a third place.  I think Carly and I were the smallest girls in the class.  Carly got an 8th.  Tony said I did the best that I could do.  I am only 10 and those girls have lots more years experience over me.  I was so proud of my 3rd place.  

 

Later that afternoon, we had the Children’s Pony division.  I had good rounds except I chipped a single with a long approach on the diagonal in both rounds.  It was too bad because otherwise both rounds were really great.  I took a 5th and 7th.  Sunday was a lot more relaxed since I only had the Children’s Pony Division.  I really wanted to make sure I did my very best to end the show.  My first round was going sooo good and then we went past the gate and headed to the outside line away from the gate and I realized that I forgot my crop.  I have been learning how to properly use my crop at certain times to help my leg move Richie forward.   All ponies get slower past the gate and I knew that.  Anyway,  it was too late to cry about the crop.  We chipped in and then added in the line.  We still got an 8th in that round despite that fault.   The second round I made sure I had my crop.  We went back in and had a fantastic round.  I felt like we just sailed around.  We were first place in that class.  Richie really came through.

 

Overall, we placed in every class we entered and we had some really great rounds.  My mom was very proud of us and we got lots of compliments from onlookers. 

 

The Duke Horse Show always has a Grand Prix event on the Saturday night of the show.  This year there were lots of riders.  Harold Chopping was riding and I love to watch him.  We had great seats to see him get second on Big Air.  Right before the Grand Prix event it is tradition to do the Lead Line Class.  This year I wanted William Chopping to ride Richie in the Lead Line.  I knew Richie would be the very best Lead Line pony.  William is only one year old and is Harold and Jenn’s son.  I put on my show clothes and met with Kate, Solo Show Stable’s groom, and we headed down to the ring.  It was so adorable. 

 

http://www.annegittins.com/scripts/store/imageFolio.cgi?action=view&link=0017_Duke_Childrens_Benefit/Leadline&image=DK9-3471.jpg&img=12&tt=&tfile=tn_DK9-3471.jpg

 

Anne Gittins took the photos.  If you have never seen Lead Line you should look at all of her photos.  The kids get a blue ribbon and coloring book.  I was so proud to wear a Solo Show Stables jacket and get to lead William on Richie. 

 

I will be getting a lot of ride time in this holiday.  I hope to ride every day.  We will be doing the Holiday Classic horse show and then I will be getting ready for my first time to Ocala.  My mom and I are very excited about that.  She said Santa will be bringing me things I need for my trip. 

 

Until then check out the new video that Wonderponyriders made for me and I hope you all have a great Thanksgiving. 

 

 

 

Halloween Update! November 3, 2009

Hope you all had a Fantastically fun Halloween!!!

 

 

I had a super fun Halloween!!  I dressed up as a funky witch!  I had pink hair!!  I went trick or treating with one of my best friends and …..Boots!  He was dressed up as a little devil.  It was so funny.  He even got a treat from one house!

 

 

 

 

 

Now that Halloween is over it is time to think about the Duke Charity Horse Show this weekend.  There is lots to do.   My mom spent her weekend getting Richie ready for the big show.  She had to body clip him and pull his mane.  We have been doing well in our lessons and are finally ready to add some new classes.  This show I will be doing the USEF Pony Medal and the NCHJA Pony Equitation as well as the 11 and Under Equitation.  Lots of Eq. for me this weekend.  We will be doing Children’s Pony also. 

 

 

I am still waiting for the video of Zone Finals.  I did not forget.  I will post it as soon as I get it.  In the meantime, I thought you would all like to see what it is like at the farm.  I want you all to meet my friends and see what fun we have! 

Check back soon for an update from Duke!!!

 

 

 

 

Thanks Tory of WonderPonyRiders for the cool Video!

Zone III Finals!!! October 30, 2009

Well….The picture says it all!

Richie and I had a fantastic time at Zone III Finals in Upper Marlboro Maryland.  We brought home a third place ribbon!

As many of you know, on October 16th my mom and I left for Upper Marlboro Maryland with Tory, Carly, Tony, and of course the ponies

 

We left NC and it was pretty gloomy but we had no idea what was in store for us.  As we approached Washington DC the rain started to fall and it got cold….really cold!  When we got to Prince George Equestrian Center we hoped we had stalls in the upper barns but no way did that happen…. instead we were down in the tents and all the horrible mud!

 

 

 

We lived all weekend in the rain and MUD!  Forget trying to have white socks on the ponies.  There was no where to school since all the rings were knee deep in mud and we did not want to risk the ponies getting hurt. 

 

On Friday night we got settled in and then went out to eat.  I got to share a room with my friends Carly and Tory.  On Saturday morning we were up at 5:15 a.m.  We had to meet Tony and get in the ring to school by 6:30 a.m.  There were so many people schooling in the ring.  All we could do was flat.  Since it was still raining we knew that would be the last ride we would get in before the warm up class later that day.  To stay warm we all sat in the indoor and watched the Children’s Hunter divisions.  After a while our moms decided it was time for lunch and to go to the hotel room to rest a bit before we ride.  We thought it would be around three p.m.  …  WRONG…we got the call in the hotel room that we would not ride until 9 p.m.   We had been up waiting around since 5:15 p.m.  Carly’s mom took a nap and my mom cleaned my saddle and bridle and we waited….and waited.

 

At about 7 pm, we headed back out into the rain, cold, and mud.  The warm up class was the only time we would get to go over all the jumps in the ring.  We had to wear show clothes and our numbers just like it was being judged even though it was not.  Richie did great and we cantered around the course easily.  After the warm up class, we headed back to the hotel.  That is when we got silly!  Carly and I played and played.  We set up jumps in our room and made a little course.  It was so fun!

 

Sunday was the big day.  We were up by 7 am and went to the I-Hop to have breakfast.  It was still raining and the mud was out of control but we were ready to show.  My mom usually braids Richie but this time she decided that she would have the braider take care of him.  He looked so pretty.  Finally at 3 pm it was time to go.  Carly, me, Richie, and Willy headed out to the ring.  We watched several rounds.  Tony watched the rounds also.  Boy, the diagonal lines sure looked long!  They said we should get seven strides but it looked like all the ponies were galloping as hard as they could go to get the seven.  Tony watched and then told us he wanted us to add in the lines.  That means that even though the judge wants you to get seven (for me) or eight (for Carly) we should add an extra stride.  Carly would do eight because her pony is a small and has shorter legs so with adding she needed a nine.  Richie is bigger and has longer legs so he was to do the seven but we went for eight.  It meant that we could pretty much count on not getting ribbons in the over fences but Tony said that it was the right thing to do for us and we listen to Tony.  He told us we are still little and too young to be galloping our ponies down the course.  It was ok with me! 

 

 

 

We had a great time!!

 

After our round, we had the under saddle.  I know Richie always does well in this.  There were so many ponies in the ring.  I did not know how the judge in the stands would see us all.  After going around at the trot and the canter the announcer called for eight ponies to line up in the center….he did not call Richie.  I almost paniced.  The judge asked us to reverse and we went at the trot the other direction.  Soon after the trot started, the announcer called my number to line up and dismissed all the others.  My mom told me later, the judge had not seen us up until that moment.  She almost missed us!  The called out the pinnings.  When they called our number third I was so happy.  What a pretty ribbon that yellow ribbon was!

 

When it was all over we all headed back down to the tents to get treats and start to pack up.  Everyone was running every which way and splashing in the mud and packing up the trailer.  I just wanted a moment to spend with Richie.  I hid in the stall in the corner on the ground.  I had a hand full of mints just for Richie.  No one could find me.  He is big enough to hide me in the corner while he ate his mints.  I heard my mom calling for me and telling me it was time to load up.  Richie got a big hug and kiss from me before he got on the trailer.  We headed back to Wake Forest.  We all went to sleep in the back and woke up around mid night back home. 

 

All day Monday, my mom and I cuddled  in blankets on the couch and watched TV.  I knew that Richie was at the barn enjoying his much deserved day off.  Boy, what a great year we had.  There were a lot of ups and some downs.  It was all worth it.  I will remember Zone Finals for a long time to come.  And….We will be back!!  I am only 10 you know!

 

This weekend we will be getting ready for Duke Charity Benefit Horse Show.  Richie needs to be clipped and we need to pack.  On Friday we will head over to the Hunt Horse Complex.  I will be showing in the 11 and Under Equitation and the USEF Pony Medal.  It will be my first time doing these divisions.  I am very excited.  Equitation is my favorite!

 

 

Happy Halloween!!!

 

 

 

Did I Ever Tell You….. October 21, 2009

 

I know that some of you are waiting to hear all about Zone III Finals!  I am waiting to get the photos back and hopefully video to share.  In the meantime I wondered if I ever told you about my Chihuahua “Boots”? 

 

I wanted a Chihuahua soooooo bad but my dad kept saying “no way”.  I begged and begged.  Finally, back during the winter circuit in Raleigh my dad told me if I got Champion of my division he would get me a Chihuahua.  To be honest, I am pretty sure he did not think there was any way that was going to happen.  Well……

We got Champion of Schooling Pony 2′6 and Children’s Pony

 

and

 

 

I Got….

 

 

Meet Boots….the official Horse Show Dog!

 

Boots weights four pounds and is soooo cute!  My mom and I dress him all the time.  He has all sorts of clothes.  Whenever I get home at night he runs over and wiggles his tail and barks at me.  He thinks he is really big!!:)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Boots now goes to all the horse shows with us.  He even has a stroller I push him around in!  Tony says the only reason he took me as a student is because he could not say no to a girl who pushes a Chihuahua around in a stroller!!  Tony is so funny!!

 

Stay tuned for a post all about my weekend in Upper Marlboro Maryland at Zone III Finals!

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND!!! October 9, 2009

 

I had no idea how popular this site had become.  My mom and  I also had no idea that so many of you liked to read about what we are doing.  I came to this blog to start writing again and was shocked to find all of the pending comments!

 

So……………

 

Back by popular demand:

The Horse Show Kid!!!

 

Boy have we had a lot going on!  Last I could tell we left off during the winter circuit in Raleigh.  With Winter II over I only had a few weeks until the March and final winter show.  Boy were we ready.  It was a tight race.  If I remember correctly we won all of our classes and ….

 

Won Children’s Pony Circuit Champion! 

I was so happy.  I had never won anything that big.  Ritchie and I actually won a fantastic cooler that was so pretty and a HUGE ribbon!  I got my photo taken and all!  It felt great.  With the winter circuit over, we started thinking about warm weather and spring time shows.  It was back home to start practicing again. 

 

During the spring, I had the opportunity to ride several ponies for a pony breeder here in NC.  Four days a week I would finish my school work early and Lisa would pick me up to ride sometimes as many as four ponies each day.  I felt very lucky and learned so much from these ponies. 

 

Everything was on a roll and I seemed totally ready for the Greensboro A show in April.  I arrived on Wed. and my mom came on Friday.  Harold and Jenn were there and I was all ready for Schooling Pony.  Then it happened…while schooling Ritchie I fell off.  I missed my distance and took a long one.  Well, Ritchie did not appreciate it and decided it was time for me to get off.  I just remember crying and Jenn telling me it was ok.  I told my mom I did not want to show.  They told me I did not have to and I went to the hotel room.  I am not sure why I was so upset.  I had fallen off of Skittles so many times.  I knew that it happened.  I think I was not expecting it.  I was pretty mad. 

Then next day my mom asked an older rider to ride Ritchie in the warm up so that  I could see he was alright.  She did great and I thought he was so pretty.  I was still shaken up and had a hard time focusing.  We left the first show of the spring with a couple of 5th places and a second in the hack.  My mom said I just needed to have a few weeks off and move forward. 

 

In May, we decided to leave Ritchie and home since he would be showing quite a bit in June and July.  Instead, I was asked by the pony breeder to ride one of her ponies at the Carolina Horse Park A horse show.  Ella or Pepperwood Enchanted was a pony I really enjoyed riding at home.  I was so thrilled to get to ride a pony for a nice person.  Well, it rained and poured the entire show.  It rained so hard that as I was riding the water was pouring off the brim of my helmet.  I could hardly see in front of me.  Ella was very green and she was not happy about showing in that weather.  We were drenched with water.  It was still fun though.  That night we even camped on the show grounds instead of driving into town.  It was so much fun!

 

 

 

June rolled around a little to fast.  The first week of June we went to Tryon NC for the summer A shows.   Ritchie and I did great!  He was a star.  Tryon is a great show.  I went there in June and July and it was so fun.  It is in them mountains and they have a huge jumper ring so I was able to watch the jumpers whenever I was not busy.  So Cool!!

 

 

 

The summer was starting to wind down and we had the Lexington National Horse Show coming up soon.  I had not been doing as well since the fall in April and was hoping Lexington would go well.  In the meantime, Lisa had some exciting news!  She had been selected as the new head coach of Wakefield.  We were all proud of her!  This would mean she would be very busy and it would be difficult for her to help out as she had been doing.  My mom said she was tired of driving so far to see Ritchie and wanted to move him closer to home.  I missed riding with other girls like me.  We decided to move Ritchie to my best friends farm right down the street from me.  I had been friends with Carly for a long time and always had fun at the shows with her.  I was so excited.  Unfortunately, Lisa would not be able to come out and help with her being so busy at Wakefield.  We were both sad.  She told me she knew I would continue to do well and I will still see her at the shows. 

 

Seabreeze Farm in NC has now become quite the hang out!  I get to go out every day since it is so close and get to ride with my friends.  There is Carly, Tory, Devney, Sidney, and Hannah!  We have a great time and my mom spends lots of time talking to thier moms!!  That means more play time for us!!

 

Tony Albertson is the trainer there and he is a very funny person!  I have been having a fun time taking lessons with him.  My mom and Tony wanted to see how things would go at a show recently so we went to a schooling show for a weekend.  It was great.  Ritchie was fantastic and I got to work on the butterflies in my belly!

 

It is a good thing I got those butterflies out because…..

 

I got my invitation to Zone III Finals at Whashington International Local Weekend!!

Ritchie and I were number four in our zone and qualified for finals.  I am so excited.  This weekend and this week my mom and I will be getting prepared and we will be leaving on Friday.  I plan on keeping you all posted as to all our preperations and the show!  There will be lots to tell.  Check back next week for all the photos and details!!  I hope I have great news then!!!

 

 

What a Show!! February 27, 2009

 

My mom says pictures are worth a thousand words!  We had a great weekend at Raleigh Indoors II! 

 

The show week started with a late night evening on Wednesday before the show.  My mom got off work and we went straight to the barn to pack up for the show and load up Ritchie.  Thankfully, the Hunt Horse Complex is only about 20 minutes from the barn.  We arrived at the show around 7 p.m.   We got the stall ready with shavings and water buckets and then unloaded Ritchie.  It was pretty cold over the weekend so we made sure we had his extra blankets.  After he was all settled in my mom and I headed for home and some sleep. 

 

On Thursday morning Lisa picked me up at my mom’s job and we headed for the show.  I spent most of Thursday taking care of Ritchie and having a lesson with Lisa.  I made sure to clean my tack and wash all the white markings on Ritchie really good.  On Friday, my mom and Lisa decided that I would stay at her office instead of spending all day at the show.  They said I am still little and get really tired by the time my Schooling Pony classes start.  My mom said I could use a nap at lunch time.  I laid down at the office but could not stop thinking about the show.  I was so excited and could not wait to be in the ring.  Finally, after lunch, Lisa came to get me and we headed out.  My mom works on Friday’s so she sends me to get ready with Lisa and usually misses the Schooling Pony.  There were ten ponies in the Schooling Pony.  This show I understood I had to get the correct strides.  My first round was good but Lisa said it was a little bit “unpolished”.  I went back in for my second round and it was fantastic!  We took a 3rd in the first round and a 1st in the second round.  In the hack I worked hard to make sure that I kept Ritchie balanced.  We won the hack.  It was a great afternoon and way to start off the show weekend.  We took champion of the Schooling Pony division at 2′6. 

 

 

 

Saturday was an amazing day!  My mom and I got to the show early to feed and unwrap bandages.  It was very cold so we spent the morning sitting with Lisa in the heated indoor and watching the rounds.   Finally, it was time for my rounds.  Lisa decided that I should do the Pony Warm Up.  It went great and she told me that was a fantastic round.  Our other two rounds went well.  Lisa said I could still polish up my rounds a bit and we talked about that.  When the day was done Ritchie and I took three blue ribbons back to the barn to hang up.  Lisa said our warm up round was the best.  I was so happy and a little tired.  We gave Ritchie lots of treats and then said goodbye to Lisa.  Me and my mom hung out at the show until it was time for Ritchie to eat and get ready for bed.  After he was all settled we headed home.  I had a hot bath and went straight to sleep.

 

Sunday was very windy.  The weather was calling for possible snow.  At breakfast in the indoor several people were talking about what the day would be like.  I like when the shows have donuts and bagels for breakfast.  I wondered what our day would be like.  Well, it turned out to be a great day!  In my first over fences, I chipped into the first single jump.  The rest of the round went well but it was the second round that was the best.  The last line for everyone was a little tricky.  Lisa talked to me about jumping in and then balancing Ritchie so that the line worked out perfectly.  The whole round went well and all that was left was the last outside line… I saw it… I saw that I needed to whoa a bit and I did it!  The line worked out great and we got a first place.  We took a 2nd in our first over fences and a second in the hack.  Ritchie and I were Children’s Pony Champions!  I felt great.   Lisa has worked so hard with us this past couple of weeks and it was a great win for all three of us!  With the showing over we packed up and headed home with a lap full of pretty ribbons!

 

This week has been back to work and practice.  We have two weeks until our next show in Raleigh.  I will continue to ride as much as I can. 

 

Yesterday, I got to go and visit Skittles.  It was so good to see him.  I got to have a fun ride and we even did some jumping!  He was really good.  I gave him a huge hug and treats.  I know the new little girls that will be taking him will just love how adorable he is!!

 

 

Horse Show Week Is Here!! February 18, 2009

 

Well, it is raining and really cold here in North Carolina.  Temps are only going to be in the 40’s this weekend as we head out to the Raleigh Indoor II Horse Show. 

 

Since my last post we have been getting to know the new facility where we are boarding Ritchie.   Because it is so close to my mom’s office and it has an indoor ring, I have been getting lots and lots of ride time.  I feel really prepared for this show and can not wait to use some of the skills we have been working on in lessons.

 

Lisa has been working with me on combinations and handy hunter course work.  Handy Hunter rounds are more technical courses and can include rollbacks, bending lines, trot fences, halts, and in and outs.  This is different from the more straightforward hunter classes.  I need to become familiar with these type of courses to be able to move to the Medium Pony Hunter division.  They are very fun but are very hard to remember.  My biggest problem is just not forgetting what to do next while still remembering to count my strides and get my lead changes. 

 

This weekend I will be showing in the Children’s Pony so I will not have to worry about Handy Hunter classes.  I will also be jumping the 2′6 schooling pony just like last time.  I want to show Lisa that I can ride in the show ring like I do at home. 

 

Ritchie, of course, is the master of these courses.  He is teaching me how to navigate these courses and proving to be a great teacher.  I do not have photos this week but wanted to share some video of Ritchie and I practicing at home.  Hope you all enjoy! 

 

 

 

I am on my way out the door with my mom to the barn to pack all of my things for the show.  I have to clean my saddle and get the trailer packed and then we will load Ritchie and be on our way to the showgrounds.  Tomorrow I will be spending the day with Lisa at the show so that I can take a lesson and watch some of the professionals ride.  Be sure to check back next week to find out how we did!

Lessons, Practice, and More Lessons… February 10, 2009

 

Hi there!  Boy has there been a lot going on.  I have not even had time to write about the last show!  With another show quickly approaching I thought it was about time to get together with my mom and start filling you in on our progress.

 

The January show was great.  We had a big surprise for everyone… Lisa decided to see how I would do with Ritchie in Schooling Pony 2′6 instead of the 2′ classes.  Boy was that a learning experience.  Ritchie really took good care of me.  We did really well and I got all of my lead changes but I added a stride in one line of each round.  I got a 5th over fences and then we hacked fantastic and ended up with a 2nd in the hack.  I was pretty happy but not quite sure what happened in my over fences classes.  I did not really understand that even though it felt good and looked good I could do poorly if I added a stride.  Lisa explained I really had to pick up the pace and then gave me another cool surprise.  She felt that I had been doing so well that I was a bit to advanced for short stirrup and that is was time for me to move up so she decided to enter me in the Children’s Pony division.  Children’s Pony is still 2′ like short stirrup but it requires me to get the pony hunter pace and strides. 

 

On Saturday we got ready for the Children’s Pony classes and again I had what I “thought” were good rounds.  They felt really good with the same pace all the way around and really straight lines.  When it came time for the ribbons I placed 6th and 7th out of 8.  What happened?  So that night Lisa and my mom really laid it out to me about the strides and how you have got to get the right strides to get ribbons.  They explained that missing the strides is just as bad as missing a lead change and I know that is really bad.  So on Sunday, with a new understanding of my new division, I stepped up my game… guess what… I got all my strides perfect and was smiling the whole way around the ring!  Lisa was right because when it came time for the ribbons we got to jog in 2nd and 3rd.  Oh yeah, in Raleigh the Children’s Pony division jogs.  I had never jogged before.  You are called in the ring and have to run across the ring while making your pony trot.  The judge is looking to make sure your pony is sound and not lame.  It felt really good to jog in the front of the line instead of the back.   Ritchie took 2nd in the under saddle and we left the show feeling like I sure learned a lot. 

 

After the show was over I got to hang out with my friend Carly.  She is really fun and I like to look for her when we get to the show.  She rides a small pony named Willie and they do the small pony division.

 

Carly, me, and the doggies

Once the show weekend was over it was back to practicing.  Here in North Carolina we have been getting a lot of rainy weather and just when I was ready to get back to riding 5-6 days a week the rain set in.  I went an entire week with only one ride.  That was when my mom and Lisa made a decision.  It was time to move Ritchie to a barn close to my mom’s job and that has an indoor ring.  I really did not want to move him since I will see less of my friends Alyssa and Alyson at the other barn but I know that in order to keep up I have to ride more.   The new place allows me to ride everyday after school and is only a couple of miles from Lisa so she is able to pick me up and help me get out to ride daily. 

Since the last time I posted I also went to see Harold at Solo Show Stables for a lesson.  Harold and Jenn left last week for Florida so I will not see them again until the middle of March.  Harold worked with me on planning out difficult courses and challenged me by asking me to adjust my strides by adding and taking out strides through out a course.  It was pretty tough but Ritchie and I did well.

 

Lisa has been very on top of my riding as well and sees me twice a week to work with me.  One lesson is a flat only and the other is my jumping lesson.  I have been learning so much and can not wait until the next show in two weeks. 

 

I do have some Skittles news as well… Skittles is back in North Carolina!  Holly moved her farm and lost some of her riders.  Since she really did not have anyone to ride him she brought him back home!  I thought I would never see him again when we left South Carolina in September.  I could not wait until we got to the barn that day.  As soon as we pulled in the drive I started to look for him.  Across the field I spotted all that white and asked my dad to stop the car.  I ran through the field as fast as I could.  Skittles looked happy to see me and I hugged him as hard as I could.  But guess what happened while he was gone…. he shrunk!!!  No, not really, but I did grow.  When my mom saw him she said that I would have never made it through this season with him. 

 

My mom and I talked about it and decided that Skittles should just retire from showing.  I won a lot of ribbons with him and learned a lot of things but he is so little and I do not want him going far from me again.  So, my mom found a great home for Skittles right down the road from her job.  He will be living with Autumn and Summer.  They are two little girls who are looking for a little pony to live on their farm that they can play with and take care of.  He will love it and the best part is I will get to see him any time I want. 

 

Well, I think you all are all caught up now.  Don’t forget we will be showing in Raleigh on Feb. 20-22.  I will have a new update and photos then!  Be sure to check back soon!

Snow and Show! January 23, 2009

Hi there!  I have a bunch to update and some cool photos to share!

First, Ritchie and I have been working very hard to get ready for the Triangle Farms Indoor I show in Raleigh.  It has been three weeks since the Holiday Classic and we have had lots to work on.  Mostly, we have been working on getting to know each other better.  I am finding out just how cool Ritchie is!

With the show coming up quickly there was a lot of training to get done.  Lisa was so great.  She picked me up several times a week, after my school work was completed of course, and took me to the barn to get in extra lessons.  They really helped a whole lot!  Last weekend we took the trip to see Harold and Jenn at Solo Show Stables and had a fantastic lesson with Jenn.  She is very proud of all the hard work that me and Lisa are doing.    In the last couple of weeks I have been working on getting the Medium Pony Hunter pace which is faster than the pace for Short Stirrup.  I also have been working on getting the correct strides for the pony division.  I have learned that if there are  six strides in the Short Stirrup I will need to get five strides in the Medium Pony Division.  I have also been learning about bending and correctly setting up a lead change.

There is a lot to learn on the ground also.  I have been learning how to walk lines and count out strides.  This will help me if I need to know how many strides are in a line and my trainers are not there to tell me.  I can also set my own jumps now.  Lisa has been taking me to watch some other lessons she teaches so that I can watch the other riders.  She says there is a lot to learn from watching others.    Back in the barn there is a lot to learn and do as well.  I like to get Ritchie ready myself (except I have to stand on a mounting block to get his saddle on!).   I make sure his hooves are clean and his tack in on correctly.  My favorite part is painting the hoof oil on and putting his jumping boots on.

With only a couple of days left until we were to leave for the showgrounds we got a big surprise!  I went to bed one night and the next morning I woke up to SNOW!!  Snow in North Carolina does not happen very often and I could not remember the last time we had enough snow to play in!  I bundled up in warm clothes and boots and ran outside to meet up with my friends.  I took a break from riding that day so I could sled down the hill and throw snow balls.  It was so much fun.  When the day was over and I was back in the house warming up I wondered what Ritchie was doing on a snow day.  The next day I got to find out.  Me and my mom and dad went out to the barn and took Ritchie out in the snow.  My mom says Ritchie is from Minnesota and that it is very cold there and he probably knows all about snow.   When I let him in the pasture he started to kick around in the snow and laid down and rolled.  He looked like he was having so much fun.  He trotted over to the fence and kept nudging me.  I think he wanted me to come in and play!  So I did!  We had a great time!

After our time playing I gave Ritchie some of his favorite treats and then it was off to start packing for the show.  We were leaving to the showgrounds the next morning.  My mom has a horse show checklist and we have to go down each thing and make sure it is in my trunks.  I have to remember things like, tack, buckets, hay, grain, saddle pads,  sponges, leather cleaner, shampoo and braiding yarn.  There is so much to pack and my mom always thinks we are forgetting something.

With everything packed and Ritchie back in his stall for the night it was time for me to be getting to bed.  I like to go to sleep early but tonight I might have a hard time sleeping just thinking about a horse show weekend with Ritchie!!  Check back next week so I can tell you all about the show!

Happy New Year with “Happy Days”! January 3, 2009

I am excited about 2009.  Happy New Year to everyone.  With the New Year there is a new pony at the barn.  After several trials and a long time looking we have finalized a lease.  “Happy Days” aka “Ritchie” is a medium pony that is just perfect!  We just returned from the final test…. The Holiday Classic Horse Show in Raleigh.  Ritchie was Short Stirrup Hunter Champion!!

The last time my mom and I posted we were about to leave for Atlanta Georgia to visit two ponies.  Several of you emailed me to find out what has happened to the other ponies I had.  My mom and I thought we should explain how the leasing and buying of a pony sometimes works.  Sometimes when trainers are looking for the “right” pony for a rider they ask for a trial period so that the rider can spend some time trying out the new pony in different environments.  Sometimes the trial periods are for a week or a couple of weeks or sometimes a whole month.  After a trial with Amber my trainer felt that she would need a little more work than we had time to give before the show season started so the search was on again with only a few weeks until the first show of the season.  I was very nervous!!  I was starting to think we might not find the right pony!  Then my trianer Lisa decided to contact a friend of hers in Atlanta and they told us that there were two ponies there that we could try.  So off we went ont he search for another pony!

The trip to Atlanta took seven hours.  I watched my DVD player in the back seat for the whole trip.  We got to Atlanta about 8 pm and had some dinner then checked into the hotel and got some sleep.  I had butterflies in my tummy the whole night.  Then next morning we packed up and made our way to Jamie Terhune in Peachtree City, Georgia.  The farm was really great and Jamie was waiting for us to arrive.  After getting my saddle from the trailer we started with Ritchie.  He was wonderful and I just loved how pretty he moved.  His trot felt very big and his lead changes were so easy.  After trying Ritchie, we went back to the barn to get Barbie ready.  She was a gleaming copper color.  I thought she was so pretty.  Barbie was also very fun to ride and had a great jump!  It was a very hard decision and my mom told Lisa she should decide which pony to take back.  Lisa picked Ritchie.  After packing his things and talking to Jamie we got loaded up and started the trip home.  It took eight hours to get home with Ritchie.

We let Ritchie settle in for a couple of days and then I went out to ride him.  It was a great ride and I told my mom that I thougtht Ritchie was a keeper!  Ritchie had one more test to pass.  He has to go with me to the Holiday Classic in Raleigh.  I have had very little showing since all the problems with Skittles and so I knew it would be a challenge for both me and Ritchie.  Guess what though, it was no challenge for Ritchie after all!  Ritchie was perfect!  I on the other hand had butterflies and had very little practice with Ritchie before going into the Schooling Pony Division the second day at the show.  Even with me worried and nervous Ritchie took 8th out of 14 in Schooling Pony and 4th place in the Under Saddle/Hack.  I started to feel really good about Ritchie!

The next couple of days we had several Short Stirrup classes and Ritchie proved to be a star again.  The first day I was still getting used to Ritchie but he was ready to shine.  We took first place in the equitation on the flat and second in equitation over fences.  The next day we earned two first places and a second.  Ritchie was the division champion!  Each day I felt better and better with Ritchie and now I know I have a partner again!

Speaking of partners, some of you are wondering what Skittles is up to…. well stay tuned because he is in Aiken SC at the AA horse show debuting in the green small ponies division.  I cannot wait to see the results.  I will keep you all posted.

I will have more photos posted next week.  In the meantime, it is off to cleaning out the car and putting away all of my show things so that they are ready for the next show in three weeks.  Ritchie and I will have several lessons before the next show including seeing Harold and Jenn the second weekend of January.  Be sure to check back next week and regularly again.  With a new season starting and a new pony there will be lots of updates!