A Real Slow Down… September 9, 2008

I love this Drawing... Don

 

I have been getting emails wondering why we have not posted in so long.  As you all may know we are looking for a new pony.   We have been looking at videos and will be going this week to visit several ponies with Jenn.  It is a very exciting process and I am looking forward to finding just the right pony.

Skittles is doing much better and seems to be getting over his sore back, ulcers, and eye injury from this summer.  Part of being a horse show kid is dealing with injuries and other things that sometimes interrupt the show season.  This season did not go entirely like we thought it would.  We knew we would be showing less once moving to the A shows but it seems like forever since we have horse showed.  With less horse showing and Skittles unable to jump much I have been very focused on flat work and my position.  We have been continuing to take Skittles to Jenn and Harold’s for lessons several times a month.

My mom said we should use the rest of this season to continue my education and Jenn agrees.  We hope to have a new pony in time for the start of the new season December first.  According to my mom and Jenn, our goal for next season will be lots and lots of horse shows so that I can get a good amount of expereince under my belt.  I sure am looking forward to that! 

In the meantime, we will not be posting as much but will be keeping you all informed about the pony search.  As soon as we know something we will be posting and letting everyone know about our good news!!  Hopefully next season I will be posting every week all about my horse show fun!

What Have We been Up To? August 10, 2008

 

It has been a couple of weeks since I have updated.  Not a lot is going on…. other than the heat.  It has been very hot but I am still trying to find times to ride.  For the past three weeks in a row we have made the trip to Southern Pines to have lessons at Solo Show Stables.  Things have been going good with Skittles.  He is still being treated for gastric ulcers and is doing well.  With the medication, he is back to doing well in lessons and jumping again. 

 

 Today it was much cooler outside and in my lesson we worked on adjusting my ponies pace and counting strides.   Jenn has me canter and then trot jumps and has been giving me and skittles lots of changes in our courses.  Skittles is still green and gets confused as to what I am asking him but he did very well and by the end of the lesson was really trying to listen to what I wanted him to do.  I will not see Jenn for another lesson until the first week of September.  Jenn and Harold will be going to Culpeper for two weeks. 

 

However…. just because I do not have a lesson does not mean I will not be seeing Jenn or riding.  Jenn told my parents that she has two ponies that she is interested in for me and they will be in Culpeper showing during the two weeks.  She wanted to make sure my parents could come to Culpeper if she likes them so I could try them out.  My parents told her they would be ready and waiting.  I am very excited.  Stay tuned.  I will update you all as soon as we go to Culpeper.

 

 

The past couple of weeks I have been doing a lot of flat work and no stirrups work.  Sometimes it is good to have some time away from jumping so that I can work on basics again.  Jenn says it is really helping my position.  My mom says it is amazing what riding in two point and no stirrups can do for a leg.   I try to ride for at least 20 minutes in two-point.  I do lots of circles and work on not dropping my inside shoulder.

 

 

Over the past few weeks with the heat and no horse shows I have been doing a lot of cool things when I am not riding!

Some of you may remember the dog my family adopted from Danny Robertshaw and Ron Danta.  Her name is Layla and I wanted to show everyone how she is doing.  This past weekend we went to the lake with our boat and took Layla with us.  She was so funny and we all had a great time.

 

 

 

 

If you think you might want to adopt a dog please visit Danny and Ron’s website.  They have many great dogs that need homes. 

www.dannyandronsrescue.com

 

We also got to get a night out at the Durham Bull’s Baseball game.  It was my great grandmothers 86th birthday.  We had a great time from our skybox right over home plate!  My brother and I were glued to the game that was very exciting.  The skybox has windows that you can open and it seemed we were right there in the middle of the game.  After the game was over there was a great fireworks show.  I did not get home until midnight and I had to get up the next morning at 7 a.m. to go to Solo for a lesson with Jenn.  I was worried I would be too tired to ride!

 

DOING THE CHICKEN DANCE!!

 

 

 

 

We had a great time!!  Sunday it was back to riding.  It was a nice day with the temperture only 80 degrees.  What a nice change.  I will keep you all updated on the search for a new pony.  Skittles will be going to a schooling show the end of this month just for some practice.  If all goes well he will be with Holly in South Carolina in October.  Stay tuned for the updates!

How To Handle a Heatwave 101…HorseShow Kid Style! July 21, 2008

 

Welcome Back!

 

I am not sure what kind of summer all of you are having but here in North Carolina this week we are having a heat wave!  With temperatures in the high 90’s and reaching as high as 100 degrees it is hard to feel motivated to ride.  Some of you ask what I do on the days it is so hot.  Well, I do not get off that easy.  I still have to ride five days a week.  We try to go to the barn late in the evening when it is a little cooler and I drink lots of water.  My mom does not take it easy on me either.  I still have to ride without stirrups and two-point.  We have been doing a lot of flat work lately just to take it easy on Skittles.  I also started school.  I am homeschooled and go with my mom everyday to work.  I have a table and computer where I do my work.  We started the year early so that I can take time off for horse shows throughout the season.  Next season we will be showing quite a bit.

 

 The big question is “How Do You Cool Off”?  Well……..

 

KOWABUNGA DUDE!!

ME AND MY BROTHERS HIT THE POOL!!

 

STAYING COOL BY THE POOL!

 

I have been getting lots of emails from lots of you asking about Skittles and wondering what has been happening since we made the decision to begin to find a new show pony.  Skittles has been doing fine.  My mom talked to the vet who will be coming out to treat him for gastric ulcers today.  Everyone still feels it is very strange that he suddenly began to have issues in his training.  Our vet talked to my mom about the possibility of painful ulcers in his stomach that could be flaring up when jumping or in high stress situations such as showing.  She says it is very common and can be easily treated with medication.  Our vet also suggested we try depovera which is a hormone shot.  She said it can have a calming effect on geldings who may be having some issues throughout the year with hormones. 

 

This weekend a friend of ours from South Carolina came to see Skittles.  Her name is Holly.  Holly is a trainer outside of Charleston and at the first of the year took my mom’s horse Bell to be used in her lesson program.  My mom thinks quite a bit of Holly because she has been so good to Bell and given her a great home.  Holly is very interested in leasing Skittles for her program in South Carolina.  Holly is small enough to ride Skittles and has lots of experience breaking and training hunters and jumpers.  She helps out the United States Equine Rescue League by providing training to many of the horses that otherwise would not be able to find homes.  Holly was able to ride Skittles on Saturday and felt that with the proper medication and a little time she could have Skittles back out showing with her students.  We were very happy because we know that Holly takes great care of her horses and ponies and will be able to give Skittles the work and experience that he needs.  It made me feel better because I know Holly and we know that Skittles will be in a wonderful program with a wonderful trainer.

 

Jenn is working on finding a new pony for me to show.  In the meantime, Skittles and I will be spending the next three weekends in Southern Pines having lessons at Solo.  For now it is back out in the heat for another practice.   Check back to find out how it all goes!  See ya then! 

 

New Horizons July 9, 2008

What is Going On?

It has been a long time since my mom and I have sat down to talk about the blog.  A lot has been going on very fast.  Since the last entry Skittles had his first serious medical problem.  One night my mom and I went out to the barn so I could ride and when we got Skittles from his stall we saw that his eye was completely swollen shut.  My mom had some antibiotic ointment for the eye and immediately put it in and cleaned it up as much as possible.  His eye was runny and he looked like it really hurt.  The next morning my mom called the vet and immediately had them come out to take a look.  The antibiotic cream my mom put in helped some but you could tell it really hurt.  The vet said the tearing and blinking indicated that it was hurting and immediately gave him Banamine to help with the pain.  She then did a “stain”.  A stain is when they put a yellowish liquid in the eye and then shine a light on the eye to look for scratches.  The vet showed my mom and me that Skittles had an “ulcer” that was pretty big on the cornea of his eye.  The vet said it could be very serious and that it required treating the scratch four times a day for a week.  She also said Skittles had to stay in a dark stall because the light outside would make it hurt more.  For almost two weeks we had to keep Skittles on stall rest.  I was not able to ride at all.  Some girls have practice ponies but I only have Skittles so it was difficult not to ride.

After all of the medicines were completed the vet came back to check on his eye and gave us the good news that the scratch was completely healed but that he still needed to stay out of the sunlight as much as possible and wear a fly mask while working in the ring and anytime he was outside.  My mom was really nervous because we were only a few days from the NCHJA “AA” show in Raleigh and we had very little time to get ready. 

 

On the Sunday before everyone arrived in Raleigh for the big show Skittles and I went to see Harold Chopping for a lesson and evaluation.  After working with us for an hour and a half Harold said he thought Skittles was ready.  With that good news, we packed up our things on Monday and arrived at the fairgrounds on Tuesday with Skittles.  We wanted to give him time to settle in his stall.  On Wednesday night I met up with Harold for a lesson before my classes on Thursday and Friday.  Everything seemed fine and we had a good lesson.  Skittles was a little fresh but Harold said that was too be expected with all that had gone on the weeks before the show. 

 

On Thursday my mom had to work and so it was just me and my dad.  My dad does not know a lot about horses but he tried.  My mom knows how to get me and Skittles ready and calmed down before our classes so I was really missing having her there.  Also, usually I have Jenn at the in gate coaching me but because she had her baby she was unable to be with me.  Instead, Harold helped me out.  The first day was alright but Skittles was really fast and Harold said he was a bit fresh.  I felt a little out of sorts without my mom to help.  We have certainly had better days showing. 

 

On Friday, my mom was at the show and things started off a whole lot better.  She made sure that Skittles was ready and we did our normal routine that we always do at shows.  I felt pretty good.  Harold met us at the in gate and I looked over my rounds.  Right from the start when we entered the ring Skittles became spooked at the announcers stand.  Our round was going pretty good and he was slow like he should have been until we came around a corner and the water truck was coming.  Skittles got caught off guard and we missed the jump.  I made a circle and continued our course.  In our second round everything went fine except near the end on our last line he broke to a trot and it took a few steps before I got him to canter again. 

 

After the classes were over, my mom and Harold talked about putting us in Schooling pony as a way just to get some more practice in the ring.  Harold thought it would be good for Skittles just to go around since he had been out of training and showing for a while.  Well, things did not go so good.  I actually fell off when he stopped at the same jump he missed earlier that day.  It just was not the day for Skittles.  After our great show at Greensboro it was very shocking.  Harold called up Don Stewart and asked if one of his students could ride Skittles.  He did wonderful for the girl and even did lead changes easily.   Harold and Jenn said it was probably just all that had been going on the past weeks and that neither of us were ready for the show, but my mom said she had made a decision.  She told Jenn she wanted me to have a new pony.

 

Skittles and I have been through a lot together and I love him very much.  He is my very first pony.  We learned to do the  Walk Trot Division together and then he was the king of the Young Entry Division.  We won lots and lots of ribbons and made a great team.  We learned all of those things together but my mom says now we have come to a point were we both need someone different.  My mom and Jenn said I need a pony that will allow me to focus on my equitation and that will be a teacher to me.  She says I need a pony that will now give me the miles I need to move to the next level.  My mom and Jenn know that now Skittles needs a more experienced rider to give him the confidence he needs.  He needs a rider that knows how to properly set him up for his lead changes and who knows how to bring out his best.  He needs a little older rider who is looking for a green small pony. 

 

Skittles is my best friend and my mom and dad love him too.  We all cried.  My mom said it was breaking her heart to let him go.  It is breaking my heart too.  He is the best pony I could have had.  I hope that Skittles will find a home where he will be loved like I have loved him and I hope I will still get to see him sometimes.  My mom says part of horseshowing is moving on even when it is sad.  Harold said the same thing.  He told me there will be lots of ponies and horses in my life.  No matter how many come and go I will always have a special  little place in my heart for Skittles.

 

 

Skittles and I will continue to train together while Jenn finds the next pony for me.  We have a lesson this weekend in Southern Pines.  It will be hard to go out and work with Skittles knowing that we will not be horse showing together anymore.  I wonder if Skittles will know how sad I am?  I also wonder what my next pony will be like and what great things we will do together?  I hope the new pony and I will have as many good times as Skittles and I did.

Skittles is Sick! June 24, 2008

 

Skittles Has an Injury!

We have not posted a new entry in some time.  Skittles has a serious eye injury.  We have not been able to work together.  I want to tell everyone what has happened.  My mom and I are gathering photos and will have the whole story up this week.  Please Check Back.  Please say a little prayer for my pony Skittles to get better soon!

Big Secret Revealed! June 4, 2008

 

 

BIG NEWS!!

It has been a couple of weeks since I have had much news to report.  I have been keeping a secret and am so glad I can finally let it out! 

 

As some of you know, Skittles and I work with two different trainers.  Our main trainers, Jenn and Harold, live in Southern Pines which is about two hours from where I live.  We also work with a trainer closer to home in between visits to Southern Pines.  Lisa Dye had been helping us out but recently took a new job in Texas.  My mom and I were very worried about who would take Lisa’s place.  Chadale Farms worked very hard to find a new trainer and I am happy to report has hired Kristina LePow to be the head coach.  Kris has visited the farm two times and I have been able to take lessons with her.  Kris has been the assistant coach with Kelly Kocher in South Carolina. Kris will be moving her two Grand Prix horses to Chadale Farms this month.    Chadale Farms and Kris LePow will be attending the upcoming NCHJA Annual “AA” horse show.  Kris will be riding in the Grand Prix event on Friday night along with Harold Chopping.  I can not wait!

 

This past weekend we made the trip to Southern Pines for a lesson with Jenn.  It was a hot day and my gloves were sticking to my hands.  Of course, my mom said she was glad it was hot and not cold!  It was really nice of Jenn to work with me being that she is almost ready to have a baby.  It was a really great lesson.  Skittles was perfect and I showed Jenn how much I have been practicing at home.  My mom makes me ride with no stirrups and in two-point in every practice.  Jenn said my leg and position was much better and now she wants me to work on my elbows.  When I ride I sometimes stick my elbows out.  Also, sometimes when I get into my jumping position, I close my hip angle too much and look like I am kissing my ponies neck which makes my elbows stick out.  My mom said the cure for that is more two-point position and Jenn suggested small jumps and grids.  That is what we will work on this week and will be making the trip back to Southern Pines this Saturday for another lesson. 

 

Check back next week for video of my practice and to hear about another secret I am keeping.  Yes, there is another surprise waiting!!  See you then!!

 

Stay Tuned Again! May 30, 2008

 

Make Sure You Check Back Tuesday for a New Update with Photos.  This Weekend w will Be Visiting Solo Show Stables for a Lesson!

 

Also Check Back for my Special Secret to be Revealed!!

See Ya Then!

First Time for Lots of Things! Added Photos! May 14, 2008

 

Savannah and Skittles

This weekend was filled with first times for me and Skittles!  We went to Greensboro NC for our first “A” show and our first time in Short Stirrup.  It was also the first show with Solo Show Stables since starting to train with them in November of last year.  We had so much fun!

 

We arrived on Friday evening.  Once we were unpacked my mom got me and Skittles ready for a lesson with Jenn Johnston in the schooling area.  There were so many horses and ponies it was hard to listen to Jenn.  After my lesson was over we got Skittles down for the night and headed to our hotel room to get some rest.  Saturday was going to be a busy day.

 

On Saturday we were at the showgrounds by 7 a.m.  We fed Skittles breakfast and got ready to give him a bath.  While we were waiting I could watch all of the hussle and bussle going on in the barns.  There were braiders everywhere and people were cleaning tack and getting dressed.  Skittles was not happy about his bath and really acted up.  My mom was completely wet once it was over but he was really white!  Once he had his bath we headed back to the tents so my mom could start braiding.  While my mom was braiding Skittles Jenn came over to tell us she had the perfect dog for us to adopt.  She told me and my brother Riley about Layla a three month old puppy that was for adoption.  Layla is one of the many dogs that was rescued by Danny Robertshaw and Ron Danta.  They rescue dogs that need homes and bring them to horse shows to find families to adopt them.  My mom told Jenn that she needed to speak to my dad about a puppy and that she did not think he would go for it.  My dad said if me or my mom bring home another animal he is getting a llama and putting it in the back yard and charging admission to the petting zoo! 

As soon as I saw Layla me and my brother loved her!  We wanted to adopt her and Jenn said she would help convince my dad.  She sure is a good sales person because he said “Yes”.  Jenn said we were helping out a great cause and that by adopting Layla another dog could be helped by Danny and Ron.  You can see all the dogs that need homes on their website:

 

www.dannyandronsrescue.com

 

 

After all of the excitement with Layla I found my mom who was getting Skittles lunged and finishing his grooming.  We were able to see the main hunter ring and the jumper ring from where we were stalled so we had a great time playing in the grass and watching all the rounds.  My mom was a little worried about how we would do but I knew it would be just fine.

When it was time for our rounds my mom gave Skittles to Jenn and she and my dad found a great place to watch.  After some final grooming it was time for Jenn to teach me my course.  She was very helpful.  After each round she asked me what I thought was good and not so good.  In my warmup round the first day I had butterflies in my tummy.  It was a little strange but I got around and Skittles really helped me out.  He just cantered around and went over everything so nice.  My second round was an equitation over fences and it was going fantastic until I was almost done and suddenly forgot where I should be going.  I just went blank.  I was off course.  Jenn and I just laughed and by the third and fourth round we had it figured out.  We ended up doing fantastic.  Skittles and I just need to get better at lead changes.  He was a real star out there!

 

 

 

 

 

On Sunday we had to ride in the rain.  It was very cold and ugly.  We were moved to the main ring and I was so happy since the announcer was Kip Broadfoot!  I have not been doing the local shows so I was so happy to see him.  He teased me a little bit but then it was back to business.  Skittles and I did fantastic and Jenn told my mom that the pony is “brilliant”.  She said she could tell I get a little tired by the las rounds but that she was so proud of us both for our first time out.  I ended up taking home a bunch of ribbons and had a great time!  After it was all over we headed home cold, wet and tired but so happy.

 

On Monday we had a lesson in Cary.  I have a special secret about that but I cannot tell it right now.  Check back in another week or two to find out what it is.  Our lesson went well and we have added some new show dates so check out our schedule.  This week its back to practice.  Check back soon for new news!

 

The Best Trip Ever!!! Updated with More Photos and Stories! April 30, 2008

The Aiken Spring Classic at Highfields!

 

This weekend was my Dad’s 40th Birthday and we went to the Aiken Spring Classic in Aiken South Carolina to celebrate!  It took me, my mom and dad and my brother Riley four and a half hours to get to Highfields Showgrounds for the big event.  I was so excited the whole trip.  Jenn and Harold had been at the show for a whole week and we were going to get to watch Harold ride in the Young Jumper 6-Year Old Championship.  My dad loves watching the jumper classes so he was in for a treat since there were jumper events scheduled for the entire weekend. 

When we first arrived early Saturday morning I was surprised at just how big the show was.  There were tents as far as I could see and horses and ponies everywhere.  The first thing we did was try and find the Solo Show Stables stalls.  On the way there we had a great time looking at all the fancy stall set ups.  There were bright colors and ribbons everywhere we looked!  It was like a little city!

 

 

 

When we found Jenn and Harold they were getting ready for the Championship that afternoon.  I asked my mom if I can wear all white like Harold in my classes but she told me I have a hard enough time staying clean with out wearing white! 

I got to see all of the horses they brought to the show.  They were all so clean and shiney.   The grooms stayed very busy cleaning tack and getting the horses ready.  They were very nice and  told me all about the pony jumpers and asked me if me and Skittles are ready for the show in two weeks.   It is really neat that they get to travel with Jenn and Harold to all the shows.  They really have cool jobs!  

Solo Show Stables sure had a lot of ribbons already and they had another whole week to be in Aiken.

 

 

My dad watched all of the classes on Saturday.  He had a great spot to park the car right outside of the ring.  He was able to watch riders warming up and all of the rounds.  He asked me if I was going to do the jumpers like Harold one day.  I sure hope so!

 

 

While my dad and Riley were watching the jumper ring my mom and I got to explore the other rings and the many tack shops on the showgrounds.  It was so large we had to rent a golf cart just to get around.  My mom even let me drive her.  It was so cool!  We watched the short stirrup ring first.  My mom and I talked about how the decision to move to short stirrup would be so good for me and Skittles.  We met families from Ohio, New York and Michigan.  We had such a good time talking to everyone.  I wish I had brought Skittles along so we could show with the other girls!

 

We also got to go shopping.  My mom told me I needed a new pair of riding pants for the A shows I will be doing.  We also had a list of small things we needed for the next show.  There were so many tack shops on site.  They had everything you could possibly need for showing.  We looked at saddles, clothes, bridles, bits and a whole lot more.  My mom got help matching the color of pants to the jacket I will be wearing.  The lady helping us picked a pair of Tailored Sportsman pants that would best match my grey jacket.  She even let us take them back to the hotel to try on since I do not like to try on clothes in changing rooms.  They fit so good and looked so nice.  I have a hard time finding jods that are long enough because my legs are very long.  The Tailored Sportsman fit perfect with some room to grow!

After we finished shopping we drove over to watch the green small ponies division.  That was my favorite thing because all of the small ponies were so cute!!  It was a great day!

 

 

Before we left for the night my brother Riley and I had a blast jumping our own course at the Dinner Bell Cafe.  While my parents were enjoying coffee at the cafe we pretended like we were ponies at the horse show.  I even counted my strides!  My dad said if riding horses does not work out I could always do hurdles.  I could jump pretty high!  Once we were done we said goodbye to Jenn and Harold and we went back to our hotel to get ready for my dad’s special birthday dinner. 

 

 

Happy Birthday Daddy!!!!

After we left the horse show Saturday night we took my dad out to eat and celebrate some more.  My mom wanted to make my dad laugh so she asked the waitress to sing happy birthday to my dad in front of everyone!  He begged my mom not to so our waitress Meagan at the Outback gave my dad a special birthday treat instead… a Chocolate Thunder from Down Under!  We all laughed and ate so much we all had to go back to the hotel room and lay down.  My dad said it was the best birthday ever!  I sure do agree with him.  How could a birthday get any better than chocolate, icecream, horses and horseshows?

 

 

 

 

Now that our special weekend is over it is back to working with Skittles.  This weekend Skittles will be going to Chadale Farms to spend the night.  Lisa will be riding him on Saturday and I will be having a lesson on Sunday.  We will begin packing and getting ready for the show the next weekend.  I have a lot of practicing to do and will be trying to ride everyday next week.  Check back to hear all about us getting ready and stay tuned for lots of pictures and stories of the upcoming show!

More News and a Special Trip! April 21, 2008

My Daddy is 40 years old and we are going to the Aiken Spring Classic!!

My mom and I worked on our entry for today last night and I was so excited about all the things going on I just could not stop talking. 

This past weekend I had my first lesson with my new local trainer Lisa.  We visited the farm where she trains in Cary, NC.  Jenn recommended Lisa to my mom.  As I said before, Lisa was a working student for Harold and Jenn.  Because they are friends it will be easy for Jenn to know what I am learning in my lessons when she is out of town or we are not able to get to Southern Pines.  Lisa was very nice and her lessons were very fun.  We worked on many of the skills I have been working on with Jenn.  We worked on counting my strides out loud and lead changes.  During our flat work Lisa gave me cool exercises to work on that help me use my leg to cue Skittles.  She also worked with me on my balance and my two point position.  She talked to me about properly asking for a lead change and both Skittles and I did very well.  I really enjoyed my lessons with Lisa this week.  With Jenn and Harold away for two weeks I will have several more lessons with Lisa to prepare for our show at Greensboro in May.   

 

My Lesson With Lisa

 

This weekend we had planned to go to Triangle Farms for my last time in Young Entry.  However, after my lessons with Lisa, she told my mom she did not see any reason for me and Skittles to continue in young entry.  She told my mom we had out grown that division and needed to move to a division that was more appropriate to my current level.  She told me that I needed a new challenge and that going to some A shows with Jenn and Harold as well as some shows with her would be great for me and Skittles.  Lisa does not attend the shows we went to with Jennifer and Rex so I will not see my friends very much but we will get to go to new shows and I know I will make new friends.  The really cool thing is that most of the shows we will attend now will be over night shows and we will get to stay in hotels!  I love staying over night in hotels!  My brother loves when hotels have breakfast in the lobby because they usually have donuts!

 

Me and My Horse Show Dad

 

I know I usually post pictures with Skittles but this week is a special week and so I wanted my mom to put a photo of me and my daddy.  He is the best daddy in the world and he is having a birthday this weekend.  He will be 40 years old.   My daddy goes to all of my horse shows and even tries to help out some.  He really likes Skittles and gives him lots of treats when I am not looking.  He really does not know too much about horses or ponies but that does not matter because he is still the best horse show dad in the world to me.

 My mom asked him what he wanted for his birthday and he said he wanted to take a special trip for the weekend.  After talking to Jenn, my mom and dad decided to surprise me with a trip to the Aiken Spring Classic horse show in South Carolina!  My dad loves to see me ride at horse shows but other than me, most of all he loves to watch the Jumpers!  I am excited I will get to be a spectator at the show.  I usually am too busy at horse shows to watch the other classes so this will be a very nice change.  While we are in Aiken, my dad wants to vist the Horse Racing Hall of Fame and we will be having a special birthday dinner for him.   Jenn told my mom that on Saturday many of the young hopeful jumpers wanting to make it to the big leagues will be showing and that there will be lots of activities.  My dad loves the little ponies too so he told my mom we have to get up early Sunday to watch them.  I will even get to watch Harold ride which is so cool!

 

My mom and I will both bring our cameras and we will be taking lots of photos of all the fun and we will be posting them on the blog.  I am sure we will have lots of cool things to share with everyone.  I hope you all check back next week to hear all about our trip and my dads extra special birthday!