Safety Summit:
With all of the recent tradgedies in the eventing world, the USEA and USEF has responded by organizing a safety summit to be held in Kentucky June 7th-8th. I will be attending the summit in hopes of learning what we can do to ensure horse and rider safety. In order to help pay for the trip I'll be holding a "clinic" on Sunday May 18th, focusing on pace and course work.
FROM USEA/USEF
In recent months, there have been a number of accidents to competitors and horses participating in our sport. These incidents have united all eventing riders who care deeply about the horses, their welfare and the image of the sport. All of us are now in a quest to better understand what might be contributing to these occurrences and what might be done to prevent them.
To that end, USEF President David O'Connor and USEA President Kevin Baumgardner are calling for a USEF/USEA Safety Summit to be held in Lexington, KY, June 7-8, 2008.
We invite you all to join us as we work together to seek solutions that we hope will result in a safer sport. Click here to register for the Safety Summit.
Monday, May 12, 2008
ROLEX!
The THF team headed to Kentucky in late April to watch the Rolex four star event http://www.rk3de.org/ . I can't even begin to describe the level of horses and riders. What an inspiration! Not only did we get to watch some incredible riding, we took a trip to Dr. Wayne Browning's farm, toured my old barn, and made an early morning visit to Keeneland where we watched the horses gallop, followed by breakfast at the track kitchen. Look for the Rolex photo CD to be coming soon. Above photo, Rolex Winner Philip Dutton aboard Connaught.
April Updates
It has been a while since I've updated the blog. The year has been full of lessons, shows, and traveling. April was the busiest month of all with horse shows every weekend. Some of the highlights below...
Twin Rivers One Day: The Rusty Mables made their group debut with Lora Quinlan and Memo taking home the blue ribbon! Gill Ward and Cash were just as awesome, earning second place. Allison Hulme and Kelsey also placed 2nd (there were 2 divisions) despite the fact that Kelsey thought they should have been jumping higher, and Bob Garcia and Claire rounded out the group with a 5th place. Not only did everyone earn ribbons, they all stayed on AND remembered their courses! The Jr. Members of THF were all in fine form and gave solid performances in all 3 phases. Kyana and Seeker made their debut after being together a month and took home 3rd. Holly and Rigs moved up to Novice and Karina took Sydnee's new mare, Zara around the course easily. A big Thank You to Twin Rivers for holding this clinic!
April Ram Tap: Just a few days home and it was off to the Ram Tap Horse Trials the following weekend.
The trip consisted of 4 riders, Danielle Chou (riding Toby), Alexa Wolf (riding Kalypso), Sophie Hulme (riding Cooper), and Alexandra Chou (riding Noah). Danielle had not ridden in an event in almost a year, and it had been even longer since she'd done an "away" event. Her and Toby made it all look easy despite a "dismount" on the x-c and finished 2nd in the Jr. Novice. Alexandra and Noah made their way around the Training Level course and put in one of their best stadium courses to date taking home a well deserved 4th place. Alexa and Kalypso are showing huge improvement and a confident smack off the down bank gave Kalypso the push he needed. They continue to improve every time out. Lastly, Sophie and Cooper were the stars of the show not only earning a 23.5 in the dressage, but maintaining that lead all the way to the end, coming home with the blue ribbon and lots of cool prizes. Sophie and Cooper have made their way from cross rail classes to Beginner Novice in record time and will be an exciting pair to watch.
Twin Rivers: The Twin Rivers event April 18-20th was a small group, with just 3 horses going. I rode Alexa's Kalypso, Holly made her official Novice debut on Rigs, and Emily made her eventing debut with her horse Bodie. Kalypso put in his best performance yet. I felt it wasn't our best dressage but it still managed to score fairly well. The half halts are a work in progress =) Kalypso went around the stadium like a hunter and I feel confident we have the correct bit on him for each phase. Cross country was great, with him really listening to my hand and leg equally. Alexa's ride the weekend before at Ram Tap was just what he needed. He kept himself together throughout the whole weekend and came away with a 5th place. Holly and Rigs made their first Novice look easy. They had a respectable dressage and continued to climb up the placings with a double clear stadium. Holly rode a little conservative on the x-c which earned a handful of time penalties, moving up to 400mpm is a big step at this level and takes some getting used to. I am really proud of her for riding so well in all 3 phases and for being a smart, safe rider on course. Holly and Rigs finished 7th. Emily and Bodie were the least experienced of the group. Bodie has only done 2 horse trials previously and Emily is an eventing newbie. They showed their greenness in the dressage by forgetting to salute, oops! Emily took the quick way around the stadium but managed to keep all the rails up. Bodie's strong suit is definitely the cross country, being a former fox hunter it's clear that this is the phase he loves. Emily rode well throughout and they took home 6th place.
A great month for all the horses and riders. Watch for the THF team at the May Woodside, we'll be there in FULL force with 10 horses/riders!
It has been a while since I've updated the blog. The year has been full of lessons, shows, and traveling. April was the busiest month of all with horse shows every weekend. Some of the highlights below...
Twin Rivers One Day: The Rusty Mables made their group debut with Lora Quinlan and Memo taking home the blue ribbon! Gill Ward and Cash were just as awesome, earning second place. Allison Hulme and Kelsey also placed 2nd (there were 2 divisions) despite the fact that Kelsey thought they should have been jumping higher, and Bob Garcia and Claire rounded out the group with a 5th place. Not only did everyone earn ribbons, they all stayed on AND remembered their courses! The Jr. Members of THF were all in fine form and gave solid performances in all 3 phases. Kyana and Seeker made their debut after being together a month and took home 3rd. Holly and Rigs moved up to Novice and Karina took Sydnee's new mare, Zara around the course easily. A big Thank You to Twin Rivers for holding this clinic!
April Ram Tap: Just a few days home and it was off to the Ram Tap Horse Trials the following weekend.
The trip consisted of 4 riders, Danielle Chou (riding Toby), Alexa Wolf (riding Kalypso), Sophie Hulme (riding Cooper), and Alexandra Chou (riding Noah). Danielle had not ridden in an event in almost a year, and it had been even longer since she'd done an "away" event. Her and Toby made it all look easy despite a "dismount" on the x-c and finished 2nd in the Jr. Novice. Alexandra and Noah made their way around the Training Level course and put in one of their best stadium courses to date taking home a well deserved 4th place. Alexa and Kalypso are showing huge improvement and a confident smack off the down bank gave Kalypso the push he needed. They continue to improve every time out. Lastly, Sophie and Cooper were the stars of the show not only earning a 23.5 in the dressage, but maintaining that lead all the way to the end, coming home with the blue ribbon and lots of cool prizes. Sophie and Cooper have made their way from cross rail classes to Beginner Novice in record time and will be an exciting pair to watch.
Twin Rivers: The Twin Rivers event April 18-20th was a small group, with just 3 horses going. I rode Alexa's Kalypso, Holly made her official Novice debut on Rigs, and Emily made her eventing debut with her horse Bodie. Kalypso put in his best performance yet. I felt it wasn't our best dressage but it still managed to score fairly well. The half halts are a work in progress =) Kalypso went around the stadium like a hunter and I feel confident we have the correct bit on him for each phase. Cross country was great, with him really listening to my hand and leg equally. Alexa's ride the weekend before at Ram Tap was just what he needed. He kept himself together throughout the whole weekend and came away with a 5th place. Holly and Rigs made their first Novice look easy. They had a respectable dressage and continued to climb up the placings with a double clear stadium. Holly rode a little conservative on the x-c which earned a handful of time penalties, moving up to 400mpm is a big step at this level and takes some getting used to. I am really proud of her for riding so well in all 3 phases and for being a smart, safe rider on course. Holly and Rigs finished 7th. Emily and Bodie were the least experienced of the group. Bodie has only done 2 horse trials previously and Emily is an eventing newbie. They showed their greenness in the dressage by forgetting to salute, oops! Emily took the quick way around the stadium but managed to keep all the rails up. Bodie's strong suit is definitely the cross country, being a former fox hunter it's clear that this is the phase he loves. Emily rode well throughout and they took home 6th place.
A great month for all the horses and riders. Watch for the THF team at the May Woodside, we'll be there in FULL force with 10 horses/riders!
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Makenna (aka “When I Dream”)
June 6th 2007-February 26th 2008
June 6th 2007-February 26th 2008
It is with a heavy heart that I write this. Today, my little filly Makenna passed away. She was only 9 months old and was a very special girl to all those who knew and loved her. Makenna had already proved to be a tough girl, pulling through a septic hock at just 3 months old, she was truly her mother’s daughter. Today, Makenna colicked, and despite the attempts by the wonderful vets in Washington, was unable to pull through. I will miss my sweet girl, who is now galloping in greener pastures with her big brother Tucker. Remember to hug your loved ones, especially your animals, their time with us can be so limited. - Meg
Monday, December 10, 2007
I took a few photos while at the farm this past week. Izzy has grown and looks less akward than when I left her there in Oct. Makenna has however taken Izzy's place in the akward department and I think she now looks more like a burro and than a horse! There are more photos here... http://community.webshots.com/album/561723235kZmBXC?vhost=community
Happy Holidays!
Meg
Happy Holidays!
Meg
Monday, November 26, 2007
Ram Tap... Go THF Super Mables!
The November Ram Tap outting was by far the biggest THF event to date, and what an event it was! With 6 horses in tow I can't be more proud of the group who not only earned ribbons, but put in 5 double clean jump rounds, with just one x-c jump penalty in the whole group. The placings in no particular order are...
Julie Mandle and Coup De Vill 6th, BN Championships
Sydnee Hyman and Fly Fox, 2nd JNR
Karina Quinlan and Mr. Amor (aka Mr Armor=) 5th, JNR
Alexandra Chou and Hurricane, 8th ON
Holly Wenzell and Regazzo, 8th BNR
I had such a wonderful time with all the parents and participants. What a wonderful group of people. Thank you all, Meg
The November Ram Tap outting was by far the biggest THF event to date, and what an event it was! With 6 horses in tow I can't be more proud of the group who not only earned ribbons, but put in 5 double clean jump rounds, with just one x-c jump penalty in the whole group. The placings in no particular order are...
Julie Mandle and Coup De Vill 6th, BN Championships
Sydnee Hyman and Fly Fox, 2nd JNR
Karina Quinlan and Mr. Amor (aka Mr Armor=) 5th, JNR
Alexandra Chou and Hurricane, 8th ON
Holly Wenzell and Regazzo, 8th BNR
I had such a wonderful time with all the parents and participants. What a wonderful group of people. Thank you all, Meg
Washington!
Izzy and Makenna are now settled in their new home, aka my Dad's Farm in White Salmon, Wa. The kids arrived safe and sound after a 13hr trip. I received a call last week that Izzy is boss of the herd (which consists of Makenna, Bubba, a large QH gelding, and Rainbow, a loudly spotted Appy mare owned by the caretakers.) Izzy has already attempted to jump a 5ft+ fence (unsuccessfully) while Makenna is still the sweetheart of the farm. I'm scheduled to visit them next week and will be sure to take a few photos, until then here's a shot I took just before leaving them last month... - Meg
Monday, October 15, 2007
Busy, Busy, Busy...
Congrats to all on a fabulous show. Not only did Chloe and Nipper win their division (on their dressage score!) but Holly and Rigs placed 6th in their first ever event, Karina and Coco Puff came in 4th on their dressage score of 31.1 (their best EVER score) and Cooper was Super to earn 3rd in the Open Novice. Sydnee and Sly had their moments and finished just out of the ribbons and last but not least, Alexandra and Toby came in 6th. With 6 horses competing it is no small feat that we had 6 horses complete the cross country with no penalties! Go THF =)
The rest of the month is going to be busy. I am teaching for the Woodside PC on Saturday Oct 13th. I leave for Ram Tap on Thursday Oct 18th, returning home late on the 21st only to leave again early on Oct 22nd for Washington. I’ll be back Oct 25th and 26th, and then we’re off to Twin Rivers on Oct 27th and 28th. Please plan your lessons accordingly. - Meg
See photos from Woodside on Rick's site...thanks Rick! http://rickncheryl.smugmug.com/Horses/238832
Congrats to all on a fabulous show. Not only did Chloe and Nipper win their division (on their dressage score!) but Holly and Rigs placed 6th in their first ever event, Karina and Coco Puff came in 4th on their dressage score of 31.1 (their best EVER score) and Cooper was Super to earn 3rd in the Open Novice. Sydnee and Sly had their moments and finished just out of the ribbons and last but not least, Alexandra and Toby came in 6th. With 6 horses competing it is no small feat that we had 6 horses complete the cross country with no penalties! Go THF =)
The rest of the month is going to be busy. I am teaching for the Woodside PC on Saturday Oct 13th. I leave for Ram Tap on Thursday Oct 18th, returning home late on the 21st only to leave again early on Oct 22nd for Washington. I’ll be back Oct 25th and 26th, and then we’re off to Twin Rivers on Oct 27th and 28th. Please plan your lessons accordingly. - Meg
See photos from Woodside on Rick's site...thanks Rick! http://rickncheryl.smugmug.com/Horses/238832
Thursday, October 04, 2007
Twin Rivers!
Congratulations to Karina and Coco Puff on a successful event last weekend at the Twin Rivers event in Paso Robles. While the dressage continues to be a work in progress, Karina put in solid performances in all 3 phases to finish in 10th place. Congrats!
Look for the THF team this upcoming weekend at the Woodside event with 6 horses/riders competing. Go Team Super Mable! =)
Congratulations to Karina and Coco Puff on a successful event last weekend at the Twin Rivers event in Paso Robles. While the dressage continues to be a work in progress, Karina put in solid performances in all 3 phases to finish in 10th place. Congrats!
Look for the THF team this upcoming weekend at the Woodside event with 6 horses/riders competing. Go Team Super Mable! =)
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Woodside Success!
A HUGE congratulations to the big winners, Julie and Claire, who both finished on their dressage scores, winning their divisions! Julie rode Cooper superbly in his first ever event, and Claire and Caz put in their best rides ever, remaining calm and THINKING throughout the WHOLE weekend =) This was Masha’s first Novice level event and she piloted Sly around like a champ and earned 6th place (green IS Sly’s favorite color after all). Chloe and Nipper did so well in dressage and stadium but had a disappointing stop on x-c, resulting in an unplanned dismount. Chloe was a true star as she got back on to finish the rest of the course beautifully. I am really proud of how well she handled her disappointment, cheering her teammates on and most of all for picking herself up and getting back on.
And finally, Cash N Diamonds…he’s become a jumping machine. Brave at all the jumps he went clean yet again earning us 2nd Place! Thank you Gill for letting me ride your big boy, he’s so much fun and he really does make my butt look small =)
It was such a wonderful weekend! ALL the horses and riders were great, not just in one area, but at everything. I am proud of the whole group and am so lucky to have such wonderful friends, family, and clients! Thank you Julie and Avery for all your hard work.
You’re all awesome!
Meg
A HUGE congratulations to the big winners, Julie and Claire, who both finished on their dressage scores, winning their divisions! Julie rode Cooper superbly in his first ever event, and Claire and Caz put in their best rides ever, remaining calm and THINKING throughout the WHOLE weekend =) This was Masha’s first Novice level event and she piloted Sly around like a champ and earned 6th place (green IS Sly’s favorite color after all). Chloe and Nipper did so well in dressage and stadium but had a disappointing stop on x-c, resulting in an unplanned dismount. Chloe was a true star as she got back on to finish the rest of the course beautifully. I am really proud of how well she handled her disappointment, cheering her teammates on and most of all for picking herself up and getting back on.
And finally, Cash N Diamonds…he’s become a jumping machine. Brave at all the jumps he went clean yet again earning us 2nd Place! Thank you Gill for letting me ride your big boy, he’s so much fun and he really does make my butt look small =)
It was such a wonderful weekend! ALL the horses and riders were great, not just in one area, but at everything. I am proud of the whole group and am so lucky to have such wonderful friends, family, and clients! Thank you Julie and Avery for all your hard work.
You’re all awesome!
Meg
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