California Trail Ride

Izzy and I hit the trail today with Tricia and her horse Somer. This was Izzy's first trail ride in California and she handled the bikes, hikers, dogs, and traffic like a pro. Looking forward to many more rides with good friends this summer!

"Just One More" aka Ian

Spending a few days at the farm. Bought grain, did some spring cleaning, and took a few minutes to play with my horses. Ian, aka "Just One More", my 2009 Formula One foal will be 1 on March 29th. He's certainly a typical boy, into everything, and follows his big sister around like she's the best thing since bran mashes!

Changes!

2010 has started off with a bang! Lots of winter training in Ocala, Fl, and then Aiken, S.C. Lucky doesn't even begin to describe how I feel for having had these opportunities. When I returned home in February, I realized that there were some key elements that weren't being focused on in my training program. With all of that in mind, I'm refocusing my business and will now be teaching/training from a variety of facilities, vs running my business exclusively from Stanford. I'm also going to do my best to update my blog on a more regular basis so please check back for updates soon! I'm excited for the 2010 season to begin. Be sure to look for "Cimply Spot On" in the show ring.

Sunny Florida!

I've been in Florida for 2 weeks now and the experience has been amazing to say the least. I've been very fortunate in my riding career to have a great support system, one that allows me to call upon old friends, no matter what. Eleven years ago, I worked for Cathy Wieschhoff in Lexington, Ky, as a working student. At the end of 2009 I felt the need to improve and refresh my own riding skills. I called Cathy and without hesitation she graciously offered for me to come to Florida for some winter training with her. Cathy trains from the beautiful Longwood Farm, located next to Karen and David O'Connors winter training facility. I've been spending my days helping care for Cathy's horses, getting lessons, galloping in the fields, and the best part, watching riders of the highest caliber take lessons. I'm looking forward to the Ocala Eventing clinics this week, which will be held at Longwood where Cathy is based. I feel so incredibly fortunate to have had this experience and am so glad I've got the best clients in the world who encouraged me to go and do this.

- Meg

FLORIDA!

2009 has been a year full of changes and challenges. While the horses and riders are all making progress, I've found myself wanting more. So after some long conversations and soul searching, I've found an opportunity to increase my own skills, as a rider and trainer. This winter I'll be taking some time for myself so that I can become a better rider and trainer. So that I can bring everyone up another level and so that I can refocus to help myself and those around me achieve their goals.

My flight has been booked and I'll be heading to Florida for 2 1/2 weeks of training with Cathy Wieschhoff and her trainers, Karen and David O'Connor. I am beyond excited to have this opportunity to ride with some of the best in the country. I'll be taking lessons, riding, watching, learning, and absorbing all that I can during my time there. I will be leaving January 18th, returning February 4th. Stay tuned for more updates and my Florida Blog! - Meg

It's been a busy year and the 2009 show season has finally come to an end. We finished the year off with a trip to the Ram Tap Championships in Fresno. Holly (riding Rigs) and Gill (on Cash) were both qualified for the Novice Championship class. Both riders put in competitive dressage tests, Holly with a 32.5 and Gill with a 35.5, however x-c day wasn't meant to be. Holly had a very good go until about 2/3 of the way around the course when a small down bank into the water surprised Rigs and they had a very uncharacteristic stop on course. Holly made a good recovery to finish with just the one stop. Holly did have a fabulous sj round on Sunday, but finished out of the ribbons. Cross country day never came to be for Gill and Cash, when Saturday morning Cash came out of his stall very lame. Luckily after some probing by the show vet, it was determined he had an abscess. So Cash was withdrawn before the fun even began. Look out for them next year!

The best part of the show was Bob riding his own Lady Claire. Despite a few minor spooks in the dressage, Bob rode Claire around x-c and stadium with determination to finish on their dressage score! This was their first recognized away event and the first time Bob has completed a recognized show. I am so proud of Bob!

The summary of the event is for me very indicitive of the way the year has gone. A pleasant surprise, a hiccup, and an unavoidable lamness. I am very much looking forward to 2010!

BOYD MARTIN CLINIC (Meg and Allison Hulme's "Georgie" tackle the corner during the Boyd Martin Clinic)

Tally Ho Farms hosted a clinic taught by Boyd Martin on July 4th and 5th focusing on stadium and cross country. The whole of the THF family is thankful for such an incredible opportunity to ride with one of the best in our sport. Despite a few unintended dismounts throughout the weekend, everybody had fun and we are all well on our way learning how to “ride better”. For more info on the clinic, visit Boyd's blog http://boydandsilvamartin.blogspot.com/

After an incredibly successful event, we spent an extra day at the farm letting the horses enjoy some well deserved down time.

Kelsey and Ian, June 2009. What color is he?

Izzy and Mia meetMy Washington Herd

Ian meets the THF girls, he gets all the girls! THF on the trail. Washington June 2009On the lake at our Farm

Alexa Wolf & Kalypso's Page WIN the T3D at Inavale!

I can't even begin to express just how prous I am of this pair, all the hard work has paid off in spades! Alexa and Kalypso not only took home the blue at this incredibly tough event, but also brought home a new saddle, piles of prizes, and the award for Best Conditioned Horse. Congratulations Alexa, you have finally learned to "Ride Better"

(Julie, Danielle and Meg hanging out in the tent at Inavale)

Inavale Horse Trials:
Four THF riders and horses traveled some 600 miles to Oregon for the Inavale Horse Trials. This was THF’s first time at this event and the facility and the competition certainly did not disappoint!

Emily had a last minute swap of horses due to her horse’s sudden lameness. Having only ridden Mia the night prior to leaving, Emily stunned us all by pulling through and taking Mia around her first novice. The pair scored a respectable 34.5 in dressage, made it around a large novice course despite a couple stops, and finished the event with a double clear stadium. She couldn’t have done better. Way to go, Emily!
Holly and Rigs put in a good test, earning a 35.5 in dressage. Holly’s riding is really starting to move into a new level. They got around cross country double clear and made it look easy. The pair put in a double clear stadium round to move them up to a second place finish in her novice division.
Alexa and Kalypso also rose to the occasion in the training half star. Alexa earned a 32.5 to put them in 4th out of a HUGE field of riders including several professionals and also earned an 8 on rider in her collective marks. She rode aggressively around the entire cross country course with just 0.8 time penalties to move them into 3rd. After being double checked by the vets in the 10 minute box for an unusually low temperature, Kalypso was cleared to return to his stall. The following day, Alexa rode a double clear stadium to move them into first place. In addition to winning the half star, Kalypso was awarded for being the best conditioned horse.
Danielle and Ash rounded out the THF group with some awesome riding. Danielle has been working really hard on the flat with Ash and the work is beginning to pay off. While their score was a 43.3, she nailed her halt and rein back and the quality of all the gaits has been so greatly improved. The x-c course was big, sharing many of the fences with intermediate. Danielle and Ash attacked the course, skipping around double clear! They have moved up 9 places to put them into 5th. Danielle was one of only a couple riders out of all the preliminary divisions to finish cross country without any time penalties! She and Ash put in a double clear stadium to finish in fourth.

Danielle and "Fen Cera" 4th, JYOP

Holly and "Ragazzo", 2nd Jr. Novice B

Emily and "Mamma Mia" THF Superstars, Jr. Novice A

Inavale Final Results
1st – Alexa and Kalypso’s Page, Training ½ Star and Winner of Best Conditioned Horse
2nd- Holly and Ragazzo, Junior Novice B
4th – Danielle and Fen Cera, Young Rider Open Preliminary
THF Super Heroes! - Emily and Mamma Mia, Junior Novice A

Meg and Claire Alexa and Kalypso Danielle and Elmer

Danielle and Ash

Bob and Claire

May Galway!

We made the long trek down to Galway for the 2nd time this spring with 4 horses in tow. Danielle and Ash finished their 3rd prelim and even got past the scary down hill hanging log that they were afraid of! Alexa and Kalypso were in their finest form, finishing on their dressage score and taking home 3rd in the Jr. Training! Alexa has finally learned to growl and I think "K" is scared.

I competed Claire again for second ever event and she was a true star, coming home with 5th and a blue ribbon for winning the BN team competition :) Claire felt even better than Ram Tap and was much more settled about the jumps, though the scary stuff around the jumps is another matter... a work in progress as always. Bob got a chance to do a dressage and jump round on Friday for schooling and I do believe there may be some progress :)

Noah has had a tough month with something clearly bothering him physically. We had a jump school with Gina Miles the week before the show and while he had some great jumps, there were definately moments where he wasn't himself. I did 2 practice rounds on Friday in hopes of working out the kinks, to no avail. Saturday's dressage was my best EVER earning a 28.2, good enough for second place. However when doing a final check of his jump boots before our stadium I discovered some slight swelling in his knee. Had to make the tough call to withdraw as something just wasn't quite right. We've since returned home and had Wayne out twice. I'm happy to report that Noah will be just fine! He had some iritation in his knee and an old splint had acted up causing him to be sore. I am so thankful I listened to the horse and pulled him out when he was hurting. He's good as new and will have a relatively easy outting at Woodside with Xander in the Training division as we want to ensure he is 100% before moving him up again.

Updates?
I just can't keep up! Here's Everytime I think about doing updates I realize just how far behind I am which makes me put off updating:)

March Galway:
Danielle and Ash-pants made the move up to Prelim this spring! They got around and had some awesome moments.
Meg and Noah finished 4th in OT
Meg and Kalypso had a discussion about going FORWARD, Meg won :)
Sophie and Cooper successfully made the move up to Novice despite running x-c with a temp (Sophie, not Cooper)



It's a BOY!
Kelsey gave birth to a healthy colt while we were on the way home from Galway! "Just One More" aka "Ian" (after Ian Stark, of course) is by Formula One.

Twin One Day:
We brought plenty of horses to the Twin One Day. The results!
Jennifer and Jamaica 1st Elementary CT
Emma and Matilda 4th Elementary
Tricia and Toby 2nd Beginner Novice
Caroline and Bodie 3rd Beginner Novice
Bob and Claire 5th Beginner Novice
Emily and Bodie 4th Novice
Sophie and Cooper 1st Novice

April Ram Tap:

No Rain! Really nice to finally have a Ram Tap with no rain :) Alexa and Kalypso finished the Jr Training in 7th, Nikki and Patton conquered the down bank and coffin, finishing 6th. Danielle and Ash completed their 2nd Prelim and went CLEAR! Finishing 8th. Meg and Claire made it through their first Beginner Novice together and were 6th and Emily and Bodie finished 7th in the Jr. Novice.

April Twin HT:

The Twin HT went well with everyone riding strongly in all 3 phases. Meg and Noah finished 7th in Open Training, Sophie and Cooper were 9th in the Jr. Novice, Kyana and Seeker made their Novice debut and were 6th in the Jr. Novice, with Sydnee and Zara finishing 9th in the Jr. Training.

Rain, Rain, Go AWAY!
Ram Tap this weekend was wet to say the least! There seemed to be a black cloud over the THF team from the beginning. Syndee's mare Zara came down with a cold the weekend before the trials so we withdrew her from competition. The day we were to leave Alexa spiked a temp of 102 so I took over the ride on Kalypso, making that 2 open training rides for me (I was already scheduled to ride Danielle's mare Ash as Danielle is heading to Hawaii for winter break.) The team was down to just 3 riders (Sophie, Nikki, and Meg) and 4 horses. Thursday's weather held out but Friday we weren't so lucky. The rain began just as we arrived at the barn to feed the horses and made my first ride on Ash "challenging". I can honestly say that this was the first time in my competitive career I've worn a rain coat into the dressage ring. Despite the downpour, Ash was a trouper and put in a decent test. Kalypso was not quite as happy about the mud and while he found his brain about halfway through, it was definately not our best effort. Nikki's gelding Patton was very consistent and Sophie's boy Cooper was his usual workman-like self. We finished the day with all 4 horses scoring in the 30's.

The rain let up on Friday but left the cross country course un-rideable for Saturday. The organizers re-scheduled the weekend, moving the show jumping to Saturday and cross country to Sunday. Saturday morning we headed up to the show jumping ring for a team evaluation of the ring The arena was not quite as wet as it was for the Combined Test we attended last month, however it was the same course. So after a quick deliberation, we made the decision to withdraw our horses and head home.

The horses and riders are home safe and sound. Although it was dissapointing to come home without getting a chance to run the course, it was in the best interest of our horses. I'm hoping we'll get to go for a schooling weekend in March and we're looking forward to Ram Tap in April when things are bound to be drier.

Congratulations to Sophie and Cooper, Area VI Jr. Beginner Novice Champions!

Sophie and Cooper placed in the top 3 in every horse trials they entered this year, with a 5th place finish at the Championships in November. Sophie and Cooper came to THF in 2006 from a local riding school where jumping a cross rail was a challenge. Not only are they coursing around 3' easily but they're doing it against some tough competing and winning. It's been a joy to watch them grow, keep up the good work Sophie!

Woodside/Mudslide Horse Trials??

Rain came early this year and made the Woodside Horse Trials a show we won't soon forget. I had thought my Burghley wellies wouldn't come out quite so soon, boy was I wrong. The whole team was so incredible, not only as riders, but as good horsemen and even better, friends to one another. I am proud of you for all for “riding better”!

Photos: http://rickncheryl.smugmug.com/gallery/6155586_jPmQG#387676982_ai3bQ

The results:

Training Team, "Ride Better", 1st place! Danielle, Karina, Sydnee, and Alexa
Danielle and Ash 1st Place Jr. Training
Sophie and Cooper 1st Place Jr. Beg. Novice
Alexa and Kalypso 3rd Jr. Training
Alexandra and Noah 5th OPEN PRELIM! =)
Holly and Rigs 7th Jr. Novice
Gill and Cash 7th Sr. Beg. Novice
Karina and Memo 9th Jr. Training
Emily and Bodie 11th Jr. Novice
Sydnee and Allison B both had incredible moments, but wasn’t to be their weekend. Toby and Zara were good ponies, let’s get those memories workin’!

Twin!
The September Twin Event is already over. It was more than a 100 degrees but I'm happy to report we all made it through. Claire and Fable, and Karina and Zara both made the move up to Training Level and put in clean x-c rounds. Karina rode incredibly well and earned a well deserved 4th place while Claire was out of the ribbons this time around. Nikki and her horse Patton joined the THF team for the first time and I'm really looking forward to helping this team move forward. Patton is still a bit unsure about ditches but I'm confident we'll work through that this winter. Danielle and Ash earned the 6th place ribbon with solid jumping rounds. This was to be Cooper's first Training level and while we had some great moments, it wasn't our weekend. We took off long to a big table and Cooper didn't have quite enough in him to clear it cleanly, knocking me out of the tack. I couldn't be happier with his stadium performance, as he put in a double clear round in the ring and he tried so hard in everything I asked of him. Falling off is part of the game. We'll get there next time.

Burghley!

Lora, Allison and I got to spend an INCREDIBLE week in England August 31-Sept 8th to watch the Burghley Horse Trials and spend a few days sight seeing in good 'ole jolly England. It was to be the wettest Burghley in history, but that didn't change how just how great the trip was. It was an experience I'll never forget.

Woodside- August 2008
The August event at Woodside happened waaayyy too quickly after we got back from Montana. Congratulations to everyone on another successful THF weekend. I am proud of you all for doing such a wonderful job this weekend, and for having such a supportive group of showing and non-showing riders.

Now, the big round of applause goes to Gill and Cash, who not only completed their first real horse trials together but did it in style, taking home the blue! 1st place is a pretty good start to your eventing career Gill! =)

Kalypso was out of the ribbons in the Training division, but gave me super rides in his first training level competition to finish 12th out of 25.

Karina and Memo made it through their Training level debut. Hard to believe this pair had trouble over a BN log less than a year ago!

Danielle and her mare, Ash, finished 6th in the Jr. Novice. This was Danielle’s first show with us and she fits right in. I’m happy to have them on the team and look forward to seeing how far they can come.

Rachel Harnish and Bodie put in their best dressage test together, earning a well deserved 5th in the Sr. BN division. All the hard work on the flat is paying off.

Kyana and Seeker had the biggest cheering section by far and did a superb job of making it through her first ever event.

Allison and Kelsey were awesome to watch, finishing on their dressage score, good enough to earn them 2nd! Now if only Allison actually had time to practice!

Lastly, Mamma Mia and Julie had a clean x-c! Julie rode Mia around the course beautifully and gave Mia a confidence building first event. Mia has only been in training for 5 weeks and jumped her first course just 2 weeks ago. Go Mia! =)

Montana...

The updates are long over due. I'm not sure where to begin except to say that Montana seems so long ago and I can't wait for next year. It was a brilliant trip with Alexandra and Noah taking home the blue in the Jr. Training division. Cooper was consistent as he always is, and him and I took home 6th in the Open Novice. Karina and Coco Puff were 6th in the Jr. Novice. This was their last time competing as a team, as Puffy will now be hitting the trail and enjoying a well deserved semi-retirement. Claire and Fable were 8th in the Jr. Novice, making it just one second off the optimum time without a watch! Holly and Sydnee finished 14th and 15th respectively in their divisions. All together, there were 6 double clean x-c rides, I couldn't be happier with the team.

Links to photos on Rick's website http://rickncheryl.smugmug.com/gallery/5590555_8oCap#343079488_o8oGU