On Thursday and Friday, we held our first Riding Academy session. Riders learned lots of new skills, including how to apply polo wraps, how to tie a quick-release knot and how to use grooming tools properly. Our farrier, Scott Mohney, demonstrated hot and cold shoeing techniques and answered questions about hoof care. Riders did some bareback riding and tried some beginner vaulting skills, learned about first aid, trailer safety and how to identify different types of jumps in the ring. We're looking forward to our next Riding Academy session scheduled for the week of July 13th. For more information on our Riding Academies, visit our Events Page.

And if you think that's all the fun we had this week, well, you're not even close! On Saturday, Alexis and Domino braved the wind and rain to head to the Fair Hill Starter Trials where they competed in the Intro Division. They put in a nice dressage test, then rocked around the jump courses to finish fourth in their division. As they came through the finish flags what had been drizzle turned into pouring rain, so we were happy to get Domino back to the trailer and cooled off. 

We are especially proud of this pair for all of their hard work and dedication to improving their partnership. It's really paying off as they are better and better with each outing. Not many photos this time, due to the rain, but here's a cute one of them getting ready for the dressage.

Over the past few weeks, we've been getting our jump field set for lessons and schooling. This week we spent a good amount of time playing around over the new jumps. Both horses and riders enjoy the change of pace from the dusty ring. We've added some new footing to the outdoor, but the field is still the fun place to be!

Our season is in full swing, and we've packed a lot of fun into the past couple of weeks.

We kicked off Memorial Day weekend with an afternoon with Missy Ransehausen. We had a full schedule, and we kept Missy busy until nearly dark. We were all happy to have her back, and several new riders had the opportunity to ride with her for their first time. We'll look forward to seeing her again on June 12th, so if you're interested in getting on the schedule, please let me know.

Saturday was show prep day, and then Sunday morning, we were off to Burgundy Hollow for their Mix and Match. Cheer and Domino competed in the Starter Division, a very inviting two-foot division that is great for horse and rider confidence. Birthday girl, Alexis, put in a very nice dressage test, then rocked around the show jumping, really improving on their competition at EHHC. They had a little trouble on cross county, but they got around and Alexis came through the finish flags with a smile on her face. Wende and Cheer finished in third place after burning up both the show jumping and the cross country. Wende is in love with that pony, and they do make a terrific pair. We're looking forward to heading to Plantation for some xc schooling on Monday, and then we have an eye on the MCTA Starter Trials for the next outing.

On Memorial Day, Mindy and I took Patrick and Crumpet to Tranquillity Manor Farms for their annual paper chase. It was Mindy's first paperchase, and I think she's hooked. Crumpie loved it, and Patrick was his perfect self. We finished in second place - two minutes faster than the optimum time for the Zipper Doodles division.

This past weekend, we had dressage lessons with both Kristin Severson and with Kim Walnes, and in between, hosted our Spring Fling Fun Show. Whew! Lots of learning and lots of fun packed into a few days. On Wednesday, we'll head out to Twin Brooks for their Wednesday night schooling show, then Friday, Kristin will be back for more dressage lessons. Whew!

This month will be the start of our summer Riding Academy series. If you're interested, please check here for information!

Also...our next Spring Fling Fun Show will be held on a Friday evening at 6 o'clock. The date for that is June 26th...mark your calendars!