On Wednesday, August 7th, we participated in the second Hunt Cap Schooling Show at South Branch Farms, and had another good day of riding and socializing with our friends. Melanie and I shared Delight, Diane rode Jet, and Alexis added some new classes with James.
    Delight moved up to the 3' divisions, and he and Melanie finished second in the A Bit More Tack Medal class. He definitely enjoyed the bigger fences in the Open Hunter division, and he jumped well, but needed to back off the lines a smidge. He thought leaving a stride out was okay, but it really wasn't what the judge was looking for. Still, as he and Melanie figure one another out, they're getting better and better. The two of them did a beautiful job on the outside course and won the Field Hunter division.
    I rode him in the Hunter Pleasure division, and he again finished with that division's championship. The judge liked that we did a real hand gallop out in the field and rewarded us with blue.
    Diane and Jet did the 2'6" Hunters, and Jet was a super good boy. He liked being out and about, and relaxed completely once he was sure that the property was devoid of cows. They also participated in the Hunter Pleasure division and got third place there.
    Alexis and James rocked the Walk-Trot, and won blue in both classes, then upped the ante and entered the Short-Stirrup Division. She won some good ribbons in that division, and she and James did a super job together. I told her that she's never ridden better...I was very proud of her.
    We really enjoyed this year's Hunt Cap Shows and look forward to playing again next season. The next event at South Branch Farms is the EquiTeam benefit event (http://www.equiteam.org/) on September 14th, followed by the benefit trail ride for the York SPCA Equine Fund later this fall.

On Saturday after I finished my morning lessons, we were fortunate to have Kim Walnes spend the rest of the day with us. Mary and Derby trailered in from their barn and enjoyed a refresher on position, and Derby tried out a new bit that he really seemed to like.
    I followed Mary and had a great lesson on Delight. I find that when it's been a couple of months between lessons with Kim, it really benefits me to go back to basics and review all of the position rules. Delight appreciates it, too, and gives me instant feedback, that is so helpful.
    Margaret rode Petie in her first lesson with Kim, and both she and Petie had a wonderful experience. Margaret made huge strides in her effectiveness as a rider, and I told her I've never seen her lower leg look as secure as it did when Kim got finished with her. Petie appreciated it and was quiet and content. If you've ever been curious about Kim's teaching style, I encourage you to come out and audit one of her lessons. The cost is just $10, and she is a wealth of great information. I know that after I audited a lesson, I decided that I really needed to ride with her, and I'm glad I did. You can read more about Kim by visiting her website: www.thewayofthehorse.com.

Coming up this week, we have lessons with Missy Ransehausen scheduled for Friday afternoon, and if entries warrant, the final Summer Sun Fun Show on Saturday afternoon. If you're interested in a lesson with Missy, please let me know, along with any time constraints you may have.
    For the fun show, you may enter by signing up on the board at the barn, or by letting me know via Facebook, email or text. We have divisions for all ages and skill levels, so don't be shy! Entry fee is $35 and a snack to share.

On Sunday afternoon, sixteen riders participated in our Combined Test for lesson students. We had what was probably the most spectacularly gorgeous day of the year so far, and horses, riders and spectators seemed to equally enjoy the day. Thanks so much to everyone who helped paint jumps and get our ring ready for the big day and to everyone who came out to ride and to cheer on our riders. All of our bright, new colors made for some great photos and and a terrific afternoon.

Here's the tentative schedule for our Combined Test on Sunday afternoon, but first, a few notes on how we'll proceed. We have quite a few first-timers, and we'd like to make sure all goes smoothly and that everyone has a great time:

Be sure to walk your show jumping course BEFORE you get your horse groomed and tacked up. Jumps will be numbered and flagged. Remember, red is on the right.

Warm up for dressage and show jumping will be on the lawn behind the barn. We'll have a few practice fences set.

Please enter and exit the indoor through the gate by the horse trailer.

After the rider before you halts and salutes, the next rider may enter the arena.

When you finish your dressage test, please proceed directly to show jumping. (Of course, you may have
time to change your tack, if necessary.) The only exception is for the Elementary division. After dressage, Alexis should let Sarah warm up and compete James. Then Sarah will go to the show jumping and jump; then pass James back to Alexis.

Please be sure to arrive in plenty of time to walk your course, groom, tack up and warm up before  your dressage test.

We'll set up the awning by the ring; snacks can go on the picnic table. Tracy and Jeff will bring chicken dinners for those who ordered them and will bring a few extras for those who will WISH they'd ordered, but didn't.  :)

After you're finished your ride, please make sure your horse is cooled off and put away properly, and that you return tack to it's proper place.  And remember to sweep up your area.

Parking...please park on the diagonal along the grass next to the right side of the  driveway. Joanie will be driving her big rig and will need room to turn around. If everyone parks efficiently, this should work out well.

HVS students, please be sure to help our Pony Club guests who are riding our horses...they may need assistance finding their tack, their stalls,  etc. Thanks in advance!

Any questions, please email or text me. Looking forward to a really fun day!

Beginner Novice
1:00 Emily/Petie
1:04 Jaime/Mya
1:08 Melanie/Delight
1:12 Wende/Beau
1:16 Diane/Jet (?)

 Intro
1:20 Erin/Crumpet
1:24 Sid/Darcy
1:28 Rebecca/Nick
1:32 Margaret/Petie
 
Elementary
1:36 Alexis/James
1:40 Maddie/Crumpet
1:44 Laura/Romeo
1:48 Sarah/James
 
Tadpole
1:52 Anne/Romie
1:56 Anna/Delight
2:00 Jessica/Oreo
2:04 Cassandra/Crumpet