June 19th, 2017 Eventing Clinic at Strathgartney

It was overcast and dreary that Saturday but the students paid it no mind. They had Alex Beaton and they were drinking in every word.

The big bay mare is Maggie with Hailey riding, the dark brown is Gem with Keira, the cestnut is Gryphon and Jennifer and the little horse is Piper rider by Julia.

 

 

June 18, 2017. Eventing at Strathgartney

I have rarely seen eventing even on TV; the Olympics, I guess. So I was psyched, too, to see the horses in action and to see the event course in use.

PeeWee Jumpers – Warm-Up

First was Stormtrooper ridden by Grace.

Michelangelo and Nicole:

HiJacked and Ava:

PeeWee Arena Derby:

Michelangelo and Nicole took first:

Field Derby:

 

Pre-Entry, Warm Up:

There were four contestants – Johanna on Ocarina (Brandy), a chestnut; Kate on Riverdance (Dancer) a dark bay with a small star; Faith on Teddy, a light bay appaloosa and Lesley on O’Sullivan (Sully), a black. In that order, here they are:

And then there was this wee spectator and a look at the crew:

Arena Derby

Riders and horses are in the same order for this event:  Johanna on Ocarina or Brandy (they went off course and were eliminated), a chestnut; Kate on Riverdance or Dancer a dark bay with a small star; Faith on Teddy, a light bay appaloosa and Lesley on O’Sullivan or Sully, a black. In that order, here they are:

And, below, is the presentation of ribbons for the Arena Derby:

1. Faith & Teddy
2. Kate & Dancer tied with Leslie & Sully

Field Derby

Johanna & Brandy were out first and, suddenly, a spook and a fall…

…and then we continued with the same order as before: Teddy had a bit of discussion with the same jump…

and they placed:

1. Kate & Dancer
2. Leslie & Sully
3. Faith & Teddy

Setting up for the next level:Entry Level:

Warm-Up  2’9″

The competitors are here in this order:  Laurie on Cameo Appearance (Cammy), Stephanie on Elvis, Leah on Bare Neccessities (Bunker) and Emma on The Roan Ranger (Cooper).

The standings were:

1. Leah & Bunker
2. Stephanie & Elvis
3. Laurie & Cammy
4. Emman & Cooper

Arena Derby 2’9″

Laurie & Cammy:

Stephanie & Elvis

Leah & Bunker:

Emma & Cooper

They finished with just .5sec between first and second:

1. Leah & Bunker
2. Laurie & Cammy
3. Stephanie & ELvis
4. Emma & Cooper
5. 

Field Derby

Laurie & Cammy:

Stephanie & Elvis:

Leah&Bunker:

We had a competition of falls!

Emma&Cooper:

Placing was 1. Laurie & Cammie and 2. Emma & Cooper; when there’s a fall in competition, that entry is eliminated.

Training Level:

We have 3 contestants: Abby and Peekattie wearing #14, Stephanie and Elvis #10 and Nick on Second Thought #15

Pre-Training – Warm Up

Abby & Peekattie, our first look at them:

Stephanie & Elvis:

1. Stephanie & Elvis
2. Abby & Peekattie with 8 faults

Arena Derby

Abby & Peekattie

Stephanie & Elvis:

Nick & A Second Thought:

1. Stephanie and Elvis with no faults and a time of 70.2.  NOTE: The winning time was the time closest to the optimal time.
2. Nick & A Second Thought. Time was 65.5, 0 faults.
3. Abby & Peekattie with only 4 faults.
   

   Field Derby

   Abby & Peekattie:

Stephanie&Elvis:

Stephanie & Elvis took first place with 0 faults while Abby & Peekattie had 2 refusals and a total of 41 faults…and the sun was finally out!

Training Level

The competitors in this section were Nick, #16, on A Second Thought and Debra wearing #16 riding Glimpsey.

Nick & A Second Thought:

And our first visit with Debra & Glimpsey:

Nick & A Second Thought got first with place with a time of 64.5 – the optimal time was  65 secs and Debra & Glimpsey were second with 4 faults.

Arena Derby

Nick & A Second Thought:

Debra & Glimpsey:

1. Nick & A Second Thought with 0 faults.
2. Debra & Glimpsey with 4 faults.
   

   Field Derby

   Nick & A Second Thought

   

   Nick&A Second Thought

   

   Nick&A Second Thought

   

   Nick&A Second Thought

   

   Nick&A Second Thought

   

   Nick&A Second Thought

   Debra & Glimpsey

   

   Debra&Glimpsey

   

   Debra&Glimpsey

   

   Debra&Glimpsey

   

   Debra&Glimpsey

   

   Debra&Glimpsey

   And in this final test, Debra and Glimpsey are #1 with a clear round. Nick and A Second Thought had 8.5 time faults.

May 28, 2017. Show Jumping at Strathgartney

1800 pictures. How did I end up with 1800 pictures of the show? And how on earth do I widdle that down to the best ones? Time, my dear, time.

So here it is, almost 2 wks later and I’ve got 276 photos, the weeded down, cry a little, just the best pics of the show.

The rain had come down hard the day before but the ring had dried out nicely. But the wind, oh that north wind! So the sweaters stayed on, layered shortly thereafter by a wind breaker and then a fleece lined spring jacket. Should’ve brought mitts.

The first class was the youngsters and the first pony was a dun called Bailey, ridden by 4 y.o. Airielle.

Then we had Woolee (Wool Socks) ridden by Maxine:

Next was She’s a Star ridden by 3y.o. Alex:

Last of the POG participants was Good Night Moon ridden by Liam.

These are the photos from the second round:

Crossrails Welcome #2

There were 4 entries and we started with a handsome chestnut named Monte Carlo ridden by Alex:

Next was a chestnut pony, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and Larel:

This bay pony with the wide white blaze is Scout ridden by Faith:

This brown pony with the little white star is She’s a Star with Jenna:

2′ Welcome #1

Starting with Monte Carlo & Alex:

Here, next, is a chestnut with a nice blaze and form: Lady Winterfell and Shelby: they had 4faults for a refusal:

Goodnight Moon is back with Lucas:

Scout, the light bay with the wide white blaze, and Faith are next:

Charlie, a chestnut pony with the aqua saddle pad, and Laurel:

She’s A Star and Jenna had problems too with 3 refusals…but I’m showing just the good:

 

Round #2

Goodnight Moon and Lucas:

Scout &Faith won this round:

Here’s Charlie with Laurel:

And And Monte Carlo ridden by Alex had some mud issues: a fall (not pictured) that had us spectators calling her ‘Champion Mud Bath’!

She’s A Star & Jenna rode next:

2’3″ Welcome #1

Lady Winterfell and Shelby took first:

Goodnight Moon & Lucas

2’6″ Modified Welcome #1

Lady Winterfell & Shelby, first:

And this is a new competitor, Shy (Shiny New Dime) and Julie:

2’6″ Modified Welcome #2

Shy and Julie

By this time we all  had a second jacket or blanket on, wishing for mitts. But the fences were raised and the mud was adding a concern for riders and their horses. So we stayed put in our seats…mostly!

and then there’s the ground crew, great job!

2’6″ Welcome

Madeline “Maddy” and Chantel:

Shy & Julie:

Our first look at The King of Rock and Roll “Elvis” and Stephanie:

2’6′ Speed

Elvis & Stephanie

2’9″ Welcome

Maddie & Chantal

Elvis & Stephanie

2’9″ Speed

Maddie & Chantal

3′ Welcome

As the rails got higher, new competitors appeared. This is our first look at Tres Belle or ‘Bella’ and Brittney in their winning run of the next three events:

And another new face in Glimpsing or ‘Glimpy’ and Deborah:

Glimpy and this next horse, Koodory (‘Spot”) are ridden by sisters and Spot was an unexpected paint. Here, then, is Spot and Michelle:

3’3″ Welcome

Bella and Britney:

Glimpy & Deborah

Spot & Michelle:

3’3″ Speed

Bella & Brittany with their winning time of 56.5 secs:

Glimpy & Deborah:

Spot & Michelle

This was the end of the day’s competition. And here are the real stars:

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That’s a wrap! I appreciate comments/questions/corrections and if any one feels they’re missing a shot of their horse (i.e. didn’t see any jump take offs etc) just comment on the blog page. Thanx and enjoy!

 

May 20, 2017. Dressage at Crapaud.

“See What It’s Like ” Show

The wind whipped and tore thru the slats of the white fence surrounding the dressage arena, whipping sandy grit towards the judges box. Dawn Helm and her assistant were bundled warmly but the sand was everywhere.

Outside, I expected the horses to be jumpy from the wind but this afterall is dressage, an art of training a horse in obedience and in precision of movement. All was under control.

I arrived at the start of Training Level Test 2, Part 2 with Furia, a 12 yr old dappled grey mare in the arena, ridden by Debra Wellner.                                                                       **There is a second series of photos for each horse for Training Level Test 3 and for the afternoon Tests.**

As they progressed thru to the end, the judge then spoke to each rider with advice and direction. It was a show to calm nerves with knowledge and ease riders into the show season.

So here are the rest of the competitors.

Gabranita ridden by Haley Greenbank:

                                                                                                                                                   Cambridge with Kim Dolan:

Pipe It Up or Piper:

Astroboy with Abbey Heriazon:

Panarama with Paulette Jones:

Zane with Debbie Ross:

Jem with Kira Hanson:

Training Level Test 3

Furia with Debra Wellner:

Twelfth Night (?Knight) or Fred and Zowie Johnston

Pipe It Up or Piper with Julia Hanson

After lunch we started with Walk/Trot A

Emelia with Stephanie Gallant:

Walk/Trot C                                                                                                                          Censational with Shanna Melanson

Second Level Test 1

Fantango with Martha Mellish

Here comes Emilia again in Walk/Trot B

Emilia is not eating that rock – she’s neighing!

Walk/Trot D

Censational with Shanna Melanson

First Level Test 2

Vivaldi with Janet Ferguson

First Level Test 3                                                                                                                                        

ZoDiane with Paulette Jones

Third Level Test 1 and 2

Gryphon with Jennifer Hanson.

First Level Test 3

Vivaldi with Janet Ferguson

First Level Test 1

Flaming Jack with Kathryn Barrett:

           

and it all started here…

From Horse Day in PEI (the first!) to jumper or dressage shows, anywhere there’s a horse to see there’s a horse to photograph. Their beauty at rest, chewing on a stall door, pulling at the reins or neighing to one another, it’s the everyday happening where the beauty is found.

September 4, 2016.  Horse Pull Crapaud Agri-Plex

It was a lovely warm sun-shiney Sunday when the Draft Horse Pull was held in Crapaud. There were three classes of horses, divided by weight.  And those weights were concrete blocks loaded onto a sled. It was quite a sight to see the big guys toe the line and pull that load.

The team of Belgians that I saw first were awe-inspiring, the effort and the power were amazing.

I was at a loss to name this breed (below). So I contacted a Facebook group: PEI Horse Discussion Group and found the previous owner! The near one is a Percheron gelding and the other a half Belgian mare. They had an Arabian look to them with the curved necks and ear shape but much heavier and I can just see them pulling a fancy small wagon and a lady with a parasol! They are Ted and Steele and are Percheron geldings.

The red and blue collars identify this first team of Belgians and I caught some great effort from them, pulling together and moving that load.

The next pairing was a mix of a Belgian and a Percheron.

Here’s a look at the other white team. I noted they had just the blue halters where the first team had blue halters and blue on the harness collar. Percheron as well, mares named Angel on the right and Judy on the left.

Judy looks like she has something to say! The next team is of Belgians, with the blue collars.

It’s time for black Percherons, this team has blue halters.

Then we moved on to the second round, the blue collared Ted&Steele has first go.

The red&blue collared Belgians are back, doing an impressive dual pull.

The mix team team was next and had us pulling along with them!

Next was the blue-haltered white team, Angel and Judy, raising some dust.

The blue-collared Belgians took their turn and tbey were pulling for all their worth.

Another try by the red&blue Belgians.

And now the mixed team…

The blue-halered whites…

The blue-haltered Belgians (below)…see, first you have to back them to the sled and hook them up and sometimes there’s a bit of, shall we say – resistance?!

then they gather themselves and – PULL!

The blue-haltered white mares, Angel and Judy,  have a last go at it…

And the blue-collared Belgians are the final attempt…

The Percherons (Black) were the final winners; the Belgians (above) were only a few inches behind!

June 4, 2016. First Annual Horse Day PEI

It was a threatening grey Saturday in June when a dressage show took place at the Event Grounds in Crapaud as part of Horse Day. When I saw the quality of horse there I was so pleased and excited. I have to say the grey Arabian mare stole my heart and most of the space on my memory card!

First I caught two bay horses in the warm-up ring.There is such an undercurrent of dignity and grace in any dressage setting that onlookers spoke in whispers and most watched in quiet wonder.

And here she is, below. It was as if the stakes were raised as she entered the warm-up ring. “All genuflect here!” I thought. And when she started to move even the other riders sighed, recognizing the competition they faced.

The curve of her neck, her dish shaped forehead and fine head, wide set eyes and the way her tail swept the air, an accent to her moves…sigh. Her name is Kimmie.

This dark bay, above, with the whispy star and snip is Celtic. He’s a lovely tall boy, elegant with his moves and the perfect colour contrast to the grey Arabian.

Until my daughter took lessons – English, jumping, I had no idea horses could bend. They can: see below.

The surrounding farm land was equally  picturesque with the new spring leaves and early flowering bushes adding colours of lime green, smoky grey-green, an almost burgundy rust and the air was rain-washed fresh and clean.

I couldn’t stay for the competition as I wanted to catch the action at Strathgartney Equestrian Park.

June 4, 2016. Strathgartney 

The parking lot was full and the show had started so I quickly scurried thru the lot, anxious to set up the tripod…and stopped when I saw horses everywhere. In the show ring, outside watching, being walked, in a trailer or tied outside. Well, I couldn’t just pass them by…

There was a jumping demonstration underway but I had to take a moment to admire the colours of the budding trees – wispy grey-greens backed by the deep forest greens of the evergreens and set off by the lime green of the birches and all underlined by the rich green spring grass. Soon it’ll be summer!

I made my way to the ring and there was a jumper demo in progress. This chestnut looked competent and controlled.

Then I recognized a bay paint from the clinic a few weeks ago – Spot. He was going thru his paces and looked great.

A dark bay with a streaky star then went thru the course, making it look easy.

Next was a black with attractive navy and red head gear and blanket pad. Her name is Tres Bella and she moved smoothly and effortlessly with her spirit showing in the roll of her eyes and tilt of her head.

My camera loved her!

The horses then took a second time thru the course.

Spot had an issue with one of the jumps and I had the camera on speed-shoot so caught all of his refusal:

But she took him back and made him go over. Proper thing.

A speaker then took over the ring with a demonstration that started with basic horse training…

…then had this paint and a bay mare demo western tack and walk, trot, canter. Next was Derek with his bay Clydesdale mare, below.

The ring was set up for a barrel racing display with 3 girls and their horses giving us a sprirted showing.

and they had fun with it, too.Above is a chestnut named Jasper and a black or dark bay named Burtie and below is a handsome bay named Zak.

So I just have to show close-ups of the horses from the barrel racing:

The pole bending was set up and our three horses continued the show.

The girls and horses knew their stuff.

Through the poles, taking direction and having fun.

The final event was showing the crowd the eventing. What a great cross country course Strathgartney has; it’s used for both jumping and cross country.

and this is the course…

Here, below, are some close-ups of the riders & horses.

I’m guessing here, but I think the chestnut pony with the wide white blaze is Cooper and the other chestnut is Cam who I met at the April horse clinic. Those photos are in the event posted below. The other two horses are Dee the black (Jump Le De Da) a 15-2 hand gelding and the chestnut Bunker.

Above are some final shots from the First Annual Horse Day PEI, these shots are from Strathgartney.

April 30, 2016. Horse Clinic – Clyde River Farm

The April sun shone down on us and even tho the attendance was meager, the riders gloried in being in the saddle, eager to practise skills and some just to ride on up over that hill.

It was all about getting a start on the season, getting a feel for the turf and watching those ears swivel.

I was trying out my borrowed tripod (my daughter’s) and my shots are much more in focus. You see anxiety+shaky hands=a blur!

Spot, above, taking the jumps gracefully and showing a controlled gallop. Pharzerma, in her black&orange was beauty in motion – see below.

Cooper (wide white blaze) and Cam (chestnut), riders and horses enjoying the day. They provided a great shilhouette against the bright blue spring sky and then stopped for a chat.

May 23, 2015. Lorne Valley Charity Pull

At the Lorne Valley School grounds, a field needed to be turned and everyone came to help. As a demonstration, hand plows to John Deere showed up ready to work this field that was to be planted and harvested for the Food Bank.

The horses and ponies were shaggy from a rough winter, with manes tangled and coats rough with winter fuzz but they were still ready and willing to pull.

These sisters are wondering if  they get to have lunch, too.