Rosie learns the barrel pattern

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It seems that our little Rosie is not only happy jumping fences but also loves to run barrels. Sent from my iPhone

Neptune and Ellie cross country practice

Ellie has been working hard this summer. Even on the hottest of days, she shows up ready to practice! Now Neptune, on the other hand, has been a little lazy in the heat. But you know what? This has been good for Ellie because her legs have become super strong from lots of squeezing! Check out Ellie and Neptune practicing the tire jump last evening. Jubilee, here they come!

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A hot day for Rosie!

Rosie had every intention of showing at the Whitaker show.  It was her girl who wimped out in the 105 degree heat! I don't blame her. I can honestly say I have ridden Mojo a whopping 3 times this month. What a crazy summer! Even though Rosie and Jennifer ended up soaking wet (you can see the sweat drops underneath Rosie in the picture!), they had an awesome schooling day in the areas best indoor arena. Check out their video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zN196QlL1g

Neptune's Hat

Neptune has very sensitive ears. He really has a bad day when flies are buzzing, so to keep Neptune happy (and believe me he is well worth it!) we put his fly hat on! Emma and her friend Abby, who had her first ride ever today on Neptune, had a fun day of practicing the western jog and lope!





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ChipnDale figures out the poles

Dale is a little over 16.1H. He was 16H when he shipped in last fall. Needless to say, the boy is having a growth spurt!  We like to call him LEGS because his legs go everywhere when he tries to do anything! Ground poles work wonders with uncoordinated thoroughbreds. Dale is learning where to put his feet. We can already feel the difference during his semi-collected trot! Keep watching as our little Dale progresses from poles to rails.

Rosie learns to add one!

Rosie, our fun jumper pony, loves to go fast. So much so, that she can easily make the horse distances in a jumper course! We decided it was time to TRY and slow her down by shortening her stride and forcing her to be a pony. Shhhh, don't tell her! Thinking that she is a horse gives her the confidence it takes to beat all the horses in the jumper division!

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Neptune and Ellie

 

Ellie, age 11, leases Neptune, an off the track, retired fox hunter/upper level show hunter who now shows in the lower level pony club and show events. They have been partners for 1.5 years and there is no doubt a serious bond between them! I think it is because Ellie likes to do the same thing as Neptune....canter... a whole lot in the big meadow! The team just went to their first out of state show and did a great job. Keep watching the blog to follow Ellie and Neptune's Pony Club progress as they move up the ratings. Go Nep and Ellie!

Leading the Field

It's always surprising. After years of hunting, the first music of the day still gives me chills. The four littermates worked slowly, noses to the ground, tails feathering. Huntsman Max told us they were four of his best. We could see and feel his pride. The lead hound was speaking. One by one the other hounds came down off the bluff to honor.

I was right behind the huntsman. When MFH Barb asked if I would stand in as honorary field master for the day, I wanted to hug her neck. This is THE SPOT for an avid hunter. The day began at Peggy Knight's gorgeous hunt box. There were about 25 in the field. Five PC members drove 3 hours to join us. As we hacked toward dripping springs, Huntsman Max encouraged us to trot our horses in big circles. He wanted us warmed up in case our first run took the field up the newly cleared bluff trail, a straight up climb. The hounds were anxious. Scent was strong. Whipper-in Julie had seen a coyote early that morning very near our first casting spot. When we reached the round bale field, "the coyotes spend time here" stated Max, the hounds couldn't wait any longer. They raced up the bluff searching persistently for the fresh line.

As the others joined the lead hound and his littermates from the bluff, they never lifted their noses as they worked back and forth. Where did he go? Hard work paid off as they found his scent exiting the round bale field into the creek bed. We took off, crossed the creek and followed the music south.

As we left the trailers, Huntsman Max said, "this day has the potential to be very fast", and he was right. I heard one member in the field say, "I don't remember a hunt this fast". We hunted mostly to the south. Max stopped 2-3 times throughout the hunt to re-organize with his whipper-ins. He would give the field permission to school the cross-country fences, only after their horses were rested. Halfway through, MFH Barb met us with the hound truck, and reunited the whole pack. Max invited PC member Virginia to back whip for him and off we went. After the hunt, a junior said, "I thought the hunt was over, then Miss Barb showed up, released the hounds and I was so happy we would get to keep hunting"!

For three hours, we listened to the hounds voices, galloped to keep up, only stopping when it seemed like we could go no further. We watched the hounds work, viewed at least 2 bald eagles and gorgeous vistas. During the few times we walked, I listened as Huntsman Max told hound history and heritage. I learned we hunted a July hound and an english couple are close to being entered. Before casting, Max would explain to the field what was happening. "These two hounds fight in the kennels, and are hunting together today" Max chuckled as he made the observation.

When the huntsman blew “going home”, we were almost too tired for dismount.

I thought “this was one of the best hunting days I can remember” and when I turned to see all my girls grinning, I knew it was true.