I enjoyed a beautiful [and long] day judging in Natural Bridge, VA at Stone Bridge Farm last Saturday. There was a great turnout, which is not surprising because the facility is lovely, easy parking, two lovely rings with quality footing and well decorated jumps, nice schooling area, and super organized due to the hard work of Katrina and her crew. A lovely group of horses, ponies and riders brought their “A” game, every judge’s dream.
I headed home as soon as the show wrapped, and got home about 30 hrs after I had left. I was eager to see my horses the next day, so I was up early. I putted about the barn, feeding, grooming and picking pastures, just enjoying the serenity and beauty of my “heaven on earth”.
There was a slight kerfuffel when I tried to introduce Vinnie and Molly, which was very distressing. Having a small herd, makes it more difficult to introduce a new edition, they are so territorial. Everyone is back it their respective “corners” and it will stay that way until I get my nerve back to try again.
Cheerie was out on Tuesday AM for her lesson. She was breaking in her new half chaps and britches. She is a quick study and very aware of her body. She is getting strong and building stamina, riding is hard if you do it right and she doesn’t want to take any short cuts, which is good, because there aren’t any short cuts offered at Brydelle Farm.
Immediately after Cheerie’s lesson, I caught up with Sarah for her lesson. Again, she and Alley were spot on. After warming up, we did a few passes over a simple line of small verticals, and then went back and did some shortening and lengthening work at the trot. Both Alley and Sarah were adequately sweaty at the end, I was pleased.
Preparations for upcoming school year and work schedule’s limited lessons the rest of the week and of course, the threat of Earl. Though, the long weekend is definitely going to have lots of riding and lessons in it.
Happy and Safe Labor Day Weekend to All!
