Dressage Improv Recap

Last night we had our first Dressage Improv with Hunter Half-Time Show. We had a small but educated turnout, all in all 5 horses went, with plenty of time to condense for the next one by having the warm-up area in the outdoor ring, and only the musical freestyles in the indoor, in front of our guests.

As you may already know if you are my “Friend” on Facebook, I was quick to start planning for our next event, which will be June 15th, and invited many colleagues as well as just friends who are local and whom I thought may enjoy seeing what we do. Everyone is welcome. While our planning and organizational skills left some room for improvement, the format of the event worked very well, and the horses really enjoyed dancing to the music and showing off.

We are looking forward to hosting the next Dressage Improv here, and hope that you can join us if you are available and close-by enough to attend. Here are some photos by Nancy Toby, a student of Julia’s who came out to watch. Enjoy! Charish

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Online FREE Entry for Dressage Improv

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dDFvcUd6WjNhR0Q5UmVQMzJyeDlZZGc6MQ&theme=0AX42CRMsmRFbUy0xMGJlNDQxZS1jZjM4LTQ5NmEtODdjYS05NDIzNDBmYzdmNmM&ifq

 

This is for our upcoming Dressage Improvs on May 25, and again on June 15th. We hope you will join us!

Cheers, Charish and Jen – Queen of The Spreadsheet (thanks Jen)

Dressage Improv!!

Dressage Improv is actually an old event idea that has evolved over the past 13 years. This same event was called “Friday Night Demo Rides” and twice we organized a similar Holiday event which included a sale of all horses entered, we called it Holiday Horse Fest, the first one was all the way back in 2000, and featured local trainers – Jackie Kinney, Butch Gardner, with entries by Noble Stables, Briarwood Equestrian, and Ennisbrook Farm.

In part it is a “dress rehearsal” for the show season, which admittedly I am getting a late start on this year. Sea Lord and I are a new team, and we are not in a hurry. Here is a sneak peek of what you can look forward to seeing! Enjoy!

Where: Hundred Acre Wood, LLC

10716 Todd’s Corner Road

Easton, Maryland 21601

When: Friday, May 25, 2012 from 6-8 p.m.

FREE – Bring something to sit on

Jump School Slideshow

Here are some photos I took yesterday of Teresa and Julia jumping their new course on Caleb and Gandy. Caleb belongs to Teresa, he is really coming into his own in the past few weeks since he has been here. Gandy is Julia’s show hunter, he knows his job and I know Julia can’t wait to get him in front of the judge!

Also added to the competition schedule looks like Old Hope Starter Trials for Teresa and Julia, and a dressage schooling show in Salisbury at Misty Meadows for Mellie and Gilda.

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Thoroughbred Incentive Fund

Thoroughbred Incentive Fund- Sporthorse Page

Here is a link to the TIF’s Sporthorse page, where you will find Sea Lord and Frankie listed intermingled with some of the finest TB Sporthorses in recent times. Posted in memory of Vic Fel’Dotto racehorse breeder, rider and trainer. (1912-1993)

“Old horsemen never die, they just lose their git’ along.”

12 Forevers in Walk-Trotville Paid Off

Big Bird is doing so well! We are putting things together preparing to ride the Intermediate 1 at Fair Hill and Ride For Life. It has been a long journey to get this far, and I wasn’t completely convinced until recently that we would ever graduate from walking and trotting. I have taken it so slowly and carefully with him, and am happy to report that it is really paying off. Looking back at our past schooling footage, I have moments where I nearly cringe – not that it is “bad” but it certainly is not the quality of work that we are logging now. Big Bird (Sea Lord)’s accomplishments through Grand Prix under Silva speak for themselves. He is the current Region 1 USDF Intermediate 2 Champion. He is an excellent teacher, I had a lot to learn to be able to ride him well.

Big Bird and Tesla actually have very similar temperaments, they are freaky-smart, totally loyal, high drive – and ALL LEGS! Tesla may be the smartest puppy ever, he has totally settled in, and is “nailing it” with “inside”, “outside”, “sit”, “down” (as in no jumping, not as in a “down-stay”), and of course every puppy’s mantra – No Bites!! He even knows “go potty”! Trigger, Larry’s working yellow lab tries to bully him and boss him around but he really doesn’t put up with it. I am glad to see that he is not afraid of Trigger and her intimidation tactics, and have to acknowledge that this high drive dog has no fear.

Mellie is doing well in her work and she looks fantastic. I would love to get her out at the shows in June but think it is smarter to only focus on Big Bird mainly because of the expenses that go with competing. She is ready to go.

Duell is really stepping it up too, yesterday he had a flying change that was quick like BB’s changes, normally his changes are very smooth and easy to sit, he’s not one to “jump around”. After I get scores on BB at Inter-1, Duell will be next, though probably the girls (Mellie and Gilda) will get in front of the judge first because they are for sale, and Duell and I made our case at Inter-1 last year, despite all of the challenges.

It’s raining outside, the sky looks sleepy and on the heels of yesterday’s fab four rides, it’s hard to get motivated! Charish

Meet Our Resident Vet

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Apologies to Teresa, this is about two months overdue.

This is our resident vet, her name is Dr. Teresa Martinoli. She originally hails from northern Florida, attended University of Florida, Gainesville where she logged many hours in the UF NICU, as well with Sport Horses, both before and during vet school. Before moving to the Eastern Shore to join VMC, she worked in a primarily Sport Horse practice in Baltimore & Harford Co. MD. Dr. Martinoli has been the Equine Specialist at our preferred local practice (since 1985 with my arabians and Bibo) for the past two years. Veterinary Medical Center (www.vmceaston.com)  is owned by Dr. Elizabeth (Didi) Callahan (also a breeder of top Sporthorses with her Cool Na Grena Farm – www.cngsporthorses.com ) and Dr. Dean Tyson, and treats most species of animals from guinea pigs to giraffes with everything in between.

Teresa moved in with her fabulous young warmblood, Emrys, and a full family of “critters” back in mid-March of this year. The “craptastic rancher” (as I usually refer to it) was way too small for our family of four, but plenty spacious for Teresa and her critters. They are very happy there. Our last two years in the rancher, we took up flooring and had a running list of things that needed repair. We knew that the work would be easier once we were out of it and into the new house, it’s not “craptastic” anymore, it’s actually really nice, clean and modest.

In the time that Teresa has been here, she has made herself available to me and the horses in our program whenever we need her, and she steps up in the barn covering feedings and night checks on a regular basis. I’m not sure how I would be able to attend the events on the weekends without her, actually. We are well equipped to handle lay-ups and rehabs under  Teresa’s watchful eye and the owner’s instructions.

I have to give Teresa “props” for her riding. She is a tough as they come eventer, and spent time last year at the top of the Adult Am. leaderboards at Training Level with her horse, Santiago. I might be eventing’s biggest fan to check back with the leaderboards as often as I do. Teresa’s experience in the tack and on the course gives her a rare edge as an Equine Vet. She has recently been certified to practice Chiropractic Adjustments on horses as well, so continues to be hungry to learn more – a girl after my own heart, to be sure.

Welcome aboard, Teresa – officially!