Schooling Shows

     Fall is a good time to consider attending a schooling show.  These shows are wonderful opportunities to practice and they're good places to get green or novice horses and novice people started.  Sometimes we take young horses and get them a stall just to let them hang out; letting them adjust to the show atmosphere without any pressure.  This is really helpful for them and I personally like to pair inexperienced horses with 'buddies' that have seen a bit of the world.
     Schooling shows help new riders learn to "read" traffic in the show ring and get comfortable in a show setting.  These shows are also good for riders and horses that have show ring expertise and savy but need to work on some problems - problems such as listening to the announcer, anticipating the line up, jigging at the walk, not standing quietly in line etc.
     It is my firm belief that these shows are not about winning.  That comes later.  Schooling shows in the Fall and Winter are to help you and your horse get ready for bigger things to come next Spring. Use these opportunities well and it will pay off!  JD
    

Moving Day

     October has arrived and we have finished our move to Eagle Mountain Ranch in Arlington.  It is so nice to be so welcomed and warmly received.  Thank you to Kim, Alberto and all their family and staff for everything they have done.  I look forward to working out of their lovely facility.  You must see the view!  It makes me joyful to see the mountains, they're so beautiful, they make one serene and peaceful.
     Being peaceful in your heart is a great place to be when you're working with your horse.  The quieter and calmer you are, the more your horse will be also.  It sounds old and trite but it's also so true.  I always say that it's not your horse's responsibility to take care of you, but it it's your responsibilty to take care of him.  Working with your horse in a steady, calm and focused manner is part of that responsibility.
     And by the way, the picture in last week's blog is Joanne Salisbury and VP Midnitestranger+// ("Wes") carrying the U.S. Flag in the opening ceremonies at Canadian Nationals this year.  It was quite a privilege to be given that honor!  God bless America.
   

Showring Pitfalls

     This week I'll talk about some of the pitfalls people make when going to a horseshow.  Too many people "psyche themselves out" by worrying about who's at the show, who's watching, what horses are in their class, how much someone's saddle cost etc.  Instead, riders should stay focused on their horse and themselves.  Don't ride for the win or to "beat" a certain competitor, instead, ride to the best of your and your horse's ability and the winning will take care of itself in time.  Ultimately, the goal is to be the best horseperson you can be.

     Remember, train and prepare your horses at home, not at a show.  When showing, keep your routine as much like home as possible but ride the horse you have.  If something needs to changing or improvement, work it out at home where things are familiar, this gives your horse confidence and helps him relax when he's showing.  A relaxed and confident horse will give his best in the show ring.  Talk to you next week! JD
    

Fall is approaching....

     Fall is fast approaching and many of us are done showing.  It makes me ponder what it takes to have a happy and successful show season.  There are multiple components and I will be discussing many of them over the next few weeks. 
     First, to me, it's setting the right goals for you and your horse.  This begins with setting both long term and short term goals.  I have always been a firm believer in setting goals.  Having a dream is nice but dreaming will never get you where you want to go - only setting and achieving realistic goals will.
    And your goals should be attainable, that is, don't run before you can walk.  Be sure your horse has the ability and mind-set to do what you are interested in.  It is of utmost importance that you find what your horse "likes" to do, even if it means a slight change in your show plans.  A horse that likes and is interested in his work can overcome many physical limitations.  Then, you must make sure his job is enjoyable, don't overdo, work towards success in steps he can understand and also be realistic about what level of showing you and your horse are ready for and capable of accoplishing.  Remember, not everyone can be a National Champion but everyone can have a great show season! 
     Talk to you next week.  JD

What a show season!

I want to congratulate and thank all of my riders for such a successful season!  Even though the HV-1 scare limited our shows to only a few everyone did well.  Kudos to:  Jessica Keefe & "Rosco", Gina Heinricks & "Montego", Colleen Maguire & "Katie" and Joanne Salisbury & "Wes" and "Exe".

These fine riders made my job an easy one and I enjoyed every moment.  It was so rewarding to watch them show and win!

I also want to thank Angie Wilson again for training and showing "Tilly".  Tilly was bred by me and is now owned by Joanne Salisbury.  To see Tilly enjoy her work is wonderful! 

I would like to add that all of these horses love to go to shows and all enjoy being shown.  Their ears are up and they are confident in their respective jobs.  Well done team!  JD

SS Ekspresev +// at Canadian Nationals w/ Joanne Salisbury

This year Joanne Salisbury showed her two trail horses very successfully - winning Ameteur Trail at both Region 5 and Canadian Nationals.  It was with much satisfaction that I watched Joanne and her beloved VP Midnitestranger +// ("Wes") be so competitive after he was seriously hurt in 2009.  And it was so much fun to see her come together with her "new" horse SS Ekspresev +// ("Ex") at Region 5 and Cdn Nationals.  It has been my pleasure to train both of these talented and lovely horses for her. 

I also want to say what a pleasure it was to watch LaRae Fletcher-Powell ride "Poison" at both Region 5 and Cdn Natls- he's a great Trail horse.  Joanne and Ex were Reserve Champion with LaRae and Poison as Champion in Open Trail at both shows.  Joanne and Ex won both Amateur classes with Wes going Top 5 in both at Regionals and Top 10 (3rd in both) in both at Nationals.  Wes also had the high score in the open semi-final in Canada and ended up being beaten only be Poison and his own stablemate Ex!  What a great comeback for Joanne and Wes and great new beginnining for Joanne and Ex - see you again next year at Nationals!  JD

Rosies First Gold "Tilly" wins at 2011 Canadian Nationals

As the breeder of Rosies First Gold (or Tilly as we affectionately call her around the barns), I want to thank Angela Spiropolis-Wilson for her superb job of training and showing Tilly over fences.  Tilly is a fine mare, and is the daughter of an ApHC mare that I started, showed and truly loved.  Tilly is now owned by Joanne Salisbury who showed her successfully in-hand as a Sport Horse.  I started Tilly in-hand and under saddle then sent her on to Angie to complete her training.  Congratulations to Angie on a job well done.  What a fantastic first Canadian Nationals for Tilly!  Look for Angie and Tilly in 2012 at Regions 4 and 5 as well as Canadian Nationals and maybe even Sport Horse Nationals.  - JD


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