Nicole and Pip were accepted into the emerging athlete clinic with Lendon Gray. They did a great job, and the partnership was able to gain some confidence before heading into show season. Here is Pip and Nic with Lendon and the other athletes and moms.
Nicole and Pip with Lendon Gray and emerging athlete clinic participants
Toscano and Braxton both headed to Tempel Farms to work with Mr. Riegler. Much time was spent working on their piaffe and passage. Images taken from video by Chuck Swan, Swan Studios.
Toscano schooling passage
Braxton working piaffe with Hans Riegler
Here are some photos of Toscano, owned by Kristin Cooper, taken from video by Chuck Swan of Swan Studios.
Toscano
I am really excited to ride with one of my long time coaches, Conrad Schumacher, this weekend! I will be riding Toscano, owned by Kris Cooper, in this clinic. Check out Tempel Farms webpage for information about auditing and ride times. http://www.tempelfarms.com/lipizzanclinics.html
In December I had a wonderful opportunity to ride with Hans Riegler. It was one of the best clinics I have ridden in in years. I rode, Toscano, an 11 year old gelding by Jazz – Juventus, owned by Kristin Cooper. Having only been riding Toscano for a month, I learned a lot, and it helped us get on the right track of our new partnership. Toscano was brilliant, and I look forward to developing this partnership!
Braxton and I were selected to be a PSG/I1 level demonstrator at the Steffen Peters and Janet Foy Symposium. It was great fun and everyone learned a lot. We got some great tips on how to improve the canter pirouettes, and we also rode through the canter tour of the I-1. Braxton was awesome.
Braxton at the 2011 Steffen Peters and Janet Foy Symposium
One week after Devon and during amazing Fall weather, Foley and I cliniced with Conrad Schumacher. We were able to do one lesson out in Tempel Farm’s large jumping arena to help open up Foley’s trot. It was a ride I will never forget, what a beautiful day!
What a week! Hannah was able to drive up with me and help me out with the horses, and take some wonderful photos. Charleston was very well behaved in this crazy atmosphere at Devon and placed in the Suitability for 4 Year Old Horses. Foley had a great week!! He was the winner of the Suitability for 5 and 6 Year Old Horses, his first (and hopefully not last!) blue ribbon at Devon! Foley put in a stellar FEI 5 Year Old test to score a 7.72 and 2nd place, and also winning the All-American Hanoverian Young Dressage Horse Award for being the highest placed US born Hanoverian being sired by an AHS Elite Stallion in the FEI Young Horse class. Braxton was phenomenal! In the first few Fourth Level tests, we had some problems with a bit of spookyness in the walk work, which cost him a few wins. However, he was able to put in a great, clean Fourth Level Test 3 for a 74.083%. Nothing like saving the best for last! He was the highest scoring Fourth Level horse at Dressage at Devon and won a fancy trophy and neck ribbon. Veni came along as well for a bit of schooling, and was perfect.
Braxton heading into the award ceremonies
Charlie warming up Dressage at Devon
Foley schooling at Devon
Veni schooling at Devon
During this show Amanda coached Kaye-Eileen and Anakin to a 72.973% at First Level. Nicole was able to finish up her scores for her USDF Bronze Medal! Kristina Wang traveled up from Nebraska with her Belladiva and Amanda was able to help them. Krissy was able to earn her USDF Gold Medal, Congratulations!!! They scored a 64.894 in the Grand Prix. This talented former Young Rider has trained her mare, Belladiva, from Training Level to Grand Prix. Way to go!! Congrats medal winners!
Kaye-Eileen and Anakin
Kristina and Belladiva
Nic and Oxford