First of all, Walker continues to do well. He is showing no symptoms at this point. He is just coming off the steroids today though. Think good thoughts that he remains pain free. If he stays ok, I will then move on to trying to find out what the heck is going on!
I did a C3 and B for the Old Dominion region at Virginia Intermont last weekend. I always enjoy meeting all the new people. It is a nice facility, too.
I then went to Charleston for a few days with the excuse that I had a couple of lessons to teach! That took 4 days, right? :)
I came back friday evening in time to take 5 people to HIllcrest today for a combined test.
Great results!!
Mikayla and Quaker Oats were 1st!! This was their second outing, so I am very proud of them.
Cameron and Levi were also 1st in their division! Their dressage score improved by 9 points, excellent job for the boys.
Mom Sue got to go this time and ride Lina. They were very good to finish 4th. We did not realize they were timing Maiden and they picked up times faults or would have won. They did a great job too.
Faith and Megan were 4th. They actually improve over the last time with lots of 7's and an 8 on gaits. They jumped clear too. Faith is so flashy.
Eileen and Maggie improved their dressage and moved up a division to jump 2'. They are coming along together. Cameron, Mikayla and Eileen will be aiming for the TTC Horse Trials in September. I am looking forward to that!
The working students continue to come. I had sisters Caroline and Kate Ingram and Katie Drummond. This week Arielle Ostrov, Paige Meier and Aaron Beltran Davies are all here getting ready for upcoming ratings. Should be a very fun week. We are taking a trip to the Ark to school too.
My next trip is to the New Jersey region for a C3 and B at the end of August.
No wonder I need a vacation every month. I work every single day that I am home. I think I need a snow day!
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Monday, August 10, 2009
Walker update
Walker is doing better. We are not quite sure why! He is on heavy anti-inflamatory drugs. But I hope we are actually healing whatever is wrong. There is no doubt that if it was bone growth impinging on the spinal cord he would probably not have responded so well. It could be that there was some kind of swelling and we are reducing it?
I am also sure the prayers helped!!
I hope he continues to get better... that is an understatement!!
I am also sure the prayers helped!!
I hope he continues to get better... that is an understatement!!
Sunday, August 2, 2009
And yet more summer....
The USPC Championships were held July 23-26 at the Virgina Horse Park. I went to coach the event teams for the Carolina Region.
There were some good results and some nice "Pony Club" moments.
In no particular order...
Britany Alston and Snickers were on a scamble team and ended up first in Novice! They seem to excel working as a team, for people who had never met before wednesday!
I was very proud of the Carolina Novice Team. Allison's horse went lame at the last minute and although they tried to bring a sub, they were not qualified, so didn't get to ride. Grace's horse didn't want to play on XC, so the team was pretty much out. HOWEVER!!!! They WON the horsemanagement for their division. I have coached at Champs for years and usally when a team is hit by that kind of bad luck they tend to give up. Not these girls!! They rocked! Stephanie and Vegas were great throughout. Stephanie had a tough time last year and I know she is proud at how well she came storming back this year!
One of our Beginner Novice Teams was third! This team included my student Molly and the wonderful Candyland. This was the two Mollys two Allies team. I know I am forgetting some people. I will have to look for my program!
Our Training riders, Christina and Aaron both were solid and were 3rd overall, 2nd HM.
For the first time EVER we had two Preliminary riders! Danielle and Arielle were both competent and confident. Danielle had one glance off for which she took all the blame, I like that :) Arielle had a super xc and one of her best SJ rounds. She was 5th individually. Both these young women should be proud, I know I am.
I was so busy it is a shame, but I don't know how the other disciplines ended up.
I emjoyed being there with all the Carolina Family. It was another fun year.
We also attended a hunter schooling show with a few kids. No great ribbons but some good riding. We just use these shows for practice as it is so great to be able to do a couple rounds back to back and get the nerves out!
ON a sad note, Walker's accident with the car 3 years ago has caught up with him. We found out a couple of months ago that he had fractured his neck at that time. Hard to believe he went to Champs one month later and was on the first place First Level Dressage team!
If he turns his head the wrong way he cannot move it and if something causes him to turn it hard he staggers and gets a hazy look in his eye.
We will retire him and see what happens. I have sent the xrays to State, but Dr. Meeker doesn't think there is anything we can do. So we will just love him and pray a little too. He is a sweet, sweet boy.
We will keep hanging in there.....
Later.
There were some good results and some nice "Pony Club" moments.
In no particular order...
Britany Alston and Snickers were on a scamble team and ended up first in Novice! They seem to excel working as a team, for people who had never met before wednesday!
I was very proud of the Carolina Novice Team. Allison's horse went lame at the last minute and although they tried to bring a sub, they were not qualified, so didn't get to ride. Grace's horse didn't want to play on XC, so the team was pretty much out. HOWEVER!!!! They WON the horsemanagement for their division. I have coached at Champs for years and usally when a team is hit by that kind of bad luck they tend to give up. Not these girls!! They rocked! Stephanie and Vegas were great throughout. Stephanie had a tough time last year and I know she is proud at how well she came storming back this year!
One of our Beginner Novice Teams was third! This team included my student Molly and the wonderful Candyland. This was the two Mollys two Allies team. I know I am forgetting some people. I will have to look for my program!
Our Training riders, Christina and Aaron both were solid and were 3rd overall, 2nd HM.
For the first time EVER we had two Preliminary riders! Danielle and Arielle were both competent and confident. Danielle had one glance off for which she took all the blame, I like that :) Arielle had a super xc and one of her best SJ rounds. She was 5th individually. Both these young women should be proud, I know I am.
I was so busy it is a shame, but I don't know how the other disciplines ended up.
I emjoyed being there with all the Carolina Family. It was another fun year.
We also attended a hunter schooling show with a few kids. No great ribbons but some good riding. We just use these shows for practice as it is so great to be able to do a couple rounds back to back and get the nerves out!
ON a sad note, Walker's accident with the car 3 years ago has caught up with him. We found out a couple of months ago that he had fractured his neck at that time. Hard to believe he went to Champs one month later and was on the first place First Level Dressage team!
If he turns his head the wrong way he cannot move it and if something causes him to turn it hard he staggers and gets a hazy look in his eye.
We will retire him and see what happens. I have sent the xrays to State, but Dr. Meeker doesn't think there is anything we can do. So we will just love him and pray a little too. He is a sweet, sweet boy.
We will keep hanging in there.....
Later.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Hillcrest Dressage and CT
I want to update before I forget everything!
Yesterday we went to Hillcrest with 9 horses!
Lina was very good to get 2nd with a 9 on her first halt. She gets the short end of the stick attention wise. You can warm her up in 20 minutes for dressage and about 5 for Show Jumping. It's a good thing as we were rather busy.
Faith went as a last minute sub for Megan Cullen, whose horses have a calendar and know when shows are coming. They were outstanding with a bunch of 8's on their test. They had one stutter to a stop at the 8th fence in SJ. I think Faith was thinking they were done going away from the crowd and a bit tired. Her dressage was good enough to keep them 3rd. Faith is one fancy mover!
McCall Dimarco and Paris did their first CT! No problems jumping and now it is time to step up that dressage! They had a nice quiet test, though.
Cameron, who is a BOY, was a star in SJ with Levi, who is just a bit naughty and has too much fun. However, even BOYS have to practice dressage..... . Poor Cameron has about 4 "sisters" bossing him around at the barn. He is the "somebody" in the "somebody needs to do.... (insert nasty chore)".
Eileen Ann Dixon, the birthday girl :0 did a great job with Milky Way. Maggie tried one run out and Eileen rode like a champ to convince her otherwise. Eileen is my niece and of course, I take all credit for her.
Mikayla Mathers and Quaker Oats got the cute pony award. I braided him myself and he was adorable. He was so good. He hasn't been anywhere in at least 3 years! He was very well behaved and liked going to the party. They had a quiet test and a lovely clean round. I can't wait to take him XC! He is a super jumper.
Heather Phillips and Lilly had a lovely test. We were very happy with Lilly, they were first in their class.
Walker and Alex Adams tried a new test and did a good job.
My sister, Mary Dixon, brought her Friesian Stallion Nastase. He was gorgeous. He is SO quiet you would never know he is a stallion. He hasn't been out in a year and was very ho-hum about everything. I have a baby of his and I sure hope he has that attitude.
A big THANK YOU to Sue Evans, Cameron's mom and all round star helper. Next time, SHE will get to ride!
Everyone here really pitches in to help. MCCall's mom, Louann, warmed up my two little ones while I did her daughter. I am sure she was wanting to watch but stepped right in to help. Alex and Megan are great big sisters to all the kids. We are really lucky to have such an outstanding group at this barn.
One big milestone this week, I have paid all my cancer bills. I really can't describe very well what that is like. Another step in moving on.
I need to get ready to go to PC Champs, so of course I am sitting here instead....
Back to work!
Kathi
Yesterday we went to Hillcrest with 9 horses!
Lina was very good to get 2nd with a 9 on her first halt. She gets the short end of the stick attention wise. You can warm her up in 20 minutes for dressage and about 5 for Show Jumping. It's a good thing as we were rather busy.
Faith went as a last minute sub for Megan Cullen, whose horses have a calendar and know when shows are coming. They were outstanding with a bunch of 8's on their test. They had one stutter to a stop at the 8th fence in SJ. I think Faith was thinking they were done going away from the crowd and a bit tired. Her dressage was good enough to keep them 3rd. Faith is one fancy mover!
McCall Dimarco and Paris did their first CT! No problems jumping and now it is time to step up that dressage! They had a nice quiet test, though.
Cameron, who is a BOY, was a star in SJ with Levi, who is just a bit naughty and has too much fun. However, even BOYS have to practice dressage..... . Poor Cameron has about 4 "sisters" bossing him around at the barn. He is the "somebody" in the "somebody needs to do.... (insert nasty chore)".
Eileen Ann Dixon, the birthday girl :0 did a great job with Milky Way. Maggie tried one run out and Eileen rode like a champ to convince her otherwise. Eileen is my niece and of course, I take all credit for her.
Mikayla Mathers and Quaker Oats got the cute pony award. I braided him myself and he was adorable. He was so good. He hasn't been anywhere in at least 3 years! He was very well behaved and liked going to the party. They had a quiet test and a lovely clean round. I can't wait to take him XC! He is a super jumper.
Heather Phillips and Lilly had a lovely test. We were very happy with Lilly, they were first in their class.
Walker and Alex Adams tried a new test and did a good job.
My sister, Mary Dixon, brought her Friesian Stallion Nastase. He was gorgeous. He is SO quiet you would never know he is a stallion. He hasn't been out in a year and was very ho-hum about everything. I have a baby of his and I sure hope he has that attitude.
A big THANK YOU to Sue Evans, Cameron's mom and all round star helper. Next time, SHE will get to ride!
Everyone here really pitches in to help. MCCall's mom, Louann, warmed up my two little ones while I did her daughter. I am sure she was wanting to watch but stepped right in to help. Alex and Megan are great big sisters to all the kids. We are really lucky to have such an outstanding group at this barn.
One big milestone this week, I have paid all my cancer bills. I really can't describe very well what that is like. Another step in moving on.
I need to get ready to go to PC Champs, so of course I am sitting here instead....
Back to work!
Kathi
Monday, July 20, 2009
Times flies when you are having fun and working 12 hours a day!
Four Camps down so far. The Texas camp was great as expected. We had a small group but lots of fun. After coming home to a Birthday Party given by my friends Sue and Cathy I had a couple of days of lessons before heading off to the beach! It was a wonderful break and a good way to turn 50, surrounded by friends from Texas, Maryland and DC. Lots of family, too.
Back we came and into three weeks of camp. I have had bunches of working students too. Lots of guest horses.... it has been hectic but fun.
We have twice gone to the Farrier's Meeting at Davie County Large Animal Hospital. We take a crew everytime we go. I have had two HA candidates, among others and they have especially learned from it. There are about 15 farriers in attendance and they are very willing to talk - big shock, eh?!
Speaking of which, CONGRATULATIONS to Robin Coulter, the newest H-A from the Carolina Region! Whoo - HOO! Robin is getting married in a couple of weeks too! ALSO, Robin helped us match up the gorgeous Bella with her new owner Gloria Ripperton. Good luck to them both, seems like a happy pair.
So camps are done, we are taking 9 horses to Hillcrest Dressage and Combined Test on wednesday, then I go to coach about 16 Pony Clubbers at Champsionships in Virgina. Mouse will be my helper. Mouse loves Morgan Whitehead, the Show Jumping coach. A little quality time coming up.
Another Congrats to McCall Dimarco on getting her D2 yesterday with almost all Exceeds Standards!
I will update after the next busy week!
Till later.
Kathi
Back we came and into three weeks of camp. I have had bunches of working students too. Lots of guest horses.... it has been hectic but fun.
We have twice gone to the Farrier's Meeting at Davie County Large Animal Hospital. We take a crew everytime we go. I have had two HA candidates, among others and they have especially learned from it. There are about 15 farriers in attendance and they are very willing to talk - big shock, eh?!
Speaking of which, CONGRATULATIONS to Robin Coulter, the newest H-A from the Carolina Region! Whoo - HOO! Robin is getting married in a couple of weeks too! ALSO, Robin helped us match up the gorgeous Bella with her new owner Gloria Ripperton. Good luck to them both, seems like a happy pair.
So camps are done, we are taking 9 horses to Hillcrest Dressage and Combined Test on wednesday, then I go to coach about 16 Pony Clubbers at Champsionships in Virgina. Mouse will be my helper. Mouse loves Morgan Whitehead, the Show Jumping coach. A little quality time coming up.
Another Congrats to McCall Dimarco on getting her D2 yesterday with almost all Exceeds Standards!
I will update after the next busy week!
Till later.
Kathi
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Summer is starting!
And we're off! Summer means traveling to National Ratings, working students and summer camps!
I did a rating for Eno, a C2 om May 31st. They were well prepared and all passed. We did it at Quail Roost in Durham. They have a fabulous new XC course, WOW! I would love to go back there and school.
Then only four days later I flew to Albuquerque, New Mexico for an HB. It was a lot of flying, going thursday, rating friday, home saturday. However, I had never been that far West, so it was worth it.As usual, I was picked up at the airport by a total stranger, dropped off at someone's house and had a lovely evening with some people I had never met who feed me really great quiche and ice cream! There were 6 fantastic candidates. They were the best prepared group I have ever had. Congrats to them and their Region for doing an excellent job.
They do have this annoying tree out there, a Cottonwood. It "snows" cotton on you. It was really pretty at first, against a backdrop of beautiful flowers at the farm we were visiting. However, 4 hours later, it was getting really old! They say it does that for about a week or so, a long week I'm thinking! They have a lot of wind out there. I kept waiting for the thunderstorm like we would get, but I guess it doesn't rain there! Very interesting to visit, but of course, not as pretty as North Carolina.
Starting tomorrow, the working students are coming! We will be prepping for everything from A down. The next big trip is to Texas June 16-20 for their Regional Camp. Only bad thing about that, it conflicts with the Carolina Camp. OF course they asked me a DAY after TExas confirmed, so I accepted that and am missing out on being with all my friends at June camp, darn.
Weather permitting, we are schooling at the Ark this saturday. Updates will follow!
Here is wishing a safe and fun summer for us all.
Kathi
I did a rating for Eno, a C2 om May 31st. They were well prepared and all passed. We did it at Quail Roost in Durham. They have a fabulous new XC course, WOW! I would love to go back there and school.
Then only four days later I flew to Albuquerque, New Mexico for an HB. It was a lot of flying, going thursday, rating friday, home saturday. However, I had never been that far West, so it was worth it.As usual, I was picked up at the airport by a total stranger, dropped off at someone's house and had a lovely evening with some people I had never met who feed me really great quiche and ice cream! There were 6 fantastic candidates. They were the best prepared group I have ever had. Congrats to them and their Region for doing an excellent job.
They do have this annoying tree out there, a Cottonwood. It "snows" cotton on you. It was really pretty at first, against a backdrop of beautiful flowers at the farm we were visiting. However, 4 hours later, it was getting really old! They say it does that for about a week or so, a long week I'm thinking! They have a lot of wind out there. I kept waiting for the thunderstorm like we would get, but I guess it doesn't rain there! Very interesting to visit, but of course, not as pretty as North Carolina.
Starting tomorrow, the working students are coming! We will be prepping for everything from A down. The next big trip is to Texas June 16-20 for their Regional Camp. Only bad thing about that, it conflicts with the Carolina Camp. OF course they asked me a DAY after TExas confirmed, so I accepted that and am missing out on being with all my friends at June camp, darn.
Weather permitting, we are schooling at the Ark this saturday. Updates will follow!
Here is wishing a safe and fun summer for us all.
Kathi
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Disney and Rolex
I have been singing the Mickey Mouse song enough to drive everyone around me crazy, especially my nieces. Disney was so much fun. That is the first vacation I have had like that and we had a blast. I have to say, it was nice to be away from the horses for a bit!
I was home for a few days and then went to Rolex. The winner was Headley Britannia, a 15.3, 16 year old MARE! Yeah for her! That was awesome to watch.
Today I did a rating for Cardinal II Pony Club and I have another one for Eno at the end of the month. Other than that I will be home for the entire month of May, a rare occurance! Then I head to Albuquerque for another HB.
We had a good turnout at the Race for the Cure in Winston on saturday. Compared to last year at this time, I have come a long way baby!!
I did get to take a few kids to a show before Easter and they did great! Hayden and Barney won their first class together! Levi and Cameron kicked the hunters butts and were Champion of their division. We are looking for some more schooling shows for this summer.
M I C K E Y.... M O U S E......... :)
I was home for a few days and then went to Rolex. The winner was Headley Britannia, a 15.3, 16 year old MARE! Yeah for her! That was awesome to watch.
Today I did a rating for Cardinal II Pony Club and I have another one for Eno at the end of the month. Other than that I will be home for the entire month of May, a rare occurance! Then I head to Albuquerque for another HB.
We had a good turnout at the Race for the Cure in Winston on saturday. Compared to last year at this time, I have come a long way baby!!
I did get to take a few kids to a show before Easter and they did great! Hayden and Barney won their first class together! Levi and Cameron kicked the hunters butts and were Champion of their division. We are looking for some more schooling shows for this summer.
M I C K E Y.... M O U S E......... :)
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