And…we’re doing it again next week! We’re looking forward to the Idaho Dressage Festival May 19-20. Have you seen that amazing painting by Tricia Scheele that’s going to be this year’s festival poster?! Beautiful!)

In other news…Indie gets her first pair of shoes!

And, her first attempt at a canter with a saddle on…

We’re headed to Park City for the weekend, stopping in Ogden on the way home for a little cross-country schooling, and back at the Pierce Park next week!

Stephanie will be in Boise until mid-July, then back to McCall for a while, though she’ll be in Boise at least 2 days a week throughout the rest of the summer. Hopefully you’ll have a chance to come visit beautiful McCall this summer!

View of Little River Farm – hard to believe I left!

Road from Little River to house.

From there Josh, Joe and I drove to Lexington, where we spent 4 days in the middle of the United States premier event; The Rolex Kentucky CCI****.

Two of our best friends; Karen O’Connor and Allison Springer needed to prove their horse rider combination is right for the Olympic games later this year. They each have a great story (as does anyone who gets to that level) that is full of heart break and success and they both dream at night about representing their country at the Games.

Josh, Janelle and I got to catch up with more friends in Kentucky while we rode the intense journey that brought both Karen and Alison into the top 5!! It was awesome. Their horses felt, looked and preformed just as they were prepared to do. Both women rode their personal best. It was nerve racking to watch and even harder to keep up with the celebrating on Sunday.

Watching Karen, a life long friend, mentor, coach and confidant fall at the first water on Veronica was heart breaking but she was spot on, confident and secure on the more experienced Mr Medicott. So fun to see!!

As for Allison…wow, what a ride. I have known Aurther since she bought him as a young horse and have followed her love of him. He is beautiful, athletic and careful. She had to react and ride a new plan occasionally, but he was with her all the way. So, second place at Rolex; pretty great (as is the money, Range Rover and rest of loot!)

Even after all this time watching, talking, walking and listening I am no closer to clarity than before. Clarity on anything! I spent the week talking with David O’Conner, Kyle Carter, John Holling, Karen O’Connor, Kristi Nunnick, and many others at the top of this sport, and it was somewhat comforting to know that no one knows exactly what the next step is.

Here are a few questions I’m personally grappling with…

McCall vs. Boise?
Eventers vs. Jumpers?
Look for a horse to keep vs. Looking for a horse to pay the bills?
Working students vs. Employees?
Coach at shows vs. Coaching at home?
Clinics vs. Lessons?
Living quarters vs. Horse hauler and tack room?

Let me know if you have any answers! Hope to see you soon.

I hope you are getting excited about the season ahead.  I will help you have as much fun as you can stand.  The season is packed with exhaustingly great things.  To help you stay on top of my schedule, your lessons and opportunities (and to help me avoid complete mayhem) would you stay on top of this calendar?  https://www.google.com/calendar/embedsrc=r662j9i77mvmqac8op23dc4mbc%40group.calendar.google.com&ctz=America/Denver

This is a link to the calendar that appears on my web site.   If you look at the week view you can see more details.  You can also click on the event and I may have added a location and/or description.

I will try to keep it as up to date as possible.  If you would like to add, change, or question me please do!  I am traveling most weekends.  Please let me know if I can help schedule help while I am away or to fit you in when I return.

In barn news Zymon is still sole sensitive, but working in Denis’ boots seems to be comfy enough even if they look funny.

Seamus is the best horse to ride, handle and to be broken down with! After a super fun trip to Tulip Springs for a clinic with Jean Moyer and I, we had some truck trouble. After the second and final death of the truck, Seamus got to graze and wait for a new ride in the dark and some “back country” home of a stranger…

Shilo is still the best barn dog….

With the best ride.

Shelley playing with Izzy…

and yes, we are still going to the gym.

Biggest news:** Shilo got himself a ride for the downtown living!**

Thank you for making my first winter in Boise so enjoyable. I hope that you will let me know where we need to be better and what you would like to see in the future. As you all know, I love the horse and rider physical and mental challenge much more that the modern economic challenge. I am working on keeping riding as safe, fun, successful and affordable as I can. Please let me know if you would like to discuss or suggest about this updated pricing structure.

As of Jan 1, 2012
Full training board $950 a month- This includes a stall in the breezeway barn at Pierce Park with extra bedding, 3 feedings a day, stall cleaning, daily turn out, blanket changing and washing, 5 rides a week on average, 1 lesson per week if applicable (missed lessons can not be carried over), mane pulling, holding for vet/farrier, grooming and tack/boot/pad usage.
Additional Items include but not excluded to
stall in main barn +$60
clipping $50-$150 depending medication, clipper blades, lube, etc.
hauling
feed
additional lessons
veterinary care including worming, vaccines, etc.
showing
Lessons (non-boarders pay $10 haul in to Pierce Park in addition)
$55 for 45 minutes
$65 for 45 minutes on lesson horse
$35 per horse in group
$40 ride
$30 ride if 10 per month
$360 for 8 lessons in a 30 day period. Package must be prepaid. If not used within that 30 days of purchase, remaining lessons are forfeited.

Lesson(s) not at Pierce Park will be charged a lesson fee plus a $2 a mile travel charge each way from down town Boise with a $25 minimum.

After returning to McCall the first of June, I am planning on coming to Boise at least once a week. We will try to accommodate everyone and make it affordable as possible. I am sure I will be traveling to at least 2 farms on those trips south.

Horse hauling is $.55 a mile as long as 2 or more additional horses are traveling in trailer.
Coaching at show $55 .
Horse buying/selling 10% of purchase price plus expenses.

All invoices are due upon receipt. 5% late fees incurred on all invoices over 15 days past the due date. All major credit cards excepted. 5% cash discount.

I am trying to keep the calendar online up to date with lessons, horse shows and appointments. Please help me keep track by checking often here.

We are planning on attending the Test of Choice April 11, Rolex Kentucky Four Star Event April 26-29, Spring Spectacular May 5-6, and the Rose City Opener in Bend May 25-27.

This includes free equestrian fashion, veterinary, tack and footing advise. Non-solicited sarcasm, wine, coffee, books and opinions will be hurled at you at no extra charge.

Stephanie and the Boys

Josh made it home just after us and together we said good bye to our sweet golden retriever, Tucker. We have enjoyed his company for 13 years.

On a lighter note, we said a “see you soon” to Foster

and Tatiana

and welcomed Zymon and Izzy back to the barn

Aimee and Kuna won at their first show together!

Robin is home to play with Tommy, Moon Boy is back in the barn and Eli has come to his senses. We are constantly updating the schedule and calendar while trying to get some Robbie Creek training in.

We have a few horses listed for sale on the site: Tatiana, Zymon, Audi and Izzy.

We are in town for a few weeks to catch up on lessons, clipping and family time. We hope to see you soon here, or in Kennewick April 7-8 or Arizona April 14-15 or Park City May 11-12. Contact me for more information! Thanks Stephanie and the Boys

Trep’s opinion of the whole show experience–there may be vicious attack chihuahuas and crazed men on montorbikes, but  the jump courses are quite fun. Everyone is jumping well and having a good time.

Good times aren’t limited ot the show grounds–Foster and Pam had a home day today, so they went out for a ride on the lovely farm we’re staying at. We’re based a few minutes from the show grounds, in a spacious airy barn with grassy turnouts and a ring with jumps in a citrus orchard. It’s marvelous.

Aside from rocking the jumper rings, we have had a little time to hang out and prowl the vendor village. I have spent a shockingly small amount of money, but there are lots of fun things to look at.

It’s a bit windy out now and supposed to stay that way through Saturday. We’d complain, but since it snowed in Boise today, we are LOVING California. (Except Riverside. Someone ask Shelley about crime rates.)

Trep and Shelley had a good look around. They are enjoying the warmer weather, bigger rings, and stiffer competition. Trep has hit his stride, competing today in the level 3 jumpers in the grand prix ring with Stephanie.

The view from our house:

We are suffering through the cold California weather–it was 45f this morning and in the mid 70s during the day. It’s a rough life.

Tatiana

Foster