Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Richland Horse Trials

I just arrived back from a long but successful weekend at Richland Park in Michigan. Those of you that followed this event would have noticed that most of the potential combinations for the US team ran here. Overall it was a great weekend for everyone.

Three of my short listed horses ran at Richland, The Foreman, Woodburn and Kheops du Quesnay. All three were placed high up, so I was very pleased. I have to say I am very excited by the way The Foreman and Woodburn are going and went this past weekend. They each had three solid phases.

So now we just have the AECs left to compete. This is a compulsory event for all the horses on the short list, so everyone will be there. The team is then named two days after the conclusion of the event, so fingers crossed until then!

Phillip

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Culpepper Show

Just a quick blog to keep you posted on what the horses have been doing in between comps. Last week I took TruLuck, Woodburn and The Foreman to the Culpepper show to work with Katie Prudent on their showjumping. It was a great experience for all of us and I think we made some good progress. Katie is a great technician and it is always helpful to focus on the details of showjumping. Next, is Richland ... will post more after that event.

Phillip

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Millbrook

I just returned from Millbrook where my long time partner, Connaught, started in the Advanced division. He was so glad to be back competing - you could see it in his eye and the way he carried himself! He was good in all phases and ended up 6th.
This event was part of the PRO Tour. These are events throughout the country that the organizers and the Professional Riders Organization (PRO) join together to run. Our idea is to bring in more spectators and fans to the sport by adding to the entertainment for the weekend, such as a pony club gymkana and course walks for the show jumping and cross country like they did at Millbrook. This seems to be working with a nice crowd and an overall successful event. The next event on the PRO tour is the Plantation Field International Horse Trials in Unvionville, PA September 17-19.
The next two weeks of my WEG preparation entails jump lessons with Katie Prudent in Middleburg, VA. I will have Woodburn, TruLuck and The Foreman there this week and then next week possibly a jumper class or two. Hopefully, I will have good things to report next time.
Phillip