All the cool kids from Sapphire Eventing went up to Shepherd Ranch yesterday to school the cross country fences as a prep for the upcoming show. It took 3 trailers (and a little bit of persuasion to get Junior into one) but the group got there in time for what felt like the highest temps of the hottest day of the year. Still, everyone had loads of fun. Sherry, LOVE the Aloha pad - I'm voting that as the official barn show pad!
A big "thank you" to Dusti for catering the schooling and taking one for the team when someone left the door open and killed her SUV battery. Sherry came to the rescue by being one who actually KNEW how to use jumper cables.
Important to note: Barkley cannot be trusted loose on his own. His spirit of adventure caused him to go missing twice. At least he didn't eat a tent...
In the first group, Gordo and Michelle E. look good and on their way to a great partnership. Tina & Destino are getting more and more professional - like, been there, done that. Chris and Prince had some tough rides, but both preserved (my money is always on Chris). Our adopted German exchange-working student Isa had perhaps the most interesting ride on Vinnie, who returned to his racehorse roots after having not one, but two pasture horses gallop at/past him. Fortunately she met the challenge with a smile and laugh!
While waiting for their turn, Junior and Poppy amused themselves by taking turns splashing in the water bucket, forcing Sherry to refill it at least four times before it was their turn at cross-country.
(Is anyone else seeing a pattern here? Seems like Sherry was doing all the work! ha ha)
In the second group, Michelle E. was up again, this time on Junior who was a super star! The new place, the loose horses and of course, being well-hydrated brought him out a little wound up, but from the very first log he jumped you'd have thought he'd done this a hundred times before. His mummy was very proud! Michelle C & Jack put on their big girl pants and showed their stuff by going over some Novice jumps with ease. Each time Sherry & Poppy go out, they just keep getting better and better - it's so exciting to see the baby of the group grow up! (and Poppy too - ha ha). Have to say that with Isa giving Louie just a brief warm-up, Madison and Louie were just adorable. They are turning out to be quite the young event team!
(Evidence that Marla was not there -- no G&T, all business that day!)
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