Hi Everyone,
Just back
from Virginia Horse Trials. Happy Valley and I won the CCI** (short format).
We were tied for 3rd in the dressage. He put in a very good test with a score
of 44.4. We can always be better. I will be working hard over the winter to get
those extra points. (Bonnie and Happy Valley are pictured at the right below
at the Farm House Corner.) Happy Valley was very confident cross country.
I had a worry about the fourth fence, which was
a keyhole type jump. Happy Valley tends to duck while jumping this type of fence.
Later on in the course I did have the best save of the day. The first
water was similar to the spring horsetrials course; but, on landing over the rail
on the top of a fairly steep decline was a brush log into the water. So, as he
jumped the first he slightly dropped his front end down on the jump out of surprise,
which then popped me up onto his neck. The photo series will be up soon on my
website. I basically landed on Happy Valley's neck before jumping into the water
and we galloped halfway to the next jump in front of the saddle no stirrups, just
a good horse under me. Happy Valley did come home with a swelling on his
girth area. We iced it and walked him until we were all exhausted at 11:30. Next
was the Jog Sunday morning. He looked great. I was so pleased with how fresh he
was that morning.
As we went into show jumping all I wanted to do was
give him the best ride I could. As usual he did his best. I jumped a double clear
round, leaving the pressure on the two riders ahead of me.  The
time was hard to get, so my inside short turns put me inside the time. Mara
(Dean with Jos Ambition) and Emily (Beshear with Three Wishes) both had
faults which put me on top. This would be my first CCI** win. I guess Radnor was
just not meant to be. Just a big "Thank You!" to Sanford
Freeman for having me ride his horse Happy Valley. It has been a work in progress
and it will continue to be; but, as always, it is a pleasure to grow such a partnership.
Krissy did it again keeping all of us organized. It is hard to keep
up with her sometimes. Thank you Krissy.
The weekend did not end
with Happy Valley. I rode three other horses:Kristen Villeneuve's horse Tommy
Star in the CCI**, finishing in 30th; I was second on Birch Hill Clover in the
Area II Preliminary Championships - Hilly put in his best performance this weekend
(Bonnie and Birch Hill Clover are pictured at the left above at the second
Water Jump); I also rode Ethel Gibbes "Knox" to finish 2nd in the
Open Novice.
I had many students at the Virginia Horse Trials. Emily Fogelberg,
Hilary Fordyce, Julia Briskin,
Alex Zavoynia (congrates for her 2nd place finish in her first CCI**) (Alex
and Morloch are pictured at the right at the Farm House Oxer.), Georgia Gibbes,
Marley Stone and a few others. Everyone was great help in keeping my days organized.
I always wish there was more time at these events to sit down and catch up with
everyone, but for some reason it never happens.
The season has now come
to an end. I am now looking forward to planning my winter season. Jenga and Close
the Deal are back in work so no rest for the weary. I think a vacation is on the
books or just a few restful days.
See you at the start box,
Bonnie | 