This message is from: Lori Albrough <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> I just wanted to share some happy news with the list.
On July 5/6/7 Prisco and I competed at another big dressage show in Palgrave Ontario. When I sent in my entries for the show I kind of hoped that the classes wouldn't be too large this time, now that we're in the hot part of summer I thought everyone might want to stay home :-) I was wrong and the show was humungous, with something like 800 tests being ridden over the 3 days. They had to open a 6th ring and hire another judge. Our division had 18 entries, and I guess I shouldn't have worried, because Prisco and I came home with the Champion ribbon this time!! Our scores were 63.93%, 65.19%, and 64.69%. We have gotten either Champion or Reserve every time out this year. This week we have been 'on vacation' during the heat wave and with my coach being away at the Coupes des Ameriques in Blainville. Prisco and I have been hacking out every day, out on the trails, and cantering and trotting around the big hay field and up the big hill at the back of the farm, and generally having fun. We'll get back to serious stuff next week. I've found that our 2,000 foot long hay field is excellent for practicing canter lengthenings - the horse really goes when you say GO! with no corner coming up in 7 or 8 strides. I'll be interested to see how he feels about getting back to serious training and lessons next week - I hope he feels refreshed and ready to get back to business. In other happy and rather amazing news, our new indoor arena is almost completed. The building is done and we just have some more work to do on the footing before it is really useable. It turned out awesome, it is 70' wide by 136' long, plus a big tractor shed at one end, a 24' x 30' run-in for the young horses and a sizeable hay storage area. The arena has 4' high light panels along both long sides, each with 4 big sliding windows to let in air. I started the light panels at 7' off the ground, thinking that I would be able to see out when mounted. That didn't work out as planned, as I can only see out while in the up phase of the rising trot, and that's when riding my tallest horse :-) Oh well, most days I just go stand in the arena and look around in wonder, I still can't believe it is mine. Also, I still have a super pleasure gelding for sale if anyone is looking. He is 11 years old, 14.3hh, and is a real nice ride on the trails and in the ring. Goes great for less experienced riders too. Nicely forward but not too forward, doesn't pull or get silly. Goes out equally well alone or in company. Wonderful to work with on the ground, great with his feet, bathes, clips, stands quietly when tied, no problems with saddling and bridling. A safe, sane, enjoyable boy. Pictures are at http://www.bluebirdlane.com/icemann/ He is sired by Gjest and out of a Solar daughter. Email privately if interested, mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] I hope everyone is having fun with your horses and enjoying the summer! Lori Lori Albrough Bluebird Lane Fjords Moorefield Ontario http://www.bluebirdlane.com
