-D
Doug Payne
DPEquestrian LLC
PO Box 179
Pottersville, NJ 07979
908.399.9112
DPEquestrian.com
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Bacon was very sleepy in Simon's stall
-D
Doug Payne
DPEquestrian LLC
PO Box 179
Pottersville, NJ 07979
908.399.9112
DPEquestrian.com
Friday, October 22, 2010
Working Student Needed!
Join DPEquestrian...Come ride, train, and groom for ICP cert, USEF Judge/TD, GP Show Jumper, and Adv. event rider. Opportunity to travel to all the shows both big and small as well as Aiken SC for the winter months. Looking for someone hardworking, organized, cheerful and fun. Housing or discounted board offered as well as daily lessons/coaching.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Finally free!!
-D
Doug Payne
DPEquestrian LLC
PO Box 179
Pottersville, NJ 07979
908.399.9112
DPEquestrian.com
On the way home!
-D
Doug Payne
DPEquestrian LLC
PO Box 179
Pottersville, NJ 07979
908.399.9112
DPEquestrian.com
Waiting to pick up RO at quarantine
-D
Doug Payne
DPEquestrian LLC
PO Box 179
Pottersville, NJ 07979
908.399.9112
DPEquestrian.com
Monday, October 18, 2010
Boekelo Sun Report and Recap
What a trip...
I don't think I sent in a proper SJ report. So in front of a packed house, estimates around 10k people on all sides of the stadium, we had the final phase of the 3 day, or Military as its know in Holland.
Running Order is generally quite a good show jumper. I was unsure of how well this particular round would go just due to the countless unknowns...the people, flags, banners, grandstands, bars/restaurants etc... The course was not overly technical. I was the second on course. So there wouldn't be much time to assess the typical problems which would have been clear after watching a few horses go, ie tricky combination, bogey fences or time. We figured the time would be tight, and this was the case. After walking there were a few areas of concern for me. A few of the jumps were situated in a way in which you were directly jumping into the stands. This was the case with the 2nd, the approach to 5, 8 and the final triple combination which if you drifted left you'd land within 15' of the outside wall separating the grandstands and the stadium. We made a plan to angle a few of these to take the people out of the question as much as possible, we also planned on an inside line to the triple allowing us to jump a bit left to right allowing the horse to see an out at the end. I can't tell you how happy I was that I've had the opportunity to jump so much over the past year. Anne's advice was ringing in my ear the entire time. And to my surprise I really was hardly nervous. The course looked small, I guess Courage's Grand Prix being the last course I walked puts things in perspective :). Not so say that's always the case, its all what your riding, and Skinny can jump with the best of them.
I hopped on for warmup, I've never been so excited a sunday before about a horse. Most horses would come out a little stiff and tired after 12mins of xc the day before. Not Running Order, I've always thought he'd make it big, this was confirmation. He jumped great in warmup. I went into the ring knowing the first horse had 1 or 2 rails and a few time. He jumped great throughout the course. We did have 1 down at a fence that ended up coming down all day. In hindsight I could have helped him off the ground a bit more. Such is life, we made the time without a problem. As I said before, upon finishing I knew there was a lot of room for improvement, but I was very proud of my pony!
Aside from the individual competition, we were one of 19 teams competing in the Grolsch Nations Cup competition. On the strong preformance of Sinead, Will and Tiana we finished 2nd. Which meant RO was back for the awards.
What a mad house. Between carriages of fresians and fjords, tons of authentically dressed people, notice the PC description ;), bands tractors etc...RO's eyes were popping out of his poor little head. We actually saw some woman a few ft away get run over by a tractor.
We won beautiful coolers, which I was excited about until I got a leg up...not sure how many of you have tried to ride with a cooler between you and the saddle, but without a doubt this ceremony was the closest I came to falling off during the weekend. My dad managed to assimilate into the masses of press as they entered to cover the awards ceremony, so pics should be coming soon. The victory gallop was exciting to say the least, but it was a great ending for the weekend.
Without question, I would rather have had a much different result. However, I know I speak for everyone that went along, it has been an immensely valuable experience. I certainly have never ridden in such an environment. Everything from the team experience, to the shear numbers of spectators to the stadium atmosphere for the horses, flying, packing the list goes on. I'm a frustrated, but much better rider and horseman for the experience.
As for Running Order, I really couldn't be more proud of him. The glitch we had on XC was not due to anything but inexperience, on his and my part. The only way of getting it is doing it. As much as I hate to admit that! The exciting thing was that he just continued to get better and more confident throughout the competition. He has come so far in such a short period of time. As an 8 year old he was one of the youngest in the competition, not only that but the fact that 2.5 years ago he hadn't been to a beginner novice! He is a much better horse coming out of the event than what I had going in.
I also want to thank all of the people who have made that all possible. First off, Patti, his owner. Without her support we're dead in the water. The Springsteen's have been exceptional throughout RO's short career. Then Mark Phillips, my Mom, Irma Hotz, Anne Kursinski, David O'Connor and I'm sure I'm forgetting many others. As for this trip we also can't forget Sara Ike and Mike Huber.
I also wanted to thank Larry and Amelia Ross for making the trip from Italy to watch over the weekend. They own Tali with me, and with a little luck he'll be competing at Boekelo in a few years!
This is an exciting journey, its going to have ups and downs, and I see it as long as your learning and getting better the future is looking bright. This trip cranked up the intensity of that light exponentially.
We have an off weekend coming up, we'll be heading off the Far Hills Races...then off to Va horse trials the following weekend for the rest of the horses at the barn. Running Order will be enjoying some much deserved time off in a field!
D
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Sunday, October 17, 2010
US Team finishes 2nd in the Grolsch Nations Cup!!
Everyone jumped very well...Will with 1 down, Sinead with 3 and Tiana clear. Its a great end to a great weekend!
D
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Running Order's SJ
Running Order jumped a great round today. We did have 1 down, but I couldn't have asked for a better performance. He hardly minded the packed house of over 10,000 people. He never ceases to amaze me. He felt great today, nearly as if he had just gone for a short hack yesterday rather than a 11+ min XC course.
Afterwards I spoke to Mark about his plan for the future. We might spend some time in florida over the winter for dressage and some jumping. Then a CCI*** in the spring then maybe a 4* in the fall, probably Pau in France.
Ill post some updates later in the day regarding the rest of the team. Couldn't be happier with Running Order!
D
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Pre Jog...
We just got them out...Running Order looks as if went for a hack yesterday. Exciting!
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Saturday, October 16, 2010
More XC stuff..
I'm still in awe of the crowds here...40,000 people...I wouldn't exaggerate if I told you they are 10 deep throughout the course. Amazing...
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XC update...
At least I'm not alone, we've had a bunch of problems at that same jump into the water. In watching the horses who jump it well, its obvious that I should have had a more packaged canter as well as squaring the corner off more. I can't say enough about this experience...I'm very lucky to have such a nice horse. Without a doubt this will make the both of us better.
D
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D
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Will jumps clean
Will had a great round finishing under the time..
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XC results...
Running Order was pretty damn good, but unfortunately not perfect. He jumped the first 8 perfectly. 9 was the first water. The A element was on a left bend into it around a bunch of trees. In hindsight I should have squared the turn off a bit more, he didn't read it well. I ended up have 2 stops at it. I should have taken more time on my second attempt. The third was sticky, but finished up well. We continued on in the straight route and jumped elements b through e very well. In most cases I'd be very upset, but just got better and better through the course. I can't tell you how excited I am about our future. He finished up still only 45 seconds late. Amazing being that I just let him cruise on after fence 9. The time was well within his grasp. As Mark said at the finish, "this is a very good horse for the future." I couldn't agree more. Just has some to learn.
I've heard time and time again that experience is what you need after you need it. I've got it for next year!
Ill report back with everyone else's results.
D
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
I've heard time and time again that experience is what you need after you need it. I've got it for next year!
Ill report back with everyone else's results.
D
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
Friday, October 15, 2010
Friday update...
Today started off with a little later wake up call, we were on by 8 for
a long walk. Running Order enjoyed his hack...the facility continues to
grow. It's really unbelievable, every time I walk to the course (5 times
now) there are more tents and activity, everywhere! I can't wait until
tomorrow...more specifically when xc is finished. I'm 4th out, so
luckily I don't have to wait around long. The ground is quite moist,
bordering on wet. We had sporadic rain today and it is again forecast
for tonight into tomorrow. Running Order is great in the rain, so I'm
hoping for as much as possible.
a long walk. Running Order enjoyed his hack...the facility continues to
grow. It's really unbelievable, every time I walk to the course (5 times
now) there are more tents and activity, everywhere! I can't wait until
tomorrow...more specifically when xc is finished. I'm 4th out, so
luckily I don't have to wait around long. The ground is quite moist,
bordering on wet. We had sporadic rain today and it is again forecast
for tonight into tomorrow. Running Order is great in the rain, so I'm
hoping for as much as possible.
Tiana and Sinead went today, Tiana had a very good test putting her in
6th on a 46 and Sinead had a 55 putting her around 30th. In the Grolsch
Nations Cup we're sitting in third!
I'll send a quick note after tomorrow morning, I ride at 9:16...it'll be
quite early eastern.
Back again soon,
D
--
Doug Payne
DPEquestrian LLC
PO Box 179
Pottersville, NJ 07979
doug@dpequestrian.com
908.399.9112
____________________________________________________________________________________
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Sponsor Auction
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Thursday Update
were in the lobby at quarter to 7 for a first ride at 7 then back on by
8:30. RO was excellent, and not affected by the atmosphere at all. I
think this was due to last nights familiarization at 6 where he stood
staring at the two jumbo-trons for quite some time. He was very good in
the test. I did make a very stupid error, halting early at the first
halt, but really was very pleased with his test. The score, however, not
so much. My mom and Sandy Phillips both FEI judges were in shock with
how low it was scored. I did have the pleasure of following Michael
Jung, the current world champion, which didn't help the situation. I do
have to keep all of this in perspective, he's only 8 and did his first
one star 18 months ago. We finished the first day of dressage in the
middle of the pack with a 61. Give him a year or two and it'll be a
different story. His progress has been astounding over the past few
years, especially what has been accomplished in the past week. Give him
time...he'll be there!
Tomorrow will be quite relaxing...just taking RO for a walk a time or
two. I'll walk the course again tomorrow for a 4th time. It did look a
bit smaller the 2nd and 3rd times today. It's certainly not going to be
a dressage show...
Doug Payne
DPEquestrian LLC
PO Box 179
Pottersville, NJ 07979
doug@dpequestrian.com
908.399.9112
____________________________________________________________________________________
Frustrating!!!!
Running Order was quite good this morning...but came away with a 61!! Both my mom and Sandy Phillips (FEI judges both) were in disbelief of how high the score was..
Such is life, on to saturday. More determined...
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Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Jog Pics...
The team all went to the briefing where everyone is formally introduced etc. Then off to the jogs. There are a number of pics from it below. My dad took a bunch, we'll get better quality ones up tomorrow. Had to take a pic of my computer screen, no internet access in the room other than my blackberry.
We got very lucky that the nations (we jogged in order of country draw) were able to hang out in the main stadium. Jogs were uneventful, so its official...were in the game!
Dressage tomorrow at 9:06. The plan is to stretch etc at 7 then back on at 8:30, and win! Well that might be ambitious, but it should be good. Hoping to be under 50.
Off to bed...
D
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Times
I'm 4th out which I'd have to say is good luck being that was my # @ fair hill ** last fall. I ride @ 9:06 tomorrow.
D
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Running Order passed!
Dressage now tomorrow morning...times to come.
D
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Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Party Boekelo style
We did find out were the 7th nation to go and I'm going to be first in the order which means I'll be going about 7th to go on thursday. Jogs tomorrow and the xc course walk at 8:30!
Reports on it to come soon...
D
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Monday, October 11, 2010
...
The weather here has been beautiful. Certainly cold enough in the am (mid 40s) but then mid 60s without a cloud in sight in the afternoon.
Today was spent in search of SIM cards and chargers for everyone's phones.
The horses had leasurly walk this am through what looked exactly like the enchanted forest or maybe the Smirfs backyard. They then went out this afternoon for some long and low/ light work. In barn inspections were also completed. Packets will be ready tomorrow as will most of the competitors.
Until then...
D
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Sunday, October 10, 2010
Boekelo, finally settled in...
Since the last update, we flew over the atlantic landing in Amsterdam. Customs etc went smoothly. We did however have a few delays before leaving the airport.
First of which involved Chrissy. After the baggage carousel stopped she was missing her bag. Or so she thought, so we had to walk around, find someone who could speak english and help us file a missing bag claim. After finding this person, he was very helpful. Seems the blue bag Chrissy was looking for during the last 40mins was actually green, and conveniently sitting waiting for her in the baggage claim.
So on we went to grab some coffee...Sinead was next, unfortunately with less stellar results. Seems she left her wallet on the plane, or it fell out somewhere in transit. So we stopped at the lost and found and reported her claim.
So off we go in the rental cars to the horse hotel, where we'd meet up with Tiana and Fin. We arrived at around 11am, and had to kill 4 hrs until our horses and Nat arrived. This time was occupied by about every childhood game you've ever played. Anything from rock paper scissors to Will hiding in the bushes.
Our horses finally arrived, we took them on a short walk then back on the truck for the 2 hr drive on to Boekelo. I was impressed how well all of the horses looked after the journey. We got lost once in the process, but arrived to what might be the best event I've ever seen. At least in hospitality. We had a bunch of help unloading everything, and by the time we took them all for a walk tea, coffee and cookies were handed out! Then more organizing and off to the bar on site. They are expecting 40,000 people this weekend, and with 3 acres of tents I'm sure there will be tons to do. Incidentally the tent stabling is basically a temporary structure with 108 stalls under 1 roof with 6m aisles.
After a few drinks with the organizers we headed off to dinner, and now bed.
Tomorrow we'll take them for a hack, serious work waiting until Tuesday.
Until then...
-D
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
First of which involved Chrissy. After the baggage carousel stopped she was missing her bag. Or so she thought, so we had to walk around, find someone who could speak english and help us file a missing bag claim. After finding this person, he was very helpful. Seems the blue bag Chrissy was looking for during the last 40mins was actually green, and conveniently sitting waiting for her in the baggage claim.
So on we went to grab some coffee...Sinead was next, unfortunately with less stellar results. Seems she left her wallet on the plane, or it fell out somewhere in transit. So we stopped at the lost and found and reported her claim.
So off we go in the rental cars to the horse hotel, where we'd meet up with Tiana and Fin. We arrived at around 11am, and had to kill 4 hrs until our horses and Nat arrived. This time was occupied by about every childhood game you've ever played. Anything from rock paper scissors to Will hiding in the bushes.
Our horses finally arrived, we took them on a short walk then back on the truck for the 2 hr drive on to Boekelo. I was impressed how well all of the horses looked after the journey. We got lost once in the process, but arrived to what might be the best event I've ever seen. At least in hospitality. We had a bunch of help unloading everything, and by the time we took them all for a walk tea, coffee and cookies were handed out! Then more organizing and off to the bar on site. They are expecting 40,000 people this weekend, and with 3 acres of tents I'm sure there will be tons to do. Incidentally the tent stabling is basically a temporary structure with 108 stalls under 1 roof with 6m aisles.
After a few drinks with the organizers we headed off to dinner, and now bed.
Tomorrow we'll take them for a hack, serious work waiting until Tuesday.
Until then...
-D
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Our new favorite event...tea, coffee and cookies delivered while hand grazing
Lost in Holland...already, Sara is asking for directions while we get the single finger salute from another car...
Saturday, October 9, 2010
And the horses are off!
-D
Doug Payne
DPEquestrian LLC
PO Box 179
Pottersville, NJ 07979
908.399.9112
DPEquestrian.com
Friday, October 8, 2010
Packing Packing Packing...
Thanks for all the well wishes...world domination will come in time :)...all of Skinny's supplies are packed in our new trunks, thanks again to Colleen at Georgetown Stable Outfitters. If anyone is looking for travel trunks, I can't say enough about these.
We'll go for a walk at 7 then all of the horses leave at 8:30 tomorrow bound for JFK in NYC chauffeured by my Dad. We, simultaneously, head off to Newark for our flight out. We'll arrive in time to meet the horses at Cargo in Amsterdam...until then I need to get back to packing my clothes...competing without them might be difficult.
We'll go for a walk at 7 then all of the horses leave at 8:30 tomorrow bound for JFK in NYC chauffeured by my Dad. We, simultaneously, head off to Newark for our flight out. We'll arrive in time to meet the horses at Cargo in Amsterdam...until then I need to get back to packing my clothes...competing without them might be difficult.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Boekelo...Training Camp...Packing...
I'm late in getting this blog out the door. So being that it's 11:22 pm I'm going to be brief, but will give all an extensive report while flying to Holland on Saturday!
So long story short all of this seems to be happening at the speed of light, and of course knowing me I'm trying to cram as much in before leaving. I'm sitting here still not even close to being packed. Megan has RO in good shape...if only I had a groom for me :).
Mark Phillips the US Team coach has been in town since Tuesday night. Will Faudree, Sinead Halpin and I have all had lessons wed, today and will again tomorrow. It's a great opportunity to get the final touches on before we officially embark on our journey.
Running Order has been great, I'm very excited and a bit nervous about the trip. It's a great honor to be sent by your country to head overseas to compete. Funny, if you told me a year ago that I'd be going I'd say you were a smoking something pretty damn potent. At that point Running Order still only had 3 intermediates under his belt and Fair Hill CCI** was a week away!
So here we are...He has now 4 Advanced under his belt including 2 CIC's. He's handled all very well, and continues to get stronger every day. With any luck we have a good shot at Boekelo. I can't wait for a year or two down the road, while his flat work is good now. It will be great in a year's time.
Being that it's just the 3 of us here getting lessons, I asked Mark if I could bring Tali over for some help. To say he's excited about him would be an understatement. Mark has helped tremendously in the past few days. He also told me that Tali should be my backup horse for London 2012. While a tall order, there is no rush. That said I wouldn't be all that surprised if Mark is right in 2 years time.
So our schedule until the next update is as follows: Training Sessions tomorrow. Saturday, my Dad is shipping all of the horses to JFK with Nat (Will's Groom). Nat will be traveling with the horses...the rest of us as well as Sara Ike will be flying out of Newark mid day. We'll get to Holland before the horses...head over to Cargo and meet them as they arrive. Then off to Boekelo!
So long story short all of this seems to be happening at the speed of light, and of course knowing me I'm trying to cram as much in before leaving. I'm sitting here still not even close to being packed. Megan has RO in good shape...if only I had a groom for me :).
Mark Phillips the US Team coach has been in town since Tuesday night. Will Faudree, Sinead Halpin and I have all had lessons wed, today and will again tomorrow. It's a great opportunity to get the final touches on before we officially embark on our journey.
Running Order has been great, I'm very excited and a bit nervous about the trip. It's a great honor to be sent by your country to head overseas to compete. Funny, if you told me a year ago that I'd be going I'd say you were a smoking something pretty damn potent. At that point Running Order still only had 3 intermediates under his belt and Fair Hill CCI** was a week away!
So here we are...He has now 4 Advanced under his belt including 2 CIC's. He's handled all very well, and continues to get stronger every day. With any luck we have a good shot at Boekelo. I can't wait for a year or two down the road, while his flat work is good now. It will be great in a year's time.
Being that it's just the 3 of us here getting lessons, I asked Mark if I could bring Tali over for some help. To say he's excited about him would be an understatement. Mark has helped tremendously in the past few days. He also told me that Tali should be my backup horse for London 2012. While a tall order, there is no rush. That said I wouldn't be all that surprised if Mark is right in 2 years time.
So our schedule until the next update is as follows: Training Sessions tomorrow. Saturday, my Dad is shipping all of the horses to JFK with Nat (Will's Groom). Nat will be traveling with the horses...the rest of us as well as Sara Ike will be flying out of Newark mid day. We'll get to Holland before the horses...head over to Cargo and meet them as they arrive. Then off to Boekelo!