Blenheim Palace CCI*** is a wrap!

Blenheim Palace International CCI*** is a wrap, and as I sit on the plane returning to the US I figured it’s time to look back and review what was learned from the experience. I was lucky enough to receive a travel grant from the USET Foundation and Jacqueline Mars for Vandiver (aka Quinn) to compete at Blenheim. I can’t thank them enough, during every international trip a lot is learned and hopefully I can apply what was gained here to earn a US team medal in the near future! 

We were meant to depart from Miami direct to the UK on the Wednesday prior to the start of competition. At the time, I was frustrated to hear there was not enough cargo to warrant a flight which would have delayed Quinn’s departure to Friday. This would have been too close for comfort with dressage starting on Wednesday, so we opted to reroute via NYC. Horseflight, our shipping company, was a lifesaver in replanning the logistics needed on such short notice. 

Courtney Carson our extraordinary groom left our farm in Aiken, SC with Quinn on Tuesday and headed head north. In hindsight, this was such a blessing being that had our flight actually left on time our rig would have been stuck in Miami just in time to be flooded by hurricane Irma!

Courtney and Quinn took off on Wednesday without trouble. I too hopped on a plane to meet them at Jesse Cambell’s yard on Friday. Quinn handled the trip with unexpected ease. He’s the most genuine creature you’ll meet. Along with genuine nature and willingness to please, he’s an internalizer and worrier. Usually he’s attached to whichever horses is shipping next to him. I think this time around, Courtney was his traveling security blanket. Jesse’s place was a great resting spot before our move to the show grounds on Monday. Day one I just took him for a light hack, followed by flat work on Sunday and a final gallop Monday before heading out. Check out my instagram for a blow by blow here: www.instagram.com/dpequestrian 

Moving into the show grounds was uneventful. He’s generally much better day 2 or 3 in a new place so I was very happy to hear of our Thursday dressage time. We had 85 starters in the CCI*** at one of the most beautiful venues you could imagine, pretty much walking through a Disney movie set. 

photo by Richard Payne

Quinn was as relaxed and confident in the first phase as he’s been yet. He continues to improve and with a 46.6 this was his best CCI*** or **** score to date. I would expect this improving trend to continue as he gains more strength and confidence. The first few minutes of warm up were about as good as he’s ever been. Two weeks earlier I had planned for 25 minutes in warm up at the American Eventing Championships. In the end I think it was just a bit too long, we cut that down to 20 this time around. I think this too was a hair too long, he was in perfect shape to head in as the horse before us cantered down the center line. Next time around we’re going for 15 mins. Regardless, in a venue with lots of atmosphere I couldn’t have been much happier with him. 

Now to the best part, cross country of course! The track is beautiful and the ground was about as good as you could expect with the amount of rain we’d received. The time on the course was set at 10:12 so just about a minute shorter than Rolex, but with the rolling terrain it was expected to take a fair bit out of them. The course itself was quite good, with a lot of flowing lines. There were certainly a number of very good questions, but nothing that kept me up at night. Thankfully for me, Quinn is essentially a seeing eye dog. As long as you get him roughly in the vicinity of a jump he'll try is best to make it happen. I went out with the goal of coming home double clear or as close to the time as I could manage. I was on the clock or up slightly early in the course, and based on my experience with him at Kentucky the previous couple of years I expected him to get a little tired at the end so I didn't press him in the first half. I kept expecting the other shoe to drop and the gas light to come on. Apparently he was far fitter than I knew! To my shock, I asked him to move on after the last water, maybe 2 mins from the end, and he absolutely took off! By that point was nearly 20 seconds down, he closed on the time, but just not enough course left to make it all up. I finished up clear with 5.2 time penalties. I was annoyed not to have made it, but frankly it was comforting to know he came in with more in the tank. He's an incredible horse, by far the best cross country horse I've ever ridden. I did wear my Cambox Sport helmet cam, check it out below:

photo by Richard Payne

photo by Richard Payne

Quinn recovered quickly and looked to be in great shape for Sunday. Jess, my wife, of course putting the the final touches prior to the jogs. He passed the final horse inspection with ease, on to Show Jumping. 

photo by Richard Payne

Coming off of the AEC's where Quinn was the first of only 5 double clears under the lights 2 weeks ago and the fact that he's only had 2 rails total in the past 15 advanced events I was pretty confident heading into the final phase. In walking the course it looked to suit him well. I personally love when the time allowed is tight. Quinn is agile, quick and careful. The time was tight on Sunday and rails were flying. We chose to keep the same studs as used on XC the day before. In warm up that seemed to be a good decision. He jumped very well and we headed into the main arena. We ended up having the 5th fence down. I did take an aggressive line in the turn, I'm 100% confident it would work on an artificial surface. Quinn's achilles heel is if he loses traction behind. When it happens he becomes a lot more cautions and tends to get more up and down rather than active and forward with his hind end. He did slip slightly in the turn for the first rail. I was kicking myself for not being a little more conservative and giving him a step or two more in the approach. Into the triple I saw the exact same distance I'd seen at an option the 2 weeks prior, I went to steady and he trotted behind!! Certainly doesn't give you the warm and fuzzy feeling heading into the triple. We had the A & B down, from that point on I made sure not to rush him in the turns by choosing a conservative approach. He finished the course in great form. 

Experience is what you gain just after needing it.  Uuuuggghhh too frustrating to convey here, I should have recognized the difference and compensated. It's a tough and annoying as hell lesson, but one that will certainly stick. We dropped 2 places to finish in 14th. While I will continue to kick myself, it's comforting to know that we are now qualified for the WEG's next year. With the knowledge gained, we will undoubtedly be better off. Thinking back on it, we've not jumped on a natural dirt surface since my second event on him ever at Richland Park 2 years ago in the CCI**.

photo by Richard Payne

Blenheim was the best option for Quinn and I being the earliest CCI*** on the fall calendar he can now enjoy a very well deserved vacation before starting back up in preparation for next year without being rushed at all. 

I want to again thank USET Foundation and Jacqueline Mars for their generous grant, Joanie. Morris for all of her help managing the team, my parents Marilyn and Dick who came to support (mom's invaluable advice and my dads photos all above), Jess my wonderful and 6 months pregnant wife, Debi and Kevin Crowley (Quinn's breeders and owners), Courtney our groom & life manager as well as our crew back at home (Little Courtney, Hunter, Adrianna, Holly and of course Joan and Carl Hampf!). Can't also forget our many sponsors and partners which allow our horses to preform at their best! 

We'll back stronger in the spring and far better off for the experience gained here. 

Upon our return we'll be in Aiken for a few days then off to Kentucky for Quincy's (Quintessence owned by Jane Dudinsky) shot at the 6 year old jumper finals as well as Marshal's (Marshal M Dillon owned by Wendy and Fred Luce) shot at the $35k grand prix on Saturday morning prior to hopping on another plane for Flynn (Getaway owned by Olivia, Lisa and Bob Wall) to jump in Central Park Saturday night! 

Stay tuned...

2016 Eventing Statistics!

DPE's 2016 Statistics for Eventing. None of which would not be possible without an incredible team at the barn as well as owners and partners

Updated Sales Horses

We've just posted a number of great horses to our sale page including Willoughby below. All can be seen at www.dpequestrian.com/forsale

Quantum christened our brand new skinny wedge!

Baby Quantum christened the new skinny brush along with PJ & @jesshampf #eventing #horsesofthefuture @useventing #YEH5 video by @prairiestm

A video posted by Doug Payne (@dpequestrian) on Apr 1, 2016 at 11:32am PDT

2016 Carolina International is Open!

Cellar Door - Carolina International CIC - Photo by High Time Photography

With our spring season in full swing, one my my favorite events of the year, the Carolina International CIC, if fast approaching. Being on the board of the competition has given me some incite into many of the great changes to be implemented this year.

The most significant change of which is that Ian Stark, one of my personal favorite designers, is now taken the reins and the course. It's going to be a big departure from years past, not only in size and construction but also utilizing a brand new water complex allowing the track length to increase along with its difficulty. With $75,000 in total prize money it's going to be a spectactular competition!

This year, not only with spectators on the grounds be able to enjoy the show, but EQSportsNet will be broadcasting a live feed with Karen O'Connor and Charlotte Skinner on the microphones.

The after party will remain an epic event, this year's theme is 'Spanning the Globe' which will be presented by Jaguar Land Rover of Cary, NC. It will feature the CIC awards, international dinner, open bar with music and dancing by 'Liquid Pleasure'.

If interested everyone is able to pre-order Carolina International merchandise on the Carolina Horse Park site.

Hope to see everyone there!

-Doug

Aiken is in Full Swing

We are in full competitive swing down here in Aiken, hence the seldom updated blog. Although we should garner much sympathy from most this winter this past week has been downright freezing!

Our horses have had a great start this spring. We've been to two jumper shows at Highfields here in Aiken as well as our first event of the season at Paradise Farm. I've picked 3 of the most exciting performances so far...

The first is Eli (owned by Mike Rubin) who finished 2nd in the $5,000 Welcome Stakes and 6th in the $10,000 Mini Prix.




Second on the list was Marshall's (owned by Fred & Wendy Luce as well as Doug) first event at Paradise. He had a very good outing at the beginner novice.

Last but not least was Quantum's great performance at PSJ as well as his first event at Paradise in the beginner novice level. Unfortunately following a discussion with our accountant we are forced to sell Quantum. I hate to do so, but we are left without a choice at the moment. I'm completely convinced he will make an excellent partner for someone. If you might be interested, click here for details. 



We are heading back to PSJ with the jumpers for a schooling show this weekend. The eventers will be back in action next week at Sporting Days Farm Horse Trials in Aiken. 

A New Endeavor for Crown Talisman and I

Tali at Chantilly about to head to Saumur CCI*** 2014

This is a post I never, in a million, years envisioned writing; however, here I am typing away.

A few weeks back Jess and I met with a good friend and supporter to get some advice about a lot of raw land available for sale just behind the farm which we currently rent. Without much in the way of financial resources the inexpensive acreage looked appealing on the surface. That evening, after checking out the land, we started looking into comparable property in the area to better evaluate our options and the prospects of development. While Jess and I had searched online before, we were shocked to find what appears to be perfect farm. The question then becomes how in the world could we afford it!

Two days later I received a call from Liz Millikin on behalf of Joanne Bridgman (both Agents) asking whether I'd ever consider parting with Tali. My initial thought, was not a chance. After discussing with Jess, Larry and Amelia and sleeping on it, I decided if it meant we could buy the farm I'd have to consider it. A week or so later Nick Gauntlett arrived at our place in Raleigh.

I'm as attached to him as much as I've ever been to a horse. He has been with me now for 6 years from his very first event to Saumur this spring. The thought of selling him has literally woke me up multiple times during the past few weeks. However, after speaking to a number of people I respect both in and out of the horse world, I'm confident this is the right decision. Certainly doesn't make it an easy one!

I'm comforted by the fact that after getting to know Nick, his riding style and care of his horses I know Tali will have a great future. I will always be his biggest fan and hope nothing but the best for the two of them. I'll be rooting for them at Rio! I would also like to again thank Larry and Amelia Ross for their continued support, I certainly wouldn't be here without them.

-Doug

**Updated 6:45 PM**

Larry and Amelia wanted me to include the following and I was more than happy to oblige. I want to reiterate that I can't thank them enough for their advice and support throughout the years.

“Our support of Doug and the team’s quest for Olympic gold is long term. If this helps Doug finance a permanent base, so he can concentrate on building a string of Olympic contenders, he made a very wise decision. Further, this is the second Olympic contender Doug trained. We are confident that owning his facility, rather than renting where conditions may change,  will enhance his ability to assemble and train enough top horses to take the worry out of relying on just one mount.”

Tali at the Fork CIC*** - Photo by Samantha Clark via Eventing Nation

The Woah Podcast Interview

Check out the latest interview with John of 'The Woah Podcast' about 'The Riding Horse Repair Manual'.




For more information about training, competition or sales please contact Jess or Doug. Conveniently located in the Raleigh, NC area in New Hill.

Don't forget to get your copy of 'The Riding Horse Repair Manual' by clicking the cover image below!

The Saumur Photo's have arrived!

For those not familiar click on the gallery name below to view all 18 additional competition photos

Post by DPEquestrian Sports.

For more information about training, competition or sales please contact Jess or Doug. Conveniently located in the Raleigh, NC area in New Hill.

Don't forget to get your copy of 'The Riding Horse Repair Manual' by clicking the cover image below!

A rainy first day at Saumur with some diplomatic rays of light

Well unfortunately I have to report the rain arrived today...

The rainy view from our tack stall towards the main ring

It had been spoken of for a few days now, but it arrived with vengeance. After feeding in the morning I took Tali out for our typical morning time ride. Funny enough I think he feels at home in the tent stabling. As I had mentioned yesterday, he just seems much more settled and comfortable. He was very good in the practice arena as well as on our leisurely walk around the property.

Tali checking out the main arena at Saumur

Tali hoping that he hears some good scores coming from these come dressage day.

Tali checking out his new neighbors

After getting Tali cooled and dried off, our American neighbors arrived! Liz Halliday-Sharp and 'Blackie' were a very welcome English speaking addition to our barn. After catching up for a few minutes Michelle and I again headed into town for lunch and a little tourism. We ventured up the the Château de Saumur which is the castle in direct view from our hotel. Again another beautiful example of architecture and history, and the view from the top of the hill was stunning! It's staggering to think all of this was constructed by hand....amazing. Due to renovations we were unable to go inside, but the trip was well worth it regardless.

The view from Château de Saumur

We headed back to the show grounds and met up with a jet-lag weary David O'Connor as well as our neighbors to the 'left'. I'm happy to report that we've resolved our international differences at least for the weekend. In all seriousness Alex Hua Tian finished out our barn. Coming from the UK Alex et al arrived just a few minutes after Liz. 

US - China...well played Saumur

Tomorrow I have a lesson planned for 8 with David. 9 am in the main stands will be the briefing and draw. Just following will be my much anticipated first cross country course walk. Pictures to follow, from what I can see from outside the roping it looks great. 

Until tomorrow....Feel free to post questions below that you might have, I'd be more than happy to answer whatever is on your mind.

-D

Don't forget to get your copy of 'The Riding Horse Repair Manual' by clicking the cover image below!

Post by DPEquestrian Sports.

Tali, Mansions and more - Day #2 in Chantilly

Tali enjoying the view from the barn

The weather for day two in France was again absolutely perfect, hardly a cloud in the sky and just around 80 degrees. Trying to get back to normal I rode around 8:30 am, this is such an incredible facility! I decided to take advantage of the indoor's mirrors. I've got to figure out a way to build them at our place in NC, it was incredibly helpful to say the least. Tali was wild...but that is completely normal for him. He's an odd horse, every time he's in a new location he is on edge and marginally unridable for the first 45 minutes, luckily he's near enough normal by the second day. With a little luck we can get even more accomplished during tomorrow morning's ride. I'm still trying to perfect the small tweaks made a few days ago at my mom's place. Following tomorrow's ride we're scheduled to load up and head to the show grounds at Saumur. I can't wait!

In the meantime, Michelle and I visited the Musee Conde in the neighboring town to Chantilly. Having not been to France, aside from a train ride some years back, I really didn't expect this magnitude of extravagance in such a small town. Naive am I to think that palatial estates didn't exist much beyond the major cities. I've posted a bunch of photos on my personal Facebook page, click here to view. On the same property was a beautiful race course as well as the Domaine de Chantilly which houses a massive stable which runs exhibitions, races as well as a CSI** which is held next month. Check back tomorrow for updates on the show grounds!

Post by DPEquestrian Sports.

Feel free to post questions below that you might have, I'd be more than happy to answer whatever is on your mind.

-D

Don't forget to get your copy of 'The Riding Horse Repair Manual' by clicking the cover image below!

Success Day #1 in France

Tali's accommodations heading on the Plane to Liege with Michelle

This has been a wild week. Following Tali's win at the Jersey Fresh CIC*** which wrapped up Saturday we've been going non stop...

This trip to Saumur had it's origins at Fair Hill CCI*** last fall. Both Kim Severson and David O'Connor independently pulled me aside and asked me to consider trying to attend an European 3* in the spring. To be honest I really hadn't considered it, I was too busy trying to get prepared enough for Fair Hill. Fast forward 6 months, Tali has had a great spring season. I decided to both enter Rolex as well as submit an application for a Land Rover/USEF Grant to Saumur. Following the Fork CIC*** I was notified that our grant application had been approved! (Click to read blog entry)

After Rolex's dressage, the final push to Saumur was on! Jersey Fresh's CIC*** was targeted as Tali's final run. The event went exceptionally well, we finished with the win by 8 points! Following the competition Dr. Susan Johns preformed the final detailed veterinary inspection. Tali looked fabulous and we got the green light to go, contingent on one last trot up the day before departure by Dr Brendon Furlong.

Saturday evening Tali and Michelle headed north to my parents place for the week, while I headed south to Raleigh to help Jess and Katie at the Cabin Branch Schooling Event at the Carolina Horse Park Sunday morning. I remained in NC to ride through Tuesday morning. My sister Holly was nice enough to take Tali for a long walk Monday.

I returned the 8 hours to NJ Tuesday afternoon to ride the dressage test for my Mom and long time mentor Irma Hotz. It was incredibly helpful, and with some luck I can put their advice into action here in France. Wednesday morning I headed out for our final Gallop, as soon as we finished up I hopped back in the car to return south to Raleigh.

A lot of driving you say...yeah no kidding! Better off me than Tali though, he's had enough traveling this spring for most of the barn. I figured it was best to minimize his travel, so that he could be in top shape come Saumur. 

Wednesday afternoon Michelle met Dr. Furlong to get the final ok to proceed. She and Tali headed out to JFK on the other side of NYC to prepare for their flight. I flew out from Raleigh on Friday mid-day. Following the first of many misunderstandings my rental car sans GPS managed to make our way north putting Michelle, Tali and I here in Chantilly just hours apart this morning. This afternoon, which still felt very much like morning, I took Tali for a long hack around the Fursam Equestrian Center.

All I can say is that this place is beautiful! It will serve as our home through Monday am as well as the staging facility for the US team prior to the World Equestrian Games this summer. Below you'll find a link to my Facebook album. I'll do my best to continue to update with photos through the week. The only catch is finding reliable WiFi in order to upload them in a timely manor.

Post by DPEquestrian Sports.

Click the link above for updates through the week, and of course check back on this blog for detailed accounts!

Feel free to post questions below that you might have, I'd be more than happy to answer whatever is on your mind.

-D

Don't forget to get your copy of 'The Riding Horse Repair Manual' by clicking the cover image below!

Plans from Rolex to Saumur CCI*** and beyond...

Tali at the Fork CIC*** photo thanks to Samantha Clark

Due on our wedding day was the Land Rover USEF grant application for the Saumur CCI***. Submitting the application brought back some bitter sweet memories of my first trip overseas with Running Order to Boekelo some years back. I found myself thinking about how lucky I am to have this opportunity for a second time. Running Order was such a spectacular horse and will always hold a special place in our hearts, his halter still hangs in our tack room today. With certainty I can say Tali has benefited from my experience, that's the beauty of equestrian sport. The moment you stop learning you stop progressing, it's so important to enjoy the process.

I have to thank Larry and Amelia Ross who have been partners with Tali and me for some time, without their support I would not be here today. I have been incredibly pleased with Tali's results to date. Knowing that no event this spring is the end game I've been mindful of his fitness, soundness and conditions at each competition. To me it makes no sense to run his legs off on XC for a blue ribbon or prize money if it sacrifices his future. That said he's been exceptional, but with definite room for further improvement! I'm still working out how to make the most of his talents. He is inherently a tricky horse, in my experience all the good ones are!

I've made a concerted effort to enter shows or events which offer the greatest atmosphere to improve his ability to cope with exciting, large environments. He is well on his way and has continued to get better with each outing, but this is an ongoing process.

So where to we go from here? I had heard through the grapevine that we would receive final word of the Land Rover/USEF grant following the Fork's CIC***. So why Saumur? I'm not focused soley on the WEG's this year or frankly any particular championship for that matter. That said, I want more than anything to be named to US teams in the future. I'm convinced that if my process is sound I will be able to develop partnerships with my horses which will result in future successes. If I do what I think is best for my horses and myself those team spots will come. Amazingly Tali has only been at advanced since Millbrook and run only one CCI*** (Fair Hill International) where he finished 4th. While qualified and entered at Rolex, I'd jump at the chance to run one more 3* on foreign soil. This would offer the best of all worlds. Strange, charged atmosphere and the complexity of the XC should not be overbearing and should allow for the best chance for sucess. Building confidence and consistency is my main goal at this point in his career.

Last week I received the email from Joanie Morris delivering the great news that I was a recipient of the Land Rover grant! For me it's a humbling experience receiving validation of a lifetime of efforts and the past six years with Tali. I am incredibly thankful both to Land Rover as well as the countless individual donors who have afforded me this opportunity. It's a great feeling knowing you have the backing of so many, I hope you all can share this experience with me.

So what about my Rolex entry? I am still going to still attend this year for the Dressage phase being that there is no other place in this hemisphere to gain exposure on the world stage. Tali and I will no doubt come away from the experience stronger, more resilient and better prepared for Jersey, Saumur and beyond. This is an invaluable opportunity!

This next week will be a continuation of our chaotic past few weeks where we're finalizing our move to Apex, NC. We have been back and forth between the new farm and Aiken more times than I'd like to count. We'll remain in Aiken through Saturday where Eli (owned by Mike Rubin) and I are jumping in the $25k Grand Prix in town. Katie and Jess are also competing at Sporting Days, when both compeitions wrap up we'll pack up for one last time and head to NC! We're planning to depart for Rolex early Tuesday morning giving us enough time to take Tali for a hack in the afternoon around the park.

Check back for updates throughout the week!

-D

Aiken Update #2: HITS, Training Sessions and more

Tali at the USEF Training Sessions - Photo via Kate Samuels (facebook)

Our last few weeks have been hectic...but the horses are all going great with loads coming soon. Since our last update we've had a number of competitions including Paradise Farm horse trials, High Fields jumper show, HITS Ocala and the USEA ICP Symposium. Below are a few videos from the past weeks:

(I've been having trouble today with the video embed. If they don't work, click on the description below each for the direct link.)


Wishfull-V owned by Amy Hentinaar @ HITS Ocala in the 1.40m


Cellar Door aka Little Leo owned by Jane Dudinsky at Pine Top for the first event of the year!

Aside from the showing and the ICP symposium Tali aka Crown Talisman owned by myself and Larry and Amelia Ross have been named to the USEF National Training list. This has allowed us to participate in the USEF training sessions. David O'Connor the new US coach has been incredibly helpful. I feel like in the past month we've made great strides forward, but unfortunately with the recent EHV-1 outbreak we're going to have to wait to test the improvements in the ring.

Speaking of the EHV-1 Outbreak we again were very lucky. Originally we had intended on stabling at the HITS show grounds last week, but luckily at the last minute we decided to stay at Longwood and ship in to HITS. We have been very closely motioning and segregating our horses since our departure from Florida, and the best estimations for incubation we've received from the vets treating the first case in Florida was 2-10 days. I'm thankful to say we've reached the 10th day with no signs of any trouble.

On the same theme we had planned to attend the Red Hills horse trials this coming weekend, but in light of the current state of things I've decided it's not worth the risk to our horses competing or those left at home to attend this year. Hopefully things will quiet down in the next few weeks and the remainder of our spring season will be unaffected.

I've got a bit more info on our newest podcast. Click here to listen!

Our podcast for those who haven't listened in the past offers a broad description of recent happenings along with some stories from the road. We also reintroducing a Q and A portion of the program. If you have any questions about training, compeitions, care or more feel free to respond to this blog or shoot me an email at doug@dpequestrian.com

I also want to congratulate Wendy and Fred Luce with the purchase of Cassino Rio, he is an exceptionally talented 8 yr old Westphallian gelding who I'm very excited add to our team of horses. Stay tuned for some pictures and videos.

Until next time stay warm!

-D
 

Winter is here and soon will be 2012!

'Tis the season...football is in full swing! At least that's my plan from now through February. We've had a great year, so not that I'm looking forward to it's departure, but I can't wait for 2012!

I would like to thank everyone who has helped make this year a possibility.

From our Owners:

Kristin Michaloski
Patti Springsteen
Jane Dudinsky
Kristen Burgers
Larry and Amelia Ross
Wendy Luce
SNS Syndicate
Melanie Nasser
Cindy Strate

To Sponsors:

Five Star Tack
Cavalor
SpectraVet
Georgetown Stable Outfitters
Arenus
HayGain
Hit Air
Parlanti
Ecogold
Horseware Ireland
Leather Therapy
Devoucoux
Equithrive
EquineLite

To the best Farrier in the world:
Sue Donatsky

To our Vet:
Greg Staller at Running S Equine



The winter months are usually filled with a number of tasks that have fallen through the cracks during the competition season. I'm in the process of getting a new truck, which will be very exciting. The poor Chevy has just shy off 200k and has seen better days. I was up at the Freightliner dealership today signing the sales order, so hopefully within the next two weeks we'll be fully equipped and ready for our journey to Aiken at the end of the month.

As for showing, most of the event horses are just coming back to work. The jumpers on the other hand are in full swing. We made a trip over to Duncraven yesterday and came back with a bunch of ribbons! Vesko W aka Llama, owned by Rosie DiMola, finished 3rd, 2nd and 1st.

This is his winning Level 3 Speed Class


Melanie Nasser's Urlando aka Larry won both of his classes.


Last but not least was Kristin who came along with us and rode her horse Hughie. He has done a few trainings and will be looking to move up in the spring.


In addition to the jumper show, now USDF Hall of Fame Inductee, Linda Zang was up for a dressage clinic this weekend. I took Tali aka Crown Talisman owned by Larry and Amelia Ross over to her both Saturday and Sunday. Linda was very helpful, I can't say enough about her. Tali was equally impressive, I can't wait to see what happens this year with him!

We have a quiet next few weeks from showing, but of course the packing has just begun for our migration. Stay warm and see you soon!

Doug

PS Without Cam I really don't know what war their fighting, all I can say their losing. Regardless, Jess remains in the background... 'War EAGLE'