Curly Cow...

We have a famous one among us. It's amazing all the different ways you can be competitve in the horse world. Check out what our ever faitful manager/historian is up to now. Who do you recognize?

Happy Birthday Paula

Today was Paula's offical birthday. Happy Sweet 16!!! We had a big party for her on Sunday with nearly 50 people in attendance. We rented a dunk tank and big speakers on tripods. I'm sure our friends at J & B could probably hear the ruckus. I'll post pics as soon as they get downloaded.

My big girls have camp all this week. We had a good first couple of days. They spent yesterday working on their dressage tests for Clemson in a couple of weeks. Then today we schooled over fences. Followed by a trail ride and another evening lesson. Paula and Amador are doing really well, and will be ready to get around the courses at Clemson. She won't be able to do the height fences that she really wants to, but is excited to get him around. Nicole is still debating who she is showing and where. One of her horses is going to Clemson, but we're not sure which one.

We did take a break today and went to Splash Island for awhile. It seems we can't go anywhere without running into someone you know. We ran into Annie Walters and her family at Sonic, and then Nancy Harrel at the water park.

The girls will finish out the camp week schooling cross country Thursday at One Tempi, and then Friday at Stono River. Pictures to come after we've been.

Middleton Jumper Recap

WOW!!! Thank you to all of you who turned out to cheer us on. I won't list everyone for fear of missing someone, but we had about 15 friends of the farm turnout to cheer. That added to our friends from J & B and the families of the girls who showed made for quite a party. We had a fantastic time at the show. Everyone did their part and we had very little upset. We did some trailer shuffling at the 11th hour, so I didn't take a horse for myself, but did show Squeeks. Squeeks had an outstanding day. She won her class with Nicole aboard, but then wasn't crazy when the fences went up. She was excused from the 2 foot. Which of course turned on my trainer determination. When I took her back in for the Open 2 foot we came back out in 4th with 11 competitors.

Then the fences went up again and Kaijsa, Paula, and Emily rode their hearts out. If only I could get them to ride that way at home. Kaijsa came out saying..."that's it she's off the market." So I guess we aren't shopping anymore. If Paula and Jack can perform at the Pintos the same way she did last night she'll be sailing into the first spot on the eq list. Heck she's only 1 point out of first right now. Emily actually got gift to give the 12 foot strides resulting in some stellar performances at 3 foot. Unfortuantley it was too dark for pictures by the time Emily jumped. All the rest of the pictures will be coming in the next couple of days. Amelia our ever under appreciated manager and photographer is out fishing a tournament today. I'm sure I'll have the pictures by Monday. Thank you Amelia who didn't get to bed until after midnight and had to be back up by 4 to go fish.

If you note the pictures of me they are prime examples of why you don't get on and just ride without warming up. I did NO warm up. I commented when I got off how all my muscles were shaking, but man can you tell in the pictures. Sometimes even I forget we are athletes and have to treat ourselves as such.

If the boot fits

The question is does Paula know where that boot is supposed to go. It's been a busy few days all with little stuff here and there. Monday I had a meeting regarding buying the farm in addition to all the regular lessons, and camp. It's ridiculously hot here, so we only have one camper this week. Paula and Nicole have worked very hard to try and make it as much fun as they can for her. Yesterday I was at Rein and Shine meeting with Stuart. I was sharing some of the great things I picked up at the Expo.

Then today was a bit more of a play day. Nicole is in charge of camp the rest of the week, as Paula had to carry the bulk last week. Paula, Amelia, and I ran down to Tack-n-Tow to pick some stuff up. We then stopped at Meeting Street on the way home. Paula found some of the largest bell boots I've ever seen. I guess warmbloods are getting bigger than ever. I just want to know if something with feet that large can actually track up far enough to justify bells.

When we got home Paula had a lesson on Amador. We continued to work on finding the distances and pace setting. We also added a breast collar and changed out his bit finally. Yeah what a "Happy Mouth" Amador must have now. We are right on track for Amador's debut at Clemson in August. Pics to come. (Wonder how many times I say that)

Old Friends

It's been a busy weekend of seeing old friends. I spent yesterday in the car with Nicole, Diane, and Amelia. We travelled to Raleigh. Yes I've now been there two weekends in a row. We went to look at a horse and a pony. We're reserving a decision on the horse, so I won't say much just yet. Pics are coming though. The pony belongs to the family that we got India from. Robbie (the mom) and Savannah (the daughter) met us for lunch at Applebees. It was a great chance to catch up. I filled Robbie in on India's show career here. We commisserated on the politics of showing, and got the run down on the pony's situation.

Then we all went out to a very beautiful private farm where they keep Skittles. He's the cutest little 11.3h paint you've ever seen. You can find a link to his and Savannah's blog in the blog list to the right. Skittles has been winning everything with Savannah. Then he recently had a bad experience that has set him back. It sounds that as soon as they have found a Medium for Savannah to move up to Skittle is coming to come live here to regain his confidence and carry some of our lesson students up through the low levels.

I had a wonderful suprise visit from another old friend this evening. Janet stopped by to drop off a couple of things. I can't tell you how suprised I was to see her knocking on my side door. We had a nice chat and talked about the Middleton Jumper show this weekend. We're all looking forward to the show.

Olympic Schedule Announced

Here is the schedule of the televised events during the olympics in August. Some of you are too young to remember the last summer olympics, but this is exciting this is more equestrian coverage than ever before. And better yet it's not on at 3am.

The schedule is as follows: Date: Program—Time (EST) on Channel
Aug. 9: 3-Day: Dressage—2:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. on USA
Aug. 11: 3-Day: Cross- Country— 6:00pm-8:00pm OXYGEN
Aug. 12: 3-Day: Stadium Team Gold Medal Final—6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. on OXYGEN
Aug. 13: Dressage—6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. on OXYGEN
Aug. 14: Dressage Team Gold Medal Final—6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. on OXYGEN
Aug. 15: Show Jumping—6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. on OXYGEN
Aug. 16: Dressage Individual – 5:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. MSNBC
Aug. 17: Show Jumping Team Gold Medal Final 1st Round—10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m on NBC
Aug. 18: Show Jumping Team Gold Medal Final Round— 6:00pm-8:00 p.m. OXYGEN
Aug. 19: Dressage Individual Gold Medal Final - 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. on OXYGEN
Aug. 21: Show Jumping Individual Gold Medal Final- 10:00am- 1:00 pm

I know I'll be setting the DVR to record. We've also got some "home town" representation in the 3-day. Heidi White from Aiken will be a member of the team this yeear.

Clinic Registration is Open

We are hosting a clinic with my trainer Michael Richardson on Oct. 25 and 26. The clinic is open to a very limited number of participants. You can learn more about him at Broken R Ranch. This will be a fantastic weekend of learning. I am so excited to see Michael again and have an opportunity to ride with him. It's been 10 years since I last saw him. I strongly encourage any of my students to participate. If you have questions about using lesson horses or your suitability to participate please let me know.

The cost for the two day clinic includes lunches and stabling.

2-day private instruction (45 minute sessions) is $400

2-day group instruction (1 1/2 hour session) is $350

One day participation does not include lunch or stabling

1-day private is $225

1-day group is $200

Both of the above include a round pen demonstration in addition to mounted sessions.

Auditors are also welcome

One day $40

Two day $70

As soon as the registration form is loaded to the website I will post a link here.

For those of you who board with us the farm will be closed to all not participating this weekend. I apologize for the inconvenience.

I hope I can keep it going this long

There's not much to say, but check out this Cowgirl

For all my adult riders I've just diffused any arguments you may have.

Roll Call

Alright, I've been doing this blogging thing for awhile now. 60+ posts and counting. Yet, not a single comment. Please if you read this can we all check in via comments so I can get an idea who I'm entertaining if anyone? Heck, maybe I should just quit.

Traveling without fires.

It's taken a year to get to this point. Yep that's right our one year anniversary here at M & M slipped by without me even realizing it. I'll post an anniversary recap in the coming week. In the meantime we've travelled quite a bit this year. Back to St. Louis for family obligations, Clemson for horseshows, and around the entire East side of the Mississippi. Many of you have pitched in to make these trips happen. There hasn't been a single one where my phone hasn't rung once, or a note wasn't on the board about a disaster while I was gone. This time was different. Not a concern was risen. (Okay, maybe one, but it wasn't of consequence)

Now wheeerrre did I go???? Dan, Isabella, and I went to Raleigh, NC for Equine Extravaganza . It was a fantastic couple of days. We had the opportunity to audit several clinics. I chose to go to several done by Colleen Kelly from Australia. Watch out she gave me lots of ideas to help fix posture and balance. Don't be suprised if you start finding headlights on your horses, or blackout while you're riding.






Another fantastic clinician we had the opportunity to see was Matt Mclaughlin on his horses Pecos and Coral II. He did some clinics on teaching the spanish walk, bowing, and engagement for the low level dressage horse. He also was a spectatcular entertainer during the evening show. If anyone would be interested in some private lessons with him let me know. I may try to get him to stop over on one of his trips through the area.





USERL was also in attendance. It was nice to be able to support them, and update them on Jack and India's day to day lives. They had the cutest minis on site to do some fundraising.


There were loads of other marvelous clinicians and lecturers. They will be in Virginia in the fall. I won't likely go because it conflicts with the Coastal Carolina fair, but I would encourage any of you to go. It's a great experience.

Oh yeah, did I mention the shopping??? I came home with breeches for $10 a pair, some really cool new wraps, and a cute pony backpack for Kenzie. Maybe now she'll quit wearing her beach chair around the farm.

So you want to ride in the McClay?

I know that the centered seat I teach is questioned and disputed from time to time as not true equitation position. This is a call back round from the 2004 McClay winner. She is riding the runner ups horse in the second round of call backs here. Tell me does she looked perched? She has a clear 2 point or is sitting down and back between fences.


Here is another winning Eq round. This one is the winner from the WIHS Finals in 2007. The WIHS finals are an even stronger test of a riders ability. The horse rider combination start over a hunter course. Then they have to ride a jumper course. The final ride off requires all riders to swap horses and ride a jumper course again.
Again notice that this winning rider Maria Schaub (who won the Mcclay in 2007 as well) also sits deep, yet light on course.

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We have a barn manager

Well it's official we have a barn manager. Who is it is now the question on your mind. Well... She'll be with us on a part time basis for the next couple of months while some other exciting details are worked out. She will be handling all farm management that is not time crucial. She'll be available via phone and e-mail when she's not here. She'll be travelling with us to shows. She'll be supervising hired weekend feeders when we travel. She will supervise the working student performance and hours.

As for the key question who it is. You'll have to stay tuned. It's only fair that the boarders find out first.

Other entertainment

For those of you who don't think I post enough...I have added a couple of new blogs to the horse list on the left.

Beautiful 4th

I've updated the slideshow from Clemson with more pictures. This time contributed by Vel. We had a wonderful 4th. Dan and I carved out some time for lunch and a movie. We saw Narnia which is always a great catalyst for discussions on faith. Gave us a great opportunity to reconnect following his last trip.

We met the Friedmans, and Kellie and Gia at IOP for dinner and fireworks. It was great to see Kellie and Gia as it's been a bit more than a week.

We're off to the auction with more friends this evening. We're all heading into Walterboro for Barbecue beforehand. All of you are welcome to meet us there or catch a ride from the farm. We'll head out about 2 this afternoon.

Keep the Cameras Rolling

Or actually keep the pictures rolling to me. Everyone has started getting me the pictures from Clemson. Here are several of the more than 200 Amelia took. As I get more I'll add the best ones here. If possible try to use photobucket, as it's the easiest to download from.

Hopefully I will be able to add portions of the video footage shortly too.

Calendar change

We have some changes to the calendar for the upcoming weeks. I'll keep this abbreviated for your convenience.

July 11-13 heading to Raleigh for Equine Extravaganza
July 17-21 trip to Ohio cancelled
July 25 Jumper show at Middleton Plantation added
Aug 2 First meeting of the High School Equestrian Team

Clemson catch up

This weekend in Clemson went fantastically. Several of our riders finally crossed the threshold to the next level. There is one blue ribbon absent from the picture courtesy of Jessica on India. We went up Friday to unload and school. The big arena wasn't open on Friday, so several of our Clemson rookies went to bed Friday night having no idea what they had gotten into. Saturday morning Paula met us at the barn ending the family vacation a day early to help show Shiloh in the classes I'm not eligible for. The rookies got to see the ring for the first time and one or two were in complete awe. Everyone improved as the day progressed. The highlights included Kaijsa cantering a couple of courses on Em overcoming some significant confidence issues, and Nicole not only competing at 2'6", but winning her first class at the height. The best part... was it was an equitation class with 16 competitors in it.

We'll be heading back to Clemson in August and plan on competing in the hunter/jumper show as well as everyon completing a combined training test. We're currently planning to make this show Amador's debut with our barn. Watch out HUS riders here we come!!!