Woody at plantation Field as he patiently stands in his ice tub after cross country, cared for by his very best fans, Erica and Lauren.
There is never any let up in the pace. We have either been away all weekend at a show or we have been at one show on the Saturday and another show on the Sunday. Mid-week jumper shows in Toronto too. The truck and trailer have been racking up the miles. The show schedule is very eclectic – one weekend is a CIC*** and the next is a pre-entry short course. We cover the whole gambit and it sometimes feels like the whole east coast.
Things have been going really well. We had a bit of a gap in Woody’s year because of his being the Pan Am alternate. It was a lot of fun but he missed at least one competition. After a ‘personal best’ score at Bromont, his next event was Richland Park in August. Once again he produced a personal best with a dressage score that had dropped another two penalties since Bromont. Finally he competed at Plantation in a huge CIC and once again, he dropped his dressage score another two penalties and gave us another personal best. This week he goes to Morven Park for the last CIC of the year that he is involved in. He is not going to Fairhill, as he already did a wonderful CCI for us at Bromont this year and with his last two CICs being everything we could hope for, we are going to finish at Morven. If he was able to go down ANOTHER two penalties this week, he will break into the thirties! It seems just a minute ago that we were working hard to make the mid-forties. We are so lucky to have this beautiful horse to work with.
Lots of exciting busy stuff in his future. Tomorrow he and Selena are going to have a show jumping tune up with Jonathan Millar. We are very excited. Woody did a BEAUTIFUL clear round at Plantation, however, we had no idea that the time was very tight as Selena was one of the first clear rounds of the day. She was gutted to find out later in the day that she had picked up four time penalties in the stadium. Hopefully some tips from the masters are going to keep Woody’s rounds clear and within the time. In November, he will go to stay with his ‘Auntie Jacqueline Brooks’ for his dressage tune up. Jacqueline has been a huge help with Woody’s dressage over the past year and it is very exciting to watch his marks begin to reflect his improving strength and suppleness.
Before Plantation, Woody and Selena were able to school with her long-time coach and mentor, Bruce Davidson. It is always comforting to have him review Selena’s performance and offer the benefit of his unparalleled experience. Selena is hoping to tune her three Morven rides with Bruce at Chesterland on her way down to Virginia.
After Woody’s November as a dressage horsey, it’s Christmas and then it’s time for the whole song and dance to start again. The year just spins by with the shows defining the year. We always talk of what we can get done ‘before’ the next big show or ‘after’ the next big show. The months themselves have little meaning other than what shows we are attending and what tasks we can achieve between shows. I have a sneaking suspicion most horse people live this way, I am sure it’s not just us.
We would like to point out that none of this would be possible without amazing owners like John and Judy Rumble who come to almost everything that Woody goes to. John Rumble, himself an Olympic Bronze medalist in eventing, is both supportive and knowledgeable, and Judy is a walking database of eventing numbers, European and NA. She is amazing and can give you all the stats of any event.
In addition to wonderful owners and coaches we also have to thank Clayton Fredericks for all his great team coaching and tips and insight.
Our sponsors are fantastic. They are there when we need them offering us help and support without which we could not possibly continue.
Purina Agribrand – The grain that keeps Woody in top condition Omega Alpha – The best supplements I have ever used anywhere.
Voltaire – Simply beautiful saddles.
FITS – Riding clothes that look good and feel good.
House of Angelis – Where the great trot up outfits come from.
Charles Owen – Safe hat, safe head!
Jojo Sox – Great socks that wash well wear well and don’t fall down.
Haysmart – Wonderful ‘creep nets’ that are perfect for our horses.
La Mundial – Selena’s riding boots.
Boogaloo – Excellent horse boots.
Draper Therapies – Saddle pads and coolers.
