Up, Up, & Away!!

This weekend I got a special surprise when a friend took me hot-air-ballooning! At my family's farm in Boyce, VA, we used to sit outside and wave to the balloons as they passed over during the balloon festival at Long Branch. Now, I actually had the opportunity to experience the other side of it!
We rode with pilot Reed Basley, who was a very cool guy. He told us the balloon we were in was an old advertisement balloon, but they had replaced most of the ads except a Citgo one at the very top. We went up to about 700 feet and touched down in a field and at the Winchester-Fauquier airport. We even got to grab some leaves off of trees as we floated by. Even with my huge fear of heights, Reed made the trip feel really safe. All in all it was very neat!!

If you're interested in balloon rides, you can contact Reed Basley, Pilot. or visit the website at www.virginiaballoonflights.com

Horseology!

Just returned from the 2010 Virginia Region Show Jumping Rally in Manakin Sabot, VA. It was held by the Deep Run Hunt Pony Club, so we got to play on their turf :) I'm too tired to write a lot about it right now, but our kids did great!! I was the captain of the 'Horseology' team, which included 3 younger riders and a stable manager. We struggled a little with the horse management, just in the learning process for those guys, so we actually ended 18th in horse management!! Not the best, but I think we all learned a lot (as always!!). Overall we did a lot better, and ended in 9th. I think all the teams did great! The officials also made a comment at the end of rally about how the vet on call thought the horses and ponies all looked very well cared for, so that made me pretty proud.

Individually, Wanda was an absolute ANGEL this whole weekend. Her ground manners were perfect even being stuck in a small stall, and her jumping was very good. We only had one clear round, but only one rail in each of the other three. I knew exactly what I did wrong (don't you hate that?!?). Our 'take your own line' round went a bit odd when I forgot my pre-planned course, but somehow we made it over each jump and through the finish! Also, it was pretty neat that I was the highest rated (B) and oldest competitor at the rally. One kid asked me if I was married!

Also, Wanda did her thing again and won us the Dancing Weather Memorial Equitation trophy. It's given out to one competitor each year by the judge who thinks the horse/rider are a good-looking pair and do well during one of the rounds. Just so happens that one round she jumped clean and got all of her leads :) I'm very proud of her again!!

(FYI: The “Dancing Weather” Memorial Equitation award is presented to the rider exhibiting outstanding skills in position, control, and horsemanship. This trophy is given by the Reistrup Family in memory of Gordon and Catherine Reistrup’s horse “Dancing Weather”. “Dancer” anchored numerous regional and national rally teams throughout the ‘80’s in Show Jumping, Dressage and Combined Training. The recipient is determined by the Riding Judge with input from the Chief Horse Management Judge.)

Our team ribbon and the Dancing Weather Memorial Equitation Award


Complete results, once posted, should be at this website:
Virginia Region Pony Club Rally Results

DRPC Spring Horse Trials

Wanda and I had the opportunity to compete in the Novice Horse division at the Difficult Run Pony Club horse trials for the first time as a team. I've been there a MILLION times with previous horses, since Frying Pan Park is my 'home turf' for all pony club activities, but this was a first for Wanda :)

Saturday I fulfilled my volunteer duties as a scribe for Helen Brettell, a VERY interesting British dressage judge. I have never had her as a judge before, so it was great to hear her comments about the rides. This was also my first time ever scribing, so it was a pleasure having someone who was patient enough to work with me!

Sunday was our ride day, and Wanda was a super star. Our dressage test went quite well, and we ended with a 27.0%, putting us in first place! We had a slight setback when I noticed her hind shoes 'clanking', so after a quick run to the farrier things were good again. Stadium went great with Gegi Winslett as our judge, and we pulled out a double clear round despite our very forward warmup session! She was a bit backed up cross-country, but jumped everything clean and pulled out the win for us :)

Dressage

Stadium

Cross Country


I was extremely lucky to have a huge group of supporters during the event. My mom, dad, and brother came, as well as my grandma, and two best friends! Plus, since it was the horse trials that my pony club puts on, the volunteers were all cheering for me. Overall it was a great time and I thank everyone for coming!!


-Brittanie