Catch up time

The clinic was a major learning curve for me and the most important issue was my time is limited to be able to continue this path. HOWEVER we learned a lot.

Today we ran games and he did so very well. We came home with 3 firsts, and a 2nd and Championship in our Division. He is such a good boy.

There is a woman up from NC a rodeo rider and she is going to come try him out and if she likes him and he her I think I will have her run him in the Open Classes and have a blast this year. I like the way she rides and we talked and she has a solid Dressage background and "gets" how he is trained. So time will tell.

I'm sorry it took so long to get back on to post but this last week was mentally tough lots to think about.

Hope everyone is safe and having fun.

NJ Here We Come

We leave tomorrow to go to the Horse Park of NJ to attend a Sharon Camarillo Barrel Clinic.

We attended one about 5 years ago and had a wonderful time.

Duncan is clipped and his shoes are on , he could have more miles under his belly, but I can't control the weather darn it.

There's a show in Maine with STB classes, but decisions have to be made and this clinic is far more important to me than another show. We will be attending the World Championship Barrels in Perry, GA in Oct so our aim this year must be getting as good as we can for that event.

If anyone reading this is near the horse park stop by and say hello we would love to meet you.

The RI SPCA Trail Ride

Yesterday we took part in the annual SPCA Trail Ride at Goddard Park here in RI. The park features beautiful trails along the bluffs above Narragansett Bay. You can go down and ride on parts of the beaches at different times. Duncan is not into water so we don't do that.

We had a GREAT ride, both he and Jupiter, his appy barnmate went well.

There were 130 riders and we raised $11.000.00 in support for helping animals and people who need assistance in taking care of their pets. This has become the largest fund raiser the SPCA has.

Thursday am we will be headed out to the Horse Park of NJ for a Sharon Camarillo Barrel Clinic. This is the 2nd time I have ridden with her and I am looking forward to the 3 days.

I met 2 new STB folks yesterday at the ride. One young woman just got her mare last November and the other young woman has had hers for a while, it's always nice to meet new STB folks.

On another not, SPHO Maine held a fun show to raise money for their Ambassador Program and I am told they did very well. Duncan donated for a couple of classes.

So, the next few days are very busy if I don't get back here I'll be in NJ riding my butt off.,

Stay safe.

Working hard

We are riding most everyday. This afternoon we hauled into Cherry Croft, a lovely indoor here in RI. Duncan was really good and we worked for about an hour, maybe a bit more. it was cold and very windy, but the indoor makes it bearable.

In May the 6th) we head out to the Horse Park of NJ to attend a Sharon Camarillo Baarrel clinic. A few of my friends will be attending or showing up to spend time with us.

Duncan will be the only STB in the clinic, but that's ok, it's always fun to teach people about the breed and there is no one better to do that than the Big guy. He has such a big, dedicated fan club.

This weekend will be busy. Sat is a tack sale not far from home and I am going to spend time with my good friend Nate.

Sunday my son and his family will be coming for the holiday. He lives in VT so I don't get to see him often so that will be fun. I get to spend time with my Grandchildren.

I hope everyone has a nice weekend.

A Duncan Update

He is mostly clipped. Long story there but the bottom line is we dulled 4 sets of blades on my 2 sets of clippers. Not to worry, I dropped them off yesterday and they are ready today. I started riding him on Saturday. Yeah, that was real difficult, it was climb on and ride. He is such a good horse. Events are starting up with the Blessing of the Horses this Sunday here in Ri, but I don't think we'll go to that. The weather is supposed to be not nie and with all the rain we have gotten this week the trails will be a mess and I really don't want to ride him on them. I hope all is well with who ever might be reading this blog. In a few weeks we have the SPCA fund raiser and then the following week we are off to NJ for a big Barrel clinic. I hear there will be some folks there to see us. time will tell. It would be really nice if some of the STB folks would show up to support us but I know they will not cause they don't really promote the breed, they promote themselves in their little, tiny backyard world. That's ok, we are out in the big world and loving it. Sorry, just the way it is and how I feel. Stay safe and enjoy the Spring weather. I planted panseys this afternoon, always a sure sign that winter is done. in my mind.

Getting It all Together

We will finish body clipping on Thursday. My good friend Nate is helping me and he does such a wonderful job. My Smith Brothers sale cataloge came today and I was able to finish up all the new colors for this year. Even was able to get a YELLOW saddle pad with custom design on it and crystals. The vet is coming on Friday to finish up all the Spring stuff and then it's really really ride time. The trailer is supposed to be getting painted to match my truck that will be cool for sure. Weather could be better , but it's getting there. I really hope you all are coming out of winter and getting ready for whatever you do with your horses.

A US Trotting Article

Jessica Schroder, of US Trotting submitted the information about Duncan's 2010 NBHA awards and it is on the webiste now. For those of you who do not have the address it is www.ustrotting.com and it is in the news section.

They even used a picture of us getting our State Championship Buckle. I love that hardware.
So, if you are so inclined I do hope you will go read the piece.

Stay warm.
Six weeks til our big clinic in NJ and he is still in full Yak mode. I am hoping to get him clipped April 4th. Then it's layers and layers of clothes, good thing he has lots of those.

Stay warm