January 2010 Testing Results

On one of the few sunny days in January, seven of our club members aspired to their next rating, 6 for the very first time. With a night of preparation at the Kaak’s the evening before, the verbal portion was fairly easy for everyone.

Horses gleaming, boots polished and a few nerves here and there, the girls got a chance to showcase what they’ve been learning. The riding was fabulous, the support immense and the reward great. Our two candidates who were rating for their D2 showed grit, determination and maturity beyond their years as they were stretched to accomplish the rigorous jumping portion of the test—rigorous that is for two horses that are not typically jumpers by nature. With proud parents (and a proud DC!) standing by, all 7 of our candidates successfully tested. Congratulations go to:

Hannah—D2
Emily—D2
Kailyn—D1
Melanie—D1
Kristin—D1
Erin—D1
Julia—D1

September 2009 Regional Dressage Rally

What happens when you take 12 kids, 8 horses and 20 adults on a weekend getaway? You get our trip to the Regional Dressage Rally! After our 4 hour trip up to Bear Valley Springs with a four horse trailer caravan, we got to enjoy the most stunning of surroundings. Mountains, lakes and a beautiful valley were the backdrop for what was to be an adventurous weekend.

Once we got the horses settled, we headed to town for a good, old fashioned family dinner at the Apple Shed. We enjoyed lots of food, laughter and even a mom and pop band that sang throughout our meal.

We then headed back to the hotel for some R & R before our very early morning the next day. On Saturday we got to the Equestrian Center early to get everyone fed and so the girls could set up the trailer for the rally.

Parents were promptly kicked out of the stable area at which point many became the volunteers actually running the rally. Kerstin Andreano and Heather Endresen spent most of their day reading tests for the dressage riders. Sharon Kaak and Karen Ashford helped scribe for the judges and also ran around to give breaks to volunteers. Frank Martin was the gatekeeper and many of the men helped with set up and tear down. Busy, busy, busy is all I can say but boy did we shine.

Ashlyn and McKenna worked their buns off as Stable Managers and our teams were very proud to take home third and fourth places for the day out of nine teams. Not too shabby where only 2 of our team members had even done a rally before.

We enjoyed a relaxing dinner afterwards at the local Mexican restaurant handpicked by the Jacksons…yummy. We also celebrated Ally Ashford’s birthday.

The next day, a few of us headed over to the lake to take a trail ride before our long drive home. It was just a fabulous time with fun, friends and horses.

We can’t wait to go again next year.

Dressage Rally - September 22 & 23, 2007 (Riders:  Brianne & Valla  –  Horse Manager:  Cami)

Our girls had a great experience.   They finally made it up to Bear Valley late Friday night (11:30 p.m.!) after an exciting ride with a flat trailer tire, a grumpy AAA guy, and a busy Frye's parking lot.   Luckily they were met at that late hour by their gracious hosts, Diana & Jamie Osbrink, who got them and the horses tucked in before everyone got too wet!   The Osbrink's opened their home to our rally girls so they didn't have to camp in the rain.   But, they did have to be at the rally at 6:00 a.m. -- a short night for everyone!

The rally went great.  Our girls had stellar rides and we had an excellent horse manager!   They ended up not placing, but wouldn't trade the experience and the connections with all of the other pony clubbers!   Their only regret was that more of our club didn't get to be there to share in the experience.

Saturday night they (the girls) stayed the night at the Osbrink's bunk house (yes, they have a bunk house!).   Then it was off to the Games Clinic where they played games like Pole Bending, The Vegetable Game, and Flag Race.   After the fun of the Games Clinic, it was time to get home.   Ah...the trip home was uneventful other than a slight issue with the trailer brake gauge that turned into a 3 hour hunt for the problem with a mechanic.   Finally home at 9:30 p.m. on Sunday night (yes, the brakes ended up being just fine) with a group of exhausted girls, and one extra-exhausted fearless leader!

Good job girls!!

Testing Results: We had our very first testing on June 9, 2007.  We had a total of 16 girls take their tests.  It was great seeing everyone help everyone else out!  Together EVERYONE passed their test! 

Our brand new D-1's are:  Ann, Gina, Justine, Katie, Kristen, McKenna, Rachel, Sopia, and Teegan!!

Our brand new D-2's are: Alyssa, Brianne, Cami, Daryn, Sami, Shayla, and Valla!!

CONGRATULATIONS TO EVERYONE!!