cassiejames
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Trail Dust Taster
Posts: 37
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Main Stable: Sunny Creeks Acres
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Post by cassiejames on Apr 14, 2018 18:26:48 GMT
Show Results - Part Two
Awhile back I thought I'd share some show entries and results from Equus Sims I posted part one yonks ago but forget to do the rest so here they are!
South Eastern Elite Classic
Buzz was buzzing, literally. Ariel was stood waiting to enter the Dressage ring as they were next up but Buzz would absolutely not stand still! It was their first proper ridden competition though so she couldn't fault him as it was all new to him. The only other time he'd competed was in the Breeders Show a few months ago in the Halter class but this was different!
Ariel walked Buzz around a bit to try and calm him down the last thing she wanted was to ride the dressage test with a tense bunched up horse.
Soon enough it was their turn they entered the arena in trot and trotted around the edge of the boards waiting for the bell to signal they could enter the arena and begin their test. Luckily this calmed Buzz down a bit as the bell rang and off they trotted down the centre line to begin the test, Buzz was energetic and Ariel struggled to hold him in parts but as soon as the test began it was soon over and they left the arena on a long rein and a massive pat for Buzz.
Show Jumping
Next up Show Jumping, once again Buzz was full of it, though the constant distractions around the ring kept him slightly more in control as he was too busy eyeing everything up. He cleared most of the jumps by miles as he didn't want the scary oranges getting him!
Cross Country
Ariel was tired and her muscles ached from having to hold Buzz together in the Dressage and Show Jumping phases she was extremely thankful the cross country had moved to an arena due to the soggy ground as there was no way she'd be able to hold him out in the open country.
Though this didn't stop Buzz being full of beans he tore around the course and pinged over everything, this was his favourite part, after all.
[WBA] New Jersey Spring Classic
To say I was a wee bit nervous about competing in the New Jersey Spring Classic was a bit of an understatement, especially after the fiasco of competing in our last show, the Kendall County Spring Horse Show back in April. For those who haven't heard on the grapevine, we broke a pole at the last fence which was rather embarrassing particularly as the cracking sound was so loud! So yeah I was a little apprehensive about what this show would hold for myself and Ellie, fingers (and toes) crossed we won't break any more poles I don't think people would be so forgiving a second time around! ... 10AM Wednesday morning it was already fairly warm, the New Jersey sun beating down onto the show ring.
"At least we are competing early on before it heats up anymore, ehy Ellie, don't want you flaking out and catching a pole do we now" I murmured to Ellie whilst tightening her girth.
Ellie snorted and snatched at a mouthful of hay and gazed at the numerous other horses tied up outside their boxes ready for the day's competition.
"Right wait here Ellie let me just run round and check where we are up to on the start list"
I ran off in the direction of the Show Jumping ring to check the list of starting numbers as I don't want to get on too early and be warmed up and hanging around nor do I want to leave it too late and not have a proper warm up. ... 10.32AM
Warmed up and ready to go, we entered to ring at a jog Ellie flicking her head around eager to get started. The butterflies in my stomach flared up, "Easy girl" I murmured whilst looking round at the course laid out in front of me, running through the route in my head.
Brringggg sounded the bell.
Ellie leapt into canter throwing in a bunny hop for good measure.
"Wow you really are full of beans today" I whispered pointing her in the direction of the first fence, which we popped over beautifully as we did fences 2, 3, 4 a & b and 5. Ellie picked up her pace even more and stumbled on the approach to 6 but recovered and went over clear, unseating me slightly making butterflies in my stomach knot and tighten. I half halt and bring her back to me for the 7th which we ping over, now just the dreaded final fence, the butterflies are churning now, I feel myself tense up rounding the corner onto the approach telling myself to just relax, holding Ellie back slightly who has started rushing again _Hold, Hold, Hold_ I said in my head, a few strides out my knees grip saddle, here we go the final fence will we make it or not... |
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cassiejames
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Trail Dust Taster
Posts: 37
Likes: 11
Gender: Female
Main Stable: Sunny Creeks Acres
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Post by cassiejames on Apr 14, 2018 18:30:32 GMT
Show Results - Part 3 Yeatman Classic Cup
In August Ellie & Cassie flew to the UK to compete in the Yeatman Classic Cup, competing in Show Jumping they, unfortunately, didn't place this time around.
The flight over to the UK was long, for both Cassie and Ellie and their groom for the trip Grace. Ellie hadn't coped overly well on her first flight and found it all rather stressful and uneasy which in turn stressed Cassie and Grace out too, Grace kept making references to that film International Velvet or was it National Velvet which is the only time she'd seen or heard of travelling horses by air.
Once in the UK the weather was a mixture, one day dreary and miserable and the next sunshine followed by 3 days of rain. They'd arrived a week before hand to get Ellie settled and adjusted and also to fit in some sightseeing! However, the day of the Yeatman Classic Cup had arrived and they were due to fly home tomorrow evening. Ellie hadn't been her usual self the past few days but was starting to pick up so fingers crossed for the competition.
Cassie and Ellie were the last competitors on course for their class, the rain had been on and off all morning, they started the class with no rain but, halfway through it started again. The ground was slippy and wet from the previous competitors and the tracks well use, Cassie could feel Ellie slip and right herself a couple of times round the course. One fence left to go, they pair cantered steadily past the crowd towards the last and this was where they had their biggest slip Cassie wasn't sure if they could right themselves in time for the last jump or not.
Texas Rose Horse Show
Lastly in September Ellie and Cassie competed in the Texas Rose Horse Show in the night time Show Jumping class. They came themselves more time to settle in and adjust to the climate this time around and they came in 1st place!
Myself and Ellie are getting used to this travel and competing malarkey; I had navigated the registration office and settled in, in good time. Our groom for this trip is Ariel who is just as efficient and on the ball as myself giving us some well deserved time to explore the property on horseback and stretch our legs in the late afternoon heat. Mingling with other competitors and making small talk scares me so what better way to escape than to explore! The heat is stuffy and sticky, boy am I glad I entered the night-time class.
The arena was well lit; the sky was an array of dark blues the cloud cover clearing making way for some stars. Picture perfect. The crowds were scattered around the stands wanting the best viewpoints of the jumps but also wanting cover from the cool breeze. The jumps looked a bit bigger than our usual height but we are ready, well Ellie is well up for it me, on the other hand, a tad nervous! Ellie seemed to respond well to the change competing in a night-time class brings, the bigger crowds, the buzz and the lights making her feel like the princess she knows she is. She's jumping fabulously and has never felt so great! |
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cassiejames
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Trail Dust Taster
Posts: 37
Likes: 11
Gender: Female
Main Stable: Sunny Creeks Acres
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Post by cassiejames on Apr 14, 2018 18:32:23 GMT
In October Ellie and Cassie took part in another Clinic, this time with Annie Stokes!
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I was a bit nervous at the beginning of the clinic, I've been having a spot of trouble in training sessions with Ellie lately, especially since our last show competing in a Night-Time SJ class. It seems Ellie enjoyed the atmosphere, buzz and lights of the class and lacks enthusiasm when training in the day. We started off doing a bit off flat, where we went round a bit like a donkey, I particularly got nagged about consistently looking at the floor. Moving on from that we did some pole and grid work, Ellie woke up a little bit and seemed to enjoy herself a bit more knowing she was being watched but still lacking her spark.
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Day 1 was over, I can't wait to see what 2 and 3 brings! 
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cassiejames
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Trail Dust Taster
Posts: 37
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Gender: Female
Main Stable: Sunny Creeks Acres
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Post by cassiejames on Apr 14, 2018 18:41:53 GMT
Bubba
Here is my son Theo having a little walk on the lunge on Bubba! He's desperate to have a go but all of our other horses are not suitable for him to have a sit on and I don't trust them one bit! Bubba, however, is an absolute star and adores cuddles with Theo on the ground so we popped Theo on board as she is the safest out of the bunch! Despite being young and fairly green she was brilliant and didn't put a hoof wrong and you'd think she did it for a living!
Meet the newest newbie (8 months ago)
Here at Sunny Creeks we have been looking for a little while for a lease for my son Theo who has been very eager to learn to ride since he was about 4 (he's now 6 and was getting really impatient with having no suitable horses for him to ride). Anyway, after finally allowing him to have a little sit on Bubba he became a bit more persistent let's say especially when a kid at the park mentioned pony club and now Theo wants to join too!
Anyway we found the perfect guy for Theo to learn on so everyone meet TJS Pantaloon who is a 13yr old grey Fjord who loves children and is very patient - sounds ideal right?! Pantaloon is on lease from aurorasparks (Bianka Bodon) but is made by Cleo Swift of The Jewel Stables. So here he is! He arrived yesterday morning and we are giving him a day or two to settle into his new surroundings before popping Theo aboard (Theo is yet to know of TJS Pantaloon's arrival) but Grace is ecstatic to have such a groovy looking pony at the barn!  Pantaloon has settled right in and has made him self at home and made all the horses stare! Here he is in an individual pasture! We have two here one out the back for Buzz and the one that Pantaloon is currently in, during the day. We have two slightly bigger fields suitable for two horses and two large paddocks suitable for 5-6.
At the moment Stardust, Holly, Winnie and Bubba are out in a large pasture and Fleur and Ellie swap between the other large field and the turnout on site suitable for two. We hope that Pantaloon will go out with them two as Gambler left them awhile back to join Flora Mckay and keep her project ponies company! |
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cassiejames
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Trail Dust Taster
Posts: 37
Likes: 11
Gender: Female
Main Stable: Sunny Creeks Acres
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Post by cassiejames on Apr 14, 2018 18:44:59 GMT
I popped down to Grace's jump lesson with Ariel the other day to see how the pair are getting along, look how much they have come on! They have even increased the height of the jump they are jumping! Bubba as usual is eager to please
An autumnal xc session with Grace & Bubba!
Greetings RFE Lieto
Welcome to our newest member of the team RFE Lieto out of Grand Legend ADEC x HB Dreamer. Lieto is a 9-year-old Dutch Warmblood Stallion. We brought him recently at an auction from @lidija-Rotherford
Here are some photos taken a day after his arrival when we put him out in a small field, making himself right at home! He seems very sweet! He will have a few days to settle in and then the training begins! |
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cassiejames
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Trail Dust Taster
Posts: 37
Likes: 11
Gender: Female
Main Stable: Sunny Creeks Acres
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Post by cassiejames on Apr 14, 2018 18:46:18 GMT
Grace and Bubba getting some jump practice in before having a well-earned break for a bit over Christmas! Bubba will be holidaying for 2 weeks in our Winter Pasture with are other horses. And here is RFE Lieto undertaking some work yesterday
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cassiejames
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Trail Dust Taster
Posts: 37
Likes: 11
Gender: Female
Main Stable: Sunny Creeks Acres
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Post by cassiejames on Apr 14, 2018 18:47:57 GMT
Snow has landed here at Sunny Creeks, not a lot just a dusting but still!
All of our horses have had a bit of a break this month as they work hard throughout the year so they have just been ticking over with some light hacking. Though saying that only are new horses like RFE Leito and another newbie I'm yet to announce have done a bit of light school work.
Here is Grace and HT Over the Rainbow out for a wintery stroll, Bubba's lease is ending at the end of this month so this will probably be the last you see of the pair! I have a pony club photo to share from earlier in the year too! Grace (and all of us) will miss Bubba loads but her owners have probably missed her while she has been with us for the last year (RL). We are very thankful for having her on lease to us from when we first joined Equus a year ago and Grace has learnt a lot from the sweet mare.
Here's an old pony club rally photo and here's one from a competition last month.
"Hey Grace, I've brought a photo from the official photographer for you" Cassie was ambling over waving it as she approached.
"Oh cool thanks, not sure our round was photo worthy though" I replied
"Don't be silly Grace you and Bubba rode a great round, you two have come so far and you both look fab in this photo. So what your time was a little slow to be placed this time, but you rode a clear round that's got to count for something! And hey! 8th place isn't so bad"
I took the photo off of Cassie and smiled
"Yeah I guess you're right, just a little disappointed that's all. We train so hard and do so, so, well at home, I mean she flies round the courses that you and Ariel build or us and our time is great but it just seems to go to pot at shows. I'm not sure if it's my nerves that Bubba is a picking up on or what, she always seems so stressy and strung out as soon as we arrive that I can hardly get through to her" I mumbled
"There are a lot more distractions at a showground though which we don't have at home, remember that and yes maybe sometimes your nerves do get the better of you but that's only natural and I'm sure most of the other competitors feel the same way. Also, remember the state she was in when she first came, and Audrey said they had trouble loading her and how she hates it. She's improving every show we go to with the lorry but maybe that's something we need to work on as it's obviously affecting her performance there must be something worrying her"
"Mmm yeah I remember and it still takes a while to get her loaded, what can we do about it though"
"I'll have an ask around and see if there's anyone with any experience in that area to help us, she'll soon be performing at shows the way she does at home, don't you worry, now chin up"
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cassiejames
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Trail Dust Taster
Posts: 37
Likes: 11
Gender: Female
Main Stable: Sunny Creeks Acres
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Post by cassiejames on Apr 14, 2018 18:52:19 GMT
Meet WPW Here There Be Monsters
WPW Here There Be Monsters also known as Hannibal for short. He is a Black Overo German Sport Horse Stallion aged 4 years who we have decided will compete in Eventing. As HT Over the Rainbow is leaving us, we decided to give him to Grace as her ride!
We were lucky enough to win him in a recent raffle hosted by @nikki-Calvaria and his arrival couldn't have come at a better time, we think its fate!
Here are a few photos of him in his paddock settling in, we have done a bit of loose schooling and lunge work with him for the moment, the next step is to get Grace on board! He is certainly very eyecatching!
Training
RFE Leito enjoying some jump training with Flora Mckay
WPW Here There Be Monsters and Grace Hampton having a flat lesson with Flora. Hanni behaved for most the part and worked lovely. Until he got bored and gave a mischevious glint at Flora snatched at the bit and took off! You can't say this horse doesn't have character!
SCA Infinity & Beyond also known as Buzz scores 90.53% coming in the second premium tier in the recent Equus Grading show! |
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cassiejames
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Trail Dust Taster
Posts: 37
Likes: 11
Gender: Female
Main Stable: Sunny Creeks Acres
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Post by cassiejames on Apr 14, 2018 18:56:53 GMT
 WPW Here There Be Monsters one morning waiting patiently impatiently for his breakfast! |
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