Summerfest Breeders' Show

On August 2nd, we took Beauty and Breezy, Spook, and Fancy to the big breeders' show (Summerfest) at Kemptville College.

I braided Breezy and Spook (mane and tail) and Fancy's forelock. All of them were polished until they gleamed from ears to hooves to tail - and we made sure they stayed that way all day.

Lori showed Spook, Natasha showed Fancy, and I showed Breezy. Serge and Natasha alternated holding Beauty (she wasn't showing, but Breezy was too young to be there without her mom). Mom helped out wherever she could.

First up was Breezy (Call Me A Dreamer) in the Pony Foals class. She was a superstar, standing and posing perfectly even though she's only 3 months old. She won first place in her class! That meant that she had to come back for the Junior Champion and Reserve class - and she brought home Reserve Champion!

Spook (Cool Blue Dream) was up next in the 2 year old of 2007 class. He and Lori did a great job, placing second.

Fancy (Dreams Fancy Pants) and Natasha were in the next class - 3 years and older mares. Fancy and Natasha placed fifth in that one.

Natasha and Lori took Fancy and Spook in the Dressage suitability class, picking up ribbons all around.

Natasha and I both placed in Junior/Novice handler - Breezy and I placed third, and Natasha and Fancy placed fourth.

Natasha saddled up Fancy and took her in the Open Pony Walk/Trot and the SPSS Pony Dressage Type Under Saddle classes, picking up even more ribbons!

To top it all off, I won the big door prize donated by Ritchies - a bucket full to overflowing with fantastic stuff from Ritchies including a saddle pad, 2010 calendar, horse treats and more! Thanks, Mom, for entering the draw for me!

All of us competed in the Sport Pony Starsearch Qualifier classes. Breezy's Reserve Champion ribbon along with Spook's second place ribbon means that they could qualify for the Royal Winter Fair in Toronto if the first placed ponies don't go. We haven't decided whether or not to register for the Royal yet, but entries don't close until the end of September, so we have time to consider the options.

We're all very proud of our well-behaved and well-shown ponies - and their good behaviour in the ring was appreciated, too. The judge stopped by while Serge was cleaning out the stalls and complimented us on their behaviour and our spotless stalls! Thanks to Pony Club, we all know how to behave at a show and how to make sure we're welcomed back by keeping stuff neat and tidy, and cleaning up after our horses.

You can find some photos of Breezy, Spook, and Fancy on the professional photographer, Cheryl Ogilvie's site: http://www.pixyourthis.ifp3.com/. Click on Gallery and choose Summerfest and look in the Foals, Ponies and other folders. Mom labelled all the pictures when she found them.

The lighting inside the arena wasn't great for photo-taking, but we did get one or two of Breezy and Spook.

C Rally at Hawkridge

Natasha spent the weekend at Hawkridge Farm participating in a C Rally. She had a fabulous time with Fancy (Dreams Fancy Pants) and her team-mates!

Thanks to Cat Hunter for allowing me to post the following photographs! Neither I nor Mom was volunteering at the Rally, so we weren't able to take our own photos.

There were lessons on the flat:

Stadium jumping classes:

Cross country lessons, a long hack on Friday evening, games such as the Three legged Race and the Sack Race, a stable management competition, and lots of other fun learning opportunities.

Natasha says that Fancy was wonderful - and that she had a great time. She's already looking forward to going again next year. Natasha really liked her coach. Fancy seemed to really enjoy walking, trotting and even cantering through the water - nothing fazed her at all. Yay!

Natasha was on a team with United Counties Pony Club members. Their team placed sixth in the stable management competition.