Well, a lot has happened since I wrote my last blog! The end of the season is fast approaching, and there have been some exciting happenings at TPF and for the Brannigan eventing team.
One of the most exciting things is the addition of No Objection to my upper level line-up, and I’m thrilled to have the ride on this amazing horse. Nina and Tim Gardner, who are the most amazing supporters, are the proud new owners of “Ben” (AKA No Objection), and I was thrilled when he ended on his dressage score at Chattahoochee Hills to come third in the CCI** there.
Our bond is certainly growing, and his dressage is really coming along. Ollie and Indie also came with us to Chatt Hills, and both finished second in their classes. Ollie has improved so much and is far more rideable in the bridle, while Indie is still quite green at the intermediate level but is really stepping up to the plate. Both Indie and Ben are getting a nice month-long vacation at the Gardners’ Welcome Here Farm.
Arianna Almeida also had an amazing weekend at Chatt Hills, winning the CIC* from start to finish! She earned a 38 in the dressage, receiving marks in the 70-percent range from both judges. The test was amazing! Their cross-country is still improving, and she did some very tactful riding. She also kept her nerves in check for the show jumping, laying down an amazing clean round with just 2 time faults on the clock.
To say that I am beyond proud of Arianna is an understatement. She came here to work for me and really took every step in stride and believed in the program here and in herself. Obviously, with her last three wins, she’s really on track. She’s committed to stay on my team for next season, and my horses, owners and I are beyond thrilled.
My other working student, Jackie Imholte, also had a great weekend at Chatt Hills, doing a wonderful job on a new horse named Samson that I’ve purchased through friend and fellow trainer in California Erin Kellerhouse. Jackie has had a hard time with bad luck with her own horse’s health issues, but meanwhile she’s proven that at 18 she has the makings of a serious competitor and can sit on all different types of horses.
To be honest, I see a lot of myself in Jackie, and she makes me really excited to teach her. She did a better job on Samson in the jumping than I could have. I was impressed. She got a little lost in the dressage, but hey, that happens to all of us. Believe it or not, I find those beginner novice tests confusing as well!
ADVERTISEMENT
The best part of the weekend is that Jackie brought home a new mount for the 2012 season, my good friend Nick Cwick’s amazing CCI*** horse Asterix. He is one amazing creature, and I’m excited for Jackie to get some good miles on him!
Last but not least, I am thrilled to announce a new sponsor to the team. Point Two Airvests is now a new sponsor of mine, and I have had the pleasure of riding in their new combination airvest that is a hybrid of two vests in one. I love it! It looks so much more streamlined and really is comfortable and supportive to ride in.
The last show of the year for me is this weekend, and hopefully I won’t need to put my new vest to too much use!
Best of luck everyone!
Jennie
