Hello from sunny California. I am currently sitting in the ER waiting to get a reoccurring cyst on my tailbone looked at. I know, gross right? The last time I had one was right before NAYRC two years ago, and it seems as though I have a knack for getting them when I am in California.
A lot has gone on since I last wrote. My most recent event was at Stuart Horse Trials. With Phillip riding six and me riding five it was enough to keep us very busy for the weekend. Cambalda had a good weekend sitting second after dressage and moving to first after cross-country. I was thrilled with him. Unfortunately, I dropped two rails in show jumping to move down to fourth. I was disappointed with this, but in the end it was still a good showing for him.
Dr. Bogenrief’s horse Walkabout was second in the intermediate, which I was pleased with. I’m still working on his rideability on cross-country, and he was quite strong in the beginning but settled as the course went on.
A brand new ride for me is Catch A Star, who was third in the intermediate. She was so lovely on the cross-country—I just loved her! I am working on getting her show jumping a bit more solid, and I was pleased with how she handled the tough track at Stuart.
Beth Battel’s mares Thalia and Sara also went training level there, and I am so pleased with little Thalia who is feeling ready to go preliminary!
When I came back to TPF I got the news from Ronald Zabala-Goetschel that Wise Cooper was born over in Europe. Ronald bred Che Mr. Wiseguy’s mom to Cooper’s father last fall.
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I have to say that I got emotional looking at the pictures of the little guy. Ronald promised he would let me ride Wise Cooper at his first beginner novice, so I’m pretty excited to see him. I still miss Cooper tons, and I’m sure I always will, but seeing his little brother and being back in California makes me think and talk about him so much more.
When I get back to Pennsylvania I will compete two of Ronald’s young horses at training level at the Horse Park of New Jersey on Sunday, and we will leave that week for Millbrook Horse Trials, which will be Cambalda’s and possibly Catch A Star’s first advanced horse trials. My young horse Indie will also be moving up to training level there, which should be fun!
Needless to say I am vey excited!
Hope all is well with everyone,
Jennie
