Pine Top Advanced HT

Well we did it! Stewie and I made it safely back to the advanced level last weekend at Pine Top. He was super in his first two events of the year, so I decided we were ready. And lucky for me, I was correct! On Wednesday before the event, Maxine and I travelled to Phillip's barn in Aiken for some pre-event jump lessons. Both Ned and Stewie were right where we wanted them to be in their training, which was a huge confidence boost. Thursday we headed to Pine Top to ride and get set up for the weekend.

Stewie put in three solid performances to finish 5th in Advanced 2. I could not have been more pleased as he didn't put a foot wrong in show jumping or cross country. I cannot explain how happy I felt crossing that finish line on Saturday! It was a much anticipated round, and my little man did not disappoint!



Hoofclix photo



Hoofclix photo

Maxine also had a big weekend, as she entered her first prelim. Dressage and show jumping went very well, and so did most of the cross country. I say most, because Maxine learned last weekend that in the combinations, the "c" elements are not always in a straight line at this level. So one needs to sit up after "b" and steer! With two silly "fly bys" we will be working diligently until SPHT II to fix Ned's steering wheel.



Hoofclix photo



The only downside to the weekend was that Chuck and Hailey stayed home. We decided not to change her schedule up again. It took a few days to get her sleeping through the night after we were in Aiken the last time. They were missed, and I look forward to having my #1 cheering section back with me at SPHT II!

Kick off and great news!

Holly Hudspeth Eventing headed to Aiken, SC last Saturday for 2 weeks. The weather has been outstanding, and the horses are staying at Dollarmor Farm, which is beautiful! Maxine, Eliza, Bradi, Katie, Hailey and I are staying in town and loving every minute of all that Aiken has to offer. On Wednesday Chuck arrived, and Maxine, Eliza and I competed at Full Gallop, which was a great success. Stewie was 2nd in the OP, Maxine was 5th in the OT, and Eliza was 7th in the ON. Next we head back to Full Gallop where Maxine and Eliza will compete again. After that Stewie is off to Pine Top for the OI, then the advanced two weeks later.

Stewie doing what he does best. Running and jumping!

I am so thrilled to announce a new relationship with the company Perfect Products. They work daily with well known riders such as Steffen Peters, Besty Steiner, James Alliston, Tiana Coudray, David Blake, John French, and Lainie DeBoer, just to name a few. Being a part of their team is an honor! They have a wide variety of products to aid show horses, all of which meet the requirements of FEICleanSport and USEF. I began using some of their products in January, and cannot believe the results I have seen. When I emailed the company's owner Jeff about how I could help Stewie feel his best, he called me back in 24 hours to discuss an immediate plan. Talk about fantastic customer service! I decided to give it a go, since many other top riders believed in Perfect Products.

Eliza and Freddie kicking off their xc round

Maxine and the amazing Ned

The last two weeks have me sold, as Stewie has never felt better. Prone to a very tight back and shoulders, last Wednesday was a nice a change. He was much happier due to the fact he felt good on the inside. In asking around, many top riders in the horse show world swear by their products too. I am really looking forward for this spring, and want to thank all the fantastic sponsors I have. Please visit http://www.perfectproductseq.com/ for more information.

Hailey during a helmet fitting