Heeeeeeeeeee's Back!

Well, after must anticipation from yours truly, Last Monarch has made it back! He competed for the first time since March at the CHP starter trials last weekend in the training combined test. Many of you know he had a bad fall in March when I was pregnant, and needed surgery to remove some bone chips in his left knee. Stewie's entire spring and summer has been filled rehabbing, getting turned out again, and coming slowly back to work. Being pregnant was challenging enough, and seeing my super horse injured was devastating. I think the worst part was not knowing if he would be back to normal, physically or emotionally. This past weekend was a chance to get him out and break the ice, and he was a star!



Stewie at a past CHP Advanced HT



While training level is easy for him, he felt his feisty little self and jumped super. I also cantered him around the novice cross country course, and was so proud I was able to hold him out of the box! When I pulled up Chuck and Hailey greeted me at the finish line, and asked me "What is wrong? Was he not good?" I managed to say through my tears, "He was perfect." I cannot explain how spectacular it was to leave the start box on him again, and I look forward to many more! Stewie is continuing to make his come back this fall at The Ark, VAHT, and Poplar. VAHT will be his first big track as he tackles the intermediate course there.

Congrats to Maxine Preston 4th Tr HT, Alex Marchi 3rd N HT, and Emily Christopher 1st BN CT. Stewie was also 1st in the TR CT and our young horse Hailey's Comet won the N HT. Thanks to CHP for another great show!

Five Points HT, a Cavalor party, and good friends

It was another fun weekend down at CHP for the Five Points horse trials. We all arrived Friday afternoon to set up, walk courses, and get ready for the weekend. It was a very busy, with 9 students and myself riding. Lucky for me Chuck was there to help with everything, mainly our amazing little girl Hailey. He did scoot off for a night of ECU football with friends, and had a blast. I need to thank my friend Jane Murray for all the hours of babysitting during the event. She was a HUGE help, and I could not have done it without her. It was also great to hang out with Karen O'Connor, Max Cockran, and Shannon Kinsley, all of whom I have not seen in quite a while. These ladies are always entertaining to say the least, and they did not disappoint. Unfortunately, they do cut into my much needed sleep schedule!

I want to congratulate all my students on a super show. This spring I have become so fortunate to have people in the program who are true team players. What I mean by this is, people who really support each other and want others to succeed. Seeing everyone ringside supporting one another is important. It is the glue to a solid team. One of my favorite sayings is, "there is no "I" in team". And I want to thank all my students for understanding and believing in that.

Another fabulous part of the weekend was Cavalor's Saturday afternoon champagne and chocolate party. Anna Studenny came all weekend to answer questions about the company and it's products. I was also on hand to offer first hand experiences with Cavalor, and talk about all the positive effects it has had on the health of my horses. The gathering was well received, and people seemed to really enjoy the get together.

So without further ado, congrats to the following:

Carrie Parker 10th BN
Hailey's Comet 5th ON (our young horse)
Diana Abernethy 1st NR
Maxine Preston 12th TR
Kim Rushton 1st TR
Eliza Granger 21st TR
Britney Alston 14th TR
Cindy Deporter 23rd TR
Lexy Pingree 5th PR

Cavalor, a hurricane, and a clinic all in one!

Maxine and Ned



Eliza, rider and professional ring raker!







It was another fun filled weekend at Equiventure Farm for an HCH eventing clinic! With hurricane Irene nearly curtailing the festivities, everything went off fairly well. Saturday required some effort of the spectators and riders, as they stood on the standards to help keep them upright! Luckily, there was only a 2 hour window where things were tough and I needed this assistance. All the craziness aside, the riders rode great, learned new training methods, and made solid improvements. They each had a dressage lesson, cross country schooled over Equiventure's amazing course, and practiced their show jumping skills. A big part of the three days was focusing on rider responsibility, and learning how to make the sport of eventing as safe as possible. Saturday night we had a pizza party, along with a special guest and friend, Anna Studenny. Anna is a representative for Cavalor feeds, and came to answer any questions about the feed. She also brought goodie bags for all the riders. I am so fortunate to be a part of the Cavalor team, and could not be happier with the way my horses look and feel. She was also very impressed with the condition of all the horses in my barn. It just goes to show how important proper nutrition is. I am very lucky to have Cavalor, Devoucoux, and Prime Performance Nutrition in my corner. I can't thank them all enough for all they do for me.

Thanks to all the riders who came out to ride in the clinic. I had many repeat students, and a few new faces as well. I am proud of all the changes made and lessons learned.

Riders:

Kalin Fraker                 
Kim Rushton

Beth Peters                        

Chris Grudger

Kristin Neill                        

Lauren Hannah

Eliza Granger                      

 Maria Owens

Corey and the super pony

Sarah Stahmer

Leah Granger                      

Alex Machey

Bradi Granger                    

Corey Overcash

Marty Fisher                      

Maxine Preston







Maria back in action with Shadow after having her baby Mason



Marty and Brennan



Kalin Fraker

Back in the saddle

I now have a better appreciation for rider fitness! After being back in the saddle a week from Hailey's birth, I rode our young horse Hailey's Comet, in the BN horse trials at the CHP starter trials last weekend. Although the weather was a bit hot, I had no idea I was that out of shape! It really hit home how important rider fitness is, for the safety of both horse and rider. Being a bit loose in the saddle, I was sure glad to be jumping under 3 feet. Luckily, our boy Freddie was fantastic. He was solid in all three phases, and it felt great to be back competing. I have also been back on Stewie, and after the close call he had this spring, it was indescribable to look between his ears again! I have sure missed riding Stewie, and am eager to get him out competing this fall.



The girls and I walking the show jumping 



A few students accompanied me to the CHP for a bit of practicing before we head to Fair Hill horse trials in August. Maxine Preston, Allie Mestnik, Eliza Granger, Kim Rushton, and Lauren Hannah all did really well. Mazine, Eliza, and Kim did their first training combined test, and all jumped super. It is so rewarding when hard work pays off, and all these girls have been working!

As usual, the CHP did a great job hosting the show, and I want to thank all the volunteers who came out and helped in the heat! You all are amazing, and we really appreciate it.

Freddie taking in the view

A successful Loch Moy II

Holly Hudspeth Eventing had a great Loch Moy II in MD last weekend. After a quick break from competing during Hailey's impending arrival, we loaded up the rig and headed north. With Chuck out of town, Hailey came with the crew for a road trip! It was her first horse show, and she was a fabulous assistant trainer.

Marina Royston was 5th in the preliminary, improving from her last two shows where she was 6th and 7th, and Allie Mestnik was 6th in the training. It was the first time competing as a pair for Maxine Preston and Ned, and they finished 2nd in the novice. Kim Rushton was leading after show jumping, and was mistakenly pulled up after fence 5. The jump judge said she did not jump it, but after taking a closer look she had. Unfortunately by that time it was too late! I am proud how well everyone rode and how great all the horses looked.

Hailey and Lynne watching xc

Everyone, including yours truly, will be competing at the CHP this coming weekend at the July starter trials. Although I have only been riding a few days, the show will be low key and a great way to get back going!

A huge "thanks" is in order for Maxine, Marina, and Lynne Mestnik, for all their babysitting help at the show. I could NOT have done it without them!!!


Eating at the truck stop with her friend Maxine



Getting it all back going again!

I am happy to say business is getting back to normal and life is good!!! Things are settling in well with Hailey, and she is absolutely amazing. Chuck and I are so excited to have her here, and I cannot wait for everyone to meet her. I am back teaching full time, and first and foremost I need to thank Maxine Preston for all her hard work, especially in the past month. She has been riding, grooming, hand grazing, hand walking, sweeping, doing laundry, and much more! I could not have done it without her.

Marina Royston (who is coming back to us July 6th), Eliza Granger, and Allie Mestnik have been outstanding with all their help too. It makes such a big difference to have competent and detail orientated people working in the barn. Anyone who knows me understands my standards for horse care, and these girls have stepped right up! My horses look fantastic and the barn is very neat and tidy!!!

The best horse ever!

On a very important note, Stewie is on full night turnout and back in work. I am so happy to have my little super star going again! My plan for him this fall is a few horse trials, and then pick up with his regular schedule in the winter. Freddie will do the same, and I cannot wait to compete my horses again. I want to wish everyone a safe and fun summer. See you out there soon!

Hailey is here!

The process did not go exactly to plan, but Hailey arrived here safe and sound June 10, at 11:33pm! On Friday I had an ultrasound and the amniotic fluids were quite low, and being almost a week overdue, my Doctor wanted Hailey to come out that day. So in we went to Rex hospital to be induced.

Many hours later I was finally dilating and things were going great until Hailey's heart rate was dipping to levels no one was happy about. We tried to get her a bit more stabilized, and after some scary moments, an emergency c section was performed. It was a bit scary because it all happened so fast! Good news is Hailey is healthy, beautiful, and perfect! Seeing her for the first time was amazing, and Chuck and I could not be more proud.

Thanks to Maxine Preston, Eliza Granger, and soon to come, Allie Mestnik, for all their hard work. Also, many many thanks to Theresa Foote for flying out here to help Chuck and I start parenthood. As usual, she is outstanding.