On the road again!!.. KATYDID PICTURES!

[horseyfolks]

Yup, no doubt about it, we are ready :D :yes:! Haven't had a road trip since the Laurels about 7 weeks ago :no:. When we got home from there we thought it would be great to be home for a while.... well, it was :yes:... now it will be great to be GONE :D :lol: :cool:! We have done 4 or 5 local Florida shows since Laurels but that is just not the same.

We are leaving at 0 dark 30 for Katydid in Aiken, South Carolina. OK, OK, so its only about 1100 miles round trip, it still qualifies as a road trip ;).

Still hoping we might run into somebody up there.... it's not that far from North Carolina! heheheheheeeee....

I'll try to post reports on the show from the motel....

Don

[pricestory]

You guys have a great show.
After last year, I decided to vote with my money and not attend this year.
There are a lot of new folks attending from what I heard at Pine Tree and a lot of folks moving up for the first time. I wish everyone a fun and safe event. I know I'll miss it once it is in full swing. Keep us in touch.

[Happy Feet]

Good Luck and have a blast. Be safe too!!!
Can't wait for the reports!

[horseyfolks]

Price, I understand completely. I was one of those arguing about what they pulled on you and Poppins (and other things). I was not even considering going back until I saw different folks putting it together.

I also really don't have a lot of choice now that Sam needs Advanced Classes.... we need to go where they are.

[horseyfolks]

Today was a beautiful, clear, cold day at Katydid Farm. OH.... and did I mention COLD! :eek: :yes: :winkgrin: It was in the low 50's with a stiff breeze blowing all day. Cold and dry... in an hour you had chapped lips.

OK, so those of you who live in God forsaken deep freeze, USA think anything above 0 degrees is cause to open the swimming pool :eek: :lol:. We live in a more civilized, gentile, part of the map where cold is definetly the exception and not the rule!

They are expecting 32 DEGREES here tonight! Poor AJ begged for his slinky and his mane tamer under his turnout sheet under his quilted winter blanket with his full hood and his muckluck boots! He would have looked like a stuffed cabbage wrapped in a blue napkin :eek::D:lol:! He wanted to use my cell phone to call TUSSTPCTCP! Thats "The United States Society To Prevent Cruelty To Cute Ponies" to those unfamiliar with pony salvation ;). He saved their number from the back of a feed bag.... He actually thought I was gullible enough to lend him my phone! Second thought.... I should have given him the phone and then made fun of him trying to push those little buttons with his shoes on!

There are a lot of people here already. The Preliminary division is huge. I don't know the exact number but Prelim open single pony has probably 12 to 15 entries and prelim pony limit is also large. Horse is the same way.

They have included Intermediate division with Advanced to do driven dressage tomorrow. All day Friday is prelim dressage. Marathon is Saturday with Cones on Sunday. Sam has vet check and then jog tomorrow before dressage.

Actually, AJ is enjoying the colder weather. He is really forward, his transitions are snappy and right now, and he seems to be really enjoying his work.

There are a lot of big name drivers here with new ponies and horses. Sam's class (advanced single pony) is small with, I think, only 6 drivers... Jennifer Matheson, Dale Govus, Megan Benje, Pixie Keating, and I can't remember who else. It's going to be a pretty good class with pretty tight scores. It definetly won't be over 'til it's over, thats for sure.

As usual, Katydid Farm is a nice venue. Interesting hazards, great dressage arena, beautiful grounds, and a 1st class food concession. Aiken offers nice motels and some very nice restaurants.

Sam's 'gator/groom arrived this afternoon from Florida. She is now called on to do not only gatoring, but also groom duties for dressage and cones so she will be here until Sunday evening.

I will try to get dressage scores to y'all tomorrow. If there is anyone in particular any of y'all may be following let me know and I'll put up scores....

Don

[hobbyhorse23]

OK, so those of you who live in God forsaken deep freeze, USA think anything above 0 degrees is cause to open the swimming pool :eek: :lol:. We live in a more civilized, gentile, part of the map where cold is definetly the exception and not the rule!

Ha! Don't give me that "We live where weather isn't an issue" thing. ;) I'm hearing from an awful lot of Floridian friends who are celebrating the fact it is finally cool enough to drive for the first time all summer! LOL

Still, 50 is pretty cool. We haven't been above it for weeks now but the horses do seem to like it and give some very energetic drives with their ears cheerfully forward.

I hope the show goes well for you! Keep us up to date.

Leia

[horseyfolks]

how soon we forget Leia.... it was not that long ago (maybe 2 months?) that some on this list were complaining they hadn't driven in days because it was too hot. Everywhere from New Jersey through the Carolinas, up into Michigan, and all the way out to your coast. We kept right on driving and showing! We might have done it in the morning and late afternoon, but we did it. Maybe its just a case of priorities ;).

This morning in beautiful down town Aiken, SC it is 26 degrees! 26 DEGREES! I sure hope nobody with a phone got near AJ :winkgrin::D:lol: ...

Don

[MySparrow]

Well, it's 36 here this morning, and the roofs are all frosty. Horses are snorting and bucking. Even my geriatric, crippled Impressive son got airborne before breakfast this morning. And it got pretty nippy last night, as I taught until 7.

Hope you have a great day today, Don, Sami and AJ!

Dale

[goodhors]

I think AJ is doing the Pony Pity Party, going for the sympathy, trying to get out of work. He is an Alps MOUNTAIN pony breed, out with those Austrian folks wearing leather SHORTS in the snow!! He has you guys really fooled, probably snickering as you shiver. He should be glad he is still in the South, warmer most of the time than here. We had SNOW showers today, first of the season.

We are hoping for 50F this weekend, to finish the outside jobs that still need doing. Have to net my fishpond, to keep leaves from filling it. Water tanks had ice yesterday, just a skim. Horses are REALLY feeling good, racing from the back fields to the gate and back again, on the chance of an apple core when I go by. The young horse ALWAYS runs up to check any thing we do. He is pretty tired now, about 20 trips at a gallop, checking on us filling gate puddles, spreading sand in the lane and arena. No mud wading this winter!!

Conditioning in the heat, conditioning in the very cold, regularly, who is the toughest? Hard to decide. You are most used to your own conditioning extremes. Would you swap with the other folk, take on their conditions as well? I guess it depends on how badly you want to play, so you continue to get prepared or not. We had nothing to get fit for, so were able to just whine about August heat and humidity, leave the horses alone for a time. They DO LIKE the cold of Fall, very animated now.

Don and company, hope the sun keeps shining, makes the frost sparkle! Tell AJ to drink with his teeth shut, strains the ice off the bucket. Ha Ha.

Best wishes on your competition, all sections. That sure is fast company to play with.

[horseyfolks]

Here is the report on dressage day at Katydid CDE. Thanks to all of y'all for your Good Luck wishes. As I said before, both Intermediate and Advanced Dressage went today due to the large amount of Prelim entries.

It only started to warm up about 11 or 12 o'clock. I would guess it got up to maybe 60 degrees but there was a breeze that kept it nippy. The advanced jog test was at noon. AJ had no problem, went right through it. All the horses and ponies were pretty much pumped up in the cool weather.

Sam and AJ had a good test. He moved his feet just a little upon entering at X but the test was solid. No one could say he wasn't forward :D :winkgrin: :lol:..

When the class was over Sam and AJ had placed in second, behind Jennifer Matheson. That lady sure has a gorgeous pony and they really perform a brilliant test :yes:. Sam is in pretty good position though going into the marathon. Time will tell.

Tomorrow we have the day off. Just be playing with AJ, going over gear, walking hazards, and hanging out. Both of Sam's trainers (Sterling Graburn and Charlotte Trentleman) are showing prelim (Sterling with a tandem of Morgans and Charlotte in single pony with her Haflinger) tomorrow so Sam will be busy helping out. We heard about a good steak and seafood restaurant on Route 1 just outside of Aiken. Sam, Mom, Joanne (Sam's 'gator), and a couple of other friends have all decided that I should take them all there for dinner tomorrow night. I was absent when they made the decision so I didn't get a vote.

There are also a few folks we show with from Florida as well as 3 or 4 Florida Whips members and a couple of Drivers from Stride in Ocala. I guess Florida is well represented....

Marathon is Saturday. Sam and AJ don't go until like 2 in the afternoon. Sam will be climbing the walls waiting for that....

I'll give y'all another report tomorrow night if I can.

A Coth driving board member PM'ed me today and called AJ the "Popsicle Pony" after my story about the cold weather. I thought that was cute so until tomorrow.... Don, Sam, and AJ, the Popsicle Pony!

[pricestory]

Good job, Sam and AJ.
Was Jennifer's pony the one she took to the World's last time? I think he was German, a champion there when she bought him. But he must be getting older so this could be a new pony.
How did Dale do?

[Ashemont]

Congrats to Sami and AJ. Second place after dressage? Heck.... that's no pressure at all for Sami :D Wish we could be there to cheer them on but you know we are always rooting for her :yes:

Would appreciate results of any NC folks that you have. I know a lot of our MCDC club members are there and I've got fingers and toes crossed for Cindy O'Reilly. She's a gutsy lady to drive those 4 big girls!

[Happy Feet]

Congrats Sam! Well, I would imagine it must be cold up there, it is down in the 50's at night down here!!! The ponies are all fresh and full of themselfs!
Good luck and be safe!

[Jetiki]

run down and see ya'll but I have to hold down the fort by myself. I'm up to 9 ponies/minis now and with the kids and all its just not happening. Good luck and we'll try to get down to the next event ya'll do thats close to us. My half arab that was given to me this summer wants to join AJ in his phone call. It was 23-24 here yesterday morning and her blankie hasn't come in the mail yet. She saids its too cold and she asks for someone to turn the heat back on. She's lived all her life in the Tampa area and at the tender age of 6 she says NO to cold. LOL.



Karen

[mares tails]

We live in a more civilized, gentile, part of the map where cold is definetly the exception and not the rule! ....
Don

genteel / gentile :D
tomayto / tomahto :lol:

? (http://www.m-w.com/dictionary/genteel)

[horseyfolks]

Price, yes, Jennifer's pony is the one that went to/came from Worlds. He may be getting older but he is still an outstanding, beautiful, incredibly trained pony. Jennifer is more than able to drive a flawless test. Between the two of them they make a team that is top of the rock. Sam and AJ have yet to beat them or, to be honest, even get within 5 or 6 points of them in Dressage. This is Sam's second Advanced CDE and she has been second to Jennifer in both shows.

Sam can beat Jennifer in the marathon.... In cones you can pretty much bet on Jennifer to go double clean. Like I said, she drives a brilliant test and takes no prisoners. Sam is also very good in cones.... I don't know if Sam and that "built downhill, heavy on the forehand Hayflinger" AJ CAN beat them in Dressage. I know Sam is working double overtime trying though. I will say this.... Brondo is doing great and consistantly getting better dressage scores than AJ. Time will tell :yes:.

Dale Govus says to tell you "Hey". She is in 3rd place going into the marathon about 4 points behind Sam. Dale is a very nice lady and we enjoy showing with her!

Ashemont, Cindy looked great with her turnout but she was not happy with her score. With her colors (black and red) and the 4 dark bays she always looks great!

Jetiki, its good hearing from you! Our next show near you will probably be Southern Pines CDE sometime in May I would guess. I don't know if they will have advanced or not but we could do the CDE in Intermediate with Brondo. You ought to come down for Tampa Trials....

Today was very laid back. It warmed up (60 drgrees) and the day was spent watching the Prelim division and walking hazards. There were close to 50 drivers in Prelim so the dressage took all day.

I don't know everyones score.... there were just to many. To be honest, Mama and I left about 4:30 PM. We were hungry and wanted something that we didn't have to wait in line for and wasn't wrapped in aluminum foil. The food at the concession is very good but it was time for a break....

Scott Parkman (from Florida) is second in Prelim single pony open but he is only 3 or 4 tenths of a point out of 1st. Charlotte Trentleman (one of Sam's trainers and another Floridian) was showing Prelim single pony open with her Hayflinger mare. It is the ponies first show and she is in 4th place. Sherrie Lower (Florida), who owns Hats Off Boutique, is showing in Intermediate single horse open. She won her dressage and is leading her class going into marathon. We left before Sterling or Wendy went with their tandems so I don't know their results yet.

Tomorrow is marathon. 1st out at 9 AM. Sam doesn't go 'til 2:27 PM so it's going to be a long morning.

Mom and I ended up at an Oriental steak, seafood, and sushi restaurant. The food was excellent. They had a seafood buffet with a wide assortment of items. A few of my favorites were cream vanilla shrimp, black pepper/garlic shrimp, tempura frog legs, and garlic steamed blue claw crabs. They also had fillet that was so tender you could cut it with a fork. The sushi was very good but I thought the sashimi was better. Especially the Yellowfin Tuna (ahi) and Salmon.

It's supposed to be warmer tomorrow. I hope it stays at least cool. I will post a marathon report tomorrow evening if I can....

Don

[Cartfall]

Hey, well done, Team AJ aka Popsicle Pony!!! Give Sami a high 5, AJ a carrot and buy Joanne a brew at dinner for the great job. Glad to head Joanne made it safely.

Will be thinking about you all as I drive a 25 mile CTD on Sunday. I do miss not being there--but with no training for Zanzer, the CTD won!!!

Don--I did get a reply from S.G on the HDT next weekend--my entry has been accepted. But the event secretary does not have any information on me. Check has been cashed just this week. So we will see you there.

Good luck tomorrow on your marathon--we know that Sami will kick some serious butt.

I will not be back on line until after your event is over. So keep on posting!!!

[Jetiki]

I'm not going to get down that way until closer to Christmas, I'll be down for a week or so. Its just so hard to get away for any length of time. :( Let me know when the Southern Pines CDE is and we'll work on getting there. I am hoping to get to some events next year. :)


Karen

[horseyfolks]

OK guys.... today was the marathon :yes:! The weather was beautiful. Temperature was warmer (65 degrees) but still cool enough for the horses to feel good. There were 2 mishaps but no one (equine or human) was injured. Cindy O'Reilly, driving her 4 in Intermediate, ran her leaders up on part of the water hazard (in the water). The off leader got turned sidewise in the harness and everything came to an abrupt halt. Cindy did a really nice job of driving them out of trouble. Once she got all of their attention she BACKED (remember this was a 4 in hand of big horses) the whole rig to get them off the hazard, got the leader straightened out, and moved out at a walk. They exited the hazard, she put a 'gator down to make some harness repairs, and they were on their way again in no time. She made it look SOOOO easy! It was a nail biter for a couple minutes but Cindy did a fine job.

The other mishap was Fred Mirriam who turned over at hazard 7. No damage, no problem. Straightened up the carriage and went back to work.

I'll tell y'all about it but first let me say that Sam won the marathon in the advanced single pony class. She, Joanne, and AJ won 3 hazards and were 2nd in the other 4 (Advanced did 7 hazards with 6 gates in each one). Jennifer Matheson won 4 hazards but was only 3rd in another one and 4th in the last two for a second place in the marathon. Sam is still in second place overall but she lengthened her lead over 3rd place and got closer to Jennifer in 1st place.

AJ had a little problem right at the start in #1 hazard. It is called the spider web. It is a pole and board hazard but they take a whole bunch of the white cotton spiderweb and cover each section of post and board with it. They also added 2 giant (maybe 4 feet wide) 3 dimensional black spiders with long hairy legs for effect.

The other drivers were taking a line way out and around the spiders but when Sam walked it she found that if she took the narrow opening right under the spider it was a good bit shorter. So guess which way she decided to go? Yup, you guessed it. She pointed AJ right at the shorter gap and pulled the trigger. AJ comes around the turn, takes one look at this big, black, hairy spider :eek: with his big, long, black, hairy legs hanging down :eek: :eek: and moving around in the wind and decided he and Sam needed to have a serious talk about just where they were going or not :D:lol::winkgrin::yes:!! Don't ever let anyone tell you Hayflingers can't be reining horses! In full harness, pulling a carriage, he did the most amazing sliding stop anyone ever saw :yes:;)! Sam very quickly convinced him that what lay behind him was way more scary than that spider ever was and drove him through it and he went. The problem was he went very quickly (everybody knows if the spider can't catch you he can't eat you) and right on the other side was a very quick almost 180 degree button hook turn. They made the turn but Sam's concentration stayed back there with the spider and her timing was way off. They finished hazard #1 slower than they expected. By the time they went through hazard #2 she was back on her game but it cost her the win in the first 2 hazards.

Tomorrow is cones. If Jennifer were to drop a couple balls or get a few time penalties or a combination of both and Sam goes double clean she could possibly move into 1st place. Of course the chances of a driver of Jennifer's caliber making those mistakes are about the same as my chances of winning the Florida Lotto twice, back to back :no:. Then again.... it's not over 'til it's over....

There was a videographer there taking videos. I ordered a video of 4 hazards and the cones course. As soon as I get the video I'll post some of it.

I'll talk to y'all again tomorrow evening with a report on cones and the final results.......

Don

[hobbyhorse23]

That is so cool. I giggled my way through your recounting of the spiders, absolutely loved that. Poor Sam though! Stuck with an arachnophobic popsicle Hayflinger pony....

Keep it up! I've got my fingers crossed for tomorrow. Do me a favor and get her dressage video too, will you? I swear SOMEDAY I will see her go in person but for now a video is the next best thing. ;)

Leia

[Ashemont]

Again congrats to Sami and AJ! Just for remembering the right way thru the hazards is a win in my book ;) Would've loved to have seen the scary spider stop. But hey, if driving ever gets boring AJ can always have a second career. Ummmm - but then again maybe not if he equates cows to spiders :lol:

I've seen Cindy do some amazing things with that team. I once saw the harness come undone. She stopped, the groom fixed it, and they were off again in a hurry. I wonder if they PRACTICE getting out of bad situations - Cindy makes it look easy :winkgrin: So glad no one - horse or human - was hurt in either incident.

Good luck to all on cones!

[MySparrow]

Go Sami Go!

[Thomas_1]

Sounds like Sami is doing REALLY well. Congratulations to team Sami :)

We have had a "spider" hazard just like you describe and at Lowther Horse Trials for many years. I'm thinking someone must have seen it there and taken the idea back.

I've a totally phobic wife and yard manager and they won't even walk near the hazard to watch others competing! Fortunately when I was competing I had a different yard manager then and my horses weren't so "wimpy" and I knew for certainty that my wife was never anywhere near that one watching out and cheering me on !

[friesian4me]

We so enjoy hearing about Sam's CDE adventures. Congrats!!!!

[horseyfolks]

Katydid CDE '07 is over. It's now just another page in the "been there, done that" file. At the same time, it gave us some nice new memories of friends, exciting driving, a good course, and an overall great time.

I know there were things that I will remember.... Lisa Stroud driving her Connemara Tandem through every hazard faster then any of the single horses or ponies in her division..... Cindy O'Reily backing her 4 in hand off of a post in the water hazard...... Scott Parkman driving his Connemara Mare through a perfect cones run and then dropping the last ball before the exit gate.... Sherrie Lower coming out of nowhere with her gorgeous perfect turnout and beautiful warmblood winning the Inter single horse dressage phase... There are more memories but that is how it goes at a good show.

After the Marathon Sam had stretched her lead over 3rd place (Megan Benge) to 13 points and shortened The lead Jennifer Matheson had to 12 points (I think thats right). That is how it stayed through the cones phase. Sam, Joanne, and AJ ended up in second place overall in Advanced Single Pony. They also won the silver plate and a years subscription to Carriage Driving Digest Magazine for fastest marathon in the Advanced division and the Advanced Division Reserve Champion.

We will be pulling out of Aiken about 3 AM. We will be home before noon. I have to go up to Georgia (Newnan) on Wednesday and then on Thursday Sam is back in lessons at Charlotte Trentleman's with Brondo. Our next show is the Sunshine State Schooling HDT at the Florida Horse Park next weekend. Sam will be showing Brondo.

I will post pics of Katydid tomorrow evening (from home). Thanks to all of you for your supportive posts and I'm glad that y'all take the time to read about our show adventures....

Don

[pricestory]

Great job. 2nd in her 2nd advanced is a wonderful achievement. She, and all of you can be very proud.
Have a safe trip home. I'll look forward to the pictures.

[Cartfall]

well done, gang. We are proud of ya. See ya there next week. I have a new gator as hubby wants the weekend off to go do car stuff.

[Jetiki]

Congrats to Sam and AJ. I'm sure Aj will enjoy going home where its warm and he's not the popcicle anymore. :) Have a safe and uneventful trip home and we'll be waiting for the pictures. :)


Karen

[Gestalt]

Awesome! Sounds like it was a lot of fun. Congratulations to Sam, AJ and Joanne. :)

[Happy Feet]

Great job! Can't wait to see the pictures! And video!!! Hopefully we'll see you at the FL HP - we are hoping to get in - waiting for scratches!

[MySparrow]

Yay!!!! There's nothing at all to be sad about in winning the red ribbon instead of the blue! We're really proud of you all!

Dale

[justslide]

That is excellent news! Congrats to Sam, AJ, and Joanne! And can't wait to see pics!

Pam

[Free Westy]

Horseyfolk

I was so intrigued by your report I went to the web site. www.katydidfarm.com. To look at the results. What a great show it must have been. Jennifer Matheson to be 18 points in the lead after Dressage is unheard of. Her test of 44.27 must have been beautiful. I guess Sam was a distant second with a 61.87. Jennifer was just behind Sam on the marathon. With a 60.64 Sam was less than 4 points ahead with a 56.86. With an 18 point lead I guess all Jennifer needed to do is get all of the gates in the hazzards. Jennifer Matheson had to be working very hard to run the show and compete. To go into cones with a 14 point lead. The Final score for Jennifer was a 107.91. To win the advanced division with the closest competitor 18.84 points behind. Hats off to Jennifer Matheson. :winkgrin::cool: I hope one day I can make to trip to Katydid. It seems like everyone had a great time.

[lorilu]

Free Westy, I guess it's all avout perspective. As a friend of Sam's, I take exception to the tone of your post. Do you realize she is a JUNIOR, this is her SECOND advanced level show, and she has ALREADY been long listed for pony world's?

Yes, Jennifer did a fabulous job. Her pony has been to worlds, and they are a very experienced ADULT pair. She did a great job, and obviously deserved to win, and she won by a good margin.

Don't forget Sam took second by a 10 point margin over the third place driver.

Sam makes all her friends proud with HER hard work, keeping an Honor-roll GPA at school (unlike many other upper-eschelon juniors in the equine world, she is not home schooled), travelling to shows, and generally whipping adult bu** with her halflinger. On top of it all, she is a fabulous person who regularly volunteers her time for her GMO and at various clinics.


It's not (always) all about winning the Blue.
Loretta.

[horseyfolks]

Here are some pictures of Katydid as promised.

First let me make a correction... for having the fastest marathon time in the Advanced Division the team was awarded a beautiful ribbon, an engraved silver plate, and a one year subscription to Carriage Driving World Magazine. I had mistakenly posted that it was Carriage Driving Digest Magazine.

Back to the pictures.... I never really know which pics to post. I usually have 125 to 150 pics of any single CDE and picking out the best can be really time consuming. I'm trying something new this time. I an going to post a series of pics of driving through hazard 2. The series shows how tight some of the gates in a hazard can be, especially when being driven at speed and on a diagional instead of straight on the gate. This whole line through the hazard was done at a canter. It also gives an idea of how much the pony twists and turns to accomodate the drivers commands. The last picture in this series shows how far the pony bends as he leans into the sharp turn while maintaining the canter. AJ was wearing screw in studs because the dry grass was very slippery....

http://www.floridafatboy.com/Katydid/haz201.JPG

http://www.floridafatboy.com/Katydid/haz202.JPG

http://www.floridafatboy.com/Katydid/haz203.JPG

http://www.floridafatboy.com/Katydid/haz204.JPG

http://www.floridafatboy.com/Katydid/haz205.JPG

Here are a couple pics of the cones course. To make advanced times the entire course was done at a canter on the long lines and a trot on the turns and zig zags....

http://www.floridafatboy.com/Katydid/cone01.JPG

http://www.floridafatboy.com/Katydid/cone02.JPG

Dressage pics.....

http://www.floridafatboy.com/Katydid/dress01.JPG

http://www.floridafatboy.com/Katydid/dress02.JPG

http://www.floridafatboy.com/Katydid/dress03.JPG

Finally, here are a couple pics of hazard 6. There were 7 hazards in total. I know some of y'all are going to ask what is the gray piece on his nose band (It has already been asked on another board, I'm really not psychic)? It is a nasal strip. Just like the small strips they sell for human use to ease breathing and help stop snoring. Yes, in AJ's case it does work. The strip helps keep his nasal passage open and makes a huge difference in his respiration at the vet check. His resp. numbers are almost as low at the end as they were when he started....

http://www.floridafatboy.com/Katydid/haz601.JPG

http://www.floridafatboy.com/Katydid/haz602.JPG

I hope y'all enjoy the pictures and thanks again for your support and encouragement for Sam.

Don

[Ashemont]

Ditto lorllu! Sami is an amazing young lady. She works hard and always has the time to lend a hand. Her devotion to her pony and sport is an inspiration. And to accomplish what she has as such a young age.... well I think if this is the future of driving then it is in very good hands :)

Thanks for the photos, Don. Any chance you could post one of each hazard?

[Happy Feet]

Super pictures! I like the series of the pictures - you get a great sense of what is going on! Like several stated above - Sammie does a super super job, and is an inpiration to all horsepeople - what ever sport. Dedication, hard work and a great attitude can take people a long way! Sammie is a testiment to that. It's all about what's inside - the person and the horse - heart!

[mares tails]

Free Westy, I guess it's all avout perspective. As a friend of Sam's, I take exception to the tone of your post. ...
Loretta.

:confused: tone ??? :confused:

"What a great show it must have been."
"It seems like everyone had a great time."

I don't get it.

BTW, the katydid website has pix of the hazards, including the spiderweb (http://www.katydidfarm.com/spiderweb_large.jpg)
.

[Ashemont]

Thanks! I really enjoy looking at hazards and visualizing running them with my ponye:)

I think lorilu was referring to "I guess Sam was a distant second with a 61.87. Jennifer was just behind Sam on the marathon. With a 60.64 Sam was less than 4 points ahead with a 56.86. With an 18 point lead I guess all Jennifer needed to do is get all of the gates in the hazzards. " It also gave me the impression she was putting Sami down rather than lifting Jennifer up. The comparison was unnecessary and not what we've come to expect on this forum.

[lorilu]

Thanks, Ashemont. You got exactly what I meant. Maybe I could have worded it better....
L

[justslide]

Wonderful pics! Congrats again to Sam & AJ!

[Singletree]

I've been a long time lurker on this forum, and perhaps this is not the best first post. I'm sure it will not make me popular with many of you.

However, remember, for the most part, how things are presented on the Internet may be much different from what happens in real life. We are only getting the facts presented to us.

Why jump all over Free Westy? We are all allowed to voice opinions and thoughts.

Personally, I've been involved in driving for awhile. This sport should ultimately be about putting our horses and ponies first and giving them the best care possible. They are our partners and do what we ask of them, quite willingly when you think of what that entails.

When a competitor comes into the vet box at a major competition and her pony's temperature is 106* plus (after the walk section), you would think they would put the pony first and withdraw, especially when the vets are concerned for the pony's wellbeing. Not go onto to compete on Section E and set the fastest times in the hazards. Especially considering that the pony was sick at a CDE just a few weeks earlier.

This was a subject of much discussion with those who saw it. No matter how far you drive or how high your goals are, your equine partner comes first. Personally, I feel this young person has quite a bit of pressure placed on her with this World team bid.

Understandably, everyone on this board that knows Sami is proud of her, most of all her father. However, remember that many CDE participants, from competitors, to officials, to volunteers, read this board and are interested to see how certain CDEs and results are portrayed, especially after seeing things like the above happen.

There are many excellent drivers at the Advanced level, in addition to the talented junior drivers coming up the ranks. Good luck to everyone.

[pricestory]

I have no knowledge, first had or otherwise of the marathon at this event this year. I am not gossiping. And I am not compairing this to anything related to Sam as I haven't been to a single event with her this fall.
However, several years ago at the same event, I was working the vet box at the end of E. One of the judges came back and said that the vets were sending the horses out on E with temps over 106. There were several who started, then withdrew. We had horses coming in at 107.
I started a thread a little while back about how hot is too hot. I don't think the vets and judges are necessarily going to stop you and would like to see the stats on who they do stop. I think it has to go back to the individual and their personal knowledge of their horse and their personal committment to it's well being. After that thread, my personal decision was that we would not continue if my pony's temp at over 104. That's me and my pony. No one else. I know that there is no "taking it easy" on E, want to or not.

[yaaah]

Singletree.

I am also a long time lurker on this list and I must comment on the tone this thread is taking. Free Westy stated facts. I did not hear any tone. The fact is that an 18 point difference is huge. I did not get the tone that Free Westy was taking anything away from Sami’s accomplishment to point out how well another competitor had done.

As for the laurels comment I do not believe that the competitor should rely on the vet alone. You are the best judge of your horse. If my pony arrived at the vet box with 106 temp as singletree noted, and that temp did not come down I would think twice about continuing. We all know that three weeks before the Laurels AJ was sick. Horseyfolks told us himself that the pony was ill. It is that combination that I think singletree is pointing out. The vet in the vet box did not know the pony had been sick. It is up to the driver to do the right thing for the animal. They do so muck for us.

I hope Sami has a great future in the sport. Do remember that there are other very good drivers who have practiced for years, won a lot of titles and for one reason or another have not made it to the world championship level. It takes a certain amount of maturity to compete on that stage. Goals are fantastic and I applauded Sami for wanting to go to the next Worlds. She is what 17 or 18 give her time their is always another horse show. Do not push our young people too hard. In the end they are the future of the sport. I must now get off my soap box. Thank you for allowing me to voice my humble opinion.

[Ashemont]

She is what 17 or 18

16 I believe... going on 35!!! :winkgrin:

[friesian4me]

I applaud Sam and her family for her recent accomplishments. Don't take the word of 2 posters who are making their first time posts that are in a negative jealous manner. Perhaps they're related. Heresay is not a reliable source of information.

[hobbyhorse23]

Why is it that when someone says something that goes against the common train of thought on any topic and any forum, no matter how articulate and carefully phrased the post is, they are automatically accused of jealousy? :confused: I have never understood that.

No comment either way on the suject in question as I was not there at either the vet box or this last show. (Remember, hearsay is not a reliable source of information! ;) ) I do seem to recall however that the Orems withdrew AJ when he was sick? Sami seems to be to be the kind of person to put her horse first from what I've heard. And if the horse put in his usual blazing hazard times he must not have been too unhappy. :cool: I've had a lot of home drives where a vet would have passed my horse easily but I knew something was wrong and so far I've always been proven correct later. (Chiropractic problems, sudden allergy attacks making him feel unwell, etc.) You have to know your horse and I think Sami does. A thicker-bodied horse like a Haflinger is going to have trouble dumping heat; that doesn't mean he's not ready to keep going. I don't know! ::shrug:: But I don't think just because someone carefully points out the other side of the story for consideration they are automatically "jealous."

To assume that is more than a bit childish. I'm sorry if that opinion offends, but I've been burned by that attitude myself more than once and I'm tired of hearing it when there is no evidence of any kind for an emotional motivation. I judge someone by what they say and how they say it, not how many posts they've made or whether they are for or against my own viewpoint.

I know, I know, flame suit on. :sigh: Friesian4me, you know I love you.

Leia

[Happy Feet]

Boy, and here I thought the driving forum wasn't anything like the dressage forums! Guess, there is always someone who wants to rain on the parade.

First of all, Sam and her family are some of the nicest people I have met, they take phenomemal care of their horses and though Sam has definate goals and ambitions, I see them only putting thier ponies first. They traveled alot further than Katydid only to scratch because they were concered over AJ.

Singletree never says the senario stated was in fact Sam and AJ, and I think it is terrible to allude to this story if she isn't going to stand by her statements. Singletree, are you infact refering to Sam? Where you there at Katydid?
When posting to forums, I really try to evaluate why am I posting, and does it contribute to the forum in a positve manner, before I post. The world these days is so negitive do we really need this here? We are all here for the love of our horses/ponies let try to support one another! I am sure there are alot of horse people in general that are great at what they do and, don't get enough attention over it, Sam is lucky to have a very proud and supportive father! I personally love to here about her travels! I love the pictures and hope Don will continue to post about Sam and her Ponies!

[Singletree]

Don't take the word of 2 posters who are making their first time posts that are in a negative jealous manner...Heresay is not a reliable source of information.

Hmmm...jealous. Believe me, I have no jealously at all. Some of us have made our mark in the sport and truly support the drivers coming up the ranks.

A good friend of mine was a volunteer at the vet box at The Laurels when Sam and AJ came in. That person, as well as many of the bystanders and others working for competitors coming through the box, were concerned about AJ. Sami was very upset and emotional about the possibility of not continuing and the vets let her go with the warning that she must take it very easy on the pony because he was so hot. Everyone there was surprised that she chose to continue in those conditions.

I'm sure many of you say, well why would you bring this up now. I've read and lurked until this point because I don't have much time to spend on Internet forums. However, sometimes it gets frustrating to see how things are portrayed on here and then when someone presents a slighty different view they are considered "jealous" or mean.

If you put yourself (or in this instance, a family member) in a public setting such as a forum read by thousands of people, it brings publicity, both positive and negative. Ask any rider or driver at the top levels...they will tell you the same thing. Many top competitors I know choose to create a website or blog to keep friends and supporters up to date and update it themselves--ie, I'm sure many of you would like to hear about what Sami is doing in her own words. Perhaps this is the best outlet for keeping everyone informed of successes and updates.

Just because people may chose to offer constructive thoughts, does not mean we do not wish that person the very best.

[lorilu]

sorry I started this foolishness.
L

[weesoph]

Hi everyone, I am new to this forum and I have to say it is fantastic to see so many people discussing this sport that we love so much in such a passionate manner.

As Jennifer Matheson’s full-time groom and navigator for the past five years, I haven’t had time to read through all the threads and posts (we have been a bit busy recently…...) but I am so glad to see such a positive response to Katydid CDE and appreciation for all the hard work that goes into putting on a combined driving event. Between the volunteers and the Katydid staff, it makes everything worthwhile to see everyone enjoying what we take such pride in creating.

On a personal note, many people may not realize how incredibly hard Jennifer strives to make Katydid CDE the great show that it is. Her focus and dedication is the single driving force behind the event, and the main reason why Katydid has grown so much in 5 years.

Anyone who knows what Jennifer, Danyloo and myself have been through this year will understand how great it feels to end on such a positive note. My favorite moment was when Danyloo had to pass his barn inbetween hazards, Jennifer was laughing so hard at her pony throwing a tantrum because he thought he was done, we hadn't trained for a barn-bound pony on home turf!!

I hope everyone keeps this forum open to discuss and share our thoughts and ideas on combined driving in a positive way, without the need to use it as a platform for personal gain or negativity towards others.

I look forward to being a part of Katydid 2008, hope to see you all there!!

[Dressage Art]

Love your pics. thanks for sharing.