Who is going to Surefire?

[Dr. Doolittle]

Okay, so who else plans to brave the (what will surely be, thanks to Hurricane Dennis) sodden ground and hot and humid weather this weekend?

[Dr. Doolittle]

Okay, so who else plans to brave the (what will surely be, thanks to Hurricane Dennis) sodden ground and hot and humid weather this weekend?

[Invested1]

Shoot, wish I'd known in advance how much fun I'd have at Elysian, and I'd have signed up.
Ah well.....

Are you taking any students to the Aug. 13 Elysian HT? Thoughts on being a "trainer for a day" at that event for me? http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[FrittSkritt]

I would love to go to the Aug 13th Elysian (and do "first-timers," as I'll want a lead into the water), but of course I need a ride. http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/winkgrin.gif

[Synrgystyk]

Well, we're *supposed* to be there. Of course I sent the entries in before my horse made the decision to roll too close to the fence (in a 5 acre pasture!) and get his leg caught. (At least that's what we think happened.)

So *if* the swelling goes down in time (I really hate swelling in the cannon area!) and *if* the chunk taken out of his heel looks like it's on its way to healing and *if* he's sound http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/uhoh.gif http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif we'll be there. Right now it looks like I'll probably err on the side of caution and scratch for this weekend. Of course, that will leave us making our move up to recognized Training (provided everything's good with the leg for Surefire II) with only one run (albeit a fantastic one!) at unrec T at Waredaca two weekends ago.

I keep trying to remind myself that *he* won't know we've moved up a level. He'll just think I'm finally pointing him at stuff that's worth his effort to jump. http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/sigh.gif

Lorree

[carlyanne]

I'm going BN on Saturday with two greenies. I wish they'd posted an entry status list, but I guess we'll all see if we got in tomorrow when they post the times! I hope it's not too hot!

[asterix]

I'll be there on Sat, I think, as a volunteer (right now I am voting for an "indoor" job http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif), and next weekend, should the planets align, for T with my newly-hock-injected boy...

[Pol]

Poor old Emstah had to scratch last night. Seems maybe her little beast had a roll-under with the fence too. Bummer. She scratched Stuart too. Hearts are breakin'.

[Dr. Doolittle]

Bummer luck to all of you who had to scratch http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/sigh.gif
Invested, I think the next Elysian starter trial is the same day as the Warrenton Horse show, which I had planned to take my mare to...
There are other unrecognized HTs, though, just none coming up within the next couple months (that I know of...) Let me know and if I'm there, I can probably arrange some sort of coaching...

[FrittSkritt]

Asterix, who did you all to sign up to volunteer? I e-mailed them, but haven't gotten a response yet.

[FrittSkritt]

Invested, I can be a sorta-trainer (e.g., "Yes, he looks good... but could be more forward..." type) if you're willing to give Cody and I a ride. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

(I always help pay for gas and the like. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif)

[asterix]

FrittSkritt -- I emailed the secretary when I had to scratch from Surefire I and send in an entry to Surefire II (ouchy hocks!), and told her since I was scratching, I'd volunteer that weekend instead. SHe said "great!" but that's the last I heard. I figured I'd ping her once times were up (I assume she's slammed right now scheduling) and remind her that I am volunteering, and find out who to talk to...
I'll post back here if I find out more on that.

[mythical84]

I'll be there on Saturday. I'll be riding my sister's horse in the OBN. (I had to retire my mare, hence why I'm stealing my sister's horse to compete) He had an awesome run in the starter N division at Waredaca, so I'm hoping to have a good time. My only hope is that he realizes that stadium really isn't all that scary. http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gif

[LisaB]

I'll be there sweltering on Sat. in TR division. Luckily, last year they decided to be human and excuse coats.

[SportsfieldEventer]

Hello from Surefire!

Hurray for those of you that want to volunteer!

Those willing to help out can contact Volunteer Co-Ordinator Christy Stauffer at (540) 554-8760. Thanks!

The grounds are looking awesome. There are loads of new jumps this year and the courses look like they are going to be really fun to ride.

Don't forget to come to our schooling jumper show on Wednesday evening between Surefire I and Surefire II, it will be a perfect time to practice your show jumping!

See you all this weekend!

[PiedPiper]

Sportsfield Eventer- Is the schedule of jumper shows on your website? Interested in taking my green bean but not quite ready for a horse trial.

[PiedPiper]

Oh yeah, what is the website? http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[kcp]

Surefire...the entry list is up but when will the times be posted?

[Dr. Doolittle]

Yes, we are all waiting with "bated breath"!...(whatever the heck that saying means http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_razz.gif)

[SportsfieldEventer]

The website is http://www.surefireeventing.com

Entry status has been posted for Surefire I and I think times are supposed to go up sometime today. Mary, the secretary, is coming to the farm today so it will be easier to answer entry questions once she is here.

Information about the schooling shows is hopefully being posted today. They start at 4:00 with the jumps at about 2'3" and go up from there. There is a jump off round if you go clean (no jump off for the 2'3" level though). The cost is $10 a trip and everything is very informal so if, for example, you need to do the liverpool more than once in your course, that is fine with us. We can't have a show today because the course is already set for the event, but next week we will be good to go.

[Dr. Doolittle]

Sportsfieldeventer--question:

Is Surefire going to have some cross country schooling days after both HTs are over? How much will it cost to school there? Thanks in advance...;-)

[asterix]

yo guys, they DO need volunteers -- lots of jobs still open (so those that call early can pick! I think I'm going to be stadium ingate dictator for Saturday...)

[Dr. Doolittle]

asterix--please be a "kind dictator" (unless that's too oxymoronic http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_razz.gif) I'm sure *everyone* there will be hot and crabby, so we competitors should try to be as patient as possible...

[asterix]

I am very kind http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif -- I will happily keep a spot near the gate for any equipment you want to park (since XC follows directly after your SJ round), tell you you will be fabulous, tell you you WERE fabulous, wipe the dirt off your britches in the unlikely event that you weren't all that fabulous, and try my very best to keep the day running smoothly so that you get in and out in the best possible combination of "when you were supposed to" and "when you think you are ready"

Did I mention that you will be fabulous???

[Dr. Doolittle]

As volunteers go, you are truly "a competitor's dream come true"... http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif (I'm not planning to fall off and need a "britches un-dirtying", though one never knows with a still "slightly green" horse http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/winkgrin.gif, and I have every intention of being as fabulous as possible http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_razz.gif, but am mostly just worried about the footing, with all this rain we're supposed to get... http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/sigh.gif That would be something you could provide in my case: reassurance that the footing is GREAT, and that my barefoot--therefore studless--horse will not have anything other than a confidence-building experience... http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif) Anyway, I look forward to seeing you there...but do you know what time(s) you'lle be "manning the gate", or should I just ask everyone at the stadium start..."Hey, would you be asterix from the COTH?" http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[SportsfieldEventer]

Dr. Doo - we will be having a couple schooling days after the events are finished. One of the If you donate $50 or more to the horse trials, you become a "friend" of Surefire and there will be a special schooling day just for "friends". Otherwise, I think the regular schooling days will be $50 per horse.

As far as the footing goes, don't worry! Everything is being aerated and the ground here drains really well (probably because there isn't actually any flat spots for water to collect). So just come and have fun, we are creating the best possible footing we can in the middle of July.

[ajm]

Are the times up yet and if so where? Just making sure I'm not looking in the wrong places

[piaffeprincess98]

I'll be there next weekend doing training. If it's too hot, I'll probably scratch. I just don't do heat well.

[carlyanne]

I haven't seen the times yet. They were supposed to be up yesterday, but they aren't there yet. I hope they get them up this morning otherwise I'm going to start making phone calls!

[Redline Guy]

Hi All,

Just a heads up: As a late schedule addition we will be at Surefire shooting this weekend. Due to scheduling it looks like we'll only be doing Stadium though. So stop by and say Hi, it'd be nice to put some faces with the names I've seen on the forums.

Bill

[asterix]

Dr. D -- don't say I'm great until 4 pm Saturday http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gif -- I have good intentions but you never know!
1. I think I'm on the gate all day Saturday, should be easy to spot...
2. Last year I watched some of novice SJ and can honestly tell you that the barefoot horses I saw did BETTER on the footing than those shod all around (shod with studs was fine too).
3. Remember last week when we got TORRENTIAL rain all night? I went out and did sets on the fields at Waredaca that same day, and the footing was TERRIFIC -- it's been so dry in general that I think the ground is soaking up the rain.

You'll be fine!!!

[LisaB]

Oh asterix, Winston was barefoot and had a NASTY slip in stadium. He is extremely surefooted. After that, the shoes went on then the next shoeing, studs.

[asterix]

Shhh! I'm trying to make her feel more confident!!!

OK, here's the real poop, based on the big 20 minutes of watching stadium last year. My friend asked me to go check out footing as she was worried with her barefoot-behind horse.
I go up to stadium just in time to see a horse COMPLETELY wipe out -- flat out on the ground -- coming around a corner. Oops. This horse, I _think_, was shod but did not have studs. I watch for a little while longer and notice that if the horse is barefoot behind it seems OK, if horse is shod w/o studs behind NOT OK, and if shod w/studs behind it seems OK.

Not very scientific, I know.

[Dr. Doolittle]

Yes, I agree that barefoot horses in general have better traction than (studless) shod horses...One of the reasons I don't put shoes on my mare is that she has GREAT feet, and is very surefooted--plus, she's just beginning her eventing career, so I don't feel it's necessary at the lower levels...(It's one of those "necessary evils" that I will have to address/confront as she goes up the levels, but at BN, I will just play it by ear, and scratch if I feel it's unsafe for her...)

And where are those times?!? http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

Also, when are the schooling days?? I just got on the CDCTA website to check the calendar, and noticed that the cross country schooling day at Great Meadow has been cancelled, for some reason! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_frown.gif http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/sigh.gif (I had asked Mr. Dr. D to take that day off from work--during his busiest season--so he could come and be my ground person--now he has the day off, and nowhere to go! He suggested that we go someplace else instead, since he's now all "geared up" to a do a cross country school on August 10th http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/winkgrin.gif I would *love* to be able to go to Surefire, but don't know when the schooling days will be...?)

[Dr. Doolittle]

As for the footing after rain, I'm encouraged by the fact that Surefire is hilly (hence "high up" http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif), and has been aerated--hopefully it will drain well and the rain will soak into the dry ground. (I had two students ride at Elysian last Saturday, after that aforementioned heavy rain, and the ground was perfect! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif)

We're supposed to get "scattered T-storms with localized heavy downpours" this afternoon, so it becomes the luck of the draw as to where the heaviest rains come down--and how long they continue--at a particular location...http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif (Fingers are crossed!)

[LisaB]

Okay, Sportsfield, I'm not a very patient person so I've been holding out for as long as I possibly can because I know organizing an event is like cat herding. But, where are the times?
Should we call instead?

[Dr. Doolittle]

cat herding!! http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gif http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gif http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gif

[ajm]

Apparently saturadays times will be up in an hour, with sundays times up by 5 this evening may be

[carlyanne]

Isn't that peachy... http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

While I completely understand that organizing a HT is not easy, don't put something in the Omnibus that says times will be up by a certain day and then not do it. It really irritates a lot of people who have to make plans around their times!

I'm with LisaB, argh! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_mad.gif

[LisaB]

I'm not THAT pissed! Just being impatient is all. Don't get me in hot water before a show that I'm going to. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif I have to keep the peace so I will get a good time(preferrably around midnight when it's somewhat cool, thank you very much)

[carlyanne]

I'm not that pissed either, I just hate it when they say they are going to do something and then it doesn't happen.

I would have loved to have known my times by now, but I guess I'll have to wait and exercise a little more patience than I want to right now!

Just a little cranky from not enough sleep and the weather being just unbearable the last couple days!

Didn't mean to accuse you of anything at all! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[LisaB]

We'll just douse cold icy water on ourselves this weekend, Carlyann, deal?

[carlyanne]

Sounds good to me!

In fact, I did that to myself yesterday! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[carlyanne]

Times for Saturday are up.

Good luck to all!

[bambam]

Dr. Doolittle- I was REALLY worried about being barefoot behind last year at Surefire. It had been raining and was still raining that day and the grass felt pretty slick. My greenie had no problems with footing (we had other problems http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif) and it was her first novice. I think this rain will be a good thing. The ground is so darn hard right now, it needs this rain. You will be fine.
And asterix is stellar at reassuring- she is on my speed dial for that very purpose http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif(that is why she was examining the shoeing of horses in stadium last year- to reasure me that we would be fine without studs)

[KSevnter]

Please be patient for times guys! I am quite sure they are doing the best that they can! Everyone will get their times and everyone will get to ride and have fun http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

Besides I have driven 10 hours through the night to events having no clue what time I would ride the next morning...or whether I was in the event for that matter! It always works out.

But lets be nice to the organizational staff, they don't put these events on for their health, they do it for us.

[Dr. Doolittle]

Whenever I complain about waiting for the times to be posted, Mr. Dr. D (who I have "recruited" into volunteering this year) reminds me that it's *really* hard work to put on one of these things--which it is--so that helps me be patient
http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/yes.gif

Anyway, it looks like we escaped most of the rain today--tomorrow may be a different story, but let's just keep our fingers crossed. (The ground is so dry that it should absorb most of what a passing T-storm will dump on us, so I'm thinking the footing should be okay! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_razz.gif)
I'm more concerned about going right from stadium to CC at 4 in the afternoon, when it's 92 degrees http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_eek.gif I'll have the "Gatorade patrol" on duty between the two jumping phases, and will put on my body protector at the last minute, before CC...

[SportsfieldEventer]

I am so sorry about the times situation. I am not quite sure why they were done so late, but they are done now.

So far so good with the rain and footing. Now we just have to make it through today!

[Synrgystyk]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by SportsfieldEventer:
I am so sorry about the times situation. I am not quite sure why they were done so late, but they are done now. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Nope. I just checked and there are still no times listed for Sunday and my scratch hasn't been entered.

Lorree

[ajm]

Ksevnter it sounds like you have worked for the same type of bosses that I did, work all day not knowing when you are leaving, drive through the night, set up, quick hotel stop, then work another whole day not knowing whats going on untill the morning of the event.
Which is why one likes to have the times so you can let students know when you are leaving, arrange staff so the horses are covered and maybes teach some lessons before leaving. Because God knows horses don't run on a time table but some things can be organized a little ahead of time.
As yet I am being patient waitting for my times, not liking it, but what else can you do.
Yes I totally agree organising one of these is not easy but don't forget these are usually run in order to raise money not just for health reasons. And Sportsfield... has apologized for the delay so all we can do is wait and hope for sundays times and let my people know what's going on soon.
As dr doolittle says I'm more concerned with the heat factor, I may forgo the X-C if it's too hot, I see no reason punishing my horse if she does well in Dressage and Stadium as it is her first Novice event. So lets wait and see what the weekend brings (hopefully with times soon)and Good luck to all.

[latebloominrider]

The times are up. As a former organizer and secretary, Pony Club mom, and mom who drove sometimes 8-10 hours with her eventer daughter after the eventer finished her Law school classes so that she could compete, I can empathize with the organizing committee as well as competitors.

In the early years of the events we organized, we made little or no money but our purpose was to establish events to offer competitors in an area which did not have a plethora of events within 4 hours driving distance. We battled monsoon rains in the spring and and in the dry, hot fall would then have to aerovate the course through the night before the event.
There is so much that happens behind the scenes that only the volunteers can appreciate. But our reward for the hard work was often competitors coming up and saying, "Thank you.. is there anything I can do while I am here?" http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[kcp]

The sunday times are up? All I'm getting is the same list, even after hitting "refresh".

[KSevnter]

It doesn't appear sundays times are up just yet.

Yikes ajm I wasn't trying to ruffle any feathers! But as you said Sportsfield was very nice to apologize for the delay and to keep everyone updated.

I was just trying to say that I am sure their intention was to get them up on Wed. as stated in the omnibus but something happened where they couldn't.

I hope everyone who is going has a wonderful time and stays as cool as possible. Good luck to everyone!

[KateDB]

Logistical question for those "in the know"...how close is the trailer parking to SJ and to the start of XC? Times are tight (which is actually great) between SJ and XC, so I'm assuming we are going to SJ in XC attire, but I need to change horse boots. Just wondering how to plan ahead, esp with no helpers tomorrow.
Thanks!!!

[kcp]

All times are up!

[SportsfieldEventer]

KateDB - SJ and XC are very close together but all 3 phases are a short walk from the trailer parking (5 minutes tops). You can see the trailers from all 3 warm-ups.

[CWO]

I am looking at a horse for sale that will be competing on saturday in BN. R Double Diamond is his name. He's a very dark bay - almost black - with a white star and a snip I think. His dressage is at 1:58 in ring 3 and stadium is 3:48 and x-c at 4:04. His number is 152.

If anyone notices him going, I'd love to hear your impressions of how he is. PT me if you can. Thanks! (I cannot attend the event to see for myself)

[FrittSkritt]

I'll be there Saturday jump judging, and Sunday being an XC steward...

[Invested1]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by CWO:
I would be most grateful if you would (could) keep an eye out for this horse and tell me what you think. I really like him, but he's only 5 and I want to know what I'm getting into. I told myself that I don't want one younger than about 7, but I'm caving. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

Thanks! </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

CWO, I was in your shoes when I was horse shopping--I wanted a horse between 7-11. Instead, fell in LOVE with a Greenie 5 year old, caved, bought him and haven't had a day of regret since! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[CWO]

Thanks Invested1, that makes me feel better!! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[asterix]

For those of you worried about gear between SJ and XC -- I am in gate at SJ on Saturday, and I will certainly do my best to provide some kind of safe "holding zone" where people can put their stuff for a quick change. I can't absolutely guarantee how well this will work before I see how things are set up, but I'll do my best!!!

Ground around here is still on the dry/hard side even with rain, so I wouldn't worry about mud!

[Dr. Doolittle]

So, who walked the course this afternoon? Did anyone get rained on? It was *very* dry when I walked it--was on my way home at around 5:30--6 when the storms came through...hopefully they did not drop more rain than the (nicely aerated) ground could handle.
Did anyone else find the BN course "rather challenging?" http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif It's rather long (with some more "Novice type questions", including a huge double brush, later in the course--it's shared with N and T! It might be lowered, though I can't imagine how! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_razz.gif)
I'm looking forward to riding it tomorrow, but I'm hoping that I can make the time--especially with all those hills! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_razz.gif Anyway, good luck to everyone, and STAY HYDRATED! (It's supposed to be 92 tomorrow--and of course humid--with more T-storms during the afternoon... http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif)

[CWO]

So how did it go today?

[asterix]

I think it went really well! It was HOT AS STINK for everyone, but as a whole the event seemed to go well. I was at stadium all day but only heard one "loose horse" call from XC, and we had no falls at all (I am pretty sure) in stadium.

I got to meet some COTHers (Dr. Doolittle -- hope your xc went well! -- and FrittSkritt, for starters) and watch everyone tackle the challenging SJ course at T and BN.

Thank you to all competitors -- practically without exception everyone was gracious and polite even though they were all super hot. Due to some bother resetting the course we got off to a late start for BN, and I am particularly appreciative of all of you who waited around in the heat for your turn. It was nice to have such good "customers" all day.

I hope it's just a hair less wretched out next weekend when I ride!

[Dr. Doolittle]

Hey asterix--good to meet you today! You were very gracious and helpful, in spite of the fact that I'm sure you were toward the end of a very long day manning the stadium gate... http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_razz.gif (Yes, the heat/humidity sure made riding and volunteering--even spectating!--a pretty miserable experience, especially during the mid-late afternoon hours http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/dead.gif http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif)

My mare had two double clears, and finished on her dressage score to get 5th on her OBN division of 20. (She was way more "excited" than I would have liked--and was launching over everything http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/sigh.gif http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif. She's still green to eventing, but I had hoped she was getting over this tendency, since she was good at Rubicon and DRHT, her first two...but at least she went over everything she was pointed at http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_razz.gif Hopefully she will eventually chill out about it all and be able to just do her job without a fuss, as she now does at hunter shows...She was started REALLY late, and never went *anywhere* or did *anything* before I bought her , so I got her as a "dead green baby 5 1/2 year old"--as a result, there has been a loooong learning curve...http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_razz.gif)

So asterix--what division are you doing next weekend? I have a student who is doing Novice on Saturday, so I will be there coaching. (And will be able to wear shorts, instead of "the monkey suit", thank God!! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif)

How did everyone else do?? (I can't believe I'm still up at 11:40--it was a tiring day!)

[LisaB]

Asterix! Thank you so much for doing a fabulous job in that heat! Man! It SUCKED yesterday. The courses were fabulous though. Had a good round stadium and well, in the spring I kept messing up st and dr and now onto x-c. For the first time ever, I get lost and rack up the time penalties. Okay, I'm getting all the goofies out of the way before we do prelim. He was great though. I was #100 in the tr. division.
I didn't get my score. I was headed out and wanted to pick up my dr score and they weren't posted yet. It was so hot and I was an inch from getting heat stroke, I just left a msg with my instructor to see if she could pick up my test. But what a fabulous event. I hope next year they get an earlier date. I can't go prelim in this heat!

[blaster]

Anyone ride Training? What were to bogie fences? Any news/rumor mill if next weekend the same or harder than this weekend?

[mythical84]

I had so much fun yesterday! My sister's horse (Rockfish Willy) was an absolute star. We ended up 4th in OBN. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

And I agree with Dr. Doolittle ... I thought the BN course was rather challenging. The rollback of stone walls was quite difficult (esp. since it was fences 3 and 4). Luckily my horse is quite brave so that was the only thing he wavered at.

And a HUGE THANK YOU goes out to asterix who trailered me and my sister to the show at the last minute and then waited around while my sister's horse was being seen by the vet for being heat stressed. And besides all the driving she did, she calmly convinced me that stadium was going to be ok (my horse jumped his first clean round all season http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif ).

Alright, well back to work. I hope everyone survived the heat!

[FrittSkritt]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by blaster:
Anyone ride Training? What were to bogie fences? Any news/rumor mill if next weekend the same or harder than this weekend? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I was fence judging the last fence (super easy table thing), but from what I heard on the radio, the fences that gave people problems were #3 (the first stone wall in the "roll back" one - basically jump in, turn left, then jump out of the woods and #6, the drop jump - it was a hard right and many people overshot the turn and ended up with a refusal. I also watched many training competitors goof big time on the Mound - they'd come flying flat out up the little hill and hang a leg big time over the fence itself. Thankfully no one fell off there, but it looked like some horses hit it pretty hard and several riders came unseated.

Other than that, everyone had fun, no major falls (I think the medics were disappointed), and despite the heat they seemed to cope pretty well.

[SportsfieldEventer]

I am glad everyone had a good time! We all went to dinner last night and started to compile a list of things that we can improve for next week, does anyone have any suggestions? Likes? Dislikes? We want this to be the best event it can be and it will only be that if the competitors are happy!

FrittSkritt I think I might have had one of the worst falls of the weekend and I live here! Man-o-man it is hard to compete at home...

[LisaB]

I wouldn't change a thing Sportsfield! Well, of course you have to change it around for next weekend.
The bogeys seemed to be 3,4,5 combo. There's a stone wall with a road crossing upon landing to #3. But on the other side of the road is a debris pile that caught horses out a bit. I would try reversing 3 and 4. Then the horses were caught out early on with such a question then came 5. There was a bank, they took out the sides and TR had to run up the narrow mound and hop over a skinny coop. Now, my lovely instructor had us show jump #3, give the horse their head over 4, sweep around to give them time to see 5. It worked like a charm.
#6 was fine but my horse was so concerned about the changing ground that he really wasn't paying attention. Smoothing out the ground before the culvert would be helpful. But it jumped great.
I of course get lost in the back 40. Ugh! Let's see if I can make any more brain farts this year!
Oh yeah, showjumping was really fabulous. Quite challenging and definitely matched the x-c. I loved the use of the swale at #7. You had to keep your wits and really know how to showjump and yet be handy enough for the terrain.

[CWO]

Will the results be posted on the website?

[Invested1]

Congrats to everyone!!

[FrittSkritt]

Sportsfield - I heard about your fall on the radio, ouch! You seemed to be intact while running around on the gator afterwards, so I'm assuming you're OK. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[Dr. Doolittle]

Ouch, sportsfield! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_eek.gif I hope you are recovering and aren't too bruised up...

As far as the course was concerned, I thought it rode well, even though it was "a bit challenging" for BN--especially for the greener riders who may not have been (ahem) "assertive" enough with their mounts. The T bank to turn to jump was certainly a tough question (my BN green mare leaped at the bank, realized there was a jump down immediately, leapt off, and I had to "rein her in" to even make the turn to that little fallen tree jump; I never would have been able to make the T turn! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_razz.gif Of course she's still green, and was a bit "overexuberant". The stone walls in the fenceline were "bogies" all day (especially the first one, fence 3), and when I heard (via the announcer) that people were having trouble there, I rode it more aggressively--sure enough, my steed wanted to have a look, but I sent her right on over http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif--alas, one of my students went right after me, so I didn't have a chance to warn her to "ride that jump assertively", and she had a stop there. http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/sigh.gif

What was up with that huge brush on the hill??
(A bit large for BN, but it rode beautifully, and was great fun--whee! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif) I had stationed Mr. Dr. D right next to it with the digital video camera JUST so he could get a shot of us going over--even with all his experience, he somehow managed to miss me going over it..."I couldn't find you!", said he (Well, I was on the other side of the hill, on the way UP to it--but had he put the camera ON the fence, I would have eventually appeared in the viewfinder http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gif) As we were leaving the grounds, he said: "You know I love you--right?", (I was thinking: "Okay, he's finally had enough of being "the beleaguered horse husband", and wants a divorce... http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gif), but he just "fessed up" to getting nothing on tape other than my fine steed cantering down the slope several strides AFTER the brush jump, on the approach to fence 11... http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif SO, the moral of the story is, please get an event photographer for cross country; you will save marriages!! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Also, last year the competitors got a chance to park in the field next to the competition area, and the spectators parked in the field farther away. This year it was reversed, and it made it very hard on the riders/grooms etc., since we all had to walk up and down the hill several times to get to and from the competition areas.
(I suspect it was to accomodate the people in the temporary stalls...) In his heat, carrying all the gear and walking extra distances takes it all out of we "old folks" http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_razz.gif Young folks, too!)

And providing some water source with a longer hose would have been GREAT!! There was a trough (served by a pump with a short hose), but my horse took a long time to recover, and we must have had to refill our bucket ten times to sponge her off--the hose wouldn't really reach!

I REALLY liked the courses and the jumps, and the volunteers were all very helpful--it was very generous of you to have free food and drink (and BEER--bless you! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif) for the competitors, after the event was over...It would have also been nice, though, to have the announcer give out some tips on where to find the scores and pick up tests and ribbons--plus give us updates on when the divisions's scores were posted. (On a day that hot, every moment spent waiting is an eternity http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif, hence my great appreciation for cold beer and food, graciously provided!)

Anyway, I will be back this upcoming Saturday to coach--I'm assuming that I goes first on Saturday, then N? They say this weather is supposed to break by the end of the week--less humidity!! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif Anyway, thanks for all your work--it was great fun!

[KateDB]

I thought things ran nicely. And I was prepared with my own water - as recommended in the Omnibus. Kudos and many thanks to all involved.

Two things I would change:
One: I would put the scoreboard down in the competitor parking area, near the Secretary's tent. It was a long, hard walk up to the scoreboard and I would have prefered to have already been on the road, getting my horsey home to his cool stall rather than taking the time to walk to the scoreboard while he sat in a hot trailer.

Two: Make sure that there is an "alley" marked off in the parking in order that competitors in the middle row can make it to the exit. I pulled forward, thinking I would be able to swing back through the middle somewhere to make it to the exit...but the entire row was blocked...all the way up to stabling. I had to back down the whole field from stabling to where the course maps were in order to then drive down the row to get to the exit. Also, perhaps some of the trees and branches could also be trimmed back along the grass "road" where we exited along to make it out to the main road.
I will say that exiting onto Rt. 690 was quite dangerous...the curve is a bit blind to the left, but we made it. I wonder if some SLOW signs could be temporarily posted so that traffic might expect horse trailers pulling out.

Thanks and hope to be there next week.

[LisaB]

Kate, I thought the scoreboard was right near the sec. stand. You drive in, there she is, in all her glory. You can pick up your packet as you drive in. Then on your way to the food and onto the competitions, there was a board where you can pick up a x-c map as well as having the scores there. Quite convenient.
Except I don't know my score! Waah! They didn't have my dr score up as I was leaving. And I wasn't about to wait since I was an inch from having heatstroke.

[KateDB]

Lisa, the scoreboard was next to the Dressage stewards' tent (bit check), on the top of the hill, not at the Sec tent down in the parking area, which I think would be preferable, from a competitor's point of view.

I agree that the Sec tent was VERY convenient, as was the XC map board.

[asterix]

Yes, I'm looking forward to running next weekend in hopefully slightly less dreadful humidity!!!
I did a dressage lesson and a xc school yesterday, just to see how we did...
um...horsey seemed unfazed by dressage lesson, quite exuberant on XC (first time out since hock injections, main reaction = yippee!). I hope he has enough juice for really running Training in this heat -- he is very big!!!

Me? Just about died in my vest -- which admittedly I wore for far longer than I would have at the event...tip for next week, by the way -- judge does prefer not to see T-shirts in stadium, but polos or showshirts -- so wear a polo, so you don't feel you need to wear your VEST in SJ to cover your T (you know who you are http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif, um, carlyanne!).

Hope to see you all next week, and congrats to all finishers this weekend!!!

[Dr. Doolittle]

I originally thought the scoreboards were up by the dressage rings (which is where they were last year), but then realized they were down by the road where you come in--(did they move them during the show? Or have duplicates) That was a *great* location, actually (since you had to walk right by it), but perhaps some "signage" would have been useful, so that people would know were everything was located, and not inadvertantly walk right by it (Some of us--myself included--can get rather oblivious when we are focused on other stuff and collapsing from heat stroke, simultaneously http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_razz.gif)
(I still think it would have been easier for the riders had the trailers been parked in the closer field...)

As for water, I brought a ton with me--it wasn't enough! I would've had to bring at least 50 gallons, and with a non-dressing room trailer, I don't have room for a container that big! http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/winkgrin.gif (I had to completely sponge my horse after dressage, plus she drank quite a bit--she's a huge drinker, and she sweated profusely. Then after cross country, it took her a good bit of time to recover, during which I had to keep wetting her down--PLUS she drank more--I had to stop her after a few swallows at a time. She's in good shape, and fit, but because she was a bit "worked up", she got hotter than she normally would. Next time I'm going to try to bring some ice with me in a big cooler, since the water I bring along has to sit in a hot truck all day, so becomes "a bit tepid"--not the most efficient at cooling down a hot horse dripping with sweat, in any case... http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif (Bleah--why do I say I like summer?!?)

Good luck this weekend, asterix--and I hope the weather cools off a bit for you! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[rp4241]

Hey! Does anyone know when entry status/times for this coming weekend will be posted? I have a pretty long drive and would love to know when I need to leave... Hopefully they'll get up a little earlier this week than last? http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

Thanks!

[carlyanne]

Yeah, yeah Asterix. I hear ya! At least you know how I felt!!!

[KateDB]

Sounds like they moved the scores, then. It was by the bit check when I went up around 12:30 or so. I didn't wait to see XC scores posted, though.

[Therese]

I was there on Sunday only to help/cheer on a couple of friends in the Novice division. One went during the muggy heat of the day, and the other right after the rain that made it much cooler.

I have not evented my self, but have been going to a few before I plunge in (I've been doing the jumper/dressage stuff), so you may want to take my comments with that in mind.

The fan and the water and ice after the XC was great! Not needed for the second rider, but the first was quite hot/blowing coming off the course, and being able to have the ice water right there to scrape off with was great.

The hike from the trailers to the rings was a bit much, but I don't see how all the trailers could have fit into the smaller field where the vendors were.

It would have been nice to have at least one of the food/smoothie vendors closer to the rings so you could grab a quick cold one.

The courses were very nicely set up. The roll back from 4A/B to 5 was a bit strong for the BN, but very rideable. I saw a couple of slips there (did not notice if they had caulks or not). Loved the use of the "psudo Trakhener" on 6 down the hill.

From a non-eventer thinking about my first BN course, I don't think I would choose this event. The 3/4 with the brush and road is pretty spookie, and that last brush coop up the hill was HUGE! (I'm a weenie, I admit it!) However, if it was my 3-4th event I think we'd be fine.

Beautiful set up, and my friends that were in Novice really liked the course. Enough challenges to make it interesting to ride but not overly demanding.

[Dr. Doolittle]

Fan, water, and ice after cross country!?! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_confused.gif (That would been GREAT to have had on Saturday!! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif) *sigh*

[asterix]

Yeah, are they doing that next weekend??? I may be all alone http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/no.gif and was bemoaning the fact that I can't station anyone at the finish with ice water....

[kcp]

Does anyone know how the Novice course rode? I posted this as a new discussion but didn't get any takers so I thought I'd put it here. We're taking an kinda inexperienced horse next weekend for Novice so just wondering what people thought.

Also...RESULTS are posted.

[EW]

Results Posted!
I just noticed that Surefire I results are up on their website: http://www.surefireeventing.com

[ajm]

I ride a mare that does not have alot of confidence in her self (but is very capable of doing more) and we found the novice very straight forward. for the fences with tight turns we turned left and circled back to them like a roll back thing. For example at the log by hte water (fence 5 or 6) we came into the trees went past it then circled left until it was in front of us. The white logs are small but I jumped the traning white log before so if we stopped at that one it wouldn't be counted against us, so when we came to the second one she was OK. Fence 10 could of had the tree branches heightened a bit on the landing side(you don't see course builders doing that on prelim and advanced etc. so why make novice make do with it).
Otherwise we thought it was very straight forward, not technical or demanding height wise at all. Just like the BN was not technical in any way at all.
The only things I would like to see change would be the tree limbs after 10 limbed up and the exit out with a trailer seems a bit dangerous the way it was set but there was not alot of other options. My mare was more concerned with going from freshly seeded earth to bluestone dust to grass, the jumps didn't concern her.
So KCP don't worry at all, send a private message thingy if you have any questions.

[S4zeus]

In Open Prelim there was a dressage score of 18. That is amazing. I wish I could have seen that test. It had to have been near perfection. Congrats to the rider who went on to win her divison.

[Synrgystyk]

Ok, I will admit that patience is *not* one of my virtues http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gif but it'd be really nice if times were posted today (and, yes, I know there's still plenty of "today" left). I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I'll have late ride times since I'll be out of town on Saturday so will have to do all of my prep on Sunday before I leave http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_eek.gif.

At least I'm meeting my farrier tonight so we'll have brand new feet for the weekend. (Now if I could just find that brand new confidence I ordered!)

Lorree

[elizabeth Callahan]

I'm doing the young event horse class on Friday and have a 3 1/2 hour drive around the Beltway - would love to know when it starts so i can prepare - and pack, etc

[Dr. Doolittle]

Saturday times are up!! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif
(My student rides dressage at 3:12, stadium at 5:34, and cross country at 5:50! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_eek.gif At least it's supposed to be cooler and less humid tomorrow--let's root for that cold front to come through this afternoon!)

[piaffeprincess98]

I ride on Sunday in OT/B. Dressage is 2:02, SJ is 3:18 and XC is 3:34. At least it will all be done in about 2 hours (counting warm-up for dressage). I almost died this morning jumping, I hope I can stay alive!

[Fallbrook]

Does anyone know if they have a photographer at Surefire?

I can't make it to the event to watch my boy go and I would love to get photos. I guess I can call or email the farm.

If anyone has a camera handy Sunday I would love to have some photos of Westmoreland (aka Will the Warmblood http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif ) He will be in TH/B with dressage at 1:46, SJ at 3:04 and XC 3:20. I would be glad to pay for the photos. He's fairly easy to spot - a big bay with a star and snip, ridden by Karen MaHaffey. His number is 130.

Thanks and good luck to everyone!

[asterix]

Lindsay, I hear the humidity will be less (I hope so -- my times are even worse than yours, starting with d at almost 3 pm!!!)...

Loree-- did you move up last weekend and are coming back for more, or is this the big moveup??

I'll be out tomorrow walking the course, hoping it looks ok after a month since our last trial. T is still very new to us!

[Synrgystyk]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Loree-- did you move up last weekend and are coming back for more, or is this the big moveup?? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

This is the move up. We were supposed to run in the NH division last weekend, but had a soundness issue and had to scratch. So I'm pretty nervous about this one, but am going to go ahead and do it anyway (he's ready).

Lorree

[asterix]

OK, well, you won't be the only one nervous! We shall have to just kick on and not freeze!!!

[Xena]

Does anyone know who the photographer was?

[kcp]

The photographer was Gary Knoll Photography. He has a website and will post the photos there. He usually takes great pictures.

[Synrgystyk]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by piaffeprincess98:
I ride on Sunday in OT/B. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Lindsay,

I heard your XC round. It sounded like it went well for you. Did you like the course?

Lorree

[FrittSkritt]

The photographers were Gary Knoll (http://www.garyknollphotography.com/) and Red Line Photography (http://www.redlineracepics.com/).

[KateDB]

Syn is not telling everyone that she had a super outing for Spice's and her first recognized Training...despite missing Novice last week.
Woooohooo!

[piaffeprincess98]

Syn,I went very well on SJ and XC. Dressage was another story. We got a 39, but that was only good enough for 15th out of 17 in OT. It sucks being in OT, I have NO chance of even placing remotely well unless I get a 20 on dressage. I really need to move back up into JYOP for me to even have a shot at palcing.

[Redline Guy]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Fallbrook:
Does anyone know if they have a photographer at Surefire? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Yup! We were there shooting several X/C fences per round on Sunday. The photos have posted on our site. Ride times are in 24 hour format and we should have several shots of most riders. We had a couple cameras on course situated to try and get a couple fences each. If you find your outbound photos near the end of one folder, please check the next folder for your inbound shots.

Thanks to everyone at Surefire and all the riders. Special thanks to everyone that emailed requesting us to be there for Surefire II. We had a great time at a great new venue!

[Synrgystyk]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Yup! We were there shooting several X/C fences per round on Sunday. The photos have posted on our site. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Do you have all your photos posted? You don't have any of me over the straw/barrels (Camera 2 -- I was #150). Please tell me you just forgot to post them since I was actually trying to get a good pic over this jump! (It was our first rec T and I'd really like to get a good pic from it.)

Lorree

[Redline Guy]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">
-- I was #150). </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Hi Loree,

I'll need more info (horse color, saddle pad, what you were wearing, etc.) Once I have that info, I will check the "hold folder". It may have been removed during our QC process. I'm sure we got at least one photo of everyone in Training. Maybe not over that specific fence (we need a break once in a while). Also, as I posted on the galleries: If your outbound photos are near the end of a folder, check the next hour's folder for your inbound photos. They may have overlapped.

And yes, all of the photos have been posted. Since we are usually not paid by the venues to shoot the events. The only money we make is from the competitor's purchases. So it wouldn't be wise to not post them all.


Thanks, Bill
Thanks

[Synrgystyk]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Redline Event Photography: I'll need more info (horse color, saddle pad, what you were wearing, etc.) Once I have that info, I will check the "hold folder". Thanks, Bill </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Bill,

I appreciate you being willing to check. I ride a big, mostly-white pinto (chestnut/white). Black square saddle pad, burgundy and grey Charles Owen vest. We're outgoing photo #26 in the 1600-1700 group. The photographer knew we were coming since I said something to her as we trotted down the hill towards that barrel fence.

If the photo doesn't exist, that's ok (the others aren't horrible). I just wanted to see the one from that fence since I knew the photog was there and actually made an effort to have a nice photo. http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/yes.gif (I have plenty of "interesting" jumps immortalized http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif so was hoping for a somewhat "uninteresting" shot. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif)

Lorree

[PiedPiper]

Does anyone know if the cross country is open for schooling now?

Thanks!

[asterix]

Lorree-- congratulations!!
I didn't think that was a moveup course AT all!! Felt like we had to really ride sections of it (S curve at top of hill, white fences to log to sunken road, for example) and I think I would have died had that been our first T.

So, well done!
nancy

[Miss Maddie]

Lorree, BIG CONGRATS!!! I'm sooo impressed! First of all a very successful move up after missing a planned prep event, not to mention that you actually had the frame of mind to be aware of where the photographer was and set yourself up for a nice picture! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif Wooohoo!

[Dr. Doolittle]

Hey Piper!

I called over there yesterday, and they actually said "the course is open today--come on out!" Well, with the weather this week http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/dead.gif, plus the fact that I don't have that much "schedule flexibility", this was not an option, but I HAD planned to go to the cross country schooling day at Great Meadow (which was cancelled), so asked about schooling there (at Surefire) instead on August 10th--they said that was fine. That is therefore my plan (but I will call at the beginning of the week to confirm.)
I think if you call ahead and check, they're pretty flexible. Are you thinking of taking Mattie?

I'm so jealous of all the riders who got cross country photos from Redline! We Saturday folks weren't as lucky--I guess they didn't have enough photographers working enable them to get shots of cross country that day. http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/sigh.gif As I had mentioned previously, I had my usually wonderful and reliable photog/husband stationed at the big brush, but he failed to get any footage of me. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_frown.gif Oh, well...maybe he can make up for it when I school there.

[Redline Guy]

Hi Loree,

I found the Straw Barrels pic. My shooter was a tad late, he's already opening up a bit. (The worst thing to tell a photographer is you really want a pic.... under pressure we'll surely blow the shot!) http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

If you'd like I'll try to get it up so you can decide on it, but we pulled it.

Thanks, Bill

[Redline Guy]

Hey Dr. D,

Thanks! Sorry no snub was intended. We were booked at another show on that date several months ago. Actually, we weren't even planning to be there last weekend, but we got so many e-mails asking if we'd come, that I added it at the last minute. (Who really needs a day off?)
Thanks for the kind words though. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

As an aside, Do many people go out to school? If so and there was an interest, we might be persuaded to come out and shoot.

Bill

[PiedPiper]

Dr. D-

Yep, want to take Mattey. I will definitely call and see if I can get on on the 10th as well. Would love to see your new girl. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif Are you bring students?

http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[PiedPiper]

Bill- I know for me there is most definitely an interest! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[Synrgystyk]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">(The worst thing to tell a photographer is you really want a pic.... under pressure we'll surely blow the shot!) http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

If you'd like I'll try to get it up so you can decide on it, but we pulled it.

Thanks, Bill </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Bill,

Murphy's Law strikes again!! http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/uhoh.gif http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gif

Yeah, I'd love to at least get a look at the shot. Even if he's opening up, if everything else is good, it might be worth it.

Thanks!
Lorree

[Redline Guy]

OK Loree,

It's (http://www.photoreflect.com/scripts/prsm.dll?eventorder?photo=0AOJ001E0A0024&start=0&album=0&adjust=-1) up now. Sorry for the delay. Storms knocked out power for about 10 hours, right after I posted my messages yesterday.

Bill

[Synrgystyk]

Bill,

Thanks a bunch! I think I'll actually get a copy of that photo. It's a bit later than ideal, but his ears are up and he's not twisting over the jump. It's also better than the outgoing (would you slow down so we can turn?!) and final jump (very tired boy!) shots.

BTW, even though I haven't bought pics from you before (not your fault, we just looked terrible in the shots) I think you guys are some of the better event photographers. You seem to pick good fences and nice angles.

Lorree

[Dr. Doolittle]

Hey Bill,

I too would be interested in getting "shot" while schooling! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif (especially since I missed out on getting any X-country footage of any kind-- http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/sigh.gif Mr. Dr. D. did get about 5 or 6 strides of me canter/galloping up the hill to fence 11, but that was about it http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_razz.gif)

And Piper, I'm not sure yet about the students; among the ones who would be able to get the day off, one will be at Eventing Camp at Wingreen, and another may be a bit too green--(schooling at Foxcroft is more appropriate for her at this juncture--she's doing her very first BN at DRHT in August... http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif) I'll have to see who I can persuade to come along--of course coaching others does tend to distract me from the schooling of my *own* beast, so if no one else is able to come that day, I'm okay with it.. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

I would love to meet Mattey, though--you should definitely come out and school! http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/yes.gif

[PiedPiper]

Yep I will! He may not be able to do a whole lot but can do any ditches, water, etc and pop over some smaller BN logs and such. Anyway, good for him to get out there and see everything!

You aren't doing the Middleburg/Orange PC CT this weekend, are you? I am doing two dressage test on Saturday. Hope to be jumping in shows soon but right now we are just doing grids.

yeah, definitely I am in on the 10th. I will be moving him on the 15th back to Middleburg. There are great hunt trails where he is going so you will definitely have to trailer out sometime! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[Redline Guy]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Synrgystyk:
I think you guys are some of the better event photographers. You seem to pick good fences and nice angles.
Lorree </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Thanks so much, but you forgot about the part where I run like a madman to get the outbound rider over fence 3 & 4. Then run back to get the inbound rider over fence 19. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

Bill

[Dr. Doolittle]

Hey!

I actually *am* going to be at the MOC PC CT this weekend! (Along with two students...) I'm riding dressage at 8:58 on Saturday, and my students are riding at 11:10 and 11:35. What time are you riding? (I'll probably be there until at least 1, since I'll be coaching/watching their stadiums...)
I'll have to look out for you and Mattey!
And yeah, I'm definitely on for the 10th of August at Surefire (looking forward to it http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif)

[Dr. Doolittle]

Bill, you are an inspiration to photographers everywhere! http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/winkgrin.gif

[PiedPiper]

I am going at 1220 and 1235 so will be there when you are! Definitely will look for you when I get there and say hi. I don't think I will see you ride, lol, that is pretty darn early! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

[Dr. Doolittle]

Actually, that was a typo--I ride at 9:58! http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/winkgrin.gif
Still rather early, but not "inhumanely so"...anyway, I'll keep an out out for you and Mattey. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[Redline Guy]

Just a note to let the riders at Surefire One know, I picked up your photos from the lab this evening and they will ship tomorrow. You should get them Monday or Tuesday of next week. Thanks so much for your patience while we've worked through "The Great Mailroom Computer Meltdown".

Bill
Have Cameras. Will Travel.