Thank you to everyone who has been so supportive in the loss of my grandfather. All the kind words really mean a lot to me, and I am so lucky to have so many amazing people that have been so supportive.
Though it was good to go home and see my family and friends (who are like family to me), it was nice to come back home and get back into the swing of the program at TPF— that’s really what makes me feel the best.
I flew straight into Virginia on Friday evening for Morven Park, and I want to say a big thank you to Emma Ford and Arianna Almeida, who set up everything at the horse show, as well as Jackson Roberts, who drove my rig to the show with the horses. It’s really nice to know that when you’re away, topnotch people are caring and riding your horses.
I have to say that the weather on the other coast was much, much better than the weather I landed in at Dulles. Saturday brought cold and wet weather, but thanks to Jackson lending me a warm jacket, I stayed warm enough to make it through the day.
Little Catching Melody was fabulous as always, although I made a pilot error going into the triple to have one down in show jumping. She finished sixth, and I have to say that she was fabulous in the wet conditions and really did a wonderful job with the soggy going.
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No Objection and I tackled our first intermediate as a pair together, and with a little tension in the dressage, a clear show jumping, and a clear but slow cross-country in the serious slop, ended up second. I was happy with how well he jumped around, and I have to say that I really enjoy riding the horse. It was his first intermediate go in two years, and he skipped around a difficult track in not-too-wonderful conditions. I needed the run to get him re-qualified for a CCI**, which I am aiming to do at Chattahoochee Hills.
Musical, who is moving on to a new owner, just did the dressage and show jumping, both of which she did very well. I am so pleased at how this little 4-year-old has improved. Someone is getting a seriously nice little mare, and I can honestly say that I will be very sad to see her go.
The stars of the weekend go out to Arianna and Jackie Imohlte, who both really showed off how far they’ve come is a short time. Arianna had a win on her mount Drummers Call, and I am so beyond impressed and pleased with how she’s really come back on track.
Eventing is a great sport because it’s all about how you handle bumps in the road, and Arianna did just that this weekend, proving that she really is back on track with this lovely horse. I am looking forward to having her come with me to Chatt Hills, where she will take on the CIC* there.
Morven was also a comeback for Jackie, who has a new ride named SJTBR’s Cat. While Jackie’s awesome mount Fernhill Frolic is sidelined, she picked up a new ride on a fabulous OTTB who she took to his first recognized event. After a beautiful dressage, she got a little lost in show jumping, which can happen to the best of us. But she came back with a double-clean cross-country.
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I am beyond proud of her. At 18, she’s proved that she can ride a fancy warmblood and a hot Thoroughbred at his first event. I think she’ll have two amazing horses for the future. So hats off to the girls—they both rock, and I am beyond spoiled to have them on my team.
In sad news, one of my best friends, Rachel Dwyer, lost her longterm boyfriend this past weekend. I am beyond wrecked for her and hope that everyone in eventingland can reach out and support Rachel right now in her time of extreme need.
There will be a memorial held for Alain Giannone this Friday, Oct. 7, at 5:30 p.m. at Sharn Wordley’s house, located on W Hwy 326, Ocala, Fla., 34482.
Rachel has been a friend through thick and thin and is truly a special person. My heart breaks for her. Support on, everyone… Thank you so much for taking the time to read.
Jennie
