Well it was good to be back in the States, and we wasted no time getting back into the competition ring. I had four horses entered at, as I call her, Big J.B.’s (A.K.A. Jan Byyny’s) Surefire Horse Trials this past weekend near Middleburg, Va. I always look forward to this event and Morven Park because they’re so close to Middleburg, where a lot of my old friends are. But unfortunately the weather is always super hot in Middleburg this time of year.
The gods graced us with amazing weather this weekend though, which I was really happy about! Nina Gardner’s young horse Indie ran the preliminary this weekend and won from start to finish on his dressage score. He was very green in the water but other than that, I was really happy with how he’s progressing. He’s such a lovely young horse, and I’m excited that his show jumping was so good this weekend, since it can be hard to get a clear round at Surefire.
Nina’s other young mare Catchy Melody, whom she bred, won the novice on her dressage score as well, which was exciting. Even though I don’t think winning two horse trials make up for what happened at Luhmuhlen, it was nice to go out and notch a couple good rounds for Nina. She’s a wonderful owner.
Suzanna Kloud and Beth Battel’s young horse Ollie was second in the novice, which was great. He’s been going quite well and moving up to training level next weekend at the Maryland Horse Trials. And Beth’s horse Dreamboat won the open training dressage and was a bit green show jumping but went clear on cross-country to finish ninth.
I had the pleasure of staying with my longtime friend Stephen Steinhoff over the weekend and his lovely girlfriend, so a big thank you to them for putting up with me and my dogs!
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I unfortunately missed the big O’Connor fundraiser bash Saturday night, but with the looks on some of my friends faces bright an early Sunday morning I could tell they were feeling a little less that top notch, so I know it must have been a good night… Though Nat’s video dancing in my tails at Luhumuhlen was the funniest thing I have ever seen, Lillian Heard did a good job of trying to match her dance moves.
At the farm there’s some new things changing! Two new fabulous working students have come to work for me and the crew here at TPF. These are my first working students, so I hope to give them a good shot here at the farm. Arianna Almeida has an amazing horse named Drummer’s Call, and Jackie Imholte brings Fernhill Frolic to the barn… Both lovely horses.
My good friend from the Golden Coast Tory Smith has sent me her fantastic advanced horse Bantry Bay to ride and sell, and I’m thrilled to have him in the barn. I’d also like to congratulate Lisa Saaby on the purchase of Hard Alee—I’m excited for their future together. I had a blast competing that horse, and I know they’ll have a good go of it.
Walkabout has made it back to my good mentor, owner and friend, Dr. David Bogenrief, where he’ll be rehabbing to get back into tip top shape and hopefully be back at the advanced level before I know it. I plan to give him all the time he needs and then some.
Thank you to all the people who have been so supportive and unreal in the let down after Luhumuhlen. Ping is doing well and on a little break but will be back in action this late summer and fall. I have an unreal support group, and I’m definitely hungry to get back to form. Also, my birthday’s today. I’m 24… when did that happen?! I’m getting old…
Hope all is well with everyone. And as Mr. Thier himself would say, “I’m going to keep on eventing!”
Jennie
