It was a busy week in the Cowfeathers Chronicle. Both The Fair and Hunter's Run Pony Club Camp were the same week in 2014. While this isn't exactly a tragedy, it still stinks.
The fact remains for our humble selves, being in two places simultaneously is impossible. So, Middlest and Youngest had to choose between the two. Middlest was fast out of the gate with her decision. Youngest took a while, but in the end they both chose to go with the horses.
They still did 4-H projects, but they had to complete the projects prior to the fair, and didn't show any animals. Huz and Eldest held down the fort at The Fair all week, supporting the club and cheering for the Saddle and Sirloin team. Middlest, Youngest and I headed to Twin Towers Horse Park for Camp. That sounds really simple, but in reality, getting there was tough.
My last blog about the Jimmy Wofford Clinic the days prior to camp, I left out the part about my truck having trouble on the second day drive to the clinic. I didn't think we'd make it. We did, (miracle)....and on the drive home the problems did not recur. But it comes to the point of trusting the truck. And camp means driving the camper there, then driving home, then driving back with the horses. Roughly 5 hours driving hauling precious cargo. I was undone. We arrived home from the clinic in the mid afternoon to the problem of "How do I get a camper and two horses, all the stuff without a truck?" Rent? Hitch? UGH!
With the unbelievable generosity of friends it all worked out. I borrowed a 3500 diesel truck for the week, with trailer brakes and goose neck hitch- really. Just a simple "You can take my truck." And then next a "I'll take your camper out there for you and then come get it." from another friend. I'm going to have to do some MAJOR giving to re-balance the karma. Such blessings! I am deeply grateful.
We arrived in the early evening in time to get the camper parked and the horses set up before our first storm of the week moved in.
It was our first opportunity to thank God (and camper transporter, Terry Mike) we were not in a tent! It brought some winds that picked up one of our campers and spun it around, blocking the door of the camper next to it, so those girls couldn't get out until we moved the camper! It also overturned a big handicap accessible porta-pottie on the grounds. Ew.
But before we get started on the adventures of camp, how about introducing the cast!
The Director and the Producers:
First of all, the women who make it possible. On the outside are Mrs. Holmes and Mrs. Stalter. They are the joint DC's of our Pony Club, so they are the work horses that make Pony Club possible; paperwork, organization and enthusiasm! In the center is Mimi Combs, our instructor for the week. Mimi is based in Charlottesville, Va. and comes up to instruct our camp each year. She has been a CCI**** rider, and first alternate at the '96 Olympic Games for the US. She is incredibly in tune with the kids, their horses, and really gets the best work from each rider, gently, all while making them feel challenged and accomplished. I love listening to her instruct, as I get to learn so much too!
The Players:
Hannah on Fancy: Hannah lost her elder statesman and experienced eventer just a few weeks ago, and managed to find Fancy and take her to a recognized event and then to camp. She qualified for USPC Championships in Eventing on this horse she had just met. Hannah is an extremely effective rider.
Youngest on Sonnygirl: Youngest lost his sweet pony to colic in March (this is where the theme ends!) and found Sonnygirl, picking her up May 1. She is a joy! She really likes her boy and the feeling is mutual. Although Sonnygirl knows how to do a LOT of things, she hasn't really gone many places to do them, so her generous disposition allows this pair to work nicely.
McKenna on Starz: They are also a recently matched, and well suited pair. Starz is a rescue pony, who was grossly obese just few months ago. McKenna rides her very well, and the pony is showing that she is pretty amazing, while also being A-DOOOR-ABLE. These two are always perfectly turned out, like a catalog ad.
Kelly on Nikki: Nikki is the luckiest pony, ever. Just two years ago she was looking old and worn out. Kelly has completely restuffed her, muscled her up, given her a new lease on life and she is astonishing to see as Nikki II. She isn't exactly speedy, but they are terribly efficient, and effective.They also have qualified to compete for our region at USPC Championships in Eventing.
Kaylee on Dakotah: This big boy is a marshmallow. Kaylee is teaching him to jump as he hasn't much experience there. He is the horse she is training to follow in the footsteps of her Haflinger pony, Zac, who is her main squeeze, but Dakotah is inching into her heart! Kaylee and Zac round out our triple team of Eventing riders who will represent Tri-State region at USPC Championships.
Savanah on Ricky: I loved this picture, in a "been there, done that" way. This is day 1 of camp, and Ricky hadn't decided to listen to Savanah yet. She is a very instinctual rider, and she turned that around quickly! Savanah is the newest addition to our camp, and fit right in. She also didn't have to fight with Ricky's love of grass after we assembled grass reins for her. Which, I'll point out, were only needed for a day or so. Ricky is smart and Savanah is determined!
Rylee on Falcon: This pair has been together for a few years, but it is this year that they've blossomed! He's a flashy pony, and Rylee has gained her confidence and rides him rather well.
Katie on Scooter: This is their second attempt at camp with a two year hiatus while Katie gained skill and confidence on her other pony, Joey. Now she's ready for Scooter, and he has matured as well. This boy doesn't just shine- he sparkles. He likes his girl, and she rides him with softness and determination!
Middlest on Nelle: This is the second year at camp for this pair. They have come a long way, baby, in a year and now are more ready to take on challenges.
Val on Listo: Last year Val was still on her small pony, Snickers. This year she and Listo have begun their partnership. He is an Andalusian gelding who was a long term stallion and dressage master, who is now very happy to have a girl who loves him, rides him bare back, is teaching him to jump and isn't
just doing dressage. I had a great time watching him thrive on the cross country course.
MacKenzie on Sunny: This pair has been together for a long time. He is a beauty, but not terribly confident by nature and MacKenzie supports him very well. At age 24, he looks like a million bucks!
Anna on Heath: Anna rode at camp but was also an instructor in the barns. She brought Heath, a thoroughbred with a sketchy history. Anna is a joy to watch ride. She is quiet and correct, consistently in the right place with great judgement. Heath needs a confident rider, and he's a lucky boy, because he can't do better than Anna!
Let the story begin.....
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