AUGUST 27-29 2010; Katy, TX

[-- SHOW MONGER]

"Spring Series Part One"
Katy, TX
Issue 2.

I think I had been a bit too optimistic for this show, after the weather from the last I was hoping that perhaps it would be bright and sunny like it had been the other time. No, it was far from it. Once again it was pissing down rain and blowing wind sideways so hard I thought I was going to get blown to freaking Kansas. Even with the horrible weather, it didn't seem to stop anyone. The show was blooming with riders with their eyes on the blue, horses being hacked everywhere I looked and trailers crammed in to every single possible space there had been. I haven't seen a show this big at GSEC in a long time. My good friend, Monster Messenger came out with me, needless to say she was just as hungry for new gossip as I was. And we were far from disappointed, this show was crawling with it!

DRESSAGE

GREEN AS GRASS

I was quite disheartened the last to shows to see that no one had entered this class, but it seems that this show I was not to be let down! Braving the hurricane like weather, I was greeted with two new faces to the show ring. Alaska Black on her simply darling mount Retro Vinyl took the blue in this one with a modest score of 61.879%, plodding around the rain-soaked arena with as much grace as a GAG competitor can hold. Following shortly behind with a close 60.952% was Enya Driscoll on Ladybird Ladybird, I'm sure these two could have given miss Black a run for her money had they not gone off course that one time and suffered the 2 point penalty.

INTRO A&B

Just like the last show I observed, it was slightly shocking to me at the small amount of competitors in this equally important class. But then again, I suppose if you're gonna be a dressage diva what's the point in doing it right and starting at Intro, yeah? This go-round, Enya Driscoll and Ladybird Ladybird learned from their costly mistake in the GAG test and walked away with first. Crystal Greene was a face I had not seen before, but aboard her cute Chez Warmblood mare Contradanza the pair took home a second. It was a shame for me to watch the third place pair, Nova Bente struggle on the wiry gelding, Switchblade. Last show I mentioned he was just darling, but this show proved to me that I really wouldn't like this gelding, Nova had commented on my blog saying I could have him, and now I know why.

TRAINING LEVEL

Ok, ok. So this class was almost made up of entirely new faces (save for Nova). Not generally inclined to watch these lower level classes, I figured it was the nice thing to do. New comer Lucy Scullvanger on Miss Amelia Windsor pleased the judges enough to get first. Closely behind these two was Crystal Green on Contradanza. In third was another new face, Iona Donaldson on Bonnie Prince Charlie, a cute enough pair, personally I thought they should have been second, but I'm no dressage judge. Doing a little bit better this round, Nova Bente and Switchblade took the fourth spot, leaving Enya Driscoll and Ladybird Ladybird in fifth.

FIRST LEVEL

Newbie Lucy Scullvanger and Miss Amelia Windsor did it again! Impressing the judges enough to award them a generous 65.25%. Adrianne Hill on Crossfire Farm's Fourth Dimension most certainly did not make a memorable performance, but did enough to snatch second place. In third place was everyone's favorite Hunter/Jumper crossover Kaitlyn McHail on Velasco, maybe you should just stick to the jumps, love. While Grace Moselle was not a new face her mount, MT Arctic Low, was quite new. They managed to scrape up a pathetic 52.864% after going off course several times; maybe you'll have a test caller next time, right? Or would Blaise not call it for you because you were riding when you weren't supposed to be?

SECOND LEVEL

See, Second Level is where shit starts to get interesting. You get riders who sort of understand the complexities of connection, collection, and rhythm. Of course, Mitzi Briarleight on BSB Wilkommen Auf Mysterium (long enough name?) was a face I hadn't seen before, but they extended, cantered, halted and walked their way to first place. Enya Driscoll on a new mount, American Graffiti graciously took home second. Riding his hot-headed stallion Jericho, Gabriel Werth took home third. Not shockingly, Carlee Peters barely managed to take fourth on the difficult mare Nevaeh, leaving Jayden Ray and Dante Alighieri in fifth.

THIRD LEVEL

Third Level, also the level at which America's prospect Junior/Young Riders compete at, is a little more extensive than Second, but not much. Just like Training Level, this level was dominated by the newbs. Nikoletta Mann on A Perfect Sonnet made an impressive performance, besting Alaska Black and Chelsea Dagger's mostly flawless performance. Tagging along in third was Enya Driscoll on American Graffiti. Vincent Black on Adeline just weren't on their game and barely snatched fourth place (too bad he didn't get to best Nova). Unlike her decent Second Level performance, maybe Mitzi Briarleight and BSB Wilkommen Auf Mysterium just weren't ready for the demands of Third Level, barely making fifth place. I hadn't seen her in a couple classes, but Crystal Greene made a boring, unremarkable ride on her Lipizzan stallion Conversano Monotonous.

FOURTH LEVEL

So, maybe Crystal Greene and Conversano Monotonous just weren't thoroughly warmed up, because they wowed the hard to please crowd and proudly walked away with first. Coming in second on a not as stunning test was Alaska Black on Ladies Man (but not a ladies' man enough to win over the judges). In third was Nova Bente on her saint stallion Malach de Zion, I really do love that horse and I'm going to take him home one day. In a comfortable fourth place was Carlee Peters on her aging stallion Dekoder.

PRIX ST. GEORGES - GRAND PRIX

Can someone get up to Grand Prix and start giving Carlee Peters and Finesse a decent run for their money? While watching the pair gracefully piaffe, passage, pirouette, and one-tempi their way to first place was as pleasing as last time, it was boring to assume that she was probably not trying her hardest knowing that there was no other competitor in her class.

HUNTERS

PONY HUNTERS

The pony hunters got exciting again with Faith Morris and Danielle Marks standing side by side before they went in to the ring. I was quite surprised with both girls performance, especially after the warm up ring drama (more like, disaster). Even though all the girl were completely drenched to the bone by the time they were to start their classes, the competition wasn't any less than it usually was. After a surprisingly solid course on Kasanova, Danielle Marks took home the blue. I wasn't too surprised though, this pony has been packing her around for years. I'd love to see her on a different pony to see what happens. Faith Morris was right behind her in second, on her cute little pony Toy Soldier. The two seemed to be in great form, the little pony tucked up his knees as high as they would go. In third place was new comer, Iona Donaldson on Bonnie Prince Charlie. I was quite impressed by the little black pony as he cantered around the course on a beautiful, flowing canter and jumped everything with ease. Faith Morris and my favorite pony, Mi Amour definitely weren't in top form this round. After the fiasco in warm up, the two didn't seem to get their cool back. She managed to pull out a round good enough to sit her in fourth place, but not up to their usual standards.

GREEN HUNTER

Tucked away comfortably in the viewing area with a cup of hot chocolate, I was definitely glad that I wasn't out there riding in the show by the time the Green division came on. The rain seemed to be pouring down even harder and the wind blowing stronger than it had been this morning. Alaska Black on her horse, Retro Vinyl seemed to be unfazed by the weather. The two had a great course, with a fantastic canter and flat kneed trot, the two definitely deserved the blue. The horse seemed like he barely had to try over every fence, I'd definitely look out for this pair in the Regular hunters. I was shocked to see Grace Moselle perched up on a large chestnut horse named MT Arctic Low that apparently belongs to a client. I wasn't terribly impressed by the horse, he was definitely flashy but a bit too green for my taste. I think once he learns were his body is and gets his flying changes he will be a real show stopper. But apparently the judges disagreed with me, giving them a second place. I pitied Blaise Garcia as he rode in on Time Square once more, the mare was going sideways rather than forwards half the time. There isn't anything I can even say about this round, except I was amused to hear Grace yelling at him to stop beating her horse. I don't see why she isn't riding her? I think I'm missing some information here. I don't blame Blaise though, I'd be beating that horse over every fence too.

PRE CHILDREN'S/PRE ADULT HUNTER

I honestly applaud those riders who didn't scratch and continued on with the show. I consider myself a fairly good rider, but there was no way I was going to even try in this weather. But it didn't seem to bother Nova Bente who took home first place on her new pony, The Unforgiven. Such a sweet, kind pony that didn't at all seemed fazed by the fact jump standards were falling down and tents were flapping around. He went around, snapping his little knees up as tight as he could with Nova sitting straight and almost textbook perfect on her darling little pony. Second place went to Faith Morris on Toy Solider, the two seemed like they were on fire. But unfortunately, a bit spooked by the flapping tent, Toy Solider seemed to tense up and add an extra stride down the outside line. But Faith seemed to be pleased with how well behaved the gelding was considering everything, and I'd say they did well. It seemed like Danielle Marks returned to her usual stiff, rigid auto pilot ride with Faith around again. The two had a spook in the same place Faith had, but unfortunately the little pony had actually jumped about six feet sideways and ruined her chance of getting to the jump without having to circle. Danielle walked out of the ring looking quite unimpressed, and it didn't help when she was handed a third place ribbon (which I would have been quite pleased with, in all honestly). I was very sad to see my favorite pony, Mi Amour ridden by Faith Morris stopping out and being a complete shithead. I guess I need a new favorite pony now. Faith managed to ride through it with gritted teeth, bringing home the fourth place ribbon.

CHILDREN'S/ADULT HUNTER

Set at a inviting 3'0, the Children's/Adult Hunters had some beautiful looking jumps. I would have appreciated them a lot more if hadn't been so nasty out, but I sucked it up and sat out in the rain to watch. There was some super tough competition in this round, and I pity the judges having to choose through the talented handful of riders who participated. Salem Tansen riding Tag You're It glided over every single fence, with a smooth and precise round that took first place. Everett Carter had a great round on, The Nostradamus Prophecy. The bay mare has great, flat kneed gaits with a powerful, round jump. For a four year old, I'm seriously impressed and can't wait to see her move up in height. Enya Driscoll on her beautiful black mare, Ladybird Ladybird came in third place. The mare seemed a bit spooky with the obstacles blowing in the wind, but still jumped everything well, a bit bigger than necessary. But showing that scope really impressed everyone, these two are another great combination.

WORKING HUNTER

After a good round in the Children's, Enya Driscoll on Ladybird Ladybird went around course without a single flaw to take home the blue. It seemed after Ladybird Ladybird had a chance to look at the jumps, she was unfazed by them after and took every single one with a clean style. Enya seemed to be sitting up there perfectly, in a good two point with a solid lower leg over every fence, steering and getting bang on distances each time. Mitzi Briarleight on her rose gray gelding with a ridiculously long name (BSB Wilkommen Auf Mysterium) wowed the crowd with their second place round. Even with the wind blowing and the rain pelting, the two made their away around in sync with a classic form. I didn't expect much of the horse, I've never actually seen an Arabian, or half Arabian in this case in the hunter ring- but they flew me away with their red ribbon worthy performance. Salem Tansen riding Tag You're It unfortunately didn't have another stellar round like they had earlier. The beginning of the course was wonderful, but things just seemed to go a bit downhill after the fourth fence. They managed to pull out a third place. Charming Everett Carter on The Nostradamus Prophecy didn't do as well as they previous did. A rail and a spook seemed to keep the pair out of the top three, but still remained to be a pleasure to watch.

OPEN HUNTER

Faith Morris seemed to have gotten it together by the time the Open Hunters came around, her and King Nothing had a flawless round. I seriously want to steal this horse, he jumps a ten every time. But then again, if we all had the money that Faith did, all our horses would jump that way (and I wouldn't have to steal him). Enya Driscoll made another appearance in the ring, this time riding a horse called Biloxi Blues. The chestnut mare was adorable as well, trying her hardest to jump everything as well as she could. With a floaty, elevated trot and an uphill canter, I can definitely see a nice medal horse in the making. Speaking of medals, miss Kaitlyn McHail on Velasco made an appearance once again. The dark bay is quiet as can be, not blinking an eye at the sound of the wind or rain. The two just didn't seem to have it together today, it almost looks like Kaitlyn just sat there and steered. Newsflash, Kaitlyn: just because you've done the talent search, doesn't mean you can sit there and win, even if your horse is broke to death. Today just doesn't seem to be Everett Carter's day, sitting astride The Great Gatsby once more, the two had a good round at the start, but once again another spook in the same spot seemed to throw the pair off. Their course had been very solid and beautiful in the beginning, but from the spook they didn't seem to regain it. Mitzi Briarleight didn't start off great, her horse was a bit spooky compared to their first round. By the end, these two finished off with a beautiful last fence, but unfortunately an early rail seemed to knock them out of the blue and put them in fifth place.

REGULAR HUNTER

As always, the Regular hunters seemed to have some of the nicest horses I've ever laid eyes on. Faith Morris and King Nothing had a polished, clean round that kept every one's eyes on them the whole time. It was no surprise when she walked out with the blue. Alaska Black, a new face to the Crossfire show team, and her horse Ladies Man had another flawless round. I wasn't terribly impressed when the horse trotted in to the ring, but the moment I saw his fabulous uphill canter, I knew they were bound to be good. I'm definitely looking forward to seeing more of this pair in the future. Alaska Black returned in the ring once more riding Chelsea Dagger, the two had a good round, but a deep distance in to a line caused them to have a bit of a long spot coming out of the a line which ruined the otherwise smooth, almost flawless course.

JUMPERS

WELCOME JUMPER

The weather on Jumper day seemed to have improved a bit, and when I say a bit, I mean just barely. Maybe I was just going insane when I thought it wasn't as windy, but it seemed a bit better. The classes still were huge, people didn't seem to be turned off by the pouring rain. In the Welcome jumper, Nova Bente on that adorable pony of hers, The Unforgiven had a great round. Nova managed to clock around with some of the tightest rollbacks I've seen in a long time. That little pony sure can motor, and jumps a ten every time! She definitely gave Danielle Marks a run for her money, who came in second place with her pony, Kasanova. If only she would have made an inside turn to the last fence, perhaps there would have been another jump off between her and Nova. Now that would have made for an interesting class. Crystal Greene on her stunning cremello, Contadanza had a great round and were only seconds behind the third place winner. This pair was great to watch, the two seemed to be in total sync with each other. It looked like Crystal barely had to use her reins to steer this horse as they maneuvered around some tight rollbacks that I couldn't dream of trying on my horse. Grace Moselle didn't seem to have the same luck she did in the hunter ring, this horse will make a cute jumper one day though. The two took it slow, evidently she didn't want to push the young horse. With a rail in the triple combination, she managed to walk out with a fourth place ribbon. I was quite excited when I saw the fifth place rider trot in to the ring, hoping that they would be more successful rather than their hunter day. Unfortunately, Faith Morris on Mi Amour didn't have any better luck. After a stop, two rails and almost coming off once, I was surprised when she did that well with everything in consideration.

LOW JUMPER

Watch out, pony riders, it looks like Nova Bente and The Unforgiven are the pair to beat this upcoming season. After a successful go around in the Welcome Jumper, the two managed to keep it up for this divison too. Once again, Nova walked out with the blue ribbon. By the grin on Nova's face, I can tell that she definitely doesn't regret buying this one (and hey, Vince looked pretty pleased too! Good one, Nova!). Fighting hard to have the fastest time, Danielle Marks on Kasanova just don't have what it takes to catch up with Nova. The two were milliseconds behind Nova, but it looks like you're going to have to work a bit harder, little Marks to catch up with Nova! Third place winner was Faith Morris on her adorable pony, Toy Soldier. The two took a bit of a slower round in the slippery footing, but flawless even with the time faults. I couldn't help but to notice Danielle looking quite smug as the places were announced, Faith, honey- I wouldn't take her shit if I were you. By the time he last competitor, Iona Donaldson made her way into the ring, the footing desperately needed to be floated and dragged. Huge puddles were in front of the jump (believe me, even in the indoor we got soaked). Her pony didn't seem to be fazed by it, sloshing through the water like he had done it all his life. Unlike my horse who wouldn't tolerate it, the team went around perfectly except a rail at the second to last jump knocked them out of placing any higher. But he seems like a really cool pony, until all the others he was hardly phased by the water on the ground.

C/A JUMPER

It looks like the UFF was the only one who was brave enough to suck it up and go outside for the Children's/Adult jumpers. Needless to say, Monster made me go outside in the rain all by my lonesome to watch this. Faith Morris on Carnegie had a good round, the two didn't have to do much because they were the only ones in their class. Faith took her sweet time and loped around, riding it like the perfect medal ride off. She didn't stick around outside after her ride, I don't blame her- I barely saw the end of her round because I was already heading out to the shelter of the indoor.

J/A JUMPER

Once again, I was very sad to have to go trudging outside for the Juinor/Amateur jumpers. Seriously, it's embarrassing to be wrapped up in three jackets and gum boots (thank God everyone had the same idea, I didn't feel that retarded). I seriously think Summer needs to hurry, I'm sick of it feeling like Winter. After a delayed start for the J/A jumper, Enya Driscoll didn't seem to put off by the delay and warming up in the rain. Her horse seem to be to put off by the rain either, it definitely showed as the two came around with the quickest time and went double clear in their jump off. Coming behind her in to get the red ribbon, Lucy Scullvanger on Miss Amelia Windsor had another great round. I was really on my toes when they went in to the jump off, but they just didn't make the same inside turn from fence 3 to 5, and unfortunately were just seconds behind from the blue. It looks like Kaitlyn McHail decided to come play outside. Following behind a very angry looking Blaise, she complained all through warm up about not wanting to ride in this weather. I don't know what he said, but it worked- I didn't hear her complain after that and the two had a third place round, definitely not trying her hardest once again. One of my favorite riders, Everett Carter didn't seem to be on top like usual. His horse The Bride Wore Black just didn't seem to be enjoying the rain, shaking her head and pinning her ears the whole way around- not this horses usual manner of going, but I don't blame her, honestly. I'd be pissed off if someone dragged me out in the pouring rain too. The mare went to stop at one fence, but took down a rail as Everett urged her over it placing them in fourth.

MODIFIED JUMPER

Salem Tansen walked in the ring looking like she meant business for the Modified. The moment the whistle blew she was on it, with a great round I wasn't surprised when the two took the blue. Her and Inocencio were the pair to beat, the gray and her found perfect distances every time, getting the job done with style and ease. For the first time since the season started, Danielle Marks on Warwick actually had a good round- the tiny girl perched up on the tall gray managed to look like she had some form of control. It looks like all the screaming Grace had to do in the warm up ring actually finally sunk in. The two managed to clean up their act from last show, but they just didn't seem to beat Salem. With the tougher competition, Enya Driscoll still managed to hold her own to jump in to a third place victory on Biloxi Blues. Sitting once again at fourth place, Everett Carter on The Bride Wore Black had another good round, but it just wasn't good enough to step up and take the third place from Enya. I'm sure once the rain goes away, the two will be back up to their usual standards. It makes me sad to say that I haven't seen Amityville ridden by Blaise Garcia actually go this well before- and by well, I mean bolting around without hitting a rail and not stopping. The two managed to have a fifth place round, but he didn't look too pleased by the mares performance. Lucy Scullvanger on Miss Amelia Windsor looked like they may have had in to beat Salem, but with a surprise stop coming out of the corner it seemed to throw the two off and give them penalties which bumped their performance down to sixth place. New comer, Hayden Newman on his horse, Alabaster Night didn't have a great performance. Three rails later, the two managed to finish up their course through the pouring rain and blowing wind with Hayden looking a bit disappointed.

MODIFIED SPEED

There's two things I can say about the Modified Speed Jumper. Thank God it was inside, and two, this was one huge class. Blaise Garcia was the first rider in to this class, and he held the blue through the whole division. I mean, honestly, I wouldn't want to compete against him on Freeze Frame. They already got bronze in the Olympics, I already knew from the start that he was going to take the class. But I have to say, Blaise has quiet hands and a very responsive mount. It didn't take long for him to climb his way back on top after his disaster on Grace's monster, but I bet Grace didn't mind, being on top always brings home the money (and I bet he's always on top, if you know what I mean...). Salem Tansen had another great round, she definitely seemed to be more together in her riding today rather than her performance on hunter day. Bringing Incencio around sitting with her leg perfectly still on his side (I wish my leg was that still), as the two had a great time, but just couldn't compare to some of the crazy tight turns Blaise had to have the leading time. Natalia Filatov on a horse I've never seen before named Artisan's Nanon had a great round. Considering this is the first time I've seen them go around, I was quite impressed at how well they did in such a large class. Well done, Natalia! The Bride Wore Black seemed to have a nicer performance in this class than the Modified Jumper, Everett Carter was doing his best to make her go around. He'll be back up on top again (like Grace, I do like my guys on top *insert winking face here*).Hayden Newman on his stunning chestnut gelding Alabaster Night made their way around the course. I wasn't terribly impressed by the pair until I saw them go around on this course. Hayden was quiet and soft, just barely having to make any sort of adjustment to his very responsive, in tune horse. Coming in sixth place, was Carlee Peters on her adorable little gray, Neveah. Although the mare is a complete shit at best, she is as cute as can be and jumps super expressively! I was very amused watching Grace's facial expression as Faith Morris on King Nothing. The two had a fabulous round, and probably would have been second if she hadn't hit a rail. I kid you not, I thought Grace was going to cry. Until Danielle started laughing, she turned around and hit her with her bottle of Gatorade. I wonder who was laughing after that one. After a great win on his Olympic mount, Blaise Garcia on his naughty mare barely made it around. I cringed as I noticed he had the racing bat out once more, smacking the mare before almost every fence. The two scraped up eighth, and last place.

OPEN JUMPER

I wanted to cry of happiness when they announced that they moved the Open Jumpers and Grand Prix back in to the arena. Seriously, how come it took them four divisions outside with jumps falling down from the wind to decide that? Alaska Black on Ladies Man had a quick and clean round, the two were on fire- definitely a step up from their dressage test. Right when I thought I had seen the end of Alaska Black for the day, she came back on another horse named Chelsea Dagger and had a second place round. For new comers to the circuit, I'm pretty sure no one is going to be forgetting their name soon. Maybe we have another future Olympic rider on our hands- watch out, Blaise. Nova Bente had a great third place round, on her beautiful stallion Malach de Zoin, like her pony (and unlike her monster) he didn't seem to be fazed by the howling wind outside and jumped around in perfect form like he always does. Seriously, the more I watch this horse go, the more I want to take him home! After watching Nova, I think we all saw the determination in Vince Black's eyes to beat her, but by two seconds Adeline and Vince managed to come out with a fourth place. Like Malach, Adeline seemed unfazed and just snapped her knees up as tight as she could every time. Better luck next time, Vincent! Enya Driscoll came back in the arena once more, probably glad that it was finally moved indoor, riding her horse Ladybird Ladybird the two snuck up behind Vince in fifth place. Enya looked quite pleased, I don't blame her, after a smooth and wonderful performance I'd be pleased too! Gabriel Werth on his stunning stallion Jericho didn't have their best performance. It seemed like Jericho would much rather go sideways, then gallop three strides out in front of the jump rather than just maintain the same canter all around. He definitely was feeling good in the cool weather, but seemed to settle down for the rest of the course. I don't think it was Hayden Newman's day, with a stop at the first fence the pair just didn't seem to have a great course from there on in. King Of Spades appears to be a careful jumper, and the flashy jumps seemed to intimidate him. I think the more miles he gets at this height, the better the two will perform. Don't be too disappointed, Hayden- you're playing in a tough crowd.

GRAND PRIX

After a not so great performance in the Open Jumper. Gabriel Werth and Jericho really stepped up their game for a blue ribbon victory and a pocket full of cash. I bet Gabe is happy, I would love to walk away with that from a horse show. Once again, Alaska Black on Chelsea Dagger put in another second place around. I swore she almost made the blue there, and I'm seriously impressed by this new face. I'm not a paint fan by all means, but this horse is the odd exception for me. With such a classy, traditional and clean jumping style, you can't help but to love this horse with her smooth as silk gaits. A solid third place round went to Nova Bente on her beautiful stallion, Malach de Zoin. Seriously. Love. This. Horse. He is as cute as a button, and so very sweet! don't ever sell this one- actually, please do, I'd love to have him in my barn. Clockwork, ridden by Blaise Garcia had a good round, but with two time faults it kept them from placing any higher. The bay gelding has quite a bit of energy and really wanted to go at every fence. With a steady hand, Blaise managed to do quite a good job with him. Hayden Newman seemed to have a better performance in the Grand Prix than he did in the Open jumper. Him and his horse made their way around, but with a rail at the beginning of the course ruined their chances for further placing. Last, but not least was Vince Black on Adeline- I cringed as his lovely mare slid to a stop in front of an oxer. I don't blame her though, at the distance Vince tried to get her to take off from, I don't think burying your mare in to a 5'+ oxer was one of your brightest ideas, Vince. After he managed to get her over that, the course was quite rough and rigid- got a bit shook up? I think so. I guess that's what happens when you're too caught up in winning and not the basics, better luck next time.

WESTERN

BARREL RACING

I seriously contemplated not showing up for the Western, especially if the weather was going to be shitty like the last three days. When I woke up, I was seriously surprised to see the rain had stopped, but it was still windy as ever. Seriously, you guys were lucky though- I can deal with overcast and wind, it was nice not being pelted with the rain this time around. A lot of the horses seemed to be energetic and wanting to run. I guess it was a good thing for the barrel racers. I was surprised to see Alaska Black riding western, and running a good quick time on her horse SF Dima Dozen taking the first place ribbon. Shortly behind her was a new face to the circuit, Gabby Moore on Me And My Shadow. The two lost a bit of time with a wide turn around the second barrel. Brittanie Crummett on her horse Russian Roulette had another great run, once again so close to have the second place win. I seriously enjoy watching these riders, it's a nice change from watching the hunters.Benjamin Hadley on HD Dakota Sunrise didn't have the same luck they did last show, knocking down a barrel they just didn't couldn't catch up on the time that was added. I guess he just needs to pay more attention instead of eying up Gabriel Werth, maybe he'd actually have won that round.

2500 BARREL RACE

I don't quite understand why more people don't participate in the 2500 dollar barrel race. Easy cash, is it not? Benjamin Hadley seemed to get his game back up. Having a quick, clean run on HD Dakota Sunrise to win the blue and cash. Coming in a close second was Alaska Black on SF Dima Dozen (I seriously applaud you, honey for being so versatile in your riding).

Reining

Okay, remember when I said the weather was better? I lied. By the time this class came around, the heaven's parted and it just poured down like none other. Right when I thought it couldn't get any worse, the lightning and thunder started right back up from where it left off yesterday. Lovely, I know. Yet, the reiners didn't seem to be all that fazed by it and kept going on like nothing happened. Gabby Moore on Me And My Shadow had a great round, that horse stopped hard and slid. Light and responsive, she had some of the quickest spins I've seen in a long time. Benjamin Hadley and his mount HD Shakin' It Up (seriously, what is with the HD?) had a great round, the greener gelding seemed to try his hardest to please, even with the thunder roaring so loudly I thought I was going to lose my hearing. Which would suck, how else would I hear the lovely ring side conversations? Tory Walker and his new horse Heza Big Boy had a... interesting round to put it. The young stallion had no intentions on stopping, but somehow the judges seemed to think that it was worthy of a third place ribbon. Alaska Black on SF Dima Dozen weren't have the luck they had earlier. Once it thunder and lightning started up again, it seemed her horse had the same intentions as Tory's, not stopping, or really steering for that matter.

Trail

Travis Loveland and National Treasure had a pretty good round. After watching the horse spook at the speakers and go sideways, I was surprised with how quietly he managed to have the horse jog along afterward. Quite impressive, I have to say. Alaska Black on SF Dima Dozen had a good, solid course. Except a small clunk of her horse hitting the poles, there was nothing wrong with this round. She happily accepted her second place ribbon, with a pat on her horses neck for a job well done. Tory Walker still had a bit of a stopping problem with Heza Big Boy, but managed to get the job done, and pick up a third place ribbon while he was at it. Now, I'm not Western judge, but I'm almost positive your horse isn't supposed to spin away when you go and open the fake gate. And I guess taking the gate down with you could knock some points down. Needless to say, Benjamin Hadley and HD Shakin' did not have their best round. Walking out with a fourth place ribbon and a horse flailing around, Ben seemed far from impressed.

Western Pleasure

I don't think I've ever seen a Western class this big before. Brittanie Crummett and her horse, on Butterfly Effect had a great class. The horse moved slow and steady, with a perfect jog and lope without blinking an eye at the ongoing weather. Alaska Black wasn't far behind her, SF Dima Dozen really had her game on. I honestly though these two might have had the blue, but a couple of late downward transitions threw them out of that chance. In third place was Gabby Moore on Splash Of Romance, the two seemed to be in top form. But Gabby's horse just didn't seem to move as effortlessly and free as the others. The weather seemed to have upset her horse a bit, and I don't blame her- the weather sucked. Everett Carter on The Great Gatsby tried to keep up with the Western Pleasure guru's, but his hunteresque movement seemed to prevent him from placing with the other born and bred performance horses. But may I add, did he ever look handsome in jeans and cowboy hat. Benjamin Hadley didn't seem to be having a fun time with his gelding, going sideways rather than forward at one point. The black quarter horse just didn't seem to approve of being out in the pissing down rain. Travis Loveland seemed to be having the same problem, but managed to get his horse to show off it's fabulous jog. Coming in sixth place, I'm sure if the weather would have been nicer they would have cleaned up. Let's just say when we all thought Tory Walker was going to have a better round, Heza Big Boy decided to prove us wrong. Going sideways, rearing and not stopping- it was quite the performance to watch. At seventh place, Tory looked like he just wanted to load his horse up and go home.

Individual Roping

I was so ready to go home by the time the Individual Roping was on, I was half tempted just to leave and make up things about the last two classes. But I had to stay true to my loyal fans, so Monster and I parked our asses down and sat in the pouring rain to watch the final competitors. Travis Loveland and Undeniably You had probably the quickest round I had ever seen. A bit forward starting up, but no one was shocked when they took the blue. Followed by Alaska Black on SF Dima Dozen, who just missed the blue by simple seconds. Tory Walker didn't have his usual luck, I think he was just fed up and done and ready to go. Him and his handsome palomino, Indiana Grand took home the third place.

Team Roping

Thank God there was only one team to watch, which just happened to be Tory Walker and Benjamin Hadley. The two were quick and got the job done, I think they were glad to have it over with too. They seemed to get out of there as fast as they could (trust me, the moment they were done I went to buy myself a large hot chocolate).

Well, what can I say? The weather totally sucked, but the gossip was better than ever! I hope all of you aren't too discouraged by the weather, before we know it Summer will be here once more and we will be wishing we had rain. But now I'm going to go take a hot bath and make myself another cup of Hot Chocolate (with a dash of Baileys Irish Cream). I think you all should do the same thing, it definitely makes me feel better after sitting in the miserable weather. Lets all cross our fingers for better weather next show, alright? Until next show,

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SHOW MONGER[/blockquote]

[gracemoselle]

Oh, come on now. It's almost impossible to learn a dressage test in five minutes. Danielle can't call a dressage test to save her life! I have to say, Show Monger, just wait until this horse gets more miles on him. He's going to be quite the horse.

[carlee]

Grace, Grace, Grace. I believe that there's a place for everyone in the equine world when they want to be here. Most people know where that place is, but I must tell you...your place is not in the elegant dressage arena, go stick your butt out in the hunters where you belong ;D

[alaska]

ah haa, a face you won't forget! and i wasn't even expecting to do so well. i'm versatile enough to claim i can show in all disicplines, but i didn't think i was good enough to place in them all! and be aware, me and Ret are gonna show every class she can possibly take. Add her in with the other two english, Dima, and then my other new western horse. Olympics in my site? hell yeah! xD