We’re on a roll, might as well keep going.

The National Horse Show is in Del Mar, California every year. The show is at the race track. The warm-up is on the race track that has this new, “spngy” footing. After worming up there, the ride happens in a sandy, deep footing. With those conditions anyone scoring well has really accomplished something. Southern California is now the mecca of American dressage so it isn’t always easy to score when people in magazines on very expensive horses are in your class. Nonetheless, we’re willing to show our horses. That’s what it is about-showing training (the dressage) of the horse.

Tom Valter rode Swedish Warmblood, Charman, and Lusitano Stallion, Ultriz Interagro. Both placed in the ribbons. Charman won the High Point ribbon for Swedish Warmbloods.

Katie Thompson rode Uno-HM in the Fourth Level, ending up in the mid-sixties for scores.

Rebecca Raede on Elmegarden’s Ziam continued to work on their collection of qualifying scores for the USDF National Junior Championships. (She earned a first and a second despite Ziam’s new found “electricity.” Ziam was on fire.

Mary Burke & Prince

Mary Burke usually rides adult amateur but she wanted to know what it would be like to ride with the big guns in the CDI-W. They’re scores were respectful and she ended up in the top half of some very large classes (over 15 rides.) It was all good experience.

A couple weeks later, Rebecca practiced her new Musical Freestyle on her horse, Ribbons N’ Curls. Another week later, she got her qualifying score needed for her Junior FEI Championships on Elmegardens Ziam. That was at the Flintridge show.

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Time to Catch up on Horse Show Results

Marthe Winner & Ventura

We’ve all been busy going to horse shows we didn’t even stop to make a note! But now it’s time to catch up. We’ll start with the April show in Las Vegas. Mathe Winner rode well at third level on her horse, Ventura. They are progressing well and got scores well over 60%.

Then Katie Thompson used the show to practice the Fourth level test on the Lusitano gelding, Uno-HM. It was a successful ride. Katie and Uno placed first with scores in the mid-sixties. On the last day of the show, Uno and Katie won the fourth level class but Kristey Keller on her Lusitano gelding, Talisma Do Retiro, got reserve, also with scores over 60%.

Mary Burke rode Prince and scored nearly 72% in the Prix St. George. Intermediare I score was in the mid sixties.

After the Las Vegas show at Cooper Ranch, there were rides at a show at Los Angeles Equestrian Center. I don’t remember who rode and what they scored so we’ll move on. . . .

We all got together in Las Vegas for the World Cup. Marthe Winner arranged a suite so we had a relaxing enjoyable time, eating catered food and wine and watching great rides. Now it was time to get ready for the CDI-W at Del Mar, California.

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Welcome Nola and Bendito III

Meet our new friends! Nola Foulston from Wichita, Kansas became the new proud owner of Bendito III this week. Bendito is a 7-year-old PRE Andalusian that is nothing short of a sweet, kind, gentleman. Bendito couldn’t ask for a better home with Nola. She immediately found a fancy halter to match his good looks. New horse. . . new horse shopping.

Bendito III and Nola's first ride.

This is a really elegant horse and the two will make a good match. Bendito will be around our barn for a little while so Tom can learn more about him and train him to be a fun, safe mount for Nola. Don’t be surprised if you see Bendito at some of the IALHA shows.

Tom likes to know the history of a horse when they come into the barn for the first time. For example, how many different trainers worked with the horse. If it’s been more than one or two, Tom expects a new horse to be a little wary when handled by new people. Horse react differently to new situations. Some are really good for a day or two and then test the limits of the new place. Others transition without incident. All of them want to get to know their new owners as much as the new owners are eager to get to know them. But, like any meaningful relationship, that takes time. Be patient and give your new horse a chance to interact with you and learn your routine. (So far Bendito has been warm and responsive toward Nola and Tom.)

Tom is honored to have Bendito III in his barn for another reason. In his past, Bendito was trained by Vaughn Smith, a well-known, and well-regarded horseman of the IALHA community. Vaughn passed away a few days before Bendito came to live with us. Are prayers continue for Vaughn’s family and friends.

(Left to right) Bendito III, Nola Foulston, and Tom Valter

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Latest Horse Show Was Good Schooling

Ultriz Interagro

Last weekend Tom and Rebecca Raede showed at “Dressage at Hansen Dam” in Lakeview Terrace, California. It was a beautiful spring day and the golden eagles that live on the property were out looking for things to feather their nest. With the eagles circling above, we all had a good time chatting with friends and catching up. It was our first time attending dressage shows at Hansen Dam and we’ll return. GDS Equestrian did a good job making the competitors comfortable. 

Charman was there to practice the new 2009 Grand Prix Special test. Ultriz Interagro, the Lusitano Stallion, drew a crowd while he worked on his Prix St. George. The more Ultriz rode the test the more he improved.

It was Rebecca Raede and Elmegardens Ziam who really used the show as an opportunity to improve the new 2009 FEI Junior tests. Even though Rebecca went off course, Ziam and she earned a score over 67% and the two are riding together more than ever before. (Check out their half-pass.)

Rebecca & Ziam

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