Gracious Me - Part II

This week and next,  is the National Capital Show Jumping Tournaments, organized and run by Hayes Co. The Hayes family is determined to bring great show jumping to exhibitors, spectators, and sponsors alike and its a privilege to have this caliber of competition right in our own backyard.  Unfortunately, Stormy was not fit enough (long recovery from an abscess),  to be there this week. Rachel has been fortunate to obtain the services of another horse in the barn.  "Gracious Me", is owned by Anna Mees and very generously loaned to Rachel for the show. 

7th - 1.0M Jr/Am

6th - 1.0M Jr/Am

Gracious Me - Gracie

Today was the 1.0M Jr/Am Mini Prix which was suppose to start at 8:00am but due to stormy weather, was delayed until 9:00am. Gracie and Rachel toughed out the rain and placed 1st which made them the 1.0M Jr/Am Champions! Total ribbon count for the week, 2nd, 7th, 6th, 1st and Champion.  A repeat performance from Beaulieu's Summer Classic and a nice gift for Rachel's 21st birthday!  Again, myself, her father or Gracie's owner could not be there to witness the final round.  I'm starting to think we should always stay away but I do hope someone got a picture!

Next week, we hope Anna will allow Rachel to bring Gracie back again so that they may compete for the 1.0M Jr/Am Circuit Championship.  Stormy will be there to compete in a couple of the 1.20M classes, which allows a shortened schedule for him and increases his fitness level for the Canadian Country Classic at Halton Hills, August 25th - 29th.  There they'll be vying for the Emerging Rider Champion title.