Gracious Me - Part I

Beaulieu's Summer Classic II, was held from June 23 - 27th, 2010.  Stormy had recently been diagnosed with an abscess and while waiting for it to heal we had to scratch his entry from Beaulieu. 

Anna Mees, the owner of "Gracious Me" allowed Rachel to take "Gracie" to Beaulieu as she had her heart set on going.  Rachel has ridden Gracie in the Westar Silver Trillium shows and rides Gracie for Anna when the need arises. 

Gracie had never been exposed to this caliber of show before, competing on our Trillium Bronze Circuit with Anna and occasionally with Rachel in the Child/Adult Jumper on the Trillium Silver Circuit. A little bit overwhelmed at first she soon found her groove and started to consider herself a Grand Prix horse! She knows how to strut!

The team did extremely well with a 7th, 1st, 1st and Champion of the 1.0M Jr/Am. They then went on to place 8th in the 1.0M Speed Derby! A beautiful trophy and ribbons came home with Gracie to give to her "mom".  We all received this picture attached to a text message as neither myself, her father or Gracie's owner could be there to witness the fun!

1.0M Jr/Am Champion

The Spotted Horse - "Nash"

Nash (yearling) & Nugget the Pony

Several years ago, Rachel was riding out of Stevens Creek Farm and was coached by Teddie Laframboise.  While there, she was lucky enough to witness the birth of several babies.  One of the first was a lovely paint colt sired by Tricolore (KPWN) x Mistrale a TB mare.  Wonderful temperament from the time his tiny hooves hit the ground he was and still is a favourite at the farm.

Just recently, Rachel was given the opportunity to revisit Stevens Creek and work on schooling the 5yr old paint.  Honored to be asked, she's loving the ride.  Look what a difference 5yrs can make!

Mentoring

One of the responsibilities of being an older and more experienced rider,  is the mentoring of young riders just starting out.  If you're an eager participant Rachel will encourage and praise and perhaps offer a suggestion or two....

Rachel and Mini-Me, aka Makayla

Makayla and her pony went to their first "A" show at Pepiniere but the girls schedules overlapped and I wasn't able to get any pictures.  In Blainville I was able to catch some of the Medium Pony classes with Makayla aboard "Huggs & Kisses".

This picture cracks me up :-) To this day, Rachel will stick her tongue out the side of her mouth when she's really concentrating on a jump!  We don't call Makayla Mini-Me for no reason!

Praise and encouragement from coach,  Jeff McKessock

Blainville 2010

After a month off to draw out and heal an abscess the team was ready to get back to work.  A little bit rusty to start, horse and rider soon found their groove and had an excellent showing over the 3 days.

Clear round - 1.2M Jr/Am

4th 1.2M Jr/Am Speed

Friends from Westar

2nd - 1.2M Jr/Am Mini Prix

2nd - 1.2M Jr/Am Mini Prix