The incomparable Nickel
The HMI Equestrian Challenge was the first of 2 weeks at Sonoma, the biggest the facility had ever hosted. With 6 show days, 6 rings (a brand new one was installed the week before competition) and the best prize money in Northern California, it proved to be an intense, but fulfilling week. We had many horses competing, including several new sales horses hot off the van, and a full "home" schedule to keep up. Now, we love our at home shows, but they have proven to be the most exhausting for FCF employees. We try our hardest, seeing as we are on the property, to not only cater to our showing clients schedules, but keep up a regular "home" lesson and training schedule for those not competing. With ring schedules often overlapping our lesson and training schedules, this proves to be slightly stressful and sometimes hectic. We commend our whole staff with stepping up to the plate and providing the utmost care and attention to all our clients, showing or not showing. We could not do it without our incredible teamwork. We also thank our clients for their patience and support, as sometimes this might mean a 10 minute delay or early start to lessons, perhaps a change in order at the ring, you all are so understanding and we feel blessed to have you as clients.
Ok, now let's move on to some show news! We had many exciting moments and milestones this week. Phoenix Williams and her ever-dependable partner Flying Solo, made the move up to the 0.85m with class and style. Placing in every class they competed in, it was truly a joy to watch this pair meet and surpass their goals. Also meeting her newly-set goals was Cheryl Daniels-Grey and Boardwalk. Cheryl and Boardwalk, in their 2nd show together, made the jump to the Low Adult Hunters, making it look effortless. Earning scores of 82, this duo looks to be the ones to beat. I may be seeing A/A's in their future... Sharon Mackenzie continued her impressive ways with solid rounds in the A/A's, proving her readiness for the illustrious Menlo Charity Horse Show (a goal of hers to compete there). Also on the docket was new partnership Hannah Cooper and recently arrived sales horse R Lobo. These two were joined together on the saturday before the show began and in no way looked to be a new partnership. Seeming as if they'd been together for years, the twosome flew around to top ribbons in the 1.00m Low Adult and 1.05m (the highest Hannah has ever competed!) Jumpers. They raked in top ribbons and had loads of fun doing so. Miss Lynne Lancaster, hot off her incredibly successful trip to Spruce Meadows, showed us how much she'd learned on her trip by taking the step up to the 1.15m classes. Not only did her mount, Cielo, smoke the competition in the 1.15m and 1.20m classes with FCF pro Chelsea Jones, but she continued to do so with Lynne in the A/A jumpers and the 1.15m's. This horse and Lynne have big plans for the future, and we have no doubt that they will meet them!! Lastly, Annmarie Mede and Shamus competed in their last show together. It was a bittersweet moment for these two, as it will be the last one for them, but they made the move to the 1.10m division. One of Annmarie's last goals before heading off to college was to move up to the 1.10m, and with her trusty steed, Shamus, she did just that. Not only did she receive top ribbons in the Low Childrens Jumper division, but she clocked around her first 1.10m as if it were nothing. We're so proud of you Annmarie and wish you all the best at college!!
Annie, Shamus, Hannah and Lobo enjoying some shade between rounds!
On the Professional side of things, we had many wonderful moments with our sales horses and Grand Prix horses. Newcomer Baloutel competed in the hunter ring for the first time ever with Pro Chelsea and proved he had found his calling. Earning scores of 84 in the Performance hunters, he looks to be a Derby winner in the making. Also new to our sales roster, Monte Carlo had top ribbons in the 1.15m and 1.20m Jumpers. This guy is fast, fun and careful, making him the perfect first competitive jumper or USET or horse. Nickel and Peter had a successful week, with a 2nd and 5th place finish in a highly competitive 1.40m class and beautiful rounds in the $30,000 Grand Prix. These two just continue to amaze us with their awesomeness. Our other FCF pro, Giana Roberge had some fabulous rounds with her horse Dusty Z and sales horse Coppacabana. She made the move up with the young (barely 8) Dusty Z to the 1.30m and earned top ribbons in the 1.20m division with new partner Coppacabana. These pairs are ones to watch!
Baloutel, his first week as hunter!
The beautiful Monte Carlo
P.S. entry blanks and schedules have been placed in the tack room for the Sacramento International Horse Shows. Closing date is Aug.26, so hurry and please come to us with any questions or comments!
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