tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25709606519647741372024-03-13T15:40:59.663-04:00Serenity Valley FarmStill flying... and that's enough -- Adventures on the FarmSerenity Valley Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05131851721482903315noreply@blogger.comBlogger119125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2570960651964774137.post-84123221909654835962015-07-14T15:12:00.001-04:002015-07-14T15:12:31.384-04:00Show Review & Farm UpdateThank you to everyone who came out to our show at Twin Towers Park on June 27th.... both riders and volunteers! Mother Nature certainly wasn't cooperating, but hope everyone who did/could show had a good time. We hated to have to cancel the last half of the jumping, but the footing just wasn't holding up. We certainly hope for good weather for the show on September 26th.
On the farm front, the wet weather hasn't helped any progress on various projects. Once the weather breaks, we hope to be able to start putting in the new outdoor arena as well as siding the existing barn, putting up a new stall/storage barn, finishing the barn side paddock, seeding the parking pasture and fertilizing the hay field. Yep, lots to do but looking forward to getting project done!
Shows have been minimal so far this year, but have a few scheduled for the rest of the year. Serenity Valley Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05131851721482903315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2570960651964774137.post-37759528475744997352015-02-03T15:25:00.002-05:002015-02-03T15:27:19.709-05:002015!Wow! It's February already and I'm just now putting up a new farm blog post? Oops!! So here's a quick rundown on where we are and where we hope to go this year -- both as individuals and well as a farm:<br />
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1) Shows - we will once again be hosting 2 shows this year so mark your calendars for Saturday, June 27 and Saturday, September 26. Both shows will offer DLSC dressage classes as well as classes available for any other regular dressage, eventing dressage or western dressage test. In addition, we'll be doing Combined Training from ground poles through Training level (3'3"), Prix Caprilli tests, and jumper classes from 2' to 3'3". We'll also be doing a Gambler's Choice (2' to 3"3") payback class and a Six Bar class. Also, for those who braved last October's weather with us, you'll be happy to know that our regular R&B Concessions will be at both shows!! Please see website for details.<br />
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2) Farm Progress -- Let's see... we have 6 stalls in the existing barn that were created and look wonderful (Thank You First Class Home Solutions as well as a number of other folks who helped out!). 1 large pasture is being used and materials have been purchased to put in a 2nd pasture as soon as the weather and other obligations cooperate. We've started getting bids for the new barn which will open up boarding opportunities as well as the indoor arena which will open up on-farm show and training/clinic opportunities. <br />
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As our dream of this facility becomes more and more real, we're honing in on our goals of what we truly want it to be -- an Equestrian Education and Training Center. We feel there is definitely a place for this kind of facility in our area and it is truly what we hope to offer as the facility takes shape. Goals include:<br />
<ol>
<li>Hosting fun, educational and low-stress schooling shows similar to the ones we offer now. Personally I would love to see us be able to eventually have something like a jumper series during the summer offered under lights.</li>
<li>Host riding and non-riding educational clinics with accomplished and knowledgeable professionals.</li>
<li>Offer the facility for local riders, trainers or organizations (ie: Pony Club, 4H, etc.) for schooling purposes. Our plans include the indoor arena, an outdoor arena and eventually cross country jumps in the fields which could be used for simple training or even rented for specific clinics, camps or shows. </li>
<li>Offer a few quality boarding opportunities. We don't plan to have very many boarders but there will be stalls available as the facility takes shape.</li>
</ol>
There are a couple other ideas that we have floated amongst ourselves that we are interested in that would fit in with our core goals for the farm. As we investigate further into their feasibility and they begin to take shape, we'll be sharing more and more.<br />
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3) Personal -- on some personal notes, 2014 ended nicely with everyone - horse and human - healthy and happy. Several DLSC Year End Awards were brought home to Serenity Valley Farm and while we are more about doing well for ourselves, it's always a bonus to earn a Year End Award.<br />
<ul>
<li>Ashley & Skye = 4th place Green Horse (hunter), 4th place Green Horse EQ (hunter)</li>
<li>Ella & Bo = Reserve Champion Beginner Horse (hunter), Reserve Champion Intro Level Junior (dressage)</li>
<li>Lilly & Rambo = Champion Intermediate Horse (hunter), Reserve Champion Training Level Junior (dressage)</li>
<li>Tammy & Shirley = 4th place Training Level Senior (dressage), Reserve Champion USEF Rider Tests (dressage)</li>
<li>Ella & Thumper = 3rd place 1st Thru 4th Level (dressage)</li>
</ul>
Looking towards this year, we're not sure what we'll be doing necessarily (other than working on the farm of course), but we all really feel this is going to be a great year! Stay tuned for the details! <br />
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Serenity Valley Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05131851721482903315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2570960651964774137.post-59834816341329532422014-11-17T10:53:00.005-05:002014-11-17T10:53:57.994-05:00Progress!!One of these days I'll have a "real" weekend, right? At the moment, weekends are a flurry of activity as the only real amounts of time to get work done at the farm. So here's an update of where we stand as of this morning on the various projects:<br />
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<ul>
<li>Fencing: The big house-side pasture is almost ready to have the
electro-braid strung! I think there are 3 or 4 posts that need to go in
the ground that didn't go earlier as we didn't really realize they were
in quite as bad shape as they were. 2 of those are the corner and
brace posts for the corner next to the yard so that will have to be
braced as well.</li>
</ul>
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<ul>
<li>Barn: we finished cleaning out 2/3rds of the barn on Saturday! WOW it
looks so much better all cleaned out. The concrete side is done and
will eventually house 2 stalls. The middle portion is done and nicely
swept. We even did the loft over the concrete... cleaned out all the
junk, and organized what is left up there. In the process, everyone had
some fun finding the "buried treasures" -- a new in box frost proof
water faucet was probably the best find, but there were others: 9' shade
canopy in the box, a foosball table (in several boxes), 50 mile
electric fence charger, various tools, couple foal/mini halters, some
Army gear including a package of beef stew MRE! Made the dust and
cleaning fun. </li>
</ul>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before - looking down from the loft</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After!</td></tr>
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<ul>
<li> Electric: Attic and 2nd floor are DONE!! It looks SO much better!
Attic is now ready for insulation, though it was funny -- due to the
status of the furnace, we ran kerosene heaters this weekend and once the
attic access was closed, the 2nd floor REALLY stayed warm even after
the heater on that floor was off for over 30 minutes. A couple items
left on the first floor and the basement. Then it will be out to the
barn. </li>
</ul>
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<ul>
<li>Furnace: No real smoking issues anymore but still some odor. Had a
repairman out and after removing the exhaust, turns out the chimney
needs cleaned out and probably inspected before he can service the
furnace. So we're currently heating with kerosene heaters until the
furnace gets fixed.<br /><br /></li>
<li>Flooring: Purchased 4" unfinished utility grade red oak for the
living room and den and I think it's going to look FANTASTIC when
finished. Should be installed this week (after the phone call I just
had) but to finish it, I need heat. So the rest will be on hold.
Thinking I might just put regular carpet down in the bedrooms afterall,
after looking at the flooring once I finished scraping and sweeping in
the master bedroom. Need to price it out and see.<br /><br /></li>
<li>Walls: Have the first floor scraped and some of the spackling done.
The stairwell is done to the point that I need a ladder to finish. The
Master bedroom is also ready for spackle. Still need to do some
scraping in the 2nd bedroom and landing, mostly up high.</li>
</ul>
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<ul>
<li>Paint: Need to finish picking out colors. I know what I want the kitchen to look like but not sure what colors that will entail using. Have colors picked out for the den, living room, bathroom and stairs/landing. I *think* I know what I want in the master, but not 100% sure. No idea what to do in the 2nd bedroom.</li>
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In other news, I bought my first "toy" for the farm! A 4x2 gas gator with hydrolic dump bed, extra chain tires, wench and plow blade! I LOVE it and it's already really come in handy. Serenity Valley Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05131851721482903315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2570960651964774137.post-40084022372122397942014-11-10T12:08:00.002-05:002014-11-10T12:08:17.562-05:00So much to doHad a wonderful weekend. I haven't moved in yet but we used the farm for a 16th b-day bonfire and it was a success (minus the clogged toilet... good thing there are 2 in the house!). Made use of the still extremely hot ashes yesterday to cook a foil-wrapped dinner too. YUMMY!! I think more dinners like that need to be made.<br />
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Someone recently asked me if I'd made a complete list of things that need to be done for the farm. I told them a resounding no because I'm afraid that looking at such a long (and in many cases expensive) list would make me simply go catatonic and not be able to know where to start. Someone else suggested that I actually do start the list because then when the lovely wonderful people in my life show up unscheduled at the farm and want to help, I'll have a few choices of things to do that need to be done. Ok, that's a good reason to have a list. So... as long as I don't look TOO closely, here's the START of that list (in absolutely no order except how it pops into my head):<br />
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<ul>
<li>Get the furnace looked at</li>
<li>Get the stove/oven looked at</li>
<li>Pull up the carpet staples in the den before the flooring guys come</li>
<li>Get the wood floors redone (living room, den and landing... possibly the stairs)</li>
<li>Do something with the bedroom floors involving some amount of carpet probably</li>
<li>Scrape paint upstairs and at the tippy top of the stairwell</li>
<li>Have ceiling fans in living room and den mounted, eventually buying and installing the fans upstairs</li>
<li>Move fridge</li>
<li>Redo kitchen floor</li>
<li>Add cabinets (eventually adding a dishwasher which will entail more new cabinets and a change of countertop and backsplash)</li>
<li>Spackle EVERYWHERE</li>
<li>Gutter grout in the tub, followed by regular bath silicone</li>
<li>Prime all walls and ceilings</li>
<li>Paint all walls and ceilings (which also involved deciding on paint colors for everything)</li>
<li>Move book shelves upstairs</li>
<li>Replace shower head upstairs</li>
<li>Take shower head from upstairs and put on shower in basement</li>
<li>Put in insulation in the attic</li>
<li>Clear out Springhouse for outdoor storage</li>
<li>Have siding and trim replaced</li>
<li>Pull down almost dead tree</li>
<li>Put in t-posts</li>
<li>Put in new corner and front posts in barn paddock</li>
<li>Replace posts as needed</li>
<li>Run fence wire (buy more?)</li>
<li>Clean out barn</li>
<li>Build stalls</li>
<li>Figure out lights (with John's help) and water options</li>
<li>Get new barn area set for excavating</li>
<li>Figure out window treatments</li>
<li>CLEAN, including window sills</li>
<li>ETC!!!</li>
</ul>
Then there's the whole actually moving in thing and on top of that an open house at the Cottage place on the 23rd to get ready for (cleaning to do which includes the carpets HAVE to be done). Some of the items are obviously wants or "laters" that I can definitely get away with not having done right away. But when creating a list based on what is and what my vision of the place is... it gets to be quite a LONG list. Even straightforward stuff like "clean out the spring house or barn" gets into making several piles of stuff -- trash, sell/donate/recycle, save for future use.<br />
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But it's STILL a labor of love. We cleared a bunch of brush from the fenceline around the house this weekend and it's looking much better already. And the electric work continues which is amazing and I'm SO grateful for! Just keep swimming, right?<br />
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Serenity Valley Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05131851721482903315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2570960651964774137.post-54503377161492627342014-11-06T11:28:00.001-05:002014-11-06T11:28:21.617-05:00The new farm!It's been a week but the new farm is bought!!! I'm so excited. Been out there every day since closing doing all kinds of things to make it livable and functional. It's going to be quite the endeavor of work and love, but in the end it will be SO worth it!<br />
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The specs: 39.85 acres, mostly tillable (over half is currently share-cropped) with some pasture, a small hay field and a creek. 2 story 1905 built 2 bedroom 1 bath farmhouse with full unfinished cinderblock basement (which also has a shower and toilet). Fuel oil furnace with forced air heat. No AC. Approximately 9,000 gallon cistern. Jefferson Regional Water Authority water. Septic. Been vacant for about 6 years. Existing barn is approximately 60x30 and in poor to fair condition. Some of the beams will be salvageable but it's neither big enough nor set up well enough for long term use. Corn crib probably needs to be torn down sooner than later, but will have life through the winter as a place to park the Saturn so I don't have to scrape windows.<br />
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LONG term goals: Along with fixing up the house of course because it needs it, we want the facility to be a small show/training/clinic place... an education facility. We LOVE holding our current SVF shows at Twin Towers, but would love to see them move to the farm. They'll end up being a bit smaller in scale, but we could do one/month. We're looking at putting up an 80'x150' indoor arena (to be able to have indoor space that could accommodate a small dressage ring) as well as a 12 stall barn (for training and limited boarding). We haven't yet settled on an outdoor ring size, but ideally I'd love to see 150'x250' with lights. One of the dreams would be to run an "under the lights" jumper series during the summer. And of course we plan to make full use of the acreage to have plenty of schooling cross country jumps. And while our personal focus is in the english world, we are NOT opposed to hosting western or trail events in the future.<br />
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My hope here is to blog the progress as we get things accomplished. Now that I should be getting a new phone tomorrow (with hopefully a working camera) I'll be able to do that. In the meantime, here are the "before" pics. By estimation these are a year old and were taken from the real estate listing. ENJOY!!<br />
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PS. Blogger is being piggish about me reordering the pics... so you're getting them in random Blogger order. Sorry.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YFevSPM4VNo/VFucGB1LweI/AAAAAAAAApQ/MWnPxNxp6IQ/s1600/barn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YFevSPM4VNo/VFucGB1LweI/AAAAAAAAApQ/MWnPxNxp6IQ/s1600/barn.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Barn. The gate has disappeared prior to me buying the place (as has the horse in the pic). The barn needs SERIOUS work and thus has a limited lifespan -- basically long enough to get another barn built.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q-DrytnhY3o/VFucGuLWXSI/AAAAAAAAApY/F97PCQna9go/s1600/barnpaddock2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q-DrytnhY3o/VFucGuLWXSI/AAAAAAAAApY/F97PCQna9go/s1600/barnpaddock2.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More of the barn and the driveway fencing. We're fixing up the fencing here and setting up this space for a paddock. BTW, the property line to the north is the treeline in the background!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w4Bm0UYLaQA/VFucGDU06yI/AAAAAAAAApU/5mUR94_MT_k/s1600/barnpaddock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w4Bm0UYLaQA/VFucGDU06yI/AAAAAAAAApU/5mUR94_MT_k/s1600/barnpaddock.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another of the paddock space between the barn (left) and the road (right).</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2urH_h3xZnQ/VFucG2Gg5ZI/AAAAAAAAApg/Mjm3Xvmv7oQ/s1600/bath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2urH_h3xZnQ/VFucG2Gg5ZI/AAAAAAAAApg/Mjm3Xvmv7oQ/s1600/bath.jpg" height="211" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bathroom. Needs updates and work but functional for the most part.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4sTNFYJIasE/VFucHRDCj2I/AAAAAAAAAp0/YFC4yPVs1Ks/s1600/bedroom1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4sTNFYJIasE/VFucHRDCj2I/AAAAAAAAAp0/YFC4yPVs1Ks/s1600/bedroom1.jpg" height="211" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bedroom 2. Probably the worst looking of the wood floors.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-evLUXdwqcis/VFucEb4mo_I/AAAAAAAAAok/4mclQxGZ5iQ/s1600/Bedroom2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-evLUXdwqcis/VFucEb4mo_I/AAAAAAAAAok/4mclQxGZ5iQ/s1600/Bedroom2.jpg" height="209" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bedroom 1. Floors are only a bit better than Bedroom 2 and as a result, contemplating carpet in both instead of redoing the wood like I plan to do downstairs. Has a nice closet (door on the right) and a lovely built in (door on the left).</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kNMbATdsLbQ/VFucH67Y9AI/AAAAAAAAAqA/OdfX20R8WIw/s1600/corncrib2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kNMbATdsLbQ/VFucH67Y9AI/AAAAAAAAAqA/OdfX20R8WIw/s1600/corncrib2.jpg" height="211" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the back patio to the corn crib. </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6z8sNNL2P-A/VFucHa8nS0I/AAAAAAAAAp4/tkmdeDFEF3E/s1600/corncrib.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6z8sNNL2P-A/VFucHa8nS0I/AAAAAAAAAp4/tkmdeDFEF3E/s1600/corncrib.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Corn Crib. You can't see it but the back wall is... missing. Yep... will be coming down but has been storing a full-size tractor for a few days so it should hold up enough to keep the frost off the windshield of the Saturn. Property line to the west is the treeline in the background to the left of the corn crib.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6Tn8uPHswCQ/VFucEY1HtOI/AAAAAAAAAos/PXDHwIzWVCc/s1600/DiningRoom1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6Tn8uPHswCQ/VFucEY1HtOI/AAAAAAAAAos/PXDHwIzWVCc/s1600/DiningRoom1.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Living room. Beautiful built in and I love the big windows. Floors should refinish nicely.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nXY-DVrfMNM/VFucEcGmrpI/AAAAAAAAAoo/3-AlAxFfIUs/s1600/DiningRoom2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nXY-DVrfMNM/VFucEcGmrpI/AAAAAAAAAoo/3-AlAxFfIUs/s1600/DiningRoom2.jpg" height="211" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Den? TV room? I haven't settled on what to call this room, but I like it. Big enough for the tv and a nice couch. LOVE LOVE LOVE the wood french door! And yes... those marks on the walls and ceiling are where the paint has peeled off.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iiSlmi9HexY/VFucINC5KRI/AAAAAAAAAsg/l4y_7LLpc5c/s1600/diningRoom3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iiSlmi9HexY/VFucINC5KRI/AAAAAAAAAsg/l4y_7LLpc5c/s1600/diningRoom3.jpg" height="211" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view of the den... and more peeling paint. To the right is another doorway that leads to a VERY small hallway and the bathroom.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mSc1Us2FTls/VFucIi6oKVI/AAAAAAAAAqU/BYzvAweDmD0/s1600/house2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mSc1Us2FTls/VFucIi6oKVI/AAAAAAAAAqU/BYzvAweDmD0/s1600/house2.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front of the house, which face the driveway NOT the road (the road is across a paddock to the left). Fenced patio is a cement slab over the cistern. And do not ask me why they have random t-posts in the front yard.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sUot0qf5j1k/VFucI7IFQpI/AAAAAAAAAqc/H25ckfX-8us/s1600/house3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sUot0qf5j1k/VFucI7IFQpI/AAAAAAAAAqc/H25ckfX-8us/s1600/house3.jpg" height="211" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another of the front of the house from the driveway. The picket fence on the left side continues along the driveway.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hd2HSCjUVt8/VFucJAQLzgI/AAAAAAAAAqg/MLY1rqiFD0Y/s1600/house4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hd2HSCjUVt8/VFucJAQLzgI/AAAAAAAAAqg/MLY1rqiFD0Y/s1600/house4.jpg" height="210" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another house angle.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PjS4rzX0M_E/VFucIV1gpCI/AAAAAAAAAqM/ibEdtmCJYD8/s1600/house.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PjS4rzX0M_E/VFucIV1gpCI/AAAAAAAAAqM/ibEdtmCJYD8/s1600/house.jpg" height="211" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More house.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NIzXjhmjclQ/VFucJ7hv7ZI/AAAAAAAAAqs/4yFJRtX-gCM/s1600/housefrontpaddock2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NIzXjhmjclQ/VFucJ7hv7ZI/AAAAAAAAAqs/4yFJRtX-gCM/s1600/housefrontpaddock2.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From the driveway, looking towards the house across the front paddock. Road is to the left.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OnzT57LIl1Q/VFucJjqeytI/AAAAAAAAAqo/IYO1UwxlloE/s1600/housefrontpaddock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OnzT57LIl1Q/VFucJjqeytI/AAAAAAAAAqo/IYO1UwxlloE/s1600/housefrontpaddock.jpg" height="211" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front paddock from the driveway at the "front" corner of the front yard, and looking towards the road. Treeline in the background towards the right of the pic is the creek bed.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U4ghKzUnCQ8/VFucKCI_DbI/AAAAAAAAAq0/kVKfALcddHw/s1600/housepatio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U4ghKzUnCQ8/VFucKCI_DbI/AAAAAAAAAq0/kVKfALcddHw/s1600/housepatio.jpg" height="210" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Side of the house, showing the cistern patio and the spring house.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2h6nYsTXUNI/VFucKn6ykFI/AAAAAAAAArM/UQN1M_4K3CE/s1600/kitchen2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2h6nYsTXUNI/VFucKn6ykFI/AAAAAAAAArM/UQN1M_4K3CE/s1600/kitchen2.jpg" height="211" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kitchen. Unfortunately, the ceiling fan disappeared before I saw the house. We're now rewiring and moving it to make it a little more centered, but there will be a ceiling fan in this room (and many others actually).</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KAI0tgP8Vew/VFucKguAgLI/AAAAAAAAArE/h-VgptSgoUA/s1600/kitchen3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KAI0tgP8Vew/VFucKguAgLI/AAAAAAAAArE/h-VgptSgoUA/s1600/kitchen3.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view of the Kitchen</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QREfi62CHMI/VFucLCxMUXI/AAAAAAAAArQ/-XEgWH4OvOg/s1600/kitchen4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QREfi62CHMI/VFucLCxMUXI/AAAAAAAAArQ/-XEgWH4OvOg/s1600/kitchen4.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More kitchen. Currently the frig is plugged into the wall outlet on the left side of the pic. Doesn't leave a lot of space between the front of the frig and the front of hte stove so the fridge is moving to the off pic right side of the window.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r_GW4IBNfBQ/VFucLejS3cI/AAAAAAAAArg/YjPclr3CTXE/s1600/kitchen5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r_GW4IBNfBQ/VFucLejS3cI/AAAAAAAAArg/YjPclr3CTXE/s1600/kitchen5.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Existing kitchen counters. Will try to salvage and maybe repaint?</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MScVzprQLWU/VFucKYni_PI/AAAAAAAAAq4/lD0EO3NxabU/s1600/kitchen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MScVzprQLWU/VFucKYni_PI/AAAAAAAAAq4/lD0EO3NxabU/s1600/kitchen.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Most of the kitchen and obviously taken with a fish-eye lens. Standing at the back door/stairwell to the basement.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6ZynqS4SvZ0/VFucMN_qCMI/AAAAAAAAAro/Ny6zGCeO8JA/s1600/land2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6ZynqS4SvZ0/VFucMN_qCMI/AAAAAAAAAro/Ny6zGCeO8JA/s1600/land2.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LAND!!!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vEKR4XoGJak/VFucMWBMFFI/AAAAAAAAArw/stzU82GjXLA/s1600/land3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vEKR4XoGJak/VFucMWBMFFI/AAAAAAAAArw/stzU82GjXLA/s1600/land3.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Almost the same shot as above.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ORwHkylPOc8/VFucLs-OAvI/AAAAAAAAArc/ydc-ALcP5Ew/s1600/land.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ORwHkylPOc8/VFucLs-OAvI/AAAAAAAAArc/ydc-ALcP5Ew/s1600/land.jpg" height="209" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More land with "stuff" that was left.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cwf72WaYhk4/VFucFTWUDYI/AAAAAAAAAo8/WHe5j6WBcKk/s1600/Landing1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cwf72WaYhk4/VFucFTWUDYI/AAAAAAAAAo8/WHe5j6WBcKk/s1600/Landing1.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2nd floor "landing". Almost a room to itself. Closet is the door on the right. The 2 doorways on the left of the pic lead to the bedrooms. Check out the woodwork near the stairs!!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2S5w0TCoi8Y/VFucFV_5-7I/AAAAAAAAApA/vTRHXyyabQg/s1600/Landing2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2S5w0TCoi8Y/VFucFV_5-7I/AAAAAAAAApA/vTRHXyyabQg/s1600/Landing2.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another shot of the landing.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0qUm_Sk0-f4/VFucF2S8z9I/AAAAAAAAAqE/Zun39dUBrkc/s1600/LivingRoom1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0qUm_Sk0-f4/VFucF2S8z9I/AAAAAAAAAqE/Zun39dUBrkc/s1600/LivingRoom1.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Living Room, showing the beautiful woodwork.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2Zo_4VHKRBI/VFucFMImyqI/AAAAAAAAApE/wNy_akyfRiU/s1600/LIvingRoom3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2Zo_4VHKRBI/VFucFMImyqI/AAAAAAAAApE/wNy_akyfRiU/s1600/LIvingRoom3.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stairs.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nVNmI_7wfg4/VFucMmy0K8I/AAAAAAAAAr0/pRhDYi3rWHM/s1600/patio1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nVNmI_7wfg4/VFucMmy0K8I/AAAAAAAAAr0/pRhDYi3rWHM/s1600/patio1.jpg" height="211" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cistern patio and spring house. The spring house is ok functional, but currently full of junk!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S-uU5x0KbhQ/VFucM77YYAI/AAAAAAAAAr8/8iH4v4RhjCY/s1600/patio2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S-uU5x0KbhQ/VFucM77YYAI/AAAAAAAAAr8/8iH4v4RhjCY/s1600/patio2.jpg" height="211" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cistern patio, house and springhouse.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r9IkOWIptdc/VFucNO59WqI/AAAAAAAAAsA/XPRZcJ3BguI/s1600/springhouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r9IkOWIptdc/VFucNO59WqI/AAAAAAAAAsA/XPRZcJ3BguI/s1600/springhouse.jpg" height="210" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From the back corner of the "yard" toward the springhouse and house.</td></tr>
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<br />Serenity Valley Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05131851721482903315noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2570960651964774137.post-74446829528218277902014-08-15T15:34:00.002-04:002014-08-15T15:35:15.863-04:001 week to go!!I can't believe it's here already - 1 week to go before opening date for all classes for the October 4th show at Twin Towers. Here are the important things to know:<br />
<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>NEW ADDRESS!! Yep, we've moved and until we get settled at a new address we though a PO Box would be best put to use. Here is the address to send ALL entries to:<blockquote dir="ltr" style="margin-right: 0px;">
<div>
<strong>Serenity Valley Farm, P.O. Box 49374, Dayton, Ohio 45449</strong></div>
</blockquote>
</li>
<li>Updated Class List: After 3 shows, we've decided to make a few changes to the class list. <br /></li>
<ul>
<li>Dressage Changes: Of course all the DLSC Year-End Qualifying classes are still being offered. In addition, for dressage, we're offering up to 3 "Test of Choice" classes - one for regular dressage, one for Eventing dressage and one for Western dressage. These classes are intended to be able to ride any test not already being offered, though riders may enter ANY dressage test. Classes may be combined depending on entry numbers.<br /></li>
<li>Combined Test: Due to low numbers, we have officially dropped the Prelim level and 3-Day class offerings, but riders may enter the Test of Choice to ride their dressage. For jump practice, riders may enter the Jumper class at their level and compete for ribbons or may use the Training CT course as a "schooling round".<br /></li>
<li>Jumpers: Since we have officially dropped Prelim level classes, we've also dropped the High Gambler's Choice and modified the remaining Gambler's choice to cover 2' to 3'3". In addition, we're adding another payback class - 6-Bar. See the Event Details page on the website for a description of 6-Bar. Both Gambler's Choice and 6-Bar will take place at the end of the day in the jumper ring, but moving them to the end should also improve the flow of the jumper ring.<br /></li>
</ul>
<li>Pre-Entry Prizes: Brubaker's Feed in New Lebanon was wonderful enough to provide us with 2 door prizes at the June Show to give away in a random drawing of all pre-entries at the June Show. We plan to do this again, so even if you're just entering jumper classes, consider pre-entering. Not only will you save some money (on jumper classes), but you'll be entered into the drawing. Thank You Brubaker's!!! </li>
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If anyone has any suggestions or feedback, we'd love to hear it! We enjoy hearing the comments from our competitors and try to make this show a good experience for both horse and rider.<br />
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Serenity Valley Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05131851721482903315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2570960651964774137.post-74041980367473054362014-07-21T11:40:00.001-04:002014-07-21T11:40:15.850-04:00Show Recap and... MOVING!!The SVF show on June 28th was fantastic! Thank you to everyone who helped to make it a success. Our 3rd show and we learned a ton and have a few changes, both in class offering and in management, that we're going to implement for the October 4th show. But really, it went well. Once again we were spared bad weather until we were cleaning up. I'll take having to put things away in the rain over having our competitors have to deal with it any day! <br />
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As for changes, we'll definitely be offering the Test of Choice class again. This class is intended to allow competitors to ride any dressage test that is not already being offered - this includes regular dressage, eventing dressage or even western dressage. If we get enough entries of one type or another we may split the class along "type" lines (ie: split between English and Western, if we get enough western entries).<br />
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We are also planning a couple changes in the CT/Jumper ring, but are still working out those details. Keep watching for details. As always, if you would like to see a specific class offered, please let us know. We're always open to competitor requests and suggestions. Our goal is always to offer a low key NICE schooling show.<br />
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By the way, our judges for October 4th are finalized: Megan Carr (KY) and Kathy McFadden (OH). We look forward to seeing everyone there!<br />
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Moving? Did someone say moving?? YES!! While plans for a new SVF are not finalized yet, we will be moving in the next couple weeks from our current location in New Lebanon. Please watch for an update on where to send October 4 show entries as the address WILL change! We're looking forward to getting in the new place and sharing all about it.Serenity Valley Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05131851721482903315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2570960651964774137.post-61726218475889862942014-06-18T13:49:00.001-04:002014-06-18T13:49:16.503-04:00Greenstone Dressage Recap & SVF June Show UpdateThings are happening fast and furious around here it seems.<br />
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<h3>
Greenstone Dressage Show - June 14</h3>
Took Shirley to the dressage show. It was... educational and interesting. We entered Training Level Test 1 and the USEF Rider Test (Training Level). Arrived in plenty of time to have a nice LONG warm up with lots of reward breaks. I think that worked but she was still "up" when we walked over to the other side of the trees and went in the ring. We've been trying to work on keeping her in front of my leg... and thus soft, forward and straight. Yeah... that didn't work very well initially. I'm sure people who watched us enter the ring for our T1 test thought for sure I'd started drinking really early that day!! "Not straight" doesn't even BEGIN to describe our entrance... or the trot from the halt at X up to C. It was really funny. Even funnier was the judge's comment which simply said "haunches left" or something mild like that. <br />
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We did have some nice moments. And our final centerline and halt were wonderful (scoring our only 7). But we still have a LOT of work to do. The second test wasn't even as nice. She really fell behind my leg and would go hollow. I was told it was almost like she simply didn't want to try. Like she was saying "I already did this and now I'm not sure what you want!" Frustrating but we'll get there I guess. Finished with both scores just a hair below 60% (that dreaded 40 that I try so hard to break) and a 4th and 2nd ribbon. Just don't ask how many were in the class!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Training Level Test 1 - the final centerline</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After the final halt - Training Level Test 1</td></tr>
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<h3>
SVF Show - June 28</h3>
The show is rapidly approaching. There was still room in the schedule when the closing date for the dressage and CT entries came so we extended closing date to Wednesday (today). Yikes!! Probably shouldn't have done that as between Saturday and Monday's mail delivery we received over 25 entries! It will be a VERY full day! Entries are officially closed for non-jumper classes today and no late entries will be accepted. Of course pre-entries and day-of entries for jumper classes are still being and will be accepted.<br />
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We are so excited about the show. We're currently working on not only the Ride Times schedule but lining up plenty of volunteers (if you can help, we'd REALLY appreciate it!), getting all the paperwork in order, and looking at ways to make the show really nice for all participants. We'll be at the park Friday afternoon/evening to set up the rings and of course all day Saturday, including tearing down after the show and putting the dressage rings and jumps away. Please help if you can!<br />
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<h3>
Farm Update</h3>
We currently have a contract for the purchase of the farm! I'm so excited about the change. The process itself is amazingly convoluted and difficult, but really looking forward to a fresh start. I don't yet have a purchase contract on the new farm so that's yet to be announced. Closing date for the contract is currently set for July 25th. <br />
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<h3>
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<h3>
Upcoming Events</h3>
In addition to the whole packing and moving, Shirley and I will be at Red Tail Ridge in Johnstown this weekend for a Jimmy Wofford clinic (Ella and Thumper will be there on Saturday as well). And July 5th is the Leg-Up Horse Trials in Indiana. Cannot wait!! Also it looks like the farrier was able to locate Spider's recent abscess so she'll be going back to work.. which is exciting as usual! Things are definitely looking good around here.<br />
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<span style="color: red;">Happy Summer!</span></h4>
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<br />Serenity Valley Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05131851721482903315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2570960651964774137.post-8102836366347887182014-06-09T09:56:00.004-04:002014-06-09T09:56:49.500-04:00Nad Noon Adult Rider Clinic RecapThis weekend, Shirley and I trekked out to Twin Towers Park and participated in the Nad Noon Adult Rider Cross Country clinic. We rode with Nad a couple times last year and this was our first XC schooling for 2014. <br />
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Summary: WOW!! There's obviously work to do, but we both learned a ton and had a blast!! It was SO much fun, not to mention so worth the money spent.<br />
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Saturday: Up at the buttcrack of dawn as we were scheduled for the 8am ride time. We were in a small group of 3 starter/beginner novice folks. Day 1 was more grid type exercises using XC elements. SJ fences were set up around the water or near the bank for example. We started out in our typical fashion and I think really got things sorted out. Lessons for the day -- MORE LEG, especially at just before and at take off. Shirley, in typically hot OTTB fashion, has really taught me to take my leg off lest she bolt after the fences like she used to last year. She's doing so much better now, but if the fences are at all "different", because my leg is off she peeters out on her energy and looks.... I get worried about the fence and throw my upper body forward so I don't hit her in the mouth at what will most likely be somewhat of an awkward jump... and my lower leg flies back. Leg on keeps her in the contact and she has much better jumps... and so do I.<br />
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Sunday: Late afternoon ride time, though Reilly did NOT let me sleep in. I think both of us were a little tired. We started out a bit off. Shirley was backing off too much with the curb rein so Nad had me ride with it really loopy so I could ride her up into the bit more. I was a bit off with my position... staying "stuck" in the folded position instead of opening my shoulders on landing. And of course when Shirley backed off, I jumped up her neck with threw us REALLY off. Sunday was more gallopy mini-courses. Jumped BN... a few Novice and even a couple Training size fences. Really got her going and I could definitely feel the difference in how we jump when she's really in front of my leg and in the bridle. <br />
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As I said, we both learned a TON! Shirley jumped SO well (and at one point too well when she left out a stride in the 2-stride small SJ vertical to 3' bank up combination.... too much speed and too long of a stride... but she jumped VERY well). I think she gained a ton of confidence and so did I! <br />
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We have the Greenstone Dressage Show this Saturday, where I entered us at Training 1 and the USEF Training Rider Test. Next weekend we're off to another clinic... this time with Jimmy Wofford. Then there's the SVF show... then we head to Indiana on July 5th for the Leg Up Horse Trials!! Cannot wait!!Serenity Valley Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05131851721482903315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2570960651964774137.post-89996790620501492892014-06-03T14:29:00.000-04:002014-06-03T14:29:12.166-04:003-Day Eventing thoughts... and plans!I spent the first day of June announcing the Show Jumping phase at the IEA Horse Trials. This is a job that I look forward to every year. Saturday I started in dressage then moved to Show Jumping, with making the announcements and raffle drawings Saturday night at the Competitors/Volunteers Party... and did Final Inspection wrangling first thing in the morning and then did SJ the rest of the day Sunday. It's a fantastic event with a wonderful organization. Even better, IEA Horse Trials also hosts one of a handful of Classic Format Training and Novice Three-Day Events. If you've never heard my rant about the FEI and what they did to eventing when they nixed the classic format, or how much the classic format is important for horses and rider... be prepared... it's coming up next.<br />
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Eventing, for those who don't know, evolved from the cavalry. Dressage = parade grounds, obedient, relaxed, etc. Cross Country = battlefield, endurance, speed, bravery, etc. Show Jumping = soundness after the battle, obedient, responsive, etc. Cross Country day in the Classic Format used to entail 4 phases -- Phase A Roads & Tracks (a warm up), Phase B Steeplechase (speed), Phase C Roads & Tracks (cool down + added endurance) and Phase D Cross Country (test of endurance, bravery, etc.). A decade ago, for what I'm sure are entirely monetary reasons, the international governing body of the sport, the F.E.I., dropped the speed and endurance portion of day 2 (phases A, B and C) and left just a longer Cross Country track (to distinguish between a 3 day and a horse trial which has always only had cross country). They decided it would no longer be part of the championship events - WEG, Olympics, etc. Then those changes trickled down... they no longer became part of the events used to qualify for the top events. That is the only part that makes sense. It's silly to qualify over a different type of event than you are competing. However, that change spelled doom for the classic format. Soon it was no longer even an option to use a classic format event as a qualifier.<br />
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There are currently no longer ANY Advanced or Intermediate classic events anywhere in the country (I'd guess the world, but I don't know for sure). And in the US there is only 1 Preliminary Classic 3-Day. Thankfully that is close by in Kentucky and has a fantastic organizer who understands the value of the classic format. <br />
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A classic format 3-day horse is, in my opinion, the epitome of the equine athlete. They are very much akin to the Ironman triathlete... extremely fit and capable of doing a variety of work. They aren't always "easy" but to me, there's nothing like them.<br />
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I have participated in 4 classic format events, all of them with Char. My first was a Training Level 3-day in Canada before they existed in the US. Unfortunately, lameness issues meant we drove north of Toronto and were unable to compete. The following year (2000) we made the trek north again and were able to complete the event! In 2001, we were entered in the Preliminary (CCI*) event in Kentucky. I even borrowed a top hat and tail coat to wear in dressage (the ONLY time I've ridden a horse without a helmet since an accident in 1993). <br />
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Lameness issues plagued us again leading up to the event and we made it a little over halfway around the course before calling it a day. In 2003, we completed the Training 3-day at Mayfest in Kentucky.<br />
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Events that host Classic 3-Day Events should be praised and helped as much as possible. To have 2 such events in my "backyard", IEA hosting Novice and Training and MSEDA hosting Training and the country's (world's?) only Preliminary, is amazing to me! I hope those organizers (IEA and Lee Ann Zobbe, and MSEDA and Mary Fike) know how much their continued commitment means to me and to the sport - even if the sport doesn't always recognize it!<br />
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I'm not sure I have the energy to compete at the Preliminary level again. It's quite a time commitment, but I haven't ruled it out either. What I do know is that I have a 10 year old extremely talented mare who is quite capable of that level. It may take us a few years to figure out if we can do it again, but we'll figure it out. In the meantime, I KNOW she can go Novice and Training... and so can I. So we've developed a plan...<br />
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2014 - get her going smoothly at Beginner Novice. Part of the reason for not pushing is because the farm is still for sale (I've been told I will be receiving an official offer THIS WEEK!) and will need time to set up at a new farm AND get used to what that entails, both financially and effort-wise.<br />
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2015 - renew my USEA membership so I can get her to some recognized Novice horse trials. We need to have numerical results (aka "finish") 4 Novice horse trials in order to qualify for....<br />
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2016 - forgo my beloved announcing job at IEA and COMPETE in the Novice 3-Day Event. Shirley will only be 12 at that point and I have no doubt she can do it!Serenity Valley Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05131851721482903315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2570960651964774137.post-78801625932803048822014-05-27T11:02:00.000-04:002014-05-27T11:02:57.207-04:00Updates on it all<h2>
Time for updates!!</h2>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><b>SVF Show</b> </span><br />
We are now accepting entries for the June 28th show for all divisions! Thank you to those who have already sent entries. We had fun running this show last year and are REALLY looking forward to it again this year.<br />
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For dressage, Prix Caprilli and all combined tests, entries close on Saturday, June 14th. To be considered on time, entries must be postmarked by June 14th. Late entries for these classes will be accepted if space is available and with a $10 late fee.<br />
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To qualify for pre-entry Jumper class fees, entries must be RECEIVED by Wednesday, June 25th. Entries for all jumper classes as well as schooling jump rounds for either the jumper class courses or the CT jump courses can be made up to and on the day of the show.
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><b>Farm</b> </span><br />
Still working on selling/buying a new farm. The process is PAINFULLY slow! Still showing the farm to prospective buyers, though one of the buyers is currently working through the financing process and says we're close to her being "approved" and will be doing a contract soon. Dropped off a contingent purchase contract to the new place. Have a lot of plans for it and cannot wait! The horses have taught me more patience, but it's getting ridiculous! Beyond ready to get started.
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><b>Ponies</b> </span><br />
Shirley went out for her first trail ride of the season yesterday. Can I just say that Buck Creek State Park has AMAZING trails! They're in great shape and a ton of fun. Wish it wasn't an hour drive to get there, but it is what it is and so worth it. She was GREAT too! She's done 2 shows so far this year - the first DLSC hunter show at Hilltop Equestrian where she earned two 3rds and a 2nd in the Beginner Hunter (2'-2'3") division. The next weekend we went to the May Come Again Farm Event Derby and competed in both the Starter CT and Starter Derby divisions. Had a couple equipment issues along with ... good grief... COWS!!... but I'm pretty proud of her overall. The pics below are all screen captures from video that Anita took.... some of our nicer moments. :)<br />
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Spider has been working very well with Anita on her dressage and coming along nicely working some 2nd level movement and building some much needed strength. She hasn't been out showing yet this year, but I'm hoping we can get her out soon. </div>
Serenity Valley Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05131851721482903315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2570960651964774137.post-3287985062390312252014-05-14T16:14:00.000-04:002014-05-14T16:14:00.376-04:00Show InformationWow, the year has started flying by! Shirley has 2 shows under her belt, as well as a new show name. But more on that later.
Saturday is opening day for our June 28th show and as such, I figured I would mention a few things about the show.
The website has been updated with almost all the latest information. We haven't changed much this year from last year, but there are a few new items.
<ul>
<li><b> New Class:</b> Due to requests from the community, we've added a new <b>Test of Choice </b>class. A rider may enter this class as many times as they wish and ride any test at any level not already being offered. Tests may include regular dressage tests, eventing dressage tests or even western dressage! Please note that like the Prix Caprilli classes, the Test of Choice class does not count towards DLSC year end awards. Class may be divided as necessary and will be judged as a Percentage class.<p>
<li><b> Judges:</b> The judges for this show will be <a href="http://www.emilyabbate.com">Emily Abbate</a> (FL) and <a href="http://www.hansenpalmus.com">Emily Hansen-Palmus</a> (OH).<p>
<li><b> Change to Gambler's Choice: </b> We are making a change to how the Gambler's Choice classes run to be more in line with the USEF rules. When ready, the judge will blow the whistle. Riders must cross the start line, in either direction, for their time to begin. They will have 60 seconds to jump any fence they wish. Refusals only count for time. Knock downs will not give riders the fence points. Fences may only be jumped twice. At the 60 second mark, the judge will blow the whistle and riders MUST cross the finish line (in either direction). Should we have a tie in points, it will be the time taken to the finish line that will determine the tie-breaker (fastest time wins). AFTER crossing the finish line, the rider will have the option of jumping the fence marked as the Joker. Successfully jumping the Joker (no refusal or knockdown) will add 200 points to a rider's score. Failure to jump the Joker will remove 200 points from a rider's score. If you have any questions on this class, please ask. Remember, this is a Payback class as long as there are at least 5 riders!<p>
<li><b> Food:</b> Food will be provided by The Junction (from Miamisburg). I don't yet have an idea of their menu, but I will post it here as well as on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Serenity-Valley-Farm/418501251566837">Facebook </a>as soon as I find anything out.<p>
<li><b> Cross Country Schooling:</b> While the majority of Twin Towers is open for schooling at any time, the bank and the water complex are by paid permit only. Unfortunately, we are not able to pay the cost of the permits. If you are interested in schooling those complexes, please let us know. We would be happy to have them open for schooling (for a small fee) if we knew we'd have enough interest to cover the cost.
</ul>
I believe those are currently the only show changes from last year. Be sure and take a look at the Event Information page on the website for all the details and ask if you have any questions. Again, opening date for ALL CLASSES is Saturday, May 17th!!
Our goal is to have a well-run, friendly show that provides an educational outing for both horse and rider for all the classes we offer. We are open to suggestions and look forward to hosting the show! Hope to see you there!Serenity Valley Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05131851721482903315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2570960651964774137.post-87319443794994936052014-02-04T14:10:00.000-05:002014-02-04T14:10:41.325-05:00Plans?Wow, aren't I the complete and total slacker for not posting here in the last several months! Bad me! I may not post every day during 2014, but this is my pledge to do better.
So how did 2013 end? Not half bad I suppose.
Shirley competed at the "Very Not Scary" mini trial in September at Beginner Novice. We had a couple stops on cross country but all in all, she was a superstar! She got braver and braver as the round went on. She did a FANTASTIC job in show jumping, even saved my butt once. And her dressage was not at all half bad for where we were.
Both girls competed at the Encore OTTB Show at Majestic Farm in October. Shirley did the Beginner Novice CT -- decent dressage given we had 15 minutes total to not only tack up but warm up (yep, arrived LATE), with a clean albeit FAST Show Jumping. Spider did a Training Level dressage test with Anita (scored close to 65% if I remember correctly) and a couple VERY nice jumper rounds with Ella later in the day. Overall the day was HORRIBLE weather-wise, but they both settled and we're VERY proud of them.
Anita and Ella have continued to work on Spider's education and she's doing wonderfully. Still a bit of a diva, but she's schooling first level with Anita and doing wonderfully over fences with Ella.
Shirley and I have continued to build our partnership and our respective educations. We've continued our monthly lessons with Emily Abbate (though no lessons through the winter), and have started picking up jumping lessons from Rob at Celebration Farm. She's coming along fantastically and I'm really looking forward to this show season. I think she's on the verge of being quite the show horse. For me, I'm just trying to keep up with her... getting in better shape to give her the kind of rides she deserves, staying positive and patient, and giving our time my best.
As for plans... well, we all know what they say about the best laid plans, right? Sometimes I think that's even more true with horses. That said, we're looking to get a couple lessons/clinic day with Dorothy Crowell in April (as a get to know you session before scheduling my WINNING prize weekend at her farm in Kentucky)... possibly a Nad Noon XC clinic in early June... and we've put down a deposit on a Jimmy Wofford clinic later in June. As for shows, the only one I know of at the moment is IEA's Leg Up Horse Trials in July. There is so much on the calendar to choose from though, I'm sure our summer will fill quickly ... or as quickly as the bank account will allow.
Other current plans include attending Jimmy Wofford's sessions at Equine Affaire on April 10th and going to Rolex for the first time in a few years at the end of April. I'll be down there Thursday-Saturday and will be working the Vet Box sometime on Saturday. I'm extremely excited to be able to volunteer in the vet box. I'll be announcing this year (so far) at Greater Dayton (May 17-18), IEA (May 31-June 1) and Hunter's Run (August 9-10). And of course Serenity Valley will be hosting 2 shows again this year: Saturday June 28th and Saturday, October 4th. Both will consist of DLSC dressage classes, Combined Test classes from ground pole through Preliminary level, Jumper classes from 2' and up, all 3 Prix Caprilli classes, and 2 Gambler's Choice payback classes. Stay tuned to the website for a complete class list and information for the June show to be posted soon!
Yep, it's a busy season... but there's still room for more.
Speaking of which, part of the reason the season isn't all planned out yet is because of the farm. I have an INCREDIBLE opportunity to purchase a farm that seems to be tailor made for me: more land, more stalls (which means more company/boarders), riding ring and a nice but smaller house. I'm really trying to make this deal work out. We have a contingent agreement in place, just need to sell the current farm and have the new place appraised. With any luck, come spring if not sooner, Serenity Valley Farm will be relocating!
2014 is the Chinese Year of the Horse. Sounds appropriate to me!
Serenity Valley Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05131851721482903315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2570960651964774137.post-29733368295293310522013-08-25T15:21:00.001-04:002013-08-25T15:41:34.480-04:00"Don't Come in Last"<P>This post is a slight diversion from normal farm stuff. Today I participated in the Lake Loramie Triathlon (canoe/bike/run). Have a few thoughts that I wanted to write down.
<P>This was my second triathlon. Due to a planned vacation, I ended up doing this one solo. I'm still waiting for the official results but there's no doubt that I came in last in the solo division... in fact, due to the staggered start, there's a very real possibility that I came in last for the entire event. If not last, then 3rd to last.
<P>I'm competitive. I always have been. So don't take this next comment wrong because I enjoy doing well and love to win. But honestly? I am PERFECTLY FINE coming in last. I actually thought about this the entire race. Within the first 20 minutes, a female team passed me on the lake and the person in the back had a t-shirt on that said "Don't Come In Last". I hated that t-shirt and was really glad I didn't see it the rest of the race. I understand the sentiment, but when you're doing something difficult... actually TRYING something that is hard... why is it so bad to come in last? At least you're trying. And DOING! Better to come in last doing something... than to never try at all, right? After seeing the t-shirt, during the lake portion about the last turn before heading to the take-out, a friend of the people in the canoe next to me told her friends "you're not last!!" I'd be thrilled if folks cheered me on... even if I was last!
<P>Here are a few other observations and thoughts:
<UL>
<LI>2.5 miles alone in a kayak is longer than 2.5 miles in a canoe with a friend. Especially on a lake and not going downstream in a river.
<LI>15 miles on a bike is definitely longer than 12 miles.
<LI>Running after biking sucks! I could barely walk when I got off the bike, much less run!
<LI>There are a bunch of triathlon participants at this race and at the one I did last month that remind me of eventers. So many people wished me well and cheered me on even though they didn't know me from the next person. Definitely reminds me of the "have a good ride" you hear so often at horse trials and 3-Days. Maybe it's the triathlon aspect.
<LI>Having a triathlon next to a lake is a great idea. After I finished, I gathered my stuff and then went and took a dip in the lake. It was awesome! Good thing I took a change of clothes.
<LI>Biggest mistake of the race? Not taking sunscreen! OOPS!!
</UL>
<P>Had a great time... thought I'm not entirely sure I was thinking that at various times during the race. Next one is September 29th.Serenity Valley Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05131851721482903315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2570960651964774137.post-5958182603759198922013-08-16T09:21:00.001-04:002013-08-16T09:21:03.002-04:00October Show DetailsShirley and I are off tonight to Indiana so there will be another show report in the near future. In the meantime, I've posted details on the October 12th show at Twin Towers on the <a href="http://www.serenityvalleyfarmoh.com/EventInfo.html">SVF website</a>. Please take a look and ask if you have any questions.
<p>Some of the changes from the June show include:
<UL>
<LI><b>Change to jumper classes.</b> Due to the response in June, we've changed from 2 jumper classes per level to 1 class per level starting at Green as Grass. Also, except for the Green as Grass level which will remain as an optimum time class, all jumper classes will be run under Table IIB (a clean initial run means you get to do a shortened jumpoff round). All jumper classes will run a different track than the CT jumper rounds.</LI>
<BR><BR>
<LI><b>Addition of Jumper Schooling Rounds.</b> Due to requests, we've added the option to add a schooling jumper round (or rounds). All jumper classes and all jumping portion of CTs will be allowed to be added as a schooling round. Schooling rounds are $10 each and will not be judged or placed in the class. If a rider is entered in a class at the level they add a schooling round, they MUST ride their judged round(s) before they ride their schooling round(s). </LI>
<br><br>
<LI><b>Change to refund policy.</b> Our previous policy was stated as "no refunds." The new policy is as follows: "Withdrawals prior to posted closing date for the divisions in question will be refunded, minus office fee. Refunds for withdrawals after the closing date will only be given (minus office fee) if the space can be filled from a wait list or late entry. Refunds for stabling fees will only be given if stalls are cancelled at least 2 days prior to the show. In the event the show is cancelled due to extreme weather, no refunds will be issued."</LI>
<br><br>
<LI><b>Addition of CT classes.</b> To give local riders who may be competing in one of the 3-Day divisions at MSEDA the weekend following the show the opportunity to practice, we've added Training 3-Day, Preliminary 3-Day and CCI* CT classes. These CT divisions (in fact all CT divisions) will use the dressage tests that riders will see at MSEDA. Riders do NOT have to be entered at MSEDA to enter one of the 3-day CT classes. They are open to anyone wishing to enter.</LI>
<BR><BR>
<LI><b>Change to CT Entry requirements. </b> Previously we offered a $60 entry fee for 2 consecutive CT divisions (ie: Novice CT and Training CT). We are still offering the $60 price for 2 CTs but have opened up the restriction to encompass 2 consecutive LEVELS. This means that a rider may enter the Training CT (Class 27 - a 3'3" level class) and still do the CCI* CT (class 32 - a 3'6" level class) for the $60 entry fee. Additional classes or classes outside the "consecutive levels" requirement may be added but will be need to be ridden HC. </li>
<BR><BR>
<LI><b>Participation in the Kristen Distl Fundraiser. </b> Some very generous local riders are holding a fundraiser to help with medical expenses for Kristen Distl, a local eventer who was paralyzed in a riding accident in December 2012. There will be a silent auction (held online, ending Friday, October 11th at noon), a raffle held during the show and a dinner following the show. In addition, a portion of our CT entries will be going to the fundraiser. More details can be found online at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kristen-Distl-Fundraiser/574672402574127">Kristen Distl Fundraiser on Facebook</a>. There you can find a complete listing of the auction and raffle items. Even if you can't attend the show, you can bid on auction items or buy raffle tickets prior to the show. In addition, I believe they have an account set up at Wright-Patt Credit Union for donations. Serenity Valley Farm Horse Show is extremely proud and honored to be part of this special fundraiser.</li>
</ul>
Once again, if you have any questions regarding any of the policies, classes or anything in general having to do with the show, don't hesitate to ask! Hope to see everyone there!!
Serenity Valley Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05131851721482903315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2570960651964774137.post-30558088210837879442013-07-31T11:37:00.002-04:002013-07-31T11:37:53.702-04:00Shirley's First Event<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
It finally happened! Shirley actually got to attend her very first full horse trial! We had originally signed up for the Georgetown mini trial to be held on July 6th. Unfortunately, a bizarre summer weather-wise meant it was postponed due to rain/flooding/wet footing. It finally ran this past Sunday (July 28th) and we had a blast! <br />
<br />
We entered the starter division (max 2'3") and in hindsight, while our dressage definitely needs improvement, we probably could have handled Beginner Novice. Hauled in and out in the same day, which is a bit different for me. Only thing that was needed was a run through Starbucks for the last 30 miles (thank you Taylorsville Road Starbucks for being appropriately positioned!) <br />
<br />
Dressage was not amusing. We were doing Beginner Novice test B. She did a decent if a bit looky and distracted warmup in the field next to the arena (across the driveway from jumping). Got a FABULOUS left canter depart (we've been working on those). Moved up to the ring, which was next to their new indoor arena construction and just didn't have time to really settle before turning down the center line. I know she had some decent moments but overall I was not overly happy with our test (and my right arm/shoulder and right side of my back let me know I had problems). Thought the judge was pretty generous with a 42.9. Oh well. Put us in 7th place. <br />
<br />
Annoying moment of the day was getting back to the trailer after dressage. I had left her halter hanging on the tie on the side of the 2 horse trailer I was using. A car had parked right next to me. Oh, I could still tie Shirley there (and did for a moment) but her hocks were less than 2' from this shiny gray audi. I was secretly hoping she'd poop on the car, but worried she'd kick and hurt herself. Needed to walk to the office anyway so after she was untacked, I just put her in the trailer to stand. BTW, car belonged to an eventer (as I and the people next to me looked for car keys to see if we could move it just a bit so I could continue to use my trailer). Makes NO sense (cars were all parked across the "driveway" from the trailers but not this one... and it stayed the rest of the day). And yes, I did leave a note on their windshield. Sorry, but doing that when there are plenty of other options is just rude. <br />
<br />
Anyway, they were running the event so you had about 20 minutes between SJ and XC. The walk to the office was longer than I thought so I was actually running a little late on getting to warmup. Ok, that and Shirley was a bit antsy when I was trying to put her boots on. Thankfully it had only been an hour since dressage so it's not like I needed a long warmup. Just enough to get us thinking jump and to make sure we had buttons (directional control and brakes, specifically). Trotted the field between parking and warm up... trotted a big circle... jumped the X... cantered/trotted back around to jump the vertical... cantered around to jump the oxer... then headed to the ingate. Walked a couple circles then went in. <br />
<br />
She was VERY looky... but oh so good! Had a couple minor bobbles in the form of being out of sync with her when she took a long spot, but overall, she did REALLY well. VERY proud of her. We walked the length of the warm up field. I hadn't planned to go back to the trailer as we did SJ in our boots and vest. Got there and was told they were running early. Cool. I jumped the log they had flagged in warm up then went to the start box. The XC course was a bit smaller than I thought it was going to be but it was a great first time out! She was brave and a LOT less looky than she had been when we did the event derby in May. She still looked hard at a couple bigger fences that we passed... and wigged out when I tried to take her between the property fenceline and the "woods" that were fenced off (an "alley" in between of about 20' across)... but overall she did FABULOUS!! I really can't say it enough. She was so good over all the fences once she figured out what we were going to jump. Even the MF at the ditch (we could take the actual ditch or a rail on the ground next to the ditch but no refusals would have counted -- pointed her at the ditch and she peeked ever so slightly at the last minute but it was just a "oh, there's something there" kind of peek). SO proud of her!! <br />
<br />
But before she got to go back to the trailer, I took her butt back to the dressage ring (now finished for the day) and made her go through our dressage test again. Better. At least she actually picked up her right canter lead the 2nd time. <br />
<br />
We finished our on 42.9 from dressage. 7th in our division (of 7 but most of the others were green horses being ridden by current upper level riders... it's been almost 9 years since I rode anything above BN). Got a pretty purple ribbon too. Very happy and proud of my Shirley. If we can both learn to relax in the dressage ring, I think it will all come together nicely. She's athletic, brave, intelligent and I really think she's enjoying herself with this job. <br />
<br />
I purchased the picture CD. No dressage pics (probably a good thing) but here are some of the good ones from SJ and XC. Next up -- XC clinic on Saturday at Hoosier Horse Park in Indiana. <br />
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Serenity Valley Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05131851721482903315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2570960651964774137.post-65107252617989187182013-07-22T10:32:00.005-04:002013-07-22T10:32:59.899-04:00SVF Horse Shows - June Recap/October NewsI tried to post this a week or so ago. Not an excuse... I know it's late. But something wouldn't let me actually post.<br />
<h3>
June Show Recap</h3>
The first ever Serenity Valley Farm Horse Show went beautifully! 66 Dressage rides, 8 Prix Caprilli rides, 47 Combined Tests and a number of jumper rides. We started with the first ride at 8am and we finished a bit after 5pm. AND the weather held off! According to a friend, the satelite had storms popping up all around us all day, but it wasn't until the very last few items were heading to the storage building that the skies opened up and drenched the couple of us that were left. I'm so happy it waited! And it seems that everyone who came enjoyed themselves. Congratulations to all our division winners:<br />
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Devyn Burger/Cool Whip - Intro Level Test A SR<br />
Amanda Munson/Studs Hooligan - Intro Level Test B SR<br />
Amanda Munson/Studs Hooligan - Intro Level Test C SR<br />
Isabel Arcusa/Gus - Intro Level Test A JR and <span style="color: red;">Reserve High Percentage </span><br />
<span style="color: black;">Madison McCarty/Ramoth - Intro Level Test B JR</span><br />
Lorenza Savini/SkyLer - Intro Level Test C JR<br />
Sheila Wilson/Rex Bibendi - Training Level Test 1 and <span style="color: red;">Champion High Percentage </span><br />
<span style="color: black;">Kathryn Schantz/Copper Petina - Training Level Test 2</span><br />
Kara Mastern/Lueka - Training Level Test 3<br />
Lorenza Savini/George - First Level Test of Choice<br />
Alathea Young/Garrett - Percentage Class<br />
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Ashley Roselius/Pumpkin Pie - Prix Caprilli Intro Level<br />
Jill O'Banion/Thunder's Bay - Prix Caprilli Training Level<br />
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Samantha Lambert/Lucky Charm - Ground Poles Combined Test<br />
Ashley Roselius/Pumpkin Pie - Crossrails Combined Test<br />
Ashley Roselius/Pumpkin Pie - Green as Grass Combined Test<br />
Ginny Stack/Dear Goldie - Starter Combined Test<br />
Amanda Miller/Piccolo's Dance - Beginner Novice Combined Test<br />
Amanda Miller/Piccolo's Dance - Novice Combined Test<br />
Megan Cleary/Miss Moneypenny - Training Combined Test<br />
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Lilly Beard/Rambo - Green as Grass Jumper 1<br />
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Kathryn Schantz/Noble Rain - Green as Grass Jumper 2<br />
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Kathryn Schantz/Noble Rain - Starter Jumper 1<br />
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Ella Mays/Thumper - Beginner Novice Jumper 2<br />
Ella Mays/Thumper - Low Gambler's Choice<br />
Sarah Slamer/Lark's Gamin - Training Jumper 1<br />
Sarah Slamer/Lark's Gamin - High Gambler's Choice<br />
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<h3>
October Show News</h3>
Now that we've had a slight breather, we're starting to pull things together for the show on October 12th. Not much news at this point but there are a couple items:<br />
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1- We will be modifying the jumper class offerings. Final classes are yet to be determined but there will be at least 1 jumper class at each CT level in addition to the Low and High Gambler's Choice.<br />
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2 - In addition to adding a CCI* CT division (for those looking for practice for the fall CCI*s), we will also be adding a T3DE CT division for anyone who may be competing in the T3DE the following weekend at MidSouth. Dressage tests will be the same as for what MidSouth has posted so it will be a great way to practice that "different" dressage test and get some feedback.<br />
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3 - All our CT divisions will be giving a portion of entry fees to a fundraiser for local eventer Kristen Distl who was paralyzed in a riding accident late last year. The details are still be worked out but the plan is that there will be a raffle of horse and non-horse items at a catered dinner on the show grounds immediately following the last ride of the show. Items already donated include clinic entry and lessons. You won't want to miss this AND you can help a great fundraiser! Stay tuned for more details. If you wish to make a donation to the raffle, please contact me and I can put you in touch with the right people.Serenity Valley Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05131851721482903315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2570960651964774137.post-9313609228917697232013-05-13T14:40:00.003-04:002013-05-13T14:40:39.643-04:00Goals Met ... mostlyI can unequivocally say that we had a BLAST at the Come Again Farm May Flowers schooling show. Lee Ann does a phenominal job at her farm and everything was wonderful and yet relaxed. So... on to the recap.<br />
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Shirley was entered in 2 Event Derby divisions: Green as Grass (18") and Starter (2'3"). We did both dressage tests before any jumping. I can't say they were outstanding tests. I think the first was in the 44 penalty point range (56%) and the second was around a 48 (52%), but there were MOMENTS... fleeting for sure, but definitely moments, that were lovely... especially in the 2nd test. I have to disagree with the word choice that the judge used often in that test: "unbalanced". There isn't an unbalanced bone in that mare's body. I am not arguing the score... simply the description. Above the bit for sure. Unfocused, definitely. Unbalanced? Not a chance. Either way, it put us in 3rd in GAG and 7th in Starter going into our jumping rounds.<br />
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I've never done an Event Derby before. The jumping is part show jumping, part cross country. Figured it should be interesting. Our first round was the 3rd time I'd tacked up Shirley that morning. She was less than thrilled and preferred a nap at that point. But she was a good girl. Our warmups were VERY limited. She was already warmed up and I didn't feel the need to overdo it. Remember... Goal #1 at this show was to give her a good experience. <br />
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The first and last part of the 2 courses were the same with only the adjustment in height being different. GAG was crossrails, while Starter was verticals and an oxer. 2 stadium fences in the sand arena then out to the field to jump 3 fences, then off the bank, then back into the ring for the last 3 stadium fences. Shirley was very good overall. She jumped like a champ, though she would rush a bit after the fences and was spooking at everything else (there were MANY jumps in this field). Shirley is also convinced at this point in her education that steering is merely a suggestion. GAG went EXTREMELY well. She even went off the drop bank! We trotted a LOT but ... see Goal #1. Starter went really well too in the beginning. Unfortunately, we had our first refusal at the biggest fence on the course -- a red roofed cabin. It was in a lovely spot but there were other jumps and with the steering/focus issues we were having, we did not get straight to it and thus Shirley did not really see it until we were on top of it. It was too big to take like that. A small trot to approach it straight and she sailed over it. In the arena she was jumping well over the bigger fences. Fence 8, the next to last, was an oxer. I remember thinking it was a fantastic jump. Unfortunately, I didn't ride well afterwards and combined with our steering/focus issues meant that I rolled over her left shoulder and was promptly deposited on my butt. Shirley was an angel and stood still while I got up and led her off.<br />
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We did a small bit of XC schooling after the jumping was done that afternoon. She went in and out of the water like a champ (a green champ at first but settled nicely), even doing an up bank out of the water. We had some issues with horses cantering too closely behind us. More focus issues I think.<br />
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I learned a lot about Shirley and about what she needs and where I am in regards to providing it. First, whatever conclusions I come to post-event have no bearing on how proud I am of her performance this weekend. She was a wonderful. She was the patient and kind Shirley to work around as I tacked and untacked her *5* times in the course of 6 hours. She was the athletic and talented Shirley I've come to love when we were competing. What she needs is focus and experience. What I need to do is give her the ride she needs to be able to focus. I have gotten into the bad habit of looking at her and not focusing myself on where we're going, both when she's needing correction as well as when on course. In a stadium round it's a bit easier because the fences come up faster. What this showed me is that I need to have a specific and definite plan on landing even off XC fences or Shirley will make up her own at this point. I also need to continue to work on my fitness and balance. I think I did ok... except when I lost my balance as she spooked as well as when she LAUNCHED herself off the banks. I can only apologize to my big girl and hope we can get past my mistakes.<br />
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I do believe I accomplished Goal #1. This show was low key and positive. I think she had a good experience and gained a lot of knowledge that will help us going forward. Goal #2 was to complete our rounds. Well... we mostly did that. Everything but 1 jump. I can live with that. Of course wanting to do WELL was in the back of my mind as a hope, not a goal. That hope was fulfilled in the Green As Grass division where we finished 2nd.<br />
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Ella and Thumper did the Starter and Beginner Novice Derbies and did well -- finishing 6th in Starter and 3rd in Beginner Novice. Anita and Cerveza came to "practice" showing and did 3rd level Test 1 and 4th Level Test 1.... finishing 4th and 3rd respectively. Again, we all had a FANTASTIC time at the show and are looking forward to going back to Come Again Farm for another show. Thank you Lee Ann, and everyone at the show that made it work.<br />
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Here are some pictures... all taken by Lee Ann Zobbe.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QW7hGcKxuRY/UZEyPAB49hI/AAAAAAAAAZA/se5-yd5z7xE/s1600/Ella-Thumper-CAF2-5-11-13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" pua="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QW7hGcKxuRY/UZEyPAB49hI/AAAAAAAAAZA/se5-yd5z7xE/s320/Ella-Thumper-CAF2-5-11-13.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ella & Thumper at Fence 9 in the Beginner Novice Event Derby -- on their way to a 3rd Place finish!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The amazingly infectious smile of a 12yo having fun.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G6ZkWjbGQU0/UZEyRxxswHI/AAAAAAAAAZg/3BRb1-rK7_w/s1600/CAF_GAG-5-11-13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="272" pua="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G6ZkWjbGQU0/UZEyRxxswHI/AAAAAAAAAZg/3BRb1-rK7_w/s320/CAF_GAG-5-11-13.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shirley over Fence 2 in the Green as Grass Event Derby</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shirley on her way to our first bank.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">LAUNCHING off said bank. Yes, I was bad and didn't ride properly. I think I apologized to her all the way to the next fence. I think we may have been the only ones to take the drop in that division. And we finished 2nd!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fence 2 on the Starter course... looking to head out to the XC field next.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EHW4gB-BFiQ/UZEySpLztMI/AAAAAAAAAZo/2vHK8Ev4LcA/s1600/CAF_Starter2-5-11-13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" pua="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EHW4gB-BFiQ/UZEySpLztMI/AAAAAAAAAZo/2vHK8Ev4LcA/s320/CAF_Starter2-5-11-13.jpg" width="259" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">Shirley coming off the bank in the Starter Event Derby (our 2nd ride off the bank)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qg3p7oonzNo/UZEyTD_op7I/AAAAAAAAAZw/qeFkSus5Ky4/s1600/CAF_Starter3-5-11-13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" pua="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qg3p7oonzNo/UZEyTD_op7I/AAAAAAAAAZw/qeFkSus5Ky4/s320/CAF_Starter3-5-11-13.jpg" width="288" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">another LAUNCH off the small bank. And yes, we did need to turn left... I just could have done it a bit more politely.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">What I think was our best fence... Fence 8 on the Starter course. Just wish I would have ridden better this so we could have finished.</td></tr>
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Serenity Valley Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05131851721482903315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2570960651964774137.post-91508271615759901812013-05-10T11:06:00.001-04:002013-05-10T11:06:04.211-04:00New goals?Just a quick brain dump on what's going on. I'd like to start using this blog a bit better to track our progress. Let's face it. We have 2 very talented mares who are just getting started but learning quickly. And with show season now upon us, there's going to be a lot going on. It will be fun to look back and see how far we've come.<br />
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So here we are... May 10th with Shirley and Spider.<br />
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Spider has been working a LOT on her dressage. She's not as brave a jumper as Shirley is and Anita LOVES her so she's been concentrating on her flatwork. Anita said she quickly ran through the First Level Test 1 in the indoor the other day and thought Spider did really well with the movements. Her canter transitions are SO much better and Anita was beaming at what she was able to get for a medium canter as well as the transition back to working. I think we're going to get her out soon to a DLSC dressage show, but probably at Training level to start. No sense in pushing her physical limits along with the mental ones of going to a show. I think we're going to start jumping her again as well. See what she can do and what she wants to do. Plus of course, good weather means trail rides! <br />
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Shirley is heading to her 2nd show with us later today. We'll be doing the Green as Grass (18") and the Starter (2'3") Event Derby divisions at the Come Again Farm Spring Show tomorrow. We haven't been able to specifically school cross country, and our flatwork is coming but far from confirmed. Just going to A) have a good experience that sets up more good experiences... then B) finish our divisions. I have no doubt we can actually accomplish both... but to me, the order of the goals is important.<br />
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Both girls saw Dr Lieck yesterday (chiropractor). They both had some significant work that needed to be done. Shirley's was all along her back as well as her stifles. Spi was out in a few places in her back as well as her left shoulder and left knee. The plan for today is for a short acclimation ride when we get to the farm tonight so it will be interesting to see how Shirley is after her adjustment (she had the rest of yesterday off and both of them thoroughly enjoyed a couple hours out on the grass).<br />
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Tomorrow looks to be a long but nicely paced day. Ella is taking Thumper and doing the Starter and Beginner Novice Event Derby divisions, and Anita is bringing Cerveza to practice their Third and Fourth level tests. We start with our first test (me and Shirley) at 8:50am... and end with Anita and Veza doing 4th - Test 1 at 5:10. In between we have another 4 dressage tests, 4 jumping rounds and a short session of cross country schooling.<br />
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Here's hoping my next entry will have plenty of pictures as well as a recap of the event.Serenity Valley Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05131851721482903315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2570960651964774137.post-51384892944556557872013-05-07T11:11:00.004-04:002013-05-07T11:54:27.813-04:00Shirley meets JoeI'm almost a week late in posting this recap of my lesson with New Zealand eventer <a href="http://www.joemeyereventing.com/" target="_blank">Joe Meyer</a>. Antia and I had watched a couple lessons he gave locally a few months ago. Since then, I've been wanting to get to him for a lesson, but the timing and finances never worked out. Thankfully, his schedule allowed him an inpromptu visit to Greenstone last Thursday before he headed to Louisville for a weekend clinic.<br />
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I had initially requested a group lesson (easier on the checkbook) but am SO thankful now that I ended up with a private lesson, even if it did cost a bit more. I'm also thrilled that Anita was able to go with me and watch. She said she learned as much if not more by watching than I did by riding.<br />
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So what happened? Well, first we had to settle down. I introduced Shirley to Joe. She was a bit keyed up so he got on and worked her on the flat for about 15 or 20 minutes. He was calm, cool, insistent but not rude about it... just kept asking over and over and over... as much as it took. Shirley started to settle quite nicely in both trot and canter as time went on. I got on then and tried to replicate what he had done with her, working first on keeping the rhythm in the gait the same all the way around the circle (not to mention actually making the circle as circle... have I mentioned we're geometrically challeneged?). Both directions... both trot and canter. Keeping the contact the same no matter what she's doing in front, just keeping the forward and rhythm... the relaxation and roundness will come. He also warned that as she came round in the canter, her stride would get bigger. It definitely did!<br />
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We didn't jump much. Couple times over an X and a few over a small verticle. Not what I expected coming into this lesson, but the lesson was EXACTLY what we needed. Our homework is to continue to expand on what we were doing in the lesson. Maintaining rhythm in the gait, keeping contact with a slight inside bend, allowing her to be round (releasing the pressure if she does) and then start working on adjustability within the gait. Also, getting her out to do things. We were supposed to school cross country today at KHP with Megan Moore, but they had too much rain and cancelled it. One of my fears, as I told Joe, is that Shirley loves jumping and has never refused a fence, and I don't want to take advantage of that and push her too far. He suggested to do lots of little stuff and once I have the adjustability as well as the her confidence, then we can start getting bigger. He really liked her (and he said he doesn't usually say that about horses he can't get to go on the bit) -- that made my day.<br />
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Also, through the lesson and in the discussion afterwards on what we needed to do, I had a "come to jesus" epiphany about me. I've known I need to work on my fitness for a while. Last Tuesday morning, I did SOMETHING to my back. I have no idea what. I went to sit on a chair and put my shoes on and almost started crying it hurt so bad. Dealt with it Tuesday (thank you Naproxen). Scheduled a wonderful massage on Wednesday (I think I need more of those regardless of anything actually hurting). Managed to get an appointment with a chiropractor on Thursday with a followup on Friday. Things finally started moving. I'm still having some issues with it and am wearing a mild brace for anything like "work" (riding, grooming, walking, gardening, etc.) and it's doing MUCH better. Lots of yoga stretches! But Joe made some comments about my balance and such during the lesson. He never asked what I'd done as far as riding so he didn't know if I was new to the sport or (correctly) ridden through CCI*. But between the comments and the issues with my back, it's past time for serious. If I want to do right by Shirley, I need to be fit and have the balance/core strength to give her the ride she needs and not "hurt" her because I don't have the physical ability to do what needs to be done. Right now exercising is limited as I nurse my back, but I've started walking as well as riding, plus still doing lots of yoga stretches. "The game is won in the gym but lost in the kitchen." Yep, getting the junk food/comfort food eating under control again too. I want both me AND Shirley to be better the next time we see Joe. Last night's ride was a good one.<br />
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Unfortunately no pictures of the lesson. But here is a pic from the Hilltop show a couple weeks ago... the first is one that Jen took. The 2nd is from <a href="http://www.willthorpe.com/proofs--print-orders.html" target="_blank">Intelligent Design Photography & Graphic Design</a> (the show photographer).<br />
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In other (very quick since this blog post has been long) news:<br />
<ul>
<li>Had an absolute blast playing show groom for Anita and Cerveza at the Majestic Farm show last weekend. Didn't quite turn out as they'd have liked, but I think they looked fabulous and am so proud of them. Dressage shows definitely aren't the same as Events, but I still had a great time.</li>
<li>Working on the garden more -- currently have spinach, lettuce, snow peas, broccoli planted... and just added tomatoes and a couple peppers.</li>
<li>Looking forward to the Come Again Farm spring show this weekend. Shirley and I will tackle the Green As Grass and Starter level Event Derbies, Ella and Thumper will be doing the Starter and Beginner Novice level Derbies, and Anita is bringing Cerveza to practice 3rd and 4th level dressage tests.</li>
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Serenity Valley Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05131851721482903315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2570960651964774137.post-68629804313938837922013-04-23T16:48:00.001-04:002013-04-23T16:48:56.930-04:00Post 100!I think had I known I was approaching 100 posts on this blog, I might have done a better job of getting it done in a timely fashion! I seem to be on a roll this year -- taking 2-3 weeks between posts. Well, there's a LOT coming up so hopefully it will spur me to update more often.<br />
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Regardless, welcome to Post 100 for the Serenity Valley Farm blog!<br />
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Also... Welcome to April... before we end up hitting May! LOL So, what's going on? Plenty!<br />
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The best news is also the most recent -- Shirley and Spider went to their first DLSC show with us this past weekend. It was the first hunter show of the season and held at Hilltop Equestrian Center in West Alexandria. This was my first time showing there. The arenas are a lovely size, but there's a bit of a bottleneck to get in/out of hte indoor where the show actually took place. Not to mention a few spooky elements in both rings, especially the indoor. I didn't get to see much of Spider's warm up or showing as I was working Shirley at the same time. Ella was showing her and from what I did see as well as the results (Baby Hunter, 1st on the flat, 2nd in both jumping classes and Reserve Champ for the division), I'd say they did fantastic!<br />
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I entered Shirley in both warm up classes so she could have that extra time to settle (something Ella was also doing with Spider so I thought it was a good idea). The idea worked as our 2nd warmup was still anxious and nervous but not NEARLY as bad as the first. For classes, I entered her in the 18" division (Future Hunter). I cannot say enough about how proud of her I am. She was a bit looky when in the arena but she performed quite well given all of that. We did blow the 2nd canter lead in the flat class and did not place. Our jumping rounds were a bit faster than one would like to see for a hunter, and I opted to trot into the first fence instead of cantering. We placed 6th and 5th in the jumping classes. She stood at the trailer like a champ, even when her trailering buddy Gus was taken away. Really, she was quite amazing! Unfortunately, there aren't any pics of us jumping at this point.<br />
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In other news, the cows are finally at freezer camp! Haven't heard when they'll be returning but it shouldn't be too much longer.<br />
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The chickens are still laying a ton of eggs if anyone is interested in some! (hint hint)<br />
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I still have several things for sale and am contemplating setting up a yard sale maybe in July. However the one thing I don't have for sale any longer is the Ford Explorer. Traded it in and downsized to a 2004 Saturn Vue. Am really enjoying it!<br />
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The garden as officially begun as I have several plants and seeds now IN the ground an some lovely flowers are popping up.<br />
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Along the fence, though you can't see it, the peas have started to come up! The 4 green plants are new broccoli transplants that I bought, and in the other pallet, I have a couple rows of spinach and lettuce. In addition, I'm attempting to grow spinach and lettuce in the gutter gardens on the fence again this year. One more shot.</div>
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Love the multi-colored tulips that came up under the farm sign. Freshly mulched too!</div>
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New sign on the privacy fence along the driveway. Seemed fitting, even if a tad western.</div>
Serenity Valley Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05131851721482903315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2570960651964774137.post-37474456715286101382013-03-29T11:19:00.003-04:002013-03-29T11:21:35.969-04:00Update - critters and items for saleThere are quite a few things coming up and a few updates I should probably write about. Here's the short versions of everything.<br />
<ul>
<li>I didn't get a "we've had a cancellation" call, so the cows are heading to Freezer Camp on Tuesday. It's time. Need to wrangle a volunteer or 2 to help me load them first thing Tuesday morning (last year went easier than expected, but I'm not going to assume it will be as easy with these 2), then they'll be off. For those who purchased a share, it's typically 10 days to 2 weeks before they're ready for pick up, but I should be able to give you a ballpark quote on the processing fees later in the day on Tuesday. <br /></li>
<li>The chickens have started laying like gangbusters! Anyone want some eggs??<br /></li>
<li>The girls are still both over at iTolt and doing fantastic! We have a group lesson tomorrow with Nad Noon set up. I'll be riding Shirley, Ella will be on her Thumper pony, and Jen is going on Coco. I'm really looking forward to it. Spider won't be joining us but she's doing amazingly well and had a lesson with Ella and Rob earlier this week. We're really proud of both girls! I personally can't wait to take them on trail rides and cross country schools. Of course the weather needs to cooperate for that to happen.<br /></li>
<li>As for things around the farm, they're going ok. Pretty mud covered at the moment, but I supposed that's to be expected. At least the 5 inches of snow we received earlier this week has already melted for the most part. Looking forward to getting the garden put in soon. I also need to work on getting several items sold, including:<br /></li>
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<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong>2004 Ford Explorer XLT 4x4</strong>, black, gray cloth interior. 162K miles. Good mechanical condition with new battery, good tires. Good body condition with no rust. Good interior with typical wear but nothing major. Downsizing to a smaller vehicle since I'll be able to use my brother's truck for the next couple years. Asking $5,000 OBO<br /></li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong>Antique upright piano</strong>. Purchased from a lady who told me stories about how she used to play it in her grandmother's home. I don't know much more than that. In ok shape. Needs tuning and a couple keys need replaced (they're there, but the white covering on them isn't -- obviously I'm not a piano expert). Just don't need/want any more. Asking $350.</li>
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<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong>34" Sony HD tv</strong>. Older flatscreen (still a tube - not the skinny kind of tv). Works great, just don't need anymore. Has several Coax/HDMI/RCA cable connections. May include homemade stand (made of 2x4s and 4x4s, with 2 shelves) if desired. Asking $150 OBO</li>
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<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong>Green wool hooded cloak</strong>. Great Condition! Hunter green. Hood is lined with a lighter blue. Rest of cloak is unlined. Has embroidery stitching at both shoulders - a celtic knot. Has brown suede at clasp area (but no clasp). No longer need. Asking $150.
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Hopefully we'll be able to get some really nice pictures and maybe some video of tomorrow's lesson on Shirley to post.Serenity Valley Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05131851721482903315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2570960651964774137.post-71524958452842118342013-03-15T10:46:00.000-04:002013-03-15T10:46:27.355-04:00Ides of March<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
Spring temperatures keep popping up here and there and make me believe spring really is on the way. </div>
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Another indication? The horses are shedding like crazy! Seriously... one cannot wear fleece anywhere around them at the moment for fear of walking away looking like a wookie.</div>
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It's actually been nice enough recently to have 2 rides in the outdoor arena at iTolt. This past Sunday was one of them. Grand plans to do a jumping session outside were more or less nixed. With everything being completely mud-covered (another Spring indication), no one has gotten their usual turnout time. First ride outside? Breezy and overcast? Coming off little turnout? Fit Thoroughbreds? Yeah... quite the volital mix! Spider kind of lost her cookies. Not in a hateful way just in her way of telling us, VERY loudly, that she NEEDED to GO! Go where? Who cares... just GO! Both Ella and Anita did a good job of getting her fairly focused. I had another ride on her yesterday outside and she was still quite convinced that it was go time but she settled even better. Afterwards I turned her loose in the indoor and she rolled then proceeded to run/buck for several minutes. Silly girl. Shirley did really well on Sunday. Well enough to end with a couple jumps (though we left the grid as poles on the ground). She's living at iTolt full time for the moment and is making good progress with the additional workouts. Both girls had a couple lessons with Emily Abbate last week. They did great and both Anita and I are anxious to see them continue to grow and learn.</div>
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Side note, Shirley is LOVING the extra work. She's becoming more and more a pocket pony. I'm really having fun with both of them and the attitude change (from disinterest to enthusiastic curiosity) is really great to experience.</div>
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Yet another indication of Spring? All the show bills and clinics that are popping up! To have the time and finances to do them all would be amazing. There's an upcoming schooling jumper show, a fun "eventing show", plus opening dates for the first few events of the season are rapidly approaching. It's fun to look at everything going on in the area, if not a bit overwhelming to make a decision on what to attend and what skip this year. This is an amazing area to live in as there is so much to choose from. And even if there isn't something specific going on, there's always trail riding. Cannot wait for the trails to be less muddy and take the girls out.</div>
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Only one new update with the SVF shows... Emily Abbate has agreed to be one of our dressage judges for the June 29th show!</div>
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Serenity Valley Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05131851721482903315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2570960651964774137.post-9828062547615323582013-02-25T12:17:00.001-05:002013-02-25T12:20:36.194-05:00February RecapI guess since I haven't posted anything the entire month, I should recap what has happened. In no particular order, February consisted of....<br />
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<ul>
<li>Beginning to finalize the details of the Serenity Valley Farm Horse Shows this year. Added a complete class list to the <a href="http://www.serenityvalleyfarmoh.com/EventInfo.html" target="_blank">website</a>. DLSC-sanctioned Dressage classes, all 3 Prix Caprilli tests (not DLSC), Combined Tests from Ground Poles through Preliminary, and Jumper classes from 2' to 4', including 2 Gambler's Choice Payback classes. Still have quite a few details to nail down, but the show is starting to take shape. Hope to see a lot of turnout at the first one on June 29th!</li>
<li>Spider's training has taken off! Had a slight issue with her feet that kept her off work for a few days, but she's now doing better than ever! Very sound, getting some LOVELY trot and lateral work and even some softness in the canter. And she's doing beautifully in her jumping. Ella jumped her yesterday and did a fantastic job.</li>
<li>Shirley has spent the last 2 weekend's at iTolt so we can get her going again. And going she is! The mare is so smart and talented, that within 1 workout, she's back to where she was in December and progressing rapidly. I jumped her on Saturday after a bit of flatwork with Anita and Shirley nearly jumped me out of the tack! Major power in that girl! Oh and I walked her a bit bareback after our jumping session yesterday. She's such a good girl!</li>
<li>Life at the farm continues. Plenty to do with the slightly warmer temps that's for sure. The boys go to Freezer Camp within the month. The girls are starting to lay eggs again. And we have a new arrival: a cat I'm calling Boots. Pretty friendly, very vocal. I honestly haven't looked to see if Boots is a boy or a girl but he/she has one of those fat cat faces and is black with a white spot on the forehead, white on the chest and 4 white feet (thus "Boots"). I think if I didn't have Phoebe, Boots may become an indoor kitty.</li>
<li>The roommate is moving back to town this coming weekend. I'm tempted to try to find another, but it would have to be a good fit, of course. Willing to trade SOME rent for chores. 1-2 bedrooms plus access to pretty much the rest of the house and barn. Must be ok with cats and hairy/slobbery/loveable dogs. Does not HAVE to do anything with the farm animals if they don't wish to. If you know of anyone that might be a good fit, let me know.</li>
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I think that's about it for the update. I need a good camera so I can take more pictures (the camera on my phone isn't great at all). Maybe from the tax return (after of course the set amount for bills)? But until that time, here are 2 recent pics... Shirley investigating the pretty pony in the mirror (which she kept nickering at), and Boots.<br />
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Serenity Valley Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05131851721482903315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2570960651964774137.post-69652303004316217042013-01-26T22:45:00.002-05:002013-01-26T22:45:26.985-05:00Shirley the Super StarI am so excited about Shirley! I hope this post does her justice and not just a bunch of babble.<br />
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I signed up for a group lesson in Richmond with Nadeem Noon. I've known Nad for years, watched him ride and coach at events, but until now have never taken a lesson with him. I'm so glad I finally got the chance. <br />
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The plan, of course, didn't go according to ... well... the plan. The plan was to take Spider. She'd done a wonderful jump school with Ella last weekend and was doing great through the week. Unfortunately, after a good workout on Thursday, I went back on Friday to do another session leading up to the clinic today. Unfortunately, Spider was off and we had to make alternate plans.<br />
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Of course Shirley hasn't been in regular work for quite a while, despite being amazing a couple weeks ago during a trial ride. We weren't entirely sure taking her would work, if she'd settle enough to in a group lesson setting, but decided to take a chance. As insurance, thanks to Jen, we loaded up Noble for the ride as well. If Shirley had a major meltdown, we could tack up Noble and I could still get a bit of a lesson.<br />
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No worries -- Shirley, while showing her green side a bit, was a rock star!! We missed a bit of the flatwork warm up, but really... she was very good and I'm so proud of her!<br />
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The video below is the last exercise of the lesson. I certainly need some work, but I'm so proud of Shirley.<br />
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<br />Serenity Valley Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05131851721482903315noreply@blogger.com0