Area 1 Season Comes to a Close

As our Area 1 Season came to an close here at the UNH Fall Horse Trials, we are happy to report that it ended with a ribbon for everyone! Despite the rain the the impending threats of a hurricane off the Atlantic Coast, the Great Bay Riders rose to the occassion - and beyond the muddy cross country course - and had a fantastic 2 days! Congratulations to Team Great Bay on a fantastic season! From here, Emily & Billy will enjoy some down time while Hershey makes a trip down south for the winter. Watch for the Gameplan in November in the Area 2 & 3 circuit ... one of which will be his first one star event in Florida.

Until then ... HAVE A GREAT RIDE!

TD - A Thankless Job

One thing we don't think about often enough is the difficult job the Technical Delegates have at the USEA Sanctioned Events. I was surprised to observe the TD today in action with multiple riders approaching her with disputes during the 30 minutes after initial posting of results. Not to say you shouldn't dispute something if you feel there is an error - you should. But some of these people were attacking the poor woman! We all take our sport very seriously and it is a very emotional, adrenalin filled weekend. We all should keep in mind that the TDs are there to help us. They are always more apt to listen if you are kind and appreciative rather than going in and immediately pointing a finger. As the old saying goes - you get more flies with honey than vinegar. So this team of eventers would like to THANK all the TDs that watch over our sport, to keep it safe for horse and rider, and for doing the best they can at keeping a fair playing field.

OK - so enough with the lecture ... on to the important stuff ... WE WON!!

The Game Plan (Hershey) and Susan took home a 1st place ribbon and award in the Open Preliminary Division. This is only Hershey's third preliminary event and he performed like a veteran. Right from the start of dressage warm-up, Susan felt it was going to be a good test. Sure enough, with a 32.1 they were at the top of the pack. A couple of rails in stadium didn't stop them from going clean and fast on cross country to bring home the blue ribbon.

See you at our season close event - UNH!

On The Road Again

Finally! The posse is back together and we are on our way to an event. It has been TOO LONG! We are on our way to the Fall King Oak Horse Trials with 2 riders and their horses, 1 show mom and 3 squatty dogs in tow. After Great Bay Farm's unscheduled break due to truck issues, weather issues, and family emergencies, we're looking for a great ride, even with tropical storm Hanna threatening to hit the coastline this weekend. With the price of gas going up, we are camping at the show. Emily and Debbie will try a tent while Sue will stay in the trailer. Watch for our blog on the way home to see how it all turns out.

Have a Great Ride at King Oak!