Eventing with Great Bay Farm

July = Stuart Horse Trials

2009-07-16T14:10:00.007-04:00

The big event of July for Great Bay Farm is the Stuart Horse Trials. We are looking forward to seeing all our friends from Area II, the great competitors party, wonderful hospitality, and a challenging yet beautiful cross country course. Although it's an 8 hour drive from the barn to our destination in Victor, NY, we make the most of it ... despite the AWFUL country music we had to succumb to once we got west of Schenectady.

Although Susan had hoped to ride hershey in the CIC** this weekend, with the cancellation of Seneca Valley in June, she felt he needed one more Intermediate under his belt. If all goes well this weekend at the Intermediate Horse Trials, the two star (**) at Plantation will be their goal.

Hershey will have his official FOR SALE flyers posted at this event. Although this is the horse of her dreams, Susan believes that New England is not the place for a horse with this much talent. By the end of the summer the Great Bay Eventers will have made at least 6 long journies to higher level events. It's been a wonderful season so far, but as a single mom Susan doesn't have the time to continue this kind of travel. So spread the word about this wonderful INTERMEDIATE EVENT HORSE for sale at Great Bay Farm.

Tomorrow just before noon we start off with dressage and we'll try to report daily, as time permits. So until then ... have a GREAT RIDE!

The Final Day and The Road Ahead

2009-05-24T17:58:00.000-04:00

It was the only cloudy day we've had here at the Virginia Horse Trials. But that's was a good thing! Emily rode cross country today at 9:30 and the cloud cover kept it cooler for both horse and rider.

As Emily prepared herself and Bully for Billy for the final ride of horse trials, Susan and I (Debbie) packed up everything else in preparation for our long haul back to Maine. We had everything ready to go so when Emily finished up, we could get on the rode ... and hopefully get home before midnight!

Emily's ride was scheduled for 9:36 but she and Billy were ready early and they let them run ... and run they did. Emily was pumped for this course and had walked it 2 times (and I'm sure many more in her head). And right from the start box, it was clear they were a team! The result: double clear on cross country! Way to go Emily!

Within an hour of cooling off Billy, we had the dogs in the car, the trunks packed, and the horses loaded for the long journey home. We said farewell to our friends and headed north ...

Until the next show - HAVE A GREAT RIDE!

Saturday - Day 3 at the Virginia Horse Trials

2009-05-23T21:05:00.003-04:00

While Susan and Emily fed the horses and prepared for their events of the day, I (Debbie the show mom), went to volunteer once again. Today, for 2 hours, I was a timer and judge during the long format (roads and tracks / endurance) for the CCI*. As I sat there in my golf cart up on the ridge in the middle of the cross country course, I couldn't help but notice how BEAUTIFUL this place is. The Virginia Horse Center is surrounded by mountains and is just spectacular!

After finishing up at 8:30 I headed off to reconnect with the riders of Great Bay Farm and help them prepare for their events ... which happened one right after the other:

10:56 - Emily rode dressage
12:00 - Susan rode cross country
1:06 - Emily rode show jumping

A little bit of everything today!

Dressage for Emily didn't go quite as good as she had hoped ... partially because they inserted a rider from another division in front of her that was doing a different test and mentally made Emily worry she had studied the wrong test. Then, while in the ring, the judge blew the whistle to indicate that Enily had gone "off test", but then realized she was in error and had Emily pick up the test in the middle and contiue. Despite the frustration, Emily kept her composure throughout the test, making her a champion despite the numbers.

From the dressage ring, Susan went directly to warm up for cross country. HOW EXCITING to share this first Intermediate Event with friends like Cindy Wood (who was also riding HER first CCI*).

Susan and Hershey were ABSOLUTELY STELLAR out there and it showed with a clear round (no jump penalties). Susan said Hershey listened to everything she asked and easily completed the course. She is proud to now say that she owns an INTERMEDIATE EVENT HORSE.

Tomorrow Emily rides cross country and is VERY EXCITED about the course that lays ahead. So tonight we'll enjoy a toast to Susan and Hershey on the successful completion of their first Intermediate Horse Trial during a steak dinner with all our friends from around Area II, and tomorrow we'll wish Emily a great ride before we head for home.

Friday - Day 2 at the Virginia Horse Trials

2009-05-22T20:15:00.000-04:00

Let the events begin!

It's been a busy day for us all here at the Virginia Horse Trials. Yesterday gave us all a chance to settle in and get used to layout and grounds. Today has been work for everyone.

It was Susan's first day of competition: Dressage and Show Jumping. After the usual 6 AM feed, groom, and walk the horse, Susan and I set out to walk the Intermediate cross country course - which includes an impressive downback called "Geronimo". When Suan stands next to this jump on the down side, it is ALMOST as tall asher. HOLY COW!

Upon our return, Susan began the routine of braiding and getting herself and her horse ready for Hershey's FIRST Intermediate Horse Trial ... that in itself set the excitement for the day!

In the mean time, Emily and I (Debbie the show mom) set off to volunteer: first as runners for dressage (bringing the tests from the judge to the scoring box) and then helping out with show jumping.

As runners for dressage, we were fortunate to see the all the upper level horses ride, including Susan. Her test was great and Susan was happy with Hershey's performance. We heard the judge say that all the horses in this group rode very well and their score reflected it. All the work Susan and Hershey put in prior to this event paid off!

At 2 PM the show jumping phase started in the VERY IMPRESSIVE Colliseum. This is a large indoor arena with stadium seating in the center of the Virginia Horse Center. It was awe-inspirinG and immediately had you sitting taller in your seat - whether you were in the stands or on a horse.

With Emily as ring steward and I in the timng/scoring booth overhead, Sue and Heshey entered the colliseum ready to go! The Intermediate course was tough and one fence in particular caused some trouble for many riders, including Hershey. Besides that one rai, the rest of the round was perfect and Susan was thrilled with his performance.

Tomorrow Hershey runs Cross Country. Susan has walked the course 2 times already, and as I type this, she is out walking it a third time with long-time friend Karen O'Connor for some last minute tips.

This is so exciting! Can't wait to wish Sue a GREAT RIDE tomorrow! At that time, Emily will also be riding dressage and show jumping. So it looks like another busy day here at VHT!

Thursday - Day 1 at the Virginia Horse Trials

2009-05-21T23:06:00.000-04:00

(This morning's view from the trailer window - where Emily and Debbie Slept)

It’s was a beautiful day here in Lexington, VA with the riders of Great Bay Farm. Although nobody rode today, it was a day of putting everything together for the weekend events, which start tomorrow morning at feeding time – 6 AM.

While the riders rode their horses and walked the CCI* and Intermediate cross country courses, I worked on finishing up a website … but I had a little help from Hershey.

As the show mom to the group, I woke to a view of the Blue Ridge Mountains to our east. This is my first time here in Virginia and I must say, it is a beautiful part of the country.

I rented a golf cart to get myself and my squatty JRT around this large horse park. It has two cross country courses, 5 dressage rings, and many other arenas. Plus, it’s just really fun to drive!

After unloading the saddles and riding gear from the trailer, mucking stalls, and stocking up on some necessities, Emily took a few moments to get some love from the horses.

Sue was a bit apprehensive about the very large bounce on her cross country course, but was reassured by Hershey that he is ready.

And when the day was done, we headed out to dinner with friend Cindy Wood and several of her family memebers who have come to watch her ride this weekend.

Tomorrow – Friday – Susan and Hershey begin their first Intermediate Horse Trial as a team. Dressage first, then Show Jumping. And I hope to have some video from each.

So until tomorrow … Have a great ride!

The Long Haul to Virgnia Hose Trials

2009-05-20T15:39:00.000-04:00

As we pass the half way mark on our 12 hour journey to the Virginia Horse Trials, our show Mom, Debbie Hastings, has decided it's time to wake everyone up by opening up the blog. Since Sue is concentrating on the driving (because we are going the entire 12 hours in one day), and Emily is tuned out to the ipod, I - the show mom - am left to write this first portion solo.

With the squatty-squad of JRTs by my side, and being the spectator in the bunch, I for one am VERY excited about this trip for several reasons:

Hershey (The Game Plan) will run his first Intermediate Horse Trial. That is the primary reason we are traveling so far from home - because intermediate horse trials in Area 1 at this time.
It's a big show with loads of "big names" - which makes it exciting just to be able to see them ride in person.
Emily has been working hard on Billy (Bully for Billy) and is feeling well-prepared - a comforting thought for me as the show mom.
There are no young children with us this trip. Although we love them dearly, on a long haul like this it is nice to NOT have to hear "are we almost there".
The weather is suppose to be GORGEOUS!
We are meeting old friends and new friends at the event - one of which is a friend from the social network "Twitter" (where Debbie, our show mom, is an active participate as EventerMom).
Both Emily and Mom will be ring stewards on Friday - volunteering together for the first time.
I (Debbie) will be timing during the cross country long format ... and I love that job!
Friend Cindy Wood - whom Debbie & Susan stayed with in Maryland earlier this Spring - will be competing in her first CCI* with steeplechase. We'll be helping her throughout the weekend.
Blackjack, the black and tan JRT, will get to see some of his siblings and maybe even his mother!

Since this will be a busy weekend for the great bay riders, I will be the one updating this blog throughout our weekend. So for this show, you'll get to see the event from Mom's Perspective.

Videos, pictures, and stories to share ... so stay tuned and ...

Have a Great Ride!

Happy Mother's Day!

2009-05-10T15:29:00.000-04:00

Yes! Billy & Emily were READY! They had a plan and stuck to it and all three phases were smooth and seamless. Emily felt the dressage was not rushed and the steadiest they've been as a team. In show jumping, Billy tends to think he's in charge and Emily asserted her leadership to a successful round. Each jump in show jumping was well-ridden. On cross country they focused on riding each jump and were successful with a clear round (no jumping penalties). A GREAT RIDE BY EMILY & BILLY!

Yes! Susan & Hershey were READY! Hershey was a "dream to ride". All three phases he was focused and obedient and did exactly as Sue instructed. He had his best show jumping course TO DATE as a double clear round. On cross country, he gallops so effortlessly and never touches the bit that Sue sometimes forgets how much ground he covers. This can (and did) lead to a miscalculation at a combination that cost her 20 jumping penalties. "It was my own fault" said Susan, "Hershey did exactly what I asked of him."

Videos will be coming as soon as we arrive home!

Happy Mother's Day Susan and "Show Mom" Debbie. Until Virginia in 2 weeks ...

Have a great ride!

Are you ready?

2009-05-08T16:49:00.001-04:00

Are the horses ready? Are they riders ready? Have we forgotten anything? Yes to all three ... but we hope if we have forgotten anything that it is minor. We have packed the saddles and bridles, our dressage and jumping attire, the beverages and bug spray. The jack russell terriers are loaded into the car. This can only mean one thing ...

We are on the road to King Oak Farm for our 2009 Season Opener!

During our one and only stop enroute to Western Massachusetts, we saw one of our eventing friends who was just as excited as we are. This was just one of many eventing friends we hope to reunite with during this busy weekend of eventing.

Sue will be pushing Hershey (The Game Plan) this weekend at Preliminary in preparation for his first Intermediate Level Horse Trial in 2 weeks.

Emily will pick up where she left off on Billy (Bully for Billy) at Training Level as she gets ready for the training level 1/2 star, 3 day event at GMHA in July.

Once we arrive at King Oak we'll still need to prepare the stalls, walk the cross country courses, and set up camp before dark. Sure hope the riders can settle down enough to get a good nights rest before the 7:30 AM dressage test begins.

Great Bay Riders - HAVE A GREAT RIDE at King Oak Farm!

Season Opening: Training at Ledyard

2009-05-02T10:12:00.000-04:00

As the riders of Great Bay Farm take the 2 hour ride to Ledyard Farm in Massachusetts to school cross country for the first time this season, the excitement of the upcoming show at King Oak Farm grows! It's a beautiful day and the footing should be great for practicing the basics: banks, ditches, water, galloping on terrain, and doing what event horses & riders LOVE!

With the squatty squad (which includes 2 children under the age of 10 and 3 Jack Russell Terriers) in tow, we left Great Bay Farm on schedule at 9:45 AM so we would be back before the "riders up" of the Kentucky Derby. The dedication of the riders and their "supporting crew" is undying and we are all looking forward to the day - the first show at King Oak - and the excitement of the 2009 Eventing Season.

UPDATE:
At 3:30, we are all headed back toward Maine after a very thorough day of schooling. We started out trotting smaller jumps, advancing to larger jumps and working with related distances. All the horses were brave and the riders feel they are ready for the season opener next weekend at King Oak Farm.

(photos and video to be loaded upon our arrival home!)

Now we're racing home to see the start of the Kentucky Derby! Until next weekend ...

HAVE A GREAT RIDE!

The Game Plan: Completing His First CCI*

2008-11-16T20:50:00.000-05:00

Time always goes so fast during an event, especially at a 3-day event.

Hershey (The Game Plan) was the perfect gentleman on cross country. He did everything EXACTLY as I told him too. Unfortunately, I didn't slow him down enough as I approached a combination and I caused a run-out. It was my fault ... sorry Hershey.

It was jump # 17 (A & B); we were having a great, clean round on the entirely flat course designed by Captain Mark Phillips. 16 of the previous 18 jump efforts on the course were BIG oxers. Not having any terrain or technical issues to negotiate earlier in the course, I got caught up in the moment and the moment got away from me.

It's hard to travel this far to be reminded of the important lesson ... ALWAYS RIDE EVERY JUMP. Preparation for each jump has got to be based upon the obstacles both preceding and following, as well as the terrain. I realized my mistake as soon as we left the ground over 17A, but it was too late to negotiate the turn safely. That is the personal responsibility that we are hearing so much about these days.

We didn't take home a ribbon, but we left happy eventers. Here's why:

Hershey (The Game Plan) was willing and fit enough to easily complete this one star event.
We got to visit with our old southern eventing friends.
We were reminded of the all-important lesson: ride every jump.

As black jack (the newest Great Bay Farm JRT in training) and I head back north for a winter break, Hershey will stay down south to continue working toward the goal of an Intermediate Horse Trial next Spring/Summer.

Until then ... HAVE A GREAT RIDE!

From The Florida Fall International 3-Day Event & H.T.

2008-11-14T20:28:00.000-05:00

Hershey (The Game Plan) and I are down in Florida, where the weather is very warm. There are 40+ competitors in the division as we start Hershey's first CCI* event. After dressage, we are sitting in 6th place. He was definitely up for this challenge and we are excited about the cross country phase tomorrow. We'll keep you posted on this blog as the event continues.

5 ... 4 ... 3 ... 2 ... 1 ... HAVE A GREAT RIDE!

Area 1 Season Comes to a Close

2008-09-28T16:22:00.000-04:00

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

2008-09-07T16:02:00.000-04:00

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

2008-09-05T17:52:00.000-04:00

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!

Busted Down & Still a Winner!

2008-08-03T16:56:00.000-04:00

It was a rough journey getting to GMHA this weekend. The truck was "fixed" after a questionable trip home from Stuart Horse Trials 2 weeks ago, but 72 miles from home we were stranded on the side of the Maine Turnpike. Thank goodness for fellow rider Lauren Leavitt, who was behind us! Once a tow was arranged for Sue and Hershey (unfortunately they had to scratch), Lauren and Emily loaded Billy in the dark and continued on to Vermont.

Worried about not having a trainer on-site for Emily, we ran into Susan's friend Carol Kozlowski, told her of our situation, and she became the coach for the weekend. THANKS CAROL! Emily felt great after her dressage performance on Friday and was excited about XC, held on Saturday at GMHA. The course was challenging for every level. There were several falls and many jump penalties. But Emily and Billy were stars, being one of only 3 in the Jr. Training Group to finish the day with a double clear round ... good enough to push her from 10th to 3rd.

The show jumping round wasn't hard (so says Emily) and Billy was ready to go! They held strong to finish 3rd.

THIS WIN WAS FOR YOU, SUSAN! We missed you and hope we don't have to do too many shows without you.

Have a great ride until the next show!

The long trip to Stuart Horse Trials

2008-07-17T16:27:00.000-04:00

Long and hot it has been after 7 hours in the car thus far, and 2 more hours to go due to a traffic jam on the Mass Turnpike. Our entourage consists of 2 sweaty horses, 2 restless kids, 2 great bay farm riders, the "show mom" and 3 jack russell terriers of various shapes, sizes, and ages. It was a full house this trip, for sure.

The horses and riders have been working very hard and have had a couple of awesome weeks of training. Emily just got her first BRAND NEW cross country saddle along with a used dressage saddle! (Lucky girl!)

A slight shoeing mishap put a question on whether The Game Plan (aka Hershey) would make the trip, but he is on the trailer, feeling good, and we are keeping our fingers crossed that he will compete in his second Preliminary event this weekend.

If we can beat the heat expected this weekend, we hope for a great time and a great ride!

Clinic Comments by Emily

2008-07-06T21:10:00.000-04:00

The clinic we had this weekend with Debbie Place at Ben Loch Farm was AMAZING! I think the biggest piece I learned from this clinic was that keeping my hands down and at the withers while riding into them helped me balance my horse and prepare for a more powerful jump. I enjoyed watching the other riders and reconnecting with my young rider friend Paige Garson. Thank you Paige & Cindy!!

Mom and Dad also got something from this clinic ... the confirmation that I need a new jumping saddle. Looks like we'll be doing some horse shopping before the next horse show, which is the Stuart Horse Trials.

Time to go shopping!

First Preliminary for The Game Plan

2008-06-22T18:30:00.000-04:00

Groton House Farm - always a wonderfully hosted event and a great meeting place for Area 1 Eventers. From the complimentary coffee and donuts in the morning, to the wine, cheese, and buffet competitors parties in the evening, it is one of Great Bay Farm's favorite events!

Groton House I is know to be a good early season move up course for a Preliminary horse and proved to be true for The Game Plan (aka Hershey) this year. Hershey preformed well with a dressage score of 36 - only 3 points out of the lead. A clean cross country round and a few time faults moved him into second place.

The pressure was on for show jumping ... it was a technical course with a couple of roll-back turns and big square oxers. Hershey was great, but we still have a few kinks to work out at this level. A couple rails cost us the 2nd place, but we still came home with a ribbon.

GREAT SHOW HERSHEY!

GMHA

2008-06-08T15:59:00.000-04:00

Second event of the season and the horses and riders of Great Bay Farm seem like they've been together for years! This weekend's show at GMHA was more about seeing and supporting our fellow riders than the ribbons. We were stabled with many friends from Maine, as well as 5 dogs and 2 non-riding children. It was a full house! And it was a strange weekend, in that several riders experienced technical penalties. While these kept us from the ribbons, everyone learned something new about the sport, themselves, and their horses. The horses - they never knew anything was wrong and performed like stars with clean cross country rounds and within time. The riders were able to be support of their friends and share their own past stories. One said they had forgotten to salute the judge, several had missed stadium jumps at one time or another, and another recalled how they had started out with the wrong dressage test. Although none of these are devastating, they remind us that it's not about the ribbons - it's the love of the sport that keeps us coming back for more. HAVE A GREAT RIDE!

Fun & Success for All!

2008-05-10T20:01:00.000-04:00

The last 12 hours have been a blur! Up at 5:30 AM this morning to feed, then non-stop dressage, stadium jumping, and cross country for the horses & riders of Great Bay Farm. We are only miles from home now, but still reeling from the excitement of the day!

Emily & Billy's first outing together went GREAT! After getting past the nerves in dressage, they had a great round in stadium and a clear cross country to earn their first ribbon as a team. GREAT JOB EMILY & BILLY!

Susan & Hershey (The Game Plan) were fabulous finishing on their dressage score and bringing home a ribbon as well. NICE WORK!!

The trail mix is gone for now ... but keep your fingers crossed as we are waiting to see the acceptance list for our next show - GMHA in June. GMHA is one of our favorite events, as this 2 day horse trial format gives us a little time to watch and learn from other riders as well as visit eventing friends we haven't seen since last season.

SEE YOU AT THE START BOX!

King Oak or Bust

2008-05-09T15:16:00.000-04:00

Show season has officially begun! Horses are bathed, show clothes are packed, and we're on our way to King Oak Horse Trials in Western Massachusetts - approximately 4 hours from the farm in Pownal, Maine. Emily's Mom even made the special "show time trail mix"!

So far so good - last year on the way to the King Oak Fall Horse Trials, we broke down just a few miles from the Maine border and were stuck on the side of the road with the horses for 3 hours. Thanks to fellow eventer friend Jean Detert for coming to our rescue and getting us to the show! We've long passed that notorious breakdown spot and we're ready to get to King Oak, unpack, walk the cross country course, and get a good rest.

The horses and riders have worked hard the last couple months to prepare and everyone is VERY excited. Now it's time to see if the hard work pays off! We begin with Dressage at 7:30 AM on Saturday and go non-stop until cross country is finished at 10:30 AM. This event is held all in one day, so wish us luck and look for the update which will be posted on our ride home.

HAVE A GOOD RIDE!