We have another new addition here at the farm. Meet "Spirit" or, as I like to refer to him "what the heck was I thinking?!" In all seriousness, he's a terrific pony for Claire who will be 3 in September. She has been helping feed him and clean his stall (with her pink wheelbarrow, of course) and she leads him to and from the field. She's riding him on the leadline now but keeps asking when she can jump.....sigh. So, in addition to the expense of buying all the new tack that goes with a pony - even though I have 4 of everything needed for his bigger counterparts in the barn - and one more beast to take care of around here when things are already busy enough; I'm pretty sure I'm gaining a few gray hairs every time she wants to do anything with him. He has incredible patience with her as she walks everywhere BUT straight to the barn when he comes in from the field or she spends 20 minutes learning to pick out his feet. He has given me no reason to be worried but it's much harder teaching my fearless daughter when I see all the things that could happen! I've apologized to my mom for putting up with watching me event all these years! Joking aside, who could regret buying a pony when it brings a little girl this big a smile!

This was a busy weekend for the horses and riders from Fairwind Stables. Jessy and Willow headed off to IEA for their move-up to Training. I couldn't be there but the report when she got back sounded fantastic! They had a solid dressage test and a clear stadium on a course that was changing up the scores dramatically. They finished on Sunday by just adding a few seconds on an otherwise clean cross country. Way to go!

Julie and Legend competed in their first dressage show at the Riding Centre. Julie hasn't competed in several years and Legend had only shown a little bit in hand with his previous owner but you never would have guessed it by watching this pair in their first test. Legend had a few greenie moments but mostly presented a relaxed, consistent test. Their second test had some cantering and Julie did a great job riding Legend's HUGE canter in that little 20x40 ring! She's done a terrific job bringing this young boy along over the winter and I was glad to see their hard work pay off at the show.

Chelsea also made her debut in the show ring with Specter. Despite some leftover baggage and nerves from her previous horse, Chelsea did a great job in both Training Level tests with Specter. Her first test scored a very respectable 61 and the judge was very complimentary. They were able to go perform a more relaxed test and greatly improved other than that stinking wrong lead! A great start for this partnership and a happy horse and rider at the end of the day.