In no particular order, Hugh,, Lindsey, Brenda, Connolly, Debbie, Sheila and myself wandered down the coast to stunning Pebble Beach for the Almaden Farms Summer Show. As if Hugh needed six women to tell him which tie to wear each day. Debbie had to return, like the swallows of San Juan Capistrano, to her place of Alameden Farms Medal Final Victory in the near past of 2007. But, alas, no one from HWTS qualified to recapture the trophy this year. Hence, we all have to give it a go for next year!
At the other extreme of this sport, Junebug and Hugh went double clean, and had a stunningly fast jump off time to win the $5000 Julie Grey Jumper Classic Saturday night. This gave us all an excuse to be rowdy and boisterous at barn after the class celebrating. All the other evenings when we were rowdy and boisterous, we had no excuse but carried on anyway.
Other horse updates and accomplishments: Fiona remembered how to walk, trot and canter, and bring Lindsey to second place in Equitation Under Saddle. Jumping was more of a challenge, and Hugh had to use all of his whiles to get the job done, but progress made daily and 7th in her final class. Gypsy was a perfect gentleman in the hunter and equitation classes. In addition, he studied hard for the written portion of the 4 phase Almaden Equitation Special. Isn't is a coincidence that every horses' password to the internet is "CARROTS"? He needed access to the PCHA rule book for the extremely challenging test. Rules contradicting each other, which one is the last word on the subject? Questions about the legality of a sidesaddle, adults on ponies, have Debbie fill you in on the grueling details. Connolly's AP Chemistry class will be easy compared to that feat. Fanfair and Connolly won a class, always a blast. Hooligan marched around the showgrounds and did get 2 trail rides to the beach for being so grown up acting. Princess was extremely patient with every amateur move (aka mistake) I made and carted me around the 3'3" Modified Hunter division, and a sprinkling of very fun medal classes. She got one trail ride the the beach for her extraordinary patience.
We are hopefully all home safe now. Reporting from the field, Joan
