Wow, Im glad to be home. Nothing like a rainy weekend to make you pack up a little quicker than normal and git on the road! Im very glad that we went to Happs this weekend – we, was Joann Keller Green, Lori Golitzin and myself. We had a great time together, not harmed at all by Lori’s excellent cooking. That has to be the BEST Ive ever eaten at an event. Marinated chicken on the grill, mixed greens salad with blue cheese, homemade carmelized walnuts and pears, killer european potato salad, and fantastic wine. Joann and I kept pinching ourselves and reminiscing about the days when we used to eat powerbars for dinner (two weeks ago).
It was a topsy turvey weekend. I was elected the Rider Representative and found that to be a difficult job at times. There were some rider concerns about the footing and a few jump placements. I want to give a huge shout out for Fran O’Reilly, the president of ground jury, and she was great. She received rider concerns productively, thoughtfully, helpfully and much was acomplished. Or at the very least the rider’s safety concerns felt heard.
Joann *almost* got another clear round at training level, putting her one step closer to the half star at Inavale. But alas, an unfair, trappy jump got her 20 penalties and an education. She will re-write her plans and perhaps end the season with a trip to Galway. We shall see, but for me it is great to see her be so competent and happy at this level. She and her horse fully understand this level! Lori finished her first event!! Hurrah for her and Maverick, although Mav only gets gold stars for his dressage and SJ, cross country wins him the lead/ graphite stars as he ran past jumps one and two in a vain attempt to get back to the barns. I think he was testing Lori to see just how desperately she wanted to continue on in the rain. Apparently, she did because she gave him a piece of her spurs and got back to business. After which, of course, he was foot perfect.
Everyone needs to check out the Area VII website because our fearless leader, Luigi, has just put on an Online Event Evaluation. These reports are important to the powers that be and we need to give our feedback as riders and owners. Be constructive and helpful, be heard and fill them out!