Saturday was a logistical challenge. I had several riders who wanted to attend the Foxchase Farm VHSA show in Middleburg, while I had a few more riders who wanted to show at the USEF A-rated show at The Barracks in Charlottesville. Since Foxchase starts their horse shows with the 2’9″ and 3′ divisions first, and since it’s still chilly and indoors, I was pretty certain our riders would finish up before noon. The Barracks prizelist has the Children’s Hunters running toward the end of the day. I figured those classes would go later in the afternoon, at least after 2pm. So I decided it was worth taking a chance and trying to fit both in.
The morning at Foxchase was great. Morgan Busey and Rust Never Sleeps (Bromont) were Champion in both the Benefit and Working Hunters, and Morgan was second in the VHSA Children’s Medal. Shannon deWit won the Benefit Hunter Under Saddle with Basking By the Bay (Bailey) and earned fourth and fifth over fences. I showed Bailey in the Working Hunters and we placed 2nd and 4th. Ali Anderson and Zenith were Reserve Champion in the Benefit Hunters, and were fifth in the Medal. Congratulations!
So it was off to Charlottesville right after we wrapped up in Middleburg. My husband, Don, met me at Foxchase to pick up the horse trailer and left me the car to drive down to The Barracks. My Children’s Hunters riders had already departed for Charlottesville earlier in the day, so they could meet the braider and get settled in. Since it was chilly out and we weren’t sure how early their classes would go, they each got a day stall so their horses could relax while they waited. It also gave the riders a chance to watch the other classes, learn their courses and mentally prepare for their division.
What great results!!! Alyssa Rhee and Mandalay Bay won one over fences class and were third in the other over fences and the under saddle (ninth in the Classic). Kate Murphy and Charisma were second in each of the three classes and placed sixth in the Children’s Hunter Classic. Alyssa and Mandi were Champion, and Kate and Charisma were Reserve Champion! Congratulations!
All that orchestrating and driving was SO worth it! All of my riders made me so proud. Looking forward to Swan Lake this coming weekend!
