Well, Locksley is getting stronger! the Piaffe “out” ist a little crooked and I let him blow out too quick into the passage, but all in all I am pleased with the progress. We’ve still only just scratched the surface.
We have left the Vortex and are back in Maine, trying to get used to the wet and cold weather.
Our winter season was great! Celeste Healey qualified for Regional Championships in second level and first level freestyle (in which she scored a 75%)
Glenn qualified for Regional Championships in Third level, Third level Freestyle and Second level.
This fall should be fun in Saugerties!!
Locksley has ten Intermediaire2′s under his belt and kept a median score of 66+%
We are finally comfortable with the test and look forward to our Debut at the Grand Prix, either this fall in Saugerties or at the first White Fences Show.
Stedeman who came to me in November had his show debut at third level.
Cabriolet had some lovely scores at training level 66-73.5 and will also go to Saugerties.
Pica had her first show in April, and won her third level class with a 69.8
Willette and her young horse Rime had an amazing season and scored a 83% at one point
She also did a fantastic job riding Cody in his I1
Locksley won his first leg of Dressage under the Stars, and ended in third in the finals.
Buster and Quilla had four little pups in Florida, (one boy and three girls) and all have fantastic homes.
When Hilary (my groom) had to go back to Italy a month early, I was lucky to get Michelle and Maddie each for two weeks to the farm to help out… and they (as always) stepped right up to the plate and did a fantastic job.
on our way home, Willette, Sandy , the dogs and I took a detour to northwest Georgia, to participate in a field trial, and dour dogs did an amazing job!
It’s really good to be home, and to finally catch up, the horses are back in full work, and all we need is a bit better temps to start working in the garden.
Here a I2 video of Locksley http://youtu.be/GRtc0DS_zoI
Huge Congratulations to Glen Healey for completing his 2012 goal in one weekend… he is now a USDF Bronze Medalist!
He also won the Dover award for highest scoring AA at second level test 3.
What an exiting show, we have nearly 400 rides, the largest national show right here at our grounds in Loxahatchee. Exitement was buzzing and we are running three rings all three days.
Today was the first day and we started with a Bang! Stedemann owned by Sandra Davis had his show debut. This talented horse still lacked some confidence and was a bit tight, but got a third place at Third level test 1 with a 64.3%
Locksley had his debut at Intermediaire 2, which is a huge step from small tour. He did a super job, and won his class with a 65.1%
my little girl Cabriolet surprised me and delivered a very solid test and won it with a 75.4%, she was cloesly followed by Willette Brown’s very promising young horse Rime with a 75% and JJ Tates horse with a 74 +change… It was very very close, and I think these talented young horses will take turns in placings over the next few days.
Celeste Healey delivered a solid performance at second level test 3 with a 69+ and was the highest scoring AA at this level… she was closely followed by her husband Glenn, with a 61+
Glenn preceeded to ride a fine performance at 3-3 and scored a solid 68%
Tomorrow is another day and I’ll keep everyone posted.
I am behind on posts, but I wanted to let everyone know, that with the help of Celeste Healey for music, and Willette Brown for costume, Locksley won the first of a 8 week series Dressage under the Stars . For more info and pics go to
http://phelpsmediagroup.com/viewarticle.php?id=6409
for video http://youtu.be/iGhNdTgg-k4
Crystal Spring Farm wishes all our family, friends, clients and students a happy new year, and a successful show season for 2012. May you and your four legged friends stay healthy and happy and may all your dreams come true.
Celste Healey was the first to show at White fences this past weekend, at the Polar Express Dressage show December 17/18 and had her debut at second level. After shaking the nerves on the first day, and still coming out with a respectable 62.7, she nailed it on the second day, got a 70.5 and earned herself the AA High score award of the entire two day show. Many congrats to Celeste to a season well started.
*photo by Hilary Hamlyn
I had a good trip to Florida with no delays, got to White Fences to find that Adam had done a really nice job on my Apartment, which I share with the Healey’s when they are here. I absolutely love my digs.
I had plenty of time to get the barn ready and get settled in my place right on the property.
Mark Choper arrived with the horses at 5pm, who showed no sign of being tired. (neither the horses nor Mark) Everyone was bright eyed, and happy to have arrived.
The difference between the Wellington horses and mine is, that mine look like wooly Yacks. Today will be bathing and clipping day, so they look like show horses again, and we’ll start work on Monday.
We had our first snow storm, day before Thanksgiving, which involved much shoveling and reminded us just why we pack up and go South.
Buster and Meggie’s tracking season sadly has come to an abrupt halt, because the snow is higher then they are.
The horse trunks, tack and equipment are packed up (thank you Koren and Michelle for all your help), and the house is full of totes to finish the home packing process. Our leaving date is Tuesday the 29th, and the horses will follow shortly behind us.
It will be sad leaving Cliff and the farm and I will miss them immensely, but I also look forward to continuing my own education which will have me fresh, motivated and enthusiastic for my students, when I come back in April. (and Cliff will visit 
)
Locksley my golden boy, ended his season able to do 15 one tempi’s, and some pi and pa, and I’m hoping to make the jump to Grand Prix this season, which makes this an especially exiting year.
Dan will stay with Locksley’s owner Meg Stevens this winter, and we’re crossing fingers and toes, that this extended rest will give him time to recover from his injury, so that he can go back to work in April.
Last but not least, Buster and Quilla are hoping to have a litter of puppies the beginning of February in Florida, which will give the winter season some extra excitement.
Congratulations to Maddy Blake on the purchase of Tamollie!
Tamollie is a 3yo 1/2 trakehner filly , bred and raised by Willette Brown.
She has already impressed us with her confidence, and quiet demeanor and her willingness to do whatever is asked of her. It’s so nice for Maddie to finally have a partner with such a solid base and so much promise. Thank you Willette, for letting us purchase this fine young horse.
I’m looking forward to the journey Maddy and Tamollie are going to take, and am exited to be part of it.
