the next generation

After writing about Milagro last week, I went through my phone looking for examples of him doing his thang with tiny lesson kiddos. Sadly nothing presented itself, but I uncovered these photos from earlier this summer when some of the more advanced kids signed up for a lesson with Dan.

left to right: Caballo, Special & Bali, all OTTBs

Because omg, these kids are too much. They took this lesson *super* seriously and dressed the part with all matching everything. It was really a sight to behold lol.

Caballo in blue and Bali in pink (being a butthead about going down the hill, natch)

This particular group of students can be found at the barn pretty much any day of the week and are always eager to help out with lessons and chores and pretty much whatever. They are a great group and have the dedication and drive to become quite talented riders. It's been really cool to watch them progress and improve, especially as they start focusing on showing off property.

Special lookin sharp in green

Meanwhile, today was supposed to be show day at Olde Hope Farms for our second attempt at Novice-lite, and we had planned to make a party out of it. B & Wick were slated for their BN debut, and the lesson program director R planned to bring five students and two horses as well. So I was really looking forward to more of a 'big farm' feel to the show, and especially helping out and cheering on some of these students at their first real off-property show.

Alas, the hurricane and heavy rains put the kibbosh on those plans and the show is rescheduled for Oct 25. So far it's looking like I'll be able to attend, fortunately, but it is a bit of a disappointment.

see, Bali used to be a solid member of the lesson horse squad! 

My goals for the outing were simple: pull out a repeat performance from last time (winning score optional... tho they also had NECK RIBBONS and saddle pads as prizes so... not too shabby). I wanted a nice dressage test (tho we haven't had a lesson in forever so it probably would be a little less spectacular than last time) and smoother jumping rounds.

Really the biggest goal was a more confident xc round. Sure, last time was fine, and Isabel handled all the novice-sized fences like she's been doing it her whole life, but we lacked rhythm. Especially with the ditches, banks and water. Ya know. Just like, the holy trinity of cross country. Nbd, right?

I also figured it would serve more or less like glorified schooling again. Oh well, le sigh. Hopefully I can get a schooling in one way or another (maybe with Dan?) sometime in the next few weeks because we'll be heading back to Loch Moy for their second MDHT Fall Starter HT on Oct 18. And... well... I mayyyyyybe made a somewhat gutsy (and peer pressure enabled) choice about which division to enter...