Is it me or is this the fastest summer ever?!

Maybe it is because we are having so much fun - or because there are so many of us but this summer is flying by! I can't believe we are already half-way through our camp and I never want these long days to end. The kids are working their tails off and the horses are thriving with all the extra love, attention, and exercise (and food!).
Though I may be less exhausted once school starts, I will miss these leisurely days with trail rides to Spring Valley and daily baths for the horses - and us!
Week Five was no exception to the fun and everything just seems to be getting better each day. The girls still hate the new boot requirement but I am sure the horses are grateful and all of their hard work under saddle and managing the barn can be seen at the shows we attend. The End-of-Week Camp show was super advanced, even for the Walk/Trotters and everyone looked so good!
One of my favorite days was Wednesday - the scary part was Callaia tore her shoulder open - the nice part was we all were able to wash our hair with the products are horses use and we smelled terrific all day. It was definitely a good hair day for all of us and my hair had a carrot cake aroma for a few washings afterwards! Callaia is fine, my hair is back to average and we are all having a blast!

Week Four Flew by!

Staff Jordan, Izzy, & Ashley pony on the trails.

Week four was a busy adventure. There never seemed to be enough time in the day to play with the horses! We enjoyed walking all of the horses over tarps, two trips to Spring Valley Arena (where the girls LOVE it!) and a lot of practice for the Hidden Hills Horse Show at the dressage arena at Saddle Creek.

Up time with Brooke & down time with the girls.

It is so great having Sami back with us and she has been instrumental in keeping things going well. She has also spent a lot of time with Felicitie and it is paying off - they are already cantering around the arena and Felice looks great from all the extra grooming and attention, which she loves. Her little sister, Nikki also came for a few days - she is so cute and Sami is a great big sister to Nikki and to our girls!

Sami & Felicitie

Bride Rose is also learning about being a riding horse. Ashley is very dedicated to her and Hannah is offering fantastic support with her Parelli training. Time is the answer to so much and we were excited that Debbie and Summer joined us for a huge lesson in Spring Valley.

Bride Rose does Parelli work with Ashley & Hannah

We welcomed back Geffen after he vacation and also Cassie, cousin to Kate Korchek (Cowgirl Kate) joined us for the week and will enjoy her first horse show this Sunday.

The girls never get enough jumping!!

We had a practice show on Friday and Ashley, Izzy, and Hannah were great judges. The youngest riders, Geffen, Kristin, and Marguerite also gave their opinions on the class. We are all ready for a great show in Hidden Hills this Sunday - thanks so much to Bliss for organizing that!

Our End-of-the-Week Show, Week Four. I could not get the girls off their horses!

Other exciting news - Alexandra, Grace, Jordan (thanks, Mom!), Ashley, and Kristin all got new saddles!

Friday Horse Show and End Of Week Celebration

There is no question that Week Two was an exciting one - and it seemed to just go on and on! :) The Horse Show on Friday was so impressive. All of the girls had fantastic rides and the Judge (Holly) had her work cut out for her. Ashley did a great job calling the class. It was so enjoyable to watch. Our class had 12 riders and each one did an amazing job! Here are the results...

Baylee & Barbary - Rookie of the Week
Julia & Spiderman - Best Painted
Hannah & Poet - Best Heels
Marguerite & Poe - Best Hands
Brooke & Lola - Best Seat
Ashley BP & Malibu - Best Western Horse
Jenni & Persjaa - Best English Horse
Jordan & Sierra - Best Eyes
Mandy & Dessa - Best Equitation/Overall Rider
Kristin & Angel - Best Horsemanship
Jessica & Tiko - Most Cadenced

Our Trip to Spring Valley

Today we took our first trip to Spring Valley Arena and it was so much fun. Our biggest group of girls caravan-ed down the road and new horse Poet led the way!

After we rode, we ate lunch in the shade at the nice tables and then got back on our horses for some more riding.

Everyone did beautifully with all the exercises, jumping and flexing and collecting. The trail ride home went well as well.

After taking care of the horses, we were off to swim at the community center and then work the Hidden Hills Horsemen's booth at the 1st Annual Hoedown! The girls looked cute in their Sapphire shirts and took their job seriously. We were very proud.

Beautiful Braiding Day at the Plum Tree

Champions Team Tallulah & Bailey with Spiderman and Ashley & Marguerite with Angel Baby tied for first in the braiding competion.

Also looking great was Jordan & Gracie and Helena & Dessa!

Hannah proved her braid was ready for a show! Brooke & Lily did a nice job too.

Heather, the judge inspecting everyone's work.



Could Spiderman get any cuter?