I cannot grow old in Salem's lot

I finally got a chance to catch up here.

It was a whirlwind tour of clinics, photographs and other things that have landed across my desk all at once. Not to mention the regular work, taking care of the ponies and making sure that the laundry (an ongoing battle at my place) is getting done.

First, the Stephen Bradley clinic went off wonderfully. I met dedicated riders, exquisite facility and fantastic horses. Not to mention the technician himself- Stephen Bradley, the most down to earth individual you'll ever meet. We will be having him back on a quarterly basis. So, if you event, come join us for a good time.

The photo on the left is from the second day.  But you can check out our facebook page here for more photos and to check out the upcoming events.

Sinari has been gaining more and more consistency over the past few days. Consistency has always been an elusive for us, some weeks are better than others, and having strings of good ones can be rare sometimes. But we've changed a few things. Acupuncture is a huge part of it but we've started on a new course of stuff that is really making the difference. Can't be happier at the moment. I'll post photos to illustrate the difference soon.

Sincere too has worked into his new digs and is continuing on in education. But he's standing butt-high at the moment and I'm just trying to ignore the gangling weed in the yard.

All in the family

I've followed Sinari's family for sometime.

Her dam, Maid Marion, who is spry at 17, pushed out her newest colt earlier this year. Her full-sister Erin, is also a producing as well. Sinari's sire, Comet has long been gelded (seems to be a trend with horses I've owned). 

The line, especially the dam lines, have always been of interest to me. They are strong lines, and do well even when crossed with less-than-stellar, if sub-par stallions. I've tried to obtain the dam on a few occasions to produce another half to Sinari, but no dice.

So, when I saw a two-year-old colt by North Forks Cardi out of her half-sister, Anwylyd, it automatically piqued my interest due to the impending ET with Sinari and this stallion.

The colt, Fogerty FF, which had recently sold to Maine, was sold to an FEI rider as a dressage prospect and is expected to mature about 16 hands.

A few quick email exchanges, and then a very long, but great phone call, I got to know the family that much better.


Her half sister, Anwylyd, who stands 16 hands (whereas Sinari is 14.1), is a black, but similarly marked (two hind socks). She has the same low-tolerance of children, stupidity and shots.  She, like Sinari, is a firecracker undersaddle, good gaits and has the same stop and stare mechanism when spooked.While her under saddle career started later, she showed good talent for the sport.


From what she told me about the particular nick, it crossed incredibly well (I think it will be a repeat cross) and the sire improved everything that the damline needed improving while improving ability, and not loosing the sensitivity.Watching these horses mature into heavy-hitting performance horses only serves to bolster the proof.

With glowing recommendations like that, it's making me really impatient to do this cross.

Speaking of the pony, it's been hot and under saddle work has been regulated to outdoors, and during the evening. We've stuck to the polo field, working on sorting out a few things (namely changes) and some piaffe. This week is shaping up to be busy, work, riding, Stephen Bradley Clinic and a photo shoot with Michael Modecki. Oh yeah, we've been invited to help demo the Welsh breed at the International Equestrian Festival. Anyone know where I can find a shadbelly on the fly?

Long beautiful hair

 Conformation May 2010

Movement Shot May 2010

May 2010

Movement 2010

May 2010

I figured we were due for a photo update with Sincere. It was his first official photoshoot, complete with main pulling, conformation shots and braiding. Lindsey Oaks-Solorzano (Red Letter Eventing) did a fantastic job of braiding and standing him up while I manned the camera.  Honestly, for a yearling- he doesn't look too shabby.

Baby, baby

 

 

 

Sincere was due for some photos. Figure I share from this weekend's exploits. It was his first time in the regular arena.

Photo montage 1.0

Because I take so many photos of the farms, the ponies and various subjects, and because not everyone (or should everyone) have access to the Facebook, I'll share here.