Thursday, July 9, 2009

Calypso X Sold


Sadly for me today Calypso X was sold to a new rider in Ohio. She's been a fantastic mare that I've had in training for the past six weeks. I had the opportunity to compete her in two prelim horse trials; in her last start at Surefire Farm, she was one of only two horses to jump a clear show jumping round and she finished in second place.

Calypso's new owner, Suzanne, trains alongside my good friend Theresa Evans. The past owners of the horse are a good mate of mine from Washington, DC, Donovan Cunningham, and his daughter Mara. They've been good friends of mine since arriving in this country, having met them at the first clinic I taught in Maryland back in 2007. Mara recently completed high school and is now pursuing her higher education at the University of Vermont, whilst Donovan is working hard for the U.S. government and helping the Native Americans establish better living arrangements in their communities across America.

Congratulations to Suzanne and the best of luck with this very talented horse.

-Boyd

Photo: Will Rogers and Trigger

Monday, July 6, 2009

Great Clinic in Sunny Northern California


On the July 4th weekend I was lucky enough to jet up to Meg Finn's barn near San Fransisco, California to give a hand teaching at the magnificent Stanford Barn on Saturday, and then out at the Woodside X-country course on Sunday.



Saturday was sensational. I was teaching show jumping lessons and soaking up the sun. The riders worked on tough bending lines and a few bounces.


I set up one really tough line which caused plenty of action. The highlight of my day was meeting Bob Garcia; Bob was a real crowd pleaser, having two falls in the lesson.




On Sunday we all took a 15-minute drive to the Woodside Equestrian Park. Woww!! What a facility. A great cross-country course that had jumps ranging from Beginner Novice up to Advanced. The lessons went great. I really felt every rider was challenged. It was great to see my old mate, Castleview, at the clinic. His new rider, Katherine gave him a great ride. Again, the highlight of the day was watching Big Bob go flying off his horse after he cleared the training fence at the water jump.


A big thanks to Meg, as she really looked after me on my first trip to California.

-Boyd

Thanks to Rick Hyman, whose daughter rode in the clinic for sharing his fantastic photos. A few are posted here and many more are posted on his website: check it out here.

Sunday, July 5, 2009

Upcoming Clinic Sponsored by ENYDCTA

Beginner Novice through Training Level Clinic

School Water, Ditches & Banks at the Old Chatham Horse Trial Site


Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Groups of 4 -5 riders In 2 hour sessions

Members: $100 Non-Members: $140

There is no x-c fee so the ENYDCTA are passing the savings on to members.

Auditor fees apply – one free with each clinic rider

Don’t miss this great opportunity - sign up early!

For more information contact:

Susan Ripley:
518-882-1863 (eve.)
518-928-4805 (cell)
stirip@aol.com


Volunteer Help Welcome

Proof of Negative Coggins Required