Dream Dancer Horse Photography

      Last Sunday the sun came out in Tweed and so did the horses and riders. Gateway HRA put on their second show and the attendance was proof that friends are telling friends that this is the place to be. The competition for year-end awards has heated up some but the atmosphere is still fun and friendly. Unfortunately Nancy had to attend to her nursing duties and was not able to be with me so instead of showing I went solo with a bag of cameras and managed to snap over 100 photos and over an hour of video. Needless to say, it has taken a few days to sort through them all but we have started to put some on the site.

     This week-end we dedicating our time to our own equine pals. Benny the Grey is coming on strong and I can’t wait to show him off soon. Satin Girl is looking good and Nancy has added to her show outfit this week so I know that she is chopping at the bit and little Irish Dream has a new show halter. What a cutie he is. Thanks to everyone who has visited the site recently and the members, old and new, that have added to their photo albums. I will be adding a forum page soon so that we can all trade tall tails, ideas and questions.

Happy Trails,

John and Nancy

     Sunday was just as eventful. As you might know, we have been looking around for a club that has a few schooling shows this year. We have been away from showing for more than a few years so we wanted something casual and fun just to school our horses and get the rust out of our old bones. Since our horses are in Marmora we didn’t want the shows to be too far from there so that we could make several trips if we decided to take more than 2 of them. While surfing the inter-web I found the Gateway Horse Riders Association in Tweed (see our “links” page) so we headed up from Belleville to the Tweed Fairgrounds bright and early Sunday morning for a peek. We had such a good time that the peek lasted all day. The organizers and competitors welcomed us like we were old friends. The show ran extremely smoothly and we even got in the spirit by helping out the ring crew. I was absolutely amazed at the younger riders. Some of them looked like they were barely old enough to tie their own shoe laces but they were pros in the saddle. Confident, competent, and having a great time. I hope that this old man can do as well. There was, of course some beautiful horses and skilled riders and we couldn’t help taking a few pictures. I have created a new page titled “Gateway Club Show” so you can have a look. This club felt like home and we have decided to become members and join in the fun at their next show. If you’re looking for some schooling shows a little more than 30 minuets from Belleville then check them out. You’ll be glad you did and Nancy and I look forward to meeting you there.

     What a beautiful long week-end for horsing around. Saturday was the first official trail ride of the season at Wolf Creek Equestrian Centre in Marmora. It was warm and mostly sunny with just enough cloud to minimize the glare and enough breeze to cool us off and keep the flies away. We spent a few minutes in the arena warming up the horses and seeing how they would react to each other and then it was off through the woods to the open fields and creeks. “Benny the Grey” was unflappable. He slotted into the group in every position from leader to follower without hesitation. He did do a little dance to get out of the way when one of the horses acted up but he took it all in stride. Everyone had a great time and it was, for us, the official start of the 2010 year of the horse. Thanks to our hosts Trevor and Annette.

     Well it was another busy and eventful weekend. On Saturday I had the pleasure of meeting Stephanie Eddy, the owner of Trent Riders web site. Stephanie treated me to a little tour of her farm. She has lots of interesting horses like a Gypsy Vanner, a Mustang stallion and the cutest little 4 week old mini paint. She also has 2 rescue horses. I have to admire anyone who devotes their time and energy and money to rehabilitating neglected horses that are physically and emotionally deprived. It was amazing to see these two come to the fence for her. She certainly has earned their trust. Thank you Stephanie for your hospitality and the work that you do.

     On Saturday I also picked up a new saddle complete with matching breast collar, bridle and reins so Sunday was my 1st ride on Avalon Dream aka “Benny the Grey”. We were both a bit rusty but I was amazed at how responsive he was to leg aids. He was a bit stiff to one side but aren’t we all. He trotted over poles like they weren’t even there and what a trot. He floated along like I was sitting on a cloud. I tried a little neck reining and he seemed confused at first but again he started to catch on after only a few attempts. I doubt that there is anything he won’t do with some patient training. He continually proves that we made the right choice. Now that I have the horse and the gear, Nancy and I are picking out the shows that we will enter this year. She has been invaluable in helping me pick the horse and starting our training. Thanks Sweetie.

     Next Saturday is an open trail ride at Wolf Creek Equestrian Centre in Marmora. If anyone is interested in joining in there is a link on our “Links” page. Come and join our journey to becoming better riders and enjoy the company of our mounts and our friends.

Until next time, happy trails to you and stay safe out there,

John

     Saturday May 1st was the open house and horse sale at Wolf Creek Equestrian Centre. We had a table display set up along with Greenhawk Tack Shop, Spotted Hill Ranch & German Shepherds, Fox on the Run Tack Repair, Chatauk Stable, Barn Cat Rescue,Southbreeze Wagon & Trail Rides, Timbertrail Western Riders, Pat Corby Equine Massage Therapist and several others to whom I must apologize for forgetting at this time. There were some good looking horses for sale, ( Nancy had her eye on a couple of Appies from Spotted Hill but resisted ), some delicious bar-b-que to eat and lots of action. The best part for us was the people we met and the usual warm and efficient hospitality of Trevor and Annette of Wolf Creek. We made some new friends and some great contacts for equine services. Nancy, as you know, rides English and she was thrilled to be invited to a Hunt Club drag hunt. Another highlight was the impromptu trail ride. Once someone made the suggestion it wasn’t long before the saddles came out and the riders were on their way. Everyone came back with a smile on their face and an appreciation for the beauty of the area.

    And still another highlight was the draw for door prizes. We had offered a free photo shoot and that was won by Dawn Davies of Greenhawk Tack Shop in Stirling and I was lucky enough to win the free western coaching session from Ingrid Wannamaker, one of our area’s top coaches. My new grey and I can sure use that to tune us up.

     Speaking of the grey; we spent some more time on ground work on Sunday and I think we’re ready for our first “in saddle”work out this week. The more time I spend with him the more I feel that I got the right horse. He is quick to learn, eager to work and has a real personality. We are bonding well and he follows me like a puppy. Next Saturday we plan to visit Bronwyn of Fox on the Run in Hastings to plan out a new, custom made show saddle for us.

      We also spent part of the day working with Irish Dream, our 2 year old Arab/Pony. He is a real beauty and moves like a dream. One of our grand daughters will probably show him in some lead line classes this year and next year he will be broke and trained to be a magnificent hunter pony.

          Well that was the 1st weekend in May and it will be a hard act to follow but something tells me that there will be a lot more great weekends to follow and that's why we love our horses and this business.

Happy trails and be safe out there,

John