Although we didn't take home any ribbons, Holly Hill (April 18-19) was definitely a success. Stromboli hadn't competed since early August, which did not exactly go as planned, and we went to Holly Hill with only a couple lessons this year and no cross-country schooling or other preparation.  Stromboli was calm and relatively mannerly in dressage (44.5 ...not a score to be proud of, but nothing disgraceful), then jumped really well in SJ except for a tap at the first fence (rider error), and then had a double clear XC.  I feel good to be "back in the game," and I swear Stromboli came home 1 inch taller and moving better than when we left.  

Stromboli, Finn, Bayley, Comanche, and Gunner are all going to a NWAHJA Hunter/Jumper show this weekend, which is sure to be an entertaining & fun time.  

The barn and house are complete and I am not a full-time resident of Always August Farm. I've only been there for two weeks and it is still a pretty strange (though wonderful) feeling to wake up and see the horses out of almost any window in the house.  

We decided to go to a local NWAHJA show last weekend and everyone had a great time, learned a ton, and came home with lots of ribbons!   

Alexis and her horse Gunner had just started jumping consistently, and they both really stepped up to the plate in the Maiden Hunter division.  They even won their very first over fences class! Gunner has had quite the transformation!  

Anna Kathryn showed Comanche in the Baby Green division and did a great job of conquering both of their pre-show nerves and jumping around a bigger/longer course than they have ever done before.  

Ellie and Bayley made their show debut together in the 2'3"-2'6" and 2'6"-2'9" jumpers, and rocked every single round clean and fast to get Reserve Champion in both divisions.  

Stromboli did a couple jumper classes as a warm up for Holly Hill where we will compete in the training division. He was calm as a cucumber the entire day and very controllable. Fingers-crossed this comes to Louisiana with us and transfers to the dressage ring!