One tree Farm

Construction on the new farm has begun. So far we have planted a single tree (baby steps)! and put in a driveway culvert.  Tomorrow the first run-in shed will be installed (temporary hay barn), and the fields are getting hayed at the end of the week! 

Finn and I had a wonderful dressage lesson with Cynthia Sera two weekends ago, which ended on us doing some beautiful lengthenings and a little counter-canter.  His flat work keeps improving dramatically each ride and I can't believe I finally have a horse that I LOVE to do dressage on.  He's missing a shoe right now and it's killing me that I can't ride him because I am so excited about him. 

Finn also made his show debut at in the 2'3"-2'6" and 2'6"-2'9" NWAHJA jumper classes. My intention was just to get him off the property and see how he would do in a full course with a little bit of show atmosphere.  He was much more forward and excited than he is at home, but bravely jumped everything on all of his courses.  Although we had a lot of green moments, he still placed well and we came home with a lot of ribbons! I think he's definitely ready to run the beginner novice at Heritage Park at the end of October :)  

Stromboli has been improving, but most importantly he seems very relaxed and very happy.  He's been so calm and good that I let my 8-year old sister who has never done more than a pony ride sit on him today, and she was quickly riding him all by herself practicing steering and doing "whoas"! I couldn't have been more proud of both of them, although I think my Dad is going to kill me for infecting his other daughter with the horse bug! 

---