Show Recaps: Stone Ridge Winter Series I & II

Stone Ridge Eventing Winter Series I was a great event for AAF students and boarders!

We had beautiful weather and Stone Ridge Eventing, put on a spectacular show.  It's so helpful and beneficial to have both an event this close to the farm, as well as one held during the off-season. 

The weekend ended with several freshly minted eventers (horses & riders), as well as those who knocked the rust off after a long time away from the sport. AAF boarder Arden placed 2nd in the Starter division on her new OTTB, Vinny. Evan Niehues (a total newbie to the sport and a relatively new rider) & Tonic survived all three phases & gained tons of confidence. AAF student Stephanie & her mare, Savannah, had a much improved dressage & very forward brave jumping rounds. AAF Boarder, Jamie & Piper had a beautiful dressage test & XC round, impressively both had jumped their first real XC jumps only a week ago!  Last but not least, Never Ceasing recovered from the Texas Rose adventure, and took 2nd in the BN division, finishing on his 32 dressage score. Most importantly, he jumped very bravely through the water! 

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Stone Ridge Eventing Winter Series II was held just a few weeks after Winter Series I. 

Piney made the move up to Novice, getting a record 29 on his dressage test, and also taking home the T.I.P. Award for the best dressage score by an OTTB at the show.  The week prior we held a Claudia Coley dressage clinic at the farm, and she was instrumental in some majorly improved dressage scores out of almost every horse & rider.  

Piney jumped a double clear SJ and had a very forward/brave/over-jumping XC, with the exception of one bobble on the mound to cabin combination, where he stopped to talk to his friend Tonic and did not jump the second element.  He jumped out on his second attempt and finished the course with a giant victorious buck --what a character! 

Other AAF students each improved in at least one phase.  Big congratulations to Denise for finishing her first BN!