Congratulations to Jacquelyn...

...on making the Equestrian Team at the University of Georgia. The Reporter will ask that she forward pictures from her new horse related adventures there. Have a wonderful year Jacquelyn. We all miss you!

Ally Causky on Horses and Riding...

Horsemanship: -noun. the art, ability, skill, or manner of a horseman. I don't know what I would do without E.S.I. and horses. If I'm having a bad day, I can just come down to the barn and see my horse and all of my friends, and I'll feel much better. Razz Ma Tazz has influenced me in many ways. He's always there for me and will (hopefully) love me no matter what. People think equestrian isn't a sport, but it clearly is. We work hard every day and are always trying to get better. When we go to shows, we all try our best and have a great time. The people who have influenced me the most in life are John and Katie, Razz, and all of my barn friends. I hope one day my dream will come true of being a Grand Prix rider. I believe if I keep trying my best, John and Katie can take me to that level. My horse isn't just an animal, he's my partner, companion, and best friend.

We are so pleased that Ally took up the challenge and was the first of our newer riders to submit their feelings about horses and riding. If you want to see what others have written, find "Labels" on the right column of the blog and click on "On Horses and Riding" to quickly see all the previous submissions. Come on guys, there's lots more of you out there who've yet to meet the challenge!

Back to the Challenges, and this is the biggest yet...

Those of you who have followed the ESI Reporter since its inception nearly a year ago will remember that there was a challenge presented to our younger riders to write a short (two to three paragraph) report on what horses and riding mean to them. A v-e-r-y few of our juniors responded, and we just know that there are many more of you who have something to say on this important topic!

Now, the Challenge is Back, but we are opening it up to all our riders of ALL AGES! Please email your thoughts to Margaret at maggiejazz@earthlink.net. (I appreciate it if you do not use a Word program to send over you article, blogger has a real problem with that format; just send in plain text in your email. Thanks!)

We all want to know what all of our riders are thinking and feeling about this great sport we all love so much!

Mary Edwards sunsets on youtube...

One of our resident photographers, Mary Edwards, has posted a video collection of our sunset pictures on youtube. If you want to see what she's done, here's the link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cYnWCVmCC4Q

"No foot, no horse..."

Our favorite farrier, Gary Rush, recently provided the Reporter with a comprehensive article on thrush and white line disease. Three copies of this article have been made and are in the office, on the coffee table, in a black plastic magazine holder. For those of you who are interested (as you all should be!) in the causes, symptoms and products used to treat these hoof afflictions, please feel free to borrow these article to read at your convenience. (And then bring them back so the rest of your buddies can read them, too!)

Blenheim Summer Classic II...

In case you didn't notice, Brandee and Kathryn were hauling back and forth to Blenheim a couple of days last week, getting some experience miles on both their horses. The Reporter wants to congratulate Brandee and Buddy on their seventh place ribbon in Friday's High Jr/Amateur Jumper class!

Belated Happy August Birthdays...

to Wendy, who celebrated earlier this month and to
Kelsie on August 21 and
Augustine on August 28!
Enjoy!

Jumping for joy...

The Reporter heard this straight from the horse's mouth, so to speak... Janet was pleased to inform that she and Velvet jumped their first cross pole on Sunday! It's just the beginning for both of you!

Last Sunday's Jumper Photos by Notable Equine...

Go to this link to see photos taken by Jim Cain of the Jumper Classes at Sycamore on Sunday, July 26 -

http://www.printroom.com/ViewGallery.asp?userid=treasure&gallery_id=1672571

More video from Ansley - Last weekend at Sycamore...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TV0-ke4hYNc

Sorry folks - sometimes I can move these into a post and they work as a hyperlink; other times they don't :(
A little cut here, a little paste there (into your browser!) and you can enjoy our own Ansley's photographic impressions of another weekend of Sycamore showing. (It's worth the extra effort. Promise!)