ESI End of Year Potluck...

Let's wish a fond farewell to 2010 with a Fun Day Pot-Luck during the day on Friday, December 31st. (Weather permitting! Keep watching the blog for possible rain date information.)
Check the board at the barn for pot-luck sign-up sheet and more info!

Worming Clinic Info...

The January worming clinic will take place on the fourth and fifth. Lessons will resume on Thursday, January 6th.

December IEL Results...

Five ESI riders continued their successful IEL season over the weekend.

Riding in JV Jumpers, Kirra piloted Zia to two thirds and a fourth on Saturday, and a first and two seconds on Sunday.

And in the Varsity Jumpers:
Euan and Elite picked up a first, a fourth and an eighth place ribbon on Saturday; on Sunday he placed first, second and sixth in his three classes.
On Saturday, Madi and Copper received two ninths and an eleventh place ribbon.
Ally and Ladino returned to IEL this weekend, this time in the jumper division, receiving two thirds and a ninth on Saturday, and two thirds and a seventh on Sunday.
And, Ansley and Casper received a fourth and a sixth on Saturday, followed by two seconds and another sixth on Sunday.

Congratulations to all our riders and their terrific mounts!

Over the weekend at IEL...

The Reporter takes the opportunity of reporting on the weekend's IEL results to welcome new rider, Kirra Roberts to ESI! She showed Zia in the Junior Varsity Jumpers over the weekend, bringing home second, third and fourth place ribbons on Saturday, and a first, second, and sixth on Sunday! Special congratulations to Kirra on a successful first show!

In the Varsity Jumpers, Hannah and Pete received two thirds and an eighth place ribbon on Saturday, then a third, fifth and sixth on Sunday.
Casper and Ansley carried out third, fourth and fifth place ribbons on the first day of showing, then a fourth and two sevenths on Sunday.
And, Euan and Elite picked up a second, a fifth, and an eighth place award on Saturday, followed by a sweep of three red ribbons on Sunday.

Madi and Copper were scheduled to show, but scratched when Madi suffered a terrifically painful back spasm that was affecting her breathing. We all hope she is feeling much better very soon!

Congratulations to all our riders and their mounts!

Happy Halloween...

Ansley's Sunday Championship Photos...

Sunday at Year-End Championship Show...

It must have been quite a feat, but the Championship Show did happen in just three short days, and our horses and riders proved well prepared for their tasks.

In Low Childrens Hunters Sarah and Decker placed tenth. In the Low Childrens Under Saddle, it was Rich and Makenna in fifth and Decker in ninth. Moving up to the
Childrens Hunters 13 & Under, Rich placed seventh and Decker picked up the eighth place ribbon. Going from there to the Under Saddle Class, it was Decker who earned the blue ribbon and Rich the red.

In the Low AA Hunters Cadence and Kathy received the tenth place ribbon, followed by a ninth in the AA Hunters. And, Montage and Gwen received the eighth award in the Low AA Hunters Under Saddle.

In Equitation, Melissa picked up a fourth award in the Open Equitation Over Fences. On the Flat, Makenna picked up a sixth in Limit, a second in Novice and an eighth in the Open class. Sarah stepped out of the Open Equitation Flat class with the tenth ribbon.
Kathy and Gwen rode in the their 18 and Over Flat Equitation classes, placing first and fourth in the Maiden, and second and fifth in the Novice respectively. And, Ally walked out with the fourth placed ribbon in the Victor Hugo Vidal Jr. Equitation Medal.

Sunday was a chance for our jumper riders to take their turns on the Gamblers Choice course. In the low class, Copper and Madi picked up the ninth ribbon. They came back in the 3'6" - 3'9" class to receive the fifth award. Euan and Elite placed fourth and Britt and Seduction carried out the sixth.

Congratulations to all our horse and riders on a terrific Year-End show! The Reporter will soon be posting more pictures from Ansley's extensive show album, and welcomes all photos that others send.

Saturday at the Championship Show...

Once again starting with the Hunter Rings - Concerto placed tenth in the Modified Jr/Amatuer Hunters over fences and fifth in the Under Saddle. And, in Junior/Amateur Hunters, Fiona brought home the fourth place ribbon. Both these horses, plus Denmark, came back for the 3'3" - 3'3" Hunter Derby, with Fiona placing third, Concerto fifth and Denmark sixth.

In Equitation, it appears that the OCHSA Horsemanship Medals have been completed. In the Junior class, Ally received sixth, and in the Amateur class, Kathy picked up the seventh and Gwen the ninth. In the first round of the Victor Hugo Vidal Equitation Medal, Ally placed fifth and Melissa picked up the eighth place ribbon.

A number of our riders placed in the first rounds of the CWD Flat Equitation Challenge! In the 11 and Under group Makenna placed fourth, and in 12-14, Ally placed fifth. Moving into the older groups, Maddy Metz received the ninth place award in the 15-17 class, and in the 18 and Over, Kathy, Gwen and Kathryn placed seventh, eighth and tenth respectively.

Finally, to the Jumper ring. In Low Childrens Jumpers, Madi and Copper placed tenth, and in the Low AA Jumpers Faith picked up the fourth, Rocket the fifth, and Lear Jet the sixth. Moving into the Childrens and AA rounds, Ego and Elite were third and fifth respectively in Childrens, with Kathryn taking the one/two spots on Faith and Rocket, and Lear Jet bringing home the sixth.
In the Modified Jr/Amatuers it was Rocket in third, Casper in fourth, Elite in seventh and Ego in ninth. And Britt and Seduction took there turns, placing second in the Junior/Amateur Jumpers and winning the Modified Open Jumpers.

Finally, in the Five Bar Class, our horses and riders were placed in this order, Casper - fourth, Jeepers (with Becky onboard) and Ladino tied for seventh, and Elite placed ninth.

Another great day at Blenheim. Keep watching here for the final results!

More Year-End Show Pictures from Ansley...

Friday's Results from the OCHSA Championship Show...

After two days of rain delays, the Year-end Show was finally able to being on Friday morning, and Team ESI got off to a great start. In the Judged 2' 9"- 3' Warmup Class, Concerto carried away a second place ribbon and Cadence picked up a sixth. And, in the Judged 3'3" Warmup, Fiona placed tenth. Concerto continued his winning ways with a second in Low Hunters, a third in Modified Hunters, and a sixth in the Modified Under Saddle.

In Limit Equitation Over Fences, Sarah placed fourth in her age group, and Kathy brought home the sixth in the 18 and Over class.

On to the jumper ring - Copper and Denmark placed third and sixth respectively in the Judged 2'6" - 2'9" Warmup. In Pre-Training, Faith picked up the blue ribbon, while Casper placed fifth. In the Modified Jr/Amateur Jumpers, Rocket received the third place ribbon, Casper the fourth, Elite the seventh, and Ego the ninth. And, in Preliminary Jumpers, Denmark carried out the third, LearJet the fourth and Casper the sixth.

Three of our riders also competed in both rounds of the Gobie Jumper Medal, with Ally placing fourth, Melissa placing ninth, and Kelsie placing tenth in the final round.

Congratulations to all on a great first day of showing!

Early photos from OCHSA Championship show...

...thanks to crack photographer, Ansley!

October OCIEL Results...

The Reporter sends out apologies for such belated reporting of the Oct 9 and 10 IEL shows! Team ESI has four riders showing this year, all competing at the Varsity Level. Ally is showing in Equitation on Ladino; Euan and Elite, Madi and Copper, and Hannah and Liftoff are taking their turns in the Jumper arena.

Ally placed fifth and fourth in in Equitation on the Flat classes, ninth and sixth Over Fences, and seventh and fourth in the Medals.
Euan and Elite picked up two seconds and a third on Saturday, a fourth and two thirds on Sunday.
Madi and Copper placed fourth, ninth and eighth in the Saturday rounds, then seventh, eighth and ninth on Sunday.
And, Hannah and Liftoff brought home third, tenth and seventh place ribbons on Saturday, and eighth, seventh and sixth place ribbons on Sunday.

Congratulations to all, and Good Luck from the Reporter for the rest of the IEL Season!

Belated birthday greetings to Blue...

As many of you may remember, our eldest equine resident, Pat Siler's pal, Blue, turned 35 a few weeks ago. Due to some mis-communication, the Reporter just today received these photos from Blue's big day. And, Pat sent along these words to let us all know this great old man a little better:

"For those who may not know Blue very well, he is a retired jumper and has been in the barn with John and Katie for many years. He's been my friend and companion for 21 years now. He and I used to ride the trails up in the hills where he would jump over recessed culverts and was always racing along as if his tail was on fire! He was always followed my my golden retriever, Dove who thought she was in heaven to be tagging along. Bluey used to jump over fences when in turn-out by himself before he took jumping lessons. That's what gave me the idea, he seemed to be born to jump? The first time John saw him and tried him out, he would raise the fence higher and higher and no problem for Blue. I remember John said, "Well, he looks very willing!" I was doing my best just to stay in the saddle. So that was his start in jumpers although I think John called him a girl for several months! (I could just hear Blue answer, "I'm NO GIRL!") Over the years he's overcome a torn tendon and founder and still keeps going. He doesn't let anything bother him very long. His view on the world seems to be one of adventure and to live every day that way! He's so glad to say "hello!" to everyone that passes by! He's such a joy to know and spend time with. Some have asked for my secret to his long life. I think the biggest thing is that every day I see him as perfect and beautiful. I shower praise and affection on him as I know we all do for our horses. I tell him like Katie said years ago, that "he's our hero!" I tell him he's a champion to me and I can just SEE almost how he feels. His eyes light up and his face just beams happiness! So our plan is to keep enjoying every day! As you walk by his stall, Bluey would love to say "hello!'"

At home results for OC Cooler Show...

First... the Reporter sends out congratulations to Ciara and James for their first place ribbon in the Lead-line Class. We expect they'll be moving into the Walk/Trot classes before we know it!

The past weekend's Sycamore show was a chance for a few of our riders to pick up qualifications for the upcoming Year-End Championship Horse Show. Though Kathy and Cadence showed only on Saturday, they brought out a respectable number of ribbons in Low Childrens/AA and Childrens/AA Hunters - three firsts out of four classes, and a Championship Ribbon in the Low division. Her third place ribbon in Limit Equitation Over Fences added to her list of qualifications, and we believe she also qualified for the OCHSA Horsemanship Medal, as the highest placed Amateur in the class.

Gwen and Montage did an equitation blitz over the weekend. She was able to qualify with second place awards in Maiden and Novice Equitation on the Flat, and a third place ribbon in Novice Equitation Over Fences. On Sunday, she was the highest placed Amateur in the OCHSA Horsemanship Class, qualifying her to compete in that class in October, too!

MaKenna and Rich (Monaco), competing together for the first time, carried away many good ribbons in the Low Childrens/AA Hunters and the Childrens/AA Hunters, including a first in the Childrens/AA Hunter Under Saddle Class. She picked up three equitation on the flat qualifications with a first in Novice and a pair of seconds in the Limit and Open Classes.

Sarah and Decker were also in the ribbons in all the Low Childrens/AA and Childrens/AA classes, including a third in Childrens/AA Hunters. In the Equitation ring she placed fifth in Novice Equitation on the Flat, and received a pair of sixth place ribbons in the Novice and Open Equitation Over Fences. She also carried away the second and third place ribbons in the OCHSA Horsemanship Classes.

The Reporter also wants to give a shout-out to Melissa Jaffey, who piloted Jamie around the jumper ring in a couple of low level classes on Saturday, and then shifted to the Green Rider Hunter and Equitation classes on Sunday. While the pair placed just out of the ribbons on both days, they both worked very hard and got some great show experience.

Final Blenheim results...

Melissa and Fiona continued the ESI hunter campaign, picking up ribbons in all of their Small Junior Hunter classes, including one first. They went on to place eighth in the Junior Hunter Classic.

Euan and Elite picked up a fourth in 1.10M Jumper Classic and fifth in the Childrens Jumper Classic. Our third junior rider, Ally, showed both Ladino and Daylight in the Jumper ring. She and Daylight picked up back to back thirds in the Childrens Jumpers, and Ladino placed in both Childrens and Low Childrens/AA classes, including a seventh place in the Childrens Jumpers Classic. Ally also carried away the first and second place ribbons in the Low Childrens/AA Jumper Classic on Ladino and Daylight respectively.

Our amateur riders - Shea and Kathryn also picked up their share of awards. Shea and Learjet received fourth and eighth place ribbons in the Low Childrens/AA Jumpers. And, Kathryn's youngster, Rocket, placed third in both the 1.10M Classic and the Low Childrens/AA Jumper Classics, and seventh in the AA Jumper Classic, in addition to other good prizes in Low and AA Jumpers.

Congratulations to all our horses and riders for a great week of showing!

First results from Blenheim Fall Classic...

It's going to be a busy weekend for Team ESI with horses and riders competing at Blenheim and at Sycamore, at the last of the season's Cooler shows. Starting with Wednesday and Thursday at Blenheim, Katie rode Concerto to multiple ribbons in the Low and Modified Hunters, and Melissa and Fiona picked up a fifth in the Modified Under Saddle class.

Our jumpers started their show week with Rocky and Lear Jet placing first and third in one 1.0 M class, and Lear Jet also placing fourth in a second 1.0M class.

A great start to five days of showing!

Results from Portugese Bend...

Four of our riders traveled to Portugese Bend for three days last week - two juniors and two amateurs. Starting with the younger set ...

Melissa and Denmark placed second in Schooling Jumpers and fourth in Training Jumpers. Melissa picked up a second place ribbon in her Equitation on the Flat class.

In the Training Jumpers, Katie rode Daylight to a first place ribbon. Then, Ally took over, and the pair placed third and eighth in the Childrens/AA Jumpers, third in the Modified Jr/Amateur Jumpers and first in Childrens/AA Jumper Classic.

Both Melissa and Ally qualified for the PCHA Horsemanship Medal, and they competed in the Finals this past weekend, as well.

Shea rode LearJet to a first in Hopeful Jumpers and fourth in Childrens/AA Jumpers. In the Equitation ring, Shea picked up a fifth in Over Fences and a fourth in the Foxfield Medal.

With Katie onboard, Rocket placed first in School Jumpers and second in Training Jumpers. In the Childrens/AA Jumpers, he and Kathryn picked up two seventh place awards, as well as two fifths in the Modified Jr/Amateur Jumpers, and a fourth in the Childrens/AA Jumper Classic. She, too, took her turn in the Equitation ring, bringing home a second Over Fences, fourth in her Flat class, and a second in the Foxfield Medal.

Congratulations to all our riders!

More Play Day Fun...

Thanks to Ally for the following video of Sunday's fun and games!

ESI Play Day!

August 2010 Play Day...

Stolen directly from Ansley's Facebook pages!

Don't Spill The Champagne...

Britt shares the secret of the "bubbly".

A couple of "Human Hunters"...

Who Thought Up This Game Anyway...?

In no particular order... our brave riders take up the challenge of the craziest Play-Day game ever!

How scary is this...?

Too bad it can't be speeded up - he'd look like he was dancing!

A sittin', without slippin' and no sippin'...

Mary Edwards also got a lot of great shots from Sunday's Play-Day!

Who Thought Up This Game Anyway...? Part 2

Fun, Food and Fights (Water Balloons, that is)...

Copper Meadows Video...

Thanks to Ansley for the great video below of the many ESI horses and riders who spent Friday and Saturday introducing their horses to the cross country course at Copper Meadows! Enjoy!

Cross Country'n It Uppp// ESI...

Sunday's Sycamore results...

Before reporting on Sunday's great jumper results, the Reporter wishes to apologize for leaving out the many good ribbons that Kendall received on Zia in the hunter classes on Saturday!

In the .75M and Low Childrens-AA Jumpers, Olivia and Ticafic picked up a third and two firsts over the weekend. Congratulations Oliva!

In the Childrens-AA Jumpers, Rocket placed second, LearJet placed third, and Faith received the yellow ribbon. Stepping into the Modified Jr-Amateur class, the blue ribbon went to LearJet, the red to Denmark, and the yellow to Ladino. And, in the 1.15-1.25M class, first through third went to Seduction, Denmark and Vigo!

Finally, it was a clean sweep for ESI in the day's Mini-Prix. Seduction won the seven entry class, followed by Ladino LearJet, Vigo, Denmark, Rocket and Faith!

Another great day for Team ESI - Congratulations to all the horses and riders!

Sunday Mini Prix pics...

...got word from ace photographer, Mary Edwards, that she arrived on Sunday just in time to see only Becky and Kathryn's last round. Enjoy!

Saturday at Sycamore...

A few of the ESI contingent have been bringing home prizes this weekend at the Cooler Show. In the hunter ring, Yalanda carried home two third place ribbons in Baby Green Hunters, and Jacqueline and Wendi showed Cadence and Pegasus successfully in both Low AA and AA Hunters. (Cadence picked up double blues in the AA classes!) And, Ally and Ladino stepped into the hunter ring to take away second and third place ribbons in the Modified Junior-Amateur Hunter classes. (Ally also placed second in her open Equitation Over Fences.)

Moving to the jumpers - Faith, Ladino and Rocket placed first, second and fourth respectively in the 1 - 1.1M Jumpers, and Rocket brought home a third place award in the Childrens-AA Jumpers.

Several of our riders are scheduled to show in Sundays Mini-Prix. Be sure to check back for those results!

Another Championship to report...

Thanks to Ansley for sending the word that Izzy and Nicole came home with the Championship ribbon in AA Hunters from the Red White and Blue Show!

A few more pics from Red White and Blue...

Thanks, Mary!

Red White and Blue Final Results...

Saturday and Sunday brought more ribbons to the ESI Tack Room wall!

Shea and LearJet placed third in AA Jumpers, sixth in the Low Childrens-AA Jumpers, and four in the AA Jumper Classic.

Back on the show campaign trail, Rocket and Kathryn carried away a sixth in the AA Jumpers, sixth in the AA Jumper Classic and third in the Low Childrens-AA Jumper Classic.

In the Jumper ring, Ladino and Ally picked up a second in Childrens Jumpers, third in the Childrens Jumper Classic and eighth in the Low Childrens-AA Jumper Classic.
Ally also received the Championship Ribbon for the 12-14 Equitation Over Fences Division!

Not to be outdone by her BFF, Ansley and Casper continued to have a great show, and came home with the Championship ribbon in Childrens Jumpers, the Reserve in Low Childrens-AA Jumpers, and she won the Low Classic!

Izzy and Nicole continued their winning ways in the hunter ring, collecting a first and a second in the AA Hunters, plus a fifth place ribbon in the AA Hunter Classic. She also picked up second and third place ribbons in her age group Equitation Over Fences. Sounds like she might have picked up Champion or Reserve ribbons in her divisions - sadly, horseshowtimes doesn't give that info. The ESI Reporter will be happy to pass that info along if it comes by email or on Facebook!

Another great show - congratulations to all our horses and riders!

"We Are The Champions..."

Ansley and Ally with the Championship Ribbons and the two great horses that helped make it possible!

Not quite "suitable for framing" photos from Red White and Blue...

Thanks to Ally and Ansley for sharing these less than sterling moments on course at Blenheim last week!

Early results from Red White and Blue...

Team ESI got off to a great start this week at Blenheim. Katie and La placed first in both 1.30M classes and fourth in their 1.35M.

Casper picked up a first and a fifth place ribbon with Katie in 1.0M classes, a second in an early Childrens class and a first in Low Childrens-AA Jumpers with Ansley.

LearJet and Shea have added to the ribbon wall with fifths in the .90M and 1.0M and a fourth in Low Childrens-AA Jumpers.

Also in the Jumper ring, Ladino and Ally have added a fifth place ribbon in the Low Childrens-AA class, and a fourth in Childrens.

Ally also stepped into the Equitation ring where she brought home a sixth in Equitation Over Fences and a seventh in the Maclay Medal.

Speaking of Equitation, it is great to have Nicolle back on Escada for the summer and showing again. She was able to claim second place ribbons in her age group Equitation Over Fences and in the Foxfield.

In the Hunter ring, Escada has already received two firsts and a second in the Modified Junior-Amateaur Hunters, and two firsts and a third in the AA Hunters.

Results from the weekend soon to follow!

The July Worming Clinic...

...will take place on Tuesday, July 6th. Lessons will resume on Thursday, July 8th! Have a great Fourth of July Holiday!

Ansley and Casper...

Thanks to Mary Edwards for this great shot of Ansley and Casper at Blenheim last week! If anyone else has pictures they'd like to share, place send them on.

Final results from Blenheim June Classic III...

Starting first this time in the Jumper Ring -

Katie and LaGaranco placed send in their 1.25 M class.

Cadence and Jacqueline brought home two third place ribbons, one in the Low Childrens-AA Jumpers and another in the Adult Amateur Jumper Classic.

Ally and Ladino collected a first place ribbon in the Low Childrens-AA Jumpers.
Euan picked up sixth and seventh place ribbons in his Childrens Jumper classes.
Ansley and Casper placed fifth in one Low Childrens-AA class, then brought home a second and a fifth in Childrens Jumpers, as well as the Reserve Champion Ribbons.

The ESI Childrens Jumper riders really shined in their Classic - Euan placed first on Elite, Ally and Ladino placed third and Ansley and Casper picked up the fourth place ribbon!

In the Hunter Ring, Melissa and Fiona picked up multiple ribbons in the Small Junior Hunter Division.

And, in Equitation, Ally placed third, fourth and fifth in her age group Equitation Over Fences, while Melissa and Denmark finished up the show with a big first place win in the PCHA Horsemanship Medal.

Congrats to all!

Early report from Blenheim June Classic III...

Wednesday and Thursday were great days for the ESI contingent showing at Blenheim this week!
In their early hunter rounds, Melissa and Fiona placed seventh in a Modified Junior-Amateur class.
Elite and Euan picked up an eighth place ribbon in the 1.15 M Jumpers, and a fifth in their first Modified Junior-Amateur class together.

Katie rode Casper to second and fourth place ribbons in the 1M Jumpers, as well as a second in a 1.1M class. She also piloted Ladino to a win in a 1M class. Ally then came in to pick up a seventh in 1.1M Jumpers.

Keep checking back for more Blenheim results. And, if anyone is taking pictures that can be shared here, please send them to Margaret ASAP!

"We're In The Ribbons..."

...from the Sycamore Show last weekend!

Our pony jock, MaKenna, and Ginger collected their share in the Short Stirrup, Equitation AND Pony Jumper classes!
Shea moved up to the Long Stirrup division on Leopold and brought home a fair collection of prizes, including in Equitation.

In the Hunter ring, Gwen and Montage did a great job representing ESI in the AA hunters, with several prizes including a blue in the Under Saddle.
Sarah and Decker were seen in the hunter ring repeatedly, collecting prizes in the Low Childrens and the Childrens Hunters, plus she placed second in the 2-6 Medal!
Kathleen and Tango were equally busy, showing in the Low AAs, Adult Amateur Hunters and in Equitation, bringing home plenty of prizes to decorate her stall.
And, Melissa and Fiona, Madalyn and Concerto, and Jacqueline and Cadence shared the ribbons in the Junior-Amateur Hunter division.

Over in Jumper world, Ariel and Gwen continued their victorious journey in the lower level classes, and Madi and Copper Twist began their show partnership. Shea and Learjet were also in the ribbons in their classes, as was Kathryn on both Faith and Rocket.
Kaylee took a few turns around the ring on Daylight and brought home good ribbons in classes including the Childrens-AAs and Modified Jr-Amateur classes. Kelsie and Ego had a great show, bringing home double blue ribbons in Childrens and Modified Jr-Amateur. Euan continues to learn his way around Elite - they placed second in the Modified Jr. Amateur class. And, last but not least, Jacqueline moved Cadence into the Jumper ring and got prizes in the Childrens-AA, Modified Jr-Amateurs, and in the Mini Prix!

Congratulations to all our riders on another great weekend of showing!

Day-tripping to ShowPark...

Melissa and Denmark took a day trip to ShowPark recently to compete in medal classes there. The Reporter is pleased to report that she received a third in the CPHA Foundation Medal and a second in the PCHA Horsemanship Medal!

John has legs...

...who would have guessed? The Reporter thanks Ally for this great shot of John in Los Angeles over the weekend :)

Memorial Day Classic Wrap-up...

Congrats go out to Kathryn and Ansley for their fifth and seventh place winnings in Monday's Low Childrens-AA Jumper Classic! The L.A. show was a great kick-off for a summer of showing for Team ESI!

L.A. Memorial Day Classic First Results...

While the show continues through today, The Reporter wants to pass along some early results from the show so far in LA.

In the jumper ring, John piloted Casper to a third place ribbon in .95M Jumpers, plus a sixth and an eighth in the 1.00M Jumpers. Then, with Ansley on board, they placed fourth in the Low Childrens-AA Jumpers and fourth in a Childrens Jumpers class.

Also in the ribbons in Childrens Jumpers were Ally and Ladino, bringing home a second place prize.

And, in Equitation, Melissa placed sixth in Equitation on the Flat and seventh over fences.

USHJA Emerging Athlete Program...

The Reporter regrets not sending out good well wishes to Kendall for her participation this past weekend in the United States Hunter Jumper Association Emerging Athlete Program. We understand that she and Cruisin were great representatives for ESI and we look forward to hearing all about her exciting weekend adventure.

Gold Coast Horse Show Results...

Congratulations to Ally for placing first in her age group Equitation Over Fences and in the PCHA Horsemanship Class at the Gold Coast Show this past Saturday, as well as placing fourth in the ASPCA Horsemanship Class!

Best of luck, Brandee...

Once again, this editor is late in getting out important words...

From Katie and John, all of the ESI family, (and the Reporter), it is never too late to send out heartfelt wishes of luck and great success in all her future endeavors to our good pal, Brandee!

Sycamore - Orange Coast Cooler April Show...

Your humble Reporter editor spent the weekend preparing for her home to be fumigated for termites and will be moving out in moments :(
Apologies to all for this being a little late and very brief.

Makenna was busy in the pony ring this weekend, showing Match Maker in Short Stirrup and Ginger in the Pony division. She got good ribbons on both mounts in their respective divisions. And, she placed first in Pony Equitation Flat and Over Fences, as well as winning the 2 Foot 6 Inch OCHSA Medal.

In the big hunter arena, Joey and Kathryn showed and placed throughout the Baby Green Hunters division. And, Gwen and Montage placed well in both the Low Adult Hunters and in the Childrens/AA Hunters.

Back to equitation, Allyson placed in her age group Open Equitation Over Fences, she and Melissa placed third and sixth respectively in the Golden Horse Medal, and Melissa won the OCHSA Equitation Medal.

Arielle and Glen had their first shot at the jumper ring this time, bringing home ribbons in both the .75M and Low Childrens/AA Jumpers.

In the 1-1.M Jumpers, Rocket placed third. (He also picked up a fifth in the Childrens/AA Jumpers.)

Other Childrens/AA Jumper placings include a first for Lear Jet, a first and a fourth for Euan and Elite, a third for Denmark, and a sixth for Casper. And, in the Modified Jr/Amateur Jumpers Elite carried away two first place ribbons, Denmark a second, Ladino a second and a fourth, and Casper and third.

Last, but not least, Ladino and Elite were one, two in the Mini-Prix!

Congratulations to all on a great show.

Spring worming clinic...

...will take place on Tuesday, April 27th. Lessons will begin again on Thursday, April 29th.

Blenheim Spring Classic Wrap-up...

Final results from Blenheim Spring Classic III have been posted!

Congratulations are in order to Ansley and Casper for their second place ribbon in Low Childrens/AA Jumpers and to Kathryn and Faith for a second in the AA Jumpers.

Faith also walked away with a second place ribbon in the $1000.00 AA Jumper Classic. And, Jennifer and Simpson took home the top prize in the $1000.00 Childrens Jumper Classic. (A "little bird", okay it was a very proud parent, emailed the Reporter asking to announce that Simpson was Childrens Jumper Champion last week. Sorry we didn't get that word out sooner, Jenn!)

The Reporter is hoping that someone (hint, hint, Ansley) will be sending along pictures from last week's show soon. In the meanwhile, congratulations again to all our horses and riders on jobs well done!

More Blenheim results...

While it still seems results are being posted v-e-r-y slowly, the Reporter has a few more placings to announce. In the Modified Junior Hunters, Concerto received another third place ribbon over feces and won the Under Saddle.

In the Low Childrens/AA Jumpers, Faith has received a first, and Ego a second, and in the Children's Jumpers, Simpson has carried home one blue ribbon and Casper the seventh in that class. Casper also one another 1.00M class with Brandee since our last report!

Seduction placed second in a 1.30M class, and Brandee and Buddy placed eighth in the Junior A/O Jumpers.

And, in Equitation, Melissa has been received sixths and eighths in the 14-15 Equitation Over Fences, and Madalyn placed seventh in the 16-17 Flat Equitation.

More will be posted as it become available :)

Blenheim Spring Classic III...

Results are coming in slowly this week, but the Reporter can now pass along these placings. In the Modified Hunters, Concerto has received fourth and fifth place ribbons, as well as a fifth in the Modified Jr Amateur division.

Casper has carried home two first place ribbons in 1.00M Jumpers, and a second in 1.10M, and Seduction placed second in a 1.25M class.

Watch for more results as they become available!

More photos from last week at Blenheim...

Show videos...

Thanks to Ansley, several of our riders' rounds were captured in total last week at Blenheim. This link will take you to a list of these that we're sure you won't want to miss:

http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=ESITrainingStables&aq=f

(I'm adding this to "Our Links" at the right as well. From there, one click should take you to Ansley's list!)

Since none of us at home ever get to such Lumerdor, be sure to check him out!

Janet and Velvet...

Thanks to Jeff Mixer for this shot. It's wonderful to see the two of them coming along so well together! Look how big Velvet is jumping that oxer!

Sunday at Blenheim...

Completing ESI's first week of showing at Blenheim this spring: Concerto placed well again in the Children's Hunters on Sunday, and picked up the tenth place award in the Children's Hunter Classic.

In the Children's Jumpers, Simpson placed first, Romeo fourth and Ego collected a fifth place. Returning in the Children's Classic, Casper carried out the third place ribbon, Simpson the fourth and Romeo the fifth.

Finishing up in their Equitation classes, Melissa placed sixth in the ASPCA Maclay class, and Kendall placed seventh in the THIS Medal.

It was a good week of showing for Team ESI. Watch for more photos, and of course, results from the week ahead!

First photos from Blenheim Spring Classic II...

Thanks, Ansley for these first photos. The Reporter understands that there will be more coming and looks forward to posting more here soon!

Saturday at Blenheim...

In the hunter ring, Concerto and Madalyn picked up a first and a seventh in Children's Hunters and third in the Under Saddle. And, in the Equitation ring, Melissa brought home a seventh in her age group over fences class.

Simpson and Romeo tied for fourth in Saturday's Children's Jumper class. And, in the 1.10M Jumper Classic, Romeo placed fourth and Faith placed fifth.

Again, apologies to anyone that the Reporter has inadvertently missed. And, as always, congratulations to all our riders!

Friday at Blenheim...

On Friday, ESI was well represented in the Children's Jumpers class with Simpson placing first, Casper second and Romeo third. Faith received a fourth in the Low Childrens/AA Jumpers, and Brandee and Coghlan placed seventh in a 1.00M class.

In the equitation ring, Melissa placed third and eighth in the Equitation Over Fences 14-15.

Keep watching for more results, and the Reporter hopes, some photos from Ansley!

Blenheim early news...

After two days of showing at Blenheim, the ESI team has these results to report:

Concerto received second and third place ribbons with Katie in the Low Hunters, and Madi rode him to a second place ribbon in the Modified Jr/Amateur Hunters Under Saddle. Melissa and Denmark were also in the ribbons in that class, placing sixth.

Casper has already placed first in a .90M Jumper class, second and fourth in his 1.00M classes, and second 1.10M Jumpers. Also in the 1.00 M classes, Faith brought home a third place ribbon, and Ego collected a first.

Vigo made appearances in the 1.15M and 1.20M Jumper classes, placing fourth and third respectively.

Congrats to all on a great start to this week of showing!

Congratulations...

to Kendall for being chosen to participate in Level 1 of the United States Hunter Jumper Association's Emerging Athlete Program. She was one of 22 riders from Zone 10 accepted into the first stage of this program, which takes place May 22 and 23 at Hansen Dam Equestrian Center. The Reporter wishes to speak for the whole ESI family in saying, "Great job, Kendall, and best of luck in May!"

Services for John's mom...

are being held on Tuesday, March 30 at San Felipe De Jesus Church in Capistrano Beach. Rosary will take place at 9:00 a.m., and the funeral mass begins at 10:00. There will be a reception at the church from 11:00 - 12:00. Burial will take place at 12:30 at the Ascension Cemetery in Lake Forest.

The barn will be closed all on Tuesday.

Happy Birthday John Berney...

Rest In Peace Safari...

Thanks to Mary Edwards for the photos of Safari in his glory.

Thermal...

The Reporter wishes to apologize to its readers concerning the lack of results for our riders who showed at Thermal last week. As some of you may already know, the HITS website is quite difficult to navigate for results. The Reporter was able to determine that Concerto had a successful show with Katie in the Low Hunters and with Maddy in the Childrens Hunters.

We can also report that Makenna and Ginger brought home lots of good ribbons from the Pony classes, including a blue in Short Stirrup Pony Equitation on the Flat.

Melissa got her share of prizes on Denmark, including a first in Equitation Over Fences.
And, Nina, riding Faith, placed first and second in the Maiden and Novice Equitation on the Flat classes.

Faith placed well in her Adult Jumpers classes, and placed first in one of the Childrens Adult Jumper Classics. Euan and Daylight brought home in the top prize in the other Childrens Adult Classic.

Again, the Reporter apologizes for any missing results. And, as always, it sends it congratulations to all our riders for another great show!

March birthdays...

Belated birthday wishes to Emily, who celebrated on the 1st.
On Sunday the 7th, please wish Happy Birthday to Aislyn and Vicie Mixer!
Also celebrating this month are:
Nina on the 11th.
John Berney on the 22nd.
and
Megan Mixer on March 31st.

Best wishes to all!

Sycamore Show Results...

While some of our riders were finishing up their triumphant weeks in Arizona, many others were showing in our own back yard at the first Sycamore show of the season. Without listing every ribbon carried home by our riders, here are some of the weekend highlights...

Several riders fairly new to the ESI family had successful performances including Shea and Lear Jet, with a fifth place ribbon in the .85-.95M Jumpers, and Brianna, who rode Mr. Kezo to a third place in Green Hunter Rider Equitation on the Flat.

Nearly new owner Arielle and Glen placed third in the .75M and .85-.95M Jumpers, and fifth in the Low Childrens-AA Jumpers. Like some others of our newbie jumper riders, she took a couple turns in the covered ring on Saturday as we waited for the outdoor ring to dry out, where she picked up fifth place awards in Novice Equitation on the Flat and Limit Equitation Over Fences.

On Saturday, Hannah and Razz did their own equitation rounds, coming away with a sixth in Limit Equitation Over Fences and a third in the OCHSA Horsemanship Medal. Back outside on Sunday, she collected a fourth in 1 - 1.1M Jumpers and she won the Childrens-AA Jumpers!

Sarah and Studly also did some good equitation work over the weekend, picking up a second in the Open Equitation on the Flat, a third in Limit Equitation Over Fences, and second and third place ribbons in the OCHSA Horsemanship Medal. Studly even took a turn as a Pleasure horse, bringing home a fifth place ribbon.

Kendall introduced polo pony-ready to be a hunter Joey to the show ring, and picked up a third place ribbon in Baby Green Hunters Under Saddle. And, Turbo, returning to work after his long lay-up placed third and second in the Low Childrens and Childrens Hunters Under Saddle classes.

Ansley also showed Casper on Sunday, getting good ribbons in the 1 - 1.1M, Childrens/AA Jumpers and the Modfied Junior Amateur Jumpers. Britt and Seduction placed second in both the Modified Jr/Amateur Jumpers and the 1.15-1.25 M classes, and Kelsie and Ego were fourth in the Modified Jr/Amateur Class.

Simpson was a mighty happy horse Sunday afternoon when the cold wind began to blow in time for the OCHSA Equitation class. The pair's wild ride give Jenn the white ribbon.

Jamie rode Grace to a second in Open Equitation on the Flat, a second in the Horsemanship Medal, and a third in the Equitation Medal.

Kira and Chamonix received good ribbons in the Childrens Hunters, including one first, and Kira placed second in her age group Open Equitation on the Flat.

Ally and Ladino had a really good weekend. They placed third in the both the Childrens/AA Jumpers and the Modified Junior/Amateurs. She also won both of the OCHSA Medals and the CPHA Childrens/Adult Medal.

Audra and Fire had an equally successful weekend - Audra qualified for both OCHSA Medals, she placed second in the CPHA Medal, and won her Open Equitation Over Fences Class. Fire received good ribbons in the AA Hunters, ending the weekend Reserve Champion.

Kathy and Gwen had a great time in the Low AA and AA Hunter classes. Cadence and Montage were Champion and Reserve Champion respectively in the Low AA Hunters. Cadence was also Champion in the AA Hunters.

And last, but far from least, Makenna and Ginger were nearly unbeatable in the Pony Hunter classes, collecting another Championship ribbon for ESI. Makenna also placed second in her age group Novice Equitation on the Flat.

It was a great weekend of showing for all our horses and riders. The Reporter sends congratulations to all!

Photo Highlights from Sycamore Show Weekend...

Thanks to Mary Edwards for some photo documentation of the ESI contingent showing over the weekend.

Tuscon Final Results...

Again, with apologies to anyone missed...

Claudia and Lumerdor collected another sixth place ribbon in Level 0 Jumpers.

Kathryn and Faith placed fifth in the Childrens-Adult Jumper Classic.

And in the Grand Prix...

Katie and La were third with double cleans, and Brandee and Buddy placed sixth with only one rail in the jump-off. A great finish to two successful weeks of showing in Arizona!

Tuscon Video on YouTube...

Check out the link below for video highlights from Tucson by Ally!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jT4JKoJLNrA

(Wish you didn't have to cut and paste, but you all know how to do it!)

And a few more results from Tucson...

The Reporter apologizes for any ribbon announcements that are missed - the HITS website is not the easiest to search for results! (Not sure what days these were won!)

Kathryn and Faith brought home a fifth in the Low Adult Jumpers and a blue ribbon in the High Adult Jumpers.

In the High Childrens Jumpers, Euan and Daylight placed first, second and third.

Vigo and Becky garnered a third in the Modified Junior-Amateur Jumpers.

Claudia and Lumerdor picked up a sixth place ribbon in Level 0.

And, Casey rode Riptide to a sixth in the Low Adult Jumpers, and fourth and fifth place ribbons in the High Adult Jumpers.

Check back soon for results from the last day of Tucson AND the Sycamore Cooler Show!

A few more results...

As of Friday evening, we are able to report that Kathryn and Faith placed second in the Low Adult Jumpers and sixth in the High Adult Jumpers.
Claudia showed Lumerdor in a Level 0 Jumper class, placing fourth, and she garnered sixth and seventh place ribbons in the Adult Novice Equitation Over Fences.
And, again, last but not least, Brandee and Buddy placed fourth in their Level 8 Jumper Class!

Early results from the second week in Tucson...

(These are the results available as of 5:00 p.m. Thursday...)

Katie has been a busy rider this week in Tucson. She rode Faith to a first in Level 2 and a third in Level 3. Lumerdor also showed in a Level 2 class with Katie, placing sixth, and received sixth and seventh place ribbons in Level 3

Daylight and Katie received two first place ribbons in Level 3, and then brought home a third and a fifth in Level 4. And, Katie piloted Riptide to a second in Level 3.

She and Vigo carried out the blue ribbon in two Level 4 classes, as well as a third in Level 5!

What a great start to the week. Congrats to all!

February birthday update...

It has been brought to the attention of the Reporter that our own lovely Britt Baron is also celebrating a birthday this month. Please wish her all the best on February 23rd!

And MORE pictures from Tucson...

Thanks so much to Ansley for supplying the ESI Reporter with all these great pictures from Tucson!

Final results from Tuscon - Week 1...

Four of our riders competed on Sunday in Tuscon. Melissa received a third in the Open Equitation Class, and Ansley and Ally rode in the Marshall and Sterling Jumper Medal, where Ansley brought home the eighth place ribbon. Last, by far from least, Brandee and Buddy placed eleventh in the $25,000.00 Grand Prix!
Again, we send out congratulations to all our riders for a great week of showing!

Saturday's Results...

Our three junior riders were in the spotlight today - Ansley in the Jumper ring, and Melissa and Ally in Equitation. Ansley and Casper were third in the Low Childrens Jumpers, and placed first and third in today's High Childrens classes, giving the pair the High Childrens Jumpers Championship!
In Equitation Over Fences, Ally received a second, and Melissa brought home two fifths. In the ASPCA Medal, Melissa placed fourth and Ally placed fifth, and in the WIHS Equitation Classic Finals, Ally received the fourth place ribbon and Melissa the seventh.
Congratulations to all of you!

More Pictures From the Desert...