To be so blessed . . .

I haven't written a true post in forever, but this is the perfect week for an update.  Remember when I predicted that 2012 would be an awesome year?  Well, it's definitely living up to my hype!  After a disappointing start when I had to retire both of my big guys (Caruso & Barney) and all of the emotion that comes with that decision, the blessings just started pouring in and on all of us at Sally Run.  This past week was the most exceptional yet.  The greatest blessings come in the form of new friendships, and I am grateful to have a handful of wonderful people to call new friends. 

While the press was eating up dressage as their sport du jour, we had the most charming visitors in Junior Rider Hannah Hewitt, her precious horse Lasall, and her equally precious family.  These are the kind of people I love having around the barn and would love to catch up with at horse shows!  A young lady who adores and appreciates her horse, her cute-as-a-bug younger sister who was more than happy to serve as her sister's groom at the Festival of Champions, and parents who have embraced the sport because they love their children and value all of the life lessons these experiences have to offer - it really doesn't get any better than that.  And while the rest of the country was obsessing over the cost of saddles and horses, I spent my week appreciating the great distance a parent will travel (physically, emotionally, and financially) to help their child reach their dream.  Horses are expensive, no doubt, but so are kids.  I haven't read too many articles complaining about parents who choose to have a large family - and they shouldn't.  What people choose to invest their time, energy, and money into is their own business.  Years ago my husband asked a horse show dad why he spent these large amounts of money on horses, tack, and show clothes for his daughter, and he responded that he would take out a second mortgage to keep her in love with horses and not with boys.  As parents of an almost teenaged daughter, we are beginning to appreciate that sentiment!  So, I am thankful for our convenient location that allowed me the opportunity to meet a great family and another sweet, happy horse who reminded me why I love these animals and this sport so much. 

Our next blessing came in the form of another visitor to Sally Run.  We had the complete honor of hosting our guest artist/instructor from SCAD for Wythe County's first Art Intensive program.  I think it is safe to say that Meagan Averill is now considered part of our family!  Not only did she exceed every expectation in designing, organizing, and executing an amazing art program for 45 children in our community, but she also truly embraced our little town and our family  - it was one of those divine experiences where you just know this person was meant to become a part of your life.  We are already missing her beautiful presence, but I feel certain our paths will cross again in the near future!  It is a great blessing to have a vision fulfilled beyond expectation and to have found a true friend in the process.  We hope Meagan won't be a stranger to Wytheville or Sally Run.

This is getting long - but there is a lot for which to be thankful . . .
After I don't know how many years, Bruce finally came in first in the Big Walker Century Ride this past Saturday.  Although not technically a race, this hometown charity ride he helped get started has been a little bit of an Achilles heel, and with a stomach bug going into it, 2012 wasn't looking any better.  Thankfully, he was riding with a great group of guys, and he was able to hang in there until he started feeling better and finished strong.  Now he is shifting into full Ironman training mode again, so the kids and I would greatly appreciate your prayers for patience and understanding until September :)

Saving the best for last, the kids are off to the best summer ever!  Not only did we get out of school May 24th - a record for us- but the kids have already enjoyed lake time, pool time, and an awesome week of art!  We were extremely proud as they showed their work at the grand finale art show Friday night.  Rowdy is participating in Camp Invention this week - which fits him to a tee, and Sydney is preparing for her first trip to Dressage at Lexington as a competitor.  I am super excited to go as the horse show mom, but I know I will likely be more nervous for her than I would be if I were showing myself.  It certainly helps to have a super pony to pack her around - another of our many blessings.

So that is the long and short of it - everyone is healthy and happy, and we live in the most beautiful place on earth.  I'll say it again - 2012 rocks!

Clinic Tomorrow and Monday!!

Here are the ride times for tomorrow and Monday.  Next clinic is scheduled for July 22-23 (Sunday-Monday).  If you are interested in riding, please let me know by July 1st. 

Sunday, June 3

3:30 Kim Huffman

4:15 Michaela Bethard

5:00 Caroline Stephens

5:45 Lisa Terry

Monday, June 4

7:30 Sydney Stephens

8:15 Molly Watson

9:00 Lisa Terry

9:45 Michaela Bethard

Next clinic in less than 3 weeks!!

We had a wonderful weekend with Lauren Sprieser and welcomed friends, new and old, to Sally Run.  Big thanks to Lauren and all of those who made the trip to Wytheville!  Our next clinic is going to slip right up on me, so please let me know if you intend to ride on June 3rd or 4th (Sunday and Monday this time).  Email me at caroline@sallyrun.com if you need more information or want to get on the list! 

It's Clinic Time!

Our Lauren Sprieser clinic series kicks off this Friday, and we are excited to welcome everyone back to Sally Run!  Here are the ride times for Friday and Saturday- if anyone needs a different time, please let me know quickly!  Safe travels, and we'll see you soon!

Ride Times

Friday

3:30 Elaine Flory & Fearless Soul

4:15 Caroline Stephens & Glory

5:00 Michaela Bethard & Boundary

5:45 Molly Watson & Chippy

Saturday

8:00 Sydney Stephens & Glory

8:45 Molly Watson & Chippy

9:30 Kim Huffman & Navina

10:15 Michaela Bethard & Boundary

11:00 Dawn Gifford & Dixie

11:45 Caroline Stephens (?)

Run for cover (or at least walk)

We built run-in sheds for some of our paddocks at Sally Run primarily due to my lack of sleep when an unanticipated storm would hit during the night and the horses were turned out.  While researching size, shape, and placement, many experts warned, "Don't be surprised if your horses don't use them."  What amuses me is that I see them in the sheds all the time during perfectly beautiful days - sunny skies, low- to-mid 60's - catching a little snooze in the shade; then on mornings like this one, I look out my kitchen window to see them standing in a downpour, sometimes eating grass, but more often by the gate asking to come inside the barn.  The run-ins are almost two years old now, the horses live outside much more than in, and yet they still want me to schlepp out there and get them when it rains.  Do they know I'm watching them from the house and just want to mess with me?  And typical of kids and horses, after five minutes inside, they change their mind.  They decide outside was actually better, and Barney especially starts banging around, wanting out.  Too bad big guy - you wanted in, you're staying in (and saving your legs and my grass in the process)!  If I were a horse, I think I would head for cover before my coat was rain-soaked, but soaking up the sun has always been my preference.

Happy Trails to Beau!

Our cute little cutting horse, Beau, moved in with the Goforth family yesterday.  We will miss his sweet sorrel face (especially since he was our only non-black horse), but I know it is time for him to go be a perfect packer for another family of kids!  Luckily he's just down the road, so we'll be able to keep up with him and his fun new life!

One Month and Counting . . .

We are just about a month away from welcoming back our long, lost Lauren - I know she hasn't really been lost, but I bet a few of us have been since she left for Florida an eternity ago!

So far I have riding:

Friday

Elaine Flory
Michaela Bethard
Molly Watson
some assortment of Stephens riders & ponies

 Saturday

Molly Watson
Kim Huffman
Dawn Gifford
Michaela Bethard
Sydney Stephens

If you are on this list in the wrong place, please let me know. If you are not on this list but want to be/should be, please let me know that as well. If you need a stall for any or all of the clinic, you know the drill.

Also, if anyone is planning to work on a freestyle - either bring your music on an ipod or just email me the file, and I will stick it on mine and test it before you come.

It's a new year, so I need new forms.  Email me for a clinic participation agreement if you don't already have one.  If you are going to ride in multiple clinics, just put all clinic dates on the form and initial so that you do not have to send in a new one each time. Even if you end up not riding, at least your waiver is signed and on file for any future dates. Also, I need a new copy of everyone's coggins.

Please send the agreement, coggins, and payment for your ride(s) and stall by May 1st to:

Sally Run

PO Box 541
Wytheville, VA 24382

Fees can be found under the Dressage Clinics tab.  The stabling fee went up just a bit to cover extra bedding since I will need to add more shavings to the new stalls. Please note that you will need to bring buckets with hooks/straps for the stalls as well. We have preserved the parking/turn around area, so don't panic - still plenty of circling space for your truck & trailer!

I will send out ride times as we get closer to the date. If you need a specific ride time and have not told me already, please shoot me an email asap.

Thanks so much, and we can't wait to see everyone again next month!

Take care,

Caroline