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Both Esa and I arrived safe and
sound at Franklands Farm in Brockville Ontario at the end
of July. I am having a wonderful time training with three
time Olympian and Bronze medalist Gina Smith. Franklands
Farm, owned by Faith and Bill Berghuis sits amidst a
stunning park like setting. It is beautifully maintained by
hired men Mark and Bill. Esa and I are spoiled rotten
by both Gina and the wonderful working students Shelley,
Emily, Kalee, Kelsey and Lara. ("German" as she is
affectionately known.) I have the opportunity to watch
everything from colt starting to formal Grand Prix training.
Esa and I have dipped our
collective toes into the Grand Prix ring and having done so
have an even greater respect for those horses and riders who
make it look fluid and easy. We made a commendable
effort at the Beaulieu Show in St Justine de Newton. In the
Int 2 we scored 66.5% (a 1st place finish) and in the Grand
Prix where we were 2nd with a 63.9%. We were Grand Prix
Champions. Gina and Rhythmix were Advanced level Champions
with strong 1st place scores of 67 ad 68% respectively.
Colin and Rachel were out visiting so that made things even
more fun.
Rachel's take on it all:"
When I was four I used to think that horse shows were
boring. Now they are fun." I figure that she said that
because we were all dancing on the picnic tables (yes, Colin
too) at the competitors party. Unfortunately, no photos.
In the first week of
September Ruth Koch of Oxford Mills Stable was kind enough
to fit us into the Albrecht Heidemann Clinic. We were able
to have two sessions with Albrecht. I totally enjoy his
enthusiasm and exuberant personality The work was great and
both Esa and I worked very hard. Between Albrecht and Gina I
am coming home armed with many, many nasty but effective
exercises. Hope that you guys are ready!!
September 10th saw us off to
Saugerties, New York. Hits is a HUGE facility. Esa and
I were lucky enough to be stabled in the FEI barn with Gina
and Frappachino even though we were entered in the National
show. We were able to ride the Grand Prix three times
over the four days and improved on our scores each day.
Combined scores were 58, 59 and 61% . I had hoped to do
better but all things considered we did well. Esa took
everything in stride, including crazy jumper people in golf
carts. :)
We had a great time. Gina and
Frappachino had good rides once he settled in. She rode a
lovely Freestyle to a 5th place finish. Super music!! It was
great fun to watch the rides and hit the vendors to "shop".
:) A good friend Liz Pace from Truro and my sister Cheryl
from Dartmouth, Nova Scotia came out. Much fun!! It
was great to have the support.
For the next couple of weeks
before we go home we will just continue to solidify and
build on the last months work. I feel like Esa has just
started to get strong and I am excited for the work this
winter. As much as I love to show it is really nice to train
without the added pressure of showing.
We return home October 9th.
My trip taking four hours in air conditioned comfort
Esa's four days box stalled in a Semi - hardly
seems fair.
Hope that everyone is well
and thank you to all who have kept in contact through email
and the old fashioned method of phone. A very large
and sincere "thank you" to all who helped Esa and I make
this journey - you know who you are!
See you all soon,
Sharon
   Beaulieu
Horse Show
  
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