Back In The Show Ring

We recently returned from being on the road showing for two weeks with 20 horses at the Northern Winter Classic and Central California Classic horse shows in Rancho Murieta and Paso Robles, California.

Typically, our winter circuit has included seven to eight weeks of showing in the desert. But with all the flooding in Reno this January and February, we needed to stay closer to home. With more than three months since our last show, our horses and pocketbooks got a much-needed vacation!

All of the lessons and homework we worked on over the winter months really paid off! Not only were we all rested and more prepared, but also our horses and riders were grateful and enthusiastic to get to show.

Countless blue ribbons garnered numerous championships in every section, from Short Stirrup to the Grand Prix. More than half of our horses at the show were homebreds by our stallions Osilvis and Cartouche Z. Most notable was the complete sweep of Open Welcome and Grand Prix classes won by Osophia and Optical Illusion (both by Osilvis) at both shows we competed in, trained and ridden to victory by Kevin Winkel.

So having a true break over the winter was wonderful for all of us. I really wish we could make this a rule across the country--NO SHOWING FROM NOVEMBER 15 TO JANUARY 15! Horse show people and the wonderful horses could actually let down and enjoy Thanksgiving and Christmas! That would be heaven...

Until next time,

Julie

P.S. I hope you enjoy the slide show below capturing some of our favorite moments!