In Loving Memory - Bride Rose X (Rosie-Posie)

Rosie-Posie,

We just came home from the high of Youth Nationals and I miss seeing your beautiful face in the pasture from my window. Gazing out now, something seems to be missing, and it is you. I don't understand why you had to leave us so suddenly and why we only had you for a short time.

We are grateful for every moment with you - the way you loved to have your face kissed, the funny thing you did if you thought the herd was leaving and the way you loved to show halter.

We know you loved every day here and as Gracie is the Queen, you were the Princess of the barn. You were too pretty to be a gymkhana horse, but you loved the barrels anyways! And I think you loved all of your matching pink accessories.

We find peace knowing you left us without pain or suffering and doing something you loved in your favorite place on Earth.

The girls were broken hearted but we will always remember you - especially when we hear your song, find significance in the number seven, feel a sudden breeze in Ahmanson, and see a horse appear in the clouds at night.

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ROSIE'S SONG, "I HOPE YOU DANCE"

I hope you never lose your sense of wonder

You get your fill to eat But always keep that hunger

May you never take one single breath for granted

God forbid love ever leave you empty handed

I hope you still feel small When you stand by the ocean

Whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens

Promise me you'll give faith a fighting chance

And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance I hope you dance

I hope you dance I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance

Never settle for the path of least resistance

Living might mean taking chances But they're worth taking

Lovin' might be a mistake But it's worth making

Don't let some hell bent heart leave you bitter

When you come close to selling out Reconsider

Give the heavens above more than just a passing glance

And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance I hope you dance....

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4-H Fair Show at Ventura County Fairgrounds

Ok, I know this is a big statement, but I think this was the best horse show we have been to. Western, one day, then English & Jumping, then a Gymkhana day.

I can't count our Club's shows as those are like being with family, but as far as other events we have been to, this show trumped them all!

I have never had any dealings with 4-H so none of us knew what to expect. We knew it would be our first 3-day "away" and we also knew the weather in Ventura would be much nicer than the blistering heat in Hidden Hills so we were ready with open arms.

We have two friends, Sharyn & Sharon, who told us what to expect about the show and gave us pointers but what we did not realize was the incredible way everyone opened their show and their arms to us!

We never felt like outsiders, in fact we found everyone so friendly, supportive, and full of compliments. We also made new friends easily and had a great time.

With the exception of my dear friends, Jeff & Teri, I have never been to a horse show with a more friendly and helpful show secretary.

Bonnie Frost took us under her wing from the moment we arrived until we left on Sunday. She was a valuable resource and lovingly gave guidance when we did not obey a 4-H rule. The girls were never meant to feel bad and everyone was loving and helpful.

Our girls also rode brilliantly and captured many hearts with their enthusiasm, showmanship, dedication, and support and love for one another.

The whole weekend I received wonderful compliments about them and it was great to hear.

The weekend was also magical since we stayed in Grace's beach house, Windy Gables and enjoyed any and all spare moments on the beach. We are already talking about plans for next year!

I was so inspired by my 4-H experience that I have already started looking into re-creating the Hidden Hills 4-H which was established in 1954!

(P.S.) Brooke made the newspaper - check it out!! http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2009/jul/19/nxxfcnphorses19/

Our future 4-H Star, Kristin, was a huge help cleaning out the stalls!

Region 2 Judging Training at Cal Poly (Round Two!)

We are SO LUCKY to have Mark and Cal Poly - the training and knowledge we have received there has been valuable! We have all learned more about the Arabian horses we love and much of the information gained has been applied to both judging and everyday life.

This training day was unique because Mark was able to put the kids on the spot a little and make them provide reasons and placings orally and in front of other people (Yes, sir, Judge).

There were two halter classes - Purebred mare and Purebred geldings and then we judged two performance classes. Everyone did okay but we have a lot of studying to do before Nationals. We received outstanding notes and materials and are so grateful to Mark, Mirissa, and the rest of the Cal Poly students who braved the heat to present horses for us! It was an unforgettable day.

AHASFV Open Horse Show

Our wonderful club, AHASFV held their 2nd horse show of the summer to help raise funds for the Region 2 Youth Judging Team.

This show proved to be just as successful as the June show and many of the exhibitors from the Benji BBQ Show returned to us in July. It was also great to see many new faces and make new friends.

We arrived early for the Halter & Liberty but then took a break from the Western and Walk/Trot classes. This gave us plenty of time to braid and get the horses looking perfect! We set up a canopy and chairs for friends and family and the day was well organized, fun, and only a little too hot!

As an extra treat for the Region 2 Youth Judging Team, we were lucky enough to have Mark Stinson as our judge. He has been an invaluable teacher and mentor for the R2 Team and the show presented a great opportunity to pick his brain on practical judging. We also talked him into another visit/training day at Cal Poly (Score!).

While we really missed Teri and Jeff only made a morning appearance, the show was well run and Courtney was on the mic when she was not with Nouveau and Sandee's husband Scott also took over. David was great as show manager and even worked as show photographer - thank you also to the many great volunteers that Meaghan has. We really love these shows!

GPA Beach Trip

Our girls work really hard trying to balance school, horses, social activities, etc. This semester we created an award system to those girls who kept their grades up all year long or at least tried their hardest to maintain a 3.5 GPA or better.

Before talking about the trip, I would like to congratulate the following girls who achieved this success at school; Isabela Minogue, Alexandra Terlesky, Emma Nairin, Julia Broome, Alexa Kramer, Kate Hirth, and Hannah Kulik. Nice work girls!

Of those girls only 3 were able to make the trip but special plans are in the works for the other girls. Isabela, Hannah, and Emma brought Bugsy, Crimson, and Dessa to Emma's beach house in Oxnard on Hollywood Beach.

Though we learned from a nice lifeguard that it is technically not "legal", they still gave us blessings to ride as long as we cleaned up after the horses, which I gladly did. The two Arabians actually refrained from pooping, which was nice.

The horses did incredibly well - it was Dessa & Crimson's first time at the beach and being 4th of July weekend, there were lots of people and activity. They all did beautifully and even stayed calm when a group of small children ran up to chase them.

We did not ride long as to honor the lifeguard's hospitality and then enjoyed a wonderful lunch on Emma's balcony. It was a great day and a wonderful way to celebrate!