October means Fair Hill. And this year, MLE had one client and many friends competing. So off I went on Saturday for a day full of cross-country and, shockingly, no rain. Courtney Cooper was competing in the CCI** on homebred Who's A Star ("Tag"). While this is Tag's second 2-star, this was definitely his biggest challenge of his career. I wasn't there for his dressage, but he was right in the middle of the pack. He's been winning on his dressage score at the last few horse trials, so I'm sure the big atmosphere had something to do with the higher score. I got to see him in the middle of the cross-country course, and he looked great. What an awesome horse ... and he's only 7!
Good friend Katie Ruppel of Yellow Rose Eventing looked stellar in the CCI***. She's been working really hard with Sir Donovan ("Donald") and I'm looking forward to watching them kick ass in a spring 4-star.
Unfortunately, there were two major accidents that put a damper on the day. Sharon White had a scary rotational fall and was taken away in an ambulance. She had to have surgery yesterday for a broken hip, but knowing Sharon, she'll be on a horse by the end of the year. The second accident hit a little closer to home, as it involved former MLE client Jenn Simmons (pictured here). Her and JB's Star were contesting his first CCI*** and looked great when I saw them at the coffin about mid-course. A few jumps later he misread an oxer and both he and Jenn fell. X-rays showed a major break in his shoulder, so it was decided to euthanize him at the hospital. Jenn was kept overnight for observation but released the next day. My heart goes out to Jenn, as I know how special JB was to her.
On a light note, another MLE client is rocking out this fall. Katie Wherley has 2 horses in the barn right now that are stars for the future. Mr. Indiscretion ("Trip") is skipping over Prelim fences. Instead of cramming in an Intermediate this fall, Katie is going to spend the winter getting him really strong, and move up early in the spring. Her other super star is Miss Texas and should really be in a beauty queen contest. So gorgeous! This lovely mare is only 4, so Katie has really spent her time with her and they rocked it at their first Novice this fall. Texas will spend more time growing this winter and then move up to Training in the spring.
Finally ... the Training 3-Day. It starts this week! If you're looking for some fun, come out on Friday to watch endurance day. The smiles you'll see as riders come off course will blind you.
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