Team Sorting In Hidden Hills-The Cows are Coming!

The Cows are Back in Hidden Hills. Traditionally, we host a Team Penning event but this time we opted for Team Sorting! Team Sorting involves moving cattle, in sequential order, from one pen to a neighboring pen.

We had a GREAT turnout and many Arabian people ventured from all over Region Two! There were some other folks there and it was great to have such a diverse group of great horse people.

Team Sorting sounds easy enough but it proved to be more challenging than expected. Each team was given 4-5 runs and ONLY ONE team was able to sort all of the cattle in order. Guess who that Team was - US! Yes, the kids and their Arabians were the only ones to sort all 8 cattle in order - it was as exciting as a National win! Woo-hoo kids!

Julia proved to be an excellent sorter; Coco loves to chase those cows and Hannah and Jesssica were great at holding and blocking!

Even Kelly came by to give the girls some pointers as she is an outstanding sorter and penner. We hope she will come back in November for Team Penning in Hidden Hills!

Actually, we hope all of you can make it to Team Penning in November for more fun with the Cows!!!

Pacific Slopes Arabian Horse Show

Pacific Slopes is historically one of southern California's most prestigious shows. This year was no different and many trainers came from all over to enjoy the beautiful Santa Barbara climate and atmosphere.

The kids were so exicted to show at Santa Barbara and Hannah & Jessica came along to help at the show even though they weren't showing.

On Saturday the kids served ice cream and helped raise money for the Region 2 Youth Judging Team. We escaped to the beach (& Blender's) as often as possible.

We also found good times in the show ring. Julia & Chinois swept the PB Country even though she was competing against the adult amatuers.

A Pac-Slopes Championship is such a huge honor! Ashley earned two firsts, two Reserve Championships, and one Top 5! She even placed in a nice Medal class - and it was her first one!

The boys really represented. Payton was a total star and crowd favorite in the English (his first time) and Cooper and Cassanova just got better and better in the Country.

Mostly, we just had loads of fun and really enjoyed the show and the location to its fullest!

Beautiful Weather, More Riding with Friends

Spring is here and the sun is shining. The horse's blankets are tucked away and there are no shows for a few weeks which means long, lounging riding days, detailed baths & spa days for the horses, spring cleaning, driving the mini's, etc.

We are taking advantage of the extra ride time to learn new skills and more challenging things with our horses. Everyone is stepping up to the occasion and riding better and prettier.

One of my favorite sights to behold is a group of kids on beautiful horses strolling through the pastoral streets of Hidden Hills after a great lesson. Horses are happy, kids are happy!

Region 2 Youth Judging Team Update

The AHASFV Youth kids and I (and future R2 Judging Team members) had a great time at the competition on Saturday at Cal Poly. Seven kids particpated (Hannah Kulik, Ashley Lane, Julia Broome, Christian Martens, Payton & Cooper Koch and Jessica Lackmeyer).

There was A LOT of competition including FFA and 4-H teams from all over California. This was, to date, our most authentic competition. Teams were serious and most had previous judging experience. This was a wonderful opportunity for the kids to "get their feet wet" and polish their reason skills.

6 Classes were presented; Arabian Hunter Pleasure, Western Equitation, Hunt Seat Equitation, Arabian Mare Halter, Arabian Gelding Halter, Quarter Horse Gelding Halter, TB Gelding Halter. 4 of the classes were "reasons" classes and the kids gained valuable experience for future goals.

Since we were judged in a separate grouping, our scores were not compared to other teams however on the sheet I received (which contained 1/3 of the scores), the highest score was 617 and the lowest score was 238. Ashley would have been 3rd if we were compared to the other judges and she is only 4 points from the 2nd place youth!

So, it's safe to say, we are on the right track :) Several leaders commented on how polite and fun the kids were and two groups invited me to audit their competitions. That was great since we arrived intimidated and with 4 first time judges!

Spring Break Camp

Spring Break was relaxing for some and busy for others. Ashley & Christian worked at Lowe Show Horse Centre (even Jess helped one day) and did everything from pulling weeds to cleaning and painting the arena! Wow!

Those of us still in town stayed home and enjoyed long days with the horses - riding at Spring Valley Arena and playing with the mini's in the afternoons.

All of the horses received much needed spring spa days. We took advantage of the hot weather with baths, coat conditioning, hoof painting and braiding.

Even the mini's got some extra grooming time. We even took the mini's for a neighborhood ride in the cart. The little girls could spend hours with the little guys! Even Dyna is getting some manners. :)

I'm so proud of the little girls for learning new skills like trotting poles and gymkhana courses. They all did great.

The extra time with the big kids gave us much needed scheduling for several photo shoots to take advantage of the beautiful weather and gorgeous scenery.

Welcome, springtime!

Spring Break Camp - April 5th - 9th, 2010

Spring Break is right around the corner and although some of you may be on vacation, many of us will be here enjoying the sunshine and the horses!

Spring Break Camp is from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and will include Horseback Riding (of course!) including bareback, arena work, jumping, trail rides, etc! Also, we will have Arts N Crafts, Swimming on warm days and more riding!

Space is limited to the number of horses so we can make sure each child has bonding time with their horse so reserve your space today!

Ashley Represents Region 2 at AHYA Meeting

Ashley Lane, Region 2 Youth Director (& former AHASFV Youth Group President) attended the AHYA (Arabian Horse Youth Association) meeting last weekend in Denver at the AHA (Arabian Horse Association) headquarters.

This is the first time Region 2 has been represented at this meeting since Ashley was born! It was a great honor to be a part of it. The group of kids on the AHYA Board is so impressive and we are thrilled to be working with these great future leaders.

Ashley was also appointed to the Youth Nationals Show Committee, the Youth Activities Committee, and the Regional & National Classes Committee. She will be paving the way for future Region 2 Youth and is thrilled to be a part of such an excellent Board!

Thank you, Ashley for being so dedicated to the future of the Arabian Breed!

YAHOOOOOO!

The arenas have been locked for 3 weeks and we are ready for the California sun to shine for us again. We need the rain, we love the rain, but the mud, the horses being locked up and oh, yes, the mud.

We thought the horses would love an afternoon of playing in Ahmanson. A chance to canter around, eat grass and get some bucks out.

Ahmanson was beautiful, green and just what we all needed. The horses and kids had a great time and everyone seemed much happier going back to the barn.

Nothing like Yahoo-ing around bareback to lift everyone's spirits!

Scottsdale 2010!

Christian Martens, Julia Broome, Hannah Kulik, Ashley Lane - The Future of the Arabian Breed!

For years I have gone to Scottsdale - and had a great time each year. But there was something so special about this trip with the kids.

It was their first time at a "big" show and to see everything through their eyes was so magical. It was a journey with challenges, heartbreaks, triumphs and victories. An unforgettable experience!

Thank you to our trainer Jim Lowe for the countless hours he spent training the kids from bareback galloping trail rides to the show ring. Now, they can enjoy both!

Ashley Lane & Top of the Mark - 2X/Top Ten!

Hannah Kulik & LBA Class Action +// - 2X Top Ten!

Julia Broome & ROL Woopcy Daicy - Champion!

Ashley Lane & Black Lite+// - Top Ten!

Julia Broome & High Intensity - Should have been Top Ten!