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!

Ash & Jules meet their Scottsdale Hunters!

On Sunday, me, Jules and Ashley flew to Scottsdale to meet (& ride!) the two hunters they are showing at Scottsdale. Luckily for us there was a circuit show at Westworld the same day. We landed safely and Laura Lauterbach picked us up and we headed to the show.

It was love at first sight for everyone. Diane & Laura's horses are so beautiful and in show shape. Both were just bodyclipped and were clean and ready to show - they are gorgeous!

Trainer Rod Owens & his wife Sandy came out to help coach and we all got along perfectly! It was a really nice day and everyone at the horse show was friendly and impressed with the horses.

Julia's mom, Laura also came with Auntie Erin, my dad came, friend Vicky Grady and Jon, too. There was a lot of support for the girls and it must have helped because we were 1st and 2nd in every class!

Afterwards the horses got baths, treats, and carrots. A nice dinner at Oregano's followed and we all flew home, exhausted but very happy and excited for the next time we fly to Arizona!

Black Lite+// & Timmy, we love you!

Julia's First Horse, WW Easter Lily!

Congratulations, Jules on getting your "first" horse. You have loved and taken great care of my horses; Gracie, Angel, Cameo, and of course Cokes and now I am thrilled that you have another great horse to grow with and love.

I am so proud of you and you deserve Lily, she is a great mare and very "special". Wishing you many years of success, love, and memories!

Good luck in Scottsdale & beyond!

Representing our Schools & our Arabians!

Cooper, Christian, Hannah, Ashley
Our kids did a fantastic job representing their school in equestrian sports when they competed at the SWSL (IEL) Show this month. In total we represented 2 schools with 5 riders in both the Saddle Seat and the Western Divisions.

In the warm-up arena
What made this competition extra special is that all of the riders were on their Pure or Half-Arabians. Our Arabians competed in Western against Quarter Horses and Paints, and won both classes. Additionally impressive, our Pure & Half-Arabians were ridden in Saddle Seat Classes against American Saddlebreds with equal success.

payton & fire, cooper & royal
Not only are the children doing their part to represent their school but they are also promoting the Arabian breed with their success. We are showing other people the incredible temperament, versatility, and athleticism of Arabian horses.

Cooper Koch & his horse, Royal rode in the Novice Western Division. Cooper trained very hard with Jim Lowe to master the full bridle and riding with one hand. His hard work paid off and he won both his Equitation and Horsemanship Pleasure class. Not bad for a boy that has only been riding for 6 months!

Also in the Saddleseat Division, brother Payton Koch rode his new horse, Fire in two strong classes. Winning his Pleasure class and earning a respectful 4th place in the Equitation. Payton just got Fire for Christmas so this was a wonderful debut of their partnership and all good things to come.

Ashley is our best catch rider. She did not know which horse she was showing until the night before the show and used this arena opportunity to school a horse for Jim. Ashley not only placed well but rode Woopcy beautifully and they had good communication and clean rides.

Julia rode her mare, Coco who has been a super star and best friend to Julia. This duo has experienced success in Country Pleasure, Jumpers, and even Gymkhanas. Today was no different and they showed perfectly with subtle communication and lots of mutual love. We all suspect that Jules is about to "outgrow" Cokes in the show arena but their partnership has grown and blossomed.

The stars of the show were Hannah & Classy - they owned the ring! Classy looked so happy to be trotting around with his ears up and Hannah was all smiles. They have grown into each other and all of their hard work of the past year + was on display in the arena. No one could take their eyes of Han & Classy, King of the Ring.

ashley & woopcy relax
We have also formed friendships with the other competitors from neighboring schools and are looking forward to having them visit our farm to experience the thrill and beauty of an Arabian!