NW Autumn Finals // September 11, 2009

Before I post I'd like to honor the memories of all those touched in some way by the horrific events of 9/11, now eight years past, by just a moment of remembrance.... It is a hard date to type...

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It's Friday of the Northwest Autumn Finals.  A show where dreams culminate and the year's work is galvanized with the exclamation point of the show year ending.   We have a lot of riders showing,  both in the regular classes,  as well as the Region Finals.  We wish all the girls the best of luck!

If you can,  please join us Saturday evening (the 12th) at 5:00pm to watch Ana, Amanda and Hannah ride in the Regional Maclay Finals.

♫ Happy Birthday Clare! ♫//September 10, 2009

Please forgive the late post. We wish Clare a happy birthday (yesterday)!!! She was regaled with singing phone messages, oodles and oodles of Facebook wishes,  and a yummy cake, flowers and balloons.  It's hard having a birthday during a horse show (mine is always during the Thunderbird June show) but fun because you have your friends around you and they are bound to work it because we just LOOOOOVE birthday cake at horse shows!

Notes on Germany // September 8, 2009

I absolutely love this part of Germany. Hannover is a beautiful blend of the old and new. Our hotel was accross the street from the train station, an amazing mall where people from all over Europe converge. We visited many beautiful country estates and the girls rode incredible propects. Hopefully we will be adding three of those horses to our barn very soon! The highlight of my trip was visiting all the villages, meeting the locals and sharing an evening with a wonderful German family at their country farmhouse. We were served an absolutely amazing meal! Thank you Clare, Corey and Kareen for the most perfect adventure and memories we will cherish forever. *post by Bob Kerslake 9-8-09

Labor Day Horse Show // September 7, 2009

Yep,  we went to a horse show on Labor Day!  This show, hosted by Cara Anthony of Potcreek Meadow Farm, allows the equitation riders a chance to acquire early points for the 2010 show year in the Medals.  Classes offered were:  Pessoa/USEF Natioal Hunter Seat Medal;  ASPCA Horsemanship Class and the Platinum Performance/USEF Talent Search Class. The girls had a great day - rain and all.  Amanda rode in all three classes, Hannah rode in the ASPCA and Pessoa and Ana came for the Talent Search Class.

Amanda was 3rd in the Pessoa, Hannah 4th. Hannah won the Maclay, with Amanda coming in 3rd. Ana finished the day 5th in the Talent Search,  with Amanda placing 4th All in all,  a great, fun day for everyone!

The girls got this opportunity to work on their braiding skills so everyone started at the barn early to braid and wash their horses.  They arrived at the show around 10am and unpacked everything.  The warm up class started at 11:00am,  with the four classes going in order.  We broke for a 20 minute lunch,  and were treated to hotdogs and hamburgers BBQ'd by Cara's husband, Jeff. Ending at 4pm,  everyone went back to the barn to unbraid and wash legs in preparation for the Northwest Autumn Finals tomorrow.

Way to go riders!

Inserting the caulks,  or studs.  The horse's shoe is drilled by the farrier with holes and the holes are stuffed with little bits of Brillo until the caulks are screwed in.  Here Amanda and Krista (her trainer) are getting ready to put them in Parker's hind feet.  These caulks help prevent slipping on the grass while Amanda is riding her course by digging into the grass and giving traction.  They are taken out immediately after he is done and the holes are filled up again so they stay clean.

Supportive parents!

Mom's were grooms for the day.

Fun and unique way to watch a horse show (and stay dry!)

Walking the course.

Our riders. Congratulations!

Running of the foals // Germany 9.09

Here is a video uploaded by Corey from their Germany trip....

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ySqZYxgaxP0]

Germany trip // additional post September 5, 2009

Yesterday (Saturday) was the first day we (the Kerslakes) actually had some "down time" to explore Hannover.  Luckily it is a pedestrian friendly town as we have spent most of our week driving around the countryside looking at horses.  Driving the Autobahn takes a lot of concentration AND nerve! I discovered that 50% of the city was destroyed by Allied bombing in 1943 so it has been rebuilt but there is one area in particular in downtown Hannover that has original buildings/architecture. In particular there is a cathedral with a blackened/charred exterior that is stunning.  It is open to the public and there seems to be someone playing music inside most days. Last night at dinner, Clare had us run through our "highs and lows" and for me personally my high has been being able to experience this trip with our barn friends and look forward to sharing our stories upon our return. *post by Lisa Kerslake.  We hope to add photos soon,  maybe some of the aforementioned cathedral?

Germany trip // September 5, 2009

Today, we visited a beautiful breeding and training farm where we were treated to 'the running of the foals'. At the end of each day, the mothers are led out of the pasture and their foals run free after them to the barn. The trainer refers to the rowdy ones as 'gangsters'...they buck and play, happily taking the long way back to their stalls. Hannah and Melani were real troopers in the afternoon as they tried a big bay mare outside in the wind and rain...the perfect test for Northwest conditions!*authored by Leslie Thornton

Our Germany Trip // September 3, 2009

We are having an amazing trip so far. We flew all night and arrived in Hannover on Tues morning. Kareen met us and got us checked at our hotel. We had lunch and off we went for the rest of the afternoon to try horses. Wednesday we left on a 4-1/2 hour drive to Holland. The long drive was worth seeing lovely horses again. On this trip we found our loyal companion Ralf, the German Shepherd who will be accompany us for the remainder of the trip. He has found many photo opts along the way and I have included a few. After a very long day we were invited to a private buffet back in Germany at a beautiful farm. This wonderful family treated us to a 3 course sampling of traditional German fare. Between dinner and dessert we were given a tour of the farm. This was an experience of true German hospitality and an experience we will never forget. At the end of the evening we all packed back into the vehicles for the long drive back. We all arrived safely and climbed into bed at 2am. More to come tomorrow!!!

Regards Clare *note:  Clare, along with Corey arrived in Germany Monday, August 31st and met up with the Kerslake's, Hannah T. and her mom and Kelsey C. and her mom.  They are horse-hunting and will be back in a few days with,  from what I read above, many memories and stories!

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Thunderbird II // Lip Sync Contest

The girls had a fun time choreographing and practicing their routine, danced to Hannah Montana's  "Let's Get Crazy".   They worked very hard and won a 3rd place finish among some tough acts.  Way to go girls!

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4V6GKi3RCC8]

Thunderbird Show, week II

   The circuit is officialy done.  From Evergreen, to Thunderbird I, and on through Thunderbird week II.  The horses, ponies, riders and parents (not to mention the trainers & grooms) are tired and ready for a break.   The girls who stayed for the Thunderbird Week II were able to work on and perform a number for the lip sync contest.  Payton, Amanda, Jenna & Hailey sang and danced to "Let's Get Crazy" by Hannah Montana. They placed a very respectable 3rd out of a very competitive contest.

Rehearsing at the motorhomes.

Wearing their 3rd place T-Bird hats. (They also got blankets)

Before the Grand Prix on Sunday (week I) the show had a beautiful Native American demonstration of song, drums and dance. 

Now is the time to reflect on this year's accomplishments,  ponder the upcoming 2010 show season and think about plans and goals.    Remember,  Archway's mission statement: ~Develop proper techinque and a solid foundation...~             ~Empower our riders with life skills through horsemanship...~            ~Challenge our riders to embrace what seems impossible.~

       Good luck starting your school year!

Thunderbird II // August 19-23, 2009

Weather has really flip-flopped on us.  From high 80's yesterday to 65 degrees today.  It's now overcast with a few raindrops falling now and then..Brrr.....

Our riders are doing great so far.  

~Jenna Barker scored a red ribbon (1st place here up in Canada) in her first Medium Pony Hunter round of the show.~
~Amanda was 2nd overall in the Washington International Medal~

The girls are working on their lip sync song today.  The contest will be held tomorrow night and is a very fun event.

Fun things that we do at the horseshows // Thunderbird I,'09

Up here in Canada they think of the most fun things to do after the show.  Thunderbird offers us a hauled-in rental 'ride the bull'  at this show every year.  It really is quite fun,  both to do for the kids,  and to watch for us...

Non-horse show related video...but cute

I ran across this video today and thought all the riders at the barn,  both young and old may enjoy... [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ng8S_ewaJ_A&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fbelladaze%2Ewordpress%2Ecom%2F2009%2F08%2F14%2Fmeet%2Dcliffy%2Dthe%2Dartist%2Dnancy%2Dj%2Dbaileys%2Damazing%2Dmorgan%2Dhorse%2Dpaints%2F&feature=player_embedded#t=37]

Thunderbird Show // Week I; August 12-16, 2009

   We've had a fabulous show so far.  Unfortunately the weather isn't cooperating much.  Cold with heavy drizzle makes for wet hunt coats and socks.    The ribbons are so numerous I urge you to watch the website early next week for all the results.  Everyone has had success in their ring/division.      Tonight was our annual R.V. party.   Ricardo brought up his big BBQ and we ate and told stories until 9pm. The grey skies cleared up a bit too, just in time for dinner.   It was also a surprise birthday party for Jenna,  who was truly surprised.  Happy Birthday Jenna!

Evergreen Classic '09 // After The Show

   Today is Monday.  I don't know about you,  but our Monday's are very low key.  I don't schedule anything, if at all possible, as I know we will be re-charging and sleeping in.  Especially if we are turning around and starting a new show on the next day (Tuesdays).   It's a day of reflection and processing.  We talk about what Amanda liked and disliked about her rounds.  How she can work on the things that didn't quite work as well as we had planned,  and what her trainers and I can do to help reach her goals.    As a mother AND an owner of a farm with many years both in the ring and outside,  it can be a blessing and a curse to give positive feedback.  Sometimes Amanda needs me to just be her mom,  sometimes she expects that comment that will push her through a door but doesn't want to hear it from me.  I always defer to Clare, Corey and Krista now for the training aspect.  I do try to support without bias,  love without conditions and give tough love when it seems appropriate.    Clare, Corey and Krista have the daunting task of having a day off, without having a day off.  They must make sure saddle pads are washed,  horses healthy, van gets re-packed, business is running smoothly,  while at the same time juggling their families,  personal packing for the next trip,  and getting all phone calls returned that piled up the week we were at the show.    It truly takes an army of employees,  lots of hard work,  long hours, and a passion for this sport to make sure we all get to the next show (both riders, horses and families) in a healthy frame of mind and body (especially the horses - the riders health is the primary job of their parents!).    I await emailed results from the riders competing this past week for posting on the Archway website.  In the meantime,  here are a few notations I had the time to get on my notepad:

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Amanda N. won the WSHJA Good Seat & Hands Medal Class Natalie H. won the Taylor Harris Medal Class Ana S.was 2nd in the USEF Pessoa Hunt Seat Medal Amanda M.was 4th in the USEF Pessoa Hunt Seat Medal  Sophie T. was Champion Short Stirrup Equitation rider Mali K. tied for the short stirrup Equitation Championship Marissa M. was 3rd in the Jr./Amateur Hunter Classic Payton Smith was Champion Small Hunter Pony Amanda M. was Champion in the Evergreen Classic 3 Phase Equitation Classic Mali K. won the Best Costume of dog and owner class Briteney M. won the dog/owner look alike class. 

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Mali and Tobi

THE END of another show :)  

Evergreen_'09 // Friday August 7th

   This is the beginning of a very busy day for both riders and trainers.  This is when the 'rhythm' of the horse show starts to hum in my head.  The subconscious dance from ring to ring for both trainers and riders.  The individual voices calling out the riders in "5" meaning the rider better be out and schooling...  The tightrope Clare, Corey and Krista walk to be at each rider's ring at the precise time they are needed...it goes on and on but total immersion is the only way to begin to become intuitive in the rhythm of the show.   Each show has it's own rhythm too.  It usually takes me until Friday to really partner with all the announcers,  get my bearings on who is announcing what ring,  what classes the riders are in.      It also ramps up emotionally.  This is the 'excitement and anticipation of what may come'.  A good ribbon spurs the rider to do better,  a great ribbon bolsters self confidence but can backfire into false security and a slip of concentration going into the weekend classes.    Riding is, I believe, equal halves mental and physical.  Then add the temperamental disposition of the horse or pony and it can get almost as tricky as throwing the dice in Las Vegas.   All we expect is that our riders are as prepared and rested as possible and then "go get 'em!"    I heard a few great placings, among them Nicole with a 1st and 4th;  Sophie with a 1st and other top ribbons; Alexia and Jessica were also in the ribbons.  I believe Amanda N. got a blue and  Ana and Melani did well.  Payton came back to the barn with another blue ribbon.  (sorry Briteney, Mali, Hanna and Marissa - missed your placings.  Jenna was a GREAT sport with a very naughty pony to ride but in the end,  she got the job done!    Amanda ended her Amateur Junior/Modified Jumper division with a 2nd place and a Championship.      The progressive aisle party was terrific and I honesty ate too much.  A big shout out to Lisa and Julie, who threw a beautiful and yummy spread of pasta salad with citrus.  The bar was hopping and I saw Bob, John and Janet alternating the servings of Bob's famous margarita's!    Here are some memories of yesterday and today.  Enjoy!

PHOTOS FROM THURSDAY, AUGUST 6TH:

"No comment"

Melani and Amanda volunteering as hostess's.  They were required to volunteer to qualify for scholarship money for the out-of-state finals.

Janet, proudly watching her horse Moonlight Sonata (Sonny) finish 3rd in the Bunny Coffin Memorial Hunter Classic Thursday evening.

[The following are photos from today, Friday]

Our proud servers at our Amazon Cafe.

Julie is well known for running for the hills when I aim the camera her way.  I was able to capture this as she was hard at work setting up our table.

...awwwwwww. No caption necessary.

Evergreen Classic '09 // Thursday

   A busy day!  All of the riders had multiple rounds, some had both over fences and under saddle classes.  The Pony equitation division started, as well as the hunter equitation divisions, all ages.   The pro divisions wrapped up, with Janet Weaver's Moonlight Sonata Reserve Champion.  Congratulations Janet!    We ended the day with the Bunny Coffin Memorial Hunter Classic.  Again, congratulations go to Moonlight Sonata,  finishing in 3rd place!    With such a long day,  I will forgo pictures tonight, other than this one of some of our equitation girls, sent by Lisa.  Will post more tomorrow.  Have a blue ribbon Friday!

Evergreen Classic '09 // Wednesday August 5th

    Today was "Pro" day.  This simply means that the classes offered today were the classes in which the Professionals (our trainers) rode our horses.  Some of our riders had "low" rounds,  which is a round that is judged and awarded ribbons but does not count for any division points.    Corey was exciting to watch as she piloted around the horses in the beautiful Grand Hunter Ring.  The ring itself calls for a shout out to the show management team.  An extremely large field,  with trees dotting the interior, and a rough natural jump that is just plain fun.  The lines are set to gallop,  not set on any particular number of strides.  The handy hunter had a hand gallop and Corey turned on the afterburners with Janet Weaver's Moonlight Sonata.  A class he 'handily' won, by the way!

Corey aboard Janet Weaver's Moonlight Sonata in the Grand Hunter Ring

    Some of the girls division's did start.  Amanda's Modified Junior/Amateur 1.10m jumpers had a class today and Amanda began the division with a bang, winning the class.     Melani and Ana also had rounds.  I haven't heard how they finished except I heard Melani's name called in 5th for one of her jumper rounds.   Ana's round looked great and they went clean,  with just an itsy-bitsy time fault.  (This was a warm-up class to get them in the ring, I believe).     The weather was a bit too cool to duplicate yesterday's river swim by some of the riders.  (see photo below, courtesy of Lisa Kerslake).  However,  the cooler temps were quite a refreshing change after the extreme heat.

Below:  one of the stunning work-of-art stall cards created by Ana and Julie Sanborn. Each one was unique!

Our busy trainer, Corey.

Ok, somebody help me identify this cute Amazonian creature!

Evergreen Classic mini-movie from Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Enjoy! [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-IQdpZVYbM]

//Welcome new kittens!//

Courtesy of Hannah Thornton,  we now have three new kittens who will hopefully grow up and become great mousers! Their names are Morris (named after George Morris); Beezie (named after Beezie Madden); and Sapphire, named for McClain Ward's Olympic horse. They are 12 weeks old today.