October 8 - Happy Thanksgiving!:

September 23:

Please note that the price on Kayleigh has changed.  I have also taken Daneel off the market.  After the incredible piaffe that the big, bad Bear offered me last night, I have decided to keep him, and continue to work with him myself;  I had been feeling this way for a while, and last night confirmed my intentions (Adam's happy!).  For those of you who expressed an interest in Mayfair, you will perhaps be interested to know that I have taken over the ride on this mare, and she is working extremely well at Medium level and developing some very nice collected work, including a few half-steps, and some gorgeous canter.  If you were interested in her, but have hesitated, now would be the time to look again, as the price will go up as her schooling progresses.
CD "Pick of the Week" is the the Jesse Cook CD "Gravity", which contains the tracks we used for our freestyle.  Please use my CDNOW link to order this CD online! 
The "Book of the Week" is a book of short stories by science fiction writer Nancy Kress: "Beaker's Dozen".  Inspired writing, great stories and thoughtful social commentary. (just like this website <grin>).
Too often, a holiday like Thanksgiving comes along and we eat and drink and enjoy the time off work, but fail to realize the significance of the holiday.   So today, as I prepare to spend my Thanksgiving weekend with friends and family, doing the things I love to do, I'd just like to publically give thanks for a few of my many blessings:

Thank you Adam, for your unflagging love and support

Thank you Aaron and Carolyn, for being great kids

Thank you Mum and Dad, for everything, but especially for believing in me

Thanks to all my terrific friends, especially Kate and Amanda, Nancy and Alan, Elspeth, Libby, Larry, Deb

Thanks to my great customers - you guys make it easy to want to do good work

Thanks for my job, and the great people I work with, and the opportunities I get to be creative and productive

and thanks also for the wonderful horses ... Max and Bear and Valke and Valarctic and Impish and Kenner and Crispi and Playboy  ... you have been the best teachers of all, and the most patient friends

and thanks for the unconditional affection of my little four legged friends - Wimsey and Ruffles and Maddie - you brighten my life and fill up the bed :-)

and thanks to YOU - all the people who read this website and send me such nice notes of encouragement and congratulations, or help me through the rough spots

October 5:
Safely home from Devon, with some World Cup points and some experience.  The scores weren't great, and the placings weren't great, but we did finish in the top 10 in the GP.
You will notice the new CDNOW logo at the top of the page ... I am now a "re-direct" seller of CDROM music, for this company.  What this means is that if you link to the CDNOW site from my page, and buy a CD or a video or any other product, I will get a "Cosmic Credit".  These credits will add up quickly (particularly if Adam finds this), and it will mean more $$$ for training and competitions, which would be great.  So if you DO buy music on the net, bookmark this site, and link to CDNOW from here, and help me out a little.
If you think this is an incredibly CRASS was to raise money, let me know!
September 28:

  • Leaving tomorrow for Devon.   Unfortunately Bear didn't get into the PSG/Inter1 classes - too many entries!   But Max and I will be there with bells on.  Looking forward to seeing Lin Braddick, and the crew from Dressage Unlimited.

  • Our competition at the Tournament of Champions was great fun.  Adam and I made a holiday of it, and even watched a few jumper classes.  Max was a good boy, and had some really nice scores from Lorraine Stubbs, who judged both tests.  Nancy MacLachlan was first with Davis Cup (owned by John Watson), Max and I were second, and Christian Garweg and Infiniti were third - the scores were really close and it was a good contest.  I sure hope they do this again, or add some FEI classes to the Tournament, because there were alot of people watching, and the spectators seemed quite happy to watch a few freestyles.
  • I did learn one devastating piece of news, and that is that we are in grave danger of losing the CDI/W at Palgrave.  The folks from Cornerstone cannot justify the additional cost, which is about $10,000, to run the CDI/W portion of the show.  So what is needed is a corporate sponsor, an individual, or a group to sponsor that portion of the show.  If you have any ideas, please contact me PDQ!
  • The new CIDRA Dressage calendars are now available - if you would like one, please let me know. The cost is $19.95 plus $4 shipping and handling.  I should have an order form up on CIDRA's website soon.
Leaving tomorrow for Toronto and the Tournament of Champions ... just had to let you know that we heard that Leggy is confirmed in foal!  Very exciting for her new owner.  Have a great weekend.

September 21:

Well, Floyd notwithstanding, we are returned without any major incident from the NEDA Fall Festival in Halifax, Mass., complete with two second place ribbons and a Reserve Championship in the World Cup Qualifier.  The drive down last Thursday was horrible - that dual semi tractor-trailer hydroplaning across the highway in 6" of water and horizontal rain was really scary.  But we were diverted to a cute stable where we found safe shelter (thank you, Tracey Richardson!), and made our way to the showgrounds on Friday.   Competition was sparse on Saturday and Sunday, due to the many, many scratches, but we did our best and Max was a pretty good boy, when he wasn't nervous about the spectators and tents.  I made a few pilot errors in the GP, but we were both solid in the FS, and scored a nice 63+%.
We leave on Friday for the Tournament of Champions at York Equestrian Centre.  There we will compete in 2 GP/FS classes to determine the winner of the Cornerstone Freestyle Challenge.  The ToC isn't really a dressage show, it's a hunter/jumper show, so we will definately be aliens!  Should be great fun!   Our ride times are in the early afternoon on both Saturday and Sunday.
If you care at all, check out the final draft of the Dressage Canada proposal, which is available on the Equestrian Connection site.  This is important, as I believe the future of our sport is seriously compromised unless something quite drastic is done, and quickly and well.   This could be a start.  In a similar vein, there are issues under consideration by CET Dressage which may have a significant impact on FEI competitors.  You can read about these issues on the CET page on CIDRA's website.  Don't hesitate you let people know how you feel.
I will be riding at the Conrad Schumacher Symposium the end of October, being a (willing) guinea pig for the GP demonstrations ... if you haven't already signed up for this symposium, I think you will be sorry if you miss it.   Mr. Schumacher is an extremely well respected clinician and trainer, with many international success to his credit, and this should be a provocative and interesting symposium.  Details are available here.   if you go, be sure to come say "hi".
I'll be back at Phantom Farms on October 10th for a one day clinic with the riders there.  Contact Carolyn or Dave for more information.
I am thinking of holding a few clinics at Porcupine Hill with some of our own Canadian coaches - who interests YOU?  Would you want to attend?  Let me know, please.

September 15:

Leaving tomorrow for the Boston area, and the NEDA Fall Festival CDI/W - just me and Max and Whimsey, so I won't be too available until next Tuesday.  Wish us luck in the CDI GP Freestyle and find us at the show if you plan on going - we can probably find a dry spot to stay out of the anticipated rain and enjoy a coffee and a chat!  If you aren't sure what I look like, I'll have a red-headed Tri-colour Corgi attached, and Max is a tall elegant bay who looks like a TB - I'm a shortish, chubby middle aged blonde :-) wearing a Swarovski ball cap.  Unfortunately our stall will be in the secure CDI area, but I may be by my trailer, so look for me there or in the great SHOPPING concourse <grin>.
Congratulations to Jack Sharp and Amada Knier, both of whom acquired new horses this week!  Jack's new horse is Malcome, a 7 year old Trakehner gelding, and Amanda's new guy is Sam, a WB cross gelding.  I am looking forward to working with Jack and Malcome over the winter as they prepare for their first dressage shows in the spring.  And I know Amanda is going to have lots of fun with Sam as they prepare for the jump to Basic 2 and 3 next year.
I am looking for a horse for myself to develop- a four or rising five year old gelding, with an exceptional mind, talent, character and all that.   This is a horse I would hope to develop all the way to Grand Prix.  If you have, or know of such a critter, could you let me know, please?  If you own such a horse, but don't want to sell him, maybe we could talk about a partnership or similar arrangement - I am very open and flexible, especially if someone wants to give me a horse to ride :-).
I am also looking for a suitable horse for a client - I need a smallish (15hh to 16hh) gelding, with good movement and an easygoing personality, in the 6000-8000 price range, for immediate delivery!  Young is OK, but it does need to be backed and going WTC.  I would prefer a TB or TB cross for this very small rider - even a TB/pony might work if it can really move. Let me know if anything strikes you!

September 8:

We are safely returned from Blainville, and the CNDC (East) - What a great show! It was, without a doubt, the best run and most enjoyable show we have been to in a very long time (although the Cornerstone shows are also most excellent!).  It was too bad about the judging, which was inconsistent and, in places, quite suspect.   All that aside, however. we did OK, and for the most part, the horses were on good form.  Max had the heaviest schedule, with four GP classes: he was 4th in the CNDC GP, and fifth in the Special (he was scared of the bouncing umbrellas!).  A super ride in the CDI/W GP put him solidly in second place, and a good ride in the Freestyle was enough for a 3rd place.  He finished up the CNDC in third place overall.  Bear had a pretty good go in the Prix St. George, a terrible go in the Intermediaire I, and then redeemed himself with a 6th place finish in the Intermediaire I Freestyle.  Kate and Fairy had a bit of a rough weekend as nerves and heat took a toll on their scores.
The Freestyle evening was enormous good fun.  The smallish arena at Blainville has bleacher seating for about 800, but somehow they managed to pack about 1500 people in, and, unfortunately, had to turn people away (if you can imagine turning away spectators at a dressage show!).  The horses all seemed to behave very well, in spite of the confined, noisy area, and the crowd certainly appreciated what they got to see, and were loud with their applause and "Bravos!".  It was great to ride for such a terrific audience.  Max's new Freestyle was extremely well received, by both the crowd and the judges, who, for once, were consistent with their high marks for choice of music and interpretation.  Bravo Adam! 
The first ride of the night, and the the only Freestyle I got to see was Alan Young's ride with Gluckstag - and I have to say, the lively music and interpretation set the tone for for the evening.  Alan and Glucky both looked pretty pleased, and one FEI judge (just an observer) was heard to remark that the ride should have scored much higher!  I agree - Bravo Alan and Gluck!
Take a look at these browbands!  If anyone wanted to know what I would like for Christmas ... hint, hint.

September 1:

I have added some photos of the barn to our Services page today (playing with the Boss's digital camera).
We'll be leaving tomorrow for the National Championships at Blainville with Max and Bear and Fairy.  Stop by the stable and say hello if you get a chance.   The FEI Freestyles will all take place on Sunday evening in the Indoor arena, beginning at 6pm.  I hear that there are about 20 rides, including the 6 World Cup Qualifying Grand Prix freestyles.  It should be a very enjoyable evening.  Some loud cheering for your favorites would be great!
If you aren't going be at the CNDC, I hope you have a great, relaxing Labour Day weekend!

August 26:

Back from the Quebec Championships - what a nice show!  Super facilities and great organization.  Bear was a good boy, with a super PSG test and a good Inter I.  Max was, well, let's be kind and say "confused", in the Grand Prix and GPS, so our scores weren't very nice - BUT, there were objectives that were met and accomplishments made, so I was not too disturbed.  Also we tried out our new GP Freestyle - GREAT reception.  This time we are an ALL-CANADIAN production, thanks to terrific music from Jesse Cook - if you don't know who Jesse Cook is, you can click here to find out all about this talented Canadian musician. 
Weaned Carlisle this week - that went well.  Sally and Carolyn were superstars - they managed everything with a minimum of fuss, and both Carlisle and Tess are doing well.
Those of you who know me will know that I hold somewhat pragmatic political views.  This article pretty much sums up some of my thinking!
I really would like to sell a few horses ... Mayfair, Kayleigh and Tess are all for sale, and I will entertain offers on any, or discuss the possibility of a 3 for 1 trade - do you have a nice 4 year old gelding?  I need to make room in the barn, I don't plan on breeding any more horses, and I prefer to ride geldings - hence my "girls" are all for sale.  Mayfair would suit an ambitious amateur rider, Kayleigh has a bright future for dressage or show hunters, and Tess is a wonderful broodmare, with nice bloodlines and lovely conformation.  Email me if you are interested!  Mayfair and Kayleigh are listed on the Horses for Sale page, and you can see a picture of Tess, with her 1997 filly, HERE.

August 19:

A picture of Kayleigh on the Horses for Sale page!

August 17:

I have returned from an exciting 6 days in the Netherlands - I saw some lovely horses, rode quite a few, and learned LOTS!  It's a beautiful country, very tidy, and the people seemed very friendly - most speak English very well.  The horses come in all shapes and sizes, and there appeared to be something for every budget and ambition.
Life "on the Hill" progresses normally - the horses are working well, and seem set to head out to Blainville this weekend for the Quebec Championships - Max's new freestyle just needs a few finishing touches.
We're just about ready to wean the Supreme Being (aka Carlisle), who is getting pretty rambunctious.  We are also planning to start working Kayleigh a bit on the lunge.  This lovely filly is for sale - she would make a terrific hunter or dressage prospect - she's very pretty, tall and elegant, and has a very sweet personality - let me know if you are interested.
Debbie Trojan is one of our students - she has just re-located to a new farm, where she is riding lots of horses and having a blast.  She'll also be at the Quebec Championships, so send her a nice note of good luck, and check out her website!

August 3:

Well, the excitement of the Pan-Am Games is pretty much over for us ... Shannon returned to the farm for a brief overnight rest before heading home to Mass.   We all got to hold the silver medal, and poor Shannon had to tell us everything that happened!  Kees looked pretty great, and solemnly accepted our congratulations (and carrots) with the dignity only a great horse can muster.
Terrific clinic at Phantom Farms last weekend - I really enjoyed working with the riders who came out, and I can't say enough about how well I was treated!   It's a beautiful facility, and Carolyn and Dave are wonderful hosts.  It looks like I'll be heading there again in October.
The schedule for us is absolutely demented for the next two and a half months: I leave for The Netherlands on Thursday, back August 12, then we'll be off to the Quebec Championships at Blainville (August 19-20), the Nationals, again at Blainville (Sept. 4-6), the NEDA Fall Festival in Mass. (Sept. 16-19), the Tournament of Champions in Toronto (Sept. 24-26), and finishing up at Devon (Sept. 28-Oct 3).  If you are at any of these events, please come say "hi".
Carlisle is definately turning grey ... although this week he looks more like a Belted Galway than anything else, as he somewhat embarressedly sports a big white belly band, designed to reduce his umbilical hernia.  He's fine, though, and has recently shown off his TROT, which is going to be spectacular.
Kate and Fairy will be making the trip to the Quebec Provincial Championships and the Nationals with me and "the big boys".  This will be her first ever trip to the Nationals, and I think she's a little nervous, so send her a nice note of support, if you think it will help!
If you'd like a little chuckle to start your week off, try this link.