We're Baackkk!

Yes, I know I have been off the radar for 3 months now!  But our team has been accomplishing some very important things!!!!  Within the last 3 months I have moved my house, my business and the horses, won 3 championships and 2 reserves, taken 4 new horses in training, hosted another clinic with Nicole Uphoff, taken Degas in his first Intermediare II and taken Jennifer and Furley to a special USEF Jr/Yr clinic with Michael Barisone AND in addition to all this, my husband has taken a new job. Talk about good stress!!!

I am so excited with the new changes in my life.  My husband and I are leasing Turning Point Farm in Clarksburg, MD.  It is wonderful to be living on a farm once again.  For years I grew up living in the country, and always lived on a farm until my return from Germany in 2005.  We enjoyed living in the small town of Poolesville, where the grocery store is 1 minute away.  However, living on the farm again, in the most cute, rustic log house with a beautiful view of the pastures and barn has made Brian and I the happiest we have been in a very long time.

The horses also love it here.  They are so relaxed and really seem to enjoy the cozy atmosphere.  The people at the barn are also very relaxed and are having a great time. I feel very lucky because Lauren, in addition to her riding talents, is lending her talent as barn manager to help me keep the farm up and running. 

At Turning Point, we are looking forward to having some fun educational events, working on some cool projects and in addition having some plain ‘ole fun. 

Our first educational event was with Nicole Uphoff-Selke.  She came for a 3 day clinic. She loved the facility so much, that she plans on bringing her family for a 2 week vacation this summer, while also teaching and training here.

Several students here at the barn rode in the clinic.  First though, I have to brag about Degas, who Nicole thought had improved immensely in all of his work, especially the piaffe and passage.  Grand Prix here we come!  Jennifer and Furley also made huge strides in just the few months since Nicole was here last  -  she said to keep up the good work we have been doing in recent months.  Judi and Zivona both looked like a ‘million bucks’!!   Nancy also asked me to ride Sundance in the clinic for an evaluation. Nancy said the weekend was ‘magical’.  Several of our trailer-in students also rode in the clinic.  It was great to see Doris and Whispy, Dona and Gracie and Kim and Coco join us for the weekend.  Our students Paulette with her horse Donna also joined us from Ohio as well as Paulette’s husband Andy with his horse ‘Z’.  We had other clinic regulars join us coming from Maryland, Virginia and North Carolina. 

It was a great inspirational weekend and a great kick off clinic at the new facility!

Just one week later, Jennifer and I ventured to New Jersey for the USEF Youth/Pony pilot program clinic with Michael Barisone.  Jennifer was selected to ride in the clinic based on her scores at first level this year.  We had a great weekend with lots of fun, education and inspiration from Michael. He is filled with educational facts and fun stories that really make the learning process fun. 

So as you can see we have kept ourselves very busy over the last 3 months.  Stay tuned for more excitement from Team Strawson’s Excellent Adventures.