You Never Look at a Tree the Same Way Again

We had a great night that I just had to share. Brian and I were on our way to the competitor?s party before the Grand Prix competition tonight, when we ran into THE CARAVAN FOR THE CURE!!!!

The Caravan for the cure is an awesome group from North Carolina who are raising money for breast cancer research in support of the Ride for Life. They are doing all kinds of fund raisers. For example they have had a schooling show, sold t-shirts and more!!! As you will see in the picture, we are all wearing Caravan For the Cure armbands which they are selling here at the Raleigh CDI. One woman said she made $106 from the armbands today. They wholeheartedly welcomed Brian and I and gave me an armband. The good groom that he is, Brian bought his own armband.

Later in the evening they found us, so they could give us the Caravan for the Cure T-Shirts. You will see those in the pictures also - front and back. If you were wondering what the pink writing is, you will have to buy a shirt. Just kidding?.. well, not, please buy a shirt!

The shirt says "Maryland is for Breasts"? oh, I mean crabs?The best part, is when we went back to the barn, and asked our neighbor to take our picture, she was so happy to see what we were all doing, that she shared her story about being an 11 year cancer survivor.

She told us several times through the story that after you go through that, you "never look at a tree the same way again". A good reminder to all of us to cherish each moment. She also encouraged all survivors to tell their stories, to give people hope. Giving people hope was the reason she loved this year's Ride for Life theme the "Celebration of Life".

News from the Raleigh CDI

We had a great morning! Degas and I ended up 3rd in the Prix St George at the Raleigh CDI. I was the second rider to go, so was very pleased with my 66.491%, just a breadth away from second! I told Brian, who also happens to be my groom for the weekend, that Degas didnt feel as 'Zippy' as he has been feeling at home. So I was pretty happy for not being too 'zippy'.

Speaking of grooming, I happen to have a very good one this weekend (however, Lauren is a very tough act to follow). He did a superb job of setting up Degas' fan in the corner of the stall facing down. So good that all the other husbands are being asked to do the fans "just like that one". Brian is worried that all the husband and fathers will hate him now!

Speaking of fathers, the reason I say this, is that we happen to be in the Young Rider Isle. We are surrounded by young riders with their families. I must be there because of my 'glowing and young complexion'....

Yesterday was a great day. Frank filled you in on my HorsegirlTV experience. I had a great time, and it was great practice for being on the news on June 17th!

I will find out my ride times later tonight. If I don't ride at the crack of dawn my father and sister will come up to see!

Lights, Camera - Action!

Hi everyone. We made it safely down to NC! You won't believe that I ride at 8:09 on friday AM, like I had to at the FL CDIs.

I have a lot to share from today, but since I have to get my beauty rest for 2mrw, I will let Frank give you a preview...

Thanks, Barb! Well, her trip started out with a "Hollywood" treatment over at HorseGirlTV Headquarters, where Barb was interviewed by Angelea Kelly Walkup - the host and CEO (Chief Equine Officer) at HorseGirlTV. The webisode is all about the upcoming Ride for Life and Dancing Horse Challenge being held at the Prince George's Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro MD, and about ways that you can help to give back to your community through wonderful associations like the Ride for Life. The webisode will be coming out soon, so stay posted for details!

As Barb noted above, she'll be hitting the arena tomorrow @ 8:09am - stay tuned for further developments from NC!

More from the Nicole Uphoff-Selke Clinic

Here are a couple of great shots taken during Nicole's clinic this past April. We all had a wonderful time, and are looking forward to Nicole's next visit!

Barb on Degas - with Nicole's reflection in the mirror.

(Photo courtesy of BS Photography)

Jennifer Foulon on Furley with Nicole

(Photo courtesy of BS Photography)

Strawson's Spring News

I can’t believe how the time flies! So much has happened in the past few weeks that I want to share. I will try and be brief.

First we have to announce the safe arrival of Janice Alperin’s new partner Legacy! He arrived on May 1^st, and is settling in wonderfully. They are going to make a great team. Congratulations.

Janice, Lauren & Hilary on Legacy's first day!

The whole team with Legacy: Barb, Janice, Lauren & Hilary (Photo courtesy of Judi Rosenfeld)

Congratulations are also due to Hilary, who is now a qualified USDF Associate Instructor after completing her USDF Workshops in Riding, Lungeing, and Teaching.

There are still more congratulations for the results of our team this past weekend at the PVDA !

Jennifer Foulon rode Janice Alperin’s Morgan and her own horse, Ferrero in training level test 3 and 4. Jennifer did a wonderful job with Morgan and was 5^th in the Training for one day, and the second day got a 64.4% and placed 4^th, giving her one qualifying score for the Regional finals.

Jennifer had amazing results on Furley, placing in 4^th in 2 classes with a very large field of riders! But we are especially excited about her 76.8%, which brought her also the Training level high score of the show. Congrats to Jennifer and Hilary (her main instructor)! (she also qualified for the BLMs and has one score for the Region 1 finals)

I was lucky to ride Judi Rosenfeld’s horse, Zivona ISF in first 1 and 2. She won 3 out of her 4 classes. We were especially happy with the 69.444% in First 2. Judi will have her first outing of the season the first weekend of June.

Jennifer, Hilary & Judi at Morven Park

The next show will be the Raleigh CDI for Degas and I. We will do the PSG, Intermediare I and Intermediare Freestyle. Brian will be driving down with me, and will be my groom for the weekend.

The next show for our group will be the Morven Park show the weekend of June 6 and 7.

There is one more really important thing I want to share. We are in full swing preparing for this year's Ride for Life, and we need everyone's support. You can help us and the cause in several ways:

1. Check out the IRide Million hits campaign!!!! Please view these videos, subscribe to the Youtube channel and post comments! www.youtube.com/user/iride4l

2. Come to the Jill Hassler-Scoop Dancing Horse Challenge on June 27^th and bring several friends with you! It is at the Prince George's Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, MD. There is a $15 suggested donation at the door. Check it out at www.pvdarideforlife.org

A Weekend of Firsts from the Nicole Uphoff-Selke Clinic

The clinic with Nicole was an inspiration as always! Everyone had done their homework so well, Nicole was impressed with the progress everyone had made. Usually there is a theme which runs through many of the lessons…. this was the weekend of ‘firsts’… I will share some of them starting with Degas

Degas and I did 11 one tempis and piaffe-passage transitions for the first time! Yea!

Judi and Zivona did their first walk canter transitions!

Norma Lynn and Floete did their first leg yields!

Jennifer and Furley did their first canter-walk-canter transitions AND their first counter canter!

There were many more fabulous rides and everyone did a fantastic job.

Ginger Dietsch did a superb job of organizing the clinic and EquiChord organized the sound and is producing edited videos for the riders. One professional said that this was the best training video/tool they had ever had.

One other exciting event of the weekend, was that our training assistant, Hilary Moore attended her teaching workshop with Lendon Gray. This is in preparation for her USDF Instructors certification. Hilary passed the teaching exam with flying colors, and has now passed all workshops and will be able to go for her testing! We are very proud of her.

Go Team!

We have one more exciting thing to share. We are getting a new addition today. Janice Alperin has found her partner in Legacy. A Hanoverian gelding she has purchased from Esther Noiles of WoodsLane Farm. We are excited for all of them and wait for his arrival today! Pictures will follow.