AUGUST 2009
August 2, 2009
We LOVE the new kids at the barn. It is like it use to be when I was a kid and everyone wanted to hang out all day and be around the horses. We have Sam and his mare "Ashleigh" who is the cutest thing. She is fat as a tick and has a big bushy forelock. She is "brave as can be and will jump the moon." And that Sam is something else. And - he can ride !!! He's tough as nails, has lots of balance, and LOVES IT !!! Then there's Lucy and "Melody", who I told you about in July when they came to our show. Lucy's mom is Sarah and we all LOVE Sarah. She feeds us - and when I say feeds us, she brings enough for everyone at the barn and then some. "Melody" is the absolute perfect first horse for Lucy. Gloria is to be commended for picking her out. The thing about Melody is, when Lucy asks her to do something "correctly" she does it. But - if Lucy doesn't ask correctly she doesn't do it. So Melody is perfect for Lucy to learn on because she's not push button perfect but she does react to correct asking !!! I love her. Courtney Morrill is just about the sweetest girl you could ever ask for. I was blessed to be out to dinner one evening with Courtney, her mom, Kendall, and Laura and I observed how respectful, polite and sweet she is. So - I love Miss Courtney because of her kind nature. And with Courtney comes Jo Jo, her large pony who reminds us all of Knick Knack. She also brought Bentley - her mare - who I'm really starting to like. Courtney's riding is improving by leaps and bounds AND I LOVE TEACHING HER !!! The more Courtney is learning the better Jo Jo and Bentley are going. And, I love Kristy (Courtney's mom.) She is also the sweetest thing. She worked for us years ago and I loved her then !!! Then - last but certainly not least is Brittany and her Mom, Agita. WE LOVE THEM !!! Brittany contacted me several months ago and we became e-mail buddies. Then she came out and took a lesson and she was a pleasure to teach. She's one of those who can ride - but she has a lot to learn, and she tries really hard to do everything you teach her. Anyway - Brittany started riding at Amazing Grace Stable, hanging out with us at the barn, and she and her mom have been very helpful with all sorts of barn tasks. Sooooo - Brittany and Agita decided they wanted to bring their horses to AGS, and with them came Sam and Lucy. We are going to have so much fun with these kids, their horses and THEIR MOMS !!!
Ryann rode "Coach" and he is adorable. He is also owned by our AGS Syndicate. He is very pretty, a very good mover and quiet. He seems VERY HAPPY with his new life. And "Bob" is precious and jumping little flower boxes. He is the cutest thing. They are both so quiet. It's hard to believe that they raced just a few weeks ago.
Kristin comes home tomorrow. She's been gone for the past month showing in New York. We have lots of things planned for her to do when she gets here so hopefully she's well rested !!! One thing I'd love for her to do is give a "Jumper Clinic" which I know would be of great benefit to anyone in the area who is just starting to do the jumpers. It will be a combination "Horse Show/Course Designing/Jumper Lesson." E-mail me at amazinggraceva@aol.com if you're interested in attending.
REMEMBER to pre-enter by Wednesday morning for the August 8 horse show at Amazing Grace Stable. It is VHSA/THSA rated, starts at 9:30 and Kendall Parks is the judge. I am going to definitely decide on Wednesday afternoon if we will be having the show or not. So - get those entries in by email to amazinggraceva@aol.com It's simple. Just send your horses name, owner, rider and classes.
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Take care, and remember to "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, but in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your path straight."
Nardeen
August 5, 2009
I'm on VACATION and LOVING IT !!! The best part is I'm getting paid to be here. I brought my computer, and I brought my box full of Middleburg Classic work. I'm a workaholic - so I wouldn't enjoy not working - but I'm getting plenty of rest in between. With the computer, the Internet, and a printer - I can do my paper work anywhere. It is absolutely gorgeous here and very peaceful and relaxing. Life is good !
Our kids at the barn are itching to show this weekend. So if we don't get enough entries to have the show at Amazing Grace Stable we are going to a show. They are so EXCITED !!! So - if you are planning to show at Amazing Grace Stable this Saturday please get your entries in this morning so we can make plans.
Kristin and Tumble are home. Gem stayed in NY to continue showing with Kristin's trainer. She is also for sale so hopefully that will happen soon. The kids at the barn are going to learn so much about horse care just from observing Kristin and Jackie . Those two girls take incredible care of their horses.
Brittany and Emma Claire are making Rocky a project. Up until now he has basically just been a baby sitter. Kristin has ridden him some. He IS the cutest thing. And that Emma Claire is the cutest thing too. She would like to be at the barn 24/7 ! Adorable.
We're getting geared up for the CNU Equestrian Team. We have several nice horses that are going to be used in the program. It is a great opportunity for horse owners to get a tax deduction while also helping these college kids have a great experience. You can own the horse and you can come out to Amazing Grace Stable and ride the horse. The exchange will be for the horse to be used a few times a week in the CNU riding program and you will receive a tax deduction. How good is that !!! And when the horse is being ridden by one of the CNU team members it will be in a structured lesson program under supervision. We plan to put our hearts into this program and to help the CNU team excel and have a great experience. Contact me for more info at 757-846-8176.
Hope you have a blessed day,
Nardeen
We are canceling our show for Saturday. We only had a few entries - not enough to hold a horse show. So we are heading out to a show somewhere on Saturday. It looks like it will either be Stonehouse Stables or Merry Oaks. I'm waiting to get the prize list from Merry Oaks. Everyone is really excited about. Logistically Stonehouse would be best for me because I'm closer. I'll just meet Jason with the horses and kids at the show. And it is also better for me that we are canceling the show at Amazing Grace because of being out of town. Lots of work goes into preparing for a show, and with me being gone it would have been harder. I brought all the stuff with me that I needed and I'm sure it would have been fine, but this will actually be better. Anyway - God is wonderful how he lets things just "work out."
It's possible we can hold a VHSA/THSA show on August 22. If you can come please let me know by Friday and I'll contact the VHSA about it being a makeup date.
Ryann just called and she's so excited about "Coach." She just finished riding him and says he is the sweetest, quietest thing. She trotted him over some little jumps and said he never questioned a thing. She loves him. I think he is really happy with how his life has changed. We need to get him and Bob sold soon before we all get too attached to them !!!
I am having THE BEST TIME !!! This place is "heaven." And I've gotten so much work done today on Middleburg Classic. Then I took a break and went out back to the GORGEOUS yard and read some of my book, and had "quiet time." Tonight I'm going to dinner and a movie with Kim, Lilly and Kimmee. LIFE IS GOOD !!!
August 6, 2009
I had the nicest time last night with Kim, Lilly and Kimmee. I love that family. Those two little girls are adorable. And Kim - well - she is AMAZING. The time she spends with each one of her SIX children is mind-boggling. I don't know how she does it. If I tried to TELL you the stuff she does in a day it would take me longer than a day. She has such a strong trust in the Lord to help her through each day and that is exactly how she does it. He has given her His Grace.
This morning I was sitting outside with Teall, Cassie and Uno (the dogs), drinking my coffee and reading "Having A Mary Heart In A Martha World" - a book Ryann gave me. She thinks I'm like Martha because I'm BUSY all the time . Anyway - I read this part that I'm going to share with you. Here goes:
"When we put work before worship we put the cart before the horse. The cart is important; so is the horse. But the horse must come first, or we end up pulling the cart ourselves. Frustrated and weary, we can nearly break under pressure of service, for there is ALWAYS something that needs to be done. When we first spend time in His presence, when we take time to hear His voice, God provides the horsepower we need to pull the heaviest load. He saddles up Grace and invites us to take a ride."
Isn't that AMAZING !!! It is soooooo true and I LOVE how it uses the horse as the example. Whenever I'm really busy and find myself overwhelmed, if I just STOP and take the time to spend quiet time in prayer, worship and reading the Bible - I always have a better day. Everything falls into place. Sometimes it's hard to take that time when I'm really busy. I feel like I can't "lose" a minute. But when I take that time He fills me with his Grace and I'm not as frustrated or overwhelmed. That's the Holy Spirit - our helper. My friend Kim relies on God's grace to get her through each day. And He is right there for her. There is no way she could possibly do the things she does in a day without Him. And the best part is, she knows it !!! Isn't God good !
I'm off today to get a pedicure, and to visit Bob Crandall, D.J. Johnson & Brian Imperial's new barn "Blue Ridge Stable." It's about twenty minutes from here. Bob is in Lexington, Kentucky judging the Pony Finals. D. J. is in Lexington, Virginia with the Gotwalds and Kelly Quinn. Brian is at the stable with the horses that are here. I get to see my favorite horse Casallo. I LOVE HIM !!! I'm excited because the new barn is only about an hour and a half from Amazing Grace Stable.
Speaking of Bob, he had a terrible fall the last week of Kentucky and had to be taken to the hospital in the ambulance. He called me yesterday and told me that when he landed he was in so much pain he couldn't move. He had just bought a new hard hat - thank God, which probably kept his injuries from being much worse. Buying that hat wasn't a coincidence. Bob said he had a "feeling" a few days earlier that something was going to happen - so he bought the new hat. That "feeling" was how the Holy Spirit "helps" us. Anyway - he has a broken collar bone, a lot of bruising and is still in a lot of pain. I feel so sorry for him having to judge the Pony Finals. Those are some LONG DAYS and he says it is so hot there. Poor Bob. So keep him in your prayers please. Danny Robertshaw also had a bad fall at Blowing Rock the same week. He broke ribs. Bob and Danny are good friends, and it's so weird that they both got hurt the same week. All I know is we should all be grateful that their injuries weren't worse.
Have a BLESSED and WONDERFUL day.
Nardeen
August 7, 2009
Happy One Year Anniversary Amazing Grace Stable & Happy Birthday Chuck. Both things on the same day. Isn't that AMAZING !!!
I had lunch yesterday with that precious Brian Imperial. He is so adorable. Bob (Crandall) is blessed to have him on his team. He has several wonderful "team players" and that's what it takes. I ended up not going to their barn yesterday because it was drizzly and I had some Middleburg stuff I wanted to get done so I'm heading over there this morning. I'm excited because I get to see Javier and hug him about being on the cover of the Middleburg Classic Prize List. Brian says Javier is sooooooo excited and gave him a very long talk about what he did to prepare for that class - right down to having a bottle of water in his grooming box for "his rider." Brian says Javier is very proud of winning that class, takes it very very serious, and is so proud and honored to be on the cover !!! Isn't it wonderful how that all worked out for this year !!! God is good.
Okay - I'm off for the day. I'll let you know all about it, and maybe even have a picture or two.
_______________________
I'm back from the new barn and all I can say is "WOW." It is absolutely gorgeous. And - they are in the process of putting in a ring with that expensive fancy felt footing. One day we're going to have that ! I'm telling you what - it is one fancy place - and it also has a very peaceful feeling. Helena - the owner - looks like "Cher." As a matter of fact I met her at the Old Dominion Horse Show and I told her I thought she WAS Cher. She laughed and told me the last time Cher came to Richmond she went and saw her and she caused a "riot." I believe it. Anyway - she seems very nice and is very happy to have "The Boys" at her barn. It's been pretty quiet there up until now. Only a few horses - mostly her own. She will enjoy this group. D. J. and Brian are both wonderful young men and Bob will come occasionally. I bet he only comes a few times a month.
Plus - they're gone most of the time showing. Nice - quite nice I must say.
I'm off to bed. It's early, but I'm tired and I'm leaving here at around 5 or 5:30 - so that means a 4 a.m. wake up time. So, I'm hittin' the hay !
God bless,
Nardeen
August 8, 2009
Today we went to the horse show at Merry Oaks Stable in Windsor. It was a SHSA/VHSA Associate Show. It was also a benefit horse show for the Virginia Amateur Quarter Horse Association. Russell Hackworth from the SHSA helped put it on so that was one of the reasons I decided to go there instead of Stonehouse. Russell is the computer genuis who put together the SHSA website and the wonderful entering on line program. It is really cool. I've told you about it before but it's worth repeating for those who may not have read it. What you do is go to the SHSA website and fill out the entry blank on line. Then it posts all the classes you entered to the class sheets. Then the horse show hosting the event prints out the class sheets from the website without having to create them. It is really cool. At the first SHSA show we put on at AGS I didn't "trust it" so I made my own class sheets and entered them myself. But I quickly learned that the program is trustworthy and a very valuable tool. Hats off to Russell !!! Russell has also been helpful to us with some computer issues we've had, so - again - one of the reasons we went to Merry Oaks .
So - we went to Merry Oaks but ended up NOT SHOWING. At EXACTLY the moment Lucy and Sam were to show it started to rain. The show got delayed for 15 minutes or until the rain stopped. I decided that rather than loading the horses on the trailer to get them out of the rain that we should just go home. They all schooled soooooo good. Rex amazed me because I didn't really expect him to be as good as he was. I "think" he's only been to one other horse show in his life. He unloaded off the trailer, walked right into the ring and was "PERFECT." He jumped the jumps - never looked right or left, and was quiet and good ! Melody (Lucy's horse) and Ashleigh (Sam's horse) were also very good. Those two little horses are adorable. Jen (Miodowski) recognized Melody right away because she use to own her. I use to teach Jen lessons and I miss her. She's such a nice girl and a very good rider.
Even though we ended up not showing today we had a "learning experience." I always feel that if you can walk away from a situation and feel like you "learned" something then the time spent is not wasted. We may not have gotten to show but we learned things about the horses and what to expect from them at the next show.
We went back to the barn and had a wonderful picnic lunch that Sarah brought out. And - in typical Sarah style - it was delicious and she had more than enough for everyone. That Sarah is something else !!! She makes me laugh and reminds me so much of other moms' of riders I taught from earlier days. She says the funniest things. Today the blacksmith was there and she wanted to "ask the man giving the horse the manicure if he would like some lunch"! She is too cute.
I am so proud of Ryann for the great job she is doing at the barn while I'm out of town. She, Anya and the kids are working hard around there. And Jason comes in each morning and helps bring in the horses and feed. We have a great team and I love them all.
I'm off to bed. God bless you guys !
Nardeen
The following is a great email I received today from a friend of mine. I love it, and it is soooooo true.
When I was
little, I used to believe in the concept of one best friend,
And then I started to become a woman.
And then I found out that if you allow your heart to open up,
God would show you the best in many friends.
One friend is needed when you're going through things with your man.
Another friend is needed when you're going through things with your mom.
Another will sit beside you in the bleachers as you delight in your children and
their activities.
Another when you want to shop, share, heal, hurt, joke, or just be.
One friend will say, 'Let's cry together,'
Another , 'Let's fight together,'
Another , 'Let's walk away together.'
One friend will meet your spiritual need,
Another your shoe fetish,
Another your love for movies,
Another will be with you in your season of confusion,
Another will be your clarifier,
Another the wind beneath your wings.
But whatever their assignment in your life,
On whatever the occasion,
On whatever the day,
Or wherever you need them to meet you with their gym shoes on and hair pulled
back,
Or to hold you back from making a complete fool of yourself .
Those are your best friends.
It may all be wrapped up in one woman, But for many, it's wrapped up in
several..
One from 7th grade,
One from high school,
Several from the college years,
A couple from old jobs,
On some days your mother,
On some days your neighbor,
On others, your sisters,
And on some days, your daughters.
So whether they've been a friend for 20 minutes or 20+
years,
AND ONLY IF YOU'D LIKE TO,
Pass this on to the women that God has placed in your life
To make a difference. Including the one who sent it to you.
Thanks for being in my circle.
August 9, 2009
Good morning !!! It is a beautiful day. I found a church I'm going to this morning that is only a few miles from here. I'm looking forward to it. I don't know what I'll do the rest of the day but I'm going to "take off work" and just relax. There is so much to do in this area so I know I will thoroughly enjoy myself.
Remember our horse show on August 15. If you're planning to show please have your entries in by Wednesday at noon. The show starts at 9:30 a.m. Sue Isner is the judge. Click here for the prize list.
Have a WONDERFUL day !
Nardeen
August 14, 2009
Wow - I can't believe it's been five days since I wrote on the diary. Time flies when you're having fun. And when you're busy - very busy.
I just got the prize lists for Middleburg Classic so I have lots of work to do with them. Sending them out in the sponsor packets, in the officials packets and to the associations. Plus sending them to lots of people who weren't on the mailing list. Lining up all the things we need to make the show "work." Caroline has been a huge help to me this year. She is too cute. And Alex Cenezio has been a helper too. Check this out - click here - Alex and his friend did this for us ! Good huh?
Then there's that other "little thing" called Amazing Grace Stable that keeps me busy. We've had new customers moving in, people bringing us horses to look at for the CNU Equestrian Team, lessons, and the day to day running of the barn. And that Ryann and her "kids" have been incredible. They are having the best time and doing the best job. They all spent the night at my house last night and cooked dinner and watched a movie and just had fun. They are the cutest, sweetest, nicest kids. We are so blessed. Our Bible studies have been livelier than ever - with lots of group discussion because the "kids" are sharing their thoughts about the Bible with us. It's been wonderful.
So - to the whole reason I got on the diary tonight. As of right now - 9:12 p.m. - we are having the show. We were on again off again all day today. As soon as I'd say let's cancel it the sun would try to come out and it would look like it was clearing up. Then - as soon as I'd say let's have it, it would start to drizzle. So finally late this afternoon I decided we should try and have it. Sam rode Ashleigh in the ring and he said it felt fine to him. It was messy but not too bad. Jason and Sam got to the barn at 5:30 a.m. and started working on the ring. I'll tell you what - for all the rain we've had these past few days it really wasn't bad at all. You go Jason !!!
So - we're having the show tomorrow - hopefully. And, I'm off to bed because I'm tired.
God bless you,
Nardeen
P.S. We are going to start at 10:30 just to give us a little more time to get ready in the morning since we got behind today.
August 15, 2009
Our wonderful God did it again. The weather was fine today. We even ended up with sunshine. This morning was a little drizzly but it cleared up and ended up being a very nice day. Thank you God for answering that prayer. I'm telling you - it was amazing. Everyone who came were telling us that it was pouring where they came from. Being a Christian barn - what do you think was one of the first things we did this morning? Yep - you're right. We had "team" prayer in the office before the exhibitors started arriving - and God certainly heard that prayer and answered it for us. Isn't God THE BEST !!! I love him.
We are very thankful and grateful to all the exhibitors who came out even though the forecast was gloomy and the past two days have been pouring down rain. We truly appreciate your support.
Today was Ryann's debut as a "trainer." She did such a great job. She trained Courtney Morrill and her horse "Why Not" aka Bentley to Champion in the Special Hunter division - one of the biggest divisions of the day !!! I was so proud of both Ryann and Courtney. And she trained Brittany Davis and Weebee to Champion in the Short & Long Stirrup Equitation division. That Brittany is adorable. Both of those girls are so sweet. We are blessed to have them as part of our barn. So today was a great start for Ryann. She was beaming from ear to ear and said she had the best time and this is definitely what she wants to do !!! You go girl. She loves those kids and loves teaching lessons. And that's what it takes. You've gotta love what you're doing. I am truly blessed with my beautiful daughter. And what a wonderful influence she is on those teenagers. Boy - you couldn't ask for a better role model. Umm Umm Umm - God is Good !!!
Again, thank you all for showing with us today, and thank you God for hearing AND answering our prayers.
Have a blessed night,
Nardeen
P.S. We are planning to have a makeup show next Saturday - August 22 - if we get enough pre-entries. So let us hear from you by Wednesday at noon if you would like to come. If we don't get enough entries to have a VHSA Show we will have a "Horse Show Clinic" which will be like a horse show but your rounds will not only get judged but they will also get critiqued and you will be able to practice it several times to work on your weak points. Let us know if that is something you would be interested in. So - email us at amazinggraceva@aol.com and let us know if you want to SHOW on August 22 OR if you want to attend the "Horse Show Clinic" on August 22. This will be a wonderful tool for anyone who is showing.
.
August 20, 2009
Horse Show Clinic
Saturday - August 22 - 10:00 a.m.
Jumping, Under Saddle, and Equitation on the Flat
Email us at amazinggraceva@aol.com if you're interested.
Have a blessed day,
Nardeen
August 21, 2009
That Brittany is something else. The animals LOVE HER ! She has taught Jason's dog "Dixie" how to sit, shake hands and lay down. It is the cutest thing . But the most amazing thing is that she can trim up Rex - ears and all - without a twitch or DRUGS !!! And Kristy pulled his mane and made him look "presentable." He is such a cute horse.
C.C. and Jenna from the CNU team took a lesson together today. We also had Elizabeth Saunders and her pony "Pony" in the lesson so the girls and I could see if "Pony" would be something we could use for the team. He was cute - a little zippy at first - but rightfully so because he had only been at the barn for 24 hours and hadn't been turned out yet. He ended up doing just fine. We will probably end up using him some. He's a big pony - probably 14.2ish, and big bodied. Neysa rode Troy at the same time so the girls were able to see him too. We plan to use him some as well. He's such a good boy and I know the team will enjoy riding him. So I'll need to add those two to the website pictures. Neysa was telling the girls that she was on the team in 1997 and that made both of us feel old !!! I just can't believe it's been that long. We also have Jordon's horse, Jimmy Choo that can be used for the team. I'll tell you - we have a very nice group of horses for this CNU group !!!
Ryann and C.C. had a meeting last night and they are both so excited about this year. They have some fun things planned. August 30 will be an Open House at Amazing Grace Stable and we'll get to meet all the team members. We're going to show them around the barn, let them meet the horses, and go over the barn rules. We're going to have "the kids" ride the horses so they can see them. We're also having a cookout and a raffle. If you think of any fun things we can do please let us know so we can make this an "AMAZING" day !!! We're planning some "Alumni" days and inviting them out to have a "Mock" Intercollegiate Horse Show.
Our "kids" are learning so much. Liz and Emma Claire are riding together and they jumped a little yesterday. And - Liz cantered for her very first time. She was smiling from ear to ear. And Sam, Brittany, Lucy and Courtney are improving with "leaps and bounds." Our little Logan was gone on vacation all week and we missed her !!! We have the absolute best time teaching all the kids. They are like sponges. They want to learn everything they can - and they try so hard to do everything you teach them. It's a blast !!! I'm so proud of Ryann. She is working very hard and LOVING every minute of it.
And you know what - the adults are a blast too !!! I ABSOLUTELY LOVE teaching all my adults. Denise Luckey and Laura Moltzon rode so good this week. Those two girls are two of the NICEST young women you could ever want to meet. Denise is riding so good and Sydney - well - Sydney is a "freak." I've never - and I mean never - seen a horse like that one. Denise had a blast on Monday. She jumped the entire horse show course - brush and all. Sydney never looked right or left. She just did whatever Denise asked her to do, lead changes and all. Kristin was in the ring with us and she can't believe her either. That mare jumps OUTRAGEOUS and over the little 2' and 2'6" jumps. I told Denise a few weeks ago I want us to take her to Middleburg Classic and get Elizabeth Solter to show her in the Baby Green ! Her jump often reminds me of Roxdene !!! But heck, as good as Denise has been riding her, she outta go and show her herself. That horse love Denise, and I don't think there is a thing that Denise would ask her to do that she wouldn't try doing. And Laura - an absolute blessing to my heart. Her little horse "Panache" has been improving with leaps and bounds. Laura loves that horse and the horse knows it. And Laura is such a good student and does her "homework." I told Laura to plug her ears a few weeks ago and it made a huge difference in her. I LOVE EARPLUGS.
Tomorrow is a big day for Annia ! She is joining the "Master's Commission", the same discipleship program that Ryann did. I know Annia is going to love it. She is such a wonderful girl, and she will be as much a blessing to the Master's Commission as the Master's Commission is going to be to her. We are sure going to miss her though. She's been living with Ryann AND me, and we LOVE HER ! It will be hard only seeing her once in a while. But - we know this is going to be a wonderful experience for her.
Tomorrow we are having a "Horse Show Clinic" at the barn. I love doing "Horse Show Clinics." I think the riders get so much out of them. If you are showing or planning to show, you should definitely ride in one or more. It is one of the best teaching tools you can utilize. We plan to do many more of them.
Okie Dokie - I'm off to bed.
God bless you and have a WONDERFUL, AMAZING weekend.
Nardeen
August 22, 2009
The horse show clinic was SO MUCH FUN !!! Well, so much fun for Ryann and me, but LOTS OF WORK for the kids. It ended up being Brittany, C.C., Courtenay, Lucy, Sam and Haley came to watch. Haley has a hurt leg so she couldn't ride. It lasted for about 2 1/2 hours and I would have loved for it to have lasted another 2 1/2 hours but we had to think about the horses. Now they weren't riding continuously for 2 1/2 hours. Most of the time they were standing and watching each other a lot, but 2 1/2 hours is a long time for a horse to be out by the ring. I love those horses. There's NOT a fancy "A" rated horse in the bunch - but they are all good, sweet, useful horses - who do their job and let their owners learn on them. Perfect teachers - perfect first horses - perfect horses to learn how to ride on. I LOVE THEM !!! Today was a blessing for me. It reminded me of how much I LOVE TO TEACH riding. When you have a group to teach like the ones we had today - riders who want to learn as much as they can, riders who want to work hard at it, and riders who LOVE TO BE AT THE BARN, it makes you want to devote as much of your time to them as you possibly can. We love our group so much. The barn feels like "a barn" again. Lots of activity, lots of kids, and lots of fun. Ryann and I feel very blessed.
I told you yesterday about the Open House we're having on August 30 at the barn for the CNU Equestrian Team. If you have any riding clothes or tack you would like to sell please email me at amazinggraceva@aol.com . We're looking for good quality, in style stuff that these girls can afford to buy. We had a meeting a few weeks ago and one of them told me that they have a hard time competing against some of the colleges because those schools have very wealthy girls who are turned out in the best of everything. Well - we want our team to be turned out in the best of everything too. So if you can help us with clothing, tack or equipment it would be great. And if you don't have any of that stuff but would like to make a monetary donation to the team earmarked for that it would be WONDERFUL. Our goal is to make the CNU Equestrian Team - our local college - a major contender at these events. Please help us help them achieve their goals. And, however you help - it's tax deductible.
Today was one of the most fun days I've had in a long, long time. We are so blessed at Amazing Grace Stable. It felt so peaceful and happy. God is amazing how he brings people in and out of your life for a season AND for a reason. Some people are in our lives longer than others. But everyone comes into our life for a reason. I feel blessed for all the people who have come in and out of our lives. And I thank God for all the new people who have recently come into our lives and for the joy and peace they have brought us. Our God is sooooooo good.
Oh yes, congratulations to that precious Tom Brennan who got married today. He married the cutest girl. I met her several years at Middleburg Classic when it was at Great Meadow. She and I were sitting on one of the benches watching the horse show and I didn't really know who she was. We just kind of started up a conversation and were just chit chatting. Well, Tom walked up and we talked with him for a minute about something - I can't remember what - but anyway, when he walked off I said to her, "I love that boy !!! He is the sweetest thing", and with that she said to me "I love him too - but I REALLY love him." Later I found out she was his girlfriend, they had just started dating, and she meant it when she said "she really loved him!" How cute. And you know what - she was a smart young woman and picked a good one. I've seen Tom in a lot of situations and he is without a doubt one of the nicest people I've ever met. He is wonderful and the real deal!!! Tony Workman is so blessed to have him on his team. Anyway - congratulations Tom !!!
I'm off to bed !
Take care and God bless,
Nardeen
August 24, 2009
Good morning ! What a wonderful weekend we just had. Hope yours was the same.
We have a VHSA/THSA Horse Show this Saturday - August 29. Be sure to enter by Wednesday at noon. If we don't get enough entries we will cancel. Neysa Bryant is the judge. And - if we don't get enough entries we can do another horse show clinic if there's enough interest in it.
God bless,
Nardeen
August 26, 2009
It looks like we aren't having a horse show on Saturday. Not enough entries - plus it looks like we have a lot of rain coming this way from Hurricane Danny .
Kendall (Parks) has been coming out and riding Teddy aka Stewart and she is doing an AMAZING job with him. That girl is something else. She thinks like a horse, she's a strong and brave rider, and she's sympathetic to his nervousness. Kendall is just what he needs. He was very brave and good tonight and jumped a little three jump course. And for some crazy reason, he likes the flower boxes. Go figure. Flower boxes are usually what the horses are scared of but not Teddy. He likes them. It is so nice having Kendall out at the barn everyday. We all love her. She is always happy, up beat and just plain fun to be with.
God bless,
Nardeen
August 27, 2009
We've received several requests to have another horse show clinic on Saturday if it doesn't rain. So that's what we'll be doing. It's going to start at 10:00 a.m. Let us know if you're interested.
Take care and be blessed.
Nardeen
August 28, 2009
Sooooo - I've gotten several requests this morning to PLEASE hold the horse show. So, if you would like to come please let me know at 757-846-8176 so I can see if we have enough entries.
Soooo - we're having the horse show. These guys are serious about wanting to show, so we'll see what we can do. It's not going to be gigantic but we'll be having Open,Junior/Amateur, Pony, Equitation, Pleasure and Short Stirrup. Call us in the morning to make sure we're having it in case it rains during the night. Call me on my cell phone at 757-846-8176.
Have a blessed (rest of) the night,
Nardeen
August 30, 2009
What an AMAZING weekend. First the horse show on Saturday that we were canceling on Wednesday, then we had requests from several different barns to have it. Apparently a show they were all planning on attending in Gloucester got canceled. We were totally un-prepared for the show. But it ended up working out just fine. We had a little rain in the morning but it was short lived and it ended up being a beautiful day. I was able to watch some of the classes and those two daughters of Victoria's can ride. The apple sure doesn't fall far from the tree. Victoria was a very good rider as a child and was always one of my favorites to teach. She still rides good !!!
I saw Carolyn Prue's little horse for the first time and he's adorable - blue eye and all !!! And Beth Jones' two little ponies and little girls are precious.
Kendall showed Reese and did fabulous. He takes a little gettin' use to because he's sooooo lazy and quiet, but when he gets in that show ring he wakes right up. So - she figured him out pretty quick and it was just beautiful to watch. He is one special, special horse - and seems to be loving his easy going, low key life. That Kendall - what can I say except I LOVE HER !!!
And Denise - oh my Denise and Sydney - CHAMPION Special Hunter - first time ever showing over fences for Miss Sydney. She jumped OUTRAGEOUS, of course, and is just - well - she's just AMAZING. And I'm so proud of Denise for going on and doing it. She was a little concerned about showing Sydney herself - worried that she might mess her up. But that horse loves Denise and she's going to be just fine - and she's going to learn to be smart because she's not getting a "PERFECT" ride. Denise rides very nice - but she isn't a professional and she doesn't always ride "perfect". WHO DOES ??? But you know what - I learned a long time ago that sometimes those perfect rides make the horses "lazy." They don't have to try as hard, if you know what I mean. One horse we had - who had only ever had a perfect, professional ride, turned into a very mediocre jumper - at best. Actually, he was jumping rather poorly. We ended up selling him to a "novice" rider who made "novice" mistakes and he started jumping better and better and better. He's winning now in the "A" rated shows in the Adult Amateur division - one of the hardest divisions at the horse shows. He learned to be careful and to pay attention to the jumps instead of having his hand "held" everywhere he went. I think it's great to put a professional on them every now and then, but when all they get is a professional "perfect" ride they tend to not try as hard. And the ponies - the biggest mistake we ever made was only letting them have professional rides starting out. We had soooooooo many ponies that the kids couldn't ride because they fell apart when the kids got on them and made mistakes. Let's face it, kids are kids and they aren't going to ride like professionals. So my feeling is that the ponies need to learn how to cope right from the get go !!! Then every now and then get a professional - or a more experienced rider on them to help out.
Today we had Open House for the Christopher Newport Equestrian Team. It was nice getting to meet everyone and get a "little aguainted." Ryann is really looking forward to this year, and I know she is going to do a wonderful job.
Please keep Jason in your prayers. His mother passed away today. She was living with his sister Lynn in Gloucester. She was at the hospital first in Gloucester then they moved her to VCU Hospital in Richmond . She had undergone surgery this past week then she had complications and had another surgery. Jason's been with her pretty much night and day except for Saturday when he helped us at the horse show. You know, when it's our time to go we're going to go. How well I know that. And Jason and his mom were both blessed for having these last few months together since he came back from Montana. So - everything happens for a reason, and that was the reason Jason came back to Virginia. A "reason", a "season" - God is AMAZING !!!
God bless,
Nardeen
