Rolex Delivers As The Best Event In The Country

Here I am pictured with the very tall and gracious winner, William Fox-Pitt, and my friends Andrea Baxter of Twin Rivers Ranch, and Lauren Whitlock of Reality Hill Eventing.

I recently had the great fortune of going to the Rolex Four Star Event in Lexington, Kentucky this past weekend to see the best in the world duke it out for the top prize and honor of winning the most prestigious event in the United States. Even after all of the hype, I was not disappointed as I arrived at the Kentucky Horse Park and it's overwhelming beauty. In anticipation of the thousands of fans that swarm there every year to watch this monumental event, the place was decked out with a huge trade fair, perfectly groomed grounds, Jumbo-trons, and various VIP tents.

Not only did I get to experience the action live for the first time, I also got to be behind the scenes as a part of the Andrea Baxter/Estrella Team! Being part of a rider's entourage certainly has it's advantages at Rolex, and I am very grateful to have been included. Much appreciation goes out to Andrea for inviting me to to take part in her experience.

Most exciting for me was watching two brothers of my two year old ISH filly, Highland Empress or 'Jade', compete at this Four Star. Both Mandiba, ridden by Karen O'Connor and Master Rose, ridden by Oliver Townend were strong competitors at this show, which gives me much hope for Baby Jade's future as a top class event horse.

I can certainly recommend making the journey out to this fabulous horsey-nirvana, for any of you that have been on the fence about going. It's definitely on the top of my list!!

Jenny

Merriewold Galaxie has a new home in Colorado!

Shirley Christian of Fort Collins, CO is the proud new owner of Merriewold Galaxie! Shirley will be pursuing her Upper Level Dressage goals with Gal, as well as enjoying the trail and driving. This new team will certainly have many years of fun together! Diana Wold, of Merriewold Morgans, couldn't be more pleased with this perfect match for her Grand National Champion mare. Team Dragonfire wishes Shirley much success in the future.

Dragonfire Garners Top Placings at Golden State Dressage

At the Golden State Dressage CDI 3*** Show in Rancho Murieta this weekend, Dragonfire had two entries giving strong performances. With a total of five rides between Merriewold Galaxie (bottom three photos) and High Times (top two photos, photo credit: Michele Dodge), Jennifer McFall never took less than second place the entire show.

Galaxie was stellar in her First Level debut of 2010, receiving a high score of 67.333% in First Level Test 1. Judge Paula Lacy commented that she was "An athletic and elastic horse with good potential".

Billy's top score was a 68.947% in First Level Test 4, which gave him the high score of the class and the blue ribbon. On Sunday, where the wind felt like it was going to gust us right out of the arena, Billy managed to score a "9" and a "4" in the same test! His good parts were still good enough to give him a second place finish right behind his coach, Christiane Noelting's first place ride.

Student of the Month: Nancy Dein

We are proud to announce that Nancy Dein is the latest Student of the Month at Dragonfire. Nancy is truly a ray of sunshine around the barn. She is never without a smile and a positive thing to say, and I dare say there is no one more dedicated to their horses than Nancy.

Taking advantage of the array of instructors here, she rides with Melissa twice a week, and also rides with Cheron in the Ladies Group on Saturdays. She also listens in on her daughters, Caroline and Laurel's lessons with Earl and Jenny. If there is an opportunity for Nancy to learn something about horses, she is on it! In our recent show at Dragonfire, Nancy competed on both of her horses (in her personal competition debut), and won a class on both Harrison and Cricket!

If that weren't enough, she is our resident photographer who volunteers to photograph all of our competitors at our shows, and shows on the road. I am always so glad to receive emails from Nancy because I know they are filled with top quality memories for me.

Nancy's dedication to the art of riding is an inspiration to all of us here at Dragonfire, making her a very easy choice for Student of the Month!

High Times and Jennifer McFall Are On a Blue Streak

With a repeat victory at the Galway Downs International Event this last weekend, High Times and Jennifer McFall are on their fourth consecutive win. After a tie for first in Dressage with a 28.2, the competition really heated up after both Billy and the other first place contender went clean in their Stadium rounds. That left the Cross Country to break the tie with the horse that went clean and the closest to the optimum time. Billy definitely realized what was going on this time in the start box, and bounded in crow hops all the way to the first fence with sheer exuberance. After his little display of joy, he was all business and full of running. He was definitely a little fast in his first couple minutes of the course, but settled into a nice rhythm and gave a lovely performance. When it was all said and done, Billy's time was closest to optimum, and the win was his.