High Times Hits His Stride At The Woodside $15,000 Preliminary Challenge

High Times gave his best all around performance, at his most difficult competition to date, during the 2011 Woodside $15,000 Preliminary Horse Challenge to finish in a strong second place.

After a very quiet and steady Dressage test with Jennifer McFall in the irons, "Billy" was tied for second place with Gina Miles' seasoned Preliminary competitor, Sunsprite Patronus, and just a few points out of first. Following Dressage day, the cross country course was full of technical questions and hills to navigate. Billy overcame most of his desire to study each fence closely before jumping and put in his fastest round yet, with just one second over the time at the finish. This gave Gina the edge to break the tie and go into the Stadium round in second place.

The Preliminary Challenge runs the Stadium on the eve of cross country day during the competitor's party so that all can enjoy the intense battle for the prize money from the comforts of the party tent. So, even though there is a very electric atmosphere, most of the horses are feeling quite fatigued after their morning's exertions, and Billy was no exception. The course had several bending lines and square oxers, but to great applause, High Times gave a beautiful clear round to put the pressure on second and first place. As it was, second place had an unfortunate stop and a rails, so Billy moved up in placings and prize money.

High Times and Jennifer McFall at the second water complex on cross country.

Dropping in.

Across the pond.

Water to water canoe.

CWD Corner out of the water.

A clean Show Jumping round.

Thank you to our DF sponsors: CWD, Nupafeed, KEP and Eurostar

Tim Terrific and Earl McFall

Tim Terrific, a four year old American Thoroughbred, made his debut performance with Earl McFall riding. This stunning steel gray was a super star, finishing the weekend in fourth in his Beginner Novice division.

Tim Terrific and Earl McFall

Danny California and Merissa Underwood after their winning performance.

Merissa Underwood and her lovely mare, Danny California, were also sitting in second place after Dressage in their Training Level division. After a text book, perfect ride across country, they added no more penalties after the stadium round to finish on their Dressage score. This sprung them ahead of the field in the end and they came away with the blue ribbon for first place.

Taylor and Rosie See Red

Taylor McFall and her trusty steed, Rosie took their first "swim in the deep end" at the Starr Vaughn Hunter/Jumper Schooling Show today. In their first ever over fences performance away from Dragonfire, this pair (gulp) was in an eighteen (that's 18! folks!) deep OPEN cross bar class. As she finished, I was so relieved that they just got around with no major mishaps that I remember from my childhood and really had no thoughts of a further prize at the end of the day. But, wouldn't you know it.... they took second place. Ahhh, to be Taylor. TO WATCH THEIR VIDEO CLICK HERE.

anxiously awaiting their class early in the morning

not-so-anxiously awaiting their class in the afternoon

the celebration at the pool after the show

Dragonfire Proudly Presents Let's Go DF

Let's Go DF or "Scotty" is a Sport Horse fanatic's dream. He is royally bred by Linaro ( a long time favorite in the Holsteiner registry) and out of Rani D (full sister to USDF champions). He is tall, very stoutly built, and incredibly charismatic. He doesn't move like other horses, rather he floats as if he has rubber for joints. We simply cannot express how excited we are for this colt's future. To watch Scotty's video, click here.

SirUP! Struts His Stuff

Our latest and most adored addition to Dragonfire, SirUP!, had a photo shoot with our own Nancy Dein yesterday. As you can see she did a fabulous job, but of course taking pictures of such a divine cutie isn't too hard. SirUP! is a cross bred pony by a cremello Morgan stallion and out of a chestnut welsh mare so he is a guaranteed palomino. He is Taylor's future project to train and sell, though I am not sure if there is anyone rich enough out there to buy him. His price tag is currently "one BILLION dollars". Here's to aiming high Taylor!

Dragonfire Hosts It's First Academy Show of the Year

It was a great (albeit windy) day for The Academy @ Dragonfire's first show of the season. For many, this was either their first show ever or their first Combined Test. There was something for everyone as the classes ranged from Walk Trot Dressage and "rails-on-the-ground" to Preliminary Level Dressage and jumping. Everyone showed up prepared and did their best... a group that would make any trainer proud.

Sheldon Feed again sponsored the prizes for the show, which were incredibly generous. Please make sure to check them out for all of your stable needs. We had a great crew of volunteers, and a super judge in Barbara Fleming. Our thanks to them, and also to Nancy Dein for all of the photos she took that day.Without all of you, we wouldn't be able to have such a wonderful venue for our Academy riders to show what they have learned.

Toni Casados and Nick

Nancy Dein and Harry

Academy Dancer

Kammy Bhala and Merlin

still dancing

Barabara Fleming and Kathy Pinkeirt officiate

Devyn Rau and Jeanie

Stephanie Popham and Aida

Megan Watkins and Khan

Alyssa Hansen and Nick

Francesca Shaffer and Rosie

Isabel Waterman and Nick

a rockstar appearance at the Academy Show

Taylor McFall and Rosie

Natalie Jensen and Spencer

Jennifer McFall and Tim

Devyn Rau and Lotus

Tracy Felt and Nate

Natalie Jensen and Wrigley

Petra L'Ecuyer and Khan

Petra L'Ecuyer and Khan

Hailey Popham and Aida

Natalie Jensen and Spencer

Devyn Rau and Jeanie

Christina Underwood and Masto