July update

The month started out with our traditional July 1st photo of Sophia holding her referral photo. It is a special day for us because ten years ago we saw our first photo of Sophia as part of the referral package. Sophia wasn't thrilled about taking the photo but she complied. I love the grouchy face.

Sophia continues to enjoy her work at the barn. She is helping with the Pony Pal camp. She leads horses, holds legs for children that need other support, helps with the lectures, arts and crafts and other activities. She is exhausted when she comes home after working a full seven hour a day but she would not trade it for the world.

We went to a firework show the week after July 4th. It was a great night. Glad Steve joined us. He doesn't like fireworks as much as Sophia and I do but he enjoyed the festival and fireworks.

Sophia took part in the swim team again this year.  She missed some practices and meets due to her work at the barn and lessons but she had a great time when she was able to participate.

Sophia and I did a little baking this summer. We made a delicious raspberry pie. She also loves to help out when I am cooking dinner.

We went to the silent auction at the pool again this year. Sophia won a huge lego set as part of a raffle. I won a chocolate tier. Yummy. Sophia had a blast bidding again. We were the highest bidder for tickets to a play and mini golf passes. Can't wait to use them.

Sophia competed in two off property shows in July.  The first show was a huge success. She competed in short stirrup and placed 1st in walk/trot/ 3rd in walk/trot/canter and 1st in jumps. She took Grand Champion in the short stirrup division.  In the schooling division she placed 3rd in walk/trot, 1st in walk/trot/canter and 2nd in jumps. This was a fun show with a lot of people from her barn competing. It was a great day just to hang out with the horses. We competed in another show at the same location at the end of the month. This time she went with one other friend. The day started out a little rough. There were a lot of people in the warm up ring, all going different directions and listening to their coach yell out instructions. She was riding Maverick and another girl was riding straight for her. Sophia yelled "to the inside" at the last minute but either the girl did not understand or was not paying attention and her horse ran right into Maverick. Maverick typically has a "bubble" and doesn't like other horses too close to him. Thank goodness he did not spook. Sophia fell off when the other horse hit them, Maverick took two steps and just waited for her. Scary not no one was hurt. She enjoyed the short stirrup class. She took 2nd in walk/trot, 4th in walk/trot/canter and 5th in jumping.  She completed a very challenging trail class only missing one of the obstacles. Another great day. She works hard to prep the horse, pack the trailer and then clean up after the shows. This is all worth it.

Our pets are all happy and healthy (thank goodness)