October 2019

We had a busy month, much like every other month. Sophia has lots of horse related activities again this month. It started off with her first ISHS show for the year. She went up a division to future intermediate. We were both ready for lower placings in the higher division but she was amazing. She got first place in all three rides and took home the Grand Champion ribbon for the division. She is a gifted rider.

She worked really hard for her Pony Club C1 rating exam. This involved studying horse knowledge and being orally tested on it. It also involved horse management. Her horse needed to be well cleaned and turned out. Tack needed to be spotless and she needed to look professional in her show clothes. She missed some very tiny bot fly eggs on the back of the horses legs but was able to go back and correct that. She also had to demonstrate the ability to apply stable bandages. It is important to get this right, too tight, too loose or applying it with wrinkles can be harmful to the horse. She practiced for weeks and passed that portion of the test. She also had to demonstrate riding on the flat and over jumps. She completed both flat and the stadium jumping portion. She even got an "exceeds standard" for riding with no stirrups. She passed both sections. She was not able to do the cross country portion because it was pouring out. She will complete that portion in November. She is considered a C1 rider for knowledge and flat until she passes the outdoor jumping part and then she will be C1 fully rated. She works so hard and the work pays off.

Sophia went out trick or treating with friends. This is the first year we didn't follow behind. She is growing up way too fast. I am not ready for it!

Our animals continue to amuse us with their antics. Pictured below are the cats and Gracie. I really must take more pictures of Boba. He is feeling a bit left out, rightfully so.