November 2022

 November was another busy month.  A birthday, horse shows and Thanksgiving. The month started off with celebrating Sophia's birthday in bed. We did the traditional cupcake, balloon and gift from China delivered to Sophia in bed. Sophia wanted an apple pie this year. Her gift from China was a pretty square wall hanging made from cloth. 

We had three, count them, three horse shows in November. The first weekend we went to North Carolina for an IEA horse show. It was a LONG 7 hour drive. We drove with Peggy and Gretchen, thank goodness. We stayed at April and Matt's house. Robin, Ann and Lilia stayed there too. We had a great time hanging out with everyone but the day of the show was messy! It rained before we got there and then again when we were there. It was a mud pit. Sophia had good rides. She was the high point rider in her division. She got 1st in test and 3rd in DSE. She had enough points to qualify her for test at regionals. She is doing amazing this year.

We then went to one day of PVDA fall show. She had two amazing rides. She rode her First Level musical freestyle and got 68.733/3rd place giving her the first qualifying score for regionals in MFS and a 78 and 1st place in DSE. Brisk and Kion didn't like being separated which made Robin's ride interesting. Brisk kept calling for him even when he was in the indoor arena. 

This was followed the next weekend by the final IEA show at TREC. You drew Nicki for your test and DSE the first day. You were over the moon. You got two 1st place ribbons and was high point rider. You were so emotional when you got off her after your test. You were in tears saying how much you missed her. This qualified you for DSE in regionals The second day you got Indy for both rides. You placed 3rd in test and 1st in DSE. You will ride 4 times at regionals. Once for the individual rides and once as part of the team. Exciting, although you would be happy enough to just go down to Tryon to groom again.

Aidan and Lindsey came down for Thanksgiving. We had a good time with wonderful food. Otto loved sleeping on Lindseys shoulder.

Our pets are all doing good. They keep us busy but we love them all.