July 2025

This month really flew by without the opportunity to capture many pictures. We had a nice, quiet 4th of July and just hung out at home.

Steve went to a war game convention for a few days. We were really looking forward to a horse show—the Youth Equestrian Festival in VA. It was going to be the last Pony Club event that Sophia competed in, as most of her friends are graduating and going off to college. We were going down with her friend Gretchen and about 14 other riders. This was the first time the VA Horse Park was putting on a show like this, and it was very disorganized. They ended up canceling one week before we were supposed to head down due to a lack of registrations. The registration process was a mess and came out very late.

The barn planned an event every day we were supposed to be away to replace it. They went to Hershey Park one day. Sophia isn't an amusement park person, so she arranged a private lesson with Phoebe. We borrowed Gretchen's trailer one last time before she heads to Kentucky. Phoebe helped you and Wren learn flying changes. You both did an amazing job—he got several clean flying changes in. This is a third-level move. Once you start competing at third level, you can wear the double bridle that he seems to like so much better.

The next day, they arranged semi-private lessons with Phoebe—twice in one week! It was fun for you. They also planned a cross-country schooling event. Wren loves running through the fields and jumping. It was fun. You also helped coach a younger rider and gave her the confidence to jump successfully. It was neat to see how encouraging you were.

The last day they did a pairs jump class where you jumped the course with another rider, It was chaotic and fun. I think Wren likes jumping as it is easier for him than putting his muscles to work with all the refined dressage movements.

Sophia did a schooling show with Gretchen at the end of the month. She rode First Level Test 3 and got a 63.194 and Second Level, Test 1 and got a 61. 143. I don't have pictures of that event because I was at an 80th birthday party for my friend and mentor, Betty.

There was a big, joint graduation party for the eight seniors that graduated high school in June. It is going to be very different at the barn without all these girls. Sophia and Hannah made each girl a canvas print with their favorite horse on a black background. They came out amazing. Everyone loved them. 

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 The pets are all doing well. They love having Steve home keeping them company during the summer.  Our boys love us and love each other!