07/30/2026
Ten horses and eleven riders hit the mountains this year!!
Seven thoroughbreds, one warmblood, a pony, and a mystery creature with wings.
We were all without not enough sleep but the same passion. Everyone worked so hard to get there, and everyone, and I mean EVERYONE, rode well or had some challenge to overcome.
Lily Gillette and her horse Spidey senses have progressed beyond what you could ever imagine - they sailed in the jumpers and really clicked this week! The sky is the limit.
Peyton Gabriel and her two horses, Offlee Lucky...I mean, Offlee Cloudy, and Skinnydipper stepped up in a big, big way. Offlee Cloudy isn't recognizable to where he started from, just learning his new job, and Skinnydipper jumped around better than I have ever seen her because she was piloted so well, getting better by the day.
Danielle Meisenhelder shined in the ring. The judge radioed that, "I think I remember them from last year," but in a good way, I am certain. An unconventional little horse here with a great big try and a rider and owner that believed in her above all else.
McLaren Lasher jumped her pony around at the pony's first ever rated show. This pony was basically feral when we got her. Undersaddle for less than a year now, she jumped around the 2' and 2'3" -- with a lead change -- blending in quite nicely with the seasoned horses and riders. She got many ribbons, but most notable a second in a huge under saddle class.
Kendyl Allen did absolutely phenomenal on Smeauxkinitup. I took him for a spin or two myself. He came off the track last August and kept his head together, got lead changes, and jumped around like he had been there before. Kendyl - you are a BEAUTIFUL rider. He came out 3rd in a large USHJA o/f class.
Lindsay Lewis and Amanda Jones will be headed to the Retired Racehorse Project in October, last having raced in November of last year. Commando Joe was MOST excellent. These ladies have done quite a stand up job with this horse.
Jennifer Reynolds switched gears last minute to a new horse, and did it with her chin held high! I was quite proud of her for that, and so thankful to Jaycee Fields for offering her horse. JJ returned later in the week on Mampo and had some beautiful moments in the ring.
Jaycee Fields put trust in her hard work and stepped up confidently to the 2'6" hunters. Way proud of her riding and she had some nice ribbons earlier in the week in some big classes. Her horse, Risky Woods, jumped WAY good.
I pulled The Nightwatchman out for his and mine comeback tour, and it was absolutely awesome.
To my clients and students - I am so grateful for you. Thank you for trusting me to help reach those goals! ❤️
Horses were all fantastic, as was Janice and karaoke, and the food by chef Kasia Sweredoski Gillette was absolutely delicious!
