05/28/2024
Fell-Vallee Dressage ladies had an amazing time at Stockade Polo and Saddle Club last weekend. I’m so proud of everyone for stepping up and really pushing the limits, especially since a couple of you are brand new to dressage competition!
Leah Chapman and LT were pretty tentative the day we arrived, but everything came together in a big way. Lightning Thief is a very big, gangly Hanoverian by Le Vivaldi I imported with the help of Amy Doran a couple years ago. He and Leah formed a very strong bond and ultimately, Leah was able to make him her own. They rocked it with scores in the high 60’s, winning 2 classes and getting a qualifying score for Regionals. Next stop, June HITS.
Cailin McMurdo-Minnich and Buzzy did an amazing job!! For those who know my little red headed mare (Bretone x Davignon), she has many opinions about being in a stall, being not at home, being without her friends, etc. Nonetheless, Cailin’s goal was to get her 1st and 2nd level towards her Bronze and simply get back into showing after a bad accident a few years ago. They did that and more, not to mention, Buzzy was cool as a cucumber! That’s NEVER happened before!
Liz Fell and Flip are old pro’s. There’s a difference, however, after having fixed some of Liz’s muscular/skeletal issues last fall, she’s riding like a new woman. Flippie banged out 4-1 like it was old hat and won with a high 66!
Bekah L Kutt and Prince shook off the winter cobwebs and had a great show, winning both 2nd Level classes with 67% on Sunday. They have homework this week to hopefully help break 70 at GMHA. It’s a reasonable goal. Third level by mid season.
Caroline Rickerman had massive success with Bo, especially considering we thought he was dying this winter! He didn’t die, true love saved his life, Caroline’s and Buzzy’s, and he busted out great scores, he even bested Bling!! Caroline and Bo will be moving to TX this summer and we’re very sad to see them go. Big adventures await.
Lisa and August had some tricky times because of difficult family circumstances. Fortunately, Lisa is strong and positive and dealt with everything with grace, love and patience. I applaud you and am honored you chose to balance your time between your family and Auggie. Awesome job
Page Wheelock and Butter joined us and fulfilled Page’s “wildest fantasy” of getting a 62% at 2nd level. Well, Butter bested it with even higher scores. Go Butter!!!
That’s everyone except for Bling, the spider on crack. He’s getting a little better with each show, but has a serious naughty streak. 5 yr olds are total pains, so I’m hopeful it will be short lived, but he definitely tries my patience! Haha!! He likes to try and duck out the gate going left. What a sh*te!!
Beautiful pics by Q2 Photography
