“Hello again! Well, our 2010 show season kicked off with a bang.

A levels

Last week we travelled to Columbus, Ohio for an “A” level show. We packed up our semi, took four mares and one of our stud colts and set off in stifling heat on the ten hour ride from Connecticut.

On the first day of the show, Tim found a cricket on one of our stall drapes. Because crickets are said to foretell good luck, we left him alone and set about the business of getting ready to show.

Our stud colt, North Point Troubadour, a.k.a. “Trooper” was first up. It was a big deal for him having taken his first trailer ride and being off the farm for the first time. He was clipped and his mane rolled and tail put up in a bun. Trooper made us very proud with excellent behavior in the show ring, trotting when asked, standing still for inspection and being every inch the gentlemen. Of course, the puddles that were on the ground on the way to the ring were a bit scary! Nonetheless, Troop qualified for 2010 All-American stud colt category.

Driving Miss Daisy

Victoria, whom you “met” in an earlier blog, competed in the nine-year-old and up mare class. She was feeling good, on her game for the halter class and Victoria also qualified for the 2010 All-American Aged Mare category. Unfortunately, Victoria's “aged” driver, who would be me, drove her like an old woman in the cart class! We slipped on a wet drain trotting in to the arena and so on the all-important first lap around, Vic was a little “off”. We’ll get ‘em next time!

Flora had one of the best runs I have ever seen her have with Tim and, despite an “I feel good” buck the first time down the line, settled in and she also qualified for the 2010 All-American Five Year Old Mare category. Flora was later pressed in to service for the gentleman’s cart class. Flora is not by any means a driving mare, trying to convince us all more than once that the class could be won at a walk. Tim and Flora had a nice ride and enjoyed themselves and I must say, they looked gorgeous all done up in “show clothes”!

A hard time for Ellie

Our yearling mare Ellie, had a bit of a harder go. Ellie is very fancy and either judges like her or not, there is no middle ground. The yearling class was deep waters and 17 strong. We had been watching Judge Tom Steinbrick’s class picks all morning and felt like we had a good chance because he seemed to like a more stylish, modern horse. Unlike her half-brother Trooper, Ellie stumbled once in line and at one point her legs seemed to give out and she feel over. No worries as she hopped right back up! Tim and I gave each other the “what just happened?” look. It is almost like she was wearing her first pair of high heels! When the cut was made and the first round of horses were dismissed, we were left standing with eleven other yearling mares. And when Judge Steinbrick made his final picks, Ellie stood fifth so while she did not All-American qualify, we were very happy with her placing.

On the last day of the show, we again found the cricket on our stall drapes. We said a quick thank you, gently moved him to a safe spot and packed up to be on our way home. Our next show is a “C” level in Vermont this weekend. I’ll let you all know how we make out! We’ll definitely be watching for crickets!
Be sure to keep up with us on Twitter or our website www.northpointfarm. Until next time, safe travels!”