So I know it’s rather early to start talking about grand nationals, but I just found out the other day that I’m going, and I’m, well, …REALLY EXCITED!!! I haven’t gone since 2005? That seems like such a long time ago. I was a mere walk-trotter, and I can’t seem to remember too much. All I can remember is the feeling I had when I walked into the Coliseum. I don’t think you ever forget that feeling. I wasn’t quite sure whether to cry, laugh, jump up and down, or cower in fear! I’m pretty sure I decided on just standing there in awe, mouth agape, until my mom got concerned. I recall reading about some changes made to the show grounds? ……I CAN’T WAIT! (Enough rambling, back to the point). Alright, so what are you guys’ favorite things about the GNWCMHS?

This is a question that i have been thinking about a lot…

If Classis Pleasure is only for amateurs, why do open and junior classic championships strip?

I know that it is required that Open and Junior Horse Championships are required to strip, and Ladies, Amateur, and Junior Exibitor do not. So since classic is only open to amateurs, why does the class strip?

No one really needs to give me a straight answer, i just think it is a strange rule.

What is everyone’s take on asking judges about your performance? As a Jr. Ex. showing pleasure and equitation, I like to ask the judges what he/she liked/didnt like/ and what i could improve on my performance. Do you think this is appropriate? Some judges have been happy to answer my questions and even look through their cards, while some just scowl and give me an answer like “more consistant”.

Also, I only ask after i am done showing. ;]

Here is my yearling colt, Upnorth Alexander, having fun with his ball today.  The mark at the start of the video goes away shortly.  missy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EB-_PyBc0d4

Even though my first love is the Morgan, I also show saddlebreds, and sometimes help my trainer with the academy kids.  I have to tell this story because not only is it funny, but i think we can learn something from it.   I’m not sure how its done in the Morgan world, but in the saddlebred world, all the little leadliners get first place blue ribbon and a big bucket of toys.  Well I was at a schooling show that the barn was hosting, and I was helping out the kids.  Well the leadline class just got out and this little girl was crying really hard.  I asked her, “Honey, whats wrong, you got a blue ribbon, thats really good…” Well what she said next almost knocked me off my feet.  She said, and I quote “But I didn’t want the blue ribbon, I wanted the PINK ribbon!!!!”  She said this while huge crocodile tears are running down her face.  I couldn’t help but laugh and told her I would get her a pink ribbon.  I took the blue ribbon and went to my trainer and said that I needed to trade the blue one for the pink one.  She gave me a wierd look and when i told her that the little girl wanted a pink one, she just laughed.  I went back to the little girl with the biggest pink ribbon we had, and I have never seen a happier girl in my life.  If we learn anything from that little girl, it’s that there is more to showing and life than the color of the ribbon you get.

Yuck nasty little buggers!

Still do not know how they “fit” into the whole ecosystem thing. Let alone how they help anything!

SO for those of us having to deal with these minute pests, what kind of fly spray or mix do you use?

Heck, turn it this way… what is working this year? I pulled out a bottle of spray that I had used last year that worked well and it hasn’t scared off a single fly.

My shoer said he uses a mix of Broncho, Piranha, and vinegar. Blah, it doesn’t taste good. I know that much.

Don’t ask I know TMI.

Well thanks!

FENCE QUESTIONS!!1 =)

I have been looking for some horse fencing, the vinyl type, and was wondering if anyone has bought any good or bad horse fence from certain companies. Or if anyone has any ideas where to get it. I have heard that certain vinyl fence will crack or shatter if a horse gets into it after a couple years because it breaks down from being in the weather…

I was also wondering what kind of fencing people prefer or have had good/bad experiences with.

I do not like the wire fencing, but I was thinking wood fence maybe, since it is not as expensive and I would therefore be able to fence more. I like the look of the vinyl fence, but I also like the look of the black fence like everyone has in Kentucky.

That is all. Thank you! ~Jess

Hey folks, as you all know by now I’m taking over the admin role from Beth. As I explore the admin section of this site I’m getting ideas for potential changes I’d like to make in the future. However, I’m also open to suggestions from the peanut gallery. I don’t want to change/add something that no one else cares about. So, if you have something you’d like to see on this site, or maybe something Beth has done in the past that you’d like to see come back, let me know. Also, I’m curious what your favorite things are about the site as it is? What’s the first place you check out when you first open the home page (aside from looking for new posts)? What other pages do you check most often? Feel free to discuss in the comments, or email admin@abovelevel.com and let me know your thoughts.

-Erin

After all of the wonderful Morgan Auctions we have just had I started wondering…
“Hey when is the next auction?”

Even better are there any in Cali? Sure I know, just wishing. Anywhoo! I found the CopperBeech Sale. Can’t wait for that, but after it what’s next?

All this auction talk is getting to my brain! Hey who is going anyway? To the CopperBeech sale, I mean.

I have gone to a lot of open shows recently and there is a lot of variety of classes so I was wondering what classes people would find interesting that we dont have now at the morgan A rated shows. These are a few that I have competed in and enjoyed:

Ranch Horse Trail

Halter- Western (I know we have sport horse and in hand, but not any western)

Showmanship 18 & Over

Equitation 18 & Over (with or without patterns, sometimes they are seperated)

I cant think of any others off the top of my head, I am sure there are more, but I just wanted to see what everyone thought…. Thanks

~Jessica