Thanks, we got there plenty early and yes, they were open. Anna had a good show but the nerves got to her in the ring and they did not place well. Majority of the comments were related to stressed horse/stressed rider but they'll get it figured out in time. The good news is that Anna had fun and is already looking forward to the next show AND as soon as she finished her 2nd test she rode around in the warm-up arena (no longer stressed) and she and Lily looked so lovely! They were relaxed, forward and happy. So it's there, we just need to figure out how to not let it get buried at show time! She is looking forward to some trail riding and school will be out soon!

regarding BTSP openning times, I would guess that on a show day they will be open at 6;30

Any idea what time Bridle Trails opens? The web site says summer hours open at 6:30 a.m. and winter at 8:00 a.m. but I don't know where spring fits in! I've been trying to call the park - their recording for hours doesn't work, so I left a message w/the park ranger and never heard back. I also called the # from bridletrails.org and left a message but didn't hear back from them either. Anna is showing in the morning and we'd like to get there early so she can have plenty of "decompress" time and maybe a 15 minute warm-up walk in the woods. As soon as Anna gets in the woods she really relaxes and gets happy. Stress is not good between horse and rider - especially this pair, lol!!

It would be my pleasure.

Hey there! I practiced towing the horse trailer (empty) today and we drove to Bridle Trails. I must say that it really wasn't as tough as I expected and I am hoping to be confident enough to tow a trailer with a horse in it within the next few weeks. I would love it if you would take me on a trail ride! I can't ride nearly as well as Anna, so you'll have to bring your patience! There needs to be a couple more practice tows but then I'll be ready! What do you think?

Mac was doing better last I saw him. They put another horse in the pasture with him so he's not the only one being picked on. I haven't seen them for days, due to the snow.

How's Mac? Is he feeling better? Have things calmed down at the barn?

great lesson, Anna! She is a brave rider. I told her, on the trail, in five years time she will be a bang up rider. She may actually become seriously competetive, in which case you will need to get her a better horse. Anna has some natural talent, and if she had a dream to compete in dressage, it would be such a worthy goal to follow.

Hi Caroline! Just had to tell you about Anna's lesson today. She had a real lesson this afternoon and it started off great then Lily decided that the boogeyman was at one end of the arena, she tried so hard to jump and bolt about 3 times! Anna stayed on, no problem but most of all she didn't get the least bit flustered or frustrated! That is big progress for her. Fortunately we had Melissa there and she never gets stressed, always calm and pleasant. Lily was such a pill! She was so full of energy and she was tense and wanting to take off. Anna was totally up for the challenge to try and get Lily to soften and relax. They worked on leg yields (at least I think leg yield - coming off the rail a bit then getting back on) at a trot and a canter. They also worked on bending and different size circles and the difference between a leg yield(?) and bend. Anyway at the end they had one great pass and even I could see how lovely it was! Just had to share.

Well, I'd be buffaloed , too. Just loading the horse in the trailer scares me!