August 30, 2011 - More Competition Results - Foxwind didn't quite feel up to snuff on competition day this past weekend. It could have had something to do with the fact that he was woken up at 3:30 am, hustled onto the horse trailer (without any breakfast) for a two and a half hour drive to Woodwind Farm, in order for us to make our Dressage ride time of 7:45! *eep* Despite his less than ideal "rise 'n shine" time he was a good sport about the whole day. His Dressage test was a little flat and left much room for improvement. It garnered a 61.5%, not a bad score. It's just he has so much more to show the judge. Foxwind seemed to shake the sandman just in time for his Stadium round and put in a clear and quite technically correct display of jumping. (Check out the new photos of Foxwind on his page). An hour was just enough time for Foxwind to fall back into his tired slump. The start on cross was sluggish, he was careful and accurate, just not speedy and powerful. After a particularly steep uphill climb to a log pile on the crest, Foxwind lost his "giddy up". Unable to set up for a nice approach, the pair incurred a runout. Their second attempt was good and the goal for the remaining course was to get around safely for the experience - time was not a factor. By jump #14, Foxwind got his second wind and finished the course boldly and with good style. The day took its toll on several of the Prelim riders. In the end, Foxwind and Cindy took home 2nd place. This concludes Foxwind's 2011 Performance Season. He may make an appearance at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair. Stop by and see us!
August 17, 2011 - Firewind Dabbles in Hunters - In July, Firewind (aka Sawyer) went to his first horse show. He was well behaved during his time there, but demonstrated some unsoundness during his first class. We promptly loaded him up and returned home to begin our sleuthing to find the root of his discomfort. In consultation with our farrier, Tracy Ferguson, we opted to equip Sawyer with a brand new pair of his very own front shoes. He immediately started licking and smacking his lips. Hmm, he must like them. A couple rides at home later, he still hadn't gotten comfortable enough to get his swinging stride back. Next strategy, Massage Therapy. During his massage and stretching it was suggested that he would likely benefit from a visit with a Chiropractor. Dr Barbara Sloat, was pleased to drop out and explore Sawyer to see if he needed an adjustment. She found some tightness and a locked sacrum. Two rides after her visit, he was swinging like he used to.
In August, we returned to Twinholm. He was his happy-go-lucky self. Our first Hunter Under Saddle class was a little tense, due to his facination with the bushy, flowery, poofy, (beautifully decorated) hunter fences. Our green, inexperienced trip was good for 4th. The next event of the day was the 2'3" warm up. What a great opportunity to school him over some small, unusual, never seen before fences that he just had to walk, trot and canter around 10 minutes earlier!
What a super star! He took his first jump in fantastic 4' Working Hunter fashion. No hesitation, just LOTS of clearance. The remainder of his first (ever) course was in true baby character: big and careful. His second round in the warm up was much less of an over-achievement. He nailed 95% of his leads and his lines were quiet and evenly strided, but always contained one extra stride (Fours were ridden in fives and fives in sixs). His third and final round was another step of improvement. I asked him to open up to get the strides and he happily moved up to the fences, jumping each one and on the corners, gave a little head shake and buck. He was so pleased!
We returned to the trailer to rest for a bit and get some fluids while the over fences classes resumed. He patiently stood at the trailer, munching hay from the hay net for about 45 miuntes (You have to love those food motivated horses). Refreshed for our last class, Sawyer was comfortable in his new surroundings and delivered a quiet, almost professional trip in the Hunter Under Saddle class. He was still influenced a couple of times by the other horses passing by or traveling too close (in his opinion), but the only indication he gave was a half head shake and slight wiggle of his hind end. He pinned 2nd out of a tidy class of nine accomplished horse and rider pairs.
Congratulations to all the other riders and a special shout out to the girls of Golden Gate Equestrian. Way to go Team!
August 11, 2011 - Continued Success - The move to Preliminary was no mistake. Foxwind is proving he has game and is ready to play with the best of them. Woodwind's in Jarrat, ON held a challenging June event with many steep hills and lots of quick questions. The goal was to cross the finsh line...together. With the decision made, that making the time was not a priority, Cindy navigated Foxwind around the track with only a single bobble at the corner fence. Their resulting score put them in ninth. Full results here.
July brought a return visit to Grandview to compete in their Summer Horse Trial. Cindy and Foxwind executed a respectable dressage test (with room for improvement) for a score of 67%. They followed this up with a clear stadium round and a clean cross country trip with only 4.9 Time Faults. The course was inviting with some hills and several new questions Foxwind had never seen before. Performing like he'd done it all before, Foxwind handily hopped up and down the one stride Bank to the narrow Oak Table and jumped his first jump while galloping in the water complex - a Giant Log. His fantastic effort was rewarded with a third placing. Full results.
With the 2011 breeding season nearing its end, a few mare owners are anticipating the arrival of their own little Foxwinds. Check out the ladies in foal to Foxwind for 2012.
May 26, 2011 - May Show Results and New Arrival - Foxwind and Cindy Geres attended the first Ontario Horse Trial of 2011. Taking into consideration that Foxwind had not schooled Cross Country since July 2010 and it was their first journey 3 hours, to Grandview, the decision was made to enter Training Level and wait until their second Event to challenge Prelim Level again. The weather held off for the majority of the weekend and the footing at Grandview held up beautifully. With a large turnout of entries, the Senior Training Division was split into two flights, 'A' and 'B'. Foxwind and Cindy put in a good Dressage test scoring 48.4 penalty points (67.73% for you Dressage enthusiasts), which positioned them in second place in Flight B. An energetic and agile trip around the stadium course maintained their second place position. They finished up with a stellar ride Cross Country and with the other horse/rider combination incurring time penilties, moved into first place. It was a grand, confidence boosting day. Just what was needed to prepare for Prelim. Check out the Full Results.
A huge thank you to Kayla McIlwaine, Foxwind's groom for the day. We hope she wasn't scared away... The next competition will be back up to Barry, ON to attend Woodwinds HT on June 26.
Latest Flame delivered a stunning foal for her owner, John Varlow, and his family on May 25. Both mare and newborn are doing fantastic. The youngster is chestnut with modest bling. Check them out on our 2011 Foal page.
March 5, 2011 - 2011 Plans - This year Foxwind SL will continue Eventing. He seems to really enjoy the various aspects that Eventing offers. In addition, it allows him to display his talent in both the Dressage and Jumping disciplines. Last year we wrapped up with an upgrade to Preliminary. Despite the treacherous conditions, modifications to the cross-country course, and fresh challenge, Foxwind overcame it all to finish first in a field of experienced competitors. 2011 will bring new challenges and more Events at the Preliminary Level. Foxwind may also be seen chaparoning his young son, Firewind SL, to various breed shows for exposure this season.
Firewind has been backed over the winter and is now learning the basics of the horse / rider relationship in a relaxed manner. He will be three in May and our goal is to get him exposed to the show scene and qualify for the 2011 Cup Classes at the Royal Winter Fair.
Stay tuned for updates on the adventures of Finn and Sawyer.
December 3, 2009 - 2009 Year End Results - Rigoletto Jan placed 4th in the Lieutenant Governors Cup class at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto, Ontario. Rigoletto was piloted by his amateur owner, Nicole, who did a fantastic job of maintaining her cool when they were placed first after the performance phase of the class. There were some placement adjustments after the judges conducted the confirmation critique. Rigoletto's still immature physique moved them back a couple placings. He is going to be drop dead gorgeous when he finishes filling out! Nicole and Rigoletto also received a Canadian Trakehner Horse Society Performance Award for their achievements in the Hunter Ring. Congrats Nicole!!
July 13, 2009 - CSHA License Status - On June 21, Foxwind obtained the third and final qualifier to upgrade to Bronze Premium status with the Canadian Sport Horse Association. He is now a fully licensed and approved F0 Canadian Sport Horse Stallion! Foxwind's Bronze status was earned through his achievements in Eventing in 2008 and 2009 with Cindy Geres.
