Bloomsbury News Update

What's new?

2012-01-20T23:15:00.001-08:00

Brought Maybellene home for a 10day break whilst Jeremy's away competing with the North Kaludah team at Boneo Park Dressage Festival.
She was keen to get on the float, but let me know very definitely that she was expecting a bit more excitement when I took her off the float at home and put her in the paddock with Cloud and Laddie. Sure she was pleased to see them...but kept coming up to the fence and calling out to me..for more!?? Must have been expecting to go to a competition!! (Hopefully Singleton championships mid February.)
Anyway..there was some excitement, which the dogs picked up on, as the horses galloped up to the front fence and stared fixedly at something 'over there'. The neighbour over the road had brought 2 llamas to crop his yard and they'd come up to the front fence.

Not sure who looked more alert/llama-esque?

Yard Tidying: A Treat!

2012-01-12T15:05:00.000-08:00

Nice to be able to trust the mob to do a bit of tidying up around the place!They think it's quite a treat to be able to venture into My territory, and nibble the grasses they've removed from their own paddock. Victor was last to get the message today and you can see him rushing to catch up to the others.
Mind you..I can't leave them for long!! I reckon there's about a 20 minute window when they've all got their heads down and are doing the job I want them to do! After that, someone starts looking for mischief. Today it was Laddie who picked up the empty bucket and 'thought about' demolishing the hay stack!!
Time to go back to their own paddock! Which they did; about time for a drink at the dam!

A Momentus Life

2012-01-08T01:32:00.000-08:00

Cloud gave birth to her first foal in the early hours of Friday morning. A strapping tall golden boy. She was not fussed about feeding him so I had to give her some Bute for pain relief, but he was very persistent and they both seemed to get the hang of it on the Friday. I was advised to lock her up in the stable so she could get used to the idea of staying around and waiting for him.
Didn't drink much overnight Friday, so I had to put her in the crush, restrain her and get some milk to get him started again. Cloud was frantic to be with her boy, so eventually jumped out of the crush to get to him. Just as I was about to give up on her, she stood alongside a fence and he was allowed to get a proper drink. She needed reassurance that it wasn't going to hurt, so I supervised a few feeds over the next couple of hours and then checked that they were managing by themselves. So Saturday morning things were looking up again. He was lying down a bit in the afternoon, but I figured it was probably just the heat (38 degrees or so) but by 3pm he was obviously becoming unresponsive, and had wet himself substantially. The vet came (after dealing with a couple of dogs bitten by snakes!) and took blood tests, rehydrated him, gave him antibiotics and said it appeared to be a ruptured bladder from the birthing process, not uncommon in colt foals. Urine was leaking into the abdomen and he would test the blood in the lab overnight for the presence of urea, which would contibute to his septic state. A surgical repair could be done today..but he didn't make it through the night.
Poor little blighter!! He was truly beautiful.

I'd been waiting for him for the last three years as Gracie, Cloud's mum, had two full term "phantom pregnancies" to Brae Galaxy, before Cloud was sent for the return service. Di and Tony, (Brae's owners) are very disappointed as well as he appeared to be 'the real deal'. Caramel colour, full white blaze, 4 white stockings, very friendly, and tall! He was buried this morning in my front yard alongside my foundation mare Kalarama Penny (31y.o.) and riding partner, Sutton's Jean Pierre (lymphosarcoma at 25 y.o.)

Cloud is back with the mob, taking over the boss position, with Galahad at her side. (Wonder if she knows he 's Galatticus' brother.) It took some management to get Atticus out of her paddock and out of sight, this morning, but then she settled with Gracie and Laddie and is now relishing the frreedom of racing around and kicking her heels up like a young filly again! She was calling out a bit this morning, but the distraction of being with the mob again, rather than in isolation, has got her back in a familiar role.

Probably wonders what "that" was all about.
He was here but for a fleeting moment, but has made an impact.
RIP Galatticus!

Work in Progress

2011-12-26T23:22:00.000-08:00

Xmas greetings from North Kaludah: shown above is Jeremy Santa entertaining the crowd
on Tashkent Friesian's Django of Cacherel dressed with red nose, antlers and jingle bells.

With Jeremy back from competing at the Victorian Dressage Championships just before Christmas, I took Victor and Maybellene back to work at North Kaludah.I floated them separately just to be on the safe side, doing the loading etc. solo, and both loaded and travelled with ease. Took Victor first, and Maybellene then couldn't wait to "dive" onto the float and urge me to get going. Thought she had to be missing out on something as her half-brother had headed off ahead of her!
Jeremy got straight on for her first ride in 15 weeks (!) and she behaved as if she was just picking up from the previous day!!
Most impressive!
These Saddlebreds don't forget a thing and love progressing with their learning.
Victor, also, has stepped up to the mark. He has now had some 3 weeks dressage training and is working happily into a contact on the bit, responding with increasing understanding of his rider's leg aids, though he hasn't previously been asked for such flexion. He's absorbing his lessons like the proverbial sponge, as well!!

Oh, to win the Lottery!! My Christmas gift scratchies didn't help!

Dunkers

2011-12-10T23:35:00.001-08:00

Victor's progress

2011-12-01T01:08:00.001-08:00

Comparison Paeon-Victor

2011-11-23T00:36:00.001-08:00

Victor has settled to work with Jeremy, showing heaps of potential.Will he get the opportunity to follow Paeon's path?? He certainly has the paces and stamina for eventing.Paeon has one white stocking, Victor 4 stockings and a Star.

Summer coats

2011-11-13T00:30:00.001-08:00

Harry's rich gold is coming through as the last of his winter-white sweats out in the 30degree temperatures of the last few days.The dogs were glad to shed their winter coats with the aid of my new clippers; then had a great walk along/in the Hunter River this morning!

When Harry met Maybel

2011-11-05T22:20:00.000-07:00

Farrier came midweek and trimmed all and removed Maybellene's front shoes.Just in time for Victor to float (no fuss!) off to work with Jeremy, and allow Maybellene to (safely)meet Harry for the first time.Lots of prancing and posturing and a few squeals from Maybellene as she shielded her best mate, CLoud, from her half-brother Harry. He was super cool, stood his ground and didn't budge...so he may indeed be tough enough to become an eventer somewhere down the track!Galahad and Gracie kept out of the way, very diplomatically, until one Act in the drama when Maybel decided to collect her girlfriends for a tour of the place.Cloud and Gracie spent the evening separated from the rest, while Maybellene queened it over the boys. I hope Cloud can settle down to a new role as first-time mum in the next few weeks.Lots of calling out at the moment, as Cloud and Maybel keep up a long distance conversation!!

Fit and trim

2011-10-29T01:23:00.001-07:00

Harry and Laddie are back from 4 weeks of work with Jeremy.
Both made good progress and are looking very fit and trim in their summer-ish coats.

Quite different characters; Laddie is very confident and benefited from Jeremy's experience in giving him a challenge, allowing him to get his head around it and then find the next stage easy.
Harry has been much longer out of work since being started as a 2-and-a-half-year old, so he's not so confident, and will benefit from another short stint in work in January/February to allow him to consolidate his lessons in working calmly into the bridle, off the rider's leg aids. Very quick thinking, like all Saddlebreds.

Funny to watch Laddie get his head around the notion of "working"! He has a very rhythmic, natural trot stride which he can carry on with ad infinitum on the longe, and needs to be pushed into a canter...which has the same rhythm and sustainability. He was perfectly happy 'bludging along' with these paces and looking very acceptable. When asked to bend around the rider's inside leg and take the outside rein through a corner, his mind had to click into gear to adapt to a new ask. Once he got the message, his frame changed, and he really started to work with understanding! He clicked into thinking mode!! and made really fine progress!

Both can do with some 'down time' now, to grow again and get their heads around that experience.

Bloomsbury Sir Galahad

2011-10-14T21:50:00.001-07:00

Maybellene's 3 year old gelding, happily back in work, beginning to be a serious partner. Three weeks back in work, he's working beautifully forward into the bridle and really understanding what it's all about.

Very pleased with him today...and he was very chuffed with himself!!! Very funny boy!

Showcase: Canyonleigh Sirecho ("Rocco")

2011-10-10T02:52:00.000-07:00

At Rocco's first Dressage outing, at Alexander Park with trainer Jeremy Janjic, he caught the eye of photographer Peter Stoop.
He started his eventing career with young Aussie 3-Star eventer Kate Chadderton and caught everyone's eye with his exhuberant jumping style, clearing Intro and Prelim jumps by the proverbial mile. (Onlookers protested that he was in the wrong class, as he cleared all jumps with ridiculous ease; huge power off the back end!) At his first Prelim outing, at Coffs Harbour ODE, 2007, he came 3rd, close behind Boyd Martin and Silva Stigler! At his 2nd Prelim outing, he came 2nd, at Anambah ODE... at the outbreak event of EI.
Kate then purchased a partnership and took him to the USA to set up her training/riding business in Maryland.
He went to the American Eventing Championships at the equivalent of our Pre-Novice level in 2008. The cross-country was rained off so the event, in Chicago, became a Combined Training Event, at which Rocco was the fastest clear in the show-jumping phase.
Then to FairHill International CIC1* where he was, as usual, clear show-jumping and cross-country; shown above in the vertical drop and at the trot-up before the S-J phase.
He was then sold to Lisa Kurr who has proceeded to develop a partnership, under Kate's guidance, which has taken her from Beginner Novice classes through placings in Novice Rider, Senior Novice, and now Training level classes, Preliminary to 1Star level.
Kate's comment "he's the best horse cross-country I've ever ridden"; honest, game, finds it easy, loves it!

Storms and consequences

2011-10-06T16:25:00.000-07:00

Last weekend started well. The Hunter Valley Dressage competition ran on the Saturday, with a few scratchings due to riders'inability to prepare their horses in rainy times. I was pencilling for the Dressage on the Sunday and we got underway at 8am in between light showers. Then the grey mist cloud lowered, and the wind picked up. The first horses coped with increasingly driving rain, but the riders were soon soaked to the skin. By 9:15 the thunder was rolling in from the north-east, and most riders were loading horses and leaving! When lightning flashed on the horizon, the competition was abandoned in torrential rain, with the Club tractor having to be used to tow trucks out of instantly boggy ground!!

I was home by 10:15..to find that Schnauzer Steffi was no-where to be found! Must have been a thunderstorm at home, too! Fortunately she found her way back for breakfast the next day; I've no idea where she went...she was frightened away for 2 days once before, so I now know she can recover from her panic and get back home!

I caught up with Laddie and Harry working with Jeremy on Wednesday. Next major project at North Kaludah is construction of an Indoor area for schooling as the work has to continue despite the weather!! Both youngsters are progressing well. Jeremy is impressed, again, by the fact that these Saddlebreds come back into work and can be started just where they left off.

Laddie (3.5y.o)was 'backed' in January over two weeks and then turned out to think and grow. Some 9 months later he's lunged, remembers the procedure, mounted then walks trots and canters on the aids! No re-training needed! Now progressing to working in the outside arena and round the farm, and gradually working more directly off the leg aids and into the bridle.
I had in mind that Dressage was his natural career, but Jeremy thinks Eventing might utilise both his paces, great quarters & jumping bloodlines and strength of mind!

Harry,(5.5y.o.) was started at 2-and-a-half and then turned out, so he's really at the same stage as Laddie,...but not so confident. He's very willing and wants to please; very responsive to his lessons, but a bit worried. He'll need longer, steady work to consolidate his trust with a variety of people. Looks like he has a great work ethic, endurance and balance.

Both are coping well with whatever the weather throws at them.

The North Kaludah team were gearing up for another big competition weekend at Singleton Dressage Club this weekend. After more rain has not allowed the grounds to recover from recent usage, it has been cancelled!
If the weather allows I might see the Boyz in work again this weekend!

Warm-up Run

2011-10-02T00:45:00.000-07:00

The rain stops for a half-hour so the youngsters decide to have their afternoon exercise and warm-up. Rugs are surviving so far!

Sooo Wet!

2011-10-01T22:56:00.001-07:00

The birds are coming in for food and shelter, the dogs are "lying doggo" on the couch, and the horses (Gracie and Victor, shown)are dripping in their rugs.
It's Wet!!! again.

Growing Cloud

2011-09-27T02:49:00.000-07:00

Top Girl

2011-09-26T01:19:00.000-07:00

"Top dog (/girl)"

With Harry and Laddie happily back to work with Jeremy, Cloud has taken over the prime position at dinner time, so she can keep an eye on feeds being made up and lay claim to first to be fed.
Interesting that Victor has allowed this. Perhaps out of consideration for a pregnant lady(??). He's aligned himself with the other chestnut on the place, Gracie. Gracie herself is full of beans, now confident in running around with both hind soles healed. She even turned on a half-rear canter pirouette on the spot, yesterday! Very impressive!!
Maybellene isn't fussed about playing with the pecking order. She knows she's the "Queen bee", and has her personal feeds in Her yard...to save her from having to get cranky!

One step at a Time: Step one!

2011-09-20T02:24:00.001-07:00

The "teenagers" have been itching for action increasingly in the last month! Laddie (3y.o.) has been becoming increasingly irked by Harry's (5y.o.) assumption of dominance and has been testing the boundaries.
The feeding pecking order of Victor first then Harry, then Lad has been 'fraying at the seams' as Laddie stands his ground for longer each day,and Harry has to exert himself more (swinging the quarters, kicking towards Lad) to maintain his Number 2 position. It's only an issue at feed time; they 'arm-wrestle' normally about twice a day, just for exercise/fun!
Victor just assumes he's Mr Tough, and Harry concurs (no argument; after all they're 'Mates'!) so it's the young uns that have an issue!

So, Today they're off to work. Cessnock Horse Transport were incredibly obliging by arriving before 7am, to allow me to get to work on time! I'd organised for colleagues to cover for me if I was late...if the boyz were not cooperative....but I needn't have worried! Loaded Laddie first, his 3rd truck ride so he's a Pro now; walked straight on...despite Col's misgivings about "dumb-bloods". My explanation of 1/4 Saddlebred was "proof of the pudding" of intelligence; mind you, his Warmblood genetics are all brains and performance!! (World Champions Mai Sheriff and Gullit)
Then I led up Harry, with no prior experience with me loading him, but a couple of trucking experiences on the trip from Canyonleigh to the Hunter. What a beauty!

Straight on the truck and the boyz were up and away within 15 minutes!! How great is that!!

I followed them to North Kaludah and Megan took Harry while I led Lad to his yard. Well-mannered at that end of the trip as well, so another 'deep breath taken'!

With youngsters, every positive experience is a 'box ticked off', giving feedback about how they cope, and their attitude to change and challenges.

Ready to go

2011-09-18T02:50:00.000-07:00

Spring is sprung...and the Boyz are looking for action.
Laddie is very laid-back usually but he's growing bigger all the time and is beginning to test the pecking order; the daily rumbles with Harry are getting a bit more serious as the two rear and "chest" each other, then whirl and chase.
It will be good to get them back to work.
The two of them should be off to see Jeremy mid-week, all being well!

Victor can do with some mature company, too, staying at home with the ladies!

Sydney 3DE 9/11

2011-09-11T01:49:00.000-07:00

Photo courtesy Equestrian Australia.

Spent 9/11 (my birthday!)as a volunteer show-jump marshall for the third day of the annual Sydney 3 Day Event at SIEC. It turned out to be a lovely sunny autumnal day, (great day for riding) and a lovely relaxing time catching up with friends.
I also caught up with Ssandro's owner-rider, Matthew Anderson. He wasn't riding Sandro at this event, but rode a tall Thoroughbred (?) to 8th place in the Pre-Novice class. Sandro's having a couple of months in the paddock to get over a niggling hind fetlock soreness, but Matt assures me he's been behaving himself and is a lovely character to have around.

That was bonus news on my b'day!

Maybellene deserves her break!

2011-09-03T02:05:00.000-07:00

Over the last three weeks Maybellene has really got her head around Jeremy's plans! He's been developing her responsiveness to his leg aids over the last few months and progressing his "asks" for 'More' flexion in leg yielding, 'More' stepping across in half-pass in trot and canter, stepping 'More' under in travers and renvers, maintaining rhythm in canter in 'more' smaller circles. Initially everything was foreign to her and it was all pushing the boundaries of her physical capabilities, but the exercises have been building her flexibility and musculature and it's all becoming easy. She now really understands what Jeremy is asking of her and is looking relaxed in her work..even the hard bits! She's at a stage where she can take a break for a few weeks and then go back to work mentally refreshed without a significant drop in her level of fitness. I brought her home after today's work: the mob were so excited to check out the newcomer in the horsefloat and she called out to them from the gate as I drove in. (Wish I'd had a video running!) So she's catching up with Cloud and Gracie in one paddock while the Boys are confined to their own domain.

Progressing Maybellene

2011-08-27T02:38:00.001-07:00

Some more photos, courtesy of Liz, show Maybellene's developing understanding of Jeremy's lessons. She's 'sitting' more in the trot, progressing from shoulder in to halfpass at trot and canter, and preparing for canter pirouettes. Walk pirouettes are very well balanced and clear marching paces. Working her little sock off and increasing her concentration noticably from week to week!
She's very happy to get to work each day, which is lovely to see and a credit to Jeremy.

"It's raining again!" Take 2....

2011-08-20T03:29:00.001-07:00

Thought I'd get some good photos of clean horses in the paddock this morning. They've had coats off for the last week as spring warmth develops, but I left it too late! We had an instant downpour at around 8am, so by the time I got out, the paddocks were running again, and the fetlocks were muddied! Two inches in the last 2 days and my paddocks revert to a watercourse off the hills around us!
The Inquizitive Boyz aren't fussed, but are checking out the camera straight away.

Maybellene & Jeremy, training

2011-08-15T03:31:00.000-07:00

Lovely, sunny, windless morning on Saturday and Liz and Bethany came over to Lamb's Valley to see how Maybellene was progressing.

Many thanks to Liz for the photos.

Eventing progress

2011-08-09T02:35:00.001-07:00

Bloomsbury youngsters out and about.

Photos courtesy of Main Event Photography.
Top: Matthew Anderson with B. Sandro 15th/29 at Wallaby Hills ODE
second: Brooke Piper with C. Paeon , 2nd in Encouragers class at Quirindi ODE;
third and fourth:Brooke and Pan at Hidden Valley ODE; 7th in the Newcomers class

Spring flush?

2011-08-08T01:40:00.001-07:00

The sun didn't stay warm enough to allow for rugs off, on the weekend, but the mob enjoyed the opportunity to snack on the new grass sprouting in some early spring weather.
Gracie is walking normally now, without thinking of any discomfort, so she's mixing with the herd rather than staying clear of the boisterous youngsters. Lesley will be relieved!

SIEC weekend

2011-07-31T04:26:00.002-07:00

Went down to SIEC today as a jump judge. Had a great day in the sun. No major dramas on course; 2 refusals on an element of the Double I was supervising at 2* level, one 'miss' and a re-present at 3* and 2 eliminations at Prelim level as the riders completely ignored my fence.

Nice to see a new batch of young riders coming through the ranks. Some nice horses. Quite a lot of the 2* horses seemed to be jumping by Morse code...tapping heavily as they thumped through the solid jumps; will need some good "icing" to minimise bruising...these the heavier types which looked rather over-conditioned (to put it politely).

I took the opportunity to test my camera and see if I could catch a horse over a fence...some OK as you can see by the photos.

I was on Fence 4: it rode as a combination with Upright part B for 2Star, but Skinny Brush as Part B for 3 Star. The majority of horse-rider combinations "locked on" to the problem without any questions....evidence of very sound preparation!

Not a Saddlebred in sight..unfortunately!!...though there were a couple of Paeon look-alikes at Prelim level which had me excited!

siec

2011-07-31T04:26:00.001-07:00

Woolly's back, with friend!

2011-07-17T01:03:00.000-07:00

Scared??
These guys??
Never!!

Goat watching!

2011-07-16T01:22:00.000-07:00

Warm enough today to take rugs off for a couple of hours in the middle of the day.

Cloud is looking more and more like Katy Stardust; developing a very substantial maternal physique. She hasn't got the same dappled palomino coat as Katy, though, she's a completely even colour.

There's been a bit of a passing parade to take the mob's interest lately. Neighbours have adopted a lamb which has escaped for a constitutional with his two canine 'minders', a golden retriever and a Jack Russell terrier. A very cute trio.
Then yesterday we had a small flock of 6 sheep, tasting the verges alongside the paddock.
Today it was another neighbour's goat, "Woolly" (!!!) which came to visit. He got a good checking over!
Gracie trotted half a dozen even steps today; her hind sole seems to be repairing nicely.
And the bird life is coming in close to clean up after the horses!

Breakfast line-up

2011-07-07T19:56:00.001-07:00

Had a bit of a lie-in yesterday morning, so the mob lined up outside my window, waiting for breakfast!!

Brother and Sister

2011-07-07T16:21:00.000-07:00

Harry is making moves to become more friendly with CLoud, but she's not sure whether to trust him yet.
Both by C. Cloudchaser, they both have the 'management' gene! Cloud has been protective of Laddie, and Harry has looked out for Victor.
They both respect each other; Harry is looking to move up to eat alongside Cloud...his head lower than hers.
Very readable body language!

Scone results

2011-07-04T18:07:00.000-07:00

Jeremy is expecting Maybellene to maintain a more up-in-the-bridle frame as she progresses with her Novice preparation. She is stepping under and learning to carry herself with great energy. She was second on in the morning in the 2D, showed some tension (champing on the bit)and was hammered for a score in the mid fifties, which was disappointing.
She was on again at midday in the 2C and scored well; one judge had her on 65% (Level with the horse which came 2nd overall) but the second judge had her on 59.5% (the 2nd horse's 2nd score was 70%!) which gave her 62.5% overall for 13th place out of 32!

Had to be happy with that!

The Novice classes were the largest over the 2 days, with fields of 32 starters.

Scone Dressage Championships

2011-07-02T02:14:00.000-07:00

Up at 3am this morning to collect Maybellene to float to Scone Dressage championships. Jeremy had a truck full of four North Kaludah horses and Christine had another couple in a float; so a huge day for four riders..and a tiring day for YT at the end of a work week meeting deadlines before school holidays. No worry; I should sleep tonight!!
Maybellene is working her little sock off (she only has 1) but looks a real Novice in this company. Huge Novice classes ran all day; the 2D won by Heath Ryan on a newly imported Figo (by Florestan?)with Christine doing well with Jeronimo (JivexSalute) and K. Rockefeller (Regardez MOi)
Maybellene is being ridden in a more 'up' frame and is showing a bit of 'tension' as she adjusts to new expectations.

The day stayed chill and misty-overcast till about 11am, which was real Highlands weather, but my wet feet had a chance to dry out when the sun came through just in time for M's second test. I had 40-WInks to ensure I could stay awake on the drive home, and brought Herself back to her home paddock ahead of the still-competing mob.

It will be good to catch up with all the horses over the next couple of weeks of holidays!

High Flyer

2011-06-28T04:07:00.000-07:00

Kate and Mario fly high at their first Grand Prix SHow-Jumping Competition on Sunday!
1 rail down. A super start!

Judging stress

2011-06-28T03:12:00.000-07:00

Was roped into dressage judging a Newcomer's class at Denman One Day Event last weekend. Two lovely sunny winter days followed a foggy start on Saturday. A great roll up and a very friendly, beautifully organised event. President, Winks Armstrong, and Technical Delegate Sue Gunn have put together a great addition to the Eventing Calendar. They had a great band of supporters to cater for judges, volunteers and riders in the best of country hospitality tradition.

Loved catching up with fellow ex-riders, and current rider-friends. Miranda Moore had a great first outing on her new mare "Rosemount Adele", and "Bols" Armstrong gave two youngsters a great run.
Emma was in Sydney riding/presenting 'babies'at "Auction of the Stars" .

Didn't have time to catch up with Jeremy and Maybellene, but took the coats off the mob at home on sunny Sunday, to give them a dash of sunlight and check their coats &c. Cloud & Laddie instantly got stuck into some mutual grooming while the others all lined up for as much grooming-and-socialising as I had time to give!
Coats back on as the evening chill set in!

Gracie's home

2011-06-24T02:17:00.000-07:00

Went up to Taree last weekend once the waters had receded at Inspiration Farm and the driveway was navigable!
Fortunately the waters went down as rapidly as they came up, and Lesley didn't need to meet me in thigh-high gumboots!
Gracie was having a tough time with two abcesses in one foot. Lesley did a great job with Farrier and Vet treatment and bandaging, but I've brought her home to relieve the load on Lesley and give Gracie some one-on-one TLC.
Thought we might have to lift her onto the float to transport her home, but NO! She walked straight on, ready to get going.
The mob back home were happy to see her, and she got her appetite back with a bit of competition from the youngsters over the fence.

The weather has changed in our favour. It's been dry since she came home, and good winds have dried out the paddocks. Should be able to put her in the paddock with daughter, Cloud, on the weekend!

Power shift

2011-06-11T02:07:00.000-07:00

The Boyz have Upped the ante!
Not quite sure how it's happened! Perhaps Cloud is 'backing off', being protective of her fragile status!!??
Anyway,there's been a turn-around in the pecking order at feed time. All four have a biscuit of lucerne hay to occupy them and curb their impatience while I get their hard feeds ready, then I feed individual feeds in the order they decide! The order used to be: Cloud, Laddie, Victor-with-Harry, then Harry himself! One day I came back from work at the end of the day and had Victor and Harry lining up in Cloud/Laddie's old spot, so the New Order is Victor, Harry, then Cloud and Lad!

Tonight, Harry decided to Bags 2 bins!!

These are mine! You get your own!!

Funny boy! He ate all his food with his hind legs stationed in an empty bin!!

Cloud went to the next paddock for hers, and Laddie retired to the Yard, solo!

Novice Start

2011-06-05T01:21:00.001-07:00

Jeremy Janjic has progressed with Maybellene's training and today stepped her up to Novice level in the competition arena.
She showed some lovely leg yielding and counter canter loops which are introduced at this level. At 6 yrs old, she is still growing into herself so getting the hang of extension and collection is in the beginning stages. She came 5th in the 2B test with 59.5% (top score = 64%) and 11th in her second test half an hour later, scoring more 7s but a couple of 5s for transitions, in the 2D test with 58.4%. (This test was won by AnnMaree Cambridge on her imported palomino Swedish Warmblood stallion Byalee Briar.)
She is very laid back at competitions; loves the fuss, but is very keen to get back on the truck at the end of the day as well. "Don't go without me!"

I was very proud of her.

Cloud

2011-05-27T16:16:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Dorne for sending a couple of photos of Cloud, taken at Christmas; at the water trough with Maybellene, then leading Laddie through the trees.

The 3rd one was taken by Terry at Easter, showing a broadening maternal girth!

Timely Master Dentist

2011-05-24T22:39:00.001-07:00

Two super pieces of timing!!
Contacted Horse dentist Joe Raines to check whether he was in the country to Tee up teeth checks for Harry and Victor before sending them off to work.
He's in the country till this weekend, then heading Overseas, and is coming back down the New England Highway, past myplace, the next day (Today!)
Next: It starts rainiing overnight and showers and gale-force winds are forecast all day. I head off to work in pouring rain and ...pray! By late morning the clouds have lifted and I arrive home at midday to find horses racing around the paddocks in a raging wind, enjoying a break in the rain.
I separate the horses; the wind dies off; the horses stop running; Joe drives in the front gate; the rain clears out!!

Next question: how familiar are these guys with a dentist?

Couldn't ask for a better outcome! Victor first, assuming at 10 years old he's more experienced. Very trusting of both me and Joe. No problem with sedative needle. Probably hasn't had any experience of rotary buzz rasps in his mouth, but Joe takes his time acclimatising him to all his gear..and removes 2 wolf teeth and takes edges off all round to 'balance the mouth."
Then we leave Victor quietly recovering from the effects of the sedative whilst we bring youngster, Harry, 'up to the plate' alongside.
Again accepts the sedative needle without hassle and trusts Joe with all his machinations. He has a not-yet-5-year old mouth, with a couple of budding wolf teeth yet to erupt, but he, like Victor, copes with the buzzing, grating and rasping with widening eyes rolling for reassurance.

What more could one ask! Well mannered Saddlebreds with beautiful teeth!
And I'm now assured they can go back into work with Jeremy with no teeth issues which might affect their work on the bit.

It's always great to catch up with Joe. As a master dentist, he loves his work, and horses, and spends 3 months each year overseas, updating his qualifications and teaching and learning, initially on the East coast of the US, and more recently in Holland. He's met many breeds of horses and has worked with many Saddlebreds in the States, where the Dentist is usually called in to work alongside a Horse Veterinarian, so he has some fascinating experiences to share!
I first met him when he was taking care of Rocco's teeth, so he has a good memory of teeth and character similarities with my more recent Rocco (and Paeon) relatives.

Jumping lines

2011-05-24T03:22:00.000-07:00

Great to see another Saddlebred making an entree on the eventing scene.
And from predictable jumping lines!!
Spotted at Canberra ODE: Leigh Nelson with Logan, (registered Wildmoor's Pre-ordained) in the Newcomers A class, coming in clear cross-country and S-J.
He has Peppermint Valley Commander and Goldmount Challenger predominant in his breeding.
By Canyonleigh Hail to Glory ...by Pep V.C. x Sutton's Grand Glory(fr.Penny West)
out of Wildmoor's Moonlight Invasion...by S.Moonshine x S.Centennial Destiny
(Kal.Penny..G.CHallengerxPenny West)

That jumping "eye" is strongly heritable through the Pep/Challenger/KalaramaPenny/Penny West influence.
Notable jumpers:Goldmount Challenger,
son Sutton's Spirit of '76
daughter Kalarama Penny out of Penny West
her son Bloomsbury's Top Cat by Canyonleigh Jubilation
by Pep V.c.
her daughter's son ; Canyonleigh Sirecho by C. Echo Comm
by Pep V.C.
Canyonleigh Paeon, (Pep/Penny West bloodlines)
and now "Logan".

Best wishes to another potential "addict" on the eventing scene!

Scene One: Oops!!

2011-05-16T02:04:00.000-07:00

Harry has a good snort;
and looks for his mate;
has a little chat to young Galahad;
Laddie makes a move..and slips in the mud.
"Nothing happened! Honestly!You saw NOTHING!!"

Medallion Eventer

2011-05-11T01:21:00.000-07:00

Photos courtesy of Franz Venhaus/Equestrian Australia.

Pictured is Heath Ryan on "Mystery Whisper" by Richmeed Medallion, on the 3Star Cross-country course at SIEC last year.
(Medallion is also sire to my own Bloomsbury Mai Ssandro and Bloomsbury Maybellene).

"Mystery Whisper" (aka "Moses")has won the Sydney 3Star twice, (2008 & 2010, pictured above) and they came in 6th this year.
He and Heath are on the short list for selection for the London Olympics, 2013.

World Cup up close!

2011-05-08T02:33:00.001-07:00

I travelled down to Sydney International Equestrian Centre (SIEC) at Horsley Park today to help out officiating as a Marshall for the Preliminary and 1 Star show-jumping legs of the world cup eventing competitions.
Then I had the opportunity to see the final of the World Cup Show Jumping Competition.
BIG!! Eleven jumps with 14 jumping efforts (including a double and a treble!) all about Maximum height of 1.5metres! It was a pretty tight track, being indoors, which disadvantaged a few of the bigger, faster horses, but 7 jumped clear and made the jump-off. I wasn't able to stay for the jump-off as I had to drive home (3 hours) to feed up, so will have to look up final results during the week.
Olivia Hamood (who trained Sandro!) was into the jump-off on her grey, Nemo. (Shown above)
Julia Hargraves was riding a beautiful bay who she's taking overseas to campaign later this year. She had won the last two World Cup events on him, but had a rail today.

Not good snaps, but they give a sense of the size of the course and the exertion of the mounts!! Awesome!
(I'll have to edit the horse's names in, when I check the results.)

Boyz Sport!

2011-05-02T03:22:00.000-07:00

Four weeks after their arrival and the new boys have really settled in. The 3 boys have been paddocked together for a week now. They've endured a thoroughly wet week and have donned their winter rugs. And the young blokes are up for a rumble!!
I haven't seen 2 year old Laddie play like this until now!
He's chased the older girls, and Paeon, in short bursts, but has been perfectly happy to back down to his elders.
On Sunday, as the rain kept away,Laddy (2)and Harry (5) decided to get stuck into some serious play!! Some niceties at the beginning, ducking and weaving to try to upend each other, rearing and pushing, then some serious chasing, racing, snorting..and finally..drinks!! at the water trough.
Laddie showed some "cow" tendencies, rounding Harry up, getting his head in front and leaning across in front of him to turn him, but Harry could stop on the spot, wheel and dash off ahead, pulling out some serious acceleration when needed.
I think Harry's presence is teaching Laddie some manouverability he might not have developed without this play!
Great to watch!
And throughout the 15 minute game, Victor held his ground and continued to eat, completely uninterested in such adolescent behaviour!!

Memphis Belle offspring

2011-04-26T22:40:00.001-07:00

The above are all offspring of the bay American Saddlebred mare Canyonleigh Memphis Belle (now deceased).
Canyonleigh Victorious is a 10y.o. chestnut gelding by C. Bigshot;
Bloomsbury's Maybellene is a black 6 y.o. mare by the famed Richmeed Medallion;
Bloomsbury's Mai Ssandro is a black 8y.o. gelding by R. Medallion (full bro. to Mayb)
Bloomsbury's Sir Galahad is a brown/black 2y.o. gelding by Brae Galaxy x B.Maybellene
Canyonleigh Olympic Chaser is a palomino 5 y.o. gelding by C. Cloudchaser x Belle Olympia (daughter of Memphis Belle.

Temperament and style are super. The colour variation is interesting..from a bay mare,(Memphis Belle), the sires affected the colour. Bigshot = chestnut, Medallion = black; Brae Galaxy = chestnut but dam's sire, Biathlon, was black; Cloudchaser = palomino.
(Photos courtesy Terry Inkson)

Boyz Trio

2011-04-26T00:30:00.000-07:00

I brought Maybellene home on Saturday for a couple of weeks' break from work. That necessitated a bit of re-organising as she still has shoes on and hasn't yet met the new boys...and she's in season! So she and Cloud are sharing one paddock and Laddie has moved in with Harry and Victor.

Harry is asserting himself...I think purely because he's the tallest and can 'look down' on Laddie.

They all enjoyed the attention of visitors on a farm visit yesterday.
Thanks to Terry for the photos above.
Bay = B. Sir Galahad (2y.o.)
Chestnut = C. Victorious (10y.o.)
Palomino = C. Olympic Chaser (5y.o.) "Harry"

Social progress

2011-04-19T15:34:00.001-07:00

Gradually feeding closer together; Cloud buffers/owns Laddie and the biggest pile of feed.
This morning, Harry (foreground, rugged) took over this pile of feed and Cloud moved to be conciliatory, wanting to eat with him! She moseyed around him, slowly, with head lower than his, as Harry continued to eat; Laddie then brashly walked in between the two and spoiled the possible peace pact, so after this, Harry left them to their own devices. Fascinating to watch.

Ssandro photos from Berrima

2011-04-15T01:27:00.000-07:00

Photos courtesy of Equiscape.

Developments

2011-04-14T02:39:00.000-07:00

Day 11 after the Boyz arrival! and they're relaxing into their surroundings at last!! Just after dusk the dogs alerted me to some commotion in the paddocks, I'd have needed an Infr-red camera to capture it ,unfortunately, but there were the BIG 4cavorting in their glory!! doing the evening "burn", tails flagging madly...Harry and Victor at an extravagant 90 degrees, Cloud at 80degrees, and Laddie at about 45!!(but his paces were absolutely "afloat" and made up for the difference!!)
Cloud and Laddie went 'the full hog' around the complete extremeties, whilst Harry and Victor confined themselves to the back paddock.
Beautiful!
Cloud and Laddie have a 'bit of condition' on, and haven't been very active since the Boyz arrived, so they were really puffing...camouflaged with the Saddlebred "snort"...rather ineffectively!
Lots of Snorting: times 4!!! Quite an impact on the environment!

Day 12, today..and Cloud left Laddie to cope alone with Harry and Victor in the front paddock while she kept a judicious eye on the machinations from the buffer lane. Then H & V were relaxed and brave enough to remain in the 'upper' paddock to join the other two for afternoon tea! Hay all round!

Then all fiendly and relaxed this evening.
Great guys!

Sandro photos + result

2011-04-11T16:10:00.001-07:00

Results posted Wednesday: Sandro placed 7th /31 in the Berrima PrelimB class. He scored 59.2% for the dressage leg: if he'd finished on his dressage score he'd have been placed 2nd!..but he had 2 rails in the show-jumping this time.

would like to invite you to view pictures Berrima Horse Trials Autumn ODE April 2011 at Equiscape Photography. They are located at http://www.equiscapephotography.com.au/.

When you go to the website, click the Access Gallery link and enter in the access code below:

Access code: a12a8518

After you do that, you will be able to view these pictures."

I checked: it doesn't take you to the exact photos. You need to look in the Prelim Crosscountry file, page 9. He's image ID 293613/14/15

Shifting dynamics

2011-04-10T00:59:00.000-07:00

Harry and Victor are proving to be very "thoughtful" in the way they're adapting to their new situation.

Kept separate from Cloud and Laddie for the first couple of days, they had the opportunity to check out their new paddocks and get used to the noise and activity of a suburban environment after the quiet, space and broader herd experience of a country property, Canyonleigh Stud, south of Moss Vale.
When they were allowed into the same paddock, it was Cloud who looked to be dominant, making a bit of a charge at the newbies, but when Harry stood his ground (protecting the older, smaller, Victor), Cloud backed off, and, miffed, headed off into her own space, with Laddie in tow.
So it's virtually been Laddie sticking close to Cloud and Victor pairing up with Harry.
I'm feeding them separately and closing them in separate paddocks every other night to ensure the new boys can relax and sleep a bit better.
The new boys both have a good 'eye' for 'personal space' and safe passing distance; augurs well for eventing (!!).
From day to day they're venturing further apart from each other and closer to the 'residents'.
Interesting to see, in the photo above, the similarity between the Cloudchaser brother and sister (Cloud and Harry)...
and also the way Cloud orchestrated a friendly move, on the 'safe' side of 'unflappable' Laddie, touching noses with Harry, with Victor tucked in behind him.

Rocco and Lisa

2011-04-10T00:43:00.000-07:00

Rocco starts event season in Maryland

2011-04-07T13:10:00.000-07:00

Rocco (Canyonleigh Sirecho) and owner/rider Lisa Kurr had their first Eventing start for the 2011 season on the beautiful Morven Park course last weekend.
A great start, with a good dressage score and clear cross-country and show-jumping phases; finished mid-field in an Open Novice Rider class..but all very close scores.

Photos from grcphoto have just been posted.

http://www.photoreflect.com/store/Orderpage.aspx?pi=0EBK00EA830000&po=0&pc=55

Rocco (Canyonleigh Echo Commander x C. Katy Stardust) is related to both the palominos I have at home at the moment.
C. Katy Stardust is the dam of the Canyonleigh Stud stallion C. Cloudchaser who is the sire of 4y.o. filly Cloud (C.Cloudchaser XC. Amazing Grace whose dam is also a grand-daughter of Kalarama Penny, dam of Katy)..
and also sire of 5 y.o. gelding Harry (C. Olympic Chaser, by C. Cloudchaser x C. Belle Olympia).

Cloud's in foal now, but I have hopes that Harry has also inherited the jumping "eye" and stamina.

Singleton Young riders

2011-04-05T02:45:00.000-07:00

North Kaludah 'grooms': Megan Riley on Maybellene and Alexandra Leppien on Aleiro....had their turn on the dressage tour on Sunday at Singleton.
Super young riders!

Would you believe that Maybellene (Black)is 16hh; How tall is Aleiro!!???

Maybellene at SDA

2011-04-03T01:11:00.000-07:00

Beautiful sunny day today for Singleton Dressage competition; just the best weather for my sister Andy to visit and catch up on M&M's progress.

Megan had 2 tests on Maybellene, a Prelim in the morning and a Novice mid afternoon.
The pair worked beautifully today.
Christine has been teaching Megan to 'communicate' more, with a young horse and it was exciting to see both partners working for a test result. The fields were very big; there were 30 in the Prelim class with a winning score of 62%, so M&M's 58.8% had her placed 6th.
Another large class in the Novice and again the pair drew comments. "Very sweet; lovely paces"! The scores weren't available by the time we left, but it was a good test, so Maybellene got heaps of pats , and some sugar cubes as reward.
She enjoys her outings and takes everything in her stride.

Many thanks to the North Kaludah team, coach Christine, trainer-coach Jeremy, Sharon Leppien and Alex and Georgia, and Kathryn Crofts for the support calling the test.

New Boyz on the Blok!

2011-04-01T01:09:00.000-07:00

Harry and Victor arrived at the crack of dawn this morning.
Many thanks to John from Jackaroo Horse Transport who over-nighted at Cessnock and got up to load the guys before daylight in order to get to me at 7am so I could leave for work before 8!
The boys cooperated, too. Harry(the pally) had never before left the farm and he walked straight out of the paddock onto the truck on Thursday afternoon, was loathe to leave the safety of the truck to change carriers in Sydney, offloaded in Cessnock in the dark and then loaded by the light of the truck lights this morning. No wonder he was happy to unload here this morning. Victor knew more about it all and was a little more questioning of the process, but both boys are happy, eating well tonight, in their new paddock.
Very pretty, friendly boyz!!
Cloud and Laddie can't wait to be up more 'close and personal' than rubbing noses!

Saddlebred history from Kentucky Vet

2011-03-29T00:27:00.000-07:00

Interesting short article on the breed development of the saddlebred!

http://www.equinews.com/article/the-history-of-the-american-saddlebred

Friesian Kuring at Cobbitty

2011-03-22T00:46:00.001-07:00

Jeremy Janjic on Django of Cacherel has been raising eyebrows as he progresses up the dressage grades with Lynn and Peter Jenkins' stunning Friesian Stallion. A tribute to trainer Jeremy's skill ...and competitive spirit. Currently in the ribbons at Inter1 and Freestyles!
Now he's being matched by partner Christine Crawford on the Jenkins' younger stallion, Jacana TK.
Seen here, together, performing a crowd-pleasing Pas De Deux at the Kuring at Cobbitty, for the visiting Dutch assessors!!
Beautiful, Guys!!

Be great if Maybellene or Galahad get to this level!!??

Northern spring; eventers emerge!

2011-03-21T01:05:00.000-07:00

The snow has melted away in Maryland, USA, and "Rocco" and Lisa and barn-mates "Fantastick" and "Cindy" are in training for the their first event of the year on the first weekend in April.
Looking good!

Hunter Valley Dressage Comp

2011-03-19T00:12:00.000-07:00

Megan took Maybellene out for her third competition this morning, riding 3 tests: Prelim 1B, and then two Novice tests 2A and 2B. They settled into their work as the day progressed with scores up to 60%. Didn't quite crack the big 6-O, but rated the comment "quality horse, not yet working; Huge Potential".
The third test was the most workmanlike, as Megan gained confidence and relaxed a bit with Jeremy 'calling' on the sidelines.
Maybellene was really hitting her straps and would probably have gone 'one more round'; it's a learning experience for all concerned as we (Christine, Megan,Jeremy,Maybellene and I) get to know her work habits and application.

Typical subjective 'stuff': the Prelim test was first at 8:30a.m. and Megan was primed to the minute. The rider before her didn't show, so another "reserve lister" took the spot; then the missing rider appeared and 'pushed in' to Megan's spot. By the time she got to ride, the "rude" judge let fly at the 'young rider' about her "lateness", even though she explained she'd been ready-to-go well on time...and penalised her through his scoring!
A tough start to the day. Happens all the time; got to be resilient in all sports/all spheres these days.

Di and Tony Stanley were there with Colonial Hot and Handsome (sired by Brae Galaxy, Laddie's dad) winning the Inter 11 ridden by Jessica Willard. Two other Colonial Park horses peformed well also.

The competition was HOt, Hot, Hot, at all levels, with the top score at 2A of 77%, and 2B at 69% enabling fields of more than 30 horses to receive competition experience and feedback from the judges.

Big week for North Kaludah: Megan, Alex and Georgia at Anambah today (HVDA), Megan , Jeremy and Christine off to Cobbitty for the Friesian Kuring with Django and Jacana tomorrow, then down to Melbourne on Monday with Jazzsong and Django for D&JWTS.

Alex, Georgia and their Dad holding the fort with Lisa....and Maybellene and the rest of the crew!!

In Foal!!

2011-03-16T02:13:00.001-07:00

Vet, Peter Tabak, was due to arrive this afternoon to check Cloud. There was an enormous "tropical downpour" from 4 to 5 pm so I expected the appointment to be a wash-out, but..it was all over by the time Pete arrived at 5:30ish. Popped Cloud in the crush and held my breath. All's well! She's healthily in foal to Brae Galaxy, (46days!?)..and I can try not to hold my breath for the next 9.5months!!
Cloud seems very settled; it will be interesting to see how she manages her First!
I'm forever amazed at the instinctive abilities of first-time mothers!

Training on

2011-03-12T20:33:00.000-08:00

Christine gave Maybellene a good workout today, insisting on immediate response to the leg; no "fudging" responses to the aids in transitions to canter.

3 Weekends of super dressage!

2011-03-10T23:14:00.001-08:00

Super competition coming up!
Christine and Jeremy are at Sydney DC with Jazzsong and Django respectively this Saturday. Flash presentations on Saturday night for those who travel down to SIEC!

The following weekend is Hunter Valley Dressage Club competition at Rutherford grounds, where Maybellene and Megan contest the 1B against at least 2 other Medallion sons, and the Novice 2A and 2B against the likes of Heath Ryan and Emma Armstrong riding Regardez Moi and Jive Magic offspring and Anne-Marie Lowrey and Megan's offsider at North Kaludah, Alexandria Leppien on her own horse, Rivalyn Alairo recently arrived from Emerald in Queensland.
Boy!!
The competition is super HOT!!
Can't wait!!
Wow Megan! You've nothing to lose against those competitors who've been out there much longer than you and super-Maybelle!Just ride her as you do at home and it'll be perfect!!
The following weekend Christine and Jeremy are off to Melbourne for D&JWTS, again with Jazzsong and DJango (and Jacana???...I'm not sure!)..with Megan and Alex in the support roles.
Whoa! Talk about BUSY!!! Go you good things.

http://www.huntervalleydressage.com/competitions.html

Politics is alive and well!!

2011-03-06T00:19:00.000-08:00

Coming up to the DJWTS (Dressage and Jumping With The Stars) in Melbourne and NSW riders are reeling!! With the best training in the country, it's hard to qualify when the Sydney judges give 2 qualifying scores out of a field of 30 at Clarendon, in contrast to 26 out of 30 in Queensland gaining qualifying scores from a visiting International judge!
We all know that dressage judging is "subjective", but this seems to add fuel to the argument that we need a "panel of judges" for qualifying events, with perhaps 5 judges and jettison top and bottom scores...as in Olympic judging for gymnastics, diving, etcetera!!

Hot competition

2011-03-01T02:30:00.000-08:00

Who needs outside competition when it's so 'hot' close to home?
The North Kaludah trio scored within one mark of each other in the Official 1B test: Alex on Kaludah Glitter (aka "Gary")on 59.8%,
Jeremy on Kaludah Reveal on 59.6%, and
Megan on Maybellene on 59.0%
placing 9, 10, 11th respectively out of 21 entrants.

Scone Dressage

2011-02-26T22:10:00.000-08:00

The North Kaludah team took 7 horses up the valley to Scone today. I had a 4:30am start to collect Maybellene to float her up for Megan to ride. Jeremy rode 3 horses in 2 tests each from Prelim to Prix St George, Christine had 2 horses at Prix St George and Grand Prix level, and the "girls" had 2 tests each; Megan had her second competition with Maybellene doing a Prelim and her first Novice test, and Alex likewise had 2 tests on 'Gary'(by Brae Galaxy).

The warm-up gave the young horses their first experience of golf carts and buggies on the adjoining golf links, so leg-yielding towards a white buggy coming out of the trees was a new trick(!!) but everyone coped well.

Maybellene got lots of nice comments in her new white warm-up boots. She and Megan did their first (for both) Novice test in the morning; the first half was a little uneven, but the halt at A was super and the second half of the test looked lovely. After a 3 hour break, the pair warmed up for the Prelim and looked very smooth and 'round' throughout. The test results weren't posted by the time I had to leave so I'll have to find them out tomorrow.

All up, a lovely day out; sunny to start and hot enough for jackets to be deemed optional (many rode with jackets on and perspired profusely!), then overcast with a light breeze. Great experience for the developing partnership(s).
Roll on Hunter Valley DA in a fortnight!

Cooling rain

2011-02-20T02:00:00.000-08:00

Two 15 minute cloudbursts dropped the temperature and brought some relief from the heat...but didn't last long. I hosed Cloud and Laddie when I took their cotton rugs off this morning and they enjoyed the sweat being rinsed off. Another , natural, shower this evening!

Cloudie's back

2011-02-14T01:59:00.000-08:00

What service! Di and Tony took a couple of mares to the vet for preg testing, one of them being Cloud. She's 14 days in, so they thoughtfully dropped her off here at home, not so far from the vet! Potentially saving her another floating!
What great timing!
Laddie is Home Alone, so his 'best mate' is home to keep him company.
Not that she wants anything to do with 'that boy stuff'. She told him quite definitely...so now he's a bit bewildered as to why she's cranky with him.
She'll get over it; I guess it was quite a big day for her!
Now for the count-down to a 45day test. Fingers crossed!

Alex Park; Sunday comp

2011-02-12T23:45:00.000-08:00

Maybellene had her first competition outing for some 18 months when Christine and Jeremy's groom, Megan Riley, offered to take her to pick up a couple of scratch rides at the Alexander Park Associate Training dressage day, today.
I was going to 'pencil' for some tests, so it was great to be able to see her.
The weather was fair; scudding showers and overcast, but at least it wasn't too hot.
Megan and Maybellene, both, coped beautifully. In their first test, the Prelim 1B they placed 6th /27 with 61%. Their second test was a little 'smoother' and scored 62.5% for 8th/30.
Very creditable performances in classes where the pros were developing their youngsters.

The photos are from the warm-up as I was involved with other tests when she was in the arena.
The first photo shows Megan riding Maybellene towards Sappho Ranson-Elliott on the grey 2* eventer Bonza Troy (bought from Matt Ryan).
The group photo shows Emma Armstrong warming up on Rogue Trader (by Regardez-Moi) on the left, Jeremy Janjic on Kaludah Ribbon (another by Regardez-Moi) in the background,and Megan and Maybellene (M&M!) on the right.
The competition is really "hot"!
I caught some lovely 'uphill'work in trot and canter in the others.

Back home

2011-02-11T14:31:00.000-08:00

The Ladster is back!
Jeremy dropped him home last night. He came on the truck, on his own..another first! No hesitation about loading this time. In fact, he has been positive about everything after the initial loading for transport, really; didn't show any of the resistance I was prepared to hear of. Jeremy says he shows intimations of "a lot of gears" which are available to be engaged as his training progresses to higher levels of dressage or show-jumping (!?) Very interesting!
Meanwhile, it's a new experience to be Home Alone, but he seems to be very 'grown-up' in handling the situation.
Photos are from a bit of a strut this morning; I haven't got the head, or tail as well shown as I might have, but his more fit/adult outline is evident!

Breaking progress

2011-02-04T20:38:00.000-08:00

Laddie has really relaxed into his work with the breaker this (second) week. Jeremy is happy that he is proving to have the Saddlebred brain and endurance and is showing a go-forward work ethic.
He is looking to be a very balanced young horse, showing easy changes in all upward and downward transitions....already!
Very pleasing!

Photos from Kate

2011-02-04T13:03:00.000-08:00

Kate sent through a couple of photos she found from her pre-Christmas visit Down Under.
She and I were given a quad-bike tour of the Ryan's stud at Heatherbrae by fellow eventer, Emma Armstrong, and enjoyed checking out potential dressage and eventing superstars from the likes of Regardez-Moi, Jive Magic, Fiji, Brilliant Invader, Salute, Starnberg, Aspen...
Amazing established bloodlines for success at world class competition level!

Then Kate snapped took some snaps of Bloomsbury horses, at home.
Photos show Kate and Emma on the tour at Ryan's, with Ryan's youngsters looking over their shoulder... and, back at home, Laddie, Maybellene, Gracie and Cloud getting a drink after a (leisurely) chase around the paddock to see some 'action' ..on a very steamy morning when they would rather not be bothered!

Pan and Brooke

2011-02-02T22:46:00.000-08:00

I love hearing back from my 'family' of horses. Mike Piper sent through some photos of Brooke and Pan training on their property.
They look to be developing a very trusting, working partnership, and having fun into the bargain.

Start-up

2011-01-31T03:04:00.000-08:00

Laddie is getting his head around all this serious business! Easy to gear up, but Jeremy is not too sure about how much trust there is between the two of them!!(His body language is more phlegmatic then my purebreds!) Took to the girthing, saddling etc, without a hitch, and then he's had two rides yesterday and today without any confontation. Laddie needed some persuasion to "go forward"; it was more than just the ennervating heat; he doesn't have the ""let's go" attitude of the purebred/1st-cross saddlebred!! Interesting!!
His paces might make up for it!! Powerful, light, balanced, 'off the ground'...and the power just "lifts him further off the ground" when he gets revved up!! Needs some energising though!
It will be interesting to see how he responds to the 'asks' of the trainer, over time.

Dog Days

2011-01-26T00:17:00.000-08:00

My dogs have enjoyed more opportunities to run free on the local Hunter River beaches during my holidays, especially in the last couple of weeks once my energy levels have reboosted!
We'll all miss the luxury of fitting these leisurely romps into a low-key timetable once I get back to work.
George is the Airedale, Rupert the Cairn terrier and Steffi the Schnauzer.

Breaking news!!

2011-01-23T23:28:00.000-08:00

Laddie had his first adult lesson today. Jeremy brought the truck to collect him to transport for breaking in.
We loaded grande dame Gracie first to show him what to do and to be company on his first road trip, but he didn't take the hint as easily as my purebred youngsters have. I think, on reflection, that they are more 'visual learners'; show them something and they've instantly got their heads around it and just 'do it'!
Laddie looks but he doesn't automatically copy; he'll try another way first.
So I think he's a more Kinaesthetic learner: he had to resist first,learn that his resistance got him nowhere+ discomfort(!), be convinced he HAD to follow Gracie onto the truck,..knock the lip of the tray with one foot, then the other, then try a trip up the step, and eventually get all four feet on the tray and decide it looked like a stable he could go into with no qualms.

Jeremy has strength, great timing (pressure/release)..and endless patience. He allowed Laddie to finally figure it out for himself and work out it wasn't so bad after all...and he got lots of praise and didn't 'lose face'!.

Gracie stood like a rock, throughout.

Laddie is a big, strong, 2 year old. He's at exactly the right stage to be introduced to a challenge to occupy the brain and begin to develop his athleticism.

Photos show B. Sir Galahad (aka Laddie) checking out visitor C. Kentucky Rose, with C. Amazing Grace keeping a close eye on activities.

Mares on the move

2011-01-13T01:29:00.000-08:00

I took Cloud to Colonial Park Stud, on Saturday, to visit Brae Galaxy. She was beautifully behaved: walked straight onto the float, travelled well and disembarked with great interest. Di and Tony Stanley asked how tall she was as she was showing her maximum Saddlebred presence as she stood tall to check out her new surrounds.
Cloud is a half sister to Lesley Inkson's stallion "Bucky", (Canyonleigh Gold Bar), also by Canyonleigh Cloud Chaser.
She was broken to saddle at 2 years old, at about 15:2hh, by Jeremy Janjic, as shown above, and then turned out to grow. At 3 yrs old and about 16:2hh, we'll see if she goes in foal to Gallo. (Gullit/Biathlon).
Di says she's not in season yet, but she's not looking averse to the boy.

Maybellene has been home for some 8 weeks and has been asking for a job for the last week or two, (coming up to me whenever I was available and wanting some 'action'), so I took her back to Christine Crawford at North Kaludah on Monday. She also walked straight on the float; couldn't wait to get going!! She went straight into a lunging session in the round yard to see where she's at...and Boy!!..is she looking good! She's grown a bit during her break, and hasn't lost any muscle! Went straight into a powerful, reaching trot, maintaining strong forward rhythm and offering a great long reaching stretch over the back and then rolled into canter. Didn't have to be pursuaded to work, but was ready and willing to get stuck back into it. Why didn't I have my camera!
The photos of her above show her first competition at 3 years old, and then some work with Jeremy as a 5 year old, in August 2010. (She had about 16 months off to foal Laddie).

Both girls are enjoying their new ventures. It's great to see them coping so well!

"Equiery" photos

2011-01-08T00:09:00.000-08:00

Kate Chadderton features on the front cover of the January issue of "Equiery" magazine, riding "Queen of Phoeba" (Phoebe) in a Novice Horse division at Rubicon Farm One Day event at the end of the USA eventing season, only 1 second away from the winner, on x-country time!!

Lisa Kurr is also portrayed riding Canyonleigh Sirecho ("Rocco")to a super close 3rd place in a Novice Rider division at the same Event. (1 point behind 1st and 2nd place!)

Great to be able to follow their progress from this distance!

Good look!

2011-01-04T13:23:00.000-08:00

Inquisitive saddlebreds

2011-01-04T00:40:00.000-08:00

Just the excuse the mob needed to go for a burn round the property!

Some neighbours decided to walk a pony down the road to a training establishment, using a car to buffer the young pony from the excitement of reacting to my mob. Didn't stop my lot from doing everything in their power to get as close as possible to the action.

Who was the fastest, and the first to initiate the Big Dash? Young purebred filly, Cloud, followed by her old mum, Gracie, outpaced the warmbloods Maybellene and Laddie. Cloud's even looking the tallest of them all at the moment!

Home bird

2011-01-03T13:10:00.000-08:00

This post is especially for my northern hemisphere friends, feeding red-breasted robins in the snow.
Here, I give a daily feed supplement to the local wild birds; not enough that they depend on my service, but enough to encourage them to drop by. I can then enjoy a range of visitors according to the season.
(The local produce store says that "Wild Bird Seed" is their best seller, so I'm not the only one to enjoy their presence!)

At the moment, the sulphur crested cockatoos and King parrots (Green with brilliant red heads and fronts) have moved on and the Corellas have arrived. Galahs (grey and pink) and doves are present all year round, as are magpies, peewees, Butcher birds, Honeyeaters ('Noisy mynas') and ibises on the dam.
I feel very privileged to enjoy their song and antics.

I still haven't got any fruit (apples, apricots and plums) from my young fruit trees. I had a good crop this year, but just as they were looking ripe enough to pick, the King parrots arrived and had a feast!! I was too late to invest in netting. I'll be set up for next year!

everyday sorrow

2011-01-01T14:32:00.000-08:00

A pair of wood ducks have been getting very relaxed about the place lately, even coming up to clean up the horse feed in the shed on Christmas Day morning. The dogs weren't bothered about them, didn't even think they were worth a bark! Maybe it's the same pair who walked up from the dam to the front of the house to regularly check out the 'wild bird seed' earlier in the year, or this time last year. I don't know much about the natural longevity of wood ducks, but this pair were very "cool" about everything.
Then I noticed that one duck was sitting on the edge of the dam by itself for a couple of days this week. I went down to see if he was OK and found he was sitting by his dead mate!! Very sad!
I wonder if the horses had knocked the duck? It wasn't a fox, or it wouldn't have still been intact, and I couldn't see any obvious cause.
His/her partner is still hanging about; I wonder if ducks pair for life? Another couple flew in to keep him company but he won't leave with them. Three's a crowd??
There have been up to 20 pairs, with chicks, on the dam at some times, but at the moment there's just this loner and his visitors.
A couple of plovers came to check him out yesterday...or maybe they'll tidy up/scavenge his mate!?

Rocco and Kaden

2010-12-21T23:42:00.001-08:00

Kaden Weaver was a student of Kate's when she was based in Ourimbah, before E.I, before his HSC. He then travelled overseas before spending some months last year, riding with Kate in Maryland. He came home at the end of 2009, but returned to ride-"work" for Kate in a more permanent role. He's picked up the ride on Rocco a couple of times when Lisa has been unavailable.

There's some nice photos of all 3 phases at this Event at Rubicon Horwse Trials , where they placed 4th in a Novice Rider class.

Photos courtesy grcphotography.

Rocco and Lisa,

2010-12-21T23:30:00.000-08:00

Kate brought some great photos of Lisa jumping Rocco at Loudon Hunt One Day Event. None of the dressage phase in this batch, but some beauties on the cross-country course and the show-jumping phase.
They placed 3rd in this event.

Photos courtesy of grcphotography.

Kate in Oz

2010-12-20T17:43:00.001-08:00

Kate Chadderton is back in Australia for a couple of weeks leading up to Christmas, and to celebrate a "Big O" birthday with her mum, Dorne, in Woodford.
It was great to catch up with all her news and some Rocco stories on her flying visit to Newcastle today. SHe brought me a couple of discs of Rocco at competitions with Lisa at Loudon Hunt Club ODE, and Kaden at Rubicon, back in (our)autumn.

The photo above shows Lisa and Rocco setting up for a jump on the cross-country course.

Kate is back to Maryland briefly over Christmas/New Year before moving self and horses to Aiken's warmth, again, till April.

It's great to hear of her adventures and that her hard work is paying off.

Partners

2010-12-18T20:25:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Brooke Piper, of Yarramalong, Central Coast, NSW, the new owner of Canyonleigh Paeon (aka "Pan").

Brooke has been working with Paeon for the past week and the two have formed an easy partnership, recognised by Brooke's generous Dad, Mike. and grandparents Margaret and Tom.
Paeon showed no desire to return home with me when I visited his new home today. He's having a ball in his new home, with his new mate, own jumps, and arena. Brooke has already started teaching him the sporting games for Interschools competitions. We look forward to following the progress of the new partners.

Paeon Show-jumping

2010-12-11T14:57:00.000-08:00

Pan has gone to the beautiful Yarramalong Valley to visit Brooke for a week to see if their friendship might develop into a more serious relationship.

I've posted this series of photos to allow Brooke to get her eye around what she can expect of Pan at this stage in his training.

This first set is of the show-jumping phase of his first Introductory level One Day Event at Scone, on September 26, ridden by rider/trainer Emma Armstrong.

(You can click on any photo to see it separately, and click again to enlarge, if desired)

Pan x-country

2010-12-11T14:31:00.000-08:00

The first 3 photos are training at Heatherbrae prior to the event; The bottom two are on the x-country course at his first Introductory level ODE at Scone on September 25. Clear, and spot-on-time!!

Pan (1) dressage

2010-12-11T14:21:00.000-08:00

These photos are from the start of Pan's dressage test at Scone Intro ODE, September 25,

Pan dressage

2010-12-11T14:07:00.000-08:00

These photos are of the second half of Pan's dressage test at Scone Intro ODE on September 25.

Pan heritage

2010-12-11T13:53:00.000-08:00

Pan's sire is the palomino stallion Canyonleigh Super Nova, shown above at Canyonleigh Stud, Yacamunda farm, Paddy's River Road, Canyonleigh.
His full brother was the very rich liver chestnut Canyonleigh Echo Commander who sired the palomino currently eventing in the USA, C. Sirecho.

Pan's dam is the bay mare C. Ariadne. He is shown above, as a 2 month old foal, with his dam in January 2006 at Canyonleigh.

"It's raining again!!"

2010-12-05T01:06:00.000-08:00

We haven't got the floods which are affecting the Murrumbidgee catchment, with Wagga Wagga going under water this evening, but the Hunter river level is up. I'm told the mines/power stations in the upper Hunter are allowed to release measured amounts of the diluted tailings held in dams at periods like this when the natural flow of the rivers is sufficient to carry the lode...so that accounts for the river running at higher than normal levels at the moment, downstream of Glenbrook Dam.

At home, the ground had dried out after a week of dry, but with 2 inches of rain over 2 days midweek, the watercourse through the horse paddock is running again, to the tune of a number of frogs and crickets!

I woke at dawn this morning to the sight of Cloud hunting a flock of sulphur-crested cockatoos away from the feed. She wasn't very serious about it though, as the birds were very relaxed around the horses.
Laddie just watches!

Success...at the top!!

2010-11-22T00:51:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Jeremy Janjic, horse trainer of reknown.

Starter of Brett Parberry's "Victory Salute", all of North Kaludah's young stock, ....many of the offspring of Brae Galaxy, Gullit, Prince Noir,...and Richmeed Medallion,..including Bloomsbury's Maybellene...shown in work above.
Jeremy has been partnering Lyn Jenkins' Friesian stallion "Django of Cacherel", since he broke him in , and they have reached memorable heights with a 3rd placing in the Intermediate Freestyle at Equitana.
Fantastic result!!!

Doings

2010-11-19T01:29:00.000-08:00

Heard from Lisa today. She was doing some x-country training with Rocco in the woods adjoining the barn. Sighted a couple of foxes and a six-point stag!!! Sounds very wintry/other-worldly/Christmassy. Rocco's had a clip and is the proud owner of a multitude of layers of rugs. High maintenance, she says, but worth it!!
He'll do some jumping, indoors, over winter, and may head south for some warmer weather!!

At home, we've had more than 3 inches (67ml) of rain over 2 days, 35 degree temperatures, the humidity is still >>100%, and the horses are taking every advantage of the running wet. The watercourse off the hill runs through their paddocks, so they get to experience the wet along with snake-necked turtles, and a variety of ducks which arrive to check out the newly flush dam.
Laddie followed his mum with a swim in the dam surrounds at dusk!!

"The rains are a'coming, ah-ha, ah-ha!!"

2010-11-15T00:44:00.000-08:00

What's that saying, "It never rains but it pours"??
Got home this afternoon and the gutters were a-wash, the paddock running rivers and the dams overflowing. Must have been a major cloudburst. I was blissfully unaware, at work.
The horses were enjoying it!! No wonder they're proving to be unphased by the water jumps on cross-country courses.
Maybellene took the opportunity to take a bath, whilst the others perused the scene with interest.
They all had a splash around, later on in the eveining, in the overflow of the dam in the back paddock. Then lots of laps of the paddocks to get warm and dry again!!
Maybellene has a very fine coat and is really bugged by the ...BUGS!!...of course, so I think she's decided a mudpack might allay the itches!!
Good thinking!!!

Last stand at the Rubicon!!

2010-11-11T00:21:00.000-08:00

in the very last Horse Trials event in Area 11 (Virginia, at the end of the northern hemisphere Fall, Lisa Kurr had a super run on Rocco, to come a very close 3rd in the Novice Rider class. (only 1 point off 1st and =2nd place)finishing on their dressage score on 37.5 penalty points.

http://www.photoreflect.com/store/Orderpage.aspx?pi=0EBK00DW4M0036&po=36&pc=71

Rocco's winter white is coming through!!

Rocco's dam, Canyonleigh Katy Stardust, is also dam to C.Cloudchaser (sire of "Cloud"). Katy's a big girl (C. Peppermint Valley Commander x Kalarama Penny), a very valuable brood mare, and would pass on the jumping gene from both her parents!!

Strength of Mind

2010-11-06T15:27:00.000-07:00

I've enjoyed a super week of horse racing over the week of the Melbourne Cup and the weekends leading up to it. Great to watch the stories of SoYouThink and Black Caviar unfold, and fantastic to see the spoils distributed to about 20 trainers, rather than just a couple of the "names". Beautiful horses, and the quality is improving all the time, with the development of global breeding and racing!

So "Why Saddlebreds", I'm asked by colleagues who only know Thoroughbreds and by people trialling my horses??

I love their attitude, 'relatability' and 'strength of mind'.
These photos show Paeon changing shape as he grows and consolidates his training ...just over the last year: running in the paddock in October 2009, sunning himself in the paddock in May 2010 before starting some jump training with Emma, on course in his first ever event at WIngham in September 2010, then developing his flat work November 2010.
He turnes 5 next month!
He shows the temperament, or strength of mind, to perform under pressure. In the US the ASBs lift their performance in the show ring when egged on by crowds of thousands and the hype of music and ringmasters. I was fascinated to watch Pan completely ignore the drama of three young Warmblood/Thoroughbreds working in the indoor arena when trialled by a young 13 year-old rider. 2 youngsters on the lunge and another having his first ridden session. One on the lunge jacked-up and almost fell over backwards in front of Pan; not an ideal situation(!!!!)The ridden one was 'freaked' by horses coming directly towards him so Pan's young rider was advised to work around him, but Pan maintained his composure, and dressage frame(!) perfectly and did not put a foot out of place. He was totally switched on to his young rider. "In the Zone".

How impressive is that!! In the breed!..and, of course his confidence has a lot to do with the confidence he has been allowed to develop with super calm training from Jeremy, Christine, and Emma.

The problem with Saddlebreds??? They become part of the family because they always let you know they're pleased to see you and work for you ..and you want to see them develop to their full potential. It's hard to let them go!!

Happy(?) Dilemma

2010-11-04T00:45:00.000-07:00

What to do?
Looks like I have two very talented young horses.
Maybellene is heading for the top levels in dressage
..and Paeon? How far can he go? He keeps stepping up to any questions asked of him in eventing; dressage and jumping!
Heath suggests I put him in his Performance horse auction at the end of November, but that means an expenditure of another couple of thousand dollars as I'm no longer able to do the riding myself. That's not a justified expense at this level of his experience and performance. Maybe after an autumn campaign next year when he's stepped up a couple of levels...but how to fund two fine competition horses?

Any suggestions??