PICTURES TAKEN AROUND THE FARM AND CURRENT EVENTS
- UPDATED REGULARLY
April 27, 2017 - Maureen has taken over the ride on Monty
now that Mitch is back with Allie and Brit is being bred next month. She has
been riding him for two months and is so proud of how he is becoming a really
nice dressage horse. He still gets the occasion jump session with Mitch or
Stephen as he is a wonderful jumper too. Some pics from today and we went on our
first solo hack.
February 21, 2017 - So
good to see Allie back to work - looking forward to watching her compete this
year.
February 1, 2017 - A beautiful sunny winter day. Just a few of the Herd -
Lilly, Amelia, Monty and Brit
January 17, 2017 - Another interesting photo project
by a friend - this time with Monty at Dreamcrest
January 17, 2017 - Interesting pic by a friend
working on some photo options - excited to see this mare back to work after
having a foal. This was at Lanes End in 2014.
January 2, 2017 - Lilly and Stephen doing oxers and some added height.
January 2, 2017 - Belmont is stepping it up in his jump schooling with Ian
today.
And a great pic of his awesome tuck.
December 25, 2016 - Christmas Day excitement
December 22, 2016 - Running through the snow -
Bravestrom and I had a blast including a sliding stop
Video of our run up the hill.
December 21, 2016 - Melanie Thomson putting Strom
through his paces. You know you are lucky when your coach, an awesome
FEI Rider, can school your horse and he looks this good.
December 19, 2016 - Jump Schooling with Ian today for
Monty
December 14, 2016 - New Video of our Hay Ring in action with the big guys.
December 12, 2016 - Winter jump lessons with Ian today - Probably the toughest
jump school yet for Monty and Lilly seemed to enjoy the session.
November 23, 2016 - Odin and Vienna sharing a kiss
November 21, 2016 - 2016 Fillies first taste of winter - new (to them) winter
blankets arrived just in time this morning
November 19/20 2016 - Strom and Brittania attended a 2 day
Tom Dvorak clinic. He was very pleased with the improvement in both since
the spring and both horses did great.
November 7, 2016 - Nothing better than a fall
hack on a beautiful day with one of my sons. Absolutely gorgeous out there -
through the hay field, corn field and out through our neighbour's harvested
fields.
October 2, 2016 Some foal pics for smiles today. Mares
are keeping the foals surrounded as a new mare arrived this week. The little
girls are getting along famously and both are getting very dark. Amelia is
almost 5 months and Vienna is 2 1/2
October 1, 2016 - While my
video taping skills need practice - Here is Lilly and Stephen at Grandview - 4th
clear Training event. Ready to upgrade to Prelim next year.
October 1, 2016 - Prospect's Belmont completed his second
event in as many months with another great result - finishing 4th. His second
event at Grandview Farms was handled very well - a little stick in the top end
of the dressage arena at the strange judge's booth, beautiful stadium round and
a fantastic clear cross-country. Everything was brand new to him for his first
time at Grandview and he really stepped up to the plate.
Dressage Video
Stadium Video
September 26, 2016 - Check out the knees
and tuck on Monty. He had a great schooling at Dreamcrest this evening and is
maturing so nicely. Ian was impressed with the progress he is making in such a
short time.
September 17, 2016 - So proud of Lilly and Stephen
today. Last weekend's dressage proved probl
ematic so we
went to the RCRA Bronze show today. So accommodating that they let him do both
Eventing Training tests. The first test went extremely well with 64.7% - they
were both relaxed and the best I have ever seen them. The test had an 8 and 7
7's. with the judge commenting that there were some good moments.
This was definitely a confidence building experience.
Test 2 (the problem test last weekend) went even better
notwithstanding the pouring rain. 65% - with 3 7.5's, and 6 7's including a
first 7 for rider. Stephen was thrilled with their results today. Judge's
comments - WELL DONE!!!
September 11, 2016 - Dreamcrest Horse
Trials: Such a proud day for us at Prospect Equine Farms this weekend as
our first homebred and son of Bravestrom completed his first event like a
seasoned pro. Prospect's Belmont finished 8th out of 14 at his first event at
Dreamcrest. Mitchell did an expert job and the results far exceeded our
expectations of the baby horse at his first show. Handled a crazy warm up with
many strange horses to go on to a wonderful dressage test with 7.5's and 7's and
6.5's. A few tiny inattentive moments but you could not ask for better. Then
onto his first ever Stadium course. Only one jump caught his eye and a few rails
but under the expert hands of his rider it was a beautiful calm and smooth
round. By the time cross country came around Monty behaved like a veteran xc
horse and off he went handling every question with a double clear round. Monty
is now an eventer. XC pics courtesy of Gloria McKim.
September 11, 2016 - Dreamcrest Horse
Trial: Part of the sport of horses teaches us that there are ups and
downs. After a fantastic dressage warmup and a great beginning to their dressage
test, a bobble at A resulted in elimination for Stephen and Lilly. As a
technical elimination, the TD permitted them to continue onto Stadium and XC as
long as there were not any issues. While a slip in Stadium resulted in a couple
rails, the balance of the round was flawless. Again XC - their favourite part of
eventing, proved again what a great team they are becoming with a clear round
-just a bit too fast - as they eat the course for breakfast. Disappointing for
sure to be eliminated - unheard of for these two, it is definitely a learning
experience. Onward and upward. XC pics courtesy of Gloria McKim.
September 5, 2016 - Another fantastic
schooling for Monty and Lilly at Dreamcrest today - looks like they are both
ready for the event at Dreamcrest on the weekend.
Lilly
Monty
August 29, 2016 - Lilly and Stephen had
a great schooling with Ian Roberts at Dreamcrest today.
August 29, 2016- Prospect's Belmont and
Mitchell had their first session at Dreamcrest with Ian Roberts in prep for
their first event in two weeks.
Day 2 and our second run through the
PSG Test. Our coach gave us a very strenuous warm up and we felt right on the
ball as we entered the ring. While the canter pirouettes and our tempi lines
still proved to be the sticking points of our test, the rest of the test went
very smoothly and I felt that that Strom and I really hit our grove through most
of it - getting our changes on request where I wanted them. Our scores were 56
at C and 54 at B, a substantial improvement from the previous day for a final
score of 54.8. Two 7's from both judges. All of our hard work over the last two
months made a real turning point for us and I really felt it while riding this
test. It was the best ride we have ever had. Love my Dancing Pony.
August 26-27 - 2016 I am
thrilled to report that Prospect’s Bravestom, my 9 yr old homebred Gelding by
Braveheart (Swedish WB) out of Prospect’s Atheana (CSHA) and I have completed
our first Dressage show at the Prix St. Georges Level at the Summer Classic Gold
Dressage Show at the Caledon Horse Park on August 26-28, 2016.
Our first Prix St. Georges Test at the
Cornerstone Summer Dressage Classic was a huge accomplishment for Bravestrom and
I. We did our first 4th level tests in June and then worked very hard over the
summer in order to go down the centre line in PSG at this this show. Our goal
was to at least get 50% and we got 52.5% - Woohoo. The biggest steps for us
going to this level are the canter pirouettes and the tempi changes. While these
still need a lot of work (no surprise there), I was very pleased to receive a 7
for our extended canter. The test didn't start well with a spin at the halt -
courtesy of the shad tails but we recovered and I remembered the whole test
(almost forgot the salute at the end). A few bucks and leaps in the tempi lines
along with our timing of the 1/2 halts created some interesting moments.
Good Moments
and the bad
August 16, 2016 - What else to do with
foals on a rainy day - play in the arena - first Vienna - now 2 1/2 weeks old -
still shy
And Amelia with her personality shining
through.
August 7, 2016 - During our lesson
today Vienna decided that she had enough of the small paddock and went through
the vinyl fence without her mom. So we decided that they would all go out into
the big pasture. Everyone seems pretty happy out there. Amelia was happy to back
out there too.
And some video
August 7, 2016 - Belmont did a little
bit of jumping after his dressage lesson today - also played around with some of
the smaller xc jumps.
August 6, 2016 - Not to be outdone -
Vienna at 9 days has some moves too.
August 6, 2016 - Amelia has really got her
moves down at 3 months.
August 6, 2016 - Big day for our 2016
foals as they spent the day together for the first time. Such a big
difference in size - 3 months to 9 days. Duchess was very sure to tell Amelia
that Vienna was off limits for now but things settled quickly. Amelia understood
and Vienna stuck to her mom. It was great to see them out there together.
August 1, 2016 - Day 4 - First time
outside for mommy Duchess and the little Vienna - electrified the fence to keep
the other horses away and Duchess was pretty good at keeping baby away from them
as well.
July 31, 2016 - Day 3 in the Arena for
Vienna and she is really getting a hang of her legs.
July 29, 2016 - Prospect's Vienna - 1
day old - first time in the Arena. Still wobbly and needs to unfold.
July 28, 2016 - Welcome to the world
little one. At 2:15 am on July 28, 2016 Prospect's Vienna dropped into the
world. A bay filly with a small white star(I think) and two back white socks
(same as Amelia). Delivery was stand up because we had to move Duchess as she
was delivering against the wall. By 3:00 am baby is walking and nursing.
Prospect's Vienna - by Vantage (Viva Voltaire) out of Duchess (Deutschmeister).
A beautiful Bay filly.
July 17, 2016 - Amelia and Odin having
a conversation.
July 4, 2016 - Duchess has about a month
to go for her foal and she is getting quite big.
July 4, 2016 - Prospect's Amelia
running around the field - what a beauty - 7 weeks old - out in the big pasture
and enjoying the freedom under Allie's watchful eyes.
June 29, 2016 - Great day for my
younger son and Lilly today too answering some training level questions at the
schooling event at Glen Oro that were new for them. You can see how much they
enjoy cross country. They finished 4th in the division.
June 29, 2016 - June has been a very
busy month for Belmont "Monty". So proud of my older son's skill and
the great care he took today to make a day of fantastic firsts for our homebred
Prospect's Belmont a wonderful success. Firsts for Monty included - a long
trailer ride - first show, first cross country, first day on and off the trailer
at a show, first time going away from a barn mate at a show, first warmup with
unfamiliar horses, first start gate, first time through the flags and galloping
on his first cross country course. So proud of the baby horse. A little upset
when Lilly went off to do her thing but settled after a bit.
June 23, 2016 - As promised - Video of
today's session with Monty
June 23, 2016 - Great session on Monty
today - he is maturing so nicely. Video to follow
June 19, 2016 - great hot day at
dreamcrest today for Stephen and Lilly. She was so settled today and the
dressage test was fantastic except for one big bobble in the middle - and the
confusion of the whistle in the next ring. Some 7's and the best test they have
ever done.
Stephen and Lilly had a great Stadium round - especially considering they have
only had one session with Ian this spring. Two rails - rider error - but the
most consistent round ever and it was just poetry to watch. Very pleased at how
this team has matured.
Last but definitely not least - their
favourite phase of eventing - cross country. They were a finely tuned machine on
cross country - needing to trot a little mid round to ensure they weren't over
time and they hit the time bang on and had a double clear cross country round.
So proud and even in the heat she came off the course looking like she could
have done it again with ease.
June 10, 2016 - Prospect's Amelia is
almost one month old - what a beauty this little filly is. By Donnegan out
of Prospect's Free Spirit.
June 4, 2016 - Prospect's Brittania
also showed at the Cornerstone Spring Gold Dressage show and upgraded to First
Level. Day 1 - Test 1-1 and she felt a bit under the weather. A few
bucks in the canter work of our test, and not as much throughness as normal left
us with a score of 53 and 7th place. Day 2 - Test 1-2 - was her first test
with lateral movements. She felt much better today and more focused but
the heat and stress left her a little tired. Still not 100% and we did
break in the canter work but did get a 7 for her freewalk and a good loose rein
trot circle. All in all a much better test all around to finish with 53
again but better feeling through the test.
\
June 4, 2016 - So proud of Prospect's
Bravestrom this weekend at the Cornerstone Spring Gold Dressage show. It was our
debut at 4th level and the first day we were a bit conservative and finished
with a 53. Day two saw a great improvement and other than a rider error (oops
forgot the canter pirouette), a bit of a struggle with the canter pirouettes -
which we just started working on and a miscount on the 4 tempi line we had the
best ride ever - we got 8 - 7's on our 4-2 test - finishing with 56%. Not too
shabby for a homebred 9 yr old - the first time at fourth and his plus size
owner. So pleased with the changes and how light and obedient he was. I have to
thank my son for the great pictures of our whole test. So many great pictures it
was hard to choose.
May 22, 2016 - Prospect's Belmont -
jumping for the 4th time - we have taken our time with this 5 yr old as he is
pretty tall.
May 14, 2016 - Getting cooler meant
that Amelia donned Odin's blanket to keep warmer.
May 14, 2016 - A morning romp in the
arena for Allie and Amelia - starting to get a hang of the legs and worrying her
mom as she starts running around.
May 13, 2016 - Amelia and Allie went
out into the arena for a little walk around.
May 13, 2016 - Say hello to the morning
Little Amelia - standing and nursing well.
May 13, 2016 - She has arrived.
Join us in welcoming Prospect's Amelia - born at 12:30 am on May 13, 2016 in the
middle of a thunderstorm. Out of Prospect's Free Spirit (Freedom Z) by
Donnegan (Don Frederico). We think she is black or very very dark bay with
two white hind socks and a white blaze.
May 6, 2016 - Prospect's Belmont 2011
CSHA Gelding by Prospect's Bravestrom - out of Been Jazzin
First XC - 3rd Off Property at Dreamcrest
April 22, 2016- Pictures of Prospect's
Free Spirit "Allie" due any time now- she is 321 days in foal to Donnegan.
And Duchess - all muddy and 237 days
February 26, 2016
Finally, after a number of months -
initial negotiations, a change of ownership and thinking that I missed an
opportunity, a second chance and more negotiation she has finally arrived and I
could not be happier. Meet Duchess - a 16.3hh Old/Trak CSH mare by
Deutschmeister 6 months in foal with a Viva Voltaire grandchild. I could not be
more thrilled and excited for the mare and foal to come. So pleased at how well
she trailered and settled into her paddock. What a good girl. And without
further ado here she is on arrival and also in the arena for the first time.
Duchess is due to foal a Vantage foal in July, 2016.
January 30, 2016 - Jump Chute day for
everyone - pics and videos
January 12, 2016 - Everyone in there
new Pleasant Ridge Storm and Maximum Diablo blankets.