The first rider of the day was BreAnn Miesner aboard Davy Jones. The duo picked up third and fourth place ribbons in the Beginner Rider Hunter 18″ division, and second on the flat in the Beginner Rider Equitation division. They also took home the reserve champion ribbon in the 2′ Pony Hunter division. Not bad for BreAnn’s first show on the pony!

Also competing in the under saddle classes in the Beginner Rider Hunter and Beginner Rider Equitation Division was Laura Seals on Ready Teddy. This was only Laura’s second horse show ever, and while she didn’t come home with any ribbons, she vastly improved on her performance from her first horse show aboard Beep Beep. Laura had an especially nice class in the Beginner Rider Equitation Under Saddle, getting all of the correct diagnols, and even graciously congratulating her fellow competitor and barn mate, when she picked up a ribbon. Great job Laura, the ribbons will come!

Also competing was Hannah Nelson with Bohemian Rhapsody. This was Hannah’s first show ever. She took Bo in the Junior Amateur Hunter Division at 2′, and the Intermediate Equitation Division at 2′. She had a little trouble in her Equitation over fences class, but straightened out the kinks to pick up a second in the Equitation under saddle class. She then went on to earn a Reserve Champion ribbon in the Junior Amateur Hunter Division. Awesome job Hannah!

Also competing the in the Junior Amateur Hunter division and the Intermediate Equitation division was Cassidy Bateman aboard Ready Teddy. She did exceptionally well for competing in only her second horse show, and her first horse show over 2′ fences. She was just out of the running for Reserve Champion with a few third and fourth place ribbons. Cassidy did a great job navigating a twisty Equitation course, and experiencing her first flat class that asked all the competitors to canter. Keep up the good work Cassidy!

Great job everyone, we are very proud of you all!!

Larrupin’s Gold started out the day again in the Baby Green division, picking up a fourth and a fifth in his two rounds. He did fantastic for only being a four yearold competing in a field of some more seasoned competitors. Today, even in the muck leftover from an entire day and night of rain, he hit every spot, every distance, and every lead change. Not bad for a youngster! After looking at some photos taken, it’s pretty clear that he will be ready to move up very quickly, and that he will have plenty of scope over the bigger fences.

Transporting Grace showed everyone that she doesn’t really mind switching to the hunter ring. She softened beautifully today in her two rounds, and really sparkled in the handy hunter round. Her years doing the jumpers really helped her power through a massive two stride line and make some tighter turns and trot fences. She walked away with a sixth and fifth, beating out some fancy big-money warmbloods.

Sooper Trooper was next out of the gate, with a new bit and fair amount of determination. After a few bobbles in the warm up while getting used to the new gear, he had a de-kinking round in the 1.10 division. A one stride in and out made him take a second look, plus jumping out of a puddle, but he powered through and finished the course in style. The course designer threw in a solid wall option that seperated the field of 15 horses, but proved to be no problem for the big guy. Since the day started with the big fences, and got smaller, we strategized to let him go a round over the 1.00 meter height to give him some confidence for tomorrow. He had a great round, really smoothing out his distances and jumping beautifully. A slip in the mud after the fateful wall option before a massive two stride in and out combination proved to be the deciding factor in that round, keeping him out of the jump-off, but looking promising for tomorrow.

Myakoda also rallied in the 1.00 meter training jumpers alongside Sooper Trooper. She proved why she’s the champion, just attacking the course with the fire she is known for. She made it into the jump-off with blood in her eyes, and had the fastest time by a long shot, but was plagued with a rail on the second to last fence. Even with the four faults, she still picked up a respectable fourth place ribbon. Myakoda was scheduled to compete in the .95 hopeful jumpers today, but due to her spectacular effort and the slippery conditions, it was decided to let her save her legs and compete fresh tomorrow.

Secret Weapon took the day off to relax a bit. The excitement and energy of the show grounds takes a little time to get used to, and he’s entitled to that time.

Until tomorrow!

Larrupin’s Gold (Jaxx) came out next for his appearance in the Baby Green Hunter division at 2’6 right as the rain was beginning to fall. He had two solid rounds, getting every lead change and distance. He picked up a sixth place ribbon in his first round, and a fourth in his second round out of a field of 12. He also competed in the flat class picking up another 6th place ribbon.

Myakoda was next to strut her stuff in the .95 Hopeful Jumpers and the 1.00 meter training jumpers. She had a good roung in the .95 meter class, picking up a blue ribbon. The rain really started coming down during the 1.00 meter class, and Kendall and Myakoda had 4 faults. As Myakoda’s typical style, her round was blazing fast despite the faults, so a ribbon is still possible. The results will have to be checked tomorrow.

After an hour storm delay, it was finally time to break out the big guns. Sooper Trooper came out to stretch his legs in the 1.10 division. This was his first time out in his new hackamore ensemble. He proved to be a bit excited and somewhat distracted, but jumped spectacularly in his warm-up. The slop and the environment proved to be a challenge causing some problems at an in-and out in the first round, but overall this outing was a significant improvement from past performances.

Lastly, Transporting Grace debuted in the 3’3 Performance Hunter division. She had 2 lovely rounds over fences and then held her own in the under saddle class. She placed sixth and seventh over fences in a field of 15, and then fifth in the under saddle despite the puddles and the rain.

Overall, a successful first day showing. This was the first time Dry Creek horses had shown outdoors, and certainly the first time they showed in stormy weather. The rest of this week and next are looking promising.

This show will be exciting for many reasons. Trooper will try his hand at the Modified Open Jumper division at 4 feet. Secret Weapon (Ruger) will be attending only his second horse show of his career and his first rated show. He will be running in the jumper ring the first week and then switch hitting in the hunters the second week. Seein’ Stars (Aussie) will be attending her first horse show after her horrific injury earlier this season in the pasture. Larrupin’s Gold (Jaxx) will try to best his sixth place ribbon in St. Louis in the Baby Green Hunter Division. He is turning out to be an outstanding hunter. Myakoda (Kira) will try to keep her Grand Champion streak alive in the Hopeful Jumpers at 1.00 meter, and Transporting Grace (Gracie) will be competing right along side her, giving her a run for her money.

After resting for two days, the Lake St. Louis rated show began on Wednesday. Myakoda and Kendall Pray ended up sweeping the Hopeful Jumper 1.00 meter Division all week with a perfect score of 30 points to pick up the Champion Ribbon. Transporting Grace showed in a .95 meter blue ribbon class and walked away with a clear round, then showed in the 1.00 meter Hopefuls and picked up Fourth place with four faults, losing to Dry Creek’s other mare, Myakoda.

Both Transporting Grace and Myakoda showed some in the Training Jumper Low division at 1.05 meters but were plagued with rails resulting in no-places. Sooper Trooper had some terrific rounds in the Hopefuls and the 1.05 Low trainings, but made his debut in the 1.20 (3 foot 11) class. After rallying all winter with some injuries they proved a little much and while he didn’t complete his 1.20 round, he proved he has the talent.

En Fuego and Josey Thompson tried their hand at the 3’6 and 3’9 Child/Adult division with a few wobbles, but discovered that En Fuego was a bit off, so we decided to give him the rest of the weekend off. Josey instead piloted Myakoda to a reserve Champion in the novice rider jumper division, and had some fun popping over fences in the child/adult lows. This was the first time that Josey had ever jumped the Swedish Warmblood mare, and had some really nice rounds.

Larrupin’s Gold and Distant Wish both had some great rounds in the Baby Green Hunter division at the rated show. Larrupin’s Gold picked up a 6th, and two 7th places out of a field of 20 quality horses. Distant Wish earned an 8th place in the Baby Green Hunter flat class.

Check out the Dry Creek Equestrian Center facebook page for videos and pictures of the horses at the show!