This weekend I went to a horse show with my amateur photographer’s hat on instead of my rider’s helmet. This was a National show presented by Cornerstone Farms Dressage Shows at the Caledon Equestrian Park. This is a very large facility that hosted the Pan American Games Equestrian events. At this weekend’s show there were 5 dressage rings on the go!
I went to take photos of friends from the barn that I ride with at Oakcrest Farm. Lynsey Rowan, who is the assistant to my coach Belinda Trussell, rode no less than three horses! First up was Beaujolais, owned by Rhegan White, in Training level.
Then Feng de Lys, owned by Linda Jodoin, in First level. In this photo Belinda Trussell is going to read the test for Lynsey when the judge rings the bell for the start of the test.
After the test the de-brief. What went well what could be improved?
Ride number three for Lynsey was on Orion , who Lynsey owns with Carol Levine,in Second level.
The photo above is my favorite; a happy rider and happy horse.
Another Oakcrest rider Nicole Folland rode her horse Serrano in Third Level.
There was one other Oakcrest rider Megan Shea, but I could not make it from the ring where Nicole was showing in time to catch Megan’s ride on her young horse. But she got a very good score and was very happy.
At the interval the water truck comes in. With a Canadian flag eh!
They also serve who stand and wait in the shade on a hot day.
Before I went home I took a walk down the Memorial Avenue of trees. Here there are stone markers to remember the horses who have gone on. When my dear horse Tommie went on over the rainbow bridge several friends got together and arranged for Tommie to have a marker at one of the trees.
I was very touched by the kindness of these friends. As I looked at the marker yesterday I felt a large lump in my throat. He was a wonderful little fellow my Tommie. To read more about him take a look at “When is it time to say goodbye?”
I’d love to hear from you!