Fun at Lesson Day

Get over the idea that only children should spend their time in study. Be a student so long as you still have something to learn, and this will mean all your life. ~Hcenry L. Doherty

Saturday was lesson day here at the farm. Janice Behrik is a local Dressage instructor who I truly respect as an educator and mentor. My friend Karen introduced me to her a few years ago, and I am so thankful for that introduction.

I have encouraged the girls on my collegiate team and my boarders to seek instruction with Janice when she is here. I am fairly certain they have enjoyed every moment of it. I know my daughter, Morgan relishes every moment with Janice.

Below are pictures from the day. Jess brought a really cool camera out to use. Most all of the pictures were taken by her friend Jean. A few by Jess and a few by me. It was just a gorgeous day to be out riding.

From left to right: Janice, Jess on Romey and Jean on Buck.

Chris on Sky. Is he not just the cutest thing?

Romey, my soon to be 6 yr. old mare.

Morgan and Romey. A new team this year.

Quest, an OTTB and Nicole

Jean took this picture of Quest and Nicole. There is such a story here with this pair. One day I will tell it.

Quest and Nicole

Elizabeth and Kammie
Elizabeth is my rider who is heading to Nationals this week. Kammie is owned by another rider on the team, Becky, who was kind enough to offer up her mare for Liz to practice on.

Jess and Romey. I met Jess about 3 years ago. She rode on the IUP english team. She started coming down to ride in her off time after classes, and has been such a huge help to me in getting horses ridden. She is such a lovely rider, with quiet hands, confidence and dedication. She graduates this year and then will soon be married to a wonderful man who complements her well. I will miss her not being here throughout the week, but she promises to come and visit.

Jess and Romey

Jean and Buck

Romey and Morgan

Romey and Morgan. She is blossoming into such a nice rider. Lesson day was her 4th time on Romey. Romey is so different then the other horses Morgan has ridden. Romey is much softer and more willing to come to the bit. Morgan is still in her mind riding her other horse, Ripley, who is so vastly different than Romey. It will take time, but this pair I think will be riding and showing for years to come.

Jean and Buck

Buck

Kelly and Buck. Kelly is a rider on my collegiate team. She has really improved her skills. I also am thankful she has taken lessons with Janice, because it gives me an oppourtunity to just sit back and watch just her and see things I might not necessarily see during team lessons when she rides with three other riders.

Elizabeth and Kammie. Wish her luck for Nationals!

Elizabeth and Kammie

Chris and Sky. Chris is fairly new to horse ownership. It was a bumpy road at first for her and her husband, Ron on horses. A couple bad deals, and then with help, they found the perfect horses for them. Sky is a 6 year old Tennessee Walker, who has a been there, done that attitude. Chris and Sky enjoy trail riding, but even though she has no plans to get in a show ring, the benefit of lessons has been fantastic in helping Chris to have a secure seat and softer hands.

Kelly and Buck

Tracker taking a nap. I'm sure at the end of the day everybody felt like this.