Jog Day at the Markel Young Horse Championships!

Both boys had a great but very busy day today. The morning started with Young Horse Training sessions with USEF Young Horse Coach, Scott Hassler, where all the Young Horse riders were invited to come train under Scott's watchful eye. Scott was very complimentary of both my young men. He wanted to watch our 'normal routines', and then would chime in when he felt he had something important to add. With Joey we worked to get him more up in his neck, and perhaps a little more balanced. He said that with Ruby we needed to work more on lateral suppleness. He finished the session telling me what a huge future Ruby has in front of him! Yay Rubes!

Other riders were also very positive about Scott's help. He stood out there tirelessly in a very hot sun helping rider after rider with a smile on his face! He encouraged us all, and showed true passion and enthusiasm for his job.

Sue and I went back and bathed the scrubbed the boys clean and whitened their socks in preparation for their first ever jog at three. I will say having been to some hair raising jogs in my life, and I was a little tentative to be hanging out with a group of four year olds, but everyone was really well behaved! Ruby jogged first, and decided to show off a little flipping his tail in the air. Joey went next and while he was nervous with all the commotion, he stayed right with me and listened.

I tell you these boys make me prouder and prouder.

We're back at the hotel after a great dinner with Kathy, Makenzi, Amanda, and our new friend Linda, eating delicious caramel lollipops brought to us by fellow Westphalian owner, Melissa Mulcahey. It's been a great couple of days, putting faces to names, and reconnecting with old friends. But now I guess it's time to study my test!