Thankfully January seemed to fly by and we are now seriously coming up on the beginning of our season.  Sign ups went to the barn today for the Salem show as well as the Spring National.  Remember please the rule (courtesy) to not sign up for the show if you are not absolutely sure you are going, and wait until you have confirmed we are attending before you send in your entry.  I am happy to send in a Haven packet of entries like I did last year.  At least then we know for sure who is going to go to that particular show.  Any questions please contact me.  Dates are posted as well as closing dates.  On the website I hope to have hotel links for you.  I commute to Monroe for the most part, not a bad drive at all.  Remember to have all memberships completed long before the first show so there are no problems; this means Washington Hunter and Jumper Association, USEF, USHJA, all for horse, rider and owner.   

Cleanliness seems to be an ongoing issue at the barn.  Please do your part in sweeping up after your horse, in the grooming area and on exiting the arena.  It is a serious threat to the drain system in the barn with sand blocking the pipes.  I would hope too that all of you take pride in the beautiful barn we are so lucky to enjoy. 

Jenny had a great time in Germany.  She rode in a horse show while there on a young stallion.  What an incredible opportunity!  It seems we are both around for the next month.  I might try to sneak away for a bit during my spring break which is the week before the BI schools.  I will be celebrating the fact that I would be just one quarter away from graduation!  I realize what a strain my graduate studies have put on my availability at the barn and apologize for the inconvenience.  It has been a tremendous experience but has consumed more time and brain power than I realized even existed within me.  I cannot quite imagine not having it in my life yet look longingly to a summer at some really hot horseshows!  I think part of me is afraid of what I might fill that new found time with!  

Speaking of looking ahead to this summer, Leigh and I are gearing up for the Classic.  We need all the help we can get!  My graduation is thankfully the weekend before yet I can only imagine the insanity of the month leading up to both events.  We have much orchestrated already but I know that there will be considerable prep work needed.  Please contact Leigh if you are available to help. 

It is imperative that we continue to be exemplary neighbors to the Derby Downs folks.  Remember it is forbidden for us to ride on their trails through the development.  Watch your speed on the road up to Cottingham as well.  They would love to find a really good reason to push us out of the community, let’s not give them one. 

Congratulations to Ellie and Eva Dacek on their new pony Bugg, and to Allie Snapp on her new pony Louie!  Both Jenny and I are so excited to have ponies back in the barn!  Hopefully McKensie Korican will join that list shortly with Shamrock! 

Have a joyful long weekend. 

Mollie