We had two new friends join our group this Spring and they show in the Green Reiner division - Joe, who bought Larkspur Lena, and April, who purchased Sleepalena. They took lessons with D'Nae all winter and stepped into the showpen for the first time in May. They began to learn the definition of what "center" and markers mean with that experience. The second show in June, each had a precise pattern going, but April forgot to back up. Joe won his class and was relieved. They ended their first show season in September with Green Reiner Champion (Joe) and Reserved Champion (April) for ECRA in 2000.
PATTY took some time before she found a horse that she would like to work with. Her name is Protege and she is a five year old black mare, with several AQHA reining points, that needs some finishing. She was first shown at an ECRA reining in June and won the Non Pro class there, but not without some horse & rider bobbles. Patty then started working on steering and speed differentials before bringing her to Massachusetts in July and August. She was loped in the make-up areas and tested in Ladies classes to get a feel for the team progress. At the end of August, at Willowbrook, the plan started to come together. Protege placed second in the Intermediate Open class on Saturday. She was rewarded with a rested day on Sunday. At the ECRA East End Classic in September, Protege showed consistency in the showpen with a second in the non pro on Saturday and a tie for first in the $500 added non pro class on Sunday. There is more work ahead, but the team is making progress. They want to be fresh for 2001.
Maureen and Ralph had purchased a 2 year old at the Congress Performance Sale last year and placed him with Rocky Dare to get him broke. (This is a break from the group's origin, but it will be fun to follow his progress.) With that, Maureen wanted to see what it was like to go to reinings off of Long Island, so she took a few trips to EPRHA shows. She brought her gelding, Banjoe, along to show but felt intimidated by the showgrounds in general. She regained her courage to get in the arena at showtime and had fun getting used to the competition. She and her daughter, Nicole, took the summer off from riding because business at the Nursery had stepped up. They'll be back in the saddle later on.
Crystal has been showing Hot Jazz on Long Island in the Rookie class there. She's riding well but still having trouble remembering to count her spins. Her last outing was at an open show in August and she got it all together to win her class. It was a proud moment for her and everyone watching.