2009 FEI ROLEX World Cup

What an event. Steffen Peters and his mount, Ravel have recently won the FEI ROLEX World Cup with an 84.95% WOW! Many of the Summervale Gang were able to witness this awesome event. Steffen was calm ans cool as he entered the arena for the Grand Prix and I just couldn't help but feel like he was going to make it happen. Make it happen he did earning an amazing score and clinching the victory. It was the same result for the Grand Prix Freestyle. Poetry in motion. I am as motivated as ever to get back down to the beautiful farm of Arroyo Del Mar where he trains and continue to receive the priceless instruction that he gives. Here are a couple of fantastic photos taken by my friend, Siggi Wolff. Thanks so much Sig!

On a side note the horses all made it home safe and sound. A major relief! We are taking it a bit easy for a period and then will get geared up once again to hit a couple of the Washington shows and perhaps head down once again to train with Steffen this Summer!

Rancho Murieta CDI

The sunshine is going to be so hard to leave, but our time here in sunny California is quickly coming to an end. It has been another lovely weekend of horses and Dressage competition. Wistar was a good boy in the Grand Prix CDI. He was honest in his work and tried hard. We had a couple of mistakes in the extended trot pieces which was a bit out of character for him. I was extremely happy with the quality of the canter pirouettes and the changes. The piaffe and passage tour is getting stronger and everyday we learn another piece of the puzzle it seems. Still a long way to go but were enjoying the journey.

Warado has been a champ all month. He finished 2nd in his 3-3 test with a 65% and won his 4-1 test with a 68%. He is looking forward to a break when we get home.

Wrevolution has been superb. He was 2nd yesterday in his T-1 class with a 66% scoring an 8 for his gaits. He is very brave and willing. He still needs some time to get strength over his back and carry some wight behind. He will be phenomenal in a year or two.

Wista, who is being ridden by my assistant Jessica had another good weekend at Training and First level. She scored in the mid 60's all weekend and was very happy with the mare's performance.

Arturo had a good show competing at Training level this weekend. He scored a 72% on Thursday taking home a high point award. Arturo is also being ridden by Jessica.

Kristin O'Hearn and her equine mount Lars had a successful weekend as well. The pair who train in WA with Siggi Wolff of Cavallis,came down with the Summervale Farm gang to gets some more experience. Kristin was able to achieve both of her qualifying scores for 3rd level championships in the two shows she rode in along with her bronze medal scores and one score towards her silver medal. This was a big goal for Kristin so we want to give a big congratulations to her on that awesome achievement.

Rod, Tekla, and Bonsai headed home from LA last weekend along with Natalie and her mom Carrie with Welsey. We already miss you guys but will see you all in a couple of days when we get home on Tuesday.

Pictures from top to bottom are: Warado, Warado, Warado, Wista, Wistar in GP test, Wistar in test, Wistar at the jog inspection for the CDI

Take care!

Festival of the Horse

It was a fun and exciting weekend at the Festival of the Horse Show in LA the weekend of March 25 - 29th. Our group had a wonderful time. The horses are all doing very well. I Thought I would throw up a couple of new photos for you. This was a warm up Grand Prix for Wistar before the CDI at Rancho Murieta next weekend April 2-5th. He had a very strong test with minimal mistakes. The goal for this year is to develop more consistency and strength. He is getting more solid everyday but as many of you know this is a life long process. I hope to get it all figured out before retirement. Take Care!