Fall News From Aspen Farms

Hopefully from now on I will manage to write an update more often than one per season! The last three months have flown by in a flurry of activity. Our first horse trials was successful though very soggy! I think we were all wondering if the rain was ever going to stop, especially Friday as everyone was trying to find their stall and parking spot through the down pouring rain and darkness. Luckily the footing held up amazingly well both days aside from a few spots on the preliminary xc. Our jump crew and volunteers did an fabulous job of making things run smoothly despite less than ideal conditions. Hopefully the weather will be kinder in June, we are excited to have everyone back again. Highlights of the end of the competition season for the horses in our barn are listed below.
   Chelsey Sevigny and Aspen Farms' Taos placed 4th in their first Intermediate at NWEC Fall Gala then went on to have a great weekend at Galway Downs in the CCI* so are now qualified for a CCI** in the spring if Taos has not sold.
   Annie Rowland and Aviator have figured out what eventing is all about and placed 2nd at NWEC Fall Gala in the Junior Novice division.
   Lauren Benge and Obsession finished the season in great form and brought home ribbons at their last three events, including an 8th at Aspen Farms Horse Trials in the Junior Novice Division.
   Josh Lacy and High Jinx successfully moved up to training and although their first clear round remains just out of reach I'm sure they will obtain it in the spring after a winter of homework.
   I moved Chauncy, my 5 year old, up to prelim  and he finished in the ribbons at EI and NWEC. He got to make the trek to CA with Ogopogo and Taos and ran around the prelim down there like it was nothing. Ogopogo attempted his first CCI* and though we had two run outs, he jumped well and it was a learning experience for both of us. We'll try again at Twin Rivers in the spring.
   Robert Leyen and Large Marge jumped around the training at Aspen Farms Horse Trials in great form and Robert was grinning from ear to ear and cheering as he crossed the finish line! Those are the moments that make this sport what it is, despite the uncooperative weather and frequent disappointments. The anticipation of more moments like those is what will get us through the long
winter of staring at the walls of the indoor arena!
We plan to have several derbys in the spring to get everyone started, I will post more info as we make plans.
Happy Thanksgiving to everyone, we hope you enjoy great food and safe travels with family and friends.