Boarding t English Riding Lessons Training t Shows t Sales Summer Pony Camp The Facility: Radiant Heated Barn & Tack Room t 55 12x14 Stalls 100x200 Indoor Arena with Viewing Arena 100x200 Outdoor Arena t Individual Paddocks for Turnout New Trails on Property
Kimberley Asher, owner/trainer
315-655-5577 315-440-2922
www.canterburystablesny.com
Sugarbrook Farm
Youngsters and Green prospects always available
Standing stallions:
Soak it All In
Sugarbrook Blue Pacific
Sandy Holbrook 13198 S. Pleasant Grove Road Floral City, FL 34436 www.sugarbrook.com sugarpony@aol.com 352-637-6777 | 352-232-2795
Blue Who 90
equine Journal
| July 2012
training problems, be realistic about what can be fixed in this last month before the Finals, and what can’t. Sage says, “You’re not going to fix the rider’s eye and judge of distance in that month. But a lead change you could fix in a month, and things like standing the pony up on the line quietly [for the modeling phase]. You could also get the pony to learn to relax under saddle.” Your trainer is your best source of advice on getting problems fixed before you compete. If things just aren’t coming together, or an unexpected lameness or health issue arises, is there a plan B? Some riders are lucky enough to have a second pony qualified, but most don’t. Since it’s your pony that qualifies for the hunter classes, he could only be replaced with another one that had qualified. But if you’re entered in a medal class, you can use a pony that had not qualified.
After spending the effort and time of preparing for Pony Finals, it can be disappointing if you and your pony don’t win the championship. But only one pony and one rider can win each ribbon. If you don’t win, that doesn’t mean you didn’t ride well. It simply means someone else was also working hard toward the same goal you had and may have ridden a better round that day. Focus on the things that did go well and be pleased that you were lucky enough to qualify. For all riders going to Pony Finals this year, Sage gives one last bit of advice: “To kids, it’s very exciting; it’s their World Cup. They should make the most of it—watch all three phases, go to the functions, meet other kids, go have fun and soak it all in. It’s a great experience.”
shawn mcmillen photography
Roberts Road Cazenovia, NY
Instead of focusing on winning, riders should choose a small goal for their ride, and any ribbons are an added bonus.