08/24/2025
Thank you to everyone who was a part of making yesterday such a great day and to Tanya who continues to run this series with me!!
Leading up to the show I had a tremendous amount of help from Abby who painted and cleaned and everytime I turned around she found something that needed to be done and took the initiative to take action. Fun fact - She also helped me scrub up all the bright red paint after a full can fell and splashed and sprayed paint all over the driveway and my house! I really wish we had taken ‘before’ pics. 😳
Katie, Claire R., and Ella also got a good amount of painting done and are responsible for the poles and standards being so bright and colourful in yesterday’s pics.
Brandi G. - You gathering and sorting out the online registrations takes a whole day off of show prep for us.
Arliss B. and Image Wraps created some of the coolest standards I have ever had the privilege of calling ours.
Sarah steps up and just gets done whatever she sees needs attention out in the barn day of so that I can focus on other things…whether its a girth needing tightening, an encouraging word or hay being tossed to a horse temporarily relocated for trailer parking she gets it done. Her piloting around my gelding, Dargie, so that he can get lots of quiet, good miles is so appreciated - it is clearly investing in his future.
Ron Gibbons Construction in Paisley spent time this past week redoing the laneway and parking lot. It’s amazing how edges of grass creep in over 11 years. It sure is nice to have everything freshened up.
Jeannette is always willing to help out with anything that I need last minute…whether it’s a run to the local butcher to get fresh ground beef for Smash Burgers for the food booth or to chop veggies for a pasta salad.
Pam and Bill are always super in the back ground as supporters and step up day of to help at registration table and food booth.
Amanda returned as our fearless MC who announced, did registrations and ultimately allows me to bounce all over doing whatever needs to be done. Her lighthearted way of announcing ‘well let me fix that’ when likely it’s me who made an error and I’ve mucked something up keeps everything light and fun.
Vanessa’s consistency timing jump rounds and being judge ring crew is so appreciated.
Olivia and Meg’s ability to run independently with the Novelty class was super- you gals did a super job.
Spectators and Volunteers (special mention to Sandy, Scarlett, James and Gavin) who jumped into action whenever the jumps needed adjusted. You sure helped keep things rolling.
Our judge, Stephanie Hodge, who commented that she can’t believe how much the kids that started in lead line have grown into effective, competent riders. Coaches- she also commented on how lovely it is to see schoolies carrying around a new set of kids and made note that these horses are a testament to you ‘doing something right!’ 🥰
Kathleen at Creative Kathleen Photography who stood IN the ring yesterday and I am sure captured some fabulous memories. I can’t wait to see them.
Division Sponsors:
Paul & Marilyn Martin
Pam & Bill Young
Dr. Robyn Thompson of Walkerton Hanover Veterinary
Ron Gibbons Construction
Scott Noble Farrier Services
Wells Beef
Prize Sponsors:
The Horse Habit
Euro Equestrian
Bayshore Feeds
Kinley Jacques
Virginia Carson
Shantell Kazarian
Coaches and competitors - you guys are the reason that this show series continues to grow. Your supprt of the series and each other from other barns is really inspiring. Every time I wandered I noticed folks from other barns chatting or complimenting one another on their horse or their round. YOU are the reason people look so forward to coming to the next show and the one after that so keep it up.
My husband’s, Jason (known lovingly to many as Cinderfella), contributions to things leading up to the show go without saying. Weeds and grasses don’t stand a chance when he’s around, everything functions as well as it does and tastes as yummy as it does because of him. He was blessed with a wife with the acquired ability to delegate - who chooses to express lots of ‘visions and wants’ and who may lack the necessary ability to put them physically into action. I certainly don’t let things get boring around here.
I’m certain that I’m forgetting to thank important people that the show relies on so please expect more thanks to come in the comments. 😊
I hope you all have a wonderful day and that your lawns and pastures are loving this rain. I couldn’t imagine putting on any show without our team.
