Cady O'Daly Farm

July Report - Reg. 3 Connemara Show & Corgi Pups

2011-08-01T18:03:00.000-07:00

The Reg.3 Connemara Show in Middleburg will be remembered for being quite a lovely time--in weather, fellowship, and rewards. On the first day, we showed our batch of 4 yr olds in the CT at the BN level. Artie was second in dressage, and then was under-piloted to a few rails in jumping. Fred went clean and ended in 2nd overall. Marco said "eek" to the jumps...evil gates and boxes. So back to green on the Sunday... and on to big boy pants when we got him home. Saturday afternoon was payback time for Cady--winning the mare in-hand class, and the overall best purebred of the day! (Payback from UpperLowerville--is that rude... well, my editor will bleep that!) Fred's in-hand career ended quietly, but he made a slight comeback as the three purebreds won the Get of Sire class! Now Tag has a ribbon on his stall-- a latter day tradition. Ask me about the day Keeper got out and tore all of Hokie's ribbon's down...

(Top Left: Ridgetop Cady O'Daly wins her third mare class of her career...and wins her first ever 'Best Purebred Connemara' victory! Photo by Megan Buchanan Harris.)

Sunday was also beautiful--and rewarding--Marco got a hack and jumping ribbon, and Artie got second in the hack--wow. Fred showed his style with flying changes and beautiful rides. Artie got the job done, but needs some work on the leads. Our hunter career ended with a bang and a reserve tricolor ribbon. Then Josh and Cady went to work, and kept everyone entertained, and finished the day with the distinguished "Another Notch Award"-- best overall pony. Pretty cool!

(Right: Emily & Josh posing for a photo-op with Cady after receiving the Another Notch Award. Photo by Sandy McShea.)

So Marco came home with me and the princesses Cady and Artie headed back to WV. Marco is off to big boy camp, and he is coming along. His body has gone through so many changes, he didn't know what to do. Now we are galloping and jumping and doing hills and trails and stadium jumping. Pretty fun assignment, if you ask me!

We would like to introduce the newest equine to join the farm: Nellie--3 days old! Her mom is Nelda (origin of name :Harry Belafonte song about donkey Joe) And she finally made her appearance, squeaky moist and on her feet when we got to the barn at 6:30 am Thur. What a lovely Christmas in July present!!!

And we also welcome the arrival of healthy Corgi pups Tuesday evening. Piglet, Christopher, Kanga, Roo, Winnie, Eeyore, Robin.

-Alicia

Virginia Horse Trials Update

2011-06-03T18:26:00.000-07:00

We took two Tag offspring to the Virginia Horse Trials a few weeks ago, and both were stepping up to new levels. Keeper, the 8 yr old, competed in her first recognized Training, and Class Clown, or Hokie, was enjoying his first recognized sleep-over BN. The love affair between the two was the most difficult part, and Keeper, only inches away from Hokie but unseen in her stall, wouldn't answer his mournful cries. Pretty soon his cries got a bit hoarse, but not feeble. Both had lovely warm-ups on Friday despite being separated.

On Saturday Keeper had a very nice dressage, though not as nice as the warm-up, but enough to put us up there. Stadium jumping was next in the arena, and I could hear lots of rails coming down. It was getting a bit ridiculous actually, so we were greatly relieved and encouraged to leave them all up. Hokie had a very lovely dressage ride next, and moved along nicely down the long side in the direction of the barn. He kept his head in the game though, and finished well, but jigged all the way back to his sweetheart. His stadium round was awesome, too, and clean, and it was his first time in the coliseum.

Sunday found Keeper in first, and Hokie in 3rd or so, but no time to consider that. Keeper's cross-country time was 8:30 am, and I worried a bit about the wet grass, but I added a few grass studs and put it out of my mind. It never was an issue, and she never put a foot wrong the whole time. I had put her in a simple hackamore this week, and she loved it. I truly had the ride of my life out there, and came home in plenty of time for the win. Yahoo! It was an interesting and plenty challenging course, and I feel pretty good about trying some other Training courses with her now--she is so capable and confident!

Hokie romped home for second place with awesome rhythm and purpose out there. Nearly every jump came up out of stride--it was a wonderful ride. So this weekend ranks right up there as one of the best of all time for me. The best part is that I delivered both of these younguns as babies, so I'm a proud mama!

Click here to see Keeper's show jumping round

Click here to see Keeper's cross-country round

Click here to see Hokie's show jumping round

Click here to see Hokie's cross-country round

-Alicia

Fun at Green Hill Park with the Babies

2011-04-13T09:00:00.000-07:00

April 9

Good fun day at Green Hill Park at the Combined Test. Artisan was making her debut today--and I'll say I've never started a 4 yr old at Beginner Novice, but she thought the course was so silly and small. I'm going to enjoy this horse. She got her first ribbon (if you don't count the Future Event Horse championship last summer when she was three and won!) Hokie had some separation problems but did his job at his first Novice and got a second with a rail--pretty proud of his bravery today. And I am proud of myself riding him like my daughter taught me!

-Alicia

Hokie's first Novice

Artisan's first Beginner Novice

Keeper Schooling Cross-Country

2011-04-13T08:56:00.000-07:00

Video of Cady's Goldkeeper & Alicia schooling Training Cross-Country at Virginia Horse Center - March 2011

Early Spring Update - Deep Run & VHC

2011-04-13T08:34:00.000-07:00

It's been a quiet spring on the farm. We began our training off "campus" with a trip to Deep Run Hunt cross-country course near Richmond, because it is a very clean and welcoming course with tough and inviting questions. Keeper has never had fun there, so I was determined to get her over the Training level jumps, and she was well up for the task. She handled the heights and the water and the log off the bank and the ditch before the wall all quite well.

(Left: Hokie and Keeper at Virgina Horse Center. Caitlin East photo.)

Young master Fred ("Class Action"), co-owned and trained by Catlin East, enjoyed his first outing ever by yawning at everything he was asked--and with style. He has the finest disposition of any young horse we have produced.

Soon following this experience, we headed over the mountain, to Lexington to jump the cross-country course at the horse center. Keeper again was slated to go Training, and she schooled beautifully, even jumping the scary trakehner, which I was going to save for the actual competition day and run toward home with adrenaline. But with the bad weather moving in , I knew I had to accomplish something hard, so I set up Caitlin with the camera and we flew right over it. We didn't make it back for the Sunday ride, with the bad weather, so that had to satisfy us.

(Right: THE trakehner! Keeper flies over it in style. Left: Hokie showing off his scope. Caitlin East photos.)

Hokie, aka Class Clown, had not experienced "the scene" before and he was a bit overwhelmed. Kristen Laluna rode him, but it soon became evident that he couldn't keep his eyes on the Novice jumps long enough to actually jump over them. So we finished him with confidence building BN jumps.

(Right: Hokie and Kris schooling at VHC. Caitlin East photo.)

Saturday, April 2 , we ventured back the the VHC for the Maury River Hunter Trials--to deliver the pottery trophies and ride Keeper and Fred in a few classes. Fred got a good ribbon in the puddle jumpers, and Keeper had some good runs in the pairs, and handy class. We mostly had to deal with speration anxiety and sideways icestorms. It was a good day to develope toughness. April 9th we will be taking babies to Green hill Park for a CT and xc school. Young Artisan will make her debut there. That should be loads of fun. I love these local occasions. Such good learning!

-Alicia

A-Hunting We Will Go!

2011-01-24T12:12:00.000-08:00

We picked the prettiest day of the winter to join Lili Wykle and her young Stonewall Hounds at the fox pen for training. We were training and testing equines while she was training and testing canines--hounds and foxes. Well, now I'm not sure what grey foxes are... We took the two Connemara/Thoroughbreds--Keeper ("Cady's Goldkeeper") the 8yo mare and Fred ("Class Action"), the 4yo.

(Left: MFH & Huntsman Lili Wykle with her fine group of hounds. Below: The field enjoying a lovely afternoon. Photos by Karen Aniero from the Blessing of the Hounds last year.)

Both were a little wide-eyed by the tall canines with tails--as we raise Welsh Corgis. But they soon got in the groove and off we went. Since there are so many fox finding options for the hounds, we didn't seem to move much for the first little while. Fred seemed to have some bright ideas about ways to move, so we were glad when we finally got to move off at a brisk trot, as Lili said "to take the starch out of our horses."

Lots of good running by the hounds and we followed around on the roads--until I remarked that I'd really like to see a fox today. Not two minutes later, a pretty little red popped out of the woods in front of us, ran down the road, and dashed back into the brush. Yippee--I mean "Tally ho!"

After a good while of this fun, Fred began to show some tension and fatigue--so we decided to head for the trailers. Caitlin gave hm a little break, got off, and loosened his girth and his attitude suddenly brightened. So now we know you can get your girth too tight and as a reward on our hack to home, we viewed another red fox. Um.. hello! Tally you know---Ho!!!

- Alicia

Videos of Cady's Goldkeeper

2010-11-11T13:41:00.000-08:00

Here are a few videos of Cady's Goldkeeper from the October Maryland Horse Trials. At the event, Keeper and Alicia Daily were 2nd in the competitive Open Novice division, finishing on their dressage score of 30.4. Contact us for more information on Keeper!

Trouble viewing these videos? You can also see them on our Youtube channel.

Dressage

Show Jumping

Cross-country

Thank you Alicia and everyone involved in Cady O’Daly Farm!

2010-11-07T15:36:00.000-08:00

I cannot say enough, how truly thankful I am to have been able to be a part of this amazing little farm tucked away in Goode, Va. It started with me posting an ad to find a place to ride every now and again while I was in college and it turned out to be so much more. I learned so much while I was working for Alicia and I am so thankful for the time she put into helping me better my riding and for giving me so many opportunities.

Not only did I work for her, but she was so selfless and handed off so many business opportunities to me in order to help me out. We have had so many great times and so many memories from racking our brains trying to find a solution to a problem with a horse to weekend long shows that were so much fun.

Thank you Alicia for being such a great friend and trusting me and encouraging me to go further in what I love to do.

Emily and Josh-you both are incredible at what you do! It was so great getting to know both of you and I wish you guys the best of luck in your future together! It’s not goodbye, but see you later! :) If ever in Charlotte, you will always have a place to stay!

-Kris LaLuna

Tobey The Packer

2010-11-01T19:29:00.000-07:00

A couple weeks ago, after a great run at Loch Moy, Emily said, "At this point, I'm convinced that anyone can ride this pony," referring to Cady's Punchline, better known as Tobey. She went on, "Advanced or beginner, you'll have a blast. He's honest, safe, fit, healthy, and getting better and better."

It's one thing to hear someone say that about a horse, but it's another to experience it first hand. On Saturday, October 23rd, I made it through my first Combined Test at Sandstone Farm in Berryville thanks to Tobey, and of course a brilliant and patient coach! (Thanks Em!!)

Needless to say, I was nervous. Memories of my first surf meet came to mind. But this time, I wasn't paddling out on my own. As Tobey and I made our rounds and got acquainted with the venue, I felt at ease. I could relax and concentrate on riding. He, of course, was infinitely more relaxed than I was, which certainly helped me.

So, I think, a 39.5 for my first ever dressage test wasn't too shabby! Especially since 100% of my focus was allocated to trying to remember what to do, when, and where in the arena, and remembering to keep my elbows relaxed, my fingers closed, sit up, and leg, leg, leg! Bottle the energy!

As we exited the arena, I felt like I'd already taken a huge step forward thanks to Tobey's consistent and easy way of going. And he brought the same priceless attitude to show jumping.

Now, I hadn't had the opportunity to string more than 5 or 6 fences together in a ring, ever, before then. There were 9 fences on the course and, like dressage, much of my attention would be focused on remembering the track.

When we stood outside the ring waiting for our round, Tobey turned his head and looked at me as if too say, "This is nothing. Just tell me which ones to jump and I'll do it."

And he did. While I concentrated on keeping my heels down, hands forward, leg on, and head up, he literally stepped over the fences I pointed him at.

Sometimes I liken myself to a four-year-old horse at his first show; I need an experienced, reliable, understanding, and patient partner to help me get the most of the experience, so I can go home feeling like I learned something, and gained a nurtured desire to go do more, and do it better the next time. Which is exactly what Tobey did for me.

A week later, on Halloween Sunday, Tobey took me through my first horse trials experience at Waredaca in Maryland. I'm proud to say we finished on our dressage score, which, surprisingly, was improved from the weekend before at Sandstone.

I say surprisingly because... well let me start from the beginning: My ride time wasn't until 1:20. We left the house around 9:30. It's only an hour and change to get there. "You always want to give yourself as much time as you need rather than getting there and feeling rushed," Emily shared as we pulled out of the drive way.

We ended up burning about 2 hours standing on the side of highway 340 with a flat trailer tire. I'm convinced that had I tried to change the tire myself, we would have missed the show completely, and that would have been the best-case scenario. This is where U.S. Rider came in. They found a great mobile mechanic for us, on a Sunday mind you, who had us back on our why to arrive at Waredaca with about 20 minutes before my ride. Tobey stepped off the trailer ready to go, as if nothing had ever gone wrong.

I, on the other had, was more than nervous. I was downright frazzled. If I could barely relax, how could I expect my horse to relax? Well, he did. Mr. Steady Eddie took me in that arena and put up with my fidgeting. We earned a 37 this time, which I graciously accepted, given the circumstances. But I know we both have so much more potential when everything finally aligns.

I finally relaxed once we entered the stadium. Emily's words of wisdom were, "Go in there, look around, enjoy it. You have plenty of time." And the change in my nerve was palpable. I felt it, Tobey felt it, and we had what felt like a lovely hunter round over a great, flowing 9-fence course.

Now I felt great! I was ready for my first full cross-country experience! The feeling I remember most was when the steward counted down, "three, two, one, go!" and Tobey came forward out of that box so forward and in front of my leg, just waiting for me to tell him where to go and what to jump.

Just passed the half way mark on course, I think I could feel him telling me, "Come on dad, keep up with me!" I admit I could use a little more conditioning myself. But he had enough energy for both of us and finished over the last fence with plenty of run, and a very happy, new eventing-addict.

- Josh Walker

More Virginia Horse Trials Updates - Dawn's Sunrise Takes 2nd in First Training!

2010-11-01T17:01:00.000-07:00

I enjoyed a weekend of coaching, as well as riding, as we watched Kristen LaLuna ride her sendoff on Sunny---"Dawn's Sunrise", who belongs to Stephen Bryant. This was a first Training level run for both horse and rider but both hung in there and finished in 2nd. Poor Kris was nursing an injury, not the least of which was her pride, but she gutted it out. Dressage was fine, if a little painful, and after a small mistake flowed nicely (don't tell her the difference between first and second... less than a dressage mistake, I think.)

(Left: Kris & Sunny competing at a local horse trial this fall.)

Cross-country went by fast and was perfect and exciting to watch. Woosh in to the water, that was one worry, after the worry of going straight down into the hollow, and then home over a huge trakehner... lots of air time on that one. Stadium was a lovely surprise in being clean and clear. So she moves up two spots with that round and is happy to pin that ribbon over her bed...

...in her new apartment in Charlotte, North Carolina where she now resides...far away from the Cady O'Daly farm. So I for one will be quite lonely here without her. She rode my horses all winter when I was hurt. She trained up the young ones, and started some babies, and they are all great now. She got up early and traveled with me and gave up lots of her time to go to lots of shows. She learned how to drive the truck and trailer so she could drive me home from Maryland HT at all hours of the dark. She's been a good friend .. and now I, sniff, have empty nest again. Love you Kris!

-Alicia Daily

Super Weekend for Cady's Goldkeeper at Virginia Horse Trials

2010-11-01T16:49:00.000-07:00

Penny Ross ordered up the perfect weather for the Virginia Horse Trials this weekend. We really enjoyed the fun and festivities, and we mostly enjoyed horses that ran well. Keeper was on her game for everything in the Area 2 Novice Championship division, and laid down a 30.0 in a crowded group of scores. She must have liked it, because she decided to keep that one and finish on it for a fourth place ribbon and a victory lap, too.

Keeper was showing a much more mature shape in her dressage test as I decided to sit all the trot this time, and the judge seemed to like it, too. Cross-country was scheduled for late Saturday, but there was plenty in reserve for that. We hadn't jumped or galloped all week, simply worked on our dressage. So she was ready for a run, and she was tired of the stall, and maybe thought she could find her way home, too. Anyway, she scooted around the course, pretty much dragging me everywhere, not blinking at any of the questions. Then we added a circle at the end because we were so early, even at 400 mpm and big hills to boot. She's finally got that uphill gallop where she is balanced for each jump and can jump them from any distance without much interference from me. It was quite a thrill!

The show jumping was scheduled for last on Sunday, so we did a lot of waiting and waiting, and since it was reverse order of standing, more waiting, more dry mouth, and more visual runthroughs of the course. And then it was over, we were clean and I couldn't remember anything about the round. Yeah and whew! We even got a cool neck ribbon, saddle pad, and a victory lap.

-Alicia Daily

Getting Ready for Virginia HT

2010-11-01T11:59:00.000-07:00

We're busily preparing for the Virginia HT-- last minute travel food, silver polish, chiropractic adjustments. Keeper is getting lots of napping time in, and the flax seed is finally producing a shine and dapple. We decided to simply do light dressage workouts and save the jumping for the show. I've lowered my stirrups, hoping it'll encourage me to sit taller and keep my shoulders back. I'm very excited that she is in the championship division for Area 2.

We enjoyed a clinic with Jimmy Wofford at Sunrise Farm last week. We was adamant that we would "get' our distances, even though Keeper was hanging behind my leg. We achieved our goals and finished well on a "sloppy track"... and he told a story of a fellow saying , "if you want to have your horse jump like a pony, you have to ride like a child!" So I guess my elbows etc got the job done. He's very respectful of Connemaras and their crosses. After my last clinic on Mikey, he said, "that's a nice toy you have there."

My good friend and rider Kristen Laluna is leaving me for greener pastures in Charlotte after this show. I will be lonely without her. She rode my guys all winter while I was injured, and she learned how to drive the rig so she could get me home from Md, and graciously gave me my horses back as I recovered my legs. This weekend she'll give Dawn's Sunrise his first recognized Training run. Sunny used to be my ride, but OTTBs are a bit much for me in my advanced years. He belongs to Steve and Billie Bryant, and needs a home. Got my fingers crossed.

-Alicia

The Boys Show Off Their Form in the Jumping Chute

2010-10-22T07:08:00.000-07:00

Alicia and Caitlin East, one of our riders (and great photographers!), took a few of the three-year-olds over to Lone Pine Farm, just down the road, to run them through the jumping chute and check out their form. Thank you Caitlin for the excellent re-cap and photos!

The jumping chute was a blast! We sent Dawn's Sunrise (who lives at Lone Pine Farm), The Magician's Nephew, and Fred through the exercise. The babies were just figuring out how to jump in general, whereas Dawn's Sunrise was showing us how he wanted to jump.

Both the Magician's Nephew and Fred figured out the chute easily and jumped with style! It was so much fun getting to watch them. Babies are exciting!

Dawn's Sunrise is very talented, so we wanted to see how he used himself without any input from a rider. Hopefully, now we can help him realize that potential in the ring.

-Caitlin

(Top left: Three-year-old Welsh-cross The Magician's Nephew; Right: Three-year-old Conn/TB Fred; Below left: Dawn's Sunrise. Photos by Caitlin East)

Tobey Wins the Dressage at Maryland Horse Trials with 30.4!

2010-10-20T09:02:00.000-07:00

Cady's Punchline ("Tobey") was a star this past weekend at the unrecognized horse trials at Loch Moy Farm in Adamstown, Maryland. He earned one of his best ever dressage scores in the Novice division (30.4!), and ended up being at the head of the back after that phase! Needless to say, I was pleased as punch - Tobey seems to be getting better and better on the flat, and is really showing off his true potential.

When we arrived at the show, I discovered I only had an hour or so in between my dressage and show jumping... a bit close for comfort, but that's okay since the cross-country course was right across from our trailer spot, and I practically knew the course by heart since I'd ridden it so many times. Plus, I'd be home in time for an afternoon nap and Sunday football!

Even though it was an unrecognized event, there was still a good deal of atmosphere, but Tobey dealt with it like a champ, being much more interested in checking out the fine grazing around our trailer. I knew Tobey was pretty fit, but we hadn't done much schooling on the flat in the past few weeks since I'd been travelling so much, so I wasn't sure how he was going to be in the warm-up. Turns out, I needn't have worried, because he was calm, cool, collected, and very focused...don't you love 6-year-olds?

During the warm-up, I was able to really get him jazzed up a bit and get him swinging along nicely with lots of energy. Luckily, this energy carried over into our test, and I was so, so pleased with how he performed. We picked up lots of 8s, and our only silly moment was when he stopped to poop in front of the judge's box, and I gave him a thump! I was tickled to find out we'd gotten a 30.4, and am very, very optimistic about his future. Who knew Tobey was such a DQ?

One thing I noticed was how many people didn't bother to braid for the horse trials. I got a record low number of braids (7!) on Tobey at 6AM in the freezing darkness that morning, but they were nice and neat, and I thought he looked very well turned out, especially with his lovely clip job and fall dapples. I always like to think that I might get a few brownie points if I go the extra mile and really do a good job with our turn-out...or maybe that's just my inner Pony Clubber speaking.

After the test, I scrambled out of boots, and into my running shoes to go out and walk/jog the cross-country course. True to form, the course looked fabulous and very inviting. In fact, I was actually eyeballing the Training course thinking that looked within our grasp! I'll have to keep that in mind for next spring. The course was very similar to the spring Novice (recognized) event, and looked like it would be a fun little walk (canter) in the park.

Josh was kind enough to get Tobey ready for show jumping while I checked out my course, and I hopped on and headed down to warm-up to pop over a few jumps, knowing he wouldn't need much warm-up after such a brief period between show jumping and dressage.

The warm-up at events can always be a little hectic, especially at the lower levels where there are many newer competitors who aren't always sure of the rules and etiquette, but we survived and he felt good...albeit a little on the lazy side. I knew I'd really have to wake him up when we headed into the ring, especially since it was quite warm (close to 80), and he still felt a little bit sleepy.

Tobey felt quite good once we got in the ring and I took him for a big gallop around the outside to get him coming forward. The course was lovely - very flowing and had a couple of nice combinations. Unfortunately, I didn't wake him up quite enough, and we had a silly rail at the first combination. I blame myself since we cut the corner a bit, and plus I didn't really have him up in front of my leg. Other than that mistake, we had a good round. I think I know where to go from here - jumper shows! I love how quiet and safe Tobey feels, but he needs to learn that when he goes into the ring, it's time to GO! I think some good schooling shows this winter will do the trick.

After the show jumping, we trotted straight over to cross-country. Finally, Tobey seemed awake! Off we went at a casual pace, and hopped easily over the first few. A little too easily - I was thinking, wow, this doesn't seem challenging at all! We're lucky enough to get to go through two water combinations, and he galloped right in - no water issues with this guy. Over ditches and up and down banks, he was pretty much on auto-pilot the whole time. Just point and shoot! He's gotten much more "rateable" the past few months, and I really feel like I can let him cruise around on his own pace, and then sit up, give a little half halt, and prepare for each jump a few strides out. Love these ponies! I was also suffering from an annoying eye infection, so I was forced to wear some (outdated) glasses instead of my usual contact lenses....it was a little nerve-wracking having water splash up on my face and glasses through the water jump, and then trying to wipe it off before the next jump... oh well!

All in all, I was very, very pleased with how Tobey did this past weekend - especially in the dressage phase. I'm still kicking myself for the rail, because without it we would've won...but what're you going to do? Anyway, we still got a good ribbon, and I couldn't have been happier. At this point, I'm convinced that anyone can ride this pony - advanced or beginner, and have a blast. He's honest, safe, fit, healthy, and getting better and better... it's fun to see how much he's grown up in the past few years, and I'm feeling very hopeful about his future.

Also, we saw our good friends Larry & Michelle Robbins at the event with their talented young RID stallion Kilronan's Glenstone, who's in training at Phyllis Dawson's amazing facility at Windchase. The Robbins are very active in the Irish Draught community, and we've been happy to get to know them and their wonderful Irish horses during the past few years. This was "Stoney's" first real event, and of course he ended up tied for first in the Beginner Novice division.

Thanks to Josh for the amazing photos! And a huge thanks for being a helpful groom/driver, especially since he got home late Saturday night from photographing at Fair Hill CCI**/*** up in Maryland.

Next weekend, Josh will be taking Tobey in a combined test at Sandstone Farm, a great little event just a few miles down the road. And hopefully on Sunday we'll head back over to Loch Moy Farm for Josh to school the cross-country course before his first "real" event on Halloween. Busy weeks ahead!

By the way, I'll be posting more photos of Tobey on our Cady O'Daly Facebook Fan Page - check 'em out!

Cheers,
Emily

Cady O'Daly Class Clown Takes Second at Local Horse Trial

2010-10-16T17:41:00.000-07:00

We're just home from a Virginia Horse Trial schooling show at Sunrise Farm. My young four year old Hokie-- aka Cady O'Daly Class Clown came in second on a 31.0 dressage score. The silly guy just wasn't too sure about the huge purple mums at dressage entrance-- and kept on eyeing them, but somehow succeeded in keeping his mind in the game. He got a nice 8 on his movement--that is encouraging.

Stadium jumping was very pleasant and well in hand on the side of the hill. His form improves with his interest, since it is so easy for him.

Cross-country was interesting as he dropped out of the air onto a very wide log and rail-- only to be met with a big whack by me. He cantered on down to the gate into the water field and hated every minute--as i said yesyoudo...yesyoudo... until he finally did... and off we went again with a whack whack... so for some reason, he went right on into the water. Funny guy. The rest of the ride was a blast, and he finished 30 sec under the time. Good boy!

-Alicia

Beholden Spends a Morning with Snickersville Hounds

2010-10-16T17:13:00.000-07:00

Beholden ("BB"), who's currently being leased in northern Virginia, had a great outing with the Snickersville Hounds. "A beautiful day for hunting yesterday! Beholden was a perfect lady!" said Marilyn Davis, who's enjoying BB.

Looking for a smaller-sized, but fancy, foxhunter? Check out 15.2hand BB!

Gordonsdale Field Trip

2010-10-12T17:00:00.000-07:00

After a hectic month of travelling to the American Eventing Championships, Irish Draught National Show, and the World Equestrian Games, Josh and I finally got our boys back last week - Cady's Punchline ("Tobey") and Marco.

This past weekend we decided to take advantage of the gorgeous fall weather this weekend, brush the stink bugs off our saddle pads, and take the geldings on a little field trip over to a fantastic local cross-country schooling facility in Berryville called Gordonsdale. This hidden gem has jumps from itty bitty logs to Preliminary tables and combinations, and is the perfect place to take youngsters on their first outing, or gear up your seasoned partner for an upcoming event. The privately-owned facility is perfectly manicured, and the footing is fantastic, especially considering the dry weather we've had lately, which has taken its toll on many of the venues in our area.

Josh rode Tobey in preparation for Josh's upcoming first horse trial in a few weeks, and Tobey is proving to be a very steady and encouraging partner for him. Tobey was foot-perfect during the entire school, boldly but safely tackling all of the obstacles asked of him: water jumps, banks, logs, and anything else in front of him. If all goes according to plan, he and Josh will be participating in the unrecognized Waredaca Horse Trials on Halloween.

Marco is my little protege, and I have high hopes for this young gelding...he's only three years old, but he's well over 15.2, and has fantastic bone, long legs, and incredible movement. I don't plan to sell this one for a long time! In fact, I think he'd make a fantastic Prelim packer one day, or even a fieldmaster's hunt horse.

Baby Marco had competed (and won) at the USEA Future Event Horse show at Green Hill Park (Salem, VA) earlier this summer, but had never been ridden off the farm, but with his quiet and thoughtful demeanor, I knew he'd take our field trip all in stride. And he did. I was a little nervous since there were a few trailers already at Gordonsdale, which could make for a bit of commotion, but both boys were excellent, and we finished tacking up and mounted without a fuss.

Marco had the chance to sniff and explore the cross-country jumps, and seemed to shrug his little grey shoulders and say, "Meh, no biggy!" My main goal for this outing was to have him behave on a field trip, and perhaps check out a few beginner cross-country questions, like water jumps. Of course, he exceeded all my expectations, gingerly stepping (and then later heartily trotting) through the murky water jump, thoroughly investigating tire jumps, and easily stepping off of baby-sized banks. What a trooper - I'm so excited about this young gelding, and can't wait to see how he progresses throughout the winter. Perhaps I'll even think about competing in some Young Event Horse classes?

I was able to squeeze into the unrecognized horse trial at Loch Moy Farm this weekend, so I'm excited to finally get back on the cross-country course with Tobey again. We schooled at the Virginia Horse Center a few weeks ago, and he felt stronger and much more mature than he had in the spring, so I'll be interested to see how the event goes. Thanks to Mom for keeping Tobey fit and happy for me - as well as clipping him! Meanwhile, Josh will be travelling up to Elkton, Maryland to cover the Fair Hill CCI**/*** and the Young Event Horse Championships, so be sure to check out the great photos on USEventing.com!

Cheers,
Emily

New Sale Video: Cady's Punchline

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Check out our latest sales video featuring Cady's Punchline ("Tobey") Thanks to Josh Walker of Red Horse Media for this fantastic video!

Marvelous Weekend at Maryland Horse Trials

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Cady O'Daly Farm had a great outing at the Maryland Horse Trials at Loch Moy Farm in Adamstown, Maryland this weekend. Homebred mare Cady's Goldkeeper and Alicia took home second place in the competitive Open Novice division to finish on their dressage score of 30.4. Keeper was a champ, clinching a solid, steady dressage test, and was one of only a handful of horses in her division to post a double-clear in show jumping and cross-country. Keeper is currently for sale - check out her page! She and Alicia are headed to the Virginia Horse Trials in Lexington, Virginia in a few weeks.

Kris LaLuna gave Steve and Billie Bryant's Dawn's Sunrise an excellent ride in the Open Novice division as well. 'Sunny' earned a 35.7 in dressage (even though he was a little spooked by the judge's hut!), had a silly rail in show jumping, and a foot-perfect cross-country trip. Sunny's also for sale - check out his page! Kris and Sunny will have their Training debut at the upcoming Virginia Horse Trials.

Check out more photos from this weekend here on Facebook!

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