Crazy Weather

Last night we had a very fast, very destructive thunderstorm. It started at about midnight and the bad parts were done by 12:30. There are trees down all over town and all over Western Massachusetts. A tree took out the top of our swingset....

...and quite a bit of the nieghbor's driveway.

Both their vehicles are totaled (and are underneath the tree). The picture I got was from my driveway. It didn't seem polite to stand right in front of their house and photogragh their misfortune. Now to figure out what to do with all the trees.

Weekend show report

Today was the PVTRA second annual benefit horse show. Travis was riding in it again which he loves. Last year I got video but this year I just did pictures. Part of that was I needed reference photos for my therapeutic riding set-up at live shows. I got some good ones I think. But photos are fun so here are a bunch to look at ☺

This first one is Pat, the director of the therapeutic riding program and Travis's senior instructor. He likes her a lot. This is Anna, Travis's intern instructor. She is licenced with the state but wants to be licenced by NARHA. Elecktra is excited that she gets to help out and finally can touch the horses without getting in trouble.

This one is because action shots are fun!

Number 196 is all ready to go (and looking very cool).

The paparazzi were there as well.

I really wish I had taken a photo of the trail coarse diagram. I didn't think of it until we were on the way home though. Maybe Leora will still have it at the barn (it was big and color coded!). Anyway, this was the first circle.

Here is a very nice whoa.

Steering through the cones.

Perfect jump position (is it better with your eyes closed?).

Another action shot. The beanbag went right into the hoop. The judges (were right above him for this one) and they sounded impressed with this as well.

The outcome... second place! Great job Travis!

And the group photo. This was the only one I had where Travis didn't look really bored. The little girl was not really upset, she just looks it in this photo. The other ones I have she looked happy (and as I mentioned, Travis looked really bored).
So it was a good day and I got these and may more photos. I am thinking of having the doll in my set-up do jumping position. Not sure I can pull it off but it would be interesting.

Great mail day!

It's not every day that you get cool new stuff in the mail! I got my new tack from Jennifer Buxton! Isn't it pretty? My photos don't do the set any justice at all. It is very "wow!" in person. And coming soon...the dolls I am making as my part of the trade. Now I will go back to admiring me new tack☺