Thursday, May 31, 2012

Memphis in May

Before starting this, I forgot to mention on the last post that I am also qualified for the USEF Pony Medal at Pony Finals!

Both weeks were pretty successful, but the second week was awesome! On Saturday, I won everything except for the model and the classic, when I was 4th and 2nd! Jeb was so great!! Although, Sunday my eye was off, so we were 2nd and 4th, but still champion! I was so happy and very proud of Jeb! Our competition was hard: a Pony Finals champion, a Pony Finals reserve champion, and a Pony Finals top ten pony!

We are currently resting 7th in the zone and 33rd in the nation with 7 competitions!

Good luck everyone!
~Sarah
All My Links

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Qualified Pony Finals 2012!

Yes! That's right, I qualified!! A few weeks ago at WTHJA's Springtime in Dixie, Jeb and I were reserve champion, qualifying us for USEF Pony Finals 2012! I couldn't be happier. Jeb has been perfect lately! I can't wait for Kentucky this year! It's gonna be so much fun! See you there!
~Sarah
All My Links

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

International Riding Academy

A few weeks after visiting AOA, I visited the International Riding Academy in Hilton Head, South Carolina. It was awesome! The first day my mom, dad, and I met with Hilton Head Prep, the school that works with iRiding students. They were very willing to help with absences for riding and it was a really great school. Afterwards, we went to lunch with som people from iRiding which was fun.
After lunch, all of us headed over to the barn. The facilities are incredible! I got a tour of the property then got ready to ride. I participated in the lessons with the other iRiding girls, who were all very nice and welcoming. Sandra (Sam) McCarthy is the trainer. She is absolutely hilarious and very nice. She taught me a lot in the short time I was there. While I was there, I was able to ride their ponies and horses who were all very talented. They were fun to ride and I really enjoyed being there. All the riders there ride in two lessons a day, one flatwork and another jumping. They ride at least two horses a day. A full time riding program schedule is here.  The academy participates in local horse shows, 'A' and 'AA' shows, along with the IEA shows. 
The second day I was there, I went to Hilton Head Prep again to go to some classes with an iRiding student. All the teachers were very nice and helpful and I really enjoyed the school. After that, my parents and I toured the housing. The housing is also very nice and I think it is cool how you get to live with other golf academy students. That afternoon I headed back to the barn and got to ride again, which of course, was the best part! Students can take a horse of their own or lease during the year, but it's required to have your own personal horse. 

Overall, I really liked the International Riding Academy, and I think if you are considering boarding school, you should most definitely consider going there. 

~Sarah