Success at Dressage at Devon 2013

The iconic Dressage at Devon is always a wonderful opportunity forgrowth for  both the horses and humans of our farm. This year Caelea Gannon handled Windtanzer FM in the Mature Broodmare class as well as the Adult Amateur Handler class,  garnering ribbons in both arenas.   I was especially proud of Caelea's 3rd place win in the Handler class, which high-lighted her hard work and dedication to the sport.  Perhaps the best moments were actually outside the competitive arena, when Caelea mounted the green mare in the hectic warm-up area for her first ride off the farm.   It was a shining moment for both horse and rider. Congratulations Tanzer and Caelea!   Next on the schedule are some dressage and hunter schooling shows for the pair in October.

Video Of Ishin Maru - Four Months of Age

Video of Ishin Maru, Kaareltje's daughter out of La Donnarina by Donnerhall.  Ishin arrived at Firemist Farm a week ago two weeks after weaning.  Just four months old now,  she has been out with the adult mares and was introduced today to miniature mare Andromeda, the 'big girl' of the barn!   Ishin was filmed free in the field with Auntie Windtanzer and tiny Andi.   She is a springy and powerful mover and very athletic.

We also have begun her 'kindergarten' classes, and Ishin is a quick study, calm and eager to try new things.

We believe in early handling and in keeping it fun and easy.   Non-plussed by the saddle pad and surcingle, Ishin was filmed learning to walk and trot in hand towards and away from handler Caelea, to and from her buddies.   So far she has made short 'field trips' to the arena and around the house and garage, and has taken it all in stride despite arriving so recently to the farm.  We have high hopes that her personality as well as her movement predict future success in sport.  

Ishin Maru Comes Home!

Ishin arrived Thursday, just before the holiday weekend.  What a great holiday gift!    She walked off the trailer on  a hot, humid day just two weeks after weaning bone dry, and walked calmly into the stall liked she owned the farm.   The bold little filly went out for the night with Jastriad and began grazing.  She has since made the introductions to the adults mares and is out with the group.   Smart little girl.   Caelea has begun working with her in-hand and she is already trotting along like a pro.   Daddy's little girl!

Maryland State Fair - 1st Outing of the Year

Windtanzer attended the Maryland State Fair Hunter Breeders this year in preparation for Dressage at Devon in September.  The versatile young mare, bred for dressage but also successful in the hunter breed arena, has primarily been a broodmare for the last three year and travels very sporadically.   We were thrilled to see that she handled herself like a pro, and she and handler Caelea looked great together and enjoyed their first 'field trip' in over a year.

We had double the pleasure as Tanzer was also reunited with her son Sembegare at the show grounds, and we were able to see him reprise his role as first place 2 year old Half Welsh as a 3 year old.  Sembegare, pictured below, is definitely a 'chip off the old block.'  Owner Tony will be breaking him lightly this fall and we look forward to seeing him under saddle.