This 7 year old chestnut has grown a lot since we acquired him in the spring of 2006. Then he was not quite 16.1, and now, at 7 years old, he’s nearly 17.0 hands. He’s still an amazing jumper. His style at times is unconventional (he’s frequently compared to a “Daddy-Long-Legs” spider), but he’s always clean, correct and safe. He hates touching rails, in either the stadium jumping or cross country, so he generally clears everything by at least six inches.

Smooch is a wonderful horse to train. A sweet, lovable character that loves to work. He’s brave cross country and getting very wise to whatever he finds on Preliminary courses. 2008 will be a big year for him as he moves on to FEI competitions and moves up to Intermediate national horse trials.

Kibbutz is a 6 year, 16.2 hand old dark bay Thoroughbred gelding. He was bred in Ohio, and raced as a 3, 4 and 5 year old. He has lovely gaits and a bold jump, and he’s just begun his eventing career at the Greater Dayton Horse Trials in May, 2008.

Kibutz loves everything to do with horse shows from meeting new friends in the temporary stabling, to warming up with thirty other horses careening around him. Kibutz even likes having his mane pulled! I suspect he’s not very smart, but he’s very affectionate and game to try anything. I’m really looking forward to bringing this talented youngster along. Stay tuned for pictures and results from his early shows this summer.

Friday is a 6 yr old chestnut paint. He’s 16.3 and very flashy! Not only does he stand out in the dressage ring, but since he’s 7/8 Thoroughbred, he can run and jump too. Friday completed his first Beginner Novice event at the CANTER Benefit event in Michigan in May. He’s a real ham in dressage with exceptional gaits, and the judge loved him.

It’s a wonderful opportunity to have another talented young horse started this year. Many thanks to his owner, Linda Short-Lowe for letting me train and compete this super prospect.