Chloe’s Horse Show

Getting Ready - Nervous Anticipation?

Riding the Test with Shela Lark

First Place!

Shela Lark and Proud Owner

Today was Chloe's horse show day. Chloe is riding dressage and working her way through the levels necessary to get to the bigs--something called Grand Prix. She has a long way to go. If you have ever seen a dressage video at the championship level, you know what I'm talking about. It is truly amazing what rider and horse can accomplish at that level. Just Google Anky van Grunsven and watch one of her videos to see for yourself. Anky shares a last name with another great Dutchman, Richard VanGrunsven, aeronautical engineer extraordinaire and founder and owner of Van's Aircraft, the greatest experimental kit manufacturer on the planet. I have built three of his kits. And Anky is arguably the greatest dressage rider ever.

But I digress. Chloe had a great day. She won two first place ribbons and got the highest test score she's ever received. This is a lot of hard work and she was rewarded today for her efforts. She literally spends every free moment out at the barn when not involved with her school work. By the way, she's also a straight A student. Can you tell we're very proud of her?

I want to take this opportunity to thank our good friend Karen McKean who put Chloe on Tony the Pony at the young age of 4 and Chloe never looked back. Karen has been Chloe's mentor and adviser all of these years, and we really appreciate her inspiration and her guidance! Karen is an accomplished dressage rider who has definitely reached the bigs.

Thank you, Karen!