Story of my life

It’s been a very busy two weeks, but isn’t it always. Story of my life.

Pete came to visit last week with his mom, although this time there wasn’t the nice warm weather he encountered on the last visit. It's been around fifty degrees, and when  I would normally be thrilled with this kind of weather in the beginning of March all I could think about was how cold it was. I truly think I am beginning to get spoiled in Florida. Thankfully, it is starting to warm back up again. 

We went to the SVS Auction and witnessed just how much some people are willing to spend on a horse. One went for $490,000. That is utter ridiculousness and can they please buy me one? The Nations Cup was last weekend also, which is always fun. Five teams from around the world competing for the title and points to qualify for the final Nations Cup. Beezie, Laura, Kent and Reed were jumping for the US, who won by a 1-point lead. Beezie had the most interesting round, when she knocked the blocks from the water jump, yet didn't hit the water, so did not receive any faults.

Darragh Kenny and Any Given Sunday won week nine at The Ridge Grand Prix Invitational

I finally had a chance to go out and cover The Ridge's 1.40m Grand Prix Invitational Series out at Mida Farm this week. The farm, owned by Victoria McCullough was opened to the pubic for the first time this season. The estate is gorgeous and boasts an enormous grass field, bringing back the traditional European flair to riding. About 45 horses and riders competed in yesterday's competition, but non could catch up to Darragh Kenny and Any Given Sunday, who blazed through the jump off in 33 seconds. Look online at www.phelpssports.com or visit http://www.phelpsmediagroup.com/viewarticle.php?id=7561, for more pictures and the story. 

Right after finishing at Mida, I raced over to the horse show to help cover Fete Cheval, hosted by the EQUUS Foundation.There was dinner and a show by a mini-Cirque Du Soleil. It was nice to see all of the citations in print that Emily, MaryAdelaide and I had worked so hard on. Also to see that the owners were there and that the event had a good turnout and people were reading our work. 

Emily and MaryAdeliade  (above) The Cirque du Soleil act (right)

Yesterday, Emily and I covered the Sam Edelman Equitation Classic at the derby field at the Stadium.I want to ride on that grass field. It was huge and there was a giant bank, a water jump, liverpools. It was a jumper course with a hunter edge. It was a nice change from the normal classes and I could have spent all day out there.

The derby field at The Stadium

We didn't finish the article until almost midnight as we had to race to the Challenge of the Americas right after the class. Mason was fabulous. You could tell he was having fun which made it that much better. All of the other groups were very impressive and I don't usually watch dressage.

So it was a long weekend, but I wouldn't take any of it back. Three weeks left of circiut, so let's keep up the energy.