Complete results from BRAHA

We now have complete results from Team Evergreen for the BRAHA (Blue Ridge Arabian Horse Association) Spring Show on April 14, 2007 in Bel Air, MD. Evergreen Farm was well represented by seven horses and nine riders/handlers, and came home with more than 50 ribbons - a very successful outing. For many riders, this was their first show, and the group represented good sportsmanship, good horsemanship, and most of all - FUN!

In addition to the results already posted below (see post from April 22), Megan Santmeyer, Alana, Nikki, Heather and McKenna participated in the full range of classes.

Megan Santmeyer on EC Wayne

• 2nd Place, Hunter Hack 12" fences
• 2nd Place, English/Hunter Jr. Rider
• 4th place, Open Sport Horse in Hand
• 5th Place, Walk-Trot Barrels
• 5th Place, Walk, Trot Plug

Alana Nappi on Chloe

• 2nd Place, Beginner Hunter O/F 18"
• 3rd Place, Open Sport Horse in Hand
• 4th Place, Beginner Hunter O/F 18"
• 4th Place, Walk-Trot Barrels
• 6th Place, English Pleasure, Go as You Please
• 6th Place, Open Walk-Trot English/Hunter Jr. Rider

Nikki Zuleger on Bucephalus

• 2nd Place, Open Sport Horse in Hand (This is especially sweet because Cephie is our 24 year old foundation broodmare!)
• 4th Place, Halter Handling
• 4th Place, Walk-Trot, Maiden Horse and/or Rider

Heather Webb on Chloe

• 1st Place, Hunter Walk Race, 12 and under
• 2nd Place, English/hunter walk
• 3rd Place, Hunter Hack O/F 12"
• 6th Place, Walk-Trot barrels

McKenna Hayes on EF Senor Rojos

• 1st Place, Hunter Walk Race, 12 under
• 3rd Place, English/hunter walk

McKenna Hayes on Chloe

• 4th Place, Walk-Trot plug
• 5th Place, Walk-Trot barrels

At long last...introducing EF KKoi's Braveheart

The stork has finally arrived for Missy. At 4:41 am on April 19 Missy gave us a stunning colt. Ben, as we're calling him, is by far the most unusually colored foals we've had to date. We've known for a while that Kkoi carries the sabino gene, but this is definitely the most apparent its been in his foals. Ben is a bay, but in addition to the ordinary black mane hairs, his mane is also partly red. And his tail, rather than being solidly black, has white hairs on the sides and underside. Although many foals are born with light tails that change color over time, he actually has pink skin in these white areas, leading us to believe that he'll keep his unusual tail color into maturity. He also has three tall stockings that extend above his hocks and knees and several other white patches throughout his body.

As for his conformation (truly the most important thing!), we couldn't have hoped for better. Missy is a wonderful pony, but needed height and refinement - both of which we got in this little colt. He's huge, already 2/3 the height of his dam, and while he clearly has the look of mom, Kkoi added the much needed refinement. His personality is terrific, and he is already the darling of the farm.

Team Evergreen Update

In other news, Team Evergreen had their first outing of the season, heading to the BRAHA Spring Show in Bel Air, MD. The farm sent 8 horses and at least twice that in people to the show, and managed to come home with more than 50 ribbons. We'll update this blog as the full results come in, but for starters, here's the tally:

Rachel Dors with Apple Blossom

• 1st Place, Halter Handling
• 1st Place, Western Walk-Trot
• 2nd Place, Western Jr. Rider
• 3rd Place, Intermediate O/F
• 3rd Place, Intermediate O/F
• 4th Place, Partbred Sporthorse
• 4th Place, Intermediate Walk-Trot

Taylor Torrance with Snickerdoodle

• 4th Place, Beginner Hunter U/S
• 4th Place, Walk/Trot Hunter Hack 12" fences
• 5th Place, Open Walk/Trot Junior Rider
• 1st Place, Open Walk Race

Debbie Torrance (in her first show in almost 30 years!) with Grace

• 3rd Place, Walk/Trot Maiden Horse
• 3rd Place, Walk/Trot Maiden Rider
• 5th Place, Walk/Trot Green Horse and Rider

As I said, we'll post more results as they come in, but congrats to all the members of Team Evergreen on a great job. For many of the kids that went to the show, this was their first big show experience, and the team really banded together, pitched in, and showed some great sportsmanship and Evergreen spirit.

Still waiting!

After the arrivals of Nani and Princess, we have had a long drought with no foals in sight. Our wonderful pony mare, Missy, grows bigger and more unhappy looking by the day. The poor mare is now more than a week overdue, and boy does she look it! She has definitely developed the "mare stare" that says "Please take this thing out of me!" All indications are that Missy will give birth sometime this week, so check back soon for an update.

Nani and Princess continue to grow and keep getting better looking by the day. Nani is very solidly built, displaying her QH and warmblood roots proudly, but she has the personality and curiosity of every Arabian foal born here at Evergreen. Never a shy one, she'll always be there at the gate, ready to play with any passerby. Princess is a bit more reserved, but friendly and curious once she gets to know you. She still has amazingly long legs and the finest head we've seen. Her big, lofty gaits are breathtaking to watch.

And finally, we'll soon have results from the first Team Evergreen event of the year. Pam, Debbie Torrance and Lori Santmeyer took a gaggle of girls and half the horses on the farm to the BRAHA Spring Show where early reports are that the group garnered over 50 ribbons in one day. Check back soon for the full details!