quadrille lessons

You can see the finished product on the website:  http://solstice-farms.com/
It really looks great but it has been a journey!
The quadrille lessons were different for everyone but we all ended up with better horses and better riding skills.  Loverboy had to learn to play well with others, he had a tendency to pin his ears when Furiant came close.  After the third or fourth week of practice however, Mary and I were "Clinking stirrups" regularly.  As his rider, I had to learn to stop worrying that he might kick another horse.  They all seemed to get into the herd thing and got along.
Many horses had to learn to speed up or lengthen their stride on command.  Others needed to collect.
We all learned the meaning of "dress right and left"
Mostly we learned to ride as a team.  In this highly individual sport, it was perhaps the best lesson yet.
Thanks to Emee for inspiring us!

Mother's Day Out a great success!

Whew!  The last two weeks have been a whirlwind. 
Following the HDS spring classic and CDI, we hosted our annual charity event, "Solstice Farms Mother's Day Out Dressage" show.
The show was great fun with a huge silent auction, an entertaining Pas de Deux, and the first public performance by the Solsisters Quadrille.
Thanks to all our volunteers we put on a very competitor friendly show with wonderful concessions, organic carrots with tops for all first place winners, open arena for schooling, complimentary test calling with our great sound system and music to help everyone relax.
The "Mother Ride" participants were treated to wine coolers made with our home grown fresh mint.
Our donors were so generous for the silent auction (and so were the bidders!)
Familytime Crisis and Conseling Center, our charity helped out with the concessions and auction.  It looks  like they will make even more money than last year to support their shelter. 
Thanks to all who made this possible!