Hard work and dedication paid off for SGF rider Claire Nicol and her mare, Calypso, this weekend! Claire and Callee moved into SGF last fall as a very green horse/rider and have had their noses to the grindstone ever since. In addition to regular lessons and tune-ups, Claire is at the barn six days a week, every week. They completed their first horse trial ever just one month ago and this past weekend at Equus they WON their huge division of 23 riders!!! This is Claire and the mare’s first show season and they are still a fairly new team, so this is an especially impressive feat for them. They have come a very long way in a relatively short time and I am just thrilled to see Claire rewarded with this experience!
Callee warmed up in the dressage like an old pro (you would never know she’s only done a few shows!) and it quickly became apparent that we alotted her way too much warm-up time. Claire strategically kept her focused until their dressage time, but I admit, I was a little worried that Callee would be tired and frustrated by that point. Of course, Claire followed instruction to the letter and they put in an absolutely gorgeous dressage test to sit in 2nd! Claire and Callee jumped double clear both stadium AND cross-country to finish on their dressage score! Congratulations, Claire!