He Never Lost the Sparkle in his Eye, or Determination in his Heart
By Jodie Kelly

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

DESTIN, FL - It is with a very heavy heart that I must tell you that we put our beloved Times Square down today.  While I would much rather be wishing you all with a simple Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, I promised I would let everyone know when something did happen with him.

It has been a stressful couple of months with him.  I believe I sent an email about his short bout with lamenitis.  Following that, he actually made a complete recovery all the way back to "normal" by his standards.  Still wobbly, but putting weight on all fours regularly, and walking well.

In the last week, he started holding his left hind up again, and gradually putting less and less weight on it, to the point that he wouldn't put weight on it even to walk.  His meds were maxed to keep him comfortable and while we were successful in keeping him comfortable and very cheerful, he was not making any progress towards improvement.  There was talk of attempting to get him to Auburn for diagnostics, but it was not feasible in his condition.  The thought is he was wobbly and ataxic because of the cancer; presumably a tumor pressing on something somewhere.

He started falling a little more often, but they were still few and far between and he continued to get himself up each time.  We only knew about them because of the shavings in his tail.  We are thinking that maybe his left hind issues started with an injury during one of his falls, maybe or it could have been something neurologic that was restricting circulation in that leg.  We really don't know, but the bottom line is, I feel very confident that we did everything in our power to keep him healthy and happy as long as possible.  The weight that has been so terribly heavy on my mind was making the decision.  When was enough, enough?  Would he let me know?  I have said all along I wanted quality over quantity of life for him and feared so many times that I was pushing it beyond that for my sake.  But, he never lost the sparkle in his eye, or determination in his heart.

This morning my phone rang at 6:41.  He was down and couldn't get up.  I was there a couple minutes after 7 and its not that he couldn't get up, he had no desire to.  It was obvious from the second I walked up to him.  There were no decisions to be made, it had been made.  He was calm, peaceful and almost seemed relieved to finally have the rest.

I spent the morning with him until Dr. Williams could come.  He remained the same, never thrashing, never really attempting to get up.   I had to sedate him a few times very mildly simply because it is not normal for a horse to stay laying down for so long, but, he had a calm, quiet morning, eating more granola bars than any creature should ever consume.  While sitting there with him, I had flash backs of my pony, Chip's, last hours.  Times Square was laying peacefully, Fieval was in his stall next door plastered against the wall, starring through the slats, Manhattan was in his little paddock with his head in the back window of Times Square's stall.  Sula, the barn dog made her self at home in the shavings and Zoe, one of the cats, frequently cruised through the stall to check up on everyone.  It is amazing the peace and serenity that was emitted from each of them.  Manhattan, who never accepts anything less than all eyes on him, stood patiently in the background and observed, offering nothing but moral support.

So, my dear sweet boy is finally resting.  The first true rest he has had since March.  I will miss his cheerful face greeting me each day, but wouldn't give up one ounce of the pain I am feeling now if it meant giving up one bit of the pleasure he brought to our family over the years.

I truly cannot thank everyone that spent countless hours making the most out of each day for him.  Specifically, my barn manager, Jenn, who did meds at all hours of the day and night throughout his illness, practically did cart wheels to get him to eat at times and all around, watched him like a hawk.  Dr. Williams, who, once again, was our absolute savior and the only reason Times Square was able to spend this past year at home with those that love him.  And of course, my parents, who without their unwavering support Times Square would never have made it as far as he did.

So, now, I wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.  And while it is a very sad day, I am going to sleep with the peace of mind tonight that for the first time in a long time, I know he is not in pain or struggling.

Times Square (May 10, 2000 - December 23, 2009)

Fall Dressage Show Kicks Off 2010 Local Show Season
Monday, November 16, 2009

PENSACOLA, FL - Perfect weather welcomed competitors to the Fall Blue Angel Dressage Show hosted at the Escambia County Equestrian Center.  The show was the first local qualifying show for the 2010 USEF/USDF show season.  The show was organized by the Emerald Coast and Florabama Chapters of the DSCTA.

There was a great turnout for this show with over 120 rides over two days.  Ms. Elizabeth Lewis (S) took up the judging duties on both days.

Author Bernard Edmonds once said, “To dream anything that you want to dream, that is the beauty of the human mind.  To do anything that you want to do, that is the strength of the human will.  To trust yourself, to test your limits, that is the courage to succeed.”

Jodie Kelly Dressage clients continued to live the dream this weekend.

Mattie Zepernick and her Oldenburg mare, Nereide, had a very strong showing in the Jr/YR Divison's Training Level classes on Saturday with scores of 66.957% in Test 1 and a 70.800% in Test 4.  Mattie bested her Saturday Test 4 score in Sunday's Jr/YR Training Level Test 2 class, achieving a winning score of 72.857%.  The score captured the Training Level High Point Award and the High Point Award for the show.

In her first show after winning the USDF Training Level Championship in the Jr/YR Division for Region 9 aboard Uniek, Caroline Adams posted consistent scores of 70.286%, 67.895%, and 70.000% in the her debut at First Level in Jr/YR Division.  The First Level High Point Award, however, went to Missi Watson aboard Cindy Carpenter's Oldenburg Gelding, Raconteur, who posted a score of 71.333% in Test 1 in the Open Division on Saturday.

Cindy Carpenter received her first Dover Medal when she captured the top spot with her Dutch Warmblood, Utrillo in the Second Level Test 3 class in the Adult Amateur Division on Saturday.  This combination bested the other riders in the class with a score of 63.721%.  This was Cindy and Utrillo's debut at Second Level after capturing 8th place in the USDF First Level Championships in the Adult Amateur Division for Region 3.

The High Point Award for Third Level went to Jodie Kelly Dressage's own Jennifer Boblitt aboard Capriole.  Judge Lewis awarded Jenn a score of 64.359% for their debut performance at Third Level in the Test 3 class of the Open Division.

The High Point Award for the highest scoring Quarter Horse was captured by Lauren Yockey aboard Just Add Water.  Lauren and her mount earned the award with a judge's score of 67.500% for their performance of USDF Introductory Level Test B.

Marilyn Chlebowski and her quarter horse mare, The Woman in Red, captured two prestigous awards; the Double Nickle and Most Esteemed Awards.  The Double Nickle Awards is given to the horse and rider combination whose combined age is 55 and over.  The Most Esteemed Entry Award is given to the oldest age combination of horse and rider.  Before you bring out the walker and wheelchair, this pair won the USDF Training Level Test 1 class in the Novice Division with a score of 65.652% and was second in the Training Level Test 2 class with a score of 63.929%.

Jodie and her 15 year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding Manhattan capped off Saturday's events performing a repeat performance of the FEI Grand Prix Freestyle demonstration they recently gave at the Cards for a Cure Celebration held in Tallahassee, FL in honor of Carol Dover.  Carol attended the DSDCTA's Adult Horse Camp last year where Jodie was an instructor and also performed a Grand Prix Freestyle demonstation.  So when Carol was told she was to be honored, and being a horse person herself, asked Jodie if she would be part of this event to raise money for the Tallahassee Memorial Cancer Center.

“Many of my friends and supporters that donated the money needed to create the musical freestyle for the event were unable to travel to Tallahassee but are here today and asked if I would perform the freestyle at the show,” said Jodie.  “With Carol also attending this show, it seemed appropriate for us to do so.”

Jodie Kelly Dressage Finishes in the Ribbons at USDF Regional Championships
Monday, October 26, 2009

WEST PALM BEACH, FL - Jodie Kelly and Cindy Carpenter took three horses to West Palm Beach to compete in six classes in the USDF Region 3 Championship in the first year that competitors from all nations can ride in the annual championships.

The classes were among the largest in the regional championships for Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and Tennessee.  The concentration of top U.S. and foreign riders in South Florida made the Region 3 finals among the most competitive in the country.  Until 2009, only U.S. citizens could compete in the championships, as is common in most national championships, but this year was opened to all competitors.

Jodie and her 15-year-old Dutch Warmblood, Manhattan, were Reserve Champions in the Grand Prix Freestyle of the Open Division on Saturday.  Judges Lewis and Rockwell gave their performance a score of 70.938%.  But they were bested by Melissa Taylor and her mount Schumacker Solyst who captured top honors with a score of 71.938%.

Jodie and Manhattan captured 4th place in Grand Prix Championship of the Open Division on Sunday.  The judges awarded them with a score of 68.400% for their performance.  It was a hotly contested Championship with the top four riders separated by only .430%.  Gwen Poulin captured top honors with a score of 68.830% aboard Carol Lavell's Pan American Games veteran Much Ado.

"I would have liked to have won, but I was in the fight," said Jodie.  "I was very happy with my boy."

Cindy qualified two horses for the Championships.  Her first mount, her 12-year-old Oldenburg Raconteur, 'Rainman' as she affectionately calls him, did not finish in the ribbons at Training Level.  "I was disappointed in our performance since we had worked so hard to get Rainman back to these Championships after a top 10 finish in the same division in 2006," Cindy said.  "But, Utrillo made the journey all worth while."

Cindy and her 8-year-old Dutch Warmblood Utrillo finished in the ribbons in the First Level Championship in the Adult Amateur division posting a score of 63.816%% capturing 8th place.  The pair was competing with twenty of the best Adult Amateurs and equines from Region 3 for top honors.   Cindy and Utrillo also captured two fifth place finishes in the First Level Test 4 classes in the Open Show in the two days preceeding the Championships with scores of 63.816% on Thursday and 64.474% on Friday.  They were both large classes as well with fifteen and nineteen entries respectively.

Lora Kay Witterstaeter also competed in the Open Show aboard her mount Weltschatz.  The pair finished 5th in the FEI Test of Choice class on Saturday with a score of 61.711% which included U.S. Olympic medalist Lisa Wilcox.  Lora Kay has moved down to Ft. Lauderdale to attend college and has been alone with Shorty for almost two months.  "I was really happy to see how great he looked and how great she is riding." commented Jodie.

Overall, this year's Regional Championships were great for Jodie Kelly Dressage.

Jodie Kelly Performs at 4th Annual Cards for the Cure Breast Cancer Benefit
Monday, October 6, 2009

TALLAHASSEE, FL - The fourth annual “Cards for a Cure” Celebration was held on Saturday.  Each year the Cards for a Cure Committee honors a woman in the community who has shown courage and grace in her fight against breast cancer.  This year’s event honored Carol Dover with all proceeds to benefit the Tallahassee Memorial Cancer Center.

Dover, who is a graduate of Florida State University’s Dedman School of Hospitality, remains active in her profession as President/CEO of the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association.  She is a native of Orlando and has been married to Walt Dover for over 30 years.  They have three children.

Carol was diagnosed with breast cancer on the opening day of the 2003 Legislative Session and fought courageously to beat the disease.  She continues to be an inspiration to all as she shares her story and gives encouragement to people with cancer throughout her community, state and nation.

When Carol learned that should was going to be this year's honoreee, she contacted Jodie and asked if she and Manhattan would come and ride at the benefit.   Carol met Jodie this past spring at the DSCTA's Adult Horse Camp.  Jodie was an instructor and Carol was attending the camp for the first time.  Jodie performed her freestyle on Manhattan and Carol fell in love with him.  She wanted to make this year's benefit something special to remember so what else would a horse person do to make something memorable but add a horse to it.

The pink tie optional event was held on Saturday at Langford Green, a courtyard in front of Doak Campbell Stadium on the Florida State University campus.

It was a lot of work and took a small army to get Jodie and Manhattan over to the venue and back.  Jodie said "I could not have made this happen without the generosity of my supporters who donated their time, money and talents for this event.  Because of them, we were able to have amazing music created especially for this one evening.  Marlene Whitaker, the lady that designed my competition freestyle, generously donated her time to create a new melody just for this event and Stephanie Geary was the master mind behind our 'outfit'.  Mom and Arlis and my amazing grooms/Manhattan 'sitters', Courtney and Rosanna, set up an arena."

In an email to Jodie after the event Carol said, "You are to be commended for picking such an important cause to devote your God given gift of Dressage to.  I want to find the words to share with you just how much it meant to me that you not only performed, but all the effort that goes into something like that is herculean.  I meant what I said about not being worthy of all this because I am one of the lucky ones.  I am still here and healthy.  I feel last night was about making sure that even if we can't stop Breast Cancer we can ensure that women get early detection and have an ending like mine."

Jodie said that receiving the email from Carol made all of the hard work worth while.

New Additions at Jodie Kelly Dressage
Friday, September 18, 2009

DESTIN, FL - Although you can develop a bond of respect and trust with nearly any horse of any age if you have the skill and desire, many find that there's often an even deeper connection between horse and owner when they have shared those early years together.

Young foals are also far more dependent and impressionable than mature adult horses.  Most do not want to face this brave new world by themselves and are quicker to cling to their kind caretaker, whereas adults can sometimes be more aloof at first and require more time to develop a deeper bond.

A couple of years ago Jodie purchased two fillies in Holland when they were still foals with their mothers.  Jodie decided the girls needed a safe, natural environment during the rearing years that offered the freedom and herd dynamics that will stay with them throughout their lifetime so she left them with Toine Hoefs in Holland for the last two years.

“Their names are Broadway and Brighton Beach” beemed Jodie.  “Time flies and my foals are now three year olds.   Beautiful three year olds I might add!  The best news of all, is they are finally here in Destin at Southern Cross.

The newest additions to the Jodie Kelly Dressage family have had a rough couple of weeks.  From the comfort of the big, beautiful fields they grew up in, they have been on a truck, then a plane, then another truck, then a strange barn for two days, then a truck again, then another barn for two more weeks, then another truck for more than 20 hours, then another strange barn.  Luckily, the last “strange barn” is home!

“They have traveled amazingly well and got off the truck like rock stars,” Jodie said.  "I have not seen them since they were yearlings, out in a field with several other horses.  They were skinny and raggedy then.  That was the one and only time I saw Brighton Beach, as we bought her sight unseen.  Talk about from ugly ducklings to beautiful swans.  Wow!  They look amazing for unbroke 3 year olds.  I cannot believe what fantastic shape they are in and their muscle tone.  And they are so sweet.  Even with being scared and tired and not knowing what was going on, they were sweet and trusting.  Such a testament to the great care they get when they grow up with Toine.”

Though dirty from their trip, their coats glisten, their feet look great and their weight is good.  Jodie continued, "They are so innocent.  Our biggest challenge of the day was that they don't know what treats are and, of course, we bombarded them with them when they got here.  They are both unsure about them.  In the end, it is looking like Broadway is my apple and carrot girl and Brighton Beach is my cookie girl.  They both practiced eating sugar tonight after getting their temps taken.  I could ramble about them forever.   I'm a little excited, can you tell?”

Broadway is the dark one.  Jodie owns her herself.  Brighton Beach is the brighter bay.  She is a partnership between Jodie's parents, Ben Adams and Jodie.  Jodie can't wait to start working them.  “I can't help but wonder, are they going to go to the Young Horse championships?  Are those my next Grand Prix horses standing there?  Are they going to shoot me to the moon the first time I try to sit on them?  We will take it one day at a time and see where we end up.  Let's just hope where ever that is, its with me on top of them.”

Weekend Retreat a Success
Monday, September 14, 2009

DESTIN, FL - The Jodie Kelly Dressage Ladies Weekend Retreat was a huge success.  It was a weekend of focused dressage training and relaxing activities for ten horses and riders.  The retreat was held at Southern Cross Equestrian Centre located within the beautiful Kelly Plantation community in Destin, Florida over the weekend.

The event was kicked off with a three hour private sunset cruise and dinner aboard the charter boat RELENTLESS.  Great food, drinks and conversation were topped off with views of the brilliant lights along Destin Harbour and Choctahatchee Bay.

Light rains greeted the retreaters on Saturday morning.  The morning session started with a Pilates class.  The class was moved into the barn aisle to avoid the constant drizzle of liquid sunshine.

The ladies were able to get their rides in with only a couple having to ride in anything heavier than a light sprinkle.  Everyone had good rides and even a couple had major breakthroughs as they began to put all the pieces together in individual lessons with Jodie.

Saturday was capped off with dinner on the grounds and Jodie and Manhattan performing their Grand Prix freestyle under the lights.  Then retreaters were treated to moonlight massages.

The rain subsided overnight and riders were greated with beautiful sunshine on Sunday morning.  Some riders started the day with a pedicure and manicure.  How do you get a brand new pedicure into a riding boot without ruining the pedicure?  They figured it out.

Jodie worked most riders through the highlest level test for the level at which each rider is currently shooling.  It is rumored that Ellen Witterstaeter is now considering trying her hand at the equine sport of Vaulting after her ride on Sunday.

Jodie plans to hold another retreat next year based on the enthusiastic response of the retreaters.

Ladies Weekend Retreat
Wednesday, September 2, 2009

DESTIN, FL - Join Jodie Kelly for a weekend of focused dressage training and relaxing activities for both you and your horse.  The retreat will be held at Southern Cross Equestrian Centre in Destin, Florida Friday, September 11th through Sunday, September 13th.

Open to riders and horses of all levels, the 2 day and 2 night retreat features freestyle demonstrations, private lessons both days in clinic format, massage therapist, manicures, pedicures and a sunset cruise and dinner aboard the charter boat RELENTLESS.

Cost is $350 for riders bringing their own horses.  Includes full service care for your horses; feeding three times a day, stall cleaning and night check.   Massages, manicures and pedicures not included.

Don't miss this opportunity to get away for a weekend.

We do have a couple of open spots left for riders and horses so it isn't too late to join us.  Auditors may be included for $200.

For details and information on how to register, contact Jodie.

The following is the retreat schedule but is subject to change.

Friday NIGHT, September 11th

• Rhinestone activity (let's just say, you decorate it, we will keep it fun all weekend)
• Sunset cruise and dinner aboard the Charter Boat Relentless - www.relentlesscharterfishing.com

Saturday, September 12th

• Private lessons running all day in clinic format
• Lunch
• Massage therapist available for scheduling

Saturday NIGHT, September 12th

• Cocktails and appetizers
• Freestyle demonstration

Sunday, September 13th

• Private lessons running all day in clinic format
• Lunch
• Manicure/pedicure available all morning

Lots of Laughs, a Few Tears and I Hope Quite a Bit of Learning
by Jodie Kelly
Wednesday, August 12, 2009

DESTIN, FL - I have to report about last week.  It was too much fun not to share the details with everyone.  We had our first ever, Jodie Kelly Dressage summer camp.  It was held at Red Sky Ranch in Louisiana where I do regular clinics.

There is a large group of kids there that I teach on a regular basis and it could not have been a more perfect place.  The schedule was everyone had a private, half hour dressage lesson in the AM, then we had lunch, some kind of educational activity, some kind of crafty, fun activity, and then in the afternoon everyone would tack up again for some type of group ride.

The barn has a beautiful covered arena with Big Ass Fans, that's the brand name, which made the heat more than tolerable all the way till noon.  The first group ride was a jumping lesson, the second day was cross country day, the third was a quiet trail ride, the fourth was quadrille and the fifth everyone switched horses.

Saturday night was a pizza party and sleep over at the barn.  But don't be fooled into thinking we were roughing it.  There is a fantastic house on the lake at the barn with bunk beds for all and a huge TV, perfect for watching Wild Hearts Can't be Broken.

It was a week packed with lots of laughs, a few tears and I hope quite a bit of learning.  The kids were amazing.  It was my typical group of kids from Louisiana, plus I took Gaby over with her horse Phantom.

Everyone got along fantastic and I have never heard so much squealing and girly screams in my life!  It blows me away how you can put a group of typically very quiet kids together and the volume increases exponentially.

The first two days I came running every time I heard a scream, but as the week went on, I realized they squealed every time they saw a spider or heaven forbid a bug touch them.  And when one screams, they ALL scream, even if they dont know why they are screaming!

Mind you, this is a bunch of girls that don't mind going home covered from head to toe with barn dirt.

I could go through a lengthy blow by blow of the week, but I think the pictures tell it all.  The one thing I must say is that I would NEVER, EVER have made it through the week without Mary Alice.  Mary Alice is the barn manager and so much more at Red Sky Ranch.  We had really long hours all week and Mary Alice was there every step of the way.

I was almost feeling guilty about putting her through the ringer until Saturday night when we were all headed to the lake house when she had the perfect opportunity to escape, but opted to go home and shower and come back for pizza and movie.  That's when I decided she was asking for it.

I even got a phone call from Carla Saturday afternoon asking what time the pizza party was.  So fun!  Love those two!

Edward Gal and Mooreland's Totilas Make History at Hickstead
Thursday, July 30, 2009

BOLNEY, WEST SUSSEX, UK - Anky van Grunsven's reign as the "Queen of kur" (freestyle dressage) ended at Hickstead when Dutch compatriot Edward Gal and Moorlands Totilas scored a world record 89.4% in the freestyle dressage to music.  "The first time I saw this horse was in the judge's box and my scribe had to punch me, as I sat there with my mouth open." Anne Gribbons told the press at Aachen.

Van Grunsven, the triple Olympic champion and nine times World Cup winner, tactically avoided a confrontation with Gal just a month before the European championships at Windsor.  But it was still a double coup for Hickstead to secure not only the much-vaunted first Grand Prix appearance outside Holland of Totilas, but the richest dressage class ever staged in the UK, the 100,000 euro Exquis World Dressage Masters.

The electrifying black stallion beat his nearest rivals, Adelinde Cornelissen and Parzival, by 7.2%, with an artistic mark of 96% from Danish judge Karin Kruger.   It is bad luck for third-placed Laura Bechtolsheimer that Gal has come along just when a British rider scored a commendable 81.8%.

Edward Gal commented on the win, “Totilas gave me a wonderful feeling.  Wow—what a horse!  Only in the one tempi changes a mistake occurred.  This happened to us in our first international contest CHIO Rotterdam as well, in which I tried to correct it.  This time I thought I’d just leave it, so I did.”  Chairman of the Judges Stephen Clarke said he had never seen a test like this before.  And for the nine year old stallion, it seems certain there is still more to come.

See for yourself as you watch this high quality video provided by horsesandcounty.tv.

Robert Dover Symposium and Masquerade Party
Tuesday, July 21, 2009

HAVANA, FL - World-renowed Olympic Rider, Robert Dover, is offering a limited number of symposiums Worldwide.  One of these will be in our area!

The two-day symposium, October 31st and November 1st, will be hosted by Eagle Hill at WC Dover Farm in Havana, Florida.  A Masquerade party will be held Saturday evening, October 31st at WC Dover Farm.  Proceeds to benefit the Equestrian Aid Foundation.

So what is a Robert Dover Symposium?

“I am generally asked by Dressage Organizations or National Federations to do two days with ten rider and horse combinations and between 200-700 auditors.  I try to have the horses cover each level from very green through Grand Prix in order to describe and discuss the training scale and deal with all aspects of Dressage.&rdquo Robert explains.  “I actually begin each symposium with a one hour lecture for all riders and auditors on the Basic Principals of Dressage in order to be sure we are all on the same page as we move into the training time.  I make it my greatest priority to ensure that everyone goes home from my symposia feeling at the very least that they were highly entertained, but to be honest, it is my wish that they truly feel they’ve had a life-changing experience.  From the beginning to the end I make the two days highly interactive so that all attending remain extremely involved.”

If interested in riding, send bio and video to: Jenna Wyatt c/o WC Dover Farm, 534 Dover Road, Havana, FL 32333

Robert Dover has earned more honors than any other U.S. Dressage rider competing in six consecutive Olympiads for the United States Equestrian Team, as well as 4 World Championship Teams and 7 World Cups.   Don't miss this amazing local opportunity.

Times Square - Still Hanging in There
By Jodie Kelly

Monday, June 18, 2009

DESTIN, FL - With the subject line being what it is let me first tell you to breath easy.  He is still hanging in there!  Which is why I am writing.   Because he is SOOOOO hanging there he actually had a little make over last night.

There are so many things that you don't think about with a normal horse.  But when you have a horse that is wobbly and can't lay down, all of a sudden regular things make you step back and think.  Taking him on the wash rack for instance, or even on the concrete.  What if he slipped?  You could never get him up on the concrete.  Tying him up - he can't be tied at all, in any way, because he uses his neck for a majority of his balance.  Getting his feet done - a huge problem.  You want him to be as comfortable as possible on his feet since he doesn't lay down, but he can't stand on three legs long enough to get his feet done.

Then there are the cosmetic things like his mane.  You can't pull his mane because that requires way too much balance to pull on his neck.  When he originally got wobbly, we didn't really think that much about any of it because, to be quite honest, none of us believed he would live long enough for any of this to be an issue.  Well, that was back in March.

The first was his feet.  Several weeks ago we gave it a shot to do his front feet and he handled that well.  His back end, however, was far too unstable to attempt to do anything with.  So we just left them.

Then, his coat, as the weather started to get warm and the rest of the horses were shedding, his hair came out in big gross clumps.  He was almost bald by the time he shed out and had lost a significant amount of weight, both symptoms of lymphoma.  I was thinking this could be his turn for the worst.  That was back in May.

I started rinsing him off regularly, but again, that presents a problem because, what is the first thing a horse wants to do after you rinse them off?  ROLL!!  And that is exactly what he can't do!  So, we graze until he dries each time.

He has now put on weight, his coat is the beautiful coat that he has always had and he is actually getting more secure on his feet.  Last week, his back shoes were finally to the point that we had to try something, one shoe fell off and the other was half on and half off, so I went to work pulling it off.  Surprisingly, he handled it well and held his back foot up way better than he had in the previous month when Dr. Williams was there.  So, when John came, we trimmed his back feet!  Again, the little things you don't think about with a normal horse become huge victories with Times Square.

So, since we overcame that hurdle we did his mane last night and banged his tail.  What a little super star!  He is every bit as chubby and shiny as he looks in the picture taken this morning!

Times Square's birthday was Sunday, May 10th.  It has been over a year ago now since he was given only six months to live.  So, is was a reason to celebrate a birthday.  He turned nine on my parents' 29th wedding anniversary.He was a cool 20th anniversary present.

Now, I dont want to end this with a black cloud, but we are all still realistic; he is not going to get better.  He has definitely improved, but we are still looking at each day as a gift with him.  There could easily be an email next week with the same subject line with not such cheery news.  But until then keep those thoughts and prayers coming.  They are working!

Much love, Jodie AND Times Square :-)

Every Show is an Education
By Jodie Kelly

Monday, May 18, 2009

HAMILTON, GA - So, two weeks ago we headed to Poplar Place Farms dressage show.  Instead of the usual entourage that goes, we left our farm with three trucks, three trailers, three people and three horses.  Moms were to follow later in the day.  Kristine, Lora Kay and I took Manhattan, Wencenza and Shorty.

By the time we made the trek up there, got everything unloaded and the campers hooked up, we had plenty of daylight left to ride.  The skies, however, had other plans for us.   Just as we got Wencenza and Shorty tacked up, big black clouds came rolling over the hill.  We were able to get a quick ride in before the heavens opened up with torrential rain and thunder and lightning.  Luckily, Wencenza and Shorty are both cool competitors and needed very little schooling.  So, they got what they needed.

Manhattan, has also become quite the seasoned competitor and needs little as far as settling in.  However, it is unfair to ask him to be ready to show the Grand Prix first thing the next morning after standing in the trailer and then standing in his stall.  So, my solution was that I got on him and tack walked him up and down the aisles of the barns.  Luckily, the barns at Poplar are set up in a way that the stalls are all under what could easily be a big covered arena roof.  I was at least able to make him round and supple and do a little half pass at the walk; not ideal, but sufficient.

Saturday morning came the Grand Prix pretty early.  Manhattan was so good and so honest in his work.  We had some mistakes, but ended up winning the class with pretty decent competition and a 64%.  I wasn’t thrilled with my score, but it was justified.  Anne Gribbons was judging and while most thought the scores of the day from her were pretty low, I felt I deserved what I got.

The next day was my Freestyle and we were much improved.  Manhattan was a rockstar and again with Anne judging, we got a 69% with lots of positive comments.  I got so many positive comments about him all weekend, it was so nice to hear such great things.

Reflecting back to the title of this story, I learned something about Manhattan.  I think it is going to be my new plan with him.  This is the second show in a row I only walked him the day before competition.  The last show it was for another reason, but the result was still a walk day for him and this is now two shows in a row that he has been completely honest in the show ring.  So, that is my new plan.  Tack walking the day before.  Then, he is fresh and happy and supple and ready to work on show day!

As far as Ms. Wencenza, she needed one more Second Level score for Regionals and made her Third Level debut.  She is truly such a super star.  I just love that horse.  She was a little nervous getting back in the show ring on her first ride, but her second ride was her Second Level test and she breezed through and easily got her last qualifying score and won her class with a 66.905%.

The second day she came in for her Third Level Test 3 and being the rockstar that she is got a 70.930%.  She won and secured Third Level champion of the show, her first time doing Third Level!  I can't say that we learned that much about her this show, just confirmed, yet again, how great she is.

Now, Lora Kay and Shorty had a huge break through this show.  She did her FEI YR Team Test the first day and had a solid ride with a few mistakes.  The most difficult part about Shorty is keeping him up in the bridle and energetic.  He gets a little lazy and tries to lay his head in Lora Kay’s hands.  On Sunday, she figured out how to keep him from doing that!  It was such a better ride and probably the best she has ever had on him.

The result?  She won and we learned something else!

Jodie Kelly Dressage Shines at Blue Angel Dressage Show
Monday, May 4, 2009

PENSACOLA, FL - Glorious sunshine welcomed competitors to the great facilities of the Escambia County Equestrian Center for the Spring Blue Angel Dressage Show.  The show is sponsored by the Emerald Coast and Florabama Chapters of the DSCTA.

Riders from four states competed in all levels from Intro through Grand Prix including thirteen horse and rider combinations from Jodie Kelly Dressage, Inc. clients.  Mr. Tom Poulin (S) took up the judging duties on both days of the show.

It was a blue ribbon show for Jodie Kelly Dressage, Inc. entries finishing in the top spot in thirteen different classes.  Team Pink also came away with several high point awards including the high point award for the entire show.

The promising young rider Caroline Adams and her Dutch Warmblood gelding, Uniek, captured the Training Level high point award with a score of 75.0%.  This score earned the pair the Joyce Kuhn Memorial High Point Award for the show.  Caroline and Uniek spent the Winter Show Season in Wellington, Florida training with Jodie.

Lora Kay Witterstaeter and her mount Weltschatz captured the blue ribbon in the FEI Level Prix St George A/JYR division with a score of 64.211%.  This combination also finished 2nd in the FEI Test of Choice class with a score of 60.526%.

Gaby Collins and her partner Phantom captured 1st place in the 1st Level Test 4 class with a score of 61.053% and 2nd in the 1st Level Test 4 class in the JYR division with a qualifying score of 65.0%.  Coming off a very successful HITS Winter Season, this pair decided to make the Blue Angel Dressage Show their first Dressage show.

Cindy Carpenter and her Dutch Warmblood Gelding Utrillo posted their highest score in the 1st Level Test 1 class in the Adult Amateur division with a score of 68.947% capturing the top prize.  Cindy was also awarded the blue ribbon aboard her 9 year-old Oldenburg Raconteur in the Training Level Test 4 class in the Adult Amateur Division when they posted a score of 66.0%.

Tammy Key and her mount Jolie came out on top in the Training Level Test 4 class in the Adult Amateur division posting their high score of 68.947%.

Jenn Boblitt captured the top prize in the Open Division in both the 2nd Level Test 2 and Test 3 classes with scores of 61.622% and 62.558% respectively.  Jenn was partnered with her 6 year-old Canadian Warmblood gelding, Aragon.

Jodie Kelly posted another qualifying score aboard the 7 year-old Olderburg mare Nereide with a score of 68.947% in the 1st Level Test 4 Open Division class.

Anne Hornbeak and her 16 year-old Danish Warmblood gelding Gambler were awarded a score of 69.0% in their final ride together at the Grand Prix Level.  Anne announced that Gambler would be retired from competing at the Grand Prix Level after this show.  Jodie Kelly Dressage, Inc. presented Anne and Gambler with a bouquet of flowers to honor their contribution to the sport of Dressage.

The show was completed with a Grand Prix Freestyle class on Sunday where Jodie Kelly and her 15 year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding Manhattan posted an amazing 74.250% score to capture the FEI Level high point award.