Edinburg, Indiana: The last of the region shows for 2007, the Region V show, was held at the Hoosier Horse Park in October. Erin Terra’s Dream On (Fiddler’s Sparrow McDaire X Tre Awain Dare to Dream [by Tre Awain Ginger Blue]) was the champion colt or gelding, while champion mare was Ridgetop Hazy Blue (Landgate Bluebeard X Kilshanny Misty Day [by Windy Day]). In many, but not all, of the Connemara shows in the US, stallions are not judged which explains the lack of a champion stallion in many Regional shows. Pat Cunningham, who was at the show, writes about her Balmullo’s Wind River aka Wally (Concord river Roaringwater Bay X Courtney’s April Frolic [by Custusha’s Cashel Rock]). “Wally went to the Region V show over the weekend. I think he has found his niche already - trail class! He won the ridden trail on his first try, and got 2nd in the in-hand (with my son). He also won the walk-trot poles class with my 9 year old daughter (she was thrilled), because he is so steady. They got 2nd in Jr. walk-trot. Everybody was surprised when I said he is only 3!” note: Wally is full sibling of Balmullo’s Azalea, aka Ooh La La, who went to the National Pony Hunter Finals this year and received a 10th out of 73 ponies. Amanda Pierce took and sent the show photos. Thank you Amanda!

Mantua, Ohio: The following comes from Courtney Yeager who represents the ACPS in the newly created United States Equestrian Federation Youth Council. Says Courtney, “Our goal is to unite youth members, like yourselves, from around the country in growing interest and participation in the sport. As you may have heard already, we are holding an inaugural Youth Convention in January in conjunction with the USEF’s Annual Meeting. Its going to be all day Saturday January 12, 2008 in Louisville, Kentucky.

“Its going to be an amazing opportunity for you to meet some stars among your breeds and disciplines, ask professionals and experts your questions, and meet some other great equine sport enthusiasts. I urge all of you to take advantage of this opportunity and attend. There is a registration form on the USEF’s website, www.usef.org. You have to click on the Youth Council logo and then registration form. Its filling up fast so I urge you to do this as soon as possible. There you can also check out the schedule of events and the list of the amazing athletic panel we’ve chosen.

“If you have any questions whatsoever, I’m here to answer them. My phone number is 440-655-0928 or you can email me at yeager.85@osu.edu. I’m open to suggestions; I’m here to represent you, so let me know what your ideas are and I’ll definitely bring them to the table. I look forward to meeting all of you!”

Stanwood WA: Foothills Misty River (Concord River Roaringwater Bay X Misty Meadows Miss Bonnie) has started her new job of driving with owner Lynn Curry. They are taking lessons, looking for a new cart, and hoping to be competing in CDE before too long. Lynn says, “She has taken to driving like she's been doing it all along and I have to thank Vanessa Morgan once again for selling me such a great pony.”

Brisbane, Aus: Just as we are buckling down for winter here in the Northern Hemisphere, Australia and New Zealand are beginning their foaling season. So we get to see baby pictures nearly all year long!! Sue Clarke in Australia reports that their first new foal for the season has arrived and it's yet another colt. Glenormiston Rosslea (Oxenholm Gideon X Millfield Seaspray [by Millfield’s Commodore]) had a lovely big upstanding bay colt by Castle Baron aka Henry (Abbeyleix Owen X Castle Dame [by Mervyn Kingsmill]). Sue says he has Henry's super head and huge bone. Although Sue is happy with the colt she is hoping that some of the next foals are fillies :-))

Kewadin, MI: Katie Peterson of Elk Creek Farm also has some baby photos. Says Katie, “Here's our two fuzzballs...2 month old (Conn/TB filly (barn name Delilah) and 1 day old Conn/Welsh filly (barn name Buttercup). Yes, very late foals especially for ‘Up North’! The Welsh hung onto hers an extra couple months it seemed (or more logically failed to conceive right away like usual and like the TB did...) These are Elphin Song Sparrow's (Maplehurst Michael MacDaire X Scottsway Lullaby [by Kirtling Tam O’Shanter]) last two foals (he was gelded in June) and his first fillies for us, his 3rd and 4th fillies ever. It was a last minute decision last September to put the mares in with him to get "just one more Sparrow baby" from each mare before it was too late....better late than never, we think - love them!"