Oregon House, CA: Wildwych Eclipse (Glenormiston Flurry Knox X Wildwych Dreamtime) with his young rider Amanda Volle of Auburn, California successfully completed their second Training Level Horse Trial to finish in third (1/2 point off the second place finisher). The six year old stallion is owned by Max and Lisa Gerdes of Redbud Ranch.

Red Bluff, CA: Maureen Mathisen has sent an update on her young stallion, Blue Oaks Pooka (*Lasrachai X Balius Beau Peep [by Castle Beau Geste]). She says that Pooka has done his FIRST jumping and combined training show, after showing in only dressage for the past several years. Maureen says, “I was very proud of him since it seemed that ALL the mares in the show were in HEAT and anxious to speak to him, the only stallion. HE, of course, was available and told them the "line forms to the right"! Although rather tense in the first class, he redeemed himself completely in the other four classes, taking a third place in hunter/hack, and two third places in the jumping classes which had the standard NINE jumps in a pattern (I think some were doubles but not too high, about 2.3 I think, but he has never been to a show like this) and the most jumps he has done in sequence were three. He was a trouper! After he figured out he was NOT AVAILABLE to mares, he really did a great jumping performance against anywhere to six or l2 BIG horses, including all breeds. He was the only pony, except for a cute tiny Shetland.

“He received many compliments, with people coming up to speak to us and ask about the breed. He was ‘excused’ for being a bit ‘wordy’ at our arrival, and a couple of participants mentioned they wouldn't mind their mares meeting him behind the trailers later on! It was also one of our hottest days so far, hitting 101 and although he did well, I did not! I was only helping, but I was very GLAD to get home.”

Royalston, MA: May 16th dawned sunny and warm for the annual Region I Connemara Field Day held at Wendy Warner's lovely Seven Springs Farm. The number of Region I members that participated this year was excellent, surpassing the previous Field Days. Wendy Warner was not only a wonderful clinician for the day, but also warmly welcomed the members into her home for the annual meeting.

Field Day began at 9:00 with in hand work for the novice horse and handler. There were 11 ponies in this session ranging from babies to older ponies never really having outside exposure. Wendy emphasized and demonstrated natural horsemanship techniques to relax them working with each team throughout the period. The next session concentrated on walk/trot for any level. Again, relaxation was the focal point. Wendy had members using various obstacles in the ring to help their horses concentrate and relax.

The Region’s annual meeting was held over lunch. The members voted on the slate of officers, which was the same as last year! Region I Officers for another year are

Amy Plavin, Chair
Janet Chayes, Vice-chair
Susan Goodhouse, Treasurer
Bette Fredrickson, Secretary
Linda Haines & Susan Goodhouse, Breed show Organizers
Amy Plavin was then presented the Beryl Eddy Trail Class Trophy for the best score in last year's versatility trail class with her mare Windy Hollow Millie. Joanne McCluskey and Carolyn McEvitt then announced the Kessler Scholarship recipients. The senior winner was Sarah McRae; juniors were Caleigh Bryant and Katelyn Reuther. The group also discussed the upcoming breed show, equine affaire and the need for volunteers for each of these events.

Our annual meeting was then followed by more groundwork and in-hand obstacles as well as a mounted with choice of either low cross country or gymnastics jumps. Auditors, handlers, and riders all agreed that they had a great time and learned much. Many thanks to Wendy Warner for hosting a wonderful day! Pictured (thanks to Sally Oxnard) are Sydserff Greylight (Cocum Camelot X Sydserff Silver Fir [by Kirling Brigadooon]), a seven year-old mare owned by Elizabeth Platais, and Sara McRae’s stallion, Aluinn Denmark (Aladdin's Denver X *Patty's
Meredith). Sara said about Denmark, “He is three years old and this was only the fifth time under saddle. He was a very good boy!”

Washington, GA: Rilla Spellman sent this photo of her new one day old ¾ Connemara filly. Rilla says, “The filly is the daughter of Sparrow's Spring (Grange Finn Sparrow X TB). Her sire is Aladin's Denver (Aladdin X Tre Awain Cricket Song [by Tourbillon]). Naturally, I am certain she will be a star!”

Saskatchewan, Canada: Elsie Priddy has sent a photo of her new colt, Elodon Earl Grey by Century Hills Aedan Zodiac (Century Hill Fredrick McTeague X *Tatham's Ballinanna) out of Glenn Erinn Emma (*Canal Clancy X Tower Hills Clara).

Atlanta, Ga: Donna Miller is holding an auction for a Stallion Breeding to *ArdCeltic Art (Monaghanstown Fionn X Moydow Lady) to support USEA Area 3 level eventing. He placed second at the 2009 USEA Area 3 Preliminary Championships. He had previously won the 2008 American Eventing Championships at Training level. Besides being approved by the ACPS Art is an inspected and approved ISR/Oldenburg. Complete auction information can be found at

http://www.hiddencreekhorses.com/Auction-Breeding-2009.html

More info on Art can be found at
http://www.hiddencreekhorses.com/our-stallion.html

Raleigh, NC: The NC State Fair Connemara and Welsh shows are scheduled this year for October the 15th in Raleigh at the Gov. James B. Hunt, Jr. Horse Complex.

The Welsh division is USEF rated and follows the rules and regulation of the Welsh Pony and Cob Society of America, having Provisional Silver status. Entries for the USEF recognized Connemara division must once again be registered with the American Connemara Pony Society.

Dale Barnett, manager of the State Fair horse show, would like to encourage everyone to come out and support this show. “It’s a fun show, premium money and breed recognition is to be won, and we simply need to see this show supported more strongly to make a great showing to those attending the Fair. What a great opportunity to showcase your breed and market your horses and related services.”

Youth exhibitors are additionally invited to show during the State Fair Youth Show in pony and open classes on October 17-18. These classes are not breed sanctioned or USEF recognized.

This year’s fair officially runs October 15-25 with the theme being “A Whole Lotta Happy!” Feel free to visit http://www.ncstatefair.org/ or call the horse show office at 919/839-4701 for more information.