A year in review 2017

A year of change and transitions  

While our competition appearances have been limited there has been a lot going on behind the scenes at Arandth. Read on to find out how our year evolved.  

The Competition Team

The first half of the year was excellent with both Diva (Let Me Dream) and Guinness performing well and proving to be very consistent at EA Elementary/HRCAV L1. Both winning and placing at all competitions. A highlight was Diva being awarded JEA Reserve Champion Elementary Horse of the year.
Both horses attended the Rodrigo Matos Clinic in June which was fabulous. Additionally, both have been working hard on perfecting their flying changes so they can make that step up to Medium. Diva showed great progress at the clinic but alas then developed soundness issues for the rest of the year. Things are looking promising for her return to competition in 2018. Guinness, thinks flying changes are a good excuse to leap in the air and then leave the work space. More practice required but lets hope he gets it for the new Autumn season in 2018.
Fortunately, while these two were either in sick bay or needing more practice the beautiful KC Park Joules stepped up and performed very well during the winter and spring competition season placing well at all his outings.
The newest member of the team Romeo, started the year with great promise and then also had soundness problems, but he is also looking like 2018 might just be his year.
Our school based working pupil Chloe Lockwood has had a great year with her 2 charges Cocoa and Rori.  Both having wins eventing and Cocoa doing well at dressage and showing.  
Donna Palmer our much loved groom worked hard all year on her new young horse Fred and he had his first HRCAV official dressage start for a place which was great.  Looking forward to watching the progress in 2018

We Farewelled

In June we said goodbye to Ruthie who was truely the matriach of Arandth.  Her passing has left a hole that will likely never be filled.  But she has left an amazing legacy for all who knew her and she will never be forgotten as her spirit lives on strongly in every corner of Sequoia Lodge and Arandth Performance Horses.
Also leaving us in 2017 was beautiful TT Gidget.  We now only have TT Eton who felt her loss badly.  
Arandth has been fortunate to be supported for many years by Dr Raquel Buttler.  As 2017 draws to a close we will be saying goodbye to Raquel as she persues a new adventure as a lecturer for Charles Sturt University.  While we are very sad to see her go on to new places, we all wish her every success and thank her for sharing of her wisdom and supporting our equestrian team so dedicatedly.  

We welcomed

Buster the cat who arrived not long after Ruthie passed away.  Even after a visit to the vet he is still most days looking for a bruising.  His mission in life has not changed - he is moving in and all the other felines are move out.    
With Dr Raquel leaving us we welcome on a more regular basis Dr Rob Willis.  While Rob has always been a practitioner of choice with Raquels departure we are looking forward to increasing Robs input and support of our team.  Not to mention increased visits from Humphrey.
Also new to the team in 2017 is Zoe Messina from Performance saddlefit.  With her help we have found Romeo a new saddle that fits him perfectly - A BlackCountry.  Zoe will be back in 2018 to look after Romeo and others in our team.

Best performed

With all her success this year Chloe Lockwood our wonderful working pupil receives the best performed rider with both her ponies performing consistently well all year.  While both ponies look like butter would not melt in thier mouths I can assure all they can both be devils and only somone of Chloes ability and dedication would be able to get the best out of them.  Well done Chloe looking forward to the new year and watching you continue on Cocoa and Rori and also stepping out on Arandth Aria Rose and Arandth Ave Maria.  

Wishing all the Arandth family and friends the most fabulous Christmas and a cracking New Year.

Thanks to the most amazing groom of all time, Donna Palmer.  The best working pupil who is fast becoming the video expert Chloe Lockwood.  To all the amazing practitioners who have supported our stable throughout 2017 thank you again.  A special thank you to Harry Berg our fabulous farrier.  To all our fabulous clients who have helped make 2017 a year to remember.

Stay safe and may the horses be with you always.

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