Jewel-B-Lee Farm News

Jem and I completed the Casanova and Warrenton Fun Hunter Paces in October. It was a great learning avenue for both of us. Ranger and Tom joined us which doubled the fun. Jem was outstanding at the one at Warrenton (our team of 6 finished 6th) - it was much faster paced and a bigger group but she was awesome. Then on the 9th, Jem and I joined Pann and the Warrenton Hunt and we hilltopped. Both of us got our eyes opened. It was a rather large field since there was a Hunt breakfast afterwards provided by the host, Betty Oare. The start of the hunt was interesting to say the least but we finished fine although both of us were tired. The plan is to go again in 2 weeks.

Everyone else is doing fine. We took Chip and Ranger on a long trailride today across some of Spring Hill Farm's fields. We've missed riding there but it is sad that it is so quiet and no mares. Looking forward to getting Chip out a bit more as I'm going to try and back off of Jem a bit after a few weeks. With the time change, I barely have time to ride one of them before it's dark during the week.

Jem has been learning SO much with the help of Pann. In fact, after 2 particular rides in the past two weeks, I stated that she was awesome! She is learning to walk, trot, and canter with a group of horses. Bit of a struggle at first (can never let your guard down) but she's finally getting it. At least following and leading. She still doesn't care much for other horses getting in what she thinks is her space!

On September 25, we joined Pann and Margrete at the Bull Run Fun Hunter Pace. It was 9 miles and she was awesome. Added bonus, our team finished 5th even though we went for the experience, not to compete! We're doing the Casanova Hunter Pace October 16 and then Warrenton Hunter Pace October 23. So looking forward to it. Tom and Ranger are going to join us also. Should be some fun times!

Wally (Rally) did the Pre-Green 3'3" at Middleburg Classic. We didn't get to see it but Jill said he was great! Pinned in all his classes.

Wally (Rally) was fantastic at Warrenton Horse Show in the Pre-Green 3'3" division. He was 4th over fences and won the under saddle class. It was so good to see him, Jill and Paul.

The horses are very happy with their new open, roomy, and bright horse trailer! We also got a new kubota tractor with a backhoe. Pictures posted on the farm gallery.

Going to Upperville Show Monday and Tuesday to watch Wally (Rally) in the 2nd year Pre-Greens. Can hardly wait to see him again!

Well, due to a virus running between Chip and Thumper, I couldn't risk taking any of them off the farm. Finally, all is well and we are back on the road again. Jem is at Pann's getting a bit of an attitude adjustment about work. She's doing much better after 10 days. I started taking Chip to Catherine Thompson's for help moving forward with his training and already he's improved.

Thumper is back on full turnout with the rest of the gang! She's doing great. Plan on giving her till the 1st of July and then starting her back. Wally (Rally) is coming to Upperville again this year for the 3'3" Pre-Greens. Can hardly wait to see him again.

It was a busy fall last year. Trying to get Chip to shows, introduce Jem to rides in the country, etc. Chip was doing well, even got a 2nd in an under saddle class.

It was a busy fall last year. Trying to get Chip to shows, introduce Jem to rides in the country, etc. Chip was doing well, even got a 2nd in an under saddle class.

Jem is going to be phenomenal! With the help of Pann Drunagel, we are keeping her (and me) focused on her training. It is paying off! This year's plan is to get her out and about to places other than Pann's. Both Chip and Jem stayed in light work through most of December but then had about 6 weeks off. Started them both back and things are going well. Doing more out in the country with Jem rather than ring work right now. She was a bit nappy last Fall.

Wally (a.k.a. Wallstreet Rally as he is now called) is currently in Florida training and showing. He'll be back this Spring. I added some links to some video that was shot of his pre-green class the other week. Jill is doing a fantastic job with his training.
First round
Second round

Thumper has been having some issues. Ligaments are inflamed in her left hind pastern. Could not narrow it down as to whether it was due to the screw that was suspect when it was put in as a weanling so we opted to have it removed to eliminate that prospect. She had it removed on March 4 and she came home yesterday. She's not a happy camper - Dr. Barrett of the Marion DuPont Scott Equine Medical Center performed the surgery. She had to remove a chunk of bone that had grown over the screw head just so she could get to the screw. Thumper is on 4 weeks stall rest, then 4 weeks of hand walking, then new x-rays to see how much bone has regenerated. Let's hope enough that she'll be able to be turned out.

Ranger and Jewel are doing well. Ranger has been keeping Thumper company in the barn and doing a great job. Jewel keeps the other kids in line.

George, our dalmatian passed away in December (he was 13 1/2 yrs.). He had a great life and a great last weekend of a couple trailrides, which he just loved. Last week we adopted a 10 yr old golden retriever from the Fauquier SPCA. Her name is Misty and what a sweetheart! She's learning life off of a leash, horses, horse poop, and being spoiled by us. We're looking forward to a great 2011.

Chip is back home from Olin's place. Missed him so much. Jem is doing great. I've been riding her for my lesson and Pann Drunagel has been helping to school her. I've posted some video of her and I, taken on August 6, 2010 on her gallery She's really starting to come around. Quite an attractive mover.

Wally showed at Loudon Benefit Horse Show! He was 4th over fences and 2nd under saddle in the Pre-Green division. Congratulations to Jill, Paul, and Miranda. Way to go Wally!

Wally showed at Upperville this year! He did the Local Hunter and Pre-Green division. He was fantastic with such a laid back attitude about the whole show scene. He is such a quick study...he improved so much over fences from the one division to the other. He won the Locals under saddle and was 2nd under saddle in the Pre-Greens. He is a phenomenal mover. It was wonderful to be able to spend some time with him. He is being shown under the name Wallstreet Rally. See the pictures on his gallery.

Jem has returned and what a cutie! She has been doing great since she got home. Chip will stay at Olin's for another few weeks. He's learning each day. Jewel and Ranger are good also. Ranger continues to improve every day.

Jem is doing fantastic! What a quick learner. Sally sent us a video of Jem and Olin jumping a course and she did a flying change already. I know Olin makes it look easy but we are amazed at how quickly she is learning. She's only been there a little over 2 months! Check out her video on her gallery.

Well, Ranger has now been back under saddle for a couple of weeks. So far, so good! Just some expected stiffness after a year off! I started Jewel back under saddle also just to keep Ranger and Tom company. Not quite sure what she thinks of it but it will be good for her.

Chip and Thumper are doing great! Continuing to improve everyday! Chip is going to go to Olin's for jumping lessons when Jem returns. He's more than ready but I need someone else to teach him as I might mess it up.

Jem went to Olin Armstrong's at the end of January. We went to visit her today. What a star! She is SO attractive, quite the looker! After only being there for 60 days, she is walk, trotting, cantering, and jumped the little log! It was windy and cold today, yet she went round the big sand ring like she had been doing it all her life! We are so pleased with her progress. We'll see how far another month can take her.

Tom and I started Chip and Thumper back into work the beginning of the month after a long, cold, snowy winter! The past 2 weeks have been the perfect riding weather...no humidity, no flies, and warm! It felt so great to be back in the saddle.

The best news is that Ranger is sound. Tom trims him every 2 - 3 weeks to keep him balanced. It is so nice to see him happy and feeling good again, trying to play with Chip and Jem! In the Spring, Tom will try to ride him - just trails for now - and see how his feet handle it but it looks very promising.

Jem is going to Olin Armstrong's at the end of the month. I got behind in her training this past Fall due to a slow popping hoof abscess. Since the Armstrong's had room now, it made sense to go ahead and get her started. She is so ready to go to work.

Due to the weather, we've taken a break from riding. Chip needed it anyway both physically and mentally. Thumper is still fighting a hoof abscess that comes and goes but she hasn't been 100% sound on it for awhile so we had Andrea out this week. Ichthamol hopefully will start drawing it out. Tom and I had been getting riding lessons from Pann Drunagel. She's been helping us with our positions plus taking us out in the country with a group. Thumper loves going out with a group. I love going out also just not so much on Chip as he becomes so unpredictable.

Jewel is doing fine, still the alpha mare and protector of the herd.

We got to see Wally today. Jill was kind enough to ride him for us. I've posted some pictures of them on Wally's gallery. He looks great, has been filling out, and is still so laid back. Jill has done a great job with his training. He's possibly going to do some local showing in September.

Thumper has really matured this Spring. She has been to a few shows to gain experience and has done very well. She seems to enjoy the show experience where she can see and be part of the action. Tom is starting to ride her as Ranger has gotten the feeling back in his front feet so we've pulled his shoes and turned him out. His job now is to be "Uncle Ranger" to Jem and the gang.

Chip is still learning. He is still insecure when he's by himself at a new place so we are getting lessons from Pann Drunagel where we trailer in to her place. We're getting ready to start Jem in the round pen. Finding time is the issue now but hopefully in the next few weeks. Jewel is enjoying her semi-retirement especially after the chiropractic and accupunture work by Dr. Dill this past week. She deserves it.

We got some new information on Diamond's Fancy (a.k.a Fergie) the other month. She is in Pebble Beach, CA! Sammy's husband got stationed there so they shipped Fancy out also. Sammy sent us some photos of her first horse show there which we've posted.

Chip was a super star yesterday. He was reserve champion in the pleasure division at the Hollow Oaks Show in Nokesville! It's taken 3 shows for him to realize that shows are no big deal and he shouldn't get so worked up. Last week I took him to the Inn at Kelly's Ford show. It's a nice place to take a young horse with anxiety issues. His nerves were getting better but I still didn't actually show him. Yesterday he was so much more relaxed. I was so proud of him. Chip now has a 3rd, 2nd, 2nd, and reserve champion ribbon proudly hanging on his stall door! Tom video taped his classes so I'm working on posting a few clips so everyone can see how spectacular he was. Added some video clips of Chip's one class.

Thumper and Ranger are heading to the Frying Pan Park hunter show on Saturday. It's in the indoor so we are going to go for the schooling session on Friday night to see how they handle it. It's going to be a beautiful day for a show!

Ranger and Thumper went to the Nokesville Schooling Show today. Thumper was a star. She was 6th out of 29 entries in one of the pleasure classes. We didn't get to school in the ring before our class so that made her even more incredible. The second pleasure class, she was influenced by another horse that was misbehaving so she decided to try a buck also. She stopped and we cantered off again like nothing had happened. She was a star! Although Ranger did not place, he and Tom had a good time.

Decided to get Chip out again as we want to compete in a dressage show in November so we're going to the Carter Oaks Show tomorrow. Should be a fun time!

Ranger and Thumper went to the Warrenton Short Circuit Show last weekend. Tom and Ranger showed in 2 of the pleasure classes and placed 5th in both classes. Tom's first show! This was also Thumper's first show so we went just to school and hang out. She was very good and we even got to school in the main ring during the lunch break. We plan on taking them to the Nokesville schooling show on the 11th. I'm pretty sure that Thumper will be ready for an under saddle class and even maybe the baby green hunter over fences.

Chip continues to improve. I'm trying to find a dressage schooling show for him. There's the one in Woodbridge in November but it's in an indoor and Chip likes to be able to at least see other horses. We might give it a go anyway.

Thumper's back home! What a family reunion...she was so happy to see everyone again. Olin Armstrong got her going well on the flat and started over fences. She had really improved during the month of July despite an episode of gas colic two weeks ago. Unfortunately, we forgot to take the video camera with us when we picked her up (Olin rode her for us before we took her home). So I can only tell you that her topline has started rounding, her ears indicated that she was listening for Olin's direction, and she jumped all the jumps in the ring. Today, I'll be getting on her to feel the difference. She still needs a lot of work to build her strength so her topline can improve and to continue teaching her the aids.

Went to visit Thumper at Olin Armstrong's this morning and see her being worked. We are very pleased with her progress so far especially for the short time that she has been there. Olin has her walking, trotting, and cantering. He also had her canter over a log in the ring. She's gained a bit of weight from the lovely hay that they have but that will come off easily enough when she comes home. In the beginning, she left them know exactly why I sent her to them but she's doing so much better now and seems to understand a bit better what is expected of her. We look forward to seeing the progress in the next 30 days. I posted a couple of pictures but my camera has shutter delay that I can never get right so the pictures are not the best.

I also posted a picture of Chip with Channing riding him. Chip unseated me two weeks ago and I hit the ground harder than I ever have before so Channing has been kind enough to keep him in work. The weekend before that happened though, Chip and Ranger went to the Nokesville Schooling show just to hang out and school. It was the first Chip had been off the farm since last Fall and he was really good.

There's a new picture of Tom and Ranger also. They have started getting lessons from Kris Klare and I can see progress already in just two lessons.

Went to visit Wally at his new home. What a lucky guy. He has a great new home and it's so wonderful to know that Jill will be able to let him reach his full potential. They have a lovely place with lots of grass which Wally finds very important. Jill was kind enough to ride him for us. I can't believe how much he has learned in two months. He is walk, trotting, and cantering around the ring and doing simple changes. He was just so calm and relaxed. Nothing seems to bother him. We look forward to watching his progress.

We also delivered Thumper to Olin Armstrong's place in Staunton, VA for 30 - 60 days of training. He and Jodi are going to give her a solid walk, trot, and canter and then start her over fences. The weekend before we had taken her to our friend's place which was her first time off the farm since her surgery as a foal. She was shaking and nervous but after about 20 minutes of hand walking her around the ring, I was able to get on to walk and trot her. We then took her back again the next day and she was great. Walked her around the ring once and then got on her. She's a smart girl, just needs some exposure.

Chip is doing wonderful! He had 3 weeks off due to a bout of cellulitis. After most of the swelling went down, we noticed a small area at the centralized spot where we now think he got stung by something that then set off the infection. He just keeps getting better now that the lightbulb went off and he understands maintaining rhythm. I hope to get him to a schooling hunter show this month and then perhaps a dressage show in late summer. I'll let him tell me when he's ready!

Jewel is also doing well. She has put on weight and is looking very healthy. She's getting a year of rest and relaxation which she is enjoying while keeping things in order around the farm.

Ranger is back in work. He is moving so much more comfortably now. He's quite the character but still missing Wally I think. He used to get Wally to play jollyball with him all the time but since Wally has been gone, he hasn't touched his ball.

Jem is starting elementary school. Learning to respect our space. She's also learning about the wash stall and getting her legs hosed off. She keeps trying to bite the water running on the ground. She has started bonding closely with Chip now that Thumper is away for training. I think Chip is enjoying her company also as he and Thumper are very close.

Wally is finally going to realize his enormous potential in the show hunter arena. Congratulations to Jill and Paul Greiner of Gordonsville, VA who purchased him. Wally is such a special horse. He got the best of both his sire (Wallstreet Kid) and his dam (Dark Diamond). We are looking forward to following his career.

Everyone else is doing well and so looking forward to warmer weather! Chip is back in work and we're looking forward to making some great strides this year. Jewel is having the year off. She just wants some rest and relaxation. Thumper is on the waiting list to go to Olin Armstrong's place this summer for a few months of training. Jem continues to grow and learn. Ranger is doing good also and Tom has started lightly riding him.

Brrrrr, it's a cold one. Single digits tonight! Nothing much happening so updated a few of the galleries. Thumper doesn't grow much of a winter coat so this year we got her a blanket...well 3 blankets actually. One stable, one medium weight turnout and one heavy weight turnout. All of them are purple (lavendar and dark purple) fitting for the princess that she is.

Wally and Ranger are hysterical playing with their new doggy tug-a-war rope! They are just like a pair of dogs. Wally's had some minor surgery and has been on stall rest so we got him his very own new jolly ball. Now if only Ranger could come in his stall and play with him!

Once again, time is flying by! Jem got weaned and as suspected it was a non-event. Jewel and Jem were seperated for a month, long enough for Jewel to be fairly dried up and now she's back home. We've put Jewel back into work since she wasn't bred this year. She's not exactly sure how she's feels about it as she has enjoyed being a mom.

Ranger had a whole flurry of activity the past two months. We had his navicular bursae and deep digital flexor tendons injected. He had his follow up MRI and there was minimal to no improvement so the decision was made to have a neurectomy on both front feet so that he could at least be pain free and start being turned out. He's been on stall rest since the first week in July. He now has two more weeks of hand walking and then gets to start turnout in a small paddock. An early Christmas present for him. He has been such a star and gentleman.

Thumper had about 6 weeks off due to foot soreness and abscesses. I've started her back again and she is doing well. It's so nice to have a group of youngsters that can have some time off and then just get back in the saddle again and start up where we left off. Chip is progressing well in his training. He and I are getting some dressage lessons to help us stay on the right track.

Wally is still such a pleasure. He's learning to walk and trot (and turn) in the arena now. It's the same with him, I gave him two weeks off and then just put the saddle on and off we went. I'm going to continue for about two more weeks and then he can have the rest of the winter off to mature.

Finally got the new photos posted on Wally's gallery and Jem's gallery. Also posted a few video clips of Wally during a round pen session and being backed. The ground is rock hard in the round pen and it showed in his way of going, but it displays enough to know whether you'd want to come see him in person. Weaning is just around the corner also for little Jem. Should be a non-event though as she's fairly independent already, hanging with the younger gang all the time.

Hard to believe that it has been 2 months since I've posted some news. It's been very busy around here. Chip has been doing great particularly the past few weeks. Jem went to the Warrenton Horse Show and placed fourth in the non-thoroughbred filly foals class. She was a star especially considering that she was on the trailer for a few hours as the furturity classes took longer than anticipated. She then went to the ISR/Oldenburg inspection at Chestnut Lawn Farm. Once again she acted like a pro. She scored an overall 7.8 with a 7.9 for movement.

Wally has started back in the round pen and I've laid across his back a few times. He'll be ready to be fully backed next week. He is so intelligent and wants to please. He is such a pleasure to work around. Ranger goes for his follow up MRI on the 28th. Hopefully his lesion has healed. He's been a real trooper with his stall rest. Jewel of course is doing well and secretly looking forward to weaning time which will be in October.

I'll be posting some new pictures soon of Jem and Wally as we had Jordan Koepke (http://www.jordankoepke.com) come out this morning and do a photo shoot. The preliminary shots are gorgeous. Jem was particularly funny as we had placed some cavaletti across the ring to encourage them to stay at the one end of the ring but she preferred to jump them.

I've posted some pictures of Thumper walking and trotting in the ring! She's doing really well, even trotted over some ground poles although she had done them during her training in the round pen so it was no big deal. She has a headstall and bit on while we ride but I'm still riding with the halter and lead ropes. Last week we even ventured a bit into the woods with Chip as the lead pony although Thumper ended up taking the lead and acting like she had been trail riding all her life!

I've finally posted some pictures of the completed ring! All we need is to add some more jumps but it has helped Chip's training tremendously (and mine)! Around the Farm gallery.

Thumper is doing great. It's a slow process as she's a filly that you can't rush! We've walked all around the arena, and then today walked around the small grass paddock with Tom on Chip. I even got a few trot steps out of her! I do miss my old lead pony, Ranger, though.

Ranger's on 60 days of stall rest. His soundness issues were not improving with just the change in shoeing so we injected his coffin joints. Again, it helped a bit but nothing dramatic so we went to the next step and got an MRI at the equine center. What a great diagnostic advancement for the equine world! It showed that there were some navicular changes, but the majority of his pain and issues is coming from his deep digital flexor tendons on both feet. So Ranger has started Shockwave Therapy to try and kick-start the healing process. He had his first treatment on the 12th and will get done again every 3 weeks for a few more times. We're hoping that it will be successful so we don't have to go any further.

Wally started back in the round pen today. He is so intelligent! It has to come from his mother as Chip and Fancy were the same way. They just pick things up so quickly! I can only assume that Jem will be the same way. She's doing great by the way. I'll have to get some updated pictures of everyone soon.

Great news...Thumper has been backed. It's been a long time coming but she is doing great and really seems to enjoy it. Of course I've only sat on her and walked a small circle but she could really care less. Looking forward to doing a bit more with her. I've posted some pictures on her gallery.

By the way, the riding ring is complete now. We finally finished putting up the fencing and last weekend, we added a few more jumps to it. I still have to post some pictures of the finished product. Seems there is never enough time to do everything. More later.

Well, summer is rolling in with the humidity and the bugs. Jem is turning into a real sweetheart. Loves being scratched all over and yesterday she got her whiskers trimmed. She's a smart one!

Well, having a level riding ring with good footing is no longer just a dream. They started moving dirt around and grading. They'll be bringing in the stonedust and sand on Wed. and I plan on using it next weekend. Chip will be so happy! It's a great size for us, 80 x 200. We'll be able to put a jump course and the round pen in it!

The others are doing great as well. Ranger and Wally enjoy playing tug of war with their jolly ball and Thumper continues to make friends with Jem. I've updated some of the galleries...Ranger, Jem, and Around the Farm.

Jem is growing like a weed. She's two weeks old now. We've updated her gallery and added a few photos to Thumper's gallery as she is just infatuated with Jem. Wally also wants to know why his Mom isn't paying any attention to him anymore. It's going to be a gorgeous weekend for catching up on horse chores and hopefully getting some saddle time in.

Jewel and Jem are doing great! The weather isn't very cooperative for a new foal but she has gotten out for short periods of time. Yesterday morning she got to see her first snow! Today she was out a bit longer since the wind wasn't blowing. She thoroughly enjoyed it. I've posted some more pictures on her gallery.

Jewel has a beautiful bay filly, born April 3 at 8:50 pm. Healthy, gorgeous, and smart with a small white star just like Jewel's star and a white hind sock. Her name is Rare Jem (by Romantic Star). She's quite intelligent. You could see her brain working on calculating the best way to stand. Appears that she's going to be quite the sweetheart too. This morning when I walked in and said "Good Morning, little girl!", she started nickering and came over to see me (that is till Jewel came rushing between us). I've posted some first pictures on her gallery. There will be more to come!

Chip and Thumper started their training again, just in time for some snow and rain to slow the process down. It was a gorgeous week with perfect weather and perfect footing. Chip started back in the round pen and acted once again like he had never stopped. In two days I was back in the saddle on him. It felt so good. This will be the year he starts showing if all goes well, as he'll be 4 years old this month.

Thumper started back in the round pen also. I was very pleased that we hadn't lost any ground and could continue where we left off in the Fall. She's taking a bit longer then the others but we will take whatever time she needs. I still think she's destined to be a show jumper if we can continue to channel her mind and attitude in the right direction.

Jewel is now to the point where she'd prefer to be in the stall and left alone. She has started bagging. I'm still thinking it's going to be a filly as it's been kicking like crazy and Jewel's stall is a total mess. She used to be such a tidy mare, doing all her business in one spot (lot's of it, but in one spot). This year, she just let's it go wherever she's standing. It's either a filly or Jewel's just starting to show her age. We'll see.

Wally's just this big 16 hand puppy dog. He is going to be a big guy probably topping out around 17.2 or 17.3 hands. I don't know where it came from as Chip is just shy of 16.2 hands. I do know that he's in for an awakening when Jewel foals. He's the only one that doesn't run away when Jewel pins her ears and acts the alpha mare. I have noticed that lately she's been a bit more agressive towards chasing him away as she gets closer to foaling.

Ranger continues to do well. He's been having some soundness issues related to his navicular, particularly in the right front. We've been taking him to a corrective shoeing blacksmith where he's getting natural balance shoes with a pour-in pad. He seems to be improving but the equine center said it could take about 4 months.

Jewel (Dark Diamond) is about 6 weeks from foaling, due around April 4, 2007. She's doing well although not moving around as much. She is just the best broodmare and mother.

The rest of the gang are doing well also, just trying to keep warm. Wally continues to antagonize everyone, trying to get them to play with him. He chases his brother Chip around and then grabs Ranger's tail and starts swinging it around. He's hysterical to watch!

Chip and Ranger went on another excursion. Last week we took them down the road to Kelcora Farm! Chip was so good. He spooked at the bicyclist whizzing down the road and then Channing jumped Nikkei over a jump as Chip was watching and he jumped straight up off all fours. Other than that, he was extremely well behaved. Well we went back again this past weekend and wow, Chip and I jumped our first x-rail together! He did some work and then he hung out and watched Tom and Ranger. He is going to be a blast! We added some pictures from our excursion to the Chip and Ranger galleries.

Well, the gang is doing great! Chip has been a great joy. He's trail riding with his pal Ranger and learning so much. I ride him in the small paddock about once every two weeks and it still amazes how much he has learned about the leg just from trail riding. He really enjoys the rides, always wanting to head into the woods!

Wally is doing great and is such a pleasure to work around. Thumper has had a saddle on and walked around the barn with it on. Hopefully in the Fall, we'll get her backed. No hurry though.

Ranger and Jewel are the same as ever. Jewel had her 60 day pregnancy check and all is well. We did get two new additions, Grant and Gregory. They are our new barn cats which we adopted from the SPCA. They are the friendliest, sweetest cats. Now if they would just catch some mice!

We added some pictures to the Chip, Ranger, and Around the Farm Galleries.

It's confirmed, Jewel is in foal to Romantic Star, a class I Hanoverian standing at European Performance Horses in Barboursville, VA. We are very excited with this match!

Wally is doing great and is such a pleasure to work around. He already stands at 15.2 hands as a yearling. Starting some ground work with him. Thumper stands at 16.1 hands as a 2 year old and we've started some round pen work with her. She went through a bit of depression after Fancy was sold as Fancy was her best friend. She's coming around now and seems much happier.

Chip is back under saddle. We gave him the winter off and are amazed at how much he retained. When we put him back in the round pen this Spring, he did everything as if he had been doing it everyday. Two days later, I was on his back. This summer's goal for him is to get him out and about to see different things. Ranger is looking good and still providing us with his babysitting duties as he is the steady force for Chip when we go riding in the field.

We went to see Fancy today at her new home! It's been 2 weeks so she's had time to settle in. She looks and acts extremely happy. We've missed her very much but she definitely has a great new home and caring, loving owner. We've posted some pictures of her taken today on her gallery and you can see how happy and comfortable she is at her new home. Next time, we'll have to get some pictures of her new buddies. Thanks to Sammy for loving our little girl!

This is bitter sweet news! Fancy has been sold and is moving to her new home tomorrow. We think she's a perfect match for Samantha Bell and wish them the best of luck! Fortunately for us, Fancy will be living in Delaplane, VA which is just close enough to go visit her! It's bitter sweet because yes we're in the breeding business to raise quality sporthorses to sell and at the same time, we feel so responsible for them and they become part of the family. It's hard to see them go! It's like seeing your children move out of the house! We know she's getting a great home and we'll be watching for them at the shows next year!

Wally's weaning went well. We were only able to keep them separated about 3 weeks this year. He attempted to nurse when put back with Jewel but fortunately Jewel would have no parts of it. Another first for Wally...he got gelded on 27 January 2006. He was getting to be quite the stud man and antagonizing the girls.

We've been trying to ride Ranger and Jewel, but the weather just is not cooperating...either too frozen like in December or too muddy like now. We're scoping out areas to put in a ring with all weather footing. It's impossible to accomplish anything else right now.

Since Teyegris found a new home, we were able to transfer Romantic Star's breeding to Jewel for 2006. This works out great since we had planned on breeding her to him anyway. Hopefully she'll get bred in April so that we will have a late March 2007 foal.

The girls continue to grow. Fancy and Thumper both stand at 15.3 hands already and they haven't even had their 2 year old birthdays! Watching them move in the field, it appears that Fancy would be best suited to the show hunter arena and Thumper will make a fabulous jumper!

Chip continues to enjoy his time off to mature. We'll start him back under saddle in the Spring and just start introducing him to other places.

Jewel-B-Lee Farm Archived News