Tar Baby is a 22 year old (I think that is how old he is now anyway) thoroughbred gelding I bought when he was a year old. I took him to Redmond with me when I went up to Joanna's, but I ended up riding my arab in my lessons. However, he is trained 100% following the principles I got from Joanna. In fact the reason I was able to train him to up to some 3rd level work by my self is because I listened to what she said. I haven't been able to ride in a long time because I have been looking for a job. My plan is to work 100 hours a week if I have to to be able to show him this year and try to qualify him for the regional and with a little luck the national championships. He is 15.3 and a dark bay with loads of talent, and very hot, but his conformation is awful, so training him had been interesting. Once I get him in the show ring I hope to be able to pick up some students for lessons. With all the problems people are having these days with all the rollkur problems, and with him trained just the opposite I hope people will see what kind of training I can do. I plan on pictures as soon as I start to ride again as I want to look at how he is performing before I commit to a show. I am also on equisearch.com a lot and seeing so many people with all their pictures makes me REALLY want to post my own both here and on equisearch so people can see what I have been talking about. Your horse is certainly cute, is it a mare or gelding? And what is their breeding? What level are you riding at?

Wow! I am glad to hear from you! Not only 'coz it is nice to hear from people so close by, but also I have been wanting to keep track of Joanna and where she is. It is my goal to go back and study with her when I get my horse as far as I can by myself. Is she still at Winterpond? And what is the 'scoop' on you and your horse?

Your horse looks just like my Little Moe, he is a belgian draft cross . He is 17.1 hands Palamino and just turned 6. I love this guy. I love your photos

In truth, I trail ride and want to start either competitive trail or endurance. I have an 8 year old Appaloosa mare who just goes and goes. :) (along with 3 others, but that's a long story) So I ride mostly on Pope timber lands between Poulsbo and Port Gamble.

Yeah, I haven't fallen off yet since I started back riding 2 years ago. I live in fear, lol. Almost want to come off once just to get it over with ! :-)

You could maybe take Griffin to an event facility to school x-c with a coach? That is what my friend and I did - twice without coach, once with . There are two nice intro xc courses within 10 minutes drive; we just shipped in and schooled over the smallest jumps and in the water. GREAT fun!!!! That way you can school some jumps and noodle around without the hassle of having lots of other horses around and him getting all excited.

Good luck!

Yes, I am pleased to say we get a pretty good number of wonderful people from all over the globe who take our classes. We have a program for horses and a program for companion animals and it all keeps us pretty busy. Our program is popular because it combines home-study with a hands-on class, so it is more flexible than many classes. We also do some classes up in BC a few times a year. let me know if you have any specific questions...I would love to fill you in on what we are doing!

Hey, thank you, Mary! Guess you are in "the neigh-borhood." :) BJ

Yes, in fact I founded the school back in 2001. Do you know of it?? Love your palomino!

Thanks Mary! I've been riding since I was about 10, but took a 15-yr break while living in the city and having a family. Now we are in the country again on a hobby farm, so I couldn't resist. I LOVE draft x's - I don't bounce like I used to, so really wanted something sane. I bought a 4 yr old chestnut mare (!) and she is just the most reliable girl ever. Tries her heart out. If you google Ontario Breeders' Production Sale or Orchard Park Stables, you will come across their website from the annual sale.

I don't aim to do any high-level eventing; I'd be quite happy with Entry. :-)

Glad you are enjoying your leased horse and riding so much!!
Jennifer