It’s been such a looong time since my last entry, I am now wondering – with so much to report from Top O’ The Hill Farm – should I attempt to catch up in one lengthy blog post ? or use all the old news to fill August up with July’s events?
Last time I “blogged’ we were lamenting DRY weather and wishing for rain. Well, rain we have received--- for awhile it seemed as though we were living in the tropics instead of Vermont, as we experienced daily afternoon booming thunderstorms, with intermittent oppressing humidity. The main concern is of course… how to get in a decent crop of hay. It’s still raining almost every day (or night), with over 4 inches two nights ago.
In addition to hay concerns, each time we plan a trail ride, we worry if we’ll get caught in a sudden downpour accompanied by BIG boomers and lightening. One Sunday morning, I went out on a new trail by myself, managed to get lost, (which comes easily to me). The skies darkened quickly, so we just finally took a trail I thought would lead down to the road home, knowing it would be close. The sky opened up to release BIG torrential drops of rain, so we had to power trot through some rough goings in order to get home any old way that would get us there. I have been back on that trail since and learned the way—sort of.
The pattern of afternoon thunderstorms has made working with Mead’s Chocolate Chip challenging. His trainer, Maya Dobush, rides Chip usually after 3:00… so she has been rained out quite a few times. Chip had his first off the farm foray on July 4th. That day was gorgeous sunny weather and Chip was superbly well behaved. He stood tied to the trailer, waiting for his turn in the dressage ring—not a single whinney – a calm and cool dude. Chip came to Top O’ The Hill Farm as a 4 year old from Wisconsin in September of 1998 and has been strictly a pasture stallion until this summer. We are very proud of him !!
Tunbridge is a beautiful quintessential Vermont town nestled in the green rolling hills - the fairgrounds a classic country setting. The show was busy, with many arenas set up and dressage tests of every level taking place. We arrived in plenty of time for Maya and Chip to ride the fairgrounds and warm up. 
Chip was entered in the
On the way home, I stopped to photograph a wonderful barn along the way.
Last time I “blogged’ we were lamenting DRY weather and wishing for rain. Well, rain we have received--- for awhile it seemed as though we were living in the tropics instead of Vermont, as we experienced daily afternoon booming thunderstorms, with intermittent oppressing humidity. The main concern is of course… how to get in a decent crop of hay. It’s still raining almost every day (or night), with over 4 inches two nights ago.
In addition to hay concerns, each time we plan a trail ride, we worry if we’ll get caught in a sudden downpour accompanied by BIG boomers and lightening. One Sunday morning, I went out on a new trail by myself, managed to get lost, (which comes easily to me). The skies darkened quickly, so we just finally took a trail I thought would lead down to the road home, knowing it would be close. The sky opened up to release BIG torrential drops of rain, so we had to power trot through some rough goings in order to get home any old way that would get us there. I have been back on that trail since and learned the way—sort of.
The pattern of afternoon thunderstorms has made working with Mead’s Chocolate Chip challenging. His trainer, Maya Dobush, rides Chip usually after 3:00… so she has been rained out quite a few times. Chip had his first off the farm foray on July 4th. That day was gorgeous sunny weather and Chip was superbly well behaved. He stood tied to the trailer, waiting for his turn in the dressage ring—not a single whinney – a calm and cool dude. Chip came to Top O’ The Hill Farm as a 4 year old from Wisconsin in September of 1998 and has been strictly a pasture stallion until this summer. We are very proud of him !!
The Vermont Morgan Heritage Days (2 days of dressage and driving competitions) takes place on the Tunbridge Fairgrounds, home to the "Tunbridge World's Fair," one of the oldest continuing agricultural fairs in the country, as well as host to a variety of events held every year throughout the warmer months. The Fairgrounds' racetrack is one of the few half-mile tracks remaining from the days when trotting races were a regular and much-anticipated feature at country fairs throughout northern New England. Chip was the only Curly present, and did attract a few quizzical looks from the other Morgan horse breeders and owners.
Tunbridge is a beautiful quintessential Vermont town nestled in the green rolling hills - the fairgrounds a classic country setting. The show was busy, with many arenas set up and dressage tests of every level taking place. We arrived in plenty of time for Maya and Chip to ride the fairgrounds and warm up. 
Chip was entered in theintroductory walk/trot class since he was new to his show career
and still somewhat green under saddle. We were pleased with the results - Chip and Maya earned a fifth place ribbon in a class of 10 entries.
Most of all, Chip impressed us with his behavior and willingness - an old man learning new tricks with grace and style.
On the way home, I stopped to photograph a wonderful barn along the way.
A great way to celebrate the Fourth !
For all of you who visit my blog and look for news -- I will try to add more each day and catch up on all our goings on.
For now-- Enjoy your day ~
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