Darlene not only rose to the top of our barn, she left all Select competitors speechless with her next to flawless performances everyday of the competition. It was going so well that I wanted to go home early for fear that I might break them. Not only did Darlene take home the Circuit in the Horsemanship, she held in tight each day in her maiden voyage into Western Riding. She went from wanting to show in the class, and learn more, to being a top placer each and every day. I also have to congratulate Darlene on her excellent performances each day in the Showmanship. Now we all know it is not her or Lenny’s favorite class, but she bucked up and worked hard this show, placing each day in the top groups. Our only flaw was that it has taken us 3 years to teach Darlene not to talk to the judges, now we have to remind her not to talk to Lenny while in front of the judges. Lol We are so proud of you Darlene, and cannot wait until the March to the Arch to pick up where we left off.

Though she was only there for a few days, Lauren Love showed all the Amateur Horsemanship exhibitors why she was Congress Champion, and Reserve World Champion. Sorry to sound rude, but she and Shaggy destroyed the competition on day 1 of the Sun Country. All that time in the saddle last year certainly did pay off. Though not as dominate, Lauren also laid out probably her best Western Riding patterns to date. Either she has gotten that much better, or maybe finally the horse trainer did his job and got Shaggy broke like he was supposed to, either way, congrats Lauren for another outstanding Show.

Most of you would not know how hard Shyanne Smith has been working to prove to me that she was no longer a 13 and under novice, but a 14-18 rider. Well she totally made me a believer at this show. The first day had a few minor mistakes followed by moments of what I consider total domination. During the second round she fought through her opponents, making the rail in the Horsemanship, and placing high on all 3 cards of a very tough Showmanship class. Shy and I are not going to let anyone know our plan, but we have a new way to prep at each show, and watch out, because it is working. I cannot wait until St Louis to show off more of our plan. P.S. Mom and Dad were pleased we stayed on pattern all the time this year.

Tiina Volmer and her partner Take the Last Luke came out of the 2012 starting gate with a big boom!! All-Around Amateur baby!!! That kind of performance, and we learned how to keep Kermit in our leg. Kermit also started to show off his true talent in the trail pen, with me showing him in the Green, and Tiina in the Novice. Though it was a tiring long show for this young team, they really showed enormous improvement from last year, and have set themselves up as a pairing to watch this next year.

I saved Mayers and her new horse It’s Amazing, aka Yogi Bear, for last because when you watch a fireworks show, you always make the grand finale explosive. Ladies and gentlemen, let me introduce you to the new MAYERS LINDLEY. I write this in capital letters because she is that bold, and that amazing. I am not sure what woke up the lion, but she is here, and here to prove a point. Mayers and Yogi won the Youth Horsemanship 14-18 circuit, and stayed right in the hunt for the Showmanship title. Jenny and I are so so proud of you and how well you are doing. Keep it up champ!! Along with the Lindley family I would like to thank Tammy Gagliardo for allowing Mayers the chance to have such a great horse.

Congratulations to all of our team at this show. I cannot wait for the new year, and watching all of you with your continued success. Next stop St Louis.

My first day on the ground was rather fast paced with flying in early in the morning, and Carolyn whisking me away quickly to the University for an Afternoon Clinic with the Cornhusker’s Equestrian Team. What a wonderfully talented and gracious group of young men and women they have. It was a no holds barred clinic with us jump in head first and working to teach them as much as possible in a short amount of time. This teamed learned quickly that if they focused in we could learn a lot in one afternoon. I have confidence that this group with succeed in the ISHA horse shows, and look forward to hearing about their amazing season to come.

The second and third days of my visit were a first for me, as this clinic was the first seminar style that I have ever attempted. From this I mean that the clinic is set of that I taught more to the spectators, with the riders being more of a prop. It was a rather different style for me to accept, however at the end I felt both riders and spectators were able to walk away with large amounts of productive information. It was also a great treat for me to meet with many of the horse people who watched Jenny grow up. (Now I have lots of stories to use against her when needed. Ha-ha) Though I already knew what a great horseman my father in law Wayne is, it was really wonderful to hear from the group how highly he and Judy are though of in those parts. Thank you again to Kathy for having me come visit. I look forward to returning again in the future.

This show has a bit of a reputation for being rather cold and dreary as far as weather goes, however other than arrival day, which was pouring down rain, the weather held out great this year, seeing some t-shirts come out later in the afternoon some days. As stated earlier we had a new group at this event which truly was a nice change of pace for us. It is always fun to see horse and rider combinations learning together and improving as each day goes by.

Starting off our list of achievements will be the Frid barn championship team of Tom and Jackson. This was their second show together showing off great improvement from the summer. It just goes to show that Tom moving to Texas was a great thing for his riding as he has been able to spend way more time in the saddle, perfecting his communication with “Big Grey”. They were able to get some points in the Showmanship as well as successfully getting their first flying lead change ever the second day in the Horsemanship. Jackson and I teamed up in the Green Trail to a few second place awards in our first time out. We look forward to big things out of this dynamic duo.

Next we go to Kristen Crawford and her mare I’m Too Hot To Touch, otherwise known as Stella. They to were able to sneak out a few Showmanship points and had a wonderful first out in the Horsemanship. Though Stella still has a bit more to learn, Monroe proved to be a very positive experience for this team. Kristen had a lot of time in the saddle, and learned more able how to communicate better in the show ring and still lay out nice patterns. I am not sure when the next show for them will be, but hopefully soon so that we may be able to continue to perfect our skills.

Kaye Nell Ivins and her horse Relentless also made their first appearance in Monroe, totally showing everyone that they were serious and out to take on some competition. Ren had never been to a show before, and he was a little superstar. Kaye has had several appearances in the show pen, and was able to assist her partner to points in the Equitation, and some amazing patterns in the showmanship. Though they did not get a huge amount of points, watch out, because this young lady is very focused and very determined to be at the top.

Moosly Loose and Free with teammate Darby Sherrod have definitely come into their own. My little Darby has turned into a top rider, and a severe force to be reckoned with. Unfortunately Bob got a bit sore on us the first day, and Aggie champ Darby was ot able to show until the very end of the show. Sadly she had a rough day, but do not for one second think that will happen again. Never count out a Sherrod is what I have to say. This duo will be back with a vengeance at the next show, and I pity al riders standing in their way.

Last but certainly not least was Tiina Volmer and Take The Last Luke. This young gelding has certainly come into his own in the past year, and is now becoming an outstanding all around contender. Tiina racked up points in all her classes, finishing out much of her qualifying points for 2012. I was so impressed with how well Kermit has come along that I took over showing in the Green Trail, working to improve even further his natural talent for the class. For anyone who knows Tiina at all, let me stress, never, never count out a Volmer girl. Tiina has put a lot of work into perfecting Kermit’s show ring skills, and we look forward to big things from this team.

Next on the trail include a clinic in Jenny’s home State of Nebraska, as well as our annual trip to Scottsdale for The 2012 Sun Country Circuit.

Robin & Jenny Frid with Gene & Holly Spagnola

Food

Our Italian Cuisine

Gas Station

For any of you whom have ever had the pleasure of a nice diner with the Frid family, you know that I enjoy turning each course into somewhat of a competition of sorts. Though it threw the Spags, Gene and Holly, for a loop at first, they soon jumped on board the game with true east coast gusto. Every course gets awarded a best tasting as well as best presentation award. Now there is no possible way for me to remember each day, here are the highlighted results that I can remember, and yes I am the judge and jury as always. Best pasta had to go to Jenny on the last evening in Rome. We ate at a restaurant named Ad Hoc, which was amazing. She had three separate kinds of cabonara pasta that blew us away. Best meat went to Florence’s Buca Mario. Geno and I shared a t-bone that was so large that Emma dog would have passed out at the size of the bone. Though not as good as Del Frisco’s, as Jenny and I always say, it did Italy quite proud. Most adventurous had to go unanimously to Holly. She would try the off the wall dishes almost every night, and never went wrong. The wild boar in San Gimignano had to have taken the top prize. Last but almost certainly not least is the dessert award. Though it was a close race, Geno and Holly both had a tiramisu in Rome the last evening at was to die for. All of our meals were absolutely outstanding, so if you read this and are offended that we did not rank your favorite restaurant or meal we truly apologize.

Traffic and Driving

Absolute madness is the only possible way one could describe this part of our adventure. The start things off on a positive note, the highway driving seems to work very well. Unlike in the US people pass and then they actually move over to the right lane to allow faster moving vehicles to pass them. Strange theory I know, but it really does work. Once you exit the autostrade as they call it things become far more challenging. My first piece of advice it GET A GPS. Whether you rent one with the car, or use an I pad or telephone, do not, I repeat do not leave home without it. Without this crucial tool we may still have been looking for our first hotel. The street signs that they do have are hidden on the sides of buildings. Some streets do not even have signs; you just have to use the force to figure out where you are. The second dilemma is that very few streets even begin to run straight. They run in all different directions and inter mingle with one another, causing a tourist nightmare.

A street in Florence

The Sights

Robin & Jenny in Milan

A view of Venice

Our next trip was to Florence to see the Baptistery, Boboli Gardens, and of course The David. Florence was a much slower paced and more laid back city. We walked everywhere we went taking in the sights and sounds of Tuscany. My goal is to attach some photos to this bog, and I took one picture that in my opinion explains the beauty of this region and the city of Florence. Beckie and Kevin Peskin hooked us up with a wonderful hotel named The Lungarno just footsteps away from the Famous Arno River and the even more famous Ponte Vecchio Bridge. There are so many sights to take in here one could spend weeks touring and still not take it all in. For me the highlights include walking through Boboli Gardens, climbing the stairs to the Top of the Duomo, even though I was scared to death, and of course seeing David. When you turn that corner and see a statue with that much life and detail it truly leaves you speechless.

Florence

Ponte Vecchio

Our next destination was the small mountain town of San Gimignano. Located in the heart of Tuscany, this quaint mountain fortress was the most laid back part of our journey. We wandered slowly through the streets stopping in small shops and simple just enjoying the breath taking countryside. I have been fortunate to see some wonderful scenes in my life, however I dare any others to compare to the splendor we saw that day. Not only was it sheer beauty, to add to it the moment we got out of the car all the church bells in towns where chiming. What a wonderful memory.

A street in San Gimignano

San Gimignano

The conclusion of the journey brought us out of the country and into the majestry of Rome. Just like Florence I think you could spend weeks there and still find new things to experience each day. Our first day included St Peter’s and a tour of the Vatican. Until you see it for yourself one cannot appreciate the magnitude of this holy place. Definitely take the guided tour here. We were so fortunate to have a guide with endless amount of knowledge of the history of St Peters Basilica.

St. Peter's Square

St. Peter's Basilica

Our tour of the Vatican included the vast museum and of course the World Famous Sistine Chapel. You know it is funny, I watched the movie Good Will Hunting last nice, and there is one scene with Robin Williams and Matt Damon. Robin Williams is explaining to Matt how he may have worlds of knowledge, however has he ever known the smell of the Sistine Chapel. Has he ever looked up at that gorgeous ceiling? You cannot believe how true that statement is. You spend so much time looking up, trying to take in what you are seeing, that you become somewhat light headed and dizzy. Guaranteed the next day your neck will be so tired you can barely move it.

The Coliseum

In Conclusion

I am not sure or not whether I want to conclude this memory or not. The final night at dinner we went around the table and tried to recount each of our personal best memories of the trip. Rather than leave it until the last I will say that I do not remember Holly chiming in, but if I had to guess for her if would have been the all the wonderful art that we experienced in Florence. I know for certain that for Gene is was turning the left corner in the Galleria dell Accademia and seeing the David. Jenny’s most fond memory was the fashion of Milan. She talks daily about how stylish the Italians are how impressed she was with all the young women in Milan. As you all know I have a hard time narrowing things down to one specific moment, so my best memory, other then my beautiful wife, was the City of Rome. To quote another movie, Russell Crowe in Gladiator had a line “there once was a dream that was Rome.” I will tell you, the majestry of this city took me by storm.

Thank you to our dear friends Holly and gene Spagnola for inviting us on this extraordinary adventure. Jenny and I both cannot wait for the next.

Though it was short, it was nice to get to visit my mom and dad at the beginning of this venture. My sister in law Christine was also able to stop in for the day while we went to see my grandmother, open early Christmas gifts, and enjoy each others company.

From there we were off to Orangeville and Jodi Mattlete’s training facility for 2 days of clinics. Yes it was rather cold on us southerners; however they did take great care of us in the warmth department with an endless supply of feet and hand warmers. Rather than the traditional clinic format Jodi and co-organizer Judi Woodley had it set up in a more individual lesson format. For me, I worked 8 one hour slots with no more than 2 riders at a time. Jenny had 10 forty minute slots with one on one lessons each time. It really worked out wonderfully, and I will definitely be using that kind of format in the future. I hope not to forget anyone; however we would like to thank all the participants in Orangeville, and look forward to seeing you again next year. Shelly Scriver, Susan Campbell, Mackenzie Harvey, Carly Epp, Diane Collins, Hannah Buijs, Leslie Riley, Chris Kloepfer, Lynn Riley, Tricia Nicol, Allyson Nicol, Sherry Newbigging, Cheri Woodrow (thank you for the socks!!), and of course the Woodley family, Blair, Judi, Jenna, and the #1 son Justin!! Thank you again Jodi for making this all possible.

At the conclusion of Saturday’s lesson we were on the road again, headed north to Orillia and the wonderful cuisine of Bob Willsey. That night we were wined and dined by the Willsey family, and had a great meal with customers and friends Bob, Maryanne, and Stefanie Willsey, Rob, Deb, Jasmyn, and Sharese Rivait, and Rory and Rob Taylor. If you have never had the opportunity to eat at the Willsey home, let me tell you it is an amazing experience. Especially when they have the bakery make Raspberry Rhubarb Crumble especially for you. Thank you as always for your hospitality.

Sunday morning it was back to reality and the white winter day of Canada. Kelly Simpson was our host, marking our third trip to her facility. Though a bit chilly, we had our usual great time with Kelly and her crew of top notch students. Like the last clinic, Kelly had our lessons set up individual which made teaching so much more productive. Thank you to Kelly and Josh for having us. Also thank you to the following participants for making our trip so enjoyable. Kathryn Stanton, Sarah Donaldson, Corey Taylor and the wonder horse Bart, Rebekah Clark, Mac Clark, Dee Floyd, and Julia Charpontier.

Highway bound for the last time, Jenny and I headed back south to Toronto for a wonderful dinner with Liz Willsey. (She needed a well deserved break from study madness at the University of Toronto)

Thank you again to all of you for our great trip home to Canada. We look forward to seeing you again next year.