The Sport Pony Inspections

The inspection process is intense

With all eyes on you
The judges, trainers, and others

To see how your ponies will do

We trailered Providence and Domingo to the inspection site Friday afternoon so they could get used to the environment and get schooled over the jumps.

Jan & Gary Lawrence and the Larence family own Millbrook Farms where the inspection took place. I used to ride with them several years ago (20!) when I took jumping and dressage lessons. They were so helpful- setting up a jumping chute to practice with and giving Tom & I a hand getting them through it.

We then spent the night at Cari's, and went back the next morning for one more work-out with the ponies. We then went home for the rest of Saturday and let the little guys rest.

Then, Sunday evening we went back to Cari's- with all the family coming over. It was just what I needed to keep me relaxed and not too nervous. We had so much fun playing a game- like charades- anyway- Tyler and Jason were hilarious! Tom did some pretty funny stuff, too. I got to meet Tyler's new "friend" Katheryn- what a nice gal! And Kaylee and Bill performed their "high-wire" act of Kaylee balancing in Bill's hands up above his head- with her smiling like crazy the whole time! She is fearless!

I love my family soooo much- the noise level was high-but what fun we have!We missed Derek- but Ellie was there. Derek is in Costa Rica (lucky dog!) working for the week.

Anyway- Monday morning at 6:30 we were ast the barn, bathing ponies. The one inspector flew in from Germany the night before, and Gary was the second inspector.

Domingo's in hand part of the inspection.

Then Providence's turn. Providence starts down the free jumping chute. I wish I could get the videos of him jumping loaded- I'll keep trying to figure it out- he FLEW over the fences and the judge kept putting them higher and higher just to watch him go.

After the in-hand and free jumping- we saddled them up for the rest of the inspection. I was SO GRATEFUL for my friend Inger. She came and helped so much holding ponies, getting one tacked up while I worked with another. Tom helped a ton, too- plus took pictures.

Providence under saddle.

Domingo under saddle.

It took most of Monday morning but by noon the results were in- Providence passed the inspection with flying colors- which is exactly what I expected and Domingo- as cute as he was- was not quite good enough-which is also what I expected- but was worth the try.

Jan & Gary invited us to stay and have lunch with them and the German Judge- which was great! All in all it was an experience- and one I won't forget soon.With the inspection over, I'll be taking the ponies back to their home on Monday and life will slow down a little- WHEW! And I'll be looking forward to next summer when some cute little foals will be born on our place. I hope they will look alot like their gorgeous daddy- Providence!