Country Lane Farm

This was a bittersweet moment for Berkeley. She received her official invitation to ._.finals 2023 in the mail as she qualified not only her pony for the Medium Regulars but also earned her spot in the pony medal finals for 2023. Show season 2022 was a bit of a rollercoaster for her - new pony in March, sidelined by EHV in California, took some time to figure out her pony - but she persevered and managed to end the season as the BCHJA champion in the Mediums. She adored her pony and he adored her too - but in March of this year, it was apparent that she needed a bigger mount and when the opportunity to sell him to presented, we jumped on it as we knew he’d receive the best of care and training possible under Traci and Carlton. However, it meant that once again she missed out on getting to compete at and more crushing, the horse trailer came home empty from California as we could not afford the price tags on the Children’s Hunter she would need.
There were a lot of tears in our household - and not selfish or “woe is me” tears - they were tears of sadness in saying goodbye to her best friend. And honestly, I think I cried as many if not more both for my daughters broken heart and for my own as I loved that little pony to bits (even after he dragged me across the parking lot on a few occasions).
We found her an amazing horse and she is once again starting from square one this show season. She is showing her grit and determination, but I also know that her heart is still very much attached to that chestnut pony who helped her earn her pony medal invitation.
I know someday we will both look at this letter and medal and appreciate the journey even if it didn’t end in a trip to Kentucky as originally planned. But for now, it’s definitely bittersweet 🥹

Last but certainly not least. Thank you Ellyana for all your hard work and positivity behind the scenes. Congratulations on your win in the CET mini and for your first 1.10 class.

Congratulations to Tanya Ritchie and Nordeney on your return to the show ring with a 🥉 place finish in your first derby and top ribbons in the AA’s!