New Posts Coming

It has been two years since we have added any new postings to our blog, but that is all about to change.  One of our students will be posting to our blog on a regular bases.  Sam Colt, who is a student at Woodstock High School, will be writing about the horses, students and goings on at Fox Penny Farm.  We look forward to Sam's comments and pictures.

Kelly and I will also post to the blog on a regular bases and hope to add comments as to what is happening here at Fox Penny Farm etc.

Email address

The email attached to this blog should be sfoster@foxpennyfarm.com or kfoster@foxpennyfarm.com

Evidently when I got a new smart phone and wanted to receive emails by my phone I had to have a gmail account and when that was activated it also became the primary email with our blog.  However, it is an emaill account which I do not use.  If you need to reach either Kelly or I (Susan) please use the above emails.

Update March 26, 2010

The days are getting longer and Spring should be just around the corner.   We are getting busy with old and new students ready to sharpen skills and getting ready for the upcoming season.

We have a new camera and I am just beginning to learn how to use it.  It doesn't seem to do well in the indoor but I am determined to learn how to make clear sharp picutres.  Here are a few good and bad.  (View towards Mt Ascutney, Melissa Drye on Cider and Kelly teaching.)

Tomorrow we are going to Stoneleigh-Burnham School again for another schooling dressage show.  Hope to have good pictures to post.  Stay warm tonight as it is suppose to be very cold.  More posts to come

Cody, Cody, Cody

We have one of our own homebreds, Cody, that is like a Dennis the Menance.  If you do not know who that was, it was a cartoon strip about a little boy who was always mischevious. He caused his neighbor, Mr. Wilson, total frustration and at times to go a little batty with Dennis's antics.  When we had our big storm with lots of wet snow the horses at the indoor had to stay in for safety sake.  They were turned out in the indoor arena for excercise and to stretch their legs.  We can usually put two out together that are fairly compatible.  Cody goes out with his full (younger) brother Ben.  When it was time to bring Cody and Ben in from the arena and  have the next pair out.  Kelly was met with a typical Cody expression.  I tried to draw this cartoon to show Cody's surprise at being caught rearranging the flowers on the flower box jump. Ben, who was trying to melt into the corner, wanted Kelly to know that he had no part in this flower arranging that Cody had done. 

Winter Doldrums

Ok everyone south of us has records snow and we have only a dusting.  I know it would be better with a little more snow but at least we are not struggling with plowing and blowing winds.  Remember just a few years ago with the huge snowfalls.  At Fox Penny Farm we had to bring in heavy equipment to move snow just to get to our paddocks!  Our regular big tractors and plows could not move it anymore.  So I am thankful that we missed these last two storms.  Spring is only a few more weeks away!! Stay warm.

Stoneleigh Burnham Schooling Dressage Show

On Saturday Connie Walker

and Kelly Foster took Connie's mare Hermione Granger to Stoneleigh Burnham's Schooling Dressage Show.  It was a perfect day, the weather cooperating with sunny skies and mild temperatures.  Hermione was't quite sure what this particular task was all about but was very willing to give it a try.  Connie rode her in a beginner novice test in which Connie was still settling into the routine and Hermione was checking everything out. (Especially the judge's table).  They had a very good test for the first time out and finished in 6th place.  Kelly rode her next in a novice test.  Hermione was getting a lttle tired (not used to all this ring work) as last weekend she had competed in a 25 mile endurance ride.  She is a very versatile mare. The pair had a good test and finished in 2nd place in their division.  Afterwards many of Connie's friend came to congradulate her and Hermione.  The picture shows Hermione looking very regal, Kelly gving her a well rewarded pat, Connie and friends looking on.  More to come on Hermione

Connie waiting for Kelly & Hermione's test.  You can see them coming in the background.  Kelly on Hermione memorizing her dressage test.  Hermione waiting patiently.

Courtney Walker

Courtney is one of the outstanding endurance riders in this country.  She has received numerous awards this year in her sport.  Daughter of Connie Walke and sister to Melissa Drye she is another accomplished horsewomen in a very outstanding equestrian family.  Courtney is working with Kelly on her mare Pica (off spring of Connie's star stallion Otis) and enjoying the progress they are making.  Attached is a picture of Courtney on her mother's mare Hermione Granger at GMHA's 50 mile competition.