Lal's Haven Warmbloods |

Sarah and Ace at Pony Club

On Sunday 15th April Sarah took Ace to Pony Club. Ace has been out in the paddock for sometime now just having a relaxed life style and enjoying the country air. After selling LH Adelia Sarah did not have a mount to take to club so she asked her dad if he had a spare in the paddock. Wes said you could borrow Ace if you like”. So over a period of 2 weeks Sarah drove home in between her University studies to see if she could manage riding Ace. The pair were liking each other more and more because when Sarah went to the paddock to catch Ace he would come running to the gate wanting to be ridden. Sarah started off with short rides to start with and after 1 week then could have a longer ride and even a jump. It took 3 washes to make Ace look clean, he was so dirty and his coat gleamed after his pampering. He loved every bit of it and even arched his back with pleasure when we scrubbed him with the rubber curry comb.

Sarah’s first lesson was Cross-country, now Ace has popped a few logs at home on the farm but that is all. To Sarah’s delight Ace sailed over every obstacle she pointed him at. Ace absolutely loved his new identity of loping along on a nice collected canter popping over logs, tyres,drop downs,  picnic tables, ditches and even colvets. He did not even spook at one fence”, said Sarah he was awesome!

The next lesson was Theory and Ace was happy to eat his hay in a yard and after lunch they had  Dressage lesson. Once again Sarah said he did not put a hoof wrong, he was very willing to plod along and do whatever she asked of him. So all in all the day was a success.

Ace & Sarah cruising over a log

Ace & Sarah both looking like they love it!

Ace showing his dressage skill

Wes and Tiffany walking the C & D Grade course

Team Joyce competed at Mt Gambier over Easter . Wes , Milly and I left home at 4.30pm wanting to stop under the Stud Road over pass at 6.30pm to pick up Tiffany and Jordan. Tiffany had University until 4pm hence why we left late Thursday afternoon with LH Beckham and LH Brittany on board. The nights travel was tough because of all the heavy traffic through Melbourne and over the Westgate Bridge. Eventually once passed Werribee the road cleared up. We arrived at Mt Gambier around 12.oopm and made our yards. On the Friday morning Tiffany and LH Brittany attempted the Young Rider with the first round set at a strong 1.30m and they jumped a very nice clean round but did not make the final placings. Wes did not get a start today as they cancelled the rest of the day due to the terrible wind and rain coming across. The organisers of the event decided to start early the next morning to try and get through all the classes. The C & D Grade on Saturday was placed with the Friday class not run so they put all the prize money together and ended up with 60 riders. Wes and LH Beckham did a cracking jump off finishing with a time of  38 seconds”. There were 15 riders that made the jump off all jumping clean in the first round. Wes was awarded a lovely grey embroidered jacket  for his first place prize many Thanks to the organisers as this was a very nice prize to be given.

Wes and LH Beckham in 1st Place

Wes and Tiffany standing beside one of the super special looking butterfly jumps made by John Wiltshire and Gary Baxter course designer smiling in the background on the left.

King strapper Jordan, Thanks for being so reliable and supporting Team Joyce always holding Milly or LH Brittany

Wes with his Jacket and Blue Rosette

It is the 14th year Team Joyce has attended the Berwick Agricultural Show.

Once again the organizers have done a wonderful job in keeping all the showjumpers

happy. The grass arena was in perfect condition and David Sheppard built

very consistent courses throughout the two days and provided good entertainment

for all the spectators to watch exciting jumps offs.

Wes on LH Beckham saluting Annie White the judge.

Wesley rode LH Beckham in the Open 1.30m Drafting & Design on the Saturday and placed 4th and on the

Sunday placed 6th in the Open 1.35m NAB Championship.

Wes and LH Beckham back at the yards.

Sarah rode LH King Arthur and competed in  the Maiden D  and D Grade classes

and made all jump offs but did not place this time but looked as though they

were a match made in heaven. Sarah had only ridden LH King Arthur twice

during the week and just hopped on to enjoy herself and that she did, and

Arthur to. Sarah is now back at University but before the work load becomes

to much she fitted in a show.

It was a lovely weekend to see and talk with some very nice showjumping people.

Looking forward to going back in 2013.

Sarah's little Echo parked next to the Beast

The Beast on the hill with LH King Arthur at Wandin Park

Wandin Park was the venue for the Grand Valley Showjumping Classic.

Saturday had lovely weather, a little to hot when the sun came out but

with the slight breeze blowing made it alot more bearable. Large numbers

saw the day finish rather late and everyone ravishing for dinner!

Wesley had a very successful day riding LH Beckham. The first class they

rode in was the 1.25m Open and in the jump off LH Beckham had one rail

but a minor rider error Wesley half halted trying to adjust his stride and

LH Beckham took that signal as a trot to stop, quickly Wes encouraged

him to keep going and basically trotted to a straight fence with

very little room before take off. Which meant a tap of the top rail. But the

rest of the round was terrific. The next class was the 1.35m Open and Wes

wanted to see how LH Beckham would cope with a bigger track and more

technical lines . Mr Leeson Serrit ( course builder) set the course to be a little

challenging in spots. To our delight LH Beckham took it all in his stride and

put on a fine performance! The combination placed 1st…..

Judge Mr Brian Scattergood presenting Wes and LH Beckham with the ribbon.

Good job Beckham

LH King Arthur started in the 1.15m Open and this was hard for him, not the

height but all the tents, flapping signs, people ringside and of course the judges

van as well were all very daunting to him. His eyes  popped open as soon

as he entered the ring. With only one rail down and lots of way wood striding

on course he also accomplished a great round.

On Sunday the sun disappeared by midday but the wind took over all day.

And blew a gale by lunch..LH Beckham had a go at the Mini Prix and with the wind

blowing so hard , he lost concentration on course and also had one rail.

Waiting for there turn

We expect these minor happenings on course at different shows and places because

these two young horses have not seen nor heard it all yet. They need to do the miles

to see more and not worry so much, only time will help them and plenty

of patience. Wes is very happy to give them both that as they are  very nice, handy

confident young horses to have.

Off to Lang Lang next week end to the Port Phillip Showjumping weekend.

Saturday Ring 1

Team Joyce had a great show for the first one back in 2012.

Our youngsters were on there best behavior.

LH King Arthur at the truck.

Left: LH Beckham & LH Brittany at the truck.

Jordan & Tiffany holding LH Adelia

This was LH Adelia’s very first Offical 1.05m Maiden D Grade

event and Sarah was very happy with how she went. As soon

as she cantered into the ring LH Adelia’s eyes opened very wide.

Then as they were half way round the course the ” Swish swish

ride started up, this also startled LH Adelia a little but because

of her easy going nature she finished the course. Having just 2 rails down

meant they did not return for the jump off but later in the afternoon

Sarah re-saddled to make sure her experience was a very pleasant one

as they just roamed the grounds on a loose rein showing her the show cows

the people with prams and to hear all the noises of the show from the rides

and crowd.

Sarah & LH Adelia watching the horses jump!

Tiffany and LH Brittany went in the C & D Grade 1.15m class and as per usual

LH Brittany was on fire! The surface in the ring is just so good that all the horses

seem to jump extremely well off it. Wesley took LH Beckham and LH King Arthur

in this class also. All of them jumped clean and were eligible for the jump off.

This was going to be a fast jump off as all the horses in it were very good horses.

Wesley went out first on LH Beckham and did a cracking round, cut corners,

sliced fences on angles and jumped clean, he set a real tight time!

Tiffany went out a few horses later and did not take her foot off the peddle,

LH Brittany motored along also at a fast pace, Tiffany opted to go round most

jumps and still ended up faster than her dad” the crowd roared with delight

and Tiffany punched the air with extreme happiness with their attempt.

Wesley then went again on LH King Arthur, as this course was a challenge

for our youngster her took it all in his stride, Wes coaxed him round gently

but with a few attempts to also cut some corners and slice just a few fences

and to our amusement came up with another clean round.

Tiffany and LH Brittany placed 1st

Wesley and LH Beckham placed 2nd

Wesley and LH King Arthur placed 5th

Tiffany & LH Brittany place 1st at the Wonthaggi Show in the C & D Grade

What a good result from Team Joyce’s performance horses….

The presentation with Dad and daughter in the line up is an wonderful

occasion and a rare one.

The last class of the day was the D Grade and Wes rode LH King Arthur.

Once again he proved himself by jumping 2 clean rounds and placing 5th.

Wes is very happy with both his horses, LH Beckham becasue this time last year

he took the liberty of running out at the blue oxers and this year was keen

and happy to jump whatever they approached. LH King Arthur still a Maiden

horse and able to come out and jump 1.15m in his first class so easy and

continuing to jump clean in all his rounds. LH Brittany is always a trooper

and tries her utmost best, Tiffany always says she makes her look good!

Sarah was also most impressed with LH Adelia’s behavior at her very first lively

show and took it all in her stride.With the encouragement of Sarah

reassuring her all day this combination had a superb day also.

Now off to Lang Lang next week, just Wesley and his 2 horses because

Tiffany and Sarah have other commitments. Will post how we go!

Oh Wesley and LH Beckham also won the

“Equinade Showjumper of the Show.”

LH Beckham and Wesley The Equinade Champion Showjumper combination of the Show: Team Joyce wish to Acknowledge the continued dedicated Sponsorship of Equinade $100 voucher for Leading Rider/Combination in Table A Events at the Agricultural Shows throughout the Port Phillip District.

Congratulations Sarah and LH Folly on being selected for the  ”A  Grade ” Showjumping Victorian Team

for the PCAV Nationals held at Werribee Park  in September.