Author: Michele Pesula Kuegler

Submitted by Alyssa Kelly Peyton completed his last major horse show before our trip to the Retired Racehorse Project Makeover! We competed at the St. Augustine Pony Club Summerfest Horse Trials. The dressage phase of the event was an improvement from last, scoring a 34.2. In the show jumping phase we only knocked one rail down. We have some homework to do in the cross country phase but ended the show with 7th place. I am very proud of our improvement from the Springfest horse trial and hope to continue improving. Peyton’s final entry for the Retired Racehorse Project Makeover…

Submitted by Alyssa Kelly Peyton had an easy month, including mainly trail riding and a few fitness rides. We are continuing our dressage lessons. The plan was to go to a dressage show this week, however, the horse show entries were full. We plan to enter a dressage show in August and compete at the St. Augustine horse trials, which is similar to the one we competed in earlier this year. Please visit MAHR Team Peyton Place RRP 2020 Facebook page to follow Peyton’s training until the new 2021 Mega Makeover. To read Peyton's previous update, please click here.

Getting her final set of x-rays Two months ago, I shared with you the story of our club's generous funding of the rehabilitation of Spooky Moon. (If you haven't read about it, I encourage you to do so now.) At the time of that original article's publication, Spooky Moon had been in the care of TRRAC for a little over two weeks. She had seen some progress, even in the early stages of her rehab. Now I'm pleased to announce that not only has she completed her rehab, but she also has found her forever home! Spooky Moon and her…

Submitted by Alyssa Kelly This month, Peyton and I attended the Mid-Atlantic Horse Rescue (MAHR) All Thoroughbred Horse Show. Peyton and I competed in the 2’6” event horse division and the 2’6”-2’9” jumper division. This is the highest jumping height that we have shown in together. We had a few jump rails down but ended up with a few good ribbons in a large class! I loved participating in MAHR show to support thoroughbred transition to new careers. I was impressed with the number of thoroughbreds competing in all different divisions. Please visit MAHR Team Peyton Place RRP 2020 Facebook…

Submitted by Alyssa Kelly. Peyton and I had a very exciting month! We were able to go to our first horse trials to compete in eventing, which consists of dressage, stadium jumping, and cross country. Peyton and I ended up sixth in the beginner novice division (2’6”) at the St. Augustine Pony Club horse trials. I was very proud of Peyton’s demeanor throughout the whole competition; he did not get nervous or upset about the big environment with a lot of different things going on. My goal for the next horse trials is a lower dressage score! Prior to this…

Shamrock Kid, a five year old gelding, was claimed for our club at Monmouth in October 2020. Trained by Jesse Cruz, he moved to Charles Town and earned two wins for us last fall and winter. Unfortunately, during morning training on March 17th, 2021, Shamrock suffered a life-ending injury. His co-owners were deeply saddened by the news and suggested we do something in memory of this special horse. Following our normal procedures, I reviewed Shamrock's financials and shared with his co-owners that he had a positive return. Whenever there is a positive return on a horse, I ask for a…

Submitted by Alyssa Kelly. Peyton had a busy month! We did a jumper show and two cross country schoolings and went foxhunting all in the last month! Peyton was champion of the 2’6” jumpers at the St. Augustine Pony Club jumper show, winning two classes and taking second in the gambler’s choice class. We also went to Buckworth LLC for two cross country schoolings on separate weekends. On April 24th, Peyton will be competing at the St. Augustine Pony Club horse trials in the beginner novice division. At the cross country schoolings, we were able to practice jumping in the…

Submitted by Alyssa Kelly Since our last update, Peyton has been braving the terrible snow and ice storms in Maryland. This meant no foxhunting or fun trail riding, so we were stuck indoor all month. I am very grateful for the indoor that we have, which enables us to be able to still ride in the terrible winter months, but it gets a tad boring from time to time. I think Peyton enjoys the outdoors for foxhunting and paper chases more. We were very excited to be able to show at C-Line Stables again last weekend for their winter jumper…

Submitted by Alyssa Kelly During this last month, Peyton has continued foxhunting with Wicomico Hunt Club most weekends when it’s not snowing. Last weekend Peyton competed at St. Augustine Pony Club’s jumper show at C-line stables in the 2’3” division. He placed 2nd, 4th and 5th with a young junior rider. Peyton has continued his dressage lessons working specifically on canter collection and transitions. We are looking forward to warmer weather to continue showing and getting back to the cross country field. Please visit MAHR Team Peyton Place RRP 2020 Facebook page to follow Peyton’s training until the new 2021…

Submitted by Alyssa Kelly This month Peyton has continued foxhunting in second flight with Wicomico Hunt Club. He enjoys cantering across the field with a big group of horses but finds the standing and waiting part of foxhunting a little boring. He has been working on being patient by standing still while the hounds are narrowing in on the scent. Peyton has also been consistently working on dressage through our weekly lessons. Hopefully, soon we can attend a dressage show to start our 2021 show season to prepare for the 2021 Retired Racehorse Makeover. Our goal this year is to…