As I reflect back on 2020, I realize that, yes, it’s been difficult, but there have also been many positive things. Both mares slipped their pregnancies and we were unable to get them to settle again, BUT they are both happy and healthy and ready to try again (with all of the drugs) this coming spring. We paused lessons for a bit (and show season didn’t start up as it usually does) as we stepped back to track the COVID infectious rate, BUT that gave us the opportunity to try online lessons and we were able to open back up and grow our Aspiring Equestrian Package and we added new riders to our show team. We were still down a horse from losing Leo last summer BUT we welcomed both Ben AND Joey to the JSS family. We were supposed to have the indoor arena up before Thanksgiving BUT we are still making progress and moving forward, there is one concrete pour left then the foundation is complete- and the building should go up much faster than the foundation did.
One recurring theme that I’ve noticed throughout the year is the amazing network of people we have. I am so grateful for all of the support from our amazing clients, friends, neighbors, and animals of course. I love the community that we’re building and growing together. 2021 has a lot in store, I’m sure we’ll see more challenges but I have no doubt that we’ll also see a ton of positive growth. Thank you everyone for a fantastic 2020 (all things considered) I can’t wait to see what we accomplish next year!
Here are some of the 2020 highlights:
January:
- Theo (now owned by Elissa Pollak) continued to progress in his training, WTC and contact.
- Took a few trips to Full Circle Farm with the horses to ride in their indoor arena
- Welcomed Beamer (now owned by Heather Skeie)
February:
- Mud season #1
- Dior joined JSS
- Second Winter (-20F)
March:
- Stanley was born!
- Covid hitsStarted online lessons at the end of the month
- Theo’s first dressage lesson with SJ
- Jan, Angela, Toby are born
April:
- In-person lessons are paused
- Theo starts jumping and has his first off property ride
- Justin and I start to expand the pastures out back, taking down trees and clearing brush!
May:
- Lessons start back up (with precautions)
- Horses are back out on grass
June:
- Jack joins JSS to further his training
- Both mares on confirmed pregnant, unfortunately, both slipped around 45days and we were unable to get them to settle again. We’ll try again in the spring.
- Spirit joins JSS for training after several years of sitting
- First practice show!
July:
- First real show! Maddie/Lily joined the show team alongside Ana/Shaya, and Ari/Skipper
- Nico (owned by Deb MacMahon) joined us for training to get started under saddle!!
- Benny joined our lesson program and quickly became a favorite!
August:
- SJ clinic with me/J, Elissa/Theo, Martha/Lily, Heather/Beamer
- Peter Atkins clinic with me/J, Ana/ShayaJewel comes to get brokeTheo is now jumping courses
- Horse show #2: Hannah joins the show team with Lily!
- Theo goes to his new home with Elissa
September:
- Arena construction officially begins!
- Lessons are moved to Heather’s farm
- Horse show #3: Ari/Ben, and Ana/Shaya over fences
October:
- The concrete and rebar finally start to take form for the arena foundation
- First snow of the season
- Sarah Geikei Clinic with me/J
November:
- Last show of the year: Deb/Nico, me/J, Ana/Shaya and Ari/Hannah/Ben!
- First beach ride: Elissa/Theo, Martha/Ben, me/J, Heather/Beamer, Ana/Shaya
- We welcome Joey to the JSS family
December:
- J and I go for our first solo beach ride and actually get to gallop along the shoreline
- Bentley goes missing and we realize how damn lucky we are to have such an amazing network. We live in an area where so many people are not just willing but happy to help out. After being out overnight in crazy wind and ice we got our old man home safe and sound with the help of many friends and family. His post was shared close to 700 times in the community.
