<![CDATA[Michelle Brochu - Michelle's Blog]]>Sat, 31 Dec 2011 07:13:45 -0800Weebly<![CDATA[Enough Already!]]>Thu, 03 Feb 2011 05:21:28 -0800http://www.michellebrochu.com/1/post/2011/02/enough-already.htmlI cannot believe the amount of snow we've had lately!  Although it seems like winter is never going to end, we are in February which means spring is right around the corner.  I've been busy looking at show schedules and updating the site.  Each of my students will have a rider profile.  I'm also going to dig out some old photos of the great horses that I've had the priviledge to ride and compete in the past.  Keeping up all this media stuff is a huge undertaking, but my students and sponsors love it and it's a great way to keep everyone informed.

I have to admit, I have not ridden in weeks!  The  big boy is going to be full of it, thank god there's over 3ft of snow to slow him down. 

Everyone is getting excited for the start of the season, as am I.  With most students having new horses for the season, it should be very exciting.

It looks like most of us will be starting up with some sort of schooling show in March.

My friend Dawn Dascomb at Green Acres Stables is hosting a lecture series this spring.  She has asked me to speak about the rules of eventing.  I believe the date is March 19th, but I'll post more info. when it's confirmed with a date, t]]><![CDATA[Holidays Already??]]>Tue, 23 Nov 2010 15:22:23 -0800http://www.michellebrochu.com/1/post/2010/11/holidays-already.htmlIt's hard to believe that it's already Turkey Day!  Horses have roughed out but continue to keep a basic fitness level.  I just celebrated my 3? birthday, with Margaritas! 

Looking forward to my lesson with my dressage trainer Pat Spettel on Saturday, not sure Huey will be as excited.   I feel like I'm on the countdown to the spring already.

I hope to have a busy winter teaching.  I've already been booked for a riding camp the week of Christmas vacation.  If you or someone you know want to ride for a few days, let me know.  We have limited space for truck-in horses but do have school horses available.

Here's to a short and warm winter!]]><![CDATA[It's been a looooong time!]]>Thu, 28 Oct 2010 12:31:47 -0800http://www.michellebrochu.com/1/post/2010/10/its-been-a-looooong-time.htmlIt's been a while since my last post, which is reflective of my summer/fall.  What a crazy time.  Riding 4-5 horses a day was way more that I imagined but also fun and good for weight-loss!!

Huey finished up a faily successful season at Training Level.  He has really matured and I hope he continues to do so.  My hopes are to do more training level events next spring/summer and hopefully move him up to Preliminary Level by the end of the season....we'll see!

Phinneas had a great summer and looks to be ready for BN next season.  He is a very brave jumper and consistent on the flat.  I look forward to see what he has to give next season.

Dooney had a great fall.  He spent a week at Joe Forest's and learned to long-line.  Joe was very impressed with his temperment and ability to learn quickly.  Dooney was fantastic at the sporthorse show.  There were only 2 colts in his whole division and he could have cared less about the fillies!!  He hasn't figured out he's a stud yet!

]]><![CDATA[Huey survived his first Training!]]>Fri, 11 Jun 2010 18:33:16 -0800http://www.michellebrochu.com/1/post/2010/06/huey-survived-his-first-training.htmlGMHA was a very successful outing for myself and my students.  Huey completed his first training level event, with x-c in the pouring rain.  He was 2nd after dressage and show jumped double clear.  He had a few time penalties x-c which moved us down to 8th.  Not disappointed at all.  He was very brave and clocked around like he was a pro.  Next up...Groton House Farm.  This will be, by far, a more difficult event.  Let's hope Huey stays confident to the water jump!

Beth Achorn and her daughter Brie competed at GMHA as well.  Beth came in 4th in her very competitive Novice division.  Brie came in 2nd in her Beginner Novice division.  We all survived the horrible elements on Sunday to have a safe and successful cross country ride.

The Achorn's are headed down to Valinor 6/12 & 6/13.  Kimber will be getting in another Training level horse trial before GHF.  Brie will be competing for a qualifying ride to compete at Pony Club Nationals.  Beth decided GMHA was so fun that she needed to get another fix and entered Kyra at Novice.  Good luck girls!

Huey and Gunnar are headed to NHHJA at The Tack Shack.  We need to get in some more show jumping rounds before Groton House.

Speaking of Gunnar...I have two new resale horses from Tom.  Gunnar & Scooter.  Both are very sweet.  Gunnar is very laid back and will make a great partner for anyone.  Hard to believe his is an OTTB.  Scooter thinks he's a person.  He hangs around the barn just to say hello and watch whatever you are doing.  I really like both of these horses.  They are going to make wonderful partners!

Until next time, ride forward and STAY ON!
Michelle]]><![CDATA[Winter in May???]]>Tue, 11 May 2010 08:39:16 -0800http://www.michellebrochu.com/1/post/2010/05/winter-in-may.htmlThe season is in full swing!  Huey has quite a successful start to the year.  He won his division at UNH and came in 3rd in his division at King Oak.  The plan is to move him up to training level, so we'll see how it goes.

My students have had a successful start as well.  Brie came in 5th in her division at UNH and Kyle won his division.  Hitching Post is next on the agenda.  I'll be there all weekend coaching and working at the tackshop.  Stop by and say hello!  The weather looks to be good, maybe I'll work on my tan as well.

Next up Hitching Post Farm horse trials, then the schooling event at Green Acres, with a jumper show at GMHA sandwiched in there.

I'm hoping to do a day of the Sharon White clinic at Scarlett Hill Farm.  Huey needs to school water!

Final note, congratulations to Bonnie on her new son Oscar.  Bonnie is Tom's daughter who lives in Idaho.  They've waited a long time for Oscar.]]><![CDATA[Spring Craziness]]>Thu, 01 Apr 2010 06:06:49 -0800http://www.michellebrochu.com/1/post/2010/04/spring-craziness.htmlThe Craziness Has Started!!!
The spring eventing season is fast approaching and the daily grind of getting ready for those fast approaching events is in full swing.

Spring Shots are done.  Farrier is coming.  Chiropractor has come and is due back again.  Oh, did I mention, we need hay??  There seriously needs to be about 10 more hours in a day.

Looking forward to April vacation.  Going to go x-c schooling at Scarlett Hill, if it ever stops raining!

Up next is the 2phase at SBS and the next weekend at UNH.

Jumping lesson with Joe on Saturday preceeded by teaching & farrier in the morning.

I LOVE this time of year!
]]><![CDATA[First Post!]]>Thu, 01 Apr 2010 05:58:59 -0800http://www.michellebrochu.com/1/post/2010/04/first-post.html