Winter Update From Eva Crossman at Chesterland South!!

We hope that Chesterland has an eventing prodigy in the making, with our youngest rider in training, 14 year old Eva Crossman!  Eva is the daughter of Denise Richmond and Curt Crossman, and currently attends Unionville High School while balancing an ambitious training program with Bruce.  Both of Eva's parents are avid horse people, with her father, Curt being a lifelong horseman who previously was on the hunt staff with Cheshire Foxhounds. 

Eva has ridden primarily in the hunter/jumpers until coming to join the crew at Chesterland last September.  She has two horses of her own, Wylie, a 15.2h Hanoverian cross, who she herself backed as a 4 year old, and Summer Patriot, a grey OTTB gelding who was at Chesterland for sale when Eva arrived. 

Eva, a freshman at Unionville, was able to get permission from the school to take her studies on the road, and she's currently down at Chesterland South, in Ocala, for the entire month of February!  I asked Eva to be my guest blogger and roving reporter while down in Florida training with Bruce for the month.  This is the first of several reports she will be sending throughout the month. 

Eva and Summer Patriot

Thank you Eva for this fun report!

"So to catch you up on Chesterland South it's probably most important to know what all the horses are doing. The Fonz, or "Happy Days", is out of one of Bruce's mares Whoopee and by Charlie. He is an incredible mover and jumper, and currently resides as Bruce's favorite. Bruce has been working hard with the 5 year old to improve his dressage knowledge and help him become more experienced over fences. Fonz did great in the Training at Rocking Horse and all week long Bruce has been saying how much he would love to take him to Badminton.

 

 

 

Bruce and Happy Days, aka The Fonz!

Christine Pitcairn, or Pitty as she is affectionately called, has her top horse Oliver in training with Bruce and the two rocked the Training at Ocala a few weekends ago.

We also have two four year old superstars in the making. Ephraim, who is by Charlie and out of Memorial Cap, and Moses, who is Jam's first baby and by Charlie as well.  Ephraim has jumped only a few times now but was incredible at the Rocking Horse schooling day last week. Holy Moses, who is everyone's favorite to work with, has never looked better.  While he spends almost all of his time in the barn getting his beauty sleep, we all agree it's working!  Moses has jumped a few times down here and is a prodigy just like his mom!

And let us not forget the only Princess of the barn, the ever beautiful Lola.  Lo is doing great and is my personal favorite. She jumps with springs and moves like a Disney Princess strutting across the dance floor.  She charms everyone she meets and is loving her time down in Florida.

Last, but certainly not least, there's Ms. Susie's beloved Tuf. Susie and Tuf have been going sorting with Chuckie Walters and Tuf has been perfect as always."

And on to Recent Competition Updates:



Last weekend Kelly Prather also showed solidly at the Ocala Horse Properties Winter II HT, Winning the Open Prelim on Blackfoot Mystery and placing 4th in the same division on D. A. Duras!  She also finished 7th on Flagmount's Nightcap, in the Open Prelim B division to round out a productive weekend. 

Keep an eye on Event Entries for all the seasonal events in Florida, and also remember to follow us on Facebook for more updates and PHOTOS!

And for those who think Bruce is all work and no play...........he did give the girls in the barn - Sasha, Pitty, and Eva - the day off to go to Disney World over the weekend!!  Their plan, like true eventers, was to get up as early as possible and get on all the rides in the park!