Early Thanksgiving for Patrick and Alyssa

Sharon spent Wednesday in Fort Worth with old friends and mothers of her old friends as they celebrated the birthdays of these ladies in their 80's.  They had a party at Cafe Aspen in Fort Worth and it is always nice to get out of Ranger for a good meal.  Shortly after she got home from the party, Brad and Vicki arrived for a 2 day visit.  Patrick and Alyssa spent Wednesday riding and setting up the free jump chute for more training in preparation for Licensing for Born in the USA.  Sharon and Brad and Vicki (Lynn was still in Houston on Wednesday) went to the famous cafe in Strawn named Mary's for chicken fried steak Wednesday night.  It is the best anywhere.  After they got home they watched Black Hawk Down.  It is the first time Brad and Vicki have ever seen it and they were amazed that it is a true story.  

Thursday, in addition to riding, we brought up Bonheura for Vicki to see since she is the half owner, as well as Bobbie Socks.  We did new videos on both of them and we are very pleased with their development.  Be sure to take a special look at Bobbie Socks on YouTube because this is our first video of this wonderful yearling.  Thursday afternoon, we free jumped Gotti and Born.  Gotti caught on really quickly but we didn't raise the fences much because we wanted him to maintain his confidence because he is only two.  Born in the USA was very excited and happy and decided to free jump himself several times through the chute.  He has nice form, boldness, and enthusiasm about jumping. He also seems to have a lot of scope.  He will need to do pretty well on the free jumping portion of the testing in order to be Licensed.  So far he is showing that it is no problem for him.   Lynn got home on Thursday so was able to visit with Brad and Vicki. 

Friday was another farrier day at Garner Creek Farms.  This time it is trim day with Jacob Valentic and more or less takes up all of Alyssa's time.  Patrick is working on putting finishing touches on horses that are going to the sale and working on Third Level with Glenda and La Coruna.  Sharon is trying to polish up Romance for Second Level next year.  Vicki's horse, Winnergirl (aka Winnie), is being shipped here from Houston on Sunday to prepare for a career as a broodmare.  

Today has been another regular Saturday morning- riding and catching up on a little paperwork.  Patrick and Alyssa are taking off now at noon to go to Fort Worth to meet Patrick's dad and stepmom at Central Market.  His parents will be driving from the airport to meet them at Central Market to get plenty of good food for their early Thanksgiving.  We are all ready for a little R & R and we will check back to you on Monday with our final preparations for the Candy Store Sporthorse Auction that will be going on next weekend.  Have a good weekend!