Today was the Foshay International Combined Test #3 held on the show grounds in Lower Jemseg, NB, adjacent to the Gagetown Ferry landing. It was a sultry day with temperatures exceeding 89ºF / 3.7ºC in the shade. Luckily there was a slight breeze blowing to keep it bearable for horses, riders, officials, volunteers and spectators (not to mention photographers).
Organizers (Dr.) Rob and Suzanne Stevenson along with a bevy of volunteers put together a lovely event. There were only a dozen entries in the Combined Test (each horse/rider combination gets points for their dressage test and comparable level stadium jumping round) but they did well. A special jump was created in honour of Rob’s mother Janet. She was a tremendous supporter of all things equine, especially if it involved her family. Her husband, Bob, continues the tradition. The slogan “Attitude” is a tribute to a determined woman and wise advice to aspiring competitors.
I was only able to briefly capture a bit of the dressage competition but the quality of horses and riders was excellent.
While the jumping course was being tweaked I grabbed a few shots of some of the riders, gratefully sans show jackets in the blistering heat, warming up in preparation for the jumping phase of the competition.
In the middle of the show ring, show judge, Alison Gallagher, was conferring with course designer, Deanna Phelan, prior to the start of that phase.
The heat got to me and so, with pounding head, I had to leave to go home to my air-conditioned living room. I’m sorry to have missed the jumping phase, but I’m sure it went well. As I walked to my car I couldn’t help but grab a couple of shots of life on the river – one of the loveliest aspects of “Foshay International”
There will be three more events at Foshay this season: A Combined Derby on August 7, a Horse Trial Septemer 4 and another on October 9. For details on entering, volunteering, sponsoring or coming as a spectator, check out their website at http://www.foshayinternational.com
Images by Ceci 