Yes, I'm still here..no worries :)

Ok...you may have been wondering...WHAT HAPPENED!?!?!! NO STUFF!!!! Once our first 2 shows (Waterloo and Iowa Falls) are over for the year, we are pretty much done for the year. There is one other show (Spooktacular) in Cedar Rapids in early November, but I really don't do a whole ton with that...maybe I'll get more involved with that one next year :)

So...I'm writing to let you all know to MARK YOUR CALENDARS!!!! The Waterloo Show is officially scheduled for Sunday, June 26, 2011. There is no class list available yet, but it will be similar to the one from last year. If you thought there were any problems with the one last year or thought we may have been missing something, email me :) Also, If you want me to email you a copy when it is final, email me so I have your email address :) I'll post more about the show after Christmas...not much will change...mostly the class list and there won't be too many changes there anyway.

I have no update on Iowa Falls yet but once I do I'll let you guys know :)

Thanks for all your support last year! We really appreciate it!

Ok...new look

Ok everyone, I'm you're noticig the new look. There is now extra stuff. No hotel info, no maps, no links. Not a thing on here. To be totally honest our show season so far is the majority of what we do. Our next show will be the Spooktacular in Cedar Rapids at the Iowa Equestian Center. When I get the dates checked I will post them and then find a link to post the class list and everything you need for the show. Just keep in mind, that show isn't til early November. Things will be a little slow here for a while, but we'll pick them back up around September/October and start talking about the show and getting the final preparations done.

Hope to see you all in a few months! Enjoy your break from our shows and if you go to any other shows and get ideas how to make our shows better, let us know. We love hearing suggestions!!!

sean.thurm@yahoo.com

See you all soon!

5 HOURS AWAY!!!!

Our 1st class at Iowa Falls will enter the ring at 5:00 this evening!!! There's still time to get there if haven't left yet and if you choose not to go tonight, you can still show all day tomorrow...classes start at 8:00 tomorrow morning.

Have a great weekend everyone! Feel free to check out the showbill at the link at the top of the page.

It's so close I can smell it...

This weekend is getting closer and closer...and it will be FUN!!!!!!!! Erin R has an incredible weekend planned for us all. We will be having classes on Saturday night and on Sunday...you don't need to show both days, you can pick one or the other or stay for the weekend. It's up to you. All horses must have a stall per the fairgrounds requirements.

Click the link above to go to Erin's website and see the final showbill. If you need any help with anything feel free to email me. Need a place to stay? We got hotels. Need bedding delivered before you arrive? We got it covered. Just let us know what you need and we'll take care of it.

See you all this weekend! Reminder to everyone: GET PICTURES AND SEND THEM TO ME TO POST!!!! I know I haven't gotten the Waterloo ones up yet...sorry...internet has been kind rough. They will be up soon!

6 DAYS!!!

Only 6 Days til the Iowa Falls Show everyone! If you had fun at Waterloo, just wait til this show! We are running a few classes Saturday night and having the rest of the show on Sunday. You can come for one day or both, but regardless, the fairgrounds requires you to have a stall. Unfortunately there are no jump-outs allowed.

Erin emailed me last week and told me she already has 25 stalls booked! Make sure you let her know where you want to be in the barn or who you want to be stalled next to and she can make it happen!

641-420-1875
rundedan@yahoo.com

We're just counting down the days til showtime now! See you all in Iowa Falls!!!

Stalls in Iowa Falls

Erin just emailed me. She is starting her stall chart and guess what? It's up to you guys! Who do you want to be stalled next to? Where is you preference to be stalled (believe me, I've heard them all)?

Erin also wants to let you know that shavings will be ready for you upon arrival!!! Just let her know how many bags per stall you want and she can take care of the rest!

So here are your options:
1) Go to www.erinrunde.com/horse-shows.html and click all the links to reserve your stalls...its really easy.
2) Email Erin. rundedan@yahoo.com.
3) Give Erin a call.641-420-1875
4) Email me and I can help you with what I can. sean.thurm@yahoo.com.

Technology in general...

Technology (well...internet in this case) is HORRIBLE...except for that rare occasion that it works. Thats what I've decided over this last week. I've done most of my facebooking and whatnot over my phone that has internet, but it just doesn't have enough memory to post anything here...sad right? My only consistent internet source can't post on the blog...

So anyway, I've been fighting technology for the last week and it made me think. We are so incredibly lucky aren't we? Look at all this cool stuff we have. We can actually take pictures. We can capture memories. I'm talking just even doing it at all, let alone taking pictures and video on a phone! Speaking of pictures, I'll post them whent he CD gets here...it should be here soon as far as I know. Anyway, we have so many cool things...like computers that let us modify our pictures to make them clearer and save them in different ways to use them different ways. Is this technology awesome! I mean, in the Spring 2009 semester, all of my classes were online. 15 years ago I you heard this, you would laugh and make jokes about it. Now it is reality. WHAT'S NEXT?!?!?!? There is a YouTube video I'm going to post that everyone should watch in their lifetime. It takes my generation down a notch, but it is worth it. This guy is a comedian who was on Conan about a year and a half ago. ENJOY!

Everything is awesome, and nobody is happy...

Ellsworth Equestian Center Website

Erin just sent me the Ellsworth Equestian Center's link to their website. This is where our next show is going to be. Feel free to check it out. http://www.iavalley.cc.ia.us/ecc/about/EquestrianCenter.html

Our show will take place July 24-25 in Iowa Falls. For any info just email or call me or click the link above to go to Erin's website where all the show bills and everything is.

See you all in about a month!

Waterloo Show Results

Show #1 is in the books. Let's see how everyone did!

WATERLOO SHOW RESULTS

1. Half-Arabian Fillies & Mares – 1 entry
1st Starr – Sydnie Peterson

2. Half-Arabian Colts & Geldings – 1 entry
1st Valledorado – Mikayla Hartl

3. Arabian Fillies 3 & Under – 0 entries
No Entries

4. Arabian Mares 4 & Over – 0 entries
1st Celebrashahn Bey – Colton Jacobs

5. Arabian Geldings 3 & Under – 1 entry
1st Raja – Katie Greif

6. Arabian Geldings 4 & Over – 2 entries
1st Sunset Bey – Levi Jacobs
2nd BR Khasino Khash – Sue Bigler

7. Arabian Colts 3 & Under – 0 entries
No Entries

8. Arabian Stallions 4 & Over – 0 entries
No Entries

9. Non-Arabian Colts & Geldings – 2 entries
1st Discover the Night – Deb Brass
2nd Forrest – Allison Gallery

10. Non-Arabian Fillies & Mares – 1 entry
1st Abbey – Alicia Rieck

CHAMPION HALTER HORSE – 9 entries
1st Discover the Night – Deb Brass
2nd Raja – Sharon Greif
3rd Starr – Sydnie Peterson
4th Sunset Bey – Levi Jacobs
5th Abbey – Alicia Rieck

11. Showmanship – 5 entries
1st Jazz – Katie Greif
2nd BR Khasino Khask – Lynnae Bigler
3rd Jasmine – Kaitlyn Canedo
4th Danny – Sydney Etten
5th Starr – Sydnie Peterson

12. Most Classic Arabian Head – 2 entries
1st Celebrashahn Bey – Colton Jacobs
2nd Valledorado – Mikayla Hartl

13. Walk-Trot 12 & Under – 8 entries
1st My Zero Can Dance – Spencer Orr
2nd FS Tommy Roxx – Sylvia Skriver
3rd Starr – Sydnie Peterson
4th Elvis – Emily Lunning
5th Western Hauler – Alec Barkema

14. Walk-Trot 13-17 – 3 entries
1st Jasmine – Kaitlyn Canedo
2nd Heavenly Miss Dandy – Courtney Teeter
3rd Valledorado – Mikayla Hartl

15. Walk-Trot 18-39 – 4 entries
1st Blackwind Sirrocko – Jess Elson
2nd BR Khasino Khash – Lynnae Bigler
3rd Dexter – Alicia Rieck
4th Batman – Terri Rieck

16. Walk-Trot 40 & Over – 5 entries
1st Jazz – Sharon Greif
2nd My Country Rose – Rick Elson
3rd BR Khasino Khash – Sue Bigler
4th Elvis – Hillary Lunning
5th Abbey – Deb Brass

17. Open Walk-Trot – 8 entries
1st BR Khasino Khash – Lynnae Bigler
2nd Heavenly Miss Dandy – Courtney Teeter
3rd Scootin Petals – Cassidy Teeter
4th Western Hauler – Alec Barkema
5th Sassy – Sylvia Skriver

18. Walk-Trot Equitation – 10 entries
1st Jazz – Katie Greif
2nd BR Khasino Khash – Lynnae Bigler
3rd Heavenly Miss Dandy – Courtney Teeter
4th Jasmine – Kaitlyn Canedo
5th Western Hauler – Alec Barkema

19. Novice Horse Pleasure – 5 entries
1st Discover the Night – Deb Brass
2nd Jasmine – Kaitlyn Canedo
3rd Heavenly Miss Dandy – Courtney Teeter
4th Western Hauler – Alec Barkema
5th Elvis – Emily Lunning

20. Leadline 8 & Under – 5 entries
1st Angel – Emilea Oler
1st BR Khasino Khash – Kendra Jordee
1st Western Hauler – Alec Barkema
1st Binx – Keegan Ealy
1st My Zero Can Dance – Lauren Lunning

21. Liberty – 5 entries
1st Danny

22. Arab/Half-Arab Native Costume – 2 entries
1st Magato – Erin Runde
2nd Danny – Sydney Etten

23. Pleasure Driving

23A. Draft Type – 1 entry
1st Forrest – Allison Gallery

23B. Pleasure Type – 1 entry
1st Magic – Kenneth Ranney

24. Western Pleasure 17 & Under – 6 entries
1st Danny – Sydney Etten
2nd Heavenly Miss Dandy – Courtney Teeter
3rd My Zero Can Dance – Spencer Orr
4th Jasmine – Kaitlyn Canedo
5th Elvis – Emily Lunning

25. Western Pleasure 18 & Over – 7 entries
1st BR Khasino Khash – Lynnae Bigler
2nd Magato – Erin Runde
3rd Rissto – Rick Elson
4th Blackwind Sirrocko – Jess Elson
5th Qalamaari – Dalton Frana

26. Arab/Half-Arab Western Pleasure – 7 entries
1st Magato – Erin Runde
2nd BR Khasino Khash – Lynnae Bigler
3rd Rissto – Rick Elson
4th Jasmine – Kaitlyn Canedo
5th Qalamaari – Dalton Frana

27. Non-Arabian Western Pleasure – 4 entries
1st Discover the Night – Deb Brass
2nd Heavenly Miss Dandy – Courtney Teeter
3rd Magic – Kenneth Ranney
4th My Zero Can Dance – Spencer Orr

28. Independent Amateur Western Pleasure – 5 entries
1st Blackwind Sirrocko – Jess Elson
2nd Magato – Erin Runde
3rd BR Khasino Khash – Lynnae Bigler
4th Magic – Kenneth Ranney
5th Danny – Sydney Etten

29. Open Western Pleasure – 7 entries
1st BR Khasino Khash – Lynnae Bigler
2nd Discover the Night – Deb Brass
3rd Rissto – Rick Elson
4th Jasmine – Kaitlyn Canedo
5th Heavenly Miss Dandy – Courtney Teeter

30. Western Walk-Trot 12 & Under – 6 entries
1st Danny – Sydney Etten
2nd Fancy – Owen Orr
3rd Western Hauler – Alec Barkema
4th Scootin Petals – Cassidy Teeter
5th Elvis – Lauren Lunning

31. Western Horsemanship – 6 entries
1st BR Khasino Khash – Lynnae Bigler
2nd Rissto – Rick Elson
3rd Danny – Sydney Etten
4th Jasmine – Kaitlyn Canedo
5th Fancy – Spencer Orr

32. Open Saddle Seat Pleasure – 4 entries
1st FS Tommy Roxx – Heather Ganka
2nd Forrest – Allison Gallery
3rd Dexter – Alicia Rieck
4th Binx – Terri Rieck

33. English/Hunter Pleasure 17 & Under – 2 entries
1st Jasmine – Kaitlyn Caedo
2nd Scootin Petals – Courtney Teeter

34. English/Hunter Pleasure 18 & Over – 6 entries
1st Tag’s Best – Becca Dittmer
2nd FS Tommy Roxx – Jessica Cabalka
3rd Cama Kazy – Jess Elson
4th Batman – Terri Rieck
5th Qalamaari – Dalton Frana

35. Arab/Half-Arab English/Hunter Pleasure – 7 entries
1st Jazz – Sharon Greif
2nd My Country Rose – Rick Elson
3rd FS Tommy Roxx – Heather Ganka
4th Cama Kazy – Jess Elson
5th Jasmine – Kaitlyn Canedo

36. Non-Arab English/Hunter Pleasure – 4 entries
1st Tag’s Best – Becca Dittmer
2nd Doc’s Rocks Ann – Hannah Schriever
3rd Scootin Petals – Courtney Teeter
4th Angel – Emilea Oler

37. Independent Amateur English/Hunter Pleasure – 4 entries
1st Cama Kazy – Jess Elson
2nd Batman – Terri Rieck
3rd Dexter – Alicia Rieck
4th Angel – Emily Oler

38. Open English/Hunter Pleasure – 8 entries
1st Tag’s Best – Becca Dittmer
2nd Jazz – Katie Greif
3rd Rissto – Rick Elson
4th Jasmine – Kaitlyn Canedo
5th Scootin Petals – Courtney Teeter

39. English/Hunter Walk-Trot 12 & Under – 2 entries
1st Danny – Sydney Etten
2nd Elvis – Emily Lunning

40. Hunt Seat Equitation – 2 entries
1st Scootin Petals – Courtney Teeter
2nd Jasmine – Kaitlyn Canedo

41. Pairs Performance – 4 entries
1st Danny – Sydney Etten / Elvis – Hillary Lunning
2nd Magic – Kenneth Ranney / Magato – Erin Runde
3rd Jasmine – Kaitlyn Canedo / Heavenly Miss Dandy – Courtney Teeter
4th Fancy – Owen Orr / Western Hauler – Alec Barkema

42. Break the Gait – 9 entries
1st Heavenly Miss Dandy – Courtney Teeter

43. In-Hand Trail – 8 entries
1st Jasmine – Kaitlyn Canedo
2nd Angel – Emilea Oler
3rd Sunset Bey – Levi Jacobs
4th Jazz – Katie Greif
5th Valledorado – Mikayla Hartl

44. Trail – 8 entries
1st My Zero Can Dance – Spencer Orr
2nd Velvet – Brianna Wagler
3rd Jasmine – Kaitlyn Canedo
4th Heavenly Miss Dandy – Courtney Teeter
5th Momma – Emilea

45. Poles – 14 entries
1st Cama Kazy – Rick Elson (0:26.75)
2nd Doc’s Rocks Ann – Hannah Schriever (0:27.50)
3rd My Zero Can Dance – Spencer Orr (0:28.25)
4th Velvet – Brianna Wagler (0:31.62)
5th Eddie – Laurel Haln (0:37.47)

46. Stake Race – 17 entries
1st Cheyenne – Alissa Buck (0:08.66)
2nd Cisco – Jasie Heitland (0:09.00)
3rd Zone – Kayla Abbas (0:09.19)
4th My Zero Can Dance – Spencer Orr (0:09.31)
5th Doc’s Rocks Ann – Hannah Schriever (0:09.91)

47. Barrels – 14 entries
1st My Zero Can Dance – Spencer Orr (0:18.48)
2nd Doc’s Rocks Ann – Hannah Schriever (0:19.58)
3rd Zone – Kayla Abbas (0:20.28)
4th Cama Kazy – Rick Elson (0:22.32)
5th Cheyenne – Alissa Buck (0:22.35)

48. Flags – 13 entries
1st Cheyenne – Alissa Buck (0:08.18)
2nd Doc’s Rocks Ann – Hannah Schriever (0:13.00)
3rd Velvet – Brianna Wagler (0:04.38)
4th My Zero Can Dance – Spencer Orr (0:14.82)
5th Cama Kazy – Rick Elson (0:18.40)

HIGH POINT HORSE: Cama Kazy – Springville, Iowa
HIGH POINT ADULT: Rick Elson – Springville, Iowa
HIGH POINY YOUTH Spencer Orr – Clear Lake, Iowa

Waterloo is done...what's next?

So, show #1 is done. We did well. Everyone had fun and nobody left us angry. That's just the way we roll.

So if you came to to our horse show and swimming pool in Waterloo this past past weekend and had fun, make sure you get to Iowa Falls July 24-25. We are putting on another show run the same way. Erin Runde is heading this one. If you have any questions, feel free to ask me and I can get you an answer too, but she will be running the show.

The show will be at the BRAND NEW Ellsworth Equestion Center! This facility isn't even 2 months old by the time we show! It had its grand opening on May 26! If you've been to Kirkwood's Iowa Equestrian Center, it looks a lot like that. The same person designed it I think.

At Iowa Falls there are no jump-outs though. There just isn't a place for people to show out of their trailers so the Equestian Center doesn't allow it. All horses must be stalled. Keep in mind this is a 2 day show. We will start classes at 5:00pm on Saturday night. There will be some games, some JACKPOTS, and Liberty among other things. Then we'll start up again Sunday morning with Halter and then on down the class list. This is all available at the link at the top of the blog right below the title.

Some people have brought it to my attention that it sounds like you have to be there both days. This isn't true. If you only want to show Saturday night, then just come on Saturday. If you only want to show Sunday, then come on Sunday. If you want to show both days, then come on Saturday and stay til Sunday. No matter what you do, your horse needs to have a stall. That is the only requirement by the show grounds to my knowledge.

Well, I'm going to sign off for now. I have a lot of stuff to do today! I might be on tomorrow but for sure in a few days! See you all in Iowa Falls!

Show Rain or Shine...but natural disasters??? YEP!

We did have our show regardless of some rumors out there. We did also have tons of fun, so let's walk through the weekend really fast...

I got there and started setting stuff up in the show office. Around 12:30 I think it was Cathi S shows up all the way from Iowa City. She had a little bit of everything...I do remember a Paint, a Saddlebred, and a buckskin pony. They unpack and then do baths for the horses...no water in the wash rack. There's a problem. So I franticly got through the barns turning nobs and finally find the right one. WOO HOO!!!! Water!!!! Then she finds that our outlets don't work...she ended up finding one down the aisle a little ways..so all is well. That was the last of our problems on Saturday. We grilled out Saturday night and had a blast. There was chicken breast and hamburgers and hot dogs and gourmet patties (hamburger and cheese and bacon all in one)...it was great! Elsons also brought a crockpot full of party potatoes...they were gone...none left. Awesome job on those Jodie! We also had some chips and stuff too. Great night.

So following all that fun, I decided as show manager to spend the night at the grounds, but the camper we thought we had lined up fell through. I decided to camp out in the show office. Elsons let me borrow their cot so it wasn't too bad. I finally get to sleep around 1:00am since I'm not used to all the traffic noise of Waterloo. My alarm goes off at 5:00am so I could get up for all the early arrivers and to get the barn set up for those returning to bath their horses and stuff. I walk out of the show office and the first thing I do is go to my car for a very good reason in mind...its sort of under water...

Yes, we had the show grounds flood while I was sleeping...I remember it starting to rain around 1:00 when I dozed off. In four hours we had a crazy mess on our hands. So I went to the barn through knee deep water and made sure the horses were ok and they were. There was about 1/2 inch of water all the way through the barn but luckily the stalls are elevated about 1 inch above the aisle way so the horses were in no harm whatsoever. I did call everyone to let them know that we did have some flooding but the horses were fine. I then woke up Petersons since they were camping and suggested they move their truck and trailer just to protect their truck a little.

Erin had a rough night at the hotel she was at because people were partying all night in the room next to her and managemnet didn't do anything about it. She ended up coming down and moving her trailer just in case something were to make it worse. She then helped me move the water out of the barn. It took a while but we got it done.

When Dan (the National Cattle Congress guy) got there he hooked up the speakers for me to announce that the show was going to go on and finished cleaning up the barn...he had a machine that sucked up the water and then he puts fans out to help dry it up. He also made sure the drains were working outside.

At 8:00 the show office opened up...I was up for 3 hours cleaning up flood water before I could open the show office. Things ran a little slow in the morning because people had to get horses bathed and ready in hyper-speed it seemed like...the barn water wasn't totally sucked up until about 8:00 and our show started at 9:oo.

By the time 9:30 or 10:00 came around all the water was gone. Other than mud, you couldn't tell anything happened. We did end up getting a lot of trailers...especially from the Mason City area. I guess their group has had 4 shows scheduled but not one was held due to weather. One of those being canceled was on Sunday.

I haven't even done the books from the show yet...I've been exhausted. I got home around 9:00 on Sunday night and carried one box of stuff in and sat on the couch for just a second and I was a goner...I slept until 1:15 this afternoon and had to be to work by 2:00...just enough time to shower for the first time since Friday night and get to work. And now I'm here...and exhausted still. So I will sign off for now guys. When my phone decides to cooperate with me I will post flood pictures and I think Jodie will be sending me some horse pictures when she gets those developed. So I'll be back on shortly don't you worry...

Make sure you keep checking back about the Iowa Falls Show on July 24-25 at Ellsworth Community College. All the info is on here somewhere. Night everyone!

I'm just as accurate as most weathermen...you can't say its not true.

So...a few days ago I said the weather looked good for this weekend. Ummm...its storming right now...but on the plus side, the storm is moving VERY fast and should be out of here soon. Even if it does rain all weekend, we have a covered arena and a couple barns.

Regardless of the rain, we ARE grilling out! I've been waiting to do this for a few months, so I WILL make it happen...we might just end up being under the covered building where the arena is...there's tons of room around the outside of the arena to grill and socialize without hazards of any kind.

Have any of you been to the Cattle Congress to show before? Think about that old railing...its gone. All new stuff is up now. It looks good and no horse will try to jump this - even in a panic. Our Liberty class could be pretty exciting this year :o)

Well, its time for bed...I plan on being there around 10:00 to set up the show office...its going to take a while with all the little things. We might be open by 3:00 but no promises...that is my goal though. Horses can come in at NOON. If you want bedding in your stalls when you get there give me a call and I'll have it ready for you. My cell number is 319-231-9826. If you have any other questions or special requests, let me know. For example, if you have a stallion you are bringing and you want to hide out in the back of the barn, I can arrange that. Just let me know...no call is too early or late...my phone is ALWAYS on.

See you all this weekend...this is probably the last post until Monday...this is Sean signing off, night!

Anything going on Saturday morning???

I just got an email from Kelly R who has been doing a lot of parades this year. The original thought was to do the Sturgis Falls Parade in Waterloo...plans changed. They are now going to Coulter to be in their parade. So Kelly has a spot in the Sturgis Falls Parade in Waterloo even though she won't be there. She sent in the application and said horses in costume or just plain old horses. So if you have nothing going on Saturday morning, let me know...you could do the parade and when thats done, come to the show like you're going to do anyway...make it a SUPER HORSE WEEKEND! So if you are interested, email me at sean.thurm@yahoo.com or call me at 319-231-9826, and I will get you in touch with Kelly. The spot is #48...beyond that I don't know much so we'll need to talk to Kelly. See you this weekend everyone!

A little help please...

Ok...so for any of you that have not seen a Liberty class yet, you have not lived...but I have no room to talk here...I have seen plenty of Liberty classes in my life but I have not lived...I am very sheltered....at least in terms of music. I was in the UNI Panther Marching Band in 2008. Until that point I had no idea what Freebird or Sharp Dressed Man sounded like...not because I heard them, but because I had to read the music and play it...can you say SHELTERED?!?!!?

Anyway, in the Liberty class the horse runs around at Liberty for 2 minutes to the music of oyur choice. When the 2 minutes is up, you have 2 minutes to catch the horse. The judge places the class based on the horse's movement and how it goes through it's gaits. It is really a fun class to watch and to be in. But for this class we do need music...country music doesn't always cut it...we need some up-tempo stuff like...ok, I have no idea...I'M SHELTERED!!!

For those of you that haven't seen the class I've got some clips form the Gold Star Futurity Show last year...enjoy :o)

We're DAYS away from show #1...Waterloo

Hope you still plan on coming to the show this year - its going to be a BLAST!!! I've gotten stall requests in already...20 of them!!! We've never had more than 5 or 6 before this year! This is going to be an AMAZING weekend with endless FUN!!!

Obviously you guys are all coming for the show but we put on that little extra ;) we're going to grill out on Saturday night and the weather looks PERFECT!!! All you have to do is bring whatever you want to grill - steaks, hamburgers, hot dogs, potatoes, corn on the cob...endless possibilties!!! Make sure to bring yourself something to eat off of and something to drink too :o)

I can't wait to see everyone there this weekend!!! Its going to be great! If you want any specific spot to stall yourselves this year, just reply to this message or call me at 319-231-9826. Maybe you want to be close to the arena...or close to the wash rack...or close to a door....or close to all the traffic...or out of traffic...no request shocks me - everyone wants their own unique things :o) well, anyway, let me know what your requests are and I'll do what I can to accomodate you...I'm getting pretty good at that now :o)

See you all this weekend!!!

Getting all fired up...

Ok...I am getting super pumped for the grill out - trying to make sure I have everything I need. Potatoes are a must! Baked potatoes or slice them up with a bunch of other stuff and wrap it in foil (YUMMY!)...there are endless possibilities! I also need to decide if I want steak or hamburgers or hot dogs or brats or gourmet patties from work...I work at a gorcery store and our meat man is the best! Need to make sure I have my plate and silverware. Probably gonna bring myself some pop...ok, I should really bring water or maybe some gatorade.

So what are you going to bring? Did I miss anything? Email me and I'll post other ideas that come up!

I need more phones...

Sorry I have been on in a while...my phone has been OFF THE HOOK!!!! Not a bad thing...LOTS os people calling for stalls. This is going to be a really fun weekend! Don't forget about the grill out on Saturday night! Give me a call to reserve your stalls or camping spot for the grill out!

319-231-9826

sean.thurm@yahoo.com

RIBBONS!!!

Ok...so I've been off for a while...I know. I've had a bunch of stuff going on...work got kinda crazy so I've been getting more hours (about double actually), I've had several interviews for basketball coach positions (an AD from a nearby school actually confronted me today about coach junior high :o)...didn't even apply!), but good news for all of us is that I got an email from Patty S that all of the ribbons are now on the way. I have enough for my show and probably to start Erin fairly well in Iowa Falls, but now we will have enough to cover our shows and Spooktacular...maybe even into next years' shows!

Still looking for trophy ideas for High Point Awards...any ideas anyone? You know the address - sean.thurm@yahoo.com.

For anyone interested, I'll be at the CPSC Show on Sunday. It's a very fun club to join and very family-oriented. However the arena is outdoors so make sure to check the CPSC blog before you go. Here's a link. www.iahorse.com/blog/ Maybe I'll see you all there this weekend!

Hope everyone had a great Memorial day!!!

Hope everyone had a great Memorial Day and took time to remember those that have died or are serving our country for our freedoms we have today like owning and showing our horses. Find a veteran and thank them for their service. It doesn't have to be Memorial Day - it can be any day...Memorial Day, Christmas, Thanksgiving, Abe Lincon's Birthday, next Friday, or just the next time you see one on your way to the park or the grocery store. It means a lot to them just to hear thanks - believe me. But also because it is Memorial Day, we have a 3 day weekend. Enjoy that extra day with your families and friends. Celebrate the freedoms we've been given by our veterans but don't forget to remember them.

Don't forget, today is June 1 - that means the Waterloo Show is less than 1 month away now. In fact, we are at the 26 day count now. I just got some more trophies from Patty S this weekend...we got some good ones...and they are things you can use! I've posted a new poll on the side bar. What would you rather be awarded as a trophy for winning a class? Check it out and you can check out the results as you vote :o)

Have a great day everyone!

Inside Info

I went to lunch with someone from Waterloo earlier this week and we got on the topic of the Waterloo Show. So just a heads up, the Super 8 is probably the best deal in Waterloo. Apparently Super is just VERY VERY WELL MANAGED. It's the best deal for your money. Just keep in mind, only 15 rooms available as of earlier this week.

Hope this helps everyone!

UPDATED WATERLOO SHOWBILL NOW POSTED!!!

Erin emailed me and said the updated Waterloo showbill is now posted on www.erinrunde.com/Horse-Shows.html. I mentioned the changes in an earlier post...I really just added some walk-trots and split a few. Nothing huge so no panic necessary. Someone asked for some more walk-trots so I put a few in. Maybe you'd like some other changes....LET ME KNOW! I'm willing to do so...I mean, I just did! So that's where we're at. Go ahead and check out Erin's site and print off the up to date showbills and maybe do some house shopping...there is an amazing one Erin has on the site in Charles City...I can only dream of owning that farm someday!

WATERLOO HOTEL INFO!

Hi Everyone!

Ok...so I got some deals to offer you! First the Super 8 in Waterloo is offering us a room rate of $58.50 plus tax. That is for either a 1 bed or 2 bed room...but here's the kicker, there are only 15 rooms left. There are 5 rooms with 2 beds and 10 rooms with 1 bed. The number to reach the Super 8 at will be 319-233-1800.

Deal #2 is Quality Inns & Suites. They are offering a standard room for $64.99 plus tax or a suite for $99.99 plus tax. By the way, THEY HAVE A POOL...always a good thing right? The number to reserve your room there is 319-235-0301.

MAKE SURE YOU MENTION OUR SHOW TO GET THE DISCOUNTED RATES!!!!

OR...you could camp out with us at the fairgrounds! I'm sure we'll have trailers with living quarters and RV's and I know for sure at least one group will be "tenting it." It's bound to be a great time however you decide to sleep...DON'T FORGET THE GRILL OUT ON SATURDAY NIGHT!

If you need any help with ANYTHING, call or email Sean 319-231-9826 or sean.thurm@yahoo.com

See you all in about a month!

Iowa Falls Show location: Ellsworth Equestrian Center

Well, for those of you that don't know, we are all lucky enough to show in the BRAND NEW Ellsworth Equestrian Center at our Iowa Falls Show this year. We were very fortunate to even get a date let alone plan a show in this facility this year! How new is it? The GRAND OPENING will be Wednesday, May 26 from 5:00-6:30pm. There will be a presentation at 5:30 if anyone is interested in going. If I knew about this earlier I'd be going, but I have to be at work. The address for the Equestrian Center is 709 Ellsworth Avenue and is just south of Iowa Falls. I'll post a link from MapQuest so all you have to do is enter your address and you will have perfect directions to get there. Another link on here is the link to the website in case you'd like to visit the site and learn more about the place. Here are a few major stats:
- 75,100 square feet in total area
- 155 stalls
- 100 x 275 ft indoor show arena
- warm-up area connected directly to the show arena
- warm water wash racks!

There are lots more features so check out the website for more info including pictures of the construction to see how it all happened! The picture posted is from the Ellsworth site and it is a 3D version of what the architect had in mind.

Here's your links!

Ellsworth Equestrian Center: http://www.iavalley.edu/ecc/about/EquestrianCenter.html

Map: http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=103052913272357201841.000474ae568dc679e96d0&ll=42.495011,-93.263969&spn=0.021486,0.038581&t=h&z=15

Our kind of people...

Have I got a story for you today! Ok..see Roman. He's on the pinto on the very left. This photo is from a Pairs Class which was at the end of the show bill in 2007. He had shown this horse all day and this was the first class he got a saddle on the horse. Before the horse just refused the saddle - wanted nothing to do with it. We saw him ride in the morning before the halter classes and the horse was totally broke - totally safe. So we decided to let him show without a saddle. He just came out to have fun anyway. Our judge that year was John D and he was so cool with it. Everyone had an amazing day! John had a blast judging, Roman and everyone else had great fun showing. All in all a great show. At the very end, John gave an award for most improved horse (Roman's horse - I forget its name...I think its Warrior or something) and most improved rider (Roman because he had fallen off during the lunch break - his horse was so cool about it though...he just stood there waiting for him).

So anyway, that's my story for today. That's the kind of people we hired to judge our show. We want judges that can have spur-the-moment fun just like us. If we add classes we don't want judges to throw a fit about it, we want them to suggest different classes to add. and give out impromptu awards like John did. Stef should do a great job with that in Waterloo this year. She's a definite fun-lovin' kinda girl! And in Iowa Falls this year, JOHN'S BACK! So that show is bound to be fun!

Well I better get ready for work. Hopefully I'll see all you fun-lovers at the shows this year!

FIRST STALL RESERVATIONS!!!!

Yesterday I got the first stall reservations for the Waterloo show!!! Thanks Jodie!

I went driving around today and went to Abbie M's barn...unfortunately she wasn't there, but a customer of hers said she planned on bringing a few. Then I went to Sylvia B's which is not too far from Abbie's and she said she might be out of town but several of her customers usually go - she seemed very excited to hear we were still doing the show..that is how much fun people have with this show each year! I also stopped at Ann L's to see if she might come. She owns several paints and the amazing stallion Real Bonanza. Ann is letting me use a Real daughter to breed to Fausto :o)

So that is what I've been doing all day. I need to figure out where Sheena's barn is so that I can go see some of her horses. If anybody has any other ideas where I should go to promote the show let me know!

See everyone in June!

NEW CLASSES AT WATERLOO SHOW!!!

Yesterday I got an email from Barb C asking me for some walk-trot classes for the kids. Some others had asked before but they just thought it would be a good idea to have them. Barb has a daughter who is beginning to show both Hunt and Western I believe. So if you ever want a class you don't see, JUST ASK! We'll work with you on whatever you want with the show.

So...here's our update. We split the walk-trot into the more age divisions. After our 15 minute break in the morning, we will have the following:
class #13: Walk-trot 12 & Under
class #14: Walk-trot 13-17
class #15: Walk-trot 18-39
class #16: Walk-trot 40 & Over

We also added some more in the afternoon. After class #29 Open Western Pleasure, we added Western Walk-trot 12 & Under. Also after class #38 Open English/Hunter Pleasure, we added English/Hunter Walk-trot 12 & Under.

We'll have the new show bill posted shortly. If you don't see it posted and you would like a copy, send me an email at sean.thurm@yahoo.com

Meet your Waterloo Show Manager - Sean Thurm

Hey Everyone! I’m the one that talks to you every day through the blog. Thought maybe you’d like to know a little about your show managers. We’ll have more on Erin later (she’s running the Iowa Falls Show)...

Anyway, if you read the About Me section you’ll find that I’m a college student at Kirkwood. I like it a lot...it’s a great school. My major is Business Management. Right now I work as a part time shift manager at Family Foods in Grundy Center. Right after high school I spent one semester at the University of Northern Iowa and was in the UNI Panther Marching Band – can you imagine performing in front of 15,000+ fans 6 times in one football season? IT WAS AMAZING! Well, now I am at Kirkwood and will graduate in December 2010.

I got into horses early in my life. My parents owned horses since I was 5 and it all just sort of happened. Russ and Kelly Reynolds, some close friends of ours, really got me started when we bought my first horse Reynstorm Bey. She was a beautiful black and white pinto Half-Arabian mare. We had her in training for about a year and I enjoyed riding her when she was there. We gave her the winter off to just be a horse and were going to put her back in training to finish the following spring. However, Stormy got hurt that winter and we could no longer ride her. So the next year I purchased a breeding at the Gold Star Futurity to R Last Star. The resulting foal I named Black Velvet ST. She was a beautiful Stormy look-alike. I did all the training with her. We ended up taking a top five at the IaAHA highpoint after only one show and we took home a top 5 and a reserve championship from the Gold Star her yearling year. That same year I purchased a breeding to *Fausto CRH – a gorgeous chestnut stallion. Since then I have sold Velvet to a breeding farm in Wisconsin. So I will be breeding Fausto to a Real Bonanza daughter this year.

In the past few years, I’ve been a director for the Iowa AHA and Vice President of Center Point Saddle Club. I have helped Kelly Reynolds with fun shows in Waterloo and Mason City so now I guess it’s my turn.

Hope to have a great time with you at the shows this year! See you all then!

GAMERS WANTED!!!

Hey Everyone!

Ok...so last year it was brought to my attention at Waterloo that our games aren't exactly "by-the rules." Our flag for flags was a souvenir from Las Vegas (as you can see the Excaliber flag in the photo), our barrels weren't exactly the right distance apart, and who knows what else wasn't right! But I must say, the person that brought this to my attention was very kind and adult about it - thank you.

So anyway, we'd like to do it right this year. I would love for a gamer to step up and let me know what all the rules are we need to know ...or even where to find them! Our association that is putting on this show doesn't realy have a whole lot of gamers. So, if you are a gamer, LET ME KNOW!!!! And then bring all your friends to show! If you want another class, LET ME KNOW!!! If you know any gamers but aren't one, hook me up! We just want to do it right this year!

Thanks everyone!

And if anyone wants to know, that is Rick and he did stay on.

CPSC Trail Ride & Camp Out

Wow...just got home from the CPSC Trail Ride....ok....so more the camp out part of it...

We had 2 fires going and smores (YUMMY!!!) and we grilled out...I had a ribeye (AMAZING!!!). I think there were probably 30 or so people there and it was a blast! Lots of story telling from everyone! The kids enjoyed it, the adult enjoyed it, everyone had a great time...it looked really familiar...oh yeah, that was my vision for the grill out at the Waterloo show!!! A bunch of friends getting together and having a great time! Maybe I can talk Rick and Jodie E into bringing their fire pit thing so we can have a fire...AND SMORES!!!!!! They have already said they will be "tenting it" unless there is bad weather, then they will find a hotel...I'll be looking up some rates and posting them for people as the show gets closer. I'll also throw some maps up here at some point as well.

Alright, its been a long day....fun day, but long...ok...its bedtime...NIGHT ALL!

Iowa Falls Show Update!

Erin just added 2 classes to her show bill!!!! It has been updated on the website. The link is in the upper right corner of this page. She has added one class on Saturday night and one on Sunday morning. The new classes are:

10A Egg & Spoon

11A Young Arabian Halter 2 & Under

So if you have a young arabian getting ready for another show, get them out here! Its great practice for both the handler and the horse! Believe me, I've been in spots where I didn't know how my horse would handle being away from home and showing on top of it. One time my horse was a basket case so I was glad we got that experience. Another time I had a yearling I was getting ready for the futurity. She was normally kinda crazy. But she showed one class, took champion, and then napped for the entire rest of the show...it was like come on, you showed one halter class. I did more work than you did... These are the shows to test your horses at and have fun too! Notice Erin also added Egg and Spoon. That is just a really fun class! One of my favorites to watch because not only do you need soft hand and a soft horse, you can't fake it when you drop your egg. Hehehe! No...mostly the suspense...the last 2 or 3 riders...its great!

So check out the website in the upper right hand corner to print off your show bills and plan out your days at our shows! See you all soon! 44 days til Waterloo, 71 days til Iowa Falls!!!

Iowa Falls Hotel Announcement!!!

I'll be sure to flash this again as we get closer to the show but Erin has done some extra work and gotten us all discounts at the Super 8 in Iowa Falls! AND THEY HAVE A POOL!

Here are the rates (if you mention our show of course):
Single - $55/night
Double - $59/night

If these sounds appealing to you, call and book your room today! The number to call is 641-648-4618

Again, I'll post this after the Waterloo show so its a little fresher in our minds then. See you all there!

Waterloo Cattle Congress Show Flashback!!!

Here are several pictures from this show from the past couple years. Look like fun? It was. EVERY YEAR!!! Everything from huge walk-trot classes to lead line classes to Stephie showing off Kountry's rearing tricks. A HUGE THANK YOU to Kelly Reynolds and Jessica and Jodie Elson for taking these amazing pictures from the show. Also a big thank you to Kelly for announcing year after year. Hopefully this year we can get some video to put on here :o)

NEW!!!! Online Stall Request!!!!

Something a little new this year...ONLINE STALL REQUESTS!!! Just check out our page on Erin's website at www.erinrunde.com/Horse-Shows.html and click on "Book your stalls online now"...from there you will be directed to a new page where you just enter the number of stalls (tack and horse), how much bedding you want, and your info (name, city/state, phone, and email) in case we need to contact you. It's that simple.

Keep in mind you do not need to do it this way - we just thought it might be a little easier for you. If you would rather, you can still call or email me (319-231-9826 or sean.thurm@yahoo.com) for the Waterloo show and call or email Erin (641-420-1875 or rundedan@yahoo.com) for Iowa Falls. Also remember that there is jump-outs at Waterloo but not at Iowa Falls. Any questions just call me :o)

Current and former college students will agree...future college students - BEWARE

ok...today I have my last final. It really is a great feeling...you know, after its over...because finals are just awful. I mean who thought of this crazy idea that some test at the end of a semester should make up 95% of your grade? It's just ridiculous! Did you know that in 2004, 54% of Americans had so much stress, they just didn't know how to handle it? There was a study done by some APA group...I'm not sure what the abbreviation is anymore...

Anyway, just a shout out to all those college students - traditional or not - I feel your pain. Haven't been able to sleep for the last week...why? Gotta study for those one test grades! So next week is nap time all the time :o)

Good luck on finals all you college students out there!

Fun Show in Waterloo - June 27th

So...a little bit about Waterloo....

Traditionally our Waterloo and Mason City shows have been very similar...well, we went through a change in management this year. Our last show manager had WAY too much stuff to do so she turned it over to a couple different people who have been with her for a while...so no worries, we got it all under control :o)

Along with a change in management came some other changes. Our class lists are not the same as they were. They are still along the same format, but they are different than last year and from each other. Another big change is that there is no show in Mason City...it is now in the BRAND NEW equestrian center in Iowa Falls...we'll have more on that later...check back in a few days.

So...let's walk through the Waterloo show....starting at noon on June 26 (Saturday) the horses may arrive at the Cattle Congress Fairgrounds. Anytime after that, you may work in the arena, bathe the horses, etc. Around 3:00 the show office will open up and we will able to begin entries for the show on Sunday. Everybody continues to do what they need to do to get ready and around 6:00 we'll fire up the grill. That's right - GRILL OUT!!! Just bring whatever you want to grill...steaks, hamburgers, hot dogs, baked potatoes, sweet corn, you name it, we'll grill it for you! Our goal is to make this a completely FUN-FILLED WEEKEND even before the show starts! Then on Sunday, we'll start the show at 9:00...feel free to work your horses until 8:30 or so...then we'll drag the arena to get ready for the real thing! The show office will also open up around 7:30 or 8:00 that day and will be open all day...enter whenever you want...and we're always open to new class ideas whether it be that day, before then, or even after the show.

So take a look at the show bill...it's definitely going to be a BLAST! Hope to get lot of people around for the GRILL OUT!!! So tell all your friends and get them there for it...doesn't matter if they're into horses or not...just get them there...they will thank you...and who can say no to a grill out? That's the best food there is!

See you all in Waterloo June 26-27!

It's SHOW SEASON!!!

So...first blog post..let's see how it goes!

We have got a FANTASTIC summer planned for you! We are hosting 2 fun shows this year at the end of June and July. On June 27 we will be in Waterloo at the Cattle Congress and on July 24-25 we will be at the BRAND NEW Equestrian Center in Iowa Falls.




We'd love to have show bills on our website but we are going through a transition right now. Laura P will be redesigning the whole site - new domain, new everything! So once that is up we'll let you know. Until then you can find our show bills on the following link. A HUGE THANK YOU to Erin Runde for letting us put these on her website.

www.erinrunde.com/Horse-Shows.html

Keep checking back for more updates on the shows!