09/14/2026
And just like that... we've finished our summer show season.
Keeping in trend for 2026, Chapelina clients once again had to pivot in our plans, and learn how to adapt. This has definitely been a year of rebuilding to say the least, but I will say, there's no other people or team that I would want to do this with.
As a last second change of plans, we headed down to H&H Stables for the first time as team Chapelina. We were welcomed with extremely friendly accommodations and were treated like we have been there all summer!
Sam and Garçon have overcome a ton this year -- Learning about aging horse maintenence, how to regulate the pressure, understanding how to get a little grit in your voice, and remembering that this is about having fun. Sam and Garçon competed in the future jumpers and brought home a 1st, 3rd and 4th. The pair had 5 COMPLETE rounds on Sunday... with absolutely no stops and no hesitations.🩵💛🤍
Denari and Lauren also bopped around the future jumpers, having completely CLEAN rounds. This pair got a ribbon in every class they entered, including several 3rd, 4th and 5th place finishes!💛💛💛🩷🤍
And the most exciting... and absolutely the most FUN parts of the weekend:
Sam and Garçon stepped BACK UP into the $500 2'6" Jumper derby and had an extremely well ridden round. They jumped a turf WALL... (if you know, you know😅) and had no hesitations. An unfortunate rail kept them out of the jump off, but they were the fastest 4 faulter earning a 5th place derby ribbon🩷, PRIZE MONEY and a victory gallop after the class!!!!
Lauren went back to her roots and took Denari into the Hunter ring for the Non-Pro 2ft Hunt and Go Derby. They earned a score of 73, got all their lead changes, and trot fence, halt and walk out of the ring. Lauren went in as a last second add to the class (seriously one warm up class and off to the derby) and came out WITH A 2ND place!!!! ❤️ This earned Denari and Lauren their first prize money EVER and also a spot in the victory gallop!!
EVEN MORE!!!!
Both partnerships walked into the 2'3" IHJA Jump seat medal class, and were asked back for the flat phase!! Both ladies approached it with smiles on their faces, experiencing something new and challenging.... and they came away with a 1st and 2nd place!!!! 🏅🥈
This medal was Denari's first flat class, Sam's first flat class EVER. no martingales and a " PS i forgot to tell you about this part" from Kristen and everyone was so successful!!!!
...............
Denari stepped around the 2'6" IHJA Hunters and the Baby greens, earning valuable ring time, gaining confidence over some intimidating fences and practicing self-carriage of a medium canter. She did have a few questions as she is still unfamiliar and new to the bigger height. But she takes everything in stride, always absolutely tries her hardest, and has absolutely no naughtiness. She did come home with 4 blue ribbons and lots of compliments on a lovely temperament and brain. 🩵🩵🩵🩵
.........
I know, this was a long post, but this season and this year has been such an emotional ride, so to end it with so much grace and to end on such a good day, it is everything I could have wanted for my clients and my horses.
Everyone's hard work FINALLY came into place and I am so thankful that we all stuck with it and made this weekend work. You guys earned every single inch of those ribbons.
.......
H&H was such a happy addition to our schedule.. the footing was great, the company was better and the show management was extremely accommodating. They had such fun classes that offer a little bit of variety and they had really awesome prize money opportunities. We look forward to coming back!!
.....
And as always, thank you to those who held it all together at home so we can go and have the privilege to go show. You make this possible 🥰
