Activity at Vienna Farm has risen along with the temperatures this year. Behaviorist Casey Sugarman was on site for a fascinating two-day clinic. The program began with an unmounted session with the goals of understanding the causes of frustration and anxiety in the “animal student,” learning to use minimal equipment respectively and effectively, and increasing the level of safety and influence when working with horses. For the mounted part, each individual session was built upon what Sugarman observed and felt was needed to improve the overall partnership. The results were often both surprising and poignant.

Six horse and rider pairs kicked off Vienna Farm’s 2007 show season at the Green Mountain Horse Association's new mid-June Dressage show, held in Woodstock, Vermont. In the ribbons were Tanya with two first places in Grand Prix on Swing Time, and two second places on DeJure in Intermediate I. Andre and Duncan just got better as the weekend progressed, ending up with a first place with a 69.667% on Sunday in Fist Level Test 1. Lucy Stover and Dakota picked up a first place in First Level Test3 and a third in First Level Test 2. Hannah Broaddus and Gemini took 2nd place in Training Level Test 4 and a 3rd in First Level Test 2.

The full contingent was trailered to and from the show by TJ Johnson of Potomac Horse Carriers.

TJ's rig was loaded again for the UNH show, June 25 - 26 in Durham, New Hampshire. The Vienna Farm riders were accompanied by Karen Folan with Sandrino and Istelia and Katya Planson with Annika from Trio farm in New Gloucester.

Alice and Juno topped the charts, taking a combination of 1st and 2nd places in Second Level Test 2 and 3, earning High Score for Second Level on Saturday, as well as the final scores needed for her USDF Bronze Medal. Also in the ribbons were Lisa Noonan and Maggie with a first and 2nd in First Level Test 1 and Amy Libby and Another Story, who brought home 1st place in Prix St. Georges. Molly Lafferty and Patchoulie fought some fierce competition for a 4th place position in First Level Test 1 with a score of 67%, and Tanya rode Petra Scamman's Apanico to 3rd place in Fourth Level Test 3.

After many years in our lesson program, Star has been retired to enjoy rest and relaxation with his pony companion just up the road from Vienna Farm. Joining the program is Gallahad, a gentle black and white giant who is already a hit with everyone at the barn.