"Rain, rain , go away. Come again some other day (but not this weekend!)" Aaahhh...the dresssage show season. If you have gone to a few shows during a season, you know that mantra well. If you are lucky enough to show in rain just one day out of two, you feel fortunate that at least your clothes will dry out at the hotel. If you manage to have TWO no-rain days , you are ecstatic. But no matter what the weather, there is not a more picturesque showplace than Otter Creek. Rain won't dampen the beauty and enjoyment of the Wheeler, Wisconsin facility. You will want to come back for more!

Otter Creek is well known in the eventing circles but did you know that the owners, Mark and Lena Warner, just put in a third dressage ring? The new one is right next to one of the original rings with a third ring up on the rise. They also put in a new warm-up area next to the lower two arenas. Those of us who have ridden in these rings in the monsoon rains of summer are thrilled to report that the footing is phenomenal. The Warner's are known for liking a challenge and doing things the right way, not necessarily the easy way, and it shows here. There has been very little standing water in the arenas and it is not slippery or deep. The indoor arena has also been used for the show because of a downpour rather than postponing rides, the show can move inside.

Flexibility is just one of things that make showing here a great experience. The Warner's hospitality is probably one of the best around. They put out the "Valkommen" mat. There is a lounge and office with a couple of couches on which to cool off or warm up. There is usually lively conversation going on. Some of these talks center around all of the extensive work the Warner's have done themselves. We are not just talking about the property, but harvesting their own lumber from their land to build, like the 80 spacious stalls two years ago. One could call them the Energizer Bunnies of the horse world. They never seem to tire or run out of projects to build or develop. Lucky for all of us because we enjoy the benefits of their hard labor.

After a long and sometimes stressful day of showing, there is nothing like a hack on your horse around the grounds (with permission , of course). The scenery is breathtaking with the rolling hills of grass and the forest surrounding. It is a great opportunity to expose the dressage horse to new things. There are eventing trails that wind through the 300 acres of Otter Creek land, but beware-you may need a map as you travel deeper into the woods! It would be easy to get lost since the neighboring 800 acres abutting the farm is undeveloped. It is an experience for some of our horses that haven't seen a giant otter in a pond before or had the chance to lower their head and get a cool drink from one of the water hazards. It is time outside of the ring to be enjoyed by both horse and rider.

A wonderful bakery, The Grain Bin Market and Bakery, is just down the road. What does this have to do with dressage and showing? Nothing tastes better than a fresh cinnamon roll or a fresh slice of sun-dried tomato, basil and parmesan cheese bread. But wait, that's not all! They have bulk pasta, packaged dried soup or sauce mixes, dried fruit, dried vegetables, chocolate, licorice, teas, and the list goes on. Sometimes the hardest thing is deciding what you don't need! Your horse will love the Red Apple Caramel Chips as much as you do.

Showing at Otter Creek is much more that a competition. It is an experience with friends, horses, nature, and hospitality. Bring your young horse for a quiet, positive introduction or your veteran performer for a relaxed environment. Whether you camp on the grounds or lodge in Menomonie, you will find a welcoming community surrounding a first rate facility. So, grab your rain gear and wellies (just in case), put Otter Creek on your calendar, and maybe we will see you there in 2010!