Summer Showing, July 2025

ASHAA Fun Show
Stepping Stone Farm
Chelsea AL, USA
Saturday 19 July 2025

All photos by Greg Walcott

10 Academy Driving – 2nd of 2
With Optimus. Thank you to the Gray & Parr families

30 Academy Showmanship Adult WTC – 1st of 1
31 Academy Equitation Adult WTC – 1st of 1
Ridden as combined classes with 32 & 33 Aca WTC 14-17.
With Bubba. Thank you to Courtney Huguley.

I learned three things.

One. A leg up is possible. I had a tack hold before my first riding class and had to get on sans mounting block. Turns out Coach James is tall enough and strong enough to heave me up. I was impressed. It’s been years since I have been able to execute this maneuver. [Getting a Leg Up]

Two. I was not the only one who needed to be reminded to change disciplines. The previous class had been a hunt seat class.

Bubba: hunt seat.
Me: saddle seat.
Bubba: hunt seat?
me: No, saddle seat.
Bubba: are you sure? I’ve been doing hunt seat.
Me: Yes, I’m sure.

This is after we trotted into the ring and Coach Courtney reminded me about my inner saddle seat rider. I wondered – possibly out loud – do I have an inner saddle seat rider?

Three. I discovered halfway thru the second riding class that my fitness level is 1 & 1/2 classes. Fortunately summer classes move quickly.

Parting Thoughts.

You’d think I would be all over the ASB hunt seat class. In reality, the class is closer to UK Show Hack than US Hunter Under Saddle. Plus, the only point of an under saddle class is to Jump! All! The! Things! But I digress.

Photo at top of post. Going into the extended trot, I heard a reminder from the sidelines about staying off my brakes. So I floated the reins & said go horsey. He went.

Onwards!
Katherine