Horses & Other Interests
Made with Rodney’s Australian Dream cream [The Latest Magic Goo].
Alphabet 2015
T is for Tweet
S is for Stepping Stone
R is for Rodney
Q is for Quilt
P is for Peppermint
O is for Outstanding
N is for Nail
M is for Mathilda
L is for Longe Line
K is for Kopertox(R)
J is for Jump
I is for Irons
H is for Hay
G is for Green Grass
F is for Feed
E is for Eventing
D is for Dressage
C is for Caesar
B is for Boot
A Is For Appaloosa
Alabama Charity Championship Horse Show
October 7-10, 2015
Celebration Arena
Priceville AL, USA
Academy Adult WTC
In keeping with my plate spinning theory [Report], I will concentrate on two plates: hands up, eyes up. Everything else will have to take care of itself. I may try to get off the rail, if I can do so without waving my hands about like an outraged orchestra conductor.
Also, test run with no make-up. The theory is that make-up loud enough to be seen under the helmet makes me look like Heath Ledger‘s Joker from The Dark Knight (a Batman movie). Not the look we are going for.
Edgewater Mall
Biloxi MS
Michelle on Rodney’s Saga
Spotted with a Friend
Mardi Gras Parades
Since the saddlebred barn does not present its public face until mid-morning, I have been doing a small amount of work with the boys before I go out. Weekdays, I do groundwork, walks, &/or clicker training. On weekends, I ride sit on Rodney; Greg lunges or long-lines Milton.
New tire & tube for the manure bucket cart. Example
Anyone who has pushed a wheelbarrow with a flat tire knows how happy a new tire makes me.
I won the cart as a customer giveaway from Coosa Valley Milling. Never would have bought one on my own. Love it. Much easier than a wheelbarrow for small jobs.
Results and photos from the Model Equine Photo Showers Association Championship show. I ordered this for edification and encouragement. Model showing is a back-burner goal that I prod along as time permits. Photo showing seems a mite easier (Ha!) and will help my photo skills.
More description of the book from one of the judges, Jennifer Buxton, at Braymere Custom Saddlery: Friday favorites. Ms. Buxton also took the cover photo.
Check out the performance scene on the back cover! This isn’t going to be any easier than a live show [What Happens at a Model Horse Show?].
Also on hand:
Both available from Lulu.
I need to stop reading and start shooting.
Technical Marks 🙂
Artistic Marks 😦
After the last show, everyone agreed that I was getting the hang of intro saddle seat equitation. They also agreed that my presentation veers toward intense and scary rather than toward relaxed and pleasant. Therefore, we have been working on showmanship/artistic presentation/bull-shitting. Call it what you will.
I have been known to snow the occasional judge. Previous Horse was a short-strided monster who moved like a sewing machine. Yet, I once won a working hunter class over nicer horses. This was back when ersatz medium gaits were the fashion. I dropped the reins on this neck, kicked like hell, and lapped the bigger horses. Eat my dust.
I don’t know saddle seat well enough to jam on it. Instead, I have been learning to roll with what I have.
While two lessons a day does not compare to real work, it’s more than I am used to. I am less tired, but more mentally overwhelmed. When I get home, I am less inclined to dive face first into bed, more seized of an deep desire to be motionless and stare at a wall.
Will I win?
Of course. Last year I was Reserve National Champion at a new level. This year, I have had an addition year of showing at that level. I’ve won a happy number of my classes this season. I will have just finished a two-month boot camp. I have every reason to be confident.
Will I win?
Of course not. Last year, I was last in several classes. I am not slam-dunking the Adult classes. I assume I will be up against competitors who have been doing equally well in Adult classes in their regions. I can’t get the time of day in the more difficult mixed-age classes. I’ve been trying to Sit Back for three years. Why should I suddenly get it this month? I have every reason to be concerned.
Countdown
8 lesson days + 2 shows + 13 days off = 23 days until we leave for Nationals
BTW
Oh yeah, TPTB Committee decided that I need more practice riding with other horses. Hence the Saturday group lesson in addition to Tuesday through Friday. Awesome!
Let the Tune-Up Begin
Boot Camp 2015, Progress Report 1
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Gratuitous Giveaway
Do you listen to audio CDs? Want mine?
I accumulate them at an alarming rate. The resale market is pennies. The swapping service has started to charge, creating more work than I am willing to put in. I have Audible, but have not gotten phone to sync with car.
Authors include Randy Wayne White, Janet Evanovich, Robert B. Parker & at least one non-fiction book. No picking & choosing. Take one, take ’em all. I will make an effort to send complete sets. Limited to US or APO, due to cost of international postage.
First one to speak up in the comments takes the lot.
Virtual Brush Box 