Getting Ready For Showing

Once again, I squeezed in a lesson before a show. [The Winter Blues You Want, Show Report AWTA 2024-2025 #1]

Not my favorite habit, but seems to be where I end up. It’s how I started Winter Tournament last year. [Show Prep Part Two, The Rider Who Did Show, AWTA 2023-2024 #1]

Riding has been hit or miss these last few months, mostly miss. Therefore, as with last summer, I decided I would drive but not ride. At least keep my hand in. [Summer Showing, Show Report]

Since it’s been almost that long since I’ve been in a cart, I got out to Stepping Stone Farm the week before as a reminder. Drove Diego. He was wonderful. No media.

While there, I was told that I had been signed up for the Masters class. Strong possibility that I would be by myself. Hmm. One simple class. I could probably do this. With Diego, who is a doll but I have not been my best with him. [Trying To Get Back In the Saddle, November Lessons]

I chose not to ride before the show. I wasn’t going to learn anything new between now and then. Given the way lessons had been going, it might even make it worse. I knew I would rise to the occasion at the show.

I dithered.

I was kinda hoping that my pre-show errands would force me to miss the class.

Nope.

All right. I would ride, but all credit or blame would go to Coach Courtney for however it turned out.

Hey, would I ride Opt instead?

So much yes.

Hence my delight in being reassigned to Optimus.

Onwards!
Katherine

The Winter Blues You Want, Show Report AWTA 2024-2025 #1

Alabama Winter Tournament Association, 2024-2025 #1
Rocking S Farm
Helena, AL USA
Saturday 14 December 2024

14. Masters Pleasure 50+ – 1st of 2 with Optimus
26. Academy Driving – 1st of 1 with Diego

Thank you to the Gray Family for the outstanding Optimus. Thank you to the Mullins family for the debonair Diego. Thank you to Couch Courtney and the entire Stepping Stone Farm crew.

Riding Optimus

Selfie with chestnut horse and blue ribbon

Due to unavoidable errands in the am, I rolled up to the showgrounds right before my first class. Would I ride Optimus instead of the horse I was scheduled to ride? Yes, please. As I helped my chauffeur turn the truck around I looked over to see my saddle already on a familiar black back. Well, okay then. Grabbed helmet. Got on.

I was happy to be on a horse I knew well. I was happy to find out that the old man was also in a good mood. Bring on the horse show!

Got my trot diagonals and canter leads, even had the zip to manage a bit of fancy steering. All of this despite not having been on a horse since November. At one point, Optimus was convinced – convinced I tell you – that the judge was going to ask for a trot in the upcoming corner. No, you have to wait until you actually hear the words. We kept both canters. Go us.

An observer pointed out that Opt may have been feeding off my attitude. He was in a good mood because I was in a good mood. Whatever the reason, a joyous time was had by all.

Driving Diego

Selfie with chestnut horse and blue ribbon

A little bit more concern before driving a new-to-me horse, but I knew I would be set up for success. Coach James takes the horse for a spin in the ring, By the time I get in the cart, the question is as easy as it can be. Plus, Diego is a star.

Onwards!
Katherine

Rethinking Lunch

Awareness of the outside world. Thought after having carols as earworms last year. We make a big deal about The Infant Jesus because it’s easier to adore a baby than to listen to a grown man telling us to behave better. “”And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” Matthew 22:38-40.

~~~

Lunch hath ended.

Much discussion and pondering. Short version, no one was getting enough food to be worth spreading over three meals. More importantly, Rodney was not putting on weight.

Last week was a halfway step of lunch hay but no grain. Rodney was philosophical. Oh well, I’ll just go eat hay. Milton was furious, and yelling about this injustice to anyone who would listen.

How Lunch Progressed

It begins. [Stall Rest Chronicles 22 March, Lunch Is Served] March 2023

It becomes a habit. [Lunch Is Served. Again.] November 2023

Being home to serve it. [The Logistics of Lunch] December 2023

More thoughts on being home to serve it. [Reconsidering Lunch] March 2024

Rodney gets grain. [Did You Say Lunch?] November 2024

Both get grain. [Adjusting the Lunch Protocol] November 2024

Lunch ends. Saturday 14 December shall be remember in the barn as the day without sunshine, excuse me, the day without lunch.

Onwards!
Katherine

Giving Gifts That Don’t Exist, Fiction

Last year was the gifts I wanted to get. This year, gifts I wish I could give. [Gift Guide]

One article of clothing.

That one item of clothing you have not been able to find. A pair of jeans that fit in all of your measurements, not just two out of three. A technical outfit for your sport/hobby to see if the expense is worth the hype. A flattering show coat. The perfect cosplay cape made with traditional methods true to the era in question. A formal outfit for a fancy occasion.

One Internet search of a person.

Have you ever wondered, What happened to whats-his/her/their/name? This would be your chance to find out. Their address. What they have posted on social media. What books they list on Goodreads. Satisfy your curiosity without hiring a private detective. Option to contact the person, or to operate in stealth mode so they never know you were looking. [But Keep the Old]

One food to eat without consequences.

Food allergies? Food dislikes? Do you wilt at the slightest hint of spiciness? This would be your chance to try that food &/or meal and find out what all the fuss is about.

What would you ask for?

Onwards!
Katherine

Gotcha Day, Two Years, Life With Dogs

Dogs of the outside world. Seth Casteel, Underwater Dogs Photographer. Hat tip to M.

~~~

Gotcha day for the ladies is complicated. Was it when they became our responsibility? Was it when they left for their new home? We celebrate it the day they arrived here, December 1st. [Jasmine and Rose Have A Big Basset Adventure]

So, we’ve had a solid two years with them, to date.

Jasmine gave us a scare over the Thanksgiving holiday. She stopped eating. Unlike last time, this one looked serious. [Meal Management]

It was also confusing. Nope, don’t eat dog kibble anymore. Okay, like bacon. Nope, don’t like bacon. Okay, like dog kibble. And so on. She finally settled on a blender mush of chicken, dog food, cottage cheese, and so on.

Shortly thereafter, she had trouble with her gums. Perhaps the food strike was tooth issues not digestive issues? An abscess that finally resolved? We know her teeth and gums are a challenge. Or was it two unrelated, consecutive issues? No idea. [Dragon Dog]

Each time the body suffers an insult it does not bounce back completely, particularly in a geriatric. We are aware that some day we will run out of dog, probably sooner rather than later. Meanwhile, we see she that she is comfortable, keep her warm, and feed her whatever she is willing to eat.

Rose, however, is having a wonderful time. There does not appear to be much fellow feeling, so Rose does not get perturbed. She enjoys the food. Leftovers from failed attempts. Dropped food. A few days ago, Rose was spotted licking Jasmine’s paws. You do you, Rose.

J& R posts [archives]

Onwards!
Katherine