Good weather!

Loki (left) and Boston (right) both got out today so I chased them around with a camera.

I rode my dream horse today

He was a 14.3 hand cutting horse named Hickory. His owner ran around mooing while we "cut" her. That horse is so cool. He gave me a few sliding stops and really made me appreciate a good, well broke ranch horse. Show horses are great, they're like a fine-tuned machine, but sometimes it feels good to get up on a horse that literally says "Let me show you how its done." And he did.

What a great year

This was undoubtedly the best year I've ever had showing horses. A 3 year old colt with an
attitude problem took me and showed me what it felt like to win. The highlight of my entire year was walking into a class of over 30 horses of all ages and sexes and walking out with a first place ribbon in my hand. There is absolutely no way to describe that feeling. To look around and see the incredible physical perfection around you and to know your horse isn't only equal, but better, is just....its a high. Knowing your horse came from a little old barn with homemade stalls and no real door makes the win so much sweeter.

Congrats Loki & Stormy!

Our state picture came!

Loki took his last show of the year by storm by winning every class he walked into. That's 4 wins! And he did it with a winter coat! He is retired for the winter and getting fluffy, flabby, and everything in between. He will start fitting for the 2010 show season right before his 4th birthday in March.

Stormy also has some exciting news. She is going to be bred in Febuary to either Seekers Gold Finale or Justa Novel Te (I haven't decided). She will be retired to be a broodmare after she foals in 2011.

Gunnar learns to jump and Loki behaves!

Wow!

Took Loki on a walk today and guess what? I'm all in one piece! We even walked by Stormy (the only mare) and he kept his cool. Gunnar is also learning to jump. He is so good at it. Poor guy has to deal with my rusty riding. Loki is also being turned out a bit. So much easier on me.

Note to self: Halter horses take up too much freaking time.

Big Day Planned

I am going to be introducing the poles pattern to Gunnar tomorrow with cones. I am also introducing him to wearing a tie down. I usually compete in one loosely adjusted in case something happens and I have to take a hold of the horse quickly. I really think he is going to be good at this. Only thing he needs to work on is keeping his head together. After a few good flying changes, he tends to want to increase the number of strides in between them. I am starting with cones so we can address this problem and get good control over his lead changes. Will also be recording it so I'll post a link here.

This a picture taken at a fun show. I am on the smaller paint (Gunnar) and the larger one is Stormy. We won this game. He also won a round of a speed race. Would have gone further if my depth perception hadn't messed us up. lol

Riding Loki

Isn't exactly easy. Took him to a friend's indoor to ride and worked on his lope. He's best on his left side. Wouldn't grab his right one for anything. Well get there! I am just hopping up there for a tune up every once in a while. If he stays competetive in halter into the aged classes, I'll keep him there. If not, I will ride him. He is the trail class king! He has also quit eating again. Ulcers, colic, who knows? He can't stay sound and healthy for even a month at a time. This horse has run up more than he cost in vet bills!