Pressing Through to a Victory!!

For those of you who have followed the story of Sport - know that he went through great times of achievment in his training and then a time of regression.  He had some serious bitting issues and due to the fact that the Saddlebred horse needs to efficiently wear probably one of the most complicated bitting systems, we had to give him a vacation and back up and restart some of his training.  To help him progresss, both his first trainer Sandy and I thought it best if he were to go to another trainer she works closely with and all I can say is that it has been a total success!!!

Now - at one point, I was riding Sport in all 5 gaits and riding him aside.  When we started over, we backed way up.  For the last 4 months, he has only been ridden astride and only in the basic 3 gaits of walk trot canter until he is completely secure in his bridle.  He has made remarkable progress - so without any further delays, let me just show you!  Here we are at the Texas American Saddle Horse Show in a Park Pleasure Class.

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iI387vDT7eY&feature=em-share_video_user

Thank you Kristen so very very much for recording this victory for me.  I will cherish it forever!!

Oh yes, even though I do not have a video of it, we did also go on to win the Park Pleasure Championship class as well.

Dream Squashers...

This is a post for beginners .. but do you know what?  This is a post for beginners of all categories - all dreams .. not just sidesaddle dreams. 
This is my story:

At the age of 48 I decided it was now or never.  Although I was is relatively good physical shape, I decided then it was now or never for learning how to ride aside.  Many things fell into place ... great Blessings to be perfectly honest .. so that I was able to start this journey.  I was given a horse for free, I found a nice antique sidesaddle that was rideable for a price that I could afford at that time and I was advised by a show manager that I would be allowed to ride aside in our breed shows in almost any class! 

I looked long and hard for an accredited instructor.  The main sidesaddle club of Texas is breed specific to Paso Fino horses, a breed that does not trot.  A secondary club was not helpful to me because they were stagnant, and even though I offered our farm for a place to hold a riding clinic, I could never get anyone to agree. 

I did have a friend/trainer who used to ride aside with Arabians and she so graciously agreed to help me with my endeavor.  I was thrilled to find someone to help me.

Weekly, I hauled my horse Oliver over to her farm with my sidesaddle equipment and we worked very hard.  At night, I would read everything and anything I could get my hands on to assist me with this dream.  I bought books from e-bay, and journaled my experiences in this very blog. 

It was HARD... very very hard.  Almost seemingly too hard.  I had a few good rides, but seemed to get exhausted too fast.  Oliver was such a trooper.  He learned how to trot slow for me, but still have the animation so desired by the Saddlebred owners. 

I decided it was time to go to a show.  With Saddlebreds, at the time, there were no clear rules about sidesaddle showing.  There were no sidesaddle classes, but at one particular show where Saddlebreds showed with Arabians, there was 1 class for any breed of horse sidesaddle, and that is what I set my sights upon.

I was thrilled to learn of a very few ladies who had, in the past ridden Saddlebred's aside.  One even wrote me and told me she was going to be at this particular show.  I was so excited.  I wanted to meet her.  I wanted her to look at my horse, at my sidesaddle and I even asked her to give me a lesson time permitting.  I was so hungry for knowledge and instruction. 

We arrived at the show.  Oliver gets very amped up at horse shows and is 10 times more difficult to ride - no matter what the saddle choice is!  I went to the show office and asked if anyone there knew this woman.  The show manager knew her and I asked if she could relay a message that I was there. 

I was to show in 3 different classes.  2 were saddlebred classes and 1 was the any breed sidesaddle class.  This was over a 3 day period.  The entire time I was at this show, I tried in earnest to locate this woman and could not.  I left messages with anyone who said they knew her, advising where I was stalled and other information, so she could have easily gotten ahold of me..... and it never happened.

I showed in my 3 classes.  Oliver was as amped up as ever.  In the all breed class, I was the only entry.  At one point, Oliver lurched forward and I almost lost my balance, but did not.  Obviously, I finished the class and claimed my ribbon.  I am proud of that ribbon.

This woman... the one whom I thought was going to help me... the one who at one point in my life, I thought was a kind of mentor to me ... I found out was in center ring with the judge during that class.  She could not find  5 minutes in her schedule to help out a struggling beginner... but do you know what she did find time to do?  She wrote me to tell me that the judge thought that I was going to come off of Oliver and wanted to dismiss me from the class.

I cried for 2 days ... and came very very close to giving up on my dream.

This woman was very experienced.  I can only guess that because I was such a bad sidesaddle rider at that time, she did not want to associate with me.. who knows... and who cares..

The sad part is .. she probably could have easily identified that my sidesaddle did not come close to fitting Oliver.  I'll bet that she could have quickly seen that when I got scared, I would wrap my left leg under the horses belly .. so much so that my upper leg would pop out of the protective head of the saddle and that is when I was putting myself into danger...  and so many other little things that I have since learned that I was doing wrong.. 

but that was then ... and this is now.. So no matter what your dream is... DO NOT LET DREAM SQUASHERS TRIP YOU UP.  Keep your head up.  There really are good people out there who will help you and encourage you.  Just surround yourself with those and shake off the others. 

SUCCESS!!

As many of you already know,  I ride American Saddlebred horses and have been riding aside in our breed shows for the last couple of years. Because I was the only one riding aside in non-hunt type classes, I always had to compete against astride riders and usually it was a huge disadvantage. I made great strides and accomplishments earning second place pinnings at times.... but that is nothing compared to what I learned that my earnest efforts have given birth to....

You see, because of my determination .. I just found out that the USEF has now written a addition into the rules for the American Saddlebred rules for SIDESADDLE RIDERS!!!

I Promise To Come Back Soon

.. but there is a LOT going on at the farm and in our family right now that needs attention... but I will leave you will this stunning photo of Sport from the Big D Charity Horse show.. Tommy said he was winning the large class until someone one threw shoe, the class was stopped for quite a while and when they started back, Sport was acting silly and bucked at the canter.  While he did not get last place for acting badly.. from what I hear, he only beat out the horse that reared up.... tisk tisk tisk.... shaking my head ...

I am suppose to show him astride at TASHA next weekend.

now - I have to ask you.... would this not be stunning in a sidesaddle?

Just For Fun Friday...

sorry I have been out of pocket this week... but here is a funny for everyone!

there are no words for this except - HA HA HA HA HA HA....

Horse Transportation.. a bit of history

First there was horse transport by.... horse. (1 lucky and 1 unlucky!)

.. horse transport by ship..

..horse transport by train - these are horses being shipped for war efforts..

 ..and this more pampered horse is privately owned.

Motorized Transport

The earliest motorized van for conveying horses was apparently designed in 1902 ( Robertson, 1974). It was not until 1912 that horse boxes fitted to internal - combustion motor car chassis began to be mass produced by Vincent Horse Boxes of Reading, England. The Vincent motorized horse box was a three ton motorized horse box - similar to today's horse vans. They were used by the British army in 1914 to transport horses to war The disadvantages and dangers of rail transport of horses began to loom larger than it's benefit. During the 1920's the railway's fought the take over of bloodstock transport by road haulers".

"there was no doubt in the minds of trainers that the advantage of sending their horses by road were inestimable. Train journeys were not only tedious but highly strung Thoroughbreds did not take kindly to being shut up in an often darkened box whilst their train shunted and jerked, rushed noisily through tunnels and was passed by other thundering railroad giants. At least one Derdy winner was only boxed onto his train at the eleventh hour by the brute force of some dozen men, and many trainers complained that their horses arrived on racecourses after long train journeys having lost weight and condition (Seth-Smith, 1972 )

This horse is on his way to a race.

Horse Trailers

Before automobile motors became more powerful in the late 1950's and early 1960's, most motorized horse transport was accomplished in large trucks and vans. For short trips cars were used to tow small light weight trailers. Trucks backed up to ditch banks or ramps were also used with bed rails. The horse trailer as we know it today has evolved 

 ..we've come a long way!!

How About Some Fun?

With all of the stressful things going on in our country - the Boston bombing and the West, TX. explosion, and what is going on  for us personally, our son in law being deployed and just so much more personal stresses...well, I am just in the mood to go into dream mode....so here are some dreamy ideas for home decorating and special touches for a party - all with that Equestrian feel!!!

Take a deep breath .... exhale.... and enjoy!

So here is a drawing of the home we would love to build on the back of our farm - only to make it more aesthetically pleasing with our white and black barn, we have decided it would be better as a white home with black shutters - a more Southern house feel

 ..I love sconce light fixtures - again the fixtures on the walls give a home an older more established feel.

 How about this for the back door?  I believe it is a gardening boot, but to us, it also looks like a rubber riding boot!

 Al over the house - there will be signs of horse love... tucked in here and there...

 even the guest room will have a bit of a ranch feel..

 Who would not love to have these to pull out when a drink is served to a friend?

 .. ingenious...

 ..and it rains in Texas...so we would need a place to put our wet umbrellas..

 ..and okay - I admit it - this has nothing to do with anything equestrian ..other than using it to wash off dirt from riding and grooming..but hey - I just love it anyway!!

 ..and this magnificent photo - Oh my ... wouldn't this look amazing just about anywhere in my dream home???

My Boy....

Two of my friends also have recently sent their horses over to Tommy for training.  They we able to go and visit this week and took this adorable picture of Tommy working Sport!!  I am one proud Momma!!

Happy Tax Day...

hee hee....

Good To Know!!

Friesian Horses Aside

There is no denying - this is one beautiful breed of horse!!!

..but put a sidesaddle on one, and you increase the beauty quota by multitudes!  Here is a horse with a long enough back to accommodate the sidesaddle and a long enough neck to not be miniaturized by the height that the sidesaddle raises the rider.

JUST BREATH TAKING!!!

A Wonderful Day!

Today I arose at 0430, readied myself and left for the airport.  After checking in for my flight, I found out it was running 50 minutes late.  I work for the airline and travel standby.  I waited patiently until my name was called.  It was going to be a full flight.  I was the last passenger called.  Once I got down the gateway and was at the entrance of the aircraft, the pilot called the gate agent and said due to the large amount of checked baggage and weight, the number of passengers on that aircraft had to be reduced... so I was the first to go!  Ha...

I raced across the airport terminal to get to the next departing flight, waited patiently and was thrilled to be boarded - again on a very full flight.  I took my seat, unzipped my purse and pulled out my daily devotional called Jesus Calling.  I am behind in my daily reads, so I decided to read what it said for April 1st.  You won't believe it:

"I am calling you to a life of constant communion with Me. Basic training includes learning to live above your circumstances, even while interacting on that cluttered plane of life."

I rolled my head back and laughed out loud catching the attention of the gentleman sitting beside me.  I just pointed to what I read.  He laughed too and asked me if I was a believer.  Ohhhh Yes!  I exclaimed.  He was an assistant pastor of a church in San Antonio.  We had a wonderful time exchanging stories of family, horses, and faith.

Once I arrived in Baton Rouge, got my rental car and drove out to Maranatha Stables, I saw that Sport was already groomed and ready to go.  He looked magnificent!!!  Tommy tacked him up with a wonderful Freedman cutback saddle.  He wants me to buy a new saddle and is letting me try out the different ones he has.  What surprized me is that he also had the full weymouth bridle on Sport....the very thing that had caused all of the strife and stress with him! 

Keep in mind, in the past, every single time I tried to ride Sport with the full bridle, it was so chaotic, the grooms would change him out of it and back into the training bridle.  The former trainer could ride him in in, but I could not.  In the training bridle, I was instructed to ride with a good hold on him, especially on the bottom rein.  In the full bridle though, if I made any contact, Sport would become so upset, he would toss his head and even start jumping off of his feet. 

Now, here I was being asked to mount him and ride him in this astride saddle, which to me almost feels foreign since I have been riding aside for so long.  I was quite nervous and very very reluctant to make contact with the bit, but tried very hard to do what Tommy told me to do.  We walked half way around the arena and I was instructed to trot.  I clucked him forward and slowly took a light hold of the snaffle bit.  The curb rein was so loose, it was dangling.  Tommy told me to take the slack out of it...and I did.. about 1 centimeter at a time!  I was so very cautious.  Sport worked hard for me.  He trotted with beautiful animation and enthusiasm around and around the arena.  We changed direction and trotted again.  I started to relax a bit and was more comfortable feeling the snaffle bit - still reluctant though to use the curb.... maybe next time.  We cantered 3 times as well, with wonderful success.

"Tommy, I want to ask you a very important question and I need you to know that there is no wrong answer." 
He looked up and nodded at me.
"Do you believe that what happened to Sport is a result of me riding him sidesaddle?"  I looked intently at him for the honest answer I knew he would offer.
"I do not believe that.  I believe that too much was thrown at this horse at one time though.  He was not working well in the full bridle, he was asked to be a 5 gaited horse and he was asked to carry a rider aside very close to the same time and I just think it was too much for him to handle, which is why he started to rebel."

Tommy went on to explain that he understood how badly I want to ride sidesaddle, but that his first responsibility was to his riders safety.  Sport was in such a bad place when he arrived at Maranatha that he was on the verge of becoming a dangerous horse, offering to rear...or worse.  He told me that in his entire career he had 2 riders experience horses not only rearing, but flipping back on them.  He knew I understand the dangers of a horse flipping on a rider who is riding aside! 

With that he laid out a plan.  Since Sport did not have a totally clean ride at Pin Oak, the next horse show, Tommy will once again show him for me.  Next up will be me in an astride saddle for about 6 or 7 shows, whatever the equivilent of about a year is.  By then Sport should have regained his confidence and not be so sensitive in his mouth, or resentful for a mistaken  off balance pull.  Then, he said would be the time to reintroduce him to the sidesaddle.  He went on to say that Sport is extremely talented and with a bit more finishing will not be out of place at the world championship show!!  (shhh - don't tell - but I kind of already knew that!!)

A lot more was discussed - but I was so comforted by what Tommy said and by the way he handles himself and the horses... I gave him a huge hug and thanked him over and over!

I felt very comfortable with this plan.

Just For Fun Friday!

Waiving hand in the air....screaming, "yeah - that is me"!!!

My Ollie is Back!

After almost a year recovering from a terrible quarter crack that was all the way up to his hair line, my Ollie is back!!!  I gave Madison a lesson on him when she visited last.  Madison is my Grand Daughter who is 6 - a very small 6 year old and even when he was limping a bit, he never seemed to mind giving her a 15 minute lesson.

Anyway - with that last lesson, I noticed he was not limping at all - so after the lesson, I switched out saddles and gave him a try.  He was wonderful.  I called the farrier and had him put some plates on Ollie and last weekend, I rode him sidesaddle for the first time!  Yippie!!

I still think - just because he is an older boy, I need to get his hocks injected, but now I have a sidesaddle horse at the farm to practice on and even take to local shows!

Chapter 2 - More Information on Kittie Wilkins

Additional information found in Women in Idaho History.

Katherine Caroline, aka “Kitty,” Wilkins was born in Nevada and moved to Bruneau County, Idaho with her family is the 1880′s. She joined the family’s cattle and horse ranching business at the age of twenty-one in 1879. Her father began taking Kitty to horse shows and she found that she had a knack for the business and decided to begin her own horse ranching business. She is said to have chosen horses because they were more profitable and less difficult to work with. She began her business with just one horse, which she stated she bought with $40 she received as a gift, and a contract with the U.S. Army. Her business boomed and was soon selling almost 600 horses per year. Some years were even more exceptional, such as 1895 when Kitty sold over 3,000 horses.

As Kitty’s success grew, so too did her contracts and her reputation. She was contracted to provide six railroad carloads (of which each car held 26 horses) of “broke,” or semi-tame, horses for sale every two weeks. When Kitty was able to consistently deliver on the contract, her reputation as the “Horse Queen of Idaho” was spread by newspaper from coast to coast. Idaho historian Arthur Hart said that Kitty was probably the most well-known Idaho woman of her time. Kitty herself was no stranger to creating publicity and often told vivid stories of her days as a horse trader. She even dubbed herself the “Queen of Diamonds” after her company’s Diamond brand.
Kitty Wilkins took an enormous risk in the livelihood and life she chose. Not only was she a woman in a field dominated by men, she was incredibly successful at it. Some of her ranch hands have estimated she made over $2,000,000 during her career. What made Kitty so successful was not just her tenacious spirit, but also her incredible mind for business. When others wasted time looking for auctions or shows to sell their horses, Kitty auctioned them right out of the railroad car. Kitty Wilkins succeeded because she had the skills and heart necessary to become Idaho’s “Horse Queen.”

Kittie Wilkins - a historical account

IDAHO's own, Kittie Wilkins, known as the Horse Queen of Idaho, was perhaps the most famous western woman in the country at the turn of the twentieth century. The Wilkins Horse Company owned close to ten thousand horses in Owyhee County, Idaho, the largest herd owned by one family in the West, and its boss, Kittie, was the only woman at the time whose sole occupation was selling horses. Newspaper reporters all over the country were fascinated by her success and her character, and reports, features, and interviews with her were published in thirty-seven states and the District of Columbia, as well as Canada, Great Britain, and New Zealand.
Today, Wilkins is virtually unknown outside of Owyhee County. Even her gravestone is wrong, naming her “Kitty Wilkins” instead of “Kittie.” Philip Homan, a catalog librarian and associate professor at Idaho State University, is attempting to save Wilkins from obscurity. He is writing the first scholarly biography of her life and gives presentations about her for the Idaho Humanities Council’s speakers bureau program. For Homan, Wilkins’s story is essential to the history of the American West: “To Americans, she was the very model of the westerner, and her story epitomized the West.”
Wilkins was born into the horse-dealing business. Her family began building its enormous herd when she was a little girl in the 1860s. In the 1880s, she began accompanying her father on his business trips to the Midwest, and he soon discovered that she was a natural at horse trading. When she was older, Wilkins was fond of telling the story of how she got her start: When she was two years old, she received a gift of two twenty-dollar gold pieces to be invested for her. Her father took her forty dollars and used it to make a deal on what should have been an eighty-dollar horse. As Wilkins told the San Francisco Examiner, “From the increase, all my bands have come.”
Rather than hiring a commission agent, she sold her horses herself. She traveled to the Midwest and, without a chaperone, attended the livestock markets. “Often I am the only woman in a crowd of two hundred or more horse dealers,” she told the Boston Advertiser. “Sometimes people come out to the stockyards to see in me a new curiosity, and there are a few who try to flirt or make sport of me. I just walk up to a group of such men and, looking them squarely in the face, say, ‘Do you gentlemen wish to look at my horses?’”
Wilkins made the biggest horse sale in the American West in 1900, when she sold about eight thousand horses to a single buyer in Kansas, who was supplying horses to the British Army for the Boer War. Homan points out that Wilkins sold about 10 percent of the American horses that went to South Africa, making her probably the largest supplier of horses in the war.
The later years of Wilkins’s life were marked by tragedy. In 1909, her foreman, who was most likely her fiancé, was shot and killed in a range war over water. Later that year, gold was discovered in Jarbidge Canyon of northeastern Nevada, setting off the last gold rush in the West. In the first few years, the only way to Jarbidge Canyon was over the elevated plateau known as Wilkins Island, the location of Kittie Wilkins’s horse range. Part of the Wilkins’ land included hot springs nearby. “Virtually overnight,” Homan writes in an article for Idaho magazine, “the Jarbidge gold rush turned the Wilkins Hot Springs into a mining camp and the Wilkins Island into the highway to Jarbidge.” Wilkins wanted to build a hotel at the hot springs to take advantage of the new traffic, but in 1910 a squatter on the land claimed possession of it. Wilkins sued the squatter for recovery of the land, but the judge ruled in favor of the defendant and the hotel plans were dashed. “The Wilkins Hot Springs was the strongest link in the Wilkins family’s chain of ranches across Owyhee County,” Homan writes, “and as their hold on the place grew weaker, their wealth and influence began to decline.” Wilkins spent the last years of her life in Glenns Ferry, Idaho, where she spread her remaining wealth among charities.
Homan argues that one of the reasons Wilkins is such an important historical figure is because she differed so dramatically from the stereotype of the “new woman” that prevailed in her time. People expected such a successful female horse dealer to be a “suntanned masculine woman in a short skirt and a cowboy hat.” Instead, they were surprised to find that “she was an utterly Victorian, feminine woman.” She insisted on riding sidesaddle, and always dressed in the latest fashions: “She came to the stockyards and the sale rings in a full riding habit, with a riding skirt down below her toes,” Homan says. “I think this is one of the reasons that perhaps she’s been ignored by contemporary scholars, because she was a Victorian woman. At least at first she opposed women’s right to vote. . . . She wasn’t a feminist in any contemporary sense of the word, except that she was absolutely independent.”

Information found in the Humanities Magazine - March/April 2012

From a Discussion Yesterday...

..on the Sidesaddle group in Facebook.  The ladies were discussing the pictures just below showing the same rider on different horses where the sidesaddle is positioned in very different places.While the picture on the left does look really far back at first glance, I challenge you to look again.  

As I said earlier, these are 2 different horses.  Instead of looking at how much distance there is from the horses head to the rider, look now at the distance from the horses tail to the rider and you will see just low long the horse on the left is and that the rider is in acceptable riding positions in both pictures.

 This picture is a top side photo of a sidesaddle.  You can see the cut back under the flap in this photo.

My horse background comes from the breed of American Saddlebred horses and riding astride in cutback saddles, as shown below.

In this photo you can see just how much our cutback saddles match the typical sidesaddles, both sitting further back on the horses back.  Now a sidesaddle sits further back to accommodate the riders leg coming over to the side.

The cutback saddle was created to also not interfere   It accommodates the Park type horse who is bred with a higher neck and head carriage and more front end action.  You do not want to impede this with a saddle that rubs the shoulder muscles so obvious in this magnificent picture - nor do you want the riders weight atop of them!

Now that you have read the above information... look at the antique photo once again.

Queen Victoria's Sidesaddle and Pad

I am starting a new sub catagory in my blog for sidesaddles owned by famous people.  This one was owned by Queen Victoria. 

Queen Victoria’s Side Saddle Made by Gordon & Co, London, quilted pigskin seat and panel. First used by her at a review in 1856. The collection includes 2 other saddles with a royal connection, plus a number of side saddles and military saddles.

While I doubt this is the sidesaddle she was using in this photo - I still wanted to include it.

Hello - My Name is Julie....

....and I have a problem... a serious serious problem.  I just purchased another sidesaddle.  I now consider myself highly adicted to the hoarding and collecting of such items...

I totally realize that I only have one butt, I can only ride one horse at a time and that currently no other family member has expressed a desire to ride aside...and yet I can't help myself.

In my defense - it is an Owen.. the most sought after, strong, comfortable - best horse fitting sidesaddle out there.  It was owned by a lady whom I have befriended through my sidesaddle journey and I truly trust... It is an honor to own this new sidesaddle....

...in case you were wondering - this is where you are suppose to tell me that you love me!  snicker snicker...

Park Pleasure Championship..and the future

Interestingly enough, the championship class also had 4 entries, but the only one entered in this class was the horse that beat us in the qualifier.  The other 2 horses, who qualified in different classes were much more competitive than the ones we showed against in our qualifier.

The trumpet sounded and in came all 4 horses.  Each was very animated, each having a beautiful upright neck and lovely drop at the pole.  My eyes were obviously fixed on Sport.  He looked so happy, each step as beautiful as the last.  The walk was called and then the canter.  One of the horses started to bobble, refusing to canter.  The rider went to the center of the ring and asked to be excused.  The class was called to a halt while this happened.  Returning to the canter, Sport picked it right back up.  I was so excited, I could hardly stand still.  My Sport was keeping up with his competition, who were much more seasoned than he.

The walk was again called, direction changed and on with the trot.  Sport was a bit more animated in this class and he did not bob his head as he had a few times before.  He flat walked with ease and then the very last canter was called.  I am not sure what happened - Sport picked up the trot.  Tommy first tried to encourage him into the canter, but he refused.  Next Tommy pulled him down and asked for the canter yet again.  Sport whinnied loudly and again started to trot.  Patiently, Tommy stopped him yet again and asked for the canter.  This time, he took the cue and lifted off to complete the show.  Sadly - all of this happened right in front of the judge and he was pinned correctly in 3rd place.

I was not discouraged.  He has come so far in such a short time, I could never be disappointed in him.  I went back to the stalling area to see him and he sniffed my hands looking for a treat.  I had to run over to the office area to get a carrot for him out of the baskets of treats...and he well disserved a big treat!!

One thing we have learned about Sport - right now he is greatly offended if you take a hold and try to balance yourself in his mouth.  He must be ridden with total balance.  While I believe that Tommy thinks this cannot be done aside, and maybe thinks that the situation came about because of him being ridden aside, I disagree.

**What happened to Sport did not happen from me riding him once a week for 20 minutes in the sidesaddle.  I have video of him flipping his head in objection to the full bridle with a trainer riding astride months before Sport ever saw a sidesaddle.  I also know that 2 weeks before a show when I was riding him aside in a training bridle he was very good and I was excited to go to the show.  The very next week, when bridled with the full bridle - he was almost unrideable and I scratched us from that event.

For now, that is fine.  I want what is best for Sport and he needed a restart.  We will go slow.  He gets extremely nervous when asked to slow gait and rack as well, so I am not sure if we will go back in that direction.  My dream to ride a 5 gaited horse sidesaddle in the world championship show is put on hold at least for now... which makes me a bit sad... but I will just give this to the Lord and see what He has to say about it all.  

Video Of Last Nights Class!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wCn2Wg3JWbI&feature=youtu.be

Opening Night at Pin Oak Charity Horse Show..

....A TOTAL SUCCESS!!!!

Last evening Sport showed with Tommy up in the Park Pleasure Open class.  There were 4 horses in the class.  Sport was the second horse into the arena and he looked just like this picture with every step.  His ears were up the entire time, he work the double bridle like a champion, he stayed right on the rail and did not bat an eyelash at any of the ring decor...and at Pin Oak - there is a LOT of ring decor!!  My heart was thrilled as I watched him.

My friend Shar and I drove to the show just to watch him.  Before the class we went to his stall and prayed over Sport - quoting the scriptures in book of Job of the Lord's own description of a horse.. full of courage and natural excitement and that is exactly what he exhibited in this class!!

After the class we walked back to the stall area and I saw Tommy for the first time.  He did not know we prayed over Sport.  His own words were that Sport hit the ring with a confidence he had not seen in him before!!!  He also told me that Sport had not even had the chance to practice in the show ring and that was the first time he has ever seen it!!!

Job 39: 19-25
Do you give the horse his strength or cloth his neck with a flowing mane?
Do you make him leap like a locust, striking terror with his proud snorting?
He paws fiercely, rejoicing in his strength, and charges into the fray.
He laughs at fear, afraid of nothing; he does not shy away from the sword.
The quiver rattles against his side, along with the flashing spear and lance.
In frenzied excitement he eats up the ground; he cannot stand still when the trumpet sounds.
At the blast of the trumpet he snorts, "Aha!"  He catches the scent of battle from afar, the shout of        commanders and the battle cry.

Thank you Lord for all of your blessings!!!!  Sport will again show on Sunday Morning in the championship and you know I will be there!

Opps!  Sorry - Sport placed second.  I really thought he won the class - but maybe he had a hick-up in the part of the arena I could not see from my seat.

Pin Oak Charity Horse Show...

... starts tomorrow and Tommy is bringing Sport down.  He will show him in the Park Pleasure open classes!!  I am just a little excited....Will let you know how it goes.

On the down side, when the Grand kids were here, we took them to the Children's Museum and I brought home a bit more than a souvenir...I caught a miserable head cold that turned into a horrible sinus infection by the weekend.  I lost my voice and was so congested, what sleep I could get, only happened if I was sitting up.  MISERABLE.... What even made it worse.. because the kids were here, I just kept pushing myself because I could not bear to miss out on anything.  Thankfully Emily and Daren were so nice and fed for me many times.

My voice is still not back, I have not been able to sleep through the night and I still get coughing fits..but believe it or not, I AM actually am better!!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!

Oh yes - it is also my birthday today!!!  Oliver being sound again is the best birthday gift ever!!!  Can't wait to start riding him again aside!

Oliver is Sound Again!!

I have been using Oliver to give Madison riding lessons when she comes to visit us.  She is so light and her lessons so short and infrequent, that even though he was still recovering from him quarter crack, I felt it was not doing any harm.  Oliver is a horse who loves human interaction, so he would anxiously await at the gate for us.

Well, this time as Madison was riding .... and getting quite good at it too I might add.. I did not see any inconsistency in his gaits or cadence... After Madison was done riding, I did a quick saddle change and took him though all his gaits in both directions and YIPPIEEEEEE!!!  Oliver is again sound!!  I am not going to ride him again though until Josh can make it over and get a shoe on him..just for a bit of extra support.