The Finals and the Future

As the dust has begun to settle and I am coming off of cloud 9, reality is beginning to set in. The days following the Equine Comeback Challenge were almost "pinch me" days. I wasn't sure if I...... young trainer starting out, new on the scene, first time competing at such a largely recognized show..... had just taken a horse in 90 days, broke him and found myself showing off his new skills.

Monday Louie woke up early, packed up and headed out on his longest trailer ride yet. We shipped down with fellow Trainer Shane Ogden and his Challenge horse Scarlet. Scarlet was another horse from Lollypop and actually was rescued from the same farm as Louie. So the "brother and sister" made our 6 hour trek together. Louie was excellent to load in the dark, on a new trailer, with a different horse whinnying to him inside..... He's such a trooper! We arrived around 1:00 and had the afternoon to explore the horse show.

Late Monday night after Louie had his afternoon nap we had a chance to school in the main arena for a few minuets. I have to say after watching many Grand Prix riders and top Equitation finals happen in that same arena it was a bit surreal riding around in there! Once I was able to get my head out of the clouds, Louie and I went to work. He was truly amazing taking the new place, arena, sounds, and riding with all the other challenge horses, in stride. Nothing fazed him in the slightest bit. This was my first chance to get a look at all the other horse trainer combinations I had been following. I was impressed with how well each of the horses trusted their trainers and how far they had all come. This was our evening to get to know one another and it was awesome to have the support and encouragement from the other trainers. You never know going into competition mode what ugly side of people may come out. In this group of trainers, there was no such thing! 


Tuesday began bright and early with sponsor pictures and interviews. This didn't give me much time to think and worry about the class later that evening which was probably for the best!

Below is the link to the A Home For Every Horse interview.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RTixo83Wnew

Not only did the Equine Comeback Challenge sponsors lay out the red carpet for us so did the Pennsylvania National Horse Show sponsors! The horse show sponsors provided a competitors lounge with food and a tv that showed the USEF live stream of what was happening in the main arena.

 

 Louie had quite a few visitors at his stall asking questions about rescue horses and the program. He was a complete ham, loving the camera and all the attention everyone gave him.

We received the trail pattern for our class early and to my surprise it was much easier than anything we had practiced at home. We were able to school the horses a second time in the main arena with all the obstacles and people in the stands. Again Louie walked around as if this was his turf and he had done it 100 times.

For those who missed watching the class you can view it again on demand here:http://www.usefnetwork.com/featured/2014pennnational/   

In the end I decided to show Louie both English and Western. I wanted to show how versatile he is and I figured the tricks I had up my sleeve for the free style would be best ridden western. I also long lined Louie during our freestyle. He picked up on it so well in training  I wanted to show that off as well.

 

We showed off how quiet he is with all obstacles......

 

And the FINALE............

 

Louie and I finished Second behind Todd Feaser of Top Shelf Ranch. All of the trainers put down amazing rounds and I was honored to be apart of the top finishers.

Louie was adopted by Moriah farms and will be staying where I train and where he lived for the past 90 days! I told myself going into this that I wouldn't get attached and would have to sell this horse at the end of the journey so I am beyond blessed that although I had to "sell him" he won't be far from me! Louie is going to continue in training with me as well. I couldn't have asked for a better ending to this fairytale story which I am still shocked to say truly happened! I thank God for giving me the ability to train horses and for this opportunity to be in this competition. I have always dreamed of showing at the Pennsylvania National Horse show as a hunter or jumper. Never in a million years did I think I would be put in the spot light here and  have had the opportunity to show a horse that I trained! 

If the story couldn't get any better, while I was at the horse show, the editor of Practical Horseman Magazine asked if I would be willing to do an interview and write a small article for one of the magazines! I now have the opportunity to share my experience as a trainer in the challenge and my methods of training horses. I will be sure to make a post when the interview is online! 

So whats next? I really don't know! I'm excited to see what the next adventure is and where this road takes me. I truly could not have asked for a better partner and friend in Louie and I hope to teach others how to better understand their equine partners and what it takes to make a horse and rider team. I by NO means have it figured out, but I hope to share what I have learned and learn from others as well. If you have enjoyed my blog I hope you will continue to periodically check back for updates and training posts. I hope to make this into an informational blog where you can ask questions and hopefully get inspired to try some new things with your horse. Of course I will throw in a post here and there about the horse we have all fallen in love with over the past 90 days :)

I hope you've enjoyed watching this journey unfold as much as I have enjoyed telling you about it! 

LOVE........................................................... Courtney and Little Louie