Louie, being the trooper that he is, settled in nicely although his neighbors, the mules, let out a belt every so often. We arrived Saturday with time for a quick ride in the schooling ring and then I had a presentation on training horses in the afternoon. Now speaking in front of large groups of people...... not really my thing...... So you could say I was a bit nervous and glad when it was out of my way. I have the presentation on video so feel free to watch! The sound is pretty quiet so I suggest turning your volume all the way up!
Sunday Louie and I were scheduled to ride in the breed parade. Now prepare yourself for a good laugh because exhibiting the quality of the Satandardbred became the least of our worries and survival of the fittest became our motto. Each breed was given approx 5 minuets in the ring where the breed was discussed and shown off. Louie and his partner Jet were the last on the list. 30 minuets before start time they call everyone in the breed parade to the schooling ring to be on standby before they entered the ring. The list of breeds was quite long. Gypsy Vanner's, Halflingers, Morgans, Warmbloods, Mules, Saddlebreds, Paint horses, Fresians, you name it, it was probably in that arena. So as Louie and I hung out in the schooling ring the walls seemed to grow closer and closer the more breeds that entered. At this point Louie was attentive but relaxed........ until it came time for the Fresians. The Fresians are a truly magnificent breed. They are ridden mostly for dressage but are better known for showing in the cart. Of course to best show off there breed, carts began entering our very small arena. Although Louie was skeptical, the other horses in the arena were not having it and mass ciaos began. After we survived the Fresian cart encounter and the numbers in the ring began to dwindle as we narrowed in on Louie's time to shine. A very beautiful Morgan exited the main arena back into our schooling area. Much to this Morgans dismay, his owner who clearly decided to pick up a monstrous horse eating jacket off the ground pulled back slipping his bridle off his face. Now with a Morgan loose in the ring the intensity rose. I turn around to see horse running full speed at Louie's butt! As everyone is slamming doors shut I hop off a rattled Louie and try to catch this loose horse. By the time we captured the wild guy, Louie (last on the list) was supposed to enter the ring. We had 30ish seconds to gather our bearings and enter the main arena that had vastly changed since our schooling that morning. I mean, who parks their car in their arena to practice on a daily basis? But sure enough, to add to the comedy I had going in my head we did our best not too spook over the very shiny Ford Mustang in the center of the arena. As we left the arena I wasn't really sure whether to laugh, cry, or hug my horse for keeping me on top.
All in all, Louie and I had a fantastic learning weekend. We were both given new opportunities and enjoyed the challenge set in front of us.
In updating news, Chief is becoming a fantastic riding pony! I have some news as far as my next learning adventure ;) but following that post will be an update on Chief!!
I hope this post has found you doing well and loving your horses! Keep a look out on my facebook page for my big news!
