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Notes From Around the Arena

May 14th - 20th, 2013
How I see it.

Ok, so Sally and Clair were so amazing it has take me a few weeks to get settled.

The English Show at D'Alonzo
Some of you have begun to understand some of my theory on showing. 
First we learn to just ride at the show.  Allowing the horse and the rider to just be in the show environment with attainable expectations.  We set goals based in knowing where we are at in our progression.   Learning to recognize what we can and can not do at this time, in this moment. 
For Rocky this has proved to be solid building blocks for self reliance.  For Clair a long road of ego refinement.   
Just ride your horse. 
When you get caught up in;  weather or not the judge likes you or your horse, or if how you are placing in the ribbon line up in one moment in time; defines you as a person.  Then you miss the truth of riding your horse.  It can never really be about anything other then your action and response to the action and response of the horse you are riding.  If you know your truth in that communication, you can not be measured by an outsider.
I look back at Rocky, bolting wild eyed from horses coming toward him, or at a chair on the ringside, and sometimes things no one else could see.  I remember his terror, how his hart felt as it would pound so hard and fast that it might blow out his ribcage.  This has gone on for years.  Clair has never given up on him.  Allowing him time and giving him training opportunities.  Always mindful of what exercise might aid him in each new situation that bares Rocky to his Primal Instinct.
As the communication with your horse becomes clear, it may reflect the truth about how you communicate in turn.  This clarity creates a kind of light or a shine.  This shine is undeniable.  And it is present regardless of the situation. 
On this day at D'Alonzo's English show, Rocky and Clair created a shine that was undeniable.
The Judge chose Rocky and Clair as her 1st choice in EVERY class they entered.
Earning Rocky's very 1st High Point of the Day 14 - 17.
Congratulations Clair and Rocky!

And new to the show team is Sally Kimsey and Linus.  Some of you may not know that Sally rode dressage in collage for a number of years.  Sally seems to have always had a horse on her property for a long as i can recall.  
For my memory Sally has been Caroline's mom.  The mom who always made sure that Caroline was able to come to the stable every day and was able to take full advantage of the programs that i have offered.  Caroline was part of my daily life for I think 10 years. 
And then a few years after Caroline went to collage, Sally took her place and started lessons with me.  Sally did some training lessons on her horse at the time, Cody. 
And then Sally's husband, Paul decided to join in the fun and bought a little 2 year old colt they call Linus.  I stood rail-side and coached Paul in the starting training of Linus.  Which Paul completed very nicely. 
So nice in fact Sally appropriated Linus from Paul as her riding horse. 
Sally now for a year and some has been taking lessons to train Linus to the next level. 
One day out of the blue Sally asked to be considered for the gymkhana team.  A great addition and i accepted. 
Sally and Linus won the first big event they competed.  The Northern Classic as i recall, winning a couple hundred dollars.  They had a great 1st season with a few more note worthy wins.  
Finishing in the top 5 at the State Championship Finals. 
This year Sally surprised me again stating she would like to show English. 
Only giving me a few weeks to set her and Linus properly.  But it would seem her foundation is very solid.  And pleasantly the foundation set for Linus' training is solid as well.  The Gymkhanas did well to create communication for this pair.  And they too have begun to glow with that light that shines from within. 
On the first English Show for Sally and Linus they placed 2nd in more then half of the classes they rode and won the class for the Hunter Under Saddle 18 and Over Adult Amateur.  
Holding top 5 placings all day.  And to my pleasant surprise Won the Daily High Point for 18 and Over. 
It will be great to see this team come into refinement. 
I have heard Sally say she enjoys riding English.  I am certain she said the same of Gymkhana.  I am willing to wager the truth being that she loves to just ride her horse.
With much pride and admiration, i say thanks.

Watch the web page for
The Circle D gymkhana
The NVEC English show

We have lots of great riders in our group.  I am proud to be the one who gets to ride with you all. 

Your shine is inspiring.