Notes From Around the Arena

Sept 2nd - Sept 8th, 2014

How I See It

The Skyline show was so much fun.
Caroline was on hand with her trailer which we stuffed 4 horses into, 
bringing our group to a full herd.
It was a bold adventure as there are no stalls or pens of any kind.  Instead the horses stand tied, either to a high overhead rope called a high tie, or to the side of the horse trailer.  We had several horses and a number of unpredictable or green horses.  The usual herd was there, Frenchie, Zen, Ocho, even Macaroni has done this before.  Our wild card group included, Payton, Tikkun, Gypsy May and Mercury.  But we are just Lucky as always and our group was great!  Our riders worked horses Saturday about the field and around the arena, after which the bathing marathon began, with 4 gypsy vanners and Tikkun who is all white.  Frenchie and Macaroni were a cinch with short hair and reddish to yellow golden brown color.
We set camp had a amazing chicken salad with an Asian dressing made by Danielle.  Yum! 
Caroline managed Payton, assisted with horse baths and kept the kids entertained with her very cute and smart dog Roxy. 
Morning came and we moved camp over closer to the arena gate.  
The day was off to a quick start with Katrina showing Mercury in hand, which was one of the 1st classes of the show.  Their turn out was beautiful in English Dress and Mercury in an English Bridle.  The pair showed nicely, and Mercury was calm even though this was his first time off property.  Mercury placed 2nd for his nice conformation.  He spent the day just hanging around and sometime during lunch Katrina tacked him up in an English saddle and sat on him at the in gate.  I have to say he is stunning.  After a while I had him follow Gypsy May over to the warm up pen, we went in and walked him a few laps then back to the trailer for lots of carrots and excited praise.  He was so good.  Nice job Katrina.

Next came Remi's ride with Zen.  Remi was a balanced mix of excited and nervous having only ridden at one show before, on a lead and there was only the one class for her age.  This day Remi rode Zen in the walk trot 10 and under English Equitation and the judge choose Remi as her first place exhibitor.  Right in to the next class walk trot 10 and under English pleasure and again the judge liked the quite consistent pair and pinned them 1st again.  We were all so proud of Remi and Zen.  Nice job Remi.

A quick saddle change and Ruby was up on Zen and ready for her classes.  Ruby and Zen were beautiful together and the judge must have really thought so as well.  Ruby placed 1st in several classes and made the line up a few times more.  Really nicely done Ruby!

Jamila and Macaroni were there to make there claim as the little guy kept pace with those big horses Jamila's ridding did not fall short in the judges eye and she pinned Jamila 4th in a line up of 7 or more horses.  Macaroni is exploring options, like do I really have to go, or maybe I can just stand here and not move.  After a while Ruby rode by and got Macaroni to follow her and Jamila was back in the flow all the while giving Macaroni encouragement.  In the Hunter Hack with 2 jumps, Macaroni went willingly over the jumps with out any one to lead him.  He was great.  And he even placed 4th.  With all that cuteness those other riders better look out when Mac gets it all going on.  Nice job Jamila.

Luna rode Ocho the wonder horse and they were a beautiful team.  The pair made the line up in every class.  And the Judge really liked Ocho's western ridding display and placed them right into the high point win over all for the 11-17 age group of western riders.  Winning a big engraved bucket full of goodies.  Congratulation Luna!

Maddy brought Gypsy May out for her very first show and was not disappointed.  Maddy was the judges 1st place choice for her elegant equitation.  And she placed Gypsy May in the line up a few times more.  coming home with a 1st, 2nd, and a 3rd. 
Amazing job Maddy.

Judy and Frenchie were back in the swing of things winning the first 2 classes in the western ranch division.  Frenchie has been a little excited at the last few shows Judy has taken her too, so this was so nice to have her settle so well.  The pair place in ever class they rode.  Well done Judy.

Katrina also brought Tikkun out to show English just a week after winning the State Title for Figure 8 Stake in Gymkhana, working to keep him well rounded.  And wow this pair was stunning.  Katrina just rode him in the first class and I could see Tikkun looking for the fight.  But Katrina was quiet and consistent.  They made the line up 4th I think.  And the in the next class as he began to relax and lower his head and stretch up into his back, she began to shape him in the corners more and more.  They moved up the placing line I think 2nd.  The next couple classes were beautiful and the judge saw it too.  Placing Katrina and Tikkun First for all of their canter classes.  You are creating a well mannered, well rounded champion.  Congratulations Katrina!



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