October 31, 2009

We had our Fun Show today. What fun! Josie was very, let me call it, spunky. At one count there were 18 horses in our indoor. Warm up was interesting to say the least. I just wanted to get the girl moving. She had her game face on that's for sure. Went western for safety and comfort for both of us.

Egg and Spoon - held out pretty well until she wouldn't move off my left leg and kerplunk went our egg.

Water glass - This went much better but we weren't in the ribbons

Barrel Race - 31 seconds. Like I said she was spunky and bouncy today. We have been steadily decreasing our times on barrels and at this rate we will be in the 16's in a few years.

Obstacle Course - Woot Hoot! 5th Place!! Josie thought the tennis balls we had to pick up from the barrel and drop into a feed pan with sand in it were apples. As we get to the feed pan, she express interest, but I press her forward and then she had a dramatic pause when I dropped the "apple" topping, pressing forward we navigated the cones very smoothly. Backing went very well and then it was time to cross the "water" which was two poles with a blue tarp underneath. I thought for sure she was going to jump so I sat up but she stepped through. Mind you no one was able to warm up on any item. The bridge was no problem. The phase I was most concerned about was dismounting and picking each foot up. Most horses had left the arena and usually when I dismount she gets her rock candy treat. She stayed still and I went around as quick as I could. I would have liked to see the times to know how close we were.

I had to keep the pups crated so they were excited to be out. Can you blame them - horse people bring the best potluck items. There was much sniffing and vacuuming of the floors. I filled a plate and then got Josie treats and prepared her for her return to the paddock. I felt bad taking her away from her hay but I think I more than made up for it.

Hung out for a while and then went home to crash for a bit.