Riding Delight

Riding Chardoney

Les Bois Spring Spectacular

 Into the morning sun

 This weekend Delight rested and it was Chardoney's time to shine. Nancy rode her in the Les Bois Spring Spectacular. She competed in training level tests 1 and 3. The weather was cold and windy and Chardoney was frisky. Her best score was a 60. It didn't help that she threw a buck during the second test! Silly pony, Dressage is about submission, you are not allowed to have an attitude! We all had a good laugh at her expense and said it was just her "Joie De Vivre coming out with Brilliance".

 Nancy heading into the Dressage court

 Nancy Roche did a great job of containing Chardoney's "Brilliance". Believe me there is a game face behind this beautiful smile! I am so thankful for my trainer and friend Nancy.

Mary giving last minute instructions

 Mary Kimball gave Nancy coaching support. We are all so thankful for her expertise.

 

A Beautiful pair

The Treasure Valley Classic is next weekend. Bring on the Joie!

Tough Sucker II

Last weekend a bunch of my friends, Tom and Chase and I  traveled to Oreana for our first official Endurance ride. I rode Delight. Tom and Star went out on their first ride ever for both of them. The distance was 25 miles. It was a beautiful day.

Unfortunately Star thought she was full of rocket fuel. She jigged the whole first loop - which was 16 miles long!  So she was pulled at the vet check for being too tired. Tom was very disappointed and I don't blame him, it was a letdown after all of the training he has done with Star. They will be heading back out on training rides and getting ready to try again next time.


Delight was her wonderful experienced self. We finished a comfortable 18th place with 30 min left on the time clock, exactly where I wanted to finish. I was hoping for a nice slow ride to start the season out.

Chase brought along his friend Autumn and together they did an awesome job of helping out with all of the chores and horses. They also gave each of  them their traditional unicorn horns for good luck.

Horse Expo 2012

Chardoney was a hit at the Expo!

She took about 1/2 hour to settle in, running from side to side looking at everything and even throwing in a "Hi-ho-Silver" or two. Once she discovered her food, she got down to business of being a fine example of the Arabian/Half-Arabian breed. Many people stopped to admire  her and asked lots of questions.

I gave kids treats to give her and she soon learned to be on the lookout for pint-sized treat dispensers. Chardoney was always a lady and didn't become pushy or grabby. In fact, it seemed like treating her made her settle down and show her sweetest side.

One little guy in particular touched my heart. He was so gentle and Chardoney took a close interest in him. He looked like he was seeing the most wonderful creature on earth. He reminded me of the joy that I felt as a child when I was able to even touch a horse. It made me appreciate the gift my horses are to me all the more.

Tough Life of a Show horse

I've body clipped Chardoney in anticipation of the Horse Expo and the Treasure Valley Classic. It was my first attempt and it took me many hours over several days to get it accomplished. I think the end result looks quite nice, and Chardoney  looks sleek and shiny.

For the next couple of weeks she will have to wear a Superhero costume to prevent her from becoming sun bleached, and to bring the oils back up into her coat, which will make her even shinier. She gets to take everything off but a warm blanket at night.

Who is that behind that mask??


 

 The life of a Superhero is a tough one indeed.

Countdown to Busy Season

This weekend will be the first of six weekends in a row of horse related shows and events.

I am so excited to take Delight and Chardoney out as well as being involved with helping folks from Blue Note Arabians and JP Arabians with their horses. Then, there are my  comrades with Endurance Team Buttercup to help and to cheer on.

I gave Chardoney my first ever full body clip. I think it looks nice. It took me 3 days and two doses of sleepy stuff to get it accomplished due to a clipper snafu. I still have some detail work to do on her hocks. She isn't having much to do with it, so maybe one more time of clipping to get those tiny crevices finished will do the trick. I sure wish I would have done them while she was doped up. I thought they would be no problem. Silly me!

This weekend she is going to be "on display" at the Horse Expo. I hope she will be a good example of the Arabian/Half Arabian breed and stay inside the show stall! I can't wait to show her off.

Today Chardoney will get her first ride with Christy who will be riding her in the TVC and at Sport Horse Nationals. I won't be able to be there to watch. I am crossing my fingers that it will be a good match!