The Big Weekend

Saturday and Sunday, August 9 & 10 was a big weekend for all of us. Saturday evening we trailered Winnie to Springville to the our friends the Christs (see earlier April blog post) to spend the night at their farm, so we could get up at 4:00am bath horses and trailer Winnie and T-Bone (one of their horses) to the Erie County Fair on Sunday. Jolene and her husband Terry met us there and Justine and Jolene shared Winnie. Winnie took all the chaos in stride and was the calmest and most consistent of all of us. Unfortunately the weather was horrible with rain and thunderstorms. The arena was water logged most of the time with standing water and mud, so we had to be careful not to hurt the old girl. However, it took more than water and mud to hold her back. Also unfortunately the judge had been there all week judging the quarter (western) horses and most of them were also in the English class on Sunday. The judge did not seem to pay much attention to the English horses or the riders that had good English equitation. The more Win got ignored by the judge the more determined she became. Jolene commented she was very proud at how awesome Winnie did and eagerly did everything she was asked, "I can't fault her, she was awesome, I'm so proud of her, good girl Win", was her parting comment.

Chalk this up to one of life's lessons for all of us, and a bitter first pill for a 12 year old girl with big dreams for herself and her horse. Sometimes the necessary lessons in life are the hardest to live through. After awhile the emotion turned to determination and she stuck with it, and while only getting one ribbon, we are all proud of the horse and riders, they did much better than recognized. Check out how wet Jolene and I are standing in a downpour for an hour braiding her mane, but she looked good!!!! Jolene is tirelessly amazing. Oh to have an ounce of her ability and knowledge.

After many hours of long hard work I think we were all glad to finally be drying off and headed home. Despite being in nine classes and some worked pretty hard in horrible conditions, Win still had energy to canter to the pasture when we got back. She LOVES having a job to do.

Show # 2 for Justine

August 3, 2008 there was a Walk/Trot 4-h Show in Batavia that was a perfect confidence builder for Justine. She did well and also found some rusty spots she needs to work on to polish up. The judge commented that Justine and Winnie "made a good team and that Winnie was a sweet gentle mare". I was almost a family affair. The four of us, aunt Debbie were in attendance but for some reason Grandpa doesn't like the early hours. When they start having shows from 11:00pm to 3:00am Grandpa will be there. Here she takes first place in Equitation (judging the rider) for her class.

I can do it too!!!!!

Only a brother would borrow a sister's horse so he can wear his western shirt, jeans and boots with an English saddle. Ethan on his own decided he wanted to try the lead line class. As you can see in the one photo Winnie took good care of him and we doubt anyone needed to hold the lead line. Winnie enjoys his little hand size soft brush as he tickles her whithers. Ethan was convinced he won first price and a toy because "he had Miss Jolene the professional" by his side, but we also know him being the only one in the class may have helped a bit too. The judge was nice and talked to him, asked questions and even had him back Winnie up, which of course she did with ease. Yet another judge found the old girl to be sweet.

The Girls Clean Up

The Stable 54 girls left a few ribbons for the other participants, but not many. Justine did well for her second show. Winnie enjoys a relaxing rub, a treat and a laugh.