The Spoils of Success

Ribbons in the youth class are as follows:

English Fitting and Horsemanship (halter class) ---> first place

English Equitation (judging the rider) ---> 4th place

English Pleasure (judging rider/horse interaction) ---> 4th place

English Show Hack ---> 2nd place
The big ribbon was them getting Reserve Show Champion for their classification

The show hack was a big surprise since it's basis goes back to the horse/rider being able to keep up with the dogs in the hunt. This class requires several different type of walk and trot gaits which Justine has never done. Once again, Winnie must have been listening to the announcer because she did them anyway.

Our goal was:

1. Justine and Winnie be safe

2. They have fun

3. Get experience and learn something

We did not care at all about rankings etc. Overall, mission very accomplished.

Rain & Strain

After Jolene rode Winnie in three events it was Justine's turn to ride in three events. Unfortunately, the down time gave her too much time to think, get nervous and then a downpour made the arena sloppy a slightly slippery. At first this was almost more than Justine could take, but Jolene's consummate skill of kind gentle encouragement balance with some firm persuasion got them in the arena to test out during the warm up. Once there, Winnie was not about to forfeit and leave, but worked her magic to get Justine smiling and relaxed. Everything she did was slow, smooth and deliberate and she was really paying attention to and attentive to Justine's emotions and needs. By the end of the event they were both much more relaxed, on the fence rail and weaving their way through the 12 other horses. This even was the Youth English Equitation (judging the rider) and the second half must have been much better than the first because they finished 4th. We were EXTREMELY proud and surprised that Justine stuck with it a persevered. We were fortunate to have Jolene's guidance and expertise and grateful to have a horse that could be trusted and knew what to do. "WAY TO GO GIRLS!!!!"

In the pictures you can see the rain, muddy arena and scared, sad face give way to confidence determination and horse and rider working together for a good result. Notice in the last pic, rather than staying in the center away from the competition, they got on the rail and into the thick of it, which is where Winnie shined. No other horse was going to get in her way or bother her rider

Youth English Fitting & Showmanship

Otherwise known as "halter class", where the rider is on the ground and leads the horse around a judge determined pattern (Jolene is reviewing and quizing Justine). The judge looks at the confirmation of the horse, grooming of rider and horse and how the rider handles the horse and how well the horse responds. Justine had never really done this before except for a quick lesson on Friday. That was no big deal because Winnie knew what was going on. In this case the horse was handling the handler, not the other way around. Notice in the background the other horses fidgity and moving around, but Winnie stood still, set herself sqaure and mindful of the judge. The judge seemed to like Winnie's even temper and sweet personality because the walked away with the "Blue Ribbon".

"On With the Show"

Sunday, July 13 was the Clarkson Horseman's Association Show. A day of firsts, Ethan spent the night with Grandpa for so we could get to the stable a 5:30 to get Winnie looking sharp. Jolene (instructor/trainer) was gracious enough to arrive at 6:00am to give us direction and do clipping, mane and tail. Winnie new exactly what was going on and cooperated fully.

Twelve Years Old - A New Beginning

July 11 was Justine's 12th birthday and a lot of exciting things happened.....

1. The doctor finally cleared her to ride again after 3 1/2 months recovering from her broken arm

2. She had her first lesson with Jolene since the accident and she had the courage to do it at the same location where the accident happened! We were very proud of her strength and determination.

3. Here's why she was so determined. Her birthday present was the full English Riding attire for shows, and Justine was confident that despite having three months off, she was going to show on July 13.

Back In The Saddle.....YIPPEE!!!

The sixth grader could not ride due to a broken arm, but the now seventh grader got a celebratory surprise. She showed up to the stable with mom to help me bathe Winnie but to her surprise she was all saddled up with Justine's helmet ready. A squeal and a smile was as long as it took for her to get on. Since technically she is not cleared to ride until July 9, today's riding was confined to walk only in the arena with Dad very close at all times, so Justine that's just a pony ride, but better than nothing. Winnie was cautious too, she didn't try anything fast even when a certain little girl tried to sneak in a trot a few times, Winnie said "no walk, patterns and leg yield is just fine for you". You could really feel something going on between the two of them. Winnie wanted desperately to get out to the pasture with friends and grass after two days of staying in her stall, but she kept it calm and collected for Justine.

Winnie had a tough couple of days. We finally have the skin welts under control (thanks to Kim)from a bad reaction to fly spray, and a new farrier that specializes in correct hoof issues looked in on her and straightened out her front legs and made her "more balanced". I found you can tell the balance when riding her. Her hoof do not click together, no occassional stumble and trotting was weird because the Winnie bounce was gone, it felt like a quick walk. Now I have to learn how to post all over again.

Some have asked for video, so here is one that didn't transfer to PC well, sorry. This is the first event where we were all very surprised.