Pearce Kickoff 2008

Pearce Memorial Church requested some "God's Eye Views" of thier annual kickoff. Unfortunately God created hurricanes to the south giving us poor visibility, turbulence and strong gusty winds. Therefore it looks like God was looking through the wrong part of his bi-focals. Suggestions big guy:

1. Lasik surgery

or

2. Don't give mother nature so much authority

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.

Let's GO Jolene!!!!

While Winnie took care of Justine, here reward was for Jolene to ride and jump her and let her put it in a higher gear. Due to the sloppy conditions at the end of the day, Jolene reports she did a lot of "holding her back", and Winnie wasn't real pleased about that. She had a lot more speed and power she wanted show off, and as you can see from the pic she jumped as if they were much higher, and that's what she wanted. However, due to her age we are keeping things low and slow. Winnie is old enough to know what to do and still young enough to not realize too much flash today might mean not much action tomorrow. I think you can tell which picture if or English "Pleasure", they were both smiling.

Thanks Jolene!!!!

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.