Catching Up...

Lots of information in this post, so here's an apology in advance.

Last Friday, I got the chance to go watch the USHJA International Hunter Derby at Georgia International Hunter Park. This is where the equestrian teams for the 1996 Atlanta Olympics rode and competed. Pictures are posted above. The Derby was made to replicate what a hunter horse would encounter in the field; water, fences, gates, etc. The jumps were 3'6" to 4' tall, and there was a $25,000 purse at stake for the winner.

I've been schooling the ponies a lot lately, and the trainers know that I'm more than happy to come have a "chat" with them should they be misbehaving for the smaller children. Penfield decided to start slinging his head around and scaring the very tiny girl on him, so I (a not so tiny girl) hopped on and rode him out. I made the trainer promise me I'd never have to ride that tiny saddle ever again if possible :)

The property was unexpectedly left in my sole care for a few days as my boss and her husband had to take care of life events, so I had an unusual experience with a quiet barn and all the horses buddying up to me. They know that I'm the gravy train now, and the horses in the paddock right by my house greet me with neighs when I walk out in the morning to feed. Yeah, I see where your hearts are... I'm free to ride pretty much who I want and when I want; it's a freedom I'm not used to and I am thoroughly enjoying it.

Tuesday turned into a day of exploration for me. I've ridden David a few times, but only at the walk and trot since I'm still working on steering him properly. I watch his owner ride him a lot, and after schooling a dressage test, she came up to me and told me it was my turn. Well aware that I'd never ridden as advanced a test before, nor even cantered or asked much of this horse before, I gave it a whirl. David is a lot of horse to hold together and "package". Being a dressage horse, I have much more control of his shoulders and hind end than I do on a jumper. I have to constantly control his shoulders and forward motion, flex his neck, steer, encourage forward, cue, etc. That's a lot to keep track of. Considering what I had against me, I rode the test pretty well once I figured out the geometry of the ring. David's canter is AMAZING; long, deep and smooth. It's so easy to sit pretty on him.

I've become good friends with David's owner, and we've down many activities together on my days off since we share similar interests in the shops and area history. After riding David, this lady gave me some news that is definitely very exciting. I can't give many details now since it's still in the works, but what I can say (tentatively at the moment) that I may be getting a very nice mare from her within the next year or so. Hopefully more news to come.

I've also learned that bathing a draft horse is a very refreshing experience. Yesterday was particularly miserable in the weather; it was one of those days where you feel slimy from the humidity and poor air quality. I went to rinse off Sadie, an old and retired Percheron mare who spends her days in the field. She loves her baths, and I found that holding the hose high over her (she's a big girl) let it mist on me. I ended up sitting under her and letting the water drip on me, and Sadie took a nap.

Trivia for the day: Did you know that hell hath no speed or intensity like that of two miniature donkeys who think you have food? I've faced down big and angry horses before without flinching, but for some reason, those gray fuzzballs aimed at my kneecaps made me shake...

I've also figured out that I am highly capable of A) catching a pony, holding onto it, catching another pony, holding onto those two, and catching the third B) sorting donkeys out from said ponies C) KEEPING said donkeys out from around said ponies D) and navigating 3 ponies out a gate, turning them around, closing the gate and keeping the donkeys in the field without letting the ponies eat a blade of grass... Phew. It was quite fun, nonetheless, walking up past the barn with a three-pony escort. It got a few smiles from onlookers.

I'm going to a dressage show tomorrow, with pictures to come. Later!