Comments to Comments

It was so fun to read all of your comments about the horse show I entered last weekend and I appreciate your support. I think every winter I get so stir crazy that once spring hits, I'll do anything to get out and ride. And with Windy just coming back from training, there didn't seem to be a better time.

Usually Windy is pretty "spring fresh", but the two weeks that she spent at Brenda's getting a tune-up worked wonders for both of us. Do horses start growing a brain at age 9? Although Brenda has always done a great job with her, this time it was different. I'm not sure Brenda changed her ways as much as Windy started paying attention. And perhaps I have been more consistent in applying what Brenda taught both my horse and me. Whatever combination, it worked.

Mikey, I knew there was no way she would step on that mattress. We were given the opportunity to dismount and try the obstacles, but I didn't have a lead rope on her and I didn't want to try to pull her across that mattress. Windy is funny about things underfoot anyway; she doesn't like mud or hard clods. Once I tried getting her to cross a bridge that had a slight teetering motion and no-way-no-hell was that going to happen. So I let her look at the mattress; snort at the mattress and then we moved on. While I was watching, I only saw one horse cross it. But then I was told at the time that only a handful crossed the bridge, too. I was very disappointed that Windy wouldn't cross the bridge for me. It was very much like the one we have going over our creek at home.

Knotty Dog, Lisa & SunnySD: when and if you get the opportunity (or gumption) to want to show, this type of show was certainly a good one for me as a started. Heck, I probably won't go any further than this venue. I just want to try new opportunities without a lot of pressure. The casual nature of show and the support of those who put it on were priceless.

I enjoy reading about the Arabian shows MiKael attends (and manages). I appreciate your thoughts about the gate and would love to hear the other ways this obstacle might be presented. When I see the show pictures on your blog, I am in awe of what that must entail to accomplish such elegance in a show environment. And by the way, I am totally enthralled in your legal story right now.

Pam, thank you so much for riding in that English class with me and Mindee, maybe you should be my wing(wo)man next time! Bring Jamboree and come join me sometime. We would have a blast or fall off trying!

To the rest of you, Gray Horse, Funder, and Cheyenne, who offered an "atta girl", thanks! It is encouraging and I appreciate your kind words. I am pretty sure I will try it again real soon!