JB the most excellent Appaloosa was well-behaved (for the most part) and had an excellent day of classes yesterday. Though the judging isn't worth discussing, it was still a great day for me and my most wonderful steed.
It wasn't as hot as it was forecast to be (surprise!) which I was grateful for, and the dust was managed as best as possible, and that was really nice. I was excited to do English classes again, until I put on my boots and recalled that I had barely broken them in in 2006 (and it has indeed been 3 years since I last wore them). But it was still fun, and I re-discovered how easy it is to post in the appropriate attire.
Western classes went well, JB also did very well in the command class, doing "rollbacks" and everything! Our rollbacks were mostly pivots and a lope off, but that counts for a pleasure horse!
Long day, because the trail judge created a very fun (and long) course. It was: work a gate, open mailbox and throw the Nerf football to the judge—I suck at throwing footballs!—carry a bucket of water from one barrel to the next, empty the bucket then drop the bucket; push an inflated soccer ball through 2 cones; sidepass right, pivot 270 degrees right, sidepass left; back through an L, walk back, work the straddle poles (three poles laid out, and the horse's feet have to fall on either side of the middle pole. Impossible.); go over a bridge, lope (with lead changes) around 4 cones; dismount; ground tie and sit for 30 seconds; then re-mount using a hay bale.
JB is an excellent horse, having never truly been trained for trail, he still takes
everything in stride! I'm so proud of him, and very, very lucky to have the opportunity to ride him.
Video shows you where we were!
