May 26, TPHC Western Performance Show

The first Western Performance show of the season was a great learning experience for Chelsea Buns and I. As well, the hard work we've put in during the last month shined through.

This year traveling to the TPHC shows has increased in the miles. I now travel with Crystal from Crystal Clear Stables. The 3 hour ride up went well and safe.

The show started off great in Showmanship, taking 2nd place, with Crystal in 1st! I was extremely pleased with this placing. With Crystals skills and the time she spent with me as well as time practicing, it paid off come show time.

We placed in 3rd in halter. Even at 18, Chelsea still has an awesome build and holds herself well. This season she is starting off in great shape as well.

Our riding classes, we placed in the same as we normally do, last or 2nd last. However, we prevailed in many areas that we set as our goals and I was quite proud of my mare as she can be quite silly at times.

What was important to us was that we kept a nice slow jog, transitioned more smoothly between gaits and actually stopped within a few steps from canter to walk. I also wanted to keep a better seat. All prevailed!

Our long-term goal is to slow down that canter, hopefully that will come. We still have many miles to go yet.

Crystal placed well with her new prospect, Portia. This young paint mare was also so well behaved for her first show, you'd have thought she was a seasoned show horse. Her Daddy, Aladdin, whom you will see showcased on her new website (available soon), threw his handsome genes into this pretty mare as well as his personality.

Crystal was very pleased with her mare.

Zoey who also boards a horse at Crystal Clear stables joined us at the show. She placed 1st using Portia in the Youth Showmanship..great job Zoey! She also hung out with us and helped us out, thanks again for that!

Another highlight of the show, is seeing my old horse friends again as well. Since I've moved away from the area, I don't see everyone often, so the horse shows allow me to interact with old friends again.

See ya all at the next show..

Ride with the wind @ www.equinenorth.net

Putting on the Miles..
Sunday was yet another planned trail ride. "Thinking we might be considered the three musketeers", Doug, Pascal and myself headed out for a relaxing 3 hour trail ride. This ride was a learning one though.

When planning any kind of trail ride, it's always best to be prepared BEFORE you head out. Be prepared for what, well ANYTHING would be the best answer!

How about losing a Chicago screw off your rein, and not having something to tie it back on with? My boot lace did the trick, but this little moment makes me realize the importance of filling that horn or saddle bag up with things that might be useful.

Here's a great list of things I've learned that is handy to bring along..

Lead rope
halter
extra leather pieces (for tying)
hoof pick
small first aid kit
bug stuff for person and horse
compass
phone
knife
water
snacks
a watch

But remember, anything important, such as cell phones, medications etc, if you leave it on your horse and your horse gets away, it's of no use to you then. Keep things like that in your pockets.

For people who like to show, trail rides are a great chance to introduce your horse to strange places and even work on different things you'd do in the show ring. I generally relax when I trail ride, but I do tend to take advantage of some things when the moment is right.

Riding alone on trail rides isn't always the safest thing. If you do, it's always good to let someone know where your going and how long you think you'll be. BUT one thing that is great to have if you ride alone or even with other riders, is a dog. A trusty dog will keep other animals at bay or warn you of any upcoming danger. They make great company too!

My German Shepherd, Lance wasn't introduced to horses in the first few years of his life, but he's adjusting well and yesterday was his first long trail ride on the road and in the bush with us.

He was FANTASTIC! He stayed to the side with us when traffic passed, he didn't bother the horses and he kept a good pace with us. However, when we returned home, he crashed and I think he moved once to try to get on the couch and his back end didn't seem to want to think the same as his brain. He didn't wake until late this morning haha.. But, you watch, next time I load my saddle in the van, he'll be wagging his tail begging to come for more.

So as relaxing and fun as trail rides can be, it really is good to be better prepared then we were when we headed out, lesson learned.

Do you trial ride too? Do you have stories, or tips you'd like to share? Don't forget that at http://www.equinenorth.net/ you can send your stories, tips, ideas or even equine events and business info to us at NO COST. Our readers can learn from your ideas and enjoy reading your stories.





Ride with the wind @ http://www.equinenorth.net/

Just Another Ride....

Well this one is just about our last trail ride last weekend.

It was a beautiful day so naturally, a good excuse to drop any work and saddleup. This time, it wasn't just Pascal and I. Doug joined us in the infamous Drifter, a mount known for a safe trail ride.

We just planned for a short ride since everyone had a busy day. Not a whole lot to tell about this ride, except, as always, I come back a new person. Refreshed, renewed, whatever you want to call it.

One highlight of the ride though was this little dog that come running out. He was on a mission to kill the horses, ALL three of them! He couldn't of weighed more then 2 pounds. HE came out of his driveway full blast, and ran right up chelsea's leg, nipping. Of course, my good ole mare I'm sure just thought it was a fly. He went after drifter, but then when he headed to Spinner, Pascal got off to pick the dog up as we were sure the dog would meet his death at the legs of Spinner. The owner came and retrieved his bold, brave little dog who's mission had failed.

We also ended up visting a local cottage with some folks from down south. They took pics of their little boy on the horse and chatted awhile with us. Then it was back home.

Looking forward to more of these relaxing rides

Ride with the wind @ www.equinenorth.net

MEETING HORSES ON THE ROAD

The one thing I long for during the winter months, is trail rides that last for hours! This past Sunday broke in the start of what will be a great season for trail riding.

Pascal and myself headed out from Crystal Clear stables for a nice Sunday afternoon trail ride. Pascal riding Spinner and myself on the infamous, Chelsea Buns.

The weather was more then awesome! There was no wind, rain, bugs and all the little things that can spoil a good trail ride. There was just sun and the sound of nature.

Trail rides always offer many expected happenings, but one of the things I run into the most is ignorant drivers. Ignorant as in just plain not understanding how to react when you come upon riders. Horses being the fickle creatures they are, are unpredictable and ANYONE who is driving and comes past a horse and it's rider PLEASEEEEEEEEEEEEE slow down. I can't stress how important that is!

If a vehicle doesn't slow down (this includes, cars, trucks, bikes you name it!), it can not only spoke the horse, it can throw rocks that will cause severe damage to horse and or rider! This just spells out a total diseaster for all! The horse may even kick at your vehicle.

Beeping your horn to warn us your coming is not a very bright idea either. Sure, a lot of horse on the trail are generally quiet and not bothered by a lot but there are still horses that are, so please don't beep the horn or yell and scream etc.

Also, did you know it is the law, if a rider signals you to stop, YOU MUST!

Myself as a rider, I always respect people's property and take care when riding on roads, so it would much appreciated if others who meet us on the roads, took the care as well.

Ride with the wind @

www.equinenorth.net