On Keeping an Open Mind

Chavhorse

Chavhorse

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As you may remember I have recently moved Vardi to a Western Livery yard.

Pleased to report that himself is very chilled and happy, loving the regime of being out all day with a small herd of 4 other young boys. Only problem we have is that he is making all the Quarter horses look like ponies as he is sooooo much taller.

Yesterday some of the liveries were competing in a Western Show locally and we all went along to support. I had never been to one before and had no idea what to expect.
What a great day....really interesting to watch, loved the trail riding class and am getting very very tempted to start doing this with Vardi (we do have a certain amount of pressure of" he's an Appaloosa he would look great in a Western saddle" comments and I do actually agree:-).

The Western Pleasure classes were something to behold lots of bling! but very very relaxed horses and the Reining was fantastic to watch and I realised that actually it is dressage with sliding stops added for dramatic effect, some very impressive flying changes, gait changes and rein backs.

My main take away though was the collecting ring area which was at the rear of the spectator area complete with spectators, dogs, pushchairs, stalls etc and at times up to 30 horses waiting to go into the main arena it was pretty much bedlam with these very cool horses just standing totally relaxed with chaos carrying on around them. I kept waiting for one to go bat**** but nothing....impressive I have to say, I have seen some Stressage Competitions where the collecting area has been Carnage lol.

So all in all a really interesting day.....I think I may be heading for a conversion lol
 
slinkyunicorn said:
Sounds like you had a great day out!!:cool::D:D:D

Was wondering how you were both getting on - sounds like you have both settled into cowboy life! How is the riding going?:confused::):):)
Click to expand...

It was a great day even if some of the outfits were a little suspect!

It is going really well and we have both settled in and feel totally at home now. Any fears about being the only English Riding one on the yard and not having a traditional Western Horse (and being the only Brit!) have all been unfounded as everyone is so nice and interested in what we are doing and last week I was presented with a hand made wooden name plate to hang over the stable so I guess they have accepted us. Made me laugh though as the name plate was made out as “Nevada” lol

Jan is working with Vardi 3 times a week and I am having a weekly lesson and both of us have gained a lot of confidence to the point that we are going to trailer out the forest in a few weeks for a lesson (as soon as the weather warms up a bit still very parky here!) also planning on a lesson on the beach with some other horses then the world will be our oyster lol.

Himself is muscling up well and as soon as he has finished packing on the bulk I will get him fitted for a western saddle (well he does look stunning in one lol) and the plan is to train to compete in Novice Amateur Trail and also Hunt Seat in my conventional Dressage saddle. In the Summer I will get my Dressage trainer to come out and give us a monthly lesion to keep on top of things and my even enter the odd low level comp.

So for all my doubts it is the best move I could have made Vardi is also as happy as larry and loving the herd turn out with the other 3 boys of the same age although he does come in after 8 hours out and spark out in his stable I guess playing and eating all day does that to you. I am sure he is looking forward to the 24 hour turnout which will hopefully start in the next few weeks. And is loving the hot slobber mix feed in the evenings and has become somewhat famous for his stall decorating skills!

Even the OH has undertaken some basic handling and groundwork lessons (so he is capable of doing Vardi should I be ill or have to work late) and has really enjoyed them. He now races me to be the one to bring him in as he “has to practice leading” lol
So yes all is indeed going well.
 
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