Show talk

So May 17 is our first show of the season. Harmony in the Park - conducted at the Hoosier Horse Park. We're doing Training Level Test 4 and we are "winging" First 4. I'm actually way less nervous about the first level test after Saturday's lesson. The only part that's going to really get us is the trot lengthening. Rawr. T-Bone just doesn't have the strength yet for the "umph" - altho he does lengthen his stride, it won't be comparable to the warmbloods who can really propel. It's improving tho, and good thing is that the canter lengthening is no problem at all. So, I figure as long as we're really tight on the other movements, we can make up for the low numbers on the trot lengthening.

After Harmony, I'm really excited about the possibility of showing at Lamplight. We'll be showing against the big guns there, but I've never been there before and hear it's beautiful. That's the only reason I really want to go. Have to come up with some funds tho, money has been tight. And that sucks.

After that it looks like Paxton, (in Ohio) and another show in Indiana before Regionals (if we qualify).

T-Bone has been awesome lately. I need to take pics of him in his body-clipped state.

That's all I gots for now.

Ugly and hairy kids

I want to thank my very wise friend, John, for posting such awesome links on his blog. Such as the link to the Found Magazine Web site where I came across this hilarious letter.





Good times.

Friday night partying

How I spend my Friday nights.




... :-) I can't get enough of that cartoon.

Oh happy mouth

Been dealing with some contact issues lately ... ok, for the past couple of years. So, this week we have switched from a KK Ultra Loose ring bit (which has the roller in the middle, and isn't legal for USDF anyway) to a much heavier, eggbutt french link bit that looks sort of like this : (without the copper)



Most horses would take advantage of you in a bit like this, as it's super gentle. T-Bone immediately started to take more of a hold in it - which in his case is GOOD, because he tends to me quite sensative in the mouth and I've been having issues with him hollowing his back and "ping-ponging" off my hands ... he will brace his neck, raise his head and if I try to take contact he "bounces" off it. Basically it looks and feels awful, breaks all connection and none of my aids work.

So I think things are going OK so far in this new bit ... altho he now goes between "ping pong" and trying to yank the bit away from me. (to which I respond with spurs). We just need to come to some sort of agreement I think. Hopefully the clinic this weekend will help us along.

At our first show, I am going to do Training Level Test 4 (to try and qualify for regionals) and we are going to wing First Level Test 4. I think everything will go ok, and the trot lengthening is definately our biggest weakness right now. I'm not worried about the canter lengthening ... but trot is going to be tough.

... clipped legs last night. At least that's over with. Ugh. Friday he will get his first bath of the year in preparation for the clinic.

and that's it.

I'm ready for my big date!

Nice ass.

Went to the Hoosier Horse Fair on Saturday. Had a good time. Scored myself some new riding gloves and a riser pad. Woot. I was well behaved when it came to spending. Saw a TON of peeps I haven't seen in forever. Plus the horses were cool ... the 6-horse hitch is my favorite ever. Here's a shot of some Percherons:



... finally the weather rocks.

Bands you need to hear

Fantastic band, those Elms. I have to see them live this year. It's a goal.

***

The Clark Brothers

I saw them on American Idol last night. They put all the Idols to shame.

***



Mike Reeb. (Formerally of Oh Discretion!) Fantastic stuff.

**

That is all.

My face hurts

I spent 3 hours at the dentist this morning. Another chapter to my saga of dental nightmares and exactly how much pain I can endure before I burst into tears and/or pass out. This time, I decided not to have any drugs. That was dumb. Somehow I made it through, having suffered a major anxiety attack and a possible OD on the anesthetic.

I went straight to work, and within an hour the numbness wore off and I was almost incapacitated with pain. Tylenol helped that, but I still feel foggy, disoriented and have discovered a nice slice on the underside of my tongue. It hurts like a bitch, and keeps bleeding. Awesome. Total shots: 6. Including one on the roof of my mouth. I can't catch a break.

**

On a good note, T-Bone has been doing really well lately. His body looks fantastic right now - thanks so adding corn and a calorie supplement to his food. Holy cow he looks sexy! Work has been going well. We took some steps back in order to really work on relaxation and working over the back. He knows how to do movements through Third Level, but I need to make sure the foundation is correct before really pursueing more advanced movements.

We have a clinic with Tom Poulin next weekend (April 12) which I'm looking forward to. Annnnd - best part is he's coming to the farm, so no traveling! Woot.

Last night I washed T-Bone's tail and braided it up into a sock. So now he looks like a proper Morgan show horse. I've actually never braided his tail up, but since it's so damn muddy I thought what the hell. Maybe I'll let it grow out until it drags the ground. Sometime this week I need to clip his legs for the clinic. Good times, good times. Show season is here ... time to rock n roll baby.

First show: May 17.