August

The nights are already getting shorter. I’m not ready for it yet. Our next APHA show is only one month away. I need to get a light in Charlie’s stall before he grows a winter coat. On a good note his bleached summer hair is shedding. Right this second he looks amazing; deep red and so handsome. His top line looks better and his hip has really filled out.


A couple weeks ago Tax twisted up a shoe, stepped on his clip and ended up with an abscess. Limping around on his front made his stifle start locking up again bad. With each step he looked like he was going to go crashing to the ground. I went home and sobbed myself to sleep. I soaked him for a couple days with Epsom salt and after two days suddenly no more limping. There’s a cut on his coronet band where the abscess may have ruptured. Started with some lunging to build back up his strength and make sure he was sound. Rode him for the first time last night and he feels stronger than before the abscess. No more locking up and his strides felt fluid and forward. Almost made me cry again but this time with happiness.

December…I love that goofy little mare. She gets so mad when I wear spurs or make her do lead changes. She does everything I ask but not without telling me in her own little way she is not pleased. Good thing she’s so darn cute. I’m thinking about seeing if I can find a kid that wants to lease her. She seems to actually like kids. She lets them get away with murder and doesn’t complain then about anything. She’d make such a nice little hunter show horse for the right one. She’d have to stay at my barn this time though. I promised her I won’t ever let anyone starve her again and I meant it.

Anyone think its possible to manage a small boarding barn with about 10 horses while I work full time? I’ve been offered a shot at it but I think I need a handy partner to help me out around the place. Still, I can’t really afford to say no right now. A little extra income would be nice…hmm…

Its Official

Charlie and I will be showing in our first APHA show on August 13th.  I just got my novice ammy walk/jog card by email and I should have his transferred papers this week.  We're really going to do it.  Now, if I can just remember to keep breathing!

I wanted to take a moment to thank my trainer Rhonda Bowerman, of Bowerman Show Horses at Sierra View Ranch in northern CA, for being the most supportive and helpful trainer I've had.  This whole APHA world is new and scary for me and she makes it seem so easy.  I think my favorite thing about her though is seeing all the horses at the shows that she trained as youngsters who are still showing in their teens and are sound, healthy and happy.  She knows how to win and has a reputation for it without grinding her horses into the ground. 

In addition to that she is the absolute queen of showmanship and halter.  I never imagined liking showmanship (what, you don't actually ride the horse?) but I have learned to enjoy the partnership and the careful planning it takes to execute the pattern.  Its teaching me not to be nervous in front of a judge and that is priceless.

I'm going to show in the showmanship classes and maybe halter for fun.  I may not win but every person in the class helps the winners get APHA points and its time to pay my dues even if I don't place.  I'm certainly going to give it my best though!  Expect some updates and maybe some pictures soon.