Wednesday, August 27, 2008

What about me?

Well, I was so blown away by Karen's great show series that I totally forgot to tell you my story! What there is of it anyway!. My goal at the beginning of the year was to place in the top 5 in my division. I like to set small goals for myself, keeping a bigger goal in front of me- some times I make the bigger goal, but at least achieving the smaller ones gives me encouragement along the way. I always figure that if I go into the arena with the horses ears in front of me- I'm way ahead of the game if I come out of the arena with those ears still in front! For the final show I had really practiced hard, putting my horse up into a bit-using the tradional methods of the Vaquero- and I must say Desi is coming long very well. But I didn't trust him, so I put him back into the snaffle for the classes. I can't say he was really bad- but he wasn't very good the first day either. He wrung is tail, shook his head and basically told me to fuck off in horsey talk. My girl friends sat on the sidelines and just watched in horror as we left the class. They could all tell how bad he'd been. So I schooled a bit, and went in for my second class. We did a little better- at least he didn't wring his tail, or rear- but we had too many faults and didn't place. The second day was hot- sweltering and windy- like being inside a blast furnace. Just the weather I like for making good ponies! Des was great; supple,listening and willing. Beautiful. The pattern was a difficult, but I studied it, and drew it in the dirt and talked it out- yaya... all the normal stuff you should do to remember. Er... that is if your not menopausal! Sheesh! I got through the first three obstacles perfectly- with plus'es I'm sure! And then right in the middle of the fourth obstacle- I turned left and not right! I forgot the pattern- had a total blank in my minds eye! Heesuscrist! Then I just lost all focus and ticked another pole-but it didn't matter, I DQ'ed that class anyway.
So the trainers all say- put a bad ride behind you. Move on! I beat myself up for about ten minutes, and went into the next class- We were great! No ticks or touches, until the last obstacle. He was suppose to stop between the poles, do a 180 and step over the pole to exit. He actually put his foot over the stop pole and then pulled it back! ERK! Three point! Enough to put us out of the placings in a class of thirty horses.
So the last day we caught a break- the heat had abated to a mild 80 degrees. The horse was still willing and listening. We entered the arena and did a great job- touched one trot over pole and bumped the gate slightly. Eh, is that enough to put us out of the placings? I don't know! And the worse part is I won't know for at least a month! The gal that puts the scores on the website is at the Select Show! So as of Sat night I was in sixth place overall- that is the total for all 8 shows ( not including Sunday)in a class of twenty to thirty horses .
If I placed high enough I may still place 5th- and acheive my goal for this year. If not- well I came pretty damn close- and that's okay too. I've learned a lot- had a hell of a good time and met some super people along the way!
And you know what? There is always next year!

11 comments:

Pony Girl said...

Thanks for stopping by my blog! Yours looks like great fun! I am anxious to read more.
I am sorry you have to wait so long for the placings....I hope you make your goal, sounds like you and Desi did well!!

Pony Girl said...

One more thing....I have never seen Run, Appaloosa, Run! Is it an animated movie? I want to see it! ;)

Train Wreck said...

Hey just came over from my friend "Pony Girl"
Haven't seen you around, thought I'd say Hello! Hello! It looks like you just started,reconsider! It is so addicting! I started in May? I think? I am 100% addicted! Met some really great people, and had alot of great responses! Welcome, now I must "learn" more about you! Trainwreck

Vaquerogirl said...

I always enjoy meeting 'horse' people. Don't you just know that no one else understands us!
Thanks!

Anonymous said...

Hi there! Just found my way here via Pony Girl's site. Had to take a look - your comments to her intrigued me. I love meeting fellow horsey gals. I don't have a blog myself and have to always sign in as anonymous. There's hope that someday I'll figure this stuff out!! Will watch for further posts on your site - have fun!! By the way, who was that "world-class trainer" you were referring to?

Anonymous said...

Hi there! Just found my way here via Pony Girl's site. Had to take a look - your comments to her intrigued me. I love meeting fellow horsey gals. I don't have a blog myself and have to always sign in as anonymous. There's hope that someday I'll figure this stuff out!! Will watch for further posts on your site - have fun!! By the way, who was that "world-class trainer" you were referring to?

C-ingspots said...

Hi there! Stopped by your site by way of Pony Girl's site. I liked your comments/advice to her about loping. Also, am curious as to who is the world-class trainer you mentioned? I know everyone has their preferences and I am always interested in learning different techniques and learning new ways or viewpoints about horsey-related efforts. It is always so fun getting to know like-minded horse people. Congratulations on a job well done at your show. And you're right about having fun - it's always the most important thing. That's why we do this, right??

Vaquerogirl said...

That trainer is David Busick. He trains here in the SF Bay area. I must say that he stayed as calm and collect and friendly as anyone I have ever met. BTW- I also show against him and his Amatures - so the shows I went to are not fluff- but rigorous!

Callie said...

Hey there, Found you through Pony Girl! Thought I'd check it out and say Welcome! to the bloggy horse world! Can't wait to read more and maybe see a video or two!

Anonymous said...

I love the photo of Bea Kirnan, trick riding. I love to look at the old photos of cowboys and when i see one of a cowgirl, it catches my eye.

Vaquerogirl said...

Thanks Saddle Mountain- sounds like we have something in common! I have lots of old photos of Cowboys and such- and this blog is the perfet place to use them. Stay tuned for more- I hope to change them around once in awhile!