susanne
dB
We got in late last night from the state fair, and I Keith and I are exhausted, but so proud of our boy...not so much from his placings, but from what appears to be in the future for him.
Due to work, I had to leave late Monday and get Mingus all loaded on my own (Keith was still at work), but he loaded like a pro, thanks to the wheelchair ramp loaned to us by Shari (Yay... thanks, Shari!). We arrived after the show office had closed, but we knew our stall number (in with the big horses rather than the mini barn, thanks to my procrastination). The only one around was the night security guy, who instantly fell in love with Mingus -- what a nice feeling knowing that our boy would be watched closely every night!
I was back at the crack of dawn, ready to get him all ready and check in with the office and to scout out where everyone else was...Liz (Nootka), Erin (MooreAcres), Helen Halderman, etc. I've learned my lesson about bathing the day before, so Mingus was in a good mood, even if a bit antsy. I had been worried the last few days, as Mingus' glorious summer coat is just beginning to be replaced with his winter coat, but I didn't want to clip. I ended up cleaning up his muzzle (no balding)
and under his chin and throatlatch, then clipping his bridle path nice and close.
Looking at him that morning, I knew I had made the right decision. He was glossy and smooth, with no sign of winter fuzzies. While I would have liked him to be a bit more buffed and tummy-tucked, he's at a great weight and has some nice muscling.
I'm still not comfortable with class schedules, so I was at the arena waaaaay ahead of time. (I also want him to get used to the bustle of the gate, so we walked around outside and along the walkway around the arena, staying out of the way but in sight of everyone. Finally it was our turn.
Once again, he was a bit of a bad boy but he keeps improving. In each class, he would start by dancing and half-rearing, testing to see what he could get away with. Finally he would settle down and set up beautifully, not really stretched but with his hid legs slightly back (his natural stance), and stretched his neck beautifully. We've been working on arching it more, trying to recapture the fabulous look of when he reaches over the corral fence, and he's beginning to do it on command.
First class was model gelding. When one judge came by, he said "You've got to show that boy who's boss and get him under control. It hurt him in my placing." When they announced the placements, this judge had given him third, and the other placed him second. Makes me wonder what would have happened if Mingus had behaved...
Next was senior gelding halter (over), and Mingus was beginning to settle down. This time he got 2 seconds. Okay, so there were only two in the class...This also made the senior championship automatic, so Mingus got Reserve Champion Senior Gelding, Over.
This put us in the over senior gelding supreme championship class. By now, Mingus was really settling down and standing beautifully, and really showing off. He received Reserve Champion, Senior Gelding Over.
That was it for the day, so Mingus got to go roll in his shavings and munch out on hay without concern for a hay belly...the only remaining class was liberty the following day.
...to be continued later today... (I have to get to an appointment...)
Liz got a great photo of Mingus, so perhaps if she sees this, she can post it...
Due to work, I had to leave late Monday and get Mingus all loaded on my own (Keith was still at work), but he loaded like a pro, thanks to the wheelchair ramp loaned to us by Shari (Yay... thanks, Shari!). We arrived after the show office had closed, but we knew our stall number (in with the big horses rather than the mini barn, thanks to my procrastination). The only one around was the night security guy, who instantly fell in love with Mingus -- what a nice feeling knowing that our boy would be watched closely every night!
I was back at the crack of dawn, ready to get him all ready and check in with the office and to scout out where everyone else was...Liz (Nootka), Erin (MooreAcres), Helen Halderman, etc. I've learned my lesson about bathing the day before, so Mingus was in a good mood, even if a bit antsy. I had been worried the last few days, as Mingus' glorious summer coat is just beginning to be replaced with his winter coat, but I didn't want to clip. I ended up cleaning up his muzzle (no balding)
and under his chin and throatlatch, then clipping his bridle path nice and close.
Looking at him that morning, I knew I had made the right decision. He was glossy and smooth, with no sign of winter fuzzies. While I would have liked him to be a bit more buffed and tummy-tucked, he's at a great weight and has some nice muscling.
I'm still not comfortable with class schedules, so I was at the arena waaaaay ahead of time. (I also want him to get used to the bustle of the gate, so we walked around outside and along the walkway around the arena, staying out of the way but in sight of everyone. Finally it was our turn.
Once again, he was a bit of a bad boy but he keeps improving. In each class, he would start by dancing and half-rearing, testing to see what he could get away with. Finally he would settle down and set up beautifully, not really stretched but with his hid legs slightly back (his natural stance), and stretched his neck beautifully. We've been working on arching it more, trying to recapture the fabulous look of when he reaches over the corral fence, and he's beginning to do it on command.
First class was model gelding. When one judge came by, he said "You've got to show that boy who's boss and get him under control. It hurt him in my placing." When they announced the placements, this judge had given him third, and the other placed him second. Makes me wonder what would have happened if Mingus had behaved...
Next was senior gelding halter (over), and Mingus was beginning to settle down. This time he got 2 seconds. Okay, so there were only two in the class...This also made the senior championship automatic, so Mingus got Reserve Champion Senior Gelding, Over.
This put us in the over senior gelding supreme championship class. By now, Mingus was really settling down and standing beautifully, and really showing off. He received Reserve Champion, Senior Gelding Over.
That was it for the day, so Mingus got to go roll in his shavings and munch out on hay without concern for a hay belly...the only remaining class was liberty the following day.
...to be continued later today... (I have to get to an appointment...)
Liz got a great photo of Mingus, so perhaps if she sees this, she can post it...
