Upcoming show

[Marsha Cassada]

The Oklahoma Miniature Horse Club is hosting a show next weekend. It is combined AMHA/AMHR, back to back. I'm not very competitive and don't really enjoy showing--and neither does Dapper Dan. However, I want to support the club so I will enter a few classes. Preparing for a show really brings home the things that need work!! DD forgot how to back into a box. We worked on that tonight and I was shocked. Our pleasure driving just doesn't call for much maneuvering, so we are very rusty! I don't anticipate winning a ribbon, but maybe by entering some classes we can help some other exhibitors earn a few points.

Showing just isn't my "thing", but it is an excellent motivation to improve driving skills and get one's cart/harness/horse thoroughly clean.

I know we would excel if the stewards could have a few barking dogs leap out onto the course, or maybe have a fire engine siren...

 

[Jules]

Hope you and DD have fun,I get what you mean about it not being totally your thing. My ponies and I would also excell at calmly navigating barking dogs, revving motorbikes, kids on scooters...etc etc ;-) lol

Hope you get some nice photos of you and DD all polished up on the day

 

[Marsha Cassada]

I got together with friends today and practiced cones. We'll work again on Monday.

The horse I was boarding last winter, Smokey, was one of the horses today. He is with the trainer now, but his owner felt comfortable driving him today also. I actually drove him, too. He is turning out to be very showy, single pleasure, we think.

We were driving in a very small town; there was a large field by the cotton gin where we set up cones. After practicing, we went to the gin and drove onto the scales. I was driving Smokey and my friend was driving my Dapper Dan. We both had Jerald runabouts. Dapper Dan is 32" and stocky. Smokey is 36" and lean. DD+rig/driver weighed in at 500# and Smokey+rig/driver weighed in at 480#. My cart has a tool box on it, plus many more harness parts; Smokey was minimally harnessed without even breeching. We thought about going back over and weighing them unhitched, but it was getting hot and we were all tired. Next time I think I will do that. DD could stand to lose about 20 pounds!

Another practice session planned for Monday. It's good to get motivated to have a refresher course!

 

[paintponylvr]

I can't wait to hear about your show!

 

[Marsha Cassada]

I'm feeling more confident. We practiced cones again today and the blue tarp. He's getting better at the cones. Backing nicely into a box needs some more work. I'm rather dreading the grooming. I'll be by myself and I'm afraid I won't think of everything.

Cones, backing, turning in a circle, tarp, driving on a board--what else do I need to be aware of? It's been several years since I did an obstacle class and I can't remember everything.

 

[Marsha Cassada]

The Show sounds as though it will be well attended. I was only needed in two classes to help with points. Luckily neither was the obstacle class! So, harness polished and cart shined up! Dapper Dan clipped, and gets his final bathe and tweak this evening.

While working on the cart, my husband noticed the valve stem bulging. Luckily we had a spare tube; would NOT have been pretty to get to the show and have a flat.

I was dreading it, but now am looking forward to it.

 

[paintponylvr]

Luck to you!

Can't wait to hear how you both do.

 

[Marsha Cassada]

Well, we survived the show. There was a break in the weather and it was very much cooler, too! Dapper Dan and I came in last in both classes but it was in incredibly informative day.

First of all, there were more driving hroses than I've ever seen at a local show. All the classes, from roadster through the Pleasure classes had multiple entries--except one. My friends and I were blown away at the quality of the driving horses! Their movement and refinement were over the top! Beautiful turnouts, too. There was not a single horse like mine in the classes, whereas a few years ago he would have been among the group. These horses had terrific action!

I learned that horse is definitely not a Country Pleasure horse by the new class definition. If he ever goes to a show again it will be in Classic Pleasure. I entered Country Pleasure as that is what we used to do, and I have the wooden Jerald EE cart--seemed logical to me. NOT!

The only driving class with one entry was the Under 32". The trend appears to be toward the taller horses in the driving classes. Everyone I talked to agreed that the taller horses are more fun.

I did get compliments on my turnout presentation, and a couple of young lady exhibitors marveled that Dapper DAn was so "buff". Dapper Dan did a great job for me and seemed to enjoy his outing.

Enjoyed the day and seeing all the horse folk, who are sort of like an extended family. Smokey's owner and trainer were with me, and they are excited about showing him next year; he is the high action type of horse that could do well.

www.cassphoto.com/chickasha.jpg

 

[Margo_C-T]

Attractive turnout, Marsha! Sounds like you enjoyed the experience...which is what it really should be all about!

What kind of breast collar is that? Is it the new Camptown one, or one from Chimacum Tack, or some other maker? Do you like it?

I got a new riding mule, so haven't been here in a while, what with the 'shopping', then the shipping, and the acclimation(and now I need a new saddle that fits BOTH of us....)---so haven't been over here. Good to see that things are still perking along!!

Best wishes,

Margo

 

[Marsha Cassada]

Attractive turnout, Marsha! Sounds like you enjoyed the experience...which is what it really should be all about!

What kind of breast collar is that? Is it the new Camptown one, or one from Chimacum Tack, or some other maker? Do you like it?

I got a new riding mule, so haven't been here in a while, what with the 'shopping', then the shipping, and the acclimation(and now I need a new saddle that fits BOTH of us....)---so haven't been over here. Good to see that things are still perking along!!

Best wishes,

Margo

IT is a Camptown collar and yes, DD and I both like it. I was going to put the regular breast collar on the harness for the show, then thought What The Heck! Country Class/Country vehicle/Country harness. My turnout gave the show folk something to talk about.

What do you know of treeless saddles for your mule? They seem to be a popular new type among riders here.