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Discussion on 2009 Show Season is Starting
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Member:
mrose
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Posted on Thursday, Jan 15, 2009 - 1:12 pm:
Hard to believe, but the 2009 show season is starting, so I thought I'd start a new thread for everyone to post this years show pics, experiences etc.
Our first show will be 1/22 in Pomona at the Whittier Lions Club Arab show. I'm not showing; I haven't been able to practice enough. But, the stallions will be showing in Trail Class with their trainer. I'd love to visit with anyone that can make it. I doubt the guys will do a lot as this is a new discipline for them and they haven't been at it very long. But, it should be fun and it's a good excuse to go down and sit in the warm sun and watch a horse show.
I think Jos is going to drive up from Ramona and join me also.
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Member:
lilo
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Posted on Thursday, Jan 15, 2009 - 4:18 pm:
Sara - good luck to the boys. Say hello to Jos from me, although we have never met, I feel I know her.
Is Denver on your list for this year? Would love to meet up with you again.
Lilo
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Member:
mrose
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Posted on Thursday, Jan 15, 2009 - 5:11 pm:
Hi Lilo,
I don't think we'll be going to Denver this year. I've switched trainers and Mikey and Waseem are now in with Lou Roper down in N. San Diego county. He is showing mostly in California and Scottsdale, along with US and Canadian Nationals.
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Member:
lilo
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Posted on Thursday, Jan 15, 2009 - 6:57 pm:
Hi Sara - too bad, I can't make it to the California shows. But I can cheer you and the stallions on remotely!
Lilo
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Member:
mrose
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Posted on Thursday, Jan 15, 2009 - 7:40 pm:
I'd enjoy seeing you, Lilo. If I head your way I'll be sure and let you know! It will be an interesting year. The boys are learning this new skill much faster than I am I think!
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Member:
leslie1
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Posted on Thursday, Jan 15, 2009 - 11:06 pm:
Cant wait to see how everyone does
Cheers to all
Leslie
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Member:
paardex
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Posted on Friday, Jan 16, 2009 - 9:19 am:
Sara is being trained and learning just as good as the boys: I've seen them!
It is so much fun to see the stunned look on Mikeys face that a new discipline EXISTS! Boy he thought he had seen it all!
Sara made a brave attempt at showjumping in a western saddle clipart{wink}] but at my question if a showjumper saddle would not be more comfortable performed the task like it was supposed to be done[one groundpole AFTER each other instead of three in one jump.
I think she and Mikey would do fine in Ireland together with Imogen too!
Jos
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Member:
stevens
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Posted on Friday, Jan 16, 2009 - 9:45 am:
Lou Roper! Boy, there's a name from the past; he's been around forever and is great.
I remember seeing him at a PCQHA symposium years ago for a demonstration on trail obstacles. He did his demo, than at the end DrOpped the reins and did the course again; sans reins. Very impressive.
Will you be there for the entire weekend?
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Member:
mrose
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Posted on Friday, Jan 16, 2009 - 10:58 am:
No, the boys are showing on the 22nd and I plan on leaving the next day. There's too much going on at home right now for me to be gone longer than necessary. Can you make it over?
Hey, what happened to Amanda (I think that was her name) that was riding a buckskin and wondering what color clothes to wear? She was doing pretty good for a beginner as I recall; I was wondering if she's going to be showing again this year? Anyone heard from her?
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Member:
hollyw
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Posted on Friday, Jan 16, 2009 - 12:17 pm:
I think Amanda was Cyndy's helper in South Carolina.
Need photos of the Trail Classes, Sara, please.
LOL . . . mostly, I want photos of the warmth and sunshine . . . LOL
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Member:
mrose
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Posted on Friday, Jan 16, 2009 - 1:20 pm:
Holly, I'll get photos and maybe even outdo myself and remember to take the video camera! I'm looking forward to the warmth myself! I'm tempted to rent a stall next to one of the stallion's and just move in down there until the worst of winter is over!
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Member:
stevens
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Posted on Friday, Jan 16, 2009 - 3:16 pm:
Sara,
Sorry, Thursdays are tough as I work out by LAX. You can probably make it home from Pomona in about the time I would take me to drive across LA county 
Maybe some other time.
Chris
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Member:
mrose
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Posted on Friday, Jan 16, 2009 - 5:00 pm:
Sorry I'll miss you. I'll let you know if we come to the LA area again.
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Member:
mrose
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Posted on Sunday, Feb 1, 2009 - 4:10 pm:
If you go to www.robhessphotos.com then click on the Whittier Lions Club Show 2009, then click on list of exhibitors, click on Meadow Rose, and you will see Mikey and Waseem in the trail class with Lou.
They got a 2nd and 3rd in the Novice division, which was pretty good. When I first saw the course I was afraid they'd trip and fall on their noses! You can barely make it out, but the gate has a pole about a foot off the ground that they have to cross over while going through the gate.
In the open class, which they also rode in (5th and 6th place) they had to back up to the gate, side pass over to it, go through it (without the rider DrOpping the latch rope) side pass back to the gate so the latch rope could be latched, then back through poles out of the "U" shape that was around the gate. Also, there was another pole about a foot off the ground that they had to go over at either end of the bridge, and they had to turn in a very small box. I am SO glad I wasn't riding. I for sure would have gotten lost and forgotten an obsticle or gone the wrong way! The horses are supposed to DrOp their noses (on their own) as they go over the poles and bridge - the main reason they lost points. You start with a score of 70 and then get points added or taken off, similar to reining.
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Member:
sdms
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Posted on Sunday, Feb 1, 2009 - 6:24 pm:
Great photos, Sara!! Congratulations to Mikey and Waseem for place and show. Which of them took 2nd and which 3rd?
By the way, I thought I could post a direct link to the picture page but it doesn't look like it's going to go to the correct page. The actual link to Rob's site is https://www.robhessphoto.com/. There's no "s" on the end of photo so this should go to the correct site.
Congrats again! Looks like they had fun!
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Member:
scooter
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Posted on Sunday, Feb 1, 2009 - 6:48 pm:
Thanks for sharing the photos Sara they look great!
Congrats on placing, Pretty good for their first time in a new discipline
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Member:
mrose
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Posted on Monday, Feb 2, 2009 - 12:30 am:
I think Mikey got the higher placings. I'm not really sure. I was too surprised they got anything. The classes were fairly large.
Has anyone else started showing yet? Our next show will be in Scottsdale in a couple of weeks, but I think only Mikey will be going. Waseem had an old injury flare up a little and may not be recovered in time. My first show will be a small show in March. I'll do o.k. in western pleasure probably, but I've got my doubts about the trail classes. During a practice session I was so concerned about getting into a collected lope on the right lead that I totally forgot the last obstacle, and there were only 3 of them to do!
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Member:
lilo
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Posted on Monday, Feb 2, 2009 - 11:20 am:
Congratulations, Sara, on the good results! They look great in the photos, paying attention to where their feet should go.
Good luck for the next shows,
Lilo
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Member:
mrose
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Posted on Tuesday, Feb 17, 2009 - 11:39 pm:
We are headed home from Scottsdale in the a.m. Mikey and the rest of the horses left Monday a.m. I hate leaving as some of the best classes will be the end of this week and I could easily hang out and watch through the weekend.
Mikey's first class was Saturday afternoon, Open Trail, which is for all riders and horses, but is usually only trainers on more experienced horses. Lou put Mikey in the class so he could use it for a practice class. Mikey got a 59, which wasn't great, but considering how good he looked for the most part, and considering some horses got zeros or really low scores, I was o.k. with his score.
A couple of hours later was his "real" class, Limit Horse Trail class. He got a score of 61, which was fairly respectable and I was pretty please since he's only been in training for Trail for two months now.
I didn't realize he had qualified for the Championship class, but he did, and that class was Sunday a.m. He went and did his thing and got a score of 63. I figured this is good; he's improving every ride and looking better and better. There were some really good horses in that class and it was a big class, so I watched a few more rides then drifted over to watch some Sport Horse classes.
Turns out that Mikey had to have a re-ride for some reason. I wasn't there, so didn't see it and don't know why he was called back to the arena. Lou told me Mikey was flat out in his stall and sound asleep and the groom had a hard time waking him up and getting him to his feet. He practically drug him out of his stall and threw a saddle on him and rushed him back to the arena where he did the course again and got a 69! And, he wound up with a Top Ten!! I couldn't believe it!! Needless to say I'm thrilled and amazed! And, now know that evidently the way to win with Mikey is to let him sleep until just before his ride!
I bought a DVD of his ride so I could watch it. When we get home I'll post it somewhere so you can see it and see the course. Actually, I don't think the course was as difficult as the one in Pomona.
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Member:
scooter
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Posted on Wednesday, Feb 18, 2009 - 6:18 am:
How exciting Sara, CONGRATULATIONS!!!! What an accomplishment for being in training for trail for such a short time . Looking forward to the video!
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Member:
lilo
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Posted on Wednesday, Feb 18, 2009 - 9:30 am:
Sara - I am glad Mikey got his nap!!!! Great results! Lilo
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Member:
paardex
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Posted on Wednesday, Feb 18, 2009 - 1:00 pm:
Anybody that wants a relaxed performance horse should breed with Mikey!!!
Nice color and beautiful head as an additional benefit
Congratulations for Sara Mikey and trainer Lou! Are we planning on Nationals this year with an even bigger fanclub?
Jos
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Member:
leslie1
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Posted on Wednesday, Feb 18, 2009 - 3:02 pm:
Yay!
Cant wait to see him in action
Congratz Sara!
L
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Member:
canter
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Posted on Wednesday, Feb 18, 2009 - 8:20 pm:
Congratulations, Sara! You must be SO proud!
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Member:
hollyw
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Posted on Wednesday, Feb 18, 2009 - 9:04 pm:
Sara, I am so happy for you and "the boys." I would love to have seen them in the classes. Next, you'll be doing the Extreme Cowboy Races with them!!
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Member:
jowidner
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Posted on Wednesday, Feb 18, 2009 - 9:40 pm:
Way to go, Sara and Mikey. Just goes to show the importance of napping!
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Member:
mrose
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Posted on Tuesday, Mar 3, 2009 - 10:44 am:
O.K. guys; I've been trying to post video ever since I got home from Scottsdale and can't figure it out. I paid $65 for the video, which I bought from Seehorse Video, and evidently they want me to pay another $65 anytime I want to share it or send a copy to anyone as the copy is protected. I'm going to call Seehorse and see what the deal is. I'd like to post it on our website. Sorry.
I'm supposed to show Mikey myself in my first Trail class this coming Sunday. I'll try and get my sister-in-law to video it for me. It should be good for a laugh; I'll be the one lost and confused in the middle of the course!
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Member:
cheryl
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Posted on Tuesday, Mar 3, 2009 - 11:21 am:
Sara - Just read the course to Mikey - He'll take you through it without a bobble Just have a good time - how could you not - riding a horse like Mikey???!!!
Cheryl
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Member:
stevens
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Posted on Tuesday, Mar 3, 2009 - 4:39 pm:
Sara,
Ask if you can walk the course a couple of times. I always found that to be most helpful. Show management doesn't always think to make it available. I had a trainer once who insisted upon it. Consequently, her barn cleaned up in trail.
Good Luck!
Chris
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Member:
jowidner
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Posted on Wednesday, Mar 4, 2009 - 11:16 am:
Oooh Sara, You've just given me a great idea. GPS systems specially programed for trail classes and hunter/jumpers. "Turn left at the bridge, cross, and turn right at the raised poles" or "Turn right after the oxer, left at the open water"
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Member:
mrose
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Posted on Wednesday, Mar 4, 2009 - 11:54 am:
Chris, you do get to walk the course. I just have a short memory to start with, then tend to "blank out" in the show ring! Maybe I can get Mikey to walk the course along with me. I'm sure he has a better memory than I do!
Jo Ann, Exactly! It could look like one of those wrist monitors for respirations and heart beat; or the timers cross country jumpers and runners use.
btw - I email Seehorse about not being able to post video clips and they emailed me a long, instructional email telling me how to do it! So, as soon as I get some time I'll try again.
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Member:
paardex
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Posted on Wednesday, Mar 4, 2009 - 3:18 pm:
Well as it is allowed that the dressage programs are read to you by an assistant I can't see why the trail can't be read to you!
I could try...
Jos
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Member:
mrose
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Posted on Wednesday, Mar 4, 2009 - 3:44 pm:
I already asked about that, Jos. Seems it's not in the rules. 
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Member:
hollyw
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Posted on Wednesday, Mar 4, 2009 - 7:31 pm:
Sara!! I blank out in the show ring, too . . . LOL . . . One reason I don't like showing. I get too many butterflies in my gut . . . and decide that it's more fun to be out on the trail or in the arena with friends just training or trail riding than trying to perform under scrutiny . . .
I know some folks thrive on it, but my childhood was marked by lots of scrutiny and criticism, and I've never really enjoyed the experience . . .
Would love to see you ride the trail course. I will have to make up a tougher one here in the arena for my students. They are great for building confidence, focus, skill, and balance.
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Member:
stevens
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Posted on Thursday, Mar 5, 2009 - 9:39 am:
While it's true that dressage riders are allowed a reader, it doesn't always help. As a scribe I've seen plenty of riders go off course with a reader! Some folks just get discombobulated.
I hadn't thought of ever asking for a reader for a trail course since it is against the rules to receive "help" from any source (except) the horse! We had an older gentleman in the barn with the trainer I mentioned above who bought a very seasoned trail obstacle horse. In one class, he had an obstacle that was a bridge with a tire at the end (this is before they outlawed tires). The rider was so intent on the next obstacle that he was steering before he was off the bridge and would have missed the tire completely except for his horse who got the correct feet cleanly in and out of the tire with his neck pulled almost at a 90 degree angle to his body; what a good boy!!
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Member:
canter
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Posted on Thursday, Mar 5, 2009 - 10:22 am:
...and to Chris' point, some READERS get discombobulated! I gave up years ago having my Mom help me practice/memorize my tests. She was either 4 moves ahead of us or 3 movements behind. Last year, a dear and trusted friend read for me at a show. However, a friend of hers saw her standing there in the middle of my test and tapped my friend on the arm to say hello (idiot!). This of course threw my friend off. I knew the test well enough to not make a physical error, but it mentally threw me off and my poor friend was mortified and felt horrible.
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Member:
dres
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Posted on Thursday, Mar 5, 2009 - 10:49 am:
a hem.. I am one of those riders... had a reader.. reader said turn right.. i went to the other right... heard that dang BELL ring.. ugh.. huh/what?
This summer it will be 3 years since if i have shown competitivly, a couple of schooling shows but nothing serious .. This year was to be my year to get out there once again.. BUT with the dang economy, i will have to pick and choose carefully what i do .. 
Have fun Sara.. can't wait to hear and get pictures too..
On the first day God created horses, on the second day he painted them with spots..
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Member:
frances
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Posted on Friday, Mar 6, 2009 - 8:18 am:
Ummm ... "the other right"??
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Member:
sdms
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Posted on Friday, Mar 6, 2009 - 3:38 pm:
Sure LL, "the other right."
Reader: "Proceed working trot from X. Track right at C."
Rider tracks left at C.
Reader: "NOOOOO...your OTHER RIGHT!"
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Member:
dres
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Posted on Friday, Mar 6, 2009 - 3:54 pm:
Could not have re lived it better!! Yup that other right got me several times!~
Can't wait to hear from Sara W..
On the first day God created horses, on the second day he painted them with spots.
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Member:
frances
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Posted on Saturday, Mar 7, 2009 - 6:44 am:
Aaahh - THAT other right .. silly me!
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Member:
mrose
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Posted on Tuesday, Mar 10, 2009 - 8:31 pm:
I just wrote a nice long report and the (&#^%#@ computer froze up; I'll try again.
The show was a lot of fun. It was a nice sunny day and "the crowd" from Lou's barn were there as well as a lot of other friendly people. We all had a great time.
I got a first in my Western Pleasure class, even though I've had better rides.
The trail classes were held in a 2nd arena and were "open card" where you just told the judge which class you were in and which course you were riding, then rode when ever there was an opening, and between your other classes.
My first class, a walk jog, went pretty good. I managed to follow the course, with a couple of mid-course corrections jammed in, but made it over and through everything. The gate, however, gave me a hard time. Mikey has side-passed beautifully on another section of the course, but at the gate we had problems and he was wiggly. The stupid latch had a bull snap on it, which I couldn't open for the life of me. Finally, very frustrated but trying not to show it, I just DrOpped the reins over Mikey's neck and bent over towards the gate and used two hands to open the darn thing. We then went through the gate and did a decent back up and side pass then I had to use two hands to close the thing. Luckily the gate was the last obstacle.
In my second class I had more problems. First of all, it was a walk,jog, lope class when I'd been told I was going to just be in walk-jog classes; one more thing to remember! I managed to enter on the correct lead, and got to the gate, which was the first obstacle. Again had a rough time with it and the judge finally said to just go on to the next thing. This flustered me (already flustered due to the gate) and I couldn't remember which way to go. I did the next thing o.k., but then got lost and went the wrong direction over the third obstacle. I finished everything but in the direction. So, I was DQ'd from the class. Somehow I managed to get a 3rd in my first trail class, but I don't know how.
I DID learn a few things; take each obstacle as a separate "deal" and even each step of each obstacle separate instead of worrying about the entire course. Finish one thing before going on to the next. Part of my problem with the gate was that I reached for the latch before halting from the side-pass and completing that movement. Then, when I leaned over to reach the latch and mess with it, I bumped Mikey on the side without realizing it at the time, and he thought I was telling him to move in a different direction, which accounted for the wiggling. Oh well. Now I'm anxious to see if I can do a course again and remember the lesson and do better.
It was fun, though, and I was the only one that had problems of one sort or another. The best ride of the day was done by a 12 yr old girl. It figures!
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Member:
hollyw
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Posted on Tuesday, Mar 10, 2009 - 9:57 pm:
Sara, I always have trouble with bull snaps, too, and can't understand how they can be opened and closed effeciently. I know they are strong, but they are really tough for me to open with one hand.
Congratulations on your wins. I would love to see you ride the class. Where is your next show? Is Waseem being shown, too, or just Mikey?
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Member:
scooter
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Posted on Wednesday, Mar 11, 2009 - 7:40 am:
Yes, Sara congrats on your wins! This was the first trail classes you rode in right? You'll be an expert by the end of summer.
I won't allow bull snaps on this place, I have trouble with them too! You'll have to get a loose one and carry it in your pocket and practice opening them with one hand
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Member:
canter
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Posted on Wednesday, Mar 11, 2009 - 7:44 am:
Congratulations, Sara & Mikey!
I've been told too, when riding a dressage test, to take each movement of the test seperately and to re-group quickly if there is an error and simply move on to the next step of the test as if starting over....HA! So much easier said than done! I simply don't know how people go into these things with nerves of steel.
Anyway, the reward is in the effort and I'm glad you had so much fun. Would love to see some pictures.
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Member:
lilo
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Posted on Wednesday, Mar 11, 2009 - 10:00 am:
Sara, congratulations to you and Mikey. I think for the first time, you did great and learned a lot. Trail classes sound interesting to me - as if you learn something you can actually apply.
Good luck for the next one,
Lilo
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Member:
dres
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Posted on Wednesday, Mar 11, 2009 - 10:29 am:
You did great! I hate ANY latch on gates.. my poor hands just don't work like they used to, AND i usualy have to take off my gloves to work them!~
In dressage we ride from letter to letter, so if I make a mistake on one move/ letter .. i can make it up on the next and the next .. so you can redeem yourself if you ride movement to movement..
Have to say you got me wanting to play at Trail .. I put up a lot of fun things in the arena last week after your short email, just to play with.. side over a log, walk over a tarp, back thru a L.. small potatoes but it was fun , and different..
On the first day God created horses, on the second day he painted them wth spots..
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Member:
mrose
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Posted on Wednesday, Mar 11, 2009 - 12:10 pm:
Fran "nerves of steel?" That's a laugh! I can be so relaxed, having fun, etc. and the minute I walk into the arena it's like someone threw a switch and I'm a nervous wreck. It's a wonder my poor horse can figure out what I mean about anything. I've been told that the more you show the less it bothers you. I've decided that's a myth right up there with " breed her and she'll settle down!" Been waiting 26 years for that one on my old mare!
Waseem had an old injury act up so we didn't show him this show. He is getting older (19) so I baby him and don't push him.
Ann, it is "catching." I've seen some English trail classes at shows. I've always thought going over, around and through things is good for the horse as it makes them think. I never realized how much it made the rider think also. I've now got some little things set up in the arena and am leading Libby through them; it's much less boring then just walking her in circles.
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Member:
stek
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Posted on Wednesday, Mar 11, 2009 - 12:41 pm:
Great job Sara, IMO just getting all the way through the course, correctly or not, is an accomplishment!
I haven't done any trail classes in an arena but have done several 'trail challenges' that are out on an open course. One thing I have always wished was that they would keep the course up and open for an extra day or two after the class so I could go back through it and practice! It drives me nuts to mess up on an obstacle and not be able to go back and work through it till I get it right!
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Member:
canter
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Posted on Wednesday, Mar 11, 2009 - 1:12 pm:
I hear ya, Sara. The "more you show, the less it bothers you" theory doesn't work for me either.
I think the only thing that may every work for me is a little pharmaceutical or alcohol help!. The problem is in working out exactly how much help I need to relax in the saddle without falling out of it!
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Member:
mrose
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Posted on Thursday, Mar 12, 2009 - 1:27 am:
Shannon, do you do Competative Trail rides? They seem like a lot of fun. I'd love to hear some of your experiences if you do them.
Fran, it would be pretty embarassing to fall off in the line up or when saluting the judge! I've ridden with half a glass of wine before the class and it's worked pretty good. But I've gotten lectures about "controlling nerves" and learning to direct the nervous energy. Evidently, I haven't learned that skill. I feel a bit like Luke Skywalker before he learned to use "the force." If only I could eventually learn to use and "harness" the force as effectively as he did! Of course, I wouldn't want to wind up "on the dark side" like he did; maybe I'll stick to a little wine! It does just take a little of the edge off. I wonder if one should up the quality of the wine according to the size and importance of the show?
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Member:
canter
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Posted on Thursday, Mar 12, 2009 - 7:17 am:
Lectures, schmectures, Sara! I say if the wine works for you...go for it! And regardless of the size and importance of the show...always go for the best quality. Heck, you deserve it! (and keep your fingers crossed that they don't start doing random drug/alcohol testing on the riders!)
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Member:
stek
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Posted on Thursday, Mar 12, 2009 - 3:45 pm:
Sara, I got into competitive trail stuff a couple years ago and really enjoy it. The ones I've done are similar to some of the cowboy challenge type rides that are becoming more popular now. The obstacles range from things you'd see in an arena trail class like bridges, backing through obstacles, gates etc, with the added benefit of being able to do real 'outdoor' obstacles like deep water crossings, big rocks, steep hills, and gallops. And sometimes you can ride with a buddy which is also really nice.
I do it just for the exposure and entertainment and am not in it to win it (my trail horse is somewhat of a chicken) so it's way fun for me. The things that I know are too much for him, like riding under a clothesline with sheets flapping like mad in the wind, I just hop off and walk through and to heck with my score!
Adding the cross country gallops and outdoor element really adds to the 'up' atmosphere for the horses and can be quite a test. Racing across a field, then asking your horse to stop and sidepass like a gentleman through a gate that's not attached to a fence, or cross a bridge in the middle of nothing can be a real challenge!
Funny though, sometimes the things that you think are going to be impossible are no trouble at all. The last ride I did had a big scary looking covered bridge (tough enough on it's own), but you had to climb down the bank and ride through the water under the bridge, then back up on the other side, then through the covered bridge.
If you have the chance to participate in a ride like that I'd highly recommend it! Great fun for the rider and great fun and challenges for the horse too :-)
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