Jewel at her first horse show....

OHHA Western State Horse Show

So I have decided to brave the horse show world again. However I am going at it will a different mind set. Not one of to "win" but to make it thru the show with no issues and having fun, both my horse and myself.

Back when I was younger, I would go to a show with the sole goal of winning. Of course something would have been forgotten (show clothing, show supplies or some such thing) and I would have to school my horse at least once in the day. What was I thinking? Why was I so mean to my poor horses. They would be so gooped up with show shine, hair gel, baby oil, totally hairless from their ears to their white socks. Some would be set with fake hair, which I think looks as comfortable as wearing a tampon and the string is riding wrong. I am sure that my saddle did not fit well and I was concerned with if there was enough silver on it to compete. And that was just a pleasure show.

I only rode once at a "Games" competition, but did announce for two years. Wow, am I glad I did not get into that. All the horses with all sorts of gag bits to help stop them when their owners are whippin' or spurrin' them to run faster. Oh also the tie-downs so that the rider does not get popped in the face as the horse jumps out the gate (if they can get the horse thru the gate at all). More welts on horses sides than I care to remember. But there is money to be won and that is all the really matters.

Now do not get me wrong, there are thousands of good horse owners out there that love their horses and would never subject their animals to that, and then there are those who just do not know any better and believe what the "trainer" says is the in thing. And last there are those who turn a blind eye to win and those who do not care what it take to win as long as they win.

So that brings me to this weekend. I do not own a expensive horse, heck both are BLM mustangs, one cost me 125.00 and the other was free. Both are just bay with a few white markings. A ton of hair, which is beautiful, but takes some care. I own an old saddle that was given to me and just some plain halters I purchased from the local Co-op. I sold my expensive horses a couple of years ago and all my show gear. So why would I show??

I enjoy the company of people with horses, that have horses to enjoy horses. So my trail riding friend, said lets show the young'ens. What the heck, I have rode Jewel twice this summer and um, that's it. Why not?

My goal was, not to have her drag me anywhere, or to run me over in the ring.

So Friday, she gets her first 'show' bath. Have I washed this horse before? Ummmm, nope. She stands in the sprinkler, should be okay to wash her. What a dream, however I do not think she likes to be clean...Saturday morning, I needed to bring her back in and wash a second time. Heck while I am at it, lets see if I can clipped her bridle path and nose....Nose check, no big deal. Bridle path, I think the lawn mower could have done a better job with less toe pain. Oh well, I just wanted it to look like I somewhat planned to show her...

We arrive at the Fairgrounds and what a joy. She is 14 hands(okay maybe 13.2) and built like a little quarter horse. I think she is cute. However we do not compare to the turned out Paints and Quarter horses(all about 15.2 hands) We stand around well, like any four year old. Can I see this, how about this, is your show number edible, does your shirt need to be clean in the back? All the normal things. So we only showed the halter classes. We do not trot on line well and oh we do not know what setting up is either, let alone to stand quietly for 10 minutes. But she did not drag me anywhere, nor did she run me over in the ring. No bucking, no biting, no issues.

Was just a blast to be there, we both enjoyed the day. Got to look around, smell the sights and just be us. No gel and all our winter hair in its glory. No silver and no drama. We got two ribbons, both the last place in our classes, but I would not trade then for anything.

Till next time,
Me

(Will post a picture later)

Around Round Lake...

So all summer my friend has wanted to ride around Round Lake. So Sunday we decide to ride part of the trail. We started on the south side of the golf course.

What an amazing area. The shrubs are staring to turn yellow and red. The berries have all ripen and the birds are abundant. A few loose cow, made for some excitement, too.

Mica and Lila were ready to go. We had bells on, so that we were not mistaken for deer as it is Bow season. Also so that the bears knew were we coming and could politely leave. Luckily we did not meet any bears, so it must work..LOL

A little before the halfway point, we decide to just keep going. What a way to motivate. We ended up riding the whole trail. It took us about three hours (eight miles) and we ended at the house (on the north side of the golf course).

I had a blast. It was so awesome to set out and just enjoy the ride, the horses, the company and the surroundings. It was quiet, beautiful and peaceful.

Afterwards, we enjoyed some good-old homemade beef vegetable soup. A pleasure in and of itself. I can't wait till next year. We plan to ride all the way around Aspen Lake..

What has happen to people??

Saturday, we went to the fair in Tulelake. I am not sure what has happen to people in general. I was amazed at the rudeness and down right meanness. I try to avoid people like that, but we got stuck there for an additional three hours as not one but four people blocked our rig in parking. No way to get out, just had to sit and wait. Also the pushing in lines, rude comments as people pass you by, trash dropped on the ground, outhouse/bathrooms a disgrace. What happen to pride, to doing the right thing, not the easy thing??

And then Monday night, I found out that people have been spreading rumors and other means thing about a friend. Just because they are either unhappy with themselves, their work, or their life in general. She works hard and loyally at her job, is dedicated to her family, has a passion for horses and is a great friend.

I understand that not everyone will like everyone, but why must we attack each other.

I had a similar conversation on the trail ride Sunday. A local club is doing a clinic, however you must be one of "them" to attend. If you do not agree with all of "their" views, then you are not welcome, at all. The group "promotes" everyone welcome, but will spread rumors and untruths till the ones that are not welcome move on. And if you going the club and they do not like you, well forget being treated with any respect, you are just dirt in their path of life.

It is truly sad to know that our world, really just our home town, has people who can not play nice. Who find it more worthwhile to destroy than to build up.

I believe that all have the right to practice what they believe, and in everything is truth. Just because I do not take what someone says/practices/believes as whole truth, I do believe that there is truth there.

Take a silent moment today, do a kind act, try to improve, respect all no matter how small, mean, unkind or undeserving, love a little extra, give thanks and count the blessing you have, not the ones you want or are missing.

As my friend said "Life's too short to spend so much time complaining, gossiping, and spreading negativity."
Till next time,
Me

Crazy Croc in Dundee, Oregon

Wow, what a match. The Crazy Croc is a blast to attend. All stages have over 50+rounds per stage. Which makes for lots of reloads. Thank goodness it is only pistol. Jacob was fifth Junior this year, but first D class and Wally was first C class Limited. Would have been nice to have all the classifier in to have him in B class. Hopefully next year.

The weather was great on Saturday. Warm but nice cloud cover. However, it poured on Sunday. Was not too bad as the range has cover, but on our second stage of the day the squad behind us catch up (we were on the Standards stage) and decide they wanted the cover and thus moved our gear carts out into the rain. In the end all our ammo, pistols and bags were soaked and I am sure the camera will not recover. Was the only sad part, as most time the shooters have a lot of respect for each other. To come to a match and have that happen is a sad thing.

Drove home Sunday night. Tired and ready to be done for the year. Only have two more matches this year and one more outing. Also we are Bow hunting this year. We will be ready to just crash once October gets here.

Started back to work on Tuesday. I am glad to be back and I really enjoy the work. Kayvon also started school on Tuesday. He is a Freshman is High School. Wow, seems like last year we were buying crayons and pencil boxes. Now it is binders and gym shoes. Jacob being an 8th grader got to start school on Wednesday, this gives the incoming 7th grader a chance to get to know the school and how class schedules work. I think it is an awesome set-up to have the 7th and 9th graders that opportunity to see the school, classes and teachers without the pressure of upper-class man bugging them.

With is being Thursday, I feel that life has made it back to a normal schedule. School for the boys and I, work for Wally and just a few more hectic weekends. WooHoo...

Till next time,
Me