Horse showing is exhausting…
It seems a glamorous sport, certainly an expensive one, but it’s hard work for many…
For the Old Ladies Horse Showing, it is a blast. I’m sure Bart might rather be at home, but maybe not today. Harry says the rain has been a deluge. Here, in Nebraska, the trees are in bloom, a couple of weeks behind Missouri, so we are enjoying a second Spring. It’s cool and delightful, and indoors, so rain is not a concern, but there hasn’t been much, anyway.
Today’s class was a Speed class, meaning the fastest clear round wins. Alas, all of us at Kirin Farm had four faults (one jump down), so no glory. But we were all very happy with the way our horses performed. It was a good start. Tomorrow, since they were good, the horses will have a day off jumping in preparation for the Adult Jumper classes on Saturday and Sunday.
Here is a link to Bart’s round, which was forward for sure. I am a bit of a mess, too busy with my body, but he is a great horse. I am so lucky! https://youtu.be/WANXoYZjVXU
We watched the vaulters having Familiarization (what we call practice, I think). It’s fascinating to see such a different equestrian sport. And these are FEI vaulters, so they are at the highest level of the sport.
We watched a variety of demonstrations, not all of which I recorded. At the end of the day, there was a clinic with Olympian Melanie Smith Taylor and her assistant, Alicia, doing groundwork. Melanie was one of my riding idols when I was young. She now does commentary for show jumping broadcasts and teaches some clinics. Jane and I were lucky enough to attend one a few years ago, and became friendly with Melanie through Lisa Roskens, who is the power behind the Omaha International Horse Show, and a friend. Melanie and Jane and I share an affection and admiration for Linda McClaren, who was recently a visitor to Bronze Fox Farm. Small world.
We went to dinner at a wonderful restaurant with Lisa and company. I can barely keep my eyes open, but am feeling incredibly fortunate. More tomorrow…
Be safe, be well. Slava Ukraini! Peace.
Yay, looks like fun! Thanks for your kind words. Greetings and best wishes to all.
Slava Ukraini! Peace.
What fun. Once again your blog brings it all home with none of the work. Thanks for that. The Jumbotron proves you got the Weber award. You “hit a lick”. We all miss you here.
Wonderful commentary and photos! The vaulting is an exquisite form of human and horse, much like ballet. i think it is beautiful! What a treat for you all!! Bart is so cool. You beat the time! Looks like a delightful horse show, friendly and educational. The Midwest remains the place to be for good ole horse showing, riders enjoying themselves and their mounts, comng together not only to show off their skills, but to enjoy themselves in the community they love. Love it!!
Such beautiful horses. Good luck!
Anne, this is fascinating, eye-opening. Some time I’d like to be one of those volunteers, just to get in on it all.
Congratulations on your win!
So fun to see your blog. Thanks for sharing—I definitely want to get to the International of Omaha one of these years soon!!! Good luck this weekend!
Anne, if I read the clock photo right and the results right, but for the unfortunate rail, your time would have put you third!? Is that right? they only publish the top three so we can’t see the whole class results. Beautiful, galloping round, you guys look great. 🙂 Someone lit a fire under Barty!