"I've decided to let some of the youth riders at the barn ride Maxine in the show," I said casually, over dinner."Won't that affect her training," asked Dad.
"Maybe, but I think it would be fun to see someone else learn from her," I replied. "At least a youth rider would have the chance to win high point with her. My age group is too competitive."
My dad had a point, but I was more amused by the fact that the man who was skeptic when I bought Maxine after only seven months of riding ("That's a big commitment,") is now showing concern for her well-being.
Fortunately, we didn't have to worry. For the past few months, Blyth and Fianna have been riding Maxine during lessons and Maxine loves every minute of it. The girls ride only during supervised lessons, so I know they're all getting proper instruction, and I don't have to worry about their safety.
This past weekend, the girls had the chance to put Maxine to the test during a local trail clinic. Maxine politely carried them for six hours on Saturday--three hours each. At the end of the day, I took a go at the obstacles with Max and I was impressed with how well they'd tuned her up on the course.
The last day of the clinic offered a practice show. I watched as Blyth, and then Fianna, skillfully steered Maxine through the course.
"She's doing a good job on that gate," said the stranger standing next to me. "Hardly anyone's made it through that gate all day."
"Really," I asked.
"Yep," he replied. "That's a nice little mule."
"Thanks," I beamed. "She's mine. I'm very proud of them both."
Proud, indeed. The scores for the practice show were posted today--Blyth received the highest score from her judge and Fianna received the second highest score from her judge. I can't wait to see how they do in the official trail show next month. Look out youth riders, Maxine's in the house!
Photo: Fianna, Maxine, and Blyth getting ready for their clinic sessions.
Isn't it wonderful how well our equines can do with children? My horse, a mare, has been around my niece since she was one week old. She had always been so gentle with her. And now my niece is five and taking lessons on her.
ReplyDeleteMy sister has an OTTB and even she is more gentle with my niece than she is with us. But she's still flighty. The only times the OTTB was freaky was anytime my niece was in her stroller when she was littler. However my niece is afraid of her because she is HUGE. My mare is only 15 hands and my niece says just the right size.
I find it amazing that my horse can be an absolute pill when I ride her, and yet in the same session she is an angel for my niece.
Love your blog! Keep up the good work!
Thanks, Nicole. Your mare sounds very nice. :)
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