Hmmm....my official measuring stick said he's 34.5" Guess I need to try it again. We were on level ground, forelegs directly under him, recently trimmed, no clothes on him, and standing quietly like a gentleman. I guess I must have somehow read it wrong but I can't imagine how. Interesting.
Shake is realy doing well. He's learned a lot since he's arrived. He has been very well mannered and was obviously well handled from birth. But, we have been doing a lot of desensitizing, learning some things like I like all of my horses to know (putting their head down on cue, giving through the poll and throatlatch when asked, flat walking without getting over stimulated, trotting in hand without being spastic, turning on the forehand, starting to learn turns on the haunch, and that sort of thing). We have also started him on a nutrition and suppplementation program that I designed and sent to the University for analysis and approval last week. He has began his conditioning program for his in hand classes this year. (Please correct my terminology, is it called 'in hand' or is it called 'halter' in the AMHRs?)
Once the vet gets his teeth done on Thursday, I measured him for a bit and we will start having him carry the bit in our conditioning work as well as accustoming him to the surcingle and crupper, and now to his new training cart...VERY slowly. We have a good year to get it done and I'm in no rush. Shake is setting the pace and I am reading his reactions before we move on to a new thing. He is easily one of the smartest horses I've worked with. He makes every day a pleasure.
We are definately going to Nationals for the Futurity class, as the rule book states that no qualification is needed for that class. With luck, we may be able to hit two shows before then so we can get qualified for open halter as well. But if not, no big deal. The real showing comes next season.
Thanks for the kind words, Pam. I know you really like Shake and I'm so flattered. He is really an amazing horse. I'm so glad I listened to Doc and went with Shake. He and I are a perfect match, personality wise.
I can hardly wait to go get his new cart on Friday. I have to borrow a truck to do it since I drive a sports car. I'm sure I won't be able to stop talking about it until I get it picked up and get a good look at it.
Looking forward to seeing you at Nationals.
Once quick question about that show...is there a place that is preferable to stall at that show? If I get entries in early, is it more likely that I will get a good location? I don't really know anyone outside of the forums, so we will be stalling alone. I just don't want to be stalled 400 miles from the show ring. Any advice as to what location to request, if that is allowed?
Thanks again. You all have been great in helping me make sure the cart is the right size. And, as always Pam, you are a great source of information.
