susanne
dB
The morning of the Evergreen show dawned with a mad panic...
In typical susanne fashion, I was absolutely swamped the week before the show and realized I had way too much to do the night before. Daryl kindly dropped his trailer off so we could load it before he returned at 5:30 Friday morning, so we should have been in good shape. I had laundry to do for both people and horse, gear to pack, feed to bag up, a cooler to fill...but first I absolutely had to take a short nap...
...the next thing I knew, Keith was telling me it was 5:00 am...OH @#*%!!
We flew about madly, stowing horse things in the trailer, setting out things to go in the van, feeding and watering dogs, cats and stay at horses...amazingly we were almost ready when Daryl arrived (since I had no time to make coffee, we did have to stop for a latte...a non-negotiable issue.) Last minute grooming had to wait for when we arrived, while boot and halter polishing would be done on the way. Laundry was just wishful thinking.
As always, Daryl seems to see us at our worst, but he still puts up with us! (So long as we fix our headlights, right Daryl?)
Once again, Mingus was a trooper, loading and travelling like a pro, hopping out once we arrived and lunging willingly to loosen up his road legs. Despite our tardiness and panic, the show office had yet to open; the show steward, however, was all set up for measuring. Mingus is right at 38 inches, so I always hold my breath at this point, but I could have saved myself that stress, as he cleared the stick easily.
Despite pre-registering, checking in seemed to take forever, with updating AMHR membership and getting my amateur card (my disorganization alone should have vouched for my amateur status!). As I signed up for an additional class -- color -- a voice behind me said "Oh you definitely have to show him in color!" It was Tracy of Flying G; we had been stalled next to one another last year at this same show, and talked briefly, but didn't realize at the time who each other was.
Finally, I was free to prepare Mingus for his public (he always seems certain everyone has come to see him). I had bathed and done last minute trimming (halter path, muzzle, etc.) at home, so I just needed to brush and wipe him down with a damp rag, blacken hooves and brush out his mane and forelock. I use just a tiny bit of "product" on him...a touch of "Shine" on muzzle and ear tips and at the base of his mane (doubling as holding gel for the pieces of hair that refused to lay flat). He was already glossy enough to blind the pilots flying overhead from the nearby military bases.
Since we were showing out of Daryl's trailer, we were in the parking lot and easy for others to find. Liz, Martin, Colton and Brandon all came by, then Shannon of Show Offs By Shannon, products under one arm, and her adorable Silky Terrier, Joey, under the other. She couldn't stay for the show, but stopped by to say hi. Keith told me that someone else had come by and recognized Mingus, and from his description, I knew it must have been Leia, and sure enough, she came back by, Kody in tow, on their way to the wash rack. While I had never met Leia other than online through the forum, it seemed as if we had known one another all of our lives, other than the fact that I mispronounced her name (sorry, Leia!). And Kody!! What a sweet, smart, wonderful horse -- beautiful and with tons of personality...my kind of mini for sure. No doubt, these two knew each other in a former life.
We were almost ready, but Mingus suddenly became terribly impatient. He had eaten and been watered, so I was uncertain what the problem was until he stretched out and let loose with a flood...fastidious gelding that he is, he hadn't wanted to pee on the blacktop and risk splashing his belly or feet, but he just couldn't wait any longer...I felt so guilty.
Soon it was showtime, and we slipped on his show halter and made our way to the arena. First up was model geldings, over...two entries, Mingus and me, and Tracy of Flying G with her friend's gelding. Mingus remembered his lessons well and set up nicely, but he wouldn't give ears...perhaps he was still ticked (pun intended!) about getting his feet wet. He stretched beautifully and held it -- until the first judge came by. Then wouldn't you know, he had to fidget and dance. but he settled down by the time the second judge came by. Mark Bullington announced the results, with Mingus getting second place. I got Mingus' red ribbon and started toward the gate, only to hear Mark say over the PA, "susanne, don't leave yet!" Dummy me had forgotten there were two judges, and two decisions. The second judge gave Mingus first place. Good thing I hadn't left!
(Because of the poor lighting in the arena, we have no photos from the show ring)
Next up was open gelding halter over. Again, Mingus did beautifully, although his bozo of a handler waited too long to trot! I must have been off on another planet, since Mark said over the PA, "smile susanne!" (I'm usually the one telling everyone else to smile!) Still no ears from Mingus. He doesn't give them in training, but at previous shows he has been all ears, no cajoling necessary, so I adn't worried about it. (We're going to invest in peppermint candies, since he lit up later when Liz "crinkled" for him.) Midway through the class, Mingus became antsy again, moving out of position, but at least with a bit of backing I got him back into place and set up again. Moving over to the rail, he began to act up, but then calmed down. The first judge gave him the gate...the second gave him fourth. Not bad with such beautiful horses in the class!
I had planned on splitting handling duties with Keith, but somehow that didn't happen. I had to show Amateur, as I was the only one with an Amateur card, and then I just went ahead with color as well. Amateur went the same as Open...fidgeting and dancing, but he keeps getting better, and in between fussing, he set up beautifully. Again, nothing from the one judge, 4th from the other.
As we waited for Solid Color, another forum member recognized Mingus -- Nancy (Equisize) -- who is an absolute delight! Once again, I felt so at ease with, as if we had met in person years ago and were just picking up where we had left off. She wasn't able to bring her "girly-girls" due to their coughs, but I'm hoping she'll make it to the Columbia County Fair -- a small but very fun show.
I had hesitated entering color, as the arena at this facility is so dark -- not advantageous to a bay -- but I needn't have worried...just two of us, and again a split decision. Mingus got a red and a blue.
We now had a break until Liberty, the last class of the day. First we watched Leia and Kody in Obstacle Driving. Kody took this very seriously, but I could hear him laugh when they came to the blue tarp. "Harumph!! I'm a CDE horse -- I'm used to REAL water hazards!"
We visited Liz and company and gave Mingus a chance to roll in a stall, then headed to the Prime Design booth, home of the much coveted Shetland-style show halter (browband and throatlatch). Mingus had modeled it last year for Liz and Hillary, and Keith and I had drooled all over it at the Boring show, but now I was going to break down and actually buy it for my boy. They remembered Mingus and even the specific halter we had tried out, and we once again put it on him. Ahhhhhh. Daryl seconded our opinion that this is indeed the look for Mingus, making him look like a hunter. No backing out this time...Mingus now had his halter, complete with brass concho and gold braid browband...quite yummy!
We sauntered back to the trailer, admiring him and enjoying ourselves, when I heard class 30 being announced over the PA -- Liberty was class 31!! We raced around to find lunge whip, soft barn halter, etc., as Daryl brushed shavings from Mingus' mane, tail and body, then raced over to the show ring. Once we arrived, I realized that I didn't have my jacket and was wearing a sleeveless top, and much worse, Keith didn't have his number. I raced to the van and back. Of course, class 30 was a long one, so we now had to wait -- we had panicked over nothing. But this gave us more time to visit with Nancy and Leia, and to talk with others waiting for liberty. One woman saw Mingus and told me, "It's a crime that he's a gelding!" GULP (that was me). Big compliment for Mingus, but not so much for me...Oh well, you can't glue them back on, and I know we made the right choice.
Keith had written a new tune, "Horseplay," for Mingus, more of a country feel with great rhythm, and this was its debut. We all stepped out into the arena, the music began, and Mingus took off, thrilled to be free. He circled the arena beautifully, trotting briefly with knees high and tail flagged, but he then went straight for the gate and stopped to visit with the horses outside. I realized too late that I had made a huge mistake. I had positioned myself toward the middle of the arena, thinking that would be a good place if he decided to run to the end and roll. Next time around, same thing, and although I now moved to the gate, it was too late. The catch was flawless, though not quite what we had practiced. I've taught Mingus to bow, and he and Keith were to bow to the judges once Mingus was haltered. Instead, as Keith bowed, Mingus reared! It was actually better than any bow, but it did nothing to help him. He didn't place at all in Liberty.
But now we were done...time for fun! We put Mingus' new halter back on so he could show off, and went to visit with Liz, Martin, Leia, Nancy and Michael and to check out Leia's hyperbike. What a great cart, with a seat that even my achy back can love (although I have to pull my gimpy leg into place...not terribly graceful!) To demonstrate how light it is, Leia pulled me down the barn aisle...where's that driving whip when I need it?
Liz and Martin are both wonderfully nurturing people, taking care of everyone in their midst, and since the afternoon was hot, Martin picked up a bottle of water and offered Mingus a drink, not knowing that Mingus LOVES to drink from bottles and cans...Mingus demonstrated his great skill at this and polished off the entire drink, hardly spilling a drop.
As we all yakked, Martin asked Colton if he wanted to ride Mingus. This is something I've always wanted to try, but I never had the nerve to suggest to anyone that their child be the first ever to ride him! Colton was eager, and Martin hoisted him 38 inches off the ground and settled him onto Mingus' back. Martin was right there to hold Colton and grab him in case Mingus objected, but he stood rock still as if this were old hat...perfectly happy to oblige.
We then walked him down the aisle, and Mingus moved ever so slowly and smoothly, careful not to upset his rider. Brandon also got his turn, and then Colton rode Kody, who also proved to be a perfect mount. Seeing these adorable little boys riding these beautifully proportioned little horses distorted one's perspective: They looked like full-sized riders on full-sized horses.
We all ended up in the meadow behind the barns, where Liz and Martin set up one of their jumps. I was pooped and let Keith and Martin jump Mingus as Brandon and Colton brought me daisies (the quickest way to my heart!) At first Mingus was uncertain...these jumps were quite different from the jerry-rigged obstacles at home (made from plastic lawn chairs and PVC pipe), and Keith really hasn't worked with him yet. But Martin took Mingus in hand and soon had him flying over the top height with room to spare. This is clearly a talent we need to develop!
Kody then showed Mingus how it's really done -- with enthusiasm and grace -- then settled down to more important things, like socializing with Mingus and eating grass, a well-deserved treat after a long day of showing.
The day was winding down; we still had a 2-1/2 hour drive back to Scappoose and Daryl had to drive himself home after he dropped us off. So we gathered our gear, loaded Mingus into the trailer (with his own well-deserved treat). We returned to a couple of very excited little horses who had been left at home...Thelonius and Flash let loose with a chorus of high whinnies (yes, Thelonius was squealing like a girl...), greeting their friend as if he had been gone for weeks instead of hours. Mingus, of course, immediately rolled until a thick coating of dust obscured his famously shiny coat and mane and tail were properly tousled and tangled.
After we emptied the trailer, thanked Daryl once again for his unbelievable generosity and help, and got everyone settled in and fed, we fell into the sleep of the dead. Exhausted, but very happy.
In typical susanne fashion, I was absolutely swamped the week before the show and realized I had way too much to do the night before. Daryl kindly dropped his trailer off so we could load it before he returned at 5:30 Friday morning, so we should have been in good shape. I had laundry to do for both people and horse, gear to pack, feed to bag up, a cooler to fill...but first I absolutely had to take a short nap...
...the next thing I knew, Keith was telling me it was 5:00 am...OH @#*%!!
We flew about madly, stowing horse things in the trailer, setting out things to go in the van, feeding and watering dogs, cats and stay at horses...amazingly we were almost ready when Daryl arrived (since I had no time to make coffee, we did have to stop for a latte...a non-negotiable issue.) Last minute grooming had to wait for when we arrived, while boot and halter polishing would be done on the way. Laundry was just wishful thinking.
As always, Daryl seems to see us at our worst, but he still puts up with us! (So long as we fix our headlights, right Daryl?)
Once again, Mingus was a trooper, loading and travelling like a pro, hopping out once we arrived and lunging willingly to loosen up his road legs. Despite our tardiness and panic, the show office had yet to open; the show steward, however, was all set up for measuring. Mingus is right at 38 inches, so I always hold my breath at this point, but I could have saved myself that stress, as he cleared the stick easily.
Despite pre-registering, checking in seemed to take forever, with updating AMHR membership and getting my amateur card (my disorganization alone should have vouched for my amateur status!). As I signed up for an additional class -- color -- a voice behind me said "Oh you definitely have to show him in color!" It was Tracy of Flying G; we had been stalled next to one another last year at this same show, and talked briefly, but didn't realize at the time who each other was.
Finally, I was free to prepare Mingus for his public (he always seems certain everyone has come to see him). I had bathed and done last minute trimming (halter path, muzzle, etc.) at home, so I just needed to brush and wipe him down with a damp rag, blacken hooves and brush out his mane and forelock. I use just a tiny bit of "product" on him...a touch of "Shine" on muzzle and ear tips and at the base of his mane (doubling as holding gel for the pieces of hair that refused to lay flat). He was already glossy enough to blind the pilots flying overhead from the nearby military bases.
Since we were showing out of Daryl's trailer, we were in the parking lot and easy for others to find. Liz, Martin, Colton and Brandon all came by, then Shannon of Show Offs By Shannon, products under one arm, and her adorable Silky Terrier, Joey, under the other. She couldn't stay for the show, but stopped by to say hi. Keith told me that someone else had come by and recognized Mingus, and from his description, I knew it must have been Leia, and sure enough, she came back by, Kody in tow, on their way to the wash rack. While I had never met Leia other than online through the forum, it seemed as if we had known one another all of our lives, other than the fact that I mispronounced her name (sorry, Leia!). And Kody!! What a sweet, smart, wonderful horse -- beautiful and with tons of personality...my kind of mini for sure. No doubt, these two knew each other in a former life.
We were almost ready, but Mingus suddenly became terribly impatient. He had eaten and been watered, so I was uncertain what the problem was until he stretched out and let loose with a flood...fastidious gelding that he is, he hadn't wanted to pee on the blacktop and risk splashing his belly or feet, but he just couldn't wait any longer...I felt so guilty.
Soon it was showtime, and we slipped on his show halter and made our way to the arena. First up was model geldings, over...two entries, Mingus and me, and Tracy of Flying G with her friend's gelding. Mingus remembered his lessons well and set up nicely, but he wouldn't give ears...perhaps he was still ticked (pun intended!) about getting his feet wet. He stretched beautifully and held it -- until the first judge came by. Then wouldn't you know, he had to fidget and dance. but he settled down by the time the second judge came by. Mark Bullington announced the results, with Mingus getting second place. I got Mingus' red ribbon and started toward the gate, only to hear Mark say over the PA, "susanne, don't leave yet!" Dummy me had forgotten there were two judges, and two decisions. The second judge gave Mingus first place. Good thing I hadn't left!
(Because of the poor lighting in the arena, we have no photos from the show ring)
Next up was open gelding halter over. Again, Mingus did beautifully, although his bozo of a handler waited too long to trot! I must have been off on another planet, since Mark said over the PA, "smile susanne!" (I'm usually the one telling everyone else to smile!) Still no ears from Mingus. He doesn't give them in training, but at previous shows he has been all ears, no cajoling necessary, so I adn't worried about it. (We're going to invest in peppermint candies, since he lit up later when Liz "crinkled" for him.) Midway through the class, Mingus became antsy again, moving out of position, but at least with a bit of backing I got him back into place and set up again. Moving over to the rail, he began to act up, but then calmed down. The first judge gave him the gate...the second gave him fourth. Not bad with such beautiful horses in the class!
I had planned on splitting handling duties with Keith, but somehow that didn't happen. I had to show Amateur, as I was the only one with an Amateur card, and then I just went ahead with color as well. Amateur went the same as Open...fidgeting and dancing, but he keeps getting better, and in between fussing, he set up beautifully. Again, nothing from the one judge, 4th from the other.
As we waited for Solid Color, another forum member recognized Mingus -- Nancy (Equisize) -- who is an absolute delight! Once again, I felt so at ease with, as if we had met in person years ago and were just picking up where we had left off. She wasn't able to bring her "girly-girls" due to their coughs, but I'm hoping she'll make it to the Columbia County Fair -- a small but very fun show.
I had hesitated entering color, as the arena at this facility is so dark -- not advantageous to a bay -- but I needn't have worried...just two of us, and again a split decision. Mingus got a red and a blue.
We now had a break until Liberty, the last class of the day. First we watched Leia and Kody in Obstacle Driving. Kody took this very seriously, but I could hear him laugh when they came to the blue tarp. "Harumph!! I'm a CDE horse -- I'm used to REAL water hazards!"
We visited Liz and company and gave Mingus a chance to roll in a stall, then headed to the Prime Design booth, home of the much coveted Shetland-style show halter (browband and throatlatch). Mingus had modeled it last year for Liz and Hillary, and Keith and I had drooled all over it at the Boring show, but now I was going to break down and actually buy it for my boy. They remembered Mingus and even the specific halter we had tried out, and we once again put it on him. Ahhhhhh. Daryl seconded our opinion that this is indeed the look for Mingus, making him look like a hunter. No backing out this time...Mingus now had his halter, complete with brass concho and gold braid browband...quite yummy!
We sauntered back to the trailer, admiring him and enjoying ourselves, when I heard class 30 being announced over the PA -- Liberty was class 31!! We raced around to find lunge whip, soft barn halter, etc., as Daryl brushed shavings from Mingus' mane, tail and body, then raced over to the show ring. Once we arrived, I realized that I didn't have my jacket and was wearing a sleeveless top, and much worse, Keith didn't have his number. I raced to the van and back. Of course, class 30 was a long one, so we now had to wait -- we had panicked over nothing. But this gave us more time to visit with Nancy and Leia, and to talk with others waiting for liberty. One woman saw Mingus and told me, "It's a crime that he's a gelding!" GULP (that was me). Big compliment for Mingus, but not so much for me...Oh well, you can't glue them back on, and I know we made the right choice.
Keith had written a new tune, "Horseplay," for Mingus, more of a country feel with great rhythm, and this was its debut. We all stepped out into the arena, the music began, and Mingus took off, thrilled to be free. He circled the arena beautifully, trotting briefly with knees high and tail flagged, but he then went straight for the gate and stopped to visit with the horses outside. I realized too late that I had made a huge mistake. I had positioned myself toward the middle of the arena, thinking that would be a good place if he decided to run to the end and roll. Next time around, same thing, and although I now moved to the gate, it was too late. The catch was flawless, though not quite what we had practiced. I've taught Mingus to bow, and he and Keith were to bow to the judges once Mingus was haltered. Instead, as Keith bowed, Mingus reared! It was actually better than any bow, but it did nothing to help him. He didn't place at all in Liberty.
But now we were done...time for fun! We put Mingus' new halter back on so he could show off, and went to visit with Liz, Martin, Leia, Nancy and Michael and to check out Leia's hyperbike. What a great cart, with a seat that even my achy back can love (although I have to pull my gimpy leg into place...not terribly graceful!) To demonstrate how light it is, Leia pulled me down the barn aisle...where's that driving whip when I need it?
Liz and Martin are both wonderfully nurturing people, taking care of everyone in their midst, and since the afternoon was hot, Martin picked up a bottle of water and offered Mingus a drink, not knowing that Mingus LOVES to drink from bottles and cans...Mingus demonstrated his great skill at this and polished off the entire drink, hardly spilling a drop.
As we all yakked, Martin asked Colton if he wanted to ride Mingus. This is something I've always wanted to try, but I never had the nerve to suggest to anyone that their child be the first ever to ride him! Colton was eager, and Martin hoisted him 38 inches off the ground and settled him onto Mingus' back. Martin was right there to hold Colton and grab him in case Mingus objected, but he stood rock still as if this were old hat...perfectly happy to oblige.
We then walked him down the aisle, and Mingus moved ever so slowly and smoothly, careful not to upset his rider. Brandon also got his turn, and then Colton rode Kody, who also proved to be a perfect mount. Seeing these adorable little boys riding these beautifully proportioned little horses distorted one's perspective: They looked like full-sized riders on full-sized horses.
We all ended up in the meadow behind the barns, where Liz and Martin set up one of their jumps. I was pooped and let Keith and Martin jump Mingus as Brandon and Colton brought me daisies (the quickest way to my heart!) At first Mingus was uncertain...these jumps were quite different from the jerry-rigged obstacles at home (made from plastic lawn chairs and PVC pipe), and Keith really hasn't worked with him yet. But Martin took Mingus in hand and soon had him flying over the top height with room to spare. This is clearly a talent we need to develop!
Kody then showed Mingus how it's really done -- with enthusiasm and grace -- then settled down to more important things, like socializing with Mingus and eating grass, a well-deserved treat after a long day of showing.
The day was winding down; we still had a 2-1/2 hour drive back to Scappoose and Daryl had to drive himself home after he dropped us off. So we gathered our gear, loaded Mingus into the trailer (with his own well-deserved treat). We returned to a couple of very excited little horses who had been left at home...Thelonius and Flash let loose with a chorus of high whinnies (yes, Thelonius was squealing like a girl...), greeting their friend as if he had been gone for weeks instead of hours. Mingus, of course, immediately rolled until a thick coating of dust obscured his famously shiny coat and mane and tail were properly tousled and tangled.
After we emptied the trailer, thanked Daryl once again for his unbelievable generosity and help, and got everyone settled in and fed, we fell into the sleep of the dead. Exhausted, but very happy.
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