Each year the AIQH (associazione italiana quarter horse) hold shows around Italy and the regions. Today was the third in this years program and it was being held at the Ranch. During the week leading up to the show all the disciplines are practiced in the arena; As the courses for both the ‘horsemanship walk and trot’ and ‘trail ride’ were laid out I thought this was a great opportunity for Charlie and I to work on these more structured routines. With no intention of entering the stage, there was no pressure…
Ready for action.
The “walk and trot” pattern seemed simple enough, straight line walk to marker 1, 90 degree turn on the spot to the right, then trot a semi circle to marker 2, stop, back and finish. The precision of the 90 degree turn took some practice.. but we got there in the end. The trail ride is a course of various cones and posts to navigate at walk, trot and canter, including slalom, a reverse maneuver, between posts with a 90 degree turn!, and a opening passing through and closing a gate.
This seems to be a discipline that Charlie really enjoys, with no great exactitude at this stage, but this is of little importance right now, what was fantastic was his enthusiasm to learn, as he navigated each obstacle I could sense his lift and I am sure he was smiling!
And they’re off…
I was so encouraged by his performance I made the decision to enter him in each, with absolutely no expectations form either of us – I think I was 14 the last time I actually entered a horse related competition!
Trotting over the poles.
The result..
So proud of my boy Charlie (Lakota Windchaser) – Spanish Mustang Extraordinaire. Our first Western riding competition, surrounded by lots of new sounds and activity. Charlie was amazing, I forget he is only just 4 and has been in Italy only 8 weeks. We came first in our category for ‘Horsemanship walk and trot’,but I missed a cone for the ‘Trail ride’ so we were unplaced (damn that human!).
Reversing around a corner.
Heading for the gate.
Through the gate.
However I have no doubt that Charlie would have done well if I’d got the course right. It is unimportant for me to compete but, the experience alone made us winners!…
Creating a dust bowl. Charlie was here!
Letting off a bit of steam after the competition.
