Hunter Show Last Weekend

This past weekend (12-20-2008) I decided to make a switch and do something with my broke horses rather than stay home with the babies. I figured that Ziggy wouldn't mind taking the weekend off (which has actually turned into taking Sunday and Monday off as well since it's been so cold!).

Loaded up Itty Bitty (aka Skipping to the Bar) and rode down to Red Horse Stables in Bowdon, GA for a small hunter schooling show. The weather was PERFECT - I even showed in my polo shirt since I thought my hunt coat would make me too warm! Jonathan, one of my 4-Hers that I teach twice a week/helps me exercise horses, also showed and did a wonderful job! Both Jonathan and I took home the Championships in our divisions!

Here's a video of Itty and I showing in the 2'3 Division:

Here's a picture of Jonathan and Itty posing with their ribbons:

All in all it was a super fun day, and the people at Red Horse Stables were incredibly nice. They even lent me a horse for the fun show at the end so Jonathan and I could both show in the same classes! We'll definitely head back there next year for another one of their series.

Heidi :)

Since it's still a month until my mustang gets here, I thought I would document my Yellow Roan of Texas geldings progress in being broke under saddle. Yesterday he got tacked up with the "big boy saddle" for the second time, and like the first he just ignored it. I picked this saddle in particular because it severely needs some baby powder and creaks if you even look at it wrong. I figure if he can get used to this one, then he will be used to them all!

I went through the normal things with him - longing at walk/trot/canter, turning around, whoa, etc, then brought him to the center. The first time I went to pretend to put my feet in the stirrup he acted like I was going to kick him in the belly! So around and around in circles we went. Luckily, my patience is better than his though and he soon tired of the game. Then I added jumping up and down while holding onto the saddle. Again - he had some spazz moments but quickly settled down.

This colt is not a deadhead but he is definitely smart! It seems once he learns or accepts something that it really sticks. I'm hoping to climb on board on Friday!

Heidi :)

We're in!

I'm so excited! I just received the email that I have been accepted as a trainer in the 2009 Gatorland Extreme Mustang Makeover competition in Ocala, Florida! I get to pick up my mustang on Saturday January 24th in Marianna, Florida.

Since this is my first post, I'll tell you a little about myself. My name is Heidi and I live in Atlanta, Georgia (Tyrone to be exact). I'm 27 years old and currently own 6 horses, 1 miniature donkey, a 7 week old great dane merle puppy (appropriately named Pony), a 15 year old Aussie, and 3 cats (2 of the house cat variety). I spend most of my free time riding and training my horses and going to shows almost every weekend. Usually two weekends a month are spent at hunter jumper shows and 2 weekends at American Ranch Horse Association shows where we compete in everything from working cow horse to ranch cutting to roping. It's quite a variety and definitely keeps me busy!

I decided to apply for the Extreme Mustang Makeover in November and already have tons of support from my friends and family. I'm planning to document my progress in training via this blog, including pictures and video, so all of you can follow along on my journey! I'm sure it's going to be a wild one!

Heidi :)