This weekend my equestrian center was hosting a horse show. It was a small unrated or county show. This is largely different from what I used to compete in, which was considered "A" or "AA" show and was governed by USEF. A whole different, expensive beast with more $$ thrown into it as well.
I didn't enter Calvin in this tiny show, although it would have been fun if I had the time just to see how he'd do. Regardless, I decided to ride him and walk him around where the show was happening. Anyone who has attended a horse show knows the "vibe" that goes with it. There's a sort of electricity in the air. Fueled by nervous horses and riders, adrenaline, and competition. I talk about this electricity because horses usually always act differently at horse shows unless they are seasoned. I got on Calvin and right away could tell it was going to be a fun ride.
He was so distracted by the show it was hard to keep him focused in the arena! This meant lots of training to keep his mind busy which he didn't really enjoy, but was good practice for "focus on me not the other horses!" I had to work him harder than usual and that did eventually tire him out. Once he was tired enough that I knew he wouldn't spook at everything, we decided to walk around the show grounds. I would have taken pics except I was more focused on making sure he didn't throw me or take off. It was good for him to see new things and feel that electricity without the pressure of having to actually compete.
The next day, after the horse show was over, I turned him loose in the big arena and oh my god did he run. He ran so much that it's a miracle I stayed on the day before with this much pent up energy! You'd think living in a pasture would give him that outlet to run but apparently not. I guess I'll be turning him loose more frequently. All things considered he was very good this weekend. He even got some compliments on how handsome he was. Hard to disagree, he looks so spiffy in his dressage tack!
Here are some pics from just hanging out in his pasture:
His "omg that's the spot" itchy face
Nothing beats a good roll after a bath, also that's his new fly mask. He seems to prefer the ones with ear holes as they don't make him as sweaty.
He loves to cuddle
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