My reason for attending the colorful New Mexico State Fair? Horses!!
No, nooooo alfalfa breath-not carousel horses!! I mean I took two American Quarter Horses to the fair. (Did you spot the little angel in the photo above? No extra charge.)
I took a tall horse and I took a short horse. The tall horse is part Thoroughbred, hence he is tall and lanky. We refer to Quarter Horses crossed with Thoroughbreds as Appendixed Quarter Horses. These horses excel in racing, jumping, and English flat events.
The big horse's barn name is....wait for it....wait for it...... Big Guy. Clever, huh? He shows in English flat (no jumping) classes. I ride Big Guy sometimes for fun. I don't show him-my trainer has the honors. Tumbling out of a ridiculously flat strip of leather known as 'English saddle' from vertigo-inducing heights is not for me. I've matured.
I prefer the sparkly clothes and the security of a bulky Western saddle. The little horse shows in a class called Western Pleasure. The horses are s..l...o.....w.....as molasses. Riding them should look effortless and they should display flawless movement and excellent temperaments. I received a 2nd place ribbon riding my little Western Horse. Fun times!
Shhhhhh! Big Guy is taking a nap. Horse showing is hard work.
The Quarter Horse Association has implemented a new division especially for exhibitors who are aged 50 and over. It is euphemistically known as Amateur Select. Sounds special, doesn't it? Indeed we are special, and it has rekindled the competitive fire in many an oldster. We take our kid's old show horses and have at each other in the show ring. Love it.
But, are you pondering what I'm pondering??.....should there be yet another division? For even OLDER competitors? The following sight made me think this would be an excellent idea. An idea whose time has come.
What should be the name of this new classification of horse show exhibitor? My vote would be the Amateur Depends division.
You have a better idea?
2 comments:
good horse shots...butt shot best. How did this hang down happen?
S
My daughter Aura and I passed a horse trailer on the highway the other day. Aura started asking me a lot of questions about the trailer and horses and GOD SO MANY OTHER THINGS. I finally got her to be quiet by telling her that I know a lady with a blog, who knows a lot about horses. Aura suggested that we someday make a list to send to you. Hope this is okay. Also, hope that you are prepared. (Feel free to delete this comment. I wouldn't blame you.)
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