Random Things I Discovered

Found a pond on a walk.

So, there were all kinds of new things that came into play at the Stanton Farms show. Not only did I discover that we could survive an event and even put in a little good work out there, I learned how to survive everything else.

Exhibit A: Hobbles

Dis iz my prizon and deez R my shacklez. 

People might get a little upset with me about this, but that's ok. Because I'm a honey badger. Baconator has been learning to wear hobbles at home in case they were going to be needed at the show. I have seen a lot of horses weave, but none quite exuberantly as a Bacon can when she puts on her crazy pants. She can do it at such lightning speeds that she begins to hover above the ground. I thought, maybe, if she can't do that, she will brain a little better. And she does. She can still walk fairly normally in her shackles, and even weave, but not like a psychopath. She does a little weave here and there, and then takes a nap and stays calm the whole time. She got to go on lots of walks and did not wear them at night, and this system worked very well. It kept her from injuring herself too, so that was nice.

This prizon food is delicious though.

Exhibit B: Horse Quencher

Flavor these, servant.

The handful of adventures that Bacon got to on earlier in the year determined that I needed to find something to encourage my horse to drink more. She would hardly empty a bucket in a day, and we just can't have that. My search led me to Horse Quencher, a flavored grain item that you empty into the water bucket and let sit for an hour. I ordered samples in apple, root beer and peppermint flavor. It turns out that Bacon much preferred the flavored water over the plain water bucket I had for her. Root beer being her favorite! It was super easy and convenient, and she consumed at least 2 buckets of flavored water a day. Samples (1 single serving) were bought through the website for $2.50 and free shipping. There is also a butterscotch flavor she may have to try!

Exhibit C: Foal Competition Jacket

Sassy tail flip.

I was a little worried how I would ride in my jacket. It is a little tight in the chest (damn you boobs) so I didn't know if it was going to restrict me. I used it for both dressage and show jumping. I was also a little worried about it passing the color guide, but no one questioned it. I did not notice it for dressage, but I was a little frustrated and dealing with a coiled spring as a horse. I was really worried for show jumping, but again, I did not notice it at all. It wasn't hot. It was stretchy and flattering, and I even got some compliments. I really adore it!

Exhibit D: Gag Bit

Gag engaged. Looking a little silly. But under control.

How dumb is an Alyssa? Pretty dumb. As is, let's test out a new bit out on cross country kind of dumb. Aimee lent me a small village of bits earlier in the year to see if there was something that would help me bring my horse up in front. She loves her waterford, but was starting to bow up and dive down into it like a horse on the track, and I spent most of my energy trying to bring her back up before the jumps. I'm not the biggest fan of switching bits, but hey, I can only do so much. She was known on the track as a difficult hold (exercise rider would come back with arms shaking), and I don't need that in my life. I'm a sissy lala. So we tried a three ring (NO), a rubber mullen mouth Pelham (sort of NO), and then I had the full cheek gag. I threw it on last minute, figuring she mostly listens and isn't too offended by bits, so we will see. Aaaannnnddd that is her new jump bit. She stayed up and fairly light and listening throughout cross country, and did fairly well again in show jumping. I think I need to do more adjusting, because when the bit is engaged, there is some major gaping of the leather straps, and she obtained a rub. So I will remedy that. But yay!

So excited. Look at all of that excitement.

So, there you have it. That is some of the major things I took away and experienced while up there. All good things! I had a happy and sane (and hydrated) horse, I looked cool in a jacket, and bits are nice things when they work. Do you learn new things at every show?

Icing done right, by Noah Constrictor. Hay, water and spa time.