Sorting Competition at the Arena

The weekend was a great success at The King's Arena in Great Falls, Mont.  Rooster arrived extremely alert and interested in all the other horses.  But, he settled down in no time (with the help of my mare who has done this a million times and was cool as a cucumber) and stood quietly next to the other horses for the rest of the weekend.  I was worried he had gotten attached to my mare and might put up a fight when we left him to make a run, but he only whinnied a little and never got too upset or challenged his lead rope at all.  We got some riding in both days (no, we did not compete!) and went right up to the sorting pens where all the action is: Horses chasing cows, running into panels, people shouting, cheering and clapping.  Lots of great exposure for this guy and let me tell you, he did not miss a beat.  Such a cool dude!

Week Fourteen - Chiropractic

Yesterday, our favorite Chiropractor (for both humans and horses!), Dr. Mike Welker, was in Great Falls for several appointments.  He is based out of Butte, Mont. but travels this way about once per month to service clients.  Rooster has always exhibited a funky head position while lunging clockwise, so I decided to take him down for Mike to take a look at.  Mike saw it right away and suggested the condition had been with him almost his entire life.  It doesn't seem to effect every-day riding and is really only noticeable while lunging.  He flexes right and left just fine under saddle, but I will say he doesn't love working circles.  Mike said this should improve over time now that he's been adjusted, but it may never completely go away.  I think Rooster already feels better, though.

After the chiropractor appointment, I decided to take advantage of open riding hours at a local arena called The King's Arena while we were in town.  Stella's sorting competitions take place here and we'll be coming down again on Saturday with Rooster.  I thought it might be good for him to get introduced to the place before all the commotion of a big show arrives this weekend.  He took some time to check everything out like garbage cans, barrels, chairs and tables, etc. but settled right in.  It was great to have the entire place to ourselves.

We've been catching a few much-needed rain showers, but as usual, the ground has become slippery and dangerous!  The sun has been out all day, today, so I'm hoping things will have dried up a bit in time for some riding this afternoon.

Hard to believe Rooster and I will be departing for Nampa exactly two weeks from today!

Practice, Practice, Practice!

Enjoying some "trail" time after flatwork sessions.

We've spent the last week practicing and perfecting our drills.  Rooster is stepping across on the forehand quite well and we're starting to turn it into a two-track.  He's also getting much better at the side pass in both directions.  One thing we really need to focus on is Rooster's head position.  I'll be asking for a nice, collected frame from him during these last few weeks.  Also on the agenda are the trail obstacles we're likely to encounter at the competition: Side-passing over logs, crossing bridges, opening/closing gates and backing in/around poles on the ground.

Yesterday I took Rooster and my AQHA mare, Stella, to the KW Arena in Sunburst.  The three of us will be traveling this weekend to Great Falls as I'll be competing in a ranch sorting competition with Stella.  I've decided I'll bring Rooster along for the much-needed exposure of a big indoor arena and show.  I wanted Rooster to get comfortable with Stella and I riding off without him, as well, which can cause a lot of anxiety.  Definitely nervous at first, but Rooster never blew up or put up much of a fight.  I was really pleased.  After a good workout, Rooster was content to stand.

Standing quietly at the arena while Stella and I get some exercise.

Holiday Weekend Success

Made great strides with the help of Gerry Cox in Colville, Wash. this weekend! Rooster and I came home with lots of tools and tips to work on for the remaining 3 weeks until competition. Couldn't be happier with our progress!