A Horsey Weekend

This was my kind of weekend. Not often anymore do I get to spend more than the briefest amount of time around horses, and as many of you know there were many years when my time was split mainly between horses and reading about horses.
Friday I was able to go on a trail ride with a neighbor and fellow ex-Shelter person. The day was gorgeous and we ambled all over while discussing horses, family and where the stock market might bottom out.
Friday evening Jordan took a quick ride on Payton then we bathed him and cleaned her tack to prepare for her show Saturday morning. Next morning we loaded up and drove to my friend Rosy's farm where she puts on several fun, low-key shows a year. Jordan's friend Alexis was able to show as well, and they had fun being there together. Alexis rode Daisy, the school horse Jordan had in the last show, and Jordan had our Payton. The girls did great and brought home an array of ribbons as you will see on our slideshow. The weather continued to be about as perfect as anything I can imagine. I joked with a few friends about the transition from rider to "horse show mom" while toting mane combs, safety pins and brushes in my pockets, but I'll get my chance to show again before long, and it is such a joy just to see all the kids learning the sport and to watch the joy and confidence young girls get from horses.
Then Sunday afternoon the girls got to take part in a vaulting clinic at the barn where they ride. A friend of their instructor teaches vaulting and competed in that sport at William Woods University in Fulton where there is a nice equestrian program. She brought two of her vaulting horses, both draft crosses with big broad backs and steady temperments, and the kids got to learn how to boost each other up while the horse walked in his circle, sit front and backwards, and do moves like tall kneel, windmill, flag, stand, and dismount while he moved. It was very cool and a unique experience. She shared a great website, http://www.americanvaulting.org/ that has a great photo section if you are curious just what vaulting is. Basically gymnastics and riding together, like you may have seen in circuses.