TBT: Sadie’s first show

Published on by Amanda C

Sadie was in the summer of her 3yo year (2010) when I took her to her first show. There was a great little benefit show a short trailer ride away that had something called Hunter Versatility. If you’ve never seen it, it’s kind of like a trail class meets really tiny jumps meets a flat class. To start you were to lead your horse in the ring and mount at the block, then there was an obstacle portion that included walking over small logs, a little bridge lined with flowers, an L of poles, a figure 8, etc then you walked across the road and jumped a couple of little x-rails and logs. Then you came back into the field for a little w/t/c flat class that also required you to back up and stand still. Maybe it was a bit of a challenge for a first show but it was super low key and laid back so I figured even if she lost her mind it wouldn’t be a big deal.

True to Sadie form she arrived, took one look around, and buried her head in her hay. I hopped on a few minutes before her class and w/t/c around the warm-up but she seemed pretty chill so we just hung out after that and waited for her class.

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Hangin out getting belly scratches
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In the warmup. Yes her eyes are closed. Wild baby horse.
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Scrawny 3yo neck wasn’t adorable then but it’s kinda awkwardly cute now
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Starting our course at the mounting block. Crookedly.
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And away we go
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Half circle of logs, with the scarecrow hiding on the tree. You can see the little bridge in the background.
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figure 8 through the flowery pillars
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Diving sideways over the scary crossrail
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Our faces are on point in the halt
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Pats for a good girl
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Still my favorite picture of her ever

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She won her class with an 80%. Really cool and successful first experience for a baby! I wish they still had more of these kinds of shows, it was the only time I’ve done anything like it, but what a fun change of pace from the norm.

 

24 thoughts on “TBT: Sadie’s first show”

  3. That sounds like a lot of fun! I wish I could enter Archie in something like that because I think the variety would be enough to keep him engaged. Are there points off for screaming? Also: love the breeches.

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  13. she is such a nice looking mare! definitely sounds like a fun class. we’re having something similar at my barn in two weeks (tho i think it’s just trail obstacles, not sure about any mini jumps), but it conflicts with another show that’s a bit more relevant to my interests… boo

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  14. I think we were at that show too… I definitely know the venue. It’s sad they don’t do shows anymore there – it was a very nice facility!

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