Hes Home!

Last week after Bailey left I went for a lesson.  Was really good, lots of people there though but that's OK.  Doug asked if I was gonna come the next day I said I planned on it and he asked if I would bring my trailer and take him home and to the show since his trailer was full.  So no problem I was going to bring him home from the show anyways might as well.  So Friday I brought the trailer and then had another good lesson, I worked a couple cows then he worked him on the flag a bit.  It was neat to see him work Easy since I never get to.  Took him home put him in the big pen next to Pally and Trio and fed and was done for the night, I was tired and we had a show in the morning.

(watching me)

(how cute, sniffing noses, 

wasn't any squealing or anything I was surprised)

Woke up the next morning to a gale!  I never slept real good cause wind all night and was sure there was gonna be snow on the ground, but nope was actually +8 when I got up that was weird.  So did chores and got everything organized and then went to get Easy.  Neil was gonna help me cause that wind was so nasty wasn't sure of the trailer door.  I walked to the gate with his halter and he come running to me!  Probly wanted back in the barn.....sorry bud no barn here.  But was cool.  Then he did not want to load.  Took about 5 tries and he finally got in, but was screaming the whole time.  Ugh sure hoped it was only the wind. Cause I know he's been loaded a million times before.

Got to the show and miserable there too.  Still screaming in the trailer so I unloaded him and tied him to the side of the trailer with a hay bag and went inside to see what was going on.  I was way early they had just finished the open and were settling for non pro.  Still had 4 herds before mine.  Oh well got to see a bunch of the other barnies show and so that was cool.  Easy was still having a fit at the trailer 2 hours later so I finally saddled him up and brought him inside and tied him to the wall and he had a nap.  Turns out he never has been by himself before, not in the trailer or anywhere really, always had other horses around.  Might have to start hauling the pony with him everywhere we go, hell be like a racehorse haha.

But then he was warmed up nicely and I got on and rode him a bit just to see how he felt and then it was our turn.  I was last in the herd of course (again) and so just got whatever cows were left.   First one was a black and she run wall to wall.  I was pretty happy with it, I made it to the wall a few times, coulda been a little farther a couple times but I have a hard time getting him to go to the wall going left so that was big.

The second cow was much turnier was fun!  We stayed on her and she was a good cow.  Then only a little time left and I got another one cut out, that was hard but I liked my herd work on it and got a turn and the buzzer rang and so I made one more turn and we quit.    Super happy with that run and it earned me a 71!!!!  Best score I have ever had, won the class, not that it matters cause next time I will be smarter and enter the non pro so I can go earlier at least at central shows.

(I let him graze while I unsaddled and brushed him out,

 he dried so quick cause of the wind)

Came home, he loaded a little better, still hesitant but at home he went right to see his friends in the next pen and then was just quiet.  Bad day to bring him home with all that wind hes not used to.  But I feel a huge relief that even though he can have a fit and be so upset he still can show like its no big deal.  I love that.  And now 2 days later hes just hangs out, not even by the others all the time, i am gonna put Pally in with him soon and they can be buddies.  Hes had 2 days off and today will be back to work.  I was told I have to ride him everyday to keep him in shape.  I will probly go for a lesson tomorrow and see whats going on.  Im not showing this weekend so no rush for lessons for me.

Bad Show and Company

Well last week went 3 times and rode, one was a mess my horse was being such a dork he would suck back then leap ahead when we worked cows and so I kept looking at him instead of the cows and then of course I would fall forward.  Good thing the coach was in a good mood, I sure had him laughing by the time we were done.  Luckily Wednesday and Friday lessons were much better.  But as I go Friday the one girl comes up and says I'm not entered for the show Saturday.  I hadn't even looked just thought he entered me like always before.   Well no there was some confusion but luckily he knows the guy hosting it so he phoned and got me in.  I was last in the class because of that and the list was all made up already.

It was a horrible show.   So many entries and by the time it was my turn to get my horse the nice weather had turned to a blizzard and my horse was a bit prancy outside but we got him ready and they loped him lots and he was sweaty and tired but not really listening to me or ready but then it was my turn anyways.  And we go in and get in the herd and I picked a cow and no one was paying attention and I lost it.  Well at this point knew no real score so I just worked on my herd work, second cow was better but we kept stopping short and then I lost my balance and accidentally spurred him at the wrong time with the wrong leg ugh.   So picked a third cow and made him get up to the fence, its hard to do that (for me).  Afterwards I was told I had too sharp of spurs by the other turnback but I told Doug what happened and he said hes done that too and he didn't think they are too sharp either.  Ugh went home and thought on it for a while, not good.  But the lady I met at the first show got a new horse and she is super nice, she went right before me and she even won money!  So excited for her, only her second show cutting and shes already in the money.   One day it will be me (I hope)

Then Sunday my aunt Bonnie come out and stayed for 4 days so that was nice for a change.  I missed riding but I am going back today, kinda nice to have  a few days off.  I got to get my pony in if I'm taking her to a barrel race on the 23rd,  I like having them out but seems like winter (what little we had) is pretty well over so I'm thinking its time.

3rd Winter Series Show

Today was another show day.  I didn't go to practice yesterday cause the weather was miserable.  Kinda nice that my trainer rode him for me and got him ready, but also weird not to ride the day before a show.

Again never left till 8 am, that sure is nice!  Got there and the first class was still going.  Could leave later since I know the show list and I am way down but it stresses me out not knowing where they are and how long till I go.  So I go and sit there and drink my coffee.  Hardly know anyone so not much visiting which is fine, I'm not really that social.  Kinda wish I was and could talk to anyone like Neil can.  But not so so I sit by myself.   Louisa visited for a while  but she busy riding too.

(Practicing with my camera)

(Love this stop)

(getting down)

When it was 2 herds before I went I got him all saddled and the hired guy loped him, that's so nice!  He woulda loped him till it was time for me to go in the ring but that's weird for me too so I got on him 4 before my turn.  He was acting grouchy and I couldn't figure out why.  He was itchy so I let him itch his face and we put boots on and I never use boots but hes had them on before.  I made sure the cinch wasn't pinching and it seemed fine and then he kinda settled a bit and then was time to go in.

Didn't have anyone to video so nothing this time :(  But the first cow we cut was good to get out of the herd, she just kinda cut herself like they are supposed to....or maybe it was me helping too I dunno.  I thought we were way off course so I picked up my hand and turns out we were fine so I got a penalty for that.  And one for losing our working advantage on the same cow, not sure what that really is, I am gonna ask when I go back Tuesday.

The second cow same thing she was easy to cut out and worked really well.  Was pretty slow but I like slow cows, easier for my brain to understand.  No real mistakes there.  The third cow I cut out the front one, like I'm supposed to do and didn't pick a cow and go with it.  That's hard for me but I'm learning.  Helps to have someone telling me that all the time out there too.  My herd help is great.  I really only notice the 2 at the back talking to me, the front 2 are to push the cow towards me if its not moving or slow it down or turn it off me if I need help.  I don't know what they do cause I don't notice them out there yet.  But I'm thinking not a lot as I don't need fast cows pushed at me right now.

(my score sheet, 4th down, WS Hesastar)

(tired pony at the trailer 

really wanting to steal hay but hes been told NO)

Anyways ended up with a 68, best score I have ever got, but I was still 6th out of 14 in my class and they only pay till 4 :(  But still improving so maybe next time will be a paycheck at the end :)

And then after we cooled out and I went to take hi saddle off I just touched the back cinch and he sucked up his belly.  Well shoot someone sucked it up tight and he doesn't like that.  I shoulda looked but I didn't.  What a good boy to do all the right stuff even if he was uncomfortable.

Jan 30th Show

Saturdays Show was much better than last time.  Sure is nice not having to leave home til 8:30 :)  Its a little more than 2 hours there and I just show up and when its time I saddle my horse and get him ready.  I forgot to ask if I had to enter so I just did and went back on Wednesday (entries close Tuesday night) and found out I was now entered twice.  Hmm well wouldn't have been all bad but by the end of the week it was all changed around another lady wanted my second spot so she took it and I was back to just being entered once.

I felt much more comfortable out in the show pen.  Still made a few mistakes of course.  I need to stop harder out there like I do at home.  I had my reins a bit tight and so got a reining penalty and then I had a hot quit on my second cow.  I guess I waited too long and he started moving before I put my hand down. And I can tell in the video I stopped a bit short a few times.  Oops but all in all still a better show.  And I had no trouble cutting out of the herd that was nice.  I figured out why I have trouble, at home we pick a cow for me to cut but at the show we are supposed to pick after they are out top.  But its coming I'm figuring it out and Doug's been great, he gave me a cow after they we out this time and that worked a lot better.

I also took a pic of my score sheet but its a bit fuzzy but close enough.  I got a 63, not a bad score, sure not good enough to win anything but at least its a score :)

(WS Hesastar cause he really is a star :) 6th down )

(and the bruise on my arm from hitting the saddle 

trying to keep my hand down, doesn't really hurt just looks ugly)

Today is a new month, a day off and we are heading to Lethbridge to visit Neil's cousin and will be back riding on Wednesday.

Saturdays Show

Well first the tree.  I dunno why I call it a Jesus tree, always have.  It just has the shape and all by itself reminds me of a tree that would be in Jerusalem.  And its pokey makes me think of his thorns he wore when he died on the cross.  Neil thinks I'm crazy but he calls it that too now.

And the show.  Not a great success like I was hoping.  But all in all not bad since its been forever since I have shown.  I made lots of mistakes but halfway through the third cow I figured it out.  Bit late by then but usually I think of it afterwards.  I was kinda frustrated he wasn't stopping straight and realized if I actually rode him he would have.  So he was babysitting me which is nice but not winning worthy. I wasn't in the right position so he was trying to make it easier for him to keep working the cow.  I also put my hand down on the second cow when there was too many cows out front, I didn't even realize it until Doug said and then I can't pick it up again or its a lost point.  Well I lost that cow cause he picked one when I put my hand down and it was not the one I picked.

(missed first cow, too bad it felt good I'd have liked to see it)

I went by myself and got there way earlier than planned (its closer than I thought) so I got to watch almost the whole thing.  Met a nice couple people beside me who were new to cutting as well, that's kinda fun.  Shes leasing a horse while looking for one to buy.  And I got to meet Loiusa too that was super fun.

I went back for a lesson today, he got Sunday off but I coulda (maybe shoulda) given him Monday off as well.  Of course I didn't think of it till I was halfway there so we had an easy ride and worked the flag a little bit.  If I let him get lazy on the flag he sure will, always turns with it but doesn't stop straight or back up like he knows he supposed to.

(after the run the herd holder gave me my hat back, 

Easy wasn't sure that was a good idea)

Doug says wasn't bad, figures it will take me a year before I can go in the show ring and ride him like I should without getting super nervous and letting him do it all.  I told Easy he has to be patient with me cause I'm trying.  He seemed to agree.  Kinda like when I told him he better be good cause he was expensive, he looked right at me and I'm sure he was saying "I'm worth it"  Well so far so good :)

Time Off

So after the show it really bothered me I had so much trouble cutting a cow from the herd.  I usually have so little trouble with that I never think to work on it.  It took me all the way till Thursday to figure it out.  At practice all the cows are in the center of the arena and we work them outside. In straight lines back and forth like a show but on any side.  And I think that's where my trouble lays.  I have trouble push to the side and they separate...but at a show its always to the front.  Got to work on that in practice.

Have taken a couple weeks off since then cause the weather was pretty miserable.  Since I have to haul to ride unless I ride out which its too cold and icy now for that, and I wont haul if below -20*C.  And hasn't been above that.  Brrr.  And then my Grampa passed away and while still sad was not completly unexpected and he will be happier now he is with my Gramma.

On Monday the ponies got their teeth done and so Tuesday was a day of in case of sore mouths and Tuesday back riding. Rode Jess first and she was full of beans what a character she is lol.  Had a good ride even though a odd lady was there doing I dunno what with her horse.  But we worked around her and had a good time.  Sure felt good to be back in the saddle again.

I also brought Kali and had her ready to go but as I put her bridle on she was acting weird and sure enough her mouth was still sore so she just come along for the ride I guess.  Then today was a day of shopping and back at it tomorrow and Saturday and Sunday...and hope a lesson Monday :)

Show Results--Jan 25

Dunno why it told me so long to write a post again.  I was at first waiting for the video my friend took on her phone, she tried to message me it but had to split it in half and I did get it but its super tiny and I don't have any way that I know of to get it from my messages to anywhere else.  So I guess I will just say how it went.

We got there early and had a bite to eat and watched a bit then I got my pony and started warming up.  She was pretty energetic and wanting to move out, but had grouchy ears at all the other horses, so we just worked harder and pretty soon she didn't care about the others out there just what I was asking her, which is what I want.  We watched a few then warmed up more, then it was our turn.  I was last in the class of 9 which I knew since I was late entering.  But I was just wanting more practice and be in control.  I was feeling good and then I had trouble cutting out the first cow.  But I got her and worked her good, picked up my hand a couple times like planned and then as I was standing almost neck to neck to the turnback horse the cow squished between us!  Grr, but not much I coulda done about it so went back and got a second cow.  This cow was a bit easier to cut out but still not as easy as it was in practice.  Had a good few turns on her and picked up when she didn't stop, and even went all the way to the sides a few times.  Was a good cow, only a few seconds left and got the third cow cut just as the buzzer rang so did one good stop on her and quit there.  I was so much happier with that run.  Really makes me think that these lessons are paying off.  I got a 61 which makes me happy (even though its almost as low as I can get, lol)  But lost 5 points for losing the cow and lost a point every time I picked up my hand.  Somehow never looked at the scoresheet, which I always do, so not sure how many times they got me for that but still a decent score and it felt much better (and Doug was happier with it too) so its all worth it.

Temps were fantastic down there for January in Alberta.  +13 and so warm there was mud between the trailer parking and the arena.  There was a show last Saturday but it was sooo cold (-39) so it was cancelled and moved to this Saturday but I am not going till next weekend hopefully.

PS.  If anyone has ideas on how to transfer a video let me know, I asked her to upload to youtube but that's a new thing for her so I dunno and I think might be to big to email but I am still gonna try and get it.

I Love Cows

Today I headed back for another lesson.  I was unsure what was going to happen this weekend cause last night I got my email entry back saying I sent it to the wrong address.  Ahh so I wasn't entered in the show :(  I went for my lesson anyways and told Doug and he gave me the number of the arena owner and I talked to him and he said it shouldn't be a problem but to call his wife.  So I did and she put me in at the bottom of the class.  Which is fine I'm not worried about being last or having used cows, it will be fine anyways we are just going for more show experience.

It was a really good lesson, I was so excited how well it was going.  I had to lope forever again before we started and she was tired.  Then in come the cows and she was full of energy again, I love how much she loves her job :)  We picked a cow and all I was thinking of was stop and pull on her to stop.  Was good so we worked on pushing her off a cow whenever I could, she likes to creep up on them.

I finally feel like my hands are connected to my brain, rather than waiting for her to stop if she doesn't I am on her right away, no chance for her to make a mistake.  She knows how to do it, she just gets lazy if I let her.  I never thought of it much but its been a long time since Doug has had to get on my horse to get her correct before a show, so I guess I must be improving its just slow so I don't notice.

(my first attempt at a selfie with my horse, apparently it was a bit sunny)

Glad a friend is coming with me tomorrow so I have company for the drive and its always kinda scary going somewhere new, we went one day last year but just to watch this will be more stressful actually gotta do something.  I am in the 5th herd tomorrow so I will have a little time from when it starts at 10 till I go.

Cows and Riding

Tuesday I had a lesson and it was on cows.  I was gonna make her do what I wanted when I wanted.  And I got there and a whole bunch of people were there some I knew and some I just met.  We visited for a while and then Doug told me to lope my horse for 15 minutes and don't stop.  I said I doubt I can lope that long and he said just do it.  So we did, she was sweaty all over before the cows come in.  Then brought a few cows in, one guy worked before me it was good, let Jess think before it was our turn.  Then we went.  I was told to  pick up on her every time we stopped and it was soo much better, I was confused when the cows just walked and he said its fine to check them then too so now I am less confused and mostly know when to ask her to stop and so just do it, if I am wrong well that's fine, there is hardly any chance I am gonna pick up on her too often.  I guess I am going in the show on Saturday and so going back Friday to work cows again.

Yesterday we headed down to Brooks and planned an easy ride on Jessie cause she worked hard on Tuesday and it was a shorter ride but even though I was thinking just walk trot she wanted to lope and seemed like she had lots of energy so we loped a little.  She must be getting in better shape if shes so eager to lope all the time, before she did it when I asked but she was kinda slow and lazy about it.  I was a little concerned the inside of her hocks seemed warm but the don't seem to bother her so I guess I will just keep an eye on them for a bit and make sure its not anything serious.

 (I love this arena :) )

Kali was next and I was darn determined we were gonna lope, well at first she tried to hump up on me!  I don't think she really knew what she was doing cause she just kept trotting all balled up, so I pulled her around in a circle to get her loose again and asked again it was better, we got a few steps and then she slowed down, I trotted longer and asked again, we got half a lap, well not great but better.

And today we also headed down to Brooks, was a girl with three horses there when I got there and before I left about 5 more people showed up!  I have never seen that many people there at once for free riding.  I rode Kali first since my saddle was set for her and we got 2.....2 whole laps of lope together without her trying to slow down!!!!  I was shocked at that, I think it helps when someone else is there she is more happy to be out there but still I can usually get half a lap and she tries to quit!  I was pretty happy with her so only about 25 minutes on her this time but a good 25 minutes :D

And then Jess and she was good as always we trotted and loped and then some lady set up the barrels so we just pretty much got in her way when she was trying to use them :)  I don't use any equipment and its kinda a pain when others try to do stuff like that and have no concern for what everyone else is doing.  I was just cooling down and they were using them so it wasn't too big a deal this time.  I also saw my neighbor there and her couple horses riding.  First time I seen her down there that was kinda cool.  Got home kinda early today and its getting warmer but sure taking its time.

Cutting Show, Sept 7th

So my show was last weekend and I was pretty nervous but very excited to see how much different it was gonna be since Jess was at the trainer for about 6 weeks before it.  I went Wednesday and worked the flag and then Thursday and we worked cows and on Friday they took her to the feedlot and worked more cows in a show like setting and then the show Saturday.

I was to meet them at 9:30 there which was weird for me cause I never left home till 8!  Seems wrong to go showing and get to sleep till a normal time.  Also was weird going without my pony.  But all was well, I got there and we had lots of time which was alright, just got to relax and watch some.  Warrick showed her in the open class at about 10:30 and the plan was he was gonna see how she was and if she needed it he would pick up on her...and she needed it.

The she got to stand around for a long time and then when it was my turn he saddled her and got on and warmed her up for me, that was odd, I felt so spoiled!  I didn't even know what to do without having to get my pony ready, lol.  But we went in and I did pick up my hand a few times but she was pretty good, a lot better than before, I felt like she was listening to me and even though the cows were pretty crappy we actually got something done.

The first cow was nice and slow and even though we got a little behind a couple time I was happy with it.  The second cow was just turning in circles, hard to do anything with, but I was glad Jess wasn't trying to make it move like she used to and she never turned so she was facing it.  The third cow was probly the best one we picked but only had a couple seconds with it before time was up.

Somehow I was also entered for Sunday so we went thought since I had already paid might as well go, Doug couldn't make it Sunday but sent Warrick to help me.  I was not too excited about it (even though I love to do it) because every other show we went to the Sunday was even worse than the Saturday...But I thought just as Doug always tells me, ride your horse like she is perfect and if not then correct her...so just gotta go and imagine it will be perfect :)

Monday Blahs

So my next show is this weekend, the 4th and 5th.  All sounds good, lessons are going well, until now.

(temp was 25 C on Friday!, too bad it was back down to 3 C today)

We have to go to a funeral in Peace River on Thursday and so for the next 3 days I will be gone as it is a 10 hour trip up there.  I am kinda in a panic.  I went to a lesson today and I worked a cow and the first cow was really good then the next 2 not as good, so we went and worked the flag and that was better, he was trying to mix her up and in the meantime mixed me up, lol.  She was stopping short on one end and too far on the other so he was changing stopping distances to get her to even up and it was hard!  But we got it pretty well.  I sure would like to go to another lesson this week and he said I can come Friday if we get home early enough but I have my doubts :(

I got out the white trailer, it hasn't moved in a long time, but the stock trailer is still broken which annoys me but I had an appointment yesterday to take my white trailer in to get a wheel alignment.  And while it was there I got them to hang the door caddy.  That was perfect.  So I used it today and it worked well.  Still not sure its exactly what I want but I will probly end up using it this year and then will see.

I took a couple videos of Jessie drinking water out of the sloughs one day, don't know why she wanted the water so much, her pen had lots but oh well, she was standing in water and drinking it so whatever.

Also saw some antelope on the road one day as I was leaving, and so I stopped and took some pictures of them, they are so curious they just can't help but look at me so they always take good pics.

Thorlackson Fundraiser show April 6/7

So I finally got the videos loaded, it really wasn't that bad, I just set them to upload when I was going away and doing something else for a while and come back and they were ready.  Before the show, Friday I had a lesson and I worked he flag first and it was OK, I was finally getting her to move off my leg and wait for me rather than just turn in, I think that will be an ongoing process with us.  Then I walked her around a bit and let her catch her breath then we went outside to work cows.  I got the first cow out and he was telling me all sorts of stuff, I had heard before but for some reason my brain was not comprehending.  So he says he will get on her. So that worked well, she tried the same stuff for him and he got her better and gave her to me and said, lets try that.  Didn't leave me with a lot of confidence, but what else is there to do?  So I headed back to the barn and Jessie got to stay inside cause of the mud, so I cleaned her up real nice and put her away for the night.  Went home and tried to get ready for the show, but all I could think about was being not ready....

So Saturday morning I got up bright and early at 4:30 (they said only 55 cuts all day so don't be late).  Well I overestimated the amount of time it took to drive there and was there at 7.  Oh well, sat in my truck for a while cause no one was around and then about 8 another trailer showed up and it was the girl I met a Doug's last week.  So we saddled up and visited and had coffee and took the ponies inside and got kinda organized and then got on and started riding about 9 when the show actually started.  It was a little early so we took a break and then got back on again and our class started about noon.  I was fist in and so in I went.  The first cow out of the herd I made a mistake on stopping too soon before I was in the middle of the cow and as soon as I did it I knew it was gonna be bad and sure enough it was, good thing Dustin was there to stop it for me.  After that was better, my second cut was really nice and that cow was perfect for me.  The third cow was OK, but I was losing control as the buzzer went.  I was pretty impressed with how it went and got a 69 for a score and ended up second place.  Woulda won money too, if it wasn't a fundraiser show and we were asked to donate all winnings from the Sat show back.  But that's OK, Sunday was a new day and a regular show.

But no good luck on Sunday.  I got up at 6:30, much more reasonable time to get up, and it was snowing!
 I got there about 9 and got Jessie ready and brought her inside.  I got to watch for a bit and got on around 10 and we went around noon again.  I was second in and I dunno if I didn't get her tired enough or what, but she wasn't the same as the day before.  I was having a better time getting a cow out of the herd, but after that she would not stop and kept turning in towards the cow.  Was so frustrating   And the last cow she walked right up to the top of the pen with it, even if I had my leg in her, she wasn't listening.  I was not happy and it showed with a score of 64, which put me in 4th place.

 I guess I am in the right class though cause I am in the middle of the pack, I was always worried what class to go in cause I am new to this but seems like I am OK here for a while.  At least till I earn $2000 dollars as its a $2000 limited rider class.  I think I can stay in all year but if I get more I will have to move up next year.  So far I am at $165 for the one show I been too, lol got a ways to go yet.

Life on the ranch

Well I am having issues uploading my videos to youtube, it keeps saying it will take 115 minutes to upload a 2 and a half minute video from the show, and I have no patience for that, so I will keep trying and in the meantime post everything else that has been going on around here.

We are calving, actually have been for a while, we have 56 calves on the ground so far, still a lot more to go, but we are getting there.  We lost a few as is always the case (very sad and frustrating though).  But here is a bunch of them.

We had nice weather for a week or so and it really started melting around here which was nice, but it created mud.  And then we got cold again and snowed again so now its just miserable, but today is warm and it is trying to melt again.

And on Sunday afternoon I brought the ponies home from the barn I was boarding at.  Sure had a lot of stuff there and it is not the best here for the ponies cause I can not string out a hose for water for them so they are getting led to the water everyday which is a pain for me.  And not a lot of places I can ride out right now cause there is so much deep snow that its hard to make it on the prairie so I am stuck with the roads.  Which would be fine but a mile down our road is a texas gate so it is not very far till we have to turn around.

I need to go to the farrier this week and get Razz trimmed and Jessie front shoes, and I want to go for another lesson and go to the chiro.  I am undecided if I should go to the ACHA show in 2 weeks (April 20/21) or the unapproved show the weekend after (May 4/5).  I would like to wait the 3 weeks but I would rather the approved show if going for year end awards or something.  Both are in the same place about a 3 1/2 -4 hour drive from here so I would stay overnight, which would be kinda nice cause no travelling but more expensive.  I don't think I can do both cause I will be way to exhausted I think.  They don't have the class list of the May show up yet, but the April show I would show late Sat and early Sun so that would be perfect, then I can get over and leave while its still daytime.

I will still try and upload the videos so I can say how the whole show goes.

ACHA Clinic 2013

I got home and since my trailer was stuck in snow, Neil had to pull it out with the tractor and he almost never made it, I unpacked most of my suitcase and repacked a bag for the clinic.  I also got everything ready in the truck for Jessie.  She is much easier to pack for than me cause she always gets the same stuff.  I headed up to  Madden Saturday morning bright and early and it took less time than I thought so I was there early, but it was kinda nice to just have a bit of time to relax.

(the mountain view on the way to the clinic)

Then we got ready and worked the flag first.  It has been so long since I really did anything we were so out of whack  but we got a few good stops by the time our turn was up.  Then we worked a single cow, that went pretty good, but still needed some work on keeping her straight and stopping.  After lunch we worked another single cow and that was much better.  It made me laugh when Doug said to me "I don't know what you just did, but keep doing it"  I thought that was a good sign, if I only knew what I was doing it would be better, lol.  We finished about 4 and put Jessie in her stall and unhooked my trailer and headed out to see my mom.  She lives about 30 minutes from there so it was nice to get to see her.  We went out for supper and then visited for a while then went to bed.

The next morning I headed back to the clinic and we worked with the cows from yesterday just practicing cutting a cow out from the herd.  It was really neat, and boy did I forget a lot, I had a real hard time but I eventually got it.  Then we did one more pass on the flag and it was good then one more time we worked a single cow, we had 3 each.  The first one I had a real hard time getting ahead of it on the ends, but as soon as I got there it slowed right down and then I went on to the second cow.  I was better at getting to the ends and my stops starting coming together, so we just stopped there.  I was still having trouble getting her to stop straight but it was better.

Then I got Jessie untacked and we headed home.  She was tired and so was I, it was a good clinic and I learned a lot.  I am so glad it was much better than last year, I almost wasn't gonna go but since Doug and another lady I didn't know were hosting it I thought I would try again.  I'm glad I did, got me back in the mood for cutting again, and hope to go for more lessons this week and to the first show on April 6/7.  I listed all the shows this year, I would like to go to all the ACHA shows (except Kamloops) and maybe some central shows, but we will see how it goes

My Week

Yesterday I headed to Calgary to pick up my truck.  Wow what a big dealership.  not sure I would like to go there all the time, kinda prefer my small one in Drum better. But the service guy we talked to was really nice and helpful and remembered who we were right away which was nice.  I am so glad to have my truck back, boy did I miss it when I didn't have it.

(Sunrise on Tuesday as I was leaving home)

Like Tuesday I had planned to go to Olds with Susan and watch the cutting show.  I asked Neil if I could borrow his truck and he said that was fine, but I asked Susan to drive from Drum to Olds cause I don't like his stinky truck that much.  And it worked out fine, but such a pain, sure woulda been nicer to have my own, didn't realize how dependent I was on it.  And now it makes me want to go to another show.  There is one on the 1/2 of September in Airdrie and I dont know if I should enter.  Susan thinks I should go.  I would like to but probly not ready (although sometimes I wonder if I will ever be ready), and my mom has a scrapbooking that weekend and Char is moving and I told her I would help if she needs, but she says probly has lots of help.  So many choices and of course all happening in the same weekend!

(we took the Ferry to go to Calgary)

While in Calgary I stopped at my sisters and we headed up to Cross Iron Mills and had a few things we wanted to get there.  I was told to go to the Running Room for a pair of shoes, but the lady in there was soooo rude we just left, no way I wanted to give my money to her.  I ended up going to Sport Chek and talking to the lady there and she said there are so many preferences with runners that I should run a while and see what I want after I get into it.  I got a cheap pair and will use them till I know what I want and if we go to Great Falls this fall, lol.  I will find a pair down there cause they will certainly be cheaper.  We also got hotdog/marshmallow sticks at Bass Pro Shop and we walked by this picture my sister thought was really pretty and I go look at it and it was a doormat!  And only $6 so I had to get it too.  Was a good day, but long again.

Finally

Well I never rode Monday cause it was a day off for Jessie and I needed a day to recuperate from the weekend.  Wow it was exhausting.  Then Tuesday I was gonna go but the roads were bad so last night I went and she was good although we just exercised.

I went and picked up my camera and so now I finally got the partial video of me.  I really am upset at myself for not thinking of bringing an extra memory card.  I was worried the batteries might die cause I couldn't remember the last time I charged them but never even thought of another card.  Well now I will always make sure I have an extra one along.  I wish I coulda seen the rest of the run cause I don't remember a whole lot of it, but I think my last cow was probly the best one.  I know the second cow wasn't that good so I don't mind it being missed, lol.

I have been thinking a lot about that weekend.  And I decided I probly wasn't ready to show, but at the same time I am glad I did go.  I finally clued in to how important all the stuff Doug was telling us was.  Not that I didn't believe him when he was telling me but sometimes it takes a while to sink in.  All that really matters is riding to the stop and going straight across the pen.   The cow will pull the horse through the turn if I stop straight and even.  Kinda neat when it all comes together.  Now I just gotta practice doing what I know now.

I phoned Doug last night for another lesson but its gonna be a while cause he is super busy getting ready for the super stakes.  I said not a problem I can wait till he gets back sometime in April.  I was thinking our show on Sunday was busy with 97 entries, but I got looking and his one class on the first day of the super stakes has 135 horses in it.  In just one class!  Its crazy.  Bet it would be pretty cool to watch though, I am gonna try to see it online.