Gia - sessions 422-424 - schooling at the show

 I took Gia with me to the last War Horse show at the Carolina Horse Park this weekend.  It was a three day show, so she got a LOT of practice in!  

The Good:

1. This was the first time that I have taken her to a show, that she hasn't thrown a temper tantrum in/at the trailer when the other horses have left for their classes.  She did talk a little, but she kept her feet still.

2. She got to spend two nights at a strange farm away from home, and did fairly well - at least, we didn't get kicked out :) 

3. She was MUCH quieter on the lunge line the first two days!  She was a little naughtier on the third day, but it was short lived.

4. She was pretty good under saddle in the warm up ring, for the most part.  We also got into the show rings on Friday and Sunday, when no one else was around.  She was awesome in the rings on Sunday, and we even tried a few steps of canter!


The Bad:

1. She didn't always eat all of her food.  Nerves were getting the better of her at times, and her stomach paid the price.  I do give her a preventative dose of Gastroguard at each event, so that helps a little.

2. She did try to kick another horse in warm up on Saturday.  In her defense, its rider was not at all steering and got way too close.  But still no excuse to go double-barrel at him.

3. She did try a little wheeling and bucking when she first warmed up on Friday and Saturday under saddle.  On Sunday, she was much better until we tried a little canter, then more kicking out and bucking.  None of it was too bad, but it will be so nice when that stops happening on a regular basis.

Things she spooked at:

Port-o-potty doors opening, port-o-potty doors closing, dogs, bikes, children running, bleachers, shadows, car doors, reflections in car windows and doors, trash cans.

I'm sure there was more, but I've lost track of it all.  Walking to and from the show ring with her is like running a gauntlet!


All in all, it was a pretty good weekend for her, with a lot more good experiences under her belt.

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