First Show-

Did I say, "To the nationals I'll try to go"????
I must have been crazy, don't you know

Our first try at a local training show

Reveals that Coco & I have a looooong way to go!

So... things looked good when we first arrived last Saturday at Coco's first schooling show. Schooling shows are nice because you don't have to bathe them and worry about your outfit- they are more relaxed. Coco was very calm and relaxed despite all the horses that were there going every which way. He stood quietly at the trailer and didn't even whinny or paw! I warmed him up for a few minutes longing him, then climbed aboard and started riding him in the outside warm-up area. He seemed very relaxed and was picking up his gaits nicely and I thought to myself- "oh good- he's not too nervous!" That all changed as soon as we stepped foot in the indoor arena where the classes were being held.

Coco went from half asleep to wide eyed and scared to death! It wasn't the indoor arena so much- I've been riding in one a couple times a week, it was the fact that this indoor arena had mirrors on the inside, loud speakers that crackled, and was filled with strange horses that came right up by him!

Admittedly, that's why you go to a schooling show- to get them used to annoucers, horses charging past them, etc. Poor coco thought evrytime a horse came up by his side to pass, they were attacking him. Unfortunately where we ride there are seldom more than one other rider and never more than 3 of us! The loudspeakers really had him miffed as to what that was and if it was a "horse-eating" creature.

Needless to say the first class was a disaster- but not just for us! Other riders had their hands full too- as it was a class for 1st time horses. Other horse were bucking, spooking, etc. Which actually didn't help to calm Coco any! At least Coco never bucked. The worst he did was just try to escape by cantering really fast. The second class went much better. There were less horses in the class, more well behaved ones, and Coco settled a bit. The only problem was we picked up a wrong lead the second half and I'm sure that knocked up down in the placings and I was actually surprised we ended up 5th in the class (out of 8 horses). Not real good- but again, that's what training shows are for.

This picture is just inside the arena area called the "in-gate" where riders are waiting for the next class. It was amazing the kids under 12 showing- cute ponies too!

So we need a few more "schooling" shows to say the least.