A New Chapter Begins!

I truly feel like a new chapter in my life has begun.  We have much to cover since my last blog, so let's get right to it!!

The Arm!
I got my cast off last Monday, YAY!!  That's the good news...the bad news?  I still have a few weeks in a brace, and won't start physical therapy for about 4 weeks.  So, I'm shooting for the first week of May to be back in the saddle.  I'm just greatful to be out of the cast and moving in the right direction.  And I can feel that I don't have the strength back in my arm, so I just need time. 

The Horse Show
Smokey and Lacy were entered in this past weekend's Paul Frazier Memorial Combined Test.  His 1st time at the Horse Park, and 1st jumping show.  Erica and Dorado joined us so we had lots of support.  In addition, Krista and Lynn (and Chase!) met us out at the show and helped out with course walks and tacking and just being good company. 

Honestly, I was more nervous as a spectator than I would have been riding.  I guess it was the fact that I wanted him to do well in that environment and give Lacy a great ride.  The school areas can be quite intimidating with several riders/trainers/friends/family/dogs present, and this is the biggest show of Smokey's short career as a show horse.  But, the good thing is that he takes everything in stride, always has, and although he was a bit tense, he showed a pretty workmanlike attitude all day. 

Considering the circumstances, I thought his dressage test was fairly good, but alas the judge did not agree.  Upon further investigation, it seemed that most of the dressage scores were on the high side overall.  The thing I like and appreciate about dressage is that you get a "report card" from the judge to show where you performed well and what you need to work on to increase your score.  Homework! 

On to the jumping phase....finally, as all eventing riders basically tolerate dressage to get on to this phase.  This was Smokey's first time seeing jumps with actual decorations around them...although we tried to imitate this at home with adding orange cones in various locations on and around the jumps...so it was inevitable that he would need a bit of encouragement from Lacy to jump them.  However, he has been so confident lately that Lacy though it wouldn't be a big deal.  And he did not disappoint!!  Not only did he bravely take on each obstacle, he cleared them with room to spare.

The Possibilities
Now, these fences were max 2'3", but the way he is jumping them makes them look tiny!!  Let us now pause to define the word "scope".  Scope is the horse's ability to jump over fences in proper form (bascule) with the body, front and hind legs.  The front legs should be parallel to the horse's body to the knees, and the feet cleanly tucked underneath.  Yeah, I don't think that is going to be a problem for him.  In time, he will learn to "rate" a fence, and will have the ability to judge the height and width of a jump with experience.  But, this picture just makes me wonder...how far can this horse really go?  It's obvious to myself and Lacy that he is absolutely in his element over fences.  Smokey thinks it's basically the coolest thing in the world and loves to show off to everyone his neat new tricks.  His confidence has shot through the roof lately, although he still has a long way to go.  But, the possibilites are endless, and the best way to figure out if he IS capable of bigger things is to get an "expert" to advise us on his abilities.  Someone who is in the eventing world, competing and training horses of his/her own at the highest level of the sport.  That's all I'm going to say for now, but you will want to stay tuned, trust me!

The Future
So, what's next for Smokey and Lacy, until I am back in the saddle?  He is entered in Thoroughbred Horse Show Association's inagural show at the Horse Park on April 14th.  He will be moving up to Beginner Novice after careful consideration of abilities lately. 

Right now, this horse just continues to amaze me.  Before my fall, I had a carefully laid out plan in my head for his progress that included being able to jump by the end of this year.  However, he has by far exceeded my expectations.  We are beyond my plan, and it feels great not to have any set plan for him because his talent will steer us in the direction he can go.  For the first time since I have owned Smokey, I'm letting go of my "plan" and letting him guide the way. 

Everything happens for a reason, right?  I knew that when I broke my arm that the "reason" would present itself...and it has been worth the wait!