Support your local Sheriff Show

Mom says times are tough right now. She says the horse market isn't what it was a few years ago and showing has taken a big hit too. When I first attended the Arizona Touch of Class Miniature Horse Show it was actually two shows, each two days long and held a day apart. This meant the horses were there for five days with four of showing. It was great! There were tons of horses, not just from Arizona but from all of the United States. Last year the show was reduced to just one show, but it lasted three days. This year the show is again just one show but only lasting two days. I'm sure its becoming harder, or at least more expensive, to travel to out of state shows. Not to mention the EHV-1 epidemic scare over the summer probably hasn't helped. This is why now its more important than ever to support your local shows.

Showing can get expensive-fast. Mom talks about it with me all the time. Together we review how I did, how much it cost, how much she enjoyed herself, and whether or not I had an enjoyable time as well. She claims the last two are the most important, however, I know its the first and the last. While we try to do a few "big" shows a year (registry supported shows/nationals qualifiers) we often have the most fun at the "local" shows. These are shows that are not just near by but smaller. They don't have the vendors that others do, if they have any at all, they're usually a part of a series, and put on for fun by a person or ranch. More often than not they don't cost much but provide valuable experience for both horse and rider/handler. Judges seem to be more willing to explain why something is the way it is, why they placed a certain horse how they did, and what they're looking for exactly. This is all knowledge that every show-human should strive to constantly attain. Even if you're not showing a horse because you don't have one or can't show yours at the moment there are always volunteer options for these small shows. They run off volunteers! Or, if you can't commit the time, just show up and support the show. Support any vendor that's there or make a small donation towards the show. It helps horses like me who need these shows for training, those who can't show with a registry show (or don't want to/can't pay the money to), and most importantly, these are where kids start showing first.

Grab a Bridle & Bit. They have local shows listed. Head out and cheer on the best looking horse there, or even better, show your horse!

Getting In Shape

On Sunday Mom brought a guest over and we headed out with Avalon for a neighborhood hike/walk. I always enjoy getting out on the trail. The roads around my house are all dirt, there are a few roads with some pavement but they always have dirt shoulders. This is nice because I never have to worry about walking or slipping on pavement. Getting out of the yard is just plain fun too. I get to see all sorts of creatures; birds, rabbits, coyotes, other horses. It's also something different from my normal work outs. More often than not when ever some one sees me out on a walk they think I'm a big dog before they realize I'm just a little horse! Often Mom is asked "what can you do with a mini any how?" Well, there's a lot. Even if you're not into showing simply having a buddy when out on a walk can put a smile on any one's face. While miniature horses are very different than dogs (and as much as I hate to admit it, we should be treated like horses and not dogs-even if I want to lay in Mom's lap all day!) you can do much of the same things with them as you can dogs. Plenty of people enjoy talking their dog for a walk or even a jog. Plenty of times I even go jogging with Mom, she likes it because it keeps us both in shape!

Speaking of getting in shape... The Touch of Class Miniature Horse Show, otherwise known as "the biggest littlest horse show in Arizona" is no officially two months away. I work out 5 to 6 days a week now, but I need one or two days off to rest. I'm going to be ripped come show time! The show schedule hasn't been released but I promise as soon as it is I'll post it here and what classes I'll be in. We're all hoping that the show will be broadcast live online through Iequine again. I should be there both days, all day. If you come down you should stop by and say hello!

Hopefully I have more updates and stories for you next week!

P.S. - If you come to visit me at the show, I like gummy bears and cheezits!

Horse Soccer and Weekly Updates

It's been a while since I've done an update. Summer is slow for me and I don't get out much due to the heat. The fall brought very long days for Mom which allowed for very little computer time for me. However, Mom and I sat down and did some New Years resolutions. The main one being that I need to update my blog with some consistency. I've decided that by every Monday I'll have a new post. If I can't post something specifically about me or my adventures I'll post something horse related and interesting. Fortunately for every one I do have some interesting stuff to show you that has to do with me!

About a year or so ago horse soccer was getting really big and my feeding-lady decided to invest in one of these soccer balls. Although I'd been given the opportunity to play with the soccer ball I didn't really understand how until this year. When Mom decided to see what I'd do with it I took to it like a dog to a bone! She was kind enough to film me playing with it. It's about a minute and a half long (give it time to load).

The "biggest littlest horse show" is coming up in March. Unlike last year this show is only 2 days long (Saturday + Sunday). Mom is a little disappointed as this means the show has become smaller than in the past, however, I'm excited because with the show being on the weekend more people can come. The class schedule hasn't been posted yet but the dates are March 24th and 25th. It's the 25th year the show has been running (its also my first year with the adult stallions)! Its thanks to this very show 15 or so years ago that Mom got into miniature horses. Pretty neat huh?