Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Rodeo and his first Grand Prix

So proud of Rodeo and his first three shows at Grand Prix. This powerful 17.2 hand dutch gelding (Jsselmeer x Abolien) came to me from Sharon Criswell (Murietta California) after he had spent ten months in the pasture resting from a small tendon inflamation. He arrived at SRF Sporthorses in November (a week after I broke my leg) and we both began our rehabilitation together. I'm sure it was s painful for him as it was for me. Nevertheless, not even four months later he has completed his third show at Grand Prix, and we are figuring it out together. There is much to consider: feed schedule, vitamins, supplements, shoeing, turn out schedule, and schooling schedule. At the show we have to consider the warm up time and techniques to get this big guy to sit down, handling the spooky stuff, consider the footing in the arenas at the shows, and the ever changes weather pattern in florida (minute to minute).
Rodeo has been a challenging project, and it is more than a full time job, but I have loved every minute of it.
I have to thanks my family for understanding my absence during the holidays, and my husband for his never ending support. Also thanks to Greta Wrigley for her 'eyes on the ground' and to Sheri for having the faith in me to send the Big Guy to me.