Happy Spring, Here We Go!

After the LONGEST WINTER EVER!!! We're finally into spring - I think. We just got home from Red Deer on Sunday evening. This year's Horse Expo was a great time, minus the weather. Phillippe and Charo accompanied me and Ali. Phillippe did the driving demos and Charo got to experience show-donkey life. We had 3 demos, one Friday, Saturday and a bonus demo Sunday morning. Friday was a good opportunity to get the animals in the building and comfortable. Saturday the audience was packed to standing room only, and even then it was pretty squishy. Sunday was an unexpected bonus as the scheduled demo was not able to make their time, so we were offered. It was a nice, more relaxed way to finish the show as we got to spent a bit of time just connecting with audience members and answering questions.

Phillippe looked wonderful, as always! I was so proud of how much my wee dude has grown up. He handled the weather and the environment indoors like a true broke donkey. Because of the blizzarding conditions, we had to hang out almost behind the metal bleechers between his arena appearances. Once we got him turned around, he just stood, perfectly relaxed, and waited. Charo was 100% not impressed at being left in the barn while everyone else went out for adventures. Although she and Phillippe did super well together, I don't think either was exactly bonded to the other, but rather didn't want to miss out on anything exciting going on. The demo team was fantastic! We had some new members and new animals demonstrating different skills, which was fun to see! We missed out on a great photo opportunity in the barns though. I think every one of us long-eared ladies owns a wool Suzannah Riding Skirt from The Creative Daughter, and I'd had my best friend make us ADMC demo team hats "Nicest Asses Around". The hats were a hit. Too bad I missed getting the picture. I really enjoy being a part of this group. It's supportive, encouraging and a great place to foster growth. It's a culture of "yes and...." rather than "no, we don't do that..." A place a really feel good about investing my time and energy. Saturday afternoon, at the Expo, Phillippe, myself, and my friend Brooklyn and her mini donkey Pete, participated in an Equine Trail Sports in-hand competition. Something different, and a lot of fun. This competition is designed for skill building and focuses on positive skill building. Naturally, donkeys have questions and some of the obstacles were not especially designed for their success. Regardless, my focus was to give Phillippe positive exposure and praise him for effort. We weren't there for scores, but come out of the competition 4th of 7 at Level 1. Thanks to the organizers, volunteers and judges for putting on the event!

Next weekend I'm planning to have a casual trick-horse play day at the farm for boarders and close friends. I haven't trained for tricks in a long time so we'll see how it goes. I've comitted to doing demos at a medieval faire coming up in August with both Phillippe and Jose. I actually took Jose for a ride last night. We have a long way to go to get back into shape for the demo, but we'll get there. Tricks will help. Falcor started back lunging day before yesterday, and Mavis had an introduction to lunging. She's really rough on one side, but it will come. This weekend looks beautiful weather wise so hopefully I'll get lots of work done! Til next time, happy horseing!