Competition is over, now the fun begins!

Usually once the adoption happens, the blog gets kind of quiet. I have to wait for another trip to Litchfield or an adoption event before I can post something interesting. Not this time... since Dixie is a permanent fixture, I will still be sending out progress updates for everyone to watch her grow and learn. In fact, she already has a few new tricks...

Thank you Justin for showing me how to lay a horse down. I was able to learn how to make it the horses idea instead of forcing her. She was not a huge fan in the beginning but certainly accepted it and quietly laid down after some practice. She seemed more relaxed after the work session than before which is always a sign that you are doing something right!

Since I have not had a chance to ride her in an arena (or anywhere with nice flat ground) it never occurred to me to try flying lead changes. Saturday we hauled her to a friends facility and got to use the huge indoor. As I watched Anthony ride her in circles, my eyes got wide as the two of them effortlessly switched leads back and forth. I asked him if he was asking for the switches and he just shrugged, guys!!! Of course I had him do it again so I could record it. Click here for the YouTube video.

Extreme Mustang Makeover Norco 2012

May 18-20 2012 Norco, CA

Thank you Stephanie Guinn and Lori Bristow for the AMAZING professional

 pictures you shared with me!

The makeover in Norco was a blast! I can't thank everyone enough for making it such a great event for the trainers, mustangs, and fans. I saw lots of old friends and met plenty of new ones too! Anthony and I even got challenged to compete next year in a "couples edition"! 

As for the actual event, Dixie was pretty high strung. The 9 hour trailer ride down, new terrain, 33 horses, and lots of people added to her stress levels. I was proud of her, even though she didn't compete as well as I knew she could. Isn't that how it always happens? We think that Dixie was really trying to tell us that she wanted to come home (instead of getting a new home at the auction Sunday). 

So, Sunday morning when I walked her into the auction arena I was holding my bidder number. I had made it pretty clear that anyone looking at her was going to have to go through me (and Anthony!) and we even "decorated her" with paint. There were 3 other bids on her, but we managed to beat them all and bring her back home! I am still waiting for those pictures to surface! 

From the first day I saw Dixie, I knew she and I would get along really well. Anthony said it is because we are both similar, we both have lots of energy and are always ready to go!

I think he is right ;)

Last week before EMM Norco 2012!

One week from today we will be in Norco, getting ready to compete in the Extreme Mustang Makeover. It will be a challenging show and it is important that I demonstrate everything Dixie has learned in these past 90 days for the judges. I am pretty excited to see the judges are Dr. Robert Miller, Bill Enk, John Black, and Judy Wright! Those are some big names in the horse world!

We have one more weekend to get ready and I plan on taking advantage of it. 

Dixie makes a friend

Anthony got a chance to come out and see how Dixie has been doing. They took a nice walk in the pasture and even though Anthony is much taller than I am, he didn't look that big on Dixie. She is a really nice size for just about any rider. Dixie had lots of energy, as always and would have been happy to ride all day. She is a great mustang that seems to really enjoy being around people and will surely love whoever adopts her at the event. I can't believe it is only 2 weeks away!