All the Pretty Horses

Runnin @ NBHA LA State show

That's the name of the game, for now - takin it easy. Actually, Padre's been getting off really easy since I've only had time to ride Monday & Tuesday of last week, and none so far this week. But what time I did spend on him, was good - warmup, slow work on the pattern (Charmayne James' version of the "perfect pattern") and a walk around the back 4T. His slow work isn't perfect, though, so maybe that's part of our problems in competition. I'm nearly convinced that part of the problem is anticipation of the run home and none of it is due to pain. He's made too many good turns for me to think it's pain that's causing this problem. Anyhow, I will continue working him slowly and maybe even do a bit of cross-training, work on making him a bit more responsive. I'm planning to use him for a lesson horse for a friend's daughter. That will be excellent for him; we will be doing longe lessons, lots of transitions, work over cavalletti (ground poles) and alot of fun stuff to keep Kali learning and improving. The wonderful thing for Padre is that all of it will keep him learning and improving, too, and hopefully the benefits will spill over into his barrel racing.

Follow your dreams, kick on and be positive! - Mary King