The other day, I’m sitting at home minding my own business when my barn manger Regina texts me asking what Alfie’s show name was. I wrote back and said Alfie. I told her he isn’t registered or papered so he doesn’t have an official show name. She then informed me he could have a show name even if he wasn’t papered. So then began the thought process of picking a great show name for him.
I wanted something that would reflect who he was. Regina and I tossed several names back and forth and then she suggested Braveheart. I thought about it, and decided that was perfect for him. He is my brave boy. He has a brave heart for allowing himself to trust people. He has a brave heart for putting on his big boy pants to face and conquer his fear of having a bath, or having the farrier trim and shoe his feet. He has a brave heart for being vulnerable in front of the people who will comfort him when he is afraid.
So, for our upcoming horse show, and any other show we enter, we will be announced as Rider Judy Bennett on Braveheart.
Today’s lesson was all about the pattern of the horse show classes we are entered in. First is the in hand class where I’m on the ground walking and trotting him. Alfie and I are the king and queen of groundwork, although we are a little rusty, Alfie did great.
We then switched gears to the riding portion. We did the pattern really well, despite a few objections from Alfie lol – but when does Alfie NOT have an objection…trails lol.
Alfie was much more forward in the arena today. The slight adjustment to his saddle yesterday has made a difference. But again, he was objecting to having to do work when he really wanted to just walk the trails. I kindly explained to him the show is in the arena, not outside and you are just gonna have to suck it up buttercup. A slight tap on his butt with my stick of influence and look at that, he realized it was time to work and his complaints stopped.
After we practiced our walk patterns he wanted to trot, so we did. We ended our lesson on a high note, and again, I couldn’t be happier with the effort this horse brings every time I ride him.
After some rest and some hydro hay bricks, it was time for Alfie to get his new dancing shoes. Alfie was very calm and well behaved for the farrier. In fact at one point he turned his head and nibbled the farriers back while he was getting his new shoe on. I calmly explained we don’t nibble the farrier!!
Tomorrow will be some ground work for the show followed up with a trail ride.❤️🐴
Confessions of an Equestrianoholic 