Hey folks! I'm back! I haven't written in a long time and I feel somewhat long winded today so look out. It's been an incredibly busy summer for me so far, lots of photography gigs and we are full swing into wedding season as well. I've been trying to have a life in the meantime, between working at the clinic, at shoots, grooming, being a Mom, etc etc So, I squeeze in some horse time and dog training sessions when I can as well. Let's just say I'm never bored and there is no rest for the wicked haha! The last week has been pretty crazy, and good. I went to a stockdog trial in Alberta with Bill and had a very good weekend. High scores, high in trials, etc. It was good. I came home happy overall with the way things went, we managed to iron out some issues that we had from last season and being back in the trial setting brought a few things up to surface that reminded me of what I need to go home and train on. Little Billybob will have his get back drilled into his brain for the next while, not to mention a couple other things. I could carry on, but I won't. Just striving for better...but honestly I can't complain, got a pretty sweet run out of him on sheep with a 116. Ya baby! Most of my scores were over 100 on everything so that was good!
So that was the trial, afterwards I drove the night...all night....a very long night, but I'm kinda a stubborn fool. Managed to get home at 6:30 in the morning. I got pulled over on the west side of S'toon city, apparently I was driving a bit all over the place. I really wasn't falling asleep however, I guess people in S'toon don't understand that us rural Manitobans always drive down the middle of the road!! Anyway, came home, slept for a couple hours, did laundry, packed up my kid & stuff and drove to Brandon for Appy Nationals. We had a really great week! I think it's been at least 7 years since I entered an App show, gosh time flies! I desperately wanted to take my boy in for leadline on my very special and great old mare, Exquisite Design. Momma is now 17 years old, and I really wanted to get in one last National show with her while I knew I could. I also had her 2 year old gelding there, mainly for training. With a few more miles he is going to make me one heck of kick ass non-pro horse! I LOVE this gelding! I very rarely call a horse "a keeper"....but that is exactly what this guy is. He's what I've been waiting for I suppose. AND, what a blast from the past this week. Showing and working horses with all my old buddies! I've truly missed the horse show scene and being with those people. The amount of work we put into showing is ridiculous, but it's so worth it. There is just something about it I can't describe, but when you've been away and then go back, the simple things get noticed alot more. I missed walking up & down those isles with my big spurs on, eating lousy hamburgers, longing in a crazy warm up arena etc etc. Good times, good times......although can be very stressfull times, overall...good times. Gotta say though, trialing stockdogs is a hell of alot easier, no bath required, grooming...meh, no trailers and bedding. What we do for our small moments of glory in the horse show arena, and those rare amazing rides when everything just comes together. For me, there truly isn't anything like sitting back, pitching that slack and letting them roll down the rail.....but, I get that very same rush when I stand at the post and fire my dog off on his outrun! Great dogs and great horses, life is good.
Well that's it for now!
Cheers,
Kelly F
